What is your most recent book? Tell us a bit about it.The Spoken Words of Spirit was published in 2008. It is a compilation of non-denominational spiritual messages that I channeled from the other side. These messages of inspirational and motivational. Some are more “religious” in tone, while others are given in very human-like terms. In fact, most of the book fits that description because the one thing that I have been repeatedly told is to keep the connection to our loved ones in spirit in as simple a format as possible. The book has done very well in spiritual circles and has been used as the basis for some church sermons.

Tell us something about yourself.

I am from Eastern Long Island–East Quogue–and have been working as a medium/psychic for seventeen years. I was not looking for this to be my life’s work; at least on a conscious level. It has been largely a blessing to be able to help so many different people. I have also been blessed with the ability to help people be healed mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

My actual background was in business, which is precisely where I had always envisioned myself. Sometimes, life hands us unfair situations and experiences. My life had slipped into a grueling emotional pit of despair, to the point where I did not care if I lived or died. That is when the powers to be from the other side decided it was time to step in. Along with my depression and major financial problems, I began to see and hear dead people. Yes, I thought I was finally going insane. It turned out to be anything but that.

My focus is on helping to enlighten people and to be a teacher of sorts. This year, against my personal desires, I began to do public speaking events. It has been another area of personal growth and a way to shove me out of my comfort zone. I have had an immense fear of public speaking since I was a very young child. In addition to that, I also co-created a meditation CD and have held weekly prayer and meditation meetings almost since Spirit clubbed me over the head and said, “You’ll be our voice.” Quietly, I do a lot of charitable work as well.

Lastly, I have been on several radio and local television shows. This has also proven to be something that has me learning to cope with my own insecurities and fears of being in the public arena. It is something I am learning to slowly embrace.

What inspired you to write this book?

The book was directed to me from the other side. I felt like I had no choice and just followed the wisdom and requests to put more of the helpful messages into print so that more people could benefit from them.

How did you choose the title?

Like the rest of the book, the title was suggested by a higher authority than myself.

What obstacles did you encounter in getting this book published? How did you overcome them?

Aside from the financial aspect, there were no obstacles in having it published. Even my money concerns were quickly vanishing while I stepped forward. I sent the manuscript to my publisher on Jan. 3, 2008 and was called with an approval on the 7th.

How did you know you wanted to be a writer? How did you get started?

I have always enjoyed writing, so this was a perfect fit for me.

Do you have any writing rituals?

My only rituals have to do with working with the voices that I hear. Somedays, I want to sit and bang out message after message, but get “shut off.” It has been a little challenge in recognizing that I am not always in charge of what has to be done.

How do you come up with the names for your characters?

There are no characters in my book. They come from a variety of different spirit guides and teachers, which is as close to a character as it gets.

Did you learn anything from writing and publishing this book? What?

The process was fairly easy for me. However, I had no idea how difficult it was going to be to market the book once it was in print. I am admittedly technology challenged. That simply means that doping everything out takes me longer than many others.

If you were doing it all over again, what would you do differently?

I am working, albeit slowly, on two other books. I will explore a regular publishing company to handle it, since I don’t feel like I have anything to prove to anyone or myself anymore.

What types of books do you like to read? Who are your favorite authors?

My schedule is very hectic. I’m generally reading short articles that are of the spiritual nature. Otherwise, I do enjoy business books and sports stories.

Are you working on your next book? What can you tell us about it?

One of the two books that I’m working on is from the daily blog I do. It will consist of numerous other inspirational messages, much like the first book. The other book I’m working on will be more about my personal journey and anecdotal stories from people I have read.

What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?

The best advice I could say is that you must make sure you have the time to make yourself available for whatever marketing opportunities that arise.

Who is the perfect reader for your book?

The Spoken Words of Spirit is widely read and well-received by all people who are looking to improve their lives in some sense. It has held a spot in the top 100 on Amazon in their category for Body, Mind and Soul; Adult Children of Alcoholics. It has stayed as a top five ranked book on Tower Books in their sprituality category, making it a natural fit for anyone who is truly trying to develop their spiritual path and growth on it.

Where can readers learn more about you and your book?

My website is www.jimfargiano.com. I can also be found on Facebook. My fan page for the book is: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Spoken-Words-of-Spirit/121058579500?ref=mf. My telephone is 631-728-3377