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October 19, 2024

Interview with author Mandy Nicholson

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

A1. Hey, I’m Mandy the Creative Genius Consultant, artist, author and owner of a Creative Retreat in Scotland. I help creative women to launch, grow and scale their businesses and make more money.

This book was part of my mission to bring the voices of creative and neurodivergent women to the world.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Beyond the Ordinary”?

A2. The key challenges while writing the book have been juggling 30 co-authors, some who struggle with confidence in their work. Getting everybody to keep on track with deadlines and doing revisions etc was hard, but we got there! I had an author drop out at the last minute and I had to find a replacement to keep the number at 30. I always find a way.

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

A3. I adore the Lord of The Rings and always have but also many key influencers in the self-help genre such as – Jack Canfield, Glennon Doyle, Brendan Burchard etc. I like a story when I am helping people with self help guides and I have included personal anecdotes in every chapter of this book.

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

A4. I have moved to my favourite spot in Scotland – Dalbeattie in Dumfries & Galloway. My late husband and I holidayed here all the time and after he passed I sold our house and moved here to my ‘Mini castle’ (that’s a story all of it’s own) and created my amazing creative retreats. Scotland has always held a special place in my heart since I went to University in Edinburgh, I have been trying to get back here for thirty years. And now I’m home.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Beyond the Ordinary’?

A5. I was inspired by the women I have worked with over the years. Observing their struggles and how overlooked they had been as creative and neurodiverse business owners gave me the motivation to step into the spotlight and bring them with me. Amplifying their voices and stories became part of my business mission and it has been so rewarding.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Beyond the Ordinary’?

A6. The book has been an ongoing project over the past couple of years for my part. The past 6 months have been about finding and bringing together the right women to collaborate with the project. All in all just under three years.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. All of my books are available on Amazon under Mandy Nicholson or A J King (my pen name for my fiction stories) and on Austin Macauley Publishers as A J King. You can also find them on my website www.mandynicholson.co.uk

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

A8. The title was the easiest and it came to me almost immediately as these women are beyond the ordinary. I worked with a cover designer for the cover and graphics and wanted to include the neurodiverse and creative right brain and all of its colours and connections. She did a wonderful, striking job of capturing my brief by including a tree with the brain.

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

A9. I keep myself up to date with how people are feeling. Tapping into feelings and exploring what people want rather than need has always been my driving force. If you can give them what they want and also reach what they need, you are onto a winner.

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

A10. Write how you speak. Don’t try and be over-wordy nor try to compete with people who are not you. You are unique. Be you.

Buy Beyond the Ordinary on Amazon

October 19, 2024October 19, 2024

Beyond the Ordinary

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Beyond the Ordinary 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Mandy Nicholson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“We never know how much time we have… so choose to live now. To be now. To do now.”

“Beyond the Ordinary: Discover the Power of Creative and Neurodiverse Women” by Mandy Nicholson is a powerful self-help book, featuring the journeys of 30 women who have overcome significant challenges. Each story is a testament to resilience and triumph.

The chapter “Your Mind Literally Never Slows Down!” particularly resonated with me. The author’s advice on prioritizing self-care struck a chord. The blend of motivational quotes, personal experiences, and actionable tips makes this book a practical guide for personal growth.

“Chasing Butterflies – A Journey to Finding Myself” by Caroline West is a must-read. Caroline’s story felt deeply personal, mirroring my own struggles with low self-worth and hesitation to step outside my comfort zone. She encourages us to let our inner butterflies—our true selves—take flight and soar.

Shelley Devine’s “Is My Heart Still Beating?” is another emotional journey. Her reflections on grief, after losing a loved one, offer profound insights into the personal nature of healing. She urges us to express our emotions through writing or art to deepen our self-understanding.

