Book: Unlocking Your Gifts & Finding Purpose In Life
Author: Malik K Murray
Available On: Amazon
Language: English
Rating: 5/5
“Unlocking Your Gifts & Finding Purpose In Life” is a self-help book written by the author Malik K Murray. In this book, author has discussed about self-reflection and self-awareness that can help to unlock our gifts, dreams and talents. As a result, we can get closer to discover our purpose in life.
We are all born with unique gifts as an offering to the world. These gifts manifested can inspire people, impact lives, and change the world. But it’s up to us to manifest them.
Above is my favourite quote from the book. Author has advised us that finding our unique gifts doesn’t have to be a one-man job. We can query our trusted advisors, family, friends, etc to know more about ourselves. Finding our vision and creating a dream list is something that we should do.
It is a very helpful book that has opened my eyes. Language of the book is simple and easy to understand. Cover photo of the book is nice and title is suitable. I have penned down important points in my diary and like to strongly recommend it to my fellow readers.
Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello and thank you for the interview. I live in Toronto, Canada, and I work full-time in the back office of a bank. My first love is film; I tried to make it as a screenwriter, but nothing came of it. Then I turned to writing books.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Cloud Cover’ book?
The book is focused on a man named Tony who has mental health issues, specifically an eating disorder. The biggest challenge was accepting that readers who were my family and friends would probably figure out the character was based on me. It took a while to get over the shame I used to feel. And of course, the never-ending hours of writing is always exhausting and sometimes demoralizing.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Some books that have changed my life include The Color Purple by Alice Walker, When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, and Life Will Be the Death of Me by Chelsea Handler. Other writers I love are James Baldwin, Douglas Coupland, Andrew Pyper, Maya Angelou and Sylvia Plath.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Any tennis court in Toronto. My parents taught me how to play when I was 8 and I’ve been addicted for 30+ years ever since. Being on court on a warm sunny day and hearing the balls hitting the racquets and the birds in the trees makes me feel like a kid again.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Yes, depending on what I’m writing about, I try to do a lot of research about the topic and make a loose outline of the book before doing the actual writing. But there’s no real step-by-step process to it – I kind of just try to organize myself and then go with the flow when needed.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Cloud Cover’ book?
It was long! I would write a bit, then not touch it for months, even years at some points. But if remove all the breaks I took, probably about 3 and a half years.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Cloud Cover’ book to buy?
It is on Amazon, Indigo/Chapters, Barnes & Noble and Kobo. There is a link on my Instagram and Facebook bio that takes you to all that.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Cloud Cover’?
I came across the cover of an album called Upstairs and Eric’s by Yazoo that I really love. It has a male mannequin sitting at a table, with his body cut in half. It’s very contemplative. I thought the idea of a mannequin would suit my book’s theme of trying to fit oneself into some ideal mould, so I went with that direction. As for the title – the main character often thinks he is cursed in life, that there is a cloud always over his head, following him. Like him, I couldn’t make sense of all the events that happened to me. The only reason I could come up with as to why these things occurred was so I could have a story, and maybe share it with others who are experiencing the same. Maybe it would help them. Maybe it would help me. I so wanted to make my pain and grief mean something, and it turned into the book.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I always surround myself with books, poems or other pieces of writing, songs, and even visual art during the writing process for inspiration. You never know where your next idea could come from.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
It may not seem like it from the blurb or the first few chapters, but there is a lot of humour in the book. One of the characters is a drag queen – I had so much fun writing the scenes in the drag bars! Also, anyone who works in an office will probably laugh at – and relate to – the ridiculous absurdity of corporate culture, brought in by the main character’s boss
Recently I got my hands on the murder mystery “Deliberate Duplicity”. Mystery novels are the best food for our brain as we keep on figuring out who the culprit might be while reading the book.
Senior detective Sasha Frank lives with Janet. He had been married and divorced twice earlier. He was named Sasha after his maternal grandfather who was a World War II hero. Sasha was thinking to retire after thirty five years of work experience. Currently he has 34 years of experience and as a senior detective in the PD, he is working on a case to identify the killer behind the recent murders. Dead bodies are being found in two Illinois cities along the Constitution Trail and killer has his own style of murder that involves similarities between different murders. Victims eyelids were glued open, there are abrasions present on both wrists and ankles of the victims. With similarities between the murders happening, will the detective find any clue that will help him to solve the mystery?
Who is the mastermind behind the Constitution Trail Murders? Unveil the suspense as you read the story yourself. Author’s writing style is nice and he has done wonderful job in his debut novel. Cover photo of the book is attractive. Characters are written well. Pace of the story is fine. I added many words to my vocabulary by reading this novel. If you like reading serial killer stories then go ahead with this one.
