Author’s Bio: Mr. Wills has earned a Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He’s been a Professor, Past Board Member of the Bowie State University Foundation, President of JT Wills Consulting, Past Vice President of the MD/DC Minority Supplier Development Council, one of the founding members of the Black Empowered Men, author of “Just a Season” and “Legacy – A New Season,” a Journalist by way of the Washington Examiner, and a blogger via Thought Provoking Perspectives (the most empowering blog on the web); in addition to being a supporter of several community organizations, a volunteer, a strong advocate for literacy empowerment and friend to many.
What inspired you to write your book?
I was grieving the loss of my son due to a tragic automobile accident and used the process of writing Just a Season, which is loosely based on the actual life of someone I intimately know. So I can honestly say writing the book was therapy and helped me heal from my loss.
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
Books: The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Roots, and the Bible.
Authors: Iceberg Slim, Donald Goines, Deliah Lawrence.
Is this your first book? How long did it take to start and finish your book?
Just a Season was my first book, however, I have written others. It took me about six months to write Just a Season and it was published a few months later.
Do you write with an outline, or just let it flow organically?
No, I did not use an outline. The story in Just a Season was written by someone greater than myself. I was just the vehicle by which the story came through me organically.
Do you listen to music when you write? If yes, is there a theme song for this book?
No I do not. Frankly, it was like I was having an out of body experience each time I wrote a word, sentence, paragraph, or page. If there was a theme song, it would be “Trouble Man”!
What are the keys to success in getting your book out to the public?
I would say most importantly, believing in yourself and put in the work, overcoming any obstacles, being motivated, and lastly having a commitment to completion.
What advice would you give to new authors?
Very simple, when publishing your book, you MUST remember that it is a business!
How about sharing an excerpt from Just A Season? (Instead I added several reviews)
“Author John T. Wills has a remarkable gift for writing, a unique talent for story creation. In his book, “Just a Season”, John carries us wonderfully through the life of a boy who becomes a man with the special guidance of a loving and wise grandfather. His writing grasps us emotionally in the first few pages, and keeps us there as he reflects on and reveals this close, heartwarming relationship between grandson and grandfather. The story takes us into the “growing pains” of a boy-child, the diverse and difficult heartbreaking moments this main character experiences, as well as the many humorous antics of a boy seemingly born to be wild. Silver Rae Fox, Actress, Model, Radio Personality
Thank you for your example of tenderness and discipline in what I know is a story of love, delicately shared with readers in a way that says, this life, though brief, is significant. So hold it in highest regard for “the dash” is our legacy to love ones, indeed to the world, which we are blessed to share, albeit, for Just a Season.” Excellent! Sistah Joy, Poet, Cable TV Host
“This is the stuff movies are made of… not since “Roots” have I read a story that so succinctly chronicles an African American story! Amazing! Cheryl, Avid Reader
“Wills pulls you in from the very first page… Just a Season is a heart-wrenching story about growing up and believing in yourself. I highly recommend this book to young men in high school, trying to find themselves and feeling like they have nowhere to turn.” Cheryl Hayes, APOOO Book Club
“Not since The Color Purple have I read a book that evoked such emotions. John T. Wills possesses the ability to transport the reader directly into the life and struggles of his main characters story. I was educated in a way that did not afford me the benefit of truly understanding the significance of the historical events taught from a standalone perspective. This book actually touched my heart and inspired me to increase the equity in my “dash”! Excellent! Tonja Covington
“JUST A SEASON is laced with thought-provoking commentary on the Vietnam War, the assassinations of the 1960s, the migration of crack cocaine into inner-city neighborhoods, and a myriad of other ills that have rocked America. This is a very good piece intertwined with several history lessons spanning many decades.” Dawn Reeves, RAWSISTAZ Book Club
“John T. Wills particulars each notion so eloquently that you feel that you’re actually right there with him… this is an inflicting history lesson that I believe all African American males should experience.” JUST A SEASON is a pivotal read.” Carmen, OOSA ONLINE BOOK CLUB
“From the first page you are transported into John’s world as if you are there and are experiencing it with him. I am amazed at how John is able to use the events of the time to let you know where you are in time. I felt as if I was teleported… his ability to describe what was going on during that time makes me extremely proud of my heritage. You will come away with a feeling of, now I know why that is. I thoroughly enjoyed “Just a Season”. Mia L. Haynes
“Just a Season is a work of love, respect and honor… A book filled with the wonder of life, and the pain and growth encountered in living it.” Outstanding! Ron Watson, Editor, New
Book Reviews.Org
What’s next for you?
It is going to be a blockbuster: “The Perfect Divorce” coming later this year.
Where can readers find out more about you and your book(s)?
