Sarah Palin and Cocoa Puffs...? I DON'T Think So!

My husband and I stopped at Creekside Books & Coffee in Skaneateles on the way to meet some friends for dinner to take some photos of Where Are the Cocoa Puffs? – you know...actually on the shelves...looking like a real book...official and all.


So it was pretty cool. They had my novel right on the checkout counter, which was great! And they also had it in the new and notable section. So I stand in front of the shelf, smile my goofy smile and my husband snaps a couple shots. One of my friends just happens to be in the bookstore too, so it’s kinda festive and exciting. I smile; my husband takes another shot and then pulls the camera away and gives me a funny look. “What?” I say. “Is there something wrong with my hair?” I push my fingers through my short tresses; push it a bit forward toward my face. (Something new I’m trying…. Not that I want to look all Justin Bieber or anything…just a little more artsy and authory.) He shakes his head. “Did you notice what book is right next to yours?” I turn to the bookshelf, look at my beautiful cover and then to its right, and gasp. “Are you kidding me?! No way!” I quickly grab Sarah Palin’s stupid smiling face and remove her from the vicinity of my novel.


Unbelievable! The woman in the bookstore was quite apologetic. I am hoping this unacceptable product placement will not be repeated! Meanwhile if anyone is going through Skaneateles, NY, be sure to check out Creekside Books and Coffee! And if Sarah’s anywhere near my book, please move her!

http://www.creeksidecoffeehouse.com/index.htm

Fall in Central New York

Almost-famous author takes break from promoting

Where Are the Cocoa Puffs?

to enjoy the amazing

fall foliage surrounding

Otisco Lake!

Breakfast of Champions!

Paul (the husband) loves his Cocoa Puffs!

Today is the official launch of :

Where Are the Cocoa Puffs?:

A Family's Journey Through

Bipolar Disorder

Launch Time!

Less than 72 hours until the official launch of Where Are the Cocoa Puffs?! I am amazed and stunned by the number of people who are planning to attend! Close to 100! Who knew?! I wonder how many would show up at my funeral? Hmmmm....

As Promised: Where Are the Cocoa Puffs? Cover Design

Early Praise for: Where Are the Cocoa Puffs?

Where Are the Cocoa Puffs? is a coming of age story. It provides an authentic look at a teenager, her family and friends who struggle to come to terms with the onset of her mental illness and to find a balance between hope and acceptance. Read it for its own sake. Read it to learn. It speaks to many truths.

Michael J. Fitzpatrick, MSW Executive Director
NAMI National

Where Are the Cocoa Puffs? Is an engaging family story of what happens when the 18-year-old daughter develops bipolar disorder. It is very well written and accurately reflects the effects of this disorder on all members of the family. Strongly recommended.

E. Fuller Torrey, M.D.
Executive Director
The Stanley Medical Research Institute Author of: Surviving Manic Depression: A Manual on Bipolar Disorder for Patients, Families, and Providers.

Synopsis: Where Are the Cocoa Puffs?: A Family's Journey Through Bipolar Disorder

As eighteen-year-old Amanda spirals into mania, her father, psychiatrist Dr. Jerry Benson, sees the realization of his worst fears: his daughter is not just moody, but truly ill. With his words, his diagnosis – manic depressive illness – his world and that of his family is forever altered. Carol, Amanda’s mother, struggles with the guilt and the shame of having raised a “crazy” daughter. Christy, Amanda’s fifteen-year-old sister, denies the illness; after all, ‘my-sister’s-a-bitch’ is so much easier to accept. Meanwhile, the Bensons’ extended family offers up everything from unconditional support to uncomfortable scrutiny as Amanda careens between bouts of frightening violence, cosmic euphoria, and suicidal despair.

Then there’s Ryan, an architecture student, who is initially ensnared by Amanda’s manic sexuality, but is ultimately captured and held throughout the chaos by the force of love and strength of family.

Where are the Cocoa Puffs?: A Family Journey Through Bipolar Disorder, follows a family through the tragedy of bipolar disorder, but it’s not tragic. It’s funny, sad, and thought provoking – and as real and as raw as mental illness itself.