Picture Book Author Jocelyn Rish joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss her journey to publication. Jocelyn Rish is a writer and filmmaker who loves researching weird and wonderful animals and sharing what she learns. Her first book was Battle of the Butts, about ten animals that do weird things with their butts. Her next book moved t…

Young Adult Author Kristi McManus joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss her journey to publication. Kristi McManus is a Registered Nurse by trade, but avid reader and enthusiastic book lover all her life. Her debut novel, Our Vengeful Souls, was released Summer 2023 by CamCat Books. When she isn't writing, she enjoys photography, art…

Picture Book Author Anna Lazowski joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss her journey to publication. Anna Lazowski wrote her first picture book for a class assignment in the sixth grade and has been creating stories ever since. Now an award-winning radio producer, Anna has an MA (Journalism) from the University of Western Ontario and …

YA Author Jennifer Chen joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss her journey to publication. Jennifer Chen is a freelance journalist who has written for Oprah Daily, Real Simple, and Today. Her debut YA rom-com book, Artifacts of an Ex, is out now. Jennifer: Query | Website | TikTok | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon | Bookshop | Libro FM Q…

YA Author Allison L. Bitz joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss her journey to publication. Allison L. Bitz hails from Lincoln, NE, where she lives with her spouse, two kids, and various rescue pets. When she’s not writing a novel or a song, Dr. Bitz is helping clients in her private counseling practice, planning some form of politic…

Picture Book Author Janelle Harper joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss her journey to publication. Janelle Harper is a Bronx native who enjoys storytelling through dance and ballpoint pens. She finds inspiration for children’s stories in city living and the diverse experiences of the African Diaspora. Janelle is passionate about cr…

Horror Author Nora Fussner joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss her journey to publication. Nora Fussner has a BA from Sarah Lawrence College and an MFA from CUNY Brooklyn College. Her debut novel, The Invisible World, was published by Vintage in September 2023. Other work has appeared in Longleaf Review, Brooklyn Review, and Electr…

MG Author Kate Fussner joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss her journey to publication. Kate Fussner is a novelist, teacher, and accidental poet living in Massachusetts with her wife and dramatic dog. When not reading or writing, Kate can be found baking, spending time with her family, or singing her favorite musicals. Kate believes…

Fantasy Author Rose Black joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss her journey to publication. Rose Black is a combination of anxiety and dyslexia in a hoodie, bi, a professional computer wrangler, and mother to the world’s wiggliest child. She’s lucky enough to live in the historic city of Bath and is capable of eating her weight in su…

If you are someone who enjoys making commitments to becoming a better version of yourself in sync with the Gregorian calendar, then this episode, which is all about taking a Compassionate Approach to New Year’s Resolutions, might be just what you need to hear this time of year. If you would like to get your free copy of Ground to Set Them, Motivate…

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Earlier this holiday season, I had the distinct honor of interviewing 12 compassionate women, all thought leaders with a background in psychology or mental health on how they see stress impact the women they serve over the holidays. Plus, I was sure to ask about all of their self-help tips for navigating the many different forms that holiday stress…

On this milestone episode (the first show since we turned 1 year old!) the podcast brings you our first guest expert interview. We are honored to be joined by Dr. Sierra Trainor, a licensed psychologist in the state of Florida who also provides tele-psychology in PsyPact participating states. She specializes in pet grief and loss and will be sharin…

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, a holiday all about giving thanks, the PsycHope Self-Help podcast wants you to know there are some impressive psychological and other health benefits connected to feeling grateful and expressing our appreciation to others. Tune in to our latest episode to hear highlights on the science of gratitude plus gets some hel…

On this episode, the podcast wraps up our in-depth exploration of one of the biggest stressors for women: work stress. This focus on work stress concludes with a journey down the final path through work stress, the Harmony Path. Women on the Harmony Path can experience any combination of struggles from the first three paths. The essence of stress r…

On this episode, Dr. McManus guides your journey down the Spirit Path by highlighting key struggles of work stress for this path. The journey concludes by reviewing two stress relief tools that harness the power of connection to help reduce the negative impact work stress can have on us. Your Path Through Work Stress Quiz Ready to find your best pa…

On this episode, Dr. McManus guides your journey down the Body Path by highlighting key struggles of work stress for this path. The journey concludes by reviewing two stress relief tools that use abilities already within our bodies to comfort and soothe the negative impact work stress can have on us. Your Path Through Work Stress Quiz Ready to find…

