Working title Tragic Childhood Shattered Lives

Thank you so much for your feedback. I hope my books will help people who are considering entering this field of childcare to go in with their eyes opened and ready to cope with what the department throws at them. Mia is currently being re-edited and should be on site properly within a few weeks.
Lizzie :-)

Lizzie,

This is a very interesting in informative read. I've never read anything like this before and I'm looking forward to continuing and learning more about both your life with Fostering and Fostering in general. It's honestly something I've been considering doing for a while now and I'm hoping that reading your work will help me make my decision. It's also extremely well written and I've rated it 6 stars and have added it to my watchlist so that I can return soon and read more.

Have a wonderful day!

- Scott, The Ark of Humanity

Lizzie,

This is a very interesting in informative read. I've never read anything like this before and I'm looking forward to continuing and learning more about both your life with Fostering and Fostering in general. It's honestly something I've been considering doing for a while now and I'm hoping that reading your work will help me make my decision. It's also extremely well written and I've rated it 6 stars and have added it to my watchlist so that I can return soon and read more.

Have a wonderful day!

- Scott, The Ark of Humanity

Shattered Childhood has a new Title...Tormented...and will be available on Amazon by the end of January 2012

Tragic Childhood Shattered Lives by Lizzie Scott is a revelation. I was truly surprised to read all the emotional insights, some of which I had never thought of. This ‘harrowing placement’ was disturbing to read and I sensed desperation with each turn of the page. The testing and ploys these children allot to their caregivers is alarming. The difference between these two girls is indicative of personality and circumstance, and we know they have been severely abused and damaged. I have rated this book highly for the effortless writing style and the subject matter. You’re a trooper! Claire ~ Chasing Pharaohs.

Dear Lizzie,

Your story is powerful. It has more impact since it is written so simply. My heart cried for the experiences that Jenny and Chloe experienced at the hands of those supposed to protect them. I had to cuddle my 5 year old and hold her close to me. I forgot how irritated I was at her naughty behaviour and vowed to have more patience. Your children are very special to have shared their family with children who needed them, and their love. I was so sad at the end to hear that Jenny was murdered. I will like to know what happened to Chloe. Thank you for sharing your family's story. God bless. Rachel

I grew up in a home where my mom took in three different foster kids over ther course of my childhood and there were certainly some bizzarre behaviors on all our parts but we had very fortunate experiences all in all and therfore I feel very blessed after reading this candid account so far. Intelligent and talented writing. Shelved because I'd buy this book! Skater

Its not what we go through in life, it's how we choose to go through what we go through in life. You have really put yourself out there and I thank you for it. Let me know what you think of "Just Out of Sight".
Craig (Bandof1)

‘Tragic Childhood Shattered Lives’ proves one simple truth – fostering can never be easy. Too many possibilities of what may go wrong. From the very moment a foster child comes into your house.
You have a book that makes us be more concerned about the problem. It deserves the greatest praise and respect.

Thank you, Lizzie.

Lizzie,

Working Title: Tragic Childhood, Shattered Lives - I read quite a number of chapters, wondering about the time-frame. You mention Foster Parent, which at some point was changed to Foster Carer. I admire your down to earth, informative and yet moving account, and the incredible patience with girls as disturbed as Jenny and Chloe. Your observations are acute. Some Socialworkers I met in the 90's could learn from you. Like noticing the children showed no outward concern about moving into a new home and deducing their attachment problems. You show great sensitivity in relating to these girls who are so deeply convinced they are worthless that they cannot trust positive feedback. Yet you never miss positive signs, like a first use of colour in drawings. One would assume listening to carers has improved since (is it the 70s/80s?). I'm not so sure. I experienced the pressure on Social Workers during th 90's. They still don't receive appropriate support and their plight is only brought to public attention when something goes badly wrong. Speaking up is disencouraged. Your account as a Foster Parent should be required reading for anyone who works with traumatised children. Highly rated. Pia

Dear Lizzie, your craving for Catherine Cookson, shows in your writing, [ I use to read Mrs Cookson, to my Mother everyday ]. And your book marvels with the same descriptive depth, that drew me in immediately. I am not much of a ciritic Lizzie, but I love to read. And your book had the passion and commitment to make me want more. Best wishes and good luck with your book. Take care, Cicuta, [ Carl, Arcane ].

