Natasha Simon's book launch at Lawson on October 19 was a big success with a full house in attendance.
Speakers included the author, Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill, Federal Macquarie MP Susan Templeman, and Mick Barrett from Belong Blue Mountains.
Ms Simon's mother performed the MC role and spoke beautifully.
Each of the speakers spoke of their inspiration in reading the latest book, My Story Isn't Over.
"The semicolon is used when a writer wanted to finish the sentence but decided to keep going," said Ms Simon. "I use the semicolon in my artwork and writing to say My Story Isn't Over and to start conversations about suicide and mental health. The more we talk about these things the more we talk about them and talking is the first step to break the stigma and get the help people need."
Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill said: "Natasha is a deeply inspiring person. It has been an enormous honour to launch her wonderful book. My Story Isn't Over is an honest account of life with bipolar disorder.
"Tash writes with candour, humour, compassion and hope.I am very proud of my friend. As someone living with bipolar disorder myself, I can say that her words mean a great deal to me as they will to other sufferers.
"She has given so much of herself in her work and her testimony does much to bring the reality of living with mental illness to the surface. This selfless action brings awareness and awareness saves lives."
The books are available from: www.thebipolarexpress.com.au.
