Blog Archives
Happiness Isn’t a Destination
I Just Want to Be Happy is a Self-Help guide that offers readers practical, fun & relatable strategies to boost mental well-being based on the latest information in neuroscience. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wrote I Just Want to Be Happy because as a psychologist, I’ve seen firsthand how many people struggle with the belief that happiness is always just out of reach—something they’ll achieve once they get the promotion, find the right relationship, or check off the next big goal. But the truth is, happiness isn’t a destination; it’s something we can cultivate, notice and experience right now.
Most self-help books are not based on any research or evidence at all, so it felt very important to create something that bridged the gap between science and everyday life in a practical and hopefully engaging way.
This book isn’t about vague positivity or unrealistic promises, it’s about real, actionable strategies that anyone can use to shift their mindset, build resilience, and start feeling happier right away. Most importantly, I wanted to create something doable—because improving our mental well-being shouldn’t feel like another overwhelming task on a never-ending to-do list.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the biggest ideas in I Just Want to Be Happy is that happiness isn’t something we passively wait for—it’s something we create through small, intentional choices. Many people believe they’ll be happy when certain external conditions are met, but research shows that our habits, thoughts, and daily actions have a much greater impact on our well-being than we realize.
I also wanted to challenge some common misconceptions about happiness. For example, a lot of people think they have to eliminate all negative emotions to be happy, but that’s simply not true. Happiness and struggle can coexist, and learning how to navigate challenges with resilience and self-compassion is a crucial part of emotional well-being.
Another key idea is that happiness isn’t just a mindset—it’s a whole-body experience influenced by neuroscience. Our brains are wired to focus on threats and negativity, but we can train ourselves to shift our attention and build mental habits that support a more positive, fulfilling life. That’s why I included simple, science-backed strategies that help readers rewire their thinking patterns in a way that feels natural and doable.
Finally, I wanted to make sure this book was practical. The strategies in the book are designed to be fun, flexible, and easy to incorporate into everyday life, so readers can start seeing real changes without feeling like they have to overhaul everything at once. Each chapter is a standalone so that a reader can just pick the book up and start reading wherever they are drawn to at that point in time. Each chapter is divided into action steps of varying levels of difficulty so that wherever you find yourself on a given day in terms of your mood or your motivation, there will be something there for you to incorporate into your day to begin to feel better.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
Writing I Just Want to Be Happy was a blend of years of professional experience, deep research, and a passion for making science-backed strategies accessible. I’ve spent my career studying and applying concepts from neuroscience, positive psychology, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), so in many ways, this book is a culmination of knowledge I’ve been gathering for a long time.
For this book specifically, I dove into the latest research on happiness, mindset shifts, and mental well-being—pulling from studies in neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral science. I wanted to make sure that everything I shared was not only backed by evidence but also practical and relatable for everyday life.
As for how long it took, from the initial idea to a finished manuscript, the process spanned several years. Writing, refining, and making sure the book was engaging and actionable took time, but I wanted to create something that felt both research-based and easy to apply—so readers wouldn’t just learn about happiness but actually start experiencing more of it.
What is one thing you hope that readers take away from I Just Want to Be Happy?
If there’s one thing I hope readers take away from I Just Want to Be Happy, it’s that happiness isn’t something you have to wait for—it’s something you can start cultivating right now, exactly where you are. You don’t need a perfect life, a perfect mindset, or perfect circumstances to feel happier. Small shifts in how you think, what you focus on, and how you show up for yourself each day can make a real difference.
I want readers to feel empowered, knowing that they have more control over their happiness than they might have believed. It’s not about chasing some future moment when everything falls into place, it’s about learning how to create joy, meaning, and fulfillment in the present, no matter what challenges life throws your way.
Author Links: Facebook
Organized into a series of engaging, standalone chapters, psychologist Dr. Heidi McKenzie provides a range of techniques suitable for beginning, intermediate, and advanced happiness seekers. Whether it is practicing gratitude, incorporating mindfulness, or fostering social connections, you’ll find immediately actionable steps tailored to your needs. Embrace these science-backed methods to cultivate more joy, reduce stress, and create a life filled with more of what you love and less of what you don’t. Your journey to more happiness starts here.
