Interview with John E. Wade II, author of 'The Bipolar Millionaire'

I was born in Decatur, Alabama, grew up in Georgia and Mississippi, and have lived in New Orleans for many years.  After high school, I attended the Air Force Academy for a few months until I received an honorable medical discharge resulting from a severe case of meningitis and my first experience with bipolar disorder. Eventually I enrolled at the University of Georgia, where I received a BBA and MA, was named the most outstanding senior accounting student, and served as president of Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting honor society. I worked in accounting for nearly thirty years, in both the private sector and eventually for the federal government.

I began writing in 1998, and my first book-length work, Focus Investing, was purchased by John E. Wiley & Sons, but never published, because of changing market conditions. Still, I had discovered the joy of writing and have since produced many essays, blogs, and books.  Deep Within My Heart is a published book containing many of my earliest essays.

My next book project was conceiving and compiling How to Achieve a Heaven on Earth, a collection of essays from 101 other individuals–from world leaders to Nobel and Pulitzer prize winners–about the ten elements of Heaven on Earth as I conceived of them at that time (peace, security, freedom, democracies, prosperity, racial harmony, spiritual harmony, ecological harmony, health, as well as moral purpose and meaning–at the urging of my local editor, Charlotte L. Piotrowski, who pushed for “gender equality,” I have sense added “gender harmony” to the list of ten elements).  I am especially proud of this work and hope it inspires humankind for generations.

In 2012, Ronald Reagan’s Wisdom for the Twenty-First Century was published, which excerpts some of Reagan’s most insightful and articulate quotations from before, during, and even after his presidency, coupled with commentary highlighting the ways in which Reagan’s wisdom is as relevant as ever. Then, in 2014, Glimpses of Heaven on Earth, a book of inspiring quotations and insightful essays by four other co-authors and me, was published. This book won the 2014 Living Now Book Awards bronze metal in Social Activism/Charity. My most recent literary project is The Bipolar Millionaire, my deeply personal memoir.

In 2006, I founded the charity Soldiers of Love, which encourages and enables ordinary citizens to work toward a better world. Soldiers of Love partners with other charities with similar goals, both in the local New Orleans community and beyond.  In 2011 I began producing the television series that also relates to the the goal of Heaven on Earth.

I am passionate about travel and have visited China, India, Egypt, Israel, Syria, Jordan, Brazil, Argentina, much of Europe, Costa Rico, the Caribbean including Cuba, as well as much of North America.  Some of these trips have been spiritual journeys and mission trips. I enjoy learning about other cultures and my travels inspire my writing and philanthropy. I am equally passionate about my adopted hometown.  I enjoy New Orleans’ unique food, architecture, and music, as well as Saints football games.  I also cheer on the Bulldogs–The University of Georgia, which I attended, and Mississippi State University, where the Davis Wade Stadium was named after my father.

For More Information

• Visit John E. Wade’s website.
• Connect with John on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Book:

John E. Wade II, retired CPA, author, investor, television producer, and philanthropist, reveals in his memoir, The Bipolar Millionaire, his personal struggle with bipolar disorder and how he has

succeeded in living a balanced and blessed life, despite his mental illness.

Wade takes the reader through his family experiences, political aspirations and beliefs, spiritual journey, relationship trials and errors, all while battling mental illness.

Through his religious beliefs, personal perseverance, and the help of friends, family, and his mental health professionals, Wade lives an active, creative, and successful life.

His memoir doesn’t end with contentment at achieving a balance in his life, however. Instead, Wade expresses a determined vision for the future, aiming to assist humanity in what he describes as achieving heaven on earth through his writing, political and spiritual endeavors.

For More Information

• The Bipolar Millionaire is available at Amazon.
• Pick up your copy at Barnes & Noble.
• Pick up your copy at the Sunbury Press store.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.

Thanks for this interview, John.  Can we begin by having you tell us about yourself from a writer’s standpoint?  

Actually, the whole book, The Bipolar Millionaire, is an honest account of my first 70 years of life—with many twists and turns, triumphs and tragedies.  It does so with great depth with brevity of words.  I’ve been told it’s a page-turner.

When not writing, what do you like to do for relaxation and/or fun?

I like dining in New Orleans, watching Saints games, going to the symphony, going to movies, travel—domestic and international and much more.

Do you have a day job?

I’m self-employed as an author and an investor.   

Or a night one?  

I am busier than ever, working nights, holidays and weekends.

Would you say it’s been a rocky road for you in regards to getting your book written and published or pretty much smooth sailing?  Can you tell us about your journey?

The book was ten years in the making, although I created and financed other books during that period.  I would say it has been a very rocky road.

What is it about the nonfiction genre that appeals more than any other genre you would choose to write?

I wrote nonfiction in this book and that suits me best because I highly value honesty and truth.  I have also written creative nonfiction, which also appeals to me because one can have honest opinions and views in that genre.

If you had to summarize your book in one sentence, what would that be?

The book is an honest account of a very unusual life with a bipolar disorder cure.

What makes your book stand out from the rest?

The cure from bipolar disorder and the clarity and depth of the long journey.

If your book was put in the holiday section of the store, what holiday would that be and why?

I say Christmas because a gift of this book to someone who is a patient, family member or friend could change or save a life.

Would you consider turning your book into a series or has that already been done?

I doubt if I’ll live another 70 years.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

Most of it came from my own memories and experiences.

What’s next for you?

Daniel Agatino and I plan to create a Ronald Reagan book.