1. Has your book been published?
No. My book has NOT been published in printed form.
2. Why did you decide to blog your book?
One of the many reasons is that people across the globe have easy access to online and for some who cannot afford a book, they have the ability to hear the message in the privacy and safety of their own home. It is also a costly venture to publish a book, I have great respect for authors for their dedication and commitment to publish. I am also grateful to my dear friend Lynne MacQuarrie of Handler Inc who has encouraged me to blog for quite some time. For my own mental health it was important to me to not wait any longer so that I have a sense of closure and completion on this chapter of my life.
3. Do I need to purchase your book?
NO, however, I encourage readers to make a donation to a cause near and dear to my heart Distress Centre, who has been part of this journey and their 24 Hour Crisis Line was the Phone Call that Saved my Life. You can make a tax deductible donation HERE
4. Why did you decide to share your story?
My entire life I have journalled – I find immense relief, self-awareness, and reflection in writing, it is my avenue to release and move forward. As I shared my blog posts, spoke to others and researched, I realized the scope of impact that mental illness has in the world was huge and the stigma that surrounds it leaves MANY people feeling alone and isolated, feeling shamed and frozen in reaching out for help. By sharing my story, I hope that people will realize they are not alone, there is hope, there is help and for others who do not suffer from mental illness or have a loved one going through it, that they me be educated and more aware of what it is like and how to support others.
5. What is your strategy for blogging A Quiet Strong Voice?
- I have broken down this 5 Chapter book, that is a 1.5 hour read in it’s entirety, into smaller subsections to blog.
- I recommend and encourage people to have a journal so they can reflect on their own emotions that are coming up, and share in the Safe Space Comments on each blog post.
- For three weeks, I will share a post daily in the morning – Monday to Friday beginning Monday August 22
- I will share posts via Twitter @SimpLee_Serene and Facebook
- On Twitter I use hashtags #mentalillness #depression #mhsm these are great places to find information, conversation and support for mental illness. For specific posts for A Quiet Strong Voice I will also use the hashtag #aqsv
6. How will you create a “safe space” for commenting?
As outlined on the right hand sidebar SAFE SPACE: Comments are intended to create conversation and provide you the avenue to share your thoughts in a safe space. To ensure this is a safe space to share, any derogatory, negative comments or comments with harsh language will be deleted without question.
I will monitor comments carefully, and have a plugin that detects and filters spam.
7. How can I subscribe to your Blog so I receive your posts in my email?
On the right hand sidebar you will see Subscribe for Latest Posts, you can click on the blue icon for RSS feeds, or click on the green icon to sign up for email updates.
8. How can I share your posts on my social media channels?
- At the top of each post you will see a green retweet button, which you can press to retweet on Twitter, insert hashtag #aqsv
- At the bottom of each post you will see a SHARE/SAVE button which allows you to share, save, email or add to favorites. This button allows you to share on Facebook, Delicious, Google Bookmarks, MySpace, Messenger, Twitter, Digg, Google Buzz, Reddit and Stumble Upon.
- The more this is shared, the greater reach it has to possibly change, if not save someone’s life. I ask and encourage people to share away.
9. What if someone is in crisis?
In every post are links to 24 hour Crisis Lines, links and resources for people to reach out. ALWAYS if you or someone you love feels unsafe call Emergency in Canada the number is 911. I am not a Doctor or Medical Professional, as per my Disclaimer: I write sharing my personal reflections from my own personal experience and I do not in anyway, dispense medical advice. Please do not substitute material on this site for consultation with a mental health professional. I make my best effort to provide links and resources that are up to date at the time of publishing.
I also have a wonderful support system of medical professionals, mental health professionals, holistic practitioners that are here for support.
10. Do you speak at Public and Private events?
Yes I do, I love speaking and sharing my story to an audience. I have spoken to crowds from 2 – 700 people. You can view my Speaker Profile and contact me to book me at your next event.
Start reading “A Quiet Strong Voice” HERE
