Living the Writer's Life:
Diane Schuirman-Brower
By Mindy McHorse

Diane Schuirman-Brower had a longtime love of writing. While writing was a component of several jobs she held, a fortuitous layoff threw the door wide open for her. Not only did that make it possible to align her passion and income, but it also gave her the opportunity to incorporate more self-care into her day. And because of a chronic diagnosis she’d received several years prior, this newfound autonomy over her time was even sweeter.

How did you come into the world of writing for a living?

I’ve been a writer since I was a child. My sister and I and a friend started a neighborhood newsletter and wrote about the kittens next door. I also grew up riding horses. When I went to college, I thought I wanted to be an editor for a horse magazine.

But my first job out of college was an administrative assistant role for a not-for-profit because I needed a paycheck. That led to a junior editor position for a business magazine, then I joined the marketing department for a community college, and then I worked for a small public relations firm. At that point, I was assigned to health care IT projects and worked on a retainer account. It ended up that I amassed 12 years of experience in health care IT. Then fast-forward, in 2019, I got laid off from that job. That’s when I found AWAI.

Did you move right into freelancing?

When I got laid off, someone I’d worked with at that agency who had moved on to a different position heard that I got laid off and was very concerned. She said, “Dan needs a writer and he is waiting for your call.”

That’s music to a new writer’s ears.

Yes. Dan is now her husband. He’s been my retainer client ever since. The Universe has a plan.

And you haven’t looked back. Tell me, what writing projects did you start with?

His company matches homeowners with contractors for home improvement projects. It’s a lot about remodeling and landscaping, things like that.

Also, I mentioned amassing this health care IT experience. So the other thing that happened is I was recruited to health care IT teams. I’m now part of a contract team supporting electronic health record optimization for the Department of Defense. I never set out to specialize there. Since I got laid off, I’ve been recruited to three different teams doing that work.

Shortly before switching to writing, you got a diagnosis of early-onset Parkinson’s disease. How did that diagnosis shift your perspective on writing and working?

Diane at the International Mermaid
Museum in Markham, Washington.

In December 2014, my diagnosis of young-onset Parkinson’s disease was confirmed. That was after almost six years of medical mystery. At the time leading up to my diagnosis, having a paycheck and having health insurance were very important, especially when I knew that something was wrong but didn’t know what. I was in a lot of pain and really gritting my teeth to get through each day, but I was going to hang on to that job so that I could go to the doctor and we could pay the mortgage.

Now I’m less concerned about my ability to go to the doctor and pay the mortgage, but to me, the ability to keep working on my terms is the symbol that I’m successful in living well with this disease.

You invest a lot of time in self-care, including strenuous hikes and whitewater rafting trips. When did that become a part of your life?

That actually started after my Parkinson’s diagnosis. I started doing both of those activities with Parkinson’s groups. I’ve done four 30-mile section hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail. We go for about six days.

Impressive! If you could go back and talk with your younger self, what would you tell her about what to expect from a career in writing?

I would tell her to develop sales skills. I would tell her to develop self-care habits. I would tell her that knowing how to get along with people is as important as knowing how to write. I would tell her that the Universe has a plan.

If someone came to you who wants to write for a living and wants the luxury of taking time off for massive self-care, what advice would you give that person?

Jump in. I think a lot of people spend a lot of time getting ready to be ready. One thing relevant across the board is that you need something to sell and people to sell it to. Be developing those contacts. If you think you need to learn more about writing, you’re probably wrong. You probably know as much as you need to know to get started.

Diane’s story was featured in the March, 2025 issue of Barefoot Writer magazine.

Every month, Barefoot Writer magazine brings you over 30 pages of motivation, inspiration, and practical advice for turning your writing dreams into reality.

You’ll learn things like the best opportunities for writers, where to find clients who value your skills, how to rock your writing assignments so companies call on you again and again … and a whole lot more.

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