23...

by Nicholas P. Dennen
(Lakeville, MN, US)

My name is Nicholas P. Dennen. I am 30-years-old.

On September 27th, 1998, I was in a near-fatal accident after falling 35-feet into Chester Creek in Duluth, Minnesota. I endured a lengthy rehabilitation having to re-learn how to walk, talk, feed myself, and just about every skill all over again. It was like re-living the stages of life all over again. And for a young, strong 20-year-old, that was pretty difficult.

After being in a coma for nearly two months, the doctors and "experts" really weren't certain I would ever live a productive life, ever. My injuries were too severe and coming back from a traumatic brain injury (TBI), caused by the fall and the near-drowning, wasn't a guarantee.

My journey took not only time, but a huge amount of energy. My psychologist had told me back in 1999 that this would probably end up being the most difficult thing I will ever have to endure. He was right.

I eventually returned to college, two years after I escaped death, despite a professional recommendation that school wasn't the best idea for someone with a head injury and finding a job I could be satisfied with was. I however felt school was necessary and saw it as a way to strengthen my weakenesses without getting into the fast-paced "real world" life I wasn't ready for.

Returning to college WAS the best thing for me, and I was able to go at my own pace, meet some amazing people, and...strengthen my writing. After three years in school, I was able to graduate, and finish what I had started. I graduated in May of 2003. In February of 2004, the beginning of my book, 23: Time to Choose, was under way.

I had seen a man named Dave Pelzer on Oprah discussing his 4th New York Times Best Seller, Help Yourself, and I saw that "writing" was a great way to overcome and deal with specific difficulties and struggles. It was a great way to deal with my problems of self-doubt, insecurity, and unfairness.

I walked into Borders Bookstore on a Saturday in April. As I walked into the store, I saw a woman at at table promoting her book. We made eye contact. Kian Dwyer and I began discussing her book and I kept asking questions, about the writing of her book, and the publishing.

She then asked me if I wanted to write a book! We exchanged info and kept in touch and she said she would talk to her publisher for me. She suggested I give them a call when I felt ready. No pressure at all.

I called Beaver's Pond Press one afternoon and set up a meeting to discuss the possibility of publishing my story. I submitted a very, very rough manuscript to read and they gave me an "opine" or a professional reccommendation back with what they say. As long as I met with one of their editors, they wanted to make this a reality for my life.

I published my personal memoir in November of 2006. What a journey. I have really learned so much about myself and my future through publishing a book. Every aspect of developing the book was great. I love every minute of it. With my publisher, I had absolute control of the publishing process. I had complete control.

My editor said we could edit the manuscript in a couple of ways. She could make the changes in the Word Document or she could make her suggestions on a printed copy, and I could make whatever changes I wanted. Writing and re-writing my story was great because I didn't have to accept changes I didn't want. As it turned out, most of Jennifer's suggestions were great. And if I had a question or idea, she was readily accessible via email. So it went very smooth.

The design of the book was entirely up to me. I designed the cover image with a person I met working at the hospital. He was also a photographer as being a registered nurse. The image was mine, with the help of my friend, and all the design studio had to do was tweak the colors and make it "real." I had another friend help me design images for individual chapters. It was awesome.

So, as it was suggested to me after I was seriously injured: I would never reclaim my life, going back to school was a bad idea, I'd have difficulties forever, living a productive life would be impossible.

I have realized that anything is possible if you "believe." I was able to reclaim my life. I was able to finish college. I was able to start a career helping others. I was able to write and publish a story on my experience. I am able to share my experience with countless others.

And as I have found out, it is up to "me" with how far I want my book to go. I can sumbit it anywhere, to whomever, and introduce my story to anyone. I have been able to participate with organizations that support brain injury throughout the country, organizations that support the health and stability of people, and a bookstore that follows the principles of living faithfully.

The experience has been such a life-defining journey that has not only strengthened my ability, but also defined my purpose to help others. Had I not been hurt, I wouldn't have published a book, I wouldn't have started working in a hospital setting, and certainly wouldn't have been able to inspire others.

There is an obvious reason for my writing a book. Not only has it improved my confidence, it has given me skills I would never have learned without it. A passion to help others. A gift to offer others. A message to share. A purpose to unfold.

The reasons to self-publish a book are unlimited. Remember, anything is possible if you believe, and I will say it again. I can't imagine my life without this experience; it has made me who I am. Give it a try, and see how it will change your life.

Visit 23: Time to Choose.