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A blog on sensitivities and ethics in Geraldine Lavelle's forthcoming book on Living with a Spinal Injury, 'When The Apple Is Ripe It Will Fall'. (ShadowScript Publications, 2025).<figure id="figure-f475rx71sum3x31s18"><img id="f475rx71sum3x31s18" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39n9dyxnTeIZ1NHy9CWppRywaasz1msro4uD2vzKHGlkfr3q5pjb2pXU0hY3s8HV.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39n9dyxnTeIZ1NHy9CWppRywaasz1msro4uD2vzKHGlkfr3q5pjb2pXU0hY3s8HV.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> Editing and ghostwriting any book requires a fine balance of skill, empathy, and professionalism. Still, the stakes are even higher when the subject involves deeply personal experiences—such as living with a spinal injury. Recently, we had the privilege of contributing to Geraldine Lavelle’s forthcoming book, a powerful exploration of her life and resilience after sustaining a spinal injury. This journey has taught us invaluable lessons about navigating the delicate responsibilities of assisting in telling someone else's story. From the outset, it was clear that Geraldine's book is more than just a memoir—it’s a message of hope, awareness, and advocacy. It aims to educate readers about the realities of living with a spinal injury while breaking down stereotypes and fostering empathy. This dual purpose set the tone for how we approached our role with Geraldine, ensuring that her voice remained authentic and her experiences were treated with dignity and respect. One of the core principles of ghostwriting is to let the author’s voice shine through, and this is particularly important when dealing with sensitive topics. Every person’s journey with disability is unique, and we took great care to ensure that Geraldine’s perspective wasn’t filtered or diluted. Whether describing the physical challenges of her injury or the emotional highs and lows of her ongoing recovery, our task was to amplify her voice, not overshadow it with ours.<figure id="figure-nx525pilym3x32gp0"><img id="nx525pilym3x32gp0" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2099124803/photo/red-apple-on-white-background.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=-wG67zQkz49oqPmucblEHvDgZpPOsNJ1P1Gre7brfMA=" alt="Red apple on white background." title="Red apple on white background." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2099124803/photo/red-apple-on-white-background.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=-wG67zQkz49oqPmucblEHvDgZpPOsNJ1P1Gre7brfMA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> We worked closely with Geraldine to capture the nuances of her tone, word choice, and storytelling style. This collaboration allowed us to translate her spoken words into text that felt natural, maintaining the honesty and emotion central to her narrative. Writing about trauma requires a delicate touch. On one hand, it’s essential to be truthful and transparent about the challenges faced by the author. On the other, the writing must avoid sensationalism or an overly clinical tone. Geraldine’s experiences were often harrowing, and we had to find ways to help in presenting these moments with the gravity they deserved while also celebrating her resilience and the support systems that helped her along the way. In crafting the narrative, we kept the potential audience in mind: including individuals with spinal injuries, their loved ones, medical and health professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the subject. By balancing honesty with hope, the book seeks to inspire without trivialising the difficulties involved. As a team who do not live with a spinal injury, we were acutely aware of the risk of projecting assumptions or biases onto the story and my edits. This meant asking questions and writing notes in the margins rather than making assumptions and prioritising Geraldine’s lived reality.<figure id="figure-pz4uaxyw0znm3x33m8b"><img id="pz4uaxyw0znm3x33m8b" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1304915190/photo/white-mail-envelope-with-red-marker-message-on-blue-background.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=Ifqykgxhtwmlwsy-jKPwNnj1VBCZyXlapTrhgtHDIl0=" alt="White mail envelope with red marker message on blue background" title="White mail envelope with red marker message on blue background" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure> Helping someone unpack their life story—particularly one marked by trauma—requires emotional intelligence. There were moments during the writing when Geraldine revisited painful memories. The role of the review team was to provide a safe space for these reflections, to listen without judgment, and to pause the writing process when it became overwhelming for her. The writing timeline remained flexible, ensuring her well-being was prioritised over deadlines. This is important when working with any author, and in this case we pushed out the deadline by a couple of months to allow for a period of reflection. One of Geraldine’s goals for the book was to create a narrative that would resonate not only with people who share similar experiences but also with a broader audience. This meant focusing on universal themes such as resilience, self-discovery, and the power of community, while also diving into the specific challenges of living with a spinal injury. By blending her personal anecdotes with insights about accessibility, mental health, and societal attitudes toward disability, the book aims to bridge the gap between lived experience and public understanding. Working on this book has been both humbling and rewarding. It has underscored the importance of listening, learning, and respecting someone else’s story. Geraldine’s courage, candour, and humour shine through in every chapter, making this not just a book about spinal injuries, but a testament to human strength and adaptability. Editing Geraldine Lavelle’s book has been a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling. It’s a story that needs to be told, not just for Geraldine, but for everyone navigating life with a spinal injury and for those who wish to better understand their journey. The experience has reinforced our team's belief that ethical storytelling, especially when dealing with sensitive subjects, can foster connection, empathy, and change.

