Author Interview of Aaron Ryan

It is my pleasure to host author Aaron Ryan on my blog today. Volume I and Volume II of his Dissonance trilogy are available for purchase now. Volume III is available for pre-order.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the Dissonance trilogy and how it evolved over the course of writing the three books?

I really wanted to write a compelling sci-fi trilogy with aliens, guns, military, and set in a dystopian post-apocalyptic setting of a future Earth.  However, I felt it really needed to be attainable: not set too far into a squeaky-clean and antiseptic future, but rather something where the odds are greatly stacked against our protagonists, and they’re essentially eking out an existence in the shadows.

In “Dissonance: Volume I: Reality,” readers are introduced to the world you’ve created. How did you go about world-building in your trilogy, and how does it develop throughout the series?

I really strove to achieve verisimilitude.  I wanted it to feel tangible, not squeaky-clean and antiseptic futuristic fare like Star Trek, but gritty, earthy, flawed, needing an oil change, that sort of thing.  Everything is rusty and overgrown.  But under all that are REAL streets of Clarksville…real terrain and real highways between there and Mammoth Cave.  REAL aircraft carriers and tanks and branches.  Real locations all under the weight of an overgrown earth due to a gorgon invasion and occupation that has lasted sixteen long, hard years.

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WHAT THE READERS SAY:

★★★★★ “Tension is incredibly high.”
★★★★★ “My heart was thumping.”
★★★★★ “Packs emotional and thematic depth.”
★★★★★ “The ending left me both satisfied…and wanting more.”
★★★★★ “Has you gripped!”
★★★★★ “It kept me turning pages.”

“Dissonance: Volume II: Reckoning” suggests a turning point in the story. Without giving away spoilers, can you discuss how the plot escalates in the second book?

Purchase Dissonance: Volume II: Reckoning on Amazon

Ultimately, in Volume I Cameron Shipley, the main protagonist, experiences a massive calamity that serves as the catalyst for his thirst for justice and revenge.  He is angry.  He deserves answers.  But he does receive great counsel from loved ones to encourage him to stay the course, stay honorable, and not pursue a personal vendetta.  So, in the pursuit of duty, he obediently serves on a new mission that sees disturbing new revelations.  Once again, he is lied to and deceived in order to further a nefarious agenda by the main antagonist.  To his horror, something much bigger is going on, on two fronts: and Shipley is wanted by both sides, so he must choose.  In the process of all of this, new enemies are revealed, as well as new confidants.  It grows epically in its scope.  The stakes are much, much higher in Volume II, and the action sequences are frightening and adrenaline-filled.

Have you already finished writing the third book?

I have!  We’re in editing, currently, but it’s 431 pages, and is incredibly intense and massive in terms of the final conflict.  I’m super proud of how it turned out.

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What are the main themes of the trilogy, and how do they come together in the final book?

Justice is not the same as revenge.  The only way out is through.  And sometimes, the real enemy is the one that you don’t see.  These all coalesce for all the protagonists in the series, figuring out how they are to take action, and how they are to implement their counterstrike.

When do you plan to release the final instalment of the series?

The final installment, Dissonance Volume III: Renegade, will be published on my 51st birthday, May 18th, 2024.  I’m beyond excited to share it!

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From the first book to the upcoming third book, how has your writing style evolved, and what lessons have you learned about storytelling and narrative structure along the way?

I’m actually going back and rereading Volumes I and II as we speak, because Volume I has been picked up by a screenwriter in order to convert it to a screenplay for pitching to major streaming networks.  I’m finding that the style was a bit more elementary at first, but the world-building takes time.  I intended to start it a bit more innocently.  That’s the way all good stories and evolutions originate: in innocence.  Knowledge is power.  But knowledge demands answers and accountability.  Thus, as you progress through the balance of Volume I and then move into Volume II, you’ll find that there is an awareness on the part of the protagonist, understanding that there is much more going on than he was ever let in on.  So, as I’ve written him (and his compatriots), I’ve had to strive for more of an awakening as they thread their way through the stories I’ve laid for them.  But yes: Volume III is far more mature than Volume I in terms of the writing style.  I have matured along with my protagonist.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Write!  😊  But I love my 8yo and 5yo sons and spending time with them.  Swimming, movies, reading, church, eating, going for long walks with my wife, good talks and get-togethers with friends, fellowship, and so much more.

