WRITING WITH GRACE

A moving memoir about the author's experiences being a writing coach to a young woman with Down syndrome - the story of two extraordinary women learning to open their hearts, and teaching each other about bravery, overcoming obstacles and digging below surface perceptions.

"Put her away and forget about her." This was the blunt advice Grace Chen's grandfather gave her parents when Grace was born with Down Syndrome. Twenty-four years later, Grace wrote, "I always dream to be a famous writer." It was these words that drew Judy McFarlane to Grace in spite of her fears, which were many. Would it be impossible to communicate with her? Would she be unpredictable, even violent? Would she even be able to write? But Grace wanted to write. When Judy was Grace's age, she had had the very same dream, but hadn't had the courage to pursue it. Grace was already one step ahead of her. Writing with Grace is the moving account of the journey Grace and Judy have taken together. It's a universal story of moving from a deep fear of the unknown, to learning to understand it. Grace blurted out one day, "my real truth is too scary" and Judy knew exactly what she meant. There are some moments that transcend disability and difference, and get to the heart of what it is to be human, to have dreams, to believe you are worthy. Judy and Grace working together did all of that and more. It's the story of finding the courage to follow your dreams, no matter how unlikely success seems. Grace writes and publishes her book and is able to give a copy to her very traditional grandfather. She has a book launch and receives media attention, and is called upon to present her book at the World Down Syndrome Congress. Judy McFarlane writes non-fiction and fiction. Her work has appeared in anthologies, Canadian literary journals and newspapers, and has been broadcast on CBC radio. She has been nominated for the Journey Prize, shortlisted for the CBC Canada Writes Non-Fiction Award and the second place recipient of Room Magazine's fiction contest and BC Federation of Writers non-fiction contest.