John E. Wade II & Charlotte Livingston on Writing vs. Marketing #AmReading #NonFiction #Authors

Note to reader: 

These interview questions are being answered by John E. Wade II (JW) and Charlotte Livingston Piotrwoski (CP), as indicated below.

Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?

CP: I was born and raised in New Orleans, though I have traveled across the country, to parts of South America, and around Europe. I believe that getting out and meeting new people and seeing other cultures has helped with my writing as well as made me a well-rounded person in general. Living in New Orleans tends to make people pretty easy-going, open to different lifestyles, and very fun-loving. But, for those of us who endured Hurricane Katrina, living here has also made us value what’s truly important.

How did you develop your writing?

JW: I believe my mother was well-spoken and a good writer, so I think I came by this naturally. I am currently taking a creative writing course at a local university, and have attended writer’s workshops. When I read samples of my writing from years ago, as compared to my more recent writing, I can see vast improvement.

What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?

JW: I have found marketing to be the biggest challenge. Perhaps it is because there are so many books available to the public and so many methods of locating and buying books. We’re taking a broader approach with this most recent book, so it will be interesting to see what does and does not work.

Do you find it hard to share your work?

JW: I am inspired to share my work. In fact, it is my calling to write about heaven on earth, so I share my writing with anyone and everyone. In addition to my several blogs (www.JohnE.WadeII.com, www.HeavenOnEarth.org, and www.HonestJohnWade.com), I’ve been known to hand out copies of my books to perfect strangers!

Do you plan to publish more books?

JW: I am currently working with a publisher in the manuscript of my memoir and I already have about 80% of the manuscript drafted for the next in my series of heaven on earth books.

What other jobs have you had in your life?

JW: I worked as a CPA—in private practice and for the federal government—for nearly thirty years. I now mainly support myself through investing.

CP: I was a toxic tort and product liability litigator for just over ten years before a health issue forced my early retirement. I now write, edit, and create website and social media content full time.

If you could study any subject at university what would you pick?

JW: I frequently audit university classes—take the classes, but not for credit—and have recently studied psychology.

CP: I am fascinated by astronomy, and although I minored in general sciences, I’d probably have to take more physics classes before even an introduction to astronomy class would make sense to me.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

JW: New Orleans (where I currently live).

CP: New Orleans (where I currently live).

How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?

JW: I carry a Moleskin journal with me everywhere I go, and write when a thought occurs to me. I then have these journals typed, and Charlotte Piotrowski, my editor, uses what I’ve written for blog and social media content. When I am writing for a specific literary project, I frequently handwrite, then have my notes typed, though recently I have been doing some of my own typing, which allows me to make revisions on the spot.

CP: I have a lovely home office which is fitted with a laptop connected to a docking station, as I prefer a full-sized keyboard and large monitor. I rarely write anywhere else.

How much sleep do you need to be your best?

JW: I am one of those people who might go to bed at a “normal” time, then wake up with a great idea, and race to the computer and spend hours writing something. But, then I’ll take a nap later in the day to catch up. Since I don’t have a set work schedule, I have the freedom to set my own sleep schedule.

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support?

JW: I am very grateful to my first editor, Patricia Livingston, for her many years of valuable feedback. I now work closely with Charlotte Piotrowski, who is not only my editor, but also helps me brainstorm all sorts of creative projects. We meet on a weekly basis, and I think that really keeps my creative juices flowing.

CP: I have a very close friend who recently submitted her first manuscript to an editor, and she is very encouraging. I think having a friend who knows the challenges of this business really helps, since it is not a standard career path at all!

Editor and author John E. Wade II has compiled a spiritual guide of invaluable insight for finding peace and meaning in life while making the world a better place for all. Along with co-authors Charlotte Livingston Piotrowski, Daniel Agatino, Michael Nagler, and Martin Rutte, this collection of enlightening essays and inspirational quotes from renowned thinkers and leaders throughout history provides the intellectual tools needed to live a more harmonious life.

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Genre - Inspirational

Rating – G

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