My primary target readers are parents of loss and those who are struggling with their grieving process. I believe the nature of my story appeals to many outside that group.
Steven Joseph – 16 February 2017
The Back Flap
The Soul of My Son – A Grieving Father’s Journey from Skeptic to Psychic Medium is a unique and inspirational true story about a father’s emotional journey after the loss of his youngest son to suicide. This story follows a former skeptic of spirit communication from the birth and passing of his son, through discovering his own spiritual abilities, becoming a psychic medium and giving back to other parents of loss.
This true story of his emotional journey will take you from teary-eyed to spiritually-uplifted and inspired. This book has just the right balance of personal experiences and emotion, offering insightful guidance for anyone who is struggling with loss and grief.
About the book
What is the book about?
This book is about my spiritual journey following the loss of my youngest son to suicide. It begins with some background about my son’s life and my skeptical nature, then follows through his passing and my spiritual awakening, which was triggered by that tragic event.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing this book in July of 2016
How long did it take you to write it?
From first word to final copy was less than three months.
Where did you get the idea from?
The inspiration came from many places. My wife and several people I know told me I should share my story because it is so unique and inspiring. My son came to me in spirit several times, first giving me the title and then chapter names. Finally, he came to a friend of mine in spirit and told her in no uncertain terms that it is time for dad to start writing his book.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
I had to take a break before writing the chapter about the events surrounding my son’s passing. That was a very emotional chapter and it required many thoughtful pauses.
What came easily?
Writing about my son and all of his earthly accomplishments was easy. Every parent loves to brag about their children and mine is still helping me accomplish things here.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Every character is someone I know.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Frankly, I am not much of a reader. I don’t have the attention span to make it through many books. Articles of a spiritual nature tend to capture and hold my attention. My favorite author is George Orwell and coincidentally, I read the book Animal Farm with my son Drew when he was required to read it in school.
Do you have a target reader?
My primary target readers are parents of loss and those who are struggling with their grieving process. I believe the nature of my story appeals to many outside that group.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
My writing process is rather straightforward. I believe all creativity comes from a higher power through our soul. I just sit down, start typing and the words come to me in bursts of one, two or three sentences. Sometimes I am inspired while driving and I use the voice to text function as an old-fashioned dictation machine.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I outline the chapter names I am inspired with and fill in a brief concept for some of the chapters. Most of my chapter names are an obvious indication of the content within that chapter.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
Both. I edit chapters as I progress and edit the whole book for content and redundancy when I finish.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I have a close friend who I know communicates with my son spiritually and she helped me with editing. My sister then did the final edit. She is a tenured teacher with a masters degree and I trust her input.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I write best in silence and find outside stimulation such as music distracting.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No. I wanted to take a route that would most quickly put my book in the hands of those who it might help.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
After talking to a friend who is an author who utilized a publisher, pursuing that avenue just didn’t feel right for me.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
My friend and editor, who I know communicates with my son, received a vision from him of the book cover. She did a rough mock up, which I took to another friend who owns a creative design company.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
So far, I am winging it. I have been self-taught in many things and this is just another example.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Write about what inspires you and trust your gut instinct.
About You
Where did you grow up?
Omaha, Nebraska.
Where do you live now?
Omaha, Nebraska
What would you like readers to know about you?
I am not doing this for fame and fortune. My primary calling in this lifetime is to help others through their most difficult times. This book was an introduction to me and how I achieved peace and comfort after an unimaginable tragedy. My second book is an effort to explain exactly how anyone can achieve that same peace and comfort.
End of Interview:
For more from Steven, visit his website and like his Facebook page.
Get your copy of The Soul of My Son from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
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