Category: Side Effects

Side Effects Reaching Kids at “A Place Called Home”

by Jen Barry, posted in Let's Get Serious, Martin Sisters Publishing, Side Effects

This past Saturday, forthcoming Martin Sisters author Sandra Gluschankoff presented Side Effects to four separate workshops at A Place Called Home in Los Angeles. The focus of the workshop was relationships, and Sandra asked me to prepare an introduction for the event. Because the relationships in Side Effects are extremely important, I thought I’d share that introduction here. I hope the words will help you take even more from the book.

Everyone says that your young adult years are supposed to be the best of your life, but any teen will tell you that notion is ridiculous. Kids are mean; there’s just no way to get around it. Unfortunately, adults can be mean, too. It’s important to note that the picture doesn’t always tell the whole story, no matter how many words it’s worth. We can’t know what’s going on in someone’s daily life just by looking at them.

If you take a look around you, you’ll probably come to some form of judgment about each person just by his or her appearance. Don’t actually take a look around, unless you want to see the eyes of everyone else staring at you. Think for a moment about what they would see if your insides were painted on your outside. How would the person next to you perceive you if he or she knew the troubles you have at home? What would your teacher say if he or she knew you have a learning disability that prevents you from keeping up with the rest of the class? What would that guy on the bus think if he knew the dark circles under your eyes and your dirty clothes aren’t because you’re a drug addict, but because you work two jobs in addition to school to help your mom?

As you can see, it’s easy to overlook the internal struggles and come to our own conclusions. This is what Isaac Matthews deals with in Side Effects.

Isaac suffers from Anxiety Disorder, which leaves him exhausted during the day and unable to interact with other kids his age. He forces himself to stay awake at night to avoid the night terrors, but that just means he falls asleep over his desk at school where all the other kids can witness him screaming when he’s jolted awake by dreams. He’s laughed at, mocked, bullied, and all because he’s severely misunderstood. It’s easy for the other students to ignore his pain, because then they don’t have to feel it, either.

Things change when the biggest bully in school stops to wonder just what causes Isaac’s withdrawal from society. It’s a beautiful thing when one person asks, with wholehearted sincerity, “What’s going on?” Whether you want to answer the question or not, the important thing is that someone cares. When David Brooks takes an interest in Isaac, it’s easy to gloss over his concern. After all, this boy has everything–at least according to popular belief. Of course there’s room in David’s heart for his new friend. He can’t possibly hurt when he’s the star quarterback, chick magnet, and overall king of the school.

There is no way to know. Maybe David is the luckiest guy to ever live, and maybe he isn’t. When you see the most popular guy or girl in school, do you ever stop to wonder if life might be rough for them, too? Maybe they cover their pain with bravado, and that’s why they’re so terrible to those around them. Maybe they really do have it all together, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn from someone who’s hurting.

David Brooks learns from Isaac that he can’t be quick to judge, while Isaac learns that stereotypes aren’t fair. It’s through David’s concern that Isaac gains the confidence needed to handle Grace, the beautiful new girl.

She’s gorgeous, bubbly, funny, and…a cheerleader. She can’t possibly see Isaac for who he is, can she? What Isaac doesn’t know is that Grace’s brother also has anxiety disorder, so she knows exactly what Isaac deals with on a daily basis. She also looks right past the dark circles under his eyes, wrinkled clothes, and awkward conversations to see the real Isaac inside–the Isaac who is easy to love.

Side Effects isn’t just a story about dealing with anxiety disorder, even if the main focus is to remind sufferers they’re not alone. What we can also take from the book is that everyone is crying out for understanding and love. If we take the time to see who they really are, underneath the rough exterior or the shining armor, we may find someone who knows exactly why we hurt and how to make it better.

Sandra also gave away four books—one to each workshop. She was kind enough to send photos of the winners. I hope you’ll keep an eye out for her book through Martin Sisters Publishing. I’ll be sure to let you know when it arrives.

The Winners

Why I Do It…

by Jen Barry, posted in Let's Get Serious, Side Effects

I suffer from Anxiety Disorder. Many people in my life would tell me that there’s no need to let everyone know that. There seems to be a certain stigma attached–like it’s something to be ashamed of. Yes, I know it’s a mental illness. I also know that I’m not alone. In fact, there are probably millions of people in the world who suffer from this particular disorder and have no idea. Many of the symptoms resemble those of simple stress, and others seem like general insomnia.

This is why I wrote Side Effects. I freely admit that I first wrote a fanfiction with the same theme a few years ago, but I had the desire to really explore the illness. Armed with the knowledge I gleaned through my own suffering and months of research, I started back at the beginning and set out to create new characters–namely Isaac, a teen boy who battles the disorder while trying to survive high school. I wanted people to know they’re not alone.

I’ve been told that this is a “niche” novel–that there aren’t enough people interested in this type of book to stock it on shelves. I don’t think this is true. While Anxiety Disorder may be the focus of the book, the overall message is one of hope and triumph. We see how true friendship can help the healing process. Most of all, readers can bask in the memory of their first love. These themes are appealing to a wide variety of people, to be sure. However, returning to the Anxiety Disorder argument, I think it’s safe to say there are plenty of teens and young adults experiencing the things Isaac faces in the book.

My ultimate goal when I wrote Side Effects was not to attempt success with a short story that had found a moderate readership online. I want people to know that this disorder is not something to be ashamed of. We should be able to tell people openly and honestly that we have Anxiety Disorder so that others might understand what we face on a daily basis. It is my fondest hope that those who have been too scared to seek help will find some courage in the pages and talk to someone about their panic attacks, nightmares, aches and pains, withdrawal from society, and crippling shyness. Without the freedom to speak about it, there is no way to find relief.

