blogespresso

May 18, 2023

Mothers Vol. 1

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Mothers Vol.. 1📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Ben Burgess Jr. ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Mothers Vol. 1 by Ben Burgess Jr. is the story of a single mother who struggled to take care of her two boys after her husband was murdered. Juanita is the sole breadwinner for her family. Her husband’s parents are no more and there is not much of a family who could help her with her husband’s funeral or other expenditures.

Juanita works at a prestigious law firm Wayne, Rothstein and Lincoln where her boss doesn’t give a shit about cooperating with her in times of need. Two years after the death of her husband, Juanita’s youngest son Jerami was diagnosed with cancer and his oldest son Jalen was drawn to the streets. Will Juanita be able to protect both of her children?

This is a captivating story that kept me hooked till the last page. The story kept me on the edge of my seat and I was constantly wondering what would happen next. The title of the book is suitable and the story is well paced. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 18, 2023

My Grief Is Not Like Yours

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: My Grief Is Not Like Yours 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Theo Boyd ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“My Grief is Not Like Yours” written by the author Theo Boyd is a must read. In this book, the author has shared about her unimaginable loss and how she learned to live after it. Theo Boyd has always been close to her parents. Once, when her father was in the driver seat of his tractor, his feet accidentally slipped from the clutch and the tractor ran over her mother Sue.

Sue lost her life. Theo’s father kept on blaming himself. He was unable to bear the pain of loss of his wife so he had taken his own life. Theo’s world turned upside down when she lost the two most important people in her life. Her journey is heartbreaking and yet inspiring at the same time. The way she has described the moments she spent with her parents made me feel how close she was to them.

Theo’s journey is an inspiration to everyone. Through this book, the author is giving hope to others that even after the greater tragedies of life, one can learn to live. The author is assuring others through her story that they aren’t alone in their grief. Theo is guiding the readers towards healing. This book is written well and I had a great time reading it.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 18, 2023

Motherhood Made Easy for the Indian Motherhood

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Motherhood Made Easy for the Indian Motherhood 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Sharu Mukund ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Motherhood made Easy for the Indian Motherhood” written by the author Sharu Mukund is an interesting read. In this book, the author has shared the knowledge regarding pregnancy and after delivering the baby.

Sharu who is a mother of two has experienced pregnancy twice and from her experience, she has shared tips for the mothers-to-be. The author has mentioned how women are givers 80% of the time but they should allow themselves to receive at the time of delivery. The Hospital Stay and Newborn Checklist would prepare the readers to care well and be ready for their newborn.

Eating right is very important during pregnancy and after delivering. If you are a mother-to-be, this book would be an insightful read and could prepare you for the delivery day. You would also get to know what to expect during pregnancy. I am glad to get my hands on this book. I am not a mother yet but the knowledge I gained from this book would help me in the future for sure. It’s a good book for light reading. The cover photo is lovely and the language used in the book is lucid. I strongly recommend it to my fellow readers.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 18, 2023

Positive Influence

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Positive Influence 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Brian Smith and Mary Griffin ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Positive Influence written by the authors Brian Smith and Mary Griffin is a must read. As a new leader last year, I made many mistakes and my influence wasn’t always positive. Now while reading this book, I learnt many things that could help me to become a better leader and have a positive influence on others. I agree with the author when he has mentioned that how we compose ourselves has an influence on others. If we aren’t in control of our emotions, we will pass the negative influence on others.

The authors have mentioned various principles like accountability, humility, composure, etc. These principles help us in influencing others. I loved the below lines and would always remember them:

“Being great for yourself first so you can be great for others”.

Many of the tips mentioned in this book are worth knowing. I wish I would have gotten my hands on this book earlier. If you strive to be a good leader and have a positive influence on others, then read this book and apply the knowledge that you receive from it in your life.

Through this book, the authors are guiding readers to be the positive influence. I now aspire to touch many lives with my positive influence. Great work by the authors in this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 18, 2023May 18, 2023

Interview with author Daniel Micko

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

My name is Daniel Micko, and with the help of my wife, I write and publish my own books. I love stories, and I love movies. I love concepts and concepts that burn a hole in your mind. I love the Bay Area, and many of my stories occur there. I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. However, my career started when I moved to San Francisco to go to film school at the Academy of Art University.

Q2. What were your key challenges while writing your book “Moonshine Revival”?

