Welcome, Louise! I have a long and very mixed history with School Psychologists and the public school system in general. When I first saw this book, I was skeptical. But after reading the first chapter, I knew it belonged in the Heart Ally Books family.

HA: Why did you choose to work with Heart Ally Books?

LP: I’d admired Lisa Norman’s work for years, first discovering her through Writers in the Storm, an award-winning blog for the writing community.

My editor and former publisher, Gale Leach, reached out to compliment one of Lisa’s posts, and their conversation quickly turned to my manuscript. Lisa graciously agreed to review it—and soon after, offered me a contract.

Gale summed it up best: “She’s doing what I used to do—only better.”

Lisa is that rare combination: author, strategist, and tech-savvy publisher. In other words, a bit of a unicorn—and exactly who I wanted in my corner.

HA: Why thank you! It was a joy working with both you and Gale.

This is your second book. What surprised you the first time—and what’s different now?

LP: My first book began with a bold ask. Tristan, co-author of Dancing Through Life: A Memoir, said, “Louise, I want you to write my life story.”

I laughed. Then I said yes.

What followed was a seven-year deep dive into the craft—studying writing advice from authors like Stephen King and Anne Lamott, joining critique groups, and conducting years of interviews. Because of Tristan’s dyslexia, I read every chapter aloud, recorded his feedback, and revised accordingly. It was intense—and invaluable.

This time, I’m doing it with an all-star player. With Lisa Norman, the process has been more collaborative, efficient, and—enjoyable. Emails from Lisa are like dopamine to the brain—motivating, reinforcing, and pleasurable.

HA: I don't know that I've heard my emails described that way before. Love it.

What are your favorite and least favorite parts of being an author?

LP: I love the creative side. As a ballroom dancer and amateur artist, writing feels like a natural extension of that part of me. I’ve embraced everything from experimenting with AI-generated cover design to building a website and blogging along the way.

Marketing? That’s another story.

Despite the famous line from Field of Dreams—“If you build it, they will come”—books don’t work that way.

Once the book is published, the real work begins: connecting with readers through speaking, social media, blogs, and more. For many authors (especially the introverted variety), that can feel like being asked to dance a spotlight solo with no rehearsal.

HA: I think that comparing marketing to dancing is brilliant. I wonder how many authors that could inspire to think differently about their marketing?

What inspired School Psychologists: From Surviving to Thriving?

LP: This book grew out of my work as a school psychologist, educator, and former president of the Arizona Association of School Psychologists.

School psychologists often occupy a unique role—mental-health expert, special education legal resource, child advocate, crisis manager. I often describe us as the “duck-billed platypus” of the school: adaptable, essential . . . and occasionally misunderstood.

This book brings together insights from 40 professionals—school psychologists, counselors, teachers, and administrators—who share real-world experiences and practical wisdom. Topics range from assistive technology and advocacy to legal issues and self-care.

It’s honest, occasionally humorous, and designed to help professionals move beyond survival mode—and into thriving.

HA: What is your best advice for new authors?

LP: Simple: just write. Get something on the page. You can’t edit a blank document.

And one more tip from experience—stand up once in a while. Writing is a full-body sport in disguise, and your back (and everything south of it) will appreciate the break.

Excellent advice!

Your book gave me a new respect for School Psychologists. I know it will help many professionals in this career, as well as teachers, parents, and others who interact with them. I will not be surprised if this winds up being a fundamental text book in the profession.

Learn more about Louise at her website and explore School Psychologists: From Surviving to Thriving.