Welcome to Author Services Australia, Gabriel Hamilton, and welcome to our author interviews! If you could start by introducing yourself to everyone, let them know where you’re from and some of your interests and hobbies.
Thank you, and thanks for having me for an author interview.
What inspired you to start writing?
Odd story but a fellow student. She was at the time writing a book, and I thought to myself which characters that resembled her, and finding a void in the market became the sunlight. If she could write a book, I know I can. That’s how the seed was planted. After I had my daughter, I had a conversation about writing and was basically challenged to do so by a peer of mine. That became the water. Then lastly, searching for uplifting books for my daughter.
What is your preferred genre to write in?
Right now, because I write to help inspire the next generation, it’s going to be children’s books. That might change over time, but for now, I want to create books that help create a foundation for them to learn and grow from.
What is your writing process?
I first notice a need. Then seek to fill that void in a way that can uplift. Over time I develop an idea that turns into an outline, and I write from there. I also look to tie in personal experiences and to uplift others around me. So, I sprinkle history into my imagery and bring influential people from my life in as characters.
What is one thing you wish you knew now that you didn’t know when you started writing?
I first wish I knew about the business side of things. I feel like there is so much unknown about writing that the industry of publishers and supporting industry takes advantage of writers. It’s happening in the same way that music labels took advantage of music artists. Just on a much smaller scale. But through peer groups and information sharing, I think that’s going to fade away over time.
What was the hardest part of self-publishing?
I had a fortunate experience using a publisher to help me self-publish, but like I said, I feel taken advantage of in the sense that I paid them to help create the book. Then continued to pay them for 12+ months for nothing more than tracking my sales. Right now, I am in the process of self-publishing, so I have taken the things I learned and have put them to use, making it easier than it would be for most. So, to speak to the here and now, I would say who to trust and who not to trust when dealing with editors, illustrators, websites, etc., to create a finished product while not getting taken advantage of.
If you use a pen name, why and how did you come up with it?
N/A.
Which book is your favorite and why?
Assata: A Biography because I am truly infatuated with African American history, and hers is one that would never be told in schools. The other is The Spook Who Sat by the Door because it is full of lessons that should be taught in institutions.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Assata Shakur because, as I previously stated, I love black history, and her story is one that would never be told in academia. TaNehisi Coates & Sam Greenly because they are both amazing storytellers and creators of literature. And James Baldwin because of how he lays out life and makes it relevant to everyone.
What are you working on right now?
A special project for young boys. This one is going to help teach principles which young men should know. For example, to have a belief in GOD, Be open-minded, Be Flexible, or to understand that they are not the sum of their successes or failures. All advice being shared by men who were influential to me and helped to shape me as the man I am today.
How do you handle a bad review?
I honestly don’t pay attention to them because I haven’t had any. But should I have one, I would do as I have in life and listen openly for things that I could do to improve my work. For instance, through conversation, I have a few folks say that I should have expounded upon the affirmations a little more. So, I created a conversation starter guide, which can only be purchased on my website when the customer purchases the package. In it you have 27 different women explain what a particular affirmation means from a woman’s point of view. Something I could have never explained because I am not a woman and do know not what it is they experience. I also learned through conversation that people like a sweeter deal when purchasing items. So, to sweeten the deal on my website, I also added a bookmark, poster, and sticker for the children who are set to receive the Invested in Me package. But ultimately, I’m pretty good at taking constructive criticism, so I would listen and learn.
What’s next for you as an author?
The first is to get this next book out and into the hands of children. Then I want to start on book #3. Not exactly sure what it’s going to be about, but I do know that I want to shorten the wait for the next book. Youth is on a timeline, although there will never be a shortage of youth, and I want to ensure that the kids of today have a chance to benefit just as much as the youth of tomorrow.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Ideally in Jamaica, starting my new life, but honestly setting into life outside of the military and raising my daughter Nyah.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
Mind reading would be awesome. I could use that to help put folks on the path to greatness and allow them to better navigate things that might deter their success.
Where is your ultimate holiday destination?
For right now, I would say on the African continent. Unfortunately, I have only been to one country on that continent, but I want to visit more and find a place that feels like home. I also love to be in Jamaica during the holidays visiting spots like Maroon Town, Appleton Estates, or one of the beaches and all the restaurants.
What are some of the items on your bucket list?
To visit the countries in Africa more, give my daughter more world travel experiences, and make my wife as happy as possible. That’s what keeps a smile on my face.
Thanks so much for taking the time to do an author interview, Gabriel Hamilton! If you need any assistance with self-publishing, including ghostwriting, editing, formatting, or cover design, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us directly. Be sure to check out author Gabriel Hamilton on the social media links below.
Our friendly and professional team is always happy to help.
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Author Name: Gabriel Hamilton
Genre/s: Children’s Books
Author Website: https://our-mothers-treasures.myshopify.com/products/invested-in-me
Social Media Links: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon Author Central, and Goodreads.
The Best Link to Where People Can Buy Your Book: Amazon
