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Book: #Life

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

I am a 36 year old guy that lives in Peterborough in the UK. I am a University lecturer by trade and focus largely on coaching, development, psychology and education. I hold a BSc and an MSc and am currently a PhD researcher in ‘Epistemological Philosophy, Target Reflective Practice and the Development of Leadership’.
I have far too many hobbies, including art (I draw and have taken commissions), music ( I play the guitar), sport and exercise, and of course I read voraciously.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘#Life’ book?

This book is me bringing together the two disciplines of psychology and philosophy, which ordinarily sit side by side. So I had to try and bring both together in a way that people would both understand and relate to. The fact that this is my first book provided more than enough challenge, but I also had to decide on what life-based topics to include and what to leave out.

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

There are almost too many to mention. Perhaps if I split them up that might help. Within the world of psychology the likes of Jordan Peterson, Jonathan Haidt and Carol Dweck. In philosophy I would probably say the eastern philosophers such as Lao Tzu and Confucius and the western philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Friedrich Nietzsche and Immanuel Kant.
In terms of general writing and rational inquiry, the likes of Thomas Sowell have been a huge influence.

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

This would probably be either the nature reserve that I am fortunate to live very near in Peterborough, or the small country villages of East Sussex which is where my family and I are originally from. Both are very natural places, with Sussex seeming like it is stuk in some sort of time warp. It reminds me of simple times and a simple life.

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

I think this depends on what kind of book you want to write. If you are looking to write a non-fiction booked that is well researched, then obviously a great deal of time is spent on conducting that research beforehand. If it is narrative non-fiction, then less so.
However, I think that everyone considering writing a book should contemplate what it means to try and produce something you are proud of and what level of work is associated with that goal. Having an understanding of the publishing process is definitely an advantage!

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘#Life’ book?

From start to finish it took 18 months, but that includes editing and re-writing. In terms of a first draft it was roughly 12 months, with the first 6 months mainly research-based. The editing process is actually very lengthy and combined with understanding how to publish takes longer than people generally think.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘#Life’ book to buy?

#Life is only available on Amazon, but can be purchased in paperback and kindle versions.

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

The title is a bit of a satirical take on modern life being so social media focused and hashtag driven. It is a reminder to actually live life rather than just view it on your phone. I am not trying to offend anyone of course, but I want people to realise the wisdom that exists in the words of these great philosophers and how valuable they can be for living life.

The book cover was a difficult thing to come up with. How do you encapsulate a book that uses move quotes, song lyrics and literary references along with ancient wisdom and modern psychological research? Or more importantly, how do you make a cover for a book that is about life? I just went with designs from other books that I liked and went from there. The circular design on the front then represents the cyclical nature of life, entropy etc, along with a metaphoric target of living a better life.

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

I have used an array of quotations from really unexpected sources (movie, TV and so on) in order to help people understand the content, but also break up the monotony of the same voices. I actually use Homer Simpson as my ‘anti-hero’, who regularly voice the opposite of what I am trying to say (in his usual comedic fashion). Hopefully this has helped add some humour and life to the text, lightening the mood on what are very deep topics.

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

That the wisdom we need in life is all around us. It is in our movies, in our TV shows and in our children’s books. It is even in the often simple but poignant words of our parents, children and friends. All we need do is pay attention and try to understand the deeper meanings of these words and how they bring value to our lives. #Life is an attempt to do that, by making the complex words of the greatest minds in history a little easier for everyone to absorb.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

#Life

Book: #Life

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

I am a 36 year old guy that lives in Peterborough in the UK. I am a University lecturer by trade and focus largely on coaching, development, psychology and education. I hold a BSc and an MSc and am currently a PhD researcher in ‘Epistemological Philosophy, Target Reflective Practice and the Development of Leadership’.
I have far too many hobbies, including art (I draw and have taken commissions), music ( I play the guitar), sport and exercise, and of course I read voraciously.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘#Life’ book?

This book is me bringing together the two disciplines of psychology and philosophy, which ordinarily sit side by side. So I had to try and bring both together in a way that people would both understand and relate to. The fact that this is my first book provided more than enough challenge, but I also had to decide on what life-based topics to include and what to leave out.

