Jeff Wheeler: Books for Becoming an Author

I usually respond, I’m living my dream! I’ve wanted to be a full-time author since junior high school, but I realized early on that I’d need a stable career to provide for a family first. I spent 22 years at Intel Corp and enjoyed it. But sometimes I’d imagine what it was like being a full-time author. It’s even better than I imagined.

I’m reading The Immortal Crown by Kieth Merrill, an epic fantasy novel and Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely. I’m also reading The Delphi Effect by Rysa Walker, a brand new series by one of my favorite young adult authors, but it’s coming out later this year. It’s nice knowing other authors and getting sneak peeks!

Go, Dog Go by PD Eastman. Strange how that one popped into my head. There’s a page in that book where all the dogs are fast asleep except one, eyes wide open in the dark. I’ve always related to that dog. It takes me forever to fall asleep.

When I was a pre-schooler, I used to stand by the window and watch for the garbage man. He was my hero. In Junior High, I thought I wanted to be a real estate agent. Then I thought it would be cool to be a history teacher. Then a college professor. Nope, nope, nope, nope–although my last job at Intel was in Corporate Real Estate. Does that count?

He’d be bummed at the hair loss, but getting multiple publishing contracts and earning my living through my imagination would more than make up for it.

Not only would I give it to myself, but I’d give it to everyone graduating from college right now: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. I’ve read it multiple times, think about it often, and mourn that the young people today have never learned how to talk to real people for extended periods of time. The art of conversation and courtesy are sadly lacking in the world today.

Not really. I read throughout the day at different times. I also have several books on my nightstand, my kindle is nearby and fully loaded with books I may never get to, and my car has a CD holder crammed full. I’m currently listening to Bleak House by Charles Dickens, narrated by Simon Vance.

It’s tough picking one, of course, but I would say Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. I discovered this book over 10 years ago and have read it multiple times. The idea of thoughts being powerful and controllable influenced my Muirwood series of fantasy books very directly. It also helped give me the persistence to keep trying after over forty agents rejected it and inspired me to self-publish it anyway. That decision, that thought, resulted in my current career. Thoughts are powerful things.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It’s my wife’s favorite book of all time. We’ve discussed it and learned from it many times over the years. I don’t even know how many times she’s read it.

Probably the Fablehaven Series by Brandon Mull. It’s funny, intense, and unpredictable. I love how I can never outguess the author and it really is frightening at times. It’s something I’ve always felt safe recommending.

How can you ask that? It’s like asking if I prefer food or water. I need both to survive!

Absolutely. As I’ve studied famous people from the past who made a big difference, they all had a habit of reading to learn and sharing books with others. Books have transmitted ideas for millennia. They keep civilization from starting back at zero. It’s difficult talking to people who haven’t read much.

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. Amazing first half.

Digital books, actually. I find it very convenient to carry a digital library with me on the go.

As a Man Thinketh by James Allen. First off, it’s very short so it wouldn’t be too much of a burden. Secondly, it’s full of wisdom that is still applicable today. It teaches self-control. That is certainly needed today, isn’t it?

Definitely The Book of Mormon. Some people are rolling their eyes at this point, but I’ve read it over twenty times and have found so many nuggets of wisdom in there that have made me a better person. Aristotle once said it is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. Most people don’t read enough religious fare to broaden their minds. Wisdom is wisdom, wherever you find it. I love reading Greek and Roman philosophy too, but that doesn’t mean I’ve converted to a disciple of Jupiter or become a Stoic!

A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. One of my all-time-favorites. It still makes me cry and never fails to moves me.

1421: The Year China Discovered the World by Gavin Menzies. I’m also anxious to sink my teeth into Charlie Holmberg’s newest fantasy novel, Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet.

Confessions of a Nose Picker. I’ve had this title come to mind more than once. Now for the Backstory. I mean, I have to explain why, right? I used to room with two of my brothers growing up. I slept on the bottom bunk of a bunk bed, my older brother was on top and the next youngest brother after me was in a separate bed on the other side of the room. I used to pick my nose and stick the boogers on the underside of the box springs above me . When I ran out of space there, I stuck them on the wall. My mom eventually discovered my wicked habit and was so angry and disgusted. So were my brothers. I had to clean them all off the wall and bed. Lesson learned—habits extended over time become obvious to everyone else around us. This story has always remained with me because we all have stories and memories that make us ashamed. We want others to think we’re really cool but we’re afraid if people knew how gross or stupid we’ve been it would shatter their image of us. I figured that if I did an autobiography, it would be smart to dispel illusions right up front. I try not to take myself too seriously. By confessing such a gross and humorous story (and believe me, there are plenty more!) hopefully I can share the mistakes I’ve made and teach the lessons I’ve learned from them. And you have to admit, it’s a catchy title!