Man with locked-in syndrome writes 50,000-word book using only eye movements: “It was cathartic”

Some people are proof that physical disability is no excuse for achieving in life. Even if their health condition makes them less advantageous than others, they try in every possible way to achieve in this world. One such inspiring story recently came from Dartmouth, a town in the county of Devon in England. Howard Wicks, who was completely paralyzed as a teenager, wrote a 50,000-word book in 18 months. Although he had no help of his hands while writing his book, an eye-controlled communication device came to his aid, according to the BBC.

On Halloween 2011, teenager Wicks experienced the worst nightmare of his life. At such a young age, he succumbed to a massive stroke that left him completely paralyzed and unable to move any part of his body, according to a 2013 BBC Spotlight TV program. Doctors diagnosed him with locked-in syndrome, but soon, with the encouragement of his parents, Wicks was able to make small progress. Slowly, he learned to communicate through his eyes, and with the help of Eyegaze technology, his interactions continued to improve. As a paralyzed teenager, Wicks was determined to tell his life story in written form to inspire people like him.

This June, Wicks, 29, reached his goal, writing a 50,000-word book. His novel was a memoir of the first four years of his life after the stroke and how the rare neurological disorder has “profoundly affected” his life. According to Wicks, the inability to communicate and perform everyday activities was “the most excruciating and frustrating aspect” of his condition. He credited his Eyegaze computer with making life easier for him as a paralyzed person. The device tracked his eye movements and a voice echoed the words he wanted to communicate. Using this technology, it took Wicks 18 months to complete his book. Wicks shared his “author” photos, wrote “Facing the depths of adversity” on Instagram and announced that his book will be released in July.

“It was a cathartic experience. I enjoyed writing it, especially the parts that I personally enjoyed experiencing. However, it soon became a source of stress as I felt I couldn’t really enjoy myself until the book was finished,” Wicks told the Kingsbridge and Salcombe Gazette about his experience as an author. So what is the core idea of ​​this book? It’s all about Wicks’ transition. “The first chapter introduces the reader to my life before the stroke and allows them to understand who I was. The book ends with my transition from hospital to community life. The series spans from the age of 16 to the present day,” Wicks explained to the outlet.

The 29-year-old hopes his novel will be the first in a trilogy. Wicks also hopes his novel will raise awareness for his charity Locked In Trust, which supports and encourages others with locked-in syndrome. The charity aims to help people “realise the full potential of their lives”. Wicks added: “I was convinced that finishing the book was essential to my happiness and personal progress.”

You can follow Howard Wicks (@howard_wicks) on Instagram for more updates on his book and his life.