Interview With Author Rennie Du Plessis
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
How many books have I written? So far, 12 and counting. Why do I do it? Because I’ve spent much of my life presenting life-changing teaching in Churches and Bible Schools and people kept telling me with amazement that they’ve never had such deep teaching – it had to be turned into books so everyone can benefit.
This is the key reason why I do it:
“Making our world a better place and helping people and businesses develop is a way of life to me. I passionately believe that each life can make a difference to the world and I put great emphasis on the personal development of the whole person. The potential in us excites me and is the passion behind my forty years of people development. It’s an amazing adventure giving someone the power of knowledge that flips the switch and watching as they realise all the possibility and power residing inside them.”
I have earned two PhD degrees; one in Theology and Religion and one in Counselling Psychology. I’m a highly experienced instructor in practical, applicable biblical principles with a vast range of expertise. I’ve had the pleasure of has teaching internationally at all levels; from foundational instruction through to specialized instruction to senior leaders, from recovering addicts to doctorate students. My books are based on more than forty years in continuous study, research, writing and instructing to learners at all levels.
I love asking the hard questions and exploring truth and that has resulted in many profound and amazing discoveries which are reflected in my books. This isn’t theory, mind you. The depth and clarity that comes from a breadth of knowledge, understanding and expertise and most importantly, from decades of practical experience. It’s the real experience that makes the difference. In my books I draw insights from personal explorations of Religious Practices, Theology, Cognitive and Competency Developing, Cognitive Counselling, Temperament Diagnostics, Anthropology, and History to name a few disciplines.
My books are for real people living in the real world. This practicality is a reflection of my extensive business experience: entrepreneur, multiple business owner, author, trainer, radio announcer, cognitive counsellor and international speaker. It brings a practical, workable aspect to all the training and writing. I’ve conducted workshops, seminars, lectures internationally and developed and created courses on the wide scope of living a life of possibility.
I love educating and inspiring others to succeed and to live the life of their dreams.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Make your Prayers Work: A Happy Walk Book (thefluidway Publishers) is my latest book.
My inspiration is that I’ve taught on prayer internationally and seen astonishing results. And then, most of the people I’ve met have a hunger to make their prayers really effective. Prayers can produce powerful results. They will bless you and change the world around you. But how do you get that sort of result? That’s what I cover. I answer questions like these:
• What are the Secrets to making my prayers work?
• Are there Power Principles that will transform my prayers?
As an expert who taught on prayer internationally and who saw amazing results personally, I had to write this book and answer these questions and more.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I walk and pray and listen when I’m honing a point in my writing. My books need to be inspired, so yes, prayer and listening play an important role as well as deep research. And not many people know this – walking and praying is a right brain activity that releases creativity. And I have a special strategy that keeps me from writer’s block – I work on a number of books at the same time. If I get stuck, on one, I work on another. And if I’m really stuck? I walk and pray and listen.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Of course, to be expected, the bible – it’s crammed with amazing information, teachings and astonishing life stories. And I have volumes of books of all kinds on theology, the mind and all sorts of fascinating subjects all of which have shaped my writing. I also have all my books from my university days in Theology and Psychology. Plus, I have had the privilege of co-authoring some books with A Victor, an amazing author.
What are you working on now?
Right now, it’s a free book for our email newsletter subscribers. It’s called ‘He Leads me; Adventures in God’. It’s all about the many different ways that God leads you to succeed in life. You can’t buy it. You can get it and other freebies by subscribing. Here’s the link:
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love using MailerLite to send out email newsletters automatically and special book releases. And Awesome Gang was highly recommended to me by a top publishing expert as ‘A Top Book Promotion Site with one of the best email lists.’
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write top quality, carefully researched content that makes a positive difference in the life of your reader. And always, always keep checking for typos as we all scotoma – we can overlook things (it’s a brain thing). And every book I write is proof-read by an expert in my field. Make sure your book is well formatted, and remember, your cover is your window – make it full of impact and relevant.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Treat your writing as a ministry then you’ll do it with all your might and ability and give your very best and very most.
What are you reading now?
I’ve just finished ‘Did I forget to tell you? by A Victor. What a delightful book! He’s quirky, funny and yet thought provoking.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, that’s exciting. I’m always working on more than one project at a time. Next, I’ll be releasing a workbook to assist those who want to know more about the leading of God in their life.
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?
Trusting that I’d finally get rescued…
The Bible
Strong’s Bible Concordance
A blank paged book for writing in (with a pencil).
The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies by Nicole Apelian – to help me with foraging on my island retreat and for natural healing through plants 🙂