Memoir
Date Published: July 2022
Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
My mother called me a thrill seeker as a kid. That continued to be a fair assessment throughout my life, but with unforeseen consequences. For 57 years I managed to cheat death as I endured accidents such as a head-on car collision that catapulted me through two windshields or hitting a telephone pole at 110 MPH on a motorcycle, to name just a couple. But none of these true-life experiences compared to what came after my cancer diagnosis. In this book I use words to paint you alongside as I detail all my incredible life challenges and experiences. Ride along the emotional roller coaster that includes 17 surgeries and the domino effect of events that resulted. After the cancer diagnosis, an internal fight also ensued. It was the mental battle against the shadowy figures on my shoulders who constantly whispered morbid thoughts.
Can you tell us a little about the process of getting this
book published? How did you come up with the idea and how did you start?
I have lived an eventful life. Though I have cheated death a
few times, it was my stage 4 cancer diagnosis that gave me the idea. Actually,
it came to me in a dream. I knew I had some funny and exciting stories to tell,
but I had no idea what was coming with this diagnosis. When I decided I had a
book to write, I started by writing chapter 20 first. Everything else was just notes.
We all have morbid thoughts. It is how we react that determines our outcome.
What surprised you most about getting your book published?
The publishing and marketing of the book was more difficult
for me than writing the book itself. How do you get it out into the public
domain? How do you get people interested enough to want to read it? I am amazed
at the number of phone calls that followed publishing. There is a lengthy list
of people who want you to spend money for their help. It is daunting to sort
through the good and the bad.
Tell us a little about what you do when you aren’t writing
I am the General Manager of a corporation. I oversee
operations in 2 states. I am an artist by hobby. I also own a dog grooming and
boarding salon. Last, but not least, I am part of a therapy dog group. We visit
the VA, assisted living, college campuses to de-stress students, etc. My dog
and I are also part of a reading education program where children improve
reading comprehension by reading to a dog.
As a published author, what would you say was the most
pivotal point of your writing life?
Getting past the fear of what other people would think of my
writing. An old friend of mine published a book. I reached out to him and
started asking questions. It made me realize that I had a story that may help
others and nudged me to go for it.
Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think that
is?
Various times and places, but mostly when I am alone. My
brain never seems to sleep and the quiet times flush out the best ideas.
What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?
I was told the title would make the book appear to be full
of despair and should change it. I stuck by the title because I still feel it
is true to the story. However, the book is the opposite of despair.
What has been your best accomplishment as a writer?
All of my professional reviews have been stellar. Moreover,
all of my reviews from readers have been 5-stars. The satisfaction of my
readers is the biggest accomplishment I could ask for.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
I have one unpublished book and 2 more half-finished books.
About the Author
Perry Muse is a U.S. Army veteran, businessperson for over 30 years, entrepreneur, artist, husband, Father, and author. He has been listed in the Who’s Who of Music and the Who’s Who of Business Leaders. Perry is also a lifelong survivor of death-defying accidents. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. This life changing event required him to reach deep inside and find courage, faith, and to become an expert intellect about his conditions and treatments. Perry’s writing is entertaining, funny, extremely educational, and most importantly, all unbelievably true. Today he lives in Johnson City, Tennessee with his wife and 3 dogs.
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