Shout Out Sunday. 10 Questions With Author Andrew Snorton With the Alphas of Atlanta.

Who or what inspired you to start AlphaDerby Weekend…

The #AlphaDerbyWeekend is inspired by the actual Kentucky Derby. not only the pageantry behind the event, but its history. Many are not aware the early jockeys and organizers are African-American, so to provide a parallel experience is one we are excited to do since our event inception in 2015. Unlike other events, proceeds from the event go to our nonprofit and we in turn provide support for community organizations across Metro-Atlanta. We’re fortunate through the support of our attendees, branding/business sponsors and all patrons to be able to do so as this year marks the 10th year of our event.

Three reasons why you should attend AlphaDerbyWeekend…

It’s a reunion! One of three attendees travel from outside the state of Georgia to attend our event. Our lineup provides a great setting for people. There’s clearly no place like being in the Winner’s Circle for our event, as we elevate the meaning of a “Party with a Purpose”. You may get your single day or weekend tickets at alphaderbyweekend.com and if you have a business you would like to brand at our event, you may do so as well (by visiting our website).

Who or what inspired you to write a book…

Extended from my previous writing for the online magazine Examiner.com (from March 2010 until the summer of 2016). Once the magazine shut down, I knew I wanted to do more with my writing other than the press/media work that I do. I reached out to two fellow authors (Tyressa Ty and Darrius Gourdine) for their feedback.

The most challenging part of writing a book is…

It seems simple enough, but being led to the idea or concept you really want to dive into is the hardest part of writing. Once you know where you’re going to go, it’s maintaining the habits of writing and getting it done/ Keep in mind it can vary from book to book/topic to topic, so there’s not a “one size fits all” approach when it comes to writing a book.

My favorite social media platform for my brand is…

Instagram (@authorasnorton), however, you have to be open to other platforms. I’m currently working on enhancing my use of BlueSky and Fanbase (@authorasnorton) to complement the platforms I use.

The skill I would like to master is…

When it comes to writing, it’s really focusing on building on the positive things I’m doing. What I mean by this is while I feel like I do a good job with my press and media (including this interview/article with your platform), I can always do better.

My favorite vacation spot is…

I don’t know if I want to get into specific locations, otherwise, I won’t be able to enjoy my hideouts and I’ll have folks pull up on me unexpectedly (lol). In general, I’ll vacation in larger cities to smaller areas for a change of pace. It just depends on my mood and my budget, lol.

The greatest invention ever created is…

The human voice. If you think about it, our voice provides a means of communication. Think about the power of the spoken word or song and how it can change and transform minds. Think about the add-ons ranging from the printing press (newspapers, books, magazines, etc.) to digital and technological means (the phone, computer, smartphone and so-forth). All of these things help amplify our voices and when we use our voices accordingly, it can effectuate change OR can leave things at a standstill.

My life changed for the better when…

I remind myself that God is in the midst. It does not always feel like it when you are going through drama when it hits close to home or seeing what’s wrong with things around us.

I want to be remembered for…

Doing what I can with what I have to leave as positive a footprint as possible along with leaving as big a mark as possible. Be it through the lens of being a published author, press/media work done along with the education-based work (via @asnortonccs). It’s about inspiring and empowering others to connect with the gifts and talents they possess, even when they don’t always see of feel it. When they do, there’s some truly positive things that can take place.