Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My author bio on Amazon says this “E.B. Davis II is a writer, mother, wife and a graduate of The School of Hard Knocks. She’s lived these pages and wants you to avoid that pain. She is also the author of How Not to be an Asshole, which is an okay read but could stand a re-write. She knows she swears too much and doesn’t really care. She’s not sure why she lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, kids and a menagerie of animals when there are warmer places with less crazy weather. ”
E.B. Davis II is my pseudonym, too.
I’ve written two books that are chock full of bad words but awesome information. I do swear a lot and I felt that many self-help books tend to give the impression of the person holding your hand or patting your head when in reality, we need to hear the harsh words of truth. That those words can often get through to someone faster than trying to be compassionate, which I totally am. This kinder, gentler crap can sometimes cause more problems. A reviewer said my book was like getting a sympathetic hug and a slap in the face at the same time.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Adulting 101: How to Get Your Sh*t Straight so You Can Succeed is the title of my latest book. This was inspired by an e-friend online. I’ve never met them in person but their postings are usually dire and desperate. I wrote this book about common problems, things I had to work through, that people have that keep them from moving forward in their lives. I wrote this book as if I was standing there, grabbing on to their shirt or lapels and just shaking them, “Don’t you see? YOU’VE made this mess!” I am in the process of re-writing the book slightly to take out the bad language. The book’s information is solid and applicable and I realize that not everyone wants to read such profanity.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am awake, but not necessarily out of bed, by 3:30am every day of the week but one. On that one day of the week that I don’t get up at 3:30am, I feel really guilty. After I get up, I make a hot beverage and I write until the children wake up (or work on marketing or schoolwork) and start pestering me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a voracious reader. I love any books that try to help you out. I read a ton of non-fiction and some of it is hit or miss. I’m reading a book now about how teens are taking longer to grow up and how this is good for everyone. I’m reading it and just chuckling, “No..no….” but I read it anyway because it is a different perspective and I can learn something new or have my own perceptions challenged. As for fiction, I haven’t read anything lately. I did read Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King as my mother’s suggestion. It was fun but that was a while ago. Between kids, school, writing, work and keeping everyone alive, I don’t get as much time to read as I would like.
What are you working on now?
I am working on an update and a re-write to my first book, How Not to be an Asshole; and I am working on the removal of the bad words from my second book, Adulting 101: How to Get Your Sh*t Straight so You Can Succeed. That book will have a different subtitle and cover to differentiate it from its parent.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m a new author so I am still learning all these ins and outs. I will say that not trying to recreate the wheel is a good idea. Find someone who has done what you’ve done and just follow their process.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, writing is the easy part! It is everything else that is difficult.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I don’t think that I’ve heard it yet.
What are you reading now?
Textbooks. I’m in school working on my Bachelor’s Degree. This summer, I plan on consuming as many books for pleasure as possible.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have Book 3 of The Rant Series in outline form. This one will be about decision making and how to figure out what you want. I also am in very early states of a piece that will tie into my degree as an undergraduate thesis project that will hopefully roll me into my Master’s program. Maybe I’ll publish 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 Snowball: Warren Buffett and The Business of Life by Alice Schroeder. He is infinitely fascinating and it is such a big book that it could be used to start fires.
Skeleton Crew by Stephen King. Short stories, I can read them over and over. They never get old.
Anything by Malcolm Gladwell
Author Websites and Profiles
E. B. Davis II Website
E. B. Davis II Amazon Profile
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