Baltimore author Amy L. Bernstein won the First Place BookFest Award in the category of Nonfiction/Self-Help/Inspiration for her book “Wrangling the Doubt Monster: Fighting Fears, Finding Inspiration.”
The book, illustrated by Mary Grace Corpus and published by Bancroft Press, is described as an exploration of self-doubt pervasive in the creative mind, and how self-doubt can both sabotage and fuel the artistic process. Bernstein encourages artists to accept and embrace doubt as a natural part of being creative and allow it to take on an even beneficial role in the process of creating.
The BookFest was established in May 2020 as a biannual literary event to honor outstanding books across various genres. Winners are selected by panels of esteemed literary and entertainment professionals. The BookFest awardees are among the most notable authors and creatives, recognized for their exceptional contribution to readers, writers, and the publishing community worldwide.
BookFest wrote that “’Wrangling the Doubt Monster’ is celebrated as the indispensable guide every creative person needs in today’s challenging world. Bernstein offers a compelling perspective by positioning self-doubt not as an enemy to defeat, but as an ally to manage. Through concise, poetic insights, motivational quotes, and delightful illustrations, the book provides powerful tools to help artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers tackle their fears, overcome creative blocks, and courageously pursue their passions.”
“Amy L. Bernstein has crafted a uniquely powerful book, offering essential wisdom not just to writers and artists, but to anyone wrestling with self-doubt,” said Bruce L. Bortz, publisher with Bancroft Press. “This prestigious award underscores the impact and universal relevance of Amy’s profound insights.”
Bernstein has spent her career, in its various iterations, exploring the experience of self-doubt. She is an award-winning journalist, author, and book coach, and in each capacity aims to use doubt as a pathway to creativity, decision-making, and self-confidence. She is a Baltimore resident of over 30 years, calling it her “beloved home.”
“Baltimore is a fantastic city in which to live, work, and play,” Bernstein writes on her website. “I try to give back by directly supporting local artists, nonprofit cultural organizations, and artistic youths by delivering workshops and as a judge for arts-related programs and contests.”
