Blog Archives
The Committed Professor, A Memoir: My Fall From the Lectern to the Psych Ward
At 40, Professor Kathi Miner believed she was living the perfect life. A loving marriage, two wonderful children, and a career teaching a subject she was passionate about. Her life seemed idyllic. However, beneath the surface, cracks were forming. Kathi soon uncovered the devastating truth: her husband was an adulterer. This revelation sent her seemingly perfect world into a tailspin. As her marriage crumbled, she found herself trapped in a cycle of psychological abuse, and her once-stable life spiraled into chaos. Filing for divorce was just the beginning of her journey through emotional turmoil, leading to a stay in a psychiatric ward as she grappled with the loss of her identity and the frightening uncertainty of what lay ahead.
The Committed Professor: A Memoir is a powerful and unflinching account of one woman’s descent from contentment to emotional devastation. What begins as a story of fulfillment and happiness takes a sudden and dramatic turn, with Miner candidly detailing how her seemingly secure world unraveled after the shocking discovery of her husband’s betrayal. It reads like the plot of a dramatic film, but this is no work of fiction. These events are real, and Miner’s retelling is raw and honest.
The second half of the memoir, where Kathi recounts her time in the psych ward, stands out to me for its mix of dark humor and pain. While her situation is often bewildering, Miner’s narrative injects moments of levity, though the suffering beneath is unmistakable. Through her deeply personal journey, two crucial lessons emerge. 1. The higher we climb in life, the harder we can fall, and 2. no matter how close we are to someone, we can never truly know them.
Writing this memoir took immense bravery. By sharing her experience, she sheds light on the devastating effects of manipulation and betrayal, offering a cautionary tale that may resonate with others facing similar emotional abuse. The Committed Professor is a difficult but ultimately rewarding read, marked by Miner’s courage to confront her trauma head-on and share her story with unflinching honesty.
Pages: 300 | ASIN : B0D3ZXDMFW
A Roadmap for Success
Find The Ladder takes a close look at the modern workplace and the challenges faced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. What inspired you to write this guide?
Having supported job seekers and career professionals for years, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact the pandemic had on livelihoods worldwide. Things turned really critical in the UAE where around 85% of the total population consists of expatriates, a unique situation that effected millions of workers. The sudden loss of jobs and the resulting economic instability created an urgent need for comprehensive guidance and support. My existing YouTube channel, while helpful, lacked the reach to address the widespread challenges many were facing. This realization motivated me to extend my efforts beyond digital content and move towards creating literary content.
In writing this book, I aimed to provide a deeper, more structured approach to navigating the modern workplace in the wake of COVID-19. My book addresses key issues such as remote work, skill diversification, and mental resilience, offering actionable strategies to help individuals adapt and thrive. By combining my extensive experience in career coaching with up-to-date research and real-world case studies, I aspired to create a resource that empowers readers to rebuild their careers and find new opportunities in these unprecedented times.
Can you share with us a little about the research required to put your book together?
To start my research for ‘Find the Ladder’, my first course of action was direct contact with the affected people on social platforms. I also had to conduct extensive online research, drawing from years of experience in career coaching and recruitment. I analyzed recent employment trends, interviewed a few recruitment and HR experts, and tried to gather firsthand perspectives about the future course of the employment scenario post-pandemic. Progressively, I continued incorporating data from reputable sources to ensure that the strategies and insights provided in the book are practical and relevant for today’s job market.
What is one thing you learned in your research that surprised you?
One of the most surprising insights from my research was the staggering percentage of individuals experiencing dissatisfaction in their careers. This revelation underscored a critical issue: many people feel unfulfilled and disengaged in their professional lives, leading to decreased productivity and overall well-being in their personal lives. I discovered that career dissatisfaction stems from multiple factors, which I ensured to address in ‘Find The Ladder’ to the maximum. These findings highlighted the importance of addressing career satisfaction not just for individual fulfillment but also for organizational success.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from Find the Ladder?
One key takeaway I hope readers gain from ‘Find The Ladder’ is the power of resilience and the impact of mindset-positivity in the face of adversity. The pandemic has reshaped the professional landscape, introducing unprecedented challenges and new concepts related to the overall employment scene. My goal is to empower and inspire readers to view these changes not as insurmountable challenges or obstacles, but as catalysts for growth through adaptability.
Through practical advice, strategic insights, and offering new methodologies, I want readers to understand that their career paths are not stagnant. They have the power to redefine their professional journeys, harnessing their unique strengths and passions. I hope to instill a sense of confidence and optimism, encouraging them to embrace continuous learning and proactive career management.
