Interviewing Author KC about His Personal Transformation Self-Help Books Chaos I: In the Shadows and Chaos II: Road to Recovery
Interview by Bookish Interviews | Featuring Author KC
Bookish Interviews: KC, thank you for joining us. To start, 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 journey to writing Chaos I: In the Shadows and Chaos II: Road to Recovery is rooted in my personal experiences, from childhood to adulthood. It all began with being abandoned by my biological father, someone I didn’t even know existed until kindergarten. The revelation shattered my world at such a young age, especially the way it all unfolded. My mother then married a man who was abusive, and that changed my entire outlook on life—on religion, relationships, love, and trust. He justified his abuse as “love,” which distorted my understanding of what real love should be.
The turning point came when I was facing a twenty-year to life prison sentence. I had turned my back on the Most High, but during that dark time, I started to see the people who truly loved me and what my life could be if I didn’t make some serious changes. Rebuilding my relationship with the Most High, learning to trust again, and forgiving both others and myself became key to my recovery. That’s what inspired me to write these books—to share my journey out of the shadows and onto the road to recovery. I wanted to help others see that it’s possible to overcome even the darkest of times with faith, self-forgiveness, and the right support system.
Bookish Interviews: 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 stages of my personal journey. Chaos I: In the Shadows represents the chaotic and hidden struggles that many of us face—the trauma, the pain, and the unresolved issues we often keep in the shadows. It’s about living in that chaos, not fully understanding how much it’s affecting you. Chaos II: Road to Recovery represents the next stage: healing, confronting that chaos, and finding a way to move forward. Together, the titles symbolize the journey from living in the shadows of trauma to finding the light through recovery. Purchase on Amazon
Bookish Interviews: What motivated you to become healthy and start this transformation journey?
KC: Therapy was a huge motivator for me. I wanted to learn how to love someone from the heart without 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 advocate for myself, especially when it came to dealing with doctors and medication. After years of misdiagnoses and being on the wrong medication, I realized that I had to take control of my own life. That realization motivated me to make real changes. My advice to anyone on a similar path is simple: therapy, self-care, forgiveness, and always advocate for yourself.
Bookish Interviews: Were there personal experiences or realizations that played a significant role in your decision to write about this topic?
KC: Absolutely. My books are full of personal experiences and realizations that led me to write about my journey. One of the most significant realizations was when I began to trust the Most High again. I realized that forgiveness—for both others and myself—was crucial. Writing these books allowed me to reflect on that journey and share it with others who might be facing similar struggles. It was a way to show people that no matter how dark things get, there’s always a way forward if you’re willing to do the work.
Bookish Interviews: 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: Chaos, for me, represents the trauma I endured as a child—lying, violence, secrets, and fear. I was taught that what happens at home stays at home, which I later learned was just a way to protect the abuser. Chaos is about the toxic patterns we carry with us from childhood. Understanding that chaos is essential for personal transformation because you need to know what you’re dealing with before you can address it. Therapy was key for me in unraveling that chaos and beginning the process of healing.
Bookish Interviews: Your books are a blend of self-help and personal storytelling. How did you strike a balance between sharing your own experiences and providing actionable advice to readers?
KC: The balance came from being open and honest about my journey. I believe that we often hide our pain out of fear of what others might think, but I wanted to show that it’s okay to be vulnerable and share your story. By doing that, I hoped to provide advice while also connecting with readers on a personal level. Once you accept yourself and love yourself, it’s easier to face your past and move forward. That’s the balance I aimed for in my books. Purchase on Amazon
Bookish Interviews: 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 advocating for your own mental health. Don’t be afraid to ask for a different doctor if you feel your needs aren’t being met. Your well-being is the most important thing.
Bookish Interviews: 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 chaos I experienced as a child and how it affected me as an adult. Chaos II: Road to Recovery is about addressing 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.
Bookish Interviews: 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.
Bookish Interviews: 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.
Bookish Interviews: 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
Bookish Interviews: 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.
Bookish Interviews: 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 speaking events and always open to connecting with
