Author: blogespresso

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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

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Interview with author Adrian Kooistra

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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!”

  1. 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.

  1. 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!

  1. 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!

  1. 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

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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

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A Voice, A Soul, A Man Speaks

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

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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 2nd 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

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From the Waiting Room to the Battlefield

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

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Winter Hearts

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Winter Hearts 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Barbara P. McNannie ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Winter Hearts written by the author Barbara P. McNannie is a great read. It is a collection of poems, musings and letters on themes of love, loss, betrayal, friendship, etc.

Some of my favorite poems from the collection are: Mother, Red Roses, Sisters, Empty Words, etc. Below lines are from the poem Mother and would remind the readers to appreciate their mom:

What do you tell
The person that made you,
Molded you from clay,
Shaped your curves and edges?
What do you say
To the one that taught you
How to laugh and dream,
Retreat and spar?
Too many words crowd my mind,
Jostling, fighting for attention.
Is “I love you” enough?

“Have you ever missed someone even before they left?”

I could very well relate to the above lines but sometimes we don’t have the right to stop someone. These poems, musings and letters are relatable and would touch the reader’s heart. I had a great time reading this book while having a coffee. The author has used lucid language so even non-avid readers could follow this book easily.

Those who appreciate musings would enjoy this book for sure. Great work done by the author in this one.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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Interview with author Sukriti Jaswal

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

Hi Guys! So, I’m a happy-go-lucky kind of person. That is the best way to describe me. I am your typical MBA grad who has started writing books. I did my MBA from a premier B school and now I am working with an MNC. Writing is something that I have always enjoyed. I used to write as a school kid and I have penned down a lot of stories since then purely out of fun. “Beauty and the Vampires – One Girl Holds the Future of the Blood Empire” is my first full-fledged novel. It is an attempt to write a “Vampire Saga.” This is the first book in the Saga and I am currently writing its sequel. 

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Beauty and the Vampires”?

The key challenge was completing it on time! I started writing it before joining my B school. So, I had got admission into this premier MBA college and I was very excited. I also had a couple of months left before joining. During that free time, I started writing this book. My aim was to finish it before starting college which I did.

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

I would say I have my own style of writing but I read a lot of fantasy/romance. I believe whatever you read; you end up writing about it. So, I have read the Twilight books, watched The Vampire Diaries and even read a couple of vampire books on Wattpad. All of these inspired me to write fantasy genre with my own storyline.

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

I am a spiritual person at heart so I’d say Vrindavan is my “go-to” place. I love Vrindavan’s spiritual energy and it is one place that gives me power. Apart from this, my favourite destination is Srinagar. I have stayed there for 3 years as a school kid and I loved it to the core. The place is exceptionally beautiful.

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

Not at all! Writing comes naturally to me. I can just sit and start writing anything on paper. Only if it is non-fiction, I think I would require time to research the topic but with fiction, I am completely spontaneous.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Beauty and the Vampires’?

3 months. I was absolutely free for those 3 months and originally this book was published on Wattpad which is a platform for readers to read any book for free. I got a lot of positive reviews from both Indian and international audiences so that’s why I decided to get it published on Amazon next. I had to remove it from Wattpad.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

So right now, my book is only available on Amazon (Indian and international marketplaces). It is available in eBook format and I’ll be focusing on its paperback version next. The bonus is that right now, the eBook is available for just Rs 49 for a limited period of time. So, this is a good time to grab your copy at the cheapest price!

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Beauty and the Vampires’?

I specifically got the cover designed. I had changed 2 book covers before this. I was very particular about it as a cover is the first thing that a reader gets attracted to. I wanted my 3 protagonists to be on the book cover so that the readers can get an idea of who the characters are and what do they look like. That helps a reader in connecting with the story and he gets an idea of what to expect if he buys it. The title is inspired by a kids’ fairy tale called “Beauty and the Beast.” My story has a beauty, a girl, who is an important character and she is surrounded by blood-sucking, menacing monsters called Vampires who are nothing less than beasts. It is an interesting tale that tries to explore the relationships of everyone involved in a setting where suddenly, humans are not at the top of the food chain, Vampires are!

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

I try to put myself in my target audience’s shoes which I feel is not very difficult to do as my target readers are females who love romance and fantasy just like me. I have a couple of ideas in my head and I try to create something new every time. I try to explore different settings, different kinds of relationships and try to bring something new to the table every time. It is fun doing it.

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

 The most valuable advice was “to write for the reader.” I think readers are kings and one should write keeping that in mind. For me, my readers are very, very important. There’s nothing that gives me more satisfaction than the fact that the readers liked my book.

Buy Beauty and the Vampires on Amazon

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Spirit Warrior

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Spirit Warrior 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Swami Don ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Spirit Warrior written by the author Swami Don is a veteran’s guide: True Stories from a Spiritual Journey. In this book, the author has mentioned that the child’s first influence is mom. Then comes the influence of Dad, siblings, extended family, etc. The template of a person is set in the first seven years of life.

The author’s birth story is interesting. When he was born, nurses called him a miracle baby and thought they saw a spiritual light around him. The author has mentioned that one can win after knowing their purpose but it’s possible only after an individual frees themselves from the Matrix. The author has shared about his near-death experiences and how he was pulled back from death. The author has mentioned the importance of saying things in inner dialog which attracts Seeker’s spirit to him.

This book is a perfect guide to a new life and it encourages you to let magic happen in your life. The author has used simple language in this book. The title of the book is nice. After reading this book, readers’ eyes would be opened to the fact that spirits exist and influence our lives.

