Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written the book called, “Belief-In-Self” which is a non-fiction book of motivation, inspiration, and leadership. This book is written to help others see how they have the power to overcome any obstacle they face in life, simply by what you already have inside of you.
I have served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marines leading men in combat, I have lived in nine different states in the USA, and three different countries. I have been around the world several times, and have logged over 750,000 miles in the air. Throughout my career I have been in research and development, a young manager in a printing company, a director of technology, a President of a manufacturing company, and currently I am the Director of Professional Services for Canon Solutions America. I have seen much, and experienced many personal challenges. I believe what separates some of us, is the why we respond to those situations in our lives. I believe impossibility is a state of mind, and not a destination. This book is my attempt to explain that belief by allowing you to walk along side of me, as together we overcome things many people considered impossible.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first, and so far only, book is called, Belief-In-Self. I was inspired to write it when some of my friends and family were facing things they were not sure they could deal with. I decided to write three books, starting with this one. The second one will becoming out this year. To all of you that have read this book, I want to say THANK YOU!!! your kind words, and encouragement have inspired me to continue with the other two. I did not know who the world would feel about this book, but it has been overwhelmingly positive. I cannot express to you all how much your support has meant to me. From the bottom of my heart, Thank you!!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Maybe. I write my books not to deliver information as much as to have a conversation with the reader. My books are a way for you and I to speak to each other. I want you as a reader to become part of the story. I want you to feel like you are right there standing next to me, I am not just telling you a story, I am writing with the hope that you become part of it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow. Too many to mention. Here is a short list:
John Maxwell, Simon Sinek, Craig Groeschel, William Taylor & Polly Labarre, John Zenger & Joseph Folkman, Marshall Goldsmith, Adam Grant, and the list goes on…
Some of my favorite books are Originals by Adam Grant, and Mavericks at work by William Taylor & Polly Labarre. These books show how people who have a vision and a belief in their ability, can change the world. That is the same line of thinking I used in Belief-In-Self.
What are you working on now?
I am just finishing the second book called, “Belief-In-Others” and it should be out this year. It is a continuation of the first, but with a significant focus on leadership, and inspiring others.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
lulu.com has been helpful. GoodReads.com has been helpful, and so has Amazon KDP. Barnes and Nobel has also really been helpful to me as an independent author.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. To me, if one person reads my story, and gets something out of it, everything I wrote was worth it. All my proceeds go to charity. I am not writing books for profit, I am writing them to help others. Never give up on your dreams of being an author. If you have a story in you, let the world hear it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
No matter what you do in life, strive to be the very best at it. -George Speelman I was 14 years old when he told me that. Truer words were never spoken to me.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading The One Thing by Gary Keller
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, as soon as the second book comes out (it is already written, just doing some editing), I will begin on the third and final book of the series. I would like to continue writing as I truly enjoy it.
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?
The Bible. The Heart of everything that is, by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin, and probably anything from Sidney Sheldon.
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