Moonshine Revival is a remake of my first book. I had to do it. I made a weak commission on the original: The Moonshine Wars. Initially, I published with a vanity publisher because I hadn’t researched publishing. It’s free to print. Therefore, I revived Moonshine and added more. Don’t pay for ignorance. I learned the hard way, but everyone else doesn’t have to. Moonshine Revival is a better book, and I get proper royalties.

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

“Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger; I love this book, which inspired my desire to become a writer.

“Catch Me If You Can: The True Story of a Real Fake’ by Frank W. Abagnale & Peter Redding. It has everything, and the movie encouraged me to read the book; both are unique masterpieces. However, the book seems more convincing, and both stories are fascinating.

“Writing Tools: 55 Essential Strategies for every writer” by Roy Peter Clark; is a great book with practical tips to enhance your writing. I need to re-read it soon! 🙂

“The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry” by Jon Ronson. It opened my mind to the psychology of people. The amount of psychopathic choices we have each day is terrifying! When we make those choices, we step down a dark path. 🙂

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

San Francisco is seared into my brain as a point of personal evolution. It’s where I landed when I decided to become an artist. Like the Bay Area, SF has a lot of nooks that have personal significance to me. I can’t call it home, but I always feel at home there.

Q5. Before you dive in and start writing a book, are there lots to do?

Yes, my books start with notes; characters talking, a concept, a scene. Then everything evolves, and I must organize my thoughts and explain my motivations. Action makes the story; characters choose because they have to and don’t usually explain themselves. In fact, they typically lie to themselves and, in turn, the reader.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘An Eighth Grade Gay Straight Alliance’?

I wrote this book in 28 days. I was reading “Kindle Bestseller Publishing” by Gundi Barielle, and it described writing a book in 30 days. I’d already written books (killed my darlings) and wanted to write something for a niche audience. It was a lot of effort, and I hope readers enjoy the work put into it.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

I’m on Barnes & Noble and Amazon. However, I have a website: http://www.danielmicko.online. Drop shipping is a pet project of mine, and I want to lead a writer’s revolution to sell directly to readers & wholesalers. The commission from dropshipping your books is tremendous, but it’s a difficult task. The popular platforms have all the market share. 😦

Q8. Tell us about developing the book cover and the title ‘An Eighth Grade Gay Straight Alliance’?

I wrote a book called “Predator / Nomad” with LGBTQ characters who stole scenes and readers’ love, so when executing my 30-day project, I searched for “middle grade + LGBTQ.” I got a lot of hits for a “gay straight alliance.” I read up on the subject, and ideas cascaded from there.

I read about a website called “99 Designs,” where you can solicit your project to artists. If you have a budget for it, use 99 Designs. I was pleasantly surprised, and you should be too.

Q9. How do you keep things fresh for your readers and yourself when writing a book?

I use an outline that I blogged about last year. It’s very obtuse and creates room to be spontaneously in the moment while writing. Prep work makes for a great project, not just books. When I can set parameters before writing, I have room to be spontaneous and fresh.

Also, define your characters. Scrivner has an excellent character bio page that begs a bunch of questions. If you decide to use it, try to answer every character description you can and then write a scene. It will enhance your copy.

Q10. Can you share any secrets from the book Moonshine Revival (not in the blurb) with your readers?

A sequel is coming, set in Chicago around the 1920s. Sonny is in jail, and Isabelle drives from Kincaid to Chicago to get Sonny out. Also, Bull Mosgrove is on his way to Chicago as well. Some tremendous American history surrounds the mob versus the Ku Klux Klan. I want to capture it in a Moonshine Sequel.

Daniel Micko on Amazon

May 18, 2023

Interview with author Adrian Kooistra

Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

HI, my name is Adrian. I am a writer, adventurer, disability advocate and i am non verbal with Cerebral Palsy. You might be wondering why i wrote that in the order that i did. I believe that the least interesting thing about me is my disability. It is my passions and talents that define me, not my limitations.
I have been writing in different genres for the last 18 or so years and it has been a great way of exploring the world and understanding the different experiences we all have while existing along side each other.
I am really excited to get to share my writing with all of you and hopefully change your world view a little bit too.

What is your inspiration behind your book “Fletcher Babysits a Camel”?

Fletcher Babysits a camel is the final book in a three book series.
Each book takes place in a different setting and has a story that inspired my writing.

