Today, we’re talking with Phoenix J. Waldren about his book, Parenting Superkids with ADHD
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
Something unexpected about me is that, despite being a self-help and motivational author, I sometimes struggle with staying motivated myself. Like anyone else, I have moments of self-doubt and distraction, especially when juggling multiple projects. What keeps me grounded is the very advice I share with others, I lean on routines, small wins, and a strong sense of purpose to keep moving forward. It’s a humbling reminder that growth is a continuous process, even for those of us who write about it!
Why do you write?
I write self-help and motivational books because I have a deep desire to inspire and empower others, drawing from my personal experiences and challenges. My work reflects a passion for helping people overcome obstacles, discover their inner strength, and achieve their potential. Whether addressing ADHD, emotional resilience, or professional success, I aim to provide relatable, actionable strategies to transform lives. It’s not just about sharing knowledge but about creating meaningful connections and sparking positive change in others’ journeys.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
I got the inspiration for my current book from a combination of personal experiences, observations of challenges people face, and the desire to provide actionable solutions. I often draw from my own journey whether it’s overcoming obstacles, embracing personal growth, or learning from failures—and pair that with the insights I’ve gained through research, conversations, and real-life examples. My goal is always to address a need or provide clarity in areas where people are seeking guidance, which motivates me to turn those ideas into practical, impactful content.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
What I enjoy the most about my genre is the opportunity to make a real, positive impact on people’s lives. Writing self-help and motivational books allows me to connect with readers on a deeply personal level, offering them tools, encouragement, and perspectives that can help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals. I love turning complex ideas into relatable, actionable strategies and hearing how my words resonate with others. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my work can inspire hope, growth, and transformation in someone’s journey.
How would you describe your writing process?
I would describe my writing process as structured yet flexible, driven by bursts of creativity and guided by a clear vision. I start by brainstorming ideas and mapping out a framework to organize my thoughts. Research plays a key role, as I strive to back my insights with evidence and relatable examples. Once I have an outline, I dive into drafting, focusing on capturing the essence of my message while keeping the tone conversational and engaging.
I often revisit sections, refining my work to ensure it flows naturally and maintains a balance of practicality and inspiration. Writing for me involves moments of deep focus but also periods where I step away to reflect and let ideas percolate. It’s a mix of discipline, creativity, and a commitment to delivering value to my readers.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Authors have much to gain from participating in social media, as it’s a powerful platform for building connections, growing an audience, and directly engaging with readers. It allows authors to build their personal brand by sharing their voice, personality, and insights, helping readers connect with them on a deeper level. Social media increases visibility, attracting new readers who might not have discovered their books otherwise. It also provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with fans, fostering a loyal and supportive community. Beyond promotion, authors can share updates, teasers, or behind-the-scenes looks at their writing process to spark excitement for their releases. Social media facilitates networking among writers, publishers, and industry professionals, thereby creating opportunities for collaborations and learning. By engaging with followers, authors can gather valuable feedback and inspiration for future projects, making social media a dynamic tool for staying relevant and connected in today’s digital world.
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What advice would you have for other writers?
My advice for other writers is to embrace the journey, stay authentic, and keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges. Write what truly resonates with you and trust that your unique perspective will find its audience. Don’t get bogged down by perfection just start writing and refine later. Consistency is key, so make time to write regularly, even if it’s just a little each day.
Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow writers and readers who can provide encouragement and constructive feedback. Be open to learning and evolving; read widely; study your craft; and don’t shy away from constructive criticism. Most importantly, believe in your voice and your message. Writing is as much about personal growth as it is about creating something meaningful for others, so enjoy the process and trust the impact your work can have.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
I select my books’ titles and covers through a blend of creativity, strategy, and audience focus. For the title, I aim for something that captures the essence of the book while being engaging, memorable, and clear about the book’s purpose. I often brainstorm multiple options, experimenting with phrasing that is both intriguing and resonates with my target audience. I also consider keywords and phrases that will make the title appealing and easy to find online.
When it comes to covers, I think about the emotions and themes I want the visuals to convey. I collaborate with designers or use feedback to ensure the cover is eye-catching and professional, aligning with the genre and appealing to readers at first glance. The goal is to create a cohesive package where the title and cover work together to draw readers in and instantly communicate the value of the book.
What’s your next step?
My next step is to focus on promoting my current books while continuing to develop new ideas that resonate with my audience. I plan to refine my marketing strategies, explore tools like Amazon ad automation, and engage more actively with readers on social media to build a stronger community around my work. I’m also aiming to finalize and launch my next book projects, such as Legacy by Design (Teen and Young Adult Rental Investment), ensuring its impactful and well-received.
Additionally, I’m looking into diversifying my offerings, whether through creating complementary content like workbooks, webinars, or even branching into new genres like thrillers or drawing books for kids. On a personal level, I’ll keep improving my writing craft, seeking out feedback, and learning new techniques to make my books even better. Every step is about building momentum and delivering value to my readers.
What book do you wish you’d written?
I love my niche of self-help, and it fulfills me to inspire and empower others, but I wish I had a mind for thriller books. Writing something like Invisible, a dark and gripping tale about a serial killer who uses candles as both a symbol and a weapon, would be an incredible challenge. The psychological intrigue, chilling narrative, and exploration of human nature in thrillers have always fascinated me, and I admire the ability to craft such intense and unforgettable stories.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
Seeing a new review for my book is always a mix of excitement and curiosity. If it’s a positive review, it fills me with gratitude and a sense of accomplishment, knowing that my words resonated with someone and made a difference in their life. If the feedback is constructive, I view it as an opportunity to learn and grow as an author. Every review, whether glowing or critical, reminds me that my work is reaching readers and sparking a reaction, which is ultimately why I write. It’s a humbling and motivating experience that keeps me striving to create content that connects and inspires.
