"All writers are vain, selfish and lazy and, at the very bottom of their motives there lies a mystery. Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand." George Orwell
Lazy? Qui, moi? I remember at two o'clock in the morning watching an entire chapter sliding vertically off the screen and disappearing, never to return. By six o'clock I'd rewritten it and several months later, I was signing copies of the book at the Harrods launch.
Living Left-handed (Bloomsbury Publishing) 1990, 1994, 1996
Bloomsbury Publishing published my first book, Living Left-Handed. It became the definitive layman's book on the subject and was translated into Spanish, German, Polish, Swedish and Hungarian. It didn't sell as many as Hogwarts characters but it did pretty well for 12 years and earned me a new job as a broadcaster. I even did a good trade in left-handed can openers for a while. It also attracted a research grant from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation to conduct laterality research in Manchester junior schools, backed by Manchester Education Committee. This title is out of print now and is on the lookout for a new publisher. Enquiries to diane@keywordeditorial.com Press the button on the right to read Chapter 1.
The Left-hander's Handbook (The Robinswood Press) 1999
My report provided the basis for my second book, The Left-hander's Handbook (The Robinswood Press), guidelines for parents and teachers of left-handed children. In 1995 and 1999, it won awards in the BMA annual book competition, the second time alongside journalists Brian Appleyard and the late John Diamond. I was one of only two authors to win more than one award from the BMA. The guidelines were adopted by the NFER in the UK and in New Zealand. A revised version of this book was issued in 2009 with a spiral binding, which makes it easier for the pages to lie flat. It is also available in e-book format.
ADHD: The Essential Guide (Forward Press, Need2Know Books) 2008
My latest title is a parent's/teacher's guide about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It was launched in August 2008. It contains advice on how to recognise if your child has ADHD and what to do about it; the process, types of treatment, drugs and talking therapies, diet and nutrition, the education system and role of the teacher and parent, adolescent and adult ADHD sufferers. It is also available in e-book format. Press the button on the right to read my interview with editor of The School Run (www.theschoolrun.com) Camilla Chafer for a pack on ADHD for Subscribers.
Current projects
Right now I'm working on how to go about learning to play the piano (not a teaching manual). Publishing enquiries will be more than welcome (diane@keywordeditorial.com)
How to obtain copies of my books
Living Left-handed is now out of print but it can be found in most public libraries or through the inter-library loan scheme and some booksellers on Amazon. Chapter 1 is reproduced here - just click the link on the right.
Research material (over 100 papers) were donated to Manchester Central Library and can be viewed there
The Left-hander's Handbook (price £11.95) has been updated and the 2008 edition can be bought at bookshops, or from info@robinswoodpress.com and Amazon.co.uk It can also be borrowed from public libraries or downloaded via the publisher in e-book format.
ADHD: The Essential Guide was released in August 2008 and can be obtained from bookshops, www.Amazon.co.uk or www.need2knowbooks.co.uk or downloaded from the publisher in e-book format.
If you enjoy reading, log onto http://bookblogforbookworms.blogspot.com
Diane Paul is a member of the Society of Authors
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