Interview with Michael Finley

Author of  What Color is the Sky

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

Jamaica, Iowa and now at Cedar Falls, Iowa

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

I left Jamaica at age 19 to join the military and I retired at 45 and came back to Cedar Falls as my chosen place to retire and start the next phase of my life.

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

I had a message that I wanted to share. My journey had opened up my eyes to a world that was unknown to me, but over time, the path become very clear. I found financial freedom and I wanted to help others experience what I had.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

They are written for people using common language that is relatable to their lives. The goal is to provide bits of information throughout each short chapter to help the reader add to what they previously knew and hopefully, it causes them to want to know more without being overwhelmed with too much verbiage.

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

People who want to improve their relationship with money and how it connects to living a better life.

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

I enjoyed the process, which I did not know I would. I found it helpful to pull from my past as I explained what the future could be for those who were willing to reach for something more.

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

Have the courage to do the things that scare you. DO NOT let your fears stop you from doing what you want to do with your life.

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

Billions, but I would take millions. My hope is that people see the value of what a financial education can do for them when they really take the time to take full responsibility for their lives.

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

Just the whole learning curve as it relates to writing and publishing a book. It was challenging, but not as scary as I initially thought.

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

I think that is a tough question for an author to answer. The people who know my message through my books, my classes, my presentations, and my life could probably better answer it. I think I try to pull strength throughout the process from my talents and use them in ways that will serve myself and the reader best.

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

Probably publishing simply because I just want to get it done.

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

I have written 4 books so book #5 is in my head, but yet to be written. The title will be the Pink Salmon. Everything else is still being worked in my brain as I live my life.

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

Self published and I would certainly do it again. I write books to help people and I believe self publishing provides me the best opportunity to do that.