Spotlight Interview with Author Jock Brocas

Q1: Thanks for participating in our Authors.com Spotlight Interview series! Please introduce yourself and your book to help our readers get to know you.
A: My name is Jock Brocas and I am the author of 4 books – currently writing my 5^th and launched 2 books in 2 consecutive months (never again). My newest books are ‘Book of Six rings’ and ‘Everything Guide to past life experience.’ I am a nonfiction writer as I enjoy teaching and sharing knowledge – even though I only have a little.

Q2: Please explain how you came to be a writer, what inspired you to write your book(s) and how long it took. 
A: I have always enjoyed the process of writing and find that it can be very therapeutic. It’s rather like being an artist, you have an idea and then you have to craft and create the image you want others to perceive. Of course, for me, the secret is being able to intertwine lessons and teachings within the text. 

Q3: What did you enjoy most about creating this book? 
A. For me, creating the ‘Book of Six Rings’ was about teaching spiritual lessons within the text not really about Martial Arts or Budo. The reality is that one who just reads on the surface – perceives a martial arts book. However, it was never written this way and I can liken it to experiencing the void within meditation. The book was intended to help others live a blessed life in the service of humanity no-mater how small the gesture. Hidden within the text are lessons in love, compassion and forgiveness. These are lessons the great masters of Budo learned when they went above and beyond the combative sides of their chosen art, and are the lessons of every religion upon the planet no matter what you believe. I teach that we all have an intuitive nature that is innate and available to everyone. You may also label at as you wish, and the choice remains whether to use it or not.

Q4: What facets of your life, both personal and professional, are woven into your book, if any?  
A. The many lessons I have learned both hard and soft are shown in the book, and many lessons in the words of others who experienced the events that helped to change their lives for the better. I also realized the martial way was primarily about these lessons aforementioned, which are equally viable to anyone whether they study or not. Lessons are lessons full stop. I utilize my ability as a medium to intertwine these lessons within the book without preaching and being accepting of everything. This is the way to becoming a modern spiritual warrior.

Q5. How did you get published?

A. I had a small publisher before and then I landed myself excellent agents who represent both styles that I write.  I have also been contracted by publishers to write for them. I have helped others who are new to writing books get published or get agents.

Q6: Did you have any surprises or hiccups along the way during the book writing and/or publishing process?
A. I guess the biggest surprise is that publishing a book is only the beginning, and I became very quickly disheartened when I found out that I would be the one to do the marketing and the promoting of the book. I feel the publishing industry is very fickle and changes are rapid, therefore keeping up with publishing trends can be difficult. The best thing I did was learning to market, design and optimize websites myself and that helped a great deal. I am a bit of a design junkie and enjoy the creative process of designing websites.  It’s just the same as writing - a creative process, but the upshot is that it helps you promote your work. 

Q7: What one thing did you wish you'd known before you started this project? 
A. Marketing, Promotion and how difficult writing a book can be - emotionally and mentally. Also I wish I knew more about the editing process, as editors themselves are funny animals and don’t always see your sentiment or intention. Sometimes they look beyond the craft, and only the result being dollars. I do feel that with the advent of digital publishing, many new author’s are getting a great opportunity to feature their work. On the flip side, so are a lot of deluded authors who put out bad work just for the money. Writing is a vocation, not just a job.

Q8: You're a fly on the wall when readers are discussing your book.  What would you hope to hear them say about it? 

A. Simple:  Ah I see, I get it, I think – maybe not! I should study more!

Q9: Tell us one thing about you that most people don't know or would surprise them. 
A. I am very compassionate, forgiving, accepting and deeply spiritual. This is a quality I have learned through life experience and I believe is in everyone.

Q10: What single piece of advice would you give new authors?
A. I would say Nin, which is a Japanese word for perseverance and endurance. Never give up!  Think about this, if you push for something then you often push it away – allow it to come to you. Imagine if you will that you stand at the base of a beautiful waterfall. You want to capture as much of the water as possible because it seems the more you have - the better you will feel, but you can’t hold it for long. It will dissipate just as everything in life is temporary – even struggles. Therefore stand at the base and allow it to come to you. Immerse yourself in the water and surround yourself with its power. I feel this is a good analogy for new author’s. Sooner or later, your door will open.

Q11: Share a short summary of a typical day in your life with us please. 
A. I wake, I meditate, and I have a coffee and watch nature pass by. I then write. Later I will go out to a coffee shop and just sit and watch, I may even write at that time. Then I get on with the rest of the tasks of the day. 

Q12:  Describe where you do most of your writing. What would I see if I was sitting beside you?
A. Coffee shops is where I write normally or somewhere I can be close to nature. If you were sitting beside me, you would see a normal guy having a coffee and enjoying the company of his wife, while we both tinker on our keyboards - she is also a talented writer.

Q13: What's your motto or favorite quote you like to live by?

A. Forgiveness is hard but normally only for others, therefore compassion and understanding is the order of the day. Love others equally and be respectful, never judge and control the ego. Mistakes are only missed opportunities and it is up to the individual to learn from each.

Q14: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us in closing such as your website, an imminent book launch or what you're working on presently? 
A. My website about my writing is www.jockbrocas-author.com and if anyone would like to read my spiritual blog on life go to www.jockbrocas.com/blog. I enjoy answering new authors questions and helping them to be the best they can be.

Authors.com profile: http://www.authors.com/profile/JockBrocas

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