Official Interview: J. Wesley Porter

[kandscreeley]

Today's Chat with Sarah is with J. Wesley Porter author of A Spiritual Dog: "Bear". This was book of the month in September of 2016.

To read the official review by @bookowlie, click here.

To participate in the book of the month discussion, click here.

To look at the Kindle edition of the book on Amazon, click here.

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1. Tell us a little bit about who you are. 

My name is J. Wesley Porter, originally from Columbus, Ohio.  I served in the US Army, retired in April, 2007 after 21 years of service.  I reside out of Killeen/Fort Hood, Texas.  I am divorced and have two sons.  Daniel, 27, married, lives in Dallas and Joshua, 22, married, in the US Army at Fort Bragg, NC.

2. What are your favorite books? 

I like history books.  Anything on Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Muhammad Ali.  All three made a direct impact on the history of our country, people worldwide, and they are being talked about in some form historically around the world today.

3. Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life?

My mother, no question.  She raised 7 kids (five boys including me and two girls) which we didn't have much money.  However, she did what she could to get everything we needed.  My dad wasn't around.  She was strong and carried an iron fist.  If you challenged her authority, she made sure you knew who the boss was.  She has always been there for me.  In recent years, she has been in failing health.  She is not able to walk or speak and suffering from Parkinson's disease and dementia.   She is hanging in there, but, I hate seeing her suffer.  I do pray for her often.

4. Let's talk about A Spiritual Dog: "Bear". Tell us how this book came about.

I wrote the book initially in tribute to Bear.  I had put together a simple book I thought that would be appealing to the audience, mostly children.  I soon found out there is more to just writing a book.   The process is different for every writer.  That person has to know what process that best works for them.  I am a work in process.  I want to keep writing into the future.

5. What do your children think about being in this book? 

They thought it was cool.  They saw themselves in it and really enjoyed the reflection and time they had with Bear.  

6. Do you have any more rescue animals? 

Not right now.  I do intend to get one in the near future.

7. Do you have any other books or projects in the works? What's next for you? 

Yes, the plan is to publish two books later this year. I may update this book as well, we’ll see. 

8. Do you have any advice for anyone wishing to publish their own story? 

Yes. Based on my experience, understand things that have worth take time and energy. We live in a world of multiple distractions with email, texts and cell phones. I am learning to break away from those things to create quiet space. Quiet space helps bring me bring my ideas and thoughts to paper for effective writing. I think quiet space would be a help to others engage in deep thought and maximize their ability to tell their story. I am still a work in progress

How about a few fun questions. 

9. What's playing in your car right now? 

Old School song late 1980s, “This is the way we roll”, by M.C. Hammer

10. What's your favorite drink?

Sweet Tea

11. If you could have any superpower what would it be and why? 

I wish I had the ability to bring Bear back. I say this because I miss him. Pets are a part of your family. I still feel the void that Bear is not with us. The memories and the book are what me and my sons have moving forward.

12. Does the toilet paper roll go over or under? 

Over