Robert Haddad Interview

Hi all!
 Please help me welcome Robert Haddad to my blog. He is here promoting his new book "How to Survive 2012 in Two Weeks". Here's his interview:

Tell me a bit about yourself: I’m a 32 year old Marketing Manager at a company which distributes beverages, and up until my book “How to Survive 2012 in Two Weeks” the only writing I really did was in university and as a hobby. I hold a BSc in Computer Engineering and an MSc in Computer Science. After writing my first book and having it reach the bestsellers list, I’ve decided to write another book in a completely different genre (Science Fiction) and it is in the process of being edited so hopefully my first book won’t be my last on the bestseller’s list.

What type of genre do you write?

Guide Books and Science Fiction

What genre to you personally read?

Science Fiction, Horror, Police/Detective

Tell me about your latest?

My latest published book is, as I said before, “How to Survive 2012 in Two Weeks”. It’s a short step by step guide for anyone who wants to prepare for the possible disaster on the 21^st of December 2012. According to many scholars there will be a life shattering cataclysm which will end the world as we know it. Although the topics and steps covered in my book could be used for any range of disasters should the need arise. I hope nothing will happen, but I’ve always believed that everyone should hope for the best and plan for the worst which is why I wrote my book.

Where is your book available?

The Book is available on Amazon.com in both Kindle and Paperback as well as Createspace.com in Paperback. It is also available in large number of online stores.

Where you live and one thing you love about it

Right now I live in the country of Jordan which is my childhood home, but I’ve lived all over the United States, from Ohio to Florida. Jordan is a great country with a lot of wonderful qualities, but I have to say that it’s rich and diverse heritage is what I love most.

What sparked your passion for books and the art of a good story?

Since I was a little boy I’ve always had stories rolling around in my head, but I never really thought that anyone would want to read them, so following the success of my first book, I decided to at least give it a try.

Is there a particular book that changed or affected your life in a big way?

“Brave New World” By Aldous Huxley opened my mind to the bigger picture in this world, and how most things that we deal with on a day to day basis are really just skin deep. People are just so preoccupied with the mundane routine to actually stop and watch the world for what it really is a gift that we should take care of and nourish.

What was the seed of inspiration for your latest book?

My friends and I were all sitting around discussing what we would do to prepare for the 2012 disaster. After I spoke at length, at least an hour, about what I would do, my friends all commented that I should write a book, so I did.

Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

You never know what the universe will throw at you so always be ready.

What challenges have you faced in your writing career?

Since my first book was self-published and I had a minimal understanding of the process the main challenges where promoting my book (which is a lot of work) and overlooking the fact that I should get my work edited before releasing into the world (I got a bad review because of a couple of grammatical mistakes which I have since rectified.)

What has been your best moment as a writer?

So far, reaching the #1 spot on Amazon’s bestsellers list has definitely been the high point, just realizing that people actually appreciated my work gave me a huge rush. Hopefully there will be many more “best moments” to come.

Who is your author idol?

I would have to say Steven King; he just has a way with making your imagination open up.

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

In my new book which I hope will get published next year I definitely see myself in more than one of the characters.

Do you feel like your dream has come true or is there much more to do?

As far as my dreams for the future in the writing world, I feel I’ve only reached 2% of what I want to accomplish, so there is much much more to do.

What is your personal cure for procrastination?

When I find one I’ll let you know.

What does your workspace look like?

A complete and utter mess; my “Workspace” is very mobile, wherever I can sit down with my laptop is where I work.

Have you ever had a day when you just wanted to quit?

Not really, I’ve always been a very driven person, but I have put my work aside for a while before continuing.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I run the Marketing division of one of my family’s businesses.

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

Stay focused and on task.

What was the greatest thing you learned at school?

How to think creatively.

Did you have a moment when you realised you were meant to be a writer

I wrote my first guide when I was still in High School although I never tried to publish it, other than having it on my personal website, I did notice that plenty of people liked it. So I suppose that was when I wanted to become a writer. I just wish I started earlier.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Human beings are an incredible species, we have a large capacity for cognitive though as well as processing information. If you believe you can do it, you can. All you have to do is to do it.

After this book, what is next?

I’m currently having my second book edited by a well know and acclaimed editor. It’s a Science Fiction novel which depicts life for mankind after the 2012 disaster and their struggle to find a new home. I hope it will be published in the summer of 2013 if we’re still around.

You can reach him at: Website: http://www.survive2012intwoweeks.com.

Please thank him for joining us and check out his new book!

Keep Reading!

Jodie Pierce