Carder Stout is the author of the new book Lost in Ghost Town: A Memoir of Addiction, Redemption and Hope in Unlikely Places. He is a psychologist, and he's based in Los Angeles.
Q: Why did you decide to write this memoir, and how long did
it take you to work on it?
A: It took me two years to write the memoir and another year
to get in published. It was a story that I lived which I believe is unique and
compelling.
I always wanted to share it with an audience but needed time
to heal before I felt comfortable doing this. The present tense of the story
takes place over 17 years ago, so I felt removed enough from this part of my
life to put it onto paper.
I also believe that the book may be inspirational to readers
as it sends a message of hope.
Q: How was the book's title chosen, and what does it signify
for you?
A: "Ghost Town" is a name that the addicts called
the Oakwood neighborhood of Venice, California, because so many ghosts
were walking the streets.
The memoir focuses on a time in my life that I was lost
both spiritually and emotionally. I was addicted to cocaine at this time in my
life and was self-medicating through the pain of my childhood.
Q: You relate some very difficult experiences--what was it
like to look back at them as you wrote the book?
A: It was both therapeutic and cathartic to write down some
of the more emotional moments in the book.
Sometimes it feels as though I have lived two lives and feel
so grateful to be sober now for nearly 15 years. I am not ashamed anymore of
the choices I made back then, but it had taken time for me to feel this way. I
am proud of the life I have led and feel a deep sense of love for all of the
characters in the book.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from your experiences?
A: My hope is that readers will realize that my story is one
that is universal. It is the hero's journey which is an archetypal tale that we
all know instinctively. The hero dies and is reborn with a gift to bring into
the world. This is a story of pain, sadness, courage and hope - all relatable
to everyone.
The message of hope is most important to me. No matter how
far anyone falls down there is always a way to get back up and have a good life
on the other side.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I am writing a second book now about the universal
aspects of addiction. It is more of a pop psychology book that I believe will
spark a robust conversation about addiction.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: I am so grateful that readers are responding so favorably
to the book. I have received communications from so many that have been deeply
moved and grateful to hear my experience.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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