Interview With Author Thomas Bika
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a licensed minister and chaplain, in Botswana’s Prison Service. My unwavering devotion to God’s calling has earned me a respected reputation as a wise counselor, a gifted teacher, and a compassionate leader. Currently serving as an assistant pastor, he approaches his ministerial duties with a rare blend of humility, empathy, and an insatiable thirst for spiritual growth. I have written 3 books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
As the author of “Mindful Parenting: Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children,” a few things really sparked the idea for this book.
One big inspiration came from my own experiences raising children. It can be tough navigating the world of emotions with little ones, and I found that mindfulness practices made a huge difference in our journey.
There’s also this incredible amount of research coming out about mindfulness and its benefits for both kids and adults. It seemed like a perfect fit to explore how mindfulness could be used to cultivate emotional intelligence in children.
But really, the biggest inspiration is the growing need for resources on raising emotionally intelligent children. This skill set is so important for success and well-being in life, and I wanted to create a book that could empower parents to help their kids thrive.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I find silence stifling sometimes. I can’t write in a dead-quiet room. Instead, I crave a little background buzz. Coffee shops are great, but my favorite spot is actually a bustling bookstore cafe. The sound of people browsing, the clatter of cups, even the hushed conversations – it creates a white noise that fuels my focus.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
For the parenting side: “How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish completely changed the way I communicate with my own children. It’s a must-read for any parent! There’s also “The Whole-Brain Child” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson, which offers a brilliant take on child development through the lens of neuroscience.
For the mindfulness side: “Mindful Education” by Daniel J. Siegel definitely played a role. Siegel’s work on integrating mindfulness into education was groundbreaking, and it really resonated with me. Another big influence was Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk. His book “Peace Is Every Step” is a beautiful exploration of mindfulness in everyday life, and it served as a wonderful guide on my own journey with mindfulness practice.
What are you working on now?
You caught me in the thick of things. Right now, I’m actually developing a new Bible study series that I’m really passionate about. It’s going to be a project that blends my love for both the Bible and understanding it, and I can’t wait to share it with the world!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
i haven’t really had a lot of experience in book promoting, The only method I have tried with a little success is the Amazon KDP Ads promotions.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Here are a few nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up along the way:
Find your voice and own it. There will be countless authors you admire, but don’t try to mimic them. Your unique perspective and experiences are what will make your writing stand out. Embrace your quirks and let your voice shine through.
Read like a writer. Pay attention to how other authors craft their stories, develop characters, and use language. What resonates with you? What techniques can you incorporate into your own work? But remember, reading is for enjoyment too! Don’t get bogged down in analysis – just get lost in a good book.
Develop a thick skin. Rejection is inevitable in this business. But don’t let it discourage you. Learn from critiques, take breaks when needed, and remember why you started writing in the first place. The passion for storytelling is what will keep you going.
Find your tribe. Connect with other writers, online or in person. Share your work, offer support, and celebrate each other’s successes. A strong writing community can be a powerful source of motivation and inspiration.
Most importantly, just write! Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the ideal inspiration. Set realistic goals, carve out time to write every day, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The more you write, the better you’ll become.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
hat’s a tough one! I’ve been fortunate to glean wisdom from so many sources – from the insightful research on mindfulness to the heartfelt conversations with parents. But if I had to pick just one piece of advice that’s truly resonated with me, it would be this:
“The only moment you have is this one. This moment is perfect.”
It’s a beautiful reminder to be present in the current moment, to appreciate the little things, and to not get caught up in the anxieties of the future or the regrets of the past.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m actually juggling a few things on my bookshelf! As you might expect, with the new Bible study series in the works, I’m revisiting some of my favorite scholarly texts on the Psalms. There’s a fantastic collection by Walter Brueggemann called “Interpretation: Psalms” that’s offering some fresh insights.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Expanding the “Mindful Parenting” series: There’s so much to explore in the realm of mindfulness and parenting. I’d love to delve deeper into specific age groups, tackling challenges like mindful toddler tantrums or cultivating teenage emotional intelligence.
Creating a mindfulness workbook for parents: A practical companion to “Mindful Parenting,” this workbook could offer guided meditations, journaling prompts, and other exercises to help parents integrate mindfulness practices into their daily lives.
Branching out into children’s books: I’m passionate about making mindfulness accessible to children. A series of picture books or a chapter book series with relatable characters could be a fun way to introduce young readers to mindfulness concepts in a captivating way.
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, blank notebook, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Author Websites and Profiles
Author Interview Series
To discover a new author, check out our Featured Authors page. We have some of the best authors around. They are just waiting for you to discover them. If you enjoyed this writer’s interview feel free to share it using the buttons below. Sharing is caring!
If you are an author and want to be interviewed just fill out out Author Interview page. After submitting we will send it out in our newsletters and social media channels that are filled with readers looking to discover new books to read.
If you are looking for a new book to read check out our Featured Books Page.