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Hello again, I posted the following message last week. Perhaps my wording wasn't as clear as it could have been, as it failed to generate much response. Let me pose my questions again: 1) Are there any other writers/artists with PD on the list, either amateur or professional? (Or caregivers of same) If so, would you be willing to e-talk to me about what your art/writing means to you in terms of coping with PD? 2) Can anyone direct me to statistics of numbers of people in North America affected by PD, either directly or indirectly? 3) Is there a central registry of organizations involved with PD where I could find addresses and contact names? 4) Is anyone aware of a funding source for non-profit publications? (Proceeds after expenses will be donated to PD organizations) 5) Finally, what would make you pick up and buy a book that had "PD" on the cover? What would you want to find inside? I hope someone can assist with information. Many thanks, Jan ---------- Forwarded message ---------- To: [log in to unmask] Subject: PD, creativity, help please Hello Barbara and Net members, I've been observing the list for several weeks now and it's as valuable a resource as I had been told. It's time I introduced myself and my project, because I'd like to request your input. I'm a freelance writer/editor. Some time ago, two people were referred to me for help with a book project. I was heavily involved with something else at the time, but we were able to do some preliminary work and draw up a contract. Then, at the end of January I travelled to their city and we got down to discussing the book itself. One of these people is a poet, the other is a painter. Both have had PD for more than ten years. He was diagnosed at 27, she at 40. He tried suicide, she heard about it and made contact. Showed him it was possible to turn those self-destructive feelings around. He started writing poetry; she interpreted the poems visually. With the support of their spouses they have been collaborating artistically for a couple of years, on work which illustrates, in both visual and written form, their experience of the disease. They produced an exhibit which has been shown, to popular acclaim, in a number of galleries. They asked me to turn the exhibit, and the story of their collaboration, into a book -- they don't have the energy or expertise to do it themselves. It's far from an easy assignment; their expectations are high and they know very little about the difficulties and (almost prohibitive) cost of producing a book in full colour. Selling the idea to a publisher will be difficult. But, of course, I said "yes, I'll do it." How could I say "no" once I saw the quality of their work and began to comprehend, even a little, the challenges associated with this disease? As I put together the proposal which will go out to publishers, I find myself wondering if there is a way of estimating the potential market. Is there, for example, a reliable statistic for the number of people affected by PD in the US and Canada? (i.e. not just sufferers but families as well). Are there interest groups which could assist by promoting the book to their members? Is any funding available which would help to offset publication costs? I wonder, also, if other PD sufferers find help in dealing with the disease through artistic expression? I realize there are no easy answers to these and associated questions, but I have become totally committed to this project. I'm determined to get this story "out there" one way or another so my clients can fulfill their dream. Which is, quite simply, to help and inspire others. If anyone can offer help, information, or inspiration I'd be grateful. Thank you for letting me share this with you. Jan