If you are ready to explore your inner self and love reading spiritual books then get your hands on this one. This book has inspired me to embark on my own hero’s journey.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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Interview with author Ruth Amanda

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

Hello, my name is Ruth Amanda. I am a writer, illustrator, and adventurer who never quite grew up! I see stories everywhere…careful! You may end up in one! I have three grown up sons, two grown step-sons, and a granddaughter. I live with a very patient Dave, several geckos, random snails and bugs, and a couple of stray cats who wander in and out of our lives of their own choice who we call Oscar and Squeak. The best parts about being an author/illustrator are that I get to play all day and call it “research”, and that I can do my job anywhere which means I can work at the beach if I want!

  1. What is your inspiration behind your book “Geckos in the Garden”?

Well, I was out one afternoon with my iPhone, crawling under the shrubberies (as one does…) trying to get a good picture of one of the many geckos that run around near our home. A young family on their way up to the community pool was going by, and one of their two small boys asked me what I was doing. I explained that I was trying to take a picture of a gecko and pointed it out. He plopped down beside me to look at the gecko and his brother joined us soon after. As kids do, they asked oodles of questions which I did my best to answer until their parents got a little impatient about getting them up to the pool and took them away. I continued hunting for, and photographing, geckos for the rest of the afternoon. I knew there was a story somewhere there but I didn’t know what it was exactly. The next morning, eating cereal out on the patio, I saw a flicker out of the corner of my eye and turned to look. A gecko under the railing on the patio was watching me. It was probably watching some nearby bugs hunting for its breakfast, but forgive my poetic license! The first verse of what would become “Geckos in the Garden” sprang into my head. “In the morning, after breakfast/in the garden, in the sun,/I can see my little neighbour./It’s a tiny gecko. One!” The rest, as they say, is history.

  1. When did you realize you want to be an author?

I have wanted to be a writer since I was a kid. I entered writing contests. I poured my heart into school essays and short stories. (Admittedly a lot of those involved unicorns and horses, but I like to think I’ve broadened my horizons since then!) My parents encouraged it, but not as a career choice, so I veered into administrative jobs and bookkeeping, as well as parenting. I spent hours goofing around with my kids rewriting the words to “That’s Amore” to something much sillier, inventing different endings to their favourite books, and drawing and colouring on the walls. After many ups and downs in my life, I rediscovered in my late forties that writing and art were things that made me happy and that I wanted to explore further. My very patient husband, Dave, who came into my life in 2018, has encouraged this and provides me with all sorts of support, editing, word ideas, and eye rolling.

  1. Please tell us something about your book “Geckos in the Garden”?

What to say? It is an interactive adventure told in rhyme, in which readers are invited to hunt for the geckos in the illustrations. I am both the author and the illustrator, and a recent Kirkus Review said “The illustrations are the most impressive part of the book—bright, brilliant paintings with creatures cleverly hidden…” I was extremely flattered!

  1. For which age group is your book “Geckos in the Garden” suitable for?

This book is meant to encourage imagination, nature, and a love of books. Counting is incidental to it. The audience is really meant to be 3-7 year olds. Our three year old granddaughter loved it, and spent a lot of time hunting for and counting the geckos in the illustrations.

  1. What is your favorite Quote?

I have many, but quite possibly “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” (~Oscar Wilde). I am also partial to this quote from Albert Einstein: “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

  1. What do you like the most about your country?

Loaded question, I have TWO countries.

I am a proud Canadian and I love it for the space, the wildlife, and the adventure. I have lived in places from Ontario to British Columbia, visited the Maritimes and Quebec on numerous occasions, and have been fortunate enough to visit two of its Territories and to have lived in one of those! My time living in the far North in Nunavut, just below the Arctic Circle, is precious to me for helping me find myself again and for the wonderful ways it broadened my horizons. There are a couple of stories in the works based on the Arctic…

My other country is Barbados, where I currently live. This tiny island in the southern Caribbean has a huge heart! I love the people, the food, and learning all about my latest home. I am particularly fond of the geckos (actually Barbados Green Lizards) and watching the monkeys! We go adventuring whenever possible and love to explore the many facets of this island.

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

I believe reading should be an every day thing, but it needs to be engaging for your child. If your child is reluctant to read, choose books that are on topics they are interested in such as dinosaurs, bugs, ponies or outer space. Reading is not just a life skill, it’s also a way to transport yourself to other places and times. It’s a way to put yourself into a character you admire. I was a girl who loved horses, so my parents brought me book after book on horses. Factual books, fiction books, and books on training horses were all made accessible to me. When I moved on to other interests, my parents helped me find books that led me down new pathways of excitement. With my own sons, we read everything! Though two of them were very focussed on fictional adventures, one son loved “how to books” and engine manuals. Reading is reading—let them read what interests them!

  1. What does literary success look like to you?

Literary success, for me, is the smiles and giggles my books evoke in their readers. It’s inspiring a child to explore their environments and see the world in that magical way that we forget as adults. It is my granddaughter insisting, “Again!” when we get to the last page.

  1. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

I would say my mother was my biggest inspiration. No matter what life threw at her, she overcame it and pushed through. She followed her principles even when some of us thought she was wrong to do so. She raised us all with a very firm hand but encouraged our interests and creativity. She never gave up regardless of whether the issue was her health, her relationships or her children. She passed away in 2021 and my greatest sadness is that she did not get to see me publish my first book, or provide feedback on the stories and art I am creating. Even when the feedback was not what I wanted to hear, I always valued it. Her voice is still the one in my head.

Buy Geckos in the Garden on Amazon

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