The idea came from some colleagues who recommended that I write a book on how mentoring could be a part of the support structure for mental health. They saw as did I a gap in the mental health services. 

Doug Lawrence – 30 November 2024

The Back Flap

You Are Not Alone came from suggestions/recommendations that I write a book that speaks to how mentoring can bring value to the support structure for mental health. After a rather extensive review of the literature that is out there, I found that there was literature that looked at mentoring and mental health from an academic perspective but not from a practice perspective. That needed to change.

Writing this book provided me with the opportunity to confront some of my demons and to also better understand why I had behaved the way that I did. I realized that I had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and that I had not treated it properly. I had relied on my spouse and two children to provide the support that I needed and yet they had their own trauma in dealing with my behaviour. This book will give you a glimpse into my own story which will help you understand the value that mentoring could have brought me.

You Are Not Alone provides you with some insight into the world of mentoring and mental health. I hope that you come to the same conclusion that I did. There is truly a place for mentoring as part of the support structure for mental health. The benefits are many and include; reduced sick time in the organization, engaged employees, less turn over, less stress and anxiety, to name but a few.

I have learned so much in writing this book for you. I sincerely hope that you get the same value that I did and that together we can become part of the support structure and walk beside people that are beginning their healing journey.

About the book

What is the book about?

The book is about mentoring and mental health. We talk about how mentoring can be a part of the support structure for mental health.

When did you start writing the book?

It was likely around 2019-2020.

How long did it take you to write it?

As best I recall it would be about a year in doing the research and then assembling the content.

Where did you get the idea from?

The idea came from some colleagues who recommended that I write a book on how mentoring could be a part of the support structure for mental health. They saw as did I a gap in the mental health services. There was a long wait time between appointments. We had realized that mentoring if done properly could provide an answer to this issue.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

The book has some parts that were written by some colleagues. Co-ordinating those stories to feed the bigger story was a challenge at times.

What came easily?

The story line of how mentoring could be a part of the support structure came easily. This was largely due to the passion for the topic and the realization that I could make a difference.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Any mention of individuals in the book are real work people. The people mention would be colleagues that share the same passion for mentoring and mental health.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Ken Blanchard. Ken is a story teller and I have found his books to be spell binding.

Do you have a target reader?

Readers who are interested in searching for various ways to battle mental health challenges and who believe that together we can bring about change in how mentoring can be a part of the support structure for mental health.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I have used a couple of different processes for writing. The most important thing is to schedule my writing time and to make sure that it is scheduled for the morning when I am more creative. I have also done a mini-retreat where I went away to write. I had rented a condo in a resort area and did some writing there.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I will outline only if I am struggling. I would do chapter headings and a couple descriptive sentences.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I wait till I am finished.

Did you hire a professional editor? (May skip if being published by a small press rather than self-publishing)

I hired a professional editor.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I haven’t listened to music as I have found it to be too distracting.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

My work was submitted to a publisher based on the recommendation of my publicist.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher?

I rely quite heavily on the recommendations of my publicist. I followed his advice in this situation.

 Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

Gradual process.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Professionally done.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I will be working with my publicist to create the marketing plan.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

I highly recommend working with a Publicist.

About You

Where did you grow up?

On a farm near the small community called Meskanaw, Saskatchewan.

Where do you live now?

In Regina, Saskatchewan.

What would you like readers to know about you?

That I am an international certified mentor. I am heavily involved in mentoring and mental health.

What are you working on now?

Helping people who are struggling with their mental health journey. Writing a 3rd book on grief, mental health and mentoring. I have done in excess of 150 podcasts on the topic of cancer, mental health and mentoring. I am an international best- selling author.

End of Interview:

For more from Doug Lawrence visit his website, follow him on Twitter, and check out his Youtube channel.

Get your copy of You Are Not Alone from Amazon US or Amazon UK.