NEWS OF THE DAY
Huge news! BREAK has officially become an Amazon #1 NEW RELEASE and #7 BESTSELLER!
Thank you so very much!
Thank you so very much!
Cover reveal!
New book from REUTS Publications coming soon!
Press for MIND RIOT...
mental health resource guide
“So, this is my life. And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad and I'm still trying to
figure out how that could be.”
-Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower
This powerful quote was one of the catalysts that inspired me to start writing Mind Riot. Mr. Chbosky’s story of a socially awkward teen named Charlie got me thinking about my own adolescence and how difficult meaningful connection was for me. I related in compelling ways to Charlie’s trauma history. When you’re on the path to adulthood, distress can take many forms. Grief, depression, anxiety, divorce, addiction, family conflict, and life transitions to name a few.
Being a teenager can be amazingly fun and incredibly difficult at the same time, trying to figure out who you are and where you fit in. Constantly in search of greater understanding. The day after my fifteenth birthday I was lucky enough to join a seriously awful rock n’ roll band and find a group of misfits that shared my same dreams. I was able to discover my confidence and an all-important identity. I use the word lucky because I realize that many teenagers stay stuck, confused and overwhelmed with managing life’s challenges, and finding relief from a world they might not feel so safe in.
And in many cases, finding relief from a mental illness.
You’re not alone.
Nearly 450 million people worldwide are currently living with a mental illness, yet two thirds of people with a known mental illness never seek treatment. Mental health is an undeniably important matter, as is finding resources to promote wellness. There are always people willing to help.
There is always hope.
I wanted to leave you with a list of a few of my favorite mental health resources. You never know when you or a friend might need them. As a psychotherapist, I know first-hand that no one should have to suffer through a mental health crisis alone. We all need support.
Finding support:
Start at the website of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI.org. Seriously, this organization is an invaluable resource. There you can look up treatment options for more than a dozen disorders, from ADHD to schizophrenia, plus find discussion groups and support tips. NAMI is a truly amazingly helpful organization that provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
Finding professional help:
Check out SAMHSA.gov. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is free of charge and confidential. They can link you to local assistance and support. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. They have a helpline and treatment locator on their website that’s super-helpful and easy to use.
The JED Foundation has SO many mental health resources specifically tailored for teens and young adults. Get started at Jedfoundation.org. The JED Foundation can get you some help right this minute. Just text “Start” to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-TALK. How easy is that?
There’s also a great nationwide resource with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Find them at HHS.gov. You can locate access to adolescent mental health care in your area and the site is packed with tons of helpful mental health basics.
Talk to someone now:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
This organization helps prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
No joke. Please call now if you’re having any thoughts of suicide.
figure out how that could be.”
-Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower
This powerful quote was one of the catalysts that inspired me to start writing Mind Riot. Mr. Chbosky’s story of a socially awkward teen named Charlie got me thinking about my own adolescence and how difficult meaningful connection was for me. I related in compelling ways to Charlie’s trauma history. When you’re on the path to adulthood, distress can take many forms. Grief, depression, anxiety, divorce, addiction, family conflict, and life transitions to name a few.
Being a teenager can be amazingly fun and incredibly difficult at the same time, trying to figure out who you are and where you fit in. Constantly in search of greater understanding. The day after my fifteenth birthday I was lucky enough to join a seriously awful rock n’ roll band and find a group of misfits that shared my same dreams. I was able to discover my confidence and an all-important identity. I use the word lucky because I realize that many teenagers stay stuck, confused and overwhelmed with managing life’s challenges, and finding relief from a world they might not feel so safe in.
And in many cases, finding relief from a mental illness.
You’re not alone.
Nearly 450 million people worldwide are currently living with a mental illness, yet two thirds of people with a known mental illness never seek treatment. Mental health is an undeniably important matter, as is finding resources to promote wellness. There are always people willing to help.
There is always hope.
I wanted to leave you with a list of a few of my favorite mental health resources. You never know when you or a friend might need them. As a psychotherapist, I know first-hand that no one should have to suffer through a mental health crisis alone. We all need support.
Finding support:
Start at the website of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI.org. Seriously, this organization is an invaluable resource. There you can look up treatment options for more than a dozen disorders, from ADHD to schizophrenia, plus find discussion groups and support tips. NAMI is a truly amazingly helpful organization that provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
Finding professional help:
Check out SAMHSA.gov. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is free of charge and confidential. They can link you to local assistance and support. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. They have a helpline and treatment locator on their website that’s super-helpful and easy to use.
