What inspired you to write your first book?

After many years of dealing with resentments of not having a successful athletic career and not pursuing a music career, I found myself dealing with an epidemic that hit very hard in the early 1980’s.  I found myself in a Dr. Jekyll / Mr. Hyde type life of obtaining great career positions in the blue collar and white-collar corporate world, however, the first use of drugs and alcohol took me on a trip that I would not wish on anyone.  The years of going through my 30’s is all a blur to me as I lived a life in active addiction using and abusing chemicals, particularly crack cocaine and alcohol.  I knew at a very early age that I had a vision to serve others and found myself not accepting of what was divinely shown to me.  After two overdoses during active addiction, I knew I had to do something and had a purpose for my life.  If this lifestyle hasn’t killed me yet God is trying to tell me something, as he did early in my life at the age of 17.  The inspiration for the first book was a personal release that needed to happen so that I could get on with life and walk in the vision of helping those who still suffer with chemical dependency.  Dealing with the issue head on of rehabilitation and therapy, I was inspired to write my first book “Setback for the Comeback.”

Give us an interesting fun fact about your book?

The book contains very interesting facts.  However, the fun was painted in a sinful nature of delusion that was instant gratification that allowed me to cover up the truth of why I did what I did or went through what I went through.  One of the most interesting things about the book is it’s all true first-hand gutter experiences about overcoming a battle of drug and alcohol addiction.

What do you feel separates your book from others?

This book was written on my parent’s couch after I returned from a rehabilitation center in Jacksonville, Florida called Lakeview Health Systems.  I self-published from the beginning to the end, because I had no money to pay a reputable publisher.  This book and all other books have been done by myself with trial and error of learning how to self-publish.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

If you have been given a vision to write a book, start small by journaling and writing short stories that will lead up to you finishing your vison.  We all have a story to tell, your story may not be like mine.  However, you have something to share that will help someone that may be experiencing the same thing that you have overcome or been through.  Write with feeling! No one else will see the world quite the same way that you do, so share your unique perspective by getting started.  Stop downgrading your vision just to fit your truth.  If you have been inspired to write, upgrade your persuasion to match your predestination or your destiny.

Any upcoming projects coming up that you would like to share with readers?

Stay tuned for the upcoming project, I will be releasing in 2021 another book titled “From Overdose to CEO”.

What smell brings back great memories?

The smell of Thanksgiving when my mother would prepare the meal for the family.  The smells that permeated throughout the house as you walked up to the door before entering will always be a great memory to me!

What was one of the happiest moments of your childhood?

Growing up as a family unit, meaning having my father, mother, my sister and brother in the home will always be the greatest moments of my childhood.  This is lacking in today’s society.

If you could meet any figure from history who would it be?

There are many! However, without a doubt the South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa Nelson Madela! He promoted a message of forgiveness and equality and I would have love to sit with him and break bread for sure.

What’s your favorite thing about humanity?

This involves everyone here on Earth.  Humanity comes from the Latin “human nature, kindness.”  The favorite for me pertaining to humanity, is the caring for and helping others whenever and wherever possible.  Being able to put aside my own selfish interests at times when someone else needs my help is one of my personal favorite things about humanity.  The extending of unconditional love to each and every living soul on Earth allows me to show gratitude to anyone who in turns demonstrates humanity to me, including those who I associate with.

What must be seen or experienced in person to really appreciate it?

MISTAKES! LOSSES! OBSTACLES! If you have experienced these things in life you can begin to enhance everything about yourself.  When you think about a gutter experience or what some may say is rock bottom, you can then experience overcoming the mental and emotional states that have led up to your personal events of darkness.  We have all made mistakes, had losses and overcame obstacles, but it’s hard to remember that when we we’re in the midst of them, we try to avoid them at all costs because the pain and price can be high.  So, LIFE must be seen and experienced in person to really appreciate it!

How can everyone keep in contact with you on social media?

http://www.malesofdistinction.com.  hope.convenecommunities.com.  Linkedin.com/anthony-b-mccauley 93926490. Instagram.com/anthonymccauley12.  Facebook.com/anthony.mccauley.33.  Facebook.com/groups/spotlightsnonprofit.  Facebook.com/coachmccauley1.  Youtube – Author Anthony McCauley.  Also on Amazon search Anthony McCauley for all books, “Setback for the Comeback”, “Pass the Mustard Seed”, “Discover Your Splendor, Unleashing your Authentic Purpose and Mission for your Life” and “Chronicles of Hope”.