The Darkness Within received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Drew Paige.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The name of my book is The Darkness Within. It was published August 2021.
What’s the book’s first line?
“When we are brought into this world, no one tells us how difficult life is.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
The Darkness Within is a true story of survival, of resilience and transformation. An unflinching look into the life of a woman named Drew. This is a one-of-a-kind account that will make you think about mental health in a different way. Meet Drew….fighting through the darkness to reach the light. Knowing that it’s worth the battle.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
What inspired me to write this book was I had read a memoir before the pandemic began. I thought to myself, “I have a story to tell” that was the moment I knew I wanted to write my memoir.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
The main reason someone should read this book is because so many people know someone who struggles mentally. A family member, friend, co-worker, or they themselves battle with mental struggles. This book can help someone have a better understanding about mental illness. Reading a book that has research incorporated into the text is so helpful to see a different perspective. Not only of a person who struggles with mental illness but a view point of someone who has also worked in the field of social work. This will give the person reading this book, the knowledge of what a person experiences that deals with mental struggles. A better understanding of mental illness without the stigma attached to it.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The most distinctive thing about the main character Drew. Is the will to never give up. Even in the darkest of times Drew pushed herself to do the internal work while helping others in the process. The message is clear giving up is never an option having the will to push forward not only for herself but her children and family.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I decided to become an author when I read a memoir and wanted to share my story.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
This is the first book I have written.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I am working with a screenwriter to turn this memoir into a film. I am also looking for opportunities to publicly speak about mental health and stigma. I am talking to people about appearing on podcasts to discuss my story and memoir.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
When I was writing my memoir I was writing everyday for five months straight. The rest of the year I was in the editing phase of the publishing process. Now I am not writing as often I started a blog on Medium, discussing topics that are of interest to to me.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part of being an indie author is being new and fresh to the author community. I have connected to so many wonderful writers it has been such a great experience all around. The hardest part is the waiting to see how people react to my work. I know that everyone has different outlooks and opinions, it is difficult to know that not everyone will like my work.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
My advice would be to be open to social media. I started an Instagram page drewpaige_author and Twitter drewpaige44. I have connected with so many through these social media outlets. It is not only amazing to get your work out there. It is an opportunity to speak to people and get feedback about your work.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I really like the route I have taken with a hybrid publisher I have the full rights to my work. I would not personally go with a traditional publisher. I think it is different for every individual author.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
What motivates me is not fame or fortune it is to stop the stigma of mental illness and health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2019: Suicide was the tenth leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 47,500 people. I want to stop the stigma surrounding talking about mental health and illness. I can help so many people who are suffering in silence. I want change and I will continue to talk about my story. This will make people feel less alone that is my main motivation.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
I admire Jeanette Walls the author of The Glass Castle. I really loved how she told her story. The vulnerability and honesty in the way her story was told really moved me.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
There is not a book I wish I could have written. I enjoy reading all types of stories and I can appreciate other people’s work.