On this episode, the podcast gives some background on the latest self-help resource created by Dr. Jennifer McManus: The Your Path Through Work Stress online quiz. Dr. McManus explains how this quiz is based on psychological research on stress symptoms and stress management techniques. The Mind, Body, Spirit framework that was used to conceptualize…

The PsycHope Self-Help podcast is back after a summer hiatus. It's that time of year again when we're back in full swing at work. With this mind, the podcast highlights the negative impact work stress can have on our mental health and physical health. Scientifically supported techniques that can help with managing work stress are also discussed. Yo…

Magical Realist Author Angel Di Zhang joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss recording her own audiobook, having an editor who gets your vision, Pitch Wars, writing books that you don't want, the joy in writing a perfect sentence, querying too early, the two sentence critique that led to a rewrite, and getting sidetracked by the wrong…

Cookbook Author Jules Sherred joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss query tracker, a fortuitous agent connection, the two-year overnight project, selling out on Amazon on pub day, breaking the rules, ripping out readers' guts, getting in trouble for his writing, and the problem with a quick publication schedule. Jules Sherred works a…

Romance Author Romi Moondi joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss zigzags and backtracks, amassing over a hundred rejections, signing with the wrong agent, self-publishing, the tyranny of best of lists, feeling responsible for representing your entire community, the one soundtrack she has to listen to for every book, and the friends w…

MG Author Sarah Kapit joins Queries, Qualms, and Quirks to discuss switching agents, using networking, a slow build over time, accepting her writing process, the highs and lows of publishing, what you deserve from an agent, and the joy when kids love your book. Sarah Kapit is the author of several books for young readers. Her novel Get a Grip, Vivy…

As we wrap up Mental Health Awareness Month, the podcast highlights a mental health concern unique to women: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, or PMDD. In this episode, we raise awareness for PMDD by exploring the continuum of menstrual cycle symptoms, from regular menstrual symptoms to premenstrual syndrome (or PMS) to PMDD. We chose a continuum ap…

Have you ever wondered why some people are more likely to develop a mental illness or have mental health problems than others? If so, then this episode is for you! The podcast explores the Diathesis Stress Model, which provides a framework for understanding the connection between stress and mental illness. Ideas for stress management are also provi…

Kidlit and Romance Author Tanisia Moore joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss wanting her kids to see her have a life, a two week deal, getting an R&R from a friend, dispelling the dream agent, switching agents, the danger of #writingcommunity twitter, rejection being part of the journey, celebrating all the parts, and how not sellin…

Young Adult Author Jesmeen Kaur Deo joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss finding community in fanfiction, inspiration from Richelle Mead, reading Query Shark in high school, having a book die on submission and then having a quick pre-empt sale, advice from Nora Roberts, and finding balance. Jesmeen Kaur Deo grew up in northern Briti…

YA & MG Author Kalyn Josephson joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss how Lani Taylor inspired her writing, Scooby Doo fanfic, three books that should have never been queried, an offer after an R&R, how no writing is ever wasted, and the subjectiveness of the industry. Kalyn Josephson is a fantasy author living in the California Bay A…

Wrap up Stress Awareness month by diving into how stressful life events are measured in psychological research studies and learn which stressors are in the top 10. You can find a copy of The Holmes-Rahe Stress Inventory PDF right here on the American Institute of Stress website. Your Path Through Work Stress Quiz Ready to find your best path throug…

Young Adult author Brian D. Kennedy joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss having three agents, the insult that led to a genre change, the Goldilocks of submission strategy, worrying you’ll never be good enough, feeling the negative ten times more, all the snacks, a ten year journey, no shortcuts, Brian D. Kennedy lives in New York Ci…

Middle Grade Author & Illustrator Derrick Chow joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss how agent referrals aren't the end all, the courage it takes to show your work to another person for the first time, how an auction isn't all about the money, the joy of meeting young readers, all the distractions that come after a contract is signed…

Short Story and Literary Author Allegra Hyde joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss submitting without an agent, having agents reach out to her, the book deal that felt like a miracle, the difference from working with a university press, letting go as an author, over-researching, over-revising, and how community is everything. Allegra…

Author and Poet Meg Eden Kuyatt joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss getting her first agent in high school, how writing is like gardening, holding your projects loosely, writing out of order, and regretting acting on impatience. Meg Eden Kuyatt is a 2020 Pitch Wars mentee, and teaches creative writing at colleges and writing center…

MG Graphic Novel Author Elizabeth Agyemang joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss video game fan fiction, multiple R&Rs, querying her future agent while in high school, a lot of rewriting, and focusing on the things you can control. Elizabeth Agyemang is the author and illustrator of Fibbed, a middle grade graphic novel published by R…

