2026 Reading Challenge

Ask the Author: John O'Leary

“I’ll be answering questions here about my books On Fire and In Awe (out 5/5)! Thanks for being here.” John O'Leary

Answered Questions (3)

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Thank you for writing your books (and doing your podcasts)! I am grateful that you survived the accident and have been able to touch so many lives. I was wondering what was the inspiration for the title of the book "In Awe". I really like the theme of childlike wonder. Who are some of your favorite authors?
John O'Leary In awe... the inspiration behind the book and the title is my children. Watching the way they approach the world... and realizing that if we all could approach our own lives, our work, our challenges more like children (in awe!!) - how much richer our lives would be. Two of my favorite authors: Henri Nouwen, Viktor Frankl. Thanks for the question, Amy!
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Having just finished In Awe, I am "in awe" of all of the stories that you share that just seem to work together so beautifully to illustrate a point you are making or bring the "sense" to life. How do you keep track of all of these stories and go about deciding which ones to include?
John O'Leary Thanks for the question and positive feedback! For me it happens a few different ways. I have written a weekly essay for about ten years. These tend to be meaningful interactions I have that represent a deeper truth about living inspired. Many of the stories in the book were first shared as one of these essays. Once I get clear on my book topic, I begin to reflect on past essays to discern which to include... but also what you see grows. As I begin to pour into writing a book, I begin to see the world through that lens, and so (1) more stories naturally present themselves (2) I invite folks onto my podcast who relate to a specific topic within my book so they can share insight / perspective from their story... make sense? All of this to say, it is a long process that only works when you love what you do, have an amazing team... and lots and lots of patience ;) Thanks for the question! J
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John I have a few questions for you. Did you become a public speaker first or an author first?
John O'Leary Hi Jennifer! Thanks for the question. I became a speaker first... after my parents wrote a book (Overwhelming Odds) which shared our story... and readers started reaching out and asking me to share my message of hope and perspective with their groups (starting with three Girl Scouts (and me getting sick in the parking lot from nerves!!!!) and leading today to groups like Southwest Airlines and LEGO).

You might be interested in these articles I wrote on Parade.com "Ask John":

How to get started writing your book: https://parade.com/513650/johnoleary/...

How do I become a speaker? https://parade.com/478015/johnoleary/...
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