There’s no sugar-coating it: pursuing a career as a writer or illustrator is tough. Navigating our creative industry can be financially, mentally, and emotionally challenging; most will regularly experience setbacks, rejection, anxiety, stress, and isolation. To top it off, the writing and publishing process can take a long time, sometimes several years, and you need to be able to care for yourself through the highs and lows. Fortunately there are solid, practical and evidence-based tools you can learn to help you build resilience and thrive as a creator.

Dr Ahona Guha is a clinical and forensic psychologist and her primary professional remit involves equipping people with the skills they need to lead psychologically healthy and relationally safe lives. As an author herself, she knows firsthand how essential it is for creators to develop a range of psychological skills which will have a long-term positive impact on both their wellbeing and their creative practice.

In this one-hour session, Dr Guha will explore the following questions: