Why would 100 bestselling authors bare their souls, share their personal struggles with mental illness? To show solidarity and support for readers, and let fans know they are not alone. That’s the whole point behind #HoldOnToTheLight.
People in the public eye like celebrities, actors and yes, bestselling authors, coming forward about their own experiences with suicide, depression, anxiety, self-harm, PTSD and other mental illnesses helps to lift the stigma. We wanted to start a conversation that’s long-overdue, and maybe change some minds along the way.
We believe fandom should be supportive, welcoming and inclusive, in the long tradition of fandom taking care of its own. We encourage readers and fans to seek the help they or their loved ones need without shame or embarrassment.
The Posts Thus Far (new posts are at the top–formatted for you to cut-and-paste to Twitter)
Jay Requard Fighting for life A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @jayrequard http://bit.ly/2dUSSAY
Jon Sprunk Fighting darkness A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @JonSprunk http://bit.ly/2er8Pzh
Darin Kennedy Tunnels end. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @DarinKennedy http://bit.ly/2eBljF8
Kelly Swails You are loved A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @KellySwails http://bit.ly/2eqqJUy
Brian Rathbone Lean on me A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @BrianRathbone http://bit.ly/2dvhS0m
Gabrielle Faust Creating heals A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @gabrielle_faust http://bit.ly/2dtzy1k
Addie J King The ones left behind A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @AddieJKing http://bit.ly/2eZfjJ7
Ken Schrader Not alone A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @KenSchrader4882 http://bit.ly/2dvi5kn
Alexandra Christian Can’t forget A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @LexxxChristian http://bit.ly/2e7Hfs8
Alyssa Day Reach out A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @Alyssa_Day http://bit.ly/2ethYZ4
Cat Rambo: Healing starts w kindness A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @CatRambo http://bit.ly/2e6EiHC
Jonathan Oliver: Depression lies. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by Jonathan Oliver http://bit.ly/2dPz8zO @RebellionPub
Gaie Sebold: What’s normal? A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @GaieSebold http://bit.ly/2dPyClg
Stuart Jaffe: The view from the other side. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @StuartJaffe http://bit.ly/2dUxQ8z
Weston Ochse: Getting real about PTSD A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @westonochse http://bit.ly/2eauTml
Gregory Wilson: What I wish I knew A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @GregoryAWilson http://bit.ly/2defRum
Aaron Rosenberg: Talking helps. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @Gryphonrose http://wp.me/prT3C-6W
Amy Bauer: Driving through panic. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by Amy Bauer @AmaronB http://bit.ly/2e16bo9
Tera Fulbright: The enemy within. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @TeraFulbright http://bit.ly/2dPhZrw
Michael J. Allen: Burn bright. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by Michael J Allen @theDscribbler http://bit.ly/2e6UdVt
Robert Greenberger Don’t open the door. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by http://bit.ly/2d6exba @BobGreenberger
S. H. Roddey Natural born victims. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by SH Roddey http://bit.ly/2d6hlF6 @draickinphoenix
Squealing Nerd Dark corners. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @Squealingnerd http://bit.ly/2dvFLc5
Delilah S. Dawson When light slips through your fingers #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on MentalWellness post by @delilahsdawson http://bit.ly/2dVoKpy
Juliet E. McKenna Getting it right. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by@JulietEMcKenna http://bit.ly/2cV4lDO
James Maxey Grateful for my darkness. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by James Maxey http://bit.ly/2cWKm2Z @rebellionpub
Valerie Willis My struggle, my victory A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @Valerie_Willis http://bit.ly/2dBnNmJ
Mari Mancusi Odd girl out. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @MariMancusi http://bit.ly/2dVv83M
Phil Giunta Hagridden by a demon. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @philgiunta http://bit.ly/2cWLDaa
Karen E. Taylor Truth by moonlight A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @KarenETaylor53 http://bit.ly/2dNHqau
Jeanne Adams One voice of hope. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @JeanneAdams http://tinyurl.com/zgr5s6n @romancebandits
Kathy Lyons Not over yet. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @KathyLyonsAuth http://bit.ly/2dVuaVh
Danielle Ackley-McPhail One rock at a time. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @DMcPhail http://bit.ly/2dVs8B7
Tracy Chowdhury Unlocking bipolar. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by Tracy Chowdhury http://bit.ly/2dNQj42 @trimooneclipse
Myke Cole A soldier/author on what PTSD is. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @mykecole http://bit.ly/2dN9RbB
Dianna L. Gunn Depression, stigma & silence. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @diannalgunn http://bit.ly/2dA2C6c
John Hartness Doesn’t hurt to bleed. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @JohnHartness http://bit.ly/2edHUtN
Rowena Cory Daniells One step at a time #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by http://bit.ly/2c49ZTW @Rebellionpub @rcdaniells