Media Kit: http://thoughtprovokingperspectives.co/1981-2/
Amazon Author Page and Book buy Links:
http://www.amazon.com/Just-Season-John-T-Wills/dp/1419657046/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451065557&sr=1-1&keywords=just+a+season
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.t.wills
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnTWills
Blog: http://thoughtprovokingperspectives.co
It’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.
What inspired you to write your book?
I was grieving the loss of my son due to a tragic automobile accident and used the process of writing Just a Season, which is loosely based on the actual life of someone I intimately know. So I can honestly say writing the book was therapy and helped me heal from my loss.
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
Books: The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Roots, and the Bible.
Authors: Iceberg Slim, Donald Goines, Deliah Lawrence.
Is this your first book? How long did it take to start and finish your book?
Just a Season was my first book, however, I have written others. It took me about six months to write Just a Season and it was published a few months later.
Do you write with an outline, or just let it flow organically?
No, I did not use an outline. The story in Just a Season was written by someone greater than myself. I was just the vehicle by which the story came through me organically.
Do you listen to music when you write? If yes, is there a theme song for this book?
No I do not. Frankly, it was like I was having an out of body experience each time I wrote a word, sentence, paragraph, or page. If there was a theme song, it would be “Trouble Man”!
What are the keys to success in getting your book out to the public?
I would say most importantly, believing in yourself and put in the work, overcoming any obstacles, being motivated, and lastly having a commitment to completion.
What advice would you give to new authors?
Very simple, when publishing your book, you MUST remember that it is a business!
How about sharing an excerpt from Just A Season? (Instead I added several reviews)
“Author John T. Wills has a remarkable gift for writing, a unique talent for story creation. In his book, “Just a Season”, John carries us wonderfully through the life of a boy who becomes a man with the special guidance of a loving and wise grandfather. His writing grasps us emotionally in the first few pages, and keeps us there as he reflects on and reveals this close, heartwarming relationship between grandson and grandfather. The story takes us into the “growing pains” of a boy-child, the diverse and difficult heartbreaking moments this main character experiences, as well as the many humorous antics of a boy seemingly born to be wild. Silver Rae Fox, Actress, Model, Radio Personality
Thank you for your example of tenderness and discipline in what I know is a story of love, delicately shared with readers in a way that says, this life, though brief, is significant. So hold it in highest regard for “the dash” is our legacy to love ones, indeed to the world, which we are blessed to share, albeit, for Just a Season.” Excellent! Sistah Joy, Poet, Cable TV Host
“This is the stuff movies are made of… not since “Roots” have I read a story that so succinctly chronicles an African American story! Amazing! Cheryl, Avid Reader
“Wills pulls you in from the very first page… Just a Season is a heart-wrenching story about growing up and believing in yourself. I highly recommend this book to young men in high school, trying to find themselves and feeling like they have nowhere to turn.” Cheryl Hayes, APOOO Book Club
“Not since The Color Purple have I read a book that evoked such emotions. John T. Wills possesses the ability to transport the reader directly into the life and struggles of his main characters story. I was educated in a way that did not afford me the benefit of truly understanding the significance of the historical events taught from a standalone perspective. This book actually touched my heart and inspired me to increase the equity in my “dash”! Excellent! Tonja Covington
“JUST A SEASON is laced with thought-provoking commentary on the Vietnam War, the assassinations of the 1960s, the migration of crack cocaine into inner-city neighborhoods, and a myriad of other ills that have rocked America. This is a very good piece intertwined with several history lessons spanning many decades.” Dawn Reeves, RAWSISTAZ Book Club
“John T. Wills particulars each notion so eloquently that you feel that you’re actually right there with him… this is an inflicting history lesson that I believe all African American males should experience.” JUST A SEASON is a pivotal read.” Carmen, OOSA ONLINE BOOK CLUB
“From the first page you are transported into John’s world as if you are there and are experiencing it with him. I am amazed at how John is able to use the events of the time to let you know where you are in time. I felt as if I was teleported… his ability to describe what was going on during that time makes me extremely proud of my heritage. You will come away with a feeling of, now I know why that is. I thoroughly enjoyed “Just a Season”. Mia L. Haynes
“Just a Season is a work of love, respect and honor… A book filled with the wonder of life, and the pain and growth encountered in living it.” Outstanding! Ron Watson, Editor, New
Book Reviews.Org
What’s next for you?
It is going to be a blockbuster: “The Perfect Divorce” coming later this year.
Where can readers find out more about you and your book(s)?
Media Kit: http://thoughtprovokingperspectives.co/1981-2/
Amazon Author Page and Book buy Links:
http://www.amazon.com/Just-Season-John-T-Wills/dp/1419657046/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1451065557&sr=1-1&keywords=just+a+season
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.t.wills
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnTWills
Blog: http://thoughtprovokingperspectives.co
It’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.
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