Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a global nomad who works as a business professional and spiritualist in one. My mission is to improve the lives of people by helping them actualize their worth in the boardroom, on the playground and life. I’ve produced shows focusing on self-development and business, including setting up platforms where people can showcase their talents through integrating storytelling and education. As an author of two books, the latest “Departures: Smart Packing, of Life’s Essentials, for On-Time Arrivals” focuses on a few realities of life that we carry with us as we navigate through the journey of life. The first book, “Kashing Karma” focused on reaping what one sows in life. The energy of giving and receiving allows new opportunities to prosper in our paths. The theme of the book offers individuals and businesses tips on seeking jobs, including investments, in their path. The genre of the first book was business, economics and professional development.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Departures: Smart Packing, of Life’s Essentials, for On-Time Arrivals” touches upon the sensitivities of balancing the awkward moments in the realm of communication, relationships, career, death and more. The concept of Departures challenges man to know when to reinvent himself, deviate from societal norms and when to truly walk away from a cause. This reality challenges people to engage in introspection to extract answers that many expect society to deliver but can’t because society is mirroring the tenets of globalization leading to higher expectation among the populous. We’re encouraged to take a step back, reflect and dig deep into few variables that create the confusion, per se ‘noise’ in the world, which prevents people from having meaning relationships and individual success (e.g.). I was inspired to write this book from personal experiences because my lifestyle exemplifies the idea of ‘departures’ on many levels derived from how I’ve navigated through my relationships, career opportunities and standing up for myself in scenarios where the easier choice was to shut up & quietly walk away. My mama didn’t raise no fool. 😉
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I need to have at least one cup of hot black tea or a non-fat cappuccino running through my system to get ideas flowing. I have an affinity for conceptualizing my writings by engaging in journaling, or drawing out concepts in those engineering blueprint pads. I’m weird, I know. I love using black and blue pilot pens for the process, having the right pen makes a huge difference. Many people rely on the computer to start typing their material right away, yet I derive more satisfaction using the mindful energy to write freehand before I type up an outline. One the outline is done, I adhere to a projected timeline to write (via typing) a little every couple days. I’ve learned not to waste time if I’m sitting at my desk for fifteen minutes without any desire to write. I move on to my next task or walk out for fresh air to clear the writer’s block.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
While growing up I was always in awe of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s ‘Great Gatsby’. As a practicing artist in my earlier years, his vivid writings always crafted wonderful illusions in my mind that allowed me to produce work for art shows in North America that exhibited a fine balance of words & one’s imagination coming together for storytelling. The ‘Great Gatsby’ resonates with readers for different reasons. To this day, I can recall the metaphor of the green light that embodies a dynamic mold of ideologies in the voyeur’s mind.
As for other authors who have influenced me, there are a handful that I cross paths with due to some of my work on global platforms. Every author and writer is unique in their technique for communicating their story. Each of them have taught me a little about life as well how to become a better writer in the process. I use to be a great writer but like riding a bike, one needs to practice everyday to maintain their craft. I’ve decided to get back on the bike and continue riding so I’m able to embrace destinations that I can report on from different part of the world. The best advice I’ve received is, “there are no great writers, there are great re-writers.” Regardless of how many drafts we produce, most writers know they can always go back and tune up their work a bit. Writing is a humbling process because an idea can be interpreted in so many ways allowing people to approach topics from their personal experiences, observation and other works.
What are you working on now?
I’m participating in a limited edition launch of “Departures”, before it makes a grand appearances on a broader platform in the next two months. There will be a third book out in due time which is already in the words for 2019. I’ve noticed while writing one book, the inner child in me is already conceptualizing the next piece of work. Between balancing my portfolio of business commitments, travel, speaking engagements and introducing “Departures” to the world, I’m busy for a bit.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m learning as I go from other authors. Some of my promoting is done through my platform and personal website, speaking engagements and leads that I’ve come across such as your site (thanks Awesome Gang). There are platforms from B&N, Books a Million and online retailers that also offer opportunities to connect with other authors. I’m a student of life, publishing is an arena that I’m learning day by day. My sources come through publishing houses, literary agents, online sites and everyday people sharing their experiences. Ask me this question in the next two years, I’ll have better insights to share the do’s and don’ts of promoting one’s work.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Everyone has to start from somewhere. It doesn’t matter if one’s writing an essay, a poem or a book. Find your message, be passionate about it and be comfortable refining it in the process as you grow. You’ll find inspiration and techniques that boosts your creativity; as well you’ll find things that distract you from conveying your message. Be positive, leave flexibility for all types of feedback (if you request it) and don’t change your message because you think others know you better than yourself. Make time your ally, it’s your strength in creating work that can remain timeless. Focus on the message and less on the glory that it can garner. Remember you’re not a one hit wonder, you’re planning to stay a while so get comfortable and dirty with your writing process.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing can be inspired from any everyday matter in life. The best writers are re-writers. I derive immense satisfaction from re-writing my drafts to the point I’m intrigued by the amount of patience I’ve exercised from conceptualization to launch. And no, I’m never satisfied with the final copy that makes it to the masses. I feel a writer needs to leave a little room for entertaining an open discussion with how audiences perceive your work. Thoughts and feelings go hand in hand, it’s all subject to interpretation. I’m not selling the idea of perfection to society.
Another piece of advice that I must share was given to me by a well known global speaker, “Make sure to know whether you’re a speaker that writers, or a writer that speaks”. I’ve learned through my journey in the past few years that I’m a speaker that writes (I’m pretty sure my answer will remain the same years from now.)
What are you reading now?
The Disease Delusion by Dr. Jeffrey S. Bland & Dr. Mark Hyman
What’s next for you as a writer?
More speaking engagements, writing and working. I’m excited because the idea of staying in one’s comfort zone for too long starts to make me uneasy.
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?
Great Gatsby, Brave New World, Four Hour Work Week & Departures (I need to be reminded to apply my own wisdom sometimes)
Author Websites and Profiles
Sasha Laghonh Website
Sasha Laghonh’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account