Write more than you talk.
As part of my series about “How to write a book that sparks a movement” I had the great pleasure of interviewing Johnathan Smith.
Johnathan Smith, well-being and fitness/body expert and author, has been practicing over 10 years. In 2008, he had been in a series of car accidents and repaired his body inside out after treatments from doctors were no longer working. He learned to use his mind, body and soul and found how important breath, rest and mindfulness were an integral part to his development process. This was the start of iRobotFit. iRobotFit is the practice of functional bending to develop oneself. The body is a powerful machine in which we must live in. Life is automatic.Johnis based in Los Angeles, California.
Thank you so much for joining us! Can you share the “backstory” about how you grew up?
I grew up very much into every sport and physical activity every second it seems like! We climbed up the trees and jumped onto houses! LOL. I just loved being engaged! In school, I was a 4.0 student and also thrived in the music and arts!
When you were younger, was there a book that you read that inspired you to take action or changed your life?
Believe it or not!? It was Harry Potter! I loved how intricate and real it felt when I would read the series!
What was the moment or series of events that made you decide to bring your message to the greater world?
Over the year, EVERYBODY would tell me to write a book, so I did. I wrote two!
What impact did you hope to make when you wrote this book?
I didn’t have any. I let the book write itself. Whatever happens, happens in my eyes!
Did the actual results align with your expectations? Can you explain?
No, they didn’t. Since I did not have any expectations, the results were unimaginable! To be honest, I never had a thought of what the book would become.
What moment let you know that your book had started a movement?
I knew due to the high request from my clients to write a book in the first place, I was already living the movement. The book just added context to what I was “being” already!
What kinds of things did you hear right away from readers? What are the most frequent things you hear from readers about your book now? Are they the same? Different?
At first, readers were a little confused. Then after some time I started to get people who “got it”. They could actually tell me what the book was about!
What is the most moving or fulfilling experience you’ve had as a result of writing this book?
Every moment I glance back to “the before this era”, I cannot remember what it was! It’s like this is my purpose, so I cannot separate the experiences.
Have you experienced anything negative? Do you feel there are drawbacks to writing a book that starts such colossal conversation and change?
Nope. Just write without expectation. People change and so do things! Stay the course and write your book!
Can you articulate why you think books in particular have the power to create movements, revolutions, and true change?
The comprehension that’s necessary breeds a sharper mind and more organization.
What is the one habit you believe contributed the most to you becoming a bestselling writer?
I stayed the course. Can’t stop, won’t stop! See it all the way through!
What challenge or failure did you learn the most from in your writing career?
I’ve learned a seed doesn’t produce fruit the day you plant it. Be patient and unrealistic! Let it happen! Write, write, write!
Many aspiring authors would love to make an impact similar to what you have done. What are the 5 things writers needs to know if they want to spark a movement with a book?
– Be excited!
– Listen to your inner voice.
– Write more than you talk.
– Share your book.
– Start a journal.
The world, of course, needs progress in many areas. What movement do you hope someone (or you!) starts next?
THE BODY. We have lost the mindfulness of self. Time to come back to the body.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
Follow us at @iRobotFit for FB, IG and Twitter. They can also visit www.iRobotFit.com
Thank you so much for these insights. It was a true pleasure to do this with you.