Interview with James Ashurst

Author of Battling Depression: The Journey from Darkness to Light

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Originally from Fitzgerald, GA. Now I live in Blairsville, GA.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I had good friends who invited me to Blairsville for a visit. I fell in love with the smallness of the community and with the kind-hearted people. In addition, I enjoy experiencing all 4 seasons that we get here.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I wanted to leave a “guide book” for my clients once they have stopped their therapy. After writing a couple of chapters, I realized that I needed to add even more. So, I ended up writing a 13-chapter book on Stress.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Each book is self-help, giving suggestions to the readers of the means of making their life more abundantly fun and joyful. Of course, it does contain serious thoughts, but I also use humor to soften the intense thoughts. The four books read as if a person is simply having a conversation with a neighbor.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Adults who are undergoing stress, or the loss of a significant person or situation in their life, or the person who has forgotten how to laugh and have a good time in life.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

It takes a great deal of time, energy, and commitment. It does not happen overnight. But I discovered that the individuals at my publishers want me to succeed and do their best to see that it happens.

If you could, what advice would you give to past self yourself before embarking on this journey?

Do a lot of research on your topic before you begin writing. Also, get together a support team who will be the cheerleaders and stay in continual contact with each of them.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

Ideally, hundreds or thousands. But my pact with God has been that the time, energy, and cost has been worth it all if just one person is touched by what is in the books.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Scheduling the time to make myself sit down and write. I allow other mundane things to interfere with my time schedule. I need to write something each day to remain motivated, so that is my newest challenge.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Writing is my biggest strength. Publishing and marketing are left to the experts. I depend on them to activate the marketing and publishing.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My biggest weakness is marketing books. I have some knowledge of publishing them, but it does still remain a weakness.

When do you think you will you write your next book?

I have already started the fifth book. It deals with Depression. I am hoping that it will be finished by the end of October.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Self-publisher