In Fletcher Babysits a Crocodile we visit suburbia. I live on the Sunshine Coast where Australia Zoo is – you might know about Steve Irwin who founded the zoo- they’re very passionate about Crocs there. One day while we visited the zoo I got to hold a baby croc and I was alarmed at how pointy his teeth already were!

Fletcher Babysits a Goat the second book, takes place in a rural setting. My friend told me a story of running from their neighbours goat as a child to climb the fence to get to their favorite climbing tree and once again the story took off in my imagination.

Fletcher Babysits a Camel is the final installation and is set in the city at a circus!

As a child I loved the circus. It was another world to escape to where strange things could happen! Camels are very humorous to me. I have a really fun memory of one of my old support workers having a camel spit at them which always has brought me so much joy remembering this moment and I wanted to capture that memory in a way.

When did you realize you want to be an author?

I do not think there was a specific moment that i developed this ambition but it was a slow burn that ignited in the quiet corners of my mind and with every story, every poem, every song that i wrote it grew until all of a sudden i realised it was a dream to publish and share my writing more broadly.

Please tell us something about your book “Fletcher Babysits a Camel”?

This book along with the two other Fletcher Babysits books all have an educational resource in the back pages with a fun facts page and a fun game. Each book has a different type of word game. A cross word, a word search and a word scramble. The thought behind this was to make the books a great options to have in school libraries and class rooms.

For which age group is your book “Fletcher Babysits a Camel” suitable for?

Fletcher Babysits a Camel is a rhyming children’s story book that is illustrated by Sam Thomas using digital art as well as water colour art. The pictures tell the story independently of the written story so young children are able to enjoy it but the written story helps to develop skills such as rhyming, reading and vocabulary building in our school age kids.

What is your favorite Quote?

I think this quote sums up the books plot very simply
“Our pair of camels just had a baby. The little tike is driving us crazy!”

What do you like the most about your country?

There is a lot to love about Australia but i think the thing i love most is that we have this sense of “Mateship” which is the embodiment of equality, loyalty and friendship. It doesn’t matter where you are from, what you look like, how you communicate. We can all unite under Mateship.

What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

I know that for a lot of adults that being silly can feel uncomfortable but if you have a resistant reader being overly dramatic and silly can really help them to engage. Act out the story, get others involved. make reading fun!

What does literary success look like to you?

For me success is simply having the opportunity to share my words more broadly. Each interview, each review, each sale, i feel a sense of success!

Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

This is a bit unconventional but the answer is… Me! I was born into a world that insisted that i would have been better off dead. That i would have no quality of life.

Over the years, and with the encouragement from the family who adopted me i have learned to read, done university classes, presented poetry at poetry festivals, presented advocacy speeches in various settings, sky dived, been in race cars, been in an aero-acrobatic plane, fallen in and out of love, written and published this series, written songs that have been performed live and written a full length musical that is currently going through grant approvals to get up and off the ground to a production stage!

My life so far inspires me to keep pursuing my dreams.

Buy Fletcher Babysits a Camel on Amazon

May 18, 2023

Interview with author Amanda Mckoy Flanagan

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

My name is Amanda McKoy Flanagan. I am an author, runner, vegan, and a drummer. I’m also a licensed Master of Social Work. I am sober in 12-step recovery for almost 17 years and am a cofounder of a recovery clubhouse in Castle Rock, CO, where I live. I am passionate about climate change advocacy and live a life based on spiritual principles.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book Trust Yourself to Be All In?

I was challenged with turning what was originally a personal development book into an inspirational memoir with personal development elements. I didn’t think anyone cared about my story, but my amazing editor convinced me that my story is the most powerful tool I can use to help others heal. Transitioning from personal development to memoir meant I had to get extremely vulnerable, honest, and humble. It was also difficult rewriting the part about my brothers drug overdose and death. Almost every time I edited it, I cried. It was also a struggle to choose words and sentence structure that truly and accurately conveys my story in the most impactful way, with the intention of bringing healing to the world.

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

Brene Brown, Braving the Wilderness and Daring Greatly, Gabby Bernstein, The Universe Has Your Back, HeatherAsh Amara, Warrior Goddess Training

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

Long Beach, NY. It’s where my husband and I lived and began our family before we moved to Colorado. I love the mountains, but I miss the beach. I feel connected to the vast ocean, and to spirit, and it reminds me that I am a tiny microcosm in this expansive universe we live in. I also love a spot called Butlers Gulch near Winter Park, Colorado. It’s a hiking trail with waterfalls, rivers, gorgeous flowers, and canopy trees. I feel at peace and very close to my soul there.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

There wasn’t a lot to do because I didn’t have a warning. I was struck with divine inspiration, and it poured out of me.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book Trust Yourself to Be All In?

