Interview with John Polo

Author of Widowed. Rant, Raves and Randoms.
Widowed 2. Now I Live.
how to date a widow 101

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

Chicago, IL – Volo, IL

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

My wife and I started building a house 5 months before she was diagnosed

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

When my wife was in hospice she was in a coma the last week or so. I started writing her eulogy, and then a book about our full love story. I have yet to finish the book about our full love story but instead decided to first publish Widowed and Widowed 2, as ways to speak to the grieving community.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Real, raw and easy to read grief books that will make you both laugh & cry.

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

Widowed people & others who know profound loss

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

I am best when I allow my creativity to flow without censoring my self based on what others may think.

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

Everyone has an opinion.

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

Millions

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

Honestly, people who I believe my books and coaching can help – but they don’t know about me, or my work.

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

I don’t hold back and am not afraid to show my soul. I think people relate to me because I am so raw, and because there aren’t many other 31-35 year old men out there exposing their soul.

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

Selling myself – its uncomfortable

When do you think you will write your next book?

My 3rd book, “how to date a widow 101” just came out. I think I am done for about a year. I want my next book to be unrelated to grief (I think).

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

Self, I wanted to publish right away and didn’t want anyone to curb the creativity of my work. My books are extremely unique.