Interview with John E. Wade, Author of The Bipolar Millionaire

I was born in Decatur, Alabama, grew up in Georgia and Mississippi, and have lived in New Orleans for many years.  After high school, I attended the Air Force Academy for a few months until I received an honorable medical discharge resulting from a severe case of meningitis and my first experience with bipolar disorder. Eventually I enrolled at the University of Georgia, where I received a BBA and MA, was named the most outstanding senior accounting student, and served as president of Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting honor society. I worked in accounting for nearly thirty years, in both the private sector and eventually for the federal government.

I began writing in 1998, and my first book-length work, Focus Investing, was purchased by John E. Wiley & Sons, but never published, because of changing market conditions. Still, I had discovered the joy of writing and have since produced many essays, blogs, and books.  Deep Within My Heart is a published book containing many of my earliest essays.

My next book project was conceiving and compiling How to Achieve a Heaven on Earth, a collection of essays from 101 other individuals–from world leaders to Nobel and Pulitzer prize winners–about the ten elements of Heaven on Earth as I conceived of them at that time (peace, security, freedom, democracies, prosperity, racial harmony, spiritual harmony, ecological harmony, health, as well as moral purpose and meaning–at the urging of my local editor, Charlotte L. Piotrowski, who pushed for “gender equality,” I have sense added “gender harmony” to the list of ten elements).  I am especially proud of this work and hope it inspires humankind for generations.

In 2012, Ronald Reagan’s Wisdom for the Twenty-First Century was published, which excerpts some of Reagan’s most insightful and articulate quotations from before, during, and even after his presidency, coupled with commentary highlighting the ways in which Reagan’s wisdom is as relevant as ever. Then, in 2014, Glimpses of Heaven on Earth, a book of inspiring quotations and insightful essays by four other co-authors and me, was published. This book won the 2014 Living Now Book Awards bronze metal in Social Activism/Charity. My most recent literary project is The Bipolar Millionaire, my deeply personal memoir.

In 2006, I founded the charity Soldiers of Love, which encourages and enables ordinary citizens to work toward a better world. Soldiers of Love partners with other charities with similar goals, both in the local New Orleans community and beyond.  In 2011 I began producing the television series that also relates to the the goal of Heaven on Earth.

I am passionate about travel and have visited China, India, Egypt, Israel, Syria, Jordan, Brazil, Argentina, much of Europe, Costa Rico, the Caribbean including Cuba, as well as much of North America.  Some of these trips have been spiritual journeys and mission trips. I enjoy learning about other cultures and my travels inspire my writing and philanthropy. I am equally passionate about my adopted hometown.  I enjoy New Orleans’ unique food, architecture, and music, as well as Saints football games.  I also cheer on the Bulldogs–The University of Georgia, which I attended, and Mississippi State University, where the Davis Wade Stadium was named after my father.

For More Information

• Visit John E. Wade’s website.
• Connect with John on Facebook and Twitter.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? 

I went to four colleges as an undergraduate and finally ended with a BBA and a MA at the University of Georgia.  I have had two marital failures and I’m now 70 years old and engaged to marry a third time.  I had a successful 29-year career as a CPA, became a multimillionaire through inheritance in 2005 and have had multiple ventures since then.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Decatur, Alabama.  Then my family moved to Newton, Mississippi when I was a month old and remained there until I was in the fourth grade.  From then through high school we lived in Douglas, Georgia.

What is your fondest childhood memory?

I had a wonderful baseball game in little leagues.  I was playing center field and caught multiple balls, which in effect won the game for our team.  My father had an interest in the radio station that broadcast the game and they interviewed me after the game.

When did you begin writing?

January 2, 1998. I woke up and just was compelled to begin writing things down.

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

Usually I write when I’m inspired to write and that can be anytime and anywhere.

What is this book about?

The book is about my unusual life including my bipolar disorder and how it was cured by extraordinary means.

What inspired you to write it?             

                                 

I wanted to share my story in an attempt to help diminish the stigma surrounding mental illness, so when an intellectual property attorney suggested I write a memoir, I decided to do so.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My best friend.

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

No, my editors help me.

Who is your favorite author? 

Walter Isaacson

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

I don’t have one, but I would love to find an agent to help with the filming of “The Bipolar Millionaire.” A screenplay is already being written for it!

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

Amazon, any bookshop can order it, or you can go directly to my publisher’s website, SunburyPressStore.com, and find it.

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

Yes, at my website www.JohnEWade.com under “John’s books” and “The Bipolar Millionaire.”

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

It’s too early to tell.

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

Write and write and write—the best way to learn is through doing.

What is up next for you?

My upcoming wedding and honeymoon! Also, I’m currently working on a book of Ronald Reagan quotes with another author, Daniel Agatino.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I’ve been told that this book is a page-turner; it’s an honest account of my life and it’s quite unique. I hope everyone will enjoy reading it!