S. Richard (Rich) Nelson

Location:  

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Question:  How long have you been writing?

     I decided I wanted to be a writer when I was in college but I didn’t know if I was any good at it. So, on a whim, I sent one of my college papers to a popular magazine and, surprisingly, they published it.

     After leaving college, I began working as a commercial copywriter for a major advertising agency in Los Angeles, CA. I then went on to become a grant writer. During this time I continued to freelance for a number of different magazines.

Question:  What was the name of the first book you ever published, and when was it published?

    The first book I wrote is called,“This is Life Eternal”. It was not, however, the first book I published. The first book I published is called “Turning Faith into Power.”

Question:  Was this book published by a publisher; or did you self-publish?

     All of my books, so far, have been self-published.

Question:  Tell our readers about this very first book.  (For example:  What was the inspiration for writing it, and what was it about)?

     The idea for “Turning Faith into Power”, came while I was listening to a pastor speak about the need to increase our faith. I began to wonder how much faith I possibly had. How do you even gauge that? And if I did increase my faith, what would that look like, what kind of difference, what kind of improvement would it make in my life, in my personality, in my love of God and others?

      Generally speaking, when we talk about faith we only have a vague notion of what faith is. The questions I had about my own faith led me to want to write about faith in a more practical sense, not simply how do I increase my faith but how do I use that increased faith to bless my life and the lives of those around me.

      As I began to examine the concept of increased faith, I discovered that faith is not a passive concept we hold in our hearts. Instead, it is the very essence of power in all intelligent life. All of us, no matter our belief or lack of beliefs, for that matter, act by the power of faith. “Turning Faith into Power” is a sort of instruction manual for applying that faith in a more practical way.

Question:  Can a person still buy this book?  If so, where?

     Yes, “Turning Faith into Power” is available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle versions. Anyone interested can find it at:

www.amazon.com/author/srichardnelson

Question:  How many total books have you published?

    I have published 4 books so far. Three of them, including “Turning Faith into Power” are part of “The Powerful Christian Series”.

Question:  List all of your titles =

"This is Life Eternal"

"Turning Faith into Power"

"Gaining Power through Prayer"

"The Added Power of Obedience"

Question:  Any future writing projects in the works?  If so, tell us about it, and any pertinent dates to go with it.

     I am currently writing the fourth book in the Powerful Christian Series; “The Healing Power of Forgiveness.” This book will be available beginning September 2015'. Another three titles, released at about 3 month intervals, will complete the series.

Question:  What is the title of your current book, and tell us a little about it.

     God has given us great power to help us live our lives here on Earth. One of the greatest of those powers, in the power of forgiveness is this inner power of forgiveness that changes lives and brings increased joy and peace into our hearts. In fact, we are most like Jesus Christ when we forgive an injustice done by someone.

“The Healing Power of Forgiveness” emphasizes three crucial aspects of this power.

1)              Receiving forgiveness for ourselves,

2)              Forgiving the wrongs of others,

3)              And, equally important, learning to forgive ourselves.

     The powerful gift of forgiveness has the potential to bring us back

from the depths of despair and to bring us peace. The purpose of “The Healing Power of Forgiveness” is to bring the strength and comfort of the Holy Spirit to all those who are reaching out to find peace in a hurtful world.

Last question, if someone comes across this article and reads it, what would you like to tell them about why you think they should try reading your book or books?

  I believe in the power of conviction. Our convictions help us rise above a passive life of indifference. Oftentimes, even though we have deep-seated convictions, we don’t clearly see the practical day-to-day application of our convictions. God’s greatest power shouldn’t lie dormant in any of us.

      It is my hope and purpose, through the books I have written, to help people reach inside and master the God-given powers they already have within themselves. I sincerely believe that through the practical application of our convictions our lives can go from ordinary and insignificant to miraculous and joyful.

      I just want to share this concept with as many people as possible.

Anything else you'd like to add that I didn't ask you, but you would like to share with our readers? 

     God did not give us a “spirit of fear but of power." (2 Timothy 1:7) There is a power in Christ not only to calm the seas but also to calm the storms of the human heart, to mend the hurt of broken and defeated souls. We can learn to trust more in His power. We can learn to rely more on the power He gives each of us. We can seek His grace, that enabling and sacred power which makes all the difference in our lives.

Blog Writer's Note to Author:  It always amazes me when things aren't going great for me that I always seem to find someone, or something that helps me put things into perspective.  Your interview has definitely done that.  I will definitely be checking out your book series.  Thanks for the interview.