Under the category of who knew - another great piece of news from West Virginia's new Creative Economy

Laurie A Helgoe, Ph.D. of Charleston is the author of five mass market books, including Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life is Your Hidden Strength (July 2008) and is contributing columnist for Wealth Manager Magazine. She consults and operates a design consultation service, Introvert Style.

The book has been honored with a starred Publisher's Weekly review. "Most Americans, whether introverted or extroverted, have learned to look like extroverts," writes Psychologist (and introvert) Helgoe in this well written and well-reasoned analysis that challenges the perception of introverts as a silent, problematic minority.  The author reveals that 57% of the U.S. population identify themselves as introverts and are so commonly misunderstood because many of them have become adept at mimicking extroversion (becoming a "Socially Accessible Introvert") to get by.  Helgoe encourages introverts to see themselves as perfectly functional and to fulfill their need for solitude with regular retreats and creating a private space in their homes.  Helgoe's book is wide-ranging and cross cultural, invoking how other societies (particularly in Japan and Scandinavia) are more compatible with and accepting of introversion.  Helpful sections are details why introverts need extroverts in their lives and how extroverts depend on introverts for their artistic contributions and inner "richness". From the July Publisher's Weekly review "The author's voice is vivid and engaging, and she skillfully draws real-life examples of awkward scenarios introverts find themselves in when forced to play a role in society or the workplace.  Readers will find much insight, as well as a comforting sense of being understood and validated."

For almost 20 years, Psychologist Laurie Helgoe has been helping clients pursue their desires through therapy.  She also follows her own advice and allows her desires to expand her.

In addition to her therapy practice at Family Psychiatric Services in Charleston, WV. Laurie is writing, acting, speaking and consulting, and has been in a number of commercial and print ads.

Laurie is interested in how we can view our lives artistically and appreciate the amazing stories we are living.  She resides in Charleston, with her husband, two boys, and golden retriever, where she faithfully indulges in movie therapy, is slowly learning Arabic, and continues to add to the four-wall collage in her home office.

She has scheduled "Got a Book? Get it Published!" seminar Saturday, September 13, 2008  from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at the Arnold Agency, 117 Summers Street, Charleston.  Visit her website, www.wakingdesire.com for details.

Her publishers include Penguin and Sourcebooks, as well as foreign rights publishers in Spanish and Portuguese. In addition to her assignment with Wealth Management she is an expert consultant for Seventeen magazine.