Crimson Arrows: A Bowhunting Odyssey received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Eyad Yehyawi.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Crimson Arrows: A Bowhunting Odyssey, published: September 2017
What’s the book’s first line?
The book starts in 1991—on the banks of the Mississippi River.
“We drove along the banks of the mighty Mississippi, following Highway 61’s serpentine course.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
I wrote Crimson Arrows: A Bowhunting Odyssey, as seen through the eyes of a bowhunter. Both a memoir and an adventure book, it is a compilation of the outdoor adventures and life lessons that I experienced over three decades of bowhunting. Spanning North America and Africa, these tales capture both my setbacks and successes, and how each contributed to my growth as a bowhunter and an individual.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
The inspirations for this manuscript were my two boys, as I wanted them to understand my outdoor passions and the life lessons that bowhunting has afforded me. What’s more, I hope this book inspires others to chase their dreams and pursue adventures of their own—no matter the endeavor.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
If you’ve ever had a dream, or aspirations to chase that dream—then I believe you will find value in this book. At its core, Crimson Arrows is as much about overcoming adversity as it is bowhunting.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I started writing articles in 2006, with no desire to become an author at that time. I simply enjoyed writing and putting stories and experiences into words. It proved to be challenging, but also extremely rewarding when a piece finally came together.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
No, I wrote a book entitled Transformation: Unlock Your True Potential in 2008. It is a nutrition and weight-training book that was inspired by my recovery from a stroke I suffered in 2005. It was both therapeutic and rewarding to find a positive aspect to my stroke, while helping others to achieve better health.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I work in healthcare as an optometrist—currently practicing in Iowa. I truly love working with people and improving their quality of life on a daily basis.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
With a growing family and a full-time job, my writing time varies from mere minutes to hours—depending on the day. If I have a story in mind or a topic of interest, I find it much easier to write for prolonged periods. Still, I find it best to leave the work before exhaustion or frustration settles in—no matter when that occurs.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
In my opinion, the biggest hurdle to self-publishing is the marketing aspect. Knowing your market and reader base is one thing—but getting the ‘word’ out is another. Nevertheless, like anything in life that is worthwhile, it takes time and effort. And promoting your book is no exception.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Be patient and take your time—it’s not a race. Rushing through anything, especially a book you have authored, is always a mistake in my opinion. One way to fine-tune your work, or at least ‘correct’ things you may have missed while editing, is to listen to your book via any number of audio software programs. I was shocked to hear my mistakes read aloud, despite having proofread the draft many times over. I would not have caught these mistakes otherwise. Always listen to your book at least once before giving the green light to publish.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
It would depend on a host of factors, but the marketing aspect that traditional publishing offers is certainly appealing. Still, having complete control of my material and how Crimson Arrows was arranged with photos and chapter layouts was extremely important to me. Each situation is different, but publishing Crimson Arrows as an Indie author is something I wouldn’t change and most certainly do again.
Is there something in particular that motivates you?
My motivation has always been to share stories that inspire others. Whether that be outdoor adventures or improved health from a major setback—I don’t see that changing in the near future. In fact, in the absence of inspiring others, I find great difficulty in writing.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Stephen King and Paulo Coelho. Stephen King for his ability to blend words and images into a collection of masterful stories that are always captivating. I don’t think there is a writer that I respect more for his talents and abilities. Paulo Coelho for penning my favorite book—The Alchemist—a story about destiny and chasing your dreams. I never tire of this tale.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho or A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold. Both books are beautifully written and inspiring.