Tuesday, October 1, 2024

AUTHOR INTERVIEW -- K.S. BENJAMIN

 


K.S. Benjamin

K.S. Benjamin Publishing

https://benjaminks.com

Goodreads site: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/178432203-k-s-benjamin 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563967260912 

Instagram: ks_benjamin-publishing 

LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564006769518

Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.

The Decision to Move

As a proud father of a seven-year-old son, my life has been an experience filled with remarkable experiences and transformative decisions. One of the most significant decisions I've made was to move from my birthplace, Hong Kong, to the United Kingdom.

This decision was not taken lightly - it was a conscious choice for a better work-life balance.

In Hong Kong, my life was dominated by my career in Initial Public Offerings (IPO) and management consultancy. While this provided financial stability, it left little room for family time.

The realization that I was missing out on precious moments with my son prompted me to reassess my priorities.

The Pursuit of Balance

The move to the UK represented more than just a change in geography - it symbolized a shift in lifestyle and values. I yearned for an environment where I could devote more time to my family without compromising on professional growth.

The UK offered this balance.

The transition wasn't easy, but the rewards have been immense. I've been able to spend quality time with my son, witnessing his milestones and being there for him as both a father and friend.

Learning from My Son

My relationship with my son is one of mutual respect and trust. His kindness, confidence, empathy, and care for others have often left me in awe.

In many ways, he has become my teacher, reminding me of what truly matters in life.

The Road Ahead

Life is an ongoing process filled with unexpected twists and turns. As I continue to navigate fatherhood, I remain committed to being present for my son, learning from him, and sharing my experiences with others.

What inspired you to author this book?

A Passion for Children

My love for children extends beyond my role as a father. Over the years, I've served as a tutor and coach to teenagers at our local church.

This experience has been incredibly rewarding, providing me with insights into the minds of young people and helping me understand their unique perspectives.

Sharing parenting experiences and tips with other parents has also been an enriching experience. It's fascinating to see how different parenting styles can shape a child's development.

Embarking on a New Journey

This passion for children and parenting has inspired me to begin on a new journey: writing and publishing children's books. This venture allows me to share my experiences and insights with a wider audience, potentially helping other parents navigate the challenges of raising children.

My self-publishing journey is still in its early stages, but I'm excited about the possibilities it holds. I look forward to sharing my stories with the world and hopefully making a positive impact on young readers' lives.

Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?

The Spark Behind the Book Cover: A Tribute to Family Happiness

The book cover for my two parenting books serves as a visual testament to the joy and fulfillment found within my own family. It's a snapshot of a family of four, radiating happiness and unity.

This image is not just an artistic choice, but a symbol of the core values that make up a thriving family unit: bonding, trust, love, and understanding.

The Essence of Family Bonding

Family bonding is more than just spending time together. It revolves around creating shared experiences that foster connection and mutual respect.

It's about laughing together during movie nights, supporting each other during challenging times, and celebrating victories big and small.

This bonding is beautifully encapsulated in the book cover image where every member is engaged in a quick second of pure joy.

Trust: The Foundation of Family Relationships

Trust forms the bedrock of any healthy relationship, especially within families. It's not something that can be gained overnight - it requires patience, consistency, and genuine empathy.

Parents earn their children's trust by listening to them attentively, validating their feelings, and providing guidance without judgment.

Love: The Heartbeat of Every Happy Family

Love is the lifeblood that keeps a family strong and united. Don't only focus on saying "I love you" but showing it through actions - being there for each other in times of need, expressing appreciation regularly, or simply sharing a warm hug at the end of a long day.

Love in it's purest form is unconditional and selfless - it asks for nothing in return.

Understanding: The Key to Harmonious Coexistence

Understanding is what allows us to accept our differences and appreciate our similarities. In a family setting, understanding means acknowledging that each member has their unique personality traits, strengths, weaknesses, likes, and dislikes.

It's about respecting these differences and finding ways to nurture person growth while maintaining family unity.

The Role of Parents in Fostering Happiness

Parents play a pivotal role in shaping the emotional health of their children. Their happiness is often a reflection of their children's well-being.

It's a symbiotic relationship where the joy and health of one directly influence the other.

Learning to Parent: A Journey, Not a Destination

Parenting is not an innate skill but a learning process. It requires understanding child psychology, adopting effective communication strategies, and most importantly, being willing to learn and grow alongside your children.

The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable.

In essence, the book cover for my parenting books is more than just an image - it's a representation of what every family strives for - happiness, unity, and love.

 Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?

The Love for My Son

The driving force behind my every action, the motivation that fuels my passion, is my son. He is not just a part of my life, he is the essence of it.

