In "Easy to Love but Hard to Raise," parents tell their stories

I'm pleased to have my work included in Easy to Love but Hard to Raise, a book from DRT Press set for an October release. Editors are Adrienne Bashista of Pittsboro, N.C., and Kay Marner of Ames, Iowa. Both are accomplished writers and editors who have experienced struggles in raising their own children. I have been impressed by their thoroughness and kindness. It's evident in their own essays and in their dealings with writers. My snarky self had a hard time with it, at first. One thing I learned early on as a parent with a son diagnosed with ADHD and a daughter with PBD and ADD -- wear your armor when you venture out into the world. My armor is my sharp tongue and, when that fails, scathing wit, to dull the cold hard stares and even colder and harder words of people who don't understand.

It's been a pleasure to work with Kay and Adrienne. Looking forward to the book. Here's some info the editors just posted on the brand new Easy to Love but Hard to Raise blog:

This blog got its start with the book: Easy to Love but Hard to Raise: Real Parents, Challenging Kids, True Stories (DRT Press, October, 2011). Contributors to this blog are connected to the book in some way: they sent in essays, offered their expert advice, or lent helpful thoughts and useful advice.

But our hope for this blog goes further than simply giving our book a presence on the Internet : we’d like our space to be a safe, kind, and understanding resource for anyone raising a child who is easy to love, but difficult to raise. We are here to support, share stories, commiserate, give tips, and provide safe haven for anyone parenting children impacted by ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), PBD (Pediatric Bipolar Disorder), OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder) or any other situation the takes the already difficult job of parenting and adds to challenge.