This has obviously had a lot of thought put into it, and it is a pleasure to read.
It was definitly an eye opener...I think these needs to be out there and published in order to educate people
about fostering. There a a few grammer mistakes but they are insignificant, the story is strong and clear.
I'l be happy to place this on my shelf for 24 hours

Hi Lizzie,
you are certainly an excellent foster parent, to put up with what you have takes a lot of love and patience. Not may would be prepared to go through this kind of trauma even for a few days, never mind months.
Such a problem as well with the schooling,harrowing for the teachers, besides yourself.
I've always thought fostering requires a special gift. To accept strangers into your own family could destabilize the whole household. I can understand the need to reassure your own children that they are not being left out.
And there's the case of not picking up bad habits. Wow! so many things to consider here.
Your book is a testament to your caring nature. It is very well written and explicit throughout.
I wish you, all the best with your book which deserves to be in the book shops.
Pleased to give it a high rating and will shelve it when time allows. RATED.

Kind regards,

Neville THE SECRETS OF THE FOREST - SERIES.

Hello, again, lovely to hear from you and your commitment to star rate the books you enjoyed. It set me off on the same trail. You have so much to give with your story of love that has no bounds. What a courageous couple to take on such work.

I have worked with troubled young people and often they said to me, 'the only perdon who really cared for me was my foster mum and dad.' I used to work with this and ask what values they learned from that love and care they still have with them and adhere to. Often once we had explored this avenue the young person got back on track. Sometimes is was the thought of how they had let down the very people who had cared for them and at others, re-visiting the good values seemed a lot better option than the bad. So, I am someone who knows what a lasting effect your love for these children has on them as often society continues to give them a raw deal.

I wish you every success with this true and no-frills accounts, I think it will inspire others with your guts and determination to follow your example and give a deeper understanding of the children to all.

My star rating is 5 and you are on my shelf for the 24+ hours you need to benefit. love, Mary

A significant book because of the insight it brings to the reader of the complexity of relationships, and trauma for the cared for and the carer with fostering children. This book entertains, educates and arouses all sorts of emotions for the reader. It is also an inspirational book as it sends out messages of hope that there are some people who care a lot about others and have the patience and courage to support and offer a decent framework for those who need it.

Backed with pleasure.

Lisa

Wow. What an eyeopener.I knew things were bad but it is always a surprise to learn details.You are a brave soul LIzzie for one can never be the same after gaining knowledge of some types of situations. It is hard to keep any faith in people. But on the other hand what a reward you must have in terms of meaning and purpose. backed whole halfheartedly.
if you have time, take a look at You Turn, thanks, Lynne

You blow quite a few myths away regarding fostering here. And even at the most harrowing time you are looking fo reasons behind what others would see as completely intoelrable behaviour. "Hats off to you" for putting up with all this, and the same goes for your family. As for the writing itself, I found it a bit "samey" - nothing actually wrong that I can point to, but it almost reads like a history book. Maybe that is your intention, but I think more use of recollected dialogue, and some more colour around the edges (description of what the children look like, their mannerisms etc) would help. In the meantime, backed with pleasure. Colin

interesting exploration of the problems of fostering

Lynne Ellison

The Green Bronze Mirror

Fostering children even on a temporary basis can be no easy ride and 'Tragic Childhood Shattered Lives demonstrates this very well.
Backed with pleasure.
Daniel Manning
No Compatibility.

I read almost all of 19 chapters - the other three I couldn't open.
This is more than half way to being a very good and valuable book.
There seem to be formatting problems in the dialogue passages in the last couple of chapters with big gaps and odd line breaks ... some parts have apparently not retained the formatting of the original files. Lots of small editorial matters to be sorted out.
One section about the departure of the dog appeared twice.
There were occasional muddles over the verbs to lay, and to lie, which need sorting.
But it's already compulsive reading - I had not intended to read more than five chapters, but had I been able to open all, I would have read all.
Many more books on this subject are needed, they expose a major problem which has always existed; it wasn't invented in the twentieth century, and in all probability come the twenty-fifth century it will still be with us.
Very best wishes for this book.
RT

Thank you Roger for your comments, always much appreciated, not only about literacy content, but also making me aware of the problem with formatting dialogue.
I had problems with uploading the dialogue and had to save it to notebook then reformat before it would upload properly. Looks like I will have to take another look at it.
Thanks again for letting me know about this problem.
Lizzie :-)

I read almost all of 19 chapters - the other three I couldn't open.
This is more than half way to being a very good and valuable book.
There seem to be formatting problems in the dialogue passages in the last couple of chapters with big gaps and odd line breaks ... some parts have apparently not retained the formatting of the original files. Lots of small editorial matters to be sorted out.
One section about the departure of the dog appeared twice.
There were occasional muddles over the verbs to lay, and to lie, which need sorting.
But it's already compulsive reading - I had not intended to read more than five chapters, but had I been able to open all, I would have read all.
Many more books on this subject are needed, they expose a major problem which has always existed; it wasn't invented in the twentieth century, and in all probability come the twenty-fifth century it will still be with us.
Very best wishes for this book.
RT

This is just my sort of book and deserves to be published.

