Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I became an avid reader of fantasy and science fiction as an eleven-year-old boy when my next-door neighbor, who was a children’s librarian, took pity on my single-parent mom. Bored out of my gourd with no one to play with but good ‘ol mom, I drove her crazy until Mrs. Crabtree brought home a stack of books she knew would hook a young boy and give my mom some relief. It worked. I’ve been hooked ever since.
For the past two decades I’ve been conducting an experiment. Is it possible to create a new context for my life that I feel is “divinely inspired” and true to my deepest values, my sense of what’s possible, and true to my soul and spirit? If it is possible, what will be the results? Will it enhance my life? Will I experience a true sense of purpose and meaning? Will I know at the end of the experiment that my life has mattered?
Becoming a writer of visionary fiction and non-fiction has been an integral part of this experiment, as was co-founding Life On Purpose Institute with my wife in 1996, being a coach to assist others to create their own life on purpose experiment, and training other Life On Purpose Coaches.
Since selling my veterinary practice in the late 80’s to pursue a career as a writer and life coach, I’ve published over 350 magazine articles in such publications as Family Fun, Boys’ Life, Body and Soul (then New Age Journal), Yoga Journal, and Better Homes and Garden, to mention just a few. Many of these have been part of my pet writing project: Project Purpose: to write and publish articles about people whose lives are dedicated to a bold and inspiring purpose or vision.
I am the author of fifteen books of visionary fiction and nonfiction including two adult speculative fiction books written under the pen name of Orrin Jason Bradford.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is Spacehoppers though it was written years ago. It’s a juvenile YA book about a visitation from another planet and it reminds me of some of the YA fiction my next-door-neighbor children librarian used to turn me on to growing up.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I guess the closest thing I could think of is that I dress up like a dog before I start writing. Does that count?
No, really. I do work with Scrivener which may be a bit unusual though any writer who tried out this software would love it. I also do a lot of mindmapping when I’m beginning a new project. Probably not that unusual especially when compared to dressing up like a dog.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, Asimov, Edgar Rice Burroughs and others from the early days of SF and fantasy.
What are you working on now?
My latest work in progress is Babble. It was inspired by the notion that it’s time for humans to take the next evolutionary leap in consciousness. After all, we’ve evolved to supposedly be the most conscious beings at least on planet Earth, but there’s a higher level of awareness that some of us are beginning to press against called cosmic consciousness. Who will be that individual who will climb out of the evolutionary waters and step onto a new land of consciousness. Babbling Bobbie is his name.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still working on getting the hang of balancing the writing with the promotion so wouldn’t say I have a favorite method or web site yet. I am in the midst of promoting two of my visionary nonfiction books on life purpose through a combination of KDP giveaway (Spiral of Fulfillment) and KDP Countdown (Life On Purpose). Will have to wait and see how this combo works.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Spend less time talking about writing including how hard it is and just write. Set up a writing schedule and a minimum amount of writing that you deem acceptable on a daily or weekly basis then work to surpass it. When you start writing more than that on a regular basis increase the minimum.
Write for the joy of having written more than the need to be inspired in the moments of writing.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Gosh, I thought what I just wrote was pretty good.
What are you reading now?
Just finished Blood Song by Anthony Ryan and just getting into Kay Kenyon’s A Thousand Perfect Things. Also reading Julia Cameron’s Finding Water to help keep me inspired to write.
What’s next for you as a writer?
This year of 2014 is the year I step into being not only a visionary author but a hybrid author taking the dual path of indie publishing and traditional publishing. Luckily I have a wonderful wife who is supporting this dual effort with her own time and energy.
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?
Boys Life – my favorite all time book.
Probably some book on survival though I’m not sure which one.
My Chromebook so hopefully I could get an internet connection and access my Kindle books. I’ve a ton of reading to catch up there.
Author Websites and Profiles
W. Bradford Swift Website
W. Bradford Swift Amazon Profile
W. Bradford Swift’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account