Interview with J. William Howerton

Author of Understanding God’s Contracts with Mankind: Your Path to Understanding Christianity

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

Paducah, KY. Lifetime resident, except for approximately 12 years for school, military and work (1949-1961)

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

I am back home.

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

For roughly 40 years I had studied the Bible and commentaries, which gave me understanding of what it was all about. I kept having urges to write it and tell others, so finally I did as you can learn about in Chapter 6. The final challenge to get it done was unmistakable.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

It gives some of my background, supports the validity of the Bible, and helps give understanding as to who Jesus Christ was, what He did, and why and how He made the final “contract” (covenant) with God to atone for the sins of mankind. It explains the background provided in the Old Covenant, and how Jesus fulfilled the requirements of Passover, Unleavened Bread and First Fruits. It also illustrates what can be a personal relationship between ourselves and God (Jesus). It explains the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and it takes a look at what to look for at the end of the age.

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

Any Christian or seeker who wants to “understand” the Christian faith, be able to hold on to his/her faith during tough times, and who might have occasions to explain his/her belief to others.
It is not enough to be familiar with something or even have some knowledge of the subject. The level of learning should be understanding.

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

It takes work to assemble all of the information and background, and then put into some organized and easily readable text.
Not only does it take time, but it also involves more expense that originally expected.

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

Carefully check out several publishers. Although I did have a good Christian publishing company, they were always looking for more money for this or that service.
Also, check on pricing of the product. I believe my book is over-priced. It would sell better, if the paperback could be priced at around $12.00 instead of $17.95. I would also want one that could really help with marketing, and not leave it to me and social media, which I am not into very much.

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

The world. Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples, etc. At 88 I am not going anywhere now, so I have to do my duty by writing the book.

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

Marketing and selling. I have had some success from people who read the book and were really taken by it. One bought 400 books to give to seminary students. Another has promoted it on his TV program and given some away for any donations to the ministry. I have given several away to friends and sold some, but for the most part, I have no idea how seriously they read it.

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

I can write, but I am lousy at marketing, especially by using such as social media. I’m just not into that subject.

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

Certainly, I need a publisher, and need marketing help that can really promote the book.

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

I have been giving serious thought to re-writing the book with the same title and cover, except for one added word: “REVISITED.” There are a few points I would like to explain for define a little more, and I could add to the story of the personal relationship, which would be very powerful. For the most part the re-visitation would be to tell “the rest of the story.”

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

I would say “self published,” but I am not really certain of the three definitions.