I could listen to this guy sing all day long!

James Arthur, The Power of Love. Fell in love when he sang this!

End of the 21 ebook giveaway. CONGRATS TO THE WINNERS!

And the 21 ebook giveaway has ended.

Thank you to all those who have entered. The winners have now been selected by RaffleCopter. Congratulations to Angel Vasquez and Jodi Shaw. I have your email addresses from RaffleCopter. Your books should start arriving tomorrow.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

HUGE Christmas Giveaway!! 21 ebooks up for grabs!! YES 21!

Hey everyone!

Well, since it's Christmas, a time for sharing... and gifts! I decided to host a HUGE giveaway. We have some wonderful authors who have donated two e-copies of each of their novels for TWO lucky winners. You can gain extra entries by following pages and blogs. You can also earn extra entries every day by simply tweeting and sharing the giveaway on FB. All books are listed under the Rafflecopter.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!
Giveaway ends in two weeks!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Books up for grabs!

Please welcome author B C Brown.

Today author B C Brown has stopped by to answer some questions for us and to tell us a little more about her work. I'd just like to say thank you for taking the time to answer them.

Let's begin.

Tell us a little about yourself. 
A weirdo by nature, I could only turn to becoming a writer. Well, that or a circus freak. But writer has slightly more prestige, don’t you think? ;)
I turned to books in my formative years. I suppose the story is like just about any other prolific reader or writer out there. The youngest of three girls, my mom raised us by herself. Despite having siblings, I grew up fairly isolated. My youngest older sister was ten years my senior and my mother worked upwards of three jobs at a time. Books became my companions. They brought me action and adventure, exploration and discovery, even destitution or wealth.

Have you always wanted to write?
I don’t know that I ever made a conscious decision to write. I only remember one day handing my mother a story and asking her to read it. I know I was very young. My mom tells people she has stories from me as young as five or six. I do know I penned my first (and I use the term loosely since it was only thirty pages long) novel at the age of 8. It was called Bite Me.

Tell us more about your books? 
Wow. That is a little difcult. I have two paranormal mystery novels entitled A Touch of Darkness and A Touch of Madness. They center around a woman who uses her extraordinary ability of tactile clairvoyance to assist the police department. She is also rebuilding her life since being released from a mental institution.
I also have two short story anthologies I’m included in. The first is called Fracas: A Collection of Short Friction. It hosts myself and several other terrific authors and focuses on general fiction stories that account for a slightly darker side of life.

The second anthology I’m included in and, consequently, was just released in August is Quixotic: Not Everyday Love Stories. It is also general fiction with a darker edge, dealing with love and relationships that are more realistic and set in the real world. While there are a couple happily-ever-after situations in the book, the overarching premise of  the novel is to focus on how love -that is the love we’ve all come to expect thanks to movies and books- may not be the most realistic or achievable.

Finally, I have an out-of-print fantasy novel that was published under a nom de plume several years ago. While it is not available at this time for purchase, I am working on getting it ready for a grand re-release in the near future. So keep your eye out!

Where do you get your inspiration?
I suppose, like a lot of writers, I take a good deal of it from the real world. I make mental lists of things I see, people I meet, and scribble them down at soon as I have a moment. But most importantly to me (and often the very beginning of many of my stories) is that I dream exceptionally vividly and can remember my dreams in a considerable amount of detail. As a matter of fact, my fantasy novel (the one under the nom de plume and, coincidentally, my first novel published) began from a single remembered line from a dream and a distinct image - “Beware the child with the pale blue eyes.” Believe me, that image and single uttered phrase was the butterfly wings to my hurricane career as a published author.

Do you have specific things you like to have around you when you’re writing?
It’s hardly a secret but I need only two things while writing: laptop and gummy bears. Although any type of gummy candy is fine, the bears are the most readily available whenever I need to pop in some place because I have a good story idea. I’ve joked over the years that gummy treats are my sacrifice to the Muses.

