Interview with J Alfed Burroughs

Author of Mr Words Waggle Tongue (Inspired by the Epistle of James)

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

I’m originally from Gary, Indiana. I currently reside in Fort Worth, Texas,

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

it’s a journey that started back in 1978. I was twenty-one years old and wanted to move somewhere more exciting with a lot more opportunities. So,I Relocated to Atlanta, Georgia and lived there for 23 years. And moved to Columbus, Indiana for three years and then to Franklin, Indiana for four years. After living in Indiana I relocated to Pine Bluff, Arkansas for several years. I wasn’t completely happy there so my last move to date was to Fort Worth, Texas. I wanted to relocated to a place were I had family, so it was Texas.

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

When I attended Bible College I enrolled in a writing to get published class. I wrote several short stories and started several books. But I never had any published. In 2013, twenty years later I published Enter-In Praise, Worship, Glory.
And six years later I publish my latest book Mr. Words Waggle Tongue, inspired by the book of James.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

The books that I write are to educate, edify and to up lift people from all walks of life. I write to encourage the masses and let them know there is a better way to live our lives. Even though this world is full of challenges, ups and downs there is away to over come life’s biggest road blocks.

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

The topics I write about I want to connect with people from all age groups. I also want to connect with pastor’s, ministers, lay person’s and all age groups.

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

The unexpected thing I learned during the process of writing and publishing. You have to proof read and proof read your manuscript over and over again. You have to hire a professional proof reader to look over your work. And after they have finished proof reading it, go over it again. Also, check ratings of the proof reader or copy editor.
Choose carefully because copy editor’s are not created equal.

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

The advice I would give my past self before embarking on this journey. In the future not only will I hire a copy editor. I would also hire someone that’s skilled in writing to review my work and evaluate the whole manuscript. I would like to know how is my beginning and my ending. Should I revise, should add more content and does it make sense.

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

I would ideally like reach as many people as possible. But, if I could reach millions that would be my goal. I know those numbers are possible, if you have the budget to get the book out there.

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

The biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date is the ability to get the book in front of potential readers.

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

My biggest strengths as I continue to learn is writing. Publishing a book has not been a problem.

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

My biggest weakness when it comes to writing, publishing and marketing. The biggest is marketing my book(s).

When do you think you will write your next book?

I have several ideas in mind and at the present time I’m gathering material to get started. I have learned so much along the way and have much more to discover.

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

I’m a self published author.