A Fine Line A Balance to Survive

This not only should be published but become a vital part of psychiatric/psychological training. I felt like screaming when the staff ordered our beautiful heroine to clean the mess off the walls.
This work is powerful and life changing and harrowing and uplifting.
Read it in whatever chunks you are able to cope with but read it all - because understanding victims in this world of excuses for the predators is the only way to somehow redress the balance and STOP this ever happening again.
Backed with a sad heart.
Abel Kane
The Alchemists' Cookbook

This is a harrowing story and one that should be told. People speak freely about child abiuse nowadays but those two words whether on a newsaper on a TV screen do not even begin to describe the horror, torture, fear and destruction of a young life. in these circuimstacnes.

I have read uyour wonderful book before when I was on authonomy with Stopne Relics and again the tears are streaming.

Obviously the nurses at the hospital were not psycholgists and would not understand your first attempts at responding or trying to respond to treatment.

I have a signed copy of Professor's Toate's book on Obsessived Compulsive Behaviour after attending one of his Uni seminars.

This book was written with tears and is read with tears - a must for those who suffer or care for the suffering.

Your book and sharing will surely help some soul who needs to reach out and know that soemone will take their hand - lifting them up out of the vale of tears.

Hugs and love,

Katy.xx

Hi,

I was moved to tears several times by your heartbreaking story, your candidness, honesty and spirit are to be admired, I don`t know if I could have bared my soul in such a way. But what I admired most was your message of hope, this wonderful piece of writing will I`m sure offer comfort to those people who have suffered the same fate as you did. Thank you for having the courage to share such a persponal account with us all...Backed with utter pleasure.

Good luck,
Cerys (Bradan)

Lisa-

I salute your courage to let the world know about your past.
This story is more than a narration of pysical and sexual abuse. This is a story of a true survivor who keeps fighting to change the past and abandon all those nightmares and dark memories. Reading your lines, I could really feel the emotion and the sensation of wearing your shoes how you were mistreated and violently abused by those people. I believe that this story is going to change the worldwide perception of children violence and abuse. Good luck to you and your book.

FLETCH
STORIES FROM A LEAKING MIND

Dear Lisa

What can I say?

Your candour and forthrightness take my breath away. I have all admiration for your courage.

What many do not understand is that it takes real courage to *recover* from abuse. Coming to terms with it, functioning again as a whole person takes utter determination and a level of honesty and audacity that most can only imagine. Few are able to do it. Going under is easy. Most do not survive as you do. The accounts of what you had to endure are horrific. No one on this earth should have to endure what you did. But so many do and they move silently and secretly amongst us enduring their pain and despair. Psychology text books don't cut it. No one reads those (except the likes of you and me!) These stories need to be told. The cost of abuse in human suffering needs to be known. The abused need to know that there is hope in recovery.

Thank you for telling your story. I hope it will act as an inspiration to other sufferers, as a beacon of hopefulness to those attempting recovery and a thorn in the sides of those who should be saying NO. Perpetrating abuse generally involves the silent collusion of those who have the power to stop it.

No one knows the extent of this problem. Statistics are unreliable as the abused rarely admit to their plight. According to the UN, in 2002, 223 MILLION sexual crimes took place against children. Who knows about the rest?

It's a very brave work, Lisa and I wish you every success with it. My heart goes out to you.

Geoffrey

Hello Lisa, well where do I begin? Firstly, in reading your first chapter, I felt many emotions, because a few things you explained were so similar to how I felt through my years of Post Natal Depression & Anxiety. Even though our experiences are totally different, they are also very similar in many aspects. I too had to leave my husband. I too missed my children terribly because I couldn't look after them and also had lost one year of memory of my daughters 2nd year of life, due to the trauma I endured, and the prison like feeling I felt in having my family watch over me. You'll find all of that in Losing Me - http://www.authonomy.com/books/38542/losing-me/

http://www.authonomy.com/books/38889/she-ir-chambre-poets-room/

I cannot imagine the horrors you endured, and lived to tell about, and I congratulate you for having the courage to write about it, because this is oh so very painful too. There is an error in Chapter 1, Paragraph 2, the 2nd line...the sentence should read like this - "Needed to go through this..." Also, another thing I noted was how you described your situation through the artistic drawing on the wall - wow that was genius :O)
Wish you all the best in publishing your work. Salwa.

