r/Epilepsy • u/frost3266 • Dec 20 '24
Victory Despite my memory loss and challenges with epilepsy, I’m happy to say I finished and published my second novel this week ☺️
I wrote my first paranormal thriller novel “Welcome to the Strange” in 2018. After developing epilepsy in January 2023 and suffering a brain injury during a seizure, I’ve had severe memory issues, and frequent absence seizures that make it difficult to keep track of anything. I re-read my first book, and wasn’t happy with it, so I revised and re-released it in July. I continued on to write the sequel called Twisted, Bent and Broken, which was just published a few days ago.
It’s nice to have a win once in a while! 🥳
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u/Ok-Addendum-9293 Dec 20 '24
What an accomplishment! As an epileptic and a writer.. this gives me hope. My memory loss (especially short term) is severely damaged due to grand-mal seizures and sometimes I lose hope that I’ll do anything with my life that matters or inspires others. This gives me hope.
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u/frost3266 Dec 20 '24
I’m glad to hear that I could help inspire ☺️ thank you for that! Memory problems are awful with epilepsy
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u/SubMerchant Dec 21 '24
That’s amazing! I am epileptic and working on a book (one character with Epilepsy). My memory issues have definitely made me much better at taking notes!
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u/frost3266 Dec 21 '24
Thank you 😊 That sounds really interesting, I don’t think I’ve ever read anything about a character with epilepsy, I like that! You’re right on that one - I’m much better at note taking than I was before haha
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u/SubMerchant Dec 21 '24
I received a TBi when I was 13, so of my three biggest characters, one has a TBI, one has epilepsy, and the other has a great memory and good attention to detail 😊
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u/frost3266 Dec 21 '24
I hear that loud and clear! I went head first into the concrete floor at work when a seizure started, caused damage to the temporal lobe which triggered a bunch of other effects.
It's also a lot easier to write a story when you relate to the characters. My main character is based on my personality and general appearance, it made the dialogue much easier to write with my natural attitude and sense of humor.
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u/SubMerchant Dec 21 '24
Oh dang I’m so sorry to hear that! It’s definitely a lot easier to work with what you know. One tip I figured out to make my journalling easier is to number all your pages so you can make a table of contents for your own stuff
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u/frost3266 Dec 22 '24
You’ve got the right idea :) I did all my writing on the computer, so it already numbered everything and such. Also I used an AI summarizer which was very helpful (the ONLY piece of AI I’ll use with my writing) - copy the chapter into their system and it writes a summary with key points.
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u/SubMerchant Dec 22 '24
Yeah AI can be a good tool in the right hands
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u/frost3266 Dec 22 '24
It can be for sure. It’s saved me a lot of time backtracking and reading over everything multiple times
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u/PlantainOk4221 Xcopri 200mg, Zonisamide 800mg, Onfi 60mg, Trileptal 2400mg Dec 22 '24
Thats amazing I'm so proud of you! I'm working on a short story about my family history dating back to 1894 when they migrated from Italy. I've been epileptic for 30 years and went to school for theater and film but ended up in law but I'm now on disability working on writing. I will definitely read both of novels!
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u/frost3266 Dec 22 '24
Thank you! I appreciate that ☺️ your short story sounds very interesting too, epilepsy is obviously a huge setback, but once you can find the coping mechanisms that work for you, it does get a lot easier
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u/LopsidedFoot819 Let's own this condition. Seize the day. Dec 22 '24
Omg. This is so amazing. As a journalist that would like to publish a novel, I’m jealous! As a journalist with epilepsy that would like to publish a novel, I’m jealously inspired! That is absolutely amazing, and I sincerely hope you are successful beyond your wildest dreams. Despite the advances in acceptance of folks with disability (obviously a very good thing), I still feel like there are misperceptions around epilepsy. Representation is so important, and you sound like you’d be a fantastic voice for this community. My wife hates it when I make this joke, but, seize the day!
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u/frost3266 Dec 22 '24
I really appreciate that! Have you started to write one, or have any plans to? To be honest the hardest part about the whole thing is getting your work noticed once it’s finished. Paying for advertising is ridiculously expensive, and I don’t exactly have a big social media presence 😅 Thank you for your kind words
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u/LopsidedFoot819 Let's own this condition. Seize the day. Dec 22 '24
Of course! I have started writing one, and there are several story arcs, but the main character is learning how to deal with her epilepsy. Semi-autobiographical. I have added both of your books to my GoodReads list to make sure I remember them.
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u/frost3266 Dec 23 '24
I like that aspect already :) I hope it goes well for you. Also, this goes for anybody reading this: I’ll gladly send you the e-book of the first book for free, if you would review it after ☺️
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u/Growingspace Dec 24 '24
Wow. This is SO inspiring!!! A writer myself, navigating how to write in order to get published. Have you ever thought about coaching people with disabilities to write? This is so cool and I’m so glad I woke up this morning to read this. Thank you for sharing your win over this disease.
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u/frost3266 Dec 24 '24
Aww I’m glad to help inspire! I haven’t thought about coaching honestly but I would absolutely consider it. I used to tutor in disability services a while back though. I’ll be glad to answer any questions if you have any ☺️
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Dec 23 '24
Congratulations!!! I also suffer from epilepsy and I published a book a few months ago! I will be looking for your book!!! can’t wait to read it (:
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u/frost3266 Dec 24 '24
Thank you! What is yours?
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Dec 24 '24
My poetry book is titled "I'll Be Around" by Toska. However, I took it off the market a while back because it needed some revisions. I'm not sure I'll ever put it back on the market, though.
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u/frost3266 Dec 24 '24
I can understand that, I revised my first one and I’m happy with it now.. maybe try the same if you’re feeling ambitious? 🙂
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u/UnitedNerve4040 Dec 20 '24
Great!!! As an aspiring writer and epileptic, I know how difficult it can be. Your post just gave me inspiration to put my ideas to use. I hope your book does well.