Ultimately, I want Find the Ladder to be a beacon of hope and a roadmap for success, guiding readers toward fulfilling sustainable careers in this new era. By adopting the principles outlined in the book, they can navigate the complexities of the modern workplace and emerge stronger, more adaptable, and ready to seize the opportunities ahead.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn
‘Find The Ladder’ offers a revolutionary approach to career counseling, providing you with practical and accessible advice to help you with career change, career advancement, and personal growth.
Find Your Dream Job, Not Just A Job: This book goes beyond self-discovery; it provides actionable, practical steps to bridge the gap between passion and profession.
Harness the Modern Job Search: Learn cutting-edge strategies to navigate AI-powered recruitment, write winning resumes and cover letters, and ace interviews with the innovative CAR method. Don’t let the ever-changing job market leave you behind. Ace the latest techniques and stand out from the competition.
Become a Workplace Powerhouse: Develop essential leadership skills, overcome common job frustrations, and build resilience in the face of rejection. This book equips you with the tools to navigate office politics, manage stress, and bounce back stronger from setbacks.
Unlock Your Potential: Leverage the power of networking, personal branding, and time management to achieve your career goals – faster. Learn how to build strategic connections, craft a compelling online presence, and optimize your workday for maximum productivity.
Inside this book, you’ll discover:
Navigating Your Career in the New Normal.
The Power of Authenticity in Personal Branding.
The Know-Ask-Meet-Nurture Networking Technique.
55 Essential Recruitment Jargon: Master the language of hiring to boost your confidence.
Storytelling Skills for Interview Success and The CAR Technique.
Designing a Winning Resume and Cover Letter.
Click “Buy Now” and begin your ascent to a career that excites and inspires you.
Take control of your career destiny.
Mental Health is Complicated
Nurse Dorothea Presents A Comprehensive Discussion on Mental Well-Being explores the intricacies of mental health and offers practical advice for improving mental well-being through a blend of storytelling and practical advice. Why was this an important guide for you to write?
I’m a Registered Nurse at a psychiatric hospital. Upon learning my background, many people have been asking me when I would tackle this tough subject of mental health. The timing was right this year, and we launched book #1 (this book) on May 29th. It is truly taking a whole time to produce this series. These are much harder books for me to write than the Nurse Florence® series. I wish I could just have my company’s name on the book cover but have been told by my distributor that the author’s name must also be on the front cover for global distribution approval. Mental health is complicated, and I think I have let people know from the page count of book #1 (596 pages). I think we may have done the impossible to present this topic in a way that teenagers can grasp. Adolescence is challenging and becoming a young adult has many obstacles so we hope this series will help make the transition more smoothly.
Can you share with us a little about the research required to put this book together?
I started with a brainstorming session that lasted days to come up with all the main points to be discussed. Then, I scoured the internet for reliable, trustworthy sources of information about the topics. Many of the articles and publications overlapped so I had to synthesize the info. I maintained hope in my mind that I would be able to sift through all of the info and find the pieces of information necessary to pass on.
What is it about Dorothea Dix’s contributions to healthcare that made her the perfect model for your book’s main character?
Dorothea Dix lived in the early 1800s, and she lobbied legislatures to stop chaining people with schizophrenia because they were terrifying. I consider her one of the first to help remove the stigma of mental illness. I like to tell my patients that we humans are just one life event away from a mental health crisis. Let’s be kind to one another since we don’t know each other’s struggles.
Do you have more Nurse Dorothea books planned? If so, what topic will the next installment cover?
Dow Creative Enterprises® will be publishing a new book every 5 weeks for the next 10 years. Book 2 published weeks ago, Nurse Dorothea presents Managing Impulsivity. Book 3 should publish in the next couple of weeks: Nurse Dorothea presents Why Coping Skills Work and What are Some That Can Be Done Anytime and Anywhere.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Find The Ladder
Nadeem Shafkat Lutfullah’s Find the Ladder offers a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the modern career landscape, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The book begins with a stark reminder of the pandemic’s devastating impact on both lives and livelihoods, setting the stage for a broader discussion on resilience, adaptability, and the power of positive thinking.
One of the most intriguing takeaways from the book is Lutfullah’s concept of the “Eureka instant,” described as ‘the critical moments of intentional thought that shape our actions and outcomes.’ He builds the book around this idea, taking readers on a journey to understand how a positive mindset is foundational to success, likening it to the opening moves in a chess game that determine the course of play.
Lutfullah excels in demonstrating his points through real-world examples, drawing from his own experiences and those of others. For instance, he tells the story of a small family-owned restaurant that successfully adopted a digital model, illustrating the power of adaptability in personal and business contexts, especially during a crisis. He addresses the challenges of such transitions honestly, including the mental health implications of prolonged isolation and the digital divide. His insistence on lifelong learning is a key message that helps readers manage their expectations, showcasing his credibility as a writer. Lutfullah’s insights can be applied directly to change the trajectory of one’s career. His writing is personal and passionate, and his storytelling conveys a deep commitment to the subject. This approach offers readers a comforting and encouraging perspective, making the book especially valuable for those feeling stuck in their careers.
