Do creativity and mental illness truly go hand in hand, as many people believe? Or are all creative artists a bit "crazy"? Do psychotropic medications cause creative droughts? Are suffering and deprivation necessary for creative work? Or is there a better approach? Lana Castle draws from research, interviews, surveys, and her own experience to examine what bipolar disorder and depression bring to the creative mix. Drawing from forty-five years experience in the arts, Castle shares first-hand knowledge, tools, and resources to help both aspiring and professional "creatives" affected by mood...

Each year, at least 2.3 million Americans suffer from severe bipolar disorder (manic depression), a brain disorder characterized by intense high and low moods, while an estimated 1013 million others suffer from its milder forms. In Bipolar Disorder Demystified, author Lana Castle, who has lived the better part of her life with this illness, has turned her personal experience into an eloquent and useful guide to all those who travel down the same path. In clear and honest language, Castle helps readers understand the true nature of bipolar disorder, the factors that complicate its diagnosis,...

Got a book inside you? There's no better time to get it out If you've never published, don't know where to start or simply want to explore new options, you'll find this book invaluable. "Lana Castle has produced a volume that is jam packed with step-by-step information on how to navigate the bewildering world of publishing. . . . Aspiring writers can do themselves a favor and jumpstart their careers by following this easy-to-read guide." - Sheila Allee, Executive Director, Writers' League of Texas Get That Book Published A Roadmap for Today's Writer is a concise little guide that...