What if your ‘disorder’ is actually centuries of adaptation trying to tell its story?
Through the eyes of a modern mountain ‘witch’ living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), explore how generations of trauma shape neural pathways in a delightfully defiant tale of evolution in action.
Hopeful Monster is a deeply intimate and untamed exploration of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) through the lens of neurodiversity – featuring flying schools, rescue dogs, and the occasional bout of accidental weather manipulation (and a little magic).
This isn’t just another book about neurodiversity – it’s a raw, funny, heart-wrenching journey that proves sometimes the bravest thing you can do is be exactly who you are.
Whether you’re walking a similar path or loving and supporting someone who is, Hopeful Monster offers a different lens through which to view neurodiversity – one that transforms supposed disorder into evolutionary wisdom.
Through wicked humour, pain, cheeky defiance and a journey to self-discovery, meet Stella, diagnosed with FND at 56 and fresh out of f*cks to give. Follow her raw, authentic voice as she navigates the maze of diagnosis, grief, frustration, and fear, discovering that carefully curated playlists, unconditional pet love, solid safety plans, and a tiny support network that doesn’t try to fix her, is often the best medicine. From her mountain sanctuary overlooking the Amalfi Coast, where espresso flows as freely as ancient wisdom, Stella shows us that while everyone’s #myFND journey is different, there’s universal truth in giving the middle finger to anyone who dares call you disordered. From accidentally influencing weather patterns to conducting childhood flying schools, from battles with entitled neighbours to conversations with rescue plants, this is a story about creating a new, authentic version of yourself – one that doesn’t just survive but lives magically, whether people like it or not.
Whether you chose to get a copy with reader’s notes for self-exploration, or simply want to enjoy the ride, “Hopeful Monster” will have you laughing out loud, crying into your coffee, and forever changing how you see people with FND and the impact of invisible conditions.
Katherine Fouché is a Canadian South African digital marketer, writer, storyteller, and lifelong neurodiversity activist based in Cape Town, South Africa. After graduating with a BA from the University of Witwatersrand, she completed the IBM Sales School (the closest thing to Hogwarts for business muggles). A brief stint at a digital agency led to the thrilling and terrifying plunge of starting her own Digital Marketing Agency. Life, however, had unexpected detours in store. Despite professional achievements, Katherine found herself facing personal challenges that tested her in ways she never imagined.
Through her experiences and advocacy work, she has consistently championed neurodiversity acceptance and understanding. Hopeful Monster is her honest account of navigating these uncharted territories and discovering strength she never knew she still had. When she’s not writing or keeping up with digital trends, Katherine can be found tending to her garden, taking a dip in the ocean, exploring the great outdoors, or perfecting the art of the toasted cheese and tomato sandwich. Her constant companion is her loyal sidekick, Mac, a Jack Russell who (almost) never fails to bring a smile to her face.
Through her writing, Katherine hopes to connect with readers facing their own challenges and remind them that they’re not alone. She believes in the power of shared experiences and the magic of narrative to find light in even the darkest of times. So come along for the ride, and let’s navigate this crazy, beautiful, and sometimes overwhelming journey together. Because if there’s one thing Katherine has learned, it’s that a little bit of courage, a dash of humour, a whole lot of heart – and a few well-chosen expletives – can go a long way.
Ruffled feathers, diplomatic sprinkles, The Human League, The Magical Treaty, Spank-Bottom’s OnlyFans scandal, and a preview of the long-awaited interview with The Elusive Author on FND, and why the Neuroverse exists.
The Neuroverse delegation’s Earth movements were diplomatic in nature. Percy survived registration, Karma resisted customs, Ophelia Fae entered the cinema, and Prudence Spank-Bottom ESQ. issued a new notice.
Scandal rocks the Neuroverse as clandestine Wednesday gatherings reveal a devotion to Apple+ series Shrinking; PERCY plans Human League assignment; & whispers grow around a new booklet titled STOP SHRINKING.
A fresh dispatch from The Daily Tremor on microchip re-appropriation, faltering AI, rehearsals for peace, the 151st Walk of Fame Awards, and the enduring — and rare — commodity of kindness.
The Neuroverse is being rearranged. A Daily Tremor on redoration, neuroplasticity, and the quiet courage required to let go of things and ways that no longer serve us, one careful adjustment at a time.
The Elusive Author briefly detained this week, her transparency misfiled as misconduct. Don Angiosa released her. The Daily Tremor records the difference between containment and exile, and why silence is never neutral.
When everyone accesses the same brutal supply chains, civility starts to crack. Polish was never ethics. Distance was. An exclusive Daily Tremor editorial on the obscene equality of exploitation.
A Neuroverse field report on warships practising for peace, media reassurance cycles, plated silver, and the quiet mechanics of distraction. Verified by the Avian Intelligence Unit. PERCY declined comment.
The Neuroverse confirms Lady Hilary F. Had-Enough’s private readings, available on desktop and mobile by order of the Department of Fairness and Fortitude. Saccharine disqualifies entry.
A Daily Tremor dispatch on the fate of Ophelia. Introducing a Third Fate. When rescue does not come, survival becomes sovereignty, and self-rescue is still saved. But by your own design…
DISCLAIMER
All characters in this book are fictional, even if they feel as real as your next-door neighbour, who always seems to be mowing their lawn at the crack of dawn. Any resemblance to actual persons, living, dead, or somewhere in between, is purely coincidental. This isn’t a medical textbook about FND (Functional Neurological Disorder). If you’re looking for medical advice, please consult a healthcare professional. FND presents differently in everyone—some people have seizures, others lose their voice, some can’t walk, and others experience a mixed bag of neurological magic tricks. This story is one person’s fictional journey. Think of it as a friend sharing their experience over coffee—comforting and sometimes entertaining, but not qualified to give medical advice. For accurate medical information about FND, please consult medical professionals and recognised FND organisations, such as www.fndwhatnow.com. Oh, and
Fair warning: The characters in this story have been known to use some colourful language. If you’re easily offended by expletives, you might want to cover your eyes (or ears, if you’re listening to the audiobook) from time to time.
Remember: Your FND journey is unique. This story isn’t a roadmap; it’s a friend saying, “I get it. It’s weird out here, you are not alone.”