This is devastating - and devastatingly good. What courage to tell this story. Your description of the hospital and its personnel are especially vivid. You've created a real empathy for your narrator (you). Well done. I'm giving this many stars, and watch listing for a while, as my shelf is committed for a bit.
I do hope you'll take a look at Animal Cracker. Very different from yours, but you might enjoy it.
Best,
Andi Brown
animal Cracker

Hi Lisa, having backed your book many months ago i have finally found the time to read more and give star rating. I can only reiterate my earlier comments and commend you on your bravery in writing this book. It makes harrowing reading but is a story that needs to be published to help others.
Once again I wish you every success with this and happiness for your future.
Lizzie Scott :-)

Hi Lisa,

This is a well written book and the type that we all read from time to time and say ~'This must not happen again,' but it does and I wish it wouldn't. I'm BACKING your book and I think it deserves 5 stars. It goes on my shelf now and I wish you all the best for the future. I would appreciate your looking at my book (The Contractor)

Frank James (The Contractor)

I've read a great many books on this site; very few affected me in such a profound manner as A Fine Line. The story is remarkable, of course, but there's a really accomplished writer at work here. I admire the writing as much as I admire the courage of the author in bringing her experiences to the attention of a wider audience. Highly commended, in all respects. I've noted the book's success on Kindle with pleasure, now it's time for traditional publishers to take note.
Jake

Hi,
I am really very impressed on reading t\your work. Very impressive.

All the best.
S.Vinay kumar
"10 roses for love."

Lisa, thank you for backing A PLACE IN LIFE. If you have a chance some time, I would really appreciate hearing your first impression of my writing.

I took some time this afternoon to go through the first chapter of "FINE LINE". I can't say I liked it, but then, I don't like my story either. It was something I had to write, though. Just as, I suspect, you had to write yours. I took liberties with mine, though, and made it bearable by turning it into fiction.

I think that you have progressed to where you are and I wish you the best with your book.

Old Bob
A PLACE IN LIFE

This is extremely good. The account of events is clear, and the emotionalism is well conveyed.
I find nothing to criticise, and hope that your novel does the good you intend it to. To be backed.
Marj.

I will like to read your book, You seem like a lovely girl, i wish you the best. May God bless you
Love Laila

Hi Lisa,
I remembered the impact of your story on me when I read it for the first time, and yet the story hit me hard again now. I think it's excellent that you begin the book with your clearly defined mission. This is important for the reader (as it was to you) and forms the foundation of why you have chosen to share your tragic experiences with the world. Adding to this, I found it wise that you begin the book as an adult, married, and in therapy at the institute. We're able to see early on your courage. This gives the reader hope as we embark with you on the difficult journey of healing after trauma. I consider this a significant book that will educate and inspire all readers, and will be a great benefit for those seeking healing. High stars and my highest respect -

Lizzi
(Out of Sync)

Lisa, this is a sad story but an all too common one. It is amazing how fate or abuse finds us and at times we manage to escape it. I remember playing stretch as a kid, whoever won was suppossed to keep the knife but that seldom happened. I enjoyed the save the frogs campaign, funny. Best wishes. CR Harding.

Oh, goodness. I read the first chapter, but the experience was already terribly saddening. I apologize for not being able to read further, but for those who have stronger constitutions, I recommend this work as a painfully realistic and well-written autobiography.

A catharsis for you but a heart breaking story for the reader. This book is not one to read for pleasure but more as a tool for trainee teachers, social workers etc who can share your pain and hopefully use the knowledge you impart to support the abused. Regards, Anne, shelved

I kept your book on my shelf for a while, and it is now on my watchlist while I spin some other books around on my shelf.
It was hard for me to read the whole thing, it was a bit too close to home.
However, I backed it because you have talent. You need to polish your book up a bit though, the flow is a little choppy, but overall it is very good.
I also backed it because i think books like these need to be published and get the word out there and help people understand what abuse survivors go through.

