@Explosivewafflez

Tell us about your story (What is it about?)
Avery's Anorexia is the third book in my Fighter's Series which specifically tackles mental health topics. Although it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone book since it features all new characters. The main character is a young girl named Avery, who simply wants to lose weight. However, she finds herself in a downward spiral when exercising isn't enough. She soon develops the eating disorder Anorexia, which quickly threatens her life. When Avery winds up in the hospital in a coma, her soul enters the spirit world where she meets various mental illnesses personified as demons. Meanwhile, the demon Anorexia hunts Avery as she attempts to find her way back to her body.

How does it relate to Mental Illness? (Is there a specific mental illness the story is involved in?)
The main mental illness the book tackles is the eating disorder Anorexia, but I do write about other characters with Bulimia and Depression.

Why did you write a story involving mental illness instead of something else?
I chose to write about mental illness because it's a topic that needs to be given a voice. There aren't enough writers taking a stand and I think its ridiculous that society stigmatizes mental health. It's so important to educate yourself on these topics in case you find yourself or a friend in these situations. Learning about them can show people how to get help for themselves or someone else.

As an author. Tell us your experience (emotions/feelings) you had to go through in able to write a relatable story for your readers?
I've dealt with Depression and suicidal thoughts myself. I've also had friends with a mental illness or an eating disorder so it gave me the first-hand experience I needed to be able to convey these stories in the most genuine form I could write them.

What do you think makes your story so different compared to any other mental illness stories?
I think what makes my story different is that the character doesn't start off with the illness. It's a gradual progression from something as innocent as wanting to lose weight in a safe way to benefit your body, to having it escalate into something you've lost control of. What also makes it different is that my book personifies the mental illnesses into literal demons. The phrase "face your demons" is no longer a metaphor for Avery.

It has come to the point where the topic of Mental Illness has become a taboo subject in our society today. What is your opinion about it?
Well as I've said, I find it ridiculous. Humans aren't indestructible, but society doesn't like to focus on how flawed we are. A lot of people are either too scared or too uncomfortable to talk about these subjects because they're worried about judgement or it's "too sad." I say that this generation has a responsibility to break that stigma, because if we don't continue to shed light on these topics nothing will change. People have to know how to spot a mental illness or an eating disorder so that they can help themselves or a friend. Education is the key.

Do you have any other statements you want our readers to know about mental illness or encouragements you may have for someone suffering from a mental illness?
I'd like them to know that they aren't weak. I want them to know that having a mental illness, eating disorder, or taking medication doesn't make you any less of a person. It's not your fault and no matter what you are loved. Don't ever give up hope because it does better. People do recover. Recovery is a long and hard road, but it is possible. It took me a long time to recover from my own Depression, but I made it and used my experience to help others. If you think you or a loved one may have a mental illness, don't be afraid to talk to them or seek help. Always keep fighting and don't give up. Stay strong.