Category: Author Interview

Posted on

Interview with author Vanessa Potgieter Elsden

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

Hello, I am Vanessa. May I first importantly thank Sassy Reviews for taking an interest in reviewing my book Won Heart: Diary of a Twin. I do not particularly view myself as an author to have held a childhood dream to such, nor did I bring a single thought process to suddenly waking up one day and saying, “I want to write a book”. Of course I held many dreams, as children do, to be that Occupational Therapist or that Lawyer who changes the world, but for the most part my focus remained strongly on protection of all living beings and organisms, inner and outer-worldly, to have understood before the age of five the allowance of purpose to my spiritual gifts granted for the good of all to bring justice.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Won Heart: Diary of a Twin”?

I became raped in May of 2021 after surviving a deliberate poisoning just months prior, and finding myself in what felt like “someone else’s life” I needed tangible proof of my existence that was somehow becoming invisible, to sit in a dangerous Women’s Refuge in New South Wales, Australia and write a draft so fast to release it to a confidential ‘source’ that in the event that I die prior to releasing my book, my biological children be immediately placed into protection. So the greatest impact lay in the lack of a stable long term environment to not have a proper place to call home and to remain vigilant to the many external dangers that surrounded my life.

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

Defining an absoluteness to expression and style of writing on a level of such astute maturity (not often produced), Jennifer Lash has innate creative talent to balance on the precipice of raw and eloquent rhythm and flow. Specific to referencing her book, “Blood Ties” I drew much courage and strength from an author so legendary that my hardcover purchase has remained one of the only tangible items carefully guarded in my run to safety, and to have in fact held great privilege to her soul presence in my personal auric field during progression and finalisation of my book, I hear her say “Freida” (peace, protection and strength) and I send a silent prayer of thanks to the heavens.

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

My MotherLand is South Africa, no matter where in the world I am I will always be proudly South African. So in terms of remembering my favourite spot before relocating to New South Wales, Australia in 2007, I would have to say I found solace in a small coastal village on the south coast of Kwazulu Natal called Umkomaas, on the Umkomaas reef and shipwreck dives (some great, some not so great) being the understanding that greatness was held to those limitless moments of freedom and pure connectedness in an ‘under-world’ that made sense to me. And especially special was the local dive crew (skippers and waiters) who always accommodated my children’s requests in community spirit, friendship and care.

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

For professional authors I can only assume there is a planning process to hold foreplanning strategy scopes, storyline preparation etc. The only plan in my mind was immediate pen-to-paper deliverance to not hold an expectation to outcome but rather the self belief that should I die at the hands of corruption, someone, someday will find my truth.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book “Won Heart: Diary of a Twin”?

As previously stated, I wrote my draft fast and I self published my book in early 2022, so less than one year. Although, it’s not a particularly long book to read (short and to the point).

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

I wrote and-published on Amazon’s self-publishing user-friendly platform (KDP) so this finished product should be available to most countries on the Amazon site.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title “Won Heart: Diary of a Twin”?

The Eagle would represent mine and my twin sister’s zodiac sun placement being Scorpio, and the colour palette of orange was personal to me to associate unconditional love to Arcturus in the Bootes Constellation to forgiveness in unconditional love on Earth. The title “Won Heart” holds symbolic meaning to carrying my twin’s heart in mine, being that childhood traumas validated her copying strategy to “fight-flight” response in the form of dissociative disorder.

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

Taking into consideration that I have only written one book, my intention was to deliver difficult and real content of all forms of abuses and sexual confusion, held to an epoch in the countercultural decade, to hope that a ‘fresh’ perspective is gained by readers, respective of past held belief systems and healing methods.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

My self advice was to import a truthful account of events to remain focused on my inner voice.

Buy Won Heart on Amazon

Posted on

Interview with author Daniel Micko

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

My name is Daniel Micko, and with the help of my wife, I write and publish my own books. I love stories, and I love movies. I love concepts and concepts that burn a hole in your mind. I love the Bay Area, and many of my stories occur there. I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. However, my career started when I moved to San Francisco to go to film school at the Academy of Art University.

Q2. What were your key challenges while writing your book “Moonshine Revival”?

Moonshine Revival is a remake of my first book. I had to do it. I made a weak commission on the original: The Moonshine Wars. Initially, I published with a vanity publisher because I hadn’t researched publishing. It’s free to print. Therefore, I revived Moonshine and added more. Don’t pay for ignorance. I learned the hard way, but everyone else doesn’t have to. Moonshine Revival is a better book, and I get proper royalties.

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

“Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger; I love this book, which inspired my desire to become a writer.

“Catch Me If You Can: The True Story of a Real Fake’ by Frank W. Abagnale & Peter Redding. It has everything, and the movie encouraged me to read the book; both are unique masterpieces. However, the book seems more convincing, and both stories are fascinating.

