Author Interview – John P. Cunningham II – Surviving The Hive

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, John P. Cunningham II discusses his new book, Surviving The Hive, which serves as an atlas for the lost and abandoned, providing mental strength to navigate life’s challenges.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed John P. Cunningham II about his life and career, the inspiration behind his new book, Surviving The Hive, and his creative writing process.

Tell me a bit about who you are. 

I am a proud spiritually grounded husband of 32 years and proud steward of two adult sons (The youngest one illustrated the cover and some of page illustrations) cultivated from that 32 year union. 

When did you first WANT to write a book?

The idea to write the book was stimulated in my heart in 2012.

When did you take a step to start writing?

After my health scare and my wife beating stage 3 lung cancer, I was healthy enough to start developing my “Why” for writing the book. Then came the concepts.

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

It took 12 years to complete.

What made you want to write Surviving The Hive?

I wanted to give people of all ages simple mental compasses to navigate a world that was rapidly dictating a hive/mob type of behavior that was and is breaking a person down emotionally, mentally , and spiritually that creates a victimhood ideology that stunts their personal growth. The concepts from “Surviving The Hive” when practiced will create the muscle memory that allows people to naturally thrive under these extreme human created conditions.

What were your biggest challenges with writing Surviving The Hive?

Time and a perfectionist self defeating belief system were my biggest obstacles to the writing process.

What was your research process for Surviving The Hive?

I looked back at life and what made me successful as a certified classroom teacher in the southern portion of the United States in some of the worst environments ere regardless the social economic climate that consistently tested mine and my students’  emotional, mental and spiritual resolve.

How did you plan the structure of Surviving The Hive?

The structure of the book started with the size. I wanted this book to be small enough to fit in those small, cute backpack purses so it can be used as a daily easy accessible manual for life’s difficult terrain. The content was formatted to mirror the early kindergarten books that had one sentence on each page and a picture that accompanied each sentence that made the words come to life. That format brings all people back to that time when they remembered that they loved reading.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Surviving The Hive need?

My wife and I formatted the design using our computer. I edited it and worked with Spines Publishing who then made it compatible with their flawless AI engine.

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

Do something everyday to breathe life into your book. Talk about it, write something small, and edit something every single day to turn your material from liquid to solid concrete

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

Thanks to the overwhelming ground swell from readers and Spines publishing for promoting the book across several continents including Australia I had the energy and focus needed to already have the manuscript for volume 2 done. I am currently looking for new illustrators looking to make a colorful and talented mark on the world with me. 

And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

Let me first thank Spines publishing for diligently nurturing my development along this journey. The consistent and timely feedback from my project manager was invaluable. Spines’s  distribution on the many platforms afforded me, provided  international credibility instantly.  They are the main reason that this simple mental navigation tool has been put in the palm of the hands of thousands of readers. It continues to have a positive ripple effect on every age group spanning many cultural backgrounds. The readers have been influenced and therefore are influencing and adding value to others and their lives. Absolutely and unequivocally it was way past worth it. And we are not done yet!

Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3G1Cssl

https://app.minnect.com/expert/JohnCunningham?utm_source=expert-profile&utm_medium=external&utm_campaign=expert-profile-share

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-cunningham-67b779120?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app