Laura Anne Gilman Gaslighting myself #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors blog on #MentalWellness. @LAGilman on #PTSD http://bit.ly/2ciIOlu
James MacDonald Ride the storm surge #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness. @JimMacAuth #PTSD http://bit.ly/2cFvUgN
Gail Z. Martin #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors blog on #MentalWellness @GailZMartin on #PTSD in epic fantasy http://bit.ly/2cqrXvq
Emily Leverett Helping a loved one cope #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors blog on #MentalWellness @Emily_Leverett http://bit.ly/2cqrmtE
Jean Marie Ward Becoming the mean girl #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness @Jean_Marie_Ward http://bit.ly/2cqTqka
Chris Kennedy Fighting the urge to jump #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors blog on #MentalWellness @ChrisKennedy110 http://bit.ly/2cCL2jd
Josh Vogt Anxiety & asking for help #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors blog on #MentalWellness @JoshVogt http://bit.ly/2c6qMRo
Misty Massey The black dog of depression #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors blog on #MentalWellness @MistyMassey http://bit.ly/2c6PqRU
Mindy Mymudes Suicide leaves scars. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors blog on #MentalWellness post by @Mudepoz http://bit.ly/2cIdvmd
Bishop M. O’Connell The bittersweet sustains. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors blog on #MentalWellness post by @bishopmoconnell http://bit.ly/2cMaAKw
Laura S. Taylor Focus on the good, and fight for that. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @LS_Taylor http://bit.ly/2chroqC
Jennifer Brozek How do you tell someone what it feels like? #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SFF authors blog on #MentalWellness @JenniferBrozek http://bit.ly/2d3jl2e
Rick Gaultieri Identity and masks. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors blog on #MentalWellness post by @RickGaultieri http://bit.ly/2cBrfM2
Gail Z. Martin Fandom takes care of its own. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors blog on #MentalWellness post by @GailZMartin http://bit.ly/2crcdOs
Natania Barron I wrote my way out until I couldn’t. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @nataniabarron http://bit.ly/2cCnNCi
Alma Alexander You are not alone #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @almaalexander http://bit.ly/2cPeEKe
Joelle Reizes The courage to ask for help #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @jreizes http://bit.ly/2cuoHVA
Jennifer St. Giles: Tell your heart to beat again. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @JenniferStGiles http://bit.ly/2cYFCiL
Leanna Renee Hieber: Art can heal you. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @LeannaRenee http://bit.ly/2cWIQQG
Sascha Illyvich: What’s stopping you? #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @authorSaschaI http://bit.ly/2cOvTqc
Keith R.A. DeCandido: Pretending doesn’t make it go away. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @KradeC http://bit.ly/2cOCG4C
Susan Griffith: One day I changed. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @clayandsusan http://bit.ly/2d8gKp2
Calandra Usher: Not Today. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @calandrausherhttp: http://bit.ly/2coB30k
Bryan Thomas Schmidt: What’s normal? #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @bryanthomass http://bit.ly/2coB3xt
Linda Robertson: The Dark Road. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @authorLinda http://bit.ly/2cHeoKV
Kelly A. Harmon: Demons and darkness #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @KellyAHarmon http://bit.ly/2d5HGUK
Samantha Dunaway Bryant: Create and destroy. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @mirymom http://bit.ly/2d9NERU
Jada Diaz: Authors unite #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @ConCarolinas @IamJadaDiaz http://bit.ly/2cqDmep
David B. Coe: A reason to live. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @DavidBCoe http://bit.ly/2ctbhrS
Clay Griffith: Broken minds and broken hearts #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @clayandsusan http://bit.ly/2dgjpx3
Sherwood Smith: Don’t tell me to smile. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @sherwood_smith http://bit.ly/2dk0Gkk
Tally Johnson: Ink to remember why #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @TallyJohnson535 http://bit.ly/2cBqZMu
Darynda Jones: The vulnerable side. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by Darynda Jones @Darynda http://bit.ly/2dkGlWE
Jody Lynn Nye: My Lady of Inconvenient Memory #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @JodyLynnNye http://bit.ly/2dkgfXf
Emmie Mears: The hole under your feet. #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @EmmieMears http://bit.ly/2driSIK
Tom Leveen: I hate me. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @TomLeveen http://bit.ly/2d6PEPy
Vonnie Winslow Crist: Bullies don’t deserve the power. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by @VonnieWCrist http://bit.ly/2cBuov6
Wendy S. Delmater: The ship ‘Cruelty’. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by Wendy S. Delmater @safewrite http://bit.ly/2drHEnC
Tom Wells: The Helms Deep Metaphor. A #HoldOnToTheLight 100+ SF/F authors on #MentalWellness post by Tom Wells @kauyin http://bit.ly/2dD60hF
#HoldOnToTheLight was inspired by #AKF #AlwaysKeepFighting, a campaign from the Supernatural TV show fandom. I’m especially thrilled to see the #SPNFamily Crisis Support Network creating a fandom-based peer counseling training opportunity. (Yeah, I’m a huge fan of the show.) As Bobby Singer said, “Family don’t end in blood.” In other words, your true family is the one you gather around yourself.