Find the Ladder, by Nadeem Shafkat Lutfullah, is like a warm mug of cocoa on a snowy day—exactly what you need to keep going. It is engaging, motivational, and encourages readers to hope for better while also reminding them to stay realistic.
Pages: 107 | ASIN : B0D5FK14K5
You’ll See: A Story of Narcissistic Abuse, Survival, and My Journey to Understand
You’ll See, by Suzanne Groves, is a raw and poignant memoir that delves into the author’s experiences with narcissistic abuse, survival, and the arduous journey to understanding. Centered around Groves’ tumultuous relationship with her narcissistic and addict father, the book intricately explores the psychological and emotional toll of growing up in an environment dominated by manipulation and emotional neglect. Through vivid storytelling and heartfelt reflections, Groves chronicles her path to healing and self-discovery, ultimately finding strength and resilience amidst her struggles.
One of the most striking aspects is Groves’ unflinching honesty. She doesn’t shy away from the painful realities of her past, instead laying them bare for the reader to see. This candid approach not only lends authenticity to her narrative but also fosters a deep connection with the reader. For instance, the chapter where she describes her father’s callous disregard for her mother’s wellbeing while she lay incapacitated is both heartbreaking and infuriating. Groves’ ability to convey the depth of her pain and confusion during these moments is profoundly moving.
Groves’ writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book hard to put down despite its heavy subject matter. She balances the recounting of traumatic events with moments of introspection and even humor, providing a well-rounded narrative that feels both genuine and relatable. Her reflection on her mother’s tough love approach, especially in the scene where she is nearly sent away as a child, showcases her ability to understand and convey complex emotional dynamics. This nuanced perspective adds depth to her storytelling, making it clear that she has spent a considerable amount of time processing and understanding her experiences. The epilogue, where Groves gets a tattoo in honor of her mother’s loving words, offers a glimpse of this resolution.
You’ll See is a powerful memoir that will resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced narcissistic abuse or emotional trauma. Suzanne Groves’ raw and honest storytelling not only sheds light on the painful realities of living with a narcissistic parent but also highlights the incredible resilience of the human spirit. This book is particularly suited for readers who appreciate candid memoirs and those seeking solace and understanding from similar experiences. Groves’ journey is a testament to the strength required to confront one’s past and the possibility of finding hope and healing on the other side.
Pages: 373 | ASIN : B0CSDZBTK5
Back to Loving My 1st Wife: A Husband’s Unconditional Love & The Aftermath of Caregiver Stress
Back to Loving My 1st Wife is a deeply personal and emotionally charged memoir by James Bass that explores the trials and tribulations of caring for his wife, Crystal, who battles severe mental health issues. The narrative is a heartfelt journey through the complexities of mental illness, the challenges of caregiving, and the enduring power of love and resilience.
From the onset, Bass’s writing captivated me with its raw honesty and vulnerability. The detailed accounts of his struggles, from navigating the intricacies of the DSM-5 to confronting the inadequacies of the healthcare system, paint a vivid picture of a man determined to save his wife. His decision to take Crystal home against medical advice, driven by a profound sense of love and duty, is both compelling and inspiring. This section resonated deeply with me, highlighting the often unseen sacrifices made by caregivers. Bass’s reflections on his own mental health struggles added a rich layer of complexity to the memoir. His candid discussions about experiencing PTSD and the emotional turmoil he faced while supporting his wife were particularly poignant. The moments where he describes his flashbacks and the constant battle to maintain composure in the face of his own inner demons were powerfully evocative. These passages underscored the memoir’s theme of resilience and the personal cost of caregiving. One of the most striking aspects of the book is Bass’s exploration of his past and its impact on his present. The memoir delves into his childhood experiences with a violent stepfather and the lasting effects of trauma. This background provided a deeper understanding of his current struggles and motivations, particularly in the chapter where he wrestles with the desire for revenge against those who wronged him and his wife.
Back to Loving My 1st Wife is a powerful testament to the strength of love and the human spirit. James Bass’s journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, offering valuable insights into the challenges faced by caregivers and those living with mental illness. This book is highly recommended for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of mental health issues on individuals and families, and for caregivers who will find solace and solidarity in Bass’s experiences. It is a must-read for those who believe in the transformative power of love and resilience in the face of adversity.
Pages: 131 | ASIN : B0D5NJX8CJ
Mental Illness and Its Triggers
Ogden’s Proverb follows a teenage boy enrolled in a prestigious private academy who struggles under the weight of familial expectations and self-discovery. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I did attend such a school as a teenager, so I thought it would be a good setting and lead to a good story, and that my personal experience would lend a sense of authenticity as well. I realize the setting itself might not be familiar to everyone, but the issues Ogden faces are universal as your review points out, and I think it’s very important to see similarities among people regardless of whether their life circumstances are familiar or not. I’m hoping this is the case. Alcoholism, alienation, first love, and pressing life experiences transcend the setting and hopefully connect with all readers. And I like to think humor helps.
