Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first book as a writer in telling a story about actual events I’ve experienced. In the past, I have written hundreds of television scripts for documentaries and news programs. Also, I have written fictional feature films which I am presently developing into productions.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Paradigm Shift: Understanding Everything is Connected is the culmination of years of life experiences which I have witnessed many unique events such as the Kennedy assassination, Beatles tour, war protests, Golden era movie stars, astronauts, celebrities, politicians, Middle East wars, rapid China growth, Presidents and paupers alike.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing is constantly being interrupted by my family in some daily crisis that only I can fix. It’s like writing news copy over the phone ringing, shouts, and chaos but I can focus to complete a few paragraphs before the next crisis.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a kid, I was impressed by Jules Verne novels but quickly moved onto science magazines like National Geographic, Scientific American, and Nature but I loved Mad and Playboy too. I know I was a weird kid, no comic books. As a teen, my brother and I read Tolkien, Asimov, and Abby Hoffman. Generally, I read biographies of influential people like Kennedy, MacArthur, King, Michaelangelo, Edison, Tesla, etc. As an adult, I continue to read biographies, science, non-fiction and history books.
What are you working on now?
I have completed a 10-episode limited series for cable-TV on Dr. Sun Yat-sen and the Revolution of 1911 in China. We have contacts with Shanghai and Beijing production companies but all development stopped when little trumpt tantrums started a trade tariff war. I can wait until he is in jail and will resume the TV series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am just learning my way around the book world which I am new to but I must say it is similar to promoting a film in that you must target your audience, use social media, and offer a fun read for cheap.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The same advice I gave my students at Henan University, first write about what you know and have experienced. The content will come easier while you are learning composition, grammar, and chaptered storytelling.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Down it and get from around it.” This peppy quote came from an old Kansas farmer I met who in his limited vocabulary I believe he means: Meet all your challenges head-on. Never procrastinate. Learn new skills to finish the task. Move on to the next job, many more are coming. That is what life is all about, isn’t it? A series of challenges, decisions, actions and on to the next.
What are you reading now?
Gordon Hancock’s Before America.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll be writing a series of sales pitches targeting product investors for my feature film. I wrote the script about a series of paranormal events and afterlife contacts that took place as my entire family began dying.
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?
Boy Scout manual, Prepper’s Long-Term Survival Guide: Food, Shelter, Security, Off-the-Grid Power and More Life-Saving Strategies for Self-Sufficient Living, Wild Food Plants of the South Pacific and Southeast Asia and for toilet paper, Art of the Deal.
Author Websites and Profiles
Doug Ross Website
Doug Ross Amazon Profile
Doug Ross’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile