Writing In Suburbia #44: Checkmate

Welcome back to another episode of Writing In Suburbia. Today is my birthday. I turn 43. This has special meaning to me. It means I lived. I made it. I didn't implode. Since the beginning of September there has been a special blog campaign called #HoldOnToTheLight where over 100+ scifi/fantasy writers have been posting about mental health issues, domestic violence issues, substance abuse issues, and so much more. In today's episode I read my contribution that I posted to my website. Enjoy. About the campaign: #HoldOntoTheLight is a blog campaign encompassing blog posts by fantasy and science fiction authors around the world in an effort to raise awareness around treatment for depression, suicide prevention, domestic violence intervention, PTSD initiatives, bullying prevention and other mental health-related issues. We believe fandom should be supportive, welcoming and inclusive, in the long tradition of fandom taking care of its own. We encourage readers and fans to seek the help they or their loved ones need without shame or embarrassment. Please consider donating to or volunteering for organizations dedicated to treatment and prevention such as: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Home for the Warriors (PTSD), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Canadian Mental Health Association, MIND (UK), SANE (UK), BeyondBlue (Australia), To Write Love On Her Arms and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. To find out more about #HoldOntoTheLight, find a list of participating authors, or reach a media contact, go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/276745236033627/