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October 25, 2023

Interview with author R. Peter Ubtrent

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

Hi. My name is R. Peter Ubtrent. I live in New Mexico with my wife and three dogs (Filamooz, Thunder, and Sushi). I have a BS in Astrophysics, a BA in History and Sec. Education, an MA in Military History, and a PhD in Military History. I repair watches and clocks as my main job, having my own company I run. I have been writing since high school and enjoy gardening, hiking, seeing new places, and reading.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “An Auroral Flame”?

I think the biggest challenge I faced was that the main character is a female, starting out as an infant and growing through her teen years and as a male, I really didn’t know all that much about such things. That was where my wife came in very handy.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Tolkien and Eddings I would have to say. I love Tolkien’s style.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

I have two of them, one on the East coast and the other on the West Coast. I love Yosemite National Park and I really like New England in Autumn. Yosemite is just such a showcase of nature and the hiking and fishing in the area are wonderful. New England has that whole different vibe to it that is laid-back and easy and carefree and I love the ocean in that area and the small communities along the coast.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘An Auroral Flame’?

I actually had to write up a short history on my character in a Roleplaying campaign I was in and her early years in the Monastery came all from that. Then I realized that I had the makings of a book in all that and there it was.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘An Auroral Flame’?

Not that long. The dang thing kind of wrote itself really so I would have to say that the first draft was done in about two months and then another month for two read-throughs to get rid of errors.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

Smashwords.com if you want an E-book. Lulu.com and Amazon if you want a physical book.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘An Auroral Flame’?

I’m not really sure where the title came from except for the fact that her name is Aurora. It just kind of came to me and I thought, hey that’s not bad. As for the cover art, I looked around for copyright free images and that one just struck a cord with me. At the moment, however, I have a really good artist who is remaking all the covers for this series for me.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I don’t use an outline. I have a general idea in mind with respect to what direction I want everything to go but when I sit down to the right, I usually have no clue how the chapter is going to really end. I let the characters write the story and I find that’s the best way to make sure that it stays true to them all and to where I want it all to go. I figure that if it surprises me, then it will most likely surprise the reader also.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

Keep writing. Try to write every day even if you don’t feel like it. Just write on your story and it will sort itself out in the end. You might be surprised with what you put on paper….

Buy An Auroral Flame on Amazon

October 25, 2023October 27, 2023

An Aunt’s Animal Alphabet

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: An Aunt’s Animal Alphabet 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Hailey Kathleen Hall ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
‘An Aunt’s Animal Alphabet’ written and illustrated by the author Hailey Kathleen Hall is an interesting Children’s book. This book makes the readers aware about the different animals in the world.

Kids will get to know what different animals do and how their nature is. Ant is a hard working animal who stays busy collecting food to feed the brood. Bluebird has bright blue wings and a yellow beak.

I appreciate the creativity with which the alphabets are drawn to resemble the animal. Parents should definitely add this book to their children’s bookshelf. Kids would be delighted to read this book.

The colorful pages of the book would attract kids’ attention on the first look. The author has done a fabulous job in this book. I gifted this book copy to my nephew who is 4 years old. Looking forward to reading more such books by the author.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Author’s Website

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 25, 2023

Interview with author CK Sobey

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

Oh my gosh, where to start? To keep this short, I have lived and visited many parts of the US as well as Central America and Europe. I have always written and been a creative person. I am becoming an Elder and I want to share parts of my thoughts, my heart through sharing my writing with others. Stepping into my inner world. There are many types of writers, and other forms of creative expressions that have the power to touch us through exposing their courage by being vulnerable.
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Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Outpourings: Musings, Woolgathering, & Ghosts, Volume II”?

Letting go of “Should I?” and “What will people think?” It takes a leap of faith to trust there is sympatico among human beings. I believe this and shared my vulnerability through my stories. Everyone has life stories to share.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Harper Lee, Rumi, Barbara Wood, Wayne Muller, JD Salinger, Mary Oliver, Frederico Lorca. So many, it depends on what I am in the mood for.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

Favorite anything is not an easy word I can use…favorites work better: Valley Forge Park, Chicago, Grand Canyon, Pacific Grove…….A drive in the Autumn…Blue Ridge Mountains.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Outpourings: Musings, Woolgathering, & Ghosts, Volume II’?

I had written the original; Musings, Woolgathering, & Ghosts during the very beginning of the Pandemic. It was a tragic and magical time. This was a wake-up call for me in many ways. I decided to publish that book and my photographs. This new book is volume ll. It seemed right. There are always thoughts and musings we all have. I wanted to continue sharing mine. I wrote another book in between. A different type than Outpourings. It is called; Tiny Stories.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Outpourings: Musings, Woolgathering, & Ghosts, Volume II’?

