Saturday, March 9, 2013

Six Days From Alien Refuge






We're down to less than a week is left before the release of Alien Refuge.  Edits and formatting are done, and everything is ready to go to the distributors.  The last two weeks are always a flurry of activity before the book at long last hits your e-readers, and this time was no exception.  It didn’t help that I was very sick with sinus, eye, and ear infections – typical Tracy timing.  :P

However, the antibiotics finally kicked in and the countdown is on.  I’d like to thank Erin Dameron-Hill for another beautiful book cover and Bruce for editing once again.  I’d also like to give Sarah and her son Derek a shout-out for helping me with my martial arts questions – make sure you check the book’s dedication.  ;) 

Plus I’d like to thank my son for inspiring not just the character of Thomas Jenson, but for being an amazing kid.  We just celebrated 7 years of his astounding life yesterday, and every day is a gift.  I’m not sure I always live up to the agreements we made before we embarked on this journey, but Mommy is trying.  Being autistic does not mean my little man is not absolutely perfect.  He is.  I am humbled to have been granted the honor of having this child in my life.

I write BDSM erotica.  I’m not trying to change the world with my books.  I don’t really offer anything more than entertainment and escape.  With this book, however, I am giving you a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of life with a special needs child, especially one that is so easily misunderstood. 

People on the autism spectrum look like any other person.  You won’t spot anything on the outside that will clue you in that they see the world differently from neuro-typicals.  That’s why it can be so hard to get understanding from others.  Next time you see a child screaming and a frazzled parent who can’t seem to control them, don’t assume you’re looking at a failed parent or a spoiled brat.  You may be witness to an autistic child who has been overwhelmed by his surroundings.  Such children often react to sensory overload with pain or confusion, the likes of which the rest of us can’t imagine.  It can be something as innocent as a too-bright light or a loud noise.  Sometimes it’s impossible to know what sets them off.  I can’t tell you how many times the sight of an everyday product in a store has sent my son into a screaming panic and the resulting glares we’ve gotten from others.   No one ever stops to think there might be more to it than a temper tantrum.  They simply judge and grumble about how the world would be a better place if everyone went back to spanking their kids.

Maybe Alien Refuge will open a few hearts and minds.  I’m not betting on it, but the hope is always there.  If not, those of us with our own 'Thomas Jensons' will always have the fantasy of Clan Ospar, people who look beyond what is on the tumultuous surface to see the beauty and wonder of the children beneath.


8 comments:

  1. I understand ,I have a niece that autism. People need to get a gripe and be more understanding and stop critizing things they don't know. My brother had a stroke and was walking down the street and he swayed when he walked and someone yelled out the car window to get off the street you drunk. My brother doesn't drink, and is a minister and the one with my darling special needs niece. People should think before the speak sometimes. Say happy birthday to your darling son.

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    1. Thanks Brenda! My son had an awesome birthday.

      People are quick to judge, aren't they? Quick to assume the worst. Those invisible issues just don't get respect, sometimes even from those who should know better. I know of a grade school principal who told the mother of an autistic boy, "Well, he looks normal. I expect him to act normal." Can you imagine?

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  2. My daughter is on the highly functional end of that autism spectrum as well. She is not autistic but shares a lot of the traits that autistic kids have. Her childhood was very challenging at times. My own family often did not understand how a child who seemed so "normal" could act in such inexplicable ways. They thought she needed to be spanked too. She is now a very successful college student and journalist.

    Derek and his students at 3-Tigers had a great time making fight videos. Call on us any time.

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    1. Good for your daughter! It's especially rough when family members can't get past the idea that the kid needs a certain kind of discipline. My father was like that, but he's slowly getting the idea that my son doesn't think like others.

      I am so grateful to you, Derek, and his students. :D

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  3. I totally get it I have both sezures and a lite form autism life can be hard and sometimes its a strugle to fit in. For both my and my 13 cuzins that also strugle with everything from lite to sever autism. But so many don't seem to understand none of us are stupid we just see the world a little differently. Thank you for understanding were so few seem to.

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    1. Amanda, it's such a challenge. I worry about my son when he's older and starts caring about making friends. I see the older kids in our autism support group and the obstacles they are faced with. As I said, I don't know that having an autistic child in the book will change anything, but if one person can better appreciate the gifts that are there, I'll call it good.

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  4. Got my first order of Kalquor merchandise from cafe press. I love carrying my inevitable yarn projects around in a bag covered in hot men. Yummy.

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    1. Awesome! I'm waiting for the nightshirt that I ordered. Can't wait to sleep with some Kalquorians.

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