Today we talk about Illegitimately Blessed, a book by Ricky Weir published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author Ricky Weir to get to know him better, if there was a particular moment in his life that led him to the writing of his book of Illegitimately Blessed, as well as how if there is a book is particularly attached to and that has taught him something.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- Is there a particular moment in your life that led you to the writing of your autobiographical book? What was it?
Writing about my story was something several friends had suggested that I do in the past, but I had never taken them very seriously and thought they were just being kind. In 2022 however a stranger overheard a conversation I was having with a friend. We hadn’t seen or met each other for 15 years, so I was bringing them up to date on my life since we last met. As we finished and were saying our goodbyes, she iterated those fateful and often heard words “I’ve said it before, you really should write a book, you know”, to which the stranger interluded and quipped “I agree”. At that moment the seed was sown and over the next few months with some deep self-reflection and a few other synchronicities of life falling into place, I took a ‘deep dive’ engaged a book coach and started writing. Actually, I started talking (rather than writing) since the early stages of the book were mostly transcribed and then underwent several iterations before becoming the published book that it is today.
- What would say is the best audience of your book?
As I was starting the book my coach asked a similar question as most books appeal to a particular or specific genre. However, even whilst the book was only a thought in my mind I did not feel it could or should be limited to on particular audience, which I feel is wide and varied. The ‘best’ audience could be a fellow countryman (or woman) from Glasgow and Scotland where I spent my formative years. It could be anyone in life who have faced discrimination, glass ceilings or identity blocks, based on what mainstream society deemed or labelled them to be, which to begin with covers pretty much every woman on the planet and a vast number of men who by ethnicity, social background, education or otherwise are not considered to fit the ‘norms’ of mainstream society. My story traces my life as a boy to becoming a footballer, a man, a husband, a father, an accountant, a business entrepreneur, a president and a football philanthropist and everything in between, so I’d say that my best audience will determine itself by those who choose to pick up, buy and read the book.
- What would you like to hear from them?
In terms of what I would like to hear? When I set out to write the book, I sincerely hoped that at least one reader would be impacted, inspired and encouraged by my story and journey to find the strength to tread their own path in life. The following quoted testimonial is a great example of the feedback that I may have hoped for. “The thing I loved the most about this memoir is the author’s honesty. He is extremely talented in writing with heartfelt emotions and connecting with readers with his straight-from-the-heart approach. If you are looking for a memoir to delve into a reading journey with sweet and sour memories, a memoir of finding inspiration from a person who has seen it all yet he stands strong, and a memoir to cherish the journey of life from a refreshing perspective, which not only teaches you how the power of acceptance paves the path to success but also shows you the power of trusting the universe and walking on the path following your heart’s call. If you are looking for such a memoir, then ‘Illegitimately Blessed’ is certainly your next read!”
- Is there a book you are particularly attached to and that has taught you something?
I consider myself a voracious reader and probably read by a conservative estimate 40-50 books each year, with the ones that most resonate with me being read and re-read. I mainly focus on non-fiction autobiographies, new business, personal development and self-exploratory books, though from time to time will jump into lighter fiction such as historical novels and legal thrillers. However, two books that in particular I am particularly attached to and that taught me a lot are Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kyosaki and The 5AM Club by Robin Sharma. Both books are featured in my own book, and both taught me some invaluable lessons in vert different ways and at very different stages in my life. They both were in fact what I would refer to as “Game Changers” and each moved my life forward at the time in very different ways and on completely new trajectories to where I had been. I would go as far as to say that they were life defining books for me and the lessons learned stay with me until this day.
- Are you working on a new writing project you can tell us about?
I have no immediate plans for a new writing project at this time although I would not rule it out for the future. Presently I am simply enjoying and following the journey of where this book, my first, will take me in terms of new insights and opportunities that pave the way and perhaps provide the inspiration to write a sequel. It has barely been 12 months since my book was originally first published independently and in that time one of those opportunities has already transpired in the shape of the publishing, distribution and marketing contract offered by Europe books earlier this year. This wonderful and exciting opportunity is certainly the opening of a whole new chapter in my life, and once again a step into the unknown and depending on where that takes me, if it leads to many more new and inspiring experiences then maybe I will have enough new chapters to consider writing a second book. 😊
Europe Books thanks the author Ricky Weir once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside him on the editorial path that led to the publication of his book Illegitimately Blessed. We wish him the best of luck for his book and for his future works.
To you, my dear reader, may you appreciate the honesty and sincerity of the personal story told by the author. May it inspire and encourage you for your life path, listening to the messages that the universe sends you and trusting your heart and intuitions.
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your Editor!