It’s difficult to put into words just how proud I am to have completed my first book, What’s Wrong With You?, an autobiography that has been a lifelong goal of mine. From the early stages of scribbling down ideas, to seeing my story come to life on the page, every moment of this journey has been both challenging and rewarding. With the support of so many incredible people, I was finally able to celebrate this achievement at The Ridgeway Barns, just over a week after its release. Surrounded by friends, family, and supporters who have walked this journey with me, the book launch was a memory I’ll cherish forever.
Writing this autobiography has been so enjoyable and truthfully challenging at times, but it has given me the space to dive into my life, experiences, confront difficult moments in my life such as loss, and find meaning in the stories that make up my story. I’ve always believed that sharing our stories can be so effective and most importantly create understanding and change perspectives which we may have formed, sometimes unconsciously, and now that What’s Wrong With You is in readers’ hands, I feel a sense of pride and joy that’s hard to describe.
The Inspiration Behind What’s Wrong With You?
The title What’s Wrong With You is all about contrast! The challenges and triumphs I’ve encountered throughout my life and how this often imbalance, has made me who I am today. The book is a window into my life — the questions, doubts, and struggles I’ve faced, and how I’ve grown and learnt something through each and every experience. The title itself might sound confrontational, but it’s been chosen, based on real life experiences where I have been asked that question and comes from a place rooted in curiosity and the journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Writing this autobiography allowed me to explore and discuss moments when I questioned my direction, decisions, and even my identity, ultimately leading to a clearer understanding and acceptance of who I am.
I believe that so many of us have had moments when they feel out of place or we doubt ourselves. Through this book, I wanted to reach others who’ve been through similar struggles and reassure them that they’re not alone and that actually these struggles and difficult moments are often are the best times to learn, grow and in my case eventually use as motivation to reach my goals. My story is a about resilience, self-reflection, and the courage it takes to face our inner doubts and others lack of belief in you too, but that we can all become who we choose to be, and not what others think we are capable of.
The Creative Process with Asha Clearwater
I was fortunate enough to work with Asha Clearwater throughout the writing process. Asha is an incredible human being, and with her guidance and unlimited support, this book became something greater than I could have imagined on my own. From the outset, Asha understood the vision I had for What’s Wrong With You? and encouraged me to dig deeper into each memory, uncovering layers of meaning I hadn’t initially considered. Lots of people have asked me why the right moment is now to write your book, and I always have the same answer. Asha! She was the missing puzzle piece in this project that I never knew I needed until I met her,
Writing with Asha was a partnership built on trust, honesty, and mutual respect. She helped me put my experiences into words that felt true and authentic, and working with her felt like we were painting a shared canvas of my life. Her insights and expertise allowed me to structure my story in a way that felt natural and like me, while her encouragement and kindness gave me the confidence to address even the most challenging aspects of my life.
Asha helped me shape this book into something I’m incredibly proud of, and I’ll always be grateful for her support in bringing my story to life.
My unforgettable Book Launch at The Ridgeway Barns
Just over a week after What’s Wrong With You? was released, I hosted my very own book launch at The Ridgeway Barns, a venue which means so much to me and my family. The barn’s rustic charm, surrounded by lush landscapes where so many of my childhood memories are held, provided the perfect setting to mark this special occasion. It felt almost surreal to see the book I’d poured so much of myself into displayed so proudly, ready to be shared with the people who have supported me every step of the way.
As guests began arriving, I felt so incredibly excited. This was a dream come true and seeing so many familiar faces, each person who played a role in my journey, made me feel so loved and supported. These were people who had supported, inspired, and cheered me on, and I couldn’t have imagined a more fitting group of people to celebrate with.
Sharing My Story
This book isn’t just about sharing my life/story but about coming to terms with it, acknowledging the struggles, and embracing the growth that came from each chapter. At the book launch my best friend Becky who’s profession now, luckily for me, is hosting book launches interviewed me about my book and the journey it took to get to this final point. I could feel the genuine support and encouragement from everyone in the room as we chatted at the front, alongside Asha too, and I just felt so lucky to be surround by such amazing people.
After the talky bit with Asha and Becky, I had the honour of signing copies of my book, and it was incredibly moving to see people I love holding something that represented so much of who I am. Each signature felt like a small way of saying “thank you” to those who have been part of my journey, those who believed in me even when I questioned myself and picked me up to ensure I kept on my path!
What’s Wrong With You? Is available to buy now on Amazon: