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Author found dyslexia an advantage
A DYSLEXIA sufferer has overcome challenges in his life to write a naval adventure novel set in the Napoleonic wars.
Alaric Bond, 51, from Boreham Street, put pen to paper for The Jackass Frigate.
Several historical figures appear in the book, including Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson.
Mr Bond said: 'The Georgian period, particularly the naval side, has been a passion for me for 40 years or more.
'This book differs from the normal Hornblower and Aubrey sagas in that there is no hero who becomes an admiral.
'Rather, characters from all divisions of the ship are featured. Some prosper, others fail and many will continue in future books.
'The book culminates in the pivotal Battle of Cape St Vincent.'
Mr Bond said his 'writing history' had always been 'hampered' by dyslexia. He was diagnosed before the condition became well-known.
Mr Bond said: 'Dyslexia was certainly a handicap at school, when the condition was not as well known or understood as today.
'In the early seventies I remember having to write a cheque in a post office and being unable to spell "forty".
'I explained I was dyslexic and the assistant asked me if I was going to have a fit.'
Mr Bond believed dyslexia helped him develop a sharp memory for historical facts. He had to learn and remember facts rather than simply 'knowing' them.
He added: 'Dyslexia comes in many forms but mine chiefly affects handwriting and spelling.
'I now look upon the condition as an advantage, certainly with regard to creative writing.
'It tends to give a more lateral aspect to work – something that has proved valuable.'
Mr Bond has been writing for 30 years and his work has covered broadcast comedy, periodicals, children's stories, television and the stage.
He runs Scolfe's, a tea room and restaurant in Boreham Street near Herstmonceux, with Kitty, his wife of 24 years.
The couple have two sons.
Mr Bond gives regular talks to historical societies.
He wants The Jackass, a paperback (ISBN 978-1-906206-58-1) priced at 7.99, to be the first book in a series covering the Revolutionary period and Napoleonic wars (1793 to 1815).
The next book, His Majesty's Ship, is due in 2009.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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