Still Standing looks like a great motivational and take-charge kind of book. What type of readers did you write the book for?
I wrote this book for everyone who has been abused as a child, suffered or is still suffering from depression, and those who are contemplating and have contemplated suicide. I was a victim of sexual abuse at 12 years old and it left me severely depressed and suicidal. I often felt like no one understood me or what I was feeling and thinking. So I wrote this book for people to have someone that they could relate to. I wanted to help people the way I wanted to be helped. I also wanted people to know that no matter what they’ve gone through that life can and will get better and I’d show them how from my own life experience. I wrote this book for those people who wanted to take back control of their lives, who were sick and tired of being victims and wanted to become the victors and winners of the game of life.
How long did it take you to write Still Standing?
Wow! It took a few months to write it because I had to take breaks. As I was writing it I had moments where I just broke down and cried just reliving the experiences. I would start a paragraph and had to stop midway through because of the deep pain of the memories. I’ve written several books before that took me less than a month. This book took me about four months to write.
Why did you decide to become a writer?
Reading and writing has always been a big part of my life. I’ve always felt like being a writer was my calling. But I decided in 2018 to take it seriously because I was miserable at the job I had. I think a big motivation for me was my life partner who encouraged me to follow my dreams and publish my first book. I had actually written a book and sat on it for about two years until one day we were talking. I told her I had written a book but I wasn’t confident enough to publish it. I let her read it and she insisted that I publish it. I owe a great deal of my career as a writer to her.
What sets your book apart from other self-help books?
I think what sets my books apart from others is that I’ve actually experienced what I’m writing about. This book isn’t just theory, it’s real life experience. I’ve actually been a victim of sexual abuse. I actually attempted suicide twice. Once by slitting my left wrist with a butcher knife, which I still have the scar to prove it. The other with an attempted overdose. But all of that aside, I actually overcame the depression and suicidal thoughts and was not only able to turn my life completely around, I was and am able to help other people do the same thing for themselves. I take great pride in being able to do that.
Did anything stick out as particularly challenging when writing Still Standing?
Yes! The book starts with the loss of my father. It was so hard having to write that chapter. I cried like a baby. There was a lot of emotions that came up that I didn’t realize were there. When my father died I tried to bury those emotions and move on. As I was writing the book all of those emotions came back and it was extremely difficult. Another challenge was writing him a letter in the book as if I he were still alive. I cried and cried and cried some more. That was probably the toughest chapter to write. The last challenge was addressing my uncle who was responsible for abusing me. I felt lots of pain and anger. I never really addressed those emotions until I wrote the book. So working my way through those feelings was hard.
What do you like to do when not writing?
When I’m not writing I love to be outdoors and doing yoga. Yoga has become a big part of my life because it helped me through the depression and pain that I’ve experienced growing up. I also enjoy helping other people that have experienced similar trauma. I’m a good listener so I enjoy listening to people and helping them through their struggles.
Where can readers find out more about your work?
My books are available on Amazon. They can find them easily just by typing my name in the search bar, Slim Sir. They can also go to my website, SlimSir.com. Thank you so much for this opportunity! I hope this interview and my book will be of service and value to everyone in need.