“Writing Tools: 55 Essential Strategies for every writer” by Roy Peter Clark; is a great book with practical tips to enhance your writing. I need to re-read it soon! 🙂

“The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry” by Jon Ronson. It opened my mind to the psychology of people. The amount of psychopathic choices we have each day is terrifying! When we make those choices, we step down a dark path. 🙂

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

San Francisco is seared into my brain as a point of personal evolution. It’s where I landed when I decided to become an artist. Like the Bay Area, SF has a lot of nooks that have personal significance to me. I can’t call it home, but I always feel at home there.

Q5. Before you dive in and start writing a book, are there lots to do?

Yes, my books start with notes; characters talking, a concept, a scene. Then everything evolves, and I must organize my thoughts and explain my motivations. Action makes the story; characters choose because they have to and don’t usually explain themselves. In fact, they typically lie to themselves and, in turn, the reader.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘An Eighth Grade Gay Straight Alliance’?

I wrote this book in 28 days. I was reading “Kindle Bestseller Publishing” by Gundi Barielle, and it described writing a book in 30 days. I’d already written books (killed my darlings) and wanted to write something for a niche audience. It was a lot of effort, and I hope readers enjoy the work put into it.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

I’m on Barnes & Noble and Amazon. However, I have a website: http://www.danielmicko.online. Drop shipping is a pet project of mine, and I want to lead a writer’s revolution to sell directly to readers & wholesalers. The commission from dropshipping your books is tremendous, but it’s a difficult task. The popular platforms have all the market share. 😦

Q8. Tell us about developing the book cover and the title ‘An Eighth Grade Gay Straight Alliance’?

I wrote a book called “Predator / Nomad” with LGBTQ characters who stole scenes and readers’ love, so when executing my 30-day project, I searched for “middle grade + LGBTQ.” I got a lot of hits for a “gay straight alliance.” I read up on the subject, and ideas cascaded from there.

I read about a website called “99 Designs,” where you can solicit your project to artists. If you have a budget for it, use 99 Designs. I was pleasantly surprised, and you should be too.

Q9. How do you keep things fresh for your readers and yourself when writing a book?

I use an outline that I blogged about last year. It’s very obtuse and creates room to be spontaneously in the moment while writing. Prep work makes for a great project, not just books. When I can set parameters before writing, I have room to be spontaneous and fresh.

Also, define your characters. Scrivner has an excellent character bio page that begs a bunch of questions. If you decide to use it, try to answer every character description you can and then write a scene. It will enhance your copy.

Q10. Can you share any secrets from the book Moonshine Revival (not in the blurb) with your readers?

A sequel is coming, set in Chicago around the 1920s. Sonny is in jail, and Isabelle drives from Kincaid to Chicago to get Sonny out. Also, Bull Mosgrove is on his way to Chicago as well. Some tremendous American history surrounds the mob versus the Ku Klux Klan. I want to capture it in a Moonshine Sequel.

Daniel Micko on Amazon

Posted on

Interview with author Adrian Kooistra

  1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

HI, my name is Adrian. I am a writer, adventurer, disability advocate and i am non verbal with Cerebral Palsy. You might be wondering why i wrote that in the order that i did. I believe that the least interesting thing about me is my disability. It is my passions and talents that define me, not my limitations.
I have been writing in different genres for the last 18 or so years and it has been a great way of exploring the world and understanding the different experiences we all have while existing along side each other.
I am really excited to get to share my writing with all of you and hopefully change your world view a little bit too.

  1. What is your inspiration behind your book “Fletcher Babysits a Camel”?

Fletcher Babysits a camel is the final book in a three book series.
Each book takes place in a different setting and has a story that inspired my writing.

In Fletcher Babysits a Crocodile we visit suburbia. I live on the Sunshine Coast where Australia Zoo is – you might know about Steve Irwin who founded the zoo- they’re very passionate about Crocs there. One day while we visited the zoo I got to hold a baby croc and I was alarmed at how pointy his teeth already were!

Fletcher Babysits a Goat the second book, takes place in a rural setting. My friend told me a story of running from their neighbours goat as a child to climb the fence to get to their favorite climbing tree and once again the story took off in my imagination.

Fletcher Babysits a Camel is the final installation and is set in the city at a circus!

As a child I loved the circus. It was another world to escape to where strange things could happen! Camels are very humorous to me. I have a really fun memory of one of my old support workers having a camel spit at them which always has brought me so much joy remembering this moment and I wanted to capture that memory in a way.

  1. When did you realize you want to be an author?

I do not think there was a specific moment that i developed this ambition but it was a slow burn that ignited in the quiet corners of my mind and with every story, every poem, every song that i wrote it grew until all of a sudden i realised it was a dream to publish and share my writing more broadly.

  1. Please tell us something about your book “Fletcher Babysits a Camel”?

This book along with the two other Fletcher Babysits books all have an educational resource in the back pages with a fun facts page and a fun game. Each book has a different type of word game. A cross word, a word search and a word scramble. The thought behind this was to make the books a great options to have in school libraries and class rooms.

  1. For which age group is your book “Fletcher Babysits a Camel” suitable for?

Fletcher Babysits a Camel is a rhyming children’s story book that is illustrated by Sam Thomas using digital art as well as water colour art. The pictures tell the story independently of the written story so young children are able to enjoy it but the written story helps to develop skills such as rhyming, reading and vocabulary building in our school age kids.

  1. What is your favorite Quote?

I think this quote sums up the books plot very simply
“Our pair of camels just had a baby. The little tike is driving us crazy!”

  1. What do you like the most about your country?

There is a lot to love about Australia but i think the thing i love most is that we have this sense of “Mateship” which is the embodiment of equality, loyalty and friendship. It doesn’t matter where you are from, what you look like, how you communicate. We can all unite under Mateship.

  1. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

I know that for a lot of adults that being silly can feel uncomfortable but if you have a resistant reader being overly dramatic and silly can really help them to engage. Act out the story, get others involved. make reading fun!

  1. What does literary success look like to you?

For me success is simply having the opportunity to share my words more broadly. Each interview, each review, each sale, i feel a sense of success!

  1. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

This is a bit unconventional but the answer is… Me! I was born into a world that insisted that i would have been better off dead. That i would have no quality of life.

Over the years, and with the encouragement from the family who adopted me i have learned to read, done university classes, presented poetry at poetry festivals, presented advocacy speeches in various settings, sky dived, been in race cars, been in an aero-acrobatic plane, fallen in and out of love, written and published this series, written songs that have been performed live and written a full length musical that is currently going through grant approvals to get up and off the ground to a production stage!

My life so far inspires me to keep pursuing my dreams.

Buy Fletcher Babysits a Camel on Amazon

Posted on

Interview with author Amanda Mckoy Flanagan

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

My name is Amanda McKoy Flanagan. I am an author, runner, vegan, and a drummer. I’m also a licensed Master of Social Work. I am sober in 12-step recovery for almost 17 years and am a cofounder of a recovery clubhouse in Castle Rock, CO, where I live. I am passionate about climate change advocacy and live a life based on spiritual principles. 

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book Trust Yourself to Be All In?

I was challenged with turning what was originally a personal development book into an inspirational memoir with personal development elements. I didn’t think anyone cared about my story, but my amazing editor convinced me that my story is the most powerful tool I can use to help others heal. Transitioning from personal development to memoir meant I had to get extremely vulnerable, honest, and humble. It was also difficult rewriting the part about my brothers drug overdose and death. Almost every time I edited it, I cried. It was also a struggle to choose words and sentence structure that truly and accurately conveys my story in the most impactful way, with the intention of bringing healing to the world. 

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

Brene Brown, Braving the Wilderness and Daring Greatly, Gabby Bernstein, The Universe Has Your Back, HeatherAsh Amara, Warrior Goddess Training

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

Long Beach, NY. It’s where my husband and I lived and began our family before we moved to Colorado. I love the mountains, but I miss the beach. I feel connected to the vast ocean, and to spirit, and it reminds me that I am a tiny microcosm in this expansive universe we live in. I also love a spot called Butlers Gulch near Winter Park, Colorado. It’s a hiking trail with waterfalls, rivers, gorgeous flowers, and canopy trees. I feel at peace and very close to my soul there. 

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

There wasn’t a lot to do because I didn’t have a warning. I was struck with divine inspiration, and it poured out of me. 

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book Trust Yourself to Be All In?

A little over a year for the story to take solid shape, then I spent another 3-4 months trying to perfect the writing. 

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

Amazon and Barnesandnoble.com. There is a link to my Amazon page in my bio on Instagram and Facebook. 

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title Trust Yourself to Be All In?

I envisioned a field of flowers surrounding the title the same day I knew I was going to write a book. I explained the concept to my talented and insightful graphic designer, and she was able to convey the concept masterfully. She really understood the story and added in the white, gray, and black flowers to express the balance of dark and light themes throughout the book. 

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

The 3 C’s, as my editor calls them: Clear, concise, and compelling. Every sentence must embody all 3 C’s. Every sentence and paragraph must be considered for effectiveness, clarity, and purpose. Each word must be selected as carefully as possible to truly express the sentiment behind the sentence. 

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

To get rid of “fancy writing,” and to stop hiding behind metaphor. Make sure the metaphor does not take precedence over the meaning. Once the sentence becomes more about the metaphor, then you’ve lost the meaning, and the reader, because it becomes stressful. A stressed reader will put your book down. 

Buy Trust Yourself To Be All in on Amazon

Posted on

Interview with author Tyra J Robinson Sr

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

My name Tyra Robinson Sr. I live in Baltimore, Maryland with my lovely wife Elizabeth and our 14 year old son Tyra Jr, who we call T.J. I am from a rather large family of 14 brothers and sisters. Nine boys and five girls. My father passed away when I was 22 years old. My beautiful mother Larnita Hawkins who is the first women I’ve ever loved is 66 and try my best to give her all her flowers and the life she deserves. I came up poor and struggling, yet smart for age at the time. My parents did their best with situation they could. There was a lot of pain and lost along the way for our family. No one in our families never looked at us as being much. We weren’t for a while. Out on my own at the age of 14 and going to school, with a job to help my parents take care of my siblings was hard. Even now its emotional. Because by the Grace of God were making it. Not just me, but after decades the flowers and the seeds that a rather aggressive father believed in are coming to fruition. There is so much to say about a once shy little boy. I also have 3 daughters, 3 step daughters and a stepson and one point we all except for the oldest were all living under one roof. The oldest she was off in college. I was a chef for most of my life and made ice cream for the latter part. There is so much to tell that it will make your heart cry. I’ve lived that life. I use to love rhyming when I was younger, art was a talent have. I would always draw. I was in the Afro American News Paper when I was in the 2nd grade. I am good at because it comes easy to me. I read a lot more now these days because what knowledge or wisdom I can acquire from it even though its enjoyable as well. I love Jesus! I give God the all the glory for what’s happening in my life. There will be more books to follow about me. I enjoy investing in people and knowing that if it were me then why not them. My life continues to show me that love through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “A Voice, A Soul, A Man Speaks”?

Well Sassy, it was the editing and typing. I was constantly reading my book over and over. Still nothing beats typing. I use to type in high school and can manage the basic keys okay. After that pull up seat and get comfortable. My wife and son tried to help me but my pace was my pace. The next thing was the title. I thought about what name the book all the way through to the end and then some. The title sounds a lot like me once I get in to conversation with someone and I get that connect my spirit is searching for.

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

The books I normally read are a far reach from the type of genre I’ve written. Yet those spiritual encouraging, real life non-fiction, short literary fiction and self-help.

My authors are among preachers and teachers of the Gospel and non-bias views. 

Tony Evans, Dr. David Jeremiah, Kyle Idleman, Stormie Omartian and Maya Angelou and few others. But my favourite author is God and book is the Bible without question!

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

That’s an interesting question. One that takes a moment to ponder. My son has traveled to more spots or places than me. Well I would say my Mommy’s house. Because every time I am reminding of the sacrifice it took for me to be where I am. Also just the simple fact that wherever my mother is I am at home. That presence and love covers a lot ground and sends my heart into gratitude and appreciation.

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

I wouldn’t say a lot because I can catch fire anywhere. So, thank goodness for smartphones. I am always amazed at what comes to mind and when it does. Usually I have to my devotions and stretching. Then a little conversation with my wife and some bonding with my son. In then I’ll set that time I have to start and finish. Let my know, because I have a habit of over doing it. And if I’m on my game sleep seems out of the question so my wife might have to let me know when to call it quits. 

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘A Voice, A Soul, A Man Speaks’?

Sassy, it took me about 10 months or over a year because so much went into it. There are layers to this book that branch off and over. There is a history and a story within the story poems in this book. There are two more books that have yet to be publish that were done all within the same scope of A Voice A Soul A Man Speaks.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

Readers may buy my books on: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, www.dorrancebookstore.com or any store that sells books!

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘A Voice, A Soul, A Man Speaks’?

When I did all the writing on this book it was my bedroom. It was partially lit with the room door open. Usually after I had put children to bed and a days work was coming to an end and with so much on my mind and in my heart I would start my night time devotions and after that start my writing. So that darkness and light could go many ways. That shoutout could also go to my Publisher Dorrance and their vision without them that cover would not be. The scene with the man in the doorway is just beginning. He’s making an entrance. The soul igniting and setting a man’s voice on fire in a way that we are not heard or even speak. Basically unafraid and dare to be different when that I am. My voice is not the voice of many but one unique individual. With hopes that maybe I do speak for the many that won’t. I’d like to think I demonstrate that versatility in my writing and voice speaking.

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

I think if you can have your readers asking the right questions, the why’s, what’s, how’s and is there going to be another then anything is possible. I like climaxes in books and hooks that pull you from one narrative to another. I think readers like a little skepticism here and there. For myself as long as its close to home which seems like almost everything these days there will be a fresh word for a reader or book enthusiast. What I would say if you as reader would want to hear that voice then you will without question enjoy something fresh and new.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing? 

