I’ve talked two people out of killing themselves.
What kind of situations led them to that place and what do you think the solutions were respectively?
In both cases the conversations took place via texts and calls. First occasion was a friend who was being harassed and had a bunch of other not-so-great things happening in their life and they turned to me, telling me that they had the means of killing themselves right next to them. They were being harassed over an aspect of their physical appearance. I told them not to do it, because with every interaction I had with them, they were always so nice, which left an impression on me, and the opinions of anyone so vile as to harass someone for their appearance is not worth even considering. I said more than that, the conversation went on for quite a long time and then it gradually turned into more casual talk and then “see you tomorrow” at school.
Second occasion was a friend who was going through problems with a relationship. I often ask my friends how they’re doing as kind of a habit, so this time they said they weren’t doing well, and told me about how they felt. They didn’t have a family who would listen so I was just there for them, listened to them and offered my input telling them things would get better, giving them some advice on what I’d say or do in that situation, and if they ever needed someone to talk or game with I’d always be there for them. They’re doing well now!
All these people posting inspirational stories and here I am with my first thought being “Finally saw the northern lights”. Got some decent pictures too.
I self published two books and am almost ready to do a third. No interest in being a famous author or making millions, just glad to get them out of my head and to know they are just what I intended them to be.
There’s a smaller publishing company for small time authors in Florida (if the company is still around) Called witching hour publishing. Their whole schtick is to make publishing cheaper and easier for small time writers. Check it out, might be worth it if you are gonna be prolific.
Thanks. I’ve got two young kids and a busy job so not as prolific as I’d like. Maybe a book every 3-4 years, longer if it’s a grand fantasy. My first one was a quarter of a million words in a world I created from scratch, so that took maybe 6 years.
You are an inspiration. :)
Speaking as someone who rarely ever writes because life keeps getting in the way but still hopes to be published someday. Every day it seems that dream gets further and further away… :(
I saw a comment recently online regarding publishing an indie video game that “nobody played” where people noted you set out to do your goal that very few people ever complete. You published. You’re a winner. You accomplished your feat.
I had similar stuff with music once in my life. It never went where I or others might have hoped. But we recorded and made albums. We played tons of shows. We had a few fans. We opened for big names we loved. I feel like a winner too.
I’m not really saying this to reply to you. I’m not even sure you need to hear it. But someone out there does. Don’t let others define what success or winning is. By setting out to accomplish something, and doing it, that’s a winner already.
Title of the book? I am looking for some fantasy or sci fi to read.
Or I guess that might be doxxing yourself…
No worries about doxxing as I write under a pseudonym. Let Thy Wisdom Fear: The Gathering by D.T. Wilkinson. It’s on Amazon. There’s also my book of horror shorts called Tales Uncanny, which I just last week noticed a spelling error on the back cover courtesy of my darling wife and I haven’t fixed it yet.
Honestly, just where I’m at in life. I’ve been pulling myself up by my bootstraps for all my life.
Grew up in bumfuck poorsville with abusive parents, joined the military, did some cool stuff, left and went to college, bought a house, graduated, sold the house, moved across country, got a job with my degree, and found a solid friendship group who encourage and care for me and vice versa.
This is all while suffering from an unseen disease that I was finally diagnosed with while in college and have been fighting against ever since.
I am proud of my achievements and I can really say to myself that I made it, despite everything, I made it.
Talked a friend out of suicide when COVID first hit and a bunch of people lost their jobs and homes. Now he’s got a pretty sweet work from home job with full benefits and his own place again. Am very happy for him.