Be a Great and Unique Person
Adventures Are Everywhere is a collection of short stories that celebrate the spirit of exploration, weaving together humor, introspection, and the unexpected twists of human nature. How did you balance humor and emotional depth across such diverse stories?
When I write, I just produce whatever comes naturally, so I would say that the balance within these stories is just characteristic of who I am — humorous and emotionally deep! For all of the authors I have dealt with, whether by reading their books or coaching them, my favorites are all those who are completely honest with themselves and their subject matter. So, my lesson to myself and others is simply this — Want to write great stories that a wide assortment of people love? Start by being that great unique person that people naturally love!
Which story in Adventures Are Everywhere was the most challenging to write, and why?
The most challenging story to write was “We’re All Going to Die,” which was inspired by a dream and didn’t have much context for me to explore in greater depth. I wrote it shortly after graduating from college while going through mental withdrawal from a very intense year of work and studies, and it was one of my first serious attempts at writing short stories. I especially struggled to figure out whether it had enough of a complete scene as a short story or if it was lacking in any way. Many years later, when I was putting together the collection, I debated whether or not to include this story, and whether or not I should heavily edit it, but in the end I decided to simply celebrate it for what it was — an early piece that I had successfully completed.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The majority of my stories explore the themes of friendship and relationship in one way or another, because I’m not exactly sure how to tell a meaningful story that is absent multiple characters who are learning to relate to one another. I also like to more or less gently poke fun at people who rely upon certain establishments without realizing why they do so or without questioning their own motives, whether those establishments be as large as government or are more fluid like family and religion. In many ways, writing stories is my own way of processing and understanding life, so in the adventure of my own life, I write about the things that help me be a better person in my own friendships and relationships with others.
Are there any particular authors or works that influenced the adventurous spirit of this book?
I like a wide variety of stories — C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia series, Mark Twain’s Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes collection and other novels, and more. If any of them have influenced my writing, including this collection of shorts, I would be honored to say so. Unfortunately, I am too firmly entrenched in my own style that I have a hard time analyzing it objectively.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Who saves the day when robbers raid Doonesville?
What happens to the treasure in the Gold Maps?
Where do the Wildwood tram cars go at night?
When does Shelby’s Christmas gift finally arrive?
How do Dani and Jess get out of a pickle?
Here are thirteen stories filled with mystery, mayhem, and merriment from around the globe! We’ll travel from ancient years through the Wild West to our modern days, joining characters from various times and cultures as they explore, discover, and learn. It’s an amazing collection of heartfelt adventures you won’t soon forget!
Taboo: Stories That Can’t Be Told
Taboo is an anthology of personal and raw stories that address topics often shrouded in silence, ranging from cultural expectations and personal identity to societal taboos around wealth, health, and trauma. Compiled by Sierra Melcher and published by Red Thread Publishing, this collection is as much a testimony to human resilience as it is a call to break the silences that confine us. Each chapter tackles a different taboo, such as sexual assault, financial independence, and menopause, offering readers a lens into struggles that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.
One of the book’s strongest suits is its unapologetically honest tone. In Roje Khalique’s chapter, The Power of Not Fitting In, I was moved by her recounting of growing up amidst racial tension and classism in 1980s East London. Her reflections on how societal biases diminished her self-worth are gut-wrenching yet hopeful as she transforms rejection into a source of empowerment. The nuanced way Khalique connects her personal experience to larger systemic issues made me pause and reflect on the pervasive nature of bias and resilience.
Jess Bryan’s Soulful Wealth takes a bold and practical approach to discussing money. Bryan’s honesty about breaking generational money taboos and her own transformative journey of grief struck a chord in me. Her idea of “soulful wealth,” where finances align with personal fulfillment, feels both revolutionary and accessible.
