A.D. Haywood grew up on a farm in Indian Trail, NC in the late 70’s and early 80’s. A time before cell phones and iPads. Spirited parents that loved camping and ghost stories, along with adventures on the farm with his two brothers and many cousins cultivated a world of storytelling and a passion for painting pictures via words that allows people to step away from everyday reality.
Haywood has spent the past thirty-plus years in the hospitality industry. When he ventured into the workforce, his humble beginnings had him making the least allowed by the state of NC. He rapidly grew within the ranks of the company and became a leader in the field. Today, he has a minority stake in six restaurants.
He calls the beautiful Shenandoah Valley home. Where he lives with his bride of 30 years, Sherry and their two cats, Tua and Tommy. He has two wonderful adult children, Cameron and Whitney. He credits the undying trust and love of his parents, John and Diane, for his fearless pursuit of living the dream.
He has a unique writing style that transforms real world occurrences into a fictional format that allows people to expand their thought process beyond the mundane motions of everyday life. He challenges conventional thought with a flair of drama, taste of romance, and dash of reality.
Author’s Interview
What made you want to write a book?
There are plenty of moving parts to this question. First, growing up with parents that were involved and a mom with a very creative imagination that loved to tell stories to her three boys around a campfire is the birthplace of the story telling. I love to read. Then in high school my love of writing started as a writer for the sports section of my high school newspaper. As time grew and the real world started to set in, writing and reading has always been a way of escaping the real world. Eventually, this writing grew into a fictional story that is The Promise of Tomorrow.
How long did it take you to write the Promise of Tomorrow?
Since the story started as a creative release, I was never in a hurry. So, I would work on it when I had free time. I would write off and on. Changing and adding. Overall, The Promise of Tomorrow took around 20 years to write.
What is the motivation that allowed you to settle on The Promise of Tomorrow?
The book started as a story that was from one of my fondest memories – camping with my parents. I took a fond memory and added some drama. Then the drama just escalated into some of life’s greatest questions and challenges that people face in everyday situations such as abuse, religion, addiction, and most of all love.
You said you like to read. Who are some of the authors that you enjoy the most or that you think you most likely resemble?
I am a curious person by nature who likes to fancy himself as someone who doesn’t fit into any box and my reading habits most certainly show that. My love for reading started by reading books in the school library during lunch breaks about every NFL, MLB, and NBA teams. Then books like S.E. Hinton’s “Outsider” were part of the school criteria. This book along with others like John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” was required by the school system, sparked a new genre. So, I started reading several books like Midred D. Taylor’s “Roll of Thunder, Hear Me Cry.” After a while, I fell in love with true crimes and read everything imaginable. Especially anything from Ann Rule. Eventually, Nicolas Sparks came into sight and the fact that he lived in North Carolina made me think that being a writer is possible. Today, my favorite writers are David Baldacci and Karen Slaughter. I think the wide variety of styles and interest allows me to be very open minded and helps me with creativity.
How would you describe yourself as a writer?
I think I have a unique writing style that transforms real world occurrences into a fictional format that allows people to expand their thought process beyond the mundane motions of everyday life. I try to challenge conventional thought with a flair of drama, taste of romance, and dash of reality.
What would you like to accomplish by writing The Promise of Tomorrow?
My hope is that everyone who reads The Promise of Tomorrow finds the same joy and peace I found in writing it. Allow people the opportunity to get away from the challenges of everyday life and take a mental break from any stress.
Are more books in the future?
There is no shortage of ideas for books. I have two projects in the works. One is in a similar genre and the other is a self-help book that I believe comes at people from a different perspective. As the projects draw closer, I will share more details.