When The Apple Is Ripe, It Will Fall

Mockup wall in the children's room on white wall background,Scandinavian style children room

What’s in a Name? The Emotional Weight of Identity in Childhood &nbsp; Names are more than mere labels; they are imbued with meaning, tied to identity, belonging, and personal history. For many, their name is a gift from family—a thread linking them to their heritage and loved ones. But what happens when the sanctity of a name is mishandled, altered, or dismissed? In her deeply moving memoir, *IS-Abel: An Inspiring Story of Survival and Hope Through Northern Ireland’s Care System*, Isabel Kelly shares how the simple misspelling of her name created a ripple effect on her identity, forcing her to navigate feelings of loss and disconnection while ultimately reclaiming her sense of self. &nbsp; The Importance of a Name From the moment of birth, names become central to our identity. They are often chosen with love and care, reflecting cultural traditions, familial ties, or aspirations for the child’s future. For Isabel, her given name was "Isobel," a cherished connection to her biological family. It was more than a name—it was a link to her grandmother and great-grandmother, both named Isobella. However, the first cracks in that connection appeared when she discovered, aged fourteen, that her passport spelled her name as "Isabel." &nbsp; This discrepancy might seem minor to some, but for Isabel, it was devastating. The correct spelling of her name had been a constant in her tumultuous early life—a symbol of stability in a world of upheaval. The discovery raised uncomfortable questions: Did her biological parents ever care enough to notice this mistake? Did the nuns and social workers responsible for her care not see the importance of something so simple, yet so significant? Her reflections highlight how even small administrative oversights can have profound emotional consequences for children in care. &nbsp; A Loss of Identity For children in foster care or institutional systems, identity is often a fragile construct. Isabel’s experience exemplifies how easily that fragility can be exacerbated. She learned later in life that her name’s incorrect spelling was likely due to a verbal error during her admission into care. A staff member’s phonetic guess became her official name on record, shaping how the world saw her for decades. &nbsp; This seemingly trivial mistake carried enormous weight. Isabel recalls the pain of having to correct doctors, teachers, and other authority figures about her name, each correction a reminder of her lack of control over her identity. In a system that too often dehumanises children, reducing them to case files and statistics, such errors strip away the personal connection that every child deserves.&nbsp; &nbsp; Her struggle with the incorrect spelling of her name mirrored her broader battle to find belonging and recognition. At a young age, Isabel began quietly changing the spelling to "Isabel" in her everyday life, a subtle act of rebellion and self-determination. Yet, the lingering sense of having been let down by the very people tasked with her care was hard to shake. &nbsp; The Emotional Weight of Names in Childhood Isabel’s story illuminates a larger truth: small details can profoundly affect a child's sense of self-worth. The correct spelling of her name might have been a tiny matter for the care workers and nuns responsible for her, but for Isabel, it was deeply personal. It symbolised her connection to a family she was separated from, a link to the mother she yearned to understand, and an anchor in a life that often felt adrift. &nbsp; In her memoir, Isabel reflects on the Sisters of Nazareth’s response when she eventually sought clarity. Their explanation—that children often entered care without proper documentation—highlighted systemic failings. It wasn’t just her name that was mishandled; it was her identity, her history, and her individuality. &nbsp; This lack of attention to personal details reflects a broader issue in care systems worldwide. Children in such environments often feel invisible, their unique needs and identities overshadowed by the logistical demands of the system. Isabel’s story serves as a poignant reminder that the "small" things—like spelling a name correctly—can make a world of difference in how a child sees themselves and their place in the world. &nbsp; Reclaiming Identity As an adult, Isabel took control of her narrative. Reclaiming her name