Dr. Matthew A. Brown is the author of “Where God Leads, I’ll Follow,” a memoir of his life and a book filled with hope, inspiration, dreams, and faith.
Dr. Brown has had a life filled with adversities and unexpected incidents. He experienced a horrific accident that left him afflicted for several years. However, in these dark times, Dr. Brown found hope by believing in God.
By the grace of God, Dr. Brown was able to overcome his affliction and become motivated to continue his studies in the chiropractic profession and become a doctor. Life had unbelievable surprises in store for him, of which one resulted in him becoming a prisoner in a foreign land.
Currently, Dr. Brown serves as a minister in his church and is a valuable member of a variety of committees. He is a husband to an anointed woman of God, is a father to an amazing son, a grandfather to five wonderful grandchildren, and a son to two inspiring parents.
Based on his true-life experiences, Dr. Brown created “Where God Leads, I’ll Follow.”
Where are you from?
I am from Port Huron, Michigan.
Why do you write?
Writing is a way for me to express myself, imagery & much more.
What do you write about?
I mostly write about the Word of God & how Jesus Christ directs my path.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I don’t have a specific per se. I just love to bring my writing alive to the reader.
What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?
There are many obstacles that go along with writing. Getting distracted with the everyday hustle and bustle of life, finding the right balance of spending time with friends and family while staying diligent in writing, etc.
Where God Leads, I’ll Follow
What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?
I was asked, “After everything I have read about you and the things you have faced in life. How do you keep going?” I said, “It’s simple. I trust God.”
How long have you been writing?
I found my love of writing in my youth. I have always loved literature.
When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
I first realized I wanted to become a writer when I would tell my friends and family about the many surreal moments of my life, and they would encourage me to write a book.
What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
My work schedule is flexible because I am self-employed.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
My interesting writing quirk is that when I really want to get deep into my story, I turn the lights off and sit back in my chair & squint my eyes.
How long does it take to write a book?
It took me nearly 7 months or so to write my book.
Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?
They should increase their vocabulary.
What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?
Staying focused & being patient for the final product.
What do you think makes a good story?
I think a good story is when the reader can put themselves in the writer’s shoes.
What does your family think of your writing?
My family is very proud of my writing.
Do you see writing as a career?
I’m not sure if writing will turn into a career.
Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?
I am so grateful that God is present in my life.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I wrote a poem in junior high, & my teacher complimented me on it & told me I should write more.
Jenny has a story to tell. Her story is one of recovery and hope. She has survived, healed, and thrived after her unhealthy first marriage ended in divorce. She holds a Master of Arts in Human Services Counselling from Liberty University. Her life experience and expertise from years of study give her a unique angle on the subject of healing from divorce. She also has a unique angle on dating, having dated well and unwisely at various points in her life.
She lives in Ontario with her new husband, Curtis. She is a happy housewife and author who loves pursuing creative interests like sketching, playing the violin, and writing.
Where are you from? I was born in the United States but spent most of my growing up years in Nova Scotia, Canada. I now live in Ontario, Canada.
Why do you write? I write to share messages of hope, encouragement, and inspiration.
What do you write about? I write about relationships and the Christian faith.
Do you have a specific writing style? I’ve been told my writing is succinct with practical wisdom.
What are obstacles that come in the way of writing? Perfectionism.
What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work? My husband said my Divorce Recovery Handbook read like modern-day proverbs. That was quite the compliment!
How long have you been writing? I wrote one of my first pieces of fiction at age 9.
When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer? In 2012 or 2013, shortly after my divorce.
What is your work schedule like when you are writing? I have the luxury of being a housewife. This gives me as much time to write as needed. I usually write when my husband is at work.
How long does it take to write a book? I write on the Medium writing platform and had enough articles after a couple of months for my first book, Divorce Recovery Handbook.
Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer? Write consistently. Keep writing. Practice makes perfect, as they say – though no writer is ever perfect.
What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story? Feeling like I have to write perfectly. I uploaded my first eBook more times than I can count with countless changes to make it as perfect as possible. There are also times when I can’t think of what I’m trying to say or I sometimes wonder if my style should be more like someone else’s. It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap.
What do you think makes a good story? One that stirs emotions and inspires the reader.
What does your family think of your writing? They’re totally supportive, especially my husband. My dad read Divorce Recovery Handbook twice.
Do you see writing as a career? Yes! I’m branching out into a new career as an author.
Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers? If you’re hurting emotionally from a divorce, be encouraged – healing is possible. It might not seem that way but I’m living proof. Please consider reading my book Divorce Recovery Handbook.
When did you first consider yourself a writer? I’m still processing the fact that writing is my new career. It’s been a long-held dream.
How do you work through self-doubts and fear? I hear those doubts and fears but keep pressing on because I believe in my message. I have a story to tell that will help others.
What are you most proud of in your personal life? I’m proud of how I left my unhealthy first marriage. I wasn’t a victim but instead overcame and moved on.
What books did you love growing up? Sweet Valley High, Paddington Bear, Nancy Drew.
What else do you do, other than write? I play the violin, spend time with my husband, I sketch, exercise, bake and cook. I even enjoy housework!
What other jobs have you had in your life? I was a secretary for 30 plus years.
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support? I’m thankful for my husband’s support. He’s my number one fan and encourager.
Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you? Successful writing is making a living from my books while helping others who were where I once was.
Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it? I wrote Stop Settling When it Comes to Love to encourage woman that they don’t have to settle when it comes to finding a spouse. I wrote it to help them aim higher. They don’t have to settle for less than what they deserve. This book will be available on or before January 11.
What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel? I want people to walk away from my writing with practical tips for better relationships and strategies for healing. I want them to feel hope for their future.
Rutherford has written this guide with the same wit, cynicism, straightforward answers, and wisdom that he has given to his fitness and contest prep clients over the past 20 years, in the training and competition prep industry. Filled with exact ideas for training, workouts, nutrition, supplements, competition costs, as well as what it takes to be a champion on stage.
Describe yourself in five words
Learning, helpful, empathetic, curious, and hungry.
What fact about yourself would really surprise people?
I have skydived 25 times and enjoy Ethiopian food
How do you work through self-doubts and fear?
Setting weekly, monthly, six month, and yearly goals. It helps me to keep my mind in a positive place and ‘slow down and smell the roses’. So much of our lives is ruled by fear or intimidation—letting go and trying everything to learn about my self is the goal and I believe the way to find true contentment. What scares you the most?
Not being able to work and continue to serve others
What makes you happiest?
Having a client give me a call and let me know that their life has been changed through my training or nutrition ideas. “Tom, last night I slipped coming out of the shower and I was able to catch my balance and save myself; without you and your help I would have fallen” and “ I was able to catch my wife while she was falling on the way down, thank you Tom, your training made that happen, I never could have done that a year ago” are a couple exact quotes of my clients that come to mind.
Why do you write?
I have been influenced through my teens and into my competitive career by authors of books that have changed my personal learning and training philosophy. “The truly educated never stop learning” is a literal phrase that rules all that I do.
Have you always enjoyed writing?
Yes I have always enjoyed writing, took many poetry classes in college and advanced writing courses. Bodybuilding on Budget is my first book, excited about it, but, have another in the mix for the next year. What motivates you to write?
Finding the way to explain something to someone so they finally ‘get it’. That all teaching is, effective teaching that is. Changing the way you teach to focus on the learner’s personal style.
What writing are you most proud of?
I wrote some spoken word poetry on my youtube channel with a video to go along with it. Fear vs. Pride In Our Days is the name of it. And…of course Bodybuilding on Budget my first full teaching book. What are you most proud of in your personal life?
I went through a very rough intestinal surgery and complications in May 2021 after a routine hernia mesh surgery. The month in the hospital, two month recovery at home with a large wound vac and home healthcare, the 30 lbs lost and receiving a 13” by 3” scar on my abdominals. This was a defining moment in my life because right there at the hospital on my 11th day with no food or water I decided I would not feel sorry for myself and move on with my life in the best and upmost fashion.
What books did you love growing up?
Growing up I read nothing but Flex and Muscle and Fitness Magazines in my early teens and competition career! Comic books of course, lots of Marvel and baseball cards!
What do you hope your obituary will say about you?
That is a good question…kind of morbid but death is a part of life, the only thing that we are ever truly promised during our time here alive. I would hope that it would be filled with the lives of the people I have taught and learned from. The great loves of my life and my passions that made me who I am and who I esteemed to be. A great father would be the best compliment of all.
Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?
I grew up in Florida and spend my early years there, moving to Texas from 8th-11th grade, coming home senior year with my Mother’s most recent cancer diagnosis. Finishing up prep school at a college preparatory, I headed to FSU. A couple years there, after my step-father’s death, my Mom’s health went severely down hill and I came home to finish off my college with an education degree. She passed and I finished up my BS degree and started teaching. Moved back to Texas to get involved with the famous Metroflex Gym in Arlington, Texas training with Brian Dobson. Opening up my first gym in a business park, then a warehouse, and finally a shopping center, I began training out of Extreme Iron Pro and Snap Fitness in North Dallas. My son was born in 2013, soon after my Dad passed away. Since then I have been in the health and fitness industry and enjoying every day with my amazing son!
