“The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.” - Gustave Flaubert. Zachary has discovered his talent and passion as a writer for a very important cause to become a voice in the cerebral palsy and disability communities. He has delivered a significant message “You’re not alone” via his Cerebral Palsy memoir Off Balanced. His blog the Cerebral Palsy Vigilante ranks 17th on Feedspot's Top 40 Cerebral Palsy Blogs. He is an avid public speaker advocating Cerebral Palsy awareness and has also proudly completed a full marathon.

What is the one thing that motivates you to write? What is your dream writing assignment?Z: My main motivation to write is the idea my words could help somebody else, whether that’s instilling hope or simply providing comfort to the reader that he or she is not alone in whatever he or she is experiencing. Regarding my dream writing assignment you could say I have had the opportunity to live that. I am a huge Cleveland Indians fan. My fandom actually triggered my interest in writing. My dream was to play for the Indians. Not very plausible considering my parents wouldn’t even let me play little league due to my cerebral palsy. Realizing this I wondered, “What’s the next best thing to playing for the Cleveland Indians?” The answer was writing about them! During the 2012 season thanks to the now defunct Yahoo! Contributor Network I enjoyed the chance to cover a Cleveland Indians beat, giving my fan perspective on the team’s happenings which were then published at Yahoo! Sports.

How did you get the idea for your book, Off Balanced? How long did it take you to finish this book?Z: The idea for Off Balanced really extends back to my time in college. I went to a small college (Notre Dame College). As such having the same professor multiple times was common. I had Sister Karita for an introduction to theology class freshman year and her again for a music theories class senior year. The class from freshman year involved writing a number of personal reflection papers. Through those Sister Karita really became familiar with my story. Fast forward to senior year as I go to hand in my final for the music theories class and Sister Karita looks me in the eyes and says “Zach, you are an inspiration to anyone who has to overcome obstacles.” Her comment really took me by surprise. I had never considered myself an inspiration but thinking someone else might also feel like Sister Karita I decided to write a memoir. I started writing in May 2009. A handful of drafts and editor feedback later in December 2011 I published Off Balanced to the Kindle and Nook. So the short answer would be two-and-a-half years.

What is the best thing about freelance writing for you? Where do you see yourself in next 10 years?Z: The best thing about freelance writing for me has been the path it led me on. When I started I was writing on various subjects. For example I mentioned in my answer to question one writing about the Cleveland Indians throughout the 2012 season. Additionally, I’ve written for some music related websites in the past. In December 2015 I even published a second book Rock Realities, a compilation of interviews I’ve done with various musicians in the pop/rock/indie/alternative genres. These experiences, while great, I found lacked the same meaningful impact writing Off Balanced and in general about disabilities. Basically what I am trying to say is freelance writing fueled my passion to be a voice in the cerebral palsy and disability communities. To go from writer to advocate! In 10 years I see myself continuing racking up my advocate credentials. A main way I plan to do that is through public speaking.

How did you train for the half marathon? What was the most difficult part of the training?Z: So fun fact, in 2017 I upped the challenge and on October 8th, 2017 completed a FULL marathon. All 26.2 miles! It took 11 hours, 40 minutes, and 31 seconds but I crossed what was left of the finish line. Training for the marathon involved intensifying how I trained for the half marathon. With the half I aimed to train twice a week, one shorter and one longer walk. The most difficult part of that was having the self-discipline to get out and train on the days I didn’t feel like it. With the marathon I upped my training to three days a week, typically a minimum of nine miles. I also talked to connections who have completed marathons before and gleaned advice from them. The toughest challenge with the marathon training was not letting the tiredness from the increased training schedule overtake my life.

Can you tell us more about your association with Handicap This Productions?Z: I enjoy a continuous relationship with the guys from Handicap This Productions, Tim Wambach and Mike Berkson. For anyone unfamiliar with them, years ago Tim served as Mike’s one-on-one aide in school. Their working relationship blossomed into a special friendship and the two developed a two-man stage show to share that connection. I first connected with Tim in 2011 when I offered him an advance copy of Off Balanced. Things have naturally gone from there. I’ve done various work for them. Along with John W. Quinn we collaborated together in December 2013 to co-find #CPChatNow, an online community for those with cerebral palsy. 2015 saw me travel to Chicago and helped man the Handicap This booth at the Chicago Abilities Expo. Tim is actually somebody this past summer I confided in for marathon advice. At times the association has been a bit unpredictable but I look forward to see how things evolve in the future.

Who is your favorite writer? Which of his/her writing inspired you the most?Z: Honestly, that’s a difficult question to answer because as an adult I don’t necessarily have a “favorite writer.” As a kid I loved R.L. Stine, the author of the Goosebumps series. The stories intrigued me but I cannot say his writing style impacted me, at least not that I’m conscious of. As an adult I more have a favorite genre, memoirs. One memoir that really stood out to me was the previously mentioned John W. Quinn’s(Someone Like Me: An Unlikely Story of Challenge and Triumph Over Cerebral Palsy). I felt like John found the perfect balance between storytelling and providing enough details for the reader. I aimed to emulate that while writing Off Balanced.

What is the one thing that was challenging for you during your school days and why?Z: In junior high and high school especially I found interacting with my peers in informal social settings intimidating. Outside a handful of friends in high school, I was very much an introvert. A lot of the reason why dealt with lacking self-confidence. Having a disability left me physically weaker than my peers. Focusing on such negatives negatively impacted my self-esteem.

What are your other hobbies?Z: I mentioned earlier being a big Cleveland Indians fan. I almost always during the summer make time to watch their games. I like attending different author events and learning about their experiences too. Also I value just spending time with friends and family.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who wants to become a writer?Z: This advice will likely transcend outside our community and to anyone interested in becoming a writer. Foster good relationships with people. A classmate today could be a lead or interview subject in three or five or how many years. Build yourself a strong network!

Any special message for our community?Z: Don’t blend in. Blend out! I have made that my sign off line on my recent Youtube videos and for good reason. I spent years as a kid trying to blend in, to hide my cerebral palsy and be one in the crowd. It was only after I learned to embrace my cerebral palsy as part of who I am did I start achieving more. I’ve published a memoir which has been well received by readers. I completed a marathon, a feat I once deemed unreasonable. My blog has been recognized as one of the best blogs for disabled people and carers. Ultimately though, it is not about me. It is about you reading this interview. To get you to fully embrace who you are so you can start achieving more yourself! So remember, don’t blend in. Blend out!