For me, being a writer was never a choice. I was born one. All through my childhood I wrote short stories and stuffed them in drawers. I wrote on everything. I didn't do my homework so I could write. Laura Hillenbrand bearchildhoodchoice Change image and share on social
Most people, when they hear the disease name, it's all they know about it. It sounds so mild. When I first was sick, for the first 10 years or so, I was dismissed. I was ridiculed and told I was lazy. It was a joke. Laura Hillenbrand diseasedismisshear share on social
I think if I had been writing fiction, where the work is entirely dependent on the writer's creativity and the potential directions the narrative might take are infinite, I might have frozen. Laura Hillenbrand creativitydependentdirection Change image and share on social
I am actually in poor health due to chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome, and my ability to work is greatly diminished right now, so I have to get better before I can start another big project. Laura Hillenbrand abilitybigchronic share on social
I think authors can get into trouble viewing the subject matter as their turf. Laura Hillenbrand authormattersubject Change image and share on social
This disease leaves people bedridden. I've gone through phases where I couldn't roll over in bed. I couldn't speak. To have it called 'fatigue' is a gross misnomer. Laura Hillenbrand bedbedriddencall Change image and share on social
The biggest problem has been exhaustion. I've spent about 6 of the last 14 years completely bedridden. Laura Hillenbrand bedriddenbigcompletely Change image and share on social
Louie and Seabiscuit were both Californians and both on the sports pages in the 1930s. I was fascinated. When I learned about his World War II experiences, I thought, 'If this guy is still alive, I want to meet him.' Laura Hillenbrand 1930salivecalifornian share on social
My illness is excruciating and difficult to cope with. It takes over your entire life and causes more suffering than I can describe. Laura Hillenbrand copedescribedifficult Change image and share on social
But with nonfiction, the task is very straightforward: Do the research, tell the story. Laura Hillenbrand nonfictionresearchstory Change image and share on social