If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll know that I write scribbles, or – as some people call them – poems. I have produced four anthologies so far.

• Behind the Mask (2010 & 2014)
• Scribblology V2 (2018)
• Alexithymia (2019)
• (Re)Mixtapes (2020)

Alongside these, I’ve written a few other scribbles and have ghost written some, not because they’re terrible, but because there are times when I want to say things or touch on subjects that my regular readers might not like or appreciate. I’ve also submitted pieces for online and written articles, and have been interviewed several times, once for a book about autistic adults. I’ve performed live, too, and this is something I find very scary; if I’m honest, I can’t eat or sleep properly for a couple of days before a gig and I usually have to wear sunnies to help with stage fright. But it’s a small price to pay to help promote my work, and even more importantly, to raise awareness of autism.

One thing I still find very difficult to deal with is complimentary comments about my writing. Mrs Bob will always tell me honestly what she thinks about my work; if it’s not as good as it could be, she’ll say so, and I value her input. She’s my second biggest critic (after myself) so I don’t tend to pay much attention to her praise, if I’m honest (sorry princess) It’s when I get members of the public saying nice things about my work that I struggle.

So imagine my shock and surprise when I got this message from someone who’s read my last book. “Mate that’s your best book yet!! 🤙🏼 I read some to the Mrs and she really liked them too.” “Honestly mate it is your best work. So many of them are very relatable and that helps.”

This actually left me speechless and unable to function properly, which as Mrs Bob will confirm, is quite a feat. I usually don’t shut up. I’m not sure why compliments have such an effect on me? Could it be that I’m suffering from imposter syndrome or is my autism making it impossible for me to take compliments… Mrs Bob says she has a feeling it stems back to my schooldays.

Either way, I must say that I’m going to just say to anyone who is kind enough to take the time to let me know that they enjoyed it “thank you for your very kind words” and learn to accept that some people are going to like my work. That I have worked very hard and I am worthy of the compliments I receive. It’s not easy, that’s for sure.

I haven’t written a blog for a while, as I’ve been focussed on my latest book. Above all thank you very much, each and every one of you, for your continued love and support over the years. I may not be able to verbalise it, but it means so much to me.

Stay Safe X