Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Since retiring from an engineering career I have been pursuing my passion for teaching, writing, and playing music. I have written 15 books about music, science, nature, and health.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled “Plant Based Health & Wellness.” It is the story of how I reversed several very serious illnesses by adopting a plant based lifestyle.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t have any strict writing schedule or rules. I just write about my passions, and only when I feel inspired – which is most of the time every day!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Because of my recent health issues I have been following many inspiring naturopathic doctors like T. Colin Campbell, Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Joel Fuhrman, and Pam Popper. A lot of their influence shows up in my latest book “Plant Based Health & Wellness.”
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a guitar book called “Beginning Fingerpicking Guitar” and a series of books of classical music for the 5-string banjo.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Of course I promote my books on my own website at rickmckeon.com. Also, I have used Facebook ads and AMS with some degree of success. I’m very excited about my new relationship with Draft2Digital.
I have a few books published by large publishing houses like Mel Bay (music) and Apress (technical). If you can have a major publisher promoting your book, that’s great!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
So many new authors get discouraged and quit. It is important to believe in yourself and hang in there. If you are sharing something of value with your readers, you will succeed.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“What you think about you bring about.”
What are you reading now?
I’m mainly reading about book marketing. We authors love to write, but we are probably the worst ones at marketing. That’s a skill we all need to learn – like it or not.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I continue to work at the craft and to deepen my knowledge in my many diverse areas of interest.
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?
The Bible
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Probably not much of a chance to use those lessons on a desert island, but maybe once I get back. 🙂
CHAOS by James Gleick
The Mathematical Tourist by Ivars Peterson
Those would keep me going for a while.
Author Websites and Profiles
Rick McKeon Website
Rick McKeon’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile