Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the author of two books. The first book is a memoir of my heartbreaks and challenges of growing up with bipolar disorder, how I dealt with stigma and achieved recovery. The title of the book is called Surviving Mental Illness, My Story by Linda Naomi Katz. This is a book where I have won three awards. One from Readers Favorite, a Silver Medal for best nonfiction autobiography, another from Readers Views – the Life Journeys Award and first prize for best nonfiction memoir, and finally the Best of 2013 Mental Health Services Award for the Queens Honors Program.
The second book is a children’s book which I co-authored with my husband Charles Katz. It is about two people affected by mental illnesses that show how they got better and recovered with proper medications and support by family and friends. I titled the book, Peter & Lisa: A Mental Illness Children’s Story.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book that I co-authored with my husband, Charles Katz is called Peter & Lisa: A Mental Illness Children’s Story. What inspired us to write a book for children on this topic is that not many children fully understand what parents go through when they have a mental illness. Children need to understand the symptoms of certain mental illnesses particularly depression and mania. Children also need to know that with proper treatment people can live normal, happy, healthy lives.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t have unusual writing habits but my vocabulary is limited so I try to write in words that I truly can comprehend.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Since the time I was diagnosed with mental illness, I have been reading a lot of books about mental illness, people’s lives and how they struggle with it. Some authors that I had admired were Ken Steele, The Day the Voices Stopped, Karen Tyrell, Me & Her: A Memoir of Madness, and Suzanne Handler’s book, The Secrets They Kept.
What are you working on now?
Right now I am working hard to promote both my books by sending them to reviewers, bloggers, bookstores, local newspapers, appearing on radio shows, doing book signings, etc.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method I have right now to promote my books is through my website -www.surviving-mental-illness.com. Also my facebook page draws some attention- www.facebook.com/survivingmentalillness
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be careful not to go over your budget when it comes to marketing your book. Do what you can afford. It is not worth to market a book with a public relations firm that is going to cost you thousands of dollars. Try small publicity firms. One I recommend is Authors, Large and Small. They are reasonably priced and can do just a better job if you keep in contact with them.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do your best and get as many as reviews as possible. The exposure and reviews are whats most important than how much the book sales for.
What are you reading now?
I am reading a book about a family that has a daughter with bipolar disorder and how they struggle with it. It is called, What are the cocoa puffs?
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am not sure. Maybe I will start writing more articles on mental illness especially within my cultural group-the Modern Orthodox Jewish Community since they are very biased when it comes with mental illness.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Books that are full of inspirations and meaning.
Author Websites and Profiles
Linda Naomi Baron-Katz Website
Linda Naomi Baron-Katz Amazon Profile
Linda Naomi Baron-Katz’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account