Have You Considered Gifting an Inscribed Book For the Holidays? It's Easier Than You Might Think!
With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time of year to gift a book to a friend, family member or colleague. As an author, I’m thrilled to offer inscribed copies of both of my published books. Jackson is a #1 Amazon Best-Seller and Steering Through It is a multiple award-winner!
If you would prefer to gift an audiobook or ebook, it’s easy to do! Go to Amazon.ca (or the country you live in) and find the book. Click “give as a gift”. You can choose to e-mail the e-book with a future delivery date, or print out a voucher (which you might love to place in a holiday greeting card.
With the holiday season upon us, it’s the perfect time of year to gift a book to a friend, family member or colleague. As an author, I’m thrilled to offer inscribed copies of both of my published books. Jackson is a #1 Amazon Best-Seller and Steering Through It is a multiple award-winner!
You are invited to place your order and I’ll be happy to ship the book (books) directly to you. If you prefer ebook or audiobook formats, please jump to the bottom of this blog post.
“With unwavering empathy, Jackson is a bold and unforgettable story of a family navigating through the terrifying waters of mental illness. While there is no simple fix with a kiss to the forehead, will Jackson learn to hear the chatter in his head and know what to do about it? Will love and hope prevail?“An important book for anyone going through challenging times with a teenager.”
“A must-read, especially for parents, teachers, and social workers.”
“I have been on both sides of this story so it really resonated with me. I have no doubt that there are many people who might recognize at least some part of themselves in Jackson or his parents or even his friends.”
“A life-threatening illness crushes the world around you and around those you love. How do we cope with diagnosis physically, emotionally, and spiritually? How do we move on? What are the most helpful ways to support others in crisis? In the end, what does it all mean?“
“A beautiful memoir that will make you want to laugh and cry. Very well written – I read it all at once, couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend EVERYONE read this book!” … “I found a tremendous amount of hope and inspiration in the author’s voice, and admire the author’s instinct to blend the narrative with inner thought. Well done."
"I could really picture myself in her shoes and it was riveting and brought me to tears. She and her family handled what happened next with humanness and grace.”
BONUS - TEN inscribed paperbacks of Jackson are also being given away on Goodreads.
Enter here to win!
Both books are also available in ebook and audiobook formats. See below!
If you would prefer to gift an audiobook or ebook, it’s easy to do! Go to Amazon.ca (or the country you live in) and find the book. Click “give as a gift”. You can choose to e-mail the e-book with a future delivery date, or print out a voucher (which you might love to place in a holiday greeting card. Here are the links:
Jackson… Demons and Desperation/Love and Hope
All the best of health and happiness to you and yours!
How Are You Today?
When is the last time you openly discussed your own mental health and wellness with friends or family members? As a parent, can we speak honestly about our fears when one of our own children is struggling? Can we comfortably talk about it ourselves if we are the ones in crisis?
“I’m fine thanks,” or “Couldn’t be better” are typical answers to the age-old question. But how do we respond if we are in fact, nearing the ledge? We don’t want to burden our family and friends after all. They have enough going on in their own lives, don’t they? Perhaps we are embarrassed and don’t want anyone else to know. Maybe we’re worried we’ll be judged by others or we aren’t aware of the wealth of resources at our fingertips, many of which are outside of traditional counselling and therapy.
How do we respond, if we are in fact, nearing the ledge?
Published in the Kingsville Neighbourhood Magazine, June 2021
When is the last time you openly discussed your own mental health and wellness with friends or family members? As a parent, can we speak honestly about our fears when one of our own children is struggling? Can we comfortably talk about it ourselves if we are the ones in crisis?
“I’m fine thanks,” or “Couldn’t be better” are typical answers to the age-old question. But how do we respond if we are in fact, nearing the ledge? We don’t want to burden our family and friends after all. They have enough going on in their own lives, don’t they? Perhaps we are embarrassed and don’t want anyone else to know. Maybe we’re worried we’ll be judged by others or we aren’t aware of the wealth of resources at our fingertips, many of which are outside of traditional counselling and therapy.
When our day-to-day life is negatively impacted because of how we are feeling, those around us are most definitely affected, as much as we may not want to admit it. Can we recognize the signs of those who are struggling, including caregivers?
My most recent book “Jackson” was written after speaking with many people, both those in caregiver roles and struggling themselves. Although fictional, it is a compilation of the real-life experiences of a mother and son as they fight their demons and desperation with love and hope. Generating honest, open, and real conversations, “Jackson” is helping us become comfortable talking about this subject which has been “taboo” for far too long.