This book is an empowering tool for neurodiverse women, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness and use it as a foundation for a rich, meaningful life. Every story serves as a reminder that we all have something special within us. I’ll keep this book close, revisiting one story each day to stay motivated in my journey toward a fulfilling life. I’m deeply grateful to these women for sharing their experiences and inspiring others to stay strong and creative.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 19, 2024

Interview with author Trina Kennedy

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

A1. Hello! My name is Trina Kennedy, and I am 52 years young, living in Blackfalds, Alberta, Canada. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for 28 incredible years, and we are the proud parents of two amazing children, Tayler, 26, and Keaton, 24, who both live just a short 1.5-hour drive away in Calgary.

I have spent the last 30 years as a social worker, where I’ve had the profound privilege of walking alongside many individuals on their healing journeys. There is no greater honor than creating a safe space where people feel seen, heard, and understood. I truly believe that once someone feels safe to share their story, healing begins.

Beyond my career, I am passionate about fitness and the outdoors. One of my favorite pastimes is hiking in the beautiful Canadian Rockies, which are just a few hours away. I also enjoy playing pickleball, working in my yard, and spending quality time with my incredible tribe of friends and family.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between”?

A2. Writing “From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between” was a deeply personal journey, and there were a few significant challenges along the way. The most difficult one was finding the balance between being truthful to my own story, particularly around my childhood trauma, while being mindful of my parents. I have two loving parents who did the best they could with the tools they had at the time, and I knew that some aspects of my story might be painful for them to hear. It was a delicate process, but in the end, I’m happy with how it turned out.

Another challenge was deciding what to include, especially when it involved not just my story, but also the stories of my husband and children. I had to be very mindful of what was mine to tell and what wasn’t, and respectful of my marriage by not sharing too much personal information. At the same time, I wanted to give readers enough insight to understand the profound impact that my unresolved trauma had on those I love.

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

A3. I primarily read nonfiction, as I am constantly seeking to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. I am fascinated by trauma—not just my own, but the broader understanding of how it works and how we can help ourselves and others heal. One of the most influential authors for me has been Brené Brown. I own all of her books, but “The Gifts of Imperfection” was particularly life-changing. It helped me confront my trauma response of perfectionism, and I can now proudly say that I am a perfectionist in recovery, thanks to her insights and my own hard work.

In addition to Brené Brown, I am greatly influenced by the works of Dr. Gabor Maté, Dr. Stuart Shanker, and Daniel Siegel. Their books have been invaluable to me, both personally and professionally, offering profound insights into the human mind and the healing process.

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

A4. Besides the mountains, my favorite spot to visit in Canada is Osoyoos, BC. I’ve been going there every summer since I was a little girl, and now my own children have been visiting since they were babies. My parents have a summer place right on the lake, and it’s a place filled with joyful memories that span generations.

For me, Osoyoos is more than just a vacation spot—it’s where we gather as a family, spending our days on the lake enjoying water sports, sharing meals, and soaking up each other’s company. The mornings often start with the boys heading out to golf, and the evenings end with games and ice cream. It’s a magical, special place that holds a lifetime of memories for us, and will continue to do so for decades to come.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between’?

A5. I had wanted to write a book for two decades, but no one knew that because the “monster in my head” kept taunting me, telling me I had nothing worth writing about and that no one would read it. For years, I wasn’t even sure what I truly wanted to say. Then, in January of 2023, while hiking with my husband Steven, I had a moment of clarity. It felt like a message came to me, as clear as day: “Trina, it’s time to write your book. You have a message that many need to hear.” There was no hesitation after that. That very night, I told Steven about my long-held dream, and I committed to making it happen.

By May 2024, my manuscript was complete. By then, I had come far enough in my own healing journey that I could clearly see the structure of the book. The writing flowed quite naturally once I embraced it.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between’?

A6. From the beginning of the writing to process the manuscript completion it took me 14 months. Editing, book design, etc took 4 months.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A7. My book is available on Amazon in both paperback and eBook formats, and I hope to release an audiobook in the near future as well. For readers who would like a signed copy, they can reach out to me directly through my website at trinaleekennedy.ca, and I’ll be happy to sign and mail them a copy.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between’?

A8. As soon as I committed to writing the book, the title came to me before anything else. I knew I wanted to tell the story of my traumas—how the unhealed parts of me lashed out and hurt those I loved, how I began to heal, and all the incredible things I’ve been able to achieve because of that healing. The title From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between beautifully captured that journey.

