Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in a small town outside of Oxford in England, and now live in the beautiful East Bay, California.
My life revolves around writing numerous ideas for projects that could be fun to work on and have a positive impact on people’s lives. I choose one (or two) of these ideas at a time to try and make them reality. This has taken me into projects like, producing educational raps, organising concerts with world famous artists, and introducing innovative products in markets around the world. I’ve had some success and experienced much failure, all the while learning and I hope growing as a person.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Throughout all the ventures I’ve worked on over the years, Hip Hop always seemed to provide the soundtrack. Whether it be songs like Tupac’s “Me Against The World” to help me get through a stressful time, or songs like Jay Z’s “What More Can I Say” to express a feeling of accomplishment, Hip Hop has always helped me emotionally deal with life.
So to me it seemed natural to combine my two greatest interests: Hip Hop and Entrepreneurship, into one cohesive work which I could use as inspiration and motivation in the years to come.
That’s the inspiration behind “How It All Got Started: Lessons in Life, Art and Entrepreneurship from Hip Hop Icons.”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I listen to house/trance playlists. The music can entertain the part of the mind that hates sitting still so keeps me focused for longer.
I’m trying to get into a ‘work/reward habit’ where I reward myself at the end of each day of successful writing, for example by watching a film or eating out. Very Pavlovian, but I know from personal experience that, if you can make it a habit, it’s very effective!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen Covey wrote the bible for modern ‘success literature’ so if course is a big influence.
Seth Godin is also a big inspiration, especially his ideas on what an ‘artist’ really is, and overcoming social fear.
James Altucher is another influence. The way he writes about painful personal experiences and opens his soul up through his words is awe-inspiring. I learned it is that confidence to express the deepest part of yourself which connects with people most. I believe psychologist Carl Rodgers said, “What is most personal is most universal.”
What are you working on now?
Promoting ‘How It All Got Stated’!
I’ll also be starting some other business projects soon, and will be spending time volunteering for educational non-profits in the East Bay.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I found the book “Kindle Marketing Secrets” has some useful tips for promotion.
So far I have mostly been using Twitter by working with people with credible followings to promote the book. (I have used fiverr.com to find people to work with).
I have also, as Gary Vaynerchuk says, been ‘Crushing It’, by writing for relevant blogs and being part of the community.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’d echo the advice of Seth Godin which is that it’s better to spend 5 years building a blog then release a book, than to spend 5 years writing a book then hope to sell it.
But perhaps not to this extent. Whist writing I should have been building a blog community of interested readers, and that’s what I’ll do if I get a chance to write another book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Really don’t stress it. Stress is a completely negative emotion and leads to so many health problems. I, like many authors, have experienced a fair share of stress with this book. Firstly in trying to balance writing it and supporting my family, and then in the uphill battle to promote it to the world. But stress doesn’t help anything, it’s just a cold, dark cloud.
Of course it’s easy to say ‘don’t stress’ but when we’re facing seemingly hopeless problems it’s hard not to. So what are some of the best ways not to stress?
1. Get Help. You don’t have to do everything yourself. Your problems have been faced by many people before you and they have already found the best solutions. So get help from them. (Most likely through books.) And don’t be afraid to pay for help – saving stress is priceless. (For me paying for books on book marketing were well worth the investment.)
2. Take care of your self. That means balancing the four aspects of your life: Physical (through regular exercise), Emotional (through healthy personal relationships), Mental (through reading and mental exercises), and Spiritual (by remembering ‘why’ you do what you do – your higher purpose). If the four accounts are out of balance it can negatively affect all areas of your life, from feelings of happiness to creative ability.
3. 80/20. Realize that there are usually a few things you can do which will get the most results – and save you a lot of time and stress. This applies as much to professional work as personal relationships. If we can identify and focus on those few things we’ll be maximizing our productivity and have more time to live a healthy, balanced life.
What are you reading now?
‘Man’s Search for Meaning’ by Victor Frankl. It’s a remarkable book about the power of the mind over its environment.
What’s next for you as a writer?
For a while I have been interested in writing a book on’Sexual Transmutation’ that is the ability to ‘channel’ sexual energy into creative and productive work. I’m researching more into this field now.
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?
Catch 22 – it’s hilarious.
‘Life’ photo book – would be a welcome distraction from the sand and sea.
Lord of the Rings – need something that will last a few days at least (it could also make a useful pillow).
A survival guide – i’m practical!
Author Websites and Profiles
Ramses M Website
Ramses M Amazon Profile
Ramses M’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account