Shy

Society tells that us that being shy is a 'fault', an undesirable trait that needs to be 'fixed' as, left unchecked, it can create barriers. But Annie is here to challenge that perception by exploring all the elements of shyness - how to embrace it, what to learn from it and ultimately conclude that shyness is not a burden - it's a gift.

Most of us have some understanding of shyness. Perhaps as a child, we felt awkward about going to kids' parties if we didn't know anyone there. Or as adults, dread the idea of the office Christmas party and having to socialise with colleagues in a different context. It might be an invite to an old friend's wedding that sparks panic or having to present to a room of people. Shyness may be ever-present; it may come and go. It can manifest by blushing or make us feel unable to leave the house.

But for those who feel affected by shyness or believe someone close to them is - a partner, child, friend or sibling - it might be reassuring to hear that 57% of UK adults feel shy, and that a recent UK-based study of over 550,000 people found that shyness isn't a fixed trait.

Partly genetic, partly environmental, shyness is largely viewed as a 'character flaw' and something that needs to change. A quick Google of 'shyness' will lead to masses of articles on social anxiety. It should be made clear that shyness and social anxiety are very different things. And secondly, why is no-one talking about the benefits of being shy?

Interweaving her own experiences, Annie will explore why shyness affects some more than others, drawing information from clinical psychologists as well as experiences from a range of different people - from comedians to writers to actors and artists.

It will also contain tried and tested tools to help the reader deal with elements of shyness that can feel crippling and debilitating so that by the end of the book the reader will come to view shyness as a positive and no longer a barrier to success and happiness.