Once I had the title, I envisioned the cover almost immediately: the image of a woman standing on a mountaintop, hands raised triumphantly in the air. Mountains and hiking have been incredibly important to me throughout my life, symbolizing strength, resilience, and accomplishment. The cover image also ties in perfectly with the last paragraph of my book, creating a full-circle moment for readers.

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

A9. When I was writing, I didn’t focus on keeping things “fresh” for myself or the readers. Instead, I focused on telling my story with as much vulnerability and authenticity as possible. I believe that when a writer comes from that place, it naturally creates an impact. Authenticity resonates, and that’s what keeps the story engaging and meaningful for readers.

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

A10. The most valuable piece of advice I received about writing is that the easy part is writing the book—the hardest part is the marketing. I was told to spend time building my brand, website, and social media presence so that when the book was ready, I would already have a strong foundation and an audience in place. This advice has been invaluable in preparing me for the journey after the writing was done.

Buy From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between on Amazon

October 19, 2024October 19, 2024

SPEAK LIFE: Healing the Hurt of Verbal Abuse

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: SPEAK LIFE: Healing the Hurt of Verbal Abuse 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Antonia Agbonkpolor ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“SPEAK LIFE: Healing the Hurt of Verbal Abuse” penned by the author Antonia Agbonkpolor is a book worth reading. Through this book, the author is making the readers aware about verbal abuse. Verbal abuse is when someone says unkind things to us either by doing our insult, calling us with teasing names, constantly pointing to our mistakes, etc.

I strongly recommend this book to parents as kids often feel verbally abused by their own parents. This is an eye-opening book for the parents. They should treat all their kids as equals and shouldn’t say harsh words to them. Verbal abuse can leave long term scars on children that can impact their marriage and workplaces once they turn into adults.

The author has mentioned that to start healing, we should begin by accepting our feelings. We should believe in God’s unwavering love and healing power. I loved the ‘Prayer Points’ chapter.

Through this book, the author wants to heal the people who have been hurt by words. I wish I would have gotten my hands on a book like this a few years ago. I have been a victim of verbal abuse at my workplace and it took me a year to heal. This book gave me a better understanding about why hurt people hurt others. After reading this book, we should make a promise to ourselves to not tear anyone by our words. I am glad to get my hands on this book. Great work done by the author in it.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 19, 2024

Interview with author Helmut Schuster and David Oxley

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

A1. Drs Schuster and Oxley are long time collaborators and former work colleagues.

Helmut Schuster is Austrian by birth, educated as a PhD economist in Vienna, before pursuing a business career that ultimately led him to travel the world and lead the HR Function for BP PLC. He is based in London. An active start-up investor, entrepreneur, and award winning author.

David Oxley, is a British by birth but now lives in Austin TX. David was a management consultant in his early career, but went on to do significant corporate restructuring projects with BP, where he worked with and became lifelong friends with Helmut. David earned his doctorate in organizational change from Cranfield University.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “A Career Carol”?

A2. A Career Carol emerged from a long-standing concern we shared about existing business, and in particular, career advice literature. Our observation was that it wasn’t written with today’s audience in mind. We set about correcting that. Our goals were to write a career advice book that engaged the reader in storytelling. In stimulating left and right brain thinking. Ultimately, we think it’s false that business books can’t be entertaining, relevant, and practical. A Career Carol was our proof of that concept.

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

A3. We’d list a mix of entertaining and engaging stories that have deeper meanings, like Who Moved My Cheese, The Trolley Problem, or The Little Prince. And then add to those the behavioral science aspects of Thinking Fast and Slow, Good to Great, and Plato and a Platypus Walk Into A Bar. We are eclectic and inclusive readers. We’d finally add a dash of Douglas Adams, Richard Osman, and, of course, Charles Dickens.

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

A4. We both have a special connection with St James Park and the area around Piccadilly in London. We spent decades of our lives in or around that area with its rich history, vibrant street scenes, and wonderful restaurants. There is a breakfast place on Pall Mall where we invented the first concept for A Career Carol. It’s croissants are particularly inspirational.

Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘A Career Carol’?

A5. Well, beyond the desire to write a Career Advice book that was distinct and different? Probably, our love of ghost stories and social satire. We both enjoy books that combine humor with deeper thought-provoking questions. A Career Carol includes the irresistible combination of a ghost story, a central character filled with late teenage angst, and pokes fun at graduation speeches.

As we worked through the manuscript, we were fortunate to interview about a dozen young NextGen entrepreneurs. In many ways those interviews reinforced the why and what. They were brilliant.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘A Career Carol’?

A6. About 15 months. From concept, first draft, through the research and interviews to the final publication. We started in June 2022, and it was published in Oct 2023.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your book?

A7. Amazon, our publishers website Austin Macauley, and all the big online retailers (Waterstones, Foyles, Barnes & Noble).

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘A Career Carol’?

A8. We worked with Andy ‘Doodles’ Baker to design the cover. Andy is an extraordinary artist based in Birmingham, UK. The concept emerged from our collaboration with him. We are contemporary ‘pop’ art enthusiasts, but we also wanted a ghost story/Christmas carol aspect. Central to the whole thing was picturing Shey Sinope. The character in the book who experiences the prophesized career crises. We love how it came out.

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

A9. It can be complicated. Our view is that you have to write your book, not someone else’s. We focused on writing in a style, and in a format that really appealed to us. Perhaps other people do it differently. It’s a difficult task writing a book. For us, a key was feeling fully engaged and committed to the tone, style, and story. So, the answer is just that… We wrote from our experience, what we know, in a fashion that really spoke to us.

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

Don’t let anyone tell you can’t. However, if you’re going to do it… Do it well. Commit. Make sure you are very clear why you want to write and how what you want to say is important, at least to you. Then… open Word… And tap your keyboard. See what emerges…

October 19, 2024

From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Trina Kennedy ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Trina Kennedy’s “From Trauma to Triumph and What Lies Between” is an uplifting and motivational book that explores the power of self-healing. The author emphasizes how breaking the cycle of unresolved pain can prevent its transmission to future generations.

In this deeply personal narrative, Trina shares a vulnerable moment in her life when she considered ending it all. She opens up about how the absence of validation, emotional support, and recognition left a lasting imprint on her mental health. I found her story particularly relatable, as I too have faced similar struggles.

Trauma is often seen as a psychological scar, and it can manifest in various ways, from “Big T” trauma to “Little T” trauma. These experiences can erode self-esteem and distort one’s sense of identity, leaving a person feeling lost or worthless. Trina reflects on how her own trauma shaped her worldview, impacting her ability to grow and thrive.

This book is ideal for those on a path to self-discovery or healing. The author’s journey toward resilience offers valuable lessons, and I am thankful for her willingness to share her experiences. The practical advice provided throughout the book has the potential to guide many toward healing. It also prompted me to confront my own past, offering insights into my struggles with building new relationships post-trauma. This book gives hope to the readers that healing is possible even in the darkest times.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 19, 2024October 19, 2024

Forever Boy

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Forever Boy 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Michael J. Bowler ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Forever Boy” by Michael J. Bowler is the opening novel in “The Forever Saga.” The story centers on three main characters: Isaac Foster, Stephanie, and Drágan Albescu. Isaac and Drágan, both fourteen, develop a close friendship after Drágan is drawn to Isaac’s kindness. Isaac, who has never had many friends, invites Drágan to live with him.

Isaac, a geek, leads a quiet life until Drágan, an orphan who models for a living, comes along. Drágan’s mysterious nature piques Isaac’s interest, especially when Isaac tries, and fails, to lift Drágan’s unusually heavy valise, which Drágan manages with ease. Isaac grows curious about what might be hidden inside.

When Drágan steps in to help Stephanie, a schoolmate of Isaac’s with a troubled home life, it sparks more intrigue. Isaac explains that Stephanie is popular and typically doesn’t talk to him. Her curiosity about Drágan leads her to discover old photographs of him, dating back to the 1930s and 1940s. This raises the question: Who is Drágan, really?

