In our Author Membership Facebook group, beautiful things happen every day. But sometimes, something quietly extraordinary emerges — like the friendship between Maria Park and Bradley Scott.
They connected over memoirs — ‘The Long Goodbye’ by Maria Park and ‘Shadow in the Dark’ by Bradley Scott — two very different books with shared emotional roots. Both authors wrote of traumatic childhoods shaped by poverty, instability and the failures of the care system. And through their writing, they found not only healing — but each other.
“We first contacted each other via Facebook,” Maria recalls. “We quickly became friends, brought close because of our past and the fact we both wrote about our lives with the help of the Book Whisperers.”
After weeks of messaging, Bradley made the journey to meet her in person — and a deep connection was formed. “We could have talked all night,” Maria said. “It was great to speak face to face, to ask the questions I’d been holding.”
Bradley remembers that meeting just as warmly: “We spoke till 2am about everything from cats to caravans. Maria has a sharp sense of humour. It’s been great getting to know someone who really understands.”
Their books resonated deeply with each other. Bradley said of Maria’s story, “Her never-dying hope to be with her mum — the resilience and determination — and then the decider on what happened next… she is strong.” And Maria, reflecting on ‘Shadow in the Dark’, said, “I had a million questions for him. He’s an interesting guy.”
They’ve supported each other not just as writers, but as people navigating the long echoes of trauma. As Bradley put it: “Our stories are painful. They’re ugly lives. But they’re our lives, and this is our way of making the most of it.”
Maria adds, “To anyone wanting to do a book — if it’s been on your mind for more than a minute, just do it. Until you try, you won’t know.” She reflected on her fears about family backlash, and how hearing Bradley’s story shifted her perspective: “There isn’t a hurt metre. Both our stories are tragic. Knowing Brad doesn’t change how I see my story, but it makes me feel less alone.”
And that’s the quiet magic of memoir. Not everyone will love your story — but some will need it. They will find themselves in your words. They will feel seen. And sometimes, they might even find a friend.
To anyone writing their story and fearing they’re alone — you’re not. Speak your truth. Share your story. You never know who it might reach… or who might reach back.