I do still experience anxiety attacks, though not as regularly as I once did. I’m now able to power through them without the aid of medication and live a very healthy life. I want this for everyone, and I hope that reading this book could be the first step toward finding the courage to talk to someone.

Taking Your Requests

by Jen Barry, posted in Books, Kingdom Series, Martin Sisters Publishing, Music, Side Effects

I feel like a radio DJ, taking requests for blog topics, but the truth is that I just didn’t know what to blog about. To my utter disappointment, Liam has followed his beer-making instructions step by step, so there have been no major mishaps. With nothing else to talk about, I had to ask on Twitter what people might want to read. My first request was to discuss some of my upcoming projects. This makes me happy. I love talking about what I’m working on.

First of all, I know that some people may be waiting to hear some news about The Kingdom and The Morning Star. There will be official news very soon, but I can tell you that the series will now be published through Martin Sisters Publishing. The first book has gone through a total re-edit, complete with some additional content – though not so much that anyone who has the first edition will miss out.  While reworking the first book, I’ve also been working on the edits for The Morning Star so that the quality carries through the series. I hope people are still eager to learn more about Rioghan an Lily, and I’m so glad I have a chance to do this right through Martin Sisters.

There is also a follow up to Side Effects in the works. I’m seventy-five percent through with the first draft of Soundtrack. As with Side Effects, this novel will deal with teenagers who have very real problems. Though it’s not exactly a sequel, Isaac and Grace lovers will get to read some more about them through the eyes of new characters in the same universe.  Becky Honeycutt and Travis Robinson, who were both mentioned briefly in the first novel, are teens from different social circles who take the time to learn more about each other. Travis, the popular, basketball-playing bully, suffers from ADHD–

We interrupt this program to bring you the news of a triumph in the kitchen. Jen Barry managed to create Chicken Parmesan for the tenth time without burning it. Her husband announced that it was “delish.”

We now return you to your regularly scheduled blog, already in progress.

–and Becky, the invisible girl, learns how to help him through his studies using music therapy. It’s been a lot of fun researching the disorder and getting to know these characters. I think people will love these new characters as much as they love Isaac and Grace, if not more.

I’ve also completed the first book in a new series, which will be called The Oracles of St. Ambrose. This series will focus on three teens with extraordinary powers and how they learn to trust their abilities and each other to solve mysteries. There’s already a page for it here on the site, so you can learn more about the first book, Going Under. I hope people will love Chase, Cinnamon, and Bryan as much as I do.

I’ve also got a few books for adults in the works, though these are moving a little more slowly. Jinx is the story of a ridiculously unlucky girl and how she learns to live with her misfortune and love in spite of it. I’m also constantly writing and rewriting a book set in my hometown of Oakdale. With factual elements and a fictional plot, the lines keep blurring too much for comfort. It’s a labor of love, and I won’t put it out there until I get it just right. Finally, there is a collaboration with an author friend, but that’s a secret.

With so much going through my head at any given moment, I often just spend my time with the character who is speaking the loudest. Sometimes I take six months to a year to finish the first draft of a project, and every once in a while, I sit down and write straight through one in a month. One thing is for sure; I have plenty to be going on with. I don’t imagine I’ll stop writing any time soon!

For Some Reason, Jen Left Me in Charge

by Jen Barry, posted in Side Effects

Hi all!  It’s Sarah, checking in since Jen is off enjoying Ireland at the moment.  Sadly I have no funny lawn care stories or anything that will be nearly as entertaining as something Jen would post but she did give me permission to write a guest blog so I’m taking the opportunity to share how I really feel about Side Effects.  Check it out below.  Jen will be back in the US soon enough but this is not the last you’ll see of me.  I’ve been promised one more guest blog so I’ll be back in a month or so with what will be the best guest blog of all time.  Thanks to Jen for letting me post this and I hope you’re having a fabulous trip!  We miss you.    

 

I’ve always thought it was funny that we never hesitate advising someone to see a doctor and take medication for their diabetes or their high cholesterol or heart disease.  And yet with mental illness, there is a stigma and a shame attached to taking medication, to talking about the disease, to seeking help.  And that’s exactly why so many people who struggle with mental illness feel isolated and alone, as if they have nowhere to turn for help and no one to talk to.  In Jen’s book, Side Effects, the main character, Isaac, feels all of these emotions and more as he struggles through the ups and downs of high school and first love while also trying to handle his anxiety disorder.

 

As someone with a background in social work, I see the same issues Jen writes about in Side Effects every single day.  What struck me as I read the book was the honest and yet hopeful way in which Jen writes about anxiety disorder.  Rather than exploiting the illness, Jen uses a light touch to portray not only Isaac’s struggle but also his triumphs.  Side Effects is an entertaining story but is also a great tool in regard to understanding what it’s like for many people who experience anxiety disorders.   Parents, teenagers, professionals, teachers, and many others who may interact with youth similar to Isaac will find Side Effects informative and helpful.  Not only does the book provide some insight into what an anxiety disorder is like, readers will also find themselves cheering Isaac on as he finds his way and falling a little in love with Grace, just like Isaac, in the process.  And most importantly, anyone who has been in Isaac’s position will take great comfort in knowing they are not alone and that finally someone has taken the time, energy, and love to write about their pain in a very real way.

 

I was amazed and touched by the way Jen managed to combine the good and the bad of anxiety disorders throughout Side Effects while creating characters that you truly come to know and love.  It’s a sensitive issue dealt with the respect and the care it deserves throughout the novel which is, sadly, quite rare.  Side Effects speaks not only to Jen’s talent as a writer but also her general spirit and overall character.  It takes someone who is empathetic and kind to write about anxiety disorder in the manner that Jen does.   I’m lucky enough to know that Jen is all of these things and more and reading her novel only confirms that Jen is not only a talented writer but an incredible human being.