With the trilogy coming to a close, what’s next for you as an author? Do you have any new projects or genres you’re eager to explore?

Thank you for asking!  Anyone interested can visit https://dot.cards/authoraaronryan and follow any of my SM profiles and subscribe to my blog to find out what’s happening.  Beyond the trilogy, I’ve heavily been pursuing a prequel idea, because this story has such weight and applicability for our life and times.  Beyond that I may resurrect an old idea called “The Omega Room” that I pursued in the 90s, or I may pursue an idea of the anti-hero.  Haven’t decided yet.  Keep tabs and subscribe for news!  And thanks for the interview, I appreciate it!

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Aaron Ryan lives in Washington with his wife and two sons, along with Macy the dog, Winston the cat, and Merry & Pippin, the finches.

He is the author of several business books on multimedia production penned under a pseudonym, as well as a previous fictional novel, “The Omega Room.”

When he was in second grade, he was tasked with writing a creative assignment: a fictional book. And thus, “The Electric Boy” was born: a simple novella full of intrigue, fantasy, and 7-year-old wits that electrified Aaron’s desire to write. From that point forward, Aaron evolved into a creative soul that desired to create.

Aaron enjoys the arts, media, music, performing, poetry, and being a daddy. In his lifetime he has been an author, voiceover artist, wedding videographer, stage performer, musician, producer, rock/pop artist, executive assistant, service manager, paperboy, CSR, poet, tech support, worship leader, and more. The diversity of his life experiences gives him a unique approach to business, life, ministry, faith, and entertainment.

Aaron’s favorite author by far is J.R.R. Tolkien, but he also enjoys Suzanne Collins, James S.A. Corey, Marie Lu, Madeleine L’Engle, C.S. Lewis, and Stephen King.
Aaron has always had a passion for storytelling.

Visit http://www.dissonancetheseries.com for information on Aaron’s series.

Connect with Aaron on here

INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR STEFANIE MARRON | AUTHOR INTERVIEW

It is my pleasure to host author Stefanie Marron on my blog today. All her books are available for purchase on Amazon.

What inspired you to start writing?

Oh, when I was young, I had this big dream of writing a children’s book, you know? But life gets busy, right? Then, during COVID, everything slowed down, and I finally had the chance to chase that dream. I just really want to share some wisdom and sprinkle a little cheer with my writing, whether it’s for kids or new moms.

How long did it take you to write your first book?

Crafting “Opie and the Talent Show” was like a delightful puzzle! It took a few months to piece it all together. At first, I was a bit unsure where to begin, but once the concept clicked, the story practically danced onto the pages!

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How does your personal experience influence your writing process?

My journey is like a guiding star in my writing universe! Being kind and sharing lessons through stories has always been close to my heart. It’s the little moments and big emotions from my life that truly shape the tales I tell.

“Postpartum Recovery Guide” and “Balancing Act: The Working Mom’s Playbook For Postpartum Success” delve into the challenges of motherhood. How did you research and approach these topics?

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As a new mom, I felt like I was drowning in a flood of books! It was just so much to handle, especially with my little one needing all my attention. Trying to tackle those books felt like attempting to scale a mountain with a backpack stuffed with bricks. So, I did some digging on my own and also found some helpful info online that helped me.

How do you balance writing books with being a mother?

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Once I finished my first book, writing became more than just a one-time thing—it turned into a real hobby! Balancing it with everything else was a challenge, but I’m getting the hang of it.

You also have two children’s books—“Opie and the Talent Show” and “Wally the Friendly Wolf”—that explore themes of friendship and adventure. How do you want these stories to impact young readers?

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I hope these stories plant seeds of kindness and courage in young hearts! Our world can be tough sometimes, and my wish is that these books bring a little joy to the children who read them. I dream that they’ll inspire kids to be brave and caring as they navigate life’s adventures.

Your book “Fun Contrast Book” seems unique compared to your other titles. What inspired you to create this book, and what do you hope children gain from it?

