As you probably know, my theme for the A to Z Challenge this year is parenting a Deaf child as a hearing mom. I decided on this theme mainly because I hope one day to write a book on the subject. The A to Z seemed an easy way to compile my thoughts into something that could be organized into chapters. I’m not including every aspect of what it is to be Alex’s parent since not everything fits. But most of it is or will be here.
My plan is to market it as much a guide for people who have Deaf children, as for people who have hearing children. I hope to provide insight into behaviours, reading and understanding body language, and generally to teach parents and children how to spot and be compassionate toward those with limited abilities. Hopefully, without coming off as preachy. The book, if I write it, will be entitled, Don’t Talk With Your Hands Full.
I’m not going to ask you if you’d actually buy my book – I’m not here to put you on the spot. But if you saw something like it on the shelf, and hadn’t already read as much as I’ve written, do you think you’d be interested enough to at least read the back cover? Do you know anyone who doesn’t read my blog who might buy it? Basically, do you think it could be a worthwhile endeavour?
I appreciate honest opinions. Don’t be afraid to hurt my feelings; I take criticism well, as long as it’s constructive.
May 14, 2016 at 7:36 pm
Great title! In answer to your questions: yes, yes, and yes.
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May 15, 2016 at 2:28 pm
Thank you, Barb! 😀
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April 22, 2016 at 8:18 am
Linda, you must write the book! And I love the title. The only thing you have to make sure you do is add a good subtitle which will let the reader know exactly what the book is about ie: hearing, not eating or something else left to their imagination. I’m quite sure that you would have oodles of readers on the subject, you just have to market it to the right crowd. 🙂
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April 22, 2016 at 9:10 pm
A subtitle is a good idea – I’ll have to think about that. And the marketing too. I hope to get this one traditionally published if I go for it, so I’ll have to have at least a general idea. Thanks, Debby. 🙂
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April 23, 2016 at 1:47 pm
Most welcome Linda. 🙂
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April 20, 2016 at 10:24 am
Great title. It would attract my attention although I probably would think it had something to do with food.
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April 18, 2016 at 5:34 pm
The title alone is worth picking it up off the shelf, which is probably at least half the battle.
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April 18, 2016 at 7:33 am
I think it’s a great idea. My daughter studied ASL and had volunteered at the prestigious Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. I think there would be a great need for this book. Your insight is likely valuable to parents facing the same issues.
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April 18, 2016 at 6:33 am
Go for it. This would be a valuable book for parents everywhere.
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April 18, 2016 at 3:12 am
I think it would be a very worthwhile project and I’m sure it would be a huge help to anyone who was bringing up a Deaf child for the first time.
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April 17, 2016 at 6:04 pm
I love the title. I would probably read the back just because the title is intriguing. I might buy it for the mother of my grandson who has a sensory related disability similar to autism. His speech has been delayed and she has used some sign language with him. They live several states away, so I don’t get to see them much, otherwise I might buy it for myself. I might anyway since I know you. Best wishes!
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April 17, 2016 at 5:56 pm
I would definitely be interested in it. I am always interested in gaining insight into how people live their lives- be it a culture different from mine, or a physical or mental challenge they are faced with. I also LOVE the title.
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April 17, 2016 at 5:55 pm
I think it is an excellent idea, Linda. Anything that helps promote compassion is a win in my eyes. I would definitely buy it and help promote it in any way I could. That you wish to write it so it can be of help to parents of both deaf and non-deaf children is a remarkable feat and I wish you will on this endeavor.
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April 17, 2016 at 5:53 pm
i honestly would buy that book, one because i feel alot of compassion for disabled people or simply different people, another thing is am in school to be a doctor i want to serve with so much compassion, understanding and care, so at times i ask myself what i would do if i was to treat a deaf/ mute person willing to help but can’t communicate, so i want to learn sign language at some point, and understand more about the psychology of how these people deal with their disabilities, my advice about the book, make it educative, put in as much helpful information you can, talk to specialists for more info, but don;t forget to make it intimate, to talk about your experience and your story. good luck to you!
