Fascinating Authors

FASCINATING AUTHORS: Tell us a little bit about your book.
Author: “Mommy I’m Still in Here” chronicles the first few years after two of my three kids were diagnosed with adolescent onset bipolar disorder. It’s as much about me, my growth and development, as it is about dealing with the illness.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: What inspired you to create a work of non-fiction?
Author: When Chloe, my eldest, was diagnosed, medically-based books were readily available. The few personal accounts written at that time were terribly negative and discouraging. The market lacked a hopeful voice.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: What did you do to prepare – such as research – to write your book?
Author: I’m a writer and always have been. When I decided to work on the manuscript I went back to my journals and used them to create the basic framework. Of course, I’d read just about everything written about bipolar disorder and its treatment while helping my kids learn to live with it, so I have a great resource library and lots of references.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: How did you decide which information to present in your book?
Author: The book is very frank, very honest. I didn’t leave much out. I did, however, omit the details of a number of scenes dealing with suicide attempts and psychosis. Grisly details are not always necessary to relate the emotional tenor of a moment.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: What do you hope people will gain from reading your book?
Author: Knowledge. Encouragement. Hope. I want people to know that mental illness, while serious and potentially life-threatening, is treatable. And once symptoms are appropriately controlled, people with mental illness can live rich, wonderful, productive lives.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: How long did it take you to write the book – (was it longer or less time than you expected)?
Author:  It took nearly two years from the day I began writing until the last revision was sent to my publisher. Since this is my third book, I knew what to expect. Honestly, the most challenging task in the process was finding the right publishing company.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: Did you seek the support of a writer’s group or class?
Author: I have an amazing friend who used to have a career in publishing. She has served as a reader and critic for me on each book. She’s honest, pulls no punches and realigned me many times.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: What surprised you the most about this process?
Author: Every time I tackle a lengthy writing project I am amazed by how totally engulfing, encompassing it could be. Hours pass and I am unaware. I love that.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: What tips would you offer to anyone writing nonfiction for the first time?
Author: Get it all out on paper, then go back and edit. Avoid your inner critic and let it flow. The more you get down, the more you’ll have to work with when you start breaking it down and removing the unnecessary.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: What can we look forward to in your next book?
Author: I’m compelled to write poetry right now, and I keep the idea of a novel simmering in the back of my mind.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: Is there anything we haven’t covered that you would like to include?
Author: Best piece of advice I can give other writers: Work with a good editor. Nothing is more appalling that reading a poorly crafted or unedited book.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: Some of the reviews of your book indicate a desire to know more, especially about how your children are today. What can you tell us that you would be willing to share?
Author: My eldest, Chloe, was married last year and is living a very happy life. Her illness continues to be difficult to treat, but she’s learned skills and gained knowledge that enable her to remain fairly stable.
Michael also married and had a son of his own in the last year. After years of addiction issues and refusing to take his meds, he is sober and medically compliant. This has been a turning point for him and our family and we are thrilled!
My youngest, Monica, is a junior at university and runs track. She continues to be well and seems not to have inherited the illness.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: What’s the one best piece of advice you have for anyone going through an experience similar to yours?
Author: Be informed. Learn everything you can about the illness, treatments, side-effects, medical benefits and community services. Knowledge is power, particularly in the strange world of mental health care. With that knowledge, be your own best advocate.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: Do you see awareness of and resources for bipolar disorder increasing; what would you like to see more of in this area?
Author: Oh my goodness, yes! Many of the medications and treatment approaches used today were not available even a few years ago. Much progress has been made in reducing negative side effects, thus encouraging patients to stick to their treatment plans. Community awareness and acceptance has increased and stigma is declining. People are learning that a mental illness diagnosis is not a death sentence. Treatment works. Productive, rewarding lives are possible for those diagnosed with mental illness.

FASCINATING AUTHORS: Thank you for taking the time to be part of this interview!

More information about the author and the book can be found here – www.katemclaughlin.net