Every decision I make, every path I choose to tread, is influenced by him.

He is the reason I wake up each morning with renewed vigor and determination.

My son is more than just a child to me - he is an embodiment of love and hope. His laughter lights up my world, his tears tug at my heartstrings.

His curiosity inspires me to learn more, his innocence reminds me of the beauty in simplicity.

A Writer's Responsibility

As a writer and a parent, I have taken upon myself the responsibility to document this mission of parenthood. This journey is about more than just raising a child - this involves nurturing a kind-hearted person who values happiness and empathy above all else.

I am committed to being not just his parent and his life companion - someone he can always trust and rely on. Through my writing, I want to show him how seriously we take our roles as parents and how devoted we are to his upbringing.

Sharing Experiences

But this journey isn't meant to be traveled alone. Through my words, I wish to reach out to other parents who are on the same path.

Those who are looking for guidance or simply seeking solace in shared experiences.

Every lesson we learn, every challenge we overcome in raising our son, can serve as valuable insights for others navigating the maze of parenthood. By sharing our experiences, we can create a supportive community where parents can learn from each other and grow together.

Building Trust

Trust forms the foundation of any relationship and it's no different when it comes to parenting. Building a lifelong trusting relationship with your child requires patience, understanding, and most importantly, consistency.

Through my writing, I constantly remind myself of this. I strive to be a role model for my son, someone he can look up to.

I want him to know that he can count on me, no matter what life throws at us.

As a writer and a parent, I am committed to making this journey worthwhile - for my son, for other parents, and for myself.

 What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?

As a chartered accountant, I've honed my skills in the business realm, acquiring professional qualifications that have equipped me to navigate the intricate maze of finance and commerce. This journey has been fulfilling, challenging, and enlightening.

However, it's a path that's seemingly unrelated to the craft of book writing.

The Art of Business Writing

Over the years, I've found myself consistently engaged in writing business reports and articles for clients and professional parties. This form of writing needs precision, clarity, and a deep understanding of complex financial concepts.

It's a unique blend of technical knowledge and communication skills that has allowed me to effectively convey intricate ideas in an accessible manner.

Yet, this type of writing is starkly different from crafting a non-fiction book. Business reports are often brief, direct, and designed to inform rather than engage or entertain.

They are confined by strict formats and rigid structures that leave little room for creativity or personal expression.

The Leap into Non-Fiction Writing

Transitioning from being an accountant to becoming a non-fiction writer is akin to venturing into uncharted territory. The challenges are manifold and daunting.

The most significant among these is acquiring the skills that professional writers possess.

Writing a book isn't merely about stringing together words in coherent sentences. It involves creating compelling narratives, developing engaging characters, setting the right pace, and maintaining consistency in style and tone.

It needs an ability to captivate readers' attention from the first page to the last.

Overcoming Obstacles

Another major hurdle comes from conducting research on real-life cases and examples related to my book topics. Unlike theoretical concepts which can be explained using established principles or formulas, real-life examples necessitate extensive research and investigation.

These examples serve as powerful tools for illustrating abstract ideas and making them relatable to readers. They breathe life into theoretical concepts, transforming them from mere words on a page into tangible realities that readers can connect with.

 Tell your readers about your books.

Book 1: Raising Kids With Heart: Building Kindness and Confidence in Kids

This is my first parenting book sharing my approaches and other parents’ experience in raising kids to be kind and confident. Being Kind and confidence is the backbone of a healthy and happy life for a child and family.


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Description of this book:

As a parent, there are certain things you want above all else for your children: Good health, a kind heart, and confidence in their own abilities.

And while some children have fortunately inherited these traits, others may struggle with some aspects of their personalities.

But as a parent, you can change that. When you invest significant effort in fostering lifelong relationships with your children, they will overcome any challenges they may face and develop into the kind and confident individuals you dream of them to be.

You just need the right tools and strategies.

Introducing Raising Kids with Heart — A must-read for parents who want to enhance their children's lives, making them happier, kinder, and more well-rounded.

This book will show you the importance of putting yourself in your kids' shoes, teaching them how to think rather than what to think.

By implementing the practical strategies outlined in this book, you will greatly influence your children's lives at school, in their friendships, and even later in life.

Inside Raising Kids with Heart, discover:

  • how to raise emotionally intelligent kids.
  • ways to teach children kindness and empathy.
  • the importance of establishing strong family bonds.
  • how to raise children in the digital age.
  • how to deal with potential peer pressure or bullying.
  • how to ensure a happier and more seamless journey in raising your kids.
  • strategies for cultivating an enduring and robust bond with your kids.