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

There are almost too many to mention. Perhaps if I split them up that might help. Within the world of psychology the likes of Jordan Peterson, Jonathan Haidt and Carol Dweck. In philosophy I would probably say the eastern philosophers such as Lao Tzu and Confucius and the western philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius, Friedrich Nietzsche and Immanuel Kant.
In terms of general writing and rational inquiry, the likes of Thomas Sowell have been a huge influence.

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

This would probably be either the nature reserve that I am fortunate to live very near in Peterborough, or the small country villages of East Sussex which is where my family and I are originally from. Both are very natural places, with Sussex seeming like it is stuk in some sort of time warp. It reminds me of simple times and a simple life.

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

I think this depends on what kind of book you want to write. If you are looking to write a non-fiction booked that is well researched, then obviously a great deal of time is spent on conducting that research beforehand. If it is narrative non-fiction, then less so.
However, I think that everyone considering writing a book should contemplate what it means to try and produce something you are proud of and what level of work is associated with that goal. Having an understanding of the publishing process is definitely an advantage!

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘#Life’ book?

From start to finish it took 18 months, but that includes editing and re-writing. In terms of a first draft it was roughly 12 months, with the first 6 months mainly research-based. The editing process is actually very lengthy and combined with understanding how to publish takes longer than people generally think.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘#Life’ book to buy?

#Life is only available on Amazon, but can be purchased in paperback and kindle versions.

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

The title is a bit of a satirical take on modern life being so social media focused and hashtag driven. It is a reminder to actually live life rather than just view it on your phone. I am not trying to offend anyone of course, but I want people to realise the wisdom that exists in the words of these great philosophers and how valuable they can be for living life.

The book cover was a difficult thing to come up with. How do you encapsulate a book that uses move quotes, song lyrics and literary references along with ancient wisdom and modern psychological research? Or more importantly, how do you make a cover for a book that is about life? I just went with designs from other books that I liked and went from there. The circular design on the front then represents the cyclical nature of life, entropy etc, along with a metaphoric target of living a better life.

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

I have used an array of quotations from really unexpected sources (movie, TV and so on) in order to help people understand the content, but also break up the monotony of the same voices. I actually use Homer Simpson as my ‘anti-hero’, who regularly voice the opposite of what I am trying to say (in his usual comedic fashion). Hopefully this has helped add some humour and life to the text, lightening the mood on what are very deep topics.

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

That the wisdom we need in life is all around us. It is in our movies, in our TV shows and in our children’s books. It is even in the often simple but poignant words of our parents, children and friends. All we need do is pay attention and try to understand the deeper meanings of these words and how they bring value to our lives. #Life is an attempt to do that, by making the complex words of the greatest minds in history a little easier for everyone to absorb.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

#Life

Book: The Orgia Khronicles

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

Of Course.. Yet I would like to say I’m many people in One, but as for a basic introduction. My name is John Phillip Auletta also known as ‘Karneios’ by Dionysus and the gods. I am a distinguished Dionysian Pagan and initiate of The Way Of The Satyr. A modern Patron of the Technitai Dionysus and a original founder of ATD (Auric Of Transcendent Divinity ) which is now a small community of eclectic Witches, Wiccans and Dionysian Pagans whose Transcendence is based on Dance, Music, Psychedelic Ritual and Ecstatic Sex. My most widely known works include ‘Loyalty is Everything (an Amazon E-Book which was a fiction memoir based on some actual events of my youthful life). My aim in writing it was to teach of the dangerous manipulation and violence within gangs. To sum it up clearly, I am not who I use to be but yet have become what I aim to be. I am just ebbing and flowing.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Orgia Khronicles?’

The main key challenge I faced during the creation of ‘The Orgia Khronicles ‘ was MYSELF. This book is basically my spiritual and physical journey which are One in my eyes. And within any journey of life, the self becomes the main challenge. Where is your Self to be found is the question. In this book you’ll find my answer, ‘ within the deepest enchantment that you have experienced’. Is the answer you’ll find. However, the more indepth the enchantment, the more intense the challenge of Self becomes.

