I’m just a simple guy who has a great story. I felt compelled to tell that story because I knew it would give people faith, hope and courage to overcome adversity in their own lives. To be honest, I can’t hold a candle to most writers. The story in me made me write. Not the writer in me.

Robert Crown – 19 April 2018

The Back Flap

How does a child’s life change when his mother tries to murder him? It’s one of the most profound betrayals imaginable, and it can follow the victim into adulthood, into all he does with his life, tainting his sense of self and his relationships with others. How does a man’s life change when he discovers that with his thoughts, his imagination, and his ability to listen to his higher self, he has the power to overcome the devastating events of his past and build a new life and a family?

This is the inspiring true story of Robert Crown’s amazing journey out of the darkness of his childhood and into a world brightly illuminated by the power of positive understanding and purposeful thought. It’s the story of rejecting the victimhood he once embraced and finding the answers that allowed him to embrace the power to create a new life using universal spiritual laws.

About the book

What is the book about?

The story is about all of the struggles, hardships, and adversity I went through in my life and eventually overcame by changing my thoughts and becoming more conscious of who I am.  Everything from my own mother devising a premeditated murder plot, to murder me and my two siblings, to sexual abuse and being homeless with my family. Although I have no regrets about my life, nor am I a victim. I share my story with people to let them know, no matter what you go through in life, you can overcome and live a happy, fulfilling, productive life.

When did you start writing the book?

2011

How long did it take you to write it?

Six years.

Where did you get the idea from?

I was in marriage counseling and had given up on my marriage, what I would call a simply a hiccup in our marriage. I didn’t care if I lived or died any longer. I poured my guts out and gave the marriage counselor the abbreviated version of my life story in one hour. After I finished I asked her if she knew of anyone who has gone through as much as I had. She said, “Robert, I counseled dysfunctional family, addicts, convicts, gang members, etc, in my twenty-five years of counseling, I never heard of anyone going through as much you have.” Well, I jokingly said “I should write a book. If others read what I went through they would feel better about their own life and it would give them faith, hope, and courage to overcome challenges in their lives too.” As soon as I said that, there was a spark that ignited in my gut. It gave me a new life, a purpose to live. Which is why I included a dedication to the reader, “You were the motivation to write about my life. My intention from the first word…it (my story) would have a positive impact on your life or the life of someone you know…”

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

At the time I started, the only thing I struggled with was my self-doubt.  Believe in yourself! If I can do it, I know for certain you can too.

What came easily?

The outlines came easy and expanding on them.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

The names have been changed to protect the innocent.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

The only book I read on writing was by Stephen King, On Writing. Frankly I was surprised when I first read it how simply he wrote, without all the “fluff.” That’s all I needed to know. It was very encouraging, because I know what am, I’m just a simple guy who has a great story. I felt compelled to tell that story because I knew it would give people faith, hope and courage to overcome adversity in their own lives. To be honest, I can’t hold a candle to most writers. The story in me made me write. Not the writer in me.

Do you have a target reader?

Anyone who has struggled in their life.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I don’t really have a process per se. I have to be in a calm, peaceful state of mind, and feel like writing. If I’m not I may stay perched in front of my computer for an hour or so waiting for it to come to me. If I’m not feeling it, it won’t flow and I can’t start.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I outlined my entire book and then just elaborated later. If I missed something I just went back and added another outline or more to the existing outline. Chapter headings were the last thing I did.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I waited until I finished. Then had a couple of different editors look it over. Put your money in the editing.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes, I certainly did.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I like it quiet so I can get deep inside myself. Once I do it just starts to flow.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

For me, it was based on my story which helped me decide. I believe I have a strong, great story. There is not another story like mine out there. You can’t make this bloody stuff up.  My book will be on the NY Times and other Best Seller Lists, it’s just a matter of time.

Depending on what your intentions are with your book after it’s published, will determine the path you may choose. Are you planning to do speaking engagements, workshops, etc? This is where the money comes in for writers. Or do you simply want to tell a story about your legacy you can hand down to your descendants? If you are going the later route you may want to self-publish. If you want to make a career out of it, then go with a publisher. Although you may want to give self-publishing a try first anyway.

I weighed self-publishing vs. using a publisher and decided I wanted to go it alone. Besides, a lot has changed in publishing over the last couple of decades.  With the internet and POD and all the tools writers need, are at their fingertips. You have options. Who knows if the deal is right I may sign on at some point. However right now, does not seem like the time.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I had it professionally done. I think I made a new world record for revisions and email threads.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

This is where a publisher would be a benefit.  I do have a plan of what I want to do as far as my marketing. I also have a very nice set of wings.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

If you want to write and it’s your passion or even if you have a story to tell, then tell it. Do not be discouraged by anyone, including yourself.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Chicago, IL USA

Where do you live now?

Still in Chicago. I don’t get out much.

What would you like readers to know about you?

That I really have a profound love and care for humanity, especially the youth of our world. I long for the day when all humanity sees through the facade, removes the veil of ignorance, and awakens to their true self to discover God-their divinity within.  Having been through many struggles in life, I understand how hopeless things can feel at times. I want my readers to know that they need to believe in themselves. I believe in them and know they have the ability to overcome any type of struggle, difficulty, or hardship in their life. I know this for sure.

Empower yourselves and remember who you truly are, an interdimensional being living in this third-dimensional “world” which some call reality. Listen to your higher self, and believe that God is within you not without.  Your thoughts are more powerful than you know. Change your thoughts and they will change your world.  It’s how I changed my world.

What are you working on now?

I will be working on a second book soon. To share in greater detail how I was able to overcome what I did and what worked for me.

End of Interview:

For more from Robert, visit his website, like his Facebook page, and follow him on Twitter.

Get your copy of Suffering Ends When Awakening Begins from Amazon US or Amazon UK.