The Game Changing Assist: Six Simple Ways to Choose Success by Angela R. Lewis (Giveaway)

I’m very excited to welcome Angela R. Lewis to my blog today to tell you about her book, The Game Changing Assist: Six Simple Ways to Choose Success. I met Angela when she asked me to edit her book, and I took her on as an Editor 911 client. Angela’s book is a positive teaching tool for teens and adults–relating success mostly to Angela’s experience as a coach and player of basketball. The book shares personal stories, ideas for success, and activities for the reader to help him or her reflect on his or her own life.

The great news is I have a copy to giveaway! Please see the Rafflecopter form at the bottom of this post to enter to win the book. You could win a paperback copy of the book. Now on to Angela!

Margo: Welcome, Angela, to Read These Books and Use Them. What motivated you to write this book?

Angela: I actually never intended on writing a book. It is kind of surreal to be at this point. Years before I ever thought about writing a book, my mother would always tell me that I should write one. I disregarded her nudge wondering what I could possibly write about. When I was an assistant basketball coach at Southeast Missouri State University, I was asked to speak to a group of students in the Upward Bound Program regarding my experiences. The night before, I received Divine inspiration as I paced back and forth in my apartment wondering what I would talk about. It came to me: voice, vision, valley, victory and volunteer (later value was added). So I connected stories from my life to those concepts when I spoke to students.

After speaking to the students I felt something special about this concept. From that moment forward, every time I was asked to speak to student groups, I used that framework, and it has inspired others as well. A few years ago after continuing to give the presentation and receiving affirming feedback, I decided to commit my thoughts to paper. Speaking has always come naturally, but writing the book was a new challenge.

Margo: In my opinion, you did an excellent job. And I love the six Vs! Let’s go over those again so readers understand. The book highlights the 6 V-words: VOICE, VISION, VALLEY, VICTORY, VOLUNTEER, and VALUE. What will people who read your book learn from it?

Angela: People who read the book will learn a very practical framework for success that will allow them to accomplish thier goals. In addition, they will learn the impact sports has on so many people and the ways that people are connected. They will also learn a lot about my path as a basketball player, coach, and educator and be able to relate.

Margo: Besides your book, you have created Major Game, LLC. Tell us a little about this program.

Angela: The mission of Major Game is to use the influence of athletics to mentor youth, promote education, and encourage service to others. I started Major Game in 2011 as a way to reconnect with teaching basketball since I decided to stop coaching college, but I realized that there was so much more that could be done for athletes and non-athletes. As a result, the focus shifted from simply teaching basketball to hosting seminars on how to become a college athlete, The Game Changing Assist, an awesome international shoe drive, and some more great things to come soon! The underlying premise is to try to get students to take personal responsibility for their futures and always openly strive to help others along the way.

Margo: I love this, Angela. What you are doing is so terrific! I have to bring this up because we both share a LOVE of basketball! How did playing basketball influence you as a teen and as an adult?

Angela: Great question, Margo. Basketball is my first love! It has transformed my life because I was a very insecure teen who needed something to affirm me. I know you are tall like me, so you can relate to always standing head and shoulders above the other kids in class. In the fifth grade, I was already 5’8”, so playing basketball provided a space for me to develop some really important skills, such as teamwork, discipline, and focus.

In addition, I did not grow up in a home with a lot of financial resources; therefore, playing basketball afforded me the opportunity to travel throughout the world and meet some extraordinary people. As an adult, I’ve recognized more than ever the way sports have an ability to connect people. From playing internationally to coaching at various colleges throughout the country to being engulfed in March Madness, it amazes me how people rally together for the love of sport. Basketball gave me a place to grow, find confidence, and experience success.

Margo: Well said! Anything else you’d like to add about your book or company?

Angela: My favorite part about the book is the activities at the end of each chapter that allow the reader to plan for his or her success. I remember being a kid and not being able to write in books; so when I was deciding on the format for this book, I intentionally allowed space for writing.

At the core of Major Game and the book is a love of sports, family, education, and service. These major influences have shaped the person I am today, and the goal is to share that love with others.

Margo: I think you have already achieved that goal and have many more wonderful things to come! Where can people purchase your book and find out more about you?

Angela: Go to www.angelarlewis.com to purchase The Game Changing Assist and find out more information about upcoming events. [Also available on Amazon.] Also I LOVE connecting with people, so follow me on Twitter @ AngelaRLewis, and let’s connect on Facebook –Angela R. Lewis.

Margo: Readers, we make it easy for you to connect with Angela, using the Rafflecopter form below and enter to win her book! Thank you, Angela! I wish you great success!

a Rafflecopter giveaway