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

Those who truly inspired my writing were ancient Pagan philosophers. Those who were inspired by the gods and Mother Nature. But as for the ones who inspire me in these times, are mainly Dionysian authors ‘ Vikki Bradshaw’, ‘H. Jeremiah Lewis’, and ‘ Denise Major -Dodge ‘.

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

This may sound crazy but my favorite spot in my country are new lands I’ve yet to explore. My favorite thing is to go where I’ve never been. There is a peculiar pleasure in riding out into the unknown. A pleasure which no second journey on the same trail ever affords.

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

I wouldn’t say a lot to do however I do like to meditate before writing. I always make the most of every sense before writing, glorifying in all the pleasure and beauty which the world reveals to me.. That helps my writing to flow.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Orgia Khronicles’ book?

It took a total of 7 years. This project couldn’t be done quickly, the book is the manifestation of a journey.. That takes time, actually that is timeless.

Q7. On what platforms can readers find ‘The Orgia Khronicles’ book to buy?

The Orgia Khronicles E-Book is found on Amazon Kindle and the Paperback is available on Amazon.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title, ‘The Orgia Khronicles’?

As for the process of my book cover, I wanted to merge and blend the complexity of my Dionysian spirit into one cover. The grapes symbolize my god Dionysus, the wine being poured in the glass represents the many offerings I poured forth to Him. The hidden goat head itself within the image of my face symbolizes an experience that words cannot define. Mysterious initiates will understand.
Now as for the book title,’ THE ORGIA KHRONICLES (My Reminiscent Dionysian Journal )’.The word ‘Orgia’ is the name of an ancient celebration of the Greek god Dionysus. And the very essence of Dionysus represents the way a person seeks ecstacy through direct experience or passion through experience with Him, He shows us how to have blessed enthusiasm for life. And by reading my quotes, poetry, and adages, you will begin to understand my direct experience with my passion for Dionysus. These quotes and adages are an ecstatic journey towards my blessed enthusiasm of Him. Now as for the word ‘Resipiscent’, it means to be made wise by experience. My goal is to share the wisdom I gained by experience in hopes that your experience as you read it is one that evokes your own power and wisdom. And remember, experience is not what happens to you, it is what you do with what happens to you. Nothing ever becomes real until it is experienced-even a motto is no motto to you until Dionysus (Life) has illustrated it. And that is the wisdom of The Way Of The Satyr ….

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

How I keep things fresh between me and my readers is actually simple. I continuously give new births to old ideas yet with my own Dionysian twist. There’s nothing more fresh then a new birth..

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

There are many secrets within the book that I have yet to expose here. I’ll give you a good one, I am incarcerated… Yet prison hasn’t closed or incaged my mind and spirit.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

The Orgia Khronicles

Book: Ales, Agents And Alchemy

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

I’m a writer of heart-and-snark-filled fantasy and science fiction! Stories are the best way I know to help others, and books got me through the toughest times in my life. That’s one big reason I started writing. To give back. I earned my BA in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and I earned a 1st degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Ales, Agents And Alchemy?’

The two biggest challenges were representing LGBTQ characters with respect, and researching beer brewing to weave in with the alchemy. There are three LGBTQ characters in the novel. Kelly, Madison, and Ryne. I worked closely with several beta readers and critique group partners to make sure these characters were sincere and genuine. Research for the beer alchemy was fun, and required a lot of double-checking to make sure the right step of beer brewing was involved with the right piece of alchemy.

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

I can think of three authors who influenced my writings. Kevin Hearne because his writing has the action-packed pacing and snark I like. Victoria Schwab because she tells beautiful stories about characters of many gender identities (and her super-villains rock). John Scalzi because he is a master of dialogue and of writing stories that get you seeing the setting vividly with only a few descriptions.

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 State Street in Madison, Wisconsin. There are used book stores on that street downtown, as well as fantastic and eccentric restaurants. There’s a breakfast restaurant open 24hrs, and a smokeshop with silly action figures and college humor types of products. Always entertaining to walk in there and see how many products with puns are for sale. Plus – Wisconsin ice cream down on State Street is #1 for a reason.