Recently I got my hands on the murder mystery “Deliberate Duplicity”. Mystery novels are the best food for our brain as we keep on figuring out who the culprit might be while reading the book.
Senior detective Sasha Frank lives with Janet. He had been married and divorced twice earlier. He was named Sasha after his maternal grandfather who was a World War II hero. Sasha was thinking to retire at the age of thirty five. Currently he is 34 and as a senior detective in the PD working on a case to identify the killer behind the recent murders. Dead bodies are being found in two Illinois cities along the Constitution Trail and killer has his own style of murder that involves similarities between different murders. Victims eyelids were glued open, there are abrasions present on both wrists and ankles of the victims. With similarities between the murders happening, will the detective find any clue that will help him to solve the mystery?
Who is the mastermind behind the Constitution Trail Murders? Unveil the suspense as you read the story yourself. Author’s writing style is nice and he has done wonderful job in his debut novel. Cover photo of the book is attractive. Characters are written well. Pace of the story is fine. I added many words to my vocabulary by reading this novel. If you like reading serial killer stories then go ahead with this one.
Peace written by the author Marie Feather is a non-fiction self-help book. This book will help the readers to heal, they will learn to find peace in their life. In this book, author has mentioned how life is about learning to deal with our emotions and to learn more about ourselves every day. The book is divided into five chapters that defines what Peace is.
There are various quotes shared in the book that will be helpful for the readers. Marie has written this book after overcoming depression. She has shared the wisdom in this book from her personal experiences.
“The most difficult thing in life is to know yourself.” ~~Thales
She has motivated the readers to show the world who they really are and has advised them to meet themselves. She has asked the readers to stop existing and to start living. I loved author’s definition of healing – “coming back to yourself”.
The topics covered in the book are helpful and many readers could connect to them. Book is written in a lucid language so more and more readers you understand it easily. Cover photo of the book looks so decent and title is suitable. It is an insightful read that I like to recommend to my fellow readers.
“Who’s In Your Backyard” is a self-help book written by the author Clinton Powell. The book is written in the context of a Christian Church but its application extends much beyond that. In this book, author has discussed how to prevent the church from falling. To do the ministry work, a balanced team having both young and old people is needed. First there is a need for change in mindset. Young people are an asset and could do so much for the organization.
The entire church leadership team needs to replace tradition with new creative ways to do ministry. Clinton has discussed about the IT factor and the need to identify the talent. Leadership training need to be provided to team members to develop their talent.
Book includes various quotes that are inspiring. If you want to take your leadership to the next level then this book would be helpful for you. Leaders and pastors who read this book should also implement the theories mentioned in the book to be successful. It is a short read that one could finish in a single sitting.
It is an insightful and inspiring book that I like to recommend to others.
“Where is Bejou?” is a Children’s Book written by the author Hiba Shublak. Story features a little girl who recently lost her dog Bejou. Little girl thought that she has lost her dog somewhere so she went in search for her dog. Grab a copy of this book to know how little girl will develop an understanding about loss and love.
This Children’s Book is written well. Parents can use this book to initiate a discussion with kids about loss of loved one and accepting our fate. Author has very well handled a sensitive topic to present it to kids. Storyline is interesting. Illustrations are mind blowing and cover photo is nice.
I strongly recommend this book for kids. Parents could buy it for their kids and can read it along with them.
The Wonder of Fiber is a Children’s Book written by the author Tiffany Wilson and illustrated by Elon Wilson. This is the story of the fibrous twins who were very close but as they started to grow up, differences and competition started to creep in between them. Grab a copy of this book and read it to know how they will learn to embrace their differences.
This is an educational read for the kids. Cover photo is nice with a simple language so kids can understand it. Siblings could read this book together. They will learn to stay together and not compete with their brother or sister. Parents and kids can enjoy this book together.
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I’m Lanie Mores, author of the science fiction and fantasy book series, Father of Contention. I reside in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada with my husband and son. I have two little, feisty dogs, Petri and Batman, who are a constant source of entertainment and distraction. Besides writing, I also run my own personal training business in-home and online. My interests involve music, baking, watching movies and television shows, fitness, reading, and writing. I’m currently busy working on the fourth book in my series, Gatekeepers of Eden, which should be available this summer.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Father of Contention’ book?
