What inspired you to write your first book?
My first Book, “Understanding Strategic And Tactical Planning” was a surprise. I was the Chief Operating Officer for Specialty, 24 hour and Emergency Animal Hospitals for a national Animal hospital company. I wrote some notes, intended to help our hospital managers understand the process of operating animal hospitals. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) saw it. They asked me to expand it into a book.
The next two books dealt with my death. “Death: Living To Talk About It” started out as a blog. I had just come out of hospice, where I was supposed to have died. I began a blog – the sole purpose was try to understand the ordeal I went through.
Tell us a little about yourself before your experience.
I am happily married, with two grown children. I have six grandsons. Before the problems began, I was an Air Force Master Sargent, stationed in England. I was 35 years old when I first died.
What were your ‘belief’s on life after death at that time (if any)?
I hadn’t really thought about life after death. Just the usual passing thought now and then. That changed when I was in hospice, waiting to die.
I was visited by both of my grandmothers. They had passed many years before. Though I was drugged and dying, years of reflection bring me to one conclusion. My grandmothers were with me – watching and waiting. I talk about this in detail, in am upcoming book.
How did you come up with the title?
The title of my first post death experience book came easily. “Death: Living To Talk About It”. Having died (actually died) 5 times and had “should have died” moments more than 200 times – well, the title just presented itself.
Is this your first book?
This was not my first book. The management book I mentioned earlier was my first book. During that period, I had written several scripts for education videos.
Why did you decide to write about your experience?
At first, I wanted to write about my experiences to help me understand what had happened to me. Later, the motivation shifted. As the blog was progressing, I received feedback from many people. They appreciated me sharing my story. It was informational, and it let people know that they are not alone. Lots of people struggle with serious health issues. They were comforted knowing others were experiencing the same things they were.
What message do you want to send to your readers?
Hope. It’s a powerful word. When you read my books, you understand the adversity and struggles I had for many years. Never give up. Think to yourself: If he can still be skulking about after all that he has gone through, maybe then I can too.
How many books have you written (published or unpublished)?
“Road To Transplant” is the sequel to the “Death” book. It is an international bestselling book that chronicles my journey for life. Great information. It examines family dynamics during family crisis, looks into the process of getting a heart transplant, and follows me through the process of dying – not knowing if a heart would become available.
I’ve also written a book. “Five Short Stories and Twelve Poems”. I desperately needed a diversion from talking about illness. It is a fun book. The stories will make you laugh, cry, be happy and sad.
What book are you reading now?
I am re-reading “A Movable Feast” by Hemmingway. His words stir the creative juices in my mind. I always read him, and the Russian writers of the 18th and 19th century as I write my own stories.
Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
I have a second book of short stories and poems in the works. Also a historical fiction is almost completed. Both books should be available in about a year.
How do we find your books, blog and bio?
Everything you never knew you wanted to know about me is on my web page. Along with excerpts from my books, reviews and links to purchase them. Also, you will find a great blog that nearly a half million people have read.
Go to Brianhayden.net for all stuff ME!
Thanks for taking a moment out of your day to know more about me, and my work.
Brian has also made videos on the dangers of smoking. See below.
Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers 