Blog Tour with Q&A: Elizabeth Just 16 by Cecilia Paul

Elizabeth Appleton is a sweet and easy-going adolescent. But as she turns sixteen, she discovers something so devastating about herself that her whole world is turned upside down.
Elizabeth has been born without a womb or a vagina and is diagnosed with MRKH, an unusual congenital disorder that affects the female reproductive tract. Frightened and confused, Elizabeth must struggle to understand how she can still be a girl but no longer a 'normal' one. As she questions everyone and everything around her - her burgeoning sexuality, her gender, her hopes for the future - Elizabeth must fight against the shame and betrayal she feels if she is to ever become the woman she has always hoped to be. In her first novel, Cecilia Paul, now a retired expert in the field of MRKH, sensitively explores and illuminates this complex and often emotionally fraught medical condition, in order to raise public awareness of MRKH and to support those affected by it.

About Cecilia Paul

Based in London, Cecilia Paul has worked for the NHS, in the field of gynaecology for over twenty years and, where she later worked within a specialist team, specialising in congenital disorders of the genital tract. Together, they have treated hundreds of women with this unusual congenital syndrome, MRKH. Now retired, and with a wealth of knowledge under her belt, Cecilia has been inspired to write her first novel dealing with this little-known syndrome hoping to bring awareness and understanding into the public sphere. Furthermore, as she has retired, she would like to encourage these women to get the appropriate help from specialist centres, that can provide them with a holistic support and treatment. Elizabeth Just 16 by Cecilia Paul (published by Clink Street Publishing 28th June 2016) is available to purchase from online retailers including amazon.co.uk and to order from all good bookstores.

Q&A

Was there anything particular that inspired me to start my journey to become an author?
My interest and passion for the women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH) and, being a part of so many of their journeys, their courage inspired me and, I hoped my book will help them to feel less isolated and, also encourage them to continue to find acceptance and to come to terms.

What was the hardest part of writing/publishing my book?
Proof-reading one’s own work for minor errors was difficult and, ensuring that what you have written is understood by other readers. The publishing process was quite daunting and sometimes confusing even when I was guided by my publishers and publicists because it was my first attempt.

If I could only read 4 books for the rest of my life, what would they be?
Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell 

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less by Jeffrey Archer and
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

Do I and my protagonist share personality traits?
Yes, my protagonist like me is a perfectionist and, works and strives hard to get what she needs to achieve. She has good values, is helpful and respectful to others –all important to me.

If I could live in any book what book would it be?
None, because I am a realist and, books and movies are not real even if some are inspired by factual events.

Where did my ideas for my book come from?
My ideas came from my head and obviously from my experiences and knowledge of the medical condition.