My love of writing began at a very early age. I loved to create characters, adventures and alternate realities to escape into. At the age of six, using a computer at school, I put together a book of short stories about a group of superheroes and designed a cover for it. The characters were named after myself, my pet cat and my younger cousins. Both my teachers and parents were delighted with it, and so was I! This playful and childlike introduction to self-publishing was to mark the beginning of my writing journey. I excitedly decided that I wanted to be an author when I grew up. This was a spark that was to come and go during my adolescence and adulthood.

During my teens and early twenties, I began to use writing as a way of expressing my emotions. It became an outlet that helped me to deal with my anxiety and depression. For a long time, I associated writing with feeling anxious, lonely or depressed. I felt that I wouldn’t have much to write about if I began to feel more positive. I often said that I didn’t know how to write happy poems or stories, and I would tell myself that I wouldn’t be able to write anything if I got “better”.

Most of the writing I did in my twenties took the form of song lyrics, as I was lead singer in a band. Putting my words to music felt really good. Soon after, I lost momentum and would rarely write anything.

At the beginning of 2013, after a long journey of transformation, I felt a renewed sense of inspiration and began to write more often. I had recently moved into my own flat in North Wales, which had a beautiful view across fields, hills, trees and mountains. One mountain in particular, Moel Famau, inspired one of my favourite poems in the Spiral Storm book; “Mother Mountain”.

A love for nature has always been present in my life, and it is one of the main subjects I enjoy focusing on during writing. The other is spirituality. For me, the two things intertwine beautifully and walk very much hand in hand. I can literally feel the peace, calm and inspiration flowing into me whilst I am out in nature.

After sharing my poems with a few select people, I decided to create a poetry page on Facebook. The more positive feedback I received online, the more apparent it became that I wanted to publish my own poetry book. And, the more I thought about it, the more excited I became. Finally I had remembered my purpose and passion; to write!

At the beginning of 2014, I sold and donated the majority of my possessions, and travelled to Australia. Something I never thought I would have the confidence to do. I had decided to push myself to grow, learn and increase my confidence.

I spent nine months in Australia, meeting new people, making friends, WWOOFing (volunteering for food and accommodation) and enjoying the wildlife, sun and beautiful beaches. During my time volunteering at a spiritual retreat, I found the focus to put my poems together, create a book and self-publish it. I even used my own artwork on the cover. With a final push, Spiral Storm was born!

I have enjoyed selling copies of the book online and in person. Many people have asked for signed copies, which always feels amazing. I am currently putting together another book of poetry, and I look forward to sharing even more of my work with the world!

Dylan R McCabe is a poet, author and spiritual mentor from North Wales. As a catalyst for change, he assists people to increase their motivation, inspiration and to live their passions as their true selves.

Click on the following links to follow, like and share his work and wisdom on Facebook and Twitter:

Poetry:

Visit the Spiral Storm Facebook page

Spiritual Mentoring and Inspiration:

Visit The Soul Spiral Facebook page

Follow The Soul Spiral on Twitter

The “Spiral Storm” book can be bought here:

http://www.blurb.co.uk/b/5322485-spiral-storm