Interview With Author Elton Young
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Elton L. Young and this is actually my first published book, but not the first time I’ve written for publication. For five years, I wrote for the Sunday School Publishing Board of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc as a Sunday School Commentary Writer for national publication. Writing Sunday School lessons is an experience I’ll always treasure and never forget. I’ve also written many sermons as a local pastor-teacher, and in collaboration with two (2) former partners that worked with me as conflict resolution trainers, we wrote a conflict resolution training manual that we successfully used to train others in conflict resolution and conflict management several years.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’m often asked, what led me to write my book “Conflicts Within: A Journey through Real and Lasting Change”? My answer to that question is always the same. It was the death of my beautiful wife Brenda. Breanda and I shared twenty-two (22) years together before her cancer diagnosis and eventual death (2016). After grieving over her death for more than two (2) years, trying to fill that void in my life unsuccessfully, and carrying that grief with me into the pandemic, I was spiritually confronted by God when he asked me what I planned to do with my pain? I answered God’s question by putting pen to paper while the pandemic isolated the world and separated people from each other in profound ways. During that time, I was moved by God’s Spirit to review the conflict resolution and conflict management training manual I had a hand in writing a little over twenty (20) years ago along with articles and training curriculums I’ve written on the subject matter. I asked myself, how can I take important pieces from training materials I’ve written, combine that information with practical, skill-building knowledge, real-life experiences learned from my wife’s death, and produce a reader-friendly product that will challenge the hearts and minds of people while increasing their knowledge base and spiritual growth at the same time. Combining all of those factors together resulted in the birth of my book “Conflicts Within: A Journey through Real and Lasting Change”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write when I’m moved and inspired to write. Like preparing a sermon, my writing style often begin with entertaining thoughts in my mind, exploring those thoughts, and then putting those thoughts on paper.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by many authors, but to name just a few, books like C.H. Spurgeon “Lectures To My Students”, Rick Warren, “The Purpose Driven Life”, J. Oswald Sanders “Spiritual Discipleship” and numerous writings by Thom S. Rainer.
What are you working on now?
That’s something I’m praying about. I have different projects in mind, but I haven’t quite decided which one will be next. I’m looking at possibly writing a book about the most influential sermons I’ve preached and many life-experiences I encountered that led to the birth of those sermons. I’m also exploring expanding my writing with my current book Conflicts Within. You will just have to wait and see.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.christianfaithpublishing.com/books/?book%3Dconflicts-within&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw3oh3TKnSc0lK7uxJMnMh0T
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice and encouragement to new autors is to read daily, write often, welcome and encourage feedback, know your audience, be clear and concise, and don’t forget to smile 🙂
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Some of the best advice I’ve ever heard came from my dad who often said, “Trust is something you earn not something you give away.” My seminary professor Dr. Dana Stoddard often said, “Young, discipleship is a free gift, but discipleship always cost something.”
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading a book entitled Motivational Counseling, Concepts, Approached, and Assessment by John Wiley & Sons, LTD
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am now working hard with marketing my current book and getting the word out. I have not made a firm decision on my next writing project, but I have some good ideals and I’m looking forward to putting those ideals on paper.
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?
Holy Bible
Positives from the Black Corner by Stephen C. Nash, Ph. D.
Who Moved My Pulpit? by Thom S. Rainer
Good to Great in God’s Eyes by Chip Ingram
Author Websites and Profiles
Elton Young’s Social Media Links
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