Who are some of your favourite authors? 
I have so many, depending on the genre you’re inquiring about, but I’d have to say that George R.R. Martin, Pearl S. Buck, Jacqueline Carey, Kelley Armstrong, Kurt Vonnegut, and Stephen King are amongst my tops picks. Although there are many many more that I actively take inspiration from. Or those who have taught me many things about what it means to be a writer and what it means to be a storyteller - not always two things that go hand in hand.

Have you had a good experience with the publishing process? If not, please tell us why?
Yes and no. Without being in poor taste and going into too many details, I can share that my first publishing experience (with the fantasy novel) was not a pleasant one. However it taught me a lot about the industry (and very quickly, might I add) that has made my path much easier and, thankfully, wiser.

Do you prefer ebooks or paperbacks? Why?
While I own many, many ebooks, I still prefer the feel of a paper book in my hands. I also thrill when I see other people out reading a paper book. I can glimpse at the cover art and see if it catches my eye, then strike up a conversation with the reader (if they’re inclined) about books. It’s a great way to meet people who you probably already have something in common with. Ebooks are trickier. I may see someone out with their e-
reader but without a cover picture to give me an idea of what they are reading, I may end up striking up a conversation with a person who is reading a technical manual on vacuum repair. Not exactly an area that interests me.

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?
Thank you. Nothing is as important as me saying, “Thank you, readers.”

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers looking to get published?
Research. Don’t let your excitement overcome you. Be diligent, make lists and use them. Support other authors; they will be whether or not you succeed or fail.

Chocolate or Ice cream.
Ice cream. More specifically - sherbert.

What do you like to do for fun?
I sing karaoke and perform in community theatre. All writers are, inherently, performers. By telling a story we’re playing all the parts in a brand new “play” being written. Theatre allows me to let some else write the play and for me to focus on only one character instead of dozens.
Karaoke? Well, I enjoy singing. Since I’m hearing impaired and wearing hearing aids, not many people actually like to hear me sing. Karaoke is one place that it doesn’t matter how well you sing, just how much you love it and how entertaining you are.

Which do you prefer, horror, romance or sci-fi?
Definitely horror. I know it sounds odd since I don’t write it. But, to me, horror has the best of everything. It always has a touch of a love story (or at least some sort of love interest), it touches humanity on a primal level that even romance doesn’t, and while it may not be sci-fi in nature, it always has something otherworldly about it. Even if that is only in our imaginations.

If you could be any creature in the world, what would it be and why?
If I were to choose something fantastical? Mermaid, definitely. I adore and fear the ocean. The idea of living in the depths of it gets my blood pumping and my pulse pounding.
If I were to choose something more mundane? A bird. I often dream of what it would be like to fly, arms/wings spread out, at the mercy of the winds, the Earth miles below me. The opposing tranquility and potential for danger appeals to me.

You can find out more about B C Brown here.
http://www.amazon.com/author/bcbrown
http://www.facebook.com/BCBrowns.Books
http://www.bcbrownbooks.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/BCBrownBooks or @BCBrownBooks

Say hello to author H.J Daly.

Please welcome author H.J Daly to my blog today. She has taken some time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions for us.

Let's begin.

Tell us a little about yourself.
What could I tell you that you don’t already know? I remember enjoying writing as a teenager and of course I have always been an avid reader, but I started writing more recently for fun. For something to keep me sane when my boys went into full time education before that, a lot of my time was taken up with dancing. Appearing on Come Dancing and travelling Europe enjoying every second, well apart from the bad back, knees and wrists.

Tell us more about your books? 
I think Pulse was one of those stories that had been with me for years, running around my head when I walked the dogs as a kid. Imaging the barren landscape of a dystopian world and finally putting that on paper was a wonderful feeling. I love fantasy, always have, but it is always historical or hidden from humans. What I wanted was to mix the two worlds together, a human world with skyscrapers and cars and living with them goblins, elves and all manner or magical creatures. My story follows a young woman, forced to do whatever she needs to survive and the journey she makes that changes her life forever.

