Interview by Book Boost | Featuring Author KC
Book Boost: KC, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to write Chaos I: In the Shadows and Chaos II: Road to Recovery?
KC: Thank you for having me. My inspiration for writing Chaos I: In the Shadows and Chaos II: Road to Recovery comes from my own life experiences, from childhood to adulthood. It started when I was abandoned by my biological father, who I never knew existed until kindergarten. That revelation shattered my childhood, especially the way it all came out. My mother then married a man who my grandparents and I didn’t like, and that made things even harder. Her abusive husband warped my perception of religion, love, and trust. He labeled his abuse as love, teaching me that hurting someone could help them. It wasn’t until later in life that I realized how deeply flawed that thinking was. Purchase on Amazon
My transformation began at my lowest point—facing a twenty-year to life prison sentence. That’s when the Most High, who I had turned my back on, started revealing the people who truly loved me. I realized that if I didn’t make changes, my life was headed in a terrible direction. Learning to trust the Most High again and leaning on Him for guidance was key. Forgiveness had to happen, not just for those who hurt me, but for myself as well. These realizations inspired me to move my life out of the shadows and find the road to recovery. The books are my way of sharing that journey with others, hoping they can benefit from the lessons I’ve learned.
Book Boost: The titles of your books suggest a journey or transformation. Could you explain the significance of the titles and how they relate to the content of your books?
KC: The titles reflect the chaotic nature of life and the transformation that can come from confronting that chaos. Chaos I: In the Shadows represents the hidden struggles we face—the unresolved traumas that we often carry in silence. The “shadows” represent the darkness in our lives, the things we don’t talk about. Chaos II: Road to Recovery is about finding a way out of that darkness, healing, and moving forward. The titles represent the journey from chaos to recovery, and that’s exactly what the content of the books explores.
Book Boost: What motivated you to become healthy?
KC: Therapy was a big motivator. I wanted to learn how to love someone from the heart, not with the anger and violence I had been taught. Therapy taught me how to communicate, how to build healthy boundaries, and how to empathize with others. It also taught me to be my own advocate when it comes to doctors and medication. I was on the wrong medication for years, and that experience taught me the importance of speaking up for myself. My motivation came from realizing that I couldn’t rely on anyone else to fix my problems. I had to take control of my own life. My advice to anyone trying to become healthier is simple: therapy, self-care, forgiveness, and always advocate for yourself.
Book Boost: Were there personal experiences or realizations that played a significant role in your decision to write about this topic?
KC: Yes, my books are filled with personal experiences and realizations. One of the most significant moments was when I started trusting the Most High again. I realized that the only way to move forward was to forgive—not just the people who hurt me, but myself as well. Writing the books allowed me to reflect on that journey and share it with others. It was a way to show people that no matter how dark life gets, there’s always a way out if you’re willing to do the work.
Book Boost: In Chaos I: In the Shadows, you discuss the concept of chaos. How do you define chaos, and why is it essential to understand it when embarking on a journey of personal transformation?
KC: For me, chaos is the trauma I endured as a child—the lying, the violence, the secrets, and the fear. I was taught that what happens at home stays at home, which I later learned was just manipulation to protect the abuser. Chaos is about those toxic patterns we inherit and carry with us. It’s essential to understand that chaos when embarking on a journey of personal transformation because you have to know what you’re dealing with before you can address it. Therapy was key in helping me untangle that chaos and start the process of healing.
Book Boost: Your books are a combination of self-help and personal storytelling. How did you strike a balance between sharing your own experiences and providing actionable advice to readers?
KC: I struck that balance by being open and honest about my journey. I believe that we often hide our pain out of fear of what others will think. But I wanted to show that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to share your story, and to accept who you are. By doing that, I hoped to not only provide advice but also create a connection with readers. Once you accept yourself and love yourself, life becomes easier, and no one can hold your past against you.
Book Boost: Could you share some of the key principles or strategies you advocate for in Chaos II: Road to Recovery for individuals seeking personal transformation?
KC: Some of the key principles I advocate for include forgiving yourself, creating healthy boundaries, being vulnerable, and staying away from toxic people. Just because someone is family doesn’t mean you have to tolerate their toxic behavior. It’s okay to love them from afar. Another important strategy is being your own advocate—especially when it comes to your mental health. Don’t be afraid to ask for a different doctor if you feel your needs aren’t being met. Your well-being comes first.
Book Boost: Chaos II: Road to Recovery suggests a path to recovery. What kind of recovery are you referring to, and how does it connect with the chaos explored in the first book?
KC: The recovery I’m referring to is about healing from trauma and learning to live a healthy, peaceful life. Chaos I: In the Shadows is about the chaotic experiences that shaped me as a child. Chaos II: Road to Recovery is about dealing with those unresolved issues and finding a way to move forward. The two books are interconnected—one represents the chaos, and the other represents the recovery from that chaos. Purchase on Amazon
Book Boost: Transformation often involves overcoming challenges and setbacks. Can you share some examples from your own life that illustrate the importance of resilience and perseverance during the transformation process?
KC: One of the biggest challenges I faced was seeking help while dealing with a twenty-year to life prison sentence. I was blessed that my wife and children stuck by me, even when I had let them down. It took a lot of perseverance to rebuild my relationships and find faith again. I had to stand up for what was right, even when others tried to tear me down. But through resilience, I was able to find joy, become a published author, and help others along the way.
Book Boost: Many people struggle with maintaining motivation and consistency when trying to transform their lives. What advice do you offer in your books to help readers stay committed to their personal growth journey?
KC: My advice is to do it for yourself. If you’re trying to transform for someone else, the process won’t work. You have to want it for you. Also, remove toxic people from your life and create a support system you can trust. Safe words and boundaries can help you stay on track. Most importantly, don’t put yourself in situations that could lead you back to bad habits. Stay committed to your recovery and remember that it’s a daily process.
Book Boost: Chaos I: In the Shadows may be seen as the initial phase of transformation. What can readers expect when they transition into Chaos II: Road to Recovery, and how do the two books complement each other?
KC: In Chaos I: In the Shadows, readers will see a young person dealing with a lot of confusion, anger, and rebellion. It’s a chaotic and unstable time in my life. Chaos II: Road to Recovery is about finding inner peace and healing from that chaos. The two books complement each other by showing the journey from darkness to light—from chaos to recovery. Purchase on Amazon
Book Boost: How do you envision readers benefiting from your books, and what kind of impact do you hope to have on their lives?
KC: I hope readers take away the importance of finding peace of mind and realizing that change is possible. I want to impact people’s mindsets, not just in my community but all over the world. It’s okay to be different, to think differently, and still be healthy. Mental health challenges don’t define your ability to be successful. A changed mindset is the key to getting healthy.
Book Boost: Finally, can you share any upcoming projects or plans related to personal transformation or self-help that you are currently working on?
KC: Right now, I’m still promoting my two-part book Chaos I: In the Shadows and Chaos II: Road to Recovery, which are available online at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walmart, and other bookstores. I’m also working on some public speaking events with book clubs and mental health organizations. I’m excited to get my podcast off the ground on YouTube, called The Road to Recovery Podcast. And of course, I plan on writing more books in the future.
Author KC: If you’d like to contact me, you can find me on Facebook at AuthorKC7, on LinkedIn as Author KC, or email me directly at authorkc7@gmail.com. I’m available for public
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