Ogden’s story is one that many readers will be able to relate to and see pieces of themselves in the story. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
I like this question. The answer is yes, specifically as it applies to Adam. While much of the story takes on its own life as a piece of fiction, the character of Adam is very close to the truth. I had this experience while at school and it has stayed with me all my life. I wanted to keep the memory of him alive, so including him in this story not only added to the real complexities facing Ogden, but allowed me to give Adam’s life extended meaning and context. I am so delighted to be able to do this, and I hope Adam’s life touches readers much as it has mine. And this is why I like this question so much.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to thoroughly look at alcoholism and its impact upon generations, first love in all its awkwardness, alienation, and the result of familial change in one’s life, and first experience with the intimacy of death. These are large topics but they need attention as they do often happen without forewarning or the ability to prepare. How they impact a coming-of-age teenager gives lots of room to deal with them with the appropriate sensibilities, including humor. I hope these issues transcend the basic story and give a sense of the enormity of life and the imperfect way we all must deal with them, and how we grow as a result of this imperfection.
In addition, it’s important to point out that the main character Ogden begins to realize he suffers from anxiety in an understated way, but doesn’t quite know it yet, so some of his experiences with panic attacks and obsessiveness when encountering life events point to a larger theme of mental illness and its triggers. This is such an important theme – maybe the most important – as it reflects the perceived “imperfect” ways we are forced to deal with life, though there is nothing imperfect about it. I’d like to help raise the awareness of this.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am currently shifting back to poetry as that seems to be the muse right now. I never plan when the next book will come out – I just keep writing, whether prose or poetry, until I get something that looks promising. I tend to write slowly, and I don’t really believe in writer’s block. If I’m not able to write for a period of time, I’ve found it’s because I’m processing something that will eventually emerge. So I don’t care how long it takes; I have grown to greatly respect the value of quiet time and subconscious processing. If I could offer any advice to writers, it would be to write however works best for you and be unapologetic about it. What works for one does not necessarily work for another, and it’s much too easy to compare yourself to other writers and their habits and feel diminished. Do you, and don’t look back.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
“With All Thy Getting, Get Understanding.” What does that even mean, a teenaged Ogden Skully pondered as he tried to make sense of his new life. And his first girlfriend, his parent’s troubling influence on him, and a tragic episode at the private prep school he had been sent to without his permission, where he knew he didn’t belong, and which sported that perplexing proverb. As an older Ogden looks back at his life and discovers through these experiences, and more, exactly when and how he became the person he would always be, he realizes just what “… Get Understanding” requires.
Nurse Dorothea Presents A Comprehensive Discussion on Mental Well-Being
Nurse Dorothea Presents A Comprehensive Discussion on Mental Well-Being is a remarkable guide that delves into the intricacies of mental health, offering readers an engaging and insightful exploration of well-being. Framed as an interactive after-school club led by Nurse Dorothea, the book aims to demystify mental health topics and provide practical tools for managing emotions and life challenges. This blend of educational storytelling and practical advice makes it a valuable resource for young and adult readers seeking to improve their mental well-being.
The writing style is straightforward and inviting, making complex concepts accessible to a broad audience. One of the standout features is the way Dow seamlessly integrates scientific explanations with everyday scenarios. For instance, the section on neuron communication and brain function is particularly enlightening. Dow’s ability to explain such detailed biological processes in a manner that’s easy to grasp without oversimplifying is commendable. It’s like having a friendly chat with a knowledgeable mentor who genuinely cares about your mental health journey.
Another aspect I appreciated is the book’s focus on practical applications. The discussions on resilience and protective factors include actionable steps and personal reflections from fictional students. This approach helps readers relate the content to their own lives. For example, the Serenity Prayer is introduced as a tool for accepting life’s challenges and focusing on what can be changed. This blend of practical advice and philosophical insights provides a well-rounded perspective on mental health.
The book strongly emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and situational awareness, reinforcing these crucial concepts throughout. This consistent focus helps ensure readers understand these ideas. However, I think some sections, such as the explanation of systems thinking, could be even more engaging with additional real-life examples to help readers visualize these abstract ideas better.
Nurse Dorothea Presents A Comprehensive Discussion on Mental Well-Being is a comprehensive and compassionate guide to mental health. It’s perfect for anyone interested in understanding mental health better, whether they are students, educators, or simply individuals looking to enhance their emotional resilience.
Pages: 598 | ASIN: B0D9R53ZNS
LITERARY TITAN 