Author: blogespresso

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

Thank you for inviting me to this candid talk. I do not want to introduce myself as a boring Banker but rather as an artist who draws a connection between science, philosophy, art and literature showcasing in my work. I am a planning oriented person in general, and more so towards my work and career. Hindrances sometimes have constrained me in terms of time, to reach where I wanted to. But, I have never deviated from my goal. I am an artist – writing, reading, dancing, singing, even acting in dramas (performing arts) – I have done and love all. I love science and defying or understanding a theory with numbers. I can’t blindly take in any theory you tell me without reasoning and derivation. I believe in absorbing deep not in superficial read. 
Above all, I am a dreamer and I intend to live my dreams. 

Q2.  Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Marigold The Golden Memories’?

Marigold – The Golden Memories, is not just a random book title that was thought of at the last minute. Each and every story in the book is a reflection of the vulnerability yet the strength behind human emotions. The flower Marigold is a ceremonious symbol and a cherished flower that depicts happiness, freshness, beginnings. Simply put, it soothes our soul, bringing a sense of calmness. Humans are a rare race who can remember the past, bottling them in as memories and inhaling the essence whenever they reminisce. That’s what the title of the book conveys. The book is a medium for readers to reminisce their fondest or unforgettable memories. The book cover reflects the same.

Q3. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

It is an emotional process altogether. Writing is an art similar to a scientific invention or an innovative idea to bring a change. Hence, if what you write is innate, raw and resonate the sound of your soul, then it will always be fresh. I write what I feel, what comes to mind. And, what comes to my mind is as close to reality as you and I experience, every day. Creating a story around that will naturally come to you when you can feel that thought/idea deeply.

Q4. What does success means to you?

Mutually beneficial – me and the humankind. Success to me is the definition of being aesthetically happy. Materialism and being a parasite cannot make you live organically.

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

I believe in a holistic process. Reading a lot before starting to write helps you to get in the zone, where you find yourself more ready to start writing. I generally read a lot of different genre books. Reading different genres helps to build characters which are more realistic, even when you are writing fiction. I read philosophy, humanity, history, art, science, novels (fiction) to help me create my characters and story with more conviction. Even I should be able to pick up my book and read it. So, I need to think as a reader when I am writing a book.

Q6. How long did it take you to write this book?

More than 2 years. I believe in taking time rather than rushing into things, especially when it is creativity.

Q7. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

am an avid traveller. Travel helps me to connect with different places and beautiful people around the world. I learn from everywhere and everyone. But, if we talk about India, I love many places, undoubtedly. Our country is so beautiful – rich culture, finger-licking cuisine, beautiful nature and everything that calls to life. But to me special place is where my parents are. Whenever I visit my parents it is special. Both of them inspire me. It is the reality. They make me recall the essence of being grateful to life, the nuances of privileges that we all have – because we are still breathing – I am my positive best self when they are around.

Q8. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Marigold The Golden Memories’ book?

Anything, you do where you are putting your work out in the public sending a message and trying to connect with them is an effort. Writing is demanding since it reflects a part of you or your thought, be it short stories or a novel. I won’t say managing time was a problem because you definitely make time for something you love. I do not really see anything as an obstacle, rather I see it as an experience. You have to develop a new character each time you write a new story. To put it across to the readers in a coherent and comprehensible way, you require to see the story from the readers’ eyes. That requires a lot of concentration, will power and patience, needless to say, vivid and superlative imagination. Parallelly transporting yourself from writing fiction to come back to this breathing life is a piece of work. But it’s a terrific learning and you keep growing each day.

Q9. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I am not very specific about a favourite genre. I love reading books, in general. I can’t really be that specific, I mean you have great fictions. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle took us into the world of solving mysteries with Sherlock Holmes, J K Rowling took us to a different land and what a journey it was with Harry Potter, Rabindra Nath Tagore poetically charms us, Jane Austen’s classic romance helps us to meet the reality, there are so many. And then non-fiction from Yuval Noah Harari and Jean-Paul Sartre helps you to understand humanity and its institution. I am influenced by all these geniuses because you learn so much.
I personally love Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari and Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. 

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

Nothing that we don’t know about life. It bites back if we are vile, and equally giving when we are humane.

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Marigold The Golden Memories

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

My name is Dave and I currently live in the suburbs of Atlanta where I have resided for the last 18 years. Before moving to Atlanta I lived in Illinois. For the last 24 years I have taught high school social studies and I have coached high school baseball. Needless to say both my teaching and coaching have influenced me and my writing. 

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Blue And White’ book?

In the book Blue and White Julio and Jeremy moved to a town with a racist past. One of my biggest challenges was writing about racism. I was afraid to sugar coat any issues, while at the same time I was afraid it would come across as unrealistic, esp since I’m a 48 year old white guy which is one of the reasons I chose the narration that I did. I worked hard not to vere from the main story which I could have easily done. Blue and White was also my 1st ever book so needless to say that was a HUGE challenge in itself. 

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

Many of my students have read John Green books and I would like to be like him to name an author off the top of my head.  In all honesty my students have probably been the biggest influence on me. 

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

Well one of the great things about the U.S. is the large variety of scenery and climates so it’s tough to pick just one place. I love the beach so needless to say any place with a beach is a favorite of mine. Sadly I don’t have a favorite place in the country. 

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

Actually for me there hasn’t been alot of research involved because I have written what I have known. I love the idea of telling a story. My hope is that the reader loves the characters and feels something as they read the books. 

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Cherry Trees’ book?

When I sat down to write Cherry Trees I was actually in a rhythm. I’d go to the local Starbucks each night and write a chapter or two. After a year it was finished. After discussion with my editor I decided to split Cherry Trees into two books. Sunset, Sunrise, which will be the 3rd book was sliced off of Cherry Trees. 

Q7. As an author, what does success means to you?

It means a variety of things. I would love for one of my stories to be picked up and made into a movie. That would be the ultimate. I plan on sending copies of all three actually to Tyler Perry and Oprah when the 3rd ones comes out. I didn’t go into writing to make money though that would be nice. I originally got into it because I felt I had a story to tell. I’m excited about my others that will be coming out. 

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Blue And White’?

One thing I am very proud about is that my editor, cover, and back picture were done by former students. When I sat down and talked to my editor we went back and forth. After writing the book I looked up the symbolism for blue an white. Blue symbolizes trust, loyalty, and confidence which are a number of the characters attributes in the book. White of course symbolizes innocence which would sum up many of the characters. I chose the cover the way I did because I wanted something basic. 

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

This is a hard one. As a writer and a teacher I would often go back and forth with some of the words I chose but as a story teller I wanted the book to be as real as possible. I wanted the stories to be as relatable which is one of my biggest fears. For example, I cringe when I see or hear someone say Blue and White or Cherry Trees are sports books. I would say sports plays a role but really the books are about acceptance, friendship, and other issues we all deal with when growing up. Heck some of the issues are ones we have to deal with even after we have grown up. 

Q10. Are there any secrets from the books (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

I won’t name the student but only Alexa’s character was taken from a past student I had. All of my other characters are blends of characteristics. I hope the readers pick up the symbolism as they read the books. For example not only are blue and white the colors for the school but they represent alot more. The same goes for the cherries and Cherry Trees which represent death and life but also the fragility of life which comes out in that book. 

Q11. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?

They can find my books on Amazon and The Southern Pen Bookshop which is found in Monroe, Georgia.

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Books are Available On Amazon

The Franklin Boys’ Story: Blue and White

The Franklin Boys’ Story: Cherry and Trees

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

My name is Daniel Olcsvary and “Max The Magnet’s Magnificent Journey: A Shift From Negative To Positive” is my first children’s book.  I have been a teacher for over 18 years and a Behavioral Assistant providing in-home counselling to children with different challenges for over 12 years. I am a Taoist and am a huge fan of kung fu movies and golden-era hip hop!  I am blessed to be a father to my 6 year old daughter, Amilya, and I make the world’s best guacamole!