The world can be a scary and negative place, but we can add a little more light and happiness to it with our well-raised kids.

Book 2: Raising Digitally Responsible Kids: Building Trust and Safety in a Digital World

This is my second parenting book mainly about how to live with and guide kids in today’s digital world. The digital world is now an integral part of our lives. It's where we work, learn, play, and connect with others. This book provides practical solutions to these questions. It offers tips on setting screen time limits, using parental controls effectively, and having open conversations about digital responsibility. This book is more than just a guide - it's a companion for parents navigating the digital landscape with their children. It's filled with practical advice, relatable examples, and evidence-based strategies to help you raise digitally savvy and safe kids.

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Description of this book:

Protect your child from the risks of living in a digital world—Use this essential guide to guarantee your child’s online safety, well-being, and positive growth!

Do you find it challenging to balance your child’s screen time and offline activities?

Are you concerned about cyberbullying, privacy, and other potential risks of going online?

Do you struggle to build trust and open communication with your child about their online experiences?

Whatever you might be facing right now, “Raising Digitally Responsible Kids: Building Trust and Safety in a Digital World” has the answers!

Navigating digital parenting can feel overwhelming. As guardians, it’s exhausting having to constantly grapple with the anxiety of not knowing how to keep your children safe online or how to balance digital and offline activities.

Using practical, easy-to-follow, and actionable steps to help you confidently guide your children through the complexities of the digital age, this book will teach you how to:

  • Promote Digital Safety Early: Learn actionable strategies to protect your child from cyberbullying, online scams, and inappropriate content as early as possible.
  • Balance Screen Time: Promote overall wellbeing using techniques to balance digital activities with offline pursuits.
  • Build Trust and Communication: Develop a trusting relationship where your child feels comfortable discussing their online experiences.
  • Model Positive Online Behavior: Guide your child towards respectful and responsible online interactions.
  • Become a Knowledgeable and Compassionate Guide: Equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate popular social media platforms and digital tools.
  • Adopt Your Learning in Real-Life: Engage with relatable stories and experiences that illustrate effective digital parenting techniques.
  • Educate Your Kids Properly: Embrace technology as a learning tool with recommendations for educational apps and resources.
  • Strengthen Emotional Support: Learn how to provide emotional support for your child when they encounter negative online experiences.
  • Build Tech-Free Zones: Establish tech-free zones at home to encourage meaningful family interactions.
  • Engage in Continuous Learning: Stay updated with evolving digital trends and adapt your parenting strategies accordingly.

Raising Digitally Responsible Kids: Building Trust and Safety in a Digital World” is the second installment to K.S. Benjamin’s Parenting series. This book breaks down complex topics into easy-to-follow steps, providing you with the tools and confidence needed to effectively manage your child’s digital habits and handle the rapid changes in technology.

Book 3: Kenny & Leo: The Secret to Kindness and Finding Your Roar

This is my first children’s book which teaches kids to be kind and confident, which is co-related to my first two parenting books. This book serves as a tool for parents to teach their kids about kindness and self-confidence.

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Description of this book:

Lose Yourself in Inspiring Animal Tales for Young Readers! “Kenny and Leo” is every parent’s dream storybook—heartwarming, educational, unforgettable!

Within lush green forests and vibrant jungles, two young animal adventurers and their friends embark on journeys that will inspire children and warm the hearts of parents everywhere. “Kenny and Leo” comprises two short stories designed to teach your little ones the timeless values of kindness, empathy, and self-confidence.

Meet Kenny, the kind-hearted koala who is always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. One day, his compassion leads him on an unexpected adventure, where he teaches a new friend the true meaning of bravery and kindness. Then, venture into the jungle with Leo, a playful lion cub with a big heart but a small roar. As Leo struggles with self-doubt, he learns a powerful lesson about patience, perseverance, and believing in himself.

Perfectly crafted for children aged 3 to 6, this beautifully illustrated book doubles as an engaging tool for parents who want to nurture kindness and confidence in their children. But that’s not all—each story comes with a special surprise. At the end of each fable, you’ll find a QR code leading to an original song that brings the story to life, making this book a multi-sensory experience your child will love.

Kenny and Leo” is an opportunity for your child to grow emotionally while being entertained. Whether you’re reading together at bedtime or encouraging independent reading, this book is sure to become a cherished part of your child’s library.

Who is your target audience, and why?

Parents, teachers, and teenager coaches are the target audience of my two parenting books.

Children of ages 3 to 6 for my children’s book.

I am passionate about sharing of parenting tips and experience to parents in need and guiding them through my books in their kid raising journey.