This is a very powerful and courageous book- deserves a place on the Editor's Desk, so very happy to back and rate HP

An extremely powerful and distressing read. I can understand the need to tell your story as a self-healing tool and also to educate on the effects of abuse and mental health. Best of luck for your future.

Backed
Clare
A Policeman's Lot

hi lisa,
I found your story one of the most harrowing on this site as it is written with such honesty and punch. Additionally, it is deeply moving to remember that this is Harper True Life. If it was warped fantasy one could put it down and forget about it. But your story is never-ending and relevant. Everyone should be aware today that this kind of deviant behaviour which you had to endure from all sides still persists in our normal Noddy world. A deeply challenging account and in my view a must-read. Backed.

Rebacked as a brave and stirring story. It hits with emotion in the gut. All the worse that its a HC truelife

Amelia
A date in the diary

This book gives a compelling insight to mental illness. At times it is harrowing at others, inspiring, but page turning is something you can't resist as you are drawn right inside of Lisa's thoughts and suffer her highs and lows. The ending gives the answers, but in a twist the reader does not expect. I have a greater understanding of this much mis-understood illness due to the Lisa's great courage in giving a truthful account of how the world looked to her whilst caught in the grip of a downward spiral. I have given my copy to my daughter, a social worker, and she has gained so much understanding from it, too. I am proud to rate this the full six stars and have it grace my shelf for 24+ hours to give the maximum benefit in rising on a very deserved journey to the eds desk.

I have only managed to read the first chapter of your book, and can only say, my goodness, how very brave you are to have written so clearly of your fears. I have spent my adult life caring for children who have been through untold horrors and only hope that, though I know we made a small difference to them while they shared our home and our lives, as adults, they manage to work through the horrors that they will undoubtedly be left with. Child abuse memories do not simply 'go away', one word, a smell, a look from a stranger passing by in the street can bring it all back. I congratulate you not only on your book, but on having the courage to share and help others through your words.
I back you wholeheartedly and wish you every success in your future. I look forward to finding your book in the shops.
Lizzie Scott :-)

Although the courage in sharing this is undeniable and there are many who will be helped by your story, the opening chapter needs more editing in order to read better. Allow me to offer a few examples I caught right away:

The sentence beginning "Yet, Joseph, my husband ... " doesn't need the comma after "Yet". In that same sentence, you have "both believe ... " followed by "we both needed ... " with the two "both"s making it redundant. Furthermore, you need a "to" in "we both needed go through this" making it "we both needed to go through this".

You also have unnecessary commas in the sentence "Now I was seriously thinking, that to get out, I had to work intensively ... ". It could read "Now I was seriously thinking that to get out I had to work intensively ... "

There are many more examples like this throughout the opening chapter. Errant commas, repetition, a few clumsy sentences here and there. Everything is fixable, though, and easy to correct.

Yet the story you tell is raw, packed with emotion, and written from a very powerful place in your soul. There is always a market for healing works like this. But to be successfully published, you would benefit -- heck, we all do! -- from comments that respectfully suggest potential corrections and, with those in mind, going through with a fine tooth comb and laboriously cleaning up where it needs to be cleaned up.

I appreciate your courage, though, and for that I have no difficulty at all lending this my support.

Jonathan
MARTUK ... THE HOLY

backed http://saffinadesforges.wordpress.com

Lisa, there are no words for your work, your courage, your longing to live against all odds. I don't know if your book is good or excellent, or what other word would be befitting. All I know is that I wish from deep inside me that you can smile through the tears and reach out to life and be at peace with it. I have a history of mental and physical abuse as well, although no sexual abuse, and every day of my life is a search for the fine balance as well. Therefore, it is hard to read your words because I am familiar with the reality behind them. Thank you for having done this. I will not forget. Hannah

Lisa

I read the first chapter and no more because I couldn't bear to, it was too upsetting. It's a very powerful narrative and deserves to have all the exposure it has had so far and more. Backed.

