Franziska Thomas
Fits and Starts

Fits and Starts

Fits and Starts

Fits & Starts: A Memoir of Living With Epilepsy has sold tens of thousands of copies making it one of the BESTSELLING books about living with Epilepsy. Any questions you have about Epilepsy, either as an epileptic or someone who knows and loves an Epilepsy sufferer, your questions could be answered here.
‘I understand this doesn’t look good. Please trust me when I say it isn’t as bad as it first appears. I’m not being ironical, facetious or glib. Physical pain is inevitable when you have a tendency to throw yourself around, suffering is optional.’
In 1992 Franziska Thomas had her first seizure and her whole world was turned upside down- literally. In Fits and Starts Franziska gives a compelling personal description of living with Epilepsy, an illness shrouded in secrecy and antiquated myths. Laden with self -deprecating humour she describes her own coming of age- as an epileptic, a teacher, and ultimately, a mother. She is alternately stubborn and mischievous, down trodden and determined. Despite the constant set backs Franziska remains ever hopeful and instinctively refuses to conform to the role the outside world has chosen for her.
This searingly honest and thought provoking memoir is the story of the author’s fits, injuries and memory loss, set inside the wider story of Epilepsy and society. Focussing on her own experience of repeatedly falling down, getting up, then falling down again.
About the author: Franziska has previously worked as a journalist and History teacher. She is currently working as an author and Fundraising Manager for a UK and Nepal based charity. She lives in London with her husband Tim, their children Oskar and Kurt and two misbehaving Maine Coons.

“I understand this doesn’t look good. Please trust me when I say it isn’t as bad as it first appears. I’m not being ironical, facetious or glib. Physical pain is inevitable when you have a tendency to throw yourself around, suffering is optional.”

My book ‘Fits and Starts’ has sold  thousands of copies making it one the bestselling book’s about  Epilepsy.  Thank you for all your wonderful reviews and feedback, all of it is read and much appreciated.  My book is now available to buy on Kindle and Audio.  

Gilly Clements Creative Director

I found the book to be very educational and I am grateful for a glimpse into the life of someone with epilepsy in such a frank and witty way. It takes a brave person to lay bare their essence with the hope this will dispel the mystery of fits and improve understanding as there is nothing sinister and there is no need to be afraid as an observer. Everyone should read this so we are better equipped and knowledgeable of how to assist someone with epilepsy.

Ravi Singh Financial Advisor

This book is funny and moving as well as being a highly informative read about epilepsy. I highly recommend it not just for people suffering from epilepsy or their families, friends and carers, but for all of us, as we need to understand better this strange syndrome.

Ayesha Thompson Interior Designer

What a very strong and inspiring lady Franziska Thomas is. Her book is bittersweet, thought provoking and informative – and I loved her sense of humour throughout. I would wholeheartedly recommend.

Leila Ashkenazi Project Assistant

Both hilarious and heart-breaking, I could not put this book down. The writer’s life affirming and honest voice throughout made it an inspirational read as I learned so much about this strange syndrome, through a series of engaging personal anecdotes, diary entries and often profound musings. From collapsing in her child’s school playground to the perils of daring to teach in a tough inner-city comp, this is a beautifully written, moving and vibrant book full of wit, spirit and courage.

Available on:

Coming Soon

Please lookout for the news of my new book coming later this year.  I have been spending my time in lockdown frantically writing.  The research has started for Book 2 of the Trilogy. London libraries here I come!

Company Logo with 3-Grid Style 3

Another 3 grids style testimonial design with company logo to convince your audience. Let your audience fall in love with your products or services.

Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar. The Big Oxmox advised her

Shams W.Pawel Founder & CEO of XpeedStudio

Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar. The Big Oxmox advised her

Shams W.Pawel Founder & CEO of XpeedStudio

Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar. The Big Oxmox advised her

Shams W.Pawel Founder & CEO of XpeedStudio

Even the all-powerful Pointing has no control about the blind texts it is an almost unorthographic life One day however a small line of blind text by the name of Lorem Ipsum decided to leave for the far World of Grammar. The Big Oxmox advised her

Shams W.Pawel Founder & CEO of XpeedStudio
Share with