Author James A. Cusumano: Why finding long-term happiness and fulfillment is a well-defined process that is open to everyone

Be or become a “what-if” daydreamer — someone who constantly dreams up stories — even crazy ones. An example — last week, I came home and forgot my house keys. I parked the car in the drive and rang the bell. Suddenly, my consciousness began to create — What if my wife opens the door and says in all seriousness, “Yes, can I help you?” She doesn’t know me! Before I got upstairs to my home office, I had a random, rough idea for a sci-fi, thriller short story. Anton Čechov would have been proud!

As part of my interview series on the five things you need to know to become a great author, I had the pleasure of interviewing James A. Cusumano.

Jim is the author of ten books, including a new novel I Can See Clearly: Rise of A Supernatural Hero. He is chairman and owner of Chateau Mcely, chosen by the European Union as a leading Green, 5-star, Castle Hotel and Spa in Central Europe, and by the World Travel Awards as The World’s Leading Green Hotel. Chateau Mcely offers holistic programs for body, mind, and spirit, which promote the principles of Inspired and Conscious Leadership, and finding your Life Purpose and Long-Term Fulfillment.

Thank you so much for joining us! Can you share a story about what brought you to this particular career path?

My pleasure. I grew up in New Jersey, the oldest of 10 children — six girls and four boys. My father was a postman, so you might imagine, we were far from well off, financially! As youngsters, all of us worked to help the family cause. Shining shoes and delivering newspapers during the frigid Jersey winters got old fast. It wasn’t for me.

After a couple of years of piano lessons, I became the keyboard player and then the lead singer for a group that played for dances, parties, and weddings. Growing up close to New York City, during the birth of Rock and Roll…