Wrangling the Doubt Monster

by Amy L. Bernstein

Amy Bernstein wrote this timely book to provide a source of hope and inspiration for anyone who worries whether they’re good enough, talented enough, and brave enough to take creative risks—from starting a company to writing a book to opening a bakery.

THE DOUBT MONSTER speaks to the doubter who lurks in all of us. It offers much-needed encouragement and validation that readers will turn to again and again.

In a world where social media fosters so much self-criticism and competition, WRANGLING THE DOUBT MONSTER, enhanced by illustrator Mary Grace Corpus’ whimsical illustrations offers up a kind and gentle antidote to negative energy.

In her compact guide, Bernstein contends that self-doubt cannot be banished—but it can be managed in ways that free up the creative spirit and, in memorable prose, sets forth the methods.

WRANGLING THE DOUBT MONSTER will soon earn a place on every creative person’s bookshelf alongside self-help classics by such authors as Julia Cameron, Steven Pressfield, Anne Lamott, Meera Lee Patel, and Elizabeth Gilbert.

Genres: Self Help

Unknown Binding

About the author

Amy L. Bernstein is an eclectic practitioner of literary arts--a multi-genre author, award-winning journalist, speechwriter, playwright, poet, and certified nonfiction book coach. Amy also teaches writing workshops and is a frequent guest on podcasts to discuss writing, publishing, and creativity. She brings a compassionate and insightful voice to the challenges and joys of the artistic process, which she explores in her weekly Substack, Doubt Monster. Her nonfiction book, Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration will inspire and encourage creative people of all walks who aspire to pursue their artistic vision.

When not glued to a screen, she loves listening to jazz and classical music, drinking wine with friends, and exploring Baltimore, Maryland's glorious neighborhoods, which inspire her fiction.

Reviews

[Lena Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness I just adored this book. It is so well written and the illustrations are adorable. I totally recommend this book for anyone who has problems with procrastinating and doubt.

It has such wonderful pieces written by others of wisdom. Has great concepts for what's going wrong and how to manage thing's. I just loved this book and highly recommend it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kira Browett · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really wanted to like this book - and I went in expecting an inspirational book that examined the different ways doubt creeps in and how we can combat it. I was also hoping that I could recommend this to my therapy clients who struggled with doubt.

I think there were good elements of content in this book, but as a whole, I found it disorganized and choppy. I also found it confusing to identify who the book was meant for.

The pictures and beginning sentences made me think the book was very accessible and perhaps even aimed towards a younger audience. Between the cartoon-like drawings and lyrical prose of the first page, it felt like it was going to be a sweet, straightforward read. However, starting on the following page, the content became more specific and complex, and was at a much higher reading level, using words that wouldn't be used for a younger audience.

I had a hard time even identifying what the format was trying to be - at times it seemed like reflection, at times poetry, at times instructional - I think if the author had picked one of these it would have been more successful in landing but the style seemed to switch frequently, which made it feel difficult to keep up.

There were parts of this book I enjoyed - the more 'poetic' parts reflecting on doubt - but I did feel there were far too many metaphors for doubt and it became a bit repetitive. I think if these sections were used to make a book of poetry it would have resonated much more with me.

[Book Addict · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really excited to dive into this book at Easter, hoping for an inspiring exploration of doubt and practical ways to navigate it. I was especially interested in finding insights that I could share with my students who struggle with self-doubt and worries pre-exam period.

There are certainly valuable elements throughout the book, and it offers some thought-provoking content. However, the structure was challenging to follow. I also found it difficult to pinpoint the intended audience - the illustrations and opening passages initially gave the impression that the book might be geared toward a younger teenage audience, with its whimsical, inviting tone. However, as I continued reading, the language and concepts became significantly more advanced, creating a contrast that felt somewhat unexpected and inaccessible to those that I hoped to share it with.

The book also shifts between styles—artists' reflection, poetry, and instruction—which, while creative, sometimes made it harder to engage with as it lacked a cohesive flow. A more consistent format might have helped the ideas resonate more clearly.

Overall, I appreciate the positive intention behind this book and the important conversation it aims to spark. It has some strong moments, and with a bit more structural clarity, it could be an even more impactful resource for teen to young adults.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Deborah Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Wrangling the Doubt Monster by Amy L. Bernstein is released, I plan to buy several copies to put in the hands of all my writer friends and students. This book is a perfect pick-me-up to keep by your writing table. Keep it handy for wherever and whenever doubt has you flat on your face, or when procrastination has stolen your hard-fought-for creative time. If your "doubt monster" is hyper-active, use this little gem of a book to help you wrangle all those messy feelings and get you back to being creative, whether it's writing or any of the other of your artistic pursuits.

