I hope it's okay to post this here. It's not necessarily teaching-related, although it did come about as the result of a class project. Here's the situation: During the National Novel Writing Month project I did with my kids, I pledged to write a novel alongside them. I ended up writing a middle-grade story from the point of view of a 14-year-old with moderate autism. She attends a self-contained special education class, but that's not the focus of the book. The main storyline is her struggle to find a suitable home for her family after an eviction she feels is her fault. What I'm hoping to find is someone with a background in autism who will beta read the thing for me. Obviously I have experience with autism myself, but I'm way too close to this thing to be objective about it. I'm not asking for extensive editing or critiquing; just someone to read and say "Yes, this rings true" or "No, this does not seem believable." If anyone is interested (and has the time! -- I understand if you don't!), please PM me and I'll send you the story. Thanks!
AspieTeacher was my first thought as well. Let me know, sarypotter, if the book gets published--it sounds fascinating.
Sary Potter, You are very noble to do this project and I am more than honored to be asked to do a reading from the perspective of a person with autism as well. This is the first time i've ever been asked to do something like this. If you would like, contact my email and I am open to helping you. Troy aka Aspieteacher
sary potter, hi. I would love to read it, also. I worked one-on-one with a child with autism for 1.5 years. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to learn how they think in order to plan lessons. While all of them are unique, most tend to think spatially. Please send me a private msg. if you would like to discuss further. Also, have you read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night? Can't see anyway to italicize it....sorry.
Thanks to everyone who offered to help! After several revisions and the help of a couple of beta readers, I began sending the book to agents. And guess what! One of them -- my dream agent, in fact -- offered to represent me! The book has now been submitted to several major publishing houses! I still can't believe it!
Yes, please do let us know when it is published so we can buy your book! I wish I had seen this thread before, I would have offered to read your ms. It sounds like a great story. Congratulations!
Wow! That is so cool! That is wicked awesome! You must tell us more when it is all published! I cannot wait to read it! That sounds great! That is so exciting! Congrats! That is pretty amazing to do alongside your kids too. They must be thrilled, that is a great learning experience for them. They must be very proud of you! That is so cool!
