It’s a memoir! Welcome, readers, to the 50th post of The Ladybug Blog! I am excited and humbled to have made it to the 50th blog post, and I wanted to make this entry special. Here is the memoir elevator pitch…The working title of my book is:
The Diary of a “Crazy” Person
A Journey of Faith Through My 20’s and 30’s Living with Mental Illness
I wrote this book at two very different times in my life, ages 26 and 27, and ages 38 and 39. It has been a passion project for me for a long time. Each chapter is a journal entry covering my experiences as a young woman living with chronic mental and physical illnesses. This book focuses mainly on my mental health journey, although I do address my medical challenges as well to a smaller extent. I believe that it is impossible to separate the mind and body. The title of the book is meant to be a bit tongue-in-cheek, as the word crazy is used in a negative way far too often when people with mental health struggles are described or stigmatized in society. My hope with this memoir is to take the reader past all of the labels and stigma, and bring you into the thoughts and emotions of what my life has been like these last two decades. My faith in God, as well as the love of my family and friends, and the work of some wonderful professionals, has provided me with incredible support throughout my journey. I hope that you will step into my world and both laugh and cry as you travel through reading The Diary of a “Crazy” Person.
What makes my book unique? I feel that the timeline of the book, which describes both my 20’s and 30’s, provides readers with insight into how one can stabilize when dealing with chronic illnesses over time. My book is full of my darkest moments, and I do not hold back in my descriptions of mental and physical suffering. However, the overall message of the book is not bleak like so many mental health memoirs. My story is one of hope and light, as I find healing while my faith and support increases over time. I will let you in on a sneak peek of the ending message, which is that I have evened out and built strength mentally throughout the years. This message is important to me, because God is Good, and through Him, all things are possible. Too many mental health memoirs only focus on the pain, and I want my readers to see both my struggles and my triumphs. I endeavor in this book to paint a picture that is not just black and white, but full of the grey tones which more accurately describes the process of recovery.
As I type this book description, I am close to my 40th birthday. I can honestly say that I feel the most mentally stable now than at any other point in my life. The positivity and gratitude in my heart at this stage in my life is amazing considering the rough experiences I have lived through due to my chronic illnesses. And that is the take-away I desperately want to share. Never give up, because there is always a new dawn. The sun rises, and you’re blessed with another day and a new chance. No matter the difficulties you face, God is there with you. He has always been there with me, even when I turned away.
Now comes the part where I need your help! I finished the original rough draft of my book manuscript in May 2026. Since then, I have edited it once fully myself, and then had a kind friend edit it in June 2026. I am now doing a 3rd edit of my manuscript myself, and I would love your assistance! I welcome any offers to edit my book further. Please let me know if you would like to read through the rough draft of my manuscript. I am also looking for referrals to professional editors. In addition, I have a goal of seeing my book published. I am currently reviewing my options for self-publishing, hybrid publishing, or landing a professional publishing contract. My time has been busy researching all three possibilities. Please let me know if you can share advice on this process, or if you can provide contacts to book agents or publishers.
I ask you, Ladybug readers, to consider supporting my efforts as an author with the memoir I have written. My prayer is to reach your emotions and minds in a new way and change your perspective on mental illness. This is my invitation: will you join me on my new challenge of being a blog entry writer AND book author? Thank you!
In Love and Gratitude, G.
PS If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness, please visit The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at the following link: https://afsp.org/
PSS To read more of my writing please visit my archive of blog posts at the following link: https://www.theladybug86.com
More updates to come!
