My co-author is complex, difficult to define, and has been surprising me since our meeting late in 2005. He isn't what I expected and he won't conform to anybody else's expectations either.
First, the time has come to explain that this conflicted, troubled soul suffered from dissociative identity disorder. I realized this not long after I first made contact. I found myself talking to not one but two distinctive parts of the same soul, who at the time were at one another's throats. More about this later.
My co-author was, in life, a talented poet and a singer whose scathing vocals and imposing physical appearance left a powerful impression on his audience. I did not seek him out for the purpose of recruiting him to write with me. I only wished to impart healing energy to one of the saddest souls I'd ever encountered, and he (perhaps I should say they) was very lonely and appreciative of contact from someone who wanted nothing more than to wish him well and to allow him to talk should he wish.
While in the past we have been blatantly honest about my co-author's identity, we have decided that doing so actually curtails both his and my freedom of expression in creating the story and therefore we will no longer be working on this story. We have given the manuscript to a fellow writer who is "of a mind" and she will be revising the book. All real people are being removed from the book and replaced by fictional characters. While the inspiration behind these characters may be somewhat transparent, the fact that they are fictional will give them room to grow and do things that they would not have otherwise been able to. We will work in something of a consultant position.
As well, there was always question as to whether the families of my co-author and our other friends might be upset by the blatant references to their departed loved ones, even if the intent was positive. We do not in any way wish to sadden those who have already suffered enough.
The mission remains the same. Impart hope to those who suffer and grieve, end stigma and bring compassionate, effective, affordable treatment to those who endure mental illness, and hopefully tell you a hell of a story. Rose and Kai are the ones to do the job. We hope you will support them.
Sincerely,
Lily and friends