Author's debut novel offers 'a message of possibility' to head injury survivors

Ten years ago, Yorkshire-born author S. K. Fields was soaking up adventures on solo-travels across the globe, fuelled by curiosity, confidence and an almost boundless energy.

But a sudden fall altered the trajectory of her life, beginning a journey she never anticipated - one of recovery, rediscovery and now a new career path as an author.

S. K. Fields woke up in hospital in 2017 with a severe headache and was told she had a fractured skull and had sustained a subarachnoid haemorrhage.

After several weeks in hospital, she returned to daily life, but struggled in ways she hadn’t expected. Communication no longer came as easily, and sensory experiences became more intense as noise and light were often overwhelming, making busy environments difficult and sometimes anxiety-inducing.

Despite ongoing fatigue, S. K. Fields gradually pushed herself to re-engage with life through activities like yoga, meditation, and creative outlets- including writing.

“I’ve always wanted to write a fictional novel, but this was the first time a story of such depth came to me.”

What emerged was S. K. Fields’ debut novel The Nest: Where Wildflowers Grow, which follows a group of women who step away from a demanding society to find healing, each carrying their own form of suffering that they gradually transform into purpose.

One of the central characters lives with a head injury, an element that felt important to S. K. Fields to include.

“At its heart, it is a story of connection, healing, and a deep love for nature and one another”, she said.

“It’s inspired by my own journey and having sustained a head injury and recognising that this is an underrepresented area in fiction, it felt important to include it within the story. I also wanted to honour that part of my own experience.

“The Nest offers a message of possibility: that even in the face of life-altering challenges, transformation remains within reach, though it will look different for everyone. It may simply mean finding reasons to smile again, connecting with others and the beauty around us that exists.”

S. K. Fields says she feels grateful for each challenge she’s encountered in her journey thus far, including her head injury.

She said: “Sometimes I look back and realise that every time something I wanted didn’t work out, it actually helped shape this story.

“Now, I feel grateful for each challenge - even my head injury- and for so many aspects that came with it: new pathways, meaningful relationships, creative outlets, the presence of nature, and the many charities and organisations that exist to support those in need. One of those is Headway - a wonderful charity that offers vital support to people who have lost so much and continue to face challenges following a brain injury.

“I wanted to share my story with them in the hope that it might bring comfort, encouragement, or a sense of possibility to others on a similar path.