Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Elton L. Young and this is actually my first published book, but not the first time I’ve written for publication. For five years, I wrote for the Sunday School Publishing Board of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc as a Sunday School Commentary Writer for national publication. Writing Sunday School lessons is an experience I’ll always treasure and never forget. I’ve also written many sermons as a local pastor-teacher, and in collaboration with two (2) former partners that worked with me as conflict resolution trainers, we wrote a conflict resolution training manual that we successfully used to train others in conflict resolution and conflict management for several years.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’m often asked, what led me to write my book “Conflicts Within: A Journey through Real and Lasting Change”? My answer to that question is always the same. It was the death of my beautiful wife Brenda. Breanda and I shared twenty-two (22) years together before her cancer diagnosis and eventual death (2016). After grieving over her death for more than two (2) years, trying to fill that void in my life unsuccessfully, and carrying that grief with me into the pandemic, I was spiritually confronted by God when he asked me what I planned to do with my pain? I answered God’s question by putting pen to paper while the pandemic isolated the world and separated people from each other in profound ways. During that time, I was moved by God’s Spirit to review the conflict resolution and conflict management training manual I had a hand in writing a little over twenty (20) years ago along with articles and training curriculums I’ve written on the subject matter. I asked myself, how can I take important pieces from training materials I’ve written, combine that information with practical, skill-building knowledge, real-life experiences learned from my wife’s death, and produce a reader-friendly product that will challenge the hearts and minds of people while increasing their knowledge base and spiritual growth at the same time. Combining all of those factors together resulted in the birth of my book “Conflicts Within: A Journey through Real and Lasting Change”
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t believe I have any unusual writing habits, but I do a lot of processing before putting pen to paper.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I could give you a laundry list of influenctial authors, but for the sake of time let me name a few:
1. C.H. Spurgeon
2. Rick Warren
3. Thom S. Rainer
What are you working on now?
Right now, I am exploring my next project. I have more than one in mind. Once my decision is made, you will be the first to know.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
With this being my first published book, I must say that I am learning where to go for promoting my book. I’m using social media, asking for reviews, and setting up book signing events.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Read dialy.
2. Outline your book.
3. Welcome feedback.
4. Know your audience.
5. Always be clear and concise.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I have two pieces of great advice. One piece I learned from my dad, and the other piece I learned from my seminary professor. My dad often said, “Trust is something you earn not something you simply giveaway.” My seminary professor (Dr. Stoddard) said, “Christianity is a free gift, but discipleship always cost something.”
What are you reading now?
I am reading Motivational Counseling, Concepts, Approaches, and Assessment by John Wiley and Sons, LTD.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue to promote my book as I accept guest speaker apperances, book signing events, and participate in educational conferences and other venues.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Lectures To My Students by C.H. Spurgeon
Author Websites and Profiles
Elton Young Website
Elton Young Amazon Profile
Elton Young’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account