In the tradition of Frank McCourt and Angela's Ashes, Don Dempsey uses Betty's Child to tell the story of life with a cruel and neglectful mother, his mother's abusive boyfriends, a dangerous local thug who wants twelve-year-old Donny to burglarize homes and deal drugs, and hypocritical church leaders who want to save young Donny's soul but ignore threats to his physical well-being. In a world where it’s "fight or flight" at every turn, Donny uses his street smarts and sense of humor to guide him. He usually makes the right choice, but whenever he makes a wrong move, he pays the price. Some of his experiences will make you recoil in horror, but you'll want to keep reading because Dempsey manages to maintain a sense of humor while sharing the gritty details of his story. In the end, Donny does everything he can to take care of himself and his younger brothers, but with each new development, the present becomes more fraught with peril—and the future more uncertain. "Heartrending and humorous. In scene after vivid scene, Dempsey presents his inspiring true story with accomplished style. Dempsey's discipline as a writer lends the real-life tale the feel of a fictional page-turner." Kirkus Reviews
Paperback: 438 pages
Publisher: Dream of Things (March 26, 2013)
ASIN: B00BOL69ZO
Twitter hashtag: #BCDempsey
About the Author:
Don Dempsey experienced childhood abuse and neglect first hand, but went on to have a fulfilling family life as an adult and to own his own business. "If you're lucky, you make it to adulthood in one piece," says Don. "But there's no guarantee the rest of your life is going to be any better. Abused kids are often plagued by fear and insecurity. They battle depression and have trouble with relationships. In the worst cases, abused children perpetuate the cycle." But Don is living proof that you can overcome a childhood of abuse and neglect. "You start by letting go of as much of the guilt (yes, abused kids feel guilty) and as many of the bad memories as possible. At the same time, you hold on to the things that helped you survive. For me, it was the belief that you can make life better by working at it and earning it. It helps to have a sense of humor, too."
Find out more about the author by visiting him online:
Betty’s Child website: www.BettysChild.com
Donald Dempsey Facebook: www.facebook.com/donald.
Q. What inspires
your writing?
A. This book was inspired by my childhood
experiences. I’ve always wanted to tell my story. I just wanted to
put something out there that might help others see that there are ways to
overcome a troubled past.
Q. What is your favorite thing about being an
author?
A. I don’t really consider myself an author.
I like to say I just told a story. But the most pleasant aspect of
the author experience has been getting to know some wonderful people.
I’ve made a real friend in my publisher, Mike O’Mary, and gotten to know
some wonderful authors, as well as some of my readers.
Q. What is the toughest part of being an
author?
A. I’ve received some truly heartbreaking
messages from some readers. I wish I had a secret formula to help every
one of them. But I don’t. I’m hesitant to give advice when the
subject matter is so serious.
Q. If you could not be an author, what would
you do/be?
A. I wish I had the time to draw and paint.
I always wanted to be an artist.
Q. What would the story of your life be
entitled?
A. “To be or Not to be”. As corny as it
might sound, I always felt that line really summed me up. I had to decide
whether I would Be something, or Not be something at an early age.
Q. What is your favorite book of all time?
A. “Angela’s Ashes”, by Frank McCourt.
Q. Which character from ANY book are you most
like?
A. Eeyore from “Winnie the Pooh”. I am
always fearing the worst and prone to being grumpy.
Q. Which character from all of your book are
you most like?
A. I guess I better go with myself, or
I might lose a lot of credibility.
Q. Which book would you love to take a weekend
vacation inside of?
A. The Bible. I have a ton of questions
I’d love to get some answers to.
Q. What is you favorite season?
A. Fall. Cool weather. Football.
By far my favorite time of year.
Q. What inspired your book cover?
A. My publisher knew the artist personally.
Elizabeth “Beth” Maltbie Uyehara who had worked for the Los Angeles
Times. She passed away in 2010 and Mike wanted to use some of her work
for the cover. I’m honored that her husband gave us permission to do so.
Q. Tell me something funny that happened while
on a book tour or while promoting your book?
A. I would have to say the constant remarks
and jokes from people who know me. They seem to have a lot of trouble
believing I have the mental capacity to actually write a book.
Q. Are you working on something new?
A. I started a sequel memoir, but haven’t been
able to work on it for some time now. I’m fairly sure it will remain
gathering dust like so many of my other intended projects. “Betty’s
Child” will most likely be the only book I’ll ever manage to finish.
Q. Anything you want to say to followers of
this blog or those that are just stopping by?
A. Just thank you for any interest in my book.
I wish I could express my gratitude to everyone personally, and I try to
respond to every review on Amazon. This has been a very humbling
experience. And if any of you are still struggling with the demons of a
troubled childhood, I wish you all the best in conquering your own past.
FOLLOW THE TOUR:
Monday, July 8 (today!) @ The Muffin
Stop by for an interview and book giveaway!http://muffin.wow-
Tuesday, July 9 @ Books I Think You Should Read
What Liz has to say in her review of Donald Dempsey's touching tale, Betty's Child, #BCDempsey. This is your chance to read her review and sign up to WIN your very own copy!http://
Wednesday, July 10 @ The New Book Review
Don't miss this review and give-away for Donald Dempsey's book Betty's Child (#BCDempsey)!http://thenewbookreview.
