By popular demand, I’m revealing my next excerpt from ME AND HER: a Memoir of Madness, my struggle and triumph over Bipolar Disorder.
ME AND HER is my gutsy, raw account on how an ordinary teacher coped with the abuse and harassment leveled by vindictive parents at her school.
And the profound effect that abuse had on her personality, her mental health and creativity.
Why do people read memoirs written by ordinary people?
To gain insight into the private lives of those who’ve struggled to rise above their challenges and have something extraordinary to say.
What memoirs have truly touched or inspired me?
• Last Lecture by Randy Pausich
• Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
• Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
• A Child called It by Dave Pelzer
• The Well by Audrey Streetman
• Salvation Creek by Susan Duncan
Readers expect a powerful recount of someone’s experiences written openly, honestly and unguarded.
As a memoir writer I’m handing over to you my most excruciating and most exhilarating experiences, thoughts and feelings.
With much angst, I’m baring my soul, disclosing page 3 of ME AND HER.
Inside the motel kitchenette, the nurse and the doctor huddled inviting me to join them. I remained resolute, standing half way between the two groups, my glazed eyes flickering back and forth to them and the four in uniform looming in the doorway.
‘Wh─what do you want?’ I tried to bluff them.
‘Someone’s concerned. We’re taking you to hospital for psychiatric assessment,’ said the nurse.
‘Who’s concerned? I─I’ve done nothing wrong!’ But the voice shrieked too high and too shaky to be mine.
Nurse Nancy commenced her interrogation. ‘Samantha, where do you live?’
Samantha?
The doctor cast sideways glances at her as she continued to ask questions. He looked like he wanted to be somewhere else. I knew exactly how he felt. I gazed down at the navy blue carpet besotted by the speckles of luminous colour.
She started up again. ‘How did you get here? … Why are you here?’
I provided no answers, fixating on the portable TV hoisted high on a bracket in the corner. Scenes played out in brilliant colours, mesmerized me. I shifted the volume to zero ─ the only way I watch television, in silence. There’s enough racket, droning inside my head.
Karen Tyrrell 2011 © Me and Her: a Memoir of Madness
… What do you think? …
I’m sending out positive Book Karma that my memoir will be published soon … Hope you’ll join me.
Will the Universe realign itself to our positive vibrations and the energy from your support?
Do you want to read more?
OMG Karen,
You are so brave to write this!
I want to read more … You MUST be published soon!
Thanks Deb,
I’m so glad you like it and you’re keen to read more. Hope more readers shout this out to the Publishers.
I really want to read more, Karen. I hope a publisher picks it up soon 🙂
Hi Carol,
I’d love to share my entire ME AND HER story. Hope that publishing contract comes soon. Thanks for supporting me :))
Absolutely love it, Karen, and can’t wait until ‘Me and Her’ is published. Fantastic. I love the way you focus in on the minutiae and the way you write that engages all senses. You write so well. Can empthise totally with what you went through. Sounds like me. Congratulations! Dumb publishers need to pick up your book now. Can’t believe you haven’t got a contract yet but it will happen, my girl. It will happen. Looking forward to your book launch, Karen. So happy for you. You’ve got ‘it’. Never give in to self doubt. You are a writer that people can relate to. Joanna :))
Thanks Joanna, So glad you LOVE it!! So want to get ME AND HER published. I know many read my pages by the multitude of comments I get on Facebook, Twitter and Linked in. That contract must be close :))
Karen,
I admire your bravery and I wish you all the best on both your writing and your personal journey.
Dee
Thank you for sharing your story so openly and honestly. You really capture us emotionally through your writing, Karen, and I look forward to reading more in the future. Thank you for you courage!
Thanks Dee,
Am I brave to write ME AND HER? I had no choice but to write it. Each year my understanding of Bipolar Disorder becomes clearer and my motivation strengthens to get this story published. Thanks so much for your support … Karen :))
Hi Wendy,
I’m so glad I successfully communicated my story and emotions to you and that you “get it” I hope to post more snippets in the future. Thanks so much for your support :))
I’ve followed you for over a year and love Me and Her. I want to read your book NOW. You must get published quick!
Thanks Anita for your ongoing support. I’m trying my ‘darnest’ to get ME AND HER published. I hope I can share the good news soon :))
You are brave, Karen. It’s always hard to put our work out there, but especially when so deeply personal and emotional.
Good luck with your mss. Hope you hear good news from the publishers very soon.
Best, Chris
Thanks Chris, for dropping by and reading my third page. I hope by putting my memoir out there, this will create an irresistible interest from the Readers :))
Gutsy move, Karen. Hope you find a publisher willing to take a chance.
Hi Dale,
Gutsy move? It feels like a natural progression to me. I’m well known as a mental health advocate with many articles and interviews published on mental health recovery around the world. An international publisher is very keen … Karen :))
I can’t wait to read more either Karen, as I have said before.
I too think you are very brave. You will be published.
Thanks Lexie for your ongoing loyal support and your vote of confidence. The more I ‘Speak Out’ the braver I become 🙂