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April 17, 2016 at 4:50 pm
While I have not had a lot to comment (about your posts) I have found them to be informative and insightful. So yes..in book form, I would definitely consider a purchase.
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April 17, 2016 at 3:29 pm
I would read it. I think everything else I might say has been said in the comments ahead of me.
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April 17, 2016 at 2:41 pm
I think there should be NO “if” in this idea. Get it done. Get writing. Get to it and do not think too much of your audience. But while we do need to be mindful of that – this is your story and part of your life work. I was just telling some psych students that everyone has at least one good book. We have all heard that – right? And I guess i agree – but I also believe that some people have many good books and I think you are one of them. I like that you ask for feedback and have a humility that is admirable – but get writing. Joyce Meyer has about 90 books right now and some are so simple and just light reads – which make them so appealing. She started with one. She started with an area she had experience in and just wanted to encourage. I have not read very many of her books, but I used to watch her show (and was grateful for her teaching at certain challenging times) but my main point with sharing about her 90 books is a reminder to folks like you have excellent writing skills and such a way with words.
So as you write this book – learn from my mistake – I postponed too many books because I minimized their value or made the endeavor too hard. when less is sometimes way more. I am finally putting my manuscripts together and will not stop until I get them all done – but I wish 15 years ago I would have had this perspective – but I was also a different person and kept my priorities in line (guess I like that I was not defined by having to produce and I was able to be in mom mode and just do life – if that makes sense). But seriously, this book needs to happen.
did I tell you my son just took two semesters of sign? and loved it. Further, I think parents in general can be encouraged by another parent sharing their experiences and how their family worked. This is why books are so powerful. We share our story or topic and let the reader get the experience they want. It will be a resource to some, and a general read to others – it will be encouraging to some more and who knows how it will ripple. But we need to book in order to do this.
also – later your books could be a part of your work or speaking engagements (if you wanted to do something like this).
You really have so much of it already written and so it is time to make it happen. 🙂
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April 17, 2016 at 2:16 pm
The title is good. I like the idea but I think it would also appeal to people who aren’t parents bug are often around deaf people or around people who havd deaf children.
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April 17, 2016 at 1:45 pm
The title would clearly make me curious, and I would have a look. I think communication is more important than ever, and it seems to me even though we are more and more connected in everyday life that communication gets more difficult. Your insights would help!
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April 17, 2016 at 1:25 pm
Go for it. There are parents out there who would need something like your content. You never know the power of words till it changes someone’s life. Good luck Linda!
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April 17, 2016 at 12:50 pm
I haven’t read the other comments but personally I think this is a book that could be targeted even at parents who don’t have a child who can’t hear. We verbalise over 70% of our emotions non verbally. So yes, I think your book would be a success, I think a follow up like the one I have suggested would also be a success xx My theme has been animals -if you don’t know. I’ve only recently started following you . If you want feel free to check out how I have been doing with the challenge. Ive tried to make what can be a really sensitive topic engaging to people who don’t usually want to know that animals suffer and that the things we do to our earthling friends and our world has massive impacts on our environment. My last two posts have been more personal . Anyway have a gander if you wish . 🙂 @Daisy from
Daisyinthe willows
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April 17, 2016 at 12:16 pm
Go for it Linda. There are stories that deserve to be told even if the audience is limited. There will always be people who will resonate with this.
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April 17, 2016 at 11:45 am
I think parents of Deaf children or those working with them would appreciate an anecdotal guide such as this one. Especially with how you manage to make us smile. Personally, I LOVE the title 🙂
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April 17, 2016 at 11:56 am
Thanks, Joey. 🙂 I’ll remember to keep the smiles in.
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April 17, 2016 at 11:40 am
It is interesting to me Linda but I gotta tell you I am notoriously poor at figuring out what interests others. Thank you for asking but I’m afraid I’d be of no help.
