“Back on the Court” by Sonya G. Elliott
Struck by a train just days before her wedding, Sonya Elliott, an athlete and fashion model, miraculously survives. “Back on the Court” is Sonya’s incredible story of recovery. As she fights her way through grief, debilitating injuries and heartbreak, she reignites her passion for basketball, and ultimately for life itself. This heart-felt memoir brings insight to the grief process, is a captivating love story, and has an inspiring impact that will last a lifetime.
Letting go of fear
There is something frightening about putting myself out there as a writer. I’ve published a book and a magazine article, attended many classes and conferences, spent hours writing, but I don’t always think of myself as a writer, promote myself as a writer. Why is that?
Maybe it’s because the event that jump-started my writing, and my first book, Back on the Court, took the life of someone I love. I wrote my memoir to share my journey of grief and recovery and during that process I fell in love with the written word. But finding success in the wake of such tragedy is bitter sweet.
As a college athlete I pushed my body and mind to the limits in practice so that by the time I hit the court I had no fear. I was nervous and excited, but not afraid. Once again, I am taking from my experience as an athlete. I am practicing writing, letting go of the fear and continuing to share my story.
Coming soon…my new Back on the Court book trailer.
Gotta love Pi.
It’s Pi day today. All you mathletes know what I’m talking about.
March 14th – 3.14 (I would put the mathematical symbol right here if I knew how to write it with my computer)
So what’s that mean to you and me?
Well, for me it means getting circular candies for my son’s math class, and if I were a really hip mom, it would mean baking a pie, which I am not going to do. (Though I might have to go buy one now, just for fun.) But also for me, it reminds me of a time, a long time ago, when I was learning about love.
“Love is not like pie,” the couselor had said. “The more you love, the more love you have to give.” I was dealing with grief. I was learning that even though I loved someone with all my heart, someone that was now gone, I still had love to give. A wise lesson, one that helped me move forward in my life, to be open to love and happiness.
Who would have thought a math symbol, would help remind me of the power of love.
Rise and Shine
The only good thing about not being able to sleep…is with a 4:00am wake up, I have more time to write.
I’ll start with a little writing prompt to get the pen flowing, or should I say finger tapping. Join me if you like.
Writing prompt: Write about being on the outside
Meet Sonya
Meet Sonya
Sonya Elliott’s memoir, Back on the Court: A Young Woman’s Triumphant Return to Life, Love & Basketball, is her story of finding hope in the wake of tragedy after she and her fiancé were hit by a train. She blogs about writing, basketball, and life and is currently working on a Young Adult Novel and a Non-Fiction Coaching book. Stories of her career as a fashion model are woven through her memoir, as both the Soloflex and Easy Spirit Shoes commercials were filmed during that time period, and this unique and intriguing business continues to be a part of her life.
Sonya played basketball at Eastern Washington University and was a starter for the Big Sky Champion team that went to the 1987 NCAA tournament. She coached for almost 25 years and was voted Seattle Times Coach of the Year, Seattle Officials Women’s Basketball Association Coach of the Year, and twice voted Metro League Coach of the Year. She loves the game of basketball and is thankful, not only for her husband and kids but for her ability to continue to get back on the court.
Blog
Monday’s Pen to Paper: No Rest For The Wicked
I could write all day.
That is if my husband didn’t walk into the kitchen every-so-often and look at me as if I should be cleaning the house instead. Somehow that dampens my mood. He might be right, still, can’t the house wait? I mean really, what is more important? A clean house or creative inspiration?
I guess it depends on who is asking.
Yesterday was Mother’s Day (It was awesome by the way), but there is no rest for the wicked. So after I finish my writing assignment for the YA class I’m taking, I’ll set a timer and work at my computer for a stint, before I put on my mom hat, pull out the vacuum and rags and get back to work.
WRITING PROMPT: Nell kicked over the vacuum cleaner and stomped out the front door…
PeaceLoveBasketball Friday: A Legend Talks About Success
Follow this link to a TED TALK by basketball legend John Wooden…
Monday’s Pen to Paper: Time
My daughter and I started our writing class last week. We were supposed to submit 10 pages to our new writing partners by midnight on Sunday. I just emailed mine. That’s 12 hours late and let me tell you, I don’t feel good about it.
What is it about never having enough time in the day?
Just when I think I might be caught up, I remember a dozen more things that need to be done. I normally pick a couple of things that are near the top of my list and then do them, then a couple more and a couple more. And sometimes they are not quite in order. There are even those things, like the last bit of tax information that I still have to wrangle up and sort and give to my accountant, that somehow slip by without getting done until I just can’t stand it anymore.
But I’ve […]
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