The Book Connection...: Interview and Giveaway with D.L. Anderson, Author of Unlocking the Mystery of You: The Pinnacle of Purpose

D. L. Anderson is a speaker and life trainer whose goals are centered on helping others live a life of purpose, excellence, and balance. Drawing on 15+ years of experience in various fields including information technology, consulting, and business management, D. L. Anderson is very excited to be able to effectively teach others the same principles which have made his life both fulfilling and successful.

His latest book is the self-help book, Unlocking the Mystery of You: The Pinnacle of Purpose.

For More Information

Visit D.L.’s website.
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Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is D. L. Anderson. I am an IT consultant, career/life coach, and a professional writer. I’ve been writing for over half my life because it is my favorite thing to do. However, I didn’t consider myself a professional writer until 2005 when I was first published. Since that time I have published various books, articles, poems, and other writings.

I’ve also been working in the field of information technology since 2001 upon receiving my bachelor’s degree in computer science/management information systems. I have spent the majority of my time in IT as a project management professional, but also have program management experience and have also served as an IT director. These roles have given me numerous opportunities to mentor and coach others, which led me to begin career/life coaching in 2010. Since that time I’ve been doing a combination of the 3 (IT consulting, career/life coaching, and writing) and am thoroughly enjoying my life as I am able to live out my purpose and do those things which provide me with increasing measures of fulfillment and success.

Where did you grow up?

I spent time growing up in both Texas and Indiana; presently residing in Indiana.

What is your fondest childhood memory?

Christmas time. It was my favorite holiday and the only time of the year where I got to see my extended family.

When did you begin writing?

I’ve actually been writing ever since I was 10 years old and submitted various writings for contests throughout middle school and high school. I was first published as a young adult and have published various poems, books, articles, and other writings over the years.

I am currently writing a book series dedicated to the topics of purpose, excellence, and balance, and hope to publish on average 1-2 books every year over the next 3-5 years.

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

I write whenever I can. However, I do have a routine where I write in the morning because I have found that it is the time where I am the most alert and creative. Notwithstanding, inspiration can hit me at any time, and so I often find myself writing at all hours of the day; even if it’s just a few notes or paragraphs which capture a thought which I will explore at a later time when I have more time.

What is this book about?

Unlocking the Mystery of You is a book which encourages individuals to live their lives with purpose by first understanding what their purpose in life is – and second, dedicating themselves to the path which will allow them to make an effective transition from their current station to the place where they really want to be. That is the place where they find the greatest measures of peace, contentment, and fulfillment by doing those things which they were uniquely designed to do.

In my opinion, this depiction represents our purpose in life while the consummate value of our “life experience” is contingent to how successfully we are at fulfilling it (i.e. our purpose).

The truth is that I have found many individuals (men and women alike) who feel the same way. That’s why I believe this book will be so successful. It’s because it speaks to a spirit of personal independence and entrepreneurism which is presently inspiring so many people around the world to dedicate themselves to living their purpose while placing a higher value on their fulfillment and happiness than the physical benefits and rewards which others may put first in their lives.

I know because once upon a time that individual was me. I admittedly was more focused on tangible rewards and what I found to be incomplete measures of success. That’s when I realized how unfulfilling the experience was. Sure I had an extremely successful career by societal standards; but the honest truth is that I was yet unhappy, for there were “pieces of me” which were not being fulfilled simply because I was living outside of my true purpose.

Then decision time came. Either I was going to continue on the unfulfilling road of incomplete success, or I was going to dedicate my life to my purpose and my fulfillment, and position myself to experience life to its fullest by persistently focusing on those things which matter most.

Obviously I chose the latter and detailed my transition from a visibly (yet partially) successful life, to a purpose-driven fulfilling life in this book; from the challenges I faced, to the detailed path I took. So if you’re somebody who is admittedly living outside your true purpose, and are interested in finding out how you can make the transition to doing so, this is a book you must read; for in it I will show you a clear path which you can take to make it happen.

