The books I have published
I've always enjoyed writing, from an early age. I can remember writing my first story when I was four years old - it was about a boy who visits the forest and meets a fairy whom I called "Fairy Nuff", suggested by my mum! But in fact I have come to understand that fiction writing is not necessarily my forte. Rather, I have found myself at my most literarily fluid when writing about my life and memories. I suppose that might be seen as a drawback - I mean, there's only so much one is able to write about their life, right? However, I have tried to aim towards a less autobiographical bent in the work I called "Monopolies", in which you can find short stories and funny sketches and descriptions of dreams and sorts of essays and so on. I wish you would buy it!
Having said that, the book that defines me is my first mental health memoir, "The Chicken Shop Incident". That one is my most popular work to date, and many have enjoyed it and been shocked and educated by it.
"The Prayer: Journey into Madness" is my second mental health memoir. It's a follow-up to The Chicken Shop Incident. Some have bought it, some have read it. I hope you will have a butchers!
I also have some "low content" publications which are notebooks. Have a look!
On this page you will find links to the various books I have in publication.
The Chicken Shop Incident
This was my first published book, a mental health memoir which I knew I had to write because of the sensitive content, and the desire to put everything in context. Those who know me all know I'm schizophrenic, and many of them know what the chicken shop incident actually is. One hope for me is that anyone reading will forgive me for doing the things I've put in the book, but another is that those reading will get to the ending and then keep it a secret! It is indeed a highly personal book, I'm very proud of it, and I hope people enjoy it.
L'Incident du Magasin de Poulet
This is a French language version of The Chicken Shop Incident, which I translated because I'm learning a little French, and because modern technology makes it so easy. If there are any of you who parlay voo Fronsay, or you have a friend who does, or you want to challenge yourself with a new language, then this is the book for you!
The Prayer: Journey into Madness
As I've mentioned, this is a follow-up to The Chicken Shop Incident. Not to give away spoilers, but TCSI ends on something of a cliffhanger, so we pick up and continue the story. Said story, whereas my first book contains the details of my life up to 2006, covers the following years up to coronavirus times. I think it's very humourous, and I wish more people would check it out. The book is dedicated to someone very dear to me, and ex-love of mine, Judy, who died in 2017. It was originally going to be called "Judy's Prayer", but this changed in editing. There are also many other characters, from my various incarcerations in mental hospitals, and also from other times of my life. There are shocking moments also, and there are chapters describing holidays and journeys I've taken - hence the title "Journey into Madness". You would enjoy this book, I think it's right up your alley!
Two Five Burn - Notebook
This is really just a lined notepad. I had to call it "Two Five Burn" because Amazon KDP requires that you include an author. One day I will think of a workaround for this situation. Need a notebook? Look no further!
Monopolies Vol. One: Dreams, Poesy and Psychotic Prose
Monopolies, monopolies, monopolies... what can we say about "Monopolies"? Well, perhaps the title is misleading, but then in fact I think it is appropriate because years ago I had a dream that I would write a book and call it that! Here I call 'monopolies' the little vignettes and paragraphs and attempts at creative writing that I've included in the book. I even give a reason for this in the preface. It really does what it says on the tin... that is, it is a collection of writings written in an altered state of mind. Many who suffer with this illness turn to journaling as a coping mechanism, and I'm not an exception. Some have bought it, some have read it, and those who've read it seem to like it, and I like it, and I think you will too!
Two Five Burn - Notebook
Another notebook. This one has a partickley pretty cover!