Who are some of your favourite authors? 
Everyone must have a huge list of favourite authors and I don’t think I am an exception. It all depends on what genre I am reading. I love Michael Connelly, the build up of tension the glimpses of the truly damaged mind. In respect of fantasy it has to be Cassandra Claire, the way she uses water based metaphors to draw all the elements together will make me forever jealous and as I love children’s books, another favourite has to be Derek Landy, his narrative drive is amazing and the humour that runs through every page keeps me hooked.

Which writers have inspired you?

The series I read over and over again as a teenager was the Dragonlance Chronicles by Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman. I was totally amerced in this fantasy world of elves and dragons. It was the first time I had really noticed the skill of a writer being able to create such strong relationships between the main characters. No simple black and white decisions, not knowing who was good or evil or who would win. They made me realise that you could complicate the relationships, letting me write a hero that was never going to be perfect.

Do you prefer ebooks or paperbacks? Why?
Although I do have a large collections of e-books, who doesn’t, it is running into thousands I kid you not, they are more for convenience. My kindle goes nearly everywhere with me, but nothing compares to a book you can hold, put up on your shelves, though I am running out of space, face.

Favourite film? Why?
This question is almost as bad as asking me if I have a favourite book, how can I pick one. At the moment I do love the Perks of Being a Wallflower. It’s a lovely understated piece of acting with a very heavy content, though you don’t quite know that until it slowly unfolds before you. A great piece which I felt was better than the book, I know I am as shocked as you.

If you could choose anyone alive/dead to play your characters in a movie, who would it be and why?
A young Audrey Hepburn as my main character, Esa. She didn’t do many gritty films but I would like to think she would have loved the challenge. A more recent actor in Matt Bomer to play Thomas, not seen him in much but he looks like Thomas to me.

What do you like to do for fun?
Go to the pictures, though not always fun if you see some of the films we’ve seen. Sometimes we spend more time chatting than watching, it’s a good job its mainly empty and getting together with friends to talk, strangely enough there is a lot of talk about books and films.

Describe your perfect date.
It would have to be a drink in the St.Perrin’s Inn with my husband, which is on the beach at Holywell Bay just outside Newquay. Sappy as it sounds I love the sound of the waves on the beach so a walk as the sun was setting would finish it off nicely.

Which do you prefer, horror, romance or sci-fi?
It has to be sci-fi.

If you could be any creature in the world, what would it be and why?
A panther, strong, sleek and a little bit sneaky.

You can find out more about this author by clicking the links below.

Redribbonwrites.blogspot.co.uk

Twitter - @redribbon01

https://www.facebook.com/pages/HJ-Daly-Author/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pulse-HJ-Daly-ebook/dp/B00B9J7X0G/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1382134539&sr=1-1&keywords=hj+daly

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Awaken-Sword-Idis-HJ-Daly-ebook/dp/B00ET9W4NE/ref=pd_sim_sbs_kinc_1

Some new cover designs!

These are a few of the covers I've designed lately.

Interview with Joann H. Buchanan, author and owner of Empire Voices audio book company.

Please welcome my good friend Joann to my site today. Joann is not only a very talented author, but also the owner of Empire Voices. A great new audio book company who really bring your stories to life and give them that "theatrical" feel. 

Joann has taken some time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for us, and tell us more about her and her work. 

Let's begin. 


Tell us a little about yourself.  
I’m an author and an audio book business owner called Empire Voices. We put together theatrical radio play books. I’m also a mother of 5 beautiful children and have a wonderful man in my life named John. 

Have you always wanted to write?
I’ve always been a writer. Writing has been my own personal outlet since I was a child. The world around you changes into something new and different. Also, when you want to, you can take out all your frustrations on someone and it doesn’t affect your real life. 

Tell us more about your books? 
I write horror and fantasy. All of them have love because I feel like that is the most powerful driving emotion in the world. 

Where do you get your inspiration? 
The truth is that I don’t know. I don’t think any writer really knows where half the stuff they write comes from. We just do and that’s it. 

