A Burnham-On-Sea writer’s first novel has gone on sale, focussing on addiction and the mental health system.
‘Drinking the Moon’ by Lewis Coleman tells the story of alcoholic Tom Hanson, admitted to a psychiatric ward for a detox.
“The novel is about denial,” Lewis told Burnham-On-Sea.com. “Tom would rather think he’s schizophrenic than an alcoholic. But then he befriends the other patients and has to face up to a harsh reality.”
Lewis writes from experience, having spent time on a similar ward for alcoholism. “I wrote a first draft of the novel after leaving a psychiatric hospital,” he says.
“But it took me a good few years of sobriety to be able to write the book from the right perspective.”
Originally from the Midlands, Lewis achieved sobriety in Burnham in 2011.
“I built a life for myself in this great town, and found a community to be a part of, particularly in the Princess Theatre.”
“I helped form a local theatre company and wrote a couple of plays. Then I started a small company for people in recovery from addiction, Blue Sky Theatre and Arts.”
Lewis says the novel has proven to be a labour of love, taking ten years to complete.
“There’s a lot of truth and honesty in it, but it took a lot of work to feel ready to let it go.”
“Already, it’s started some good conversations, so I’m glad it’s out there. The feedback has been good. People have said it’s a vivid description of the setting.”
“I guess that’s because it’s grounded in my personal experience. It’s still early days, but I feel overwhelmed by the support.”
Drinking the Moon is now available in GW Hurleys – the novel is also available in print and kindle from Amazon here.
