Pump Up Your Book Chats with Terrell Dunnum author of While There is Still Time, A Book of Prophecy Revealed Through Poetry

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While There is Still Time Book Tour

Terrell Dunnum is a school teacher and ordained non-denominational minister. He holds a master’s degree in Christian counseling from American Bible College and Seminary. He is the founder of Total Freedom Ministries, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides mentoring, biblical counseling, and basic life skills to troubled youths and families.

While There Is Still Time, A Book of Prophecy Revealed Through Poetry

Thank you for this interview, Terrell. Do you remember writing stories as a child or did the writing bug come later? Do you remember your first published piece?

A: Writing stories came at a later stage in my life. I began writing skits and plays, which were usually performed before an auditorium of students, parents, and teachers, over a decade ago. I realized the power words have and understood the opportunity we are all given to challenge and influence young minds. While There Is Still Time, A Book of Prophecy Revealed Through Poetry is actually my first published piece. I hope it will inspire every reader in understanding their importance and role in life.

What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?

A: The waiting period when submitting your manuscript for possible publishing is most definitely the most challenging. This is the time ones patience is truly challenged. This is also a time to reflect on moments of success. The most rewarding side of being a published author would be the gratification of witnessing the joy young readers find when reading your book. One young man who had proclaimed to be an atheist said, “the words from your book stay in my head, it is truly the best poetry book I have ever read.” Talk about rewarding, this takes the cake.

Are you married or single and how do you combine the writing life with home life? Do you have support?

A: Combining the writing life as a single man with my home life is somewhat challenging. I am constantly on the go. Being a teacher, a mentor, and motivational speaker requires dedication. I thank God for the truth of his word and the dedicated friends he has brought into my life. I always say, the quality of time you spend with family and loved ones count just as much as the quantity of time.

What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing? Where do you like to vacation? Can you tell us briefly about this?

A: Every writer must have an alternative healthy outlet, a time to let go and get away. I enjoy a good game of tennis. I find it to be a good way of exercising along with proper dieting to stay healthy. I am 49 years young and realize my body continues to try to rebel against my mental age. I started playing tennis for fun seven years ago and fell in love with it. Two years ago I entered a USTA Tennis Tournament and came in second place. My opponent was so impressed, he asked me to join the league, I was on top of the world. I enjoy vacationing in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It is a place I visit to relax and get away from the city life.

If you could be anywhere in the world for one hour right now, where would that place be and why?

A: We’ve all heard the phrase; you can’t see the forest for the trees. If I could be anywhere in the world for one hour, I would be in a hot air balloon observing the beauty God has made. Soaring high in a hot air balloon is similar to observing nature through eagle’s eye. Observing panoramic views of situations assist us in making appropriate lifelong choices.

Who is your biggest fan?

A: My biggest fan is the youth of today. Many teenagers are coming to me and sharing how While There Is Still Time has changed their lifes. One young man who was a gang member and former drug dealer said, “ These poems speak to me, I can’t help but cry every time I read one”. Hearing young men and women talk about the poems and how they touch their hearts is so rewarding.

Where’s your favorite place to write at home?

A: My favorite place to write is In my living room. I like big open spaces and my living room is the biggest space in my house. A writer learns quickly to have pen and paper handy at all times. I have been known to pull off a highway or busy street into a parking lot to write down inspirational words of encouragement.

Author Terrell Dunnum

Do you have any pets?

A: No, but I am thinking about getting a few fish. I did have few plants once, but they died. I guess it’s important to water them every once in a while. Well, once I master that, I believe I will be ready for a few fish.

Tell us a secret no one else knows.

A: I actually died and was brought back to life while trying to save a teenager from drowning when I was nineteen years old.

What’s on your to do list today?

A: To make a difference in someone’s life. My goal is to find moments that lend itself to ignite, motivate, and stimulate. My goal is to find golden opportunities to enrich someone’s life through a smile, a pat on the back, a hand shake, or a word of comfort whether that is in a grocery store, a gas station, or shopping mall. Today I plan to seize every moment.

Now I’ve got a couple of fun questions for you. If Tom Hanks, in the movie Cast Away, unearthed a copy of your book, how would that help him find a way off the island?

A: While There Is Still Time would help him look beyond the circumstances of his situation. It would bring laughter to his soul and help him realize he is not alone. The book would challenge his imagination to reach beyond the invisible into a world of tangible resources. The creator of all creation would be his motivator, who took something from nothing and made everything.

You have a chance to appear on the hit talent show for authors, American Book Idol, with judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara Dioguardi and the newest addition, Ellen DeGeneres, to determine whether your book will make it to Hollywood and become a big screenplay where you’d make millions of dollars. What would impress them more – your book cover, an excerpt or your author photo – and why?

A: I believe the book cover would grab the attention of all the judges, but the excerpt would take them to levels of ecstasy that would exceed their wildest dreams. To read poetry that connects the readers to the heart of God with a accurate and personal word for every reader, whether saved or unsaved, would be astounding. I can hear it now; Simon Cowell 5, Randy Jackson 5, Kara Dioguardi 5 and the newest addition, Ellen DeGeneres 5 plus.

You just got word that your book has received the 2010 NY Times Bestselling Book Award and you have to attend the ceremony to give an acceptance speech. Anyone who’s anyone will be there and it’s your shot for stardom. What would you say and who would you thank?

A: If I had the chance to give an acceptance speech at a NY Times Bestselling Book Award, I would give thanks to several influential people. I would first of all, give credit to my heavenly father, for he is the reason for more than just a season. He is true love sent from heaven above. Secondly, I would like to give a shout out to my mom, thank you momma for believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Of course, I would have to thank Pump Up Your Book Promotion, you really know how to expose someone, and that’s a good thing. Lastly, I would like to thank all my fans, without you this award would not be possible. I hope and pray that each and every poem has enriched your life. God Bless.

I understand that you are touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in September-October via a virtual book tour. Can you tell us all why you chose a virtual book tour to promote your book online?

A: Choosing a virtual book tour is an excellent way to share a message. It’s a

way to touch millions of lives in a short amount of time. It is a way fans can get to know a little about me as well as the book While There Is Still Time.

Thank you for this interview, Terrell. Good luck on your virtual book tour!

A: Thank you for having me, the pleasure has been all mine.

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Question of the Day

How do you make sales happen for you?

A lot of hard work! I sponsor a lot of on line parties, festivals and contests. Book sales don’t magically happen, believe me. An author has to work hard to earn her readers. And then she has to work hard to keep them by giving them something they’ll enjoy reading. I try hard to make my books worth a reader’s time.

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