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Max the Magnet’s Magnificent Journey: A Shift From Negative to Positive’ book?

Like many authors and illustrators, I decided to go the self-publishing route; so I had a lot to learn! I met an amazing illustrator along the way (shout out to Connie Cabrina!) that was able to help bring my vision of Max to life. After that I had to learn about copywriting the book, obtaining an ISBN, formatting the book and then deciding how to get it out to the people! On paper that doesn’t seem like much, but when you have a career and a daughter that needs your attention, it was hard to get focused and get it done.
When the world was hit with the unfortunate COVID-19 pandemic, I decided to be like my character Max the Magnet and turn a negative into a positive! I was fortunate to be able to teach from home, and I used the extra free time to do what I had to do to finish the steps to publish my book.

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

When it comes to children’s books I would say the authors that I look up to the most are Mo Willems and Eric Carle.  I enjoy reading books on positive psychology, mindfulness, Taoism and the Law of Attraction, so these are huge influences on me in my personal and professional life.
For this book, I would have to say my biggest influence and inspiration were the kids that I work with  both as an educator and a Behavioral Assistant.  I have encountered so many young people who think their lives are horrible and full of negativity.  When I talk with them, I try to get them to do a paradigm shift and think about all the things in their lives they need to be grateful for. I would often use the analogy of a magnet, and tell them how they choose to act and feel will determine the type things they attract in their lives. This is what initially sparked the idea for this book. 

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

I love to go anywhere peaceful.  I really love to visit my mother.  She is my biggest supporter and lives in a beautiful community for people 55 years and older. I love going there and spending time with her and Amilya.  Within the community, there is a magnificent lake that I love to visit early in the morning.  My father passed away recently, and after a few laps around the lake I like to sit on a nearby bench and have a conversation with him.  These little morning conversations are special to me because I believe he is watching over my family, protecting and guiding us. 

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

There is a lot to do before you start writing a book,  so I think the best thing a person can do is establish a morning routine to get your writing done.  I like to wake up early, meditate, do some positive affirmations, read, exercise, and then work on my book for at least 30-60 minutes.  This way you have done all of these positive and beneficial things before the day starts and you can get easily distracted. When I am disciplined and follow this routine,  I feel inspired and a lot of creative ideas come to life.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Max the Magnet’s Magnificent Journey: A Shift From Negative to Positive”?

The first draft didn’t take that long. I think I probably finished it within a few hours.  I made a lot of revisions while I took the steps needed to self-publish the book; so I think it actually took about two or three years to get to the version that readers hold in their hands now.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Max the Magnet’s Magnificent Journey: A Shift From Negative to Positive’ book to buy?

Readers can go to my website http://www.mindwritepublishing.com or directly to Amazon and purchase the book. They can also follow me on Instagram at @max_the_magnet or on Facebook at @mindewritepublising.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Max the Magnet’s Magnificent Journey: A Shift From Negative to Positive’?

I came up with the title because I feel that Max, the main character in the book, makes a figurative journey. At the beginning of the book he is a pessimist who always thinks negatively and all of these bad things happen to him.  With the right guidance, he makes this “journey” to become someone who is full of gratitude and positivity!
I came up with the cover by using the final illustration in the story. I envisioned Max having the feeling like he had super powers when he began to think more positively.  On the last page and cover he is flying above the planet with a cape on!

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

Being a preschool teacher, I am constantly reading children’s books to my class. I also have a pretty extensive library of books that I read to Amilya at home.  Reading all of these great books have helped me see how a really good children’s book flows and keeps the reader engaged.  That helped a lot when I was writing this book. 

Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

The only secrets I can share are: 1) I am currently working on my second book that is inspired by my love for hip hop and Amilya’s love for the playground ( and 2) The secret ingredient in my world famous guacamole is……..love!

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Max The Magnet’s Magnificent Journey: A Shift From Negative To Positive