was part of a broader journey of self-discovery and healing. In her forties, she wrote to the Sisters of Nazareth to understand why her name was misspelt, determined to confront the errors of the past. This act was emblematic of her resilience—an effort to untangle the mistakes that had shaped her childhood and redefine her identity on her terms. &nbsp; Through her perseverance, Isabel found strength in embracing her name and its legacy, even as she carried the scars of those early missteps. Her story is a testament to the importance of empowering children in care to claim their identities, no matter how fragmented their histories may feel. &nbsp; Why Details Matter Isabel’s journey underscores a critical takeaway: the small details matter. Whether it’s spelling a name correctly, listening to a child’s preferences, or acknowledging their unique heritage, these actions affirm their value as individuals. For children in care, who often face a profound sense of loss and invisibility, such gestures can foster belonging, stability, and hope. &nbsp; As a society, we have a responsibility to ensure that children’s identities are honoured, particularly in systems designed to protect them. Isabel’s story challenges us to reflect on how we can do better—how we can move beyond bureaucratic efficiency to truly see and support the children in our care. &nbsp; Conclusion For Isabel Kelly, reclaiming her name was about more than correcting a clerical error. It was about reclaiming her voice, her history, and her place in the world. Her journey reminds us that identity is not a luxury but a fundamental right. Names carry stories, connections, and dreams. For children in care, ensuring that those names are respected and preserved is not just a matter of accuracy—it is an act of humanity.&nbsp; &nbsp; *'IS-Abel: An Inspiring Story of Survival and Hope Through Northern Ireland’s Care System' is available to purchase on Amazon. &nbsp;

What’s in a Name? The Emotional Weight of Identity in Childhood

<h3>Shifting the Narrative Around Children in the Care System &nbsp; </h3>Perhaps one of the most profound aspects of *Still a Bit of Frost About* is its portrayal of life within the care system, revealing a side that is often hidden or sanitised. When he was separated from his siblings, Quinn was repeatedly shuffled between different children’s homes and eventually sent to Fallowfield boarding school, an institution for “troubled children.” Yet Quinn’s “trouble” was a reaction to a life of relentless instability, trauma, and lack of support. &nbsp; Fallowfield was no sanctuary. There, Quinn was subjected to humiliating and abusive treatment, like being forced to strip off his underwear in the dormitory. The environment was one where any form of “bad behaviour” resulted in punishment, where the staff appeared more focused on control than care. Such details challenge the assumption that children in care receive consistent support and compassion. Quinn’s memoir asks readers to consider the real struggles these children face and to question the shortcomings of a system that is supposed to help them heal. &nbsp; Why Stories Like This Are Needed to Shift Our Understanding &nbsp;‘Still a Bit of Frost About’ is more than just a recounting of hardships; it’s a call to see beyond the labels of “poor,” “troubled,” or “damaged.” Quinn’s experiences force readers to confront the reality that people who endure poverty and abuse are not defined by those experiences alone. Rather, they are shaped by the resilience they find to survive, and, as Quinn demonstrates, by the strength to eventually tell their stories. &nbsp; By sharing the intimate details of his life, Quinn challenges readers to think differently about those who come from backgrounds of hardship. His story gives a voice to countless others who might never have the chance to share their experiences. In doing so, he shifts the narrative around poverty and abuse from one of pity or judgment to one of compassion and understanding. &nbsp; ‘Still a Bit of Frost About’ pushes us to question our assumptions and look deeper. It’s a reminder that behind every hardship is a human story, and that by listening to these stories, we can begin to reshape our understanding of the struggles that others endure. Through his honest and moving memoir, Leo Quinn has given us all a chance to see the world a little more clearly, challenging us to be more compassionate, more aware, and more committed to making a difference.*'Still A Bit Of Frost About' by Leo Quinn is published by ShadowScript Pubications (2024). &nbsp;

