Walking Man: A Modern Missions Experience in Latin America by Narciso Zamora.
What inspired the book?
I've been working for many years in missions and my inspiration in life has always been spreading the word of Christ. This book chronicles all the adventures that I've had in hopes that it will inspire others to join in the work that our Lord asks us to do in his name.
What makes this book special to you?
This book allows me to open the door and let people into my life. It is obviously close to my heart because it recounts all my failures and successes and the way that Jesus has worked in my life. Opening up about it all has allowed me to reflect on the many blessings that the Lord has given me and the miracles that He has worked through the years.
What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?
There is so much work left to do and so many people that need to know more about the Lord. People need to let Him into their hearts and accept him as their personal savior. It is so important to inspire others to know Christ and to act upon that desire to let him be a part of their lives. So many are in need of Him and it is our duty to help others find the way to Him. That's why reading this book and choosing to take action is so important. Mine is just an example of the miracles that the Lord can perform if you let him in and work hard to serve him.
What people NEED to read this book and WHY?
EVERYONE! Jesus can work wonders in someone's life and everyone can work to spread his word. Children and teenagers can start early and know more about Jesus and become spiritually strong adults that can work wonders in their community and the world. Young adults can say "I can do that!" and find themselves in their own quest for inspiring others to serve Jesus. Adults can not only act but transform their own life and their family's.
What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?
When something amazing happens - when God provides for my need in just the moment I need it, I feel inspired to share it with others, in some cases, in writing.
What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?
I guess having enough time is the biggest stumbling block. For those of us that have full time pursuits and want to write as a sideline, it can be hard to convert those good intentions into printed words. The thing that has worked best for me is to block off a few hours on one day a week or one hour the same time each day, usually the early morning before the phone has started to ring - and just do it!
What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?
Writing is an excellent way of reaching others. It allows you to share your personality, your ideas and, in my personal case, a lifetime of experiences and lessons. I am always looking for ways to reach people and writing my autobiography only seemed appropriate after so many years of working in this field. I wanted others to know that it is never too late to accept Jesus, that as long as you straighten your life and live it fully in His word then your past is not a reflection of the wonders you can do through Him.
Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?
I haven't gotten too crazy yet, as my book just came out. But if we still have a few thousand books sitting in my publisher's basement a year or two from now, you'll see me get crazy! My publisher suggested that I walk my entire author tour, since my book is called Walking Man. She actually wanted me to walk from Indiana to Texas to Florida in July heat!! I told her I was up for anything, but then she came to her senses (thank God).
NON FICTION - Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?
My personal experience as a nonbeliever who struggled to live in the right path and was still able to find Jesus and, for more than thirty years, reach the most isolated areas of Peru and Chile to start churches and spread the word have given me the knowledge to counsel others. God works wonders through those who accept him and I've been privileged enough to know him for many years now.
NON FICTION - If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)
Many have a need to fill that spiritual void that people carry these days and reading this book may be the answer to finding a sense of purpose in life. Even if they think their life is perfectly fine, reading this book may let them discover a whole other side of life they hadn't considered before. There are so many that need help and reading my testimony can give them inspiration and Jesus can start finding His way into their hearts.
NON FICTION - Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.
Well, the topic of this book is basically the passion of my life; it describes the love of Jesus and his wonders. I am certain that readers can go through this book and find the story of a real man who has worked hard to accomplish an important goal in life. That is a struggle that all human beings can relate to and reading somebody else's way of getting through the difficulties with the help of God is an inspiration that can help them find motivation to accomplish their personal goals.
NON FICTION Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.
My book shows in great detail the poor conditions that so many people have to live in because of the underdeveloped areas that they have been born into. It is difficult for them to get by and poverty is a pandemic that haunts them throughout their entire lives. I have made an effort to reach those isolated areas because I come from a small rural town myself, and I know how limited the opportunities are for these people. I am one of them, and the Lord has helped me overcome many issues they deal with on a daily basis. There is a need for many others to come and provide them with the tools for a better life both materially and spiritually.
