There are a couple of types of people who will love this book: avid users of psychedelics, travelers, and conscientious Americans who are concerned about the place their country has become. 

John Forelli – 5 March 2019

The Back Flap

Have you ever asked yourself the question…what is the true nature of reality, and what is my place in it?

John Forelli went to Peru in search of the answer. Waiting for him in the Sacred Valley was a hut, a psychoactive brew called ayahuasca, and a beautiful woman.

Presented with photographs of Peru from the ancient alleys of Cusco to the dizzying heights of Machu Picchu, Ayahuasca in the Age of Donald Trump is a spiritual quest within a travel memoir.

It is the true story of John’s trip—the journey of a lifetime.

About the book

What is the book about?

The book is a true story about a trip to Peru I took last summer. It’s journey of self-discovery and a search for true. I drank ayahuasca in the Sacred Valley with Andean shamans, I saw Machu Picchu, and I met a wonderful girl.

When did you start writing the book?

On the plane home from Peru. I was so inspired I couldn’t not write.

How long did it take you to write it?

About three months.

Where did you get the idea from?

The story is simply a moment to moment retelling of what actually happened during my trip. Verbatim.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Not really. Like I said, it all happened, so it was easy to write it down.

What came easily?

The whole shebang.

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

They’re all real, though I did change some names.

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?

Yes! I was reading Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas while writing this, and you’ll see the result of that inspiration in my book.

Do you have a target reader?

There are a couple of types of people who will love this book: avid users of psychedelics, travelers, and conscientious Americans who are concerned about the place their country has become.

About Writing

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

I don’t force myself into a process. The only thing I need is inspiration. Once I have inspiration the words flow like water.

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

I have an idea in my head of how I want the book to flow. I very rarely write anything down, other than what ends up in the book, of course.

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

As I go, and then I’ll do a couple rounds of copy editing after I finish.

Did you hire a professional editor?

No. I’m very possessive of my words and I don’t like other people telling me to change them.

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

Yes! I love listening to music while I write, but only instrumentals. Music with words is too distracting for me when I’m in writing mode.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes, three or four. I submitted it to Anthony Bourdain’s book agency, since he took a very similar trip and he was one of my inspirations for going in the first place. I didn’t hear back.

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

I waited for about two months to hear from my first round of submissions. I didn’t hear back from any, so I decided to self-publish. Maybe it was a mistake not to wait longer, maybe not. But I’ve told my truth and now people can read it, and that’s what I care about.

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

I did that myself as well. I took one of the pictures I took in Peru and wrapped it so that it extends from back to front. Added a title, and boom. Done. Simple, minimalist, and I think it looks good.

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

I’m sending it out to lots of book blogs and have advertising planned.

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

Nike that shit. Just do it. Life’s too short to do anything other than what you want to do

End of Interview:

For more from John, visit his website.

Get your copy of Ayahuasca In The Age Of Donald Trump from Amazon US or Amazon UK.