Amy L. Bernstein is a multi-genre author and former award-winning journalist renowned for her insightful explorations into the craft of creative writing. As a certified book coach and writing instructor, Amy dedicates her efforts to mentoring and supporting authors from diverse backgrounds across the globe. Her work is driven by a compassionate and insightful approach to the challenges and joys of the artistic process.

From her early beginnings as a second grader writing her first short story, writing has remained the most comforting, joyous, and at times agonizing activity for Amy. Over the years, her career has spanned journalism, speechwriting, and communications, accumulating several awards along the way. As Amy navigates her "years of wisdom," she is passionately committed to taking creative risks and sharing her creative journey with like-minded individuals worldwide.

Amy's Substack newsletter, "Doubt Monster," delves into themes of doubt affecting artmaking, touching on psychology, mental health, philosophy, and beyond. Her presence extends across various platforms where she shares her insights and experiences. These include a series of eclectic essays on Medium, discussions on creativity and risk-taking with life coach Stacey Andon, and insights into character development through dialogue with bestselling author Alessandra Torre.

Amy's engagement with social media, notably on TikTok, showcases her commitment to providing semi-dignified content focused on writing tips for authors and motivational content for artists, ensuring her followers can engage without reservation.

Rooted in Baltimore, Maryland for over 30 years, Amy is deeply integrated into her local community. She actively supports local artists, nonprofit cultural organizations, and artistic youths by delivering workshops and serving as a judge for arts-related programs and contests.

Additionally, Amy's theatrical works are accessible on the New Play Exchange, and her Vimeo channel features some of her theater work and other projects, underscoring her broad influence in the creative arts.

Use this book and its actionable insights to learn to work with doubt.--JENNIE NASH, FOUNDER AND CEO OF AUTHOR ACCELERATOR

Amy L. Bernstein offers a powerful tool against doubt in 'Wrangling the Doubt Monster.' Essential for artists.--DR. ERIC MAISEL, CREATIVITY COACH, AUTHOR OF FEARLESS CREATING

Chock full of common-sense wisdom, Amy Bernstein's Doubt Monster deftly helps us understand why we should harness, not banish, our doubts. A terrific addition to the bookshelf of any writer, artist, entrepreneur, or inventor.--MAGGIE JACKSON, NATIONAL BOOK AWARD NOMINEE FOR UNCERTAIN: THE WISDOM AND WONDER OF BEING UNSURE

A comforting guide for artists grappling with doubt. Keep it close for reassurance and to spark your own insights.--ALLISON K. WILLIAMS, AUTHOR OF SEVEN DRAFTS: SELF-EDIT LIKE A PRO FROM BLANK PAGE TO BOOK

The best word I can use to describe this book is INSPIRING. Through beautiful prose and poetry, visual illustrations, and wise quotes, Amy Bernstein gives readers the tools they need to let go of the unwinnable struggle against doubt so they can move forward with the creative pursuits that deeply matter to them. I highly recommend this book for every creative person who gets stuck because of anxiety, self-doubt, or imposter syndrome.--JILL STODDARD, PHD, IMPOSTER NO MORE: OVERCOME SELF-DOUBT AND IMPOSTERISM TO CULTIVATE A SUCCESSFUL CAREER

With Wrangling the Doubt Monster, Amy L. Bernstein delivers an empowering, fresh approach to tackling the self-doubt that haunts creative minds. In poetic prose and brisk, practical chapters, Bernstein guides readers to see doubt not as a barrier but as a tool for growth. Enriched with inspiring quotes and playful illustrations by Mary Grace Corpus, this compact yet profound guide encourages artists and dreamers alike to embrace doubt as a shared human experience--one that, when harnessed, can fuel our creative journey. Bernstein's insights are uplifting, actionable, and deeply resonant, making this a must-read for anyone ready to transform their inner fears into artistic strength.

--BOOKLIFE-PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

"This accessible and reassuring book offers much-needed and actionable strategies and techniques for those experiencing a block at any point in their creative endeavors ... Many of the concepts can be applied more generally to other facets of life as well."
-- KIRKUS REVIEWS

"Your creative soul is starving, but Amy L. Bernstein is here to help you reconnect with the malnourished artist within. In Wrangling the Doubt Monster, Bernstein offers a joyful, encouraging guide to overcoming the insidious voice of self-doubt. Drawing from her experience as a creative coach, Bernstein inspires readers to embrace the vulnerability and joy of creativity, whether through writing, painting, or simply coloring outside the lines. With practical advice and a reminder that 'it has nothing to do with external validation, ' this book empowers you to take creative risks and rediscover the pure delight of making art for its own sake. Let go of the need for perfection and 'just sing'--because your creativity deserves to grow."
--LESLIE GRAY STREETER, COLUMNIST, BALTIMORE BANNER (BALTIMORE DAILY NEWSPAPER WITH APPROXIMATELY 55,000 PAID SUBSCRIBERS)

"A beautifully written, uplifting, and refreshingly honest guide ... a warm, illustrated book of compassionate truth bombs and encouragement. Her writing is both poetic and practical, like a creative pep talk you didn't know you needed... Amy Bernstein doesn't tell you to conquer your fear--she shows you how to walk beside it. And that simple shift might just change everything."
-- DR. ANKITA S., STUNNING MOTIVATION.COM

Publisher: Bancroft Press

Pub date: 2025-01-28

Length: 90 pages