Hiya, I’m Wesz! I’m a self-published author and professional counsellor with a BA in English. My writing features emotionally rich, character-driven stories about young gay male protagonists navigating life’s challenges with heart, vulnerability, and resilience. My work often explores themes of mental health, identity, the human condition, and self-discovery, all crafted to be accessible and engaging.
Writing has been a cornerstone of my life since my teenage years when I struggled with mental health and self-rejection after realising I was gay. Despite growing up in the Netherlands, the first country to legalise gay marriage, I often felt isolated. Writing—especially in English—gave me the freedom to explore my emotions from a safe distance. I love writing morally ambiguous characters and cultivating (self-)compassion; to help readers understand how a character’s past may have informed their present, and what might be motivating their behaviour. In AO3 terms, I live my life in the Hurt/Comfort and Angst With A Happy Ending tags. My writing journey continued when I moved to the UK at 23, where therapy transformed my life and deepened my passion for understanding the human psyche. It also inspired me to continue exploring themes like trauma, internalised homophobia, and recovery through fiction.
Now, as a counsellor, I’m privileged to guide people on their healing journeys. This dedication informs my writing, giving me insight into the complexities of human behaviour and relationships. However, my books are purely fictional, inspired by imagination, research, and personal reflection—not drawn from my counselling practice. I take great care and maintain strict boundaries to keep these two worlds separate, respecting the confidentiality of my clients.
Beyond writing, I enjoy watching BL shows (which remind me of how far LGBTQ+ representation has come). I also love a walk, enjoy living life in sobriety, and have somehow ended up in a Crossfit gym.
Whether I’m guiding someone in a therapeutic setting or crafting a narrative that resonates with readers, my goal is the same: to foster understanding, empathy, and hope. If my stories resonate with readers or help them feel seen, then I’ve done my job as a writer. Thank you for being part of this journey. Feel free to reach out to me via my contact form—I’d love to hear from you!
FAQs
How do you approach writing about mental health in your novels?
I strive to portray mental health issues with honesty, sensitivity, and hope. My goal is to destigmatize these topics and help readers feel less isolated in their struggles. I aim for authenticity without being prescriptive or overly clinical.
How does your counselling work influence your writing?
My work as a counsellor has given me a deeper understanding of the emotions and struggles people face. This insight helps me create nuanced, realistic characters and stories that resonate on an emotional level.
Can I book you as a counsellor if I’m a fan of your books?
I deeply value the connection my readers feel with my stories, but my counselling practice is a separate, professional space focused solely on client needs. If you’re interested in therapy, I recommend finding a counsellor who aligns with your specific goals.
Where do you get your illustrators from?
I actually use Fiverr. I’ve found some very talented and kind creatives on there, and supporting someone’s entrepreneurial endeavours feels right.
Who are your favourite authors?
I love anything Simon James Green writes. He’s definitely my favourite writer. His novels genuinely make me laugh out loud and there’s so much gay joy in them. I also adore Madeline Miller. I wish I could produce prose like she does, but alas. Other than that I don’t have many favourites. My partner is more of an avid reader than I am and will often toss something my way if he thinks I’ll like it.
How often do you write?
It varies. I often read online that you should write every day, but I don’t necessarily agree with this. I’ve found that having time away from writing can be really useful, too. Sometimes I need weeks to replenish my creative well. I know it’s time to drop writing when it starts to feel like a chore. I usually move onto editing or return to reading to maintain somewhat of a connection to my creativity. I also often go back to fanfiction writing, because I find the process of uploading chapters episodically rather addictive, and engaging with a fandom is just wonderful. It reminds me to have fun.
Will there be more books featuring the same themes in the future?
Absolutely! I plan to continue writing stories that centre on young gay male protagonists and explore mental health, relationships, and personal growth. Stay tuned for updates on my upcoming projects.
Can I share how your book impacted me?
Please do! I love hearing how my stories resonate with readers. You can reach out here or connect with me on social media. Knowing my work has made a difference is incredibly meaningful.
Would you like me to update you?
Drop your email address below and I will occasionally message you when there’s a new blog post or a new book.