D.R. Webb has written his debut novel, this is something to be specifically proud of as he is dyslexic. We are now in June, pride month, but for the longest time Pride is not something he felt. Being gay was something that, despite his families support and unconditional love, he struggled to accept about himself. This led to a deterioration of his mental health and issues with substance abuse. He withdrew from society, from his friends, and family, isolating himself from everyone. Alone, in his darkest moments, he would write his thoughts, eventually thoughts turned to stories, and stories turned to a screenplay. It was not only a coping technique but a path to salvation, when he talks about it, he says writing saved his life. When he met his partner in July 2018, he didn’t share his work, even though he was an avid reader. It took him over a year to feel comfortable enough to open-up about his secret passion. Due to his dyslexia, he feared his work would be illegible or just down right nonsense. During the lockdown he was a key worker, picking up extra shifts to help keep people safe in the pandemic. This was obviously a stressful time, so, to escape, he started pawing through his old notebooks, once again meeting the old friends he knew once. They spoke to him and demanded that, yet again, they live.He re-worked the material to a fascinating and engaging, gritty thriller. It was a full circle moment as from that dark place, he emerged like phoenix from the ashes. He is now an out and proud gay man, a passionate member of the LGBTQ+ community. Happy to support people facing the same challenges. 12 years sober and he is engaged to and living with his husband to and their cat. He has finished the book that he never thought would be, despite his dyslexia.He remembers the feeling of hopelessness, how everything he has now, was unachievable. Nobody should feel like that without support. He has decided to give a portion of the royalties from the eBook to the charities: Mind and Shelter.His debut novel “Steve” is due out on the 1st July, once the events of pride of Pride Month have come to a close. “Steve” is a gritty fiction thriller that deals with subjects such as he has faced; mental health, addiction, self-doubt, learning challenges. The book also explores, homelessness, abuse and the foster system. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/tobyonathursday. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.