Interview With Author Jason Willoamson
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 44, was in both the marines and then the army national guard. I became a police officer and paramedic/firefighter following my service and did that for many years before I began having panic attacks which led me Xanax. I became addicted and eventually was drinking heavily as well to suppress the anxiety, and this led to major depressive disorder. I have completely recovered from all of these and I want to share this gift with others. I have 6 children and live in south Texas where I work as a crisis mental health case worker while completing my masters in clinical counseling.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Getting Busy Living: Surviving The Hurricane in My Mind. This book is inspired by my 20 year battle with Ptsd, alcoholism, addiction, panic disorder, and major depressive disorder. It all ended the night I attempted suicide. When the bullet missed my head I knew only one thing, I was thankful to be alive. This book tells my story, as well as a few others , provides everything I used and still use to keep my mental health in check, as well as just about everything you will ever need to know about different therapies, medications, coping techniques, 12 step programs, and the list goes on.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wrote a lot of this book using the dictation feature in Word. Of course, a lot of editing had to be done later.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Bessel van der Kolk Who wrote the body keeps the score is my primary insorafion for having had wanted to write this book.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a book tackling everything one would need to know to survive adult ADHD
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far it has just been on Amazon. I’m a work in progress as I may be able to write, but I am a horrible business man.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I believe YouTube and fiver can be your friends, but stay away from ghost writer services. Just write your book from the heart and it’ll be enough
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That holding onto resentments for another person is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies.
What are you reading now?
Cognative Behavioral Therapy Made Easy by Seth Gillihan
What’s next for you as a writer?
As of write now I’d like to spread the word for this current book. If it gets out there and helps people then I’d love to provide a workbook one could use to do exactly what I did to find a new life and leave My Diagnosis in the dust.
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?
1. The Bible 2. Shawshank redemption 3. The Ultimate Survival Manuel
Author Websites and Profiles
Jason Willoamson Amazon Profile
Jason Willoamson’s Social Media Links