Compatibly Crazy Stories of Anguish, Redemption, & Love

David and Amy Fitzpatrick have crafted this unique memoir from essays and short fiction. Compatibly Crazy: Stories of Anguish, Redemption, and Love tells the collective tale of the couple’ s lives starting prior to their meeting, following through to the life they have built together. The essays are often both deeply tragic and soaringly hopeful. David’ s fiction is inspired by his experience of severe mental illness and institutionalization, as well as recovery and life in the wide world. This mutual love story will have you in tears, either from sorrow or joy. Stay through the appendix to experience the breathtaking sweetness of excerpts from the Fitzpatricks’ initial eHarmony courtship.

Amy Fitzpatrick is a Connecticut native and University of Connecticut graduate. Amy works for a global firm, advocating for mental wellbeing at work and combating stigma at every opportunity. Amy has supported David’ s writing since before their marriage in 2011, acting as sounding board, first editor, and stern critic. Having dabbled in storytelling all her life, she provided meaningful contributions to Academy of Unholy Boys, penning or inspiring more than one critical scene. Compatibly Crazy is Amy’ s first publication. The Fitzpatricks live in Middletown, Connecticut with their beloved fur-kids, Scargo and Ruby, as well as the precious memories of Phoebe and Beardsley. Compatibly Crazy is a co-authored work of love, sweat, and tears. David Fitzpatrick was born in Dearborn, Michigan, grew up in Guilford, Connecticut, graduated from Skidmore College in 1988 with an English degree and earned his MFA degree from Fairfield University in 2011. His work has been published by The New Haven Review, Barely South Review, Perch, Fiction Weekly, and Running Wild Press. David’ s first book, Sharp: My Story of Madness, Cutting and How I Reclaimed my Life, is a critically acclaimed memoir, published by Harper Collins in 2012. After its publication David and Amy became active Mental Health Advocates. David’ s novels– Wolf-Boy (2024) and Academy of Unholy Boys (2025) both published by Running Wild Press– address the vital LGBTQ+ themes of mental illness and sexual identity of young adults.