INTERVIEW OF JOHN EDWARDS

Question #1. Can you please introduce yourself and tell us something about your book.

From my earliest years in the Bay Area community of San Lorenzo, California, my memoir, "What a Tale My Thoughts Will Tell – Words Not to Be Forgotten," unveils the influence of cultural, psychological, and sociological factors that shaped my identity, choices, and aspirations. I navigate the delicate path of love, matrimony, infidelity, and divorce, taking readers through the ups and downs of a seemingly blissful suburban life with his beloved family.

Through thirty-four years with United Parcel Service and thirteen years with Enterprise Holdings, Inc., I describe how I fought fiercely for my family, only to find myself entangled in a web of personal struggles and life transitions.

In a captivating and soul-stirring open letter memoir to my ex-wife and children, I bare my heart and soul as I unravel the heart-wrenching tale of love that once burned brightly but ultimately faded. "What a Tale My Thoughts Will Tell – Words Not to Be Forgotten" is an anthology of life's pivotal moments, a mirror reflecting the intricate dance between dreams, lost love, and reality.

Question #2. What inspired you to write this book?

I began writing this memoir shortly after the unforeseen end of my second management career with Enterprise Holdings Inc. in Roseville, California. At sixty-eight years of age, having completed thirteen years of service with this exceptional organization, I planned to devote another seven years to achieve a twenty-year career and retire at age seventy-five to match my father's work-life commitment. However, the ending of my career at Enterprise was bittersweet as the World Health Organization announced the spread of a mysterious coronavirus-related pneumonia in Wuhan, China, in January 2020. President Trump declared COVID-19 a national emergency by March, and the NBA had indefinitely suspended their season. In April, I accepted a voluntary buyout as Enterprise battled the financial turbulence caused by the virus. In May, the CDC announced the sobering development that over one hundred thousand COVID-19 deaths had occurred in the United States, reminding people over sixty-five were particularly susceptible and at a higher risk for a severe life-threatening illness if they had an underlying health condition. As pandemic lockdowns began and virtual medical appointments became standard, transitioning into an isolated lifestyle with PPE (personal protective equipment) was recommended until pharmaceutical organizations could develop an agent-based vaccine.

Having plenty of time on my hands and after finishing several genres of unread titles collecting dust on my bookshelves, I decided to purchase Jessica Simpson's memoir, Open Book. I was inspired as she wrote a compelling, honest, uniquely candid, vulnerable reflection of her life disruptions. Influenced by Ms. Simpson's book, I decided to throw "machismo masculinity" characteristics out the window to write a personal storytelling rendering of my life experiences that turned my joys and heartaches into wisdom gained.

Jessica Simpson commented on why she devoted her time to writing a memoir, saying, "I did it for my family. I did it for myself." I wrote a personal narrative for the same reasons. Additionally, reexamining the past helped my heart remember and relive the human spirit of happiness, hardship, and sorrow. Repeatedly, my memories would guide me to a deeper understanding of what transpired and how I contributed to the joys and disappointments of my earliest beginnings and family life. Finally, I also wrote for the reader, hopeful that my story might guide you to navigating through the painful experiences of life's disruptions and discover the true meaning of your life.

Question #3. What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing this book?

Once the COVID-19 pandemic spread in 2020, after twelve wonderful years with Enterprise, I chose early retirement at sixty-eight rather than facing the risk of infection or getting seriously ill, as people over sixty-five represented over 85 percent of all deaths. Having so much time on my hands motivated me to reflect on my past. I pondered my accomplishments, reminiscenceed on memories of loved ones, and looked back to find the purpose and meaning in life. Spontaneously, I started writing. While looking back, I was most surprised by realizing how my inhibitions, anxieties, tireless work ethic, and propensity to seek seclusion during the emotional turmoil of the past and present had contributed to family disunity and estrangement. I found myself reviewing every parental mistake. It has taken over two years to compose my story to unblock and overcome my inner obstacles while explaining how life's transitions steer our paths. Knowing that time is short and the door is slowly closing on my life, I wanted to tell my story by avoiding blaming, criticizing, or defending anyone. Additionally, openly discussing my human vulnerabilities through telling the truth with humility and self-reflection hopefully demonstrates my willingness to make amends. Finally, writing from a personal storytelling point of view rather than an idealized self-centered version was crucial to my integrity. It led me to understand the most essential aspect of life. Love. To live is to love.

Question #4. Would you like to share your experience like major difficulties you faced while writing the book and in the process of publishing?

Starting your writing journey and publishing process can be a daunting task. The key to completing a book is setting small and achievable goals.

I followed a strict routine, including motivation/focus, planning, goal tracking, sharing (excerpts with writing buddies), and meeting deadlines. Completing a book is a significant accomplishment. Setting achievable goals helps you transform your dream of becoming a published author into reality. With each goal achieved, you become one step closer to realizing the dream.

For three months, I struggled with writer's block to create the perfect ending for my memoir. To overcome this anxiety, I chose a trusted workplace partner to help and encourage me. I shared passages of my writing for feedback and to exchange ideas about my writing process. The perfect ending came to me like a bolt of lightning when we discussed the musical themes that served as an emotional conduit throughout my manuscript. Music, the universal language!

Question #5. Are you a full-time or part-time writer? What are the other things you enjoy other than writing?

I am a full-time writer. I am currently in the planning and formation stages of writing a sequel. My detailed outline is almost complete. My sequel could have two very distinct/different potential story arcs. I hope to achieve completion in a year or so. My emotions, heart, and soul will be expressed on the pages. The sequel will be about the trauma, disorder, and heart-breaking life-changing costs of estrangement.

I enjoy reading and taking scenic walks with my Boston Terrier and best buddy, Bentley. I also love watching world news, professional sports, and playing golf.

Question #6. How long does it take you to write a book?

It depends. For example, J.K. Rowling spent six years composing Harry Potter. Most authors, on average, take six to twelve months to write a book.

Being graced with seventy years of human existence and taking inventory of all the encounters and exploits accumulated throughout the years, I realized that life's meaning is the story you tell yourself. That story includes multiple possible interpretations of feelings, emotions, and actions that eventually lead to an awareness and comprehension of that meaning. Every writer works at a different pace. During my writing process, reflection left me more open and compassionate toward life's high and low points and also gave attention to how I adapted to personal, socioeconomic, and cultural changes. My inspiration for writing a book began and was completed in two years.