Bianka Kuhn-Thompson’s essay on menopause, Howling at the Moon, deserves special mention. This chapter educates and empowers, reframing menopause as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Her narrative is laced with humor and tenderness as she recounts her wife’s battle with cancer and its unexpected journey through induced menopause. The vulnerability in her storytelling left me feeling connected to the text, and her practical tips on reframing discomfort into empowerment were refreshing.
Taboo is intense, evocative, and deeply emotional. While the rawness is a strength, it can also overwhelm readers who are not prepared for the depth of vulnerability shared. That said, this book is a gift for those seeking connection in shared humanity, especially readers ready to challenge societal norms and explore their own unspoken truths.
pages: 144 | ASIN: B0DP3FQRPG
Adventures are Everywhere: Short Stories for the Explorer at Heart
Adventures Are Everywhere by Elizabeth Horst is a collection of whimsical short stories that invite readers to step into a world where exploration, courage, and curiosity rule the day. With each short story, the book takes readers on journeys that range from daring escapades to introspective adventures. The overarching theme encourages readers to embrace their inner explorer, whether that means seeking physical adventures or discovering new perspectives on life. Each story, with its unique tone and setting, adds to the mosaic of exploration and discovery that defines the book.
One of the highlights of Horst’s writing is her ability to create vivid scenes and compelling characters. For instance, in “Robbery at Doonesville,” the small-town setting comes alive through meticulous descriptions, and characters like the opportunistic Frederick and Oscar inject both humor and tension into the story. Their antics during the church heist made me laugh, especially the moment they brazenly paraded out with the poor box. It was as if I could hear the collective gasp of the congregation. The blend of suspense and comedy in this tale is great, showing Horst’s knack for pacing and tone.
The variety in the collection is another strength, though it does lead to a bit of unevenness. While “The Gold Maps of Adamsville” hooked me with its layered characters and a thrilling treasure hunt, some of the quieter stories, like “The Young Fellow and the Hermit,” felt less engaging by comparison. “The Gold Maps of Adamsville” struck a perfect balance between action and introspection as the two scheming friends, Pete and Robert, unravel their partnership over greed. Their misadventures and betrayals kept me flipping pages, eager to see who would outwit whom.
Horst’s writing shines brightest when she delves into the human condition. “Night Journey to Sanity’s End” was a standout in this regard, as it explores themes of mental resilience and community. The protagonist’s harrowing yet poignant journey struck a chord with me, leaving me reflective. Her knack for balancing emotional depth with storytelling flair elevates this particular story into something memorable.
Adventures Are Everywhere is a delightful read that is perfect for those who love variety and are willing to embrace stories that range from humorous capers to philosophical musings. Elizabeth Horst’s knack for creating immersive worlds and flawed and relatable characters makes this collection worth exploring. I’d especially recommend it to fans of short stories who enjoy themes of adventure, self-discovery, and the unexpected twists of human nature.
Pages: 179 | ASIN: B0D2Q43FNQ
One Musician’s Love Letter
Curse of the Maestro and Other Stories features a collection of stories centered the Stonehaven Symphony Orchestra and its bizarre and enthralling history. What was the inspiration for the original and fascinating stories in this book?
I suppose you could think of Curse of the Maestro and Other Stories as one musician’s love letter to the American symphony orchestra. But after decades performing as a violinist and concertmaster for a number of groups around the country in real life myself, let’s just say there were also axes to grind. Certainly, any time you get 50 passionate young artists together on a stage, sparks are bound to fly.
What were some of your inspirations as a writer?
A lot of times, I’m inspired by basically nothing. Things that don’t really even exist – because I like the idea of writing in a way I’ve never read before. That said, for Curse of the Maestro, the various formats and voices we all see every day in mundane letters, texts, even legal documents, they’ve got some pretty funny possibilities too.
What story in this collection did you have the most fun writing?
The first, Curse of the Maestro, kind of cracks me up. Even Gingerbread Man was such a unique challenge… it certainly is for the reader. Really, all of the characters, the different speaking voices, amused me because it felt like I was progressively encountering people I did not know.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Hah! You know, I’m supposed to be a musician. I gotta get back to practicing!
