Welcome to our Author Interview series.
Today we're featuring an interview with Gary Black, author of Gyroscope: A Survival of Sepsis. Our author interview series provides an opportunity for our readers to get to know our authors on a deeper level and also learn more about the types of books we're publishing.
Gary Black was born and raised in the Cleveland, Ohio area. He earned his M.Ed., B.S.Ed., and B.F.A. at Kent State University, and his A.A. at Cuyahoga Community College. He is an artist, musician, songwriter, art educator, and guitar instructor. He has produced, recorded, and performed his original music, and is an accomplished artist in painting, drawing, sculpture and assemblage.
His life changed dramatically on July 20th, 2009, when severe sepsis overcame him and brought him to the edge of death. Inspired by a miraculous recovery, he wrote his first book, Gyroscope. He now lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Synopsis: Gyroscope
Gyroscope is a compelling, revealing, and inspiring true story about a miraculous survival of sepsis. From onset to recovery, this book takes you on an in-depth perilous journey through this devastating illness, which includes near-death and out-of-body experiences, desperation in the ICU, Divine intervention and healing, and soul-searching personal transformations.
The extensive art work explores dreams, delirium, visits to the dark void, sadness, depression, terror, and love and hope. It offers a profound, introspective portal to view the innermost traumas and triumphs. Gyroscope opens our eyes to the magnitude of sepsis, and the aftermath of physical, mental, and spiritual recovery.
Author Interview:
Here’s your chance to market your book. Describe it. And why readers should pick it up?
My book is about sepsis awareness and education, giving the public and healthcare professionals an opportunity to see sepsis from the inside out from a patient’s perspective. It is an excellent resource to learn about sepsis, and can help reduce suffering and save lives. It has helped sepsis victims and their families gain a better understanding about this devastating illness.
How did your book come to life?
After a near-death experience with severe sepsis where I spent 31 days in the hospital, 14 in the ICU and 17 in the rehab department, I was inspired to learn more about sepsis, and felt compelled to help others by writing my book.
Why do you think your readers are going to enjoy your book?
My book takes you through a harrowing experience of surviving severe sepsis, capturing the inner struggle of cascading to the edge of death, and illustrating the horror, anguish and triumph through 52 of my drawings.
List three adjectives that describe your book as a whole:
Compelling, Intense, Inspirational
Where do you find your ideas? Does something trigger them? Do you carry around a notebook in case inspiration strikes?
My ideas come from significant events in my life that stir my imagination and ignite my curiosity. I always have pen and paper on hand, and ideas come more often late at night, or when I am meditating.
Where do you find your ideas? Does something trigger them? Do you carry around a notebook in case inspiration strikes?
My ideas come from significant events in my life that stir my imagination and ignite my curiosity. I always have pen and paper on hand, and ideas come more often late at night, or when I am meditating.
What are your thoughts on self-publishing verses traditional publishing?
Traditional publishing tends to be a slow cargo ship with no promise of reaching the port. Self-publishing has immediacy and offers more creative control.
If you were told your stories were unbelievable and no written very well, would you continue to write? What would your response be?
Of course I would. Why let that stop you? Critics are not always creative, and can be depressing to authors. On the other hand, constructive criticism can inspire a better final result.
Why did you decide to publish with Infinity Publishing?
After reading Mark Levine’s book: The Fine Print of Self-Publishing I decided to review his recommended top ten outstanding publishing companies. In my opinion, Infinity came out on top because they offered personal attention, and several options and services at a reasonable cost. A real plus was visiting the West Coshohocken, PA facility to launch the book. I was impressed with every person that I talked with, especially Laura Pici.
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For more information about Gary Black and Gyroscope, visit: www.buybooksontheweb.com