Father of Contention was the first novel I wrote, and so I struggled with “imposter syndrome”. Feelings of doubt and inadequacy constantly led to procrastination, and I almost quit the process more than once. Not only was I faced with insecurity around my writing abilities, but I was a newbie to the entire publication process. Editing my manuscript, writing queries, synopses, back cover blurbs, creating social media pages…it was a steep learning curve, but worth it all in the end.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Margaret Atwood, and Stephenie Meyer have all influenced my writing. They inspired me to write in the science fiction, fantasy, horror, and paranormal genres, and their writing styles are much to be emulated. I’m impressed by their effective use of poetic description, the impact that their characters’ internal dialogue has on their readers to make them feel a part of the story, and the inclusion of tragic storylines that don’t always have a happy ending. Although I could never say that I write as well as them, they inspire me to keep improving my skills and aspire to be a better author.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
My all-time favourite spot to visit is the Indigo/Chapters bookstore in my hometown of Thunder Bay. It has a Starbucks attached, so it’s always filled with the glorious aroma of fresh brewed coffee. Coffee and books together…it’s my little slice of paradise! I worked there when I was in University, and more recently I got into the habit of dropping in every Sunday after church with my mom and son. It was the perfect escape, but we haven’t been able to go since Covid-19 hit, so I sorely miss our little dates.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
As far as being a “Plotter or a Pantser”, I would say I’m more of a plotter. I always start with an idea or a group of concepts I want to write about, and then I research those concepts to death, literally burying myself in articles, books, periodicals…whatever I can get my hands on pertaining to the subject, until I feel like I’m an expert. Next, I create an outline of how my chapters and storyline will evolve; when different characters will be introduced and what they will be like, creating the scenery, developing bits of dialogue. During this process there are times I’m simply staring off into space, daydreaming, creating the scenes in my head before I write them down on paper. Finally, when I feel the story is mapped out from beginning to end, I start to write.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Sea of Forgetfulness’ book?
Sea of Forgetfulness took me approximately three years to write, from conception to completion, but I was working on other projects simultaneously. I began writing the first draft during NaNoWriMo 2016. Then I put it on the backburner until I finished it during NaNoWriMo 2019, followed by months of edits.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?
My website http://www.laniemores.com has direct links to most of the platforms where my books are available. That being said, you can find them on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indigo/Chapters, Kindle, Kobo, Smashwords, and Goodreads.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your books?
When I’m planning my covers, I picture in my mind what I would like the cover to look like, and then I search through hundreds of stock photos until I find the closest picture to match my vision. For my current book series, I wanted a character picture on both the front and back cover, so I needed to find the perfect fit for both. After I narrowed it down to a few choices, I had my friends vote on their favourites. The winners got sent off to Tellwell Talent’s book cover designers, who then created the final, polished graphics. For title selection, my first book was easy since the devil serves as the books’ narrator, so I called it Father of Contention, which is one the devil’s many names. He also becomes the father of a new race of human, and so it was fitting. My second book, Guardian of Angel is a play on words. The main character’s nickname is Angel, and she gets linked to her guardian angel after a near-death-experience. Sea of Forgetfulness is taken from the Bible, a special place where people go that is somewhere between life and death…the main theme for that storyline. And the final book, Gatekeepers of Eden literally is about a selected group of individuals meant to protect the entrance to the Garden of Eden.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
There are times I ignore the rules of writing and go off on my own tangent. It’s a risk, and can go either way, by being effective or an epic failure. I’m pleased how it’s turned out so far. For example, in the Father of Contention series, I have the devil using free-style poetry to narrate the story during the opening, midway and closing of the story in each book. He speaks directly to his audience, to you as reader and as the humans he loathes. I feel this addition gives the story a unique feel.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
There are a few secrets I can share from my latest book Sea of Forgetfulness that aren’t considered spoilers. For instance, Anthony and Ang, two of the main characters, get married in a quiet, understated affair. I also take the concept of “kill your darlings” a little too far by knocking off some major characters, while other characters thought to be dead and gone, resurface. Things aren’t always as they seem in my stories.
The Awakening Of Death penned down by the author David E Jones is a spiritual book. In this book author has discussed about who we are as humans and why we are here. Author has also discussed about his life in this book. David’s mom left the home when he was 3 years old. His father even though he was in pain, he raised a little boy by himself. David cherished the loving moments that he spent with his nan and grandad as a child.
He considered himself as an evil, the reason of his mom leaving the home and punished himself physically. Reading about David’s life and his reaction to certain situations totally made sense. Anyone who had been in his shoes would have done the similar things like bed wetting, cutting off conversations with friends about family, doing stuffs to get others attention, etc.
Nutrition and exercise chapter is helpful. I liked the idea how author has expressed the idea of considering our journey on earth as a trip. I am glad to know about how perception plays a role in shaping our reality.
Language of the book is easy so even beginners could understand it. This is a part memoir and part spiritual read, I enjoyed reading it overall. I felt emotional at times while reading the book. Story involves drugs, alcohol, loss of loved ones, etc. So, if you are comfortable reading about it, go ahead with this book. I loved the way author has poured his heart and his life in this book.
Sassy Reviews 