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Book: Nala’s Backyard Adventures: Nala Stands Tall

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

Hello! My name is Despena Zouzas and I am a teacher, avid reader, and first-time author. I am the author of the children’s book Nala’s Backyard Adventures: Nala Stands Tall.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Nala’s Backyard Adventures: Nala Stands Tall’ book?

I think that the editing process was the most challenging for me. Looking at my own work was difficult and caused me to miss things along the way, making it a pretty lengthy process. Second guessing different parts of the draft was also a challenge. I kept thinking too far ahead about what the reader may be thinking or feeling during different parts that made me want to make constant changes.

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

So many authors in both the children, young adult, and adult realm influence my writing that I can only list a few! Dr. Seuss, Eric Carle, Kevin Henkes, Bill Martin Jr., Roald Dahl, and Shel Silverstein are just a few of the many authors in the children’s book space that I draw inspiration from for my own writing.

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

I live in New England, and love that I get to experience all four seasons! It is so hard to pick one spot, as I am a short drive from many local attractions. One place I love to visit is Portland, Maine. I love trying different restaurants (huge foodie here), sipping my way through the many breweries, and walking the local shops and beaches.

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

Before I really start, I like to have a lot of notes and ideas written down. Some ideas just fall flat and do not make it past the note stage. But the concepts I keep going back to are the ones I choose to move forward with. I am usually pretty busy with work so I try to dedicate time on the weekends for writing by blocking out a 20-30 minute window of time.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Nala’s Backyard Adventures: Nala Stands Tall’ book?

The idea for the book had been in the works for a while and was something I went back to quite a bit. I already had most of it written, so when quarantine hit my state I spent most of my time perfecting the story line and finishing the draft.

Q7. On what platforms readers can find ‘Nala’s Backyard Adventures: Nala Stands Tall’ book to buy?

All readers can purchase “Nala’s Backyard Adventures: Nala Stands Tall” from Amazon. Readers local to the Boston, Massachusetts area also have the option to purchase directly from me to receive a few fun goodies with their purchase by accessing the Google form in the link in my bio.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Nala’s Backyard Adventures: Nala Stands Tall’ ?

My own cat, Nala, was my inspiration for the book. She typically stays in during the day, and leaves through her cat door at night as seen in the book. She wanders through the backyard, and the neighborhoods surrounding my house. This is where I got the idea of basing the title off of her actual backyard “adventures”. For the cover, my amazing Illustrator, Maria Katinas, captured my vision perfectly.

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

To keep things fresh, I try not to put pressure on coming up with the most unique ideas or to come up with something that has never been done before. As much as I block out time to write or jot down ideas, if I have nothing to write, I simply just do not force it. Since I am a new author, I think keeping things fresh for the reader will start to become difficult as I complete additional books.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Nala’s Backyard Adventures: Nala Stands Tall

Book: The Last Lumenian

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

I write under the pen name S.G. Blaise, which is a direct translation of my real name. I was born and raised in a Hungary and grew up in the last half of Soviet oppression. Although I always wanted to be a writer, I never imagined I’d be doing it in English.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Last Lumenian’ book?

One of the rewarding challenges was learning the craft while writing my book. I must have written five or six books, averaging 500 pages, as I developed my style.

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

There are many amazing authors who influenced me both professionally and as a reader. They include authors like Robert Jordan, Brandon Sanderson, Ilona Andrews, Kim Harrison, Patricia Briggs, Danielle Steele, Sydney Sheldon, Robert Ludlum, Karen Marie Moning just to name a few.

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

One of the most amazing things growing up in Hungary was all the rich history that surrounded me. Each morning, I would walk past ancient Roman ruins as I headed to high school. The high school itself was located at the foot of one of the most world-renowned castles in Europe, visible from all its windows. Other times, I would pass by a famous mineral bath built in the 16th century by the Turks during their 150-year occupation. Looking at them, it never ceased to amaze me to imagine what it must have been like to live during those times.

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

I spend a few months developing the story and the world building before I start writing. I am happy to share that I am in the process of revising the sequel to The Last Lumenian, planned for release late Summer or late fall 2021.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Last Lumenian’ book?

It took over six years from start to finish. Plus one more year to get it published.

Q7. On what platforms readers can find ‘The Last Lumenian’ book to buy?

The Last Lumenian is available on Amazon in ebook, audiobook and paperback format. As an ebook it is also available at Barnes & Noble, GooglePlay, Kobo and Apple Books.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Last Lumenian’?

The book cover is the result of a wonderful collaboration with Dissect Designs. Tim Barber did a phenomenal job translating my story into a stunning cover that recently won an award at the 2020 Annual Best Book Awards in the category of Best Cover Design: Fiction.

The title came to me in a brainstorming session with my editor. We were looking for a unique angle that would not only describe the first book but the whole series, too.

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

I try to create an immersive world for my readers so that they will feel like they have escaped reality when reading The Last Lumenian series. Adding details like specially made catchphrases make for unique dialog. Intriguing characters and humor sprinkled throughout the story are all designed to keep the reader entertained and the story to be a page-turner. As for myself, writing the best story possible is a reward in and of itself. I love coming up with new twists and turns, building the world and creating unique characters. It’s all part of the fun of writing The Last Lumenian series and I am having a blast!

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

There are many secrets in the book but I’m afraid I can’t share any without spoiling the story. The readers so far really liked the glossary at the end and found it useful to keep track of the characters and enjoyed the unexpected humor in it.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Last Lumenian