Shifting the Narrative Around Children in the Care System

<h3>How ‘Still a Bit of Frost About’ Challenges Perceptions of Poverty and Abuse &nbsp;</h3>‘Still a Bit of Frost About’ by Leo Quinn is a powerful memoir that lays bare the realities of growing up in poverty and enduring cycles of abuse. Through his story, Quinn challenges commonly held perceptions about individuals who experience hardship, pushing readers to move beyond stereotypes and understand the complexities of poverty, neglect, and trauma. The narrative he shares is both stark and eye-opening, as it dismantles the misconceptions that often surround people who, like him, come from underprivileged backgrounds. &nbsp; Portraying the Reality of Poverty Beyond the Stereotype<figure id="figure-nso32lwkum3gg98eg"><img id="nso32lwkum3gg98eg" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1473668221/photo/minimalist-poor-interior-in-abandoned-house.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Jap4CtfnQXPXglTap3md_4Lamvyv1GJ9bDOSnixbGic=" alt="Minimalist poor interior in abandoned house" title="Minimalist poor interior in abandoned house" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1473668221/photo/minimalist-poor-interior-in-abandoned-house.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Jap4CtfnQXPXglTap3md_4Lamvyv1GJ9bDOSnixbGic=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> Poverty, in Quinn's account, isn’t simply about a lack of money—it’s an all-encompassing force that shapes every facet of life, from relationships to self-worth. Quinn’s childhood memories paint a vivid picture of deprivation that goes far beyond any stereotypical portrayal. He recounts how he and his siblings often scavenged through local rubbish dumps for clothes and items of value. These were the only “luxuries” they knew, as his family could barely afford food, let alone anything that might provide a sense of normalcy or dignity. &nbsp; One particularly moving detail Quinn shares is the way he viewed something as basic as a blanket as a luxury. When he first arrived at Coulter’s Hill, a children’s home, he marvelled at the “clean blankets that reached the end of the mattress.” This small detail says so much about his life before care, where a threadbare, stained blanket was all he had known. Such details force readers to think differently about poverty—not as an abstract concept but as something tangible, affecting even the simplest comforts we take for granted. &nbsp; Through these stories, Quinn dismantles the assumption that poverty is merely a financial condition. Instead, it’s shown to be a debilitating force that impacts mental health, erodes self-esteem, and ultimately influences one’s outlook on life. His descriptions offer a raw, first-hand insight into a level of deprivation that many have never encountered, showing readers the long-term scars that such a life can leave.*'Still A Bit Of Frost About' by Leo Quinn is published by ShadowScript Publications (2024) and is available on Amazon. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

How ‘Still a Bit of Frost About’ by Leo Quinn Challenges Perceptions of Poverty and Abuse

<h3>Turning Pain into Power: How Isabel Kelly Redefined Resilience in her book 'Is-Abel' &nbsp; </h3>In 'IS abel - An Inspiring Story of Survival and Hope Through Northern Ireland’s Care System', Isabel Kelly shares a journey that is as inspiring as it is heart-wrenching. Her story shows us how she transformed her pain and challenges into something profoundly powerful. Growing up in the care system in Northern Ireland and facing obstacles that might have defeated others, Isabel’s life reminds us that resilience isn’t just about surviving – it’s about finding a way to rise, grow, and thrive despite what life throws at you. &nbsp; Overcoming Academic Struggles and Reaching New HeightsOne of the remarkable aspects of Isabel’s journey is her resilience in the face of academic setbacks. She failed her O’ Levels and GCSEs twice, moments that might have crushed anyone’s self-belief. But rather than letting these setbacks define her, Isabel pushed forward, determined to rewrite her story. “I refused to let failure define me. I had to believe I was more than a series of test results, more than what my past had set out for me,” she shares.<figure id="figure-of1immv6acm3dc66it"><img id="of1immv6acm3dc66it" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1183672865/photo/graduates-wear-a-black-hat-to-stand-for-congratulations-on-graduation.