[Aroha mai or apologies for newsletter subscribers who may be receiving part of this email twice.]

Recent Highlights

1. Successful annual MRI and neurology appointment, thank you to all the hospital employees working Sunday morning who made it possible!

2. I wrote an essay titled “How I Secured a Big Five Publishing Deal with Almost No Social Media Platform” for ’s website and was heartened to hear from many readers that my ‘real talk’ was useful for their own publishing dreams.

3. I’m in solid book promotion as START HERE comes out this week in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. (Anticipated North America release midyear 2026).

Regarding book promotion

Two touch stones keep me going.

commented recently “my friend Ruia Aperahama used to say, that people don’t need to be rescued, they just need to be reminded of their own power”

and my greatest hope is that START HERE does that, that it provides gentle reminders and exercises to help you stand again in your own power, your own calm, to listen to your body and trust yourself.

, courageous warrior artist author, said this about START HERE, “As a chronically anxious and overwhelmed person, I found in this book a gentle reminder of what is within my control. Kerry helped me reconnect with my own strength, my power, and my ability to find peace.” This is what I most hope for.

Second touch stone, the whole whānau (family) watched Prime Minister, the documentary about Dame Jacinda Ardern. She talked about experiencing imposter syndrome and that part of her says, “I can’t” but another part of her says, “but I must.”

So as I walk through book launch week, I’m in the I can’t and I must, or maybe I will feel uncomfortable and self conscious and I will do it anyway, because maybe this small book, maybe this science buffered with beautiful pictures and soft words, can help someone.

Can I ask for a small favour that would make a big difference?

As I mentioned above, my new book, Start Here: A practical guide for the overwhelmed, is about to launch in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. It’s an illustrated self-help guide for burnout and overwhelm, especially for women and helpers, and distils a century of science into a simple three-step framework: Soothe, Transcend, Move.

The electronic versions will be available from 20 November, and paperback copies will be available from 25 November.

I’m also hosting a local book launch and would love to see you there if you’re nearby:

• Reading, Q&A, and cookies
• Eastbourne Library & Neighbourhood Hub
• Friday 21 November, 6:00–7:30 pm

The whole point of the book is to get practical, science-based tools into the hands of people who are exhausted, overcommitted and running on fumes – the ones who don’t have time or energy for a 300-page textbook but still deserve real help.

Here’s where you come in.

The book selling system is strange: what happens in the first few days after a book goes live heavily influences how often it’s shown to other overwhelmed readers searching for help. A small burst of purchases and reviews in that window can determine whether the book quietly disappears… or is actually findable for months to come.

I’d love 2 minutes of your help during launch week.

If you’re willing, here’s what I’m asking:

1. Buy START HERE between 20 and 25 November
   
2. Leave a short, honest review once you’ve had a chance to skim or read. Even a few sentences is incredibly helpful.

I’ll send a reminder during the purchase window opens and again on the review day, with a direct link to buying pages so it’s as quick and painless as possible.

Thanks for reading Dr Kerry's Love Letters: words for the weary! This post is public so feel free to share it.

If the book cost is any kind of barrier, just hit reply – I’m more than happy to make sure you get access to the book another way. My goal is to get these tools to the people who need them.

Thank you in advance for considering this and for any support you’re able to offer. It genuinely helps more overwhelmed people find their way back to steadier ground.

With appreciation, ngā mihi nui,

Kerry