Writer.
Book Doula.
Creative Strategist.
About
I’m a writer and editor whose work explores the inner lives of humans.
I am fascinated by the question of who we are and how we come to know ourselves—and how creativity and contemplative practices can guide us along the journey of self-discovery.
I’ve written extensively on the psychology of creativity, delving into the nature of the creative process and the defining traits of highly creative people. My book Wired to Create: Unravelling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind, psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman, explores the complex and contradictory personalities of great artists and innovators. I also designed the Webby Award-winning CREATIVE TYPES personality test, which has been taken over 15 million times by people around the world.
In my work as a “book doula,” I support writers and thought leaders in navigating the creative process to turn their ideas into published non-fiction books.
I’ve given talks and workshops at places like Google, Dropbox, TEDx, Harvard, Yale, and Nalanda University, as well as on The TODAY Show and MSNBC. My work has also been featured in publications including The New York Times, Scientific American, New York Magazine, TIME, Harvard Business Review, Inc., Fast Company, The New Republic, Quartz, Yoga Journal, and Tricycle: The Buddhist Review.
I studied philosophy of art at McGill University in Montreal, and currently live between Brooklyn and midcoast Maine with my husband and son.
As a book doula, I guide and support the creative process (and inner work) of writing a book.
Write your book
Writing a book is both an inner journey of self-discovery and transformation, and an creative process of ideation and execution.
As a book doula, I am here to support you in “birthing” your book—bridging the inner and the outer world to bring your ideas to life. I will help you to uncover the essence of your project in its purest form—and to help clear a path to bring that idea forth with the highest level of integrity and impact.
I support emerging on the journey from concept to creation with editorial projects including book proposals, non-fiction books, and longform essays and content series. (Several have referred to me as their “secret weapon”!)
My clients have landed six-figure book deals with major publishers including Penguin Random House, St. Martin’s Press, Hay House and Hachette; while others have sold thousands of copies of self-published books of exceptional quality.
My services include:
Book proposal development
Developmental editing
Collaborative writing
Concept development & creative consulting
Writing coaching
Book doula packages
Book
How are we to make sense of something as elusive as creativity?
Wired to Create offers a glimpse inside the “messy minds” of highly creative people. Revealing the latest findings in neuroscience and psychology, along with engaging examples of artists and innovators throughout history, the book shines a light on the practices and habits of mind that promote creative thinking. Kaufman and Gregoire untangle a series of paradoxes— like mindfulness and daydreaming, seriousness and play, openness and sensitivity, and solitude and collaboration – to show that it is by embracing our own contradictions that we are able to tap into our deepest creativity.
The book was published in 11 languages and has sold over 40,000 copies. It earned a starred review from Library Journal and praise from publications including The New York Times, who called it a "satisfying overview of creativity research that is likely to provide nuggets of wisdom to even the most seasoned creative spirit.” Publisher’s Weekly said: “This guide is well-documented, never pedantic, and always educational and inspiring.”
Take the test
Take my Webby Award-winning CREATIVE TYPES personality test to gain deeper insight into the operating system of your own creative mind. The test has been taken over 15 million times by users around the world—and by hundreds of design, marketing and business teams—have used the test to unlock their unique gifts and strengths, ways of thinking and creating, and growth opportunities.
“I found in Carolyn a friend, a coach, and a writing partner. She flowed like water, side by side with me, with such elegance, delicacy, and respect—not only polishing my writing, but fertilizing my ideas, inspiring me, seeing my best and helping me to bring it to the paper.”
— Ruda Iande, Shamanic Teacher, Brazil
What Clients Are Saying
Carolyn helped me on a large writing project and I could not have been more happy with her work and our collaboration. She brought so much knowledge and know-how to the job, and had such a great way of getting information from me to inform what she was writing.
Everything she produced was beyond top-drawer and working with her was a true pleasure. Carolyn is highly recommended to help you with whatever your writing project may be!
— Eileen McKusick, author, sound therapist and researcher; Vermont
For more than 20 years, I have longed to write a book. I had many ideas, but did not know where or how to start. Last year I was lucky enough to meet Carolyn, who worked closely with me through the process of writing a book proposal. Carolyn is intelligent and intuitive, and she guided me with curiosity, patience, and persistence. She is a consummate professional, always kind, and at times firm, which is exactly what I needed.
We did it! I have a completed book proposal, and I couldn’t be happier with it. I highly recommend Carolyn to guide you on your writing journey.
— Paul Browde M.D., Psychiatrist, New York City
Working with Carolyn was the best decision I could have made while writing my first book.
She helped me through the entire process from getting structure to my ideas and mapping out the book. She supported me as a coach offering feedback and even holding space for the emotions that arose (which always arise when writing a book!). She also did a fantastic job editing and providing feedback on the final manuscript.
I felt like she just got me, and got my vision for the book. This kind of support during such a powerful birthing process is so supportive. Thank you Carolyn!
- Nadine Lee, Teacher of Tantra and Feminine Embodiment, Australia