Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
“The Universal Mind” is my debut book. I was born in London, England in 1961 and I practice as a psychoanalyst and therapist, specializing in psychodynamics and the study of the subconscious and unconscious mind. I majored in psychology, music, English language and literature. I am the founding director of “One 2 One Counseling”, an organization offering personal therapeutic support to those with emotional and psychological disorders. I have worked at a number of private rehabilitation facilities and treatment centers since 1998 including the world renowned Priory Clinic in London, England. I am knowledgeable in ancient and contemporary philosophy, transcendental thought, general science, theology and mystical & esoteric writings, both classical and modern. I have also worked as a professional musician, singer/songwriter, producer and stage director, travelling the world with a variety of bands and I am the founding director of “A Major Events”, a music production company in Cape Town, South Africa, where I currently reside.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Universal Mind” was inspired by a yearning to find out more about the way the world is, the phenomenon of consciousness and the power of our minds and thoughts to heal ourselves and how they affect the world. I want to know what we are made from, (because atoms are actually nothing more than vibrations), what “matter” and “energy” really are and explore the notion that the whole universe could be nothing more than an illusion.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing style is simple and easy. I choose not to use big words as I want this book to be understood. No good if a reader has to do a google search for the meaning of every other word! I like to question the reader and prompt them to think about life and the great scheme of things. The main section of this, my first book, is written in a somewhat sagacious manner, as if a higher intelligence is speaking to us. I give great attention to each sentence to ensure that the flow of the book is meaningful. Unusual writing habits? Well, I will often interrupt whatever I am doing and jump up to jot down a single sentence or phrase, upon which I can later expand. I stare out of the window and think a lot (and smoke too much).
What authors, or books have influenced you?
All books by authors such as Deepak Chopra, Greg Braden, David Icke, Christopher Hitchens, Neale Donald Walsh, Paul Davies, Oliver Sacks, Richard Dawkins, Steven Hawking, Paolo Coelho, John Kehoe, Ben Goldacre, Mitch Albom, plus older works by Milan Kundera, Kahlil Gibran, as well as a host of books by ancient philosophers and more modern thinkers, The Greeks – Aristotle, Archimedes, Plato, The Chinese – Confucius, Lao Tzu, Yang Xion, The great Bhuddist teachings, the Upanishads (ancient Indian texts), also the books of the Kabbalah (ancient Jewish mystical teachings)… then Nietzsche, Berkeley, Russel, Kant, Spinoza, Hume, Descartes, Alain Badiou, David Chalmers, Jack Kerouac – and many others. I have read a vast number of other books as well, novels, biographies and so forth, but my inspiration comes mainly from the philosophers.
What are you working on now?
My second book will be a further exploration of the human condition, the power of mind and thought and will contain some eye-opening stories of my struggle with and recovery from addiction to mind-altering substances.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never get despondent if you get writer’s block. Write your thoughts down one sentence at a time or use bullet points. SELF PUBLISH! Do not wait to find a deal with a publishing company as there are too many scam artists out there. Remain in control of your own promotion.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Self publish.
What are you reading now?
How to stop smoking by Allen Carr!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Still promoting my debut book as a priority. It is essential that a new author gets as much exposure as possible. Also working on my second book, which, because of its surreal and somewhat sensitive content will need great attention and cannot be rushed.
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 simply cannot answer that. I would rather have an indefinite supply of cigarettes…and matches!
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