Interview with Robert Carter

Author of Breaking the Bonds of Pornography.

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

I was born in Sylacauga, Alabama and currently live in Grady, Alabama.

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

I lived in Sylacauga until the 2nd grade when my father moved to Montgomery, Alabama for work. I graduated High School in Montgomery in 1971. My wife and I married the same year and we were both 18. We have now been married 48 years and live 30 miles south of Montgomery in Grady where her parents lived.

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

I recently retired after 48 years of pastoring and I have been counseling for the last 25 years. During that time I saw so many who struggled with pornography addiction. I decided to write a book that could be used to help break that addiction through Biblical principles.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

This book breaks down into 11 lessons ideal for a Bible study. It includes teaching material, lesson goals, follow-up questions and more. Rather than just a book about pornography addiction, it endeavors to give practical steps for healing and recovery.

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

Anyone who struggles with pornography or sexual addiction.

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

That pornography use and addiction were even worse than I thought.

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

Be soaked in the presence of the Holy Spirit, because this is a dark subject.

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

Everyone who needs it or knows someone who does. People who want to receive help with pornography addiction in a Biblical way.

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

The greatest challenge was trying to write the book while pastoring and counseling. Time was so limited.

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

I am not sure I have strengths in any of those areas. I just tried to take the burden in my heart to help and put it in an organized and thoughtful way onto paper.

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

That I don’t do it enough to become good at it. It has always been a side project for me rather than a main focus.

When do you think you will write your next book?

At my age the chances are small. My current focus is counseling ministers and their families. To take the amount of time needed to write a book would keep me from helping those who currently need help. Now if the Lord calls me to write another book I will.

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

Self-published I guess. I used Xulon.