Author Interview & Book Giveaway: A Kid's Guide to Being a Winner by C.D. Shelton

Welcome to author C.D. Shelton.

Bio:

C.D. Shelton is a Professor of Biology for the Los Angeles Community College School District. He has a Masters in Administration and a second Masters in Biology. He discovered his passion and talent for writing in December 2008, at the young tender age of 78.

In a very short amount of time, C.D. Shelton has proven to be a very prolific author having written ten books. He has written an Action/Adventure trilogy based on a fictional Indian tribe living in the Amazonian Rainforest, of thirteen thousand years ago. His fourth published book is a modern day Action/Adventure love story. His fifth book is the Kid's Guide to being a Winner. His sixth book titled "I'll Take The Fat One" ( a love story, self discovery, based around a weight loss clinic and the doctor who owns it), is scheduled for publication fall 2011.

His seventh novel titled "Tenderfoot," is scheduled for publication in December 2011. His eighth, ninth and tenth novels will be published in 2012.

Interview:

If you could travel in a time machine would you go back to the past or into the future?
If I could use a time machine, I would travel to the future. It’s there the answers would be found. I’m curious about our energysource. Will we still be stuck with using fossil fuels? or will American ingenuity find an answer. Will we become more efficient in the way we build our homes and buildings?

What is one book everyone should read?
The one book everyone should read? That’s an easy one.
It would be “A Kid’s Guide to being a Winner!”

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
In the Bio class I still teach, I ask how many of you eat breakfast?
Maybe half the class will indicate they have breakfast in the morning. That’s when I plug the need to have something in the morning, preferably something healthy like oatmeal. And that’s
my personal favorite…..oatmeal!

Night Owl or Early Bird?
Definitely an early bird. I like the morning time. I think better and accomplish more if I get an early start.

Please tell us in one sentence why we should read your book.
“A Kid’s Guide to being a Winner” contains fundamental values we all need to employ throughout our life.

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
Yes, I have written a fictional novel about weight loss. It is unique, in that the seminar topics that are discussed regarding weight loss are all researched and contain accurate information. It will be published sometime this fall. It is called, “I’ll take the fat one.”
My plans are to continue the development of a nonfiction book as a follow up to “A Kid’s Guide to being a Winner.”

Advise for aspiring authors?
Aspiring authors should follow a schedule. Dedicated a time to do your writing. Look at the writing as a job, one that you must perform. Do your job on a daily basis.

Favorite Quote?
“Don’t put off until tomorrow, what you can do today.”

What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a kid and people would ask me, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I would answer them based on my limited experience. Since I was born in Texas, I knew a little about cattle so I would answer, “A rancher.’

How did you know you should be an author?
A little birdie did not come whisper in my ear, “You should become an author.” The story is a lot more mundane. My father-in-law became bedridden and unable to care for himself. My wife would take turns with her siblings in caring for the Dad. I decided to write while taking a turn at that duty. Earl Nightingale was the inspirational speaker that gave me the idea, I could be a writer.

Who is your favorite author?
Louis L’amour is one of my favorite authors. I think I’ve read every book he ever wrote.

Give us a glimpse into a typical day.
I like to get up around 6:30 am. Normally, I prepare a breakfast of coffee, cereal and toast. I like to read the paper and get a sense of the news. Every other day, I walk with my wife and maybe do some weight resistance training. We usually exercise for an hour or so. I try to work at my desk during the morning hours while listening to classical music. In the early afternoon my wife and I run errands and maybe have lunch. In the late afternoon, I may continue to work at my desk or perform any chores that are required. Two afternoons a week I return to the college where I am employed to teach a biology class.
Normally, I don’t watch TV during the day, but I do like the Military Channel and the Discovery Channel for some TV in the evening.

What TV show do you watch that you'd be embarrassed to admit?
When it’s on, I love to watch, “Dancing with the Stars.”

In your wildest dreams which author would you love to co-author a book with?
Lee Childs, an absolute master of tension he inserts into his novels.

A Kid's Guide to Being a Winner:

A Kid's Guide to being a Winner is an easy-to-read book for kids who are in need of that little "Extra" spark of understanding. A Kid's Guide to being a Winner is a book for young people on the Values of being responsible, being thoughtful, being respectful, having a positive mental attitude and having gratitude. A Kid's guide to being a Winner is about timeless and fundamental principles, which are essential to SUCCESS. A Kid's Guide to being a Winner includes steps that are simple, yet the results are POWERFUL.

Book Giveaway:
My once read review copy of A Kid's Guide to Being a Winner
Open to US only
Ends 10/3/11
To enter leave a comment on this post with a way to contact you if you win.