We’re delighted to officially announce the acquisition of world rights to Libby Trainor Parker’s debut book, with the working title of Endo Days: Life, Love and Laughs with Endometriosis, which Wakefield Press will publish in 2021.
One in ten people in Australia are living with endometriosis and countless others are supporting them, caring for them, championing various treatments and being impacted by this incurable condition. Endo Days is a look at the stories of those within the endo community, as told to journalist and educator Libby Trainor Parker, who was diagnosed with endometriosis aged thirty-six, and has dedicated the past seven years to finding the lighter side of chronic illness. Endo Days is a frank, often funny and honest memoir told in a narrative journalism style, with Libby’s own story as the central narrative, drawing on interviews with others with endometriosis (both women, men and non-binary), their partners – male and female, doctors and specialists, researchers and the wider endo community.
‘When I was diagnosed with endometriosis 17 years after first presenting with symptoms, I threw myself into trying to make a difference for others,’ says Libby. ‘The whole endo road has been bumpy, rocky, sad, and at times utterly hilarious, and I want to share everything I’ve learned to help others manage this illness too.’
Wakefield’s associate publisher Jo Case approached Libby to write the book after reading her account of living with endometriosis shared with a SA parliamentary briefing, and media coverage of the endometriosis awareness program she co-wrote and taught in SA schools, as well as Queensland and Victoria – now being rolled out nationwide, funded by state and federal governments and created by Pelvic Pain Foundation Australia (of which Libby served a term as a director of the board). Jo compares Libby’s ability to combine humour, storytelling and solidly researched health information with Monica Dux and Kaz Cooke.
‘I was struck by Libby’s terrifically charismatic writing voice and ability to motivate through stories, combined with her lived experience and acquired authority on this issue. I know that endometriosis is a condition that intimately affects the lives of so many women, that the earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome – and that it’s been chronically overlooked for a long time, with seriously damaging consequences. A book like Libby’s has the potential to really raise awareness, and provide companionship and comfort to others with the condition.’
Libby wrote and performed a sold-out comedy cabaret Adelaide Fringe show on endometriosis, Endo the Road, this year, which was warmly received. She plans to reprise it when the book is published in 2021.
‘Through writing this book, I’ve met so many incredible people and heard their stories of bravery, resilience and strength; of heartache, frustration and perseverance,’ says Libby. ‘Endo patients are a solid bunch of people and, while it’s a pretty heavy illness, we’ve found plenty to laugh about.’
Libby has received an Arts SA grant to write this book during 2020.
I am so very happy Wakefield has stepped out with this book! There just isn’t enough that isn’t medical jargon for women living with this condition. Can’t wait to read it as someone living with endo since I was about 19.