How did you develop your writing?
Through the past 20 years of gym time, I just wrote this book from things I have spoken about to my clients and friends in the same manner and delivery and I speak in person.
What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?
Marketing the book has its own challenges…getting the words out and on paper is another. The final editing has been difficult for me because when you read a text you are familiar you brain adds in some of the words that are left out and you read things wrong just like you wrote them.
What marketing works for you?
I enjoy face to face meeting with potential clients, sitting down with them and asking them questions, really listen. Adapt myself to be the best for them and their personal goals.
Do you find it hard to share your work?
No I don’t. After getting on stage in less than a speedo…some of those hesitations are lost.
Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?
Yes, they always have and have given me the push to be more and do more. Many of my clients have become friends. My ex-wife during our marriage would really help me with putting on my tan. My Dad went to every show and I still have one of his films with him screaming for me!
What else do you do, other than write?
Of course my long history of weight training and competition has always been my rock. Still training three or so times a week now while raising my son as a single father Mon-Fri and one weekend a month. This time has been not only my privilege but my honor. I cook that special little man fresh dinners every night and pack his lunches.
What other jobs have you had in your life?
I’ve worked construction, professional baker, flooring sales, online wellness, certified food manager with a cooking company, ice cream guy, nutritional supplement sales, gas station guy, heck, even worked at a cemetery for a couple weeks in my 20’s.
If you could study any subject at university what would you pick?
I guess I would choose another high level religion class like I took back at the turn of the century with the Deal of Religion Studies at FSU Leo Sanden “The End of The World In America” it was about biblical apocalyptic pre-millennialism. Got a high B in the class.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
I really enjoyed my time visiting in Japan, also really loved Northern New Mexico. I have heard Montenegro is beautiful!
How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?
I wrote this book with a headset using a voice translating software. I like to write in speaking and go back and edit it down. Usually sitting in a little cubby somewhere all alone for a few hours at a time.
How much sleep do you need to be your best?.
Need to get about six to function well; but four minimum if I am driving on the highway on a cross country trip at a truck stop. There is a thing such as getting too much sleep.
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support?
YES, many! My folks always told me to believe in myself and to dream big…that is a big part of
my book. No one can accomplish their dreams or goals without first having a thought and letting that thought grow and spin larger! My ex-wife during our marriage was supportive of me and my bodybuilding career, helping with my tan coats. My friends and clients through the year have been a pushing force also. “That’s my coach, that’s my coach”, I remember a client of mine Pam, who passed from throat cancer after she won the overall in her first competition with me as her prep coach. She was so proud of me for winning the overall at the show she attended…will never forget her voice and smile as she said that with pride
Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?
Being able to help as many people as possible with my words about exercise, nutrition, and overall life-skills. Making some money to help pay for my son’s schooling and being able to extend my career in this industry through writing relevant books to help others.
It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign?
I am working through all the social media sites, have the book on sale on Amazon and Barnes and Nobel now, and am handing out cards/getting booths at shows to meet and greet. I will be working with Podcast and YouTube book reviewers to help get the word out.
Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?
I wrote this book as an extension of my teachings and personal training to those who cannot get with me in-person at the gym or on-line through video conferencing. Wanting to give the newie to competitions or the gym a set of ideas to base their first (and consequently later in their competition career) off of to save them time, money, and personal energy. It was a great career that I had on the stage over 25 shows, trips to nationals, overall wins…I would like to help folks with things that I have learned to help them reach the best them that they can be. This book isn’t just for those with dreams of competition, no, this book is for anyone that wants to gain health while preserving the most important thing we have TIME. Time is the only thing you can never get back in life; let’s use it wisely!
If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask?
Would have to say the obvious, as a Believer, Jesus Christ. But other than him, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln, Elon Musk, Arnold Schwarzenegger, my parents.
When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?
NOT VERY GOOD at relaxing. I am always doing something to move forward mentally, physically, or spiritually. I volunteer as a ‘guardian’ at my local church and keep the parishioners safe during mass as well as cook for church events. The gym is a great place to spend a few hours on a free day—get a good workout and some cardio, stop and get a smoothie or what-not on the way home.
What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?