Fantasy and Thriller Author Chelsea Mueller joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss book blogging, going to editorial five times with no book deal, keeping your eyes on your own paper, different processes for different genres, and the importance of perseverance. Chelsea Mueller writes gritty, twisty fantasy and thriller novels for adul…

This episode explores two of the top challenges for which women engage in self-help practices: stress and anxiety. Special attention is given to why it is so hard to tell the difference between stress and anxiety. Your Path Through Work Stress Quiz Ready to find your best path through work stress? You can find the quiz right here: Take the Quiz. Yo…

Young Adult Author Rosiee Thor joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss how failure is part of the process, teenage Marie Lu, Inkpop, signing with an agent who doesn’t represent her genre, feeling a bit stagnant, refusing to give up on publishing, and finding the groups that nourish instead of drain you. Rosiee Thor began her career as …

Middle Grade Author Sarah Allen joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss coming up in the time of author blogs, being over eager, hundreds of rejections, being scared to write the book you want, leaving an agent, learning to be bolder, and balancing the boldness with kindness. Sarah Allen is a poet and author of books for young readers.…

Given the PsycHope Self-Help podcast is a space for women, this episode explores the importance of International Women’s Day to women’s mental health. International Women's Day occurs on March 8th each year. This year's theme is embrace equity. You can learn more about this day of celebrating women and accelerating gender parity on the Internationa…

Fantasy Author R.R. Virdi joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss the cover his mom designed, the difference between indie and trad, seeing the sign at Barnes and Noble, the importance of asking questions, how delays snowball, and how publishing is different for everybody. R.R. Virdi is a usa today bestseller, two time dragon award-fin…

Middle Grade Author Esme Symes-Smith joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss genre labels, the two-glass-of-wine query, how NaNoWriMo prepared them for publishing, inspiration from Tamora Pierce, waiting for the other shoe to drop, the fanfiction gateway, making excuses for yourself, Esme Symes-Smith grew up in the Southwest of England…

Today the podcast brings you a quick episode on the self-help approach of thought work as inspired by cognitive behavioral therapy. Access the CBT infographics: Instagram Facebook Resources on CBT: Beck Institute Your Path Through Work Stress Quiz Ready to find your best path through work stress? You can find the quiz right here: Take the Quiz. You…

Young Adult Author Laura Taylor Namey joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss learning to write a novel by writing one, the pitfall of comparison, longevity as an author, romanticizing publishing, and doing things backward. Laura Taylor Namey is the New York Times and international bestselling author of Reese’s Book Club pick A Cuban G…

This week, the podcast reviews the healing power of self-compassion and offers a few practical ideas of how to integrate self-compassion into our own lives as self-help approaches. Try the Guided Mindfulness Meditation, Reflecting on Self-Compassion, that was created to accompany this episode. References Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being K…

Middle Grade Author PJ Gardner joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss coming to writing late in life, how querying is like boxing, writing as a calling, how promoting for MG is different from promoting for YA, querying with old data, taking big risks but expecting safe results, and how the success goalposts always move. PJ Gardner has…

In the spirit of the focus on love that dominates the month of February, the podcast explores the psychology of compassion. This episode provides an introduction to the psychology of compassion and includes findings from relevant and classic psychological research studies. A quick overview of Compassion Focused Therapy is provided and some seeds of…

Young Adult Author Sarah Suk joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss the writing group that started it all, Author Mentor Match, how being on submission was harder than querying, realizing her community is not her competition, worrying if anything's going to work out, and the importance of writer and non-writer friends. Sarah Suk lives…

This week, the podcast explores how mindfulness can be beneficial in terms of helping us manage stress and anxiety. Key findings from the scientific research on mindfulness are reviewed. And in the second half of the episode, Dr. McManus shares some ideas of how to use mindfulness as a self-help intervention for stress and anxiety in our own lives.…

Women’s Fiction Author Sierra Godfrey joins Queries, Qualms, & Quirks this week to discuss how it's okay if you need longer than other writers, selling a book quickly by doing ten years pre-work, having your agent leave the business, why writers truly need agents, feelings of inadequacy, comparison being the thief of joy, and the importance of lear…

This week the podcast takes a deep dive into the psychological benefits of physical exercise. Special attention is given to the positive impact of exercise on reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Suggestions on how to apply the research findings on the psychological benefits of exercise as a self-help intervention in one’s own life are also of…