Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am from Eastern Washington where I live with my wife and six children and enjoy 300 days per year of sunshine. My undergraduate degree comes from Washington State University where I received a BS in mathematics and then later an MBA from City University. Having also worked in many hiring capacities over the years and with other professionals, I have come to intimately understand what employers are looking for in a resume.
My inspiration for writing this book is based on my experience as a college professor teaching a Professionalism class in which resume writing was a significant part of the course. I was appalled at most of the initial resumes from students, but was able to help develop them into works of art!
I have also written several short books on various subjects of my personal interest including health/nutrition and investing in the stock market.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
This is in fact my latest book and I wrote it for the reason stated above. The students I was working with at the time were largely future medical assistants, dental assistants and HVAC technicians. Many already had jobs (usually low-paying) and were trying to improve their lives. At the beginning of each new class I would have them turn in their current resume and I was always surprised at how bad they were; even the ones that had previously sought help from a former instructor or college staff-member! The biggest problem was that students didn’t understand what the purpose of a resume is and how to make theirs stand out against the competition. This is what my lecture covered in great detail.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I can’t think of what to write next, sometimes I will write something absurd and then delete it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read the Millionaire Next Door many years ago and really enjoyed it because it showed how anyone can be successful, even wealthy, but only if they are smart with their resources. The author is an entrepreneur and every author is too. Now just to make about $100M more and I will catch up to him!
What are you working on now?
I am writing a nutrition book that brings together a massive amount of information that would not normally be found in the same work.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon.com
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make your book stand out against the rest. In our day and age, there a million books just like yours, so do your best to distinguish yourself from the rest.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My grandfather always said: “Find something you love doing and find a way to make money doing it.”
What are you reading now?
Right now I am reviewing “Understanding Business” for a course I teach for a local college
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully fame and fortune, but just the fortune part is fine with me.
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?
I would have to bring the Bible of course, but in all practicality I would want a book on survival too. Fishing, hunting, those sorts of books would keep me alive so I could read my Bible.