Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Perry Kay and I like to call myself a dark and twisty writer. (Grey’s Anatomy reference if you can’t tell) My first love will always be ‘words’. In fact, writing is what got me through my pretty eventful life. I’ve published my first book recently and I plan on publishing many more.
In my adolescent years, I was diagnosed with Mental Illness, including Depression, PTSD, and Anorexia. I’ve been to “Grippy Socks Jail” (psych ward) more times that I can count. I love bringing my struggles to life using vivid imagery in my writing or poetry.
I love using strange metaphors to bring my experiences to life. Sometimes people find it hard to find the meaning in some of my abstract expressions but I like it that way. When I write, all my defenses melt away and it’s just me and the paper. So, welcome to the secret world of Perry’s brain.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book is titled “Beautiful Heartbreak.” Beautiful Heartbreak is a book of poems about Mental Illness. Through my recovery journey I’ve used writing to help me through the dark times and also help others. I like to think my poetry makes people feel validated and less alone. The inspiration behind the title was an epiphany I had while in the hospital. I realized that all the pain and heartbreak I’ve been through is what I use to now create art. That’s why the title is “Beautiful Heartbreak.” Pretty ironic, I know.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unlike most authors, I don’t edit my poems. I don’t make a plan before I write. I don’t want to ruin the beauty that will spill straight from my heart. I pick up my pen and start writing and usually a beautiful story will unfold. I like to think of writing as a raw art. I love imperfection and flaws because the fact is, we all have flaws. Besides for grammatical corrections, I don’t edit any of the expressions or sentences. I firmly believe that whatever I wrote first was meant to be written.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Growing up as an Ultra-Orthodox jew, I only had access to books written by Orthodox Jews. Most of these books center around “acceptable” topics, and totally avoid romance, abuse, or mental illness. There was one book however titled “Dancing in the Dark” by Shoshana Mael (who I believe is a social worker) that made me feel somewhat understood. I read that book so many times, I could almost recite it by heart. The book centers around abuse, mental illness, and healing.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a book about my Eating Disorder recovery journey. Last year I spent two whole months in the psych ward, being treated for severe Depression & Anorexia. As lame as it sounds, I kept a journal. I wrote about everything that happened and believe me, it was wild. Wherever I go, fun goes too.
Most Eating Disorder books and movies either glamorize eating disorders, which is very dangerous or serve as a how-to guide. In my book I am avoiding mentioning numbers like weight, calories, or mentioning specific behaviors. I don’t want to inspire others to be sick. I want to inspire others to choose recovery. I want to tell my story of how I replaced the void I was left with when I gave up control.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not that familiar with marketing and am actually struggling with that. I do have a Mental Health tiktok account with a following of 42k and I have been trying to promote my book there.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a new author myself 🙂 but the advice I have is: do it. I learned that it doesn’t hurt to try. I reach out to every Magazine that reviews books. I reach out to influencers and bloggers. I’m a little shy when it comes to speaking up but I’m learning to break through that barrier. Just go for it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Yesterday is heavy, put it down.” I can safely say my life hasn’t been the same since I heard that. I was in rehab struggling with flashbacks and PTSD. There is not much you can do to avoid those, but whenever I did have control I chose not to let the past dictate me. Everyday is a new day, but if you are not doing anything to change, yesterday will be just the same. My past is what shaped me, it still haunts me occasionally. I don’t let it ruin my future. I realize that the memories only have power in my head.
What are you reading now?
To be honest, I am not reading any books right now. I am going through all of my old journals from my darkest times. I’m trying to get into the role of the sick me. I need to do it for the book I’m writing. I don’t allow myself to spend too much time a day dwelling on it, because I don’t want to ruin my progress. However, it’s really been super empowering to look back at the younger me and not be able to relate anymore. I am in a much better place and I am so proud. All I want is, to spread the hope and inspiration to everyone struggling.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a lot of dreams for my future as a writer. I like to think my writing is powerful and has the ability to change people. I’m hoping to get my name out there so I can have an effect on more people. I’d love to hopefully one day, be invited to events where I can speak to younger people and inspire them. I have a lot to share and I’m hoping the world will make space for me to do that.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
That sounds super nice honestly. No phone, no humans, just me and the books. I’d definitely bring “Dancing in the Dark”, “Diary of Anna Frank”, and “Room”.
Author Websites and Profiles
Perry Kay Amazon Profile
Perry Kay’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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