Friday, April 30, 2010

Writers with Neurological Disorders Unite!

Today, as the fifth stop on her 14-day virtual blog tour, Yvonne Perry welcomes Vrinda Pendred to Writers in the Sky Podcast. Yesterday Vrinda stopped by Andrew Mondia's blog and if you missed it you can go here: http://andrewmondia.com/andyinspire/

Vrinda is the founding director/editor of Conditional Publications, a new independent publisher dedicated solely to publishing the works of authors with neurological conditions. Check Mates comes out on May 11,2010.


What makes it groundbreaking is that Check Mates is a collection of short fiction and poetry either about or inspired by the struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), all written by people with this neurological disorder. It is arranged into two categories, Realism and Beyond. Whether solidly real, allegorical, or completely fictionalized, all the compelling work contained in this collection portrays the true story of this greatly misunderstood condition. It is also the first ever book of fiction written entirely by OCD authors. Be sure to sign up for the book launch reminder so you can buy Check Mates and receive over 30 free personal development gifts on May 11, 2010.

When Vrinda was seven years old, she was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome. Since then, she has also learned that she has OCD, ADHD, autism and bipolar disorder. Learn how she has used these labels and disorders to create a very fulfilling life and bring together an entire community of like-minded creative individuals and given them a way to express what goes on inside their heads.

I hope you will feel inspired by the interview you are about to hear. The following will be discussed:
  • A brief bit on Vrinda’s background in relation to the topic
  • A bit about what OCD actually is
  • Treatment - the fact that there are meds that work for some people but for many they don't work, and alternative therapies are out there, which do work
  • How the book came to be
  • What is actually included in the book / why it's unique / what we hope it will do for people
  • How to get involved with Conditional Publications in general / promoting the competition to win a free copy of the book
The link to the OCD Web site Vrinda mentioned during the interview is http://www.ocdtribe.com/



In 2008, Vrinda established Conditional Publications (www.conditionalpublications.com) for fellow writers living with neurological conditions. To launch the company, on 11 May 2010, she will be publishing a collection of fiction, poetry, and artwork about obsessive-compulsive disorder by twenty contributors (herself included) titled Check Mates.

“There really aren’t enough books and Web sites out there preaching positivity regarding these types of conditions,” says Pendred, who lives in Hertfordshire, England with her husband and son, “nor is there enough that expresses how truly difficult it can be to live with one of them (let alone more than one, as many people do). Yet I have heard/read many times that people with neurological disorders are usually highly creative people (indeed, many psychiatrists believe certain nervous disorders might even be a prerequisite to being so creative) – and that art/music/writing can be incredibly therapeutic.”

Vrinda started this imprint to provide a creative outlet for people to hopefully change a few minds out there about what neurological disorders really are—not just the limitations, pain, or frustration, but also the more positive, beneficial “symptoms” of these mysterious conditions.

Follow Vrinda on Twitter as NeuroBooks
Join the Conditional Publications fan page on Facebook.

SYNOPSIS:
Check Mates is an original collection of fiction and poetry written about obsessive-compulsive disorder by the people who know best – obsessive-compulsives. Split between realism and stories of the beyond, there is a diverse range of styles and genres, and a mix of rage, frustration, tears, violence, pain, heartache, subversion,
love, strength, metaphysics, philosophy, friendship, hope, and even a bit of humor. And maybe–just maybe–it will knock away a few stereotypes.


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