Dr. D Ivan Young signing autographs at The Red Cat Jazz Festival 

Insider Interview Questions

• Where are you from?
  I was born in Chicago, and at the age of one I was adopted by my great aunt… she raised me until the age of 5. From there, I then relocated to Fort Worth, TX and spent a majority of my adolescent years there. Currently, I enjoy life in Houston, TX. 

• What inspired you to write your first book?
  Like many others, I was broken, lonely and going through the misery of a failed relationship.

• What books, people or things have influenced your life most?
  Books: The Power of Intention, Ageless Mind Timeless Body, Maximize the Moment, Woman Thou Art Loosed.
  People: Jesus Christ, My Father Cicero Young Jr, Cornel West, Joe Cross, Elwyn Lee, and my pastor Rudy Ramsus. Things: The adversity I overcame after my mother's death – losing everything to embezzlement and starting over at 40 years of age.

• What are your current projects – tell us your latest news?
  I am excited about the commencement of my national book tour to promote the launch of Break Up, Don't Break Down. I will also republish my initial work, Tired of Being Alone and I am currently working on the development of a breakthrough workshop series entitled Second Chances.

• Why did you write Break Up, Don't Break Down?
  To heal broken people who haven't gained the courage to 'Let Go and Trust God.' The human race, our culture and our country are going down the toilet as a result of spiritual, cultural, political and emotional pimping. Enough is enough.

• How did you come up with the title of your new book?
  I was broken, devastated and emotionally bankrupt because of the dysfunctional relationships I endured. I discovered what was sent to curse me would catalyze me.

• What was one of the most surprising things you learned in writing this book?
  I was surprised to uncover, the number of people suffering from the same issues despite race, gender, social status, education or income.

• Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
  Everyone that reads my newest book, Break Up, Don't Break Down, knows someone that needs to get this book. Or they say they wish they had read something like it when they were going through their breakup, separation or divorce, and how it would have spared them so much unnecessary heart ache and pain.

• What is a surprising fact that people don’t know about you?
  That I chose to be in a relationship with me for now. That I'm happily single. But, when the right woman comes along, I am definitely ready to commit.