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Originally from Atlanta, where she trained as an opera singer, Dr. Nancy Irwin moved to New York City in 1985 to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian.  She worked all over the country and abroad, and moved to L.A. in 1994 when she heard that Hollywood needed more blondes…
 
Dr. Irwin experienced an epiphany when she began volunteer work for Children of the Night, a shelter for sexually abused children in Los Angeles.  This woke up the healer in her, and prompted her to pursue a doctorate in psychology at age 42 and to specialize in the prevention and healing of child sexual abuse.  She now treats victims as well as abusers, for it is her belief that “The best way to help victims is to help the perpetrators.”
 
A pre-licensed psychologist and clinical therapeutic hypnotist, Dr. Irwin is in private practice in Los Angeles (drnancyirwin.com ), co-leads group therapy sessions for sex offenders, and is also a busy public speaker, and at work on her second book.  You-Turn: Changing Direction in Midlife (2008, makeayou-turn.com), a collection of “over 40 stories of people over 40” is her first book. She’s been quoted extensively in Cosmopolitan, Redbook, Women’s World, and others, and has appeared on numerous radio and TV shows, including CNBC, Bravo, The Greg Behrendt Show, and more. Dr. Irwin is a member of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, a member of the Southern California Society of Clinical Hypnosis, and sits on the Education Committee of the California Coalition on Sexual Offending.

Thank you Nancy for taking the time to answer some questions for us! To start, please tell us about the latest project you've worked on.
 
YOU-TURN: CHANGING DIRECTION IN MIDLIFE, a collection of “over 40 stories of people over 40” who made amazing transitions in their professional and/or personal lives in middle age.   I am thoroughly enjoying promoting it and inspiring others who are “fearful and frozen” to make that change.
 
Do you do speaking engagements, or seminars?
 
Yes, extensively. I speak on change in midlife and the power of the subconscious mind.
 
How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your profession?
 
Yes, my book is a nonfiction and of course my psychology training helped enormously in writing a self-help book.   Likewise, the books certainly helps drive my business.
 
What kind of other works (books, scripts, poems etc.) have you had published?
 
None yet, but  I am working on another nonfiction (on sex offenders) and have a fiction collecting dust in a file drawer….
 
Is there any aspect to your profession that gets you in touch with your readers directly?
 
My profession in built on confidentiality.  I do not cross that line with patients.  However, I do a lot of public speaking and get to interact with readers then. As well, when I do call-in radio talk shows. I love it!!!!
 
What will your next project be?
 
Nonfiction on sex offender treatment.
 
Who inspires you on a personal or business level?
 
Wow…..I have SO many heroes and heroines….and all inspire me for their pioneering spirit and humanity.  MLK, Jr., Rod Serling, Gloria Steinem, Margaret Mead, Margaret Sanger, Margaret Mitchell (a lot of Margarets!!!) Abraham Lincoln, Alan Colmes, Maria Callas.  Shall I go on?
 
 
What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?
 
Watching people grow and reach their goals.
 
What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?
 
Trust your inner voice.  It knows exactly how to write a book.
 
How did you get started as a writer?
 
I was a lonely, sensitive child, and always retreated to my room to vent through writing and performing.   As an adult, I was a stand-up comic and wrote all my own material. I’ve always love the purity of writing.  And the joy of getting lost in a good book…..knowing when you finish that book, you are somehow changed.
 
Which is your favorite book/work published? Is there a favorite?
 
I must admit I’m prejudiced to my own……Southern writers.  Pat Conroy (PRINCE OF TIDES) I consider the Great American Novel.  Margaret Mitchell’s GONE WITH THE WIND, and then of course William Styron’s SOPHIE’S CHOICE, and I couldn’t possibly leave out Harper Lee’s TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.  Couldn’t pick only one!   Sorry!!!!!
 
What does a typical work day look like for you?
 
Meditate, gym, treat patients, co-lead group therapy, charity work, study for my national licensing exam, touch base with PR agent, return phone calls and emails, write, meet a friend for dinner or drinks occasionally.
 
Have you ever had a mentor, or someone who sparked your passion for writing?
 
Yes!   A couple.  My mother was an English major, and instilled in us all a love of reading.  And I had a wonderful high school English teacher named Jewellyn Jones, God rest her.   She was in love with the language and fine literature, and turned us all on with her passion.  She was always there for us to read a poem we’d written, or an essay…..long after we graduated.   A great, generous teacher.
 
Who is your favorite writer/author?
 
Pat Conroy.
 
Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself? :)
 
It’s Best To Leave While I’m in Love

Thank you Nancy - we wish you great success with your current and future projects!