I spent about a year writing, editing and publishing.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

On all platforms, Amazon, B&N. Kobo. Google, Apple…all of them. Paper Books, E-books, Audio is coming out shortly. Because of the type of writing, I decided to have it translated into Spanish. Working on that with someone now. I’d like to make it available to as many as I can.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Outpourings: Musings, Woolgathering, & Ghosts, Volume II’?

I love photography, creating collage cards, and doodling. The cover photo was taken in Ireland. It just seemed to say outpourings.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I re-read and I find I have a rhythm of editing and sometimes deleting what doesn’t click with me any longer. A writer needs to be able to wear different hats. Becoming the reader was something I learned from a wonderful teacher that I still engage with. To read our writing out loud is even more revealing in what it says and staying fresh.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

To keep at it. Don’t think, “This has been done before,” or, “Who will read it?’

Just enjoy and write what comes. Put your inner critic in the back seat and tell it to be quiet.

Buy Outpourings: Musings, Woolgathering, & Ghosts, Volume II on Amazon

October 25, 2023

UNBREAKABLE!: Healing Your Heart After A Breakup..

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: UNBREAKABLE!: Healing Your Heart After A Breakup.. 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Peter Julius ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“UNBREAKABLE!: Healing Your Heart After A Breakup..” by the author Peter Julius is an amazing workbook. Moving on after a breakup is really hard. Just a few months ago, I had a breakup and couldn’t function properly to my full potential for a few months because of the hurt, emptiness, etc.

Through this workbook, the author wants to guide readers to find self-love, resilience and personal growth while going through a heartache. The author has mentioned some tips at the beginning of the workbook and these tips really work. This workbook takes us on a 100 day healing journey. This workbook has various activities like writing about your personal desires, reading the quote of the day, practicing gratitude, etc. My favourite quote of the day is below:

“Kindness and respect define my relationships. I embrace only what uplifts my heart and soul”

The activities that are part of this book are fun too. Readers would be able to self-love more while doing these activities. We are not alone in our healing journey. By the end of this workbook, there are great chances that you will meet a better, happier and more healed version of yourself. Those who want to be healed should follow each day’s activities properly. This is a wonderful workbook and I appreciate the author for creating this workbook full of helpful content.

I strongly recommend this to those who want to begin their healing journey.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 24, 2023

Interview with author Roger Doucette

Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.

Hello, my name is Roger Doucette. I just published my first book called, “The Broken Storm.” I’m a beloved husband and father of two wonderful girls. I do enjoy watching a good baseball game as well as a decent thunderstorm. I have a huge enjoyment of long walks to clear my head for writing. I was a former banker at heart that couldn’t take the ever so changing world of banking rules and regulations anymore and so here I am sharing my story on how I got started.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Broken Storm”?

I would have to say the only key challenge that I faced while I was writing “The Broken Storm”, was forcing myself to stop when I needed a break. I had all of these ideas to get out and well I had the urge to keep writing and keep pushing so they stay fresh.

Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I would have to say there are two authors that have inspired some of my writing, one being Stephen King as he is captivating in his work. The other is Stephanie Myer. They both have a certain way about their writing that has me keep reading.

Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

Oh, a favorite spot of mine to go visit in the country, I would have to say up in the mountains of New Hampshire at Lake Winnipesaukee. It is very peaceful up there at the lake.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘The Broken Storm’?

My inspiration for writing this book was myself. I found enjoyment creating my own thoughts in a journal during the pandemic. My wife, Christina, is my other inspiration as if it was not without her love and honesty as well as persistent to tell me to keep working, I’m not sure if I would’ve finished it in the time that I had.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Broken Storm’?

The time it took to write “The Broken Storm” was six months with total time including editing, it was around ten to eleven months.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

There are multiple platforms that readers have for a choice to buy the book. Amazon, Barnes and Noble as well as multiple other sites within the US and internationally.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Broken Storm’?

It was a difficult process of coming up with the cover of “The Broken Storm” as I am a perfectionist by heart. Going back and forth on which tornado scene I wanted to create until I found a girl staring down a tornado and I knew that was it. I would say it was a good month or so creating a few scenes that I could choose from.

Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

When I was writing or when I did write the book, I try to keep things fresh for all with different perspectives as well as real ideas that come to me. Ideas change daily so there is a bit to write down. I try for the ultimate surprise.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

The most valuable piece of advice I have been given to myself would be to stick with my idea to the end. Keep pursuing it even as the story evolves.

Buy The Broken Storm on Amazon

October 24, 2023

Growing Through the Storm

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Growing through the Storm 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Sheila Malsam ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Qotd: Are there desires in your heart that you feel impossible to achieve?

This book is a reminder to us that God is the only way for us to achieve the desires of our heart. Things that seem impossible get possible with the mighty God. The author has been in challenging situations in her life. She had two troubled marriages. Her heart was always looking for the kind of love that was there in her dreams but none of her two husbands could provide that kind of love.

