Interview with John Hittler

Author of The Motivation Trap

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

Born and raised in Detroit, and now live in San Jose, CA.

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

Went away to a small, liberal arts college, and after 3 days, decided it was just not for me. The school informed me that they do not give refunds, so I could quit, but not get my money back, and it was, indeed my money. I went and got an EKG, confirming that I had a heart murmur (which I knew and was harmless) and then proceeded to be dismissed with a full medical leave AND a refund of all fees paid. I then travelled to California with my girlfriend of one week, and have lived here ever since. Not surprisingly, my parents were not at all pleased, and it worked it really well!

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

A dear friend asked me why I was not writing one of 5 books I had in my head. When I explained that everyone told me it would be “great marketing for my coaching business” it just did not make any sense to invest the time and effort. Christina asked me what would: “If I could help someone, I would write and publish.” Her reply was simple: “Then write the book to help people.” Duh.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

An energetic walk away from motivation, and towards tools and strategies that will have you thrive, succeed, and love what you are doing.

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

Entrepreneurs, CEO’s, and team leaders in business.

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

1) Writing was much faster than I had imagined it would be. 2) I really enjoy writing (and always have). 3) I don’t care much for the business of promoting the book.

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

Get started. Make a difference. Embrace the process. Love the people you are writing for.

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

The people for whom it would help change their lives. The second book is meant to reach millions. The first book had a designated audience much smaller and more focused.

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

Dealing with a publisher who begins every email correspondence with “Well, according to your contract….” when informing me yet again about a detail that was not made clear when we started. Most of those surround money that they continue not to pay.

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

I can write 2,500 words, at little or no notice, and do so in less than two hours. There is no writer’s block. There are only distractions.

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

Understanding the publishing game, such that it does not frustrate me so much. Money = energy, and I never appreciate feeling taken advantage of.

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

It’s done and awaiting a release date, tied to the release of a TED talk in November, as that will aid in the marketing and promotion of that book.

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

First book: Greenleaf Publishing. Second book: Scribe Media. Love Scribe, and would not recommend Greenleaf.