Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a licensed psychologist with a private practice in Western Michigan. For over twenty years, I have been counseling individuals, families, and couples. My areas of specialty include mood disorders, anxiety-related issues, relationship difficulties, and perinatal mood disorders.
I am fascinated by how people change. Through the course of my work, I have discovered that interpersonal safety and acceptance which exist in the context of the therapeutic relationship are instrumental in creating the necessary environment for clients to explore their psychological conflicts, unmet emotional needs, and dissatisfying relationship patterns. It was this insight that gave me the inspiration for my two devotionals, Jesus, The Ultimate Therapist: Bringing Hope and Healing and Jesus, The Ultimate Therapist: Healing Without Limits.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
This is a hard question since I originally wrote both books as one book. I started writing in 2006 after waking up one morning with inspiration for a rough outline. After finishing the manuscript, I discovered I had done things backwards. I learned from publishing editors and agents that the book was too long (since it was a Bible study) and didn’t include enough of my professional expertise.
I found a professional editor, split the book into two separate works, and re-wrote them. I self-published both of them at the same time: in paperback (2010) and ebook (2012) formats.
At first I marketed them as (two) 6-week long Bible studies, but realized they are more accurately categorized as devotionals. So, I made a few more changes and re-released them both as devotionals earlier this year.
The inspiration for them came from my work as a psychologist. People seek counseling because they are experiencing some form of psychological, emotional, or relational pain. They are looking for answers.
However, if just getting the right answer to one’s problem worked, then mental health professionals would be out of work. Research, however, consistently demonstrates that it is the unique qualities of the therapeutic relationship that create the right environment for personal change. Since therapists have a reasonable success rate at helping clients find psychological relief, how much more successful will Jesus be at helping us achieve psychological and interpersonal healing? This insight inspired both books.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a logical, sequential person, so I tend to work from an outline and write each chapter in order. This works pretty well since I write nonfiction. I am not sure if it is the best method, however, for writing fiction.
I love having a detailed outline. Once it’s finished, I feel inspired to think creatively about each chapter’s subject. I often have spontaneous ideas and insights all times of the day and night. It is very important to record each one right away or I will forget them. I have kicked myself many times for not being more disciplined about this. My new smartphone has been a life-saver since it has the capacity to record voice notes.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I don’t think one can write without all the fabulously talented authors who have come before us. Their ideas and inspirations have helped to give birth to my books. However, the greatest influence on my work was an elective graduate-level class and the professor who taught the class. Dr. Petersen, a psychiatrist and adjunct professor, encouraged me to think critically. His challenge set my thinking free. I learned to play with concepts by looking at them from different angles. I don’t think I would be writing today if it wasn’t for him.
What are you working on now?
I am back to work on a new nonfictional book. It will also be Christian literature. I am not for sure if it will be another devotional. Right now I am still at the research phase. It will focus on the impact our spiritual relationship with God has on the development of our personal identity. As with the previous books, it will approach the topic from an integrated psychological and biblical perspective.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That is a very tough question and I haven’t completely figured out the answer.
After releasing both books I became very overwhelmed by the task of marketing and stopped all efforts. For about two years, I didn’t promote my work at all, outside of a few local speaking engagements. Not surprisingly, my sales suffered.
Last year, however, I met another author and developed a friendship. Her efforts inspired me. My 2013 New Year’s resolution was to do all that I could to market the best I knew how. I joined various social media outlets, such as Twitter and Google Plus, and created a Facebook Page. I became involved with several online forums and groups. I intentionally meet and network with fellow authors for tips and support, and interact with the public as much as I can. All of this has been helpful and seems to have positively affected sales.
I have also been taking advantage of GoodReads and LibraryThing’s opportunity to host book giveaways. These promotions have been a great way to get my work in front of the reading public who utilize those sites. It also has had the extra bonus of generating some reviews of my work. I believe the giveaways have been very instrumental in making sales.
I have an upcoming Amazon KDP Select giveaway scheduled for a five-day period from May 1 – 5, 2013. I have signed up for promotions on various websites for those days. I have my fingers and toes crossed that this giveaway will go well.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Today’s author is no longer limited to the role of being a writer. This person will have to wear many hats, including publisher, salesman, and public relations representative. It is important to do all of these roles throughout the entire project. I learned this the hard way. Don’t be afraid to appear foolish. And, be sure to find others who are farther ahead in this process, and get their input and help. Join local writing groups and internet author forums. Share and talk with others in this field so that we can collectively help each other.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Probably the best advice I ever heard was more of an observation than a piece of advice. It was “we learn more from failing than succeeding.” I have found this to be true. If I want to succeed, I must get comfortable with feeling foolish and failing a lot.
What are you reading now?
I am always reading and often several books at one time. Right now I am enjoying a post-apocalyptic book by a new indie author, reading and taking notes from a theoretical book about the formation of the “self,” and listening to a fantasy book on my iphone.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hopefully will publish my next Christian nonfiction work sometime next year and will possible publish a couple more after that. However, I plan to shift gears at some point and write a science fiction novel.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Hmmm…. that is a hard one. I don’t really have favorites. Probably the most influential work was Ray Bradbury’s “Dandelion Wine.” I read that story my freshman year of high school, and it opened my eyes to the wonders of fantasy and science fiction genres. My passion for reading exploded after reading that literary work. Thank you, Ray Bradbury!
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