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Book: One More Iris

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

I’m Darcy Greco and I have been married for almost 10 years, we have two young children. Our family lives in the Tampa Bay, Florida. I work as a hairstylist by day and a standup comedian by night. I’m a running/ cardio junkie who loves all things yoga, writing & live performances.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘One More Iris’ book?

Time would definitely be a difficulty in writing the book. Not having any, along with being super unfamiliar with the whole publishing process. I watched more YouTube videos & read more articles/blogs on getting an agent/ query letters/ word count etc. It’s a whole world I’m still trying to learn, now even in the side of marketing. I really just want to tell stories and hope it reaches people that need it!

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

I love motivational/ how to books when I read- which is funny because I like to write suspense/psychological thriller. I swear by the artist way by Julia Cameron. It is a go to favorite and every time I read it I get something else out from it. I really enjoyed Girl on a Train and Wild Swans, totally different style books but completely fascinating.

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

My favorite place to visit is anywhere by the water. My husband‘s family has property in the middle of Florida feels much like old Florida because it is. It’s always calming for me to be near the water, I can hear myself think.

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

I don’t have much time to prepare before I start writing I usually try to jump in whenever I can. In a perfect world I put on a playlist of songs that remind me of songs my character would listen to after I drop off my kids at school. It helps me transition from mom to work.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘One More Iris’ book?

I started writing the book when my daughter was born after late night feedings. I strung small pockets of time together off and on for over four years. I sometimes wonder how long it would really take if I had more time to but I kinda like the space too. It let’s s the story breathe, deeper points of interest come up when it takes so long.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘One More Iris’ book to buy?

ONE MORE IRiS is available at Books A Million, Barnes & Noble, Amazon- both paperback and Kindle, along with my own website darcygreco.com

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘One More Iris’?

I’ve always loved writing and when I was young I would write a ton of comedy. Performing as a comedian was something that came after having children. I never really imagined doing ether (author or comedian) until I become open enough to share what I wrote. Whether I am sharing thoughts written down or expressing them on a stage, it’s all about being open and vulnerable. The title came from the concept that there is always One More… “person” – dancer, teacher, writer, athlete, musician and until we are satisfied we are always comparing ourselves to one more “something”. When it comes to alcoholism, one more, being never enough. One more alcoholic. One more person who doesn’t want to see the truth or can’t. One more drink, and things will be fine.

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

I believe staying fresh is greatly due to my career as a hairstylist and comedian. I stand all day and talk to people about intimate details from their life- notoriously, hairstylists are therapists. Then as a comedian at night, we say all the things most people keep in their head. That in itself is refreshing.

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

A very intimate detail from the book, that I don’t share a lot about, would be that chapter 7 was originally written about an experience I had going to a men’s maximum security prison. It was important to reflect the intimidation of a beastly man body into a women’s presence. It was intense, both writing that experience and living it.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

One More Iris

Book: Before I was Born

Book: Socks

Author: Corey Anne Abreau

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

My name is Corey Anne Abreau, I am a children’s book author of Before I Was Born & Socks. I am a mother to two boys, originally from Rhode Island, but currently live in North Attleboro Massachusetts. I enjoy reading, writing, and spending time with my children, my family and friends.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Before I Was Born’ book?

I do not feel I had any challenges writing Before I Was Born. This book actually flowed right out of me. I wrote it while I was pregnant with my second child and it just felt natural and right to get it all onto paper. I would write at night when it was quiet and when I was in bed. It was relaxing and fun to write about the perfect little baby growing inside of me.
Once the book was written I had to find an illustrator and searched online for one. It took a bit of time but I ended up clicking really well with this one woman. She did a fabulous job with the illustrations. It worked out really great.

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

I love all the Dr. Seuss books. I love rhyming books and cute and fun children’s books that make you feel good and smile.
Green Eggs & Ham is one of my favorites.
I also follow Jeff Kinney – Author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
My oldest son used to read his books and watch the movies. I love how motivated the author  is and how he has a series of books out. It makes me want to write and have a series out too! I have a ways to go to be like him but it is something to strive for.
Just have to keep on writing!

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

I love to go to Chase Farm in Lincoln RI. It is absolutely beautiful and so very peaceful. You can take a nice walk, go for a hike, or just sit and relax and enjoy the scenery. People fly kites, take their pets for a walk or just sit out on a blanket and have a picnic.
This place is special to me because I grew up in Rhode Island and consider myself a RI girl. I find myself going back there often.

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

For me, writing is fun and very enjoyable. I write about all types of things. Sometimes my feelings, sometimes a note to my children, or short stories for children.
I love writing for children mostly and love seeing a child enjoying my books. My children are my inspiration and motivation. My youngest is what I tend to write about most and then I  include my oldest son in the illustrations.
Sometimes a little bit of research is needed when writing but other than that it mostly comes from within. Whenever I feel like writing I just sit down at my computer and let it all flow out of me.

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

Socks took me one day to write. I remember the exact day. I was sitting on my couch watching my son play with his socks and just went with it. I knew exactly what I wanted to say and how I wanted the book to look. I had this idea in my head and after it was written I  took a ton of photos of him playing  and created a presentation for my illustrator so she knew what to draw. We worked really great together and my illustrator did an amazing job. The little boy looks alot like my son. I was very happy with the end result.

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

Both of my books can be found on my website
http://www.coreyanneabreau.com
or on Amazon
Before I Was Born:
https://www.amazon.com/Before-Born-Corey-Anne-Abreau/dp/159298598X/ref=sr_1_21?dchild=1&keywords=before+i+was+born&qid=1603810921&sr=8-21
Socks:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1950339785/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

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

It was just a vision I had for both of my books!
Before I Was Born was the perfect title for my first book as it explains what is happening inside mommy’s belly during the 9 months of pregnancy.
and
Socks was all about socks so I felt that was the way to go!
Both covers were photos that were taken at one point and I felt they just fit perfectly for the cover.

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

I enjoy cute and fun short stories and anything that makes you smile.
My first book was a bit more serious but the second was fun and silly. That is what I was going for.
I hope to write more and continue writing fun and exciting stores for children to enjoy.

Author’s Profile

Books are Available On Amazon

Before I Was Born

Socks