Be yourself and just write what comes to mind! Before you know it you would have crafted a master piece. I don’t know about that last part, but all things are possible to them that believe and that I do. I am myself in my writings only to the extent that a child might read my book one day. Of coarse believe in yourself and in this moment. 

Buy A Voice, A Soul, A Man Speaks on Amazon

Posted on

Interview with author Ruth Amanda

  1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

Hello, my name is Ruth Amanda. I am a writer, illustrator, and adventurer who never quite grew up! I see stories everywhere…careful! You may end up in one! I have three grown up sons, two grown step-sons, and a granddaughter. I live with a very patient Dave, several geckos, random snails and bugs, and a couple of stray cats who wander in and out of our lives of their own choice who we call Oscar and Squeak. The best parts about being an author/illustrator are that I get to play all day and call it “research”, and that I can do my job anywhere which means I can work at the beach if I want!

  1. What is your inspiration behind your book “Geckos in the Garden”?

Well, I was out one afternoon with my iPhone, crawling under the shrubberies (as one does…) trying to get a good picture of one of the many geckos that run around near our home. A young family on their way up to the community pool was going by, and one of their two small boys asked me what I was doing. I explained that I was trying to take a picture of a gecko and pointed it out. He plopped down beside me to look at the gecko and his brother joined us soon after. As kids do, they asked oodles of questions which I did my best to answer until their parents got a little impatient about getting them up to the pool and took them away. I continued hunting for, and photographing, geckos for the rest of the afternoon. I knew there was a story somewhere there but I didn’t know what it was exactly. The next morning, eating cereal out on the patio, I saw a flicker out of the corner of my eye and turned to look. A gecko under the railing on the patio was watching me. It was probably watching some nearby bugs hunting for its breakfast, but forgive my poetic license! The first verse of what would become “Geckos in the Garden” sprang into my head. “In the morning, after breakfast/in the garden, in the sun,/I can see my little neighbour./It’s a tiny gecko. One!” The rest, as they say, is history.

  1. When did you realize you want to be an author?

I have wanted to be a writer since I was a kid. I entered writing contests. I poured my heart into school essays and short stories. (Admittedly a lot of those involved unicorns and horses, but I like to think I’ve broadened my horizons since then!) My parents encouraged it, but not as a career choice, so I veered into administrative jobs and bookkeeping, as well as parenting. I spent hours goofing around with my kids rewriting the words to “That’s Amore” to something much sillier, inventing different endings to their favourite books, and drawing and colouring on the walls. After many ups and downs in my life, I rediscovered in my late forties that writing and art were things that made me happy and that I wanted to explore further. My very patient husband, Dave, who came into my life in 2018, has encouraged this and provides me with all sorts of support, editing, word ideas, and eye rolling.

  1. Please tell us something about your book “Geckos in the Garden”?

What to say? It is an interactive adventure told in rhyme, in which readers are invited to hunt for the geckos in the illustrations. I am both the author and the illustrator, and a recent Kirkus Review said “The illustrations are the most impressive part of the book—bright, brilliant paintings with creatures cleverly hidden…” I was extremely flattered!

  1. For which age group is your book “Geckos in the Garden” suitable for?

This book is meant to encourage imagination, nature, and a love of books. Counting is incidental to it. The audience is really meant to be 3-7 year olds. Our three year old granddaughter loved it, and spent a lot of time hunting for and counting the geckos in the illustrations.

  1. What is your favorite Quote?

I have many, but quite possibly “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” (~Oscar Wilde). I am also partial to this quote from Albert Einstein: “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

  1. What do you like the most about your country?

Loaded question, I have TWO countries.

I am a proud Canadian and I love it for the space, the wildlife, and the adventure. I have lived in places from Ontario to British Columbia, visited the Maritimes and Quebec on numerous occasions, and have been fortunate enough to visit two of its Territories and to have lived in one of those! My time living in the far North in Nunavut, just below the Arctic Circle, is precious to me for helping me find myself again and for the wonderful ways it broadened my horizons. There are a couple of stories in the works based on the Arctic…

My other country is Barbados, where I currently live. This tiny island in the southern Caribbean has a huge heart! I love the people, the food, and learning all about my latest home. I am particularly fond of the geckos (actually Barbados Green Lizards) and watching the monkeys! We go adventuring whenever possible and love to explore the many facets of this island.

