Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a child psychologist practicing for over 20 years serving children and families with mental health needs. I am also a parent to two awesome kids who teach me something every day about being a better human being. I have written three books–the most recent one self-published (Navigating Negativity) and two published by the American Psychological Association. Treatments that Work is a textbook for healthcare providers and Parenting that Works is a parenting book translated into four languages.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Navigating Negativity: Practical Parenting Strategies to Reduce Conflict and Create Calm”. I was inspired by the suffering of children and families I see every day in my mental health clinic. I wanted parents to know more about how to help their chronically crabby child.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Books by Tamar Chansky on child psychology topics. And my co-author on previous books, Edward Christophersen, Ph.D.
What are you working on now?
Promoting my first self-published book, “Navigating Negativity: Practical Parenting Strategies to Reduce Conflict and Create Calm”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Don’t know yet, just starting!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write every day. Try to avoid all the rabbit holes that are out there like webinars, courses, newsletters until you really know your audience and where they hang out. No sense buying a course on how to use Facebook if that is not where your audience seeks ideas for new books!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t try to do everything. Choose one or two goals and stick to them. Maybe they are writing goals or marketing goals. Stay organized and be good at one thing at a time.
What are you reading now?
Becoming by Michelle Obama. I love books written by strong women.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am planning to develop a platform that can get information about child development in the hands of parents. The focus will be on social and emotional development vs. at what age should your child take steps or drink from a sippy cup. Parents are hungry for knowledge about how to help their child become more self-regulated and independent in today’s world.
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?
Author Websites and Profiles
Susan Van Scoyoc Amazon Profile
Susan Van Scoyoc’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile