I just received an email from a low-vision specialist in Indiana. An organization he belongs to, Eye Associates, is building an extensive website focused on achromatopsia. It will include information to educate people on the condition as well as provide the updates on accommodations, tests, genetics, etc. They are even planning a movie that will show how people with achromatopsia see.

Another section of that site will include what he called achromatopsia pioneers. These are the people who have worked to make achromatopsia better known. This will include Frances Futterman, the woman who started the first achromatopsia network from her home, and vision scientist, Knut Nordby. (Both had achromatopsia, both are now deceased.) I'm honored to find out they want to highlight the work I've done for achromatopsia, also. I started the achromatopsia convention in 2008, and wrote my memoir, My Blindy Girl. This is the story of how my daughter, Katy (born with achromatopsia) changed my view of the world.

I'm betting that all of us who are involved in achromatopsia in some way - either we have it or someone we love does - will love this site. It's a long time coming and I'm thrilled that it is. You can check out the group's other website at biopticdrivingusa.com.

I'll keep you posted when the site is available. All I can say is, thanks, Eye Associates. We can't wait to see your site.

Free books online

I have to say that those of us who write seem to be big on reading, too. And of course, don't always have loads of money. There is a site you can go to read books online. (I know, it's not the most friendly way to read. Better to have the book so you can be prone, in bed, head on pillow. But free is still free.) If you'd like to find out more, go to their website - http://www.readprint.com/

So now, when you should be working on something, doing research, writing the next chapter, calling that client, exercising, twittering, sending emails, or various other tasks, you can be READING both non-fiction or fiction. It's pretty exciting. Except for the fact that it does show someday printed books (the ones we are all hoping to sell) will disappear and we'll have to find new ways to sell our wares. Of course. (Who moved my cheese!)

Happy writing.

Book Blues (not the bookstore)

I've been working on my newest novel, Obsession, and wishing I had a magic wand to help me finish it quickly. But more than likely that won't happen. I'm plodding and plotting and plunging into places unknown.

The story is about a man who works at a chemical factory (among other characters, of course). I could use help from someone with experience with chemical pesticide manufacture (back in 1972) . Anybody out there know about this? If you worked at a factory that produced such stuff, such as DDT, 2-4D, Lidane, etc, would you be willing to assist me with some facts? If so, please send me a note. I could use your input.

Thanks a bunch.

Habits and Habits

Twitter is the newest rage for connection. There are rules to learn, and the habits of those of us trying to join the party must change. I ran across this article that explains just how to develop the habits that will bring a person into deeper communion with the Twitter crowd. If you'd like to see what the experts are saying now about twitter, check out this blog.

http://blog.mrtweet.net/7-habits-of-highly-effective-twitterers-kris-colvin

The Retina Foundation of the Southwest

The Retina Foundation of the Southwest is having an auction. I'm partial to them, since they are doing research on retinal issues, such as achromatopsia. What if they found a way to make the achromatopsia retina function normally? Many people are asking that question. My daughter is one of them. It would change everything. She wonders if perhaps she'd have to set up one room in her house that was all black, white, and shades of grey, just to remain sane. Would color be distracting and confusing at first? She doesn't know, since her whole life she's never seen color. But she and many others with achromatopsia say they are willing to take the chance.

If the Retina Foundation can assist that process, then I'm all for it. I support their efforts, and urge all of you to visit their website: www.retinafoundation.org. And if you can, attend the auction. It looks like it should be a lot of fun.