Please introduce yourself, who are you and what do you do?
My name is Gary Goldstein, and I am the author of "Jew in Jail," the true story of the nearly six years I spent incarcerated for robbery, which was a direct result of my past addictions to alcohol, drugs and gambling. I am also a motivational & inspirational speaker on recovery from addiction, and get enormous satisfaction out of helping other addicts get and stay clean.
What inspired you to start writing?
I began writing in college way back in 1979, where I served as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, and have always wanted to write a book, although, obviously, not under these conditions of becoming incarcerated. However, once I knew that my fate was going to be serving time in prison, I decided to write “Jew in Jail,” and was inspired to do so once my beloved late father, Irving Goldstein, passed away from the effects of lung cancer and emphysema on January 23, 1999, which was only 15 days after I had been sentenced, and still on Rikers Island waiting to be transported north to a correctional facility. My father had always encouraged me to be my best, and offered unending support my entire life, so I wanted to honor my father by dedicating “Jew in Jail” to how special my father was to me.
Your book is about your own life experiences, did that make it easier or harder to write?
I would have to say easier, although, since I did write it as I was doing my time in prison, that brought unique difficulties to my task at the same time. One such example was the day a correctional officer searched my cube area, confiscated my papers, and wrote a ticket (misbehavior report) against me for possessing "contraband." Fortunately, though, the guilty disposition that was subsequently rendered was ultimately reversed and I was given my papers back, due to a violation of my First Amendment rights.
If you could write anyone's biography whose would it be?
Donald Trump, since he is a man who I feel many people have confused. Sure, he is ruthless, but that has undoubtedly helped him get to where he is today. I just think he should be admired for his hard work, determination and perseverance, because he knows what it takes to succeed, and many could learn a lot from him.
Who is your favourite author and why?
I get asked this question a lot and my response never changes. Phillip C. McGraw, aka Dr. Phil, simply because he is all about helping people too, and has a no-nonsense attitude and style!
What do you enjoy most about writing?
Being able to tell a story and allow my readers a glimpse into my own personal world.
And the least?
Sitting in front of a computer for hours at a time breaking my back!
What are you working on at the moment?
I have had another book in my mind for a while know, but am currently content to continue to promote "Jew in Jail," since it is connected directly to my motivational & inspirational speaking career on recovery from addiction. After going through everything I have over the years, I developed this passion of passing the message of strength and recovery, and love helping others who are either suffering from this disease, or who are not living up to their full potential because of a lack of self-esteem and self-confidence, which I experienced for far too long.
Tell us about your latest work and how we can find out more.
Here are the ways to contact me, to either get my book, or inquire about having me come speak:
http://www.jewinjail.com/ (Website)
http://www.facebook.com/jewinjail (Facebook)
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4314781 (Goodreads)
http://twitter.com/gary_goldstein (Twitter)
http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?trk=hb_tab_pro_top (LinkedIn)
http://pinterest.com/gman18nyc/ (Pinterest)
http://www.amazon.com/Jew-Jail-Gary-Goldstein/dp/1452864349/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1300643209&sr=1-1 (Amazon)
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/jew-in-jail-by-gary-goldstein?keyword=jew+in+jail+by+gary+goldstein&store=book (Barnes & Noble)
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/268885 (Smashwords)
http://youtu.be/dE4DFCbXRF4 (YouTube)
Buy now from Amazon
Thanks to Gary for sharing his thoughts with us, on Wednesday we welcome Jill Sanders to the hot seat.
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