The Bible (yes, I’m a Christian), a blank notebook (so I could write stories about my adventures on the island) and a book on how to survive being stuck on an island.

I did a lot of reading about traditional publishing and self-publishing, and both have advantages and disadvantages depending on how you view things on your end. Actually, I did not even try to submit my manuscript to traditional publishers; I went right ahead and published my own work after reading about self-publishing. I figured I would take my chances and just run with it the best way I could. Self-publishing is definitely a learning experience, but it is worth going through for the knowledge and experience. This is not for the weak-hearted since you have to invest in yourself to get much-needed exposure and visibility in this tightly competitive world. It involves funding your own promotion and marketing to get your word out there. It can be heart-breaking and frustrating, but in the end, your ultimate goal for writing should be your inspiration in deciding how you want your outcome to be.

In all honesty, my writing style is my own. I very seldom read fantasy, adventure, or science fiction stories, although, I enjoyed watching them on the big screen immensely. I read some “self-help books” that inspire and motivate me in my daily life. I don’t see myself writing a book of this nature in the near future because I don’t think I am an expert in this subject matter.

Writing a book is a talent. It takes a special person to create a story based on one’s imagination and creative thinking. This is a path infrequently travelled. Only brave souls dare tread this uncertain route, taking a chance to find out where this trail would lead. If you have the patience, dedication, and perseverance to embark on this endeavor, go ahead and write your story. Be amazed at your talent, God’s gift, uniquely and specifically bestowed upon you. Be grateful for this remarkable blessing and run with it. The path is strewn with difficulties, failures, and frustrations but press on. Believe in yourself despite the odds, eventually, people would notice your conviction and they too, would start believing in you.

As a writer, I would like to diversify my writing styles to reach more readers and to avoid getting categorized into a specific genre, not that there’s anything wrong with that. I would like to evolve into a versatile writer that is able to adapt to the changing needs of time. This is my inspiration behind my latest work, to prove to myself that I could be flexible as a writer and excel in this profession I have embarked in.