You Are Not Alone

with guest author, Bobbie Pyron

Have you ever felt alone? I know I have, and I still do from time to time. Struggling with a chronic physical or mental health condition can be isolating. But here’s the truth—we are not. That’s why I’m so incredibly thankful for books like, OCTOPUS MOON. This was the book that I wish I had as a child. Maybe I wouldn’t have felt so alone.

As soon as I read OCTOPUS MOON, I knew I wanted to invite author Bobbie Pyron onto this blog. Even though I had met her a few years ago, I wasn’t sure if she would say yes. But she did! And she even offered an incredible surprise for you, so be sure to read to the end.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—the perfect time to talk about Bobbie’s newest book, OCTOPUS MOON. I am so honored to have her here!

Thank you, Bobbie, for joining us for Mental Health Awareness Month. I absolutely LOVED your recent middle grade novel-in-verse, Octopus Moon. This was the book I wish I had as a child! Can you share a little bit about what it is about?

Thanks for having me! Octopus Moon is a novel in verse about 11-year-old Pearl who struggles with depression and anxiety. In the past, Pearl has always been able to manage (and hide) her illness with running, skateboarding, and being with her two best friends. But just as 5^th grade is starting, Pearl finds her “tools” are no longer working for her, and is overwhelmed by her mental illness.

That is such an important topic to tackle, especially in middle grade. What was the inspiration behind it?

I have lived with depression since I was a young child. Back in the ‘60s, people didn’t talk about mental illness, and they certainly didn’t believe children could have depression! It wasn’t until I was in my early 30s that I got the help I needed. Although there is much more awareness about mental illness now than when I was a kid, there still is a lot of stigma and misunderstanding.

Yes, as someone who has dealt with both physical and mental illnesses, I’ve encountered that stigma. It’s hard to believe that they still exist today, but they do. That’s why I’m so grateful for books like Octopus Moon that hopefully are helping break that. What do you hope readers will take away from the book?

I hope that kids who struggle with any kind of mental illness will feel less alone when they read Octopus Moon, and also feel hopeful that things can get better. I also hope that kids (and adults) who don’t have depression will gain a better understanding about what depression is, what it’s like to live with it.

I hope that kids who struggle with any kind of mental illness will feel less alone…

I know I did. Through the whole book, I felt seen—for perhaps the first time. Do you still struggle with depression? Does it affect your writing process?

Yes, I still live with depression and some anxiety. Because, like Pearl, I feel everything, it can make rejections and criticism very hard to take. I think most writers struggle with self-confidence, at least sometimes. Believing I can write is the biggest struggle for me.

Yes! Even after having a few books published, I still fight against imposter syndrome. Sometimes, it’s so strong, I struggle to even write on some days. How do you overcome that?

Ha, I always bribe myself with little “rewards” for writing! Like, I’ll say to myself if you write three pages today, you can go for a hike, or If you write for two hours this morning, you can have lunch with Irene.Things like that. I’ve found there’s no point in brow-beating myself into writing. It only makes me feel worse. As my mama always said, you catch more flies (or time at the keyboard!) with honey than vinegar!

That is SO true! I love the reward system and need to do that more. Chocolate is always a good motivator for me! But I also struggle with the other side as well—giving myself permission to take a break when I need to.

Self care is so important for our mental health. How do you prioritize self care? What tips would you give writers who are trying to do better to take care of themselves?

Oh yes, self-care is very important as a writer, and especially for a writer with depression. For me, physical activity is a very important component of my self-care, as is spending time with close friends. I make sure to build those things into my days, especially when I’m writing. I’m also very careful about who I let read my first drafts. I feel like my first drafts are particularly vulnerable. I’m in two critique groups. I made sure when I joined them that the members gave as much positive feedback as not-as-positive feedback. I think the main tip I would give writers about doing better at self-care is be very gentle with yourself, and set realistic expectations for yourself.

Oh, I wish I had learned that earlier. I’m just now realizing that I can’t share my first drafts. They are just too vulnerable. Yet the critique process is so critical to improving our writing. Now I usually start sharing when I’m revising and am in a better head space to accept that feedback.

I know, as a child, I was especially sensitive to criticism. What about you? If you could go back and talk to yourself as a child, what would you say?

I wrote Octopus Moon for my ten-year-old self. I wanted her to know that depression is an illness just like any other chronic illness. You’ll have days when it’s hard to get out of bed, days when the “mean voices” tell you you’re stupid and worthless. But those days will pass if you remember that depression lies. I’d tell myself as a child to absolutely reach out for help, to be honest with the people you are closest to. And like Pearl’s sister tells her, the moon is always full. It may not look like it from where we are, but it’s always full and whole, and it will shine again.

The moon is always full. It may not look like it from where we are, but it’s always full and whole, and it will shine again.

That is one of my most favorite quotes from the book! And you are right, in the middle of a depressive episode, it feels like it will last forever, doesn’t it? But the moon will shine again!

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Yes! If you read Octopus Moon, be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end. I list some great resources for information on childhood depression and mental illness.

You are not alone.

I love that. Thank you for sharing a little bit more of your story with us today, Bobbie!

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And as I mentioned, Bobbie has a special surprise for you. She offered to give away not one—but two—copies of her book, Octopus Moon! If you haven’t read this book, it’s a must read! And Bobbie is so incredible generous.

Enter to win a copy of OCTOPUS MOON!

So, to enter, simply “like” and leave a comment in the space below. If you re-stack this on Substack, I will give you a second entry. I will draw the names of two winner randomly at the end of the month, on May 31st. Thank you so much Bobbie!

Be sure to support Bobbie Pyron by purchasing her book through your local independent bookstore. Learn more about Octopus Moon below.

BOBBIE PYRON has worked in libraries and bookstores in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah and has been active in local animal rescue work for many years. She’s the author of A Pup Called Trouble, A Dog’s Way Home, and Stay. Bobbie lives in Ashville, NC, with her husband, Todd, and their dogs, Barney and Piper. Visit her at www.bobbiepyron.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Ten-year-old Pearl has always been sensitive and, as her parents say, “moody.” And she worries about everything! Still, she’s always been able to keep the darkness at bay by running, being with her friends, and skateboarding with her best friend, Rosie. That is until the start of fifth grade. With all the changes coming up, she can’t seem to outrun her depression and anxiety. Like a riptide, her illness pulls her far away from all the things good and light in her life. Will Pearl be able to find her way back to solid ground?

In this tender novel-in-verse, critically acclaimed author Bobbie Pyron draws from her own experiences to tell the story of a brave girl learning to take care of and love herself.

Buy the Book: Nancy Paulsen Book (Penguin Random House)