During these gloomy days of layoffs and economic struggles, one author landed a book deal by focusing on the power of magical thinking--turning a magazine article into a full-fledged book.

Psychology Today journalist Matthew Hutson just sold world rights to "7 Laws of Magical Thinking: How Everyday Irrational Wisdom Keeps Us Happy, Healthy and Sane" to Hudson Street Press editor-in-chief Caroline Sutton. The deal was negotiated by Melissa Flashman at Trident, and the book is scheduled for a winter 2012 release.

Here's more about the book: "A tour of the seven principles of everyday superstition to illuminate the deepest recesses of our imaginations and, ultimately, show us why belief plays a much more significant role in maintaining our health and happiness than most of us could ever imagine."