Bowler’s writing is captivating, with a compelling title and a well-paced narrative that never drags. The unexpected twists kept me engaged, and I particularly enjoyed Isaac’s character. The cover is striking, and the story offers a thrilling ride from start to finish.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 19, 2024

The Purpose of Erie: Curve Ball

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Purpose of Erie: Curve Ball 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Jane Neagley ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Jane Neagley’s debut novel, “The Purpose of Erie: Curve Ball”, offers an engaging story that captures the complexities of family dynamics and personal growth. At the heart of the tale is Cassidy Banker, a 25-year-old navigating life as the only sister among four brothers—Alex, Matty, Ben, and her twin, Eric. Despite their twin bond, Cassidy and Eric never seem to see eye to eye.

The story takes a turn when, during a monthly family dinner, Eric announces his upcoming wedding, catching Cassidy off guard. Being a girl, Cassidy always imagined she’d be the first to tie the knot, and the news leaves her feeling quite surprised. After the dinner, she confides in her roommate, Marissa. The two friends decide to go to the club, where they meet Pete and Brandon. Could one of these men be the one Cassidy is searching for? And who is the mysterious man from Johnsonburg that catches her attention? The answers await readers in this heartfelt novel.

As someone who experienced similar feelings when my younger brother married before me, I found Cassidy’s emotions relatable. The writing is vivid, pulling readers into each scene, while the book’s cover art and fitting title add to its appeal. Neagley delivers an impressive debut, and if you’re seeking a romance filled with personal discovery and family ties, this book is a comforting and enjoyable choice.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

October 19, 2024

Interview with author Gloria D. Gonsalves

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

A1. I was born and raised in Tanzania, and I have paternal ancestry from India and Congo. In 1997, I migrated to Ireland for further studies. After completing my studies, I moved to Germany to obtain my master’s degree. I live in Germany and occasionally in Tanzania. I am a multipotentialite who is an author, poet, illustrator, philanthropist to potential and fellow writers, former United Nations staff, and former tourism and travel professional. I am still learning to discover more abilities in myself.

What is the inspiration behind your book “Flowers, Plants and Fascinating Facts”?

A2. My book portfolio involves collaborations with children and adults. I feel more rewarded when unknown people with creative gifts work with me. My work is not famous either, so that is a fitting match because I consider myself not writing for a living but for servicing.

With that background, I have harboured a deep wish to illustrate a book myself. After our son was born, I sketched a lot using wax crayons. Occasionally, I shared some flower sketches on Instagram. A fellow writer and educator in Tanzania suggested writing a book using those sketches. Because I love botany, I tested the waters by publishing Alphabet of Flowers. The success of that book encouraged me to embark on a more significant project and the result was Flower, Plants and Fascinating Facts”.

When did you realize you wanted to be an author?

A3. I don’t recall having a specific intent to be a writer. However, I loved to read a lot. At home, we did not own many books except those catering to my mother’s profession as a teacher in home economics. During the holidays away from boarding school, I enjoyed reading the same books we owned. My favourite was Safari za Gulliver, a Kiswahili translation of the classic Gulliver’s Travels. It awakened great curiosity about possible worlds in words.

My first writing was a school play in school from the English class. Years later, while living abroad in Germany, I sent a rant prose to an online magazine in Poland. In fact, I didn’t know it was a poem until it was picked as the Editor’s Choice of the week. From there on, I became courageous enough to learn and write poetry. Since then, I have written books in the genre of poetry, children’s fiction and education, and adult non-fiction pieces. Occasionally, I write opinion pieces for newspapers in my motherland Tanzania.

Please tell us something about your book “Flowers, Plants and Fascinating Facts”?

A4. It is a comprehensive botanical book for children. The book invites children to explore nature and their surroundings with simple and colourful wax crayon drawings. This first reference book will awaken their sense of adventure and curiosity about different flowers and plants. They will also discover interesting facts such as colours, names, behaviours and their uses for humans.