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=oiRoricoBhf0DQlbZaZ1XYZQcrtHwESVUWRA0SJmaHM=" alt="Graduates wear a black hat to stand for congratulations on graduation" title="Graduates wear a black hat to stand for congratulations on graduation" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1183672865/photo/graduates-wear-a-black-hat-to-stand-for-congratulations-on-graduation.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=oiRoricoBhf0DQlbZaZ1XYZQcrtHwESVUWRA0SJmaHM=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> &nbsp; This mindset eventually led her to a milestone achievement, becoming the first foster child in her area to graduate from university. Not only was this a victory for Isabel, but it was also a beacon of hope for others who might be facing similar challenges. Her story teaches us that resilience isn’t about acing every test; it’s about persevering and finding ways to turn obstacles into stepping stones. &nbsp; Turning Trauma into Purpose &nbsp; Isabel’s early years in Northern Ireland’s care system were filled with hardship and loss. Abandoned by her mother at just four months old and facing the turbulence of a care system where she endured both emotional and physical abuse, Isabel had every reason to feel defeated. Instead, she found a way to face her trauma head-on and, with time, transformed it into a source of strength. &nbsp; In her book, she reflects on a moment in her 50s when a question from her husband prompted her to deeply examine the burdens she’d been carrying. It was then that Isabel realised how much anger and bitterness she’d been holding onto. “I realised that I’d been holding on to resentment like a shield, convinced it would protect me. In reality, it was only holding me back,” she recalls. This insight became a turning point, as Isabel chose to forgive the people who hurt her – a choice that ultimately freed her to live fully in the present. Her ability to forgive became a central piece of her journey and a redefinition of what resilience truly meant for her. &nbsp; Redefining Resilience through Forgiveness &nbsp; For Isabel, resilience wasn’t just about making it through the tough times; it was about actively choosing to release the anger and resentment that could have weighed her down. She reflects on how she wished she’d come to forgiveness sooner. “Forgiveness doesn’t mean you erase the past. It means you release its hold on you,” she explains.<figure id="figure-gi2dc4guoem3dc7nd3"><img id="gi2dc4guoem3dc7nd3" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1457305359/photo/take-my-heart.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=lr3VhBPV5jmdpJp7GHFqU3LighJvNy5E6jpXwqEPsw0=" alt="Take my heart" title="Take my heart" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1457305359/photo/take-my-heart.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=lr3VhBPV5jmdpJp7GHFqU3LighJvNy5E6jpXwqEPsw0=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> &nbsp; This insight is a powerful reminder that resilience is as much about vulnerability as it is about strength. Letting go of pain and anger allowed Isabel to move forward and focus on her personal growth, without letting her past define her. In sharing her story, she invites readers to consider their own challenges and how they might find strength through letting go. &nbsp; A Beacon of Hope for Us All &nbsp; Isabel’s story is more than just a personal triumph; it’s an invitation for others to look at their lives and find ways to turn their own pain into power. Her book shows us that resilience isn’t a trait we’re simply born with. It’s something we cultivate through the experiences that shape us, especially those that test us the most. &nbsp; By sharing her own story of transformation, Isabel shows us that resilience is about more than just endurance. It’s about embracing the hardest parts of our journey, finding a way to grow from them, and building a life that reflects who we truly are. Her journey through the care system, her academic achievements, and her personal healing demonstrate that resilience isn’t about living a perfect life. It’s about choosing to create a fulfilling one, regardless of the obstacles we face.<figure id="figure-hayoqsm9hnm3dc8mk7"><img id="hayoqsm9hnm3dc8mk7" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2157724287/photo/glowing-lights-key-shaped-hole-in-dark-empty-room.