When my son was born, I had no idea that newborns couldn’t see colors. The doctors recommended he look at high-contrast images, so I thought this book was perfect! Not only did it help him develop, but it also gave us some adorable bonding time together. I figured this would align well with both my children’s books and my self-help books for moms.

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Your books often receive positive reviews. How do you handle criticism or negative feedback, especially when it comes to writing for children?

Not everyone will resonate with what we put out into the world. I’m open to criticism and have received some valuable feedback. It’s all part of the learning journey for me—I’m no expert, but I’m always eager to learn and enhance what I create.

Are there any new projects or upcoming books you’re excited to share with your readers?

Thrilled to share that I’m currently working on not one, but two new children’s books, along with another self-help guide set to release later this year! Keep an eye out for updates!

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Meet Stefanie Marron, a born-and-bred New Yorker with a passion for crafting children’s books that spark imagination and deliver life lessons wrapped in adorable playfulness. When she’s not penning tales, you’ll catch her whipping up delectable recipes or twirling with her hula hoop. Stefanie resides on Long Island with her husband and son, where every day is an adventure waiting to unfold.

Connect with Stefanie on:

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Interview with author Dr. Mitch Maiman | Author Interview

It is my pleasure to host author and retired physician Dr. Mitch Maiman again on an interview session on my blog. His book The Rainbow Diary is available for purchase now.

How did your background in medicine influence the writing of “The Rainbow Diary,” particularly in portraying the journey of a character facing a terminal illness?
    My background in medicine was invaluable in creating this novel. First, it was vitally important to accurately portray the trials and tribulations of the cancer patient, as well as the limitations and nuances of our medical system. Secondly, both the emotional and physiologic traumas of the dying process are rarely poignantly described in detail, and it was very important for me to provide the reader with a plausible believable interpretation. But most of all, spending my career in conversation with my own cancer patients gave me insight into their thoughts and feelings, even when they knew that the end was near.
“The Rainbow Diary” explores themes of love, loss, and redemption. Did any personal experiences or inspirations guide you in crafting Kenneth Talbot’s story?
     For sure. The book is dedicated to a close friend of mine who died prematurely from untreatable cancer, and I found myself overwhelmed with grief and the need to write a story to potentially provide his family, as well as others, with some solace and peace. As I imagined myself as the protagonist in the narrative, common themes in my own life, and undoubtedly in others, came to the surface, and became a springboard for a touching work of fiction.

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How was writing “The Rainbow Diary” different from writing your debut novel “Every Third Night”?
     The protagonist in “Every Third Night,” was a resident in an Ob-Gyn training program in the 1980’s. So it was basically me, right in my wheelhouse. I didn’t have to reach too far, nor do an abundance of research. In “The Rainbow Diary,” the lead character was dying, and then entered the afterlife, a place that I had never been. I needed to push the envelope, and assume that role like an actor in a theatre production. It wasn’t easy, and at times it was very painful.

As both a physician and an author, how do you balance the emotional authenticity of storytelling with the medical accuracy required when depicting illness and end-of-life experiences?
     The two are not mutually exclusive. Emotional authenticity is the most important concept. For fiction to be worthwhile and original, it must be honest. And to be honest, it must be semi-autobiographical. Medical accuracy helps to ensure the former, as any significant deviations from the realities of health care will distort the message. I feel fortunate to be in the unique position to help provide that balance for the reader, and take the responsibility of the resulting product very seriously.
The title, “The Rainbow Diary,” suggests a journey through various emotions and experiences. How did you choose this title, and what significance does it hold in the context of the book?
     The novel alternates between past and present, and in one of the retrospective scenes the protagonist, as a boy, has a unique experience with a rainbow. I wanted to create an optimistic, majestic, and hopeful aura, and universally adored symbol, for the dying process and the hereafter, and could think of no better representation.
Were there any personal experiences or real-life inspirations that influenced the creation of the story or its characters?
     Absolutely. Any story and its characters are generated in the brain of the author, and every scenario is thus related to something he/she encountered or at least imagined in the course of their own life. A few years back, I had a bad break with my own health and when no one could really help me with my symptoms or disease process, I believed that I was going to die. That is a strong inspiration. Luckily, I’m still here. Enough said.
Can you share an extract from your novel?
           “Everything that happened after that moment remains merely a nondescript jumble, disguised in a clandestine fog, buried beneath the undiscoverable depths of my fragile psyche.”
 What do you like to do in your free time?
       First and foremost, spend as much time with my family as possible, which includes my lovely wife Judy, my two adult children and their significant others, and my two blessed grandchildren. I am an avid tennis player as well as a coach, and a devoted practitioner of yoga.
Are there any new projects underway?
       Remarkably, yes. I have already started on my third novel, which will be the most challenging of all. In an effort to push my creative juices to the limit, the protagonist in this story is a young woman. It will undoubtedly be difficult for me to become that person, but I have some ideas about how to accomplish that, and am determined to make it work. Stay tun…

