Very few fiction books have been written by or about people with dystonia. The book ‘Life & Music has been written by the husband of DNA member Margot Chiverton. The following information has been provided by the author of the book:
When something you love is taken away…
New disability romance novel, LIFE AND MUSIC , takes the reader on a humorous philosophical journey through the stigma and loss of a neurological disorder.
Monty Raymond recently launched his latest self-published women’s fiction book, Life and Music, which he described as ‘a funny, heart-warming and self-searching story about my wife, who was a prominent classical musician until she fell from favour due to the onset of dystonia.’
‘This mysterious, little-known ailment gripped her body during orchestral concerts and changed her future forever, leaving her in a veil of stigma and prejudice. Carers in this situation often choose to walk out the door, and my wife was forced to discover whether she had the strength to save what she loved, or to simply accept her fate.’
Monty also wrote a feature film script of Life and Music, which was an international finalist in the Creative Screenwriting Unique Voices Competition in 2019.
He went on to make a short film, Dystonia, based on the story, which has been viewed by thousands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCapqLSkb60, including a subtitled version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYMBSwxiXrM
Monty says that the dystonia community is more than excited to have their voice heard in a fiction book, most likely for the very first time.
The author was born in Hampshire, England and has a well-suited background to pen his wife’s story. After completing an Honours Degree in Film and Scriptwriting, Monty wrote scripts for children’s television in Australia, and wrote and directed several short and feature film scripts.
Life and Music has been available internationally in eBook and print since 1 September 2022: https://books2read.com/Life-and-Music. #dystonia
Classification guide: Recommended for mature readers
Please leave a review on the sale website to encourage readers to learn about dystonia.
A portion of profits from sales will be donated to dystonia research and support.
Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey was written by author, life coach and public speaker Tom Seaman. The book details his dystonia diagnosis and journey, offering coping skills, healthy living strategies and treatment options. It may be purchased directly from Tom’s website Tom Seaman Coaching (check shipping costs from USA) or through Amazon Australia, Booktopia, Book Depository and Dymocks. Please check availability and shipping costs before ordering. (Image used with permission of Tom Seaman).
Beyond Pain and Suffering: Adapting to Adversity and Life Challenges was also written by Tom Seaman. It provides practical concepts and strategies for how to cope and manage with pain and suffering. It may be purchased directly from Tom’s website Tom Seaman Coaching (check shipping costs from USA) or through Amazon Australia, Booktopia, Book Depository and Dymocks. Please check availability and shipping costs before ordering. (Image used with permission of Tom Seaman).
If you would like a copy of Jean-Pierre Bleton’s physiotherapy handbook please contact us with your request and provide your postal address. There is no cost for the book but there is a postage and handling fee of $9.00. This can be paid into our bank account: Account Name: Dystonia Network of Australia Inc. BSB: 633 000 Account No: 163 138 233. DNA thanks Merz Pharmaceuticals and Debbie Marques for providing these books.
Please note that DNA is not endorsing these books but providing information about them as they may be a potential resource for people with dystonia.
Page updated 18 February 2023
