1. What motivated you to write your book, to
force you from taking an idea or experience and turning it into this book?
My motivations came
directly from the kids and teens in distress that had reached out to me. Their
stories of bigotry, bullying, out casting, being forgotten about, and isolation
pushed me to want to stand up for them as I saw so many staying seated. I
remembered that “Necessity is the mother of invention” in every form, with that
Branden created necessity inside me to dive as deeply as possible into the
reason our teens feel suicide is an option.
2. What is it about and who is it for?
This book is for
everyone, as it deals with a subject, we all need to be aware of and strongly
stand for. Focused on teen suicide and what is left behind, I feel the subject
matter is so very important. The book shows what devastation is caused from
suicide, as well as how much need there is right now for compassion and change.
3. What takeaways might the reader will be
left with after reading it?
Of course, I am biased
but I, when done, while re-proof reading for the 10th time maybe,
realized I was reading a journal, and at the same time, maybe a handbook of
sorts. I hope all who may read the book feel encouragement, love, and a desire
to create a change in the way we handle depression, anxiety, self-harm and
bullying among our youth.
4. How did you decide on your book’s title and
cover design?
Honestly, my wife and
daughter made the final decision as they informed me that I had kept referring
to “when Branden made his choice” I continue to refer to this in that way as it
was in fact his choice. At that time, he felt that was what his choice was,
unknowing he had so very many options.
5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have
for fellow writers?
Please do not think
you can’t write a book. You can. Write as sloppy and misspelled as you want,
just get the words out. Don’t hold back. When you read what you wrote and you
feel there is more in you, add it.
6. What trends in the book world do you see --
and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?
I do not follow trends
usually, but I do see everything digital and always available. I think we all
have a kindle now! I will never give up my hardcovers!
7. What challenges did you overcome to write
this book?
I did not have any
real challenge as this book came directly from a part of me that is in terrible
grief and loss, therefore the words came very fast and very raw. The one and
only real hardship was chapter 2, “The day of” I knew I wanted this in the
book, I knew it had to be everything, every second, every emotion. I
waited until last to write it. I wrote it and read it, then again, and again I
rewrote it. Pushing myself deeper in memory every time. It was hard, hard and
very unforgiving for me. I almost removed the chapter after those weeks. I felt
I gave away what I had last kept just between my son and I, I realized that is
exactly what a young mind may need to hear if in the midst of such a choice. I
had to write it, I had to not hold back. That was hard.
8. How would you
describe your writing style?
I did not know I had a
style nor do I think I do now. If asked I would have to say “sloppy yet direct”
I very much wish to and try to put the person reading into my emotional state.
9. If people can buy or read one book this
week or month, why should it be yours?
I truly feel that this
story will and has opened many eyes to some of the emotional crises our youth
face. As well as what may really be lost or forgotten by our public-school
systems and other health places meant for our youth. I wish for this book to
revitalize us into standing back up for values and compassion we are losing for
those around us. Of course, as well, for every young person to understand that
They Are Not Alone!
About The Author: John St.Clair is the
founder of B.E.D.S. Teen Outreach,
a youth advocate and mental health awareness non-profit company that helps
youths in their struggles with depression, anxiety, self-harm and Suicidal
ideology Before devoting his work full time to B.E.D.S. teen outreach, John was
a security service engineer until the loss of his son, Branden, to suicide in
2019 which prompted the creation of the Teen Outreach Center. With the hope to
open a center wherever one is needed, John is pushing in all directions for
change via congress, media outlets, free services to the youth and parent
participation. John has written his first book, Branden’s Choice, which reveals and
explains the devastating effects suicide has on the family and friends left
behind and the stories of many others. John has also made public speaking roles
throughout Tennessee, raising awareness about teen suicide. In addition to
being a public speaker, John is an avid gamer which he shares with his wife,
daughter, and late son. You will also find him quoting movies in normal
conversations and making people laugh as often as possible.
Please Contact Me For
Help
Brian
Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com He is available to help authors promote their story, sell
their book, and grow their brand. He has 30 years of experience in successfully
helping thousands of authors in all genres.
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About Brian Feinblum
Brian Feinblum should
be followed on Twitter @theprexpert. This is copyrighted by
BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2022. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in
Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue
dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and
IBPA’s The Independent. This blog, with over 4,000 posts over
the past decade, was named one of the best book marketing blogs by
BookBaby http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs and
recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing
blogs. It was also named by WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” For
the past three decades, including 21 as the head of marketing for the nation’s
largest book publicity firm, and two jobs at two independent presses, Brian has
worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along
with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth,
Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey
Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Susan RoAne,
Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler. He recently hosted a
panel on book publicity for Book Expo America, and has spoken at ASJA, IBPA,
Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers
Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, and Connecticut Authors
and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have been published
in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News,
Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The
Washington Post. He has been featured in The Sun
Sentinel and Miami Herald. For more information,
please consult: linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum.
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