  1. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

I believe reading should be an every day thing, but it needs to be engaging for your child. If your child is reluctant to read, choose books that are on topics they are interested in such as dinosaurs, bugs, ponies or outer space. Reading is not just a life skill, it’s also a way to transport yourself to other places and times. It’s a way to put yourself into a character you admire. I was a girl who loved horses, so my parents brought me book after book on horses. Factual books, fiction books, and books on training horses were all made accessible to me. When I moved on to other interests, my parents helped me find books that led me down new pathways of excitement. With my own sons, we read everything! Though two of them were very focussed on fictional adventures, one son loved “how to books” and engine manuals. Reading is reading—let them read what interests them!

  1. What does literary success look like to you?

Literary success, for me, is the smiles and giggles my books evoke in their readers. It’s inspiring a child to explore their environments and see the world in that magical way that we forget as adults. It is my granddaughter insisting, “Again!” when we get to the last page.

  1. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

I would say my mother was my biggest inspiration. No matter what life threw at her, she overcame it and pushed through. She followed her principles even when some of us thought she was wrong to do so. She raised us all with a very firm hand but encouraged our interests and creativity. She never gave up regardless of whether the issue was her health, her relationships or her children. She passed away in 2021 and my greatest sadness is that she did not get to see me publish my first book, or provide feedback on the stories and art I am creating. Even when the feedback was not what I wanted to hear, I always valued it. Her voice is still the one in my head.

Buy Geckos in the Garden on Amazon

Posted on

Interview with author Barbara P. McNannie

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

Well, if we want to start from the beginning, I was born in Montreal and I am of mixed heritage, half-Italian (on my dad’s side) and half-Canadian (on my mom’s side). Because of that I started travelling from a very early age and we can say that I never stopped: I just love going off and exploring a new country or city, usually based on a book I read. And that’s the other thing – I’m a really big reader. Books have been a constant in my life thanks to my parents being readers too and I always have at least a couple of books on the go. So I guess the step from just reading them to writing them as well was quite an easy one, and I started writing short stories about animals at about the age of 7.

As for my day job, I’m an ESL tutor in Italy where I hold courses in English culture & literature and courses to sit exam certifications. I also work as a translator and copywriter (the latter just occasionally).

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Winter Hearts”?

I’d say the biggest challenge was not so much in actually writing the pieces that make up “Winter Hearts” – some came to me quite naturally as I was driving or cleaning up or even working – but in deciding what pieces made the collection, what to set aside, how to arrange them. And then, really, the hardest was deciding to publish it at all. I’m a very private person and this is a personal book so there was that factor too, in addition to the fear – common to all writers, I guess – that people would hate it.

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

Honestly, I read so much and from so many different genres that it’s difficult to pick just a few books or authors. As far as contemporary poets are concerned, I really like Nikita Gill and Lang Leav; if we look to the past, then definitely Emily Dickinson or Sylvia Plath. My favourite classics are by Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte – and I love Shakespeare of course. Contemporary novelists I admire are Carlos Ruiz Zafon and Kate Morton. But I always say that everything can inspire a piece – I’ve lost count of the times I found a great sentence in an otherwise bad book.

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

I grew up a bit “gypsy style” since my childhood was spent between Canada and Italy, then I moved to a different part of Italy for university, moved to Ireland for my postgraduate, and then moved again to Italy, living for brief periods of time in Germany, Austria, and Canada again in the meantime, and have been travelling quite a lot in the past ten years. Which means your question is a difficult one to answer! I have a few “places of the heart”, so to speak, like the woods behind my house where I used to go with my father or my great-aunts’ house where I used to spend the summer holidays – they are places that hold bittersweet memories as they are reminders of my childhood. Another place I love to go to is our beach house in the south of Italy: it’s really relaxing there, and I love sitting on a lawn chair at sunset and write.

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

Everything I’ve written so far – whether published or unpublished – didn’t really require any research. I know some authors draw up an outline of what the book is supposed to be like beforehand but I honestly don’t think it’s for me. Instead, I prefer to start, get everything out of me, and then go back to the manuscript after I’ve let it rest for a while and see what I think needs to be changed. Some of the pieces you find in “Winter Hearts” are pretty much the first draft; others I changed quite a bit.

That said, I’ve never tried my hand at historical fiction. Should I decide to do that one day, I’m sure I’ll spend a great deal of time reading up as much as I can on my chosen time period and on the people who lived back then.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Winter Hearts’?

It’s difficult to tell because I wrote – or drafted – a great number of pieces over the years. I guess that the period going from the moment I thought of putting together a collection and the time I sent it to the cover designer covered about six months.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

The book is only available on Amazon for the moment although my plan is to approach other retailers soon.

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

Once you read the book, you can see that the imagery of winter – the cold, ice, frost – is a recurring one, which I guess makes sense since my style is fairly nostalgic in nature. So I knew I wanted to play on that in the title and I just started brainstorming combinations of words, sounding them out to see what worked for me.

