Oooh, friends!!! Do you know what I’m most terrified of doing?? It has absolutely nothing to do with my writing, but then again…it is directly related to my writing. How’s that for a riddle?? I’m talking about INTERVIEWS. Specifically, my interview with…ABC 7 News!!!
Not the kind of interviews I do when I’m the one writing the story, mind you — although, I was downright terrified when I interviewed Bradley Whitford earlier this year! I mean, I was practically hyperventilating, but that’s to be expected I suppose, right??? We are talking about THE WEST WING here, so…
But back to my ABC interview! One of the things that no one tells writers about is just how nervous you’ll be during interviews when you’re the one answering the questions. It’s honestly terrifying! My head spins. My palms sweat buckets. My mouth even gets dry. And all the while, I can’t stop asking the same questions to myself: Am I saying the right thing?? Do I sound like I know what I’m talking about?
I guess I did OK with the ABC 7 News because it was even on the local Chicago show called Localish. It was great chatting about my viral tweet and living with a disability.
You can watch the interview here, but here’s my favorite quote…
“I think my disability has given me a lot of strength, and I don’t think that is something that you necessarily think of when you think of disabled because all society thinks that disabled is something bad and it’s, like, shameful… but I am very proud to be disabled and I think it’s made me a stronger person.”
What a fun time!! So maybe I didn’t really have to worry that much, huh?? I do tend to overreact sometimes! And, of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t give my mom a special shout-out! She served as my amazing stylist and picked out the most poppin’ outfit. Don’t you just love it, friends?!?!? xoxo
See, This Is Why I Should Never Even Attempt To Date!
Thank you, Robin Williams
My Essay on Adweek: “Burger King Started a Flawed Conversation Around Mental Health, But…”
Amy says
I think you are adorable!!! I see your soul and the goodness in it. I see strength, grace, and your gift of the language. We need more people like you on this earth. Thank you for being you.
Sarah says
Absolutely loved your interview, Melissa, and if you ever do decide to write that book you wish you had had when you were younger I will gladly pre-order it!
Krysten Quiles says
Melissa you did AMAZING and I am so proud of you! Good for you friend!
Justin says
I’ve been quite the fancier/enthusiast/admirer of you for quite some time, Melissa. I actually talk to my husband about things you write and post, so we have dialogue on disability awareness and accessibility. Your posts about your life and family (felines included) and likes/dislikes keep me engaged and interested, that’s for sure! You excel and inspire in so many ways, and I love the amplification you give to many relevant issues in our society. You’re in a unique position to augment discourse and have built quite the public address system and platform. I just realized when watching your interview that, while I read your blog and am always interested in your goings-on and successes, I had never heard you speak (I’m a reader and don’t even watch TV, so it doesn’t usually occur to me to ponder how a writer speaks). It’s nice to put the voice with the fabulous person. Keep on being awesome!
BB says
Hi Melissa
You did great! I love hearing you speak! I think between your talent and experiences, you would be the perfect person to write about that book you wished you had when you were a kid. Thank you for all that you do.
PS – you look great in that shirt!
Alicia Maris says
You are beautiful and fierce. She happy to be sharing a planet with amazing people like you❤️
Maureen Gedney says
Dear Melissa,
I only see beauty when I look at you because your kindness shines through your smile and sparkling eyes. I can’t tell you how many people have acted callously and the hardness of their heart is all I can see. You radiate kindness. Thank you for that and for making my day a happier one. Sending you love.
Robert Hampton says
Melissa, Don’t let people judge u. God made all of us beautiful !
Kate says
You rock! So inspiring! Thank you 🥰
Lori says
::::APPLAUSE::::
That was a great interview! I just couldn’t stop smiling!
Kaitlin says
I rarely make comments, but I’ve been following your blog for a few years now. I love your writing style and am consistently appreciative of the topics you cover. It’s a wonderful treat to hear your voice through your voice (laughing at myself here!). I’d love to read your book, should you write one. Thanks for a wonderful boost today.
Diane Magras says
Your interview was so lovely. And you are such an incredible person to respond to everything with such spirit, wit, enthusiasm, and grace. Thank you for this blog and for your incredible presence on Twitter. You really do make so many of us feel less alone.
And I hope you one day write that book. As an author of children’s books, I can tell you that this market very much needs your voice.