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Po2GQFNjV9xYYpdOv7UhfuUi8WAS1mNTCKi7GXv5j1Y=" alt="Glowing lights key shaped hole in dark empty room" title="Glowing lights key shaped hole in dark empty room" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2157724287/photo/glowing-lights-key-shaped-hole-in-dark-empty-room.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=Po2GQFNjV9xYYpdOv7UhfuUi8WAS1mNTCKi7GXv5j1Y=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> &nbsp; In IS abel, Isabel Kelly redefines what it means to be resilient. Her story is a reminder that, even in our darkest moments, there’s a way forward. With courage, forgiveness, and determination, we can transform pain into purpose and find the strength to truly thrive.*'IS abel - An Inspiring Story of Survival and Hope Through Northern Ireland’s Care System', is available for purchase from:<a href="https://www.bookhubpublishing.com/product/is-abel-an-inspiring-story-of-survival-and-hope-through-northern-irelands-care-system/">https://www.bookhubpublishing.com/product/is-abel-an-inspiring-story-of-survival-and-hope-through-northern-irelands-care-system/</a>

Turning Pain into Power: How Isabel Kelly Redefined Resilience

<h3>The Power of Memoir: Why We Need Stories Like Still a Bit of Frost About</h3>There’s something raw and gripping about memoirs that’s hard to find elsewhere in literature. When we pick up a memoir, we’re opening a door into someone’s life, their real, lived experiences – the highs, the lows, the traumas, and the triumphs. Books like ‘Still a Bit of Frost About’ by Leo Quinn remind us why these stories are so powerful and necessary. Through Quinn’s words, readers are taken on an intense journey, one that reveals not only the pain of a difficult upbringing but also the resilience that pulled him through. His story adds depth to the genre of memoirs tackling trauma and survival, underscoring why such narratives are so vital.<figure id="figure-lhvq5beplim3d33mik"><img id="lhvq5beplim3d33mik" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1358325825/photo/close-up-of-colorful-autumn-leaves-covered-in-frost-on-the-grass.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=tJgDUaF3cRfjZw9M6ZCjSyCyDZe0Lc2CehlY94rw2uM=" alt="Close up of colorful autumn leaves covered in frost on the grass." title="Close up of colorful autumn leaves covered in frost on the grass." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1358325825/photo/close-up-of-colorful-autumn-leaves-covered-in-frost-on-the-grass.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=tJgDUaF3cRfjZw9M6ZCjSyCyDZe0Lc2CehlY94rw2uM=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> &nbsp; Memoirs That Reveal Trauma and Resilience &nbsp; Memoirs that share stories of trauma and resilience do more than just recount events. They invite us into deeply personal spaces, challenging us to look at the world through the eyes of someone who’s been through immense hardship. In Quinn’s case, he brings us into his life from a young age, growing up in Northern Ireland’s care system, with a family broken by poverty, and against the backdrop of the Troubles. His story gives us a glimpse into the realities of children in these circumstances, children we might not otherwise hear from. &nbsp; Quinn’s life, as he describes it, was frozen in what he calls "frost"—those painfully vivid moments that linger in the memory and can feel impossible to escape. In the book, he recounts the “freezing” home life he endured, deprived of warmth, stability, or comfort. By using the metaphor of frost, Quinn gives us a visceral sense of how trauma left him feeling trapped and isolated. It’s a potent image, capturing how he was left "frozen in time," seemingly unable to grow or move forward.<figure id="figure-mzj2n4rw26hm3d34vu2"><img id="mzj2n4rw26hm3d34vu2" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/603861744/photo/frosted-grass-on-a-blurry-bokeh-sunrise-backdrop.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=BcwmtEGBgWtiA4ruGjem_X6h-XMW1AGCiWop8H5GQqo=" alt="Frosted grass on a blurry bokeh sunrise backdrop" title="Frosted grass on a blurry bokeh sunrise backdrop" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/603861744/photo/frosted-grass-on-a-blurry-bokeh-sunrise-backdrop.