Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a hairstylist by trade and I have only written one book so far. My lovely wife and I have been married since 1991 and we have three awesome kids…one of whom is married. Our lives are far from perfect, but about as close as anyone could ask for this side of heaven!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book is called: The Diet Puzzle: My Journey from Hopeless Yo-Yo Dieting to Conquering the Weight Loss Puzzle for Life. I know, I know…catchy title, but how else can I convey how exasperated I was and how excited I am that I’ve FINALLY found something that works for me? I am just a guy who got sick of being overweight. At my biggest, I got well over 300 lbs. and just couldn’t take it anymore. After deciding to lose weight and having some success, I had people asking me for advice, so I decided to write about my progress so far. This is my first bookwriting project, and I’m totally hooked!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My wife is the techy in our family. Since my job offers many opportunities for breaks, I like to dictate book ideas into a talk-to-text app on my cell phone. She is trying to help me with my lack of techiness, but this technique seems to work for both of us. She’s trying to teach me to use Google Docs, but I think this is a hopeless endeavor! 🙂
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Bible is a huge influence on me. I love to read it for short periods of time, I love to read it for long periods of time. I see something different almost every time I read. I also like to read classics like Great Gatsby and To Kill a Mockingbird. I actually quite enjoy love stories too, but I would it be manly if I said that?
What are you working on now?
I am working on a few short story ideas I have. Once I started writing, I can’t seem to shut off the idea factory!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is still a learning process for me. I have a list of my own clients. They will be my first victims, then I’ll ask friends and family to help spread the word!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Let me get back to you on that! 😉
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.
What are you reading now?
I’ve just been doing a lot of reading on marketing lately. It’s more educational than for enjoyment!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will pursue love stories. They seem to flow freely from my mind.
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?
As mentioned earlier, the Bible is a MUST HAVE! I would have to take a classic…something grandiouse…to remind me of easier times. I would also have to have a shipwreck book, maybe Robinson Crusoe, to remind me that I’m not the only one to ever be stuck on a deserted island. Lastly, I would need a survival guide!