Books published by Chipmunka Publishing

"I love this poetry, I love this poet" Geoff Thompson - Bafta Winning Writer"As we see around the world there is a need for a new thinking about the stereo types people hold for those who suffer from a psychiatric disability.In this book Paul Butterfield reveals the inner pain, hope, and peace that encompasses a person''s life experiences while living with this type of disability.Having known Paul, before and now after diagnosis I know his voice is real and purposed with the desire to help others cope with and understand this journey."Paul Martinelli - International Speaker and Trainer In The Field of Human Potential"After reading these heart felt poems, my heart melted and I was personally close to tears. As I was reading I was thinking of how many of these poems related to myself and what I am going through and suffering. I suffer with two conditions which I was born with. After reading Paul''s first book I was so moved I had to get in contact to view my thoughts and mention that it has helped me deal with my own problems. I am privileged to be asked to write my thoughts about this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to the next one."Frances Denne

HelloI''m Liz BentleyI am a poet, writer, comedian, musician, performer, raconteur, BACP senior accredited psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, group facilitator, lecturer, mother, step mother, partner, ex-partner, friend, facebooker, nudist, sun worshipper, follower of Multiple Sclerosis Recovery Diet, wine lover and I''m a sex and diary fanatic (I like a new diary 9 months before the year is out). Currently I work at Goldsmiths and Lewisham colleges and have a private supervision practice. I perform regularly aiming to close the gap between comedy, mental health and disability. Over the years I have performed with Ruby Wax, Will Self, Susie Orbach, Liz Carr, Mat Fraser, John Hegley, Josie Long, Dolly Sen among many others and I got drunk with my childhood idol David Soul (also performing poetry) at the Samuel Beckett Happy Days festival in Enniskillen.I have performed at London Literary Festival (Southbank), National Theatre, Ledbury Poetry Festival, Dada Fest, Freud Museum among many other venues, festivals, conferences and training days, also in five swimming pools (including Liz Bentley-on-Sea, Edinburgh Fringe) and in a beach hut.I see my hairdresser every six weeks, my homeopath every two months and my yogic Thai masseur every four weeks. I practice Bikram and other yoga 3xweekly and I see a Tesco delivery man twice a week.I have a Master''s degree on the subject of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics.GoodbyeLiz Bentley

This is my third book of poetry titled, "Poetry and Assorted Pieces of Clothing"Written throughout my life, hopes, sojourn and failures.A mix of variety of places and people.The Political, the social, the animal in me.Dedicated to Poetry Kind and Human Kind.Sixty Years of Dreaming of a better world.The most general and true to my spiritOf loving humanity,Yet without a clue where to find it.

Catherine's story is important. It is her narrative, and important for that alone, however it is important for a number of other reasons. It is an honest and candid account of her outcomes following Encephalitis and the impact it has had both upon her and her family. It will help others to feel better understood and less alone. It also demonstrates that the outcomes of Encephalitis, in those likely to be considered mildly or moderately affected in a clinical sense, can in fact find life on a day to day basis extremely difficult and at times hopeless. The labels we rely upon, and to some extent impose upon survivors of this devastating condition can, at times, serve only to confuse and perhaps dismiss their experiences.We have called Encephalitis 'A Thief' for many years at The Encephalitis Society. It robs people of abilities we take for granted every day: thinking, memory, concentration, inhibitions. For some families it robs them of their loved one and even in those families where the person affected survives, it can rob them of the person they once knew. It is my pleasure to know Catherine both as a member of our Society and as one of our dedicated and highly valued regional volunteers. The ability to write is a gift and this book is a gift to the many survivors (and their family members and friends) who will read it and will feel someone does understand, and they are not so alone. I am conscious that the candid way in which this book and its contents have been presented will have left its mark upon Catherine. The process of writing for many people can of course be a therapeutic one and I am sure that its culmination and publication is all part of the recovery journey that forms the central theme of the book. Dr Ava Easton, PhDChief Executive, The Encephalitis Society