The Diamond & The Darkness (The Otto Bell Series, #1)

The boardwalk is empty, but Otto Bell's thoughts are crowded as he battles the weight of grief, mental health struggles, and a fractured family. Will he find his way, or will the tides of the past pull him under?"The Diamond and The Darkness" follows the journey of Otto Bell, a young man grappling with the weight of loss, mental illness, and the choices that shape a life.In the haunting stillness of an empty beach town, Otto finds himself at a crossroads, struggling with the profound loss of his sister and the burden of his past. Recently discharged from a week at Slipperville-a mental hospital that shatters the illusions of sanity-Otto reflects on the pivotal moments and influential figures that have shaped his journey. From the mentors who lifted him up to the coaches who tore him down, he must decide whether to continue down a path of self-destruction or rise above his circumstances to forge a new future.

I'm Otto Bell, a storyteller whose writing is deeply rooted in life's raw, unfiltered realities.
I learned how to read a room, throw a punch, and sell a dime bag—all before figuring out what I truly wanted from life.
I've worn many hats: athlete, deli clerk, Barback, poker host, bookie, debt collector, weed dealer, all-around hustler, military serviceman, and now—writer.
My stories are real, not merely "based on a true story," but reflective of how life unexpectedly hits you—hard, messy, and sometimes hilariously.
They are inspired by the highs and lows of my journey, infused with the invaluable lessons I've learned along the way.
Mental health plays a significant role in my work because it is a central aspect of my life. Living with Bipolar 1 feels like battling a constant opponent—sometimes you're in control, and sometimes you're not. Yet, it is this struggle that yields the most compelling stories.
I refuse to sugarcoat my experiences. I write about the things people are often afraid to voice, all while blending grit, humor, and heart.