Nicole
Chosen

I feel this person's pain. My childhood was none to bright during the years of my father's marriage to my now ex-stepmother. Mental abuse is worse than physical abuse almost any day. Backed. With understanding.
~ Richard
Twin Fates

I just read able Kane's comments below and I have to echo that! Well written and engaging, but also a very important work which I really hope will be published!!

Considering what you have had to let out on paper as a result of your harrowing experiences, I doubt if anyone has the right or moral authority to tell what to do...it really wouldn't matter how you chose to tell your story, it would still command our attention from the very first word!
Backed and stay well
Stewart

Continuing to read your powerful story telling. I might have mentioned this before, I'm not a critic, just a guy who likes to read about the true things in life. What makes us people, what give us the fight to survive. Incredible journey.

blessings,
jim
jack & charmian london

What an amazing story. Well done for overcoming such adversity, and succeeding against all odds. It has no doubt made you the wonderful woman you are today, and created in you, the desire to help others. A powerful story indeed. Backed. Eunice - The Temple Dancer.

Lisa, this is a truly moving account. Knowing that this really happened makes for a harrowing read, but a compelling one. You have told your story in such an accessible, readable manner. Your choice of language definitely brings each experience to life with effective recounting and descriptions.
In terms of your writing the only thing I'd suggest is replacing the verb 'get' with more 'written' ones: get out of = escape, get better = recover, getting worried = becoming worried, and so on. 'Get' phrases are more spoken, so avoiding it where possible creates a more 'written' tone. A very little point in what is otherwise a very accomplished and courageous text.
A definite back from me!

DEAR LISA 'A LINE A BALANCE TO SURVIVE'

HOW IN GODS EARTH DId YOU SURVIVE this harrowing life that you had to suffer'
this book should be compulsive reading, it is one amazing story told in great detail that lingers in one's mind;
its a page turner and will do very well, it deserves to go to the top
backed with pleasure
TOM BYE ' FROM HUGS TO KISSES'
please read and back mine if time thanks

Hi Lisa: What a brave woman you are. I pray you will find peace and comfort in the days ahead. I like your straight forwards wiring style. Please look at "You-Turn" if you get time. all the best, Lynne

This is one of the occasions when one is in a quandary: should one be happy for the great artistry which is on display or appalled by the cause of it. In fact one is both and I'm sure it must be not only therapeutic but a source of great comfort that you have managed to transform such terrible experiences into a true work of art. Your introduction and first chapter were subtle, although they had the effect of a hammer blow; because it let us see the damage first hand so that we would want to know how one could possible be made whole afterwards. So great incentive to read on. backed with ease Jaye

Some people fight wars some climb mountains others have to overcome the greatest tragedy a betrayal of trust and personal abuse. I hold my hat up to the survivors who didn’t let it beat them.
Amelia

Dear Lisa, The most remarkable thing about your memoir is the courage it took to write it. And your motive--to call attention to the evil itself in hope of preventing further instances--deserves equal praise. On the level of craft and style, I would readily cite your book as a model. So far, I've read only the first three chapters, but will pause for lack of time and, after backing, soon read on. No book I've read here is more worthy of publication.

Bill Carrigan
"The Doctor of Summitville"

This has a stange mix of the authentic, a diary, and a novel. There are some images, beautifully written, that drive home what the wirter went through, and other clinical anecdotes that make one shudder. From a literary perspective it is too close to the bone perhaps to survive as a novel, and once can feel how cathartic just writing all this down must have been for the writer. But if you want to tell your story for public consumption, then a lot more will be asked of you. FOUR BETTER FOUR WORSE

Out of 362 comments I suppose I had to receive a negative from someone, but I would like to point out from a very positive aspect that this book has and remains in the top 100 on Amazon for specific categories and has also had an amazing response from the professionals as well as the public. Also this version has been edited by a professional who I admire and respect very much.