What do you consider your greatest success in life?

The Paramount Achievement: Nurturing a Family

The pinnacle of my accomplishments, the crowning glory of my life's journey, is not etched in material wealth or professional accolades. Instead, it's deeply rooted in the nurturing soil of family life.

It revolves around creating an environment that fosters growth, safety, and happiness for my son.

It's about dedicating quality time to those I hold dear.

A Safe Haven for Growth

Let's delve deeper into what this means. My primary goal is to provide a safe and secure environment for my son.

This is about a lot more than just physical safety, although that is certainly a critical component.

It's also about emotional security - creating a space where he feels loved, valued, and free to express himself.

This involves constant vigilance and effort on my part. It means being there for him when he stumbles, providing guidance when he's lost, and celebrating his victories no matter how small they may seem.

It's about instilling in him the confidence to explore the world around him while knowing that he always has a safe place to return to.

The Gift of Time

In addition to providing a secure environment, I strive to give the most precious gift of all - time. Time spent with family is invaluable and irreplaceable.

It’s not just about being physically present and emotionally engaged.

This means actively participating in their lives - attending school events, engaging in their hobbies, or simply sitting down for dinner together every night. These moments may seem mundane but they are the threads that weave the fabric of our familial bond.

Beyond Material Success

In our society, success is often equated with material wealth or career advancement. While these aspects have their importance, they are not the be-all and end-all of life.

In fact, an overemphasis on these areas can often lead to neglecting what truly matters - our relationships with our loved ones.

I've come to realize that the joy and fulfillment derived from a thriving family life far outweigh any professional accolades or material possessions. The laughter echoing through our home, the shared experiences, and the unconditional love we have for each other - these are the true measures of success.

The Balance of Life

Balancing career and family is a tightrope walk. It's easy to get caught up if you're focused on professional success and lose sight of what's truly important.

But I've learned that living well is not about climbing the corporate ladder or amassing wealth.

It's about cherishing those precious moments with your loved ones, nurturing their growth, and creating a home filled with love and happiness.

In essence, my greatest success lies not in a corner office or a hefty bank account but in the warm smiles of my family, in the knowledge that I've provided them with a nurturing environment, and in the time we spend together. This is what truly matters.

This is my definition of success.

The Heart of Success

So there you have it. My greatest achievement isn't quantifiable by societal standards.

It doesn't come with a paycheck or a title.

It's intangible yet profoundly impactful - it's the love and happiness that permeates our home.

This journey has taught me that success isn't about endless pursuits but about living well and happily with those you hold dear.

 What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?

Passionate About Helping

I am deeply committed to lending a hand to those around me, especially those who find themselves in need. This passion isn't just a fleeting interest - it's a deep-seated part of who I am.

I've found that one of the most effective ways to do this is through sharing my experiences and stories.

The Importance of Real-Life Experiences

There's something incredibly powerful about real-life experiences. They're tangible, relatable, and they carry a weight that theories simply can't match.

That's why I choose to fill my books with these experiences rather than relying solely on abstract concepts or theories.

Each story, each experience, carries it's own unique message. And the beauty of it is that different people will extract different insights from the same story.

It's like a multi-faceted gem - depending on the angle you look at it from, you'll see a different color.

More Than Just Parenting Advice

While many people might associate my work with parenting advice - and indeed, there's plenty of that - there's so much more to it. The insights gleaned from these stories can benefit readers in many ways beyond just raising children.

Personal development and well-being are two areas where these insights can be particularly impactful. By taking the lessons learned from these stories to heart, readers can grow as people and improve their overall quality of life.

Choosing Relevant Topics

When deciding what topics to cover in my books, I always keep my target audience in mind. What are they most concerned about?

What challenges are they facing?

These are the questions that guide my decision-making process.

Providing Guidance and Solutions

Once I've identified these key areas of concern, my goal becomes providing guidance and solutions based on real-life experiences and stories. This is not about sharing what worked for me - this involves presenting a range of possible solutions so that parents can find what works best for them.

This approach is grounded in the belief that there's no one-size-fits-all solution to parenting. Every child is unique, and what works for you might not work for another.

By providing a variety of perspectives and solutions, I aim to equip parents with the tools they need to navigate their own unique parenting challenges.

The Impact of Real Stories

There's an undeniable power in real stories. They have the ability to inspire, motivate, and provide practical guidance.

And it's my hope that by sharing these stories, I can make a positive impact on the lives of my readers.

So whether you're a parent looking for advice, or someone seeking personal growth and well-being, I invite you to take a close look at these stories.