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 disorders overcome challenges and move forward. Illuminating and inspiring, Castle's new book helps artists of all types deal with depressive droughts and manic floods. With sensitivity and grace, Castle explains how "creatives" can tap their talents to recover their lives. Readers will learn how to: manage medications and treatment without thwarting creativity; find focus; set daily, weekly, and monthly goals; develop self-esteem and independence; use their creative talents to generate income.
Born in Kansas, I became a Texas transplant in 1973. I never expected to stay so long in Austin, but my roots have grown pretty deep.
I've always loved all types of arts and got my bachelor's degree from Kansas State University in speech and theatre. Playwriting and acting were my favorite things.
After a few years in the real world, I returned to school, this time at the University of Texas. My master's degree is in instructional design -- essentially producing educational materials such as videos and simulation games.
Always drawn to writing, I entered the publishing world through the back door. (I've almost never approached things the "normal" way.)
I worked as a communications director, a tech writer, a desktop publisher, a magazine writer, a columnist and an editor before publishing my first book. My latest books are Finding Your Bipolar Muse (www.bipolarmuse.com) and Bipolar Disorder Demystified (www.bipolar-tightrope.com). I'm happiest when deeply immersed in a writing project.
Since 1984 I've been blessed with a supportive husband and two wonderful stepchildren. I'm also blessed by many friends -- most of whom have a mental illness like me. I'm bipolar, living in recovery and darn proud of that!
