Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an optometrist by profession, and have spent the last 31 years helping people see better in the physical world. I started writing because I saw the need to help people see better in the spiritual world. Our society is so full of overly provincial and misguiding concepts. Personally I had stumbled upon a broader perspective, and felt the need to share it.
Faith Beyond Belief: Stories of Good People Who Left Their Church Behind is the only book I have written so far. I do have two follow-up books in mind.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Faith Beyond Belief: Stories of Good People Who Left Their Church Behind presents a broader and more sophisticated view of religion and spirituality than that offered from the typical religious pulpit. It makes use of the work of twelve noted theorists from different parts of the world, different fields of study and even different centuries to paint a cohesive picture of what steps are necessary to reach spiritual maturity. And guess what? It is not listening to your preacher or reading the Bible.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The twelve theorists from whose work I have drawn what I call spiritual development theory – M. Scott Peck “The Different Drum,” James Fowler “Stages of Faith,” Saint Teresa of Avila’s Mansions and many others.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Carefully evaluate your position and your writing to make a solid decision whether to self-publish, or find a publisher. The first method is of course much quicker. In my case, because my topic could be considered controversial in some quarters, I wanted the backing of a solid publisher – someone who agreed that the book’s main premise was valid, and who was willing to put money behind it. I could not have been happier with Quest Books as my publisher, but if I had written a novel, or some other kind of book, I would not hesitate to self-publish.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Two more books.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Author Websites and Profiles
Margaret Placentra Johnston Website
Margaret Placentra Johnston Amazon Profile
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