Monday, March 26, 2012

Interview with non-fiction/finance writer Nicholas Maze

Today's guest author is Nicholas L. Maze to talk about his financial help book, Exit: How to Leave Debt Forever.

And to help with finances, a lucky commentor has a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card. Comment below, and at any of Nicholas's other tour stops for a chance to win.

Bio:
Born in Flint, Michigan, Nicholas L. Maze attended Baker College, where he earned his degree in Business Administration with a focus in accounting and marketing. With a knack for advertising and excelling in math, Nicholas seemed destined for a productive career in business. Instead, there would be another gift that would prove to be more dominant and rewarding.

In the summer of 1999, while still in college, Nicholas found a job with a nation-wide security organization. His initial plans were to work his job, until he finished college. But it was his stint with the security organization that would lead to a rebirth of his passion for writing. As a child, being driven by a strong imagination, Nicholas would write stories to pass time. It was during his composition courses in college that Nicholas realized that his gift was still intact. His writing craft received praise from his colleagues and instructors. With substantial amount of free time on the job, Nicholas found himself writing more and more.

He started by writing poetry and composing songs, during his free time on the job. It was at this same time that Nicholas began managing a small rap group, which allowed him to hone his writing skills even more. Nicholas began composing songs for his rap group and him. In 2004, Nicholas began to write his first published work. With ample amount of time and a number of ideas, Nicholas began to write. In order to compose a successful work, Nicholas had to make himself the reader. Nicholas placed himself in the passenger seat and let his imagination go to work.

As Nicholas was completing his book, he renewed his relationship with God and acquired a second job. Two jobs and attending college full-time, forced Nicholas to put his writing on hold. Once Nicholas completed his first degree in marketing, he was able to focus on his unfinished work and complete his book in 2007.

From there, Nicholas began to send out query letters for his book. After no success, Nicholas placed his book on the shelf and returned to school. In 2009, Nicholas received a prophecy on his writing gift and immediately began shopping his book around. “I instantly thought of my finished work and began sending out query letters. Within two months, I received a publishing deal.” Now, Nicholas is fine-tuning himself for a long, successful career as an author. His first love.

Welcome, Nicholas. Please tell us about your current release Exit: How to Leave Debt Forever.
My current release is a non-fiction/finance book. It focuses on eliminating debt and developing true wealth. Unlike the normal financial book that teaches you how to save and invest, this book goes outside the box and teaches about what debt is, what money is, and why the country is going in a downward spiral.

What inspired you to write this book?
I was led to write this book through a prophecy I received, before the release of my first book (White Collar Woman; fiction/romance). As I began to research and gather information, I was alarmed at what I was discovering and I knew that most Americans had no knowledge of this information. The prophecy combined with the alarming information was the inspiration for this book.

What exciting story are you working on next?
When I write, I follow where God wants me to go. As I previously stated, my current book was received through prophecy. My next story actually deals with religion. It will cover a number of issues that exist in churches these days. I know it seems odd to go from romance to finance to religion, but I feel a true writer should be able to compose on any platform.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
In 2004, I began to write my first book. As I continued to write, I began to take the career more seriously and considered myself to be a writer. Although I had been writing since the age of 12, I didn’t take it seriously until years down the road.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
No, I do not write full-time.

I currently hold a stock keeper position, at a medical center. Finding time to write can be difficult, since I am a full-time student as well. I am currently in a creative writing master's program. Being a full-time student and working full-time, I usually find time during breaks on the job or on days I don’t have to work. Sometimes I will write even if I have to work and do schoolwork. If I have some good information to put on paper, I will make time regardless of my schedule.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I guess my interesting writing quirk is not putting everything down on paper, at once. This is something I learned after my first book. Although I may have enough information of 10 pages, I may only write 5 pages. I do this to help prevent writer’s block. By saving something for the next day, I have something to build off and continue writing.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child, I loved anything that was business. Ultimately, I wanted to own a record label. I did pursue it, before I wrote my first book. Due to small financial backing, the label did not go far. Yet, it was still a great experience.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I just want to thank everyone for wanting to learn a little about me. I hope my words, whether in this interview or in my book(s), has provided some sort of inspiration and influence. I ask that everyone seriously consider adding my current release to your library. I believe this literature can help alter the course that our country is currently in.

Thank you for being here today, Nicholas.
Readers, if you're interested in learning more, you can visit Nicholas's other tour stops or visit his website.

Don't forget about your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card. He'll choose a lucky commentor will be chosen at the end of his tour. So follow, comment, and (hopefully) win!



3 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you for hosting Nicholas today :).

AuthorMaze said...

Thanks for the opportunity!

Lisa Haselton said...

Very happy to host!