Do you have specific things you like to have around you when you’re writing?
I love having my music on when I write. 

Who are some of your favourite authors?
David B. Coe, Frank Herbert, Mary Ting, Lindsay Anne Kendal, R.A. Salvatore. Those are just some. Each of them are able to take me to another time or place. 

Which writers have inspired you?
King is one of my biggest inspirations. He never quit writing, even when he worked as a teacher and was barely able to make it. 

Have you had a good experience with the publishing process? If not, please tell us why? 
I have a good publisher. She really works with all her writers and tries to give each person her best. 

If you could go to dinner with any three authors, alive or dead, who would it be? Why? And, where would you go? 
Frank Herbert, Steven King, Lindsay Anne Kendal. We would go to an old Scottish castle and be treated like kings and queens…lol. I think each of them would be fun to hang with and I also think I could learn a lot. Mainly the fun though…lol. 
Lindsay – I wish I could just hop over the pond and do lunch! We’d have a blast I’m sure. 

Do you prefer ebooks or paperbacks? Why?
Paperback. There is nothing like that new book smell or the feel of the pages between your fingers when you turn them. It’s a little slice of heaven in your hands. 

Is there anything you would like to say to your readers?
Thank you for the support you have given me. It always makes me feel humbled when I receive something from a fan because they love my work. I’m in awe of you all. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers looking to get published? 
Keep going. There is a place for everyone. Take your time, edit and enjoy the process. Don’t take any of it personal, because when it comes down to it, it’s all about the journey. 

Chocolate or Ice cream.
Chocolate…yum. 

Favourite film? Why?
The Lord of the Ring films and Hobbit. I can’t choose just one because they are all part of the same story. My reason is because the world I had in my mind when I read it, literally came to life before my eyes. I was taken away and so inspired by them. 

If you could choose anyone alive/dead to play your characters in a movie, who would it be and why?
I would love to see Billy Bob Thornton play Ralph in the I Am Wolf movie. I think he could capture the essence of  Ralph. As for the Youngling Pack, I want new and upcoming actors. I love new talent. I love watching them blossom.  

What do you like to do for fun?
Play with my kids, video games, movies and window shopping. 

Describe your perfect date.
I’ll let you know when that happens. 

Which do you prefer, horror, romance or sci-fi?
I have to have a little of all three in a book. The mixing of genres fascinates me. It makes a story deeper. 

If you could be any creature in the world, what would it be and why?
I think it would be cool to be The Mad Hatter. He always looks like he’s having fun. Also most people don’t realize how intricate a character he is. A girl version of The Mad Hatter. 

Thank you so much for joining us today, and sharing a little part of your life with us. To find out more about Joann, just click the links below. 

http://theeclecticartistcave.blogspot.com 

empirevoices.com

Amazon UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Joann-H.-Buchanan/e/B005PBUGWG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Amazon US - http://www.amazon.com/Joann-H.-Buchanan/e/B005PBUGWG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

New website, old one no longer being updated.

The website I have had for around the last three years, is no longer being updated. Unfortunately, the provider just doesn't work for me any more. The site builder is causing me so many problems. I just don't have the patience for it. You cannot even resize a photo on here these days.

I have set up a new website. It's 100000 times better. However, I cannot close the old one until June next year as my account is premium, and I have to allow it to run its course. I will also be keeping this blog updated. Anyone who wishes to join my new site, please click image above or the link below. I can have much more fun on this site, and interact with people easier. I hope you'll come by and say hello! And thank you for following me!


 http://www.lindsay-anne-kendal.com/

More covers to the collection!

Here are a few more covers I've created in the last week.
Celtic Rose is a really good read. I highly recommend it! I can't wait for book 2!!!

Another cover to the collection!

I love creating covers! I think everyone knows that. What I really love, is when I get to design a full series! This is so much fun, but not only that, I feel closer to the books and I also want to read them...like....now!

Up to now there are three books in the "Curse of the Sea" series. The first two are available, the third is now going into publication, and the forth (and I think final instalment) is in the authors mind.

