Write about Stupid Things Others Say to You for New Book on Celiac

[Guest guest]

Dear Group Members,

First, I want to thank all of you who've visited our site at

www.aPersonalTouchOn.com/celiac and contributed a story, advice,

tips, recipe or anything else for our book. I am very impressed

with the quality and passion of your pieces.

If you are not aware of the book I'm referring to, a full

explanation can be found in message #602 on this board.

It is very important that this book covers a wide variety of topics

that inform, inspire and give encouragement to others already

diagnosed with Celiac and to those who think they might have it and

are trying to get a diagnosis.

While the book will have a lot of serious information we are also

looking to inject a little humor in the book where we can. To that

end we are planning for one of the chapters to contain anecdotes of

stupid things others say when they find out you have Celiac. For

instance, we have a story where someone in a restaurant told the

waiter she didn't want toast because she was allergic to wheat and

got the reply " Can you have white bread? "

Since one of our goals with this book is to raise the level of

awareness to the general population stories like this could go a

long way as a beginning to educate the general public. We also

think they'd be of interest to fellow Celiacs who can totally

identify with these statements.

Of course if you have any other ideas for stories, a great recipe

you want to share or a piece of advice please feel free to visit us

and submit it. And if you've already submitted a piece you can

submit again.

Here are a few tips to writing a story:

Really put yourself in the story. The stories people will be able to

relate to best are ones in which they can understand the

frustrations, anger, pain and joy you went through. Also give the

positive side of how you overcame some of what you went through to

make your life easier. If you can inject any humor, or irony over

the situation that would be terrific. Humor will give hope to

others.

Especially helpful would be any tips you've learned. Simple things

you do to make your day easier.

I look forward to reading your contributions to the book. Again you

can make them at www.aPersonalTouchOn.com/celiac. If you have any

other questions please send them to me at

pBerlin@....

One last thing. If you've sent in a piece and have not heard back

with a confirmation that we received your submission please e-mail

me and let me know.

Thanks again for everyone's help and support. You've all been

terrific.

Sincerely,

R. Berlin