Man with locked-in syndrome completes 50,000-word book – using only his eyes

An Englishman suffering from the rare locked-in syndrome has written a 50,000-word autobiography using only his eyes.

As a teenager in Devon, Howard Wicks suffered a severe stroke that paralyzed every muscle in his body except his eyes.

The book traces the years before and after his stroke and was created using an Eyegaze computer, a device that tracks his eye movements.

The software enables the 29-year-old to communicate with others and write his novel, which took him 18 months to complete.

“It was a cathartic experience,” Howard said of the Eyegaze device. “I enjoyed writing it, especially the parts that I personally enjoyed experiencing.”

But, as for many writers, it soon became an all-consuming and challenging experience.

“It became a source of stress because I felt like I couldn’t really enjoy it until the book was finished.”

“The first chapter introduces the reader to my life before the stroke and helps them understand who I was,” he told the BBC. “The book ends with my transition from hospital to life in the community.”

This stroke was a gift, not a curse. You just have to block out all the negativity and get through the grief, and then accept what happens next. – Excerpt from Howard Wicks

Howard hopes the book will raise awareness for the nonprofit he founded in 2020, which is dedicated to helping others suffering from locked-in syndrome.

“I founded a charity called Locked in Trust, which aims to support people in a locked-in state to reach the full potential of their lives,” said Howard.

But in its first four years of operation, the charity did not achieve the reach or impact he had envisioned. This was another motivation for completing the book – “to bring the charity to the forefront of society.”

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“Ever since I could type, writing a book has always been my goal,” Howard said.

“I was convinced that my happiness and personal development were crucial when I finished it.”

It is estimated that fewer than 1,000 Americans suffer from locked-in syndrome, which is less than 1% of all stroke patients.

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It is not yet known how everyone can read the book, but you can contact his charity and donate through his website if you wish.

NO EXCUSES: Share the inspiring story with wannabe authors on social media…