Book: Mr. Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles: December Celebrations
Author: Dr. Terance Shipman
Available On: Amazon
Language: English
Rating: 5/5
“Mr. Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles: DECEMBER CELEBRATIONS is an interesting children’s book penned by Dr. Terance Shipman and illustrated by Milan Ristic.
Main character of the story is a little boy Dewayne who is in Kindergarten at Laster Elementary School. He is very excited with a letter that Mr. Shipman has given him. Read out the story to know what experience his older sister, Banicia shared with him about December Celebrations in Mr. Shipman’s class. Come along with Dewayne to experience the fun filled story revolving around December Holidays. From this story readers will also learn about Kwanzaa and Hanukkah.
This is a wonderful story that I will surely share with my friends. This book is a great addition to the children’s bookshelf. The story is fast paced and exciting. Cover photo of the book is attractive and the language is lucid so kids can understand it easily. I am definitely interested in reading more books by the author. As December is near, buy this book for your little ones.
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hi Sassy, thank you for interviewing me! I am trained as both a clinical and social psychologist. I have been in private practice for over 25 years. I have two adult daughters. Both are adopted from Central America. My challenge now is learning Italian! I love making pottery – being able to fully immerse my hands in clay and create something from mud. I live in Cincinnati, OH with my three dogs, Moca, Enzo and Frankie.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Fear Traps’ book?
Putting my thoughts into words. Describing how I have helped myself and my clients overcome past hurts, betrayals and past traumas that are both big and small. Fear Traps describes a dynamic process of how to heal yourself. By following the six steps in my book, healing occurs. Readers will learn to identify the source of their triggers, the impact they have on them today and how to respond in a healthy way. “Fear Traps” equips readers to heal trauma and take on new challenges with confidence and resilience. Fear is normal, but fear does not need to control you. If you’re feeling trapped in a cycle of coping mechanisms that just keep making things worse, there is a way out.
Q3. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
That is tough to pick just one place. I do love both the east and west coasts. For me nothing compares to Maine in the fall – I love the brilliance of the changing foliage and the beauty of the rocky sand beaches. I also love the sunshine of California, exploring the varied landscapes and terrains in the state.
Q4. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
For me, yes. After a shattering divorce, I found traditional therapeutic approaches wanting, so I developed the Courageous Brain Process (CBP) — an innovative, science-based method of therapy. Rooted in the most up-to-date neuroscience, it bypassed the shortcomings of traditional talk therapy to repattern the way our brains process fear. When the results proved to be undeniably effective. My clients have been able to break free of self-destructive patterns triggered by unresolved fear I was able to dive into writing the book.
Q5. How long did it take you to write ‘Fear Traps’ book?
A long time. Shortly after I started writing Fear Traps, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Treatment included surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. After a two year recovery I dived into the book again. Then my Editor was diagnosed with breast cancer that interrupted the process again for a year. Finally, as we neared completion, I was diagnosed with breast cancer again, a completely different kind from what I had before. Interrupted again from finishing the book. Finally, the book was finished during the COVID pandemic. Yay!
Q6. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Fear Traps’ book to buy?
At this point Amazon. We are working with Ingram for distribution to work with other sellers.
Q7. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Fear Traps’?
I would love to take credit for that, but I can’t. Carmen Berry @BerryPowell Publishing came up with the title and Becky Rickett @BigStarProductionGroup designed the cover. We were looking for something that captured the emotions of being stuck in fear and represented the brain as dynamic. I love what they have done!
Q8. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Continuing my work as a clinical psychologist has allowed me to stay current with new developments and cultural trends. Fear is the root of stress and anxiety. Being human, this is our continual struggle to manage our rich emotional world.
Q9. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Yes, chronologically we are one age, but developmentally we are a variety of ages. What this means is anytime we are triggered; our reactions take us back to a place where we have been wounded by others. If we have not worked through these old hurts, we will react at the age at with the original hurt occurred. For example, when I was 13, I was miserably pranked by peers. I was humiliated. Going to a gathering of peers then became an experience I avoided. I carried this strong dislike of going parties into adulthood. It made me feel like I was 13 again. The problem was I tried to problem solve like a 13 year old. What work at 13 did not work at 40. Using the techniques in my book, Fear Traps, I was able to work though this unresolved hurt. I am not the life of the party, but I can now enjoy them!
Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
Gladly! My name is Tisha! Licensed through the DBPR in Florida, I work full time managing the day to day operations of numerous building structures. I am an alumni of Florida Atlantic University with a degree in Business Administration. I was originally born in Guyana, located in South America and was raised in an Indo-Guyanese/Hindu household. I have no children, but find peace and happiness in partaking in charities for children and the elderly.
Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “Lead the Way, Hanuman”?
I was truly inspired by two things: the upcoming generation and my late Grandmother who passed away from Alzheimer’s almost a decade ago. My generation of friends and family have all embarked on the journey of starting a family. I have watched each and everyone of them do their best to implement God and the Hindu religion into their children’s lives. Why not try to simplify such a complex religion for younger developing minds? On top of that, watching an elderly one drift away due to Alzheimer’s or Dementia is a difficult thing to experience. My thoughts were fixated on how to prevent that bond between generations from withering away due to this disease. Then the old saying of “once a man, twice a child” hit me and this is how the book was born. Teach the young ones, but also keep the minds of grandma and grandpa going.
Q3. What are your hobbies apart from writing?
Apart from writing, I am keen on Bollywood Dancing and have a strong love for music and the arts. I love playing the Harmonium (Indian Organ) and continue to learn day by day how to master it. I love a good novel and of course, a Hallmark Christmas movie, regardless of the time of year!
Q4. Are you planning to write another religious book soon?
Of course! Part two is due to release early next year! This will be a great, much needed series for the upcoming generation, as well as the older folks.
Q5. For which age group your book “Lead the Way, Hanuman” is suitable?
Lead the Way, Hanuman is suitable for all ages! Children ages 2-13 may find it more enjoyable.
Q6. Do you have faith in Lord Hanuman?
Lord Shiva is my Ishta-Devataa (the personal deity with whom a devotee feels the greatest connection with). Therefore, his avatar, Hanuman protects me in every waking moment!
Q7. What makes your city special?
I live where everyone wants to vacation! Good ol’ sunny South Florida!
Q8. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
Buy your children more physical books. E-Books are great and convenient, but nothing can ever compare to holding a book in hand, turning the pages and hoping not to crease a page! Also, establish a daily or nightly story time with your little one. It’s a fantastic way to make reading habitual.
Q9. What does literary success look like to you?
Literary success is simple. Did your book leave a long lasting imprint on your reader? Did they smile? If so, that’s honestly all you need. Anything else you dream of in terms of “success” will follow after that.
Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
I am inspired by multiple people! I am so blessed to be surrounded by positive and successful individuals in life. These individuals inspire me daily. Anyone that can live humbly and simply, inspires me. Anyone that can go from having nothing to everything through hard work and dedication, those people inspire me. Anyone that has a positive outlook on life, that harnesses goodness and purity, they inspire me as well.
“This is Me: No Darkness Too Deep” is a must read story of Fiona Myles. This is the real story of Fiona. Through this book readers will get to know how Fiona encountered one setback after the another.
This book is written in 71 pages and could be finished in a single sitting. Fiona was born in Scotland to Margaret Kirkpatrick. Her mother had another daughter called Dorothy. Fiona and Dorothy were daughters of Roy Nesbitt who was married so he couldn’t support Margaret and his daughters. Fiona lived with relatives initially but was then given into social care for adoption.
A couple Patsy and Bobby Cochrane were looking to adopt a child so they took Fiona into their family. As a child, Fiona moved to a lot of new places. Once, at the age of 12, she didn’t like the new house into which they moved. She even mentioned going to a psychiatrist. Until the age of 18, Fiona was given diazepam by mixing it in her dinner. Her marriage to Simon lasted for two years as he was a drinker and used to take out his frustration on Fiona.
Written in lucid language, this story of Fiona is a must read. There were many dark moments in Fiona’s life but she is strong enough to survive those challenging situations. This story will bring hope to many people who are victims of something. With God, everything is possible. Get to know how God brought a change in Fiona’s life. Looking forward to reading the next book by the author.
Book: Pat Randolph Mysteries: The Case Of Lori Larkin
Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Brian Foster, and I am a first-time published author. I was born and raised in Chicago prior to moving to Florida. I have a bachelors and master’s degree in business administration. Outside of writing, I do love to travel, sing in a chorus, and bowl. I was inspired to write by my father who was an avid reader and encouraged me to do the same. The love of my life, Rose, was also a big inspiration to me becoming a writer.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Pat Randolph Mysteries: The Case of Lori Larkin’ book?
Since this is my first published book, my biggest challenge was coming up with a story line that can be made into a series. I was not sure if the book was long enough for an engaging story.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
James Patterson was a big inspiration for my writing, especially his Alex Cross series of books. I also enjoy Tom Clancy and Michael Crichton.
Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
My favorite spot to visit is Chicago. Chicago is special to me because I have a lot of memories growing up there. I also enjoy the people, sports, and food from the city. There are many restaurants to choose from in the city.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
The first part to writing a book is coming up with the story line. You need to determine the setting, central characters, and a central theme. In addition, you also need to make time to write your book. I recommend creating a schedule for yourself to keep you on track and ensure you have the time allotted to write your book.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Pat Randolph Mysteries: The Case of Lori Larkin’ book?
It took me 1.5 months to write it
Q7. On what all platforms’ readers can find ‘Pat Randolph Mysteries: The Case of Lori Larkin’ book to buy?
You can find my book at dorrancebookstore.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Pat Randolph Mysteries: The Case of Lori Larkin’?
I wanted to keep the book cover simple and add to the mystery of my book. The title of my book is an interesting story. The central character’s name is derived from a mixture of my fathers and great grandfather’s names. The title was based on an actual girl I knew who disappeared in my youth.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
You need immerse yourself into the story line and think about how the central character would react to events in your own life.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I set up the story line for a series of books revolving around the central character, Pat Randolph. I am, currently, in the process of writing the 2nd book in the series. My goal is to have it ready for release in 2022.
“The Atheist and The Afterlife” penned by Ray Catania is the first installment in the Ray Catania’s Awakening book series. This is the story of Ray who was once an atheist. He stepped into the afterlife and returned. This made Ray realise that Death is truly a life-changing experience.
“If you are willing to die for your why, nothing can stop you.”
In this book, there are many valuable lessons which will help readers in their life. My favorite part from the book is when Ray met Jessica on an online dating site. Jessica helped him a lot in life. I also have a friend who inspires me and helps me in becoming my better version.
This book is based on the real-life accounts of the author. Go ahead with this book if you love reading non-fiction. The author’s experiences mentioned in this book would surely help readers to learn a lot. Cover photo of the book looks nice. I am the kinda person who loves reading spiritual, self-help books, memoir. I am glad to get my hands on this one.
Getting Better penned by the author Raya Loe is an intriguing story. James lives with his friend Cam. They have known each other for more than ten years. Cam arranged a blind date for James. The girl was Emma. Because of traffic she couldn’t be there on time. When James was about to leave, Emma reached there but James still left. When Cam got to know that Emma didn’t have a good place, he offered her to stay at their place. James wasn’t happy with this decision of Cam.
Cam also asked James to pick Emma after work. James didn’t want to do it but for Cam he had to do it. James has his own troubles to deal with. His mother is dead and James wants to find out about his family from his mother’s side. He had four contact numbers but all of them are dead now. Emma wanted to offer help to James but will James accept her help?
This is a captivating story. The plot of the story is nice. Cover photo could have been more attractive. Writing style of Raya is nice. Language used in the book is lucid so I was able to follow the story easily. Characters are well written. I enjoyed every bit of this book.
Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
I am a father to two lovely children, Sophia (14) and Theo (11), and married to my beautiful wife Caroline. We live in Hertfordshire and have done for 14 years although before that I lived all over the UK as well as Switzerland and Australia.
Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “Solar Flare”?
My two children. I wrote Solar Flare when they were younger and because they were fascinated by space. I honestly didn’t think the book was that good so sat on it for ages but then my kids encouraged me to get it illustrated and try and get it published.
Q3. What are your hobbies apart from writing?
I’m an outdoors person so I love most sports, walking the dog in the countryside, just being out and about in the fresh air.
Q4. Are you planning to write your next book soon?
It’s strange because I’m actually a songwriter first and foremost and had never really thought of writing a book. The words kind of came to me for Solar Flare when I was thinking about space and the passion the kids had for the universe. I’m convinced the songwriting was a trigger for the book so guess I’ll be hoping for a similar flash of inspiration because I’ll keep writing songs.
Q5. For which age group your book “Solar Flare” is suitable?
I think 4-7 is the perfect age but my kids still enjoy it now….although I know they are a little biased! I tried to write a book that parents would enjoy reading again and again since we’ve all been there at bedtime reading the same book when we’re tired and losing the will 😊.
Q6. What is your favorite Quote?
“Friendly people have friends”. Some simple but so true and all you need in life really.
Q7. What makes your city special?
Well I don’t live in a city now but the closest main city would be London. What makes it great? Diversity!
Q8. What suggestion you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
Find books they enjoy reading and that tap into their real life passions. That will help them develop the reading bug and they’ll open to expanding their literary horiozns from there.
Q9. What does literary success look like to you?
Writing something I’m proud to share with family and friends
Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
I don’t really have an individual, but I have huge admiration and humility when I think our about our World War 1 and 2 heroes. I am a keen historian particularly when it comes to the World Wars and I think it’s good for our minds and souls to always remember the suffering and sacrifice that these generations went through. When I think about some of the modern human and societal “issues” we face into, they really pale into insignificance to what soldiers and civilians experienced for the freedoms we enjoy today. And it was only 100 years ago or less! We would do well to remember that sometimes.
Winter Light penned by the author Martha Engber features a fifteen-year-old protagonist Mary. The story is set in the brutal winter of 1978-1979 Chicago. Mary lost her mother when she was five years old. She has ghostly memories of her mother. Only Mary has a steady income in her family. She takes care of paying electricity, gas and grocery bills. Her brother Danny hopped jobs so he could search for the perfect labor. He pays the phone bill and helps with the food. But Mary’s fifty-years-old dad Frank could only stay on a job for 1 or two weeks.
Mary is smart and beautiful. Mary befriends a girl named Kathleen. Mary’s life as a teenager is not easy. She struggles every day to live. Read this to know about her struggles and what she will do for her freedom and future.
I really appreciate Martha’s storytelling skills. Reading about Mary’s struggle made this book worth reading. If you love reading stories involving female protagonists, then don’t miss to get your hands on this book. I like to recommend this novel to high school and college students. The twists and turns in the story made it more enjoyable. This is a great read for sure. Go ahead with it without any second thoughts.
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hi, I’m Niharika. I’m 21, studying at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, graduating with a double major in Economics and English & Creative Writing. I’m originally from Kolkata, India, but have moved several cities and homes, which has invariably influenced my art and writing.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Strawberries Under Skin’ book?
Strawberries Under Skin is a compilation of some of my best pieces, dating back to 2017. The biggest challenge while putting together this manuscript was revisiting my oldest poems and getting in touch with the person I was then. Revision is always the most tedious part of publishing because a writer wants their final product to be the most perfect version of itself, and that requires constant revision, polishing and looking at it with a fresh set of eyes. So that kept me busy throughout the majority of the pandemic, and though it was hard work, it was definitely enjoyable and exciting because I knew that I was working towards a larger purpose.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Ocean Vuong and Fatimah Asghar have influenced my writing style, and voice, in the deepest sense. Each of them, in their own unique manner, use their contemporary voices to talk about deep-rooted issues regarding families, native lands, relationships, and cultural and physical stereotypes, and I find myself in complete awe of that. Night Sky With Exit Wounds by Vuong and If They Come For Us by Asghar are therefore my top two favorites, but I also have immense appreciation for classics like Audre Lorde and Lucille Clifton.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Home for me is not as standard a concept as it may be for others. It’s almost bizarre because I’ve moved so many houses, ‘home’ now refers to the people I surround myself with. I think it’s not so much a singular spot in the whole country that holds sentimental value for me, but it’s a little more scattered. There’s a little bakery called Kookie Jar in Park Street, Calcutta, that was a go-to for my family for all birthdays and anniversaries and celebratory events for almost eleven years. I particularly enjoy their Chocolate Pyramids, and always get a box of those every time I visit the city. Then there’s a couple lake-side spots in Vadodara, Gujarat, that my friends and I often drove to. They were always very peaceful, breezy and an excellent picnic spot. I have special memories attached to all of these different locations and I think that’s what makes the spot so nostalgic and unique to my experiences.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Absolutely. The biggest lesson that I learnt was not to rush the publishing process. I’ve had this dream since I was 12 and I remember feeling so desperate to find a publisher that would push their stamp on my very childish, pre-mature collection of poems. But I didn’t go through with it. I grew a little older, and let my post-pubescent years drive my thought-processes and personal philosophies of love and life and growth. I also decided to start attending more workshops and seminars, studied under world-class professors and then pooled in all of the knowledge and skills and craftsmanship I’d learnt so far, and directed that towards creating a manuscript that would finally qualify as a well-written piece of literary work.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Strawberries Under Skin’ book?
I never really know how to answer that question, because there are several poems in the book that I first wrote when I was seventeen years old, but only slightly re-worked them during revision. But more generally speaking, it was a year long journey, from August 2020 to August 2021, to go from drafting a rough word document with thirty poems, to a 120-paged paperback, with a unique cover design and a real ISBN code and everything.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Strawberries Under Skin’ book to buy?
Strawberries Under Skin is available as a paperback on Amazon across the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, Spain, France and Italy and as a Kindle version world-wide. Both versions are also available on IngramSpark and Kobo. I am currently in Atlanta, GA and talking to local bookstores like Barnes & Noble and Eagle Eye Books to display my book on their shelves.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Strawberries Under Skin’ ?
I always knew that I wanted ‘skin’ to be part of the title because so much of my work is inspired by the way I perceive my personal relationship with my body, the way that my body feels and the way it makes me feel. When I think about one word that describes me best, as a human being, the word ‘soft’ comes to mind. And a strawberry is a fruit that screams sensual, soft, and elegance along with a bold pop of color and juices. So the idea behind strawberries under your skin is essentially discovering the life that lies beneath your exterior, and the frailty and deep passion that you are really made of. I therefore wanted the cover design to reflect all of these notions, and I wanted the heart, the most important organ pumping blood to the rest of your body, to be infused with the red, porous structures of a strawberry.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I try to read as much as I can, and as frequently as I can. Being in college doesn’t allow you too much time to immerse yourself in novel after novel, but poetry books are easier and quicker to get through so I’ve actually gathered a pretty good collection of poetry books in the last two years, that constantly make me think from new perspectives, and make me write about experiences and people in a way I wouldn’t have considered before. I also often look out for online contests and writing prompts (the Instagram community of poets is an extensive and talented group of people) that challenge my comfort zone and push me to explore new styles.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I wouldn’t want to give away too many of my secrets, but I think one very cool thing about the book is I knew I wanted to have three or four chapters in the book; I just didn’t know what they would be called. Initially, the first ever edition of Strawberries Under Skin has three chapters called The Caterpillar, The Cocoon, and The Butterfly, to parallel the metamorphosis a caterpillar goes through before it can spread its wings and soar high. But that idea seemed almost cliché, overworked and a little stale, so I scratched that and decided to dedicate the three sections to the entities that pushed or provoked me into write that particular poem, which would find its place under that section. It’s funny how many times you rethink your title of the book, your subtitle or chapter titles before settling on one because you want it to be absolutely perfect without leaving much room for ambiguity, but I feel like a writer has their instincts that they must have faith in, and it’s usually a pretty incredible choice.
Sassy Reviews 