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Today, Norm Goldman Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest, Terry Dwight Coleman author of Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In: A True Story of the Struggles of a World Record Hymn Singer.

Good day Terry and thanks for participating in our interview.

Terry:

Hello Norm.

Norm:

What motivated you to write your book and how long did it take to write it?

Terry: 

I was motivated to write the book as an inspiration to others experiencing problems in their lives. I wanted to convey that there is a higher power that they can call on to overcome all obstacles. It took a year to write, get it edited, proofread, and finally published.

Norm:

Your book seems to have a broader mission than simply entertaining or storytelling. Can you talk more about that mission and what you hope readers will take away after reading your book?

Terry:

My mission is to give a message of hope and perseverance. I know many people are struggling in many areas of their lives and I want to encourage my readers to hold on and never give up.  

Norm:

What was the most difficult thing for you about your book? As a follow up, did you ever suffer from writer's block when writing the book?

Terry:

Writing this book was very emotional. It brought out a lot of thoughts and feelings I had repressed. At times I had to just stop writing and cry. I had writer’s block when my mind couldn’t recall certain traumatic incidences hidden in my subconscious. 

Norm:

What will you be doing for promotion of your book?

Terry:

Just recently I hired a publicist. And as you know, Norm, the most important thing for an author is to promote himself. I had a book signing at a major local bookstore here in Denver. I have been interviewed on several radio stations around the country and contacting television and newspaper media. Soon I will be planning speaking engagements.

Norm:

How has the feedback been so far?
 
Terry:

People have been very enthusiastic about the book and everyone who has read it has given me positive feedback. 

Norm:

Has your environment and/or upbringing influenced your writing? If so, please explain. 

Terry:

Yes, my upbringing definitely influenced my writing. There was so much turmoil in my life – broken families, violence, and tragedy after tragedy. I wanted to write about how I overcame negative influences in my environment.

Norm:

As an African-American, do you feel that your story will be more receptive by African-Americans than white people?  

Terry:

I think my story will be receptive to both audiences. We are all human, no mater the race, creed, or color. Most people have had struggles and will be able to relate to the experiences in my book. 

Norm:

How did you come up with the title, Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In: A True Story of the Struggles of a World Record Hymn Singer? 

Terry:

That was the most difficult part, Norm. For days I was trying to come up with a title that would apply to my book. It was one night while lying in bed, I thought about my past and immediately the words reverberated through my mind, ‘Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In’. My wife and I both agreed that it was the perfect title. The subtitle came from my recent accomplishment of signing hymns for a world record and getting mentioned in Ripley’s Believe Or Not. 

Norm:

How did you celebrate the completion of your book?

Terry:

I celebrated the completion of my book by immediately telling my friends, family, and church members. I them scheduled a book signing to get the word out.

Norm:

Are you working on any books/projects that you would like to share with us? (We would love to hear all about them!)

Terry:

Norm, before I started this project, I did a lot of research about the publishing industry and publicity. What I found out is you should dedicate your time to promoting your book for a year before writing another. So at this time, I am not working on any other projects.

Norm:

When you are no longer with us, how do you want to be remembered?

Terry:

I want to be remembered as a man who loved his brother as he loved himself.

Norm:

Is there anything else that we have not covered that you would like to add and how can we find out more about you and your book?

Terry:

My book can be ordered online at Amazon.com by typing, Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In by Terry Dwight Coleman or can be ordered from major bookstores in your area. You can find out more information about me by visiting to my website: www.myspace.com/worldrecordhymnsinger.

I would like to ask readers to put their positive reviews in Amazon.com. And remember, don’t give up, don’t give in.  

Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors.

Thank you, Norm.