I did post the first cover on my previous post, but, hell, I'm posting it again along with the second. The author is an absolute pleasure to work with, and of course, the publisher is amazing. Okay, okay, yes I know, it's my publisher too, people will think I'm bias! But it's TRUE!

Anyway, enough of my ramblings, check these out. Third coming soon!

Some new cover designs!

New cover design. Soul of the Sea is available now!
Published by World Castle Publications.

Cover for the reprint and audio version of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Releasing soon
though Empire Voices. 

Foreplay (Succubus Diaries, 0.5) by Jill Myles Review

Foreplay by Jill Myles

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I knew this was a short story, but I didn't realise just how short. This isn't the authors fault, it's mine entirely. I should have looked. I'm glad this was free, I love short stories and I'm happy to pay for them. I've also written a couple myself. But not as short as this.

I guess it has wet my whistle a little. I've never read any other books by this author, but now I intend to read the next. I like the authors writing style, easy to read.

There isn't much to say about this since it is so short, only a couple of things happen (mainly drinking). But worthy of the three stars, and gained a new reader of this series.



View all my reviews

New Graphics Blog!

Hey!

So I have set up a new graphics blog. Phew. Took me longer than I thought, but, sometimes life just gets in the way and delays us. Anyway, hope you'll stop by and follow me!

Happy reading and writing all.

http://lindsayannekendalgraphics.blogspot.co.uk/

Review! Molly's Sexual Curse by Sapphire Kande

Molly's Sexual Curse by Sapphire Kande

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Molly’s Sexual Curse mixes love, BDSM and witchcraft into a beautifully written short story. The characters are loveable, easy to connect with and well developed.

I’m not a big reader of the Erotica genre, but this book sucked me in and kept me glued to the pages. Molly, the submissive, has had a hard life, not to mention she has been cursed by a witch. Tristan, the master.... well, he can be my master any day of the week. He has a heart of gold and I defy any woman not to fall in love with him. Together they find the love we all dream of and their passion will leave your e-reader smoking hot.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I can tell you, it certainly won’t be the last.

If you are a lover of erotica, romance or paranormal with a sexy twist, this book is a must read.




View all my reviews

GIVEAWAY COMING SOON!!

Would you like to 

win this?

GIVEAWAY coming very soon. International and very easy to enter.

Dream catcher bookmark up for grabs to co-inside with my Haunted Dreams Novella Series.

Check out my facebook page for further details. 

Review - I Met A Demon by Petronela Ungureanu

I Met A Demon by Petronela Ungureanu

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


As I sit writing this review I do genuinely feel awful. I have spoken with the author of this book after seeing it advertised on Facebook. The author was so friendly and a pleasure to speak with. But I do feel I need to be honest, as always.

This is not what I expected. It’s very short. I guess I should have really checked the length. I was curled up on my bed, thinking “any minute now, this gonna be realllly gooood!” But when I looked on my kindle after reading for a very short amount of time and found I was 77% done, I was really shocked. I was expecting a big story of a man’s encounter with a demon. (Again, this is my fault for not checking the length.)

The blurb lead me to believe I would love this book. It should have been right up my street since all this stuff, weird, wonderful, demonology etc, fascinates me.

It certainly isn’t chilling or scary, not in the slightest. There are problems with the tenses, and sometimes I had to read the same couple of sentences a few times to get it to stick in my head.

Over all, 2 stars, I’m an author myself and I know how much work goes into writing a story, fact or fiction. But to be honest, I was incredibly disappointed since this encounter with a supposed demon, read more like someone’s nightmare or images resulting from smoking a little too much. (I don't mean that to sound offensive).




View all my reviews

More book covers created by me.

Here are a few more of the covers I have recently designed. If you would like to see more, just visit my FB page by clicking here.

Recently made covers!

As some people know I also create book covers for people. I love graphic art! So here are some of the covers I've made recently.

