Rising up to give others a voice

Author Michael Stoneburner hopes his series will educate people in how domestic violence affects children and bring about change.

Joel and Michael Stoneburner. Pictures: Angelo Velardo

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Michael Stoneburner did not set out to write a memoir; he was writing a book about teachers.

But along the way his story and the challenges he has overcome took centre stage and the result is a series about a little boy who becomes his own hero.

The St Marys writer released his first book, Phoenix Rising, in October and the sequel, Phoenix Falling, will be released on Monday.

The self-published series, titled He Was A Boy Who Smiled , chronicles Stoneburner’s experiences growing up in a small town in the US and explores domestic violence, mental health issues and challenges facing the LGBTQIA+ community.

Michael with partner Joel, who encouraged him to focus on writing full time.

Michael with his first book, Phoenix Rising.

Growing up, Stoneburner was taught to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself and felt the need to “shy away from who I really was”.

But years later, with the support of his partner Joel, he has laid it all bare on the pages of his book.

Although Stoneburner did not plan for his first book to be a memoir, he hopes his series will be used as a tool to educate people on the effects of domestic violence on children.

“The narration is written in such a way that the reader sees through the eyes of the child,” he said. “It also starts the discussion that a lot of children are not believed or adults are not supported enough both mentally and financially to overcome obstacles that life can throw their way.

“Written word is the most powerful tool we have and by having the story out there will hopefully bring about a change.

“Coming from a primary teacher background, too, I can see the benefits it can have in a classroom.”

The series is aimed at young adults and above.

“This is a book a whole family could read, discuss and bring about a demand that services are created and supported indefinitely until this crisis has ended,” he said.

“We also need to take mental health far more seriously than we do, especially in the workplace and especially later on in life.”

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