An Interview with Eyad H. Yehyawi: Author of Crimson Arrows

Eyad H. Yehyawi has been bowhunting for nearly thirty years, traveling across the United States, Canada, and Africa. A naturalist long before he was a bowhunter, Eyad’s passion for the outdoors dates as far back as he can remember. While majoring in biology at Quincy University, he worked in conservation and wildlife management before deciding to pursue interests in health care. Many of these stories and photos have appeared in magazines including Bow & Arrow Hunting, Bowhunter, Bowhunt America, and Outdoor Life. Eyad currently lives in Iowa with his wife and children, where he practices optometry.

Tell us about your book.

I wrote Crimson Arrows: A Bowhunting Odyssey, as seen through the eyes of a bowhunter. Both a memoir and an adventure book, it is a compilation of the outdoor adventures and life lessons that I experienced over three decades of bowhunting. Spanning North America and Africa, these tales capture both my setbacks and successes, and how each contributed to my growth as a bowhunter and an individual.

Why did you want to write a book?

The inspirations for this manuscript were my two boys, as I wanted them to understand my outdoor passions and the life lessons that bowhunting has afforded me. What’s more, I hope this book inspires others to chase their dreams and pursue adventures of their own – no matter the endeavor.

Why did you choose to self-publish?

I chose to self-publish because I had a vision of what I wanted Crimson Arrows to become – from the photos and chapter layouts to the cover and text. It was important that I handled the material in a certain way, as some may have misconceptions about bowhunting and hunters themselves. Self-publishing allowed me to create the book that I wanted, which hopefully conveys the right message to the readers regarding the subject matter.

What do you think are the main pitfalls for indie writers?

In my opinion, the biggest hurdle to self-publishing is the marketing aspect. Knowing your market and reader base is one thing—but getting the ‘word’ out is another. Nevertheless, like anything in life that is worthwhile, it takes time and effort. And promoting your book is no exception.

What tips can you give other authors looking to self-publish?

Be patient and take your time – it’s not a race. Rushing through anything, especially a book you have authored, is always a mistake in my opinion. One way to fine-tune your work, or at least ‘correct’ things you may have missed while editing, is to listen to your book via any number of audio software programs. I was shocked to hear my mistakes read aloud, despite having proofread the draft many times over. I would not have caught these mistakes otherwise. Always listen to your book at least once before giving the green light to publish.

As a writer, what is your schedule? How do you get the job done?

My first priority is as a father and husband, so writing always came second to these responsibilities. In saying that, I would write after our kids went to sleep or before they awoke. I always write best when I’m inspired, which keeps the entire process engaging and exciting. If a thought or phrase came rushing through my mind while with my family, I would text myself a message or write it in a small notebook and then come back to it later.

How do you deal with writer’s block?

If the words aren’t flowing or I feel like I’m forcing the story – I always step away from the work. Going for a long walk, working out, or taking a drive is the best medicine for me and always clears my head. Once I do that, I feel I can dive back into the writing with a fresh mindset.

Who are your biggest writing inspirations and why?

Stephen King and Paulo Coelho. Stephen King for his ability to blend words and images into a collection of masterful stories that are always captivating. I don’t think there is a writer that I respect more for his talents and abilities. Paulo Coelho for penning my favorite book – The Alchemist – a story about destiny and chasing your dreams. I never tire of this tale.

What did you learn on your journey as an author?

I learned that we all have stories to tell if we dig deep and truly write what’s in our hearts. We all have passions, and finding that passion is perhaps one of life’s great secrets. I was fortunate to find mine in the outdoors at an early age and it continues to fuel my fire. On the flip side of that coin, writing about topics for which you harbor little interest is a daunting task, and one I would find difficult to pursue.

What’s next for you as an author?

The Audible.com and iTunes version of Crimson Arrows: A Bowhunting Odyssey were just released in March 2019—and we are excited to see where that goes. I have written a few stories for my next book over the past year, and in the interim, I hope to continue as a freelance writer for Bowhunter magazine and other outdoor publications.