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Dr. Mitch Maiman is a retired physician with a distinguished academic, clinical and research career, He has been recognized for his numerous contributions in his field and his devotion and commitment to the teaching of residents and fellows. In “The Rainbow Diary,” he explores profound themes and delicate content, and blends his medical expertise with creative storytelling, offering a unique perspective on the journey of dying and the hereafter.
     Mitch lives in Long Island, New York, and is an avid tennis player and practitioner of yoga. He first demonstrated his literary prowess in his eye-opening novel, “Every Third Night,” delving into the harsh realities of medical training in a dehumanizing, urban setting.

Follow Dr. Maiman on:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Author Interview of Aaron Ryan

It is my pleasure to host author Aaron Ryan on my blog today. Volume I of his book Dissonance is available for purchase now.

Have you always wanted to be a writer ?

Not always. I’ve dabbled with a few different pursuits over my lifetime, but one of my earliest loves was writing, and I penned a few works to that effect. I’m overwhelmingly grateful and excited to have returned to it.

What made you pen down this book?

Well, I am the kind of person who genuinely needs to create. I have been a musician in another life, and made a concerted attempt to return to music in 2023. When that fell through (the landscape has changed significantly since I was last in music in the 90’s), I found myself re-exploring becoming an author. I had missed it, and was supremely excited to make a return foray into authoring a new novel. What shape it was going to take was beyond my guessing at the onset; the creation of it was highly organic, and naturally evolved as I went along. I just needed to follow the path and see where it took me. But I did know from its genesis that there would be a deadly alien invasion, it would be post-apocalyptic, and that there would be a greater subplot at work.

Can you elaborate on the significance of the title “Dissonance”?

As a musician, dissonance is whenever two notes collide and clash. Without introducing spoilers, you’ll come to understand how dissonance plays a role in the ongoing war against the aliens (called “gorgons” in my novel), and in ongoing relationships between human and fellow human.

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The protagonist, Cameron “Jet” Shipley, plays a crucial role in the story. What aspects of his character did you find most intriguing or challenging to develop?

Cameron Shipley needed a personality that had a bit of rugged youth to it; not so old that he was set in his ways and perhaps “timing out” of service, but not so young that he was immature and unlikeable. He’s compelled to do his service for the military, but he has a thirst for justice, and that thirst both serves and works against him as the story goes on. I relate very well to railing against injustice, and so suffice it to say there are elements of me present in Cameron Shipley.

The book is set in 2042, depicting a world where humanity is struggling to survive. What influenced your vision of the future, and how did you approach world-building in this dystopian setting?

This was perhaps the hardest part, because in 2023 we’re not dystopian, although there are definitely some dystopian elements to our civilization and mankind as a whole. But I did have to explore what society would look like; what would have happened, how would they continue to survive, etc. And with any novel you have to equip your protagonist with a fair shot, so there were ways that I had restrict the invaders from total domination, otherwise, there would be no story to tell. The “against all odds” stratagem works here, because there is truly a chance for humanity to come back from the brink, and to recover.

Without giving away spoilers, can you share insights into the central conflict or challenge that Cameron and his team face during their recon mission in Clarksville, Tennessee?

The central conflict is inherent to the story as we know it in the first part of the series is that if humanity is going to survive, they’ll need to continue to find survivors, run foraging missions for food, supplies, equipment, ammunition, etc., and anything else that will equip them to go on. Plaguing all of this, of course, is the presence of the gorgons, and you never know where they’ll be, but you’re utterly certain of what they can do to you. However, as the story goes on, Cameron finds that he is being undermined, and that strings are being pulled by those over him in Command that are becoming an impediment to his mission, with potentially lethal ramifications. So now he appears to be working against two enemies instead of just one.

The comparison to “Aliens” and “A Quiet Place” suggests a unique blend of genres. How did you balance the elements of science fiction and thriller to create a cohesive narrative?

Aliens is my all-time favorite movie. I love it. It’s captivated me more than any other sci-fi movie has, due to its gritty realism and the terrifying nature of the Aliens. But the frustrating element to A Quiet Place is that you just can’t make any real noise, or you’ll be in grave peril. However, there’s an additional element to the gorgons that poses a real tangible threat: and that’s that you can’t look directly at them. They are far more dangerous than any other predator. Though they remain flesh and bone like most any other predator, they possess a supernatural element to them that really stacks the odds against our heroes. All of this has to take place during real-life military situations.

When can readers expect the next volume of the series to release?

Thank you for asking! At this point I’m 109 pages into Volume II. I have targeted the release of Volume II for mid-2024, but at this pace, it may come sooner. We’ll see.

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Aaron Ryan lives in Washington with his wife and two sons, along with Macy the dog, Winston the cat, and Merry & Pippin, the finches.

He is the author of several business books on multimedia production penned under a pseudonym, as well as a previous fictional novel, “The Omega Room.”
When he was in second grade, he was tasked with writing a creative assignment: a fictional book. And thus, “The Electric Boy” was born: a simple novella full of intrigue, fantasy, and 7-year-old wits that electrified Aaron’s desire to write. From that point forward, Aaron evolved into a creative soul that desired to create.

Aaron enjoys the arts, media, music, performing, poetry, and being a daddy. In his lifetime he has been an author, voiceover artist, wedding videographer, stage performer, musician, producer, rock/pop artist, executive assistant, service manager, paperboy, CSR, poet, tech support, worship leader, and more. The diversity of his life experiences gives him a unique approach to business, life, ministry, faith, and entertainment.

Aaron’s favorite author by far is J.R.R. Tolkien, but he also enjoys Suzanne Collins, James S.A. Corey, Marie Lu, Madeleine L’Engle, C.S. Lewis, and Stephen King.
Aaron has always had a passion for storytelling.

Connect with Aaron on here

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH RUTH DRABKIN

It is my pleasure to host author Ruth Drabkin on my blog today. Her latest book Max’s Diner is available for purchase now.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I had no idea! Living in Los Angeles inspired my creativity, which led to my first children’s book – “Freddy the Red Beddy.”

What made you pen down your first book?

Much like Walt Disney with Mickey Mouse, I had an idea for a magical red bed. A vivacious character full of fun with a big heart. I also wanted to write a sweet story about kindness with my young cousin and her special relationship with her stepbrother. That encouraged me to write “Freddy.”

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What inspired you to create the character of Ruthie, and what do you think makes her relatable to young readers?

“Go Ruthie” was created in the midst of me being mission oriented. After you finish one task, something else comes up and before long you’ve completed 10 tasks all at once! I also thought it would be a lot easier if on roller skates, so I started writing rhyming stories about possible adventures with friends helping solve mysteries with the help of her friends. Each character had to have movement, which had “Rockin Roger” on a flying guitar, “Boomergang Benni” with a boomerang, “Dashing Dimitri” on a flying cap, “Super Sugar Stacy” with a lollipop umbrella, and “Aqua Andy” with flippers.

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“Go Ruthie Goes to the Grocery Store” involves solving mysteries while running errands. How do you balance teaching lessons with entertainment in your stories for children?

That is one of the reasons why I wrote this story! Some may think shopping is fun and others as a chore. We all need to hold ourselves accountable with what we touch, who we interact with and how to purchase items. Children also need to learn to behave and since “Go Ruthie” went rogue in her pursuit to help others – I wanted to make sure my readers knew that her Mom wasn’t pleased and instead of getting rewarded she needed to be grateful for what was provided to her.

Could you share a bit about the process of developing Max’s Diner? How did you come up with the concept for this book?