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

Of course there is! I outline each chapter beforehand using one paragraph to represent a chapter. That way I can keep the story on track AND allow the characters to solve the problems I lay out in the outline in their own ways. It’s half-organized, half-improvisational.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Ales, Agents And Alchemy’ book?

The novel took two years to write and edit. I wrote it between other projects like writing short stories and converting a screenplay into a fantasy novel. That’s actually short for me. Usually it takes two-and-a-half or three years to write AND edit one novel.

Q7. On what platforms can readers find ‘Ales, Agents And Alchemy’ book to buy?

Ales, Agents And Alchemy is available on Amazon. Search the title and you’ll find it. The book is also available on Kyanite Publishing’s website under new releases. You can download the book there using code FAREWELL and get 40% off! The book’s available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover!

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title, ‘Ales, Agents And Alchemy’?

This was such a fun process! I showed my publisher examples of other book covers that did attractive things with the text and the images of characters, then we designed our own together using things like angled text, a smoky background, and characters with whiskey and slinky dresses. The book’s original title was ‘The Magician’s Ales’ but the publisher and I talked and felt the word ‘Magician’ is too common in book titles. So we mulled over about ten other titles and came up with the alliterative ‘Ales, Agents And Alchemy’ because it tells exactly what the book is.

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

It’s tough to do that, but there many ways to keep the pace and tension mounting. Each chapter starts with the character’s goal for that chapter on the first page or so. Then by the end of the chapter, I make sure the character has either failed, OR has succeeded and caused another problem or two because of that success. For example, the villain Lawrence Grant burns down a library in his first scene. He succeeds, but that gets Kelly the ATF agent involved because explosives are part of the ATF’s responsibility to investigate. Each chapter ends with something worse going wrong, and only SOME things get fixed before things go wrong even worse. You don’t have a story at all if everything goes right for the characters!

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

I can share two! First, the main characters’s sexuality is Asexual. (Ace) He notices when people are behaving in a flirty or sexual way, but he’s never interested. He doesn’t enjoy that kind of relationship. He would rather have connections that aren’t sexual in nature. He can still experience love, care, romance, etc. That kind of casual representation is important in story telling because people are people and their feelings and sexualities are relevant. The other secret is I’m writing a sequel with Kelly as the protagonist!

Thanks so much for interviewing me! I’m active on social media like Twitter (@OculusWriter), Instagram (OculusWriter) and Facebook (Jabe Stafford, Writer). You can find free downloadable stories and a monthly newsletter at my author webpage http://www.jabestafford.com

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Ales, Agents And Alchemy

Book: The Legacy Commencement

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

Hey folks! My name is Autumn and my pen name is R.A. Schwartz, which is an acronym that pays homage to my favorite Slytherin, Regulus Black AKA R.A.B. I’m a queer nonbinary nerd and I am from South Carolina.

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

Writer’s block! There were times where I knew exactly what I wanted to write and other times it just wasn’t coming to me. I spent three years writing and rewriting it.

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

Shakespeare, Tolkien, the creators of Tomb Raider, The Elder Scrolls Oblivion and Skyrim, and Harry Potter fanfic writers. J.K. Rowling did inspire me at one point, but not anymore. I still love Harry Potter, but I can’t stand her or her transphobia.

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

Folly Beach which is in Charleston, South Carolina. It’s so peaceful and quiet and it’s thst place to get away from it all! I love it!

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

I outline the main plot and my characters. I wrote this book in order. One of the sequel s that I’m currently working on I wrote the ending before I did the majority of the rest of the book. It will change but only slightly so.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Legacy Commencement’ book?

Three years! It was truly one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but definitely worth the effort!

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?

Amazon. Kindle subscibers can read it free.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your books?

My publisher created the cover art. I’m definitely no DaVinci. The title is tied into the villian. He has a vision for a specific type of legacy he wishes to create. One that will make the world an awful place. This book shows how this legacy began. The second will show how someone tries to bring it back and the third will show this legacy ending and a new, better one beginning.

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

I’m good at finding a story within popular stories and making them my own. That way my readers get originality and nostalgia.

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

On my blog accordingtorory.net I’ve shared and will be continuing to share creation secrets for everyone! The category is called All About My Novel.

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Legacy Commencement