Sunday, March 23, 2014

OCD: It's funny . . . but it's not.

This novel would not be true to the style of S. Walden if it did not contain some dark and difficult moments. Events that cause anxiety can be especially hard for individuals who suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder . . . It is obvious to me that the author thoroughly researched OCD and combined the knowledge she learned with her ability to write a beautiful story. ~ Robin (Hesperia Loves Books)

(art by Michelle @ Give Me Books)

I suffer from anxiety. Not the same thing as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (though the two are BFFs), but it’s a mental condition that can be quite debilitating. So when I created the idea for LoveLines—knowing I wanted to write a story about a heroine who suffers from OCD—I knew I wouldn’t take it lightly. “It” being the actual condition. I wouldn’t disrespect it. I knew I’d probably end up teaching readers a thing or two, because from what I discovered through research, OCD is nothing like our society portrays it in movies, on television, even in books! I thought I understood it before cracking open those journals. Um, no.

First off, let's be real. Tics can be funny. If you’ve ever read “A Plague of Tics” from David Sedaris’s Naked, you know what I’m talking about. You probably laughed so hard you peed yourself and never admitted it to anyone. So yeah, the quirks can be cute and funny. Reece, my hero, sees them that way. But that’s before he really “sees” Bailey’s OCD—how it affects every aspect of her life. Controls her. Inhibits her. Forces her to live a life with “clearly defined lines.” It is . . . debilitating.

Could I write an entire story with that somber tone? Hell no! And anyway, let’s face it: some tics lend themselves to humor. And Bailey can see the humor. She makes fun of herself. Her self-deprecation is probably her cutest characteristic. But understand that her creator took a lot of time to learn just how OCD works and how loved ones of OCD sufferers should help them manage their condition. Unfortunately, there’s not a ton of research out there. Doctors still don’t know why a person is OCD (they think it’s a different wiring in the brain), but there are treatments to manage the condition. Not cure it. Manage it.

Here’s the most important thing I learned: people who suffer from OCD do not take pleasure in performing their tics. In fact, they loathe themselves for submitting to their urges. Why can’t they just refrain from tapping that pen like we can? Well, here’s the second most important thing I learned: they believe that something disastrous will happen to them or their loved ones if they do not perform their tics. Makes no sense to us, but it makes total sense to them. They don’t want to invite heartache or loss. It’s easier to tap the pen.

You will see this all throughout LoveLines. Yes, you’re gonna laugh. A lot. Yes, you’re gonna think Reece is a weirdo. No, I didn’t say Bailey. I said Reece. You’re gonna experience some sickly sweet moments and tough moments that demonstrate Bailey’s condition. Front and center. And hopefully when you reach the conclusion, you’ll have a better understanding of a mental illness that’s been misrepresented or ignored.

(art by Karinna Baez)

Come join me at the LoveLines Release Week Party!! Games, giveaways, prizes, and one HUGE contest all week long! 




42 comments:

  1. Would love to win this! Love your writing! Thanks for the giveaway!!!

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  2. I can't wait to read LoveLines. I loved your writing in Good and Better. Stalking the release event now! :)

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  3. Maria Theresa SantosMarch 24, 2014 at 9:34 AM

    Followed your blog

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  4. Thanks for the giveaway. Loved Good and Better. I can't wait to read Lovelines! <3

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  5. big fan of your books and follow by email

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  6. follow by email, cant wait for it.

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  7. Started following you through email

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  8. Congrats on the new release! It sounds fantastic! Thanks for the fun blog tour, came here from She Reads New Adult and I'm following by email : )

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  9. Cannot wait for this one :) I started following your blog by email :)

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  10. At the party! Just followed via email :)

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  11. Love your books!! (follow by email)

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  12. I follow by email Thanks for the giveaway!!

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  13. Hello, just wanted to let you know I was following you on GFC :)

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  14. I follow by GFC :) Mindy Stickels

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  15. Looks like a great read! Yes, I follow via e-mail (mcelroyj@gmail.com). :-)

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  16. new follower by email!!

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  17. book sounds awesome, following you by email

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  18. im a follower by email denise smith

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  19. This sounds like a great read. My mom and I have mild cases of OCD and it's difficult. I can't imagine having it worse! I'm following via email so I can learn of new books and happenings!

    Barrie

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  20. Amazing story! Following your blog by email now! Great ending! Makes me so excited for the rest of the series!

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  21. I have mild OCD and an Anxiety Disorder, so this book really appeals to me! It can be frustrating most of the time, but I do have to sit back and laugh at myself for some of the things I do, or I would go crazy. lol I follow via GFC and email.

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  22. Looking forward to reading :) (Follow by email)

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  23. I will follow your blog by email. Looking forward to reading this! Interesting story line.

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  24. I follow you by email and thanks for the awesome giveaway!!!

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  25. Followed by GFC!! Very stoked for the conclusion of the story! Xoxo

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  26. Dropping in to say hello & that I am a subscriber.

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  27. Hello Summer! Hope all is well! Just dropping in to let you know Im a follower! Thanks for the amazing giveaway!!!

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  28. Hello Summer! Hope all is well! Just stopping in to let you know I'm a follower! Thanks for the amazing giveaway!!!

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  29. Hi! Thank you for the giveaway. Just letting you know I'm following via GFC :)

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  30. Following you via GFC. Look forward to reading the book.

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  31. Hi S. walden, my name is Crisol im from Mexico and my english is... not good, but my cousin from Texas she give me a present the last month a lot of books in english and I started reading HOODIE, she help me to read and when we finish... I have to said "i'm in love with this book" is beautiful, cute, very sad and make me a sadistic with myself, why? because in my mind I give this book so many different ends, I read this book probably 8 times, because it's a sad epilog BUT... I feel the love in the last pages between Anton and Emma and i'm feel hope for them.

    Thanks for this BEAUTIFUL book, and I'm dreaming for a second part with an ending with more love between Emma and Anton.

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  32. Yes I have been waiting for the conclusion to the story! I can't wait

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  33. This book sounds fantastic. Can't wait to read it. I follow thru GFC.

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  34. Thanks so much. Following blog by email.

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  35. This is very, very refreshing. The NA genre needs more books like this!

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