A MALVERN teenage author has released her second book and will hold an official launch for the title.
The event for ‘If Only’ by 15-year-old Bethany Lunney will take place at the Malvern Coperative book shop between 11am and 2pm on Saturday, February 22.
Bethany’s first book ‘Goodbye Granny Rose’, which she penned when she was ten and 11, raised more than £1,500 for Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Bethany was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) when she was 10 and her living with the condition has provided the inspiration for If Only.
The book centres on two main characters – the first who is diagnosed with ASD and, despite being a typical middle class girl with a comfortable life, she struggles to cope with her condition.
First, pre-diagnosis, she battles with the fact she feels differently to others but does not know why and also understanding ASD and how it affects her.
In contrast, the second character comes from a very dysfunctional family and has faced a tough upbringing and hardship.
The pair’s paths cross and they help each other get through their individual predicament and barriers they face.
Bethany, who also writes poetry and sometimes performs it live, said: “I did not set out to become an author – I have wanted to be and do a lot of things but I have always been very creative.”
Bethany’s books
Bethany’s first book was about a girl whose grandmother becomes ill and, as she and the family come to terms with it, a number of hidden family secrets come to light and are revealed.
Bethany in 2021 with her first book ‘Goodbye Granny Rose’. s
The second one took her more than three years to write.
She said: “This was definitely a story and characters that were in my head, coming from nowhere, and I had to untangle them and put them down on paper.”
The book examines and addresses issues, not only with ASD and neurodivergency, but also those prevalent with other conditions, such as anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OSD).
Bethany said: “My first book was very well-received and raised an amazing amount for Acorns.
“I’m hoping for a similar response to ‘If Only’.”
The Hanley Castle High School student added: “My teachers have been really happy that I have had these books published and they have given me a lot of support – I want to really thank them for that.”
Bethany has also been selected as a ‘Small Business Sunday’ (SBS) winner by Dragon’s Den star and entrepreneur Theo Paphitis. She will be heading to an SBS Conference in Birmingham over half-term which will be attended by Mr Paphitis.
Bethany on ‘life with ASD’
And her message to any other young people who are faced with a diagnosis for ASD or other condition: “I would say ‘your condition does not define who you are and should not limit you to what you can do or achieve.
“Don’t be defined by it at all – you can still accomplish what you want and fulfill any dreams you have.”
If Only and Goodbye Granny Rose are available from Bethany’s website – bethanylunneywrites.com – where there are also reviews and more information on the author.
