Interview With Health Author Dr. Manuela M. Kogon

 

1. What inspired you to write this book?  

Cancer patients and their family and caregivers are an underserved population when it comes to stress management. Cancer itself is devastating, but the stress that is associated with it adds a second layer that not just affects well-being but decision-making during a time when you need to be at your best. I felt a desire to bring what I do with clients to a larger population. I could sense that my work touches a nerve with cancer patients because it uses a relatable approach, giving people practical tools to manage their illness better. I wanted more people to benefit.   

2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for?  

Distress is a serious and consequential aspect of cancer, spanning the period from diagnosis to treatment to how to live after cancer, or having to live with cancer. Cancer distress is often not properly addressed, confused with a psychiatric diagnosis, and deeply affects decision-making and well-being. This book is for everybody who has been touched by cancer, including family and caregivers of cancer patients.  

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?  

I hope that the book provides a combination of knowledge and experience through exercises that result in improved well-being and effectiveness dealing with cancer. I want readers to be able to manage themselves, their illness, and their surroundings in the best possible way during an exceptionally stressful time.  

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?  

The title When Cancer Visits is supposed to instill the hope, possibility, and knowledge that like an unwelcome houseguest cancer can leave. The design is an excerpt of one of my brother’s paintings. I wanted to honor him and his cancer journey.  

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!?  

Diligence, persistence, and patience. Enjoy the process of writing, rather than endure it as a chore. 

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?  

The trend is towards digitalization and dilution of information with an information flood that makes it hard to separate the wheat from the chaff. For me, there’s nothing better than holding an actual book in your hand while drinking a cup of coffee. It feels as if you’re meeting up with a good friend.  

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?  

Surviving medical school, two residences, and a fellowship requires grit. Writing is not for the lighthearted.   

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to?

The writing is a blend of popular science, mixed with creative nonfiction, and self-help book. Writers or books that come to mind, who use similar styles, are Dan Harris (10% Happier), James Nestor (Breath), and Jill Smolowe (Four Funerals and a Wedding) 

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book? 

I had no formal background in writing. While I can express myself verbally, I had no clue how to do that in writing and convey complex concepts in relatable language.  

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?

The book is relatable, transformative, enjoyable, and educational, all in one.

About The Author: Dr. Kogon is an Integrative Medicine Internist in private practice and a clinical professor and director of Integrative Psycho-Oncology at a large academic institution. She brings 30 years of experience and expertise in Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Integrative and Consciousness Medicine to guiding patients approach their illness and health in the most holistic and integrative way possible. Dr. Kogon is enthusiastic about helping the mind and body help heal each other. Please see: www.mdkogon.com

 

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About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over four million pageviews. With 5,000+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum