Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Vaughn J Samuel. I am a writer and businesswoman from Antigua & Barbuda in the Caribbean. I am an accountant by day and a cake designer by night. I am a diligent worker, and I am not afraid to take charge. As a survivor of sexual abuse as a child, I found solace in the church and school. I took on leadership position in the church from a tender age. I also found solace in writing about my experience from the heart. I do hope that my personal story of survival and perseverance will inspire and provide hope to readers around the world. In my free time I enjoy gardening in my backyard and reading psychology and self-improvement books. Check out my memoir The story of my Life.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Story of My Life’ book?
My biggest challenge was not the writing of this book, since I was drafting my story for over 30 years, but the challenge was correcting the grammatical error and edited of the book. I hired two editors and there were still significant errors.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
The books that influence my writing most were Building Great Sentence by Landon Brooks. The element of writing word, word, words and sentences and paragraph by Charles Euchner I probably read those books a thousand times. I also admire Author Coleen Hoover and the power of your subconscious mind by Dr. Joseph Murphy.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
My favourite spot to visit in my own country Antigua Barbuda is the Beaches, we have three hundred and sixty-five white sandy beaches, and the water are crystal clear.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I am usually a busy person. I do not have a fixed routine, but I find time to sit and write. I also dedicate my weekend to writing when I feel the urge.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Story of My Life’ book?
In three months, I completed the book but the most time was spent on correcting the errors and edited.
Q7. On what all platforms’ readers can find ‘The Story of My Life’ book to buy?
Amazon both paperback and kindle and on Lulu.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Story of My Life’?
When the thought came to me to write a book, I knew my it was my story a true story. I was at the point of my life where I realize my past had fashion my present I was at a happy place, I was no longer ashamed, so I was happy to share. The cover was from a designer on 99 designs.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I hate to read a boring book, so I assume my readers are the same in sentence and paragraph it talks about following the golden rule every sentence is a journey. I am trying to work with that idea.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I created a happy home for my daughter. I had created and nurtured a friendly yet respectful relationship with my daughter where we could talk about everything which includes sex, boyfriend, church. We were admired by most people who came in contact with us.
“Can’t See Around Corners” is an intriguing story penned by the author Josie Townsend. It is the story of two fraternal twins Sharon and Annie. They are the privileged daughters of Edna and Warren Karce. They all live in Australia.
The girls have recently graduated from university and are looking forward to their once-in-a-lifetime Europe trip. Their plan is to visit Paris, Amsterdam, Prague, Romania, Estonia, etc. Out of the two twins, Sharon is the elder one and she is quite naughty as compared to Annie. Sharon had few affairs also. According to their parents, Sharon and Annie have to follow certain rules to be eligible for the family inheritance. If they break the rules, they won’t get a penny of inheritance.
Read this story to know what will happen on the trip. Will the girls’ relationship with each other be affected on the trip?
I enjoyed reading this book. The story hooked my attention from the first page itself. Author has done a great job in this book. Story is fast paced and I wasn’t bored anytime while reading it. Characters are written well by the author. Go for it without any second thoughts.
“Echo, Pixel and H, the Extraordinary Witch” is a Children’s Book penned by the author L.H. Kronberg and illustrated by Zodiakk.
Story features H, a good witch with endless magic. She has two trusty sidekicks: Echo and Pixel. The purpose of H was to make the world a better place. One day when H’s Grandad went to the village orphanage to deliver toys, he found out that all the toys were stolen.
Read this book to see H, Echo and Pixel fighting for good. Will they be able to get all the toys back from the thief? This is a great story for bedtime reading. Kids will be delighted to read this book. Storyline is interesting. It teaches the lesson of helping others to the kids. I am glad to get my hands on this wonderful story book.
Book: Radical Woman: Resilience After Difficult Issues, Changes And Losses
Author: Ayanna Mills Ambrose
Available On: Amazon
Language: English
Rating: 5/5
“Radical Woman: Resilience After Difficult Issues, Changes And Losses” is a must read. In this book, 8 authors have come together to share their stories of how they developed Resilience After Difficult Issues, Changes, And Losses.
Ayanna suffered pain for over 20 years. As a result, she became a victim of depression. Ayanna left her past behind her and took charge of her future. Goals & Gratitude, Determination and Optimism were the keys to her resilience and helped her to become a better person.
I am glad to get my hands on this book. It has inspired me to take action and transform my life. I like to strongly recommend this well written book to my fellow readers. Great work done by the authors in this book.
This book will help the readers to build the resilience they need to win in life. Each story is different and a must read. Go for it. It would be worth your time.
Book: Of Courage And Sacrifice: Bot Trilogy Book One
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Matt Hartle. I’m a creative director and partner with a visual effects company, Baked Studios, based out of LA and NY. My family and I live in Northern Montana. Long ago, my wife and I lived in LA, but after we got our careers going, we wanted to get back to where we grew up! Previous to working in visual effects, I was in theatrical advertising for about twenty years, working as a creative director/ designer and 3d director. I’ve worked with many of the big studios and on lots of exciting projects, including several Harry Potter Films, Star Wars, The Force Awakens, a few of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, and many others. ‘Of Courage And Sacrifice: Bot Trilogy Book One’ is my first novel. Previous to this, I have written several screenplays and directed a number of shorts, including my latest, ‘Agent,’ which has won many awards on the festival circuit!
When I’m not writing or working, my family and I enjoy biking, skiing, swimming–anything to be outside! I also enjoy woodworking, painting, and racking up meters on our rower!
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Of Courage And Sacrifice: Bot Trilogy Book One’ book?
The biggest challenge by far was that this was my first novel. Writing this many pages is a huge obstacle when you haven’t done it before. It takes a lot of discipline and focus, but as I found those, it has become one of the most enjoyable things I do. Every part of the process has been a significant learning experience. I went to school for figure painting and illustration, not English composition and creative writing, so it’s been lots of research, reading, and just putting in the time to learn! I’ve taken a self-publishing route, at least for this book, and handled all aspects except editing. For that, I found a fantastic, highly experienced editor to help me get the manuscript over the finish line. Otherwise, figuring out how to format, layout, and design the cover–it’s all been a considerable learning experience!
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I love to read–there are so many! Michael Crichton is probably the most significant influence/ the person I look up to as an author. His constant focus on finding new, creative storylines is inspiring. Also, his books, in many cases, were directly translated to film properties. I don’t know that I want that for everything I write, but as a visual person first, I tend to have a strong visual sense of everything I am writing, so the connection is always there!
One of my favorite books is ‘Silence Of The Lambs’ by Thomas Harris–not necessarily for the content but the execution. In my opinion, in this novel, more than any of his others, he is a master storyteller, not focusing on the plot but on allowing the story to grow and blossom, filling your imagination as you meet the characters and fall deeper and deeper into the world he creates.
Another book I love is The Secret History by Donna Tartt, for many of the same reasons. How she renders her characters and explores their emotions and the world they occupy is masterfully done. I feel this book is as much about the air in the room as it is about the characters themselves if that makes sense.
The last two books I’ll mention are A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and Lord Of The Flies by William Golding. Each of the books has such a sense of place; whether it’s Dickens describing the foggy, soot-filled streets 1800’s London or Golding discussing the oppressive heat of the jungle and the restorative pool of fresh water the children bath in, its as though you can feel and touch their worlds. Also, the economy of their words and the structure of their prose always draw me in!
Each of the books I mentioned is a yearly read for me!
Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Probably the place I enjoy the most is where we live in Montana. My wife and I were very fortunate to be able to return to our childhood town after we established our careers. We have lived in big cities and although we always enjoy a visit, city life never really suited us. We prefer the open space and rugged beauty Montana provides and the many opportunities to get outside to enjoy the majestic scenery here. We feel very blessed to be able to raise our children in a place like this, but we also want them to get out into the world and find their own way!
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I supposed it really depends on your approach. Because I wrote screenplays before attempting a novel, I started by creating an outline. I was struggling with this step–I had a high-level view of where the story was headed but felt stumped on details. So, I decided to dive in and see how it went. Since doing that, I have realized this is my best approach. So much of the book was never planned or outlined before I wrote it. Being available to the creative process and allowing the characters and situations to grow and live in my imagination unlocked a new world of creativity. It can be a little scary when you feel like you may have written yourself into a corner, but as I finish my second novel, I am slowly learning to trust the process and believe the story will find its way! Regarding research, I do an amount beforehand, depending on the topic, and continue as I write. Frequently, I’ll have ideas and will take a beat to make sure the research/ logic makes sense and supports the story.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Of Courage And Sacrifice: Bot Trilogy Book One’ book?
The entire process, from my first Scrivener file to when I published the book on Amazon, was about three years! I didn’t realize until answering this question that it had taken that long. As I’ve said, it’s quite a process, and while working on this first book, I was still finding the discipline and the recipe of time management that would give me the space to write. With the book I’m writing now, by the time I’m done with the first draft, it will have been about 13-14 months, so it’s getting faster! Because this is not my full-time job, the time I have each day is about an hour in the morning, often early–between 5-6am or 6-7am. My dream is to make writing my primary focus; then, I should really be able to crank out the books!
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Of Courage And Sacrifice: Bot Trilogy Book One” book to buy?
This book is available on Amazon for Kindle and is part of the Kindle Plus program. It is also available on Amazon in soft cover and hard cover! Additionally, I wrote a series of short stories set in the Bot Trilogy universe, developing back-stories and exploring more of the world. The book is called ‘Bot Trilogy: Anthology’ and is available in the same formats as ‘Of Courage and Sacrifice’, but also on Audible! I recorded/ produced the audio for this book myself.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Of Courage And Sacrifice: Bot Trilogy Book One’?
The title, Of Courage And Sacrifice, came about after several others were tried and abandoned. Despite the science fiction/ fantasy setting, the story deals with some fairly sobering realities–survival, sacrifice, and loyalty. Each of the characters faces significant challenges they must overcome–sometimes that means putting others first, other times it means sacrificing principles. I wanted a title that communicated the story’s gravity while contrasting with the fantasy of the cover.
As for designing the cover, I had an idea of the visuals I was interested in–something to do with a robot, a city in ruins, and a captured moment in time. My background is in creative directing and 3d animations, so I knew I would utilize those toolsets to realize the artwork.
I began with thumb-nail sketches to explore composition and how various elements might stack up. Next, I worked on the typography, searching for a font I felt embodied the high-tech world but also communicated the humanity of the struggles the characters face.
Then I began developing the cover in 3d. My software of choice for this is Maya. I built out the city, designing the lighting and textures to evoke an apocalyptic vibe. As for the robot, this was something I had previously developed while making a trailer for the book. If anyone is interested, the trailer is available on my website and on Amazon on my author’s page. I placed the robot into the scene and designed the pose to be menacing and provocative, as if challenging the viewer to a fight!
Once the 3d work is done, images and passes are rendered and composited in Nuke. Compositing is really where I build the image. I look at 3d as asset generation and compositing as image making.
From there, everything goes into photoshop to be formatted and polished for publishing. Something else I did for the book was to create a “living cover.” I built an animated version of the cover with a camera move, moving smoke, light, and whatever I could to bring life. This has been a tremendous asset on social media and reaching out to my readers!
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I focus on writing what interests me and keep myself open to inspiration. Also, I always remind myself that this is writing; I can do anything! My background in filmmaking has me always considering the logistical underpinnings of a concept or idea, but when writing, there is literally no limit to what I can create. I focus on making everything believable and germane to the story’s world–from there, everything is on limits! Whenever I present a new concept or situation, I ask myself if this has been pushed as far as it can be, have I found the best solution to a given challenge? Finally, I’m always on alert for cliches and retreading previously traveled material.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Hmm– maybe something not many people know is that I grew up during the 80s–a lot of the technology and settings in the story were drawn directly from my own personal experiences: modems, BBSs, underground tunnels! There were elements of these things in my childhood! Also, the whole opening scene of the characters camping up in the mountains was something my brother and I did!
Q1 Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I am a positive, energetic breast cancer survivor and certified life coach with a purpose-driven passion for helping women live their best lives. I am grateful and love what I do. Every day is a blessing that I get a chance to help others. I believe in giving back and will help anyone that needs it. I believe in God and have hope, faith, belief and pray that I can make a difference.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Just L.E.A.P’ book?
While writing, I wanted desperately to be able to empower others that may be stuck or need permission to move forward and live life for themselves. So, although my goal is to encourage others, I also want to be empathetic because I know what it feels like to be stuck.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I enjoy inspirational and motivational books, and there are various authors and books that I enjoy. However, my go-to favorites are, The Little Engine That Could and Dream Giver, the Alchemist, and anything by Wayne Dyer.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Although I live in Chicago, it is my favorite spot. The city Is vibrant, full of energy, and diverse, and each community supports its own. It has an excellent transportation system, sports enthusiasts, restaurants, theatre, lots of free activity, and so on. I think Chicago is one of the best-kept secrets in the country.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Yes! I didn’t set out to write this book. I wrote the material a year before I started thinking about a book. I share weekly inspiring messages in my Facebook group and use this material for the book. It takes time to select the messages and organize my thoughts and material to present them in a way that will touch the reader so they can relate to the material. There is also mental preparation. I must prepare myself to be still and engaged during the writing phase.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Just L.E.A.P’ book?
Although it only took about a month to write the book, the material was written long before. I have a Facebook Group, https://www.facebook.com/groups/uhavethepower that I go live in every Sunday morning with a powerful and inspiring message, and I used those messages to write Just L.E.A.P.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Just L.E.A.P’ book to buy?
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Just L.E.A.P’?
I knew in my spirit that I wanted to speak to women putting off living life for themselves while putting everyone else first. Research shows that less than ten percent of people pursue their dreams, and only half of the women in the world pursue them. Especially after COVID. It provided an opportunity to be still and reflect on life, and I wanted to write this book as a resource to help women decide to go for it and pursue their dreams. That’s how I came up with the idea for the book cover. The book cover shows a diverse group of women leaping, and the colors are in my logo.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I am always evolving and creating. I pursue professional development not only for myself but to be the best coach for my clients. I also learn from my clients and am very much in tuned with my inner being.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Pittwater penned by the author Kevin E M Clark is a political drama/crime thriller. The story is set in Sydney, Australia.
Main characters of the story are two high school girls Paula and Lindsay. Both the girls had grown up listening to the records of ABC band. They smoked the joint at the Sydney Concert that they were attending. Paula was asking Lindsay to leave the concert as they may miss the last bus to Pittwater but Lindsay wanted to enjoy more songs. When they finally left the concert, they missed the bus to Pittwater. A stranger in a car stopped alongside them and offered the girls a ride to Pittwater.
When Paula noticed that the man had taken the wrong turn, she asked him to stop the car. But the man stabbed Paula. What will happen to Lindsay? Who is this stranger?
Read this intriguing story to know what will happen next. The story is well written by the author. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Pace of the story is fast and I wasn’t bored anytime while reading it. Narration is smooth and strong. Go for it. I am sure you would enjoy this crime thriller.
Book: Blooming Beyond Brooklyn: Poems of Roots, Sorrows, & Lessons
Author: Iris J Arenson-Fuller
Available On: Amazon
Language: English
Rating: 5/5
“Blooming Beyond Brooklyn: Poems of Roots, Sorrows, & Lessons” is a poetry collection penned by the poet/life coach Iris J Arenson-Fuller. This book has a collection of poems related to different topics like dreams, when to let go, Brooklyn Summers, etc. It is a memoir poetry. So, readers will get to know about different experiences of the author.
Few of my favorite poems from the collection are: When We Are Afraid, Balm For Invisible Wounds, Wondering where life went, etc.
This book includes pain, hope, growth, survival, love, motherhood, widowhood, aging, healing, determination, etc. I am glad to get my hands on this book.
I was angry/hurt because of a few things that happened to me in the past and I was unable to let them go. But this book inspired me to weave them into a garment of fabulous new colors. This is a lovely poetry book. I really appreciate Iris for sharing about her life events with us. I like to strongly recommend this well written book to others. Go for it without any second thoughts. You will have a great time reading the poems from this book.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hi, I’m an independent author from Australia. My day job is working as a doctor in A & E. I am also completing a master’s degree in forensic medicine. I have recently become a new mum, which has been the best thing ever. I have a love for all things fantasy and science fiction, growing up reading fantasy series after fantasy series. I also have a love for creative drawing and painting, though this has taken the back foot as I have been so busy with other things going on in my life.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Angel Of Darkness’ book?
The main challenges I had was in keeping the story moving forward but without missing out on the back stories of the characters and the more slow, intimate moments necessary to the story. One of the main criticisms I received for Elite Nation Book One was that the pace was fast and action-packed but this did detract from the story a bit.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I would say I’ve drawn inspiration from various authors and book, as well as other forms of media and entertainment. As a kid I loved reading the ‘Deltora Quest’ series, and the ‘Harry Potter’ books by J.K. Rowling. I also love the ‘Throne of Glass’ series by Sarah. J. Maas, although I am yet to complete the final book in the series. Other inspirational authors include Tahera Mafi and Shelby Mahurin.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Australia is a beautiful country. Whilst I haven’t travelled to every state and territory, Tasmania has to be my favourite state to have travelled, outside of Western Australia. Tasmania has lush rainforests, dense bush and mountainous climbs in alpine climate with amazing animals in the wild, such as echidnas (so cute to see them walking across the road), and Tasmanian Devils. In WA, we have pristine beaches and beautiful parks.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Other authors probably have a system they use to map out their story and manuscript with notes about every character and event. I have never been able to do this and have preferred to just let things flow. I have had to ensure I keep continuity with the characters and events from book one, but I haven’t been one to plan ahead a lot prior to writing.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Angel Of Darkness’ book?
The first draft for Angel of Darkness didn’t take long – maybe a month or so. The second draft took longer, then after sending the book for editing, this took more months to reach the final polished product of the manuscript.
Q7. On what platforms can readers find ‘Angel Of Darkness’ book to buy?
Angel of Darkness is available from Amazon.com, as a paperback and kindle epub version. And can be purchased from Barnes and Noble. For an author signed copy with a special edition hardcover, the book can be purchased through my website: https://www.harockley.com.au
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Angel Of Darkness’?
The book cover design has been adapted from the first book cover, to keep continuity in the series. The crown of thorns and feathers hold symbolism in the book and refer to the title character: ‘The Angel of Darkness’. I did initially call my book ‘Angel of Death’, but thought it might come across as a bit too harsh and morbid, so I changed it.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I try to keep the pace fast and action packed, as this is what I love about books, myself.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Certain characters who have gone missing at the end of Elite Nation Book One, come back with certain fates forced on to them.
Wise Up, Stand Up penned by the author Doris Siu is one of the best books that I have read this year. It has 101 words of wisdom that inspires the readers to look for the positives in life. I loved the quote below as I have been in situations when only my family stood by me. Family is everything.
Treasure the gift of family. They are the ones who will scare away the monsters under your bed when nobody believes you.
I agree with the author that the power of words is unimaginable so we should use our words wisely. These quotes will help the readers to understand life better. It is very important to learn these lessons on time. Writing style of the author is nice. It is a short read and definitely worth reading. Title of the book is something I loved.
After reading this book, I am inspired to silence my doubts and move on the path of my dreams. Those who love working on themselves should definitely get this book. It will help you in self-improvement. I am looking forward to reading more such books by Doris.
Sassy Reviews 