About

Photo: Caroline Alden

Deborah Vlock’s new book, Parenting Children with Mental Health Challenges: A Guide To Life with Emotionally Complex Kids (Rowman & Littlefield) may just be the manual every “mental-health parent” has been waiting for. Publishers Weekly writes, “Parents in the same boat as [Vlock] will find this a valuable addition to their self-care toolbox.” And Booklist Reviews asserts that “readers will find opportunities to feel connected, supported, and hopeful in this book.”

Deborah is a Boston-based writer of fiction and creative non-fiction, and a blogger for Psychology Today. Her work has been published in print and online, and can be found in literary journals and glossy magazines, as well as on newsy and literary blogs. O, the Oprah Magazine, Cognoscenti, The Huffington Post, Hunger Mountain, Literary Mama, The Missouri Review Blog, YARN (Young Adult Review Network), and The Atlantic Magazine online have all featured Deborah’s work. She writes about everything from mental illness to square-dancing dentists to the legacies of the Holocaust to teenage rebellion. And lots more.

The mother of two remarkable young adults, both of whom have struggled with mental health issues–one severely, and from a tender age–Deb’s a veteran of the pediatric psych unit, and a survivor of way too many night watches. She has found such clever solutions for hiding sharp household objects in the middle of the night that certain scissors and a wobbly-handled steak knife have gone missing for good. She has also mastered the art of using the bathroom (but only when absolutely necessary) while keeping track of a child hell-bent on hurting himself. Hers has been a life filled with pain, terror, exhaustion, illness, and on occasion, utter, transcendent joy. Oh, and with writing—thank goodness!

Deborah counts herself lucky to live with the three best people on this earth: her husband (known to readers as “Lars”), her daughter (“Saskia”), and her son (“Benjy”). She is dedicated to making connections and sharing stories and resources with other parents and/or writers, and welcomes your communications. Whether you’re looking for a keynote speaker, a workshop leader, or a few words of consolation and encouragement, do get in touch!  Just visit the Contact page and send her a note.

Social Connections

For the Media

Official Bio

Deborah Vlock is a Boston-based writer of fiction and creative non-fiction. Her work has been published in print and online, and can be found in literary journals and glossy magazines, as well as on newsy and literary blogs. She also writes a regular blog, called “What to Expect When You Get the Unexpected: A Mother’s Notes on Childhood Mental Illness,” for Psychology Today. Deborah is available for media and speaking engagements.

Please get in touch with her via her Contact page or agent.

Agent

Janet Reid
New Leaf  Literary & Media, Inc.
Contact