I want them to laugh, nod their head and say, “yessss…exactly what I was wondering!”. Want them to leave this book feeling informed and a bit more secure with their fitness or health plans. I would like the people reading this book who don’t want to compete to take on a different view of what they are doing all this work for and find the proper state of mind to continue on with their intentions. The sections about shopping, cooking, and meal prep are CRUCIAL for anyone who is looking to get their nutrition inline, no matter their health goal, saving time and money and doing so on a budget will be a way to have more time for family, self-care, or any other hobby that helps them grow wholly. I pull many ideas into this text about having the correct mindset, thought stream, and spiritual context to living and exercise. I want them to suck every second out of life like I have through whatever they choose to do—me personally I am an expert on the physical body and how to change it to be able to get the most out of life. I ATE my 20’s and 30’s up as a Christian, father, professional, and competitor now sucking the marrow out of my early 40’s; I used/use every second to keep moving forward as a man learning, growing, and changing. I want the reader to do the same!
David Bond has loved mystery and horror for as long as he can remember. A retired Floridian now living in Thailand, David spends his days pursuing his passion for writing. Crediting his co-workers into pushing him to writing his debut novel The Cemetery 6, David puts pen to paper with his creative imagination continuously straddling fear of the unknown and the excitement of the thrill.
Drawing his desire to write from life experiences—like working as a hotel Night Manager—David tips his hat to genius writers like Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Edgar Allen Poe and Jack Ketchum.
When he’s not writing his next great book, David can be found with his beloved wife Annah exploring the land of smiles and immersing themselves in Thai culture and traditions.
Describe yourself in five words
inquisitive, adventurous, loyal, caring, driven
What fact about yourself would really surprise people?
I enjoy reading and writing poetry. I feel it opens my mind.
How do you work through self-doubts and fear?
This is a tough question. I’m sure many authors will not admit it but worry readers will not like their work. The way I get through that is that I try to be as genuine and honest as I can with the characters and stories I create. If you do that then I feel your personality comes through in the book so I think readers can relate to my thoughts and feelings through my work.
What scares you the most?
The loss of close friends and family, public speaking, heights and this interview.
What makes you happiest?
The company of friends and family
Why do you write?
I like the feeling of accomplishment in creating something that hopefully brings a little joy to people who read it.
Have you always enjoyed writing?
Yes, but I’ve only started writing books after I retired.
What motivates you to write?
Interesting People, places and unique situations
What writing are you most proud of?
I’m only on my second book so I’m most proud of my first book ‘The Cemetery 6: Tales of Terror’
What are you most proud of in your personal life?
Being married to my wonderful wife, Annah
What books or authors did you love growing up?
I have always loved the horror genre. I feel it opens my mind. To answer your question, anything Stephen King writes, Edgar Allen Poe, HP Lovecraft, Dean Koontz and Jack Ketchum are my favorite writers.
What do you hope your obituary will say about you?
A kind family man who had a passion for adventure, a curiosity of the unknown and a desire for creating stories to entertain and delight others.
Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?
Grew up in Pottsville PA, lived in Florida for most of my life then retired and moved to Thailand a few years ago.
How did you develop your writing?
I read a lot which I think is helpful to learn style and flow of storytelling.
What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?
This one isn’t even close. Marketing by far for me.
What marketing works for you?
Social media, friends and family networking, affordable promotions through freelance services
Do you find it hard to share your work?
No, when I finish a book, I’m proud of it and want to share it with others
Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?
All of my friends and family have been very supportive
What else do you do, other than write?
Read, exercise, travel, work on our family’s farm in Thailand.
What other jobs have you had in your life?
Mostly worked in Hotel Management and Security Management during my career.
If you could study any subject at university what would you pick?
East Asian Cultures
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
I’m there. Thailand. What a great place to retire. The people , food, culture are just amazing . I’m inspired to write everyday here.
How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?
All
How much sleep do you need to be your best?
8 hours.
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support?
Several people but mostly my wife since she has to put up with me saying “hold on dear, just let me finish this chapter” before I do some house chores or things she asks.
Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?
Success to me is having people tell me they enjoyed reading a certain story or book I’ve written.
It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign?
I’m still testing my marketing campaign by using many different types of promotions to see which one works best
Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?
I’m actually one of the few people in our Thai town that speak English so I am alone with my thoughts 90% of the time as I haven’t learned conversational Thai yet. I ride my bike everyday and rode past a pretty creepy cemetery one day and thought ‘what if?’ what if a group of teens came out here on a Friday night to tell scary stories. That was my inspiration for Cemetery 6: Tales of Terror.
If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask?
Grace Slick, Jim Morrison, Stephen King, Edgar Allen Poe, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Benjamin Franklin and Jack the Ripper (whoever he is)
When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?
Reading poetry or bike ride
What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?
I hope they have an engaging experience that takes them away from daily life for a while and feel a range of emotions while reading
Originally, I am from Kenya but currently I reside in the United Kingdom.
Why do you write?
It allows me to share my knowledge and help those who are coming after me be better off than I was. In terms of writing fiction, I just have a story that must come out.
What do you write about?
Everything and everything. Fiction wise I write about time travel.
Do you have a specific writing style?
Not so much. No.
What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?
Research as I want to get everything correct as in this day and age everything is fact checked.
What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?
Thank you!
How long have you been writing?
Fiction – since I was 18 and non-fiction since this year.
When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
When I read DJ Machale and Connie Willlis.
What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
I start and can’t stop until I can’t then take a few days break to refresh then get back at it.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I listen to music to get a feel of how I want a chapter to turn out.
How long does it take to write a book?
A few months.
Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?
Write the worst book you can. That being done the fear of being a bad writer goes away as you can go up from there.
What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?
Getting my characters to stay on script.
What do you think makes a good story?
Good characters that are relatable. And non-fiction wise good flow.
What does your family think of your writing?
They love it.
Do you see writing as a career?
No, I do not. I can’t disclose what I do for work though.
Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?
Ricky Prestige Leverett Jr is an 4x self-published author, professional Metaphysical Motivational Speaker, ordained minister of metaphysics and meditation instructor.
He has spoken on a variety of topics for audiences both big and small. Ranging from corporations to small cultural events. Ricky has lead meditation classes for events and schools. He specializes in mind science, black history, motivation, metaphysics and psychology. He studied metaphysics under Dr. Paul Leon Master at the University of Metaphysics. Ricky has been teaching, speaking and studying mind science for over ten years.
Describe yourself in five words. Prestigious, Spiritual, Witty, Intelligent, Purpose-driven
What fact about yourself would really surprise people? When I was a baby, I fractured my skull in a car accident. They thought I was not going to make it, or my brain would not develop correctly.
How do you work through self-doubts and fear?
I just always remind myself that most fear comes from incorrect thinking. I use my fear as an indication that I have work to do in that area of my life. I realized that self-doubt would always be there and happens to everyone. I understood some push through doubt and others allow it to stop them.
When I manifest goals in my life. I love to see things I have created come to life.
Why do you write?
I write because it gives me a chance to help others through spreading knowledge that helped me. I focus on self-help and mind science. I try to make complex topics more relatable. It is incredible that our mind can produce words that can change people’s whole perspective on life.
Yes, I started writing in elementary school. I would author short stories and I realized I was good at it. I remember winning the classroom spelling bee and being able to speak at graduation. Over time I began to lose my passion after I could not write children stories any longer. I began writing again as an adult on social media and then it all came back to me.
What motivates you to write?
Just the idea that these words can take myself and others to another level in their lives.
What writing are you most proud of?
I am proudest of my first book Mind Alignment: Wake Up Your Stolen Greatness Through Mind Power. It was released May 2020 on my birthday. In the middle of the pandemic my first published work was born.
What are you most proud of in your personal life?
I am proud that I can wake up and see my family. I have a strong relationship with my family. It is amazing watching them all grow into adults.
What books did you love growing up?
I used to love Goosebumps. I loved books about historical people in my culture. As a child I used to love reading about 2pac and his life. It was relatable to me even as a child.
What do you hope your obituary will say about you?
Changed people’s lives and lived his purpose. I am revered for my contributions to the community. By bringing education and healing to the community. I want to be the person that says the right thing one time to a person, and they use it to help themselves. I hope they speak highly of me and my life choices.
Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?
I grew up in Augusta, Ga and still live here as an adult. I aspire to travel to all kinds of historical and spiritual sites across the world.
How did you develop your writing?
Just keep doing it. I am still mastering my style.
What is hardest – getting published, writing, or marketing?
I would say in this age of technology, all of them have been made easier to do. I took the self-help publishing route. Which I suggest is the best way to go. Writing can be tiring and sometimes feel unmotivated. I struggled with procrastination but once I started it flowed. The marketing may have been the hardest if an audience is not already established. Social media really helps me a lot. All of these are skills that I must be willing to educate myself.
What marketing works for you?
Social media
Do you find it hard to share your work?
I love to share content
Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?
I would say they do support me. They might not always understand but they try.
What else do you do, other than write?
I am a meditation instructor, motivational speaker, and social media influencer
What other jobs have you had in your life?
Customer service, Auditor,
If you could study any subject at university, what would you pick?
I would study consciousness
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Near light blue water where the sun rises over the ocean
Tell us about your family.
I have a fiancé, and we have 3 children. I have soul tribes. My immediate family I see them every day.
How do you write – laptop, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?
I write on my phone when I get innovative ideas. I use laptops or sometimes I go old school with pen and paper
How much sleep do you need to be your best?
5 hours
Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge and thank for their support?
I would like to thank Katrenia Turner for always believing in me even after I have fallen short in the past. Also thank everyone that follows me on social media the motivate me to keep going
Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?
I want to be known as an expert in mind science. Getting paid residually for speaking engagements while still having a divine purpose
It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign?
I typically target people that are into spirituality and metaphysics. Typically, around the ages of 26-38. I love my African American culture, so I love writing to my people.
Tell us about your new book. Why did you write it?
My newest book is Mind Alignment 2.0: Paradigm Shift of the Black Mind. I authored this book for my people to get a deeper understanding of the power of their own minds. This is part 2 of my first book
If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask?
Nipsey Hussle
When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?
I like to be in nature by the water meditating
What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?
That they realize I am just the messenger who is here to remind them of their innate power. My goal is to teach a generation the power of their own minds.
Born to a poor teenage mother in rural Jamaica, Lorna experienced poverty, abandonment, and abuse. She boarded a plane to Canada on her own as a teenager with no guarantee of a visa, eventually gaining citizenship. Lorna defied the odds, overcoming poverty to graduate from university with an honors degree in social work while becoming the mother of two young children.
Her passion for learning and helping people transform their lives has led her to work in 5 different countries, where she’s taught and inspired thousands globally. Her compelling story of confronting the truth of her paternity was featured in an anthology published in 2018. Lorna’s latest work is her first autobiography account that details her early upbringing, life lessons learned through major life setbacks, and the exhilaration experienced in defying the odds.
The scores are: Internal Layout: 10/10 Plot Development: 10/10 Key Takeaway Message: 10/10 Overall score: 30/30 If you have books with issues that matter to the society and you want me to review them, check out https://internationalbookpromotion.com/books-that-matter/ #booktuber
Gary Tubbs is the author of Mindful Messages for Children (2016) and A Boy Like Me (2020). Taming the Dragon: My Memoir of Coming Out, Addiction, and Awakening is his first published work. A former Seattle school principal, Gary is blissfully retired and residing in Bali, Indonesia.
Where are you from?
I was born in conservative, rural eastern Washington State but lived in Seattle for 25 years as a school administrator before retiring and living as an expat in beautiful Bali, Indonesia
Why do you write?
I write to share my story as I believe it can benefit others. I want to contribute to the healing of those who struggle with relationships, identity, and self-acceptance.
What do you write about?
I write about my life and the lessons I have learned over seventy years or introspection and deep work. I write in a style that is authentic, raw, honest, and vulnerable.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Others tell me I am brutally honest in my writing; courageous in sharing my imperfections and mistakes as I invite others to join me along my path and my return to authenticity.
What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?
My greatest obstacle was a fear of not being good enough. I compared my writing to others. Once I shut down those negative voices, I relaxed into my own voice and found the confidence to persevere.
What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?
The following two reviews resonate deeply within me. Both are from people I don’t even know, making them even more poignant for some reason:
“Pages into this raw and honest book I wondered if I would be able to read it. And yet, little Gary already had me at the heart strings knowing all he wanted was his father’s love and approval. Turn after turn of page the honesty drew me further in. Before I knew it, I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what happened next, all the while hoping for Gary to find the love he so desired. I followed Gary through the highs and the lows of his heterosexual marriage, his encounters with men as he explored who he was and who he felt he was supposed to be. My mind and heart battled as I felt myself question my own beliefs, Christian upbringing, and a desire for all to have the love they deserve. More importantly I wanted Gary to love himself. Grab a coffee, curl up with a blanket and read this book. I finished it in three days, it was that well written, honest, real and raw.”
“Regardless of what you struggle with in life, Tubbs has tapped into the common blindness we all face with our personal issues. Through his journey, we discover that we all have the ability to overcome ourselves and find peace. You may not identify with the circumstances of his life and identity, but you will relate to his struggle, which is universal. The book is a well-written catharsis that keeps the reader hooked and Tubbs is masterful at taking you by the hand to look back on ghosts of his past. Recommend!”
How long have you been writing?
I engaged in grant writing and other technical writing for many years as a school administrator. But narrative writing is new to me. In an attempt to build skill and confidence, I became part of The Narrative Project (thenarrativeproject.net) for a year. I then self-published a collection of short stories based on childhood memories: A Boy Like Me, 2020. Taming the Dragon, 2022is my first book with a publisher.
When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
Three years ago, riding on the back of my husband’s motorbike, I had a delightfully jolting thought that resonated deeply: “Write stories based on childhood memories to give to Mom for her 94th birthday.” A year later, A Boy Like Me, was born with the very first copy placed in the hands of my beloved mother on her birthday. Mom died one year later.
