1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m a rebel with a cause. I like the little things in life–such as the aroma of ragu’ that has been simmering all day, the smile on the boy who just scored a run on our baseball team, the view overlooking the Italian wine country of Brisighella when the yellow ginestra are in bloom, the tears in the eyes of a patient when she first realizes the relief from her headaches is real, the gentle rush of water flowing over the waterfalls in my backyard as I fall asleep, the inspiration I receive from hearing about good things people do for each other, and the “aha!” moment when an idea pops in my mind while exercising to music.
2. Describe your book ‘The Last Scroll’ in 30 words or less.
The Last Scroll is a richly textured book that engages readers both as a romantic thriller about a lonely physician who falls in love while traveling to an ancient Roman spa in Italy and a self-help book that reveals insight into the secrets of a good life.
3. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
I found it difficult to sit on my butt for long periods of writing. I’m not sure our bodies are meant to sit for hours at a time so I break up the writing with exercise, stretching, standing, going for walks, or meditation while lying down.
4. What books have had the greatest influence on you?
I have enjoyed intellectual thrillers like Dan Brown’s DaVinci Code and Inferno, books that teach like the Aesthetics of Change by Bradford Keeney, books that warm the heart like Maeve Binchy’s Evening Class, books that tug at your heart like the Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers, and, creative adventures like the Iliad and the Odyssey by Homer.
5. Briefly share with us what you do to market your book?
Helping readers find about your book is the most challenging part of writing. First, I tell my friends, family, colleagues and patients about the book. I’m also working on other strategies including a free on-line course on the seven realms to a good life through the University of Minnesota and Coursera.org, reviews by health care providers for their colleagues and patients and, of course, the social media including websites, blogs, Facebook, and Twitter. I’ve creating game to learn about the seven realm to a good life. My publisher is also arranging limited reviews by traditional media.
6. How do you spend your time when you are not writing?
When I’m not writing, my life is filled with activities that boost my energy in the seven realms including family activities, spending time with friends, coaching baseball and football, exercising, golfing, reading, creating gardens, enjoying healthy meals, helping people manage chronic pain, conducting research to enhance health and wellness, teaching students, and writing scientific papers.
7. What are you working on next?
The second book in the Last Scroll trilogy, called the Seven Beasts, continues the romantic thriller as the physician returns to Italy and renew his romance while the seven plagues are sweeping across the world, bringing misery, death, and protests to every nation. The Seven Beasts is cautionary tale about the impact that people’s negative energy can have on our own lives and the world.
