Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written several pieces at different times in my life and I would not call them books. However, I am very adamant about only releasing my work when it feels appropriate. Therefore, I have only published one work. The timing felt right and, I have to admit, I did feel the pressure of finishing it to get it out to the public. That fact probably shows more than I want it to through my style of writing. That is just the type of person that I have become. When I make the decision to do something, it is far more important to get the task done than it is to swarm around it for days, weeks, or months. I feel it is always important to complete what you set out to do. I wanted to be a published author, and that is exactly what I did.
I grew up, and live, in West Virginia. My county was quintessential West Virginian, coal country. Life here seems simple. People go to work and buy ATV’s to pass the time and what not. I took that path and it was unacceptable. I chose the hardest path that I could think of. The path of self reliance, but not just physical survival in our modern times, but mental survival. I was diagnosed with a depression and anxiety disorder some years back and I was unconscious of how the medication was affecting me. I talk about this at length in my book. I had a mental breakdown and went through a divorce. I decided to change everything. I grew up as what we can say as an average child, but I never felt like I fit in. Books, and writing, have always led me in the right direction to finding myself and my passion in life.
Feel free to email me at romanforge468@gmail.com
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Notice Me” is the name of my latest and only book. The inspiration came from other people informing me of the personal change that they saw in me, and I have never read a book that talks about someone right in the middle of the change, but far from achieving their vision. I decided that it would be an informative perspective and sort of a looking glass into the world of someone who is making strides but has not yet “arrived”. The basis of that change has been four years of weekly therapy. I don’t want to confuse people and have them think that therapy gave me revelations about myself and my life. It did not. It did provide me with one or two hours a week to have time dedicated to myself with someone who is knowledgeable about the human mind and why we do what we do. In my experience, therapy has been a reflection of myself that allows me to talk with myself through someone who has taken an interest in my life. You can also count some inspiration from seeing people who look like they are zombies, working and going home then repeating that cycle. I wanted others to know that the daily grind is not what life is about. It may be a part of it, but it isn’t the whole.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think that I have unusual habits. I make time to write and I focus when I have that time. I get into a flow state and words come out like rain falling from the sky. I often do not go back through and change things. I did not do several drafts of my current book. I do like a good read, but I also like when things are raw. You can be reading a great story and it can take you to another world. I often feel that way when I read other’s works. I didn’t want to give that option to the reader. I don’t want my writing to feel like it is taking you somewhere or letting you imagine a different situation. I want it to feel like I am discussing the content with you through the words themselves. It may be a difficult writing style to read and comprehend, but I have to do what I feel is right for the given moment. This is the major reason that I didn’t rewrite anything. Everyone makes mistakes and says things that can be taken out of context. Part of the reason for the book is to spark thinking and discussion about progressing within your own life. So, I felt like my writing style has given that to the readers.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
“The Stranger” by Albert Camus and “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. These books really changed my perspective on reading and writing. It proved to me that stories can be great and also have deep meaningful roots that lead into the human mind. Read them and you are sure to change your mind about certain topics. I have read many good books, but those two are the top place holders.
What are you working on now?
Currently, at the time of writing this, I am finding ways to promote my book and get it into the readers’ devices or hands. I have ideas for my next work, but nothing solid yet. I do not rush things as I still run a business full-time and spend time with my children, when I have them. I normally get intense spurts of ideas and spells of complete focus. When the next one comes along, I am sure to have a topic for my next piece.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am not big on social media. My business does not see much success from dumping money into that kind of advertising. I wouldn’t say that I do things “old school”, but I try to keep things as simple as possible. Awesome Gang has provided me with enough leg work that I feel satisfied about using this service.
I also use whatever Amazon is willing to provide me with for their advertising. I feel that if my work is genuine, which it is, then I will reap the benefits of that naturally. I keep things simple, while learning along the way.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The biggest advice that I can give to new authors is… WRITE AND FINISH! To create a work, you must put in the time. You must give yourself a deadline and create blocks of time to set aside and focus on the content that you wish to put out there. I feel that it is far more important to finish a horrible book than it is to never finish a masterpiece. Stay disciplined, write, and publish. Completing a book will give you the confidence to write another one. Don’t break the chain.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you want to be a champion, you must act like a champion. No excuses, ever. Champions do it, and do it, and do it, and do it until the job gets done. Then, they keep on doing it.
What are you reading now?
I am reading “The Social Leap” by William Von Hippel
What’s next for you as a writer?
Hard to tell. I will wait and see what comes to me and go down the rabbit hole with it. I never rush it and the timing has to be right, or else my soul won’t be into it and that makes for not so genuine content.
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?
To Kill a Mockingbird, The Stranger, a book about how to escape a desert island, and most likely a book on wild edibles.