Interview with Author Sheldon D. Newton

Hello there! I’m so thrilled to let you know I have been granted a Q&A by another great book author, Mr. Sheldon D. Newton. I had the honor of reviewing three of Sheldon’s books: Genna’s Fight, Thrown Away and Genna’s Ghost. All of them are uplifting and inspiring Christian Fiction novels that depict love, kindness, patience, determination and perseverance among others. Most importantly, they promote FAITH: faith in God, faith in other people and faith in oneself. I feel so proud to be given the opportunity to know Sheldon through this Q&A and I’m so happy to share this Q&A with you.

Sheldon D. Newton is a Number One best-selling author, teacher and international speaker, whose goal is to share with others their worth and value and how to embrace and fulfill their Divine purpose. For over thirty years Sheldon D. Newton is on a mission to share the foundational and practical keys to successful and victorious living, through the application of Biblical Truths which transforms lives. He is a noted author, and the senior pastor of Jesus Christ Centered Ministries, located in Nassau, Bahamas. His teachings on Kingdom living and the power of prayer will ignite you and enable you to live effectively and produce results in your personal, family and professional life.

Sheldon is the author of many books, including the 30 day life-changing devotional, MyName is Jealous; the Number One best-selling, How To Pray & Get Results; HowTo Live The Christian Life Successfully....Victoriously; Diligence, The Master Key To Achieving YourDreams; Genna's Fight (A Novel), & Humility & the Honor Of God (which is hailed as a Christian Classic). Sheldon lives in Nassau with his wife and two children.

(-from Sheldon D. Newton’s Amazon Author Page)

Q. How do you come up with the titles for your books?

I depend a lot upon inspiration. Much of the time titles just seem to come to me. I believe in God, so I believe He brings these inspirations to my heart. Also, I can get inspired to write a book just by watching people interact with each other. Sometimes when I see a situation occur, I would run a story through my mind of how I would have wanted that situation to go. So, what I am saying is that inspiration can come from anywhere. You just have to be looking for it.

Q. When, for you, is the best time to write?

I am actually not regimented to a particular time. I write during the day, and during the night. When I get an idea for a book, the inspiration for the entire book floats around in me until I basically see the whole picture in a matter of hours, or maybe a day. Then whenever I sit down to write it just flows. It’s amazing.

Q. Who or what inspired you to write your first book?

I would have to answer that by saying I believe the Bible gave me the inspiration to write my first book. It was actually based upon a subject I was studying in the Bible. It was, of course, a non-fiction book. As it pertains to my first fiction book, I believe it may have been in part because my mom was a victim of spousal abuse. My dad drank a lot, and when he did, he became violent. My mom actually left him in order to protect me. She told me that when I was a baby, he took me and threw me against a wall. That was when she decided to leave him. I hate spousal abuse, regardless of who it comes through, husband or wife. That is probably where the inspiration came from in writing “Genna’s Fight.”

Q. What is your ultimate dream as a book author?

Truthfully, I would like to help a lot of people, and inspire them to reach for their goals and dreams. I want to give people hope. All of my novels carry a basic message. That message is that regardless of what one may have experienced, and gone through, there is still hope. They do not have to give up. I want to get my books in the hands of millions of people, and hear stories of how they helped to perhaps change their lives. I would love that.

Q. What is the best thing about being a writer?

Hmmm, well, I would answer that like this. First, I love being a writer and an author. When I saw my first book, the way I felt was indescribable. And after all the books I have written, I still feel so blessed to be able to know I am an author. Second, I get thrilled when I discover that my books are being read and enjoyed by people all over the world. I do have one more desire, and that is to one day see some of my books become movies. As an author I feel I am doing what I was born to do. It is a part of my purpose for being.

Q. What are your purposes in writing books?

My first reason for writing books is to use my God-given gift and fulfill my purpose for being. It is just in me to write, and perhaps make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Second, I write to help others by giving them the information and inspiration they need to make better life’s choices, and therefore change things in their lives. I love helping people. It is what I live for. Third, I love giving people hope. I believe that, regardless of what one has gone through, things can change for the better if they know what to do, and how to do it. In my writings, whether fiction or non-fiction, I aim to always give someone hope. Yes, I love to entertain through my novels. But to me, just entertaining without using the vehicle of books to inspire, give hope and uplift is a waste of time. People need hope. So I trust that I can provide entertainment, yes, but hope as well.

Q. When did you realize you wanted to write a book?

I would have to say that it was probably over twenty plus years ago. I wanted to write books with Bible lessons in them. I actually did not think I could write a novel. I have a dear friend whose mind is very creative. Whenever he would describe something, I am always amazed at how his mind seems to work. He could describe a scene in a way that was astounding. He is detailed.  I often spoke with him about doing a novel. I mean, I spoke with him about him writing a novel. I never thought I had a detailed mind to write one myself. However, one day, I just decided, after writing many non-fiction books, that I would write a novel. I wrote “Genna’s Fight.” I was amazed at the awesome acceptance it received. People both here and abroad were telling me how much they enjoyed it, and I was asked to do a sequel, which I just released, “Genna’s Ghost.” Some even suggested, (on amazon) that it needs to be made a movie. I am amazed.

Q. What is your favorite book?

Of course, my all-time favorite is the Bible. My favorite novel is a book by Mark Victor Hansen and Robert Allen called, “The One Minute Millionaire.” The book is unique in that it has two sides to it. On the left hand side it is “non-fiction” on the principles of success. On the right hand side is a “novel,” a touching story about a mother who was about to lose her own children unless she ….. (Don’t want to give away the plot.) The story is so gripping, moving and inspiring that I had to read it to the end to see what would happen. I love that story.

Q. If “ Genna’s Fight” is ever turned into a movie, who would you like to play the role of “Genna” and why?

It is my earnest hope that Genna’s Fight gets turned into a movie. Domestic violence is so rampant and people who are victims to this evil need to see that they are not alone, and that there is hope and help if they desire it. I would love for either “Taraji P. Henson,” or “Thandie Newton to act the part of “Genna.” I believe that any one of them would be able to show and depict clearly Genna’s struggle and pain, as well as her power when she found her sanity and soundness. I have watched both women in movies in the past, so I know one of them can do a superb job with it. By the way, I can envision “Viola Davis” as “Carol,” and “Denzel Washington” or “Blair Underwood” as “Tom and Reggie” respectively.

Q. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

I would advise aspiring writers to realize that you have something to say. I am not asking if you have something to say. I am telling you that you do. One of my favorite authors said, and I quote, “Everyone has at least one good book in them.” This means you do have something to say. It may take you several times before you hit that one good book in you and get it out. But then again, it may come out the first time and make a “marked difference” in the life of others, and in your own life as well. So, write your book. I also would like to encourage you to “begin.” Master procrastination and get started. This is the major place where many people fail. They never start because they keep putting it off. Now why do people procrastinate? The reasons vary. Some procrastinate because they are afraid of what people may think of their writing. “Suppose they do not like it?” The truth is that most likely someone may not. But “someone” is not “everyone.” There is guaranteed to be someone who will enjoy your writing. So, write. Another fear people have is that they wonder if what they are writing will make any sense. That is what editors and friends are for. Ask for their opinion. Ask for their help. Never allow fear to stop you. Finally, develop a habit of writing every day, even if it is just for a few minutes. This will keep your mind active, and if you are consistent, and persistent, you will finish. So, these would be my advice to aspiring writers.