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April 17, 2016 at 11:55 am
You can recommend it, just in case. 😉 Hehe. Thanks, Paul. 🙂 It’s good to know you find it interesting.
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April 17, 2016 at 11:39 am
I think you should go for it. I like the title you’ve thought up. I also think that the biographical element is important. It would make it less preachy and much more real. I’m sure that you are also the “victim” of those well-intentioned folk that offer “useful” advice when you’ve learned it all the hard way. Which is, of course, why you’re writing the book. I’d certainly take a second look, parent or no parent. Human interest stories appeal and more so if I can learn something from them. Just do it.
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April 17, 2016 at 11:53 am
Haha! Yes, I’ve had a few suggestions I haven’t been able to use over the years. I’ve also had loads of invaluable advice that I’d like to compile into one place. Keeping it human though, is the most important part I think. Thank you, Fiona. 🙂
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April 17, 2016 at 11:38 am
Clever title 🙂
I agree with whoever said make it more a memoir. I’ve enjoyed it so far.
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April 17, 2016 at 11:50 am
Thank you, John. 🙂
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April 17, 2016 at 11:20 am
I think if you broadened your target audience maybe more memoir and less parenting guide. Share your story. Alex’s story. Let your experiences reach the world across all genres.
I certainly will purchase this book, but all aspects of it appeal to me. I grow up with Deaf individuals. I studied Deaf Culture in college. I now have clients I’m teaching remedial Ask to. So your story draws to me. I also enjoy memoirs.
It’s a tough niche. But I believe if you appeal to the human interests of people in general then you have a better chance of this book reaching more people.
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April 17, 2016 at 11:49 am
It pretty much reads like a memoir already. I’ll do my best not to lose sight of that. Thanks so much for your input, my dear. 🙂
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April 17, 2016 at 11:09 am
There are no deaf children in my family or friends, so i don’t have a direct personal interest, but you never know what lies ahead and I’m a teacher and I’d find it useful and interesting. I also think it’s a good idea to test out your ideas on your blog.
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April 17, 2016 at 11:45 am
That’s the other reason I’m doing it for my A to Z – to see if people are interested enough to keep going. Then, it’s different than asking someone to buy it. Glad to know you’d be interested from an educator’s perspective. 🙂 Thanks, Luccia!
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April 17, 2016 at 11:03 am
Absolutely!!! My children are grown & I have grandchildren. None with any hearing disabilities. But I’d still read this book in an instant. Because its not about raising a deaf child. It’s about life, motherhood, parenting, compassion and challenges. It’s one that will touch hearts in more families than just those dealing with anyone hearing impaired.
And I LOVE the title!!
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April 17, 2016 at 11:40 am
Thank you, Trisha. I appreciate your input. 🙂
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April 17, 2016 at 11:01 am
The title would have grabbed my attention. You should write it…you will have an audience. ☺
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April 17, 2016 at 11:37 am
Thank you, Van. 🙂
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April 17, 2016 at 10:56 am
opinions? would you buy it? is it the worth tie and endevour? jesus christ, girl, just do it 😉
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April 17, 2016 at 11:37 am
Haha! Relax, my dear. 😉 I’m just trying to get an idea of the market for it. And if I do it, I’d like to try to publish traditionally. For this, feedback is invaluable.
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April 17, 2016 at 5:29 pm
eheh. and what do you expect your friends to say here, my dear? 😉
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April 17, 2016 at 6:03 pm
I hope they’re just being honest. I’ve had a few great suggestions too. 🙂
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April 18, 2016 at 2:12 am
good 🙂
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April 17, 2016 at 10:50 am
I love the title and I probably would read it to help understand patient struggles.
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April 17, 2016 at 11:32 am
Thank you, Victo. 🙂 Ah, if I could get many doctors to read it… I think that would make it quite the success.
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April 17, 2016 at 10:45 am
I think there is definitely a market for this type of book Linda. Parenting books always sell and with a biographical twist, using your own experiences, it makes it more of a book others may read, rather than a guide which would narrow your audience. I’ve enjoyed your a to z posts so far!
