Looking For Book Contributors

[Cindy]

Hi everyone,

As well as being the mother of a 10 year autistic son (Nicholas),I'm also a journalist based in Sydney, Australia.

In conjunction with Exisle Publishing, I am currently compiling a collection of stories written by the parents of special kids from all around the world.

The collection, tentatively titled,"So Long As Its Healthy" will be published next year in the USA, Australia and New Zealand. The book aims to provide parents with a voice and to enlighten readers about the reality of life with disability.

I'm now seeking contributors to the collection. You don't necessarily have to be a brilliant writer,just someone with the ability to write from the heart and willing to share your story with others.

Submissions need to be about 1000 words (a little more or less won't start a riot!) and deal with some aspect of life with your child.It could be a story of triumph, a moment of regret,a quiet piece of reflection,or all of the above!

If you'd like further information,I would be delighted to hear from you. I can be contacted by email on cindy_dowling@hotmail.com

All proceeds from the sale of the book will be distributed to children's charities.

Thank you

Cindy

[Dave]

Sounds great, I'll see if I can come up with something. This book would also be useful not only to show others what we as parents deal with, but enlighten some that they are not the only ones dealing with something. :thumbsup:

[Cindy]

Dave, that would be great. I look forward to getting your story and I thank you for your support. And you're completely right - so many parents receive a devastating diagnosis for their child and walk away from the doctor's office feeling totally alone and utterly helpless. This is one way that other parents can connect with them.

Don't hestitate to contact me if you need any advice etc with the story.

Cheers,

Cindy

[Dave]

I thought I might ask a few q's that might come up. Will the stories be credited to the writers/originators and if so will it be optional to be anonymous? I don't have a problem either way, but it did run across my mind. Are the "Special Kids" to be included in your book all in the autistic spectrum or will there be others? Just interested...

[Cindy]

Hi Dave,

Contributors can receive a byline or remain anonymous - it's up to them. Children with a variety of disabilities will be included, and from a variety of countries. At this stage,the majority of contributors have been from the US, the UK and Australia;(obviously because of a common language/cultural bond) but I am working hard to find stories from Africa, India, Asia and non-English speaking Europe. If anyone has any contacts in those regions,I'd be delighted to hear from them.

Let me know if you need anything else,

Cheers

Cindy

[AussieMia]

Hi Cindy,

I am also in Sydney, Australia, and if you don't have too many contributors here, I would love to give it a shot. What sort of time span are you looking at - as in how long do we have to submit it?

I think it is a great idea, for as well as informing others that may not be aware what challenges and joys these children bring to our lives, it could also be quite cathartic for those of us writing the stories.

Cheers
AussieMia

[Cindy]

Hi Mia,

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Thanks so much for putting your hand up,I'd be delighted to receive a submission a submission from you for the book.

I am hoping to have all material in by the end of December and as I said earlier, stories should be around 1000 words.

If I could just stress one point (and this is applicable to anyone else out there considering putting a story together) - it is really important that the piece be written from your own, personal viewpoint.

In some ways,the story is not really about your child, but your REACTION to your child's condition and the way that condition has shaped your life - for better or worse.

In other words, try to avoid a story that just lists when your child was born,when you found out about their autism, where they go to school etc.. Instead, tell me about a particular event that had a huge emotional impact on you, or share the things about your child that bring you great joy or great sadness.

The more creative and heart-felt the piece,the better.

I hope this helps. If I can be of any further help Mia,please let me know.

Kind regards

Cindy