In a recent interview with Inspiring Net, Terry Mante, an acclaimed author and columnist for The Business & Financial Times, shared insights into how he developed his passion for writing into a successful career. Mante, the author of several books, including Winning With Confidence and When God Lost An Election, opened up about his journey from a university student with a love for writing to becoming a respected voice in the personal development and leadership space.
During the interview, Mante emphasised that developing one’s talent begins with a strong resolution and commitment to growth. “The first thing is making a resolution in your mind—a strong commitment—that you’re going to develop your skills and work hard to become really good at it,” he said. For him, this meant immersing himself in books and surrounding himself with learning opportunities.
Mante shared that he deliberately focused on reading leadership materials to fine-tune his craft, citing best-selling author John Maxwell as a major influence. “I admire authors like John Maxwell. You can read Maxwell’s books without ever needing a dictionary because his writing style is simple yet engaging,” he explained. “He writes as if he’s talking directly to you, like you’re having a conversation with him, even though you’ve never met.”
Mante didn’t just limit his learning to books—he also analysed storytelling in movies to understand how writers crafted characters and plots. “Even when I’m watching movies, I’m not just watching for entertainment. I’m analysing the screenplay, thinking about what the writer intended to communicate,” he revealed, adding that he learnt the importance of tailoring language and tone for different audiences from screenwriters and novelists.
Beyond reading and observation, Mante believes that constant practice and seeking feedback are crucial for improving as a writer. “The more you practice, the more you learn. When you put your work out there, you’ll receive feedback, and that feedback will help you improve,” he shared. This process of continuous refinement has helped him to write effectively across various fields, including business, governance, and personal development.
Mante concluded the interview by stressing the value of learning from experienced people and always staying open to new knowledge. “Personally, you need knowledge. Where do you get that knowledge? You can learn from experienced people—those already practicing what you aspire to do,” he advised aspiring writers.
Through his determination, continuous learning, and commitment to excellence, Terry Mante has carved out a unique space in the world of writing, offering inspiration to those seeking to develop their talents.
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