Q. The book has been written for a teenage audience. What inspired you to write the book?
A. The book, in some small way, is my effort to address some of the really abhorrent things that confront our teenage youth these days. The prevalence of drugs, youth suicide and depression is scourge on our society today. The Power and the Possible is my attempt for the teenage reader to “access their inner hero”, to realize the wonder and potential that they have, and … hopefully for them to avoid these terrible afflictions.
I am also the father of three teenage boys myself, so I guess a lot what I’ve written is based on ‘real-life’ experience and my desire to see the best for my children and others.
Q. What makes your book unique?
A. Well, firstly, I guess I should tell you what the book is NOT. It is not one of those preachy self-help books that tells you how to lead a ‘successful’ life. Nor does it spell-out ‘rules’ of how to live your life, or give a 1-800 number of instant gratification. Rather, it is an enjoyable and fun voyage of “inner discovery” for the reader.
Q. How is it a ‘voyage of discovery’?
A. The book is structured in such a way that the teenage (and older) reader will find “diamonds of inspiration” that will resonate with them personally. Whether it is through the no-nonsense, plain good advice commentary, or the myriad of short-story parables, or maybe the compelling narrative story of the ‘family of ducks’ … the reader will make their own discoveries that link to their own internal inspirations.
For example, I had a young (high-functioning) teenager review the book recently. Here’s what she said:
“The Power and the Possible showed me that no matter how old you are, if you are blind or deaf, or if your skin is dark, you can do anything if you want to, no matter who or how many people discriminate against you.”
Essentially, the essence of the book links the reader back to our three main (internal) characteristics. Namely our, “Self-Esteem & Sense of Life Purpose”, “Self-Belief” & “Self Worth & Image”. The book seeks for the reader to find the true wonder that they really are.
Q. What topics does the book cover?
A. The book covers some really important topics, such as:
Dealing with bullying
Learning to say ‘No’ (to peer pressure)
Positive thinking (rather than destructive thoughts) & Body Image
Making informed decisions, e.g. role-modelling
It’s even got some useful tips on “happiness”, “love” & “relationships”.
Q. You mentioned a narrative story about a ‘family of ducks’. Tell me what this is all about?
A. For me, this is the central core of the book. Alfred (jnr) and his family is the continuing story (from my previous novels) of a teenage ‘duck’ who must navigate his future security in the face of an adult world of corruption, retribution and misguided love. It’s a really exciting story with lots of action, thrills and mayhem.
What I have done is tie the elements within the narrative story to the topics I mentioned to you before, like bullying, peer pressure, etc.
Q. I believe that the book has also been produced to film screenplay, tell me about that?
A. Yeah, it’s pretty exciting. A very wise mentor of mine told me that the ‘duck story’ should be produced to film. My initial response was, ‘I don’t know how to do that?’. But, you know, I learned, I revised and I edited … and finally the screenplay came together.
Q. So when are we going to see it to the ‘big screen’?
A. Well, it hasn’t been picked up by a producer yet – but one never knows. I’m happy to trust the bounty of the Universe to guide me to whatever happens.
Q. Where can my readers/listeners find the book if they would like to read it?
A. The book is due to be launched around early February 2016, but if anybody would like advance copies or any additional information, they can contact me via my website (www.stephenchong.com.au) or email: mailto:spchong10@gmail.com
Many thanks, Matthew.
Regards
Stephen Chong