“Doubting, by itself, does not pre-determine outcome.” pp.81

What a perfect gift for any creative. Especially writers! You can preorder it now, but you'll have to wait until January 2025 to have it in your hands. So in the meantime, follow Amy's insights and wisdom with a twist of humor on her Substack page. She'll give you plenty of encouragement and insights to hold you over until your copy of Wrangling the Doubt Monster arrives.

[Victoria Marie Lees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrangling the Doubt Monster by Amy L. Bernstein is a pithy little book filled with inspiration. I don’t know about you, but my life is full of doubts. Should I? Shouldn’t I? Am I good enough to do this or that?

Bernstein’s book helps readers come to terms with doubt in their lives and move forward regardless. Always hoping for the best. Doubt is a part of life.

The author calls doubt a “chronic condition,” and it has “no permanent cure.” [P-37, Paperback Ed.] The key word in that last phrase is “permanent” cure. Doubt will most likely always be a part of your life. But. It can be, well, wrangled. Bernstein assures the reader that doubt “does not own you.” [P-40, Paperback Ed.] We need to understand this and still believe in ourselves.

If you struggle to keep all your doubts under control, then Wrangling the Doubt Monster by Amy L. Bernstein is the helpful little book for you.

[Jennifer Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first picked this book to read, I didn’t realize it was specifically for artists. I’m not an artist, but after a pregnancy loss, I was feeling very doubtful. So, I picked up this book in an attempt to better understand doubt. Although this book is targeted to writers, I must say it was helpful in my own personal doubts.

The author does a great job of incorporating quotes from sources that are just what you need to her when struggling with doubt of any kind. As the author focused on art, it wasn’t too difficult to shift the perspective to anything one may be going through in life. In my opinion, that’s good writing. I highly recommend this book for artists struggling with doubt in their art, but I also recommend it to anyone that may just be struggling with doubt in general.

Thank you Book Sirens for the opportunity to read the ARC. This will likely be a present I get one of the artists in my family once it is released!

[Cavak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast, fun, and nonjudgmental encouragement. Cute illustrations of the monster along with a collage of awesome quotes. Appreciated that Bernstein selected her quotes from a variety of sources.

There isn't much structure to Wrangling the Doubt Monster, so it feels best to use this book as a quick reference for reigniting creativity. When the doubts get too strong, flip to a random page for a heartfelt reframing. Anything is better than punishing yourself for feeling stuck or not doing anything about your doubts. Bernstein wrote this with brevity and empathy to care for those moments. I like that.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michaela von Schweinitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no doubt that you will pick up this book no matter where you find it. Opening it to any page you’ll come face to face with Amy's amazing Doubt Monster. Like an imaginary friend this little book will be your companion as you wrangle with doubt. Doubt is like the salt in your soup. Like the tremble of your heart looking for love. It is the philosopher's bread and butter. Without a doubt you will nod your head, confirming the wisdom of Amy’s doubt monster, and chuckle.

[Nancy Clements · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little book for inspiration. Read in one sitting or a few pages at a time. Mark the pages that speak to you. Pick it up anytime you feel like your own self-doubt is taking over. Lots of hidden gems that will resonate. My personal favorite line..."Do not fear the seeds of doubt, for they are but the tender shoots of your resolve." And this quote that appears in the book by Tage Danielsson..."If you have no doubt, you are not sane."

[Scottye Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the book did a great job of tapping into my fear of doing things, or at least starting things, and wondering if I would succeed. The information helped me with the imposter syndrome I occasionally experience. I thought the illustrations were perfect. The book ended positively, and I am thankful it came across my screen. I will recommend it to others, especially women in my circle who sometimes encounter the same things I do.

[ABDUL MALIK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration by [Author's Name] is an uplifting and practical guide to overcoming self-doubt and finding renewed confidence. Using relatable metaphors, actionable strategies, and inspiring language, [Author's Name] empowers readers to tackle fear and unlock their true potential. A must-read for anyone seeking clarity, courage, and motivation in their personal or professional life.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun little book that acts as a bit of a pep talk for someone who is doubting themself in their creativity - whatever form that might take. It was a light read and did not offer long explanations but rather quotes and short alternatives to feed your mind when doubt creeps in. Not heavy on other activities or suggestions beyond changing your mind, but still a quick read you can turn to whenever needed. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Donna Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wrangling the Doubt Monster by Amy L. Bernstein is a slender, quick read that packs a lot of punch for those looking for inspiration and wisdom necessary to move forward with a project, try something new, or face fear of failure.