Oswego Writer’s Project Focuses On Special Needs Children

OSWEGO, NY -Local writer Amy Quonce has started a new project and she needs your help to finish it.

Amy Quonce, left, chats with a visitor at the September literacy event at the Oswego YMCA Armory. At right is fellow local author Dee Marie talking with Assemblyman Will Barclay.
Amy Quonce, left, chats with a visitor at the September literacy event at the Oswego YMCA Armory. At right is fellow local author Dee Marie talking with Assemblyman Will Barclay.

“I have started on a new venture and am currently in the process of compiling stories from people in Upstate New York whose lives have been affected by an individual with a disability. These stories are going to be in an anthology that is going to press on Nov. 6. The anticipated released date for this book is the beginning of December.

She is self-publishing a new book titled ‘Sometimes The Wind Blows Sideways: Our Lives With A Special Needs Child.’

“I’ve been trying to get the word out and now it’s down to the wire time,” she told Oswego County Today.

The concept of this book is very similar to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, she explained.

After picking up a copy of Chicken Soup for the Special Needs Soul at a local book store, she was inspired to do a similar anthology based on the lives of people in Upstate New York, she said.

Quonce said she is gathering local stories that will make people laugh, cry and feel connected to another human being.

“Anybody who has had a special needs individual (young or the young at heart) touch their lives is welcome to write a story,” she added.

Anyone who cannot contribute a story, but knows of someone who would like to, is encouraged to pass the information along to them, she said.

“I told everyone to keep it less than 1,200 words. Some wrote stories about specific situations, others gave bios about their kids,” she explained. “I want people to know that this book is for anyone with any disability; whether it’s a physical disability or someone on the Autism Spectrum, Downs Syndrome, learning disabled or whatever.”

She has a dozen stories all set to go in, with another seven people telling her that they are currently working on their stories to hand in before the deadline.

Quonce said she hopes to wind up with more than two dozen stories.

“I would like to have anywhere from 25-50 stories to go in the book. Keep in mind these can be written by anyone, parents, relatives, teachers, coaches, friends, relatives, etc,” she said, adding, “And, multiple submissions are welcomed!”

Quonce will be meeting with representatives of the Oswego YMCA to decide which stories will be on display during their holiday members and staff party.

The river’s end bookstore has offered to host a book launching party, date to be determined.

And on Monday they are announcing on their facebook page how the community can have their work in the book, she added.

“I’ve had a few more people tell me just recently they are almost done with their stories, so that’s exciting. I just got an email from a mom who wanted to know if she could write about her daughter with Cystic Fibrosis. And the answer is ‘Yes.’ Any special medical needs certainly would fit into the book.  MS, juvenile diabetes, anything that makes life a struggle to an individual,” she said. “As always, they can access my website for more information – WindingRoadBook.Weebly.Com

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