Author Nathan Buckman is on a mission to raise the self-esteem and motivation of people in Tottenham with his book, The Briet Side: The Little Book of Wisdom, which was published in January.

Nathan has lived in Tottenham his whole life and says he has seen a lot of young people struggle with self-belief, which led him to publish a collection of his own favourite thought-provoking quotes as well as those written by others to help give members of the community some guidance.

The 25-year-old, who is currently studying for a BSc Hons in Business Management at the University of East London explains how his passion for reading helped inspire his writing…

Can you tell readers about your book?

A majority of young people in the community lack the self-esteem, positivity and the motivation to push themselves further in life. This is a major issue, especially in the Tottenham area. A lot of them don’t have anybody who could guide and encourage them, hence I wrote this book. This book teaches people how to believe in themselves and discover their true potential. It is written in a clear and concise manner so it can easily be read by anybody regardless of how intellectual they are.

The book is called “The Briet Side” because my stage name is “Brietling”. I added a twist to the “the bright side” adage by swapping “bright” with “Briet”.

Why were you inspired to write the book?

I was inspired because I read a lot of motivational and inspirational books. When I began to see life in a more positive light I decided that I wanted to share my thoughts as they may help other people who read the book.

Have you had your own issues with self – esteem or did any friends or relatives inspire you with their experiences?

Yes, I used to have low self-esteem and I gradually built it up with the support of friends and family and also reading self-help books. My friends and a few of my relatives inspired me as they had their own businesses and they encouraged me to believe that anything can be done if you put your mind to it.

Can you give some examples of how your writing is motivational - any quotes or snippets you can share with readers?

“You need that one good partner who will complete you and put you on the right path. It’s near enough impossible to go about life trying to succeed. Two people make a complete person.”

“A lot of people doubt me, that’s my motivation.”

“We think that forgiveness is weakness, but it’s absolutely not; it takes a very strong person to forgive.”

Have you had any positive response from people who have felt motivated by the book?

Yes people said that it has changed the way they perceived life and it drastically increased their wisdom and confidence. It also encouraged them to read more inspirational books.

How long did it take you to write?

A month.

Did you have to do much research?

Quite a bit, I tend to read a lot so making references wasn’t a problem for me.

Have you written any other books before or is this your first one?

This is my first one.

Are you an author full time or do you also have another day job?

I’m a part-time author but I currently attend university.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to read, write, make music and go to the gym and do graphic design (I also designed the book cover myself). I am also a youth leader in my church.

What books do you like to read?

Motivational, self-help, business books and biographies. The books I’ve read recently are: The 50th Law by 50 cent and Robert Greene, Do You! by Russell Simmons, Strong Men In Tough Times by Edwin Louis Cole, Business Nightmares by Rachel Elnaugh, Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers, Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki and The Way I See It by Alan Sugar.

Do you have any plans to write another book?

Yes.

The Briet Side can be purchased on Amazon and Ebay.