What do you think makes a good story?
For me a good story moves along at a pace and keeps my attention. I want there to be depth, humor, and enough stimulation to keep me engaged so that I’m not only feeling entertained but also relating to the book in a personal way.
Do you see writing as a career?
I see writing as a JOY and passion. I write when I’m compelled to write or when I feel a thought, an idea, or a story bubbling up inside me that needs to be written down and saved, perhaps shared—maybe with one person, maybe a group, or to a wider audience. Should that writing evolve into a book, great! But I do not feel I am a writer. I am a vessel, willing to let a thought, story, or book be written through me.
Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?
Thank you for taking the journey with me from childhood to my golden years. May you be blessed with feeling all the feels this memoir might conjure up. May your heart swell with compassion for yourself and people you love, especially those suffering from identity issues, addiction, or a lack of acceptance from societal norms. Together we awaken!
O’Cyrus is an author, poet, and writer. O’Cyrus published his first book titled, “Sacred” (poetry) on October 31, 2022. O’Cyrus has six books set to release throughout year 2023 with one graphic novel set to release in the second quarter of 2024. For more information about O’Cyrus, please visit his website at https://www.ocyrusink.com
Where are you from?
Originally born in Boston, Massachusetts. As a child my siblings and I moved around several times due to my father serving in the Military. We call it, “Military Brat” which just means growing up in a Military household. With that said, I can’t claim any place in particular, however, my wife, Melissa, would swear I am from Georgia since I spent many years there.
Why do you write?
I want to touch the souls of readers in a world where social media has redirected the eyes off a book and onto their cellphones and computer screens. I want to touch those with my stories and change their perspective on life and fulfilment. My poetry is aimed to have me reach my hand in your bodies, grip a hold of your soul, and bring that soul into my world to allow everyone to hear the stories of many who want to help make life happier. I write stories that I would want to read and hope that others would lose themselves in like watching a movie in the movie theater. I write because I love the art and creativity of storytelling.
What do you write about?
What an awesome question! I’d like to first start with the genres I write which is poetry, children’s books, graphic novels, and young adult suspense/thrillers. I’ve also written a romance book, but I wouldn’t say that’s my go to like the other genres I’ve mentioned. As for what I write about, it depends on the genre. Poetry, I write from the perspective of those who I have encountered throughout my years who I feel have stories worth sharing to the world. Children’s books I like to write adventure stories with a hint of suspense. I also tend to write my stories as though everything is happening in real time. For example, if you go out with your family to the amusement park I would write the adventure in a way that happens from start to finish like watching a movie. My graphic novels verge more on adventures as well with many action sequences. My young adult suspense/thriller stories verge more on psychological thrillers like mystery books.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I’ve been told my writing style is considered, “pantser.” For those who may be unaware what that means, it simply means the writer writes without much to prepare for outside of a plot. For example, let’s say I want to write about a coconut that is trying to locate it’s family because that coconut fell from a coconut tree near the ocean and was washed, but washed up on another island. Now I’d take that coconut, and turn that coconut into a character, let’s say the coconut is a young 7-year-old boy who was in the coconut tree sleeping with a coconut that were siblings. That night they were sleeping, and a group of human teenagers went to that tree, shook it until a coconut fell, but due to the ocean’s current the teenagers ran away meanwhile the coconut stayed in the sand and thus washed away. Now the plot is for the character, to get back home. I don’t think of other characters, nor gender, names, or much of anything as I will simply go where the story takes me.
What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?
Well, I work full time in the Military so, that along with parenting comes with its own challenges. For the most part, I try to do things between 3am-6am as many days out of the week.
What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work? “Wow! I didn’t expect that to happen at all!”
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing since childhood. Maybe 5 or 6 years old, however it was off and on, but the idea to really hone in on my writing continued to present itself to me consistently since childhood.
When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
This became a reality in late 2021 when I was home on parental leave and was reading stories to my children and thought, “you know, I would love to read my own books to my children,” so I told my wife literally the next day, “babes, I’m going to write a children’s book.” She was caught off guard but supported me. About 2 weeks later I wrote the book, then hired an illustrator which was my sister who is a professional illustrator, then hired an editor and thus the bug to write stories has been ever growing since.
What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
3am-6am is the time where I will help keep my home maintained since my wife does a great deal of maintenance with our home while I am at work. I will also take about 30 minutes to read a chapter of a book. Recently I’ve been reading Manga’s. Generally, 4am-6am is writing time which could include research of areas I’d like to write about. Then from 6am-7am I will exercise. Afterwards I would get ready for work, write my wife a good morning text, and that’s my morning cycle.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Hmmmm…I’d say I have to use a specific type of keyboard to type my stories. The type of keyboard that each key on it sticks out like a typewriter where I can physically feel each key press into the keyboard. None of that flat keyboard mess where the button is so flat I forget where the keys are and ESPECIALLY not using a keyboard that have different keys in different areas of the keyboard. That gives me anxiety.
