Saturday, February 16, 2013

Interview with Talk Radio Host and Author LaSean R. Shelton

Give us a quick introduction on yourself and your book.
My name is LaSean R Shelton and I am from Queens NYC. I am an Entrepreneur and an Author, most of my days are spent visualizing new ways to improve my life and others. Learning from many mistakes and humbling myself through the Lord, I have discovered that a Lifestyle Change was in order. Thus my book, "How About a Lifestyle Change" was birthed. It is about Learning life's lessons which awards you an opportunity to teach others. Coming to a realization that our way is not "the" way, I immediately started working towards CHANGE! I also linked up with some men and women that went on the same transformational journey, and experienced real results. Keep in mind, 90 days is JUST the beginning, the real change is seen when it becomes a "Lifestyle Change"...so how about it!

What inspired you to write your first book?
After years of developing books and never finishing them, I came to the realization that I have something viable to say. I came to the conclusion that God gave me a vision, and with me leaving it on the shelf, it was insulting God because he gave me a book.

Do you have a specific writing style?
Not really, I visualize what I want to share, and then I put it on paper. I will say that I must have a pint of Vanilla Swiss Almond Ice Cream close by for comfort

How did you come up with the title?
It was a question that I asked myself when I realized that life could get better, but it needed a shift.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Yes, no one is perfect and once that it realized, healing from the past and from addictions can be possible...let it GO!

How much of the book is realistic?
100% of it

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
The experiences are a mix of real life but mostly experiences from those that bravely submitted their stories

What books have most influenced your life most?
The Value of the Valley

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Dr. Iyanla Vanzant

What book are you reading now?
Peace from Broken Pieces and The Value of the Valley (again) both by Dr. Iyanla Vanzant

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Angie Fitch, Chachana Simpson and I am about to read When New Life Begins which is a multi author project headed by Kishma George.

What are your current projects?
Radio Broadcasting and I am a new blogger! I totally am excited about this venture.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
God! Point blank!!! he comforted me and shielded me, he sent people that were super supportive and encouraging; without him, there would be NO book.

Do you see writing as a career?
I do, I would love to write screen plays!

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Yes, I would have had it ready for January 1st, 2013

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
When I was in grade school, I always wrote skits and plays wanting to have my voice projected in creative ways. I then saw the same traits started when I got in College and while in my acting and modeling years.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Yes

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Focusing on one thought at a time, often I speed ahead and want to finish my work and begin a new project.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I LOVE Dr. Iyanla Vanzant, her work is so easy to read and she is so honest with her trials and challenges. It shows that even someone like me can be a literary great like her.

Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
Not yet, but I plan to tour NYC, NJ, MD, DC, VA, and ATL

Who designed the covers?
Actually, I did with a book designer. I wanted to have a say with the graphics and the theme of the book.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Worrying about past mistakes and some identification with some of the stories, I had to remember that life is what you make it and beating yourself up and not forgiving yourself is the worst thing you can do to yourself. Letting go and being transparent always can be a challenge.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Yes, I truly learned just how precious life is and how a mess can turn into a message and tests becomes testimonies each time.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Never ever give up and believe in yourself! Take it one word at a time, one sentence at a time and soon it will be one book at a time.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Yes, follow each suggestion and tweak it to your personal situation, also remember NEVER EVER give up and never let anyone tell you that your mistakes are bigger than God's plans for you and his solution.

What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing it to life?
Yes, making sure that it was a balance of real life experiences blended with solutions and creative approaches to hit the points home. I did not want it to appear as though it was just a treatment plan or a tell all book.