Duality and Dialogue: Our Journey Begins

By Luke DeSalvo

Introduction: The Power of Two

Welcome to "Duality and Dialogue," a blog dedicated to exploring the intricate balance between creativity and mental health. Monique and I are a dynamic duo, a power couple united by love, creativity, and shared experiences with bipolar and schizoaffective disorders. Together, we embark on a journey to re-release my book trilogy, bringing fresh edits, stunning new cover art, and captivating Audible versions to life.

Through our shared experiences with our mental illness we have had experiences in a cosmic dreamscape. This experience has been enhanced by example through what is called “Folie à Deux,” which is the term for when people share mental experiences with one another. It has enhanced our relationship sevenfold, creating a vast framework for numerous creative ventures and helps us to bond as individuals. Our writings have manifested through inspiration that has resulted from this process, and so much more.

Who We Are

We are Luke and Monique DeSalvo. As an author of three books, my passion for storytelling is matched only by my wife's talent and expertise. She is not only my editor but also the narrator for our upcoming Audible releases and the sound editor who brings our stories to life. With her degree in Journalism and years of experience as an editor and writer, she is the perfect partner in both life and work.

As “partners in crime” we have worked together, edited together, and are currently paving the way for a new creative venture that will take the reader to the cosmic realm. Our efforts have included adventures ranging from generating food reviews, social media posting, news writing to going to the gym, meditation, and spirituality. Together we strive to be authentic and original, making it a point to be worthy and valuable individuals that contribute to our world.

Why "Duality and Dialogue"?

The name "Duality and Dialogue" reflects the essence of our journey. It symbolizes the dual nature of our lives, balancing mental health challenges with creative pursuits. It also represents the ongoing dialogue between us as partners, collaborators, and individuals navigating the complexities of life and work together.

Our Mission

Through this blog, we aim to:

• Share our process of re-releasing the trilogy, from editing to creating Audible versions.

• Provide a behind-the-scenes look at our collaborative efforts.

• Discuss the duality of living with bipolar and schizoaffective disorders while pursuing creative goals.

•  Offer insights and tips for other writers and couples working together.

• Foster a supportive community for those dealing with similar challenges.

• Crazy Couple/Plan for Each Book: An overview of our re-release strategy and what each book means to us.

What to Expect

In the coming weeks, we'll dive into various aspects of our journey, including:

• Box Set Launch: Celebrating the launch of my box set and what it represents for our journey.

• How We’re Editing: A detailed look at our editing process and the changes we're making.

• Preparing for Audible: Our steps to create engaging Audible versions, from narration to sound editing.

• Resumes Highlighting: Our professional backgrounds and how our skills complement each other.

• Recovery Stories: Share personal anecdotes about managing mental health and creative work.

• Book Recommendations: Highlight books that have inspired me or helped me through tough times.

• Writing Tips: Offer advice on overcoming writer’s block, finding inspiration, and maintaining discipline.

• Collaborative Writing: Discuss the dynamics of working with a partner on creative projects.

• Mental Health Resources: Provide information on resources and support for those with bipolar and schizoaffective disorders.

• Writing Process: Insights into our individual and collaborative writing methods.

• Growth: Reflecting on our personal and professional growth through this project.

• Meeting Each Other: Sharing our love story and how we became a power couple.

• Formatting: Discussing the technical aspects of formatting our books.

• Cover Art Process: A behind-the-scenes look at creating the new cover art.

• The Team: Introducing the key players who help make our vision a reality.

Recovery and Resilience

“As a person diagnosed with bipolar schizoaffective disorder, navigating the complexities of my mind has been a lifelong journey. Add to that the challenges of dyslexia, and you have a unique perspective on the world. Yet, through it all, I've found solace and purpose in the worlds of writing and game design. This blog is a platform for sharing my experiences, exploring the duality of my mind, and engaging in dialogue about mental health, learning differences, and creativity."

Overcoming Adversity

My journey hasn't been easy. There was a period in my life when I was homeless for a total of two years. During that time, I faced immense challenges, from struggling to find basic necessities to dealing with the isolation and lack of support from those closest to me. I still feel unsupported by many individuals in my life. Despite these negative influences I work hard to partake and support a blended family, adding layers of enrichment and complexity to my already challenging life. I found love and partnership with my wife, who has been my rock and my collaborator in every sense.

Facing the Dragon: Marketing and Self-Promotion

One of the most daunting challenges for me has been marketing my work. As an extremely introverted person, the idea of putting myself out there is terrifying. However, I am determined to overcome this fear. Committing to marketing is like facing a dragon, a formidable foe that I must conquer to achieve my goals. Here are some steps I'm taking to face this challenge:

1. Educate Myself: I'm learning as much as I can about marketing strategies, social media promotion, and audience engagement.

2. Set Small Goals: Breaking down the daunting task of marketing into smaller, manageable steps helps me stay focused and motivated.

3. Seek Support: My wife and I are in this together. Her experience and support are invaluable as I navigate this new territory.

4. Practice Self-Compassion: Recognizing that it's okay to feel fear and taking it one step at a time.

5. Engage with the Community: Building connections with other writers, bloggers, and readers to create a supportive network.

Join Us on This Journey

We invite you to join us on this exciting adventure. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a couple working together, or someone dealing with mental health challenges, we hope our story resonates with you and provides inspiration. Stay tuned for our upcoming posts, and feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with us.

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P.S. Happy Dating Anniversary to Monique and I as well! What an epic adventure thus far.