Which age group is your book “Flowers, Plants and Fascinating Facts” suitable?

A5. This educational book targets children from age four to adults. Since the book is not text-heavy, it is suitable for any child who can read a few pages at a time. The whole family will enjoy it too. One reviewer revealed that it can be made into a reading game with friends or family, making them guess which plant they’re describing.

What is your favorite Quote?

A6. It varies according to my personal circumstances and what is going on globally. Sometimes, I also write quotes when taking a break from writing or experiencing a light bulb moment. As a poet, I have found many lines from poems that are wisdom nuggets. For example, the poem titled I, May I Rest in Peace by Chana Bloch and Chana Kronfeld (translated from the Hebrew by Yehuda Amichai). Many lines in that poem are relevant quotes for current times.

What do you like the most about your country?

A7 For various reasons, I consider both Tanzania and Germany my homes. Ireland was once my home too. These countries have all gifted me with love, failures, understanding, caution, kindness, opportunities, biases, professionalism, and other precious life lessons. I treasure Tanzanian hospitality. My spirit is sated by the German tradition of forest walks. I have transcended to other realms with Irish music.

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

A8. Do not force children to read. You can gently coax them towards it by setting an example of reading. It surprises me when a parent expects a child to love reading while they don’t read themselves.

Allow children to pick what they want to read. Reading should be entertaining and enjoyable. As parents, we should be open-minded and allow children to read even what is not considered beneficial as long as it is appropriate for their age. We must strive to make reading and writing fun. Reading and writing shouldn’t be made as a punishment, especially in school. We should encourage and support reading and writing for pleasure.

What does literary success look like to you?

A9. Numbers do not play a role in my writing. I create to service, not to prove that I am better based on my book sales and follower numbers or shares. Success is to have the courage and discipline to show up in writing because, besides myself, there is always one person out there who needs to read what I have penned. As a writer, I need my own writing. It is a medium for me to learn, teach and advocate. As I have intentionally opted out of public speaking, you can hear me speak through my writing.

Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

A10. I believe inspiration is found once an individual knows and accepts their life mission, i.e. why you are here and what you are supposed to fulfil. There was a time when I was on the bandwagon of wanting to be famous and celebrated like my favourite writers: Maya Angelou, Paulo Coelho or Beatrix Potter. It was bad for inspiration because you write to compare results with someone else’s. But now I know that my part is to add to the literary continuation, i.e. continuing, adding or inventing. While responding to this question, I searched online to find out how many writers there are worldwide. The numbers provided by different sources are millions. We cannot all fit into the same celebrity writer status. As a writer, I must focus on maintaining, passing, and adding to whatever genre I choose so it lives on. I see myself as one who aspires to inspire others without focusing on numbers. There are many readers, too, who have varied hunger for words. It is up to us writers to feed our chosen readers’ niche.

Buy Flowers, Plants and Fascinating Facts on Amazon

October 19, 2024

DEATH SHIPS

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: DEATH SHIPS: The story of life and death on six big emigrant ships 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Doug Limbrick ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“DEATH SHIPS: The story of life and death on six big emigrant ships” by Doug Limbrick offers a compelling dive into history. Following the 1851 gold rush in Australia, a wave of emigration swept across Britain, sending thousands on perilous sea voyages to the Australian colonies.

Conditions aboard these ships, especially for steerage passengers, were notoriously poor, prompting the Emigration Commission to assign a surgeon superintendent to oversee each voyage. Seasickness and unsanitary living quarters plagued the travelers. In 1852, six North American-built ships—Wanata, Beejapore, Marco Polo, Shackamaxon, Ticonderoga, and Bourneuf—were used to transport nearly 5,000 emigrants from Britain to Australia. This book explores the development and acquisition of these vessels and the experiences of those on board.

Before reading, I had little knowledge of how emigration to Australia unfolded during this period, but Limbrick’s detailed narrative brought it to life. The cover design is striking, and the title perfectly captures the essence of the book. It’s a must-read for anyone with a passion for history, and I’m thrilled to have come across this well-researched and engaging book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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