On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Karl Lorenz Willett, author of The Memoir Of A Schizophrenic, shares his profound journey with schizophrenia, offering a therapeutic and philosophical narrative that explores spirituality and resilience, inspiring readers to find meaning in their own lives.
Written by JJ Barnes
i interviewed Karl Lorenz Willett about his life and career, the experiences that inspired him to write The Memoir Of A Schizophrenic, and his writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I am a man who possesses a unique perspective to contribute meaningfully to life after attempting suicide, as I found the world order unsatisfactory and perceived society to be governed by a bleak ideology. Faced with man’s inhumanity to man, the wars, crime, and discrimination, I felt I did not belong here.
I survived, thank God, and embraced every learning opportunity that my life experiences had provided me. I gained knowledge of both theoretical and practical concepts of living a good life on earth.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
During my secondary education, I wrote essays and provided feedback on the books I read and the oral stories shared with us. I received excellent marks from my English language teacher, and it was there that I first considered the possibility of writing a book. However, I did not pass my CSE exam and abandoned the idea of writing a story.
When did you take a step to start writing?
In 1982, I embarked on my writing journey during a period of idleness and unemployment, which led me to enrol in a beginner’s English class. The tutor encouraged me to write a novel. However, I struggled to envision or develop fictional characters, so I chose to write an authentic autobiography. I began recounting stories solely for my children and their children, enabling them to learn about the world in which my parents and I were born and raised, and to recognise that my mental illness is nothing demonic and named the manuscript, The Memoir of a Schizophrenic.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
I handwrote the journal for thirty-four years and sent a sample of my raw and unedited writing to a publisher in 2016. It was appreciated, so I proceeded to type a 280,000-word manuscript in under six months and self-edited the pages I felt needed to be omitted. The manuscript was published in July 2016. A revised version was released in 2021 and was professionally edited; however, some grammatical errors were retained to illustrate my stream of consciousness during writing, which occurred amidst emotional and psychological distress involving full-blown schizophrenia and psychosis.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
It has taken me a further nine years, from 2016 to 2025, to complete the remainder of my story. I began with a self-edited print of my second book in 2021. I gradually progressed to a fully professionally edited version titled A Good Life: The Perception of Perfection, revised edition.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write The Memoir Of A Schizophrenic?
It continues to follow the thread of my ongoing journey with schizophrenia, a mental health condition that has profoundly shaped my life and perspective. This journey, coupled with my belief in a God in the universe rather than a cosmos without one, forms the core of the book’s narrative. I hope it may help others who feel purposeless or lack meaning, and encourage them to explore philosophical inquiries and spirituality, embracing God in everything. Writing my own story has been therapeutic for me.
What were your biggest challenges with writing The Memoir Of A Schizophrenic?
I wrote and rewrote to master the craft of writing well, and I self-edited my work to retain authenticity and eliminate grammatical errors, which posed the most significant challenges.
What was your research process for The Memoir Of A Schizophrenic?
As the book is grounded in memories and current life experiences that span various months, my life story and ideology have evolved over the years. To verify the facts, I utilised the World Wide Web and attended lectures in my area of interest.
How did you plan the structure of The Memoir Of A Schizophrenic?
I organised it in chronological order as I transitioned from theme to theme.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Memoir Of A Schizophrenic need?
Yes, I received support with editing. Although I initially rewrote sections, I exhausted my self-editing process by revisiting the story numerous times. Subsequently, two highly skilled independent professional editors copyedited and proofread the manuscript, striving to keep it as close to perfection as possible by eliminating poor grammar and spelling mistakes. I heeded their advice when they identified areas where the writing was ambiguous or overly wordy and made changes accordingly.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
Identify the type of book you want to write and understand your motivation, then set a writing routine.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
Given the expenses associated with self-publishing a book, I realised there must be an alternative way to reach my audience again without the financial burden of self-publishing. Occasionally, I publish a blog or article that reflects my values and ideology while addressing the reader’s needs on my website, www.karllorenzwillett.co.uk.
I will also continue to observe my growth as I near the departure lounge, where my human lifespan comes to an end.
And finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Absolutely! I’m thrilled to have achieved this goal of pursuing such ambitious dreams and working hard to realise them, despite life’s ups and downs. Having two professionally edited, substantial books is an extraordinary accomplishment. I have persevered through life’s trials and tribulations, ultimately reaching a significant milestone while continuing to learn and grow.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
http://karllorenzwillett.co.uk
The Memoir Of A Schizophrenic
Apple Books: https://apple.co/4e2cxxL
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4keCI6q
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3Zz6Hhl
https://www.everand.com/author/549996477/Karl-Lorenz-Willett
A Good Life by Karl Lorenz Willett
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3G2Zteo
Kindle: https://amzn.to/42CP7uy
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/4lkMViy
https://www.waterstones.com/author/karl-lorenz-willett/5045226
https://www.everand.com/author/549996477/Karl-Lorenz-Willett
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