Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
Honestly, it is a means to an end. While working with a multi-disciplinary team to create the most effective health center in the world I had an epiphany, a “wow” moment. I realized that our care model was built around the ability of the patient to be the captain of the team, to lead their own path to health and wellness. So really, even with the most amazing facility, technology, and staff success is dependent upon the patient.
I asked, “What are we doing to help the patient be successful?” I studied change models and my “wow” came when I realized that all of them depend on personal motivation. This is not some bolted on motivational speech or habit but a deeply personal and individual experience. I spent the next two years studying, thinking, and writing. I realized that a book would be a great way to share what I had learned, and hopefully help the most people uncover their own motivation to their lasting benefit.
What inspired you to write your book?
I suppose the previous paragraph mostly answers this question as well. As a Christian I hope that everything I do is motivated by my love. During the writing process there was a lot of academic research, but an equal amount of inspiration as I strove to both understand the material and make it understandable for my intended audience.
What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
If I may, there are three. First, your life is important. No matter your position or status, what you think, say, and do matters. Second, your personal motivation is a source of power for you. It can be discovered and developed throughout your life no matter what has happened to you, or what you have or have not done in the past. Third, where you think you fall on the line or ranking of famous, successful, rich or whatever else it does not matter. The only thing that matters is that you are making some progress. This is a life-long journey, whether you are starting it at 18 or 88.
What drew you into this particular genre?
Self-help seemed obvious. I have read a lot of this genre whether with a personal, spiritual, or business lens. The writing that appeals to me the most is applicable to all domains of life.
What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
As I am just starting out that is yet to be determined. Since my target audience are people earning less than the median income, I am focusing on Facebook to start as my research showed that is the most common platform for this audience.
What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Again, I am just starting out, so take this with an appropriate level of skepticism. Know that if you want to earn money by writing you must mind both the writing side and the business side. Both are essential, and spending time on both is time well spent. If you really hate the business side, then become the best writer possible and get an agent and seek to partner with a publishing house that can bear a lot of that load for you. Finally, be patient and consistent. The first time, independently published, NYT best seller is a rare breed indeed. So be patient, persistent, and continuously improve. Good things will happen. If you find you are beating yourself up regularly, I encourage you to read my book and apply the principles, it could help with that.
What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
Ah, the future. I don’t know, as none of us does. I am trying to influence my future in a few ways. I make daily work of promoting my book as it cannot help people if they don’t know about it. I am working on making a community college course out of the material, and lastly starting to plant the seeds of a version for Christians. I felt a lot of inspiration in the writing, as noted earlier, and there is great consistency between the 10 general enduring principles and principles of Christianity. Making those connections explicit could help people who would not otherwise be exposed to or pursue the book.
About the Author
David R. Edwards worked his way through school, eventually achieving an MBA in Healthcare Administration. He served mostly lower income people on 3 continents over the last 35 years and is familiar with the challenges and unfairness of life. In 2018 while working with doctors, dentists, counselors, nurses, community health workers, and others he had an epiphany. The core challenge most people have is to generate the personal drive to direct their own life, enduring principles to guide, and the most current science-based tools to assist them through a bumpy and messy life. His first book “New You! Who Knew?” is an attempt to put in writing an easy to digest and implement guide that builds confidence, esteem, and self-compassion in balance. David lives in the Western U.S. with Linda, his wife of 36 years and their Golden Retriever, Jasper. Dave and Linda have 2 grown daughters.
https://www.facebook.com/David-R-Edwards-100356142253306