I stopped making them for a while due to a very bad experience with a publishing company who stole graphics, sent them to me along with fake proof of permission to use them.... then had the nerve to blame me when they got accused of copyright theft! Thank God I keep all my receipts, emails and messages! Luckily people know I'm too straight forward for crap like that! They also know this particular person is a lying cheating..... well, I won't continue.

Anyway, never again will I make that mistake, nor will I allow one greedy moron to stop me from doing something I enjoy!

A regularly asked question - answered!

Hey, a lot of people are asking me this question, so I thought I would answer it here and on my blog.

How did I become an author and where did the idea for Bloodlines come from?

Wow, now that is question. I didn't know I was going to be an author. I wanted to be an interior designer.

I first started writing when I was in my very early twenties. I had suffered a nervous breakdown, and a result was having panic attacks, as well as fighting agoraphobia. Writing was the only thing that seemed to calm me down and take my mind off all the horrible things that had happened. Never did I think I would become an author, I never dreamed my books would be published. I originally saw it as a way of getting through each day, just something to chill me out. I started by writing silly little stories about what I wanted with my own life. Like a futuristic diary of sorts.

I’ve had a love of horror, fantasy etc since before I can remember, so when I ran out of things to write about my own life – I started writing a little fantasy story. I hid it from everyone for months, then my mum caught me out. At first she thought it was a diary, and turned away so as not to invade my privacy. Then she realised she didn't recognise any of the names on the page.... She read it, told me to continue and out of nowhere Bloodlines came rushing to me.

Music helped to inspire me, and as I wrote, the storyline grew... a trilogy was born.

Keira - She's me in disguise. Ask anyone who knows me. The girl has my attitude and heart.

Lily - she is loosely based on my sister. She has some of her traits, and the tight friendship she has with Keira, I have with my sister.

Eligos - he is the guy I really wish existed. He's my fantasy lover.

The guys (Tyler, Danny, Jake and Lucian) - They aren't based on anyone in particular. Just friends that we (sometimes) all wish we had.

Revelations Officially Released!

Well today is a very exciting day! Revelations is now Officially released in both paperback and ebook formats!! Whoop Whoop. Very very exciting. I just hope people enjoy it now! Eeeeekk!

Revelations Release!

It's official, Revelations will be released on May 15th in both print and ebook formats. I cannot put into words just how excited I am, but also, how sad I am since my story has now ended. This trilogy is everything to me, and no matter how many other books I write in my lifetime, this will always be the story which is closest to my heart.
Now! I'm just hoping and praying people will like it!

Bloodlines Trilogy has a new look!

I've toyed with the idea of changing my covers for a while now. I love the original, but I felt it was time for a change and to spruce things up a little. So, I worked hard on these. I think they are more eye catching.
Also, Bloodlines is being re-written. I've definitely grown as a writer, and I wanted to bring it up to date!

International swag pack giveaway!

I'm currently holding a giveaway on my Facebook page. If you would like to enter, simply click the here. Good luck to all.

Torment gets a facelift!

Yes, it's official! In a couple of weeks, Torment will have a whole new look. I've designed a new cover and I'm completely in love with it. I think this is definitely more eye-catching.

Autism awareness! Help spread the world!

As some of you are aware, April is Autism Awareness month. This is something I completely support and I would like to try and help spread awareness as best I can. I also think it's important to try and understand just what Autism is. We have all seen the little pictures floating around Facebook trying to help spread the word. Images such as...

So what is Autism?

Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them.

It is a spectrum condition, which means that, while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition will affect them in different ways. Some people with autism are able to live relatively independent lives but others may have accompanying learning disabilities and need a lifetime of specialist support. People with autism may also experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colours.

Asperger syndrome is a form of autism. People with Asperger syndrome are often of average or above average intelligence. They have fewer problems with speech but may still have difficulties with understanding and processing language.

The three main areas of difficulty which all people with autism share are sometimes known as the 'triad of impairments'. They are:

• difficulty with social communication
• difficulty with social interaction
• difficulty with social imagination.