Suicide is the second-largest cause of death for our youth between 15 – 24 years of age in Canada. There is a growing movement recommending that we as parents have “The Talk” with our teenagers which includes a purely preventative, science-based, 4-step script. Jackie Simmons (Co-Founder of the Teen Suicide Prevention Society) believes that having “The Talk” just might save our child’s life. Her TEDx speech is empowering.
In a series of surveys conducted by the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital and a world-leading research centre in this field), one year into the pandemic, “About one in five Canadians reported high levels of mental distress”. If we are not experiencing this ourselves directly, someone we care for likely is or will be.
Why not pick up the phone or visit someone you haven’t checked in with for a while? Start the conversation that may be so desperately needed, for yourself or that individual. It just may be the spark that helps you or someone else take the first step towards a hopeful future.
References
The Centre for Addictions and Mental Health
https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-health-and-covid-19/covid-19-national-survey
Lynn’s website with mental health resource links
https://lynnmclaughlin.com/jackson
Have “The Talk” to Stop Teen Suicide TEDx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzmmBXgXb70
RAISING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS: WRITING "JACKSON"
When is the last time each of us openly discussed mental illness with friends or family members? As a parent, can we speak honestly about our fears and desperation when one of our own children is living with this debilitating disease? Can we comfortably talk about it ourselves if we are the ones in crisis?
When is the last time each of us openly discussed mental illness with friends or family members? As a parent, can we speak honestly about our fears and desperation when one of our own children is living with this debilitating disease? Can we comfortably talk about it ourselves if we are the ones in crisis?
The goals for my most recent book Jackson are very clear, as a mother and son find themselves wandering through the constantly evolving landscape of acute and chronic mental health. This novel is meant to help increase understanding and raise awareness so we can recognize the signs of those around us who are struggling, including caregivers. I hope it generates honest, open, and real conversations where we can each become comfortable talking about this subject which has been “taboo” for far too long.
The most rewarding aspect of being an author comes from the reader and book club invitations. It’s the validation that we have indeed met our goals. In the past month, after the release of Jackson, time and time again the feedback from readers (and audiobook listeners) has been heartwarming.
Thank you to Mary-Anne and her fellow book club members in LaSalle, Ontario. It was a pleasure to hear feedback from you and discover how “Jackson” touched each of you in very different ways.
Jackson is increasing awareness as affirmed by those who are facing their own mental illness.
“His experiences are raw and uncut, as confused and desperate as one can feel when all you know is heightened awareness of all that’s around you. Everyday tasks can seem like mountains to climb, and giving up looks more and more appealing.” (Savera, Goodreads)
“While this book is fictional, the situations that are dealt with are very real. I know through first hand experience of having dealt with my own mental health challenges and how people treated me, with misunderstanding, with curiosity, with insensitivity but with a single parent mother who loved me, stood by each and every moment.” (Ian, Goodreads)
This novel is also an accurate portrayal of the unique and personal battle fought by every family who is faced with the unthinkable. How do we cope as caregivers?
“Kudos to Lynn on capturing the feelings of Jackson as he struggles with his mental illness and her portrayal of every parents’ heartache in recognizing and coping with the reality of having such a child. Very insightful and definitely worth reading!” (Mare, Amazon)
“Jackson is a stark but clear guide as to how one family finds a way to first acknowledge and then to ultimately accept the realities of mental health and through it all maintain a deep and abiding love for one another…. In its entirety, Jackson provides a sense of safety and security in the knowledge that there are pathways through the convoluted and terrifying world of mental health. There are ways that can and do nurture compassion and love.” (Introduction of Jackson by A Goyette, MSW/RSW)
“I thought of Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar as I read this. I felt a need to help Jackson but found myself wanting. Whatever. Any book on a par with The Bell Jar is worth reading, at any time, any place. Read it.” (C. Maddox, Goodreads)
One in five of us in Canada and the United States will experience a mental illness in our lifetime. If it doesn’t happen to us directly, it likely will for someone we care for. With unwavering empathy, Jackson is a bold and unforgettable story of a family navigating through the terrifying waters of mental illness. While there is no simple fix with a kiss to the forehead, will Jackson learn to hear the chatter in his head and know what to do about it? Will love and hope prevail?
Why not pick up the phone or visit someone you haven’t checked in with for a while? Start the conversation that may be so desperately needed. You may be the spark that helps someone take the first step towards their future.
Addendum: If you are a member of a book club, I’d be honoured to join you and your group either in person or virtually. Let’s talk!
JACKSON
Jackson battles to take control of his own mind and life but is haunted by demons. His mother faces her own turmoil and anguish, struggling to accept and understand the unthinkable, as she desperately tries to save her son.
