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.
