Interview with autobiographer Robert Radcliffe

Today's guest author is Robert Radcliffe. He's here to talk about his memoir, 180 Degrees.

Bio:
Robert abandoned the deadly path that drug abuse and drug dealing was leading him down. After considerable struggles, at the age of twenty-two (March 11, 1991) Robert was able to turn his life around "180 Degrees.” Robert soon realized that sobriety and hard work provided him inner-peace and prosperity beyond his highest expectations, resulting in becoming a self-made millionaire by the age of thirty.

Eternally grateful to everyone who helped him become and remain sober, Robert felt an overwhelming duty to reach out to addicts like himself and hopes his story will inspire others battling addiction to find their own success.

Once achieving monetary abundance, Robert has been an active citizen and philanthropist. Deeply concerned for the well-being of young adults, Robert has been the speaker for drug and alcohol abuse classes at high schools, juvenile detention centers, recovery hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Also, he is a panel speaker and secretary at many twelve-step meetings.

In 1998, Robert was a Co-Founder of the Golf Tournament benefitting Habit for Humanity Charity at the Malibu Country Club. In 2000, 2001, and 2002 Robert sponsored the Charity Tennis Tournament benefitting Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the Riviera Country Club. And in 2003 and 2004 he co-sponsored the Tennis Tournament benefitting Chrysalis, which took place at The Riviera Country Club.

Some of Robert's business accomplishments include real estate office manager, agent coach, and has been the key note speaker at over fifty company office meetings, participated in agent training videos, and he has been featured in print and on television. With over twenty years experience in real estate, he is considered one of the nation's leading agents.

Now, at the age of forty, Robert is a successful business man and loving family man residing in Los Angeles, California with his wife and two sons.

Please tell us about your book.
180 Degrees is my autobiography. I turned my life around 180 degrees. I went from being a daily-using drug addict and occasional ‘big shot’ dealer to, eventually, a homeless junkie living on the streets. Today I am a completely sober, self-reliant, self-employed husband, father, and self-made millionaire.

What inspired you to write this book?
It took a few years to write 180 Degrees and it wasn’t easy. For years, I hadn’t even considered writing an autobiography and it wasn’t until an acquaintance of mine turned on the light bulb one day by reminding me that a book like this would not be for me, rather it would be to help the millions of people that are struggling with the nightmare of addiction.

Are working on another book at this time?
I am currently focusing on 180 Degrees, hoping to reach as many people as possible with my story, and have not yet begun on a new story.

How does writing fit into your life? Is it a priority?
I am a full time real estate agent. 180 Degrees is the first and only book I have written so far. With my wife, sons, and real estate career it was hard to find time to sit down and focus on writing. I got all my writing done early in the morning, sometimes even starting at 3AM. Other than writing and real estate, I like to meditate, jog, read, surf, and spend time with friends and family.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
My writing is personal. I did not hold anything back when writing 180 Degrees. I put everything out on the table.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I was too consumed with drugs and alcohol growing up to contemplate what I wanted to be.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
No matter how far down the drug or alcohol rat hole you go, there is hope, a way out, and the possibility of creating the life of your dreams: spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally and financially.

I hope you enjoy reading 180 Degrees! It is currently available on Kindle for only $3.99. Be sure to check out the 180 Degrees website (http://www.the180blog.com/), it includes behind the scenes views and helpful resources.

Robert, thank you for being here today and giving us an insight into your book. Thanks for getting it out in the world.