Many writers struggle with depression, and so it's important to talk about how to manage creativity alongside mental health issues. I hope you find today's interview with Michaelbrent Collings useful whether you struggle yourself, or someone you love is affected. In the intro, I give a personal update on my own writing, and mention the new integration between Scrivener and Vellum. I use both in my process, writing in Scrivener and formatting in Vellum. Here's my list of formatting options, and here's my tutorial on using Vellum. This podcast is sponsored by Kobo Writing Life, which helps authors self-publish and reach readers in global markets through the Kobo eco-system. You can also subscribe to the Kobo Writing Life podcast for interviews with successful indie authors. Shot-2015-05-19-at-3.14.46-pm-e1433683779788.jpg">Michaelbrent Collings is an award-winning, and internationally bestselling horror novelist and screenwriter. His novel, The Deep, was a finalist in the Bram Stoker Awards. Michaelbrent also suffers from depression, and that's what we're talking about today. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app, or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and full transcript below. Show Notes * On how depression affects Michaelbrent * How those close to someone with depression can help * Also, what not to do if you know someone with depression * What helps Michaelbrent cope with his depressive episodes * Using the darkness in writing * Tips for writing while dealing with depression * On screenwriting and tips for breaking into it * Rebranding books with new covers You can find Michaelbrent at www.WrittenInsomnia.com and on Twitter @mbcollings Transcript of Interview with Michaelbrent Collings Joanna: Hi, everyone. I'm Joanna Penn from TheCreativePenn.com. And today, I'm back with Michaelbrent Collings. Hi, Michaelbrent? Michaelbrent: How are you, Joanna? Joanna: I'm good, and it's so exciting to have you back on the show. It is the third time that you've been on the show, I know. Michaelbrent: I'm like a record breaker? Joanna: Almost. But Steven Pressfield is coming on the show for the third time soon. So you're like up there with Steve. Michaelbrent: Can I have a jacket? Joanna: Yes, a special jacket…I should get some of those. Just in case anyone has missed all the shows and I absolutely say people should go back and look at them. Michaelbrent is an award-winning, and internationally bestselling horror novelist and screenwriter. His novel, “The Deep”, one of my favorites was a finalist in the Bram Stoker Awards, and I really do you love his books. I'm no actually lying. I really mean it.