A little over a year for the story to take solid shape, then I spent another 3-4 months trying to perfect the writing.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

Amazon and Barnesandnoble.com. There is a link to my Amazon page in my bio on Instagram and Facebook.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title Trust Yourself to Be All In?

I envisioned a field of flowers surrounding the title the same day I knew I was going to write a book. I explained the concept to my talented and insightful graphic designer, and she was able to convey the concept masterfully. She really understood the story and added in the white, gray, and black flowers to express the balance of dark and light themes throughout the book.

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

The 3 C’s, as my editor calls them: Clear, concise, and compelling. Every sentence must embody all 3 C’s. Every sentence and paragraph must be considered for effectiveness, clarity, and purpose. Each word must be selected as carefully as possible to truly express the sentiment behind the sentence.

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

To get rid of “fancy writing,” and to stop hiding behind metaphor. Make sure the metaphor does not take precedence over the meaning. Once the sentence becomes more about the metaphor, then you’ve lost the meaning, and the reader, because it becomes stressful. A stressed reader will put your book down.

Buy Trust Yourself To Be All in on Amazon

May 13, 2023

A Voice, A Soul, A Man Speaks

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Voice, A Soul, A Man Speaks 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Tyra J Robinson Sr ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“A Voice, A Soul, A Man Speaks” is an interesting book written by the author Tyra J Robinson Sr. He is a black man living in Baltimore City and navigates his faith, new love and struggles as a single father of three children.

This book is a collection of poems. Some of my favorites from this collection are: God knows best, I Need GOD, God’s Grace and Enough is enough.

Below lines are from the poem God’s Grace. The author has mentioned how through God’s Grace, he has received everything that he needs.

A Christian searching for love
I’ve done everything wrong on this side of Heaven
Even I at times hate my place
Yet it is only because of God’s Grace
He’s given me all that I need
Whether I deserve it or not His Grace is a blessing
I thank Him much for all He’s done
I even ask for restoration, it’s in His reputation

These poems are relatable. The author has used lucid language in this book so readers could understand it easily. One could read this poetry book in two sittings. Even if you aren’t an avid poetry reader, go ahead with this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

May 13, 2023

Interview with author Tyra J Robinson Sr

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

My name Tyra Robinson Sr. I live in Baltimore, Maryland with my lovely wife Elizabeth and our 14 year old son Tyra Jr, who we call T.J. I am from a rather large family of 14 brothers and sisters. Nine boys and five girls. My father passed away when I was 22 years old. My beautiful mother Larnita Hawkins who is the first women I’ve ever loved is 66 and try my best to give her all her flowers and the life she deserves. I came up poor and struggling, yet smart for age at the time. My parents did their best with situation they could. There was a lot of pain and lost along the way for our family. No one in our families never looked at us as being much. We weren’t for a while. Out on my own at the age of 14 and going to school, with a job to help my parents take care of my siblings was hard. Even now its emotional. Because by the Grace of God were making it. Not just me, but after decades the flowers and the seeds that a rather aggressive father believed in are coming to fruition. There is so much to say about a once shy little boy. I also have 3 daughters, 3 step daughters and a stepson and one point we all except for the oldest were all living under one roof. The oldest she was off in college. I was a chef for most of my life and made ice cream for the latter part. There is so much to tell that it will make your heart cry. I’ve lived that life. I use to love rhyming when I was younger, art was a talent have. I would always draw. I was in the Afro American News Paper when I was in the 2^nd grade. I am good at because it comes easy to me. I read a lot more now these days because what knowledge or wisdom I can acquire from it even though its enjoyable as well. I love Jesus! I give God the all the glory for what’s happening in my life. There will be more books to follow about me. I enjoy investing in people and knowing that if it were me then why not them. My life continues to show me that love through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “A Voice, A Soul, A Man Speaks”?