This has a stange mix of the authentic, a diary, and a novel. There are some images, beautifully written, that drive home what the wirter went through, and other clinical anecdotes that make one shudder. From a literary perspective it is too close to the bone perhaps to survive as a novel, and once can feel how cathartic just writing all this down must have been for the writer. But if you want to tell your story for public consumption, then a lot more will be asked of you. FOUR BETTER FOUR WORSE

~Here to return the comment~

I don't usually read non-Fiction, but this was a real eye opener. I HAVE to say it, I was going through my memories to check whether anything like that has happened to me...No, really I was...thankfully, I cannot remember such incident. (sigh of relief)

It has both, a good issue explained very vividly, with an understandable writing style...It is very hard to find a book, non-commercial, that would help the people deal with such things...Thumbs up...for a bold step !

Jesus, what a book! I comment your foresight in writing this. You have done a great job of getting people to stand up and do something about society's evil. A very well written book that will go far to help millions.

Many thanks Lisa for sharing this. It must have been hard to write the first word but here's the book and you sure did it well.

best

This is a haunting and distrubing story, and you tell it so well. The horrors you have endured, and yet have still managed to come out the other side, makes this a very inspiration story indeed. One for the editors desks.
Backed
Sam

Lisa,

You write this so well, that such disturbing material is easy to read.

You are truly courageous to share this. Here's hoping it can make a difference.

Backed, of course.

I stopped breathing several times as I was reading this... and had to remind myself to breathe. As I'm sure you know, your story is haunting. It's disturbing, but it needs to be told.

I hope you soldier on with this story and make sure that thousands and thousands of copies are published and sold and put into the hands that need to read it.

You are inspiring and I wish you the best of luck with everything!

Best,
Cori

Oh man this is going to be a hard one to read. I'm amazed at how many people are spilling their horrors out on this site as a method of therapy. I applaud you for it, as I do the other books on here I've had the privilege of reading. It feels a little invasive but if you are willing to tell and want me to read... then I will. I've only read the first chapter so far so maybe when I come back to read more I will give some honest feedback about the writing. So far so good!

Lacey

Some books must reach the widest audience possible. This is one of them. Abuse hits so hard into the mind the victim, especially the very young, that it effects their whole life. But its hidden in the dark recesses of the memory and only through books like this can these mentally crippled adults can become aware that there are others out there, often with more severe throubles, and help them to overcome the guilt and shame that weighs so heavily upon them. Backed with all my heart and wish you great success.
Laurence Winchester,
The Cross of Goa.

Backed A fine Line A Balacne to Survivie. This definitely needs to be on the editor’s desk! Happy to back such brilliant work!
C Brown
Dark Side

This not only should be published but become a vital part of psychiatric/psychological training. I felt like screaming when the staff ordered our beautiful heroine to clean the mess off the walls.
This work is powerful and life changing and harrowing and uplifting.
Read it in whatever chunks you are able to cope with but read it all - because understanding victims in this world of excuses for the predators is the only way to somehow redress the balance and STOP this ever happening again.
Backed with a sad heart.
Abel Kane
The Alchemists' Cookbook

Your bravery in telling this story leaves me breathless.
all the best
Alice

This is a harrowing story and one that should be told. People speak freely about child abiuse nowadays but those two words whether on a newsaper on a TV screen do not even begin to describe the horror, torture, fear and destruction of a young life. in these circuimstacnes.

I have read uyour wonderful book before when I was on authonomy with Stopne Relics and again the tears are streaming.

Obviously the nurses at the hospital were not psycholgists and would not understand your first attempts at responding or trying to respond to treatment.

I have a signed copy of Professor's Toate's book on Obsessived Compulsive Behaviour after attending one of his Uni seminars.

This book was written with tears and is read with tears - a must for those who suffer or care for the suffering.

Your book and sharing will surely help some soul who needs to reach out and know that soemone will take their hand - lifting them up out of the vale of tears.

Hugs and love,

Katy.xx

There is nothing left to say about an experience like this except good luck. Paula Barrett (Cuthbert-how mean is my valley)

This is obviously a story that HAD to be told. I hope that in the telling it has lifted some of the horrific burden from your shoulders. The initial chapter, your entry to the psychiatric unit, trying to show your childhood experiences via drawings on the wall and a noose and being misunderstood make the reader empathise with the frustration you must have felt. NO wonder you had to resort to the comfort, some people, with less reason than you feel, of the cool slice of a razor blade. Good Luck with this heart-rending story. K.J.