Stop by for an interview and book giveaway!http://muffin.wow-
Tuesday, July 9 @ Books I Think You Should Read
What Liz has to say in her review of Donald Dempsey's touching tale, Betty's Child, #BCDempsey. This is your chance to read her review and sign up to WIN your very own copy!http://
Wednesday, July 10 @ The New Book Review
Don't miss this review and give-away for Donald Dempsey's book Betty's Child (#BCDempsey)!http://thenewbookreview.
Friday, July 12 @ CMash Reads
Donald Dempsey's book Betty's Child (#BCDempsey) makes a stop at CMash Reads with a guest post and give-away. You won't want to miss this post about overcoming a difficult childhood.http://cmashlovestoread.com/
Monday, July 15 @ The World of My Imagination
Stop by today - don't miss out on your chance to read Donald's moving guest post titled: "Self-publishing vs Publishing with an Indie Press" and participate in the give-away for Betty's Child (#BCDempsey) by Donald Dempsey.http://
Donald Dempsey's book Betty's Child (#BCDempsey) makes a stop at CMash Reads with a guest post and give-away. You won't want to miss this post about overcoming a difficult childhood.http://cmashlovestoread.com/
Monday, July 15 @ The World of My Imagination
Stop by today - don't miss out on your chance to read Donald's moving guest post titled: "Self-publishing vs Publishing with an Indie Press" and participate in the give-away for Betty's Child (#BCDempsey) by Donald Dempsey.http://
Wednesday, July 17 @ Memoir Writer’s Journey
Join fellow memoir writer Kathleen as she review Betty's Child and offers a great give-away for Betty's Child!http://krpooler.com/
Friday, July 19 @ All Things Audry
Win a copy of Betty's Child by Donald Dempsey (#BCDempsey) and hear what Donald has to say on the topic of: Advice for people thinking about writing about a difficult childhoodhttp://www.allthingsaudry.
Join fellow memoir writer Kathleen as she review Betty's Child and offers a great give-away for Betty's Child!http://krpooler.com/
Friday, July 19 @ All Things Audry
Win a copy of Betty's Child by Donald Dempsey (#BCDempsey) and hear what Donald has to say on the topic of: Advice for people thinking about writing about a difficult childhoodhttp://www.allthingsaudry.
Monday, July 22 @ Found Between the Covers
Win a copy of Betty's Child by Donald Dempsey and read what Sherrey has to say in her honest review of this touching memoir.http://foundbetweenthecovers.
Wednesday, July 24 @ Choices
Madeline Sharples takes a closer look at Betty’s Child by Donald Dempsey, and offers you a great giveaway!http://madeline40.blogspot.
Friday, July 26 @ Margo L. Dill
Today is your chance to win Betty's Child (#BCDempsey) and Join author Donald Dempsey as he discusses: Advice for kids who are being abused/neglected, advice for adults who were abused/neglected as kids, and advice for adults who suspect a child may be abused/neglected.http://www.margodill.com./
Wednesday, July 24 @ Choices
Madeline Sharples takes a closer look at Betty’s Child by Donald Dempsey, and offers you a great giveaway!http://madeline40.blogspot.
Friday, July 26 @ Margo L. Dill
Today is your chance to win Betty's Child (#BCDempsey) and Join author Donald Dempsey as he discusses: Advice for kids who are being abused/neglected, advice for adults who were abused/neglected as kids, and advice for adults who suspect a child may be abused/neglected.http://www.margodill.com./
Monday, July 29 @ Gutsy Living
Hear from Donald Dempsey, author of Betty's Child as he shares his gutsy story with Sonia and readers/authors of Gutsy Living.http://soniamarsh.com/
Wednesday, July 3@ Mrs. Mommy Booknerd's
Find out what Donald Dempsey shares with Emily as she interviews this author about his touching memoir Betty’s Child (#BCDempsey).http://mrsmommybooknerd.
Friday, August 2 @ Words, Crazy Words
Today is a great opportunity to sit down with Donald Dempsey as he explains his experience with "Self-Publishing vs. Indie Press" and sign up to win your own copy of Don's inspirational and moving memoir Betty's Child.http://wordscrazywords.
Monday, August 5 @ A Book Lover’s Diary
Hurry for your chance to win a copy of Betty's Child by Donald Dempsey (#BCDempsey) and hear what Stephanie has to say in her review!http://www.abookloversdiary.
Monday, August 5 @ A Book Lover’s Diary
Hurry for your chance to win a copy of Betty's Child by Donald Dempsey (#BCDempsey) and hear what Stephanie has to say in her review!http://www.abookloversdiary.
Tuesday, August 6 @ Eleanor Vincent
Donald Dempsey gives us insight into resilience and writing. Don’t miss this great guest post and opportunity to win a copy of Donald’s memoir Betty’s Child.
http://www.eleanorvincent.com/
http://www.eleanorvincent.com/
Wednesday, August 7 @ White Elephants
Today is your day to win Betty's Child and hear Chynna's thoughts on this moving memoir by Donald Dempsey.
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