Author of Unboxing. The ART of Happiness

Today, I am pleased to welcome author Bruce Spyder to talk to us about his latest book, Unboxing, The ART of Happiness which released on May 29th, 2023.

Helen: What a great concept and so practical to use. I love the cover. It is very clean and simple, and yet I am sure there is more behind the imagery. What were your thoughts behind it?

Bruce: I designed the cover to be strikingly different, aiming to portray a simplicity in thinking while aligning with the title and content of the book. 

There are three primary components:

1) the gift boxes, which underpin the UNBOXING idea and title;

2) the child’s face filled with joy, wonder, excitement … at such a young age, our minds are free from the troubles of the world;

3) the butterflies, which are the subject of several inspiring quotations on happiness, and which also convey the inspiration and freedom I find in nature. 

The choice of light blue was primarily because it’s a calming and natural colour.  However, during the time spent writing and designing, the war in Ukraine was also frequently in my mind … so blue and yellow became my colour choices, and I think it works well.  

Helen: It is so interesting to hear about the ideas behind the cover, there is always a lot more thought put in than you realise. How about the title, why did you use that title?

Bruce: I’ll illustrate why by giving a couple of quotes from the book.

“Before opening a box, all it contains is our imagination. It’s only when we remove the lid that we see the reality”

UNBOXING is about revealing and understanding our situation, while the ART of Happiness are the steps we take towards greater contentment … being ACCEPTING where we must, being REALISTIC about our expectations, and being TRUE to ourselves.

“Throughout life we face a constant battle to control what we can’t accept, while having to accept what we can’t control.  We become happier when we find the right equilibrium.”

I had also toyed with BOXING HAPPY as a title, representing the control versus acceptance battles we face in daily life, but felt UNBOXING was a better fit overall.  However, readers will also find the boxing analogies at certain places in the book.

Helen: This book is quite different to your other romcom books. What made you write this particular book?

Bruce: My mother died late in 2021, and I wanted to dedicate a book to her memory.  The book I was writing back then (Refining My Dining) was a naughty romcom, and not of the type that would have met her approval. 

One of the first books I wrote was a self-help model, Spydar’s Web: How to capture happiness, released in 2019.  Since then, my thinking has evolved during my four more years of life experience, including witnessing my mother’s decline.   The methodology behind Unboxing: The ART of Happiness has helped me through some tough times, and I believe a similar approach to life may be beneficial to others.

Helen: I can understand why you wrote a book in the self-help genre. What genres do you typically write in?

Bruce: I write from personal experience, with a desire to help and/or inspire others.  I started in the self-help arena when I was at low point in my life after losing my job.  I found the thinking and creative process rather cathartic.  Once I discovered that other people appeared to think I could write, I began writing a naughty rom-com series (Diary of a Shy Backpacker) because it’s the type of humour that I enjoy reading.   I figure that if I can write material that helps promote happiness and laughter, I’m probably using my time well. 

Helen: I also write what I enjoy to read. Where did your inspiration to write come from?

Bruce: I could either say I was ‘self-inspired’ or that I simply fell into it.  After decades working in international nature conservation, I lost my job, and needed a fresh start.  In the lead up to turning 50, I felt the urge to try something completely different, so I began writing … and a few books later, I’m still going. 

Helen: Congratulations on publishing your books. I always say it is never to late to start write as there is a time and a place for everything. Like yourself, I started wtiting later in life, and I love it! What is the best thing that has happened to you since you began writing?

Bruce: I’d have to say finding the indie author community on Instagram.  I started writing as an anonymous pen-name, without any network and with precious few expectations.  Finding so many mutually supportive authors amongst the Instagram community has been great, and it’s been wonderful to discover some great writing talent out there. 

Also, I must admit, although I’m not yet a bona fide best-selling author, on the occasions I have seen my books high up the Amazon category charts, they have been moments of great satisfaction … perhaps that comes a close second.

Helen: It is a wonderful feeling to see your books being appreciated. And I agree the Indie author community on Instagram is amazingly supportive. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Bruce: While I may be too unconventional to give sensible writing advice, I do have decades of varied life experience.  If you feel like writing, just write … but do it because you want to, and write primarily for yourself.  The chances are that if you like it, others will too.

Helen: Great advice. It’s been lovely chatting with you today. Thank you so much for joining me. One last question. Most authors suffer from self-doubt. How do you overcome the fear and the little voice of self doubt in your head so you can keep writing?

Bruce: I’ve experienced self-doubt throughout my life, and in many more contexts than writing.  In fact, self-doubt is a significant aspect of what I’ve come to write about: it can detract from our personal happiness and is something that so many of us have to overcome, or adapt to.  Also, the main character in my Shy Backpacker rom-com series has many such issues (BJ’s character stems from my own).  Self-doubt can arise for different reasons and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.  However, in many cases, the route through it may be found in taking small steps, and simply pushing yourself to take the next one.

About the Author

Bruce Spydar used to wear a suit, work in an office, and get paid to lead teams of staff working for international nature conservation. Today he possesses no suit that fits, has no office nor staff, and he doesn’t get paid … although he still volunteers in support of nature.

For the last few years, Bruce has thrown himself into writing. Perhaps it’s a last-ditch attempt to harness his creativity, before his brain turns to mush. On many an afternoon he can be spotted gazing out of an upstairs window of his house near Cambridge, searching for inspiration.

Bruce describes himself as writing with a kind heart and a naughty mind. Personal experience has taught him that everyday life is rather full of struggles, and that happiness and laughter are too often in short supply. It’s why he now chooses to focus his creativity towards sharing his humour and positivity.

Website

Instagram

Amazon Author page UK | USA

Goodreads

You can purchase Unboxing. The ART of Happiness here:

Link to book on Amazon UK: eBook | Paperback

Linkt ot book on Amazon US: eBook | Paperback

As an Amazon Associate I may benefit from purchases made using these links.

If you enjoy fantasy books with a touch of romance then you will love SoulBreather, or my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey. Sign up to my newsletter and download a free novella called Sentinals Stirring and get notified when my next books are published.