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=BcwmtEGBgWtiA4ruGjem_X6h-XMW1AGCiWop8H5GQqo=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> &nbsp; &nbsp;Leo Quinn’s Contribution to Resilience Memoirs &nbsp; Memoirs like Quinn’s don’t just add another story to the pile. His narrative brings a unique perspective, detailing not only his individual journey but also the broader societal issues that impacted him. When he writes about entering the care system, for example, we get a first-hand view of the institutional coldness he faced there. From the threadbare blankets he describes to the frequent hunger and lack of emotional support, Quinn paints a bleak picture of a system that should have helped him but instead, in many ways, continued his suffering. &nbsp; Yet, within this painful environment, he finds small sources of strength – primarily in his siblings and the few fleeting moments of kindness he experienced. These moments become lifelines in an otherwise difficult life. Such resilience is a theme throughout the memoir, as Quinn reflects on how he managed to hold onto his identity, even in a system that seemed intent on stripping it away.<figure id="figure-0at5x9v7rwm3d35oh1"><img id="0at5x9v7rwm3d35oh1" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1256344279/photo/girl-in-a-gray-jacket-is-sitting-on-the-sofa-and-looking-at-old-photos-in-a-photo-album.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=VNeaOdbZ6sGTW8DXXf5jdVbZVIF0Vtxatjn0X6Fujbs=" alt="girl in a gray jacket is sitting on the sofa and looking at old photos in a photo album" title="girl in a gray jacket is sitting on the sofa and looking at old photos in a photo album" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1256344279/photo/girl-in-a-gray-jacket-is-sitting-on-the-sofa-and-looking-at-old-photos-in-a-photo-album.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=VNeaOdbZ6sGTW8DXXf5jdVbZVIF0Vtxatjn0X6Fujbs=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> &nbsp; Why We Need Memoirs Like Still a Bit of Frost About &nbsp; Books like Quinn’s serve a purpose far beyond the pages they’re printed on. They preserve personal histories that might otherwise be lost or forgotten, giving voice to those who are often overlooked. For readers unfamiliar with the specifics of Northern Ireland’s history, Quinn’s memoir sheds light on the everyday struggles faced by ordinary people, not just during the Troubles, but within the complexities of the Irish Travelling community. His story works to dispel the stereotypes and misperceptions about Travellers and invites readers to consider a world they may not have known much about. &nbsp; Memoirs about trauma and resilience are also incredibly effective at building empathy. Reading Quinn’s story of neglect, abuse, and survival forces us to confront harsh realities that others face daily. It’s easy to see a headline about poverty or children in care and feel disconnected, but through Quinn’s words, these issues come alive in a very personal way. We’re reminded that behind each statistic is a real person with hopes, fears, and memories that shape them. &nbsp; The Lasting Impact of Still a Bit of Frost About &nbsp; With Still a Bit of Frost About, Leo Quinn has given us more than a memoir; he’s provided a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to survive, and the importance of sharing that journey. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, especially in the face of hardship, and it encourages readers to listen, to empathise, and to reflect on the realities faced by others.<figure id="figure-ezlxtw0lum3d37058"><img id="ezlxtw0lum3d37058" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/14fDSdeUsEaZRM9Df0ifzU39HMmJz6TpH5bxQ4qeUAM0qTcDGWz0Fld2gsJG8X1q.jpg" alt="Close up female hands using computer laptop for online working." title="Close up female hands using computer laptop for online working." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/14fDSdeUsEaZRM9Df0ifzU39HMmJz6TpH5bxQ4qeUAM0qTcDGWz0Fld2gsJG8X1q.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> &nbsp; Memoirs like Quinn’s help bridge the gap between different walks of life. They encourage us to ask deeper questions and perhaps be a little more compassionate. His narrative reminds us that, no matter our circumstances, we can find strength within ourselves, and, importantly, that we are not defined by the hardships we endure. In the end, *Still a Bit of Frost About* is more than just a personal story – it’s an invitation for us all to open our eyes, to feel, and to remember the incredible resilience that can emerge from even the most challenging of lives. &nbsp; &nbsp;

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