Patrick A. Roland
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Patrick A. Roland, MS, LASAC, is a licensed substance abuse counselor, self-help author, motivational speaker and addiction expert. His first book, Unpacked Sparkle, is about grief and recovery and was released first in 2016 independently. It was acquired with new content by UK-based Wallace Publishing and received a second international publishing in 2020. His second book, a children’s book about bullying called Sparkle On, was released by Xlibris in 2018. A third book, The Sparkle King, was released internationally by Wallace Publishing in 2019. It is about spirituality, self-love and emotional sobriety.
Patrick has spoken twice for Storytellers, an event sponsored by Gannett newspapers and USA Today. He has also been featured on podcasts for the International Bipolar Foundation and Emmy-winning newscaster Brandon Lee in Phoenix. He was interviewed by National Public Radio in 2018 and has been featured in articles by the Arizona Republic and Phoenix New Times about his speaking and books, which have been hailed as uplifting, raw and inspiring by critics. Prior to writing his books, Patrick was an award-winning journalist, writer and editor with more that 21 years of experience in mainstream media, specialty publication, corporate and public relations experience. In 2018 Patrick was called to marry his writing experience with his love of helping people, moving toward a new career in counseling and social work. He first got a peer support certificate from the Recovery Empowerment Network in Phoenix in February 2018 prior to enrolling in Grand Canyon University to study substance abuse counseling. He graduated from there with a master’s degree in June 2020. He currently works as a substance abuse counselor in Mesa, Arizona. He was awarded licensure from the State of Arizona as a Licensed Associate Substance Abuse Counselor in January 2021. That same month he joined Help.org as an addiction and mental health expert/contributing editor. Known by many as The Sparkle King, Patrick hopes that by sharing experience and strength with people they will find hope. He believes everyone deserves to sparkle if can if they find the help they need. He lives in Glendale, Arizona with his three dogs. |
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UNPACKED SPARKLE - A Story of Grief and Recovery
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Unpacked Sparkle - A Story of Grief and Recovery chronicles Patrick Roland’s transformative journey upon finding his partner, Pack, dead in January 2017. The journey begins on the day of the funeral which he was not allowed to attend by Pack’s homophobic family, and details a nearly two-year journey back to a now thriving, joy-filled life.
This story discusses addiction and recovery from it, grief and the journey to the acceptance, the family dynamics and DNA that resulted in a life-saving bi-polar diagnosis, and the importance of civil rights and marriage equality. This miraculous journey is threaded together by a tapestry of amazing friends who helped Patrick find his way back to happiness, where he continues putting his hand out to other in search of their own sparkle. The author hopes that by sharing his experience and strength with readers, they will find hope. He believes everyone deserves to sparkle. Let’s take this journey together so you can unpack yours. |
THE SPARKLE KING
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In 2014, Patrick lost his partner, Pack, suddenly and without warning. As he struggled to come to terms with this, he was faced with homophobic prejudice from his partner's family. In horrendous emotional pain and feeling desperately lonely and depressed, he started to use recreational drugs heavily and hit rock-bottom whilst on a trip to Las Vegas.
After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and getting clean from drugs and alcohol, Patrick thought his fight was over. However, this was not the case. Life had many other obstacles in store for him but this time, he knew how to be strong and he knew he had God on his side for support. This inspiring and emotive true story shows how anyone can overcome the hurdles life presents them with, if they just have faith and focus on their inner strengths. |
SPARKLE ON! - An Unpacked Sparkle Children's Book
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Sparkle On! is an innovative children's book by Patrick A. Roland. Dealing with the sensitive subject of bullying in a unique and inspiring way, Sparkle On! offers children hope and understanding at one of the hardest times of their lives. In addition to this, Patrick's excellent storytelling abilities ensure that the book is entertaining and fun, and that children everywhere can easily identify with Sparkle, the leading character.
Book Synopsis Have you ever dealt with bullying or hate at school for being different? So has Sparkle. The bullies at this special gecko’s school constantly tease him and even throw rocks at him for being unique. But Sparkle has a secret weapon - his mother has taught him to love himself exactly as he is; and he is able to take the pain of being bullied and find power - and new popularity - in fighting that hate with love. |
Writing
Patrick's new novel, The Sparkle King, is the brilliant follow-up to his first book, Unpacked Sparkle. It is a powerful true story of one man's battle against grief, mental illness, prejudice and addiction.
The Sparkle King was released on the 26th March 2019 Book Signings
Patrick has no forthcoming book signings at this time. If you would like to book Patrick for a book signing, literary festival, or spoken word event, then please visit our Contacts page.
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Public Speaking
Patrick is an accustomed and professional public speaker and is available to speak on subjects he considers close to his heart such as addiction, alcoholism, mental illness, grief, LGBT rights, civil liberties and writing.
Click here to see Patrick's upcoming events.
Workshops and Webinars
Patrick has no upcoming Workshops or webinars at this time. If you would like Patrick to hold a workshop or webinar regarding overcoming drug addiction, mental illness, grief or homophobia, please visit our Contacts page.
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I didn't choose to be bi-polar.
I didn't choose to be a drug addict.
I certainly didn't choose to be a widow.
But I did choose to Sparkle! - Patrick A. Roland
Wallace Publishing
Patrick A. Roland is signed to Wallace Publishing. Wallace Publishing is a small independent publishing company based in the United Kingdom that specialises in genre fiction and autobiographical non-fiction. Wallace Publishing can be found at www.wallacepublishing.co.uk.