❤Author Interview: Keith Sykes #authorinterview #mystery #horror @pumpupyourbook

 

Keith Sykes grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana with his 7 siblings; he is the youngest of 8. Keith attended Xavier University of Louisiana where he studied Computer Information Systems and Graphic Design. He lost both parents by the age of 20 and joined the United States Army in 1990 where he completed 20 years of active military service. He continues to serve as a Department of Defense civilian where he works as a Health Systems Specialist at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He is a freelance writer, photographer and event planner and is heavily involved in the community. Keith is a cancer survivor as of February 2022 and attributes his positive attitude in dealing with the condition to his mother Violet who succumbed to cancer in January 1990. He loves exploring nature and traveling. Some of his most memorable trips have been to Egypt, Belize, and Cuba.

You can visit his website at https://kasykes.com/ or connect with him at Facebook at www.facebook.com/ikreate4u.

 

 

What attracted you to the memoir/nonfiction genre? 

I felt that my story could not only inspire others to share their stories, but also give them hope that they can overcome any tough situation.

Do you write in any other genres? 

This is my very first book, but I would be open to write whatever I felt led to share. 

What inspired you to write Being Present: The Gift of Experiencing Life As It Happens? 

There have been a great deal of situations in my life that could have caused me to quit, but because of the strength I witnessed my mother display, I was able to maintain a positive attitude and as I got older I realized the importance of living life more abundantly.

Can you give us your book blurb so others can find out what your book is about?  

Being present (or living mindfully, whatever you want to call it) simply means you’re focused and engaged in the here and now, not distracted or mentally absent. Our society is constantly distracted. We are more concerned with recording moments than we are living in them. In some of the most intimate situations we are often somewhere else, oblivious to what is going on around us. I don’t claim to have mastered the concept of being present, but I do take pride in understanding the importance of doing so. My book will take you through points and milestones in my life when mindfulness absolutely paid off. I will describe happy times, sad times, and times that I would want to relive if given the opportunity. My goal is to show you that life is meant to be witnessed as it happens, not as an afterthought.

How can readers discover more about you and your work?  

https://kasykes.com

Where can readers buy your book? 

https://payhip.com/b/pAuYs

Thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview. What’s next for you? 

The next thing on my schedule will be my official book release in February and I will take part in a literary tour in South Africa in March.