Author Interview with David A. Koop

Contact Information:

Author’s Name: David A. Koop - pronounced “Cope”

Website Address: www.somedaygroup.com

Blog Address: www.somedaygroup.com/category/blog/

--
What is the title of your book? Cancer It’s a Good Thing I Got It!
The Life Story of a Very Lucky Man

What is your book about?
My book is about my life… my childhood and
growing up, my adventures as a young man, my varied and successful business
careers, my love for my son and my family… all the things that made me
the kind of man who could successfully battle and survive a terminal cancer
diagnosis. The book tells of my duel with cancer from diagnosis, through surgery,
chemotherapy, and my ultimate recovery and ongoing war with chronic pain and
other side effects of having survived. Throughout the book, I share my personal
philosophies on life, success, and the one true thing that matters in this life… our
personal relationships. I also include tips for those going through cancer or other
serious illnesses and for those who care for them.



Why did you decide to write it? I looked death square in the face when my
doctors told me I had less than 9 months to live and should “get my affairs in
order.” I know, first hand, that the “someday” we all dream of doing this or that,
may never come. I wrote the book to encourage people who are fighting cancer
or other serious illnesses to be positive and focus on something to live for. For
those who have been fortunate enough not to face serious illness, I wrote the
book to encourage them to recognize that someday may never come. TODAY
is someday! Live your dreams, now. Tell your family you love them, now. Heal
old wounds, now. When our time is up, all we get to take with us is a heart full
of memories of those most dear to us. No one on their death bed looks up and
says, “GOD just one more day please, just one more day in the office and I can
finish that Thompson report.” No, they ask to have more time with their family
and friends.



How did you get your book published? I worked with an editor in Colorado. He
has worked for decades in the book industry, including writing books for Readers
Digest. The first draft I sent him came back lacking the praise I was sure I would
receive. He pointed out what were some flaws in my story line. The book had
holes in it based on me subconsciously assuming that the readers would know
what I know. They weren’t there… how could they? So, rule number one, tell the
whole story. It took the original draft and two more total rewrites to get to the
book I have today.

Getting the email from my publisher that my book had made it onto the Top 10
Bestseller list was a huge boost of encouragement and the royalty checks are nice
too. The biggest lift comes from the reader’s; people who don’t know me, people
who have read my book and feel compelled to share how it has helped them or
touched them... that is the best part of all. As a writer, I have no idea what people
are going to think, but when they share their true heartfelt feelings it is just
wonderful.



What types of readers will be interested in your book? My book is for more
than just someone suffering from a serious illness or adversity. It is of interest to
friends, family members, caregivers, and medical personnel (one reader actually
reads passages from my book to his staff at staff meetings!). It is also for anyone
who is looking for inspiration to transform their own life. I ran away at 15. Never
graduated from High School, yet I became a very successful business person and
even served as an adjunct professor of law at Denver University College of Law.
In this way, my story appeals to people in the business world as well.



What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books
in the same category? My book is written in a conversational style. As if we
were sitting in my family room sharing a glass of wine. It is a deeply moving and
personal account of my life, my love for my son and my unfailing ability to believe
in something greater than myself. Readers will come away ready to create the life
they have been dreaming of.

Do you plan to publish more? Yes. I am working on the next book now, having
completed the first several chapters. It is based on the workshops that my wife
Carrie and I teach. With years of gender studies and as PAX licensees, we work
with men and women to help them create meaningful and lasting relationships at
work and home.