My writing journey
Writing a book wasn’t part of my plans until an incident occurred that changed everything. A relative was struggling with her mental illness. I called 911 and the officer sent to check on her shot her multiple times at her home. Miraculously, she survived, only to face a long recovery and to be charged with her own shooting. When I shared this harrowing story with friends, they were so moved that I felt inspired to write a novel about it–Hope and Madness.
I grappled with the decision of whether or not to share this tale and risk being met with its associated stigmas. In the end, I decided these issues are too important to stay silent about; we must discuss them openly if we hope to bring about change.
Laboring over my novel, I discovered how satisfying it was to be a writer and how hard creating a book can be. I realized my writing skills needed to improve if I wanted to capture the anguish and complexity of mental illness in my work or portray the disastrous consequences of our flawed social systems.
Determined to make a difference and to do this story justice, I continue honing my craft. If you’re considering penning your own book, are a budding writer, curious about the writing process, or want updates on my progress I invite you to join me on this journey by subscribing to my newsletter.
Crafting Hope and Madness has been an incredible experience that has transformed me in multiple ways. The story has grown into something beyond me, and I am thankful for the chance to share it. I never imagined becoming an author, but sometimes when the story is powerful enough, it chooses you.
Click here to read about the next step in my journey.
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