Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. Well, my name is Anthony Hodge and I am married to my lovely wife, Sheila Elliott Hodge. We are both United Methodist Clergy serving in the South Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. I was born in Savannah, Georgia and reared in Hardeeville, South Carolina.
I served in the United States Navy as an enlisted person and as a commissioned officer. I retired as a Chaplain Corps Officer at the rank of LCDR in October of 2018 after 21 years of total military service.
I have also served as a local church pastor since 1991. Additionally, I am a certified Spiritual Director and have extensive experience assisting others through counseling, mentoring and coaching relationships.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Can You Get Better? Sure, You Can!”?
A2. The biggest challenges I faced as I wrote my book was having to consistently carve out time for writing the book while having to maintain my role as a District Superintendent and trying to make time for my wife and other family members.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. I don’t have a particular author I can pin point as most influential in my writing career, but, since my young adult years, any books or publications focused on Self-Help or Self-Improvement have appealed to me.
Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. I grew up near the coast of South Carolina and Georgia, so I love the beach. Any beach, when the weather is good is always appealing to me.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Can You Get Better? Sure, You Can!’?
A5. I have personally benefitted from most of the approaches shared in the book. Also, as a local church pastor, military chaplain, Spiritual Director, counselor, mentor and coach, I have aided persons in their pursuit for self enhancement for over 30 years.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Can You Get Better? Sure, You Can!’?
A6. I believe from start to finish, it took me approximately 6-7 months to complete the book.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. The book is available through Amazon and Good Reads.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Can You Get Better? Sure, You Can!’?
A8. I worked with a mentor-coach, Mr. Geo Derice and members of a publishing company. Both Geo and members of the publishing company were instrumental in helping me to come up the book’s cover and title of the book.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. I simply try to put myself in other people’s shoes. I also attempt to stay on top of what’s happening with people beyond my sphere of influence. Engaging in either or both approaches will enable me to write something that will be beneficial for me and anyone else who might come into contact with my book.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. The most valuable piece of advice I have received about writing is this, “Keep writing even when you don’t feel like or are inspired to write.”
Can You Get Better? Sure You Can! is available on Amazon
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