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. In print for 12 years, the book earned me a new job as a broadcaster and a niche mail order firm selling left-handed utensils. It also attracted a research grant from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation to conduct laterality research in Manchester junior schools, backed by Manchester Education Committee. Negotiations are currently under way with Bloomsbury for a digital version to be launched shortly. 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 2008 version of this book has just been launched.
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 will be launched in August this year. It contains advice on how to recognise if your child has ADHD and what to do about it; the diagnosis 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.
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. The digital version is currently under negotiation and details will be announced shortly.
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@keywordeditorial.com left-handed supplier Anything Left-Handed info@robinswoodpress.com and Amazon.co.uk It can also be borrowed from public libraries.
ADHD: The Essential Guide is due out in August 2008 but orders can currently be placed with the publishers, Forward Press Need2Know Books or Amazon.co.uk
Diane Paul is a member of the Society of Authors
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