Tales from a Bruised Mind

Quadrants of My Mind will be the second book from writer and journalist Zak Adkins.

Here’s a bit of a Q&A about the book, the writing process and the themes of QOMM.

When did you start writing QOMM and what was the inspiration behind it?

It all happened shortly after I published my first book, A Ballad from a Bruised Brain, in March 2024. I guess the inspiration for the book came from looking forward and thinking about what happens and what we do when we get older. I could see myself as an older man and wondering what could have happened along the way and the possible challenges I could face. The book is really about the unpredictable nature of life, regardless of what your physical or mental health is like.

What are the key themes of the book and where is it set?

The key themes of QOMM essentially surround the idea of a ‘coming of age’ story, as well as family, relationships, hardship, love and career. A big underlying theme is mental health and its affects on the way we do everyday life.

The book is set in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, my hometown.

What’s the book’s synopsis?

QOMM is told by a mystery narrator, a man who has just surpassed 80 years on Earth. A writer and former journalist, and facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, he decides to write about the four key stages that defined him. The story follows his beginnings as a journalist, his battles with his mental health and how he navigated key parts of his life, like his relationships and having children.

The rest is a secret!

This sounds like your life, though?

Well, yes, to some degree. It’s been heavily inspired by my own experiences, but the majority is very much fiction.

Were there any challenges with writing it?

Simply finding the time to write was one of the biggest challenges while also working full-time. Writing at work and then writing when I got home was tiring, but I remained committed to the project thanks to plenty of caffeine and what I think will be a thrilling and enjoyable story for readers.

How long is the book?

It’s no War & Peace, but it’s roughly 70,000 words at this point in time.

What stage is the book at now?

The book is ready to be submitted to an editor and then from there I will create the art design and layout. Then it’s off to the printers and into reader’s hands!

When in 2015 will the book launch?

I’m aiming for around April 2025 with all going well. But worst case scenario, it’ll be out before the middle of the year.

I’m very much looking forward to getting the book out there, I’m particularly proud of this one!

Thanks,

Zak