FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

     -  Why did you create AStory4U?

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       After years of creative labor, writing books about subject matters that thrilled me to the core, I thought it was time to 

            share what I’ve created through the medium of audio-visual storytelling. Any creator/artist gets a thrill when others take

            delight in their works of creation/artistry. Similarly, I just love it when others tell me they’ve found inspiration in one of

            my works of art. So, my hope is that AStory4U, and its unique method of storytelling, provides inspiration to many who

            come across its path.​

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      -   When did you start writing? ​

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             I began writing in late 2012, with the impetus being my profession at the time: funeral director. Having come 

             face-to-face with death, on a near daily basis, I searched for a tangible way of expressing what I had been experiencing. 

             Couple that with a seemingly insatiable desire to learn about the more nuanced facets of our human existence, and 

             writing became my primary outlet.

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      -   How did you begin your initial foray into writing; what did you write about?

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             It’s interesting how things began; as stated above, I began writing due to my experiences as a funeral director. I initially

             wrote a small book entitled, “Up Close & Personal: Stories of Courage in the Midst of Devastation,” which centered

             around three distinct families and their experiences with death. It was a way of coping with the tragic circumstances these

             families found themselves dealing with and helped me realize that I enjoyed expressing myself through the written word.

             From there, I wrote three more books centered around the concept of death in a relatively short amount of time.

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     -  How many books have you written?

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           I have written six books thus far and have two more in the works. The books I have written are listed below:

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           "Up Close & Personal: Stories of Courage in the Midst of Devastation” (2012) - Semi-Biographical

             “An Undeniable Gift: Book 1” (2012 & 2013) - Metaphysical Sci-Fi

             “An Infinite Attraction” (2014) - Metaphysical Romance 

             “An Undeniable Gift: Book 2” (2015) - Metaphysical Sci-Fi

             “The Evolution of HumanMind” (2015) - Metaphysical Sci-Fi, Alien, Human Origins 

             “The Amazing Ability of Emily Benefiel” (2016) - Young Adult, High School 

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      -   Are your books published; if so, where can I find them? ​

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             I self-published many of my books and had even attempted to secure an agent at one time. This was unsuccessful, I’m

             sorry to say, and supremely arduous I might add, so I’ve decided to forego the traditional route and market the books

             myself. Thus, after many years of deliberation, I’ve settled upon AStory4U as the marketing outlet for my creativity; for

             both past and future works. However, as each of my stories unfold on AStory4U, I’ll self-publish updated versions of

             each book, on the typical book sites, so those who are interested may follow along or “read ahead” if they so choose. :) ​

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      -   Do you have any favorite artists/creators you'd care to share?

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             For anyone interested, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite artists/creators here.​

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      -     Why aren’t you active on Social Media/why don’t you have any Social Media accounts?

     

           I’ve tried several Social Media outlets in the past and never had good experiences while on them. Either I didn’t wish to

             converse with some/most of the people I encountered (friend requests from odd or unknown people, past acquaintances

             who wished to “renew” our “friendships”, etc.), or the “conversations” were so inane, I just gave up the idea of spending

             time and effort attempting to carve out space on Social Media. I certainly don’t cast dispersions on those who engage in

             Social Media outlets. I simply do not wish to take part at this time. Perhaps in the future that might change but, for 

             now, I’m content with phone, text or email conversations. :) 

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      -     Why don't you make use of AI to enhance your projects? 

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          Contained within the initials, "AI", is the word, artificial. And nothing in my world of creativity involves artificial

              enhancement of my particular works of art. I simply do not believe it acceptable to usurp the "human" element of truly

              creative works of art with robotic, inhuman "intelligence". I may be on the wrong side of this argument but, for me, it's

              important to keep the humanity in my works of art...even if it's considered subpar in comparison to the refined artificial

              works of art created by others. Again, no judgments cast, or dispersions meant for those who make us of AI. It's simply

              not for me.  

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                                     As, or if, the need arises, I’ll add to this list of FAQ’s.