New book by Philip Kenney

Only This Step
haiku by Philip Kenney

Only This Step, haiku by Philip Kenney

Purchase from Finishing Line Press

See all books by Philip Kenney

 

Phil Kenney

Philip Kenney is a practicing psychotherapist in Portland, Oregon. He did his post-graduate work in British Object Relations at the Washington D.C. School of Psychiatry and has taught Self Psychology as part of his private practice. A long time meditator and poet, Mr. Kenney is the author of the novel, Radiance, and a collection of poetry, Where Roses Bloom. He strives to bring together the worlds of psychology, creativity and spirituality in his work and is the author of a new book on those subjects entitled, The Writer's Crucible: Meditations on Emotion, Being and Creativity.

The Writer's Crucible
Meditations on Emotion, Being and Creativity

The Writer's Crucible provides a detailed map for navigating the turbulent emotional waters of a creative life. Writers will come to understand the psychology of vulnerability, perhaps the most common of which is a persistent sense of not being good enough. This troubling insecurity is often present in even the most successful writers; they too are subject to undermining episodes of self-doubt. To help manage this core experience, The Writer's Crucible offers an in depth exploration of the psychological underpinnings governing the internal narrative, "I am not enough." Readers will learn to undo emotional constrictions and connect with an inner source of spiritual nourishment, allowing inspiration to move with greater freedom. The Writer's Crucible is not a book that tells you how to write—it is one that shows you how to be a writer.

The Writer’s Crucible selected as a finalist for Red City Review non-fiction Book of the Year!

★★★★★  “Perhaps the best part of Kenney’s book is that it seeks to connect writers over a common problem—this nagging and unflagging feeling of not being good enough.

— Red City Review

The Writer’s Crucible selected as a finalist for The Oregon Writers Colony first chapter contest.

The Writer’s Crucible: Red City Review

★★★★★ At the heart of Philip Kenney’s meditative book for authors entitled The Writer’s Crucible is the idea that writers of all ages, genres, and nationalities are plagued by a common enemy—shame. This powerfully negative and primal emotion, Kenney says, leads to self-doubt, embarrassment, and disappointment when our writing doesn’t turn out quite the way we expected.
... more

The Writer’s Crucible: Donovan's Bookshelf Review

The Writer’s Crucible: Meditations on Emotion, Being and Creativity offers a psychological examination of typical obstacles that thwart the creative processes, and is directed to writers who struggle with the process of tapping their wellsprings while facing such barriers.
... more

The Writer’s Crucible: John J. Hohn Review

Phillip Kenney knows writing. Radiance, 2013, his courageous first novel is brilliant in its challenges to the conventional. Kenney, the writer, is also a psychotherapist with more than three decades of experience. He brings the insights and wisdom of his profession to bear in all his work but especially in his latest, the delightfully readable “The Writer’s Crucible, Meditations on Emotion, Being, and Creativity.” This exquisitely presented book should be on the shelf of every writer seeking to find inspiration, consolation, or comfort in coping with the challenges of the writer’s life.
... more

Interview with Bill Kenower on PNWA’s Author 2 Author

Bill welcomes therapist and author Philip Kenney to the show. Philip Kenney is a practicing psychotherapist who has taught Self Psychology as part of his private practice. A long time meditator and poet, Philip is the author of the novel, Radiance, and a collection of poetry, Where Roses Bloom. He strives to bring together the worlds of psychology, creativity and spirituality in his work and is the author of a new book on those subjects entitled, The Writer's Crucible: Meditations on Emotion, Being and Creativity. Join us!
... more

Coffee Break 078: Philip Kenney

There’s a lot of emotional baggage to sort through when you’re a writer. Building an audience and facing criticism (and possible rejection) of your work are harrowing, to say the least. But as writers, our worst enemy is often ourselves. We focus on what we aren’t able to accomplish and bog ourselves down in the fear of failure. However, as writers, we can also rest assured that we are not alone in these daily struggles.
... more

The Good Enough Writer: an interview with therapist and author Philip Kenney

My sincere and enormous gratitude to Philip Kenney for writing this book and taking the time to so thoroughly share his compassionate, loving wisdom with us. Thank you for bringing us home, Phil.
... more

Befriending the artist within: an interview with Philip Kenney, part two

By Erin Littlewood. Several weeks ago, Phil and I discussed the multi-faceted, stained glass inner life of a writer and the non-secular creative spirit that moves us toward the blank page, here. This week, we continue the discussion on befriending the artist within and joining in the creative breath of the universe.
... more

Pacific Northwest Writer’s podcast with Vikki Carter

Episode 33: Philip Kenney; Therapist & Historical Fiction - Great Depression
... more

The Writer’s Crucible: KBOO News In Depth Review

If you’re a writer, or an artist, or composer. Or really anyone doing something creative, you might have been filled at one time with self doubt. It’s very common for even the most successful artists to feel they’re just not good enough. And this can hamper their creativity, sometimes to the point of paralysis.
... more

In Conversation With Philip Kenney Author of The Writer's Crucible: Meditations on Emotion, Being, and Creativity

Bookpleasures.com welcomes as our guest Philip Kenney author of The Writer's Crucible:

Norm: Good day Philip and thanks for participating in our interview.

Please tell our readers a little bit about your personal and professional background.
... more

copyright © 2012-2023 Phil Kenney, All Rights Reserved.

Web design by Rareheron Web Design, Portland, OR