I admire all of you wonderful souls involved in helping the helpless. This book deserves to be published. There is too much abuse in our society directed towards the innocent ones. It is an eye opener and at times quite sickening, but the story needs to be told. Backed with pleasure. Eunice - The Temple dancer.

this book needs to be on the book shelfs asap so as people can see just what some of our children go through in life just how awful things can be for some of the children with in the care sistam and how the foster cares play a part in helping the children that they haveto look after it is so nice nowing there are poeple out there willing to give so much to these children and give so much time and TLC

I love the idea of a loft full of 'cuddles'. It's that kind of trait that marks out people who are suited to be foster carers. As I read on, I realise the wealth of wisdom and expertise you possess too (not to mention being a shopaholic for children's clothes). Plus superhuman patience and tolerance and good natured-ness. It came as a shock and yet no surprise to learn what the girls' mother had been doing during the home visits.

Written with clarity and without drama, it's an easy read, but so disturbing. Few people appreciate how mistreatment can result in the most inexplicable behaviour in even very young children. It's important that parents and anyone involved in the caring professions or even thinking about it, should be aware, and this honest and frank book will certainly help achieve that ... backed.

Possible nits: 'that due to Jenny's age', you need to say, here or earlier, that Jenny is one of the prospective foster children - similar with Vikki, e.g. 'This had caused a small issue with a previous placement, Vikki. Being the same age as Claire, and in the same class, meant Claire had no time away from her'. 'with had a ready smile', omit 'had'?

You write a heartbreaking tale in simple, matter-of-fact language. Your explanations in the first chapter of typical reactions of children to their circumstances was good, - their emotional distancing and fear or expectation of rejection. I am surprised that foster parents are not told more of the children's history, I would have thought it essential information, especially when they have their own family and pets who might be affected. I would like to write more, but I saw nothing to criticise in your writing, and anyway, my eyes are still teary. Very well done and backed.
A few typos I picked up in a separate message. Marj.

Wow, what a pitch. The story delivers. Well written.

Suz

Backed.

touching and effective. written well, and at a pace that reads very well; l hope this does well. on my watchlist...
read SEASONS...

Short sentences make this very easy to read. I think that you have a good story line here and the little odd, sometimes violent events that you weave throughout the three chapters that I've read really set the reader up for what is to come. I do find the writing a bit too simple though. There's not really much in between. You just tell it like it is, exactly what's happening and that's it. But that's probably just your style of writing and there's no saying that it won't work for you. I think I need to read more of this.

Best of luck!

Lacey

Your are totally fantastic, Lizzie! :) How can I ever thank you enough for backing my 2 memoir books? :) You make me totally estatic. :) God bless you. :) Love, Susie :) p.s. I'll #20 to put your book on my watchlist. :)

Well, I read as far as chapter twelve before I realised how much time I had spent. Not only is the detail in this book an elemental draw, your writing style has much to commend it simply on style and structured pace alone.

I will obviously say how distraught the details make the writing more interesting but I can tell you that it is exactly that, the eye for detail, that marks this out as a crafted piece as well as an interesting non-fiction story.

The fact that the abused children would normally write/ draw only with black pencil to begin with, only moving onto colour when some sense of security had been achieved, is a complelling vignette of knowledge that only those in real contact with such horror would know.

Of course you and your husband, along with the rest of your family, must be commended on doing something so vital, so important and yet so obvioiusly abhorrent to almost all of us.

I would back this book on a daily basis if I thought it would help but as one backing is all that will achieve anything please accept it with my humble apologies.

I wish you all the best luck with getting this published and I hope fervently that, had I read on, those bastards got everything they deserved. If it ever does get published it should be supported and highlighted in every corner of society.

BACKED

Working Title: Tragic Childhood Shatters Lives

Dear Lizzle Scott,

Your pitch was perfect.

The story is awful and well told.

Backed with confidence that this book should be published.

A Zoomer
(Going Out In Style)

This is a truly moving read however the huge paragraphs detract from the story. It makes the reader stray from what is a powerful story.

Also watch the sentance lengths. One sentance in the first long paragraph has 125 words in it ! It definately detracts and its hard to follow.

Im backing this on the fantastic promise that it shows. Its a story that needs told.

This is gripping stuff. However, you might want to break up your sentances a bit, to make reading large chunks of writing easier.
Backed with pleasure, Sana x
Saffire Drake & The Three Keys
P.S. If you could find the time to return my read I would be grateful.

