Interview with Stuart McCallum – Author of “Beyond my Control”

Continuing our series on inspirational authors, today's interview is with Stuart Ross McCallum, author of “Beyond my Control“. Stuart's autobiographical book is about his journey with epilepsy.

Can you give a brief introduction about you and your book?

My book titled: Beyond my Control is the true, often harrowing account of my life with epilepsy. I describe my twenty-year journey of living with the condition and how the unpredictable disease has not only impacted my life but the lives of everyone around me.

For fifteen-years I operated my stained glass business while battling an ever-increasing number of seizures. As my condition deteriorated and my post seizure responses became more intense, I was often prone to violent outbursts that threatened not only my safety, but the safety of everyone close to me.

I share how the perception of the disease and the socially unacceptable behaviours that occurred as a result of my post seizure responses, eventually forced me to risk everything—I made the life-altering decision to undergo two major brain operations that I hoped would provide freedom from a life of instability, danger, and stares from strangers.

Your book is about your own deeply personal experience. Did writing it help you personally in a therapeutic manner, or was it difficult to write about such personal things?

Many times while writing: Beyond my Control I found it extremely difficult to write about some deeply embarrassing situations that occurred before and after brain surgery—I considered leaving some parts out; I’m glad I didn’t as they have made: Beyond my Control the remarkable true story it is!

During my recovery I did become deeply depressed believing in the ultimate end and my time was close. Writing helped me tremendously as I was searching for a solution for my disturbing mindset. At times: Beyond my Control was too difficult and I would scribble down my thoughts in a poetical way—by doing so, clearly highlighted my journey and recovery was close.

Has becoming an author changed your life? How does it make you feel to say you are an author?

Absolutely. Becoming an author you definitely hold credibility within your community. Many people, who last year were total strangers, are now aware of my challenges and personal downfalls—which make for some very interesting conversations!

Why did you self-publish your book and what have you learnt from the experience?

Initially I pursued the route to be published by a traditional publishing house, however, after receiving many nicely worded rejection letters I looked for other options. I am delighted with the result and will look at self-publishing for my next book.

How are you selling the book, and what is your most successful sales channel?

I have found that establishing an online presence is paramount to the success of my book. Today, most sales for: Beyond my Control is through my website where I have the opportunity to interact with my readers which creates an author/reader partnership. www.beyondmycontrol.net

It is also vital to be listed on Amazon.com, where you can be quickly established in your particular genre or area of expertise. In a relatively short period: Beyond my Control has been in Amazons Top 100 five times; under autobiographies which catapult sales.

You are on a number of social networking sites. How are these working for you and would you recommend any one in particular for new authors?

So far 2 social networking sites have helped me get the word out. For new authors I would highly recommend: www.goodreads.com and www.authorsden.com/stuartmccallum be prepared to spend some time on these sites to create a fan base—authors den allows you to write articles and by adding keywords your online presence is soon created.

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You can read more about Stuart and his book at www.beyondmycontrol.net and you can also buy his book at Amazon.com here Beyond my Control: One Man's Struggle with Epilepsy, Seizure Surgery & Beyond

You can read interviews with other authors at the Resources page.