I am attempting to write a complete novel in the month of November as a means to continue my recovery from depression, trauma and abuse.

I have set up this fundraising page to raise some money for the inspiring Breathing Space project, whose churchyard bench I rested on during the most critical days of my recovery and whose work I much admire.

I have no writing qualifications or novel writing experience. My inner critic is screaming at me not to do this but I'm thinking, it's better to write a bad book than no book at all.

So here goes.

My book is called 'All the Single Magpies'.

https://www.breathingspace.org.uk/home

https://nanowrimo.org/national-novel-writing-month

Some back story...

In 2023 I went through a period of severe depression and spent the best part of 3 months completely unable to function and in the care of my parents, back in the house I grew up in.

I couldn't eat or sleep and wouldn't leave my bedroom or even open the blinds. I couldn't speak to my children (hard even to type). At times I couldn't even open my eyes. I had no idea that a person could feel pain as I did and I wholeheartedly believed I would never be able to return to my life as I'd known it.

But I did.

It's been a long road towards recovery and my every success can be traced back to the love and support I have received from my parents, my girlfriend, my sisters, my children, my friends and my Pauline (my counsellor, whose gentle Geordie voice has cushioned my journey at every step).

Writing this book gives me the opportunity to convey the fullness of my thanks to all those who have helped me through.