Some books entertain, while others invite readers to see the world differently. For author Rohn Bayes, The Ancient Book of Magic Secrets was born from a deeply personal journey of healing, reflection, and purpose.
“For me, writing my book was a form of therapy,” Bayes shared. “I needed a focus in my life and an impossible task, a hero’s journey. That’s why I started writing The Ancient Book of Magic Secrets.”
Although the book became his biggest undertaking, Bayes has been writing for nearly his entire life. His passion began at just four years old, filling the pages of a Big Chief tablet as he grew up in Fowlerville, Michigan. Since then, he has published four books of poetry, a children’s book, magazine articles, flash fiction, short stories, and countless reflections shared through his writing and social media.
At the heart of The Ancient Book of Magic Secrets is a simple yet profound idea: humanity has gathered incredible knowledge, wisdom, and healing practices throughout history, much of which has been forgotten.
“The book is about us,” Bayes explained. “The humans and all the knowledge and wisdom and healing modalities we’ve collected over the ages and then forgotten.”
His vision extends far beyond book sales. Bayes hopes his work creates meaningful change by reaching readers one at a time.
“I hope to change the world, one person by one person.”
His literary influences span generations and genres, including Henry David Thoreau, Annie Dillard, Mark Twain, Kabir, Prem Rawat, and Kurt Vonnegut. Their ability to explore humanity, spirituality, and life’s deeper questions helped shape his own storytelling voice.
Like many independent authors, Bayes says the greatest challenge hasn’t been writing; it has been helping readers discover his work.
“Being unknown and without connections, academic or otherwise, is the biggest challenge,” he said. “I do a lot of live events, like the Southside Book Fair, and hand out cards to people I meet in cafés, but I’m still looking for an effective way to market my book. I know there’s an incredible audience for books like this. I just haven’t found the key to open that door… yet.”
His life experiences have also influenced his perspective as a writer. Growing up as the son of a Baptist minister in a household filled with strict rules helped shape the unique lens through which he views the world today.
When asked what advice he would offer aspiring writers, Bayes encourages patience and authenticity.
“If someone is a writer, they will write. If you lack motivation, take a break. Read good books. Don’t force it; you will become a caricature of yourself. We don’t need more of those.”
Today, Bayes continues developing The Rohn Report while focusing on expanding the reach of The Ancient Book of Magic Secrets. He describes marketing the book as the final chapter of the “impossible task” he began more than a decade ago.
One passage from his book continues to resonate deeply with readers during public readings, particularly a reflection inspired by the White Shaman cave mural:
“And if, as the story goes, the people gathered there to dance with the drums and the ancestors who were painted on the wall and to listen to the story and the chanting, then no doubt, those people were moved to remember who they were and how they came to live in this place and what they might be able to do next if they all came together and focused on a plan and stayed in harmony with the stars and with the earth and with the flower road.”
For Bayes, writing remains more than a creative pursuit; it is an invitation to remember, reconnect, and rediscover the wisdom that has always existed within us.
About Rohn Bayes
Rohn Bayes is an author, poet, and storyteller whose work explores personal growth, ancient wisdom, spirituality, and the human experience. His published works include four books of poetry, a children’s book, numerous magazine articles, flash fiction, and The Ancient Book of Magic Secrets. He regularly connects with readers through book events, community appearances, and The Rohn Report, where he continues sharing reflections on life, creativity, and the stories that shape us.
