Amy L. Bernstein
Amy L. Bernstein writes award-winning fiction and nonfiction that lets readers feel while making them think. As the author of six novels, including Tent City, and a book of inspiration for creatives called Wrangling the Doubt Monster, Amy brings a compassionate and insightful voice to writers' conferences around the country. A former journalist, Amy also works as a book coach, helping nonfiction authors craft compelling book proposals. She welcomes followers to her weekly Substack, Doubt Monster, which explores the agony and ecstasy of creativity.
Connect with
Amy L. Bernstein
Tent City
A striving family. A collapsing economy. A tragic death. In Tent City, everyone must confront their demons in the struggle to survive.
Tent City is a contemporary dystopian family saga that places ordinary citizens in extraordinary circumstances, precipitated by dire economic disruption. As the American town of Willing crumbles under a collapsing economy, hundreds seek refuge in the dense "city" of tents that spring up in the Kings' big backyard, setting the once-thriving King family on a collision course with disillusionment, disaster, and for some, a new and hopeful beginning. This family saga revolves around trust and betrayal, love and loyalty, and the will to survive the breakdown of the American Dream.
Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration
Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration by Amy L. Bernstein is a profound exploration into the pervasive presence of self-doubt within the creative process. Bernstein, a multi-genre author and seasoned writing instructor, delves into the psychological underpinnings of doubt, illustrating how it can simultaneously hinder and fuel artistic endeavors.
Through a compassionate lens, she encourages artists to embrace doubt as a natural and potentially beneficial aspect of their creative journey. The book is structured to provide both theoretical insights and practical strategies. Bernstein weaves engaging anecdotes with psychological research, presenting a nuanced approach that treats doubt not as an adversary to be vanquished, but as a companion to be managed.
This perspective is vividly brought to life through whimsical illustrations by Mary Grace Corpus, adding a visual element that enhances the reader's experience of introspection and understanding. Bernstein's writing is both accessible and relatable, making complex psychological concepts easy to grasp. She emphasizes the importance of cognitive disinhibition, a state where unrelated ideas merge to foster innovation, and explores how cultural environments influence the prevalence and intensity of doubt among artists.
The book's free-flowing format allows readers to dip in at any point for immediate comfort or inspiration, making it a versatile tool for creative individuals. Wrangling the Doubt Monster is not just a guide; it's a source of emotional support and a call to action. Bernstein provides actionable advice for harnessing doubt to enhance creative output, advocating for a productive coexistence with this emotional shadow.
The book challenges conventional views by redefining doubt as a source of creative fuel, urging artists to see it as an integral part of their artistic process. Endorsed by notable figures like Jennie Nash, Dr. Eric Maisel, and Maggie Jackson, the book has received acclaim for its common-sense wisdom and empowering message.
It's positioned as an essential read for anyone involved in creative endeavors, offering a kind and gentle antidote to the often harsh self-criticism that plagues the artistic community. Ultimately, Wrangling the Doubt Monster stands as a testament to the resilience of the creative spirit, inspiring artists to navigate their doubts with courage and grace.