[stylist] Introduction

[Jamie Allison]

Hello, all. 
I just got added to the list yesterday and wanted to introduce myself. My name is Jamie Allison and I am from upstate, South Carolina. I'm 41 years old, a former teacher, (not currently employed in the classroom due to some medical concerns, but still have my credentials) the president of my county NFB chapter and now a state board member. I have enjoyed reading practically ever since I can remember and have been writing on an doff since childhood. I didn't transition to Braille until around ten years ago, though I have been blind (with some partial but not always dependable eyesight) since birth. I am really trying to focus on my writing so that I might be able to start to get a few pieces published and maybe be able to make a name for myself as a writer. I am considering career options that I can do from home currently, such as free-lance writing or Braille transcriptions. I have had one article apiece published in the Braille Monitor and Future Reflections, which I am very honored about, especially given all the great writers who have been featured there. I also won first place in the category for childrens' fiction written by adults in the 2014 Writers' Division contest,which I was also thrilled about. I am currently enrolled in a Hadley course on poetry, which I am enjoying. I write in a variety of genres, including personal memoirs, essays, young adult fiction, childrens' fiction, and poetry. I am trying to be more active in the writers' division, though it hasn't worked out for me to attend the phone meetings lately. I'm hoping I can do better about fitting this into my schedule. I look forward to hearing from everyone on the list and sharing ideas about our writing!  Jamie Allison
National Federation of the Blind - Cherokee Chapter President
Lead Instructor, NFB BELL in SC
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. To make a donation to the National Federation of the Blind Imagination Fund campaign, please visit www.nfb.org/ImaginingOurFuture.