Four Years Later

Happy Tuesday #Jontourage,
 
 Welcome back to the “Classy Gent Chronicles”, where staying classy is the only way to be. In this week’s edition, let's pop open the champagne.  Today makes four years since I released my first book “Master of Ceremonies.” I am truly overfilled with joy, emotion but most importantly, gratitude. Here are four answers to four questions you may be wondering… 

1. Why did I write my book?

June 21st, 2015 as I am coming home, I ran over a nail in the road. I paid $250 for a repair that was only about $50 because I filled out the maintenance form incorrectly. I figured if I had this issue of filling out the maintenance form incorrectly, how many guys would too? This inspired me to create a book of life skills and life lessons for guys that would help them be successful. Many of my friends had grown up without a dad or strong male influences so I hoped that I could create something, not to replace their father, but to help slightly level the playing field. After months of writing in my bathroom, gas stations, hotel rooms, and even the back of my car, my first book “Master of Ceremonies: A Male’s Guide for a Successful Life” was published on March 24, 2016.

2. Favorite author experience? 
So I’m torn between two experiences. The first was my TEDx talk experience which was life-changing. It was a goal I have had for a few years and to be able to speak on how publishing a book has changed my life was the icing on the cake.  Read more here https://www.authorjon.com/blog/my-tedx-journey
 

Another great experience was serving as a principal for a day at a middle school. Prince George’s County, MD where I am from was doing a “Principal For A Day” program with several participating public schools. As principal for the day, I helped lead an assembly and even got to serve as a guest lecturer for an 8th grade English class. I taught the students how to publish a book.

3. Least favorite author experience?
 
So back in June 2017, I was supposed to appear on this radio show in Philly. Figured I would hang out with my mentee, Nafeece so I brought him with me. It had been raining pretty hard in Philly that day. I had reached out to the radio people before traveling to Philly but didn’t get anyone. I figured that since we touched base before, things would be fine. Nafeece and I got some food at Qdoba then headed over to the station. We get to the “station” which isn’t located in the best part of the city but hey, exposure is exposure. We pull up and it’s located above a bar. I walk up the stairs and knock on the door and no one answers the door. I’m like “maybe they went to the bathroom or something”. Well, they NEVER came to the door. On top of knocking I’m calling, trying to hit them up on email/IG everything and ... nothing. And it was raining.

​So Nafeece and I are outside waiting and waiting for a show that never happened. This was the night I paid my dues as a rookie in the author world. That experience taught me life was going to get better for me because it doesn’t get any worse than that.
 

4. What is the biggest life lesson learned from publishing this book?
 
Life begins on the other side of your comfort zone. I never intended to write a book, it kind of just happened. God gave me the vision to do it and I went from there. I did not spend a lot of time worrying about not knowing the steps or not having the finances. I kept my focus on helping others through my words so the rest of the details worked themselves out. If I spent my time worrying or always asking what if, I would still be working on my first book.
 

Moral of the story: Life can send you in some crazy directions. Sometimes, you have to explore that dark cave because you may find more wealth in that cave than you would be staying outside.  

In honor of my four year authorversary please support my book Master of Ceremonies: A Male's Guide for a Successful Life on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Master-Ceremonies-Jonathan-Harris/dp/151447302X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1585070471&sr=8-1

If you want to order an autographed copy of my book for someone, you can cashapp me $20 to $authorjon and I will personally mail them an autographed copy.
Truly blessed to have grown and connected with so many great people along the years. Much love 

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Remember, in order to live out your dreams, you have to think it, feel it, live it! Until next time, stay classy...

For more Classy Gent Chronicles blog post, be sure to visit https://www.authorjon.com/blog