Jim, describe yourself for our visitors.
I am 50 years old. For the last 20 years, I have lived my life as a blind person. I’m a former national champion Olympic weightlifter, and I am president of the Emmy Award-winning Narrative Television Network which produces accessible broadcast and cable programming for the 13 million blind and visually impaired Americans and their families. I have written 12 books. One of them, The Ultimate Gift, was made into a major motion picture by 20th Century Fox, and several other titles are in development for television projects or films.
How do you find time to connect with God?
I am learning more as life progresses to do as Paul said when he stated that we should “pray without ceasing.” While I have my quiet time each morning, the boundary between my personal devotion and my daily life has diminished to a point where I hope I live my life as I pray, and I pray as I live my life.
Do you have a favorite bible verse and or quote you wish to share?
I love to dwell on the quote “Everything will be shaken so that that which remains will never be shaken again.” This reminds me that no matter how difficult the circumstance, we can survive and move ahead in the future.
Who are your favorite authors? Favorite books?
I am embarrassed to say that when I could read with my eyes as millions of people who read my books do, I don’t know that I ever read an entire book cover to cover. Now, as a blind person for 20 years, thanks to a high speed tape player and audio books from the National Library for the Blind, I literally complete a book each day. My taste runs from inspirational to historical fiction to business and everything in between. If I had to pick one book for wisdom and inspiration, it would be anything by C. S. Lewis.
Tell us about your journey to publication.
I never intended to be an author. I was doing some platform speaking and arena events and found myself on a tour with Dr. Robert Schuller and Dr. Denis Waitley. Dr. Schuller really encouraged me, if not threatened and pressured me, to write a book. Dr. Waitley wrote the foreword to my first book, and it was the beginning of becoming a best-selling author with millions of books in print and one movie behind me with, hopefully, more to come.
Tell us about your current book.
The King’s Legacy is an updated version of a title I have had out for several years called Wisdom of the Ages. The King’s Legacy has new graphics and an updated cover. It tells the story of a king in the Middle Ages who goes on a search throughout the kingdom for the true and lasting wisdom of the ages. He meets with many of the citizens, including the merchant, the physician, the teacher, the parent, the farmer, etc. as he seeks wisdom. Finally, the true and lasting wisdom of the ages is revealed through an unexpected source.
How did you come up with ideas for this book?
When I planned The King’s Legacy or plan any of my other fiction books, I try to establish the main characters in my mind and think of them as friends, relatives, or people I know. Then I turn them lose in the context of the story and reveal what they would do that is in keeping with their character. Most times I don’t know what is going to happen in the next chapter or even on the next page. It makes it as fun for me as I hope it is for my readers.
What influence you to write this book?
I was influenced to write The King’s Legacy because I believe we are all in search of wisdom whether we realize it or not. Furthermore, I wanted my readers to think about the fact that every day, in everything we do, we are building our legacy which is the influence we will leave behind in the hearts, minds, and souls of everyone we encounter.
Did you have a favorite character(s)? Who and why?
In this book, I would have to admit to having two favorite characters. First there is the king who passes up the opportunity to build monuments and tributes to himself. Instead, he goes on a quest for the wisdom of the ages. My other favorite character is the unexpected hero of the book who reveals wisdom to the entire kingdom and those of us today who read The King’s Legacy.
What’s next for you?
I have several books in the works, including The Financial Crossroads, a business and economics title. The 100 Worst Bosses, a book about success and failure in the workplace. And The Sound of Honor which is the first in a series of detective novels with a bit more message than mystery readers usually receive.
Where can visitors find you online?
My website is www.jimstovall.com, and I can be reached at jim@jimstovall.com.
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