In The Powder Room

Nov 19

Not the End of the World

Comments (11) by Catherine Walter November 19, 2010 - 7:02 AM

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So what are you supposed to do when, just six months before you turn 50, you are diagnosed with a degenerative disorder? Well, one of the first things I did last summer was to announce on Twitter and Facebook that multiple sclerosis would be an inconvenience, rather than the end of the world. Then I opened up the novel I'd been working on for three years and vowed to finish it as soon as the extreme double vision, which had led to diagnosis, had subsided. I'd already taken creative writing courses, I was working with a writing mentor, but still I needed the urgency of the illness and the approaching big birthday to get the novel completed quickly.

Multiple sclerosis affects every individual in a unique way, with symptoms which vary from day to day. I have the most common form, relapsing remitting, and due to my late diagnosis (it is usually picked up between the ages of 20 and 40), the prognosis is apparently good. But it has indeed proved to be inconvenient at times. Although I try to walk without a stick my right leg goes easily into painful spasms and I need to sit down after being on my feet for about fifteen minutes. Trips out have to be planned to take all this into account, I can no longer be spontaneous. But I can still hop on to a bus or Tube train out of rush hour to go shopping. After all, who needs an excuse to sit down for a while in a coffee shop?

My hands are weak and their function is slightly impaired. I find knitting almost impossible, though I've recently discovered I can still crochet, which helps to satisfy my creative urges. I can no longer do up clasps on jewellery, but fortunately long beads and stretchy bracelets are trendy. Many aspects of cooking are difficult for me and I happily leave most of the cleaning to my husband, as I have limited physical strength. But I can still type, even if I do make a few more typos than I used to. I finished the first draft of the novel in January, shortly before my birthday. By the end of May it had been thoroughly edited and I started to send it out to agents. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  

Last year, shortly after my diagnosis, my husband's business fell victim to the recession. Freed from the accountancy work I'd always done for him, I'm determined to follow my heart and try to make writing my new career. Not only will that accommodate any future physical limitations, but it fits in well with my other role, as the primary carer for our disabled son.

I‘ve already been published in a small way but to date it has been largely unpaid. Now I'm exploring and learning about paying outlets for my writing. We may be short of cash, but I'm feeling enthusiastic. Publishing is a slow business and I don't expect to make much money from my writing in the short to medium term. I may never. But in taking it seriously I'm fulfilling a long held dream, before it is too late. The multiple sclerosis is indeed only an inconvenience. And if you're reading this, I'm on my way.

by Catherine Walter November 19, 2010 - 7:02 AM

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Comments (11)

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  Report Thu Nov 25, 2010 - 8:35 am

  by  Catherine Walter

  Jean and DJ , thank you. As for a big book deal, I can dream, can't I?

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  Report Wed Nov 24, 2010 - 6:29 pm

  by  DJ Kirkby

  I like your attitude and wish you a nice big book deal :)

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  Report Mon Nov 22, 2010 - 2:53 pm

  by  Jean James

  You're amazing to have such a positive outlook. All the best with your writing.

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  Report Sat Nov 20, 2010 - 1:04 pm

  by  Catherine Walter

  Hi Cheryl, if that is possible I would be very interested in learning more.

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  Report Sat Nov 20, 2010 - 4:54 am

  by  Cheryl

  Aren't we humans funny things - always need something shocking to happen to get our A into Gear. I also wonder why things seem to happen to people in multiple lots. Great stuff Catherine, I'm going to see if Liz can put us in touch. My ex hubby was diagnosed with MS a year after we married and the changes we made to our lifestyle made a huge difference. He is now running a company and living a full life so maybe somehting we learned can help.

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  Report Fri Nov 19, 2010 - 11:27 am

  by  Catherine Walter

  Thanks everyone! Annia, I wonder if that was the book launch I couldn't make due to the Tube strike?

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  Report Fri Nov 19, 2010 - 9:32 am

  by  Annia Lindsay

  I like you MS-kicking attitude, and hope the novel goes well. I was at the launch of one UK PRG writer's novel not long ago and would love to attend another!

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  Report Fri Nov 19, 2010 - 9:21 am

  by  DrunkMummy

  Well you certainly have enough on your plate - and yet your enthusiasm for life is really impressive. Good luck!

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  Report Fri Nov 19, 2010 - 8:37 am

  by  Milla

  yes, all the luck in the world. Fantastic (shaming) attitude. Let us know how it goes!

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  Report Fri Nov 19, 2010 - 8:36 am

  by  Mya Greene

  Go for it, Catherine.With a brilliant attitude like yours, you are sure to succeed. Respect! Mya x

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  Report Fri Nov 19, 2010 - 7:06 am

  by  Janie Emaus

  Good for you. I wish you the best of luck in your writing career.

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