Parenting
Heids Up
Neil Renton and Mark Fleming
Category
Trigger Warnings
Violence, language, references to sex, drugs, child abuse, sectarianism. Descriptions of psychiatric institutions.
Neil Renton and Mark Fleming met at a mental health support group. Neil was candid about the depression which prompted suicidal thoughts, while Mark opened up about spells in psych wards. Finding out they both used creative writing to document harrowing experiences and maintain wellbeing, they collaborated on an anthology. Flash fiction, longer short stories, memoirs and essays intertwine to conjure snapshots of life; dark and disturbing, sometimes hilarious, always life-affirming.
The Many Adventures of a Single Dad
Matthew Castle
Category
Trigger Warnings
Loss, Mental Health
As a kid, I loved the bible, comics and superheroes, and football. I knew every starter and most of the backups in the NFL. I could name all 32 QBs faster than I said my ABCs. Could I do this now? Most likely that would be a no. I started using this knowledge to feel close to people. Like if I could hold my own in conversation, there could be bonding. Sometimes I just felt lost as a kid.
