Interview With Author John Russell
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I currently have three books in print, available at all booksellers online. I write in the genre of nonfiction paranormal (religion/spirituality, mind/body/spirit, occult, paranormal, metaphysical). My bio follows:
John Russell has been a professional psychic for over 50 years. Internationally known, he has provided psychic readings for clients in over 40 countries, and still reads for a worldwide clientele.
He has been a paranormal researcher and investigator since age 11 and has experienced over 1,000 paranormal manifestations. In addition he is a UFO experiencer with multiple interactions.
Over the decades John has studied, investigated, and practiced an abundance of psychic/paranormal disciplines: He is experienced in psychometry; clairvoyance (remote viewing); séances; telekinesis; crystal ball gazing; ghosts; hauntings; ESP; paranormal investigations; UFOS; mediumship; Tarot readings; healing/remote healing; utilizing crystals; stones; Runes; and many, many other aspects of the psychic, occult, spiritual, religious, and paranormal realms.
John filmed a TV pilot for The History Channel in which he psychically explored the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. The accuracy of John’s psychic insights during his investigations were verified by the docents at the historic sites he explored as well as the production team, and he also stimulated paranormal activity, some of which was captured on film.
For over 18 years he has been a popular featured guest—heard worldwide—on over 100 different radio shows and podcasts including appearances on 11 different United Kingdom podcasts. In 42 months John has been interviewed over 180 times, including 11 interviews with JV Johnson of Paranormal Reality TV, 10 appearances to date on Coast to Coast AM with George Noory, 9 interviews with Cristina Gomez, a 2024 debut appearance on Fade To Black with Jimmy Church, and many more.
He’s a published author of nonfiction with three multi-award-winning books in print: Riding with Ghosts, Angels, and the Spirits of the Dead and A knock in the Attic. A third book, 20 Ways to Increase Your Psychic Abilities, was published in 2023 and hit the Barnes & Noble Top 100 Bestselling Books, and John’s finished authoring his fourth book, The Crying Tree and the Magic Rock, due for publication in 2024, and is writing his fifth volume now: The Can Sack Ghost.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book in print is “20 Ways to Increase Your Psychic Abilities.” I wrote this book so that anyone of any skill level could use the 20 tools and techniques in my book to increase their psychic abilities and improve the quality of their lives.
I stripped away the gobbledygook that usually clogs these types of books, and I made the spiritual methods easy to understand, easy to learn, and easy to practice. More importantly, these are techniques that the Other Side has taught to me directly over the years, so I know they work. And reader feedback is confirming that statement. I’ve received feedback from readers worldwide who tell me, “John, it works!”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I edit as I go, and then I give my manuscripts one last thorough going over before sending them off to the publisher.
I’ve learned over the years that it’s okay to “write out of order,” that is, if a story pops into my mind that should be included in the book I’m writing while I’m already in the middle of a chapter, it’s okay to pause that chapter and write the newly inspired story before I forget it, and while my enthusiasm for it is still at peak level.
I’ve also learned that it’s okay to work on two or three books at the same time, as I’m doing now: writing more nonfiction paranormal stories while simultaneously working on my first novel, crime fiction with paranormal overtones.
One of the best lessons I’ve learned is to make detailed notes about any inspiration that comes to me for a new book, poem, short story, etc. Trust me, even if it’s a great idea if you don’t write it down in detail when it comes you’ll find that you’ve forgotten it later.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like John Updike for his way of accurately portraying the human condition. But I am a reader who casts a wide net when it comes to authors and subject matter. I think my writing has been influenced by everything I’ve read, beginning when I was a child, cutting my teeth on the Dick and Jane books, then comic books, and then developing an ability to read and comprehend that enable me to read adult literature before I became a teenager. As a youngster of 11 or 12 I didn’t read books like Williams James’ “The Varieties of Religious Experience” to impress anyone, but simply to discover the information it held and to see how I might be able to apply it to my own life.
What are you working on now?
I’ve just finished my fourth book of nonfiction paranormal stories, “The Crying Tree and the Magic Rock,” which will come out this year (2024). I’m close to finishing my fifth book of nonfiction paranormal stories, “The Can Sack Ghost,” and I anticipate a 2025 release date for that book. And I’m working on my first novel, about a serial killer, and the novel has paranormal overtones. Beta readers tell me they’re excited about it and can’t wait to see the completed book in their hands.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use anything and everything I can find: Facebook ads; magazine ads; online ads; book promotion sites; AWESOME GANG is one of the best bangs for the buck! I’ve even purchased TV ads, and they did prove to be effective. I try to stay active on social media and post daily, mentioning my older books as well as my newest. I also have a very active interview schedule, and I’ve been on all of the top radio shows and podcasts, including 10 appearances to date on Coast to Coast AM with George Noory, Fade to Black with Jimmy Church, 11 interviews with JV Johnson of Paranormal Reality TV, and many more: over 180 interviews in the past 3 years.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Develop a thick skin when it comes to unwarranted criticism. There are a lot of trolls out there. Don’t take rejections personally; keep promoting your work. And for God’s sake: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! It amazes me the number of successful authors I’ve met who denigrate their own work. Be proud of your published work. Champion it! Be proud of the words you’ve written and the thoughts you’ve communicated to others. You’re bringing a whole new world of experience to readers; your story is unique.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Plant your butt in the seat every day and do the work of a writer.”
The more you show up for work, the more the Muse will show up.
What are you reading now?
I just finished “Bet You Can’t Find Me,” by Linda S. Prather. I love this author’s works!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing more books! I hope, when my time comes, that they find me slumped over the keyboard, lifeless but with a smile on my face.
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?
Without being conceited or arrogant, mine; for the simple reason that I’ve lived such an amazing life that it energizes me and fills me with gratitude to be able to reminisce about each and every wonderful story I’ve lived.
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