Brian A. Plank Examines Mental Health and Humanity in His Captivating Novel
Photo: Author Brian A. Plank—revealing the complexities of the human condition through storytelling and advocating for greater understanding of mental health.
Understanding The Complexities Of The Human Condition
Author Brian A. Plank shares his insights on mental health, resilience, and empathy, exploring his personal journey and the raw honesty in his novel The King Who Would Be Man.
B rian A. Plank’s journey as an author is deeply rooted in resilience, introspection, and an unwavering commitment to shedding light on the human condition. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Brian’s passion for storytelling took shape when he was young, driven by his desire to understand both the external world and the complexities of his own mind. For years, he balanced his career as an engineer with his creative pursuits, until his path took an unforeseen turn due to the challenges of mental illness—a struggle that would ultimately transform his perspective and inspire his writings.
In his latest book, The King Who Would Be Man, Brian delves courageously into the nuanced and often misrepresented realm of mental health. Through this work of fiction, he seeks to challenge societal norms and offer a deeply considered exploration of identity, empathy, and resilience. The unnamed narrator of the book, a figure both human and raw, invites readers to confront the complex realities of living with mental illness, urging them to rethink the preconceived constructs that marginalize those who do not fit into society’s narrow definitions of “normal.”
Brian A. Plank masterfully combines vulnerability, intellect, and storytelling to illuminate mental health struggles and inspire greater societal empathy.
Brian’s approach to mental health advocacy is shaped not only by his lived experiences but also by the skills he developed during his career as an engineer. “Having a background in engineering taught me how to use my mind as a tool to think critically,” Brian reflects. His technical training gave him an ability to deconstruct problems, whether they were logical, personal, or emotional. Yet his writing leaps far beyond clinical solutions, resonating instead with vulnerability, warmth, and an optimism born of hard-earned truths. His firsthand encounters with being gaslit and bullied in the workplace, paired with his experience of living with schizophrenia, lend authenticity to his work. Writing became a therapeutic outlet—and eventually, a powerful medium for raising awareness and fostering understanding.
Brian’s motivation to write stems from his schizophrenia diagnosis and the isolation he experienced due to societal stigma.
Brian’s diagnosed schizophrenia, emerging in his early thirties though present earlier in life, serves as a key motivator for his mission to educate others. “I realized that people didn’t understand the complexity of the illness,” he shares, reflecting on the isolation and stigma he faced. The King Who Would Be Man emerges as both an indictment of societal ignorance and a rallying cry for deeper empathy. His hope is that readers might reconsider their perceptions of those deemed “different” and recognize the shared humanity that unites us all.
While mental health remains a central theme, Brian’s novel doesn’t shy away from exposing broader truths about the human condition. When building the narrative, Brian sought to balance the darker, more challenging aspects of mental illness with compelling and layered storytelling. “This novel is about more than mental illness,” he says. “It is about the very elements of what it means to be human.” His candid and thought-provoking prose reframes discomfort, using it as a tool to inspire introspection.
Brian’s courage in addressing such deeply personal themes, like living with an “invisible illness,” underscores his commitment to breaking down stigma. “The struggle to overcome the stigma of having any disability is an ongoing challenge,” he acknowledges. For Brian, openness has been essential—not just to validate his own experiences but also to offer a voice to those who feel unable to speak.
When asked for advice for writers daring to tackle sensitive subjects, Brian emphasizes vulnerability and authenticity. “Readers need honesty and transparency,” he asserts. Whether readers are seeking advice, hoping for solidarity, or simply engrossed in a story, it’s critical for authors to approach such material with sincerity. Brian also encourages his peers to embrace constructive criticism, advocating for a dynamic relationship in which writers can be both teachers and students.
For Brian, storytelling is more than a creative pursuit—it’s a means of connection, education, and healing. Through The King Who Would Be Man, he shares his struggles and triumphs, hoping readers will be both entertained and inspired to confront their assumptions about mental health. His message is one of radical empathy, urging society to see those who live outside conventional norms not as “other,” but as equally valid, vibrant participants in the human experience.
Brian A. Plank is neither defined nor diminished by his experiences with mental illness. Instead, he uses them to illuminate the path for others, advocating for compassion, understanding, and a rejection of stigma. As readers turn the pages of his novel, they’re invited to not only reflect on his journey but also to embark on their own introspective exploration.
