Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Kathy Stickles is talking with Linton J. Khor, author of Navigating with Nerve: Assertive Strategies for Life.

FQ: I really did enjoy reading this book and will say that you were extremely clear, at least in my opinion, in getting your ideas and explanations across to readers. Where did the inspiration for the book come from?

KHOR: The inspiration for Navigating with Nerve stemmed from years of witnessing talented individuals struggle to assert themselves in both personal and professional spaces. As a business consultant and psychologist, I’ve often worked with people who felt overlooked or unable to communicate effectively. Watching otherwise confident individuals suddenly transform into either wallflowers or bulldozers in certain situations was a reminder that assertiveness doesn’t come naturally for most of us therefore I wanted to provide a resource that demystifies assertiveness, making it accessible and practical. The thought was to create a guide that would help people communicate without needing a crash course in diplomacy or a backup team of negotiators. This book is the culmination of my desire to help others find their voices, confidently setting boundaries and thriving in their interactions.

FQ: How hard was it to actually get everything down on paper? Was there a lot of research involved or talking to others for their ideas on the topic?

KHOR: Writing this book was a mix of wrestling ideas into submission and coaxing out the right words with more coffee than I care to admit. There was definitely research, yes, but most of it came from years of consulting and simply observing human nature in all its messy, wonderful complexity. And yes, I talked to a lot of people—though some may argue I was ‘interviewing’ them without their knowledge - their experiences provided invaluable real-world context. Every conversation becomes a learning opportunity when you’re writing about human behavior.

FQ: What was the biggest challenge you faced when trying to write Navigating with Nerve?

KHOR: The biggest challenge was making complex psychological concepts easily digestible. I wanted to ensure that readers could see themselves in the book and walk away with tools they could immediately use. Striking a balance between depth and simplicity required a lot of careful thought, and I constantly reminded myself to keep the reader’s experience front and centre. Assertiveness can be a nuanced topic—finding that balance where readers could feel empowered without crossing into aggression took careful thought. I wanted the book to feel approachable, not overwhelming; to avoid jargon and keep the tone accessible, so ensuring clarity without oversimplifying was a constant balancing act.

FQ: It certainly seems, through your writing, that you know a lot about how best to communicate with others. Has that always been easy for you or was part of this book the fact that you had to learn first in order to communicate well?

KHOR: Like many people, effective communication wasn’t something I was born with; it was something I worked at... Let’s just say I’m no stranger to a well-intentioned miscommunication or two. Earlier in my career, I faced moments where I felt misunderstood or struggled to assert myself, I realized that my knowledge wasn’t enough—I needed to convey it in a way that resonated with people. My journey has involved a lot of self-reflection and growth, and those experiences deeply informed this book. It’s why I focus on practical steps—because I know firsthand how transformative they can be.

 FQ: What about your own background helped to push you into writing this book?

KHOR: My first childhood experiences were filled with life lessons that I’m glad most others don’t need to experience firsthand... but they set the foundation to wanting a different way to speak with people. My background as a consultant and psychologist then added the professional elements and has given me a front-row seat to the communication struggles people face daily. Over the years, I’ve become the ‘designated explainer’ in my circle—someone who can help untangle the knots in people’s conversations or strategies. Writing this book felt like the next logical step: a way to offer those same insights on a broader scale, without needing to keep my ‘explainer hat’ on 24/7. I’ve worked with leaders, teams, and individuals across various industries, and communication challenges seem universal. I wanted to share what I’d learned with a broader audience, beyond just one-on-one sessions or boardroom settings. This book is a way for me to reach and help more people on their own journeys. Oh... and my partner, she buying me a writing app for a gift was also a great impetus to get on and write! Thanks hon!

FQ: Do you have a specific process that you follow when you are writing or do you just dump everything on the paper and then figure it out? Do you do all your research first or do you both research and write at the same time?

KHOR: I’d love to say I have a foolproof process, but the truth is, my writing style is more ‘organized chaos’ than methodical. I do start with a rough outline, but I leave space for inspiration to take over—or for ideas to emerge at inconvenient times for most people, like 3 AM – though as a “night owl” it works for me. Often, ideas evolve as I write, so I like to keep the room for spontaneity and the occasional lightning strike!. Research and writing happen side-by-side—I’m often synthesizing new findings even as I’m crafting chapters - so by the end, my notes look like a mixture of eureka moments and caffeine-fueled scribbles.

FQ: What advice would you give to others who want to break into the world of writing regardless of whether they are writing fiction or non-fiction? Would you have different advice depending on what type of book they want to write?

KHOR: My advice is simple: write what you actually care about. If you’re not interested, your readers won’t be either. For non-fiction writers, grounding your work in real experience or research gives it credibility; for fiction writers, when I have written it – as yet unseen; short stories, poems and novellas - let yourself get a little carried away and let your imagination take the lead. In either case, don’t be afraid of the inevitable rough drafts—it’s all part of the process. Besides, perfection is a myth, especially in writing.

FQ: What made you personally decide that writing was for you?

KHOR: Writing always felt like the natural next step. I actually have written fictional work – as yet unpublished – my whole life. It was an escape and a way of helping myself organise my thoughts and let my imagination go wild as the crazy explorer to navigate the jungle of my mind. I’ve spent years explaining complex ideas to clients, students, friends and anyone who would listen... so putting those concepts on paper seemed like a logical way to share what I know. Professionally I’ve always found fulfilment in helping people reach their potential, and writing allows me to expand that reach. Plus, there’s something quite satisfying about knowing you can reach people wherever they are—even if they’re in pajamas with a cup of coco, reading your book at midnight.

FQ: When you have the time to read yourself is it a lot of non-fiction/self-help like you have written or do you enjoy just reading for fun? What authors are ones that you are most fond of?

KHOR: I enjoy a blend of genres, though I tend to gravitate towards non-fiction because of its alignment with my work. My mum introduced me to books when I was knee-high, starting with Lateral Thinking by Edward de Bono. She later gifted me Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff and It’s All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson before I set off to backpack around Europe—a light-hearted start, but meaningful. I love authors like Brené Brown and Malcolm Gladwell, who mix insight with humor and provoke both thought and laughter.

That said, fiction is my true escape. It lets me step into other lives and stories—essentially windows into worlds. These novels not only served as a sanctuary but became silent teachers, helping me understand people and cultures far from my own. I now realize how much these stories influenced my approach to communication.

My reading list is wildly eclectic. Each new story is an adventure, and a talented storyteller is pure magic. There’s a unique joy in putting aside the analytical mind, diving into a good novel, and letting go of the need to dissect anyone’s behavior.

FQ: What does Linton Khor do for fun and relaxation when not writing or working?

KHOR: When I’m not working, I’m usually on a motorcycle, hitting the road for some fresh air and perspective. Traveling, spending time with friends and family, and unwinding in nature are all things I turn to for balance. I’m a bit of a water-baby so water sports and swimming are always part of the mix. The irony of being a psychologist is that sometimes the best therapy is a simple change of scenery.

Read the Review