Interview with Ernest Sears Jr

Author of Detox Your Circle, Activate Your Destiny: 13 Toxic Element to Cleanse from your Life

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

I am originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. My wife, two daughters, and I have lived in Arizona for 24 years. We now reside in Mesa, Arizona.

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

In 1995, a year after my wife and I had our first child, I was transferred to Tempe, Arizona to work for CitiCards (formerly Sears National Bank). We were excited for the opportunity to move west and explore the excellent opportunities available.

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

Being an author and thought leader was the original plan after college. I had even worked for Parade Magazine in Manhattan for a short stint in 1989 before starting a family a few years later. Fast forward 27 years to 2016: I was married 25 years, had raised two college-aged daughters, managed a six-figure household, and we were experiencing the empty nest phase. It was at this point in life that I experienced my own turning point, a crisis of meaning that triggered the writing of my book. I jumped off the cliff of security and retired from corporate leadership positions in 2016, launching a new business as a lifestyle design consultant and relationship strategy coach.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My book establishes the premise for removing 13 toxic elements — consisting of people, self-sabotaging behaviors, baggage, and meaningless rituals — and demonstrates how decluttering can trigger a very powerful clarity and resonance. Magically, you summon the right people, activities, and passions that illuminate an enlightened path to purpose and meaning.

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

People who connect to the topics in my books are those that are open to more enlightened ways of living. The reconciling of spirit and science, faith and fact. My content speaks to those who see everything as connected and understand that we are all on a journey towards oneness.

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

I was quite pleasantly surprised to learn that the number of people engaged in the process of writing a book is much higher than I expected. With countless meetup groups centered on book writing, editing, publishing, and marketing, there is opportunity to build networks and working relationships with writers of all genres.

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

I would reassure myself that I am on the right track and to stop ignoring my heart. Focus more on what makes me feel good and brings joy.

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?

The biggest frustration is not having the luxury or peace of mind that financial freedom can bring. When there is still a need to rely on other streams of income to make ends meet, there is significantly less time one can devote to the practice of writing. This means continuing to discipline oneself to write an hour  everyday, even if you can’t do it until late at night.

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

I have reached a place in my life where my ideas and abilities to translate these insightfully are at their peak. I write everyday and enjoy the process of composing a body of work that will illuminate concepts that may have been difficult to explain, like the connection between spirituality and science. Publishing and marketing are services that fortunately I can buy. Publishers and reputable Social Media Marketing Consultants do a fine job at getting the word out.

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

I have found marketing to be fairly challenging compared to writing and publishing. I love writing and, gratefully, I have developed the skill set to do this well. Publishing options are myriad, so the only obstacle is to research to determine the best path for one’s particular situation. Marketing is a unique and elusive phenomenon. It requires a mixture of luck and the ability to discern which social media consultants are good at what they do.

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

I am working on three books at this time: 1) Detox Your Circle (Volume 2); 2) The Generation X Factor: Bridging the Millennial-Boomer Divide; 3) The Importance of Being (a book series that reconciles faith and physics). One of these will be finished by the end of 2019 and published sometime in 2020.

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

Hybrid