#AlwaysKeepFighting #AKF showed the reach media stars have when they talk about issues, and I wondered what would happen if genre authors opened a similar conversation. I recruited my usual partners in crime—John Hartness, Misty Massey, Jaym Gates, Jean Marie Ward, Emily Leverett and my husband, Larry N. Martin—as the steering committee, and we started asking our colleagues and author friends to join us.
The result? More than 100 science fiction, fantasy, horror, paranormal romance and speculative fiction authors are part of #HoldOnToTheLight—and the outreach grows every day.
Participating authors include: Robin Hobb, Jody Lynn Nye, Cat Rambo, Seanan McGuire, Laura Anne Gilman, Chuck Gannon, Kameron Hurley, Catherine Asaro, Gaie Siebold, Karen Miller, Rowena Cory Daniels, David B. Coe, Marc Tassin, Jonathan Oliver, Jeanne Adams, Nancy Northcott, Aaron Rosenberg, Jennifer St. Giles, Mark Van Name, Juliet McKenna, Jennifer Brozek, Darynda Jones, Christopher Golden, Clay and Susan Griffith, Gregory Wilson, Josh Vogt, Darin Kennedy, Jon Sprunk, James Maxey, Karen E. Taylor, Justin Gustainis, Misty Massey, John G. Hartness, Gail Z. Martin, Jean Marie Ward, Jaym Gates, Laura Taylor, Weston Ochse, Ron Garner, Kathy Lyons, Mari Mancusi, Leanna Renee Hieber, Davey Beauchamp, Cheryl Wilson, Rod Belcher, Travis Heermann, Cara Santa Maria, Michael J. Allen, Trisha Wooldridge, Alyssa Day, J. F. Lewis, Joshua Palmatier, Keith DeCandido Mindy Mimudes, Emily Leverett, Nicole Givens Kurtz, Tera Fulbright, Tamsin Silver, Stuart Jaffe, Danielle Ackley-McPhail, Eric Asher, Rick Gualtieri, Chris Kennedy, Ken Schrader, Samantha Dunaway Bryant, Valerie Willis, Alexandra Christian, Jake Bible, Matthew Saunders, Jay Requard, Vonnie Winslow Crist, Kelly Harmon, Sascha Illyvich, Kelly Swails, Bishop O’Connell, Sherwood Smith, Peter Prellwitz, Tracy Chowdhury, Trevor Curtis, Leo Champion, Alma Alexander Natania Barron, Bryan Thomas Schmidt, Addie J. King, Joelle Reizes, Gabrielle Faust, Selah Janel, Whitney Evans, Tom Leveen Deborah J. Ross, Tally Johnson, Calandra Usher, Jada Diaz, Harry Markov, Brian Rathbone, Robert Greenberger, Linda Robertson, Leona Wisoker, Dianna L. Gunn, Emmie Mears, Lyndsey Harper, Tom Wells, Wendy S. Delmater, S.H. Roddey, Jeri Smith-Ready, Delilah Dawson, Phil Giunta, Myke Cole and more.
How can you help spread the message and broaden the conversation?
- Read and share the blog posts by our participating authors
- The links below to the newest author blog posts double as tweets you can cut and paste. Easy!
- Visit the authors’ blogs and like, comment
- Tweet or email about the campaign and tag bloggers, podcasters and genre media
- Ask your favorite genre convention to add panels on mental wellness
- Volunteer with or donate to one of the campaign charities listed at the bottom of this post
- Join the #HoldOnToTheLight Facebook page.
About the campaign:
Please consider donating to or volunteering for organizations dedicated to treatment and prevention such as: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Hope for the Warriors (PTSD), National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Canadian Mental Health Association, MIND (UK), SANE (UK), BeyondBlue (Australia), To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) and the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
To find out more about #HoldOnToTheLight, find a list of participating authors and blog posts, or reach a media contact, go to http://www.HoldOnToTheLight.com and join us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WeHoldOnToTheLight
#HoldOnToTheLight 