Staying Afloat - Paperback

by Greta Beekhuis (Author)

Jason's rough start in life makes him a stubborn survivor. He grows up with a joyous and passionate love for sailing, and desperately wants to follow in his father's footsteps as an expert sailor and racer. His humble social status notwithstanding, Jason has big dreams. From the outside looking in on the glamorous world of yacht racing and high finance, Jason is determined to succeed against all the odds. When he first meets Maggie, she is his nemesis, competing against him for the chance to win the school science fair and the monetary prize that would launch his entrepreneurial venture and help buy his first boat. Her world is the opposite of his. She has a privileged lifestyle, membership at both of the local yacht clubs, and options that Jason can only imagine. What Jason doesn't know is that Maggie has a secret that will change both of their lives, and she may become his greatest ally if he can manage to forgive her.

Author Biography

Usually these are written in the third person. I'd like to change that convention. I am a spinner of stories, a writer with more than thirty years of experience as an advocate for people who are differently abled. The conventional storyline begins with a diagnostic-centered statement such as; "John is autistic. He has social anxiety and a fear of loud noises. Despite the overwhelming odds against him, he has managed to find useful, meaningful work as a website content editor." This creates an image of someone engaged in a constant battle to overcome disability. I try, whenever possible, to use person-centered language. For example, "John likes banjo music, doing crossword puzzles and playing video games. He has a photographic memory and a passion for baseball statistics. He works in the IT department of the local University. John has an autism spectrum disorder." This wording creates an image of a person with abilities. We all have different strengths and weaknesses. As the parent of two amazing and talented adults who happen to have autism spectrum disorders, I would like to encourage you to think about the ways we have been conditioned to speak about others and ourselves. Several years ago, I decided to write a series of books featuring characters who are differently abled, using person-centered language. This is the first of the books to be published. I have several other books in the pipeline. I enjoy spinning yarn as well as narratives, and am a lifelong knitter. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Art from Guilford College with a minor in Social Justice. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I defied convention early on, racing quarter midgets at age four. My early career goals included being an outfielder for the San Francisco Giants.