Hi, I’m Bernadette. I’m raising support to bring my debut novel, The Nine Lives of Bella Devine, through the final stages of production and into the world.

It’s a piece of literary fiction with dark humour, following a woman in a treatment centre who believes she’s a shapeshifter and has lived nine lives. The story is inspired by real experiences from my twenty‑five years in addiction. I’m now over three years sober, and writing has become both my creative lifeline and my way of giving something back.

Thanks to earlier support, I’ve completed the full developmental edit with a professional editor — a huge milestone that cost £1.5k, which I’ve already paid. Now I’m fundraising for the next essential steps: copyediting, cover design, and preparing the book for self‑publication.

This isn’t a small passion project. I’ve been sharing stories from the trenches for a long time, and I hear from people every day about how much they help them feel less alone. I chose not to write a memoir to protect my own and others’ anonymity, but I didn’t hold back in creating a deeply flawed, vulnerable character who carries the emotional truth of those years. My hope is that the book helps people laugh, release shame, and feel seen.

Publishing independently is empowering, but it’s also expensive — and it’s slowing down my ability to move at pace. Any support, no matter how small, goes directly toward the professional costs needed to bring this book to life.

I completely understand that times are tough, so please don’t feel any pressure. Even a fiver makes a difference. And if all you can do is read this and share it, I’m genuinely grateful.

Thank you for being here.

Love, B x