Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written a total of 5 books, however 3 were until different pseudonyms! I published my first book when I was 17 but only my last two have been under my real name. I’m a NYC writer and writing has always been one of my greatest passions.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called The Ultimate Secrets of Intelligence, I wrote it because I’ve never seen anything like it before and I feel that there are so many misconceptions about intelligence. I wanted to write something not only to help everyone confront their ignorance and self reflect, but to come to terms with what it truly means to be intelligent and to get rid of any false ideas that are still out there. I wanted to bring to light the fact that intelligence isn’t this serious entity that people make it out to be, but rather it’s quite liberating, and can bring a lot of happiness. My book tells people how to use it for that.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My unusual writing habit is that I never have a plan or specific way to outline any of my books. I know a lot of authors either “swear by outlines or swear at them” but I’ve never really done either, I just wing it and put together collections of my essays until it becomes a cohesive novel.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My all time favorite book is The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles, it’s the best thing ever written in the history of the universe. It’s the only book that not only altered my mindset, but is the reason I act the way that I do every single day. Also, Adam Grant has motivated me a lot through his nonfiction works like “Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World” because it provides readers such an amazing groundwork for a unique work ethic. I also love the classic writers like King and Hemingway.
What are you working on now?
Since I just recently finished my last book, I’m not currently writing any new novel, but I do see myself in the near future publishing a work about the concept of wealth. I’m also writing for a lot of online platforms about a multitude of topics including physical health, philosophy of the personality and human rights.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method is not sticking to one method! Just distributing your book as much as you can and expanding in all ways is the most important thing, so my method is to stay open-minded in regards to any opportunities to do so.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice would be to ignore the statistics, don’t care about the money, and don’t pay attention to whether or not people are supporting your writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One of my favorite pieces of advice is that failure is the default. This is especially important for authors/freelance writers because once they understand that they will get rejected the majority of the time, they’ll come to terms with the fact that rejection just gets rid of everything irrelevant. Rather quickly, they’ll work their way to the top since they will begin producing a larger volume of works than those who can’t handle the rejection, or so-called failure.
What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading Adam Grant’s “Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Success.” I’ve read all of his other works and listen to his podcast religiously, so I know this book will help build my work ethic even further.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My most recent book The Ultimate Secrets of Intelligence is going to be put on shelves in NYC’s independent bookstore Shakespeare & Co, as well as more NYC book stores later in the season. I’m also working on many personal essays as well as essays that bring light to current issues! These will be published on a multitude of platforms such as print journals, individual blogs and literary magazines.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Probably all of Natasha Preston’s books since they keep me so entertained. She’s the only fiction writer I read! Her book Silence would be my #1 choice, it’s the best fiction book I’ve ever read, you really feel like you are connected to the characters.