Not always lost-novel

Not Always Lost-Novel

Project 2016-02-26 22:36:16 +1300

This novel has been a labor of love for me over the last three years. It sat in my conscience for some time before that waiting to be written while I gained the confidence to create it.

As many writers do I have let a lot of my personal experiences inform my work. For me this comes from being a wheelchair user due to a condition called Muscular Dystrophy. My experiences, in a specific sense, are different to that of Shannon - the main character. However, the journey she goes on in an emotional and psychological sense is deeply connected with my own. The aim of this novel was to share a story that people could identify with, but also hopefully gain new insights into the experience of life with physical limitations and disability.

Currently my novel manuscript is sitting completed, fully edited, and awaiting publication. For the last year, I have sought responses from publishers within New Zealand and overseas. However, the reality is that for almost all writers seeking publication for the first time, it is very very unusual to be accepted by established publishing companies. I could continue to spend months, or perhaps even years pursuing publishing companies - but this piece of work is very important to me and I would like to see it in the hands of school students as a learning resource as soon as possbile. The main intention is to add to the discussion, understanding, inclusion, and support for people with disabilities and differences.

Growing up there was not any visible role-models in similar situations to me; whether in media or books, both as a disabled child and throughout my teenage years. So it is my hope that the publication and the availability of this novel will help to fill that space, that to my knowledge, still currently exists.

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