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Journey into the autistic world.

Monday, May 14, 2007

Update on Picture Book: All Because of the Hummingbird... Or the Horse

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for your support with your purchases of my picture book, All Because of the Hummingbird... Or the Horse. Seventy percent of the profits of the sales of the book (at the sale price of S$20) have been donated to the World of Autism children's programme (in conjunction with a Kampung Senang Charity and Education Foundation). These funds have been used to subsidise some teaching assistant funds, as well as to purchase teaching materials, learning materials and supplies for the students.

For the last three months, people who have been willing to purchase this book at the price of S$20 have dwindled to virtually none. As I still have excess stock, I have made the decision to approach booksellers and book distributors to release the book on a mass basis at a cheaper price, possibly as low as $10.00. With each party taking its share, I will no longer be donating the residual profits. At this point, I do not know the exact price as I have just embarked on this endeavour, but I will update the information on the blog.

However, if there is anyone else who still wants to purchase the book at $20.00 to support the programme, 70 percent will still be donated to the children's programme. In fact, since Ing Yong Chien (the illustrator) has passed away, his family has requested that his portion of the proceeds be donated to the programme, making it a total of 85 percent.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

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  • Stranger than Fiction

    Fantasy Author Offers his Autism Story



    It has been said that all geniuses must deal with the fate of being misunderstood. Perhaps that is also the fate of those dealing with autism spectrum disorders. Surely Caiseal Mór, bestselling author of The Wanderers Series, The Watchers Series and The Wellspring Trilogy would agree. Diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder around the age of 9, Mór developed a strategy for dealing with the world by assuming different personas—the Mahji, Charles P. Puddlejumper, Marco Polo and Chameleon Feeble—all of whom appear in his autobiography, A Blessing and a Curse: Autism and Me (April 2007; Jessica Kingsley Publishers; $18.95; 978-1-84310-573-2).



    “My symptoms aren’t the problem,” Mór writes on his website, “the perception you have of my symptoms is the problem.” His early preoccupation with pretending to be different characters allowed him to deal with the “problem” of perception which manifested itself in the form of ignorance and abuse, but became an invaluable contribution to his fantasy writing. Mór’s captivating autobiography poignantly demonstrates the struggles those living with autism must endure but offers the reader hope that those on the autism spectrum can ultimately accept themselves and live creative, productive and satisfying lives. Though this book is not fiction, A Blessing and a Curse blurs the line between personal experience and fantasy.



    Mór’s autobiography is as compelling as any novel and a must read for those dealing with feelings of isolation or disconnect as a result of autism. The depictions of his various personas offer insight into the minds of those dealing with autism and also make clear the tremendous creative potential of those on the spectrum. The progress that has been made in understanding autism since the time of Mór’s childhood during the 1970s is also evident. Remembering the abuses and neglect of his youth, Mór paints a picture that is, in the words of Donna Williams in the book’s foreword, “as beautiful and magical as it is shocking.”



    Caiseal Mór is the well-known author of two non-fiction books, twelve fantasy novels, including The Wellspring and Watchers Trilogies, and the composer of six accompanying musical CDs. He lives in Australia with his wife.



    Further information about this book may be found on the JKP website: http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843104995



    Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 116 Pentonville Road, London, N1 9JB, UK
    Tel: (+44) 020 7833 2307 Fax: (+44) 020 7837 2917 email: post@jkp.com

    In the US: Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Inc. 400 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

    Tel: (Toll free ordering) 866-416-1078 Tel: (main office) 215-922-1161 Fax: 215-922-1474 email: orders@jkp.com

    ***********************************************************************
    Jessica Kingsley Publishers - 20 years of independent publishing 1987-2007
    Independent Publisher of the Year
    Academic & Professional Publisher of the Year

    By Blogger michael, at 11:40 PM  

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