Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My childhood dream was to become a fighter pilot and a bestselling author. Somewhere along the line, I allowed myself to be persuaded to go to school, get good grades and get a well paying job with benefits and a good retirement package, so that is exactly what I did. I studied Mechanical Engineering and had a career spanning more than 20 years in the oil and Gas industry in Nigeria. In my mid thirties, I decided to return to my dreams. Though it was too late to train to become a fighter pilot, I still dream of flying one day. I wrote my first two books in high school, but Practical Steps to Financial Freedom and Independence is my first book to get published. I am also a public speaker.
Having gotten lost 15 years in the financial wilderness, I felt rather than write fiction, I will reach out to folks still trying to find their way home.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Practical Steps to Financial Freedom and Independence
The decision to write the book was inspired by my experience i writing my blog www.financialfreedominspiration.com, my interaction with my readers, the awareness that there was a huge gap in financial education and literacy, and of course my personal experience in my journey to financial freedom which I shared in the book as an illustration.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not exactly. I tend to be lazy as a writer, couple with the fact that I have so many things in my plate, including giving attention to my spouse and growing kids. Deadlines seem to bring out the best in me.
I have learned to set goals and work towards them. I am getting better at disciplining myself to set down and just do it
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Brian Tracy, John Maxwell, Robert Kiyosaki etc. The book that influenced me the most is Rich Dad Poor Dad by Richard Kiyosaki. Reading it was a massive wake up call that made me commence my journey to financial freedom. In my ongoing journey in personal growth and development, Brian and John have been indispensable companions.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a book on Financial Freedom focused on employees. Having spent most of my working life as an employee, that would be my gift to my constituency.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For me, it has been speaking so far. The jury is still out of website methods, but I have a team working on that and I expect to see good results.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
They should be very good readers. They should be ready to promote their books no matter the route they take to getting published. Unless you are a known name, you cannot afford to leave the promotion of your books entirely to others. What makes a bestseller is not how good your writing is, but how well in sells, and the author has a huge role to play after the last chapter is in.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take your eyes off the sales and focus on the following. If you have the following, the sales will follow
What are you reading now?
The Magic of Thinking BIG by David Schwartz
What’s next for you as a writer?
Go on the road, speaking and holding seminars
What is your favorite book of all time?
That would be Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. Close behind would be the Success Principles by Jack Canfield
Author Websites and Profiles
Usiere Uko Website
Usiere Uko Amazon Profile
Usiere Uko’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account