Author Links: Amazon | Website
Fearless readers will embark upon an almost archaeological excavation of these artifacts, searching for clues to uncover answers to questions they did not know they had:
Did Romeo and Juliet really text each other?
How did Lil Skank end up overdosing on stage?
And will the young explorer ever discover a maestro’s secrets?
Trials and Tribulations: A Collection of Flash Fiction Stories Volume III
Trials and Tribulations: A Collection of Flash Fiction Stories Volume III is an intriguing anthology of short stories that weave together themes of human endurance, love, sacrifice, and the unpredictability of life. Each chapter takes readers into a distinct vignette, ranging from historical dramas like “The New World” to contemporary reflections such as “AI Bot Gone Wrong.” The stories explore moments of vulnerability and resilience, making them accessible yet thought-provoking. Despite being compact in nature, the tales resonate with emotional depth and invite readers to ponder life’s trials.
I appreciated the writing’s ability to convey deep emotion in so few words. For instance, the story “The Disabled Veteran” beautifully captures the harrowing aftermath of war. The protagonist, Brandon, struggles with PTSD, and moments like his silent breakdown during a seemingly ordinary picnic are powerfully rendered. You can feel the weight of his memories pressing through the pages. I felt that some descriptions, such as the repetitious mention of explosions, felt slightly redundant and could have been condensed for greater impact.
Another standout story, “Don’t Cross the Road,” blends suspense with an emotional payoff. Agatha’s tense exploration of an eerie house kept me on edge, and the unexpected family reconciliation added a touching dimension. The pacing was mostly solid, but the inclusion of supernatural hints left me wanting either more closure or a deeper exploration of those elements. The premise of a possessive AI was intriguing in “AI Bot Gone Wrong” and was even a little chilling. The humor and absurdity of the situation added charm, and I found myself both amused and disturbed by Jenny’s vengeful antics.
Trials and Tribulations: A Collection of Flash Fiction Stories Volume III is perfect for readers who enjoy brief yet impactful storytelling. Each tale has its unique tone, from historical intrigue to modern cautionary tales, making it a versatile read. I’d recommend it to fans of short fiction who appreciate a mix of drama, suspense, and emotional grit.
Pages: 56 | ASIN: B0DMSW8XDF
Beautiful Relationships
Beautiful Relationships by Milind Kulkarni offers a heartfelt collection of seven short stories, each delving into the complexities and warmth of human connections. These fictional tales don’t depict real people or events but capture the timeless and familiar dynamics we all experience. Kulkarni’s work reads like a love letter to the significant people in our lives, gently reminding us of the power of kindness and the impact of relationships that shape us.
Among the collection, Foster Son stands out as a particularly moving piece. This story resonated with me deeply, portraying the selflessness of a young boy inspired by the compassion of his parents. It paints a vivid and all-too-real picture of a child at school who struggles with hunger due to his family’s financial hardships. Many of us have witnessed such scenarios or felt that pang of empathy for a friend in need. Kulkarni beautifully illustrates how a single act of kindness can blossom into a friendship that changes both lives, encouraging growth and inspiring hope. It’s a reminder of how simple gestures can transform hearts and lead to enduring bonds. Kulkarni’s collection speaks to universal truths. Each story imparts a moral lesson, something that feels increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced world. Through his narratives, he emphasizes the shared experiences that connect us all, regardless of background or origin. There’s a sense of nostalgia and gentle wisdom in his writing, as though he’s rekindling values we may have forgotten. His stories remind us that at our core, we’re all shaped by the same joys and struggles that make us profoundly human.
Beautiful Relationships is a quick, comforting read, perfect for anyone seeking warmth and a touch of hope. As the winter cold creeps in, this book feels like a cozy blanket for the soul, a collection that will make you want to reach out to loved ones and share its uplifting messages. You’ll likely find yourself eager to pass it along, sparking conversations and kindness. It’s a read you won’t regret, and its heartfelt themes will linger with you long after you turn the last page.
Pages: 124 | ASIN : B0BWDLPRTB
