A recently published memoir by local author, Simone Yemm, was penned beside the fire in a Kingston Beach café and at a shack on Bruny Island.
Stalked by Demons, Guarded by Angels explores the lived experience of a life affected by loss and emotional pain, resultant dysfunctional coping mechanisms of an eating disorder and resultant anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicidality,
Eloquently, Simone takes us on her remarkable journey from childhood and through adulthood, documenting her personal account of the origins and challenges of complex mental illness and recovery.
Yet this book is much more.
Beautifully written, Simone rewards the reader with rich, personal accounts, from a journal that became and blog.
Delivered in manageable short chapters, ideal for the busy reader, it’s difficult to stop.
This book is raw, intimate and full of life.
The reader entirely benefits from the reflection, insights and sheer honesty of the author that shines through on every page.
The Kingborough Chronicle met with Simone to find out more about her journey, the writing process and its impact on her recovery.
“This is my first book and it evolved after I had a complete nervous breakdown in 2016 and started writing as part of my psychological recovery,” noted Simone.
“Prior to that I was a musician and flute teacher at Collegiate.
“The writing was a cathartic labour of love and primarily took place at home (curled up in my bed overlooking the Derwent River), at a shack at Dennes point on Bruny Island, and down at the cafe at Boho in Kingston beach.
“So, my writing process has a local flavour.”
And what about her plans for the future?
“I feel like I am just starting to come out of a cocoon I’ve wrapped myself in,” said Simone.
Many will relate to this Tasmanian daughter, woman, wife, musician, mother, teacher, writer and carer.
This reader looks forward to the next chapter of her life’s work.
The book is available for purchase from Boho at the Beach, Hobart Book Shop, State Bookstore, Book Depository.
The book is also available on loan from Libraries Tasmania.
For support with an eating disorder, Simone recommends The Butterfly Foundation, available on 1800 33 4673 or for further information at www.butterfly.org.au/
Anyone experiencing distress can call and speak to a Lifeline Crisis Supporter on 13 11 14.
