Ask the Author: Gina Pera
Answered Questions (4)
Gina Pera
This question made me laugh out loud.
I wouldn't call the "mystery in my own life" to be a plot for a book.
That would imply a work of fiction!
My life mystery was learning how to recognize Adult ADHD, including in my husband but also in other people. Once I did, it just made so much sense!
That's why I devoted myself to helping others understand how Adult ADHD might be affecting them, directly or indirectly.
And that was the inspiration for my first book, "Is It You, Me, or Adult ADHD?"
Thanks for asking!
Gina
I wouldn't call the "mystery in my own life" to be a plot for a book.
That would imply a work of fiction!
My life mystery was learning how to recognize Adult ADHD, including in my husband but also in other people. Once I did, it just made so much sense!
That's why I devoted myself to helping others understand how Adult ADHD might be affecting them, directly or indirectly.
And that was the inspiration for my first book, "Is It You, Me, or Adult ADHD?"
Thanks for asking!
Gina
Gina Pera
My most recent book is Adult ADHD-Focused Couple Therapy: Clinical Interventions (2016; Routledge Press).
It is the first clinical guide based on the evidence of what works for couple therapy AND Adult ADHD.
I didn't want to write it. I begged off each time the acquisitions editor contacted me with the request.
But by the final request, I'd heard way too many "couple therapy gone wrong horror stories" in the support group that I've led as a free service for 20 years.
I asked my collaborator, Arthur L. Robin, PhD, if he'd like to join me in this effort. He thought about it and said yes. Darn!
We both knew that it would be years of hard, hard, tedious work.
We knew that royalties would be minuscule ($400 thus far since 2016).
And we knew that it would be a hard slog to convince "standard" couple therapists—and maybe even ADHD specialists—to learn this approach.
But we were on a mission to revolutionize the standard of care for ADHD-challenged couples. And, we also know how often ADHD is missed in general couple therapy. Perhaps that's why the overall success rate is not impressive.
We worked literally every day for almost four years (and then after to promote the book, develop a website, etc.). Most days I worked on it all day. Dr. Robin had a demanding job and a private practice, but he still put untold hours into this. I don't know how he did it. We must have sent 1,000 e-mails to each other. Each chapter went through at least 15 drafts.
We both wanted this book to be solidly researched, tightly written, and useful.
We succeeded, I am happy to say.
It is the first clinical guide based on the evidence of what works for couple therapy AND Adult ADHD.
I didn't want to write it. I begged off each time the acquisitions editor contacted me with the request.
But by the final request, I'd heard way too many "couple therapy gone wrong horror stories" in the support group that I've led as a free service for 20 years.
I asked my collaborator, Arthur L. Robin, PhD, if he'd like to join me in this effort. He thought about it and said yes. Darn!
We both knew that it would be years of hard, hard, tedious work.
We knew that royalties would be minuscule ($400 thus far since 2016).
And we knew that it would be a hard slog to convince "standard" couple therapists—and maybe even ADHD specialists—to learn this approach.
But we were on a mission to revolutionize the standard of care for ADHD-challenged couples. And, we also know how often ADHD is missed in general couple therapy. Perhaps that's why the overall success rate is not impressive.
We worked literally every day for almost four years (and then after to promote the book, develop a website, etc.). Most days I worked on it all day. Dr. Robin had a demanding job and a private practice, but he still put untold hours into this. I don't know how he did it. We must have sent 1,000 e-mails to each other. Each chapter went through at least 15 drafts.
We both wanted this book to be solidly researched, tightly written, and useful.
We succeeded, I am happy to say.
Gina Pera
Actually, I absolutely DETEST writing.
One writer compared it once to grabbing your upper lip and pulling until you have skinned yourself!
A bit vivid, okay. But it's not too far off.
Writing is hard. I've hated it all my life.
Why did I become a writer (despite my mother imploring me to "do something easier, like business or medicine")?
Because I had information I wanted to share—information that could truly be life-saving for millions of people and for others would immensely elevate the quality of their lives and their happiness and health.
So, if you want to know the "best thing" about being a writer, that's it for me. I do it because I have to. And I'm glad I can. But it is hard, hard work.
For my first book, I probably went through 100 drafts. Word by word.
Gina
One writer compared it once to grabbing your upper lip and pulling until you have skinned yourself!
A bit vivid, okay. But it's not too far off.
Writing is hard. I've hated it all my life.
Why did I become a writer (despite my mother imploring me to "do something easier, like business or medicine")?
Because I had information I wanted to share—information that could truly be life-saving for millions of people and for others would immensely elevate the quality of their lives and their happiness and health.
So, if you want to know the "best thing" about being a writer, that's it for me. I do it because I have to. And I'm glad I can. But it is hard, hard work.
For my first book, I probably went through 100 drafts. Word by word.
Gina
Gina Pera
After spending 12 of the last 20 years writing two ground-breaking books on adult ADHD, I am working to create instruction and support in implementing the cumulative knowledge and strategies.
For consumers (individuals and couples) and professionals.
The site is https://ADHDSuccessTraining.com
For consumers (individuals and couples) and professionals.
The site is https://ADHDSuccessTraining.com
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