Interview with Dr. Cheryl M. Ford

Published 2014-01-06.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing at a young age of 9. I was a dreamer and thinker; therefore I kept journals throughout my formative years of reflective thoughts, poems, dreams, goals, and things of importance. During the journey my succinct writing style was perfected through my engineering career and educational tenure. Upon completion of my Doctorate process, I realized an author was born Dr. Cheryl M. Ford; my dissertation was my first published work. My passion for research and gift of teaching has influenced my writing immensely. Throughout the years I have penned many lessons from the Word of God, self-help information, and scholarly material. Although I am a visionary thinker with a vivid imagination, I am a true Non-Fiction writer because my experiences are the basis for much of my writings.
Who are your favorite authors?
My favorite authors are: Napoleon Hill, Earl Nightingale, and Norman Vincent Peale.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
My favorite book is the Bible (KJV), because of the infinite knowledge and wisdom about everyday living. Next, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, the timeless success principles and insight penned by Hill are empowering. Lastly, Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret, The Magic, and The Power. Byrne’s writing resonates with my tenants of thought, gratitude, and love.
What do you read for pleasure?
I read the Bible for pleasure.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
My e-reader of choice is the iPad. However, Macintosh is not my preferred technology platform. I like the time leverage feature of “sync” between my iPad and iPhone.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
One word “Autonomy”! I value the gift of time and liberty. I am an entrepreneur who enjoys leveraging time and income. Although I am a team player who like options and also think both. Both meaning how can I accomplish any task and enjoy the task I am doing. Therefore, as an Indie I have both freedom and flexibility. The freedom of providing a quality titles aligned with my financial goals. The other benefit is distribution flexibility. As an Indie I can distribute tiles according to trends and demand, especially my eBook titles.
What's the story behind your latest book?
My latest book Wealthy Place - Divine Inspired Home Business Systems is from the basis of my first book Home Business Basics. During personal and business development sessions I have witnessed how the Word of God fitly spoken positively impacted people lives, not to mention the many request for the biblical principles taught during those sessions as well. One day, the spirit of the Lord spoke "go back to the beginning"…to the beginning of when I first started helping people launch and expand their business vision. Throughout my travels and serving the personal development needs of people in the secular and non-secular arena, biblical principles and the practical application of these principles were the premise of my consultant business, mentoring, coaching, and presentations. My tenets have always been biblical based; thus, the penning of a scriptural base business-planning guide came forth with ease.
How do you approach cover design?
Most would consider my cover design approach unusual, however it brought forth a cover from my heart. The color sapphire for the cover design for the Wealthy Place book brand was divined inspired during the early morning watch; after which periodically I would see this sapphire blue book with gold letters. I realized that this was the background and lettering for the cover. However, this cover was totally different from the first book cover. I also knew it would take a special person to get this cover from my thoughts to design. Throughout the penning of the Isaiah 45 and Isaiah 60 thoughts the total over image emerged. The gold and jewels was inspired by the revelation of the wealth of God from Isaiah 60. The choice of sapphire, ruby, emerald, diamonds, and keys has a purpose; they represent spiritual and earthly knowledge. When the cover was complete in my imagination I sketch the image but the Graphic Designer was not revealed until the book was sealed (i.e. ready for edit). One evening while editing the work for a friend and recording artist I mentioned I was looking for a Graphic Designer and he recommended his son. I didn’t realize that Wesley was an accomplished artisan. Wesley and I met, I described the cover and ROUGH drafted the image I desired…I received an email latter that night…and the Wealthy Place cover was birthed. The Wealthy Place - Divine Inspired Home Business Systems cover design has become the book brand of my Wealthy Place titles.
What are you working on next?
I am currently penning Wealthy Place - Journey of Purpose and Destiny, which expands on the principles of purpose and destiny from the book Wealthy Place - Divine Inspired Home Business Systems. The purpose of this book is to provide knowledge and understanding about the power of vision, meditated thought, and the affirmed Word of God. This title provides scriptural based insight to how meditated thoughts and spoken words impact your life. Journey of Purpose and Destiny also includes a journal section for you to pen your reflective thoughts; vision and goals; personal affirmations; and divine inspired thoughts. Hence, the information provided in this book allows one to create a life of purpose through speaking forth and the Word of God. I have also drafted Wealthy Place - Passion and Purpose for Women, the premise of this book is Proverbs 31. Both titles Journey of Purpose and Destiny and Passion and Purpose for Women will be released 2014.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
When I am not writing, I spend my personal time enjoying my family and nurturing my spirit, soul and body. I also serve the small businesses and the community as a speaker. My speaking engagements provide a platform for people to receive knowledge and understanding in the areas of personal and business development.
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