Westchase Chiropractor Writes Spiritual Fiction Book

When Noah Daniel told his family and friends in 2007 that he was selling his thriving Citrus Park practice to pursue a dream.

“You’re crazy,” was the common reaction, Daniel recalls.

But he knew different. A dream had been living inside of him since he was a little boy.  The doctor had left everything to write a spiritual fiction book called “The Messenger.”

The book follows a little boy named Noah who appeared around the world after an apocalyptic-like event that eliminated half the world population. His message spoke of hope, unity and peace.

Patch sat down with the author to discuss the story behind his story.

PATCH:  Why give up so much to write a book?

Daniel: I always felt I born to write a book. I didn’t know what the book was about, but four years ago I sold my practice to travel and to pursue this childhood dream. When you feel compelled do something, you have to listen to it.

I realized I wasn’t good at doing two things at once. In order to write, I have to be in a certain frame of mind and soul. When you’re in a business mind, your spirit is not being heard a lot. I had to eliminate all stresses. I simplified my life immensely and I feel happier and freer that way.

I spent a lot of time traveling, hiking, to be more in tune with myself to write some of the messages.

PATCH: How long did it take to write?

Daniel: Three years. Moments of inspiration come and go.

PATCH: Have you always been interested in writing?

Daniel: Honestly, I’m not a writer by nature. I feel the words came through me rather than by me, if that makes sense. You will hear in the words what came from me the man and what came from deeper than me, mainly from a sister that passed away and through dreams.

I read a lot of spirituality and self-help books that are preachy. I thought why not put some of my spiritual principles – things that I believe in and have experienced – into a lighthearted, easy-read, fictional story.

PATCH: Is the character Noah based on anyone, since you are Noah and so is your character?

Daniel: I actually legally changed my name to Noah four years ago. Daniel is my birth name.

Ever since a death experience as a kid – I was shown a vision of what happens when we die – I have felt that there was a little boy’s spirit in me named Noah.  When I was writing the book, I felt compelled to make it a pen name and I feel like, quite honestly, the book was written by two different people: me, the man and Noah, the spirit. I legally changed my name for the book.

PATCH: Is there a particular message your book shares?

Daniel: We all have a purpose here. I think it is our job to find out our purpose and pursue our dreams, whatever our bucket-list is.  

PATCH: What was your reaction to holding your book in your hands for the first time?

Daniel: I cried, obviously.  After the elation was over, I was depressed. My whole life was leading to writing a book. I never thought about the day after, the 'Now what, what happens next?'

PATCH: Does that mean there is a sequel in the works?

Daniel: Yes, I’m already working on a sequel.

PATCH: What was your reaction to reading your reviews on Amazon.com?

Daniel: Two-fold – I loved it and then I wondered I sold 500 books. Hmm… five good reviews – what about the other 495? They either hated it or didn’t read it.  But the reviews on there are very encouraging.

I believe there is something in this book for everybody, but there are some controversial things when it comes to religion, though it is not a religious book. The whole idea is to get people to reflect on their lives and relationships and ask questions.  If tomorrow was the last day, are you okay with who you are and how you lived?

PATCH: So now that you’ve sold 500 books, what does your family and friends say now?

Daniel: They still think I’m crazy.

Dr. Daniel’s book is currently available for purchase on iBooks.com, Barnes and Noble, Lulu.com and on the Kindle.