AN AUTHOR from Sampford Courtenay has recently had her first book published.

Lucy Skye has seen her children's book 'The Adventure of Maisie Voyager', published by JKP.

The book follows Maisie, a girl who used to explore the world with her parents. She now lives in a tall town house with her Aunt Hetty, experiencing normal life for the first time.

Before too long, strangers start leaving cryptic messages at the house, her Aunt Hetty is kidnapped, and Maisie has to go on a grand adventure to save her family from the evil Dr Gallows.

Maisie is an unusual heroine, displaying traits of Asperger's Syndrome and autism throughout the book.

Lucy grew up with an autistic family member, and during her time at university, she worked with children with additional needs. She now works for the National Autistic Society.

She said: 'I began writing the book without thinking any of the characters would have autism, but as I was writing, I began to realise that much of Maisie's personality could be seen as being quite autistic.

'I was very keen however, that Maisie didn't become an "autistic" character. I just want her to be Maisie, and explore the world in her own way. The fact she might have autism is just one element of her personality.

'Perhaps part of me also hopes that we can start to see people for being more than just their autism, we need to be open to all that they are and can be.

'I don't know whether Maisie is, or isn't autistic. But I hope that she is someone that many readers will be able to relate to through her lively and inquisitive personality. I think when we connect to people through our similarities, we can begin to understand and accept our differences better as well.'

Born in 1982, Lucy Skye grew up in the village of Cookham, Berkshire. She has been writing from a young age, and also enjoys photography and surfing.

Growing up, she was a fan of Enid Blyton and Jacqueline Wilson, and cites them as important influences. She now also counts Neil Gaiman and Sarah Waters among her favourite authors.

Lucy hopes her book will not only provide enjoyment, but a source of comfort: 'I know many children, young people and adults with and without autism who have really low self-esteem.

'Reading helped me to discover more about the world and myself, and I hope, in a tiny way, that if people read the book then they will start to do this too.'

For more information on the book visit http://www.jkp.com">www.jkp.com

For more information on Lucy, visit http://www.lucyskye.com">www.lucyskye.com