It can be hard to create awareness of autism as people with the condition do not 'look' disabled: parents of children with autism often say that other people simply think their child is naughty; while adults find that they are misunderstood.

All people with autism can benefit from a timely diagnosis and access to appropriate services and support.

(Courtesy of http://www.autism.org.uk/)

I know people with autistic children. Some get the support and access to the services they need. Sadly, and wrongly, others do not. This needs to stop. Every child, or adult, for the matter, needs to have these services readily available to them. 

Before writing this post, I asked a few people who either have autism in their family, or who work with autistic children/adults, if they would write a note/paragraph or two for me to explain how they feel, and how much spreading awareness means to them. I would like to say thank you to them for helping me with this post. The responses I received are as follow...

My son was born with dark brown hair and deep blue eyes with eyes lashes that women spend hundreds of pounds trying to duplicate. He was the perfect baby. He was gorgeous and rarely cried.
However, as he grew older, I began to realize that something wasn’t quite right. He didn’t reach developmental milestones when he should and by two he wasn’t talking. I started taking him to specialists but it wasn’t until he was 6 that he was diagnosed with Autism.
I was devastated. The doctor’s told me that my little boy would never lead a normal life. He would never have a regular job, never live independently, never go to college, get married and have the family I dreamed of for him.
One night as I was sitting there pretending I was feeling sorry for my son but truly feeling sorry for myself, I flipped the TV to a special on autism. I sat there crying in my self-pity and Michael walked into the room. He sat down on the floor and began to watch the show. This was very unusual. Michael was never interested in TV unless it was commercials. He sat there for a long time and towards the end of the show, he looked up at me and said, “That’s what I have isn’t it, Mummy? I have autism.” My heart fell into a million pieces as I said quietly, “Yes”.
“Well,” Michael said, “that’s OK because I’m still your Michael,” and he got up and trotted out of the room.
It was at that moment that I realized he was right. It didn’t matter what label the doctors gave him or what challenges we faced. He was my little boy, my Michael, and together we would make it through this.
That is exactly what we have done. My son has made incredible progress.He is fully main-streamed in school and has an active social life. He’s in high school and plans to go to college and become a pediatrician. He faces challenges every day of trying to understand the social complexities of this world and trying to fit in. Math is incredibly difficult for him but reading and science are his things. He reads constantly and has an amazing innate understanding of biology. He is my hero. 

Lisa - Proud Mother - Manchester, U.K.

Due to having a son with fetal valproate syndrome, who has a low spectrum of autism. This shows mainly in his moods and frustration when doing various tasks and certain things like shoe laces if not tied a certain way, if you say you are going to do something he can't be kept waiting its got to be done there and then. 

This month means basically spreading awareness of all adults and children with autism and making able bodied people aware that people with autism are still people and don't mean to hurt anybody because of this. 

Sharon - Proud Mother - Droylsden, U.K.

I think autism can be treated by people accepting them into society, and not stare, and be aware to what autism really is.  I have come to realize the best way to keep autistic people happy is to do your best to not change routine, and to not let them down by saying we will do this one day and saying no we can't the next.

Ryan - P.A. - Tameside, U.K.

I think to be able to hear from people who deal with autism as part of their every day lives, really helps others to try and develop an understanding. People with this condition are still people, they deserve just as much love as respect as you and I. They shouldn't be seen as anything less than a beautiful human being, just like the rest of us.

Please help to spread the word and allow others to gain a better understanding. Show your support by sharing the Autism Ribbon on your page. You can find it here.

Anti Bullying!

I've taken the Pledge!!

New look website!

As well as running my Blog, I also have my own website. It's been rather badly neglected over the last couple of years. Since I had to decide whether to renew it or lose it by June, I decided to re-vamp it. Keep it. And this time.... I'm going to actually use it!

It's taken me ages to get it like this. I've had soooo many backgrounds on it, trying new styles and yet something was always missing.... my girls! So now, I'm actually happy with it! YAY!

I do hope you will stop by and take a look! Just click here.