As for the cover, the merit for that goes to the designer, who read the book and came up with some artwork inspired by the content. I’m very happy with the result.

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

I guess that’s something I’ll need to start worrying about with the next one! 😀 In general, I’ve tried to repeat myself as little as possible and when I did, to have a repetition that made sense in the “story” I was trying to tell. I guess that when you’re talking about something happening cyclically, it’s quite hard to hit the sweet spot between showing that something kept on happening and boring the readers with a new variation of what they have already read. I hope I was able to do that, and get the balance right.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

That your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect; that you can rewrite something an infinite number of times. I think that often we usually get so caught up with doing something perfectly that we get paralyzed and end up not doing it at all. And that’s the real pity.

Another one is that at some point you need to stop rewriting and put your art out there and see if it can fly – I guess that’s what I am doing now.

Buy Winter Hearts on Amazon

Posted on

Interview with author Eli Martin

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

Hello everyone! My name is Eli Martin. I am many things: a mother, a wife, a friend, a sister, but most importantly I am a creative. Writing, painting, sculpting, drawing, any way to bring life into the world. 

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Constellation Despondent”?

The first key challenge I faced was not having a computer to type up my ideas. I started writing the book by hand in a composition book. The second challenge was my lack of education. I never had the chance to attend college so learning to format an entire novel to create a cohesive story was a bit tough for me. 

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

My biggest influences are Stephen King, Anne Rice, Bentley Little, and Edward Lee, although they all primarily focus on horror or fantasy, not science fiction.

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

Super cheesy but my favorite place in my whole country is wherever my husband is. He’s the funniest person I know. I always want to be around him. 

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

For me, there is a lot to do before I start writing. I like to have characters planned out, some backstory written, and an outline of some of the major plot points. I also like to do as much research as possible if I use any information related to nonfiction topics. I also create what I call a “murder board”, something like you would see a detective use in a murder mystery with characters, important places and events, and strings connecting them to help me keep track of my story. 

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Constellation Despondent’?

It took me 3 years to write “Constellation despondent”. I started it by hand in 2020 during the pandemic. 

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

You can purchase my book online in standard paper back format or ebook from all major book retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble. 

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

For the book cover, I wanted my protagonists to be front and center. I wanted the world to see that this book was about adventurous older ladies…and also aliens. 

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

While writing, to keep things fresh I watched a lot of science fiction television and movies. I love “Independence Day”, “Attack the Block” and “Ancient Aliens” which I took a lot of inspiration from. 

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

The biggest piece of advice I was given about writing was from my foster mother, Jeanette. She said, “Natural storytelling is a talent, you have that. It comes from the depths of your soul. When you write a story, you are revealing a piece of yourself, so make sure it’s always the truest version of yourself that you want the world to see.” 

Buy Constellation Despondent on Amazon

Posted on

Interview with author Hugh Murphy

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

My name is Hugh Murphy and I’m 75 years young. Because of a terrible childhood in which myself and two of my brothers were badly beaten by our father. This resulted in a tragedy – in which my brother stabbed another brother to death. Because of this I have been anti violence and injustice all my life. I started work at Belfast Docks aged 16 and from the start saw corruption in action – which I objected to. In 1972, 50 years ago my Union the ITGWU betrayed every trade union principle ever devised for the protection of workers – and joined with the employers in a Decasualisation Scheme. This was supposed to give the Dockers jobs for life. However, the Employers invented new rules as and when it suited them. One of which was – that by agreeing to the Scheme the Dockers must discharge Asbestos without protection. I got the Dockers to refute this. However, the union and employers had established a diabolical Union and Employers Court named BELFAST AND NORTHERN IRELAND FEDERATION OF EMPLOYERS AND IRISH TRANSPORT & GENERAL WORKERS UNION JOINT DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE. 

This committee rail-roaded me with a series of silly charges and I was sacked. Since then I have been trying to get justice for this abomination. Details of the corrupt actions of the Court are on the web and also on linkedin. Several Solicitors refused to take action on my sacking so I contacted the NI Law Society. They replied that if I was refused by six solicitors they’d give a list of three to choose from. However, as I’d already passed that number they gave me the list. The first was a G McCann and I sent him my papers and he took my case – and appointed Norman Shannon, a Junior solicitor to my case. Everything proceeded well until Shannon left Mr McCann and took my case with him. [See papers] Shannon then set on my case until it Became Statute Barred. This corruption is covered up by both Law Societies in Ireland. See my recent open letters to them on linkedin – and also to the Police Commissioner in Dublin.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Memories And Observations”?