With unwavering empathy, “Jackson” is a bold and unforgettable story of a family navigating through the terrifying waters of mental illness. While there is no simple fix with a kiss to the forehead, will Jackson learn to hear the chatter in his head and know what to do about it? Will love and hope prevail?
"Jackson" Rises to #1 on Kindle in Canada. What is Happening Behind the Scenes to Make This Possible?
I’ve been working with writers who have chosen different paths to publish. There are many options today. Each one has its pros and cons. Regardless of which way you go, marketing and promotion are going to fall on your lap.
“Jackson” did not become a best seller because of its content. I would love to believe it did but would be naive in doing so. It was a result of strategic, step-by-step actions taken over months of time and the involvement of many people along the way.
It was almost one year ago when I began working with FriesenPress by receiving an Editor’s Manuscript Evaluation. After several conversations with my representative for many reasons, I chose this publishing option, but specifically because of its worldwide distribution network.
We select our launch path based on choices and what we need as an author. Jackson had two rounds of formal content editing, custom interior layout with revision rounds, and premium book cover design, all with experts in their field. After three cycles back and forth, the cover became an outstanding portrayal of the main character, better than I envisioned it ever would. The bottom line has to be quality. As an author, you are driven to offer the best possible content and overall “package” to your readers.
I’ve been working with writers who have chosen different paths to publish. There are many options today. Each one has its pros and cons. Regardless of which way you go, marketing and promotion are going to fall on your lap. You have the option of hiring a publicist should you wish. I chose to take it on myself and shared our “Time to Publish” plan on my YouTube channel for 9 weeks before our launch party. Step by step, with the help of the remarkable people on the launch team and hours of dedication, we made it happen. Trust me, we had our surprises, especially when I discovered that Jackson could to not be made available for pre-release sales. One step back, two steps forward, as they say.
Every author wants their books to become bestsellers. It means countless people worldwide are reading your work, and you hope your writing is having an impact. If Jackson drives conversations about mental illness within families and between friends, my goal will come to fruition. We need each other now more than ever before.
Jackson did not become a best seller because of its content. I would love to believe it did but would be naïve in doing so. It resulted from strategic, step-by-step actions taken over months and many people's involvement along the way.
Thank you Colleen Gascoigne, Melissa Lyons, Jenn Sadai, Chelsea Stephens and Gianna Romano. This launch team certainly found ways to think outside of the box and develop a plan that could work in the midst of a pandemic. To my family and friends, I am blessed to have you in my life and never take that for granted. Finally, to each of you who are reading this, much appreciation for your support. To Yvonne Marrs, the character of Jackson could not have been possible without your insights and personal experiences. Your honesty, vulnerabilty and willingness to share what it is like to struggle with anxiety made this book possible.
Now comes the time that authors look forward to - the responses and reviews of readers. There are scenes in Jackson where you will agree or disagree with the decisions made or action taken. That’s the point. We each have our own experiences to draw upon. Let’s engage in that conversation without hesitation or fear of what others might think. Let’s listen, seek to understand, and knock down the stigma of this disease.
We must change the way we see and treat this mental health crisis in our world.
Almost one half (forty-nine percent) of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about this problem and only one in five children with mental-health problems receive mental health services.
Mental illness has become a crisis in Canada and around the world. 13% of us are currently struggling with some type of mental illness. The impact on the lives of those affected is overwhelming. After almost a year of research, interviews and consultations with many who have been personally affected, Jackson is now being released. Fellow author, Yvonne Marrs shared personal and powerful insights with vulnerability and honesty to help form the character of Jackson.
A powerful new book based on true stories, Jackson’s battle to take control over his own mind and life portrays what millions of people are fighting with around the world – mental illness. His mother, desperate to free him from his demons and desperation, faces her own turmoil and anguish, doing anything possible to save her son, through love and hope. How many emotional, heartbreaking and even triumphant moments will they face? How do they move on after each? How do June and Jackson move from denial to a place of acceptance and understanding?
As written in the book’s introduction by Alan Goyette (MSW, RSW Clinical Social Worker), “For those of you who have lived this experience, that face will be all too familiar. For those of you who have not, that face will aid you in developing a greater understanding of and compassion for those who demand your support.”
Co-hosted by authors Jenn Sadai and Melissa Lyons, join us for 45 minutes at the virtual book launch party for Jackson using the Zoom platform on Wednesday, October 21st beginning at 7 pm EST.
Enjoy the book trailer created by Francis Yap of Mission Informatics and please register using the link on the top right corner of the page. Let’s continue to take action and change the conversation about how we see and treat mental illness.