Brian A. Plank Shares His Mental Health Journey Through The King Who Would Be Man
PHOTO: Brian A. Plank, photographed in a moment of deep thought, opens up about his life with mental illness and writing.
A Story Of Resilience, Empathy, And Awareness Through Fiction
British author Brian A. Plank discusses his battles with mental illness, finding solace in storytelling, and his unique engineering approach to writing in his novel The King Who Would Be Man.
Brian A. Plank’s journey as a Canadian author and mental health advocate is a powerful example of resilience and introspection. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Plank began writing at an early age, using storytelling as a way to understand both the world around him and the complex workings of his own mind. Despite building a successful career in engineering, his life took a turn when he was confronted with mental illness—a challenge that not only reshaped his personal and professional trajectory but also deepened his perspective on what it means to be human.
In his novel, The King Who Would Be Man, Plank delves into the misunderstood realities of mental health. Through an unnamed narrator, he addresses what it means to live with mental illness while exposing the societal stigmas that often alienate individuals navigating such conditions. The book goes beyond recounting struggles—it’s an exploration of identity, empathy, and the human experience. His raw and thought-provoking prose pushes readers to look beyond superficial judgments and strive to understand diverse perspectives, urging them to challenge the norms that define what society considers “normal.”
Brian A. Plank is a courageous author who combines intellect, empathy, and powerful storytelling to inspire readers and raise mental health awareness.
Diagnosed with schizophrenia in his early thirties, Plank describes the profound impact it had on his life. “Although I believe I was born with it,” he says, “I found that once symptoms started to significantly surface, many of my friends and colleagues turned on me or simply disappeared. I realized that people didn’t understand the complexity of the illness, so I’ve made it my mission to educate others about how devastating a serious mental illness can be. I’ve chosen to be a voice for those who are unable to speak their truth.” His words reflect a deep commitment to creating a platform for those without one, and his book stands as a testament to his advocacy for mental health awareness.
Plank’s background in engineering adds a unique dimension to his approach to storytelling. He explains how the discipline of engineering helped shape his critical thinking skills: “It taught me how to use my mind as a tool to think critically by incorporating logic and mathematics in problem-solving. I’ve learned to look at problems from different angles and to be open to all positive and constructive input, while ignoring those naysayers who have no real solutions to offer.” This precision and problem-solving mindset blend seamlessly with the vulnerability and raw emotion of his narratives, creating a style that is as engaging as it is enlightening.
While writing about sensitive and personal topics may seem daunting to some, Plank found solace in it, especially while facing his own struggles. During a period of diminishing mental health, he worked in what he describes as a “highly toxic work environment.” The effects of being bullied and gaslit by colleagues took their toll, leading him to use writing as a therapeutic outlet. His first published work, a short story titled Another Perfect Day, depicted these challenges and received such a positive response that it inspired him to pursue writing more stories to raise awareness.
“I know that the word ‘empathy’ is being kicked and tossed around like a football,” Plank says, “but my hope is that readers will take a moment to reflect on people who may seem different, and see that those of us who are outside what are considered to be ‘normal’ constructs are still valid and equal members of society.” This focus on fostering empathy through storytelling underscores his efforts to educate readers on the nuances of mental health.
To ensure an accurate portrayal, Plank draws heavily on his own experiences, as well as the stories of others who share similar challenges. “While all disabilities are unique to the person in question,” he explains, “my portrayal was based primarily upon personal experience, the experiences of others who, like me, are a little more sensitive, and articles posted on the Internet.” This blend of personal vulnerability and well-rounded research has given his work authenticity and depth.
Plank sees The King Who Would Be Man as a way to fight the stigma of mental illness. For those with “invisible illnesses,” the struggle for acceptance can feel insurmountable. By openly discussing these issues in his writing, he hopes to spark meaningful change and connect with readers on a deeply personal level. Alongside its darker themes, Plank’s book also seeks to entertain readers and invite them to explore broader elements of the human condition.
“This novel is about more than mental illness—it addresses many elements of the human condition. Beyond the storytelling, my hope is that readers will see between the lines and begin to open their minds and take an introspective look into what is truly the unknown.” His writing style balances raw honesty with moments of reflection, challenging readers to engage with the material—and with themselves—on a deeper level.
For fellow authors tackling difficult or sensitive topics, Plank offers advice rooted in his experiences: “Prepare yourself to be vulnerable to both yourself and your readers. I believe that when dealing with sensitive material, readers need honesty and transparency. Some readers are looking for advice. Some are looking forward to hearing that someone else has been through a situation like they may be experiencing. And some readers are just interested in reading for the sake of reading. Be open to constructive criticism. And learn to be both instructor and student.”
Through his work and advocacy, Brian A. Plank aims to shine a light on mental illness while inspiring empathy and understanding. He has chosen to use storytelling not only as a means of self-expression but as a powerful platform to foster connection and build awareness around mental health—a mission that continues to resonate with readers across the globe.
Source: Reader’s House Magazine