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April 17, 2016 at 11:27 am
True – the last thing I want is for it to read like a textbook guide to parenting. Thanks so much for this, Ritu. 🙂
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April 17, 2016 at 12:18 pm
You are most welcome Linda 😊
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April 17, 2016 at 10:31 am
I love the title… funny, catchy, intriguing and informative all at once.
I personally might not buy it… but then again, I might. My children are grown… but there are always grandchildren…. and their friends. For anyone involved in raising a child with a hearing impairment it could be a godsend.
There are also an awful lot of deaf people out there, and those, like myself, whose hearing is deteriorating or damaged.
It would also be a human interest story and there are always people willing to read and learn and walk your days with you through a book.
Write it. It doesn’t matter ( though it would be nice) if it is ever a bestseller so much as if the one person who needs to read it, finds it out there when they need it.
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April 17, 2016 at 11:26 am
You have a good point, Sue. I write in the hopes of changing lives for the better; it doesn’t matter to me if it’s one or thousands, as long as I’ve helped. Thanks so much for your input, Sue. 🙂
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April 17, 2016 at 11:29 am
Just do it, Linda 🙂 x
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April 17, 2016 at 11:30 am
🙂
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April 17, 2016 at 10:22 am
I don’t have children, so I’m not likely to be your target market but … Hypothetically speaking, if I did have kids, then yes I would be interested. The title is catchy and if it was written as a book aimed at young children (as in, a book I could read to/with my hypothetical young ones), then absolutely. I think it would be worthwhile getting a book that like into the education system too.
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April 17, 2016 at 11:20 am
Thanks, Kim. 🙂 It would be geared more toward parents, but could benefit older siblings as well. You have me thinking about getting it into the hands of educators too – thanks for that. 🙂
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April 17, 2016 at 8:22 pm
You’re welcome, Linda. Good luck with it 🙂
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April 17, 2016 at 10:21 am
I think my opinion is irrelevant, tbh. I might not read the back cover, but the thing is, there’s a market for just about anything. Especially books on parenting, I would imagine. I would be less likely to thumb through it simply because I gravitate towards horror novels, philosophical books (e.g. Nietzsche, Ayn Rand, Carlos Castenada… etc.), books on psychology, and a lot of other areas that don’t have anything to do with parenting. Then there’s also this to consider: it also doesn’t matter that I might not bother reading the back cover or giving it a second glance, because I might. If it’s out there on book store shelves, I’m more likely to come across it, and if I do, that increases the possibility of my checking it out by a lot, as opposed to it not being there where I might see it.
I guess basically, my opinion is… you should get it written and get it out there regardless of what my opinion (or anyone else’s) might happen to be when it comes to the subject matter or possible interest in it. If it’s something you want to do, feel strongly about, and believe in, then it is most *definitely* a worthwhile endeavor.
Not sure if that’s what you were looking for, but, well… haha, you asked.
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April 17, 2016 at 11:18 am
My story actually contains a lot about psychology, since it focuses on the body and facial language that we can’t always control. Thanks for your input, Jack. 🙂
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April 17, 2016 at 11:35 am
Definitely a fair point on the psychological aspect; that’s one of the elements that would maybe draw me in if I were to see it somewhere while I was browsing through books.
“Thanks for your input, Jack.”
You’re welcome. Hope it was helpful 🙂 .
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April 17, 2016 at 11:39 am
Indeed it is. 🙂
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April 17, 2016 at 10:18 am
Here’s the thing: I like to read books there are informative, humorous and with pathos. You have all that. A good title would be the first hook. “Being Alex’s Mom” or something catchy. You write in such a way that it would be applicable to all parents and quite frankly all people who want to learn to communicate better. This book needs to be written and not just for you and Alex but also for the people that need to read this and just don’t know it. Good luck and let me know when it’s written.
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April 17, 2016 at 11:16 am
Thanks, Pamela. Communication is a big focus for me, obviously, so it would be a large part of the book. 🙂
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