Tell us about yourself.:
My name is Elton L Young. I'm a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, the youngest child of James Fletcher and Frances Marie Young, the husband of the late Brenda Faye Bryant Young, and the proud father of six beautiful daughters. I became a Christian at the age of twelve (12) and received my ministerial calling at the age of sixteen (16). I graduated from Brainerd High School (Go Panthers) in 1980. 2 weeks following my high school graduation, I joined the United States Marine Corps, where I served honorably for 6 years (1980-1986).
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
My influence for writing started at an early age by watching my mom write/prepare her sermons every week. My mom was truly a gifted preacher and pastor. My writing was further influenced when I decided to take Creative Writing (Mrs. Saxton) during high school. I will never forget Mrs. Saxton telling me I could become a talented writer one day. After being told that, you can say the rest is history. I've written Sunday School lessons for national publishing boards, training modules/study guides involving conflict resolution, conflict management, grief, loss, and separation, along with many sermons and devotionals throughout my pastoral career.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I'm not sure you would call this unusual, but I will say that many of my writings were developed from life experiences. I think and process a lot before I start to write. When I sit down and start typing, the words seem to flow.
What authors have influenced you?
My influence for writing started at an early age by watching my mom write/prepare her sermons every week. My mom was truly a gifted preacher and pastor. My writing was further influenced when I decided to take Creative Writing (Mrs. Saxton) during high school. I will never forget Mrs. Saxton telling me I could become a talented writer one day. After being told that, you can say the rest is history. I've written Sunday School lessons for national publishing boards, training modules/study guides involving conflict resolution, conflict management, grief, loss, and separation, along with many sermons and devotionals throughout my pastoral career.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write when you're most creative and know you can find inspiration in anything life offers. Do your research, and don't be afraid to interact with other writers.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
I learned from my father that often you have to spend money to make money, so spend it wisely, and I learned from my mother (Frances Marie Young) and seminary professor (Dr. Dana Stoddard) that Christianity is a free gift, but discipleship always cost something.
What are you reading now?
Daniel D. Lee's book, Doing Asian American Theology: A Contextual Framework for Faith and Practice.
What’s your biggest weakness?
Seafood
What is your favorite book of all time?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I love going to the movies, traveling, reading, and listening to music.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The many true-life stories written throughout the Bible. The first story would have to be the story of Moses. I always enjoyed listening to my mom read that story to me when I was a kid, and I loved the movie.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
Most of my writing style centers around my faith, trust, and periodic confusion with God. I still scratch my head in wonder about some things God allows. Its often the things I don't know or fully understand that inspires my writing.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I'm in the processing phase of my next book. I wish I could tell you more, but I don't want to let the cat out of the bag just yet.
What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
Public speaking events, book signings, and interviews are three of my favorite methods for promoting my book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
My next step is to complete an audio version of my book Conflicts Within: A Journey Through Real and Lasting Change
How well do you work under pressure?
Meeting deadlines and working under pressure have always been easy for me. I was once contracted as a Commentary Writer for the Sunday School Publishing Board of the National Baptist Convention. Writing lessons and turning those lessons in on time was always a pressure game.
How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
For me, the story determines the tone. In addition, I consider the audience I want to persuade, inspire, entertain, and/or inform. I also like to use certain words that help convey the tone and purpose of my book.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
I would love to share some of what happens in the background that plays a huge role in certain statements that gave birth to certain contents of my book.
Elton Young’s Author Websites and Profiles
Website
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