Biography of Kevin Wanzer

And because he did, his message of love and acceptance is now reaching readers of all ages.

Back in 1992, during a visit to Columbus, Ga., to share his presentation with a local school, Wanzer was awakened in the middle of the night by a distinct dream. He reached for the proverbial pen and within a few minutes, he had written a poem he titled, "Choose to Love." The poem eventually became a book by the same name, and when the time came to publish it, Wanzer looked to AuthorHouse for guidance.

"My main concern was that my vision of the book would be lost through the [publishing] process," he explains. "But AuthorHouse was able to offer professional guidance while allowing me to maintain the entire creative control on the book. The company also made me feel as if mine was the only book they were working on. The individual attention to myself and to the details of the book were exceptional."
 
Since his sophomore year at Indianapolis' North Central High School, where he founded a student group that would educate and mentor elementary students, Wanzer's "Got Aloha?" message has moved, touched and inspired hundreds of conferences, thousands of schools and millions of young lives in nearly all 50 states, Canada, Europe and China. He currently speaks to about 150 schools each year, sharing his assembly that has been noted as one of the most effective programs for young people today. The book, Choose to Love, is a continuation of that philosophy.

"My message focuses on the simple concept that we choose to love…or not," he says. "It is the essence of the book. I am thrilled that I am able to offer the book as a gift to the world and that my audience members can share it with those whom they Choose to Love."
 
His biggest challenges in getting the book in print were self-inflicted, he says, and he credits AuthorHouse with helping him overcome those obstacles.
 
"I am a big believer in the laws of attraction. I knew that once I got the ball rolling there would be no turning back. The problem was getting the ball rolling," he says. "Procrastination and not knowing what to do first [were the biggest challenges]. The great thing about AuthorHouse is that I presented them the ‘ball' and they helped me shove it down the hill."
 
Like many who choose to publish with AuthorHouse, the ability to retain creative control was also important to Wanzer. Because the book is an extension of his highly acclaimed presentations, he knew exactly what he wanted—and there was no room for error.
 
"AuthorHouse was able to make sure that no corners were cut. Mediocre was simply not an option on this book and they went the extra mile to ensure that the quality of the finished product was outstanding."
 
An honors graduate of Butler University in Indianapolis, Wanzer now has spent the last two decades inspiring young people to live life to their fullest; to look within and be a role model to themselves and to embrace and live the aloha spirit - focusing on attitude, loving oneself and others, overcoming obstacles and having a sense of humor. In addition to delivering his message on the platform, Wanzer has contributed to a series of books written for middle school, high school and beyond. During his high school years, he was an appointee to the White House Conference for a Drug Free America and was invited as the guest of former first lady Nancy Reagan to address the United Nations. He is also a former staff member of the David Letterman Show in New York City.