So You Want to Write a Book? (Monthly Solo)

In 'Coming Alive', Phil Stutz and Barry Michels guide readers toward a wellspring of positive energy known as the Life Force. The book introduces four vital tools to combat 'Part X', the inner enemy that derails progress and keeps individuals small and stuck. Drawing from their decades of psychotherapeutic practice, the authors offer a paradigm-shifting guide to achieving optimal mental health and spiritual well-being by identifying and defeating this inner adversary and harnessing the energy of the Life Force for creativity, renewal, and engagement.

'Choosing Wholeness Over Goodness' offers a guide to self-discovery and personal liberation by challenging societal norms of 'goodness. ' Co-authors Elise Loehnen and Courtney Smith provide a framework for understanding how cultural conditioning can lead to self-repression and a disconnect from one's true self. The book introduces a process for recognizing and integrating disowned aspects of the self, drawing on concepts like Carl Jung's idea of wholeness. By embracing imperfection and challenging fear-based behaviors, readers can cultivate greater self-acceptance and authenticity. This book promotes the idea that reclaiming one's full self leads to increased energy, presence, and a more fulfilling life.

Bird by Bird is a comprehensive guide to writing that covers various aspects of the craft, from the initial stages of starting a project to the technical details of plot, character, and dialogue. Lamott emphasizes the importance of persistence, faith, and hard work in writing. She advocates for writing imperfect first drafts and warns against the pitfalls of perfectionism and self-criticism. The book also delves into the emotional and spiritual aspects of writing, encouraging writers to confront their deepest fears and desires. Lamott's approach is down-to-earth, humorous, and generously filled with personal experiences and practical advice.

The Glass Castle is a memoir by Jeannette Walls that details her nomadic and often impoverished childhood with her dysfunctional family. The book recounts her experiences growing up with an alcoholic father, who was charismatic and imaginative but also dishonest and destructive, and a mother who was a free-spirited artist but neglectful of her children's needs. Despite the challenges, the memoir highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of the Walls children and the unique perspective on life they developed. The title refers to her father's unfulfilled promise to build a dream home, a 'glass castle,' for the family.

Phil Stutz's "True and False Magic" delves into his spiritual philosophy and understanding of the universe. The book expands on his previous work, offering a deeper exploration of higher forces and their influence on human experience. It integrates his unique perspective on spirituality with practical tools for personal growth. The book is presented in a workbook-like format, encouraging active engagement from the reader. It's a blend of spiritual insights and practical self-help techniques.

In 'The Tools,' Phil Stutz and Barry Michels present a unique approach to therapy that focuses on immediate solutions rather than dwelling on the past. The book introduces five tools: The Reversal of Desire, Active Love, Inner Authority, Grateful Flow, and Jeopardy. Each tool is associated with a 'Higher Force' and is designed to help individuals face pain, break free from negative thoughts, and cultivate gratitude and willpower. The authors draw from their decades of psychotherapeutic practice and provide clear steps for using these tools to achieve mental health and spiritual well-being.

In 'Educated,' Tara Westover recounts her journey from a childhood in rural Idaho, where she was raised by survivalist Mormon parents who opposed public education and medical care, to becoming a scholar at Harvard and Cambridge University. The book details her struggles with physical and verbal abuse, her self-education, and her eventual admission to Brigham Young University. Westover's story is a powerful exploration of resilience, the importance of education, and the complexities of family relationships. She navigates the tension between her desire for knowledge and her loyalty to her family, ultimately finding a way to reconcile her past and present selves.