Well Sassy, it was the editing and typing. I was constantly reading my book over and over. Still nothing beats typing. I use to type in high school and can manage the basic keys okay. After that pull up seat and get comfortable. My wife and son tried to help me but my pace was my pace. The next thing was the title. I thought about what name the book all the way through to the end and then some. The title sounds a lot like me once I get in to conversation with someone and I get that connect my spirit is searching for.

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

The books I normally read are a far reach from the type of genre I’ve written. Yet those spiritual encouraging, real life non-fiction, short literary fiction and self-help.

My authors are among preachers and teachers of the Gospel and non-bias views.

Tony Evans, Dr. David Jeremiah, Kyle Idleman, Stormie Omartian and Maya Angelou and few others. But my favourite author is God and book is the Bible without question!

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

That’s an interesting question. One that takes a moment to ponder. My son has traveled to more spots or places than me. Well I would say my Mommy’s house. Because every time I am reminding of the sacrifice it took for me to be where I am. Also just the simple fact that wherever my mother is I am at home. That presence and love covers a lot ground and sends my heart into gratitude and appreciation.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

I wouldn’t say a lot because I can catch fire anywhere. So, thank goodness for smartphones. I am always amazed at what comes to mind and when it does. Usually I have to my devotions and stretching. Then a little conversation with my wife and some bonding with my son. In then I’ll set that time I have to start and finish. Let my know, because I have a habit of over doing it. And if I’m on my game sleep seems out of the question so my wife might have to let me know when to call it quits.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘A Voice, A Soul, A Man Speaks’?

Sassy, it took me about 10 months or over a year because so much went into it. There are layers to this book that branch off and over. There is a history and a story within the story poems in this book. There are two more books that have yet to be publish that were done all within the same scope of A Voice A Soul A Man Speaks.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

Readers may buy my books on: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, www.dorrancebookstore.com or any store that sells books!

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘A Voice, A Soul, A Man Speaks’?

When I did all the writing on this book it was my bedroom. It was partially lit with the room door open. Usually after I had put children to bed and a days work was coming to an end and with so much on my mind and in my heart I would start my night time devotions and after that start my writing. So that darkness and light could go many ways. That shoutout could also go to my Publisher Dorrance and their vision without them that cover would not be. The scene with the man in the doorway is just beginning. He’s making an entrance. The soul igniting and setting a man’s voice on fire in a way that we are not heard or even speak. Basically unafraid and dare to be different when that I am. My voice is not the voice of many but one unique individual. With hopes that maybe I do speak for the many that won’t. I’d like to think I demonstrate that versatility in my writing and voice speaking.

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

I think if you can have your readers asking the right questions, the why’s, what’s, how’s and is there going to be another then anything is possible. I like climaxes in books and hooks that pull you from one narrative to another. I think readers like a little skepticism here and there. For myself as long as its close to home which seems like almost everything these days there will be a fresh word for a reader or book enthusiast. What I would say if you as reader would want to hear that voice then you will without question enjoy something fresh and new.

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

Be yourself and just write what comes to mind! Before you know it you would have crafted a master piece. I don’t know about that last part, but all things are possible to them that believe and that I do. I am myself in my writings only to the extent that a child might read my book one day. Of coarse believe in yourself and in this moment.

Buy A Voice, A Soul, A Man Speaks on Amazon

May 11, 2023

From the Waiting Room to the Battlefield

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: From the Waiting Room to the Battlefield 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jodi Nix ✍️
.
.

🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Recently I got my hands on Jodi Nix’s book “From the Waiting room to the battlefield”. It is a spiritual read that will inspire the readers to believe in Jesus and transform their life for the good.

In this book, the author has shared how Jesus was her guide, strength and peace. Even in difficult times, the author and her husband could walk through life easily because Jesus was leading it. There was a time when Jodi and her family had medical debts on them and they owed hundreds of thousands of dollars. Jodi thought that they couldn’t ever come out of debt. But she became debt free one day.

Jodi’s story is filled with pain and heartache. When she is hurt, she moves through her days through redemption. Jodi has shared about her time of spiritual transformation and how her life changed entirely.

One thing I learned from this book is to trust God and not question him in difficult times. I know it’s difficult but we should level up our faith. Also Jodi teaches us to treat people right even when we are hurt. The daughter of the Highest King learned to love her people well. One could learn a lot from this book. The author has done great work in this book. I am delighted to read Jodi’s journey.

I am grateful to the author for sharing her experiences with us. The book is written well and the pace is also fine. Add it to your tbr without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon