Interview with Jerry Odom
Published 2020-07-10.
What is your writing process?
This is my first book and it has taken me over 10 years to write it. it came by default actually. I received the inspiration to write after attending a 30-day fast organised my Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo of KICC, London. I was also doing my MBA then so I did not give it much attention. All that I did was to make a sketch of the idea that the Holy Spirit deposited in me. Over time the inspiration died away like what Jesus said in most of the Parable of the Sower. Nevertheless, in the last 4 years I have been impressed by the fear of God's judgment, as in the Parable of the Talent. I can't help telling my Lord that I buried the talent that was given me. Therefore, I took the time to write as I was inspired. New chapter titles came to me one after another. I did the typing afterwards. Got assistance in the editing and proof reading, and finally decided to do an ebook, after many considerations.
What's the story behind your latest book?
I sought God's face in prayer and fasting in 2005. I did not have a book in mind. Just participating in church fast. By the end of the fast multiple things were birthed in me. Among them was the inspiration to write two books. The Christian Walk is one of them. I have been distracted many times by my own life aspirations and ambitions tilting towards building a career in Finance and Entrepreneurship. But like Jonah, you can ran but you cannot hide. God will always fish you out. He fished me out. At a time I was actually burdened with fear to write The Christian Walk. It has been worth it though. Its been a long journey but God is faithful.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
The bible.
The Final Quest by Rick Joyner
When God Walked the Earth by Rick Joyner
Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker
The Master Key to Riches by Napoleon Hill
What are you working on next?
The Christian Walk - Making the Promised Land is in three-fold. This first book is the Trilogy - 1. I am working on the Trilogy - 2 and the Trilogy - 3. They will also be released not more than three months intervals each.
I am also working on another book titled: The God of the Fathers which will follow after The Christian Walk Trilogy.
When did you first start writing?
2005
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
I guess the urgency to accomplish my purpose in life.
What are your interests
Travelling and Sightseeing, Reading, Writing, Teaching, Music and Entrepreneurship
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Two things occupy the major part of my time. My regular work and family. Aside I spend time meditating on the word of God and praying. I also listen to preaching and gospel music.
What do you read for pleasure?
The bible is my major source of reading for pleasure.
I also read on self development issues on the internet
What is your wish for your fans?
I wish that my fans will come to know and believe in Christ Jesus and the power of His resurrection. I want them to mature in Christ and live holy lives and serve Him with their lives.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
None that I remember! I guess this is the first one
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The story that I remember the title for almost about 25 years is The Pelican Brief by John Grisham. It was a beautiful read about legal stuff.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I have found a part of my purpose in writing and that gives me great peace
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Ghana, in the Ashanti Region. I was born into a Christian home. I believe it shaped my Christian believes and experiences. These spiritual experiences clarifies some of the writings in the bible, which has helped to influence my belief and perspective about spiritual issues. Some of these spiritual experiences can be found in the book.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
A big way. I had only a little clue about e-publishing from a YouTube video I watched. Smashwords took it to another and a different level. Mark Coker's books on marketing and others have blown my mind. I can't believe the worth of knowledge they contain. They are a true guide. Smashwords has also provided a platform for me to easily publish my book.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
I discover the ebooks I read on Google Play Store. Sometimes, I deliberately search for specific titles or authors. In the process I also stumble on interested title and authors.
What motivated you to become an e-book publisher
I came to realise the cost and burden of the normal publishing. I realised e-publishing was flexible
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?sprirital
The sense of accomplishment to add to the knowledge and spiritual growth in Christendom.
How do you approach cover design?
It must have all the perfections as a cover to establish the right image for my book
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Phone
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
There are many that I have found in the book by Mark Coker, The Marketing Guide. It has become my perfect teacher.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.
Books by This Author
The Christian Walk - Making the Promised Land (Trilogy-1)
by Jerry Odom
The Christian Walk – Making the Promised Land (Trilogy – 1) reveals that there is a mysterious and deeper dimension of our lives. It reveals the heart of wickedness propelled by an archenemy bent on disrupting heaven’s agenda for humanity. You will experience first-hand the saving power of God and His plan for humanity.