The JED Foundation has SO many mental health resources specifically tailored for teens and young adults. Get started at Jedfoundation.org. The JED Foundation can get you some help right this minute. Just text “Start” to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-TALK. How easy is that?
There’s also a great nationwide resource with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Find them at HHS.gov. You can locate access to adolescent mental health care in your area and the site is packed with tons of helpful mental health basics.
Talk to someone now:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
This organization helps prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
No joke. Please call now if you’re having any thoughts of suicide.
cover reveal
Thanks so much for checking out the cover of my debut novel, MIND RIOT! That’s right, my very first book and cover reveal. I’d say that this is the fun part, but the REUTS team (especially Kisa Whipkey) has made every part of the publishing process feel like I’m eight years old and it’s snowing on Christmas morning. In Los Angeles.
The cover was created by the magic-making cover guru, Ashley Ruggirello. Inspired by the energy and recklessness that jumps off the pages of this story, she transformed an obscure idea about a notepad into this rad, minimalist, three-color concept. I was hoping she would crank the volume of this cover up to eleven. I think we hit twelve. At first glance, I knew this design needed to be a framed poster on my wall. Right between my Redd Kross and Butch Walker posters.
Don’t miss out on all of the symbolism scribbled on the front, back, and spine of this book. My hope is that after each chapter you finish, you peek back at the cover, placing the doodles with your memories of Salem’s story. I hope you all enjoy reading MIND RIOT half as much as I enjoyed writing it!
It’s a fun ride.
Ken Bagnis (MIND RIOT, REUTS Publications)
The cover was created by the magic-making cover guru, Ashley Ruggirello. Inspired by the energy and recklessness that jumps off the pages of this story, she transformed an obscure idea about a notepad into this rad, minimalist, three-color concept. I was hoping she would crank the volume of this cover up to eleven. I think we hit twelve. At first glance, I knew this design needed to be a framed poster on my wall. Right between my Redd Kross and Butch Walker posters.
Don’t miss out on all of the symbolism scribbled on the front, back, and spine of this book. My hope is that after each chapter you finish, you peek back at the cover, placing the doodles with your memories of Salem’s story. I hope you all enjoy reading MIND RIOT half as much as I enjoyed writing it!
It’s a fun ride.
Ken Bagnis (MIND RIOT, REUTS Publications)
Great news! I have an official release date for MIND RIOT. July 7, 2020! I can't wait for you all to read this book.
I have more amazing MIND RIOT inspired art to share! This one from the super-talented Chess Brodnick.
Check out this beautiful MIND RIOT inspired art by Chrissie A Risch. You can find more of her watercolor art on Instagram @artyfartyparty8. My debut novel is coming THIS FALL from REUTS Publications.
Had to share this amazing piece of art! Thank you, Anne Sippi Clinic art class! My debut novel, MIND RIOT is COMING THIS FALL!!!
On the set of UNFROZEN. I'm very excited about how this film is turning out. Amazing talent and crew! I am beyond proud to be the Executive Producer for this project. This means I get a good parking spot and an extra half of a burrito ;-)
BEST NEWS EVER!!!
I am SO insanely excited to announce that I have officially signed a PUBLISHING DEAL with Reuts Publications.
I am so fortunate to have such an amazing agent, and now, publisher championing my debut novel, MIND RIOT. Thank you Ash Ruggirello and Veronica Park!
BEST NEWS EVER!!!
I am SO insanely excited to announce that I have officially signed a PUBLISHING DEAL with Reuts Publications.
I am so fortunate to have such an amazing agent, and now, publisher championing my debut novel, MIND RIOT. Thank you Ash Ruggirello and Veronica Park!
LYRICS OF THE WEEK
Curtain opens, spot lights the gentleman.
Signing his love letter best wishes, Simpleton.
Dialog swam from his pen like polliwogs.
He knew better that perfume was gravity.
Pulling him closer to what could be tragedy.
Love is blind, deaf and dumb, but never mind.
- Andy Sturmer
Signing his love letter best wishes, Simpleton.
Dialog swam from his pen like polliwogs.
He knew better that perfume was gravity.
Pulling him closer to what could be tragedy.
Love is blind, deaf and dumb, but never mind.
- Andy Sturmer