A mother of a special-needs girl (Abby) asked the author for
advice on how to answer her questions: why does she have Cerebral Palsy and why
is she different from her sisters?
The author and her decided to write a book that answers her
questions.
Abby-Ability
by Terrie Lynn Birney
Illustrated by Pavani Apsara
Genre: Special-Needs Children’s Book
Has your special-needs child ever asked you why he/she is
different from his/her siblings or classmates?
Well, this book, Abby-Ability, is for your family.
Abby has questions asking why she has Cerebral Palsy, and
why she is different. With her faith in God and getting answers to her
questions, will Abby understand that she does have a special ability, just like
everyone else?
A mother of a special-needs girl (Abby) reached out to me on Social Media,
asking for advice on how to answer Abby's questions: why does she have Cerebral
Palsy and why is she different from her sisters. We decided I would write a
book that answers her questions.
Amazon * Author's Site * Bookbub * Goodreads
Can you, for those who don't know you already, tell something about yourself and how you became an author?
I am a children’s picture book author who has Cerebral Palsy. When I was born, the doctors told my mom I would be a “vegetable” my entire life. I’d love to say to those doctors, “Ha, take this!” Not only am I pursuing a career in writing children’s books, but I also graduated from college with an associate degree in computer science. Since I can remember, I have enjoyed writing. At first, I focused on expressing my feelings. Now, I’m following my dream of becoming a children’s picture book author.
Tell us something really interesting that's happened to you!
I met my husband in a country nightclub in 1993.
Where were you born/raised?
I was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but I grew up in North Carolina where I still live with my husband.
If you knew you'd die tomorrow, how would you spend your last day?
I would spend my last day with my family. I mostly write at night after dinner.
Who is your hero and why?
My mother is my hero because she raised me and didn’t put me in a “home” when I was born.
What kind of world ruler would you be?
I’d be a caring world ruler.
What are you passionate about these days?
Nowadays, I’m passionate about writing children’s books featuring children with Cerebral Palsy.
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I enjoy watching T.V. shows and movies to relax.
How to find time to write as a parent?
I don’t have any kids, but it’s hard to find time to focus on writing and marketing my books with my family
Describe yourself in 5 words or less!
Five words that I’d describe myself are caring, loving, funny, a survivor, author.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I began calling myself a writer when I started focusing on writing my books and I signed up for a coaching program in 2022 which I still take to this day.
Which of your novels can you imagine made into a movie?
I can see my series. “The Buddies’ Adventures” made into a TV series.
What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
None
What inspired you to write this book?
This book was created after meeting the mom of a little girl with CP, named Abby. Her mom asked if I could help her answer questions Abby asked about having Cerebral Palsy. To help Abby and other children like her understand, I wrote a book called Abby-Ability.
What can we expect from you in the future?
I’m working on a children's book that has ASL signs for the text.
Do you have any “side stories” about the characters?
I don’t have “side stories” yet.
Can you tell us a little bit about the characters in Abby-Ability?
Abby has Cerebral Palsy. Kahlan and Lexi are her older sisters who help Abby.
How did you come up with the concept and characters for the book?
My book is based on a real girl, Abby and her family.
Where did you come up with the names in the story?
I titled this book, Abby-Ability because Abby is the real girl’s name, and I picked Ability to tell kids that they can do anything that they want to do.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I enjoyed the fact that I noticed some God-winks while I was while I was getting ready to release my book, "Abby-Ability". You might be wondering "What Is A God wink"? Well, A God wink is what some people would call a coincidence, an answered prayer, or simply an experience so astonishing that it could only have come from God. My Illustrator made Abby's walker purple and then, I found out that purple is Abby's favorite color. #abbygodwink. My Illustrator also put Abby's sisters in shirts that are their favorite colors without our knowledge. #godwink. I'm taking the Godwinks as signs that God likes what I'm doing.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Yes, I’d change the illustrations.
What is your favorite part of this book and why?
My favorite part of “Abby-Ability” is the fact that it’s based on a real girl.
Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?
My characters in “Abby-Ability” are based off real people.
Have you written any other books that are not published?
My books, “The Gaming Buddies” will be available for pre-order in December 2024 and “Does Anyone Know ASL?” will be on pre-order next summer in July 2025.
What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?
I enjoy reading books from Nicolas Sparks, Karen Kingston, Lolly Winston, Judy Blume, E.L. James, Danielle Stelle, Nora Roberts, Jane Austen, Francine Pascal, and Laura Ingalls Wilder
What book do you think everyone should read?
The Bible
How long have you been writing?
I started seriously writing in 2022. But I wrote a novel loosely based on my life.
What kind of research do you do before you begin writing a book?
I researched the type of Cerebral Palsy that Abby has- Hemiplegia Cerebral Palsy
Do you see writing as a career?
I see writing as a career
What do you think about the current publishing market?
I think it’s crazy that anyone can write a book with AI.
Do you read yourself and if so what is your favorite genre?
I read romance
Do you prefer to write in silence or with noise? Why?
I write with the TV on because I enjoy watching it.
Do you write one book at a time or do you have several going at a time?
I write one book at a time.
If you could have been the author of any book ever written, which book would you choose?
The Baxters Series.
Pen or type writer or computer?
I write on a computer.
What made you want to become an author and do you feel it was the right decision?
I always wanted to write one for children like me. I feel it’s my calling for God.
Advice they would give new authors?
would tell new authors that they can do it and I can help, email me at author@terrielynnbirneyauthor.com.
Describe your writing style.
I write Children's books featuring children with Cerebral Palsy written by a woman with Cerebral Palsy
What makes a good story?
Emotions and feelings make a good story.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I try to deliver to readers what they want
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
I can write the first draft of a children’s book in three days.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
Yes, I believe in writer's block.
Hello! I’m Terrie Lynn Birney.
I am a first-time children’s picture book author who has
Cerebral Palsy. When I was born, the doctors said I would be "vegetable”
my whole life. To those doctors I say “Ha, take that!” Not only am I pursuing a
career in writing children’s books, I graduated from college with an associate
degree in computer science. Since I can remember, I have enjoyed writing,
especially about my feelings. My dedication to writing has grown in the last
year with my newly published first book, with more in the future. Belief in
myself is stronger with my faith as a Christian. I am grateful to have my
loving husband for over twenty years and the support of my family. They have
been with me throughout my journey.
I hope you enjoy my books.
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