This is a touching, gritty true story. Throught provoking. Vivid scenes. Evocative narrative. Confident writing. Backed.

This is one of the most horrfic things I have ever read,
I feel sick.

WOW your pitch grabbed me. The most evocative pitch I've read on this site. You have a beautiful heart and what you do is fantastic. I enjoy the honesty of the story. Your paragraphing needs a little work to make it easier to read, but the content was too good for me to let that stand in my way.

In chapter 1, we see how Jenny and Chloe came into your life, and the pitfalls of an emergency situation, as well as your generosity and how honest you are, even with yourself, but with reason to be. I can see why you don't like those emergency situations.

In chapter 2, we see how quickly the destruction began, and just how troubled these two girls are. How did they end up so hurt. There is sort of a mystery going on at the start of your novel in that regard. Jenny and Chloe both have their own struggles. Jenny is fighting to have some sort of control in her life, while Chloe is so afraid of losing that reassurance she needs that she will hurt anyone that may step in her way from getting that comfort. It's sad for them, but also dangerous for those around them. And when it results in your own family getting hurt, and the sleepless nights and stress it caused you, it must be hard to pull it together to help them. You really are a saint.

In chapter 3 (and by the way, may I add I love the pace of this. Get's right down to what the situation is without sacrificing the emotion of the situation). You brought tears to my eyes as you shared what was going on with Jenny. And poor Chloe is so conflicted--to be afraid to be alone with her sister but also not wanting to be away from her (the one person she has always known that is still in her life) is horrible.

In chapter 4, we hear more about how far this sexual abuse went with Jenny's grandfather. I am curious about the mother visiting. The whole thing not only shares a very sad story, but also gives more of an insight into foster care. I wonder if the sexual abuse is the reason for Jenny's "leak" (instead of wetting herself). Also, the soiling herself probably also had to do with wanting to be in control of things in her life.

In chapter 5! GRRR! How did that police woman not know better! You have such a good attitude through all this. You don't wallow in self pity or dwell on things. You accept things as they are and stay focused on the goal: helping these girls.

In chapter 6....You have such a healthy mind. I'm so glad you took the approach of "it's not wrong, just private" with the most recent situation with Jenny. OMG was the entire family abusing these girls? The uncle and the grandmother and grandfather? I feel kind of sad for the mother too--who just seems incapable of being a mother. Hopefully she saw it as best for her daughters to be in your care.

Chapter7--I wonder the significance of the spider, but glad they calmed down after a few weeks of that. I can't even imagine a day in the life you are describing.

Chapter 8--we get to see how even your friends and children seem to be on board at wanting to help these two little girls.

Chapter 9--I didn't know they called it foster carers instead of foster parents now. It is good that you could see times where the girls were looking for control, but didn't turn it all into a battle. It shows compassion on your part. I'm still really curious what is going on with their mother. I don't think people just "let" those things happen to their children. The mother must have problems too. This is so sad that there really are people whose lives are like this. What a reality check.

Chapter 10 we see another layer of behavior in Jenny. Whether it's re-inactment, or just acting on impulse without knowing the behavior is wrong. Sounds like Susan was threatening the girls, though I have to be honest I think you could expand on that area a bit because it wasn't exactly clear to me what had been said.

Chapter 11--So sad. Clearly Susan wants her children back but it's clearly not the healthiest situation for them, even if she isn't at the grandfather's house anymore. Also, she is so desperate for their love she is manipulating them. She's also playing into the girls trying to put you two against each other.

Chapter 12--Okay! OMG! That explains the spider thing! The mother Susan needs help, clearly. She is going about trying to get her children back all the wrong way. Sadly, this is how it is, from what I understand. Instead of trying to protect them from those who hurt them, the mother is hinging on their fear. I am so sorry they tricked you. How disgustingly manipulative the whole situation was. I love your determination to help these little girls.

Will you be posting more? I would LOVE to read more if you do!! You need a little work on punctuation to polish this off, but at it's core it's one of the best things I've read on Authonomy. Thank you for sharing. this is just one of those stories that needed to be told, and more importantly, a story that needs to be read. You have all my support here on Authonomy. Good luck with this--it deserves publication.

xBeccaX
The Forever Girl

Hi Lizzie, this is well worth a place on the editor's desk; a story that should be heard. It's unbelievable what some children have to endure and your honesty and natural writing style are evident. Backed.