What inspired you to write it?

I wrote this book because I once was leading a very unfulfilled and unexceptional life. That was in spite of my socioeconomic status. That’s when I began to search for a path to turn my life around so that I could experience continued fulfillment while understanding the true meaning of success – and I did. I discovered such a path and have verified its effectiveness and value in my own life.

From now I want to share the lessons I have learned with others who, like me, are tired of the persisting states of unhappiness and discontentment, and will stop at nothing to find the fulfillment they are seeking.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My wife is my biggest supporter. She knows me better than anyone in the world and has more confidence in me than I have in myself at times. For that reason she encouraged me at critical moments in the development of my Life Pinnacles program (the avenue by which I offer my professional speaking, consulting, and career/life coaching services) and is the primary reason why I stayed the course at times when I was discouraged and tempted to abandon my dreams.

She is also in charge of all my marketing and has led the effort of getting my material and my message in front of my target audience. For these causes and more, I can honestly say she is as responsible for all I have done through my Life Pinnacles Program as I am.

Are you a member of a critique group? If no, who provides feedback on your work?

No; I am not a member of a critique group although I would like to be and will likely be as I continue to advance my professional writing career. Presently I do not receive any feedback on my writings until after I have published. I do, however, spend countless hours reviewing and refining my work prior to publishing.

Who is your favorite author?

Mark Twain; when I think about his writing abilities, the only word which comes to mind is brilliant.

Do you have an agent or are you looking for one?

I do not have an agent, but would begin looking for one if and when my writing career takes off.

Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?

This is actually my 3rd book I’ve published. It’s never quite smooth sailing, but I wouldn’t call it a bumpy ride either. I’d say it was somewhere in between, but closer to smooth sailing. The fact that I’ve gone with the same publishing company each time made this experience more efficient than the last 2.

If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?

Yes; I would put more time (e.g. weeks) between my personal reviews prior to sending to the publisher. For some reason I find myself still making corrections after I’ve already reviewed my manuscript 5-7 times – and I believe it’s because my personal reviews happen too close together. Therefore, I will be placing more time between my personal reviews in an effort to decrease the time involved in publishing the book by submitting less corrections to the submitted manuscript.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

From my website at www.lifepinnacles.com

Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?

A: Yes my website is www.lifepinnacles.com and my blog is at www.lifepinnacles.com/blog.

Do you have a video trailer to promote your book? If yes, where can readers find it?

I don’t have one yet; but I will be incorporating one in the near future. It will be on my website: www.lifepinnacles.com.

What is the best investment you have made in promoting your book?

Thus far it has been the Pump Up Your Book campaign.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

If you are truly passionate about your message and are convinced it can help improves the lives of others in some way, you have to get it out there. Don’t sit on it. Don’t push it to the back of your to-do-list. Take some time out in your day to write it.

You may not know it, but you have an audience. It could be thousands or even millions. It doesn’t matter. What does matter is that they are looking to hear and read the words you have been inspired to write. So write them, and you’ll see just how powerful your pen is and how many lives you can potentially change for the better.

What is up next for you?

Unlocking the Mystery of You is the foundational message of my Pinnacles of Life book series. I am currently in the process of launching a membership site entitled “Purpose Seekers Unite” where I will offer online, group, and private coaching for individuals who are living outside their purpose and need assistance as they transition from their current station to adopting a purpose-driven life.

Purpose Seekers Unite will officially launched January 1, 2015. I have gotten a great deal of positive feedback from many people who have either pledged their support or are ready to join. If you are interested, visit us at www.purposeseekersunite.com to learn more about what we are doing and how you can get started if you are interested in joining us.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Yes; I would like to thank you for this opportunity to share information about my book and my program with others. I am convinced that the book will have an amazing impact on everyone who reads it, and the program will certainly provide each member with the guidance they need to begin leading a purpose-driven and fulfilling life.