An Interview with Dale W. Cox: Author of Get the Heck Out of Our Way!

Dale Cox grew up living in several places around the country while his father served in the United States Air Force. He earned a B.S. and M.S. in Food Science at Brigham Young University and lived for two years in Mexico while serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

He has worked over 23 years in the food industry, primarily in new product development and process improvement. Together with his wife, LeAnne, and others, he has run several businesses, including various real estate investment ventures, mobile home park ownership and operation, and land development.

He has a great passion and love for The United States of America and is very concerned about the state of public education and the current political environment. He and his wife LeAnne have three children and reside in North Carolina.

Tell us about your book.

I describe in this book many examples of common items from all of our lives that have been affected by regulations. My message is that every single part of our lives is regulated, from what we wear, where and what we live in, what we drive, what food we eat, how we eat, even what we do in our yards. The cost of everything is affected, as well as our choices. All of our freedoms are reduced. My message is if we would require government to stay within constitutional bounds, out of our way, it is amazing to think what we could accomplish as American citizens. We have to regain and then preserve the freedoms our parents and grandparents have enjoyed.

Why did you want to write a book?

This book was written out of pure frustration. After working for decades trying to get a little bit ahead, including several small business ventures, my wife and I kept getting hit by new and changing laws and regulations that hurt us, even requiring the sale of our largest investment.

As my eyes were opened regarding the effect of regulations on my own, and knowing that many were not necessary or even intended to have the effect that they did, I complained about it to friends and family. I found that all were having the same problem, whether they were an employee or a business owner of some type. I realized that this problem was everywhere, and that people in general don’t seem to realize how prevalent it is, and what it is doing to all of us personally. I decided I needed to try and get the word out in some fashion. The result is this book. I never thought of being an author, but I had to write this book.

Why did you choose to self-publish?

It seems this is the way to start, and perhaps might be the way to keep going as well.

What tools or companies did you use, and what experience did you have?

No experience at all. I opted to be guided through this effort by using Archway Publishing, a self-publishing arm of Simon & Schuster. It was expensive, but I did learn a lot.

Would you self-publish again?

Yes. I am publishing workbooks through my own company now having learned much through my experience with Archway. That said, if I were to write another book that I wanted to be purchased in the mainstream I would consider the traditional route if I could find a publisher primarily so that the cost per book could be reduced. The cost for my book is about twice the price I would expect to pay because it is one-off print-on-demand. You will never find a stack of them anywhere because of that.

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

If you are unknown, it takes a LOT of legwork to get you name out there. I can’t say at this time that I will be successful.

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

Learn all you can from others, even paying someone to walk you through it the first time. It can be expensive, but advice frequently is as good as the price you pay.

What was your steepest learning curve during the publishing process?

The need for thorough editing, and the discipline to write when you are stuck.

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

I have many other business interests, all of which have deadlines. I have been able to intermingle these with writing so that I can have some balance. However, for my workbooks I have ended up finishing them in an all-out effort due to self-imposed deadlines. Sometimes this works for focus, sometimes not. My preference is to write in the early morning through the early afternoon, as that is when I can focus the best. If I am on a roll, I will keep going.

How do you deal with writer’s block?

Do something else for a while, as noted above, other business interests. I enjoy hands-on activities, such as different types of woodworking and cabinetry work. These activities are relaxing and therapeutic for me. Location is also important. I have found that standing while writing helps me concentrate as well. I have a desk with a moveable arm that holds my keyboard and monitors, allowing me to sit, then stand, etc. This does help me.

Tell us about the genre you wrote in, and why you chose to write this sort of book.

See my answer above. Writing this was unexpected, and came out of frustration.

Who are your biggest writing inspirations and why?

I don’t know that I have any great inspirations, although there are others I enjoy reading. I read across a wide range of subjects.

How do your friends and family get involved with your writing? What do they think of your book?

My wife helped me with initial editing of two of my three books. She is quite busy herself, so going forward I will likely use the services of professional editors for even the first editing. It isn’t that expensive, and is necessary for a finished book.

What are your plans now your book is published?

I am working on a workbook series, and will likely write more political books, assuming I can get any kind of following.

Why did you write about this particular subject?

As noted above, out of frustration.

What did you learn on your journey as an author?

Assisted self-publishing is helpful, but quite expensive, and the slow compared to how I think it ultimately can be done.

What’s next for you as an author?

As noted above, I am writing workbooks now. Two are published and available for sale, and are under the Edible Knowledge brand through my company, Beakers & Bricks, LLC. I will have 8-10 by the time I am done.