Dear LIzzie
this book need to be on those book shelves in the stores not just on here. this is a story that has been so well told. when i say story i mean it in the non-fiction sense. honest, open, real, heartrending, i cried. this work is a labour of love and how one gets the strength , is beyond. the impact of this book is great, and it should be. congrats to you, congrats to the work, congrats on the book.
I know my comments sound disjointed but this book has disjointed me SO GOOD AND WELL CRAFTED Lizzie
I do wish you all the best in rising and also getting this book of your published

BACKED BY ME FOR SURE.
Please take a moment to look, comment which is important to me, and back my book. if not that is OK also

The VERY best of luck to you

Denise
The Letter

I have read newspaper reports and two- page articles about adoptions and the trauma's involved but to have this presented in a book brings the matter home. This shows the continuity of the process and explains that it is on top of bringing up a family as well. A real eye-opener, thank you and good luck. Paula Barrett (Cuthbert-how mean is my valley)

Dear Lizzie,

sorry this took so long but I have been on holiday and have simply been reading to catch up and not responding. Really enjoyed your book and will read more and comment again very soon.

Rusty
The Mental Pause

This is an absorbing read; you have a natural direct style of writing (though it needs an edit) and the story you tell is riveting. Have you submitted it to Harper True? If I were scouting for that imprint, I'd be interested, in spite of the fact that it would need to be twice the length for publication.

12 August 2010
Tragic Childhood is presented in businesslike but graphic detail. Structurally the segments incline to be lengthy but there is no doubt as to the validity of the story contained therein. Painful experiences are vividly described and the difficulties encountered in attempting to analyse the behaviour and thought processes of foster children, influenced as they are by previous 'care and attention', are identified. This work is competent and knowledgeable and is virtually an informal treatise. BACKED. Robert Davidson. The Tuzla Run

Have just started reading and it is eye opening, do not understand how children can be so badly trreated.

This book - on the little read so far - should be part of material used for foster carer training.

I back this book all the way good luck Lizzie.

Peekie

wow.. that is such a powerfull and eye opening story .. shows how depraved some people are and how loving u and howard are... social services never recognise the hard work and dedecated u and your family have given to care for these poor children... absolutly moving and heart wrenching. couldnt put it down.

Hi Lizzie, well done. An insight into fostering that, from experience, rings all too true. Well written and involving, though I would take note about the comment on paragraphs below (though most of them are shorter than some of my sentences - pot and kettle).

I hope that this gets widely read, good luck.

KA

Hi, thanks again for backing me.

Points made have been noted and I am editing at the moment...just takes a while to do what with the day job as well.

Good luck with your writing, I'm reading later as have a pile of ironing to do due to spending too much time on this site ha-ha, so many books to read :-)

Hi Lizzie, well done. An insight into fostering that, from experience, rings all too true. Well written and involving, though I would take note about the comment on paragraphs below (though most of them are shorter than some of my sentences - pot and kettle).

I hope that this gets widely read, good luck.

KA

Lizzie,
I couldn't stop reading your book - it was truly interesting!; it is a frank read about your life as a foster parent. I am sure it has not been easy and dealing with children from all walks of life, is simply grueling especially when they are victims of sexual abuse. It is really hard explaining and helping children who have been victims of these terrible state of affairs.

The only thing I would suggest are the paragraphs - break them to allow easy read. Your language flows very well so reading the book becomes a continuous affair - literally translated, I could not put it down :)

I am backing this book because of the courage you took as a foster parent, to reveal some of the sad state of affairs that you have to deal with at your end. As a parent, we want to make sure our children live their lives as normally and as untarnished as possible and so you speak through this lovely book of yours!

Backed with utmost pleasure!

Romilla
Forgetting Sally

Lizzie-

Your book is very substantial.


Great flow of language, magical voice and solid characters make this book a must-read story. The plot is fresh and very sensible in many ways. The writer is very keen to details that he transforms the story into a more believable event. Dialogues among the characters are well polished. I feel that we have to keep supporting writers, who are obviously keen and dedicated to their craft but they find it hard to become published. This is one of the wonderful things about Authonomy, that writers can share their work with other keen writers or readers. Your work certainly does not seem out of place on Authomony, and I can easily imagine it finding its way into print some day. I have backed your book as I felt that your efforts deserved my support.
Best of luck with your writing.

FLETCH
STORIES FROM A LEAKING MIND

Interesting and clearly knowledgeable telling of life as a foster parent.

In the first para of ch1 you make a few assumptions that confused me.You mention Jenny and Vicky and Claire as though we already know who they are, but we don't.

You write in quite long paragraphs which is a little hard on the brain. I would suggest breaking them up into smaller chunks.

Otherwise I think it's a very well handled piece. Backed.

I am a foster mom and I can so relate to this book - it is one of the toughest jobs Ive ever had. Backed - so real it's frightening. Backed 100%

Liz
The Cheech Room