Age is just a number for Xlibris author Robert Colacurcio because being a septuagenarian hasn’t stopped him to become a full-fledged author. Read on to find out on this second installment of his blog how he started writing his “Applied Spirituality” books.
About his Xlibris books
All my books could be grouped under the heading of “Applied Spirituality.” They attempt to be more than self-help books but less than technical philosophy or theology. They all attempt to incorporate the spiritual technology of the Buddha into language and applications that contemporary Westerners can relate to.
Literary Inspiration
Inspiration literally came over me in early 2012 at the age of 70. Up until then I had no aspirations to become a writer; I have a brother who teaches at UCLA who is a renowned early American literature scholar and writer. He was the writer in the family.
Nevertheless, from February 2012 to February 2015 I wrote and published twelve books.
His message
The overriding message throughout all my books is that ignorance is the root cause of our suffering and the purpose of life is to overcome the illusion of our separateness.
Xlibris self-publishing experience
My favorite part is the actual writing process. It feels like I am just taking dictation. After my first book was successfully and easily published, I wrote with more confidence that the others would be also.
Advice to aspiring authors
Write about what you know and/or are passionate to communicate. Be open to anyone who will sincerely critique your work. And teach yourself the craft of writing by writing.
In the pipeline
My next book (#13) has been gestating for 50 years, since I was in grad school. It is titled “The Influence of the Imagination on the Knowledge of God.”
Xlibris book events
I am excited about Xlibris giving my work some publicity in their blog and online magazine. I spent over thirty years in sales and marketing, but now all my energy goes into writing. I no longer have the energy to do much self promotion. My goal has never been to derive wealth from my writing. Rather, my sole purpose is that the people who read my work will take away something practical and of lasting benefit.
In February this year, Robert participated in the “Meet the Authors” at the Mid-winter Author Festival held at the Samuel’s Public Library in Front Royal, Virginia, US. He talked about his book and his experience with Xlibris.
Read the first part of Robert’s blog here.
Meet more featured Xlibris authors on the Xlibris Blog and the Xlibris Indie Authors Roundup. Your free writing, editing, and book marketing tips are on the Xlibris Writer’s Workshop.