How long does it take to write a book?
Depends on the genre. Children’s books could range from one day to two weeks depending on if the book is a board book for ages 0-3 where the page count is generally ten pages or if it’s a picture book for children ages 2-8 where the page count is roughly 24-32 pages. Now if we’re talking poetry books, I’d say 3 months maybe even 4 months. Graphic novels can take me 4-6 months to write just due to me also sketching my scenes out before hiring an illustrator.
Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?
Write, write, write! I also highly recommend reading books specifically under the genre you as the writer have an interest in. I used to hear, “to become a better writer, it is important to read all the time,” but that’s not necessarily true in my experience. I know that I love images in my stories much like going to a restaurant and the menu has images of the food they have. Take that same logic, go to a restaurant, and go to order from a menu that doesn’t have any images, just words. I lose my mind because I feel I need pictures to help shape my story. I say all of this because yes, it is important to read as much as possible, but knowing what to read will excel how much more you read because you have an interest in it. So, in short, write and read daily.
What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story? Sometimes I’ve stumbled on how to open the story but HANDS DOWN the most challenging part of creating a story for me is the ending. Writing the ending. As I mentioned earlier, I am considered a “pantser,” which means I don’t know what the ending of my own story is until it happens. Because things are so situationally based with my writing style, I am often writing several endings until my wife picks out the best one that makes since for the story.
What do you think makes a good story?
Plot easily and the outcome of the plot. I don’t think having action in a story just to have action in it has any value unless the action occurring is specific to the situation of the character. Fighting just to fight doesn’t make sense to me. Fighting because the character was placed in a situation that led to that fight to me has far more value. A good story is one that flows from beginning, middle, and end. It’s very difficult to do even as an author myself, but if you believe in your stories than others will also.
What does your family think of your writing?
They love that I am living through my gift as a writer and progressing with that. My wife, Melissa, has been instrumental in supporting me. She spent many mornings sleeping by herself because I woke up so early to write. She means everything to me. My son also loves that I am a writer and I love when he comes downstairs and says, “Papa, are you working on your story?” My parents and siblings are overjoyed with excitement for me as well.
Do you see writing as a career?
Oh yes! Without question! This is what I want to do for the rest of my life is tell stories whether in books, movies, or even in theatre.
Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?
Thank you everyone for supporting me and for those who are new to my content. I am grateful for your time, and I hope you that we grow together, and my audience expands. I want to touch the souls of the world with my storytelling. I don’t have a social media account, but I do have a website as for those who want to stay connected with me. www.ocyrusink.com
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Officially, I called myself a writer in November 2021.
My name is Alex and I am an Australasian author based in Queensland Australia. I am the author of, A Succession of Swords, book one in The Chronicles of Serenity series. I come from a construction background, and was the founder of a large tiling company, before stepping back to focus on my passions. I am a huge family person, who is content to sit at home and argue with my children, over who is the strongest avenger. (Obviously Hulk!)
What is A Succession of Swords about?
A Succession of Swords is book one in The Chronicles of Serenity. It is an adult dark fantasy series that takes place in a world filled with orcs, elves and demonspawn, and the main characters are the gods and rulers of this world. In Serenity, The Sentinels of the Gods rule for a thousand years, before passing the rule down to their children. The story begins on the day the new Sentinels are to be named. Characters are not what they seem, and betrayal is almost certain.
What makes the world of Serenity unique?
I have strived to establish a world and characters that feel real. Although they are the gods, I wanted to dive deep into their human characteristics. The feelings and motivations that drive them, the positive and negative traits that hold them back, or push them to succeed. Every character faces their own unique trials, and handles the events in their own way. (Some better than others)
What are your inspirations?
I have always been a huge fan of fantasy, and love the escape element to the genre. (A world where the impossible is possible) I also find inspiration in people, people are very interesting creatures. Why does someone do what they do? Why does someone want what they want? I find these questions very interesting, and the truth is everybody is different, which makes the subject even more intriguing.
Do you have any favourite characters?
Definitely! Three of the characters are actually based on older versions of my children, however I spend a lot of time creating my characters and I am fond of all of them. (Even the naughty ones)
What is next for you as an author?
BOOK 2! I am very happy to announce that I have started working on the early chapters of book two. I will keep everyone up to date on my progress, through my website www.adbollen.com and my social media accounts.
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