Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m from Columbus, Ohio, and I’m happily married to my lovely wife Carrie. We have three daughters; Meredith, Chloe, and Sarah. When I have free time, I love to exercise, run, mountain bike, fish, and hunt. Although I enjoy reading, I wouldn’t consider myself an avid reader. I try to read approximately one book per month. If I had to choose, I prefer writing over reading.
I graduated from The Ohio State University in 1995 with a B.S. in Business Administration. I worked in the corporate world for over twenty-two years in the financial services industry and served as Senior Vice President in the institutional banking division at Citigroup. Although I was very successful from a worldview standpoint, I never felt like my talents were being used to my full potential. My wife and I began praying for direction, and over a period of time, it became very clear that I was to leave the corporate world altogether, and begin pursuing a career as an author and life coach.
I have written one book and I’m currently working on 2 other books. One is a Christian Fiction book, the other is a book on Marriage that I am co-writing for my wife’s marriage counselling practice.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book was published November 1, 2019 and is entitled ‘American Pharisee: Overcoming the Beliefs That Deceive’. It is a Christian non-fiction book on how our pursuit of the American Dream competes against our pursuit of Christ. The end result is a weak faith where the person thinks they are following Christ, but in reality, they are following their own pursuits of happiness, comfort, and success.
I was inspired to write this book because of my own life experiences and how I was being deceived by the false belief that nothing is wrong with pursuing happiness, comfort, and success. In reality, these pursuits can easily turn into idolatry, and draw us away from God. And this form of idolatry is so subversive because these things are not sinful in and of themselves. They only become sinful when we begin to prefer them over God. Not to mention, the desire for happiness, comfort, and success are so ingrained within our American culture. In my opinion, the most prevalent sin committed by the American Christian is preferring the American Dream over God. That is why Christianity in America is flat-lining. The majority of believers are forsaking God for the “good and nice” life.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love this question, because Authors, by nature, are an unusual group of people!! So any unusual writing habits are likely considered normal by the Author:)
One of the habits I wish I could break is editing my work while I’m trying to free-write. This habit slows down the process so much, but I can’t seem to break the habit. On the positive side, editing while I write allows me to refine what I’m attempting to communicate. This plays well to my writing style which is one of deep thought/concepts.
Another writing habit I have is either writing outdoors or in a remote location where I can look out at a scenic view. I’m always inspired by God’s wonderful creation!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tony Evans, Francis Chan, David Platt, Kyle Idleman, A.W. Tozer, and Charles Spurgeon are all authors that have had a huge impact in my faith walk and what I write about.
What are you working on now?
My number one priority is promoting my new book. A close second is growing my life coaching practice.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new at this, so I’m trying a little bit of everything! I’m blogging, doing facebook ads, and doing a lot of research on the internet.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Persistence is key. Whatever you do, don’t give up. The hard work is worth it, and it is so rewarding when you finally hold a copy of your book in your hands.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As it relates to writing, my mentor, Kary Oberbrunner, told me, “The creative process is messy.” Therefore, we must embrace the messiness and press on.
As it relates to life, the best advice I have heard, “If anyone is to come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” – Jesus Christ
What are you reading now?
‘The Unsaved Christian’ by Dean Inserra
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue to promote ‘American Pharisee’, and increase my online presence by blogging. Beginning to work on book number 2 is still about a year away.
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, Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer, and ‘Hearing God’ by Dallas Willard
Author Websites and Profiles
Kevin Hover Website
Kevin Hover Amazon Profile
Kevin Hover’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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