“What motivates your character?” Writers get this question a lot. I mean, a lot, a lot! Often times the answer involves what the main character is afraid to lose . . . or risk. Fear is definitely a motivator. In fact, it is often the catalyst for action and change. The problem, however, is that fear often leads to tunnel vision. Tunnel vision leads ( Read more... )

I am so Over-The-Moon-Happy that two people asked me about Bipolar Disorder (formally known as Manic Depression). I believe this disorder is one of the hardest to diagnose AND is on my list of Top Ten Misdiagnosed. In a nutshell, persons who live with bipolar disorder experience a cycle (mania and depression) in their mood. This is not to be ( Read more... )

It's been a while since I opened up comments for questions about psychological issues. I thought it would be good to start off the year with a few. I offer my brain up because, as a psychologist, I HATE reading books that get it wrong when it comes to disorders, therapy, relationship dynamics, etc. For those new to my little spot on the internet, ( Read more... )

The storm below did not hit my town. I am sad for those who lost their homes in Goldsby.

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Did I mention that I am SOOOOO happy the tornado did not hit us?

I get to see my mom and dad and step-mom and childhood friends this weekend. YAY! A three day weekend!

I went to a conference and earned half my CEU credits (including 3 Ethics credits) for the ( Read more... )

Another week, another theory of personality: Trait Theory.  Similar to last two weeks’ theories, trait theory believes our personality is the result of interactions between multiple elements. But before I go on, I want to make sure you know what I mean by the word trait. According to Hans Eysenck, a trait is a relatively stable, enduring ( Read more... )

Last time I looked at personality through a psychoanalytic lens. This week, Social theory is the focus. Albert Bandura, the originator, proposed that a person’s personality is the result of reciprocal determinism. WHAT? Oh, it sounds fancy, but in laymen’s terms it means that your personality is the result of the interaction between behaviors, ( Read more... )

For decades, psychologists have worked to understand personality (an individual’s unique and relatively consistent patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving).  Four theories (Psychoanalytic, Social, Humanistic, and Trait) guide our understanding. Each theory has good points and…meh points.  As usual, I think writers can learn something from each ( Read more... )

I’ve said if before and I’ll say it again: keep it simple.

If you create a character who consistently experiences some major set backs and a lot of minor set backs, you don’t need a MAJOR event to tip them into fury or rage or withdrawal or depression. A simple misunderstanding, a broking washing machine, a missed phone call, someone showing up ( Read more... )

Many writers will sit (or stand) in front of a crowd of adoring fans and read pieces of their work. Dot dotificus  shared suggestions on How To Give An Effective Reading. And Jon jongibbs  plans to share what he learned regarding effective readings on his blog. (I think on 1/19/11.)  For some, the idea of reading their work stirs excitement and glee. (Especially if ( Read more... )

Does mental illness make a person more creative?  Though most of you can think of several famous creative people (Sylvia Plath, Hemmingway, Van Gogh) who suffered from a mental illness, there is no causal link. ( See research here and here*)

But how can that be?

Well, just like  you can think of famous painters and poets and songwriters who ( Read more... )