Today I’m grateful for my ability to write. 

As a teen, I discovered Final Fantasy VII, a role-playing game set in a world where people are bound by trauma, the planet’s resources are being drained, and an evil billionaire rules supreme. Good thing that’s not our reality…

That game was an inspiration, as was the soundtrack.

I started writing stories set in that world, then moved to my own, before exploring poetry, blogs and articles.

Over the years, I wrote more, eventually starting the blog you all know. 

In 2021 I suddenly found myself in love with poetry. I longed to perform but was terrified of doing so.

I avoided it until one night at a poetry slam, I was pushed into an open mic slot. I forgot my words halfway and had to read from my phone, but I did it. That night gave me the courage to keep performing.

Months later I came second last in a slam, and the next day second at the Candlelight Open Mic slam. That reception showed my work resonated. Within a month, I was on stage at the Scottish Poetry Slam final!

A terrible career move left me deeply unhappy. My poetry reflected this, exploring mental health and depression, with much of it ending up in my first collection, Joe Logue Writes Vol.1. Around that time, my psychologist told me writing was keeping me alive. He was right.

After releasing the book, the universe intervened. Purple Goat asked me to write about travelling with a disability. Shortly after, I applied for my dream job, which involved travel and writing, and where my work would help others. During my interview, they referenced my blog, proof my writing reached further than I realised.

I got the job, but before starting, I was in the I amloud slam at Paisley Town Hall, recited a poem on Michelle Mcmanus’s radio show, and met Boaby the Barman, Gavin Mitchell 

Writing has taken me to strange and wonderful places, even collaborating on a song with a friend who also has BMD. You’ll find The Light by David & The Devil on streaming services.

My creativity gave me an outlet, helped me survive dark days, and helped me find my place in the world. None of this would have happened if I hadn’t picked up a pen.