How long have you been writing for? 
I have been writing my entire life, but I started writing my first book two years ago.
What would you say is the most difficult part of writing a book?
Tuning out the voice that says, “What will people think of this book?” The biggest challenge is staying true to my writing voice.
What genre do you generally write?
Spiritual and inspiration books.
Do you have a favourite author and why?
Neale Donald Walsch. He wrote a series of books called Conversations with God. These books changed how I viewed God, and completely turned my life around.
What is your book called and how did you choose this title?
My book is called Accept Connect Heal: A Vision of Hope for Our World. I choose this title, because I needed to put a message of hope into the world. I have been tired of all of the negativity I hear on tv and in social media. I needed to do something about that. My belief is that if we accept each other we will connect with each other. And, if we connect with each other we can heal each other through those connections. This book is a very hopeful book. It’s one I have been wanting to write for years.
Synopsis:
Accept Connect Heal invites us to rediscover the beauty of being human. This book will leave you feeling grateful to be alive. Every page offers a unique perspective on why there is still hope for the human race. It provides the opportunity to reflect on how we celebrate ourselves and other people. When we accept each other, we will connect with each other. And when we connect with each other, we will heal each other.Accept Connect Heal is a collection of short essays that celebrate the uniqueness of us all. An effective tool for discussion groups, Accept Connect Heal can also be used by teachers in their classrooms where diversity and respect for others is a top priority. It is age-appropriate for students at every grade level as well as adults. It can be opened to any page and used as a daily meditation.Accept Connect Heal brings hope and healing to all of us who hold the vision of a beautiful future for our planet.
Has your book been published and how did you go about this?
Yes, I self-published on Amazon. I hired Jo Harrison and Ryan Ashcroft to help me accomplish this. Their amazing abilities enabled me to produce this.
Approximately how long did it take you to finish your book?
18 months.
What advice would you give aspiring authors?
Keep writing. Let go of the the internal voice that says your work is not good enough. Seek support, and surround yourself with supportive people who believe in what you are doing.
What other ways do you market your book/s?
I talk to friends about it. I always carry books in my car, in case someone asks about it.
Have you enrolled your book onto Amazon’s KDP Select and how have you found it?
No.
If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would hire a professional editor.
What books do you like to read in your spare time?
I read spiritual books.
What do you feel is the most important stage of writing a book?
The ending. It was the follow through that was the most challenging for me. I am really good at starting things, and feel challenged when I have to finish them.
How did you go about designing the cover for your book?
I hired a friend of mine Gina Nolt to create a painting. I then took a picture of the painting, and sent it to Ryan Ashcroft to put on the cover.
Are you writing or considering writing a follow-up to your book?
I am writing my next book. It will be a more introspective book about celebrating our lives.
Do you have a day job (if so, what do you do?) or do you write full-time?
Yes. I am a music instructor and performer.
Anything else you’d like to include?
I am so grateful for this opportunity to explore my writing process. Thank you to Jo Harrison for all of the wonderful support. I absolutely will hiring Jo again to help me with my next book. Thank you!
Check out John’s book Accept Connect Heal: A Vision of Hope for Our World
