Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first book and has been about four years in the making. My daughters are teenagers now and it reminded me how I wished I had a mentor when I was younger. Nothing against my parents, but neither of them had a high school diploma when I graduated so they were unable to offer much in the way of career guidance. It is my hope that this career planning guide can help students, returning veterans and career-changers achieve their dream faster than I did.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
During my morning commute — yes, I still have a day job — I listen to podcasts and audiobooks. I love to take in new information and am a constant learner. If I think of something on the way to work, I try to jot it down in a journal so I can add it to my manuscript later. And I write, whenever, wherever I can. With work, family and other stuff that is part of life, it can be challenging to find the time.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I really liked Ernest Hemingway’s writing style. Short sentences. Succinct and to the point… and it felt as if he were there with you talking to you. A few books I really like are The Power of Ambition: Unleashing the Conquering Drive Within You! by Jim Rohn, Winning Every Day: The Game Plan for Success by Lou Holtz, and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
What are you working on now?
My next book will be on Enterprise Service Management. That’s what I do for a living and what I’m best at. Besides, I have a friend who is a regular speaker and a leader in several organizations has asked me to get more involved. I may try presenting at some upcoming conferences to dip a toe in the water. It sounds like fun and a venue where I can help others.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have no idea. I’m a newbie at this. I was going to ask you!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Regardless of how hard or difficult things get when writing, complete the mission. You’ll feel good about finishing what you’ve started and, if your message is a good one, you may reach people and better their lives. Don’t deprive your readers from being able to benefit from your story.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
An executive at one of my early jobs was a farmer and told me “Do the right thing and you’ll walk right through the weeds.” I wasn’t quite sure what he was talking about at the time, but later realized he was saying “do what is right in your heart and you’ll always succeed.” Most others get distracted or tire of all the hard work it takes to get ahead. If you persevere, your chances are very good you’ll end up well ahead of the rest of the pack.
What are you reading now?
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion, by Robert Cialdini. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of this book before. It explains the psychology of why people say yes and it’s not just for salespeople, fundraisers or negotiators. If you work in any organization, you’ll inevitably have to convince others to support you, fund your project, or go along with one of your ideas. I wish someone would have sent me the memo on this book years ago.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I think I’d like to try fiction. I’ve always been intrigued by action and adventure novels and think it would be a great learning experience and a fun project.
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?
If I’m stranded on a desert, I’m bringing my 1) US Army Survival Manual, 2) How to Survive on a Deserted Island: Survival Island Guide Handbook 101, 3) How to Build a Wooden Boat, and 4) Shogun, by James Clavell.
Author Websites and Profiles
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