WOOHOO! I’m Guest Blogging from Quebec, Canada over at Lakefront Muse Blog Spot. Mary Metcalfe, fiction author and editor interviewed me about my traumatic journey and recovery with Bipolar Disorder. And why I wrote my confronting story, ME & HER: a Memoir of Madness.
How did Mary Metcalfe discover ME & HER: a Memoir of Madness?
Mary Metcalfe friended me over at Goodreads book review site, where we chatted about ME & HER and bipolar disorder.
Her two close friends live with bipolar disorder and she wanted to know HOW she could help them.
Check out Mary Metcalfe’s in-depth interview… 
What motivated you to write ME & HER?
“In the midst of mania, I wrote ME & HER: a Memoir of Madness, as part of my obsessive compulsion, to express what was happening to me. Later I realized my unique story of parent and student abuse inflicted upon a teacher might interest readers. Parents of my student repeatedly harassed me on a daily basis, dishing out spoken, written and psychological abuse.
As I became well, I hoped my story could help others on their recovery journey.”
You’ve had some excellent reviews. Reviewers call your book inspiring, motivational and courageous. How has the public reception been to your memoir?
“The public welcomed my intriguing story with curiosity and support, especially from those who have a personal history of mental illness or know loved ones who have.”
What kind of feedback do you get from audiences after speaking to them?
“People are eager to understand more about mental illness and how to improve their own wellness. For many, hearing about ME & HER is an awakening.”
What was your goal in writing this memoir?
“I wanted to record what was happening to me, to make sense of the confusion I was feeling. I interviewed doctors, nurses and patients, trying to fathom my illness and how to become well.”
Some reviewers praise your book as a resource for people living with bipolar disorder.
Did you realize as you were writing that ME & HER would become such a helpful resource? How do you feel about that?
“Only recently, I realized ME & HER could be resource when I created mental health articles for magazines. I’m thrilled I’m able to guide people on their journey to recovery.”
It must have been incredibly painful documenting the verbal harassment and threats by Allie’s parents and the physical assault by Allie. What effect did writing all this down have on your recovery?
“It was very stressful writing about the harassment. Initially, I revealed my traumatic story in brief flashbacks. To relieve my stress, I wrote two other novels at the same time to escape the trauma: Sayonara crime fiction and Josh and the It, a Super Space Kids fantasy. ”
When I was ready, I revealed the whole story of abuse, which aided my recuperation and healing from post-traumatic stress disorder. I literally wrote my way to recovery.
I have two good friends who are living with bipolar disorder. What final words of encouragement would you like me to share with them?
You CAN recover from bipolar disorder. Learn everything about bipolar. Develop your own pro-active wellness plan by trialling coping skills that manage your illness on a day–to-day basis.
To read the FULL story, go to An Inspiring Memoir of Recovery
To READ #21 *5 Star* Reviews of ME & HER and READ the first #20 pages go to ME & HER: a Memoir of Madness
What did you think of Mary’s interview on my recovery memoir?
Do you agree ME & HER: a Memoir Of Madness could be a helpful resource on bipolar disorder?
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It was such an honour to do the interview with you Karen… my gutsy friend!
Thanks Mary for your awesome interview questions which really made me think! Thanks too for the Guest Blog opportunity. LOVE to hear your feedback after you finish reading ME & HER!