I enjoyed a long and rewarding career as a school psychologist. After retiring, my ballroom dance instructor made me an offer I couldn't refuse. "Louise," Tristan said, "I have a proposition for you. I'd like you to write my life story."
I laughed in the face of the man who'd taught me his craft and molded my middle-aged body into a ballroom dancer. "Thanks for the compliment, but I'm not that kind of writer. I've written articles, newsletters, and a dissertation, but writing a biography is different."
Undaunted, Tristan said, "You can do this. There's no one I trust to write my memoir more than you." After weeks of contemplation, I agreed.
Next, I joined the West Valley and Central Phoenix Writers' Critique Groups. In 2021, I served as the executive editor of the Fifth Inkslingers Anthology: Many Worlds, Many Stories. I owe these talented individuals immense gratitude for their careful and insightful critiques of each chapter of Dancing Through Life.
My new book, School Psychologists: From Surviving to Thriving, will be released soon.
In addition to writing, I enjoy spending time on my other passions and interests. You can sign up to get updates about my writing here.
I enjoyed a long and rewarding career as a school psychologist. After retiring, my ballroom dance instructor made me an offer I couldn't refuse. "Louise," Tristan said, "I have a proposition for you. I'd like you to write my life story."
I laughed in the face of the man who'd taught me his craft and molded my middle-aged body into a ballroom dancer. "Thanks for the compliment, but I'm not that kind of writer. I've written articles, newsletters,...
Winner of the 2024 Uta Behrens Nonfiction Award
Dancing Through Life tells the compelling story of the resilience, faith, and self-determination of Tristan Peigné. As intimate as the Argentine Tango, as spicy as the Salsa, and with the elegance of the Viennese Waltz, this book glides the reader as a partner across the floor of a life well-lived....
How school psychologists and teachers can manage testing-season stress using brain-based strategies
By the time March arrives, many educators feel as if the school year has shifted into overdrive. Testing season is approaching, seniors are hoping for the luck of the Irish as they count credits toward graduation, and end-of-year deadlines feel like jeans that won’t button. Stress levels rise for students and adults alike. The good news is that understanding how our brains respond to stressors...
Dear Readers,
This is the title of my latest book. I hope to publish it in mid 2026.
School Psychologists: From Surviving to Thriving contains 56 vignettes geared for early-career and seasoned school psychologists and anyone interested in the field of education.
Today’s school psychologist faces a myriad of challenges: school shooters, students dealing with sexual orientation issues, bullying, serious mental health issues, and excessive technological dependence. In addition, many school...
People read biographies to learn more about people they admire or better understand the motivations of those they despise. A great biographer offers a glimpse into the lives of noteworthy individuals. Readers share the individual’s journey, experience their triumphs and failures, and gain insights into their own lives.
I recently wrote a friend’s biography. The task took longer than the return on my five-year certificate of deposit, and I faced some unique challenges while crafting his life...