This made Sheila frustrated and wonder why God isn’t listening to her. Through her journey, Sheila wants us to remember that we should not throw away our confident trust in the Lord. The Prayer at the end of the book is amazing. It guides us to pray and worship the Lord no matter the circumstances.

This is a fantastic book that would remind readers to not give up on their dreams. This book would make readers feel confident with high self-esteem. It would enhance your faith in the Lord as he doesn’t forgive us or the dreams he has put in our hearts. Healing is possible with God. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it’s worth reading. I have read a book by this author for the first time and definitely it won’t be the last. Hope Sheila comes up with more books in the future. Loved her work.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 24, 2023

A Penny Saved

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Penny Saved 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Cynthia . Simmons and Terri Gillespie ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
I love reading Children’s books. Recently I got my hands on the book “A Penny Saved” by authors – Cynthia L. Simmons and Terri Gillespie. Mason Adeleke moved to Marietta, Georgia from Philadelphia along with his family. Since his dad went overseas to Germany, his mother had cried a lot. Now, they have moved with their maternal grandfather for a few months.

Mason’s grandfather is a retired professor who spends a lot of time in his office. In his absence, an old coin Penny sneaks out and looks for cookies or chocolate. She loves this adventure alone in the absence of a professor. When grandfather was talking to Mason and his family, Penny was eavesdropping. Penny wasn’t happy at all to hear that Mason’s family would be living here for a few months.

Read this book to find out what will happen when Penny goes missing. The story is full of adventure. The characters are well written by the author. The cover photo of the book is well designed. The plot of the story is unique and this story refreshed me. I loved this book a lot and Cynthia, Terri duo should write more such stories.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 23, 2023

The Boy who really hated Christmas

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Boy who really hated Christmas 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Charlie Damitz ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
I love reading Children’s books to my nephew. Recently I got my hands on the book “The Boy who really hated Christmas” written by Charlie Damitz. The story features two good kids Barney and Ned. Three days before Christmas, Ned told Barney that he hates Christmas.

Ned told him that he has been good for the past three years so Santa could give him good presents. Still, Ned hasn’t received any gifts from Santa. On the other hand, Barth Rifkin, a bully kid, is very rich. Ned and Barney decided to be bad like Barth. They thought Santa may be good to them then.

Read this story to find out if they will understand the true meaning of gifts in life. The book is written nicely by the author. This story has a great message that is not only for kids but also a great reminder for adults. I enjoyed reading this story to my nephew and he loved it.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

October 22, 2023October 22, 2023

Neon Nothing

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Neon Nothing 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Ryan Mckinney ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Neon Nothing written by the author Ryan Mckinney is the debut novel of the author. The story features two main characters. Key doesn’t remember his past and Shio has no future. Key is not his original name. It’s what people call him. He is desperate to find out about his past so he can live a peaceful life.

Key was surrounded by so many wires with a surgeon cut into his arm to do some tests. One day, Key took his sample to get it analyzed. The moment the sample was analyzed, Key was being chased and he ran away. Shio lives on the respectful side of the wall and he has to stay in his lane. He works at Kigen technologies and is not happy with his tech-support job. Read this story to know what he will do that he is now on the other side of the wall.

The story is gripping. The characters are written well by the author. Being in a corporate, I could relate well to Shio not liking his job. I appreciate the vivid imagination of the author in creating the fantasy world in the story. Read this book to know if Shio and Key will uncover the truth. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 21, 2023

Maiden to None

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Maiden to None 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: D.A. Gatlin ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Maiden to None written by the author D. A. Gatlin is the first book in “The Terkian Triplets” book series. It’s a story with a female protagonist named Trinity. Trinity’s birth kingdom is Terika but she has no memory of it. Her both parents died in Terika on the night she was born. Trinity was taken in by her distant family. Trinity’s mother was adopted by the King and Queen of Hydlix. Ever since her parents death, her aunt Evita had been raising her as a royal ward of Hydlix.

There could be an attack on Hydlix. Hydlixian knights are the bravest warriors in all of Taercion. They have been trained well. Trinity’s aunt always tells her that the woman’s job is to wear beautiful dresses and marry handsome princes. Wearing heavy armor and serving as knights is a men’s job. Soon, Trinity became friends with Schobe.

A retired knight, Guren told Trinity about the green-haired king with a strength of a hundred men. Like her father, Trinity also has strength. Till now, she only knows about her strength causing accidents. Trinity was surprised to know that Guren asked her mother to be a knight once. Read this story to know what Trinity’s destiny is.

Those who love reading fantasy stories should definitely get their hands on this book. The plot of the story is gripping. The narrative is smooth. The story is well paced and it doesn’t have any dull moments. The author has used lucid language in the book. I enjoyed every bit of this book. Curious to get my hands on Book 2 in the series.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon