Post 45: Dear Reader... 💌

Dear Reader,

The title of this book, It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect has three meanings: First, it’s a line of lyrics from a song I wrote back in 2021, around the same time I started the book proposal. It’s also a nod to my disability, osteogenesis imperfecta (rough translation: not perfect bone formation). Finally, it’s an acknowledgement of the inconvenient truth that so often our biggest periods of growth, creativity, and meaningful contributions come just after weathering life’s storms. Perhaps it wasn’t meant to be perfect, after all. Maybe we need to make mistakes, and—if we remain open—maybe they can teach us how to grow wiser and kinder. And since the tender sorrows of living and dying remain stubbornly unavoidable, maybe we could find more peace if we gently accepted them as part of the package.

Make no mistake, It Wasn’t Meant to Be Perfect is not a memoir about accepting the status quo! It’s my firm belief that we can and must work to create a more loving, just, welcoming world for everyone. But it helps to remember, on our good days and our bad days, that we’re all just human beings doing our best. Inevitably we’ll go through dark periods—but let us never give up hope that a brighter future is possible.

By 2018, I had played hundreds of shows all around the United States (and in several other countries) as a disabled touring musician, yet almost none of the venues were wheelchair accessible. I got the distinct impression that accessibility was such a low priority that it wasn’t even on the venues’ radars. To make matters worse, I had talked with too many disabled people after my shows who told me, wistfully, that they had wanted to play a musical instrument as a child, but that their teacher had told them it was impossible due to their physical “limitations”. Their musical dreams had gone unrealized.

It was around this same time (in the middle of 2018) that audience members started asking when I was going to write a memoir. Truthfully, the concept of writing a book sounded pretty overwhelming. But I couldn’t fully shake the idea. Eventually I had developed an overarching theme: All people are valuable, are deserving of care, and are capable of living fulfilling, creative lives if they have the right support.

Since nearly all parts of life are touched by my physical disability, I knew that disability was going to be a big part of my narrative no matter what. However, I didn’t want this memoir to feel like a textbook. So I began thinking of my book as a “disability sneak attack”. I wanted people to enjoy the musical story line, but I also wanted them to learn a bunch about disability (and about disability history) along the way.

I hope that after reading my lifelong journey with music—playing violin, songwriting, performing, and touring—people will feel emboldened to pursue their own creative passions, whether or not they are disabled. I believe we’re all creative beings, and that making art is one way to connect with the divine.

And I hope, more than anything, that this book adds to the collective imagination of what we think is possible for disabled people. I am no superhero—I was just a disabled kid with big dreams who grew up in a supportive environment. My parents weren’t financially wealthy, but they were rich in love and encouragement. My teachers were empowering and creative. My mentors genuinely wanted to help me. What priceless gifts these are, and I believe they are gifts that every single child, disabled or not, deserves. I sincerely hope my book helps to further the ideas of a more equitable, brighter future for all.

Thank you so much for reading... It truly means the world to me.

With Love,

Gaelynn Lea

• Kirkus Reviews: I was thrilled at their take: “Optimistic, hopeful, vulnerable, and filled with delight… A lovely memoir celebrating disability, family, and art.”

• MN READS—103.3 The North: I had a great time talking with fellow Duluth artist Luke Moravec today about the book’s title, the Tiny Desk & my book release.

• The Minnesota Star Tribune: It was delightful to chat with Chris Hewitt about musical theater, my passion for Lake Superior, and my beloved electric wheelchair.

• Duluth News Tribune: Longtime MN journalist Jay Gabler created a really fun event timeline of my life in Duluth and my music career, including lots of pictures!

• Conversations with Musicians: I had a good follow-up conversation with fellow violinist Leah Roseman about my book. You can find our first conversation here.

• The Big Issue: I’m pumped that my book will also be available in the UK, Ireland, and Australia—and I’m so glad this Aussie magazine decided to feature my essay!

• Ms. Magazine—April 2026 Reads for the Rest of Us: I was super surprised and excited to be included in the monthly (feminist!) book round-up for Ms. Magazine.

• Publishers Weekly: Sharing this conversation once again with Duluthian-based, national book reviewer Claire Kirch, who’s joining me at the Duluth Book Launch!

Paul and I are busy prepping for my “Pub Date”, which officially kicks off a series of eight Book Launch + Concerts across the country… I’d really love to see you at a show!

ACCESS: All venues on this tour are wheelchair accessible and will have ASL interpretation.

BOOKS: Books will be sold at each venue, and I’ll be able to sign them for you after the event!

• April 14 in Duluth, MN: Book Launch and Concert at Zeitgeist Theater, with Zenith Bookstore—featuring conversation partners Claire Kirch & Walt Dizzo

• April 18 in NYC: Book Launch and Concert at Joe’s Pub, with McNally Jackson Books—featuring conversation partners Chloé Cooper Jones & Xian Horn

• April 19 in Farmington, CT: Book Launch and Concert at Stanley Whitman House (books sold by venue)—featuring conversation partner Andy Verzosa

• April 23 in Chicagoland (Winnetka, IL): Book Launch and Concert at Winnetka Chapel, with The Book Stall—featuring conversation partner Leigh Stein

• April 27 in The North Bay (Novato, CA): Book Launch and Concert at HopMonk Tavern, with Copperfield’s Books Novato—featuring Matt Jaffe

• April 28 in San Francisco, CA: Book Launch and Concert at San Francisco Disability Cultural Center, with Book Passage—featuring conversation partner Haben Girma (In-Person and Online! Registration Required. ASL and Captions.)

• April 30 in Minneapolis, MN: Book Launch and Concert at Open Eye Theatre, with Magers & Quinn Booksellers—with Matthew Sanford & Nikki Villavicencio

• May 4th in the Boston Area (Cambridge, MA): Book Launch and Concert at Cambridge Public Library—featuring Adrian Anantawan & Colleen Flanagan

I have really been enjoying the monthly Substack Zooms lately, and even though the book is nearly out, I didn’t want to skip a month! So we’ll be chatting about the themes in Chapters 9 to 14 of Pema Chodron’s book, Welcoming the Unwelcome.

Come join in on the discussion, even if you don’t get a chance to read the book ahead of time! It’s a very thought-provoking topic, especially during these times.

• Next session: April 12th at 2pm CT, Read Chapters 9-14 ahead of time, if able.

• Last session: May 17th at 2pm CT, Read Chapters 15-20 ahead of time, if able.

These events are for Paid Subscribers only. Not a paid subscriber? You can join here!

Okay, so that’s it for now, dear Friends! I hope you know how much I have appreciated your thoughtful texts and voicemails and messages as the release date approaches. I am seriously so incredibly lucky to have this much support in my life, and I do not take it for granted. So thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope the book and all that comes afterwards can help to build a more supportive, kind, and caring world for all.

Love,
Gaelynn Lea