I have. I'm not published. I would love to be, but I'm terrified of rejection. Maybe one day. I have not written books specially about *my* experience with mental illness, but the metaphors are quite clear. The one I am working on currently is, essentially, a big, giant, metaphor for depression. The first book I actually finished was written when I was falling into my first depressive episode, and reading it now, I can see where it was heavily influenced by that.

I love the idea of critique. I used to have a writer with whom I did the same thing. I isolated myself so lost her, but I still have my online friend critique and my mom. They're the only ones who are 100% honest (yes, my mom will tell me if something is badly written she's not the sugar coating type mother lol). I don't like the idea of apps. And don't bother with those tip books. Every writer has to find their own style. Sometimes, this involves borrowing from others. But 'rule books' for writing are just ridiculous. I bought one once that said not to ever use anything other than asked and said (no exclaimed, no cried out, nothing). Sounds nice in theory. Usually flows better. But sometimes that "he cried", also, helps it flow just the same. Just do what feels right to you. (I realize that's a tip, so kind of contradictory... )

Also, don't stress about where you start. Sometimes, I start at the beginning. Sometimes, the middle comes first. Other times, the end. Those rules about where to start you learn in school... I always throw them out the window. I write as it comes to me.