Tell us about yourself.
I am a Writer, Publisher, Blogger, Retired Cardiologist, & Bible Expositor. I am an Author of 28 books. My Portfolio of books are, Memoirs of Doctor, Daily devotion Gospel of Mark, Expository Preaching, Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, Daily Devotion Gospel of John Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, & 1 to 4, Galatians, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, & Jude, Romans, Hebrews, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians & Philemon, Pastoral Epistles, Prison Epistles,1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, General Epistle, How I publish 22 books in a pandemic, Abcs to Amazon Self Publishing, Acts volume 1, Acts volume 2, Acts volume 1 & 2, and the gospel according to Luke. I am a retired medical doctor and cardiologist by training. A near-death experience in 2019 resulted in early retirement which jump-started my writing career, and the publication of 28 books.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in a small village called Tanjong Malim in Malaysia. No one influenced my writing. I did not grow up in a family of writers. However, I love reading and writing during my school and university days. I was not a serious writer before 2019. All I wrote then were articles for medical journals and magazines. As providence would have it, I had a nasty accident in 2019 which left me tetraplegic and bedridden. After surgery, rehabilitation, and much reflection, I woke up with a new vision. I took up writing during retirement and pandemic for self-enrichment, to leave a legacy, and to pass time. I started to write my memoirs and have not looked back ever since.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I'm a pantser. Sometimes I don't know what the next word is until I write it. I sometimes wake up early in the morning to write a few pages before snoozing off again. Sometimes, when I started to write, I finds it hard to stop.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
The best advice given to me is to be persistent, consistent, authentic, and to find my voice. To start something new is always harder in the beginning but it will become easier as time goes by. There is always a learning curve that you have to overcome. Rome is not built in one day. Do not procrastinate. Time and season wait for no one and cannot be redeemed.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you put your heart and soul into writing you will be able to do it. Nothing is impossible. The word impossible says I am possible. Do not give up. Learn new skills. Go the extra mile. Learn the ropes of the trade. Listen to your heart. Convert your thoughts into ink and paper. Write on subjects that you are familiar with and things that interest you, ie profession, hobbies, passion, etc. Think out of the box, be creative, ask questions, and answer your questions. Many stories are created by asking and answering your questions.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
I am currently working on a Christian non-fiction book which is about 80 percent complete.
What are you working on now?
I have five chapters of a new novel written but can't get into the 6th chapter. dont know when I'll finish.
What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
I promote my work on my website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Amazon.com, goodreads.com authors-book.com, bookshelfs.com, bookois.com, oltobooks.com, bookshutter.com etc.
What's next for you as a writer?
I will just concentrate and continue what I am doing. I will continue to explore new avenues to market my books to a wider audience.
How well do you work under pressure?
Writing can be very stressful. When I am too stressed, I will go for a long walk. Sometimes, I will take off for several days to read other people’s books to unwind, refresh, recharge, and reenergised.