Tales from a Bruised Mind

On Saturday, March 23, 2024, I held the official book launch for my first significant body of work, A Ballad from a Bruised Brain.

It’s been a long and difficult journey – a five year process – so to be able to share some precious moments with family and friends was incredibly moving for me.

I never really thought my words would amount to anything, but to see the impact I’ve had on others has been therapeutic and so bloody warming.

Originally, I started this book more as a diary, to help me get through the worst days. I didn’t expect that people would want to read about it, or buy it, at all!

I had my doubts at first, but it turned out to be well and truly worth it.

On the night, I gave a speech, which I will talk about a little here in this space.

Back when I was very unwell, I listened to a lot of Joni Mitchell. One song, called The Circle Game, held a special place in my heart.

So I started my speech by talking and referencing Joni and her ‘carousels of time’ that The Circle Game displays so beautifully.

I then went to talk about my four hospital admissions, my ups and my downs, my rights and wrongs, my relationship difficulties and more.

It was incredibly difficult to speak about this in front of everyone – it was hard to pull back on all the feelings bubbling up to the surface once again – but I got it out without becoming a blubbering mess!

A great group of people came out to celebrate this occasion – school friends, university friends, family close and far, and new friends, too.

There was great reception for the book, too, with some of my friends not knowing what had happened to me. They couldn’t quite believe it.

I signed books for my friends, talked openly about mental health and had such a great time!

At the end of my speech, I came back to Joni Mitchell yet again. I reflected on her Circle Game song, of the fact that times goes around and around and around.

I ended by saying that we have to hold on to the good times, and never, ever let go.

Here’s to the next book!

Love,

Zak