Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a young Jamaican author on a mission to inspire others. I am proud of my heritage and I couldn’t imagine being born anywhere else. Although I was not blessed with the gift of singing, I enjoy belting out some of my favorite tunes and amusing my friends. Music, books and movies are my comfort. I am a hopeless romantic and therefore enjoy books that have a mixture of romance, mystery, and suspense. However, I am also very focused and always looking for ways to improve myself. Therefore, I thoroughly enjoy books in the self-help niche.
So far, I have only written one book. Being a novice author has been both a frustrating and enlightening experience.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “Becoming the Best You: Ten Pressure Points that Lead to a Successful Life”. I know that there are people out there, just like me, who are looking for more out of life. Although I have had my fair share of disappointments, I believe my experiences have helped me to become a better person. I wanted to share my experiences and observations with people just like me.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I will go for days without writing and then, suddenly, I’ll find myself in front of the computer typing like crazy! I am not a night owl so I have to get my work done on weekends or on holidays since I work during the week. Despite my odd writing style, I produce the finished product by the deadline I have set for myself.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are two main authors in the self-help niche who have influenced me. The first is Myles Munroe, author of the book “Understanding Your Potential”. There is one principle from that book that has stuck with me even though I read it several years ago; the graveyard is the richest place in the world. Why? So many people die without becoming who they were meant to be. It has been my mission since then to not contribute to the wealth of the graveyard.
The second author who has inspired me is John C. Maxwell. Years ago, one of my friends gave me two of his books. The book that stood out the most to me was “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership”. The principles in that book changed my whole perspective on leadership. They also helped me to realize everything I was doing wrong.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on my second self-help book. I am only at chapter one, but I have fleshed out the concept. I don’t want to release the title yet because I may change it when I have finished writing. What I can tell you, however, is that it will be good.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is a tough question. I have been finding it very hard to promote my book. However, awesomegang.com seems to be the best site I have found thus far.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Research publishing carefully. The publishing site you use will vary greatly depending on what you want to achieve. If you want to offer free promotions and book discounts to attract reviews and future purchases then Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) may be your best option.
Also, you have to be willing to spend some money. I wish I had more money to do some of the things that I need to do, but that’s just the way of life.
What are you reading now?
I just finished reading ‘The One You Love” by Paul Pilkington. I hope to tackle “Blindsided” by Jay Giles soon.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My next adventure will be completing my second book.
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 Scarpetta Factor” by Patricia Cornwell
“If Caterpillars Can Fly So Can I” by Alvin Day
“The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” by John C. Maxwell
Author Websites and Profiles
Christine McLean Website
Christine McLean’s Social Media Links