Interview with Tony Myers

Author of Knocking Food Off Its Pedestal

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

I’m originally from New Haven, IN and currently reside with my wife in the beautiful country side of Ewing, Virginia.

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

The story that lead me to Virginia, is my travels with the army. Which originally led me away from Indiana. Then settled down in Alabama for a time, till I met my future wife while attending online classes. After two years getting to know each other through a long distance relationship we decided that it was time for a closer relationship. So it was decided that I would move to Virginia and we would make our relationship official.

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

My story is one of overcoming a fatal disease, Lou Gehrig’s. On July 4th, 2012 I went from a dying paralyzed man, to being completely healed. Just as important was my transformation from having an alcohol and drug addiction, to being completely set free from those addictions. My story is one that those who are fighting these very same things, needed to hear about. At first I resisted writing my testimonial book, but then others showed me how my testimony had helped people locally. It would be unfair of me to withhold my testimony, when it could help many other people who are fighting for their lives with a fatal illness. Not only for those with fatal illnesses, but my story would also help those struggling with severe PTSD, which is what led to my addictions. My story is one of hope to encourage others and offer real solutions to their struggles. They can learn from the real struggles that I faced and overcame. So who am I to withhold from anyone what I’ve learned? The decision to write and publish my first book was out of a deep desire to help people.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My books are all about being set free, from the physical and emotional struggles that we all go through at some point in our lives. They are Christian non fiction books that teach others how to achieve divine supernatural healing. My books are described by others as folksy and down to earth, without all the religious doctrinal non-sense that cause many to stumble. My writing is simple and easy to comprehend and has been described as making the reader feel like they’re sitting down with me comfortably enjoying a cup of coffee and conversation.

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

The ones most likely to connect with my topics on divine healing are those who are looking sincerely for real answers to real problems. Readers who are open to looking at spiritual matters in a different way, other than what they have been told all their lives. My topics attract those who are being told that there is no hope, my message is one of hope and about never losing hope.

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

During my process of writing and publishing what I learned unexpectedly is that I could write a book, that people would want to read! In fact, recently my story was featured on the 700 Club. If this backwards country fella could write a book anyone can. No training, no experience just a need and desire to help others.

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

My advice would be not to wait five years to write. Just sit down and start writing. Let what is in your heart just come out, and then it will work out. There was a five year struggle in writing the first book. Days of writing one sentence down and then tossing it away. Then out of frustration giving up trying for months at a time. Until one day I just typed.

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

Ideally and unrealistically every person on planet earth. I say that in jest, but it was unrealistic that I’m even alive today. So why not shoot for the moon and maybe I’ll hit a star!

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

My biggest challenge and frustration has been fighting my own insecurity. I’ve never viewed myself as being a writer, never dreamed that something I would share could touch people’s hearts and improve their life. But it’s been the desire to help others that has overcome my own self reservations.

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

My biggest strength in writing is that I write from experience. I’m transparent and just enjoy being myself. Not trying to impress anyone, just trying to help other human beings who just like myself are trying to navigate through life.

My biggest strength in publishing is finding friends who have published their own books and freely offer advice, when I’m stuck!

My biggest strength in marketing is loving friends who spread the word about my books. They tell others how the books have changed their life.

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

My biggest weakness in writing is grammar. Wouldn’t know a complete sentence if it smacked me in the face. Thank God for my awesome editor who always has her hands full, when it comes to editing my books.

My biggest weakness in publishing is lack of knowledge about the process, but “hey” I’m learning more and more with every book.

My biggest weakness with marketing is a lack of being a self-promoter.

When do you think you will write your next book?

Writing my fifth book now. This one is “Pushing the boundaries In Christ”. It’s about pushing the limits of our thinking in what we can accomplish and do supernaturally.

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

Self published, I do everything except the editing. For that I have my beloved editor Tess.