Great news. I was asked to send in a questionnaire as to why I should be intereviewed by the publishing services division of Lulu.com who printed my book Re:LIFE & The Myth of Motivation. I received a response in about an hour which was surprising to inform me I was chosen out of the many applications. I thought I would share with you all what I wrote so you understand the purpose and my agenda behind getting this exposure. If somehow I can get us the exposure to send as many people on their own “Journeys of Compassion” (Cat for Africa 2010!), then I will do all the interviews I can.

Transforming communities to rescue lives… I am blessed to have the opportunity. Here is part of the questionnaire outside of  the basic “Who are you?” questions.

How did you come to write this book?

My life was a wreck and I had been struggling with what I dubbed an “Addiction to people’s opinions.” I was sent by my employer on a “Journey of Compassion” in Nicaragua to do 2 weeks of medical clinics and feeding centres. On the 10^th day I had a massive meltdown and reached the climax of my “detox” process. It was in my hotel that I made some choices to turn things around and start making a real difference. I put the idea for the book on paper and proceeded to finish it months after my return.

What was the most challenging part of getting this book published? (i.e. The writing, the emotional challenge, finding the time to write, finding an editor, learning how to actually get published, financial obstacles, etc.)

The absolute hardest part was getting over the insecurity of being exposed through your writing. My original manuscript was about five times as long and caked with insecurity. It was even harder just making the commitment to release it and move forward without succumbing to the temptation of a fourth rewrite!

Now that your book IS published, what is your biggest challenge?

Still fighting that insecurity that people actually think of me as an author. I get encouraged to tell my story and get the book out there all the time but quite frankly, receiving my books was anticlimactic. It was like running a marathon and winning. Yes you won, but you are too exhausted to really care. It’s still sinking in.

Is being published everything you thought it would be or is it something different?

I never had expectations other than I knew people would see credibility in the message because it is in tangible published form. It has opened the doors I expected.

What is the best part about being published?

Again, not having to try and convince people to listen. A book provides all the credibility for other endeavours.

Is there a negative to being published?

If you are passionate about your subject, then the book becomes obsolete. I still want to rewrite it!

Will you write another book?

Absolutely, working on it now.

How long did you think about writing your book before you actually put your pen to paper?

I have written about two books before this one. I never got serious about actually publishing it until I came across Lulu.

When do you find the time to write?

I had to be disciplined and wake up earlier and a couple hours at night. You make time for what you really wanted to do. So once I had the conviction that it was something I needed to do, the time became available.

When do you find you do your best writing?

After some sort of inspirational experience. Once could say I am an emotional writer. I also write best when I am compelled by a need in others or compassion. If I feel a lesson I need to teach I will write it first.

Is writing a book something you always wanted to do?

Absolutely not. I knew I wanted to tell stories but originally I had a dream to create comic books and eventually animated movies. I have done both. But writing has been a unique experience that had rounded me in many ways. I almost failed English in highschool.

What did you do to celebrate, once your book was published?

As I mentioned I didn’t really celebrate. My book was part of some serious business. So it immediately got integrated into our mission of transforming communities to rescue lives.

How many books have you written?

About five books.

How has writing a book changed your life?

The change in my life happened before the book. The book is now changing other people’s lives which is most fulfilling. I can’t even begin to describe how much people have changed.

Do you believe your book is a New York Times Best Seller?

Yes. Only by the mere fact that the book does not benefit me but social causes. I believe helping people should always be a NYT Best Seller.

How has your book impacted your readers?

The impact has been incredible. People have been transformed. Even now there are people half way around the world on their own “Journeys of Compassion.” Pockets of communities that practice the book are spawning across Canada.

How are you promoting and marketing your book?

Through the website and our live communities called “villages.” Generous donors have made it possible for me to give away the book for the sake of our mission of transforming communities to rescue lives. What better promotion is there than the ability to just give the book away?

If you had to offer a new author advice on publishing, what would you tell them?

Check your motivation. Write because it will create and advance life. Not because you are trying to prove something or fulfill a self-serving purpose. There are so many other avenues to make a point. Writing a book is different. The industry is changing. Write because you want to be a gift to the world and participate in the human experience. The final piece of advice is know when to just commit and let the book go. There is always the next book on the way.

What was the best part of publishing your first book? (If you have published more than one book, please feel free to embellish on more than just your first publishing experience.)

The editing. I am so serious here. My editor made me sound like a rock star and I will forever be in debt for that. Getting my edits back was a life altering experience.

Are you content with the success of being published?

Absolutely. I have bypassed all expectations of success.

Where do you see yourself as a writer, one year from now…five years from now?

A year from now I see myself promoting books that others have written. Five years from now I hope to be in the middle of an industry revolution where all media has converged and knowledge flows freely.

What is your favorite memory about writing this book (and/or being published)?

My favourite memories come from giving away the books like Christmas cards on steroids. I also gave the first printed copy to my boss who sent me to Nicaragua to have my life changed. Nothing was more satisfying than writing the thank-you in the front cover!