My dog Maximus was my motivation. I am very lucky to have the cutest dog ever! He has taught me so much about being friendly and having no fear. Friends were also suggesting I write a children’s book about dogs. After contemplating a storyline, I got that “spark” about a story of apartment dogs sneaking out at night to eat food they shouldn’t eat. It was there “going out” moment. I incorporated the dogs of neighbors, friends, and family to create this cute story.

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What do you enjoy the most about writing for children?

I’m a conceptual person and love illustrations! Matching illustrations and text were challenging at first, but I was fortunate to find some amazing illustrators.

How can parents get their children into the habit of reading from a young age?

Children love and appreciate the one-on-one attention. It is important that parents spend the time to read to them to pick up words and language. Also, they should read books about kindness as we all need it.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I like to travel, visit museums as I’m inspired by architecture and culture. I also love playing with my dog Maximus, volunteering and spending time with family and friends.

When should readers expect the next book to be out?

I have all this creativity and stories I started to write 10 years ago that need to be set free and I’m finishing my first adult fiction novel to be released early 2024 – “Revealations.” It’s about an undercover cop that gets assigned to a grocery store as a barista.

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Ruth Drabkin is a Self-Published Author, Writer, licensed realtor, and sales and marketing specialist. She is a vibrant individual with a charming and enigmatic personality that helps her captivate, inspire, and uplift everyone around her.

Ruth’s credentials include a bachelor’s degree in political science from San Jose State University. She has experienced a multitude of perspectives in a variety of complementary career roles that give her a unique multi-disciplinary vision. Her professional endeavors have helped her accumulate comprehensive knowledge and expertise in marketing, sales, customer service, and customer relations, with an elevated level of technical and commercial awareness.

Ruth always had a knack for writing, and the desire to share her knowledge, experiences, and perspective inspired her to become an author. She aspires to use her books to assist readers in becoming a better version of themselves and leading successful and fulfilling lives. With her impactful stories and versatile writing style, Ruth encourages readers to appreciate the colors of life and gives them a chance to escape into a beautiful world of stories with fun and caring characters.

Arts and architecture have always been worlds of intrigue and a source of creativity for Ruth. She is a curious individual by nature and loves to travel and explore, meet new people, learn about exciting new concepts and cultures, and live life to its fullest. She is the happiest when eulogizing the beauty of the world around her, writing something captivating, or sharing ideas she has drawn from her insight and experience. She is a family-oriented, caring human being, and her family and friends are at the heart of everything she does.

Commitment to continuously bettering herself and everything around her, keeps driving Ruth forward. She is passionate about self-development and growth, constantly studying and investing in developing skills and knowledge at every stage of her journey. Ruth is a living example of what one can achieve when one puts their mind to it. She continues to work tirelessly on her writing and hopes to make this world better for all of us.

Connect with Ruth on:

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AUTHOR INTERVIEW OF MONK LEON E. PETTIWAY

Hosting monk and author Leon E. Pettiway on my blog today. His upcoming book Only for the Brave at Heart is up for pre-order on Amazon.

What inspired you to become a Buddhist monk in the Gelug tradition?

This is a very long story! I arrived in Indiana to begin my new job at Indiana University in Bloomington right after my mother’s death in July of 1994. When I arrived in Indiana, I thought I had made the biggest mistake in my life. I hated living in Bloomington, and for that reason, I moved to Indianapolis which is a much larger and more diverse city. I bought a house in one of the historic districts; the house was built in 1890 and started to renovate it with the help of someone who later played an instrumental part in my discovery of Buddhism. One day, she gave me a flyer that announced that some Tibetan monks would begin offering teachings at a Unitarian church in the city. I went and was blown away—it was amazing to me. I was a devout Catholic at the time and had been raised as a Southern Baptist. But the Dharma was compelling, and I began having mystical experiences. When I told the monks they told me that a very high lama would be visiting and that he could help me. When he arrived, we met him at the airport, but that meeting ended with the two of us exchanging a very important mystical experience that left the lama shaken. After meeting him, it was like I had been shot out of a cannon. More mystical experiences and three years later I took novice vows and three years after that I was fully ordained. It happened very quickly, and it was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. Becoming a Tibetan Buddhist monk wasn’t something I had ever thought of being.