My main challenge in writing the book was to suppress the anger that was spurred by every word. The saying ‘Violence creates Violence’ in my childhood was proved very true. My gentle brother who normally wouldn’t hurt a fly – was sent into a life-end rage – because of loud music. Also, I felt terrible anger and the injustice that my Trade Union which – one hundred years ago had fought as ‘The Citizens Army’ to free Ireland from British Rule – had been corrupted at Belfast Docks. Besides the above, I also felt anger at the ‘powers that be’ in Ireland and in the European Parliament who allow this corruption to be covered up.

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

 To be honest there’s no writer that I’ve come across who portrays the working class in a genuine fashion. My first play ‘Justice’ toured NI and was in the Dublin and Theatre Festivals in 1992, but then I wrote ‘The Judas Goat’ which showed the corruption of the Docks Chairman as he ordered the Dockers to discharge Asbestos without protection. He then left the Union and took the position of Labour Controller with the Employers. I wanted the Scheme thrown out – because an Employer had drawn it up, but to no avail. This play is censored – and this has led to all my plays being censored. However, I did set up a small company and stage two plays. ‘Daddy’, which is about the after effects of child abuse on two adult sisters – and ‘The Grandeur of Delusions’ which is about an alcoholic drug user trying to make sense of his life.

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

My favourite spot is on the ‘Cave Hill’ which overlooks Belfast and Belfast Lough. From there on a clear day you can see Scotland and the old cranes for the now defunct ship building yards. It also saddens me to look down on the old Dockside district of ‘Sailortown’ – where I come from. Number 42 New Dock Street, with the old houses long gone- to be replaced by warehouses. 

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

No, I don’t make any special preparations before I start writing, as stated I mostly write stage-plays and writing every day. At the moment I’m on the last read- through of a trilogy entitled ‘Why The Poor Are Poor’.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Memories And Observations’?

It took about 18 months to complete Memories and Observations. I would usually fit in a few hours after I finished my play-writing.  

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

Memories and Observations can be obtained on Barnes and Noble and Amazon

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Memories And Observations’?

My publisher Carol Staff found the photo for me. I described what I wanted, ie a photo of the type of bags that the Dockers handled on a daily basis.

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

I kept things fresh by thinking back to the time of the things I was describing.

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

The most valuable thing I can say to anyone who is going to write – is don’t think about – just sit down and do it.

Buy Memories and Observations on Amazon

Posted on

Interview with author Amanda Huffman

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

I’m Amanda Huffman, I served in the Air Force for six years as a Civil Engineer. I left the military when my first son was born to follow my husband’s military career. When I left the military I struggled to find my identity and began blogging. That blog turned into a podcast, Women of the Military, publishing two books, Women of the Military and A Girl’s Guide to Military Service, and a number of different opportunities. Today, I am a mom of two boys and my husband continues to serve in the military. I love a good book, a day at Disneyland and anything Star Wars related. 

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “A Girl’s Guide to Military Service”?

There was so much about the military I didn’t know. Even though I served in the military I only served in one branch and a lot of things had changed since I left the service. In the process of interviewing women for Women of the Military I gained a lot of knowledge about different branches and ways to serve. But there was still a lot to learn.

Another challenge I faced when I started was going too detailed in my description. This made the book boring and it could quickly be obsolete as the military changed and adapted. My publisher helped push me to focus on providing information from a higher level point of view with broad information and rely on military recruiters to give detailed specifics to future recruits. 

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

I have always wanted to write books and primarily I grew up reading fiction. So jumping into non-fiction was an interesting transition. But I also found that all the time I spent reading various fiction books helped me as I wove in parts of my own story. I think the real influence for writing this book is the other women veterans who have shared their story or written leadership books. Reading their stories and seeing how they impacted me really pushed me to write this story. I also wanted to reach a generation that wasn’t being focused on, the next generation of military women,

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

Disneyland has so many happy memories for me and my family. I just love spending time in the parks. We have a lot of fun together. 

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

For this book a lot of the prep work was done through my podcast. I interviewed over 50 women when I started writing the book and that number has grown to over 200 today. Hearing the stories of women helped me to get a good feel on what challenges women faced and what each branch was like. It gave me a strong foundation to start doing the research. It also took a number of draft versions to get the book to the place it needed to be as a starting point and then a lot of additional revisions to get the book where it is today. 

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘A Girl’s Guide to Military Service’?

The book first was a guide that I created in January 2019. I had an idea to help girls as they entered the military but had no idea how to reach them. I was surprised how many young women were interested in joining the military and the response from the guide pushed me to write a book. I think I started working on the first draft in mid-2019. I did a complete overhaul of the book in early 2021, completing that draft in June 2021. Then it took another year of edits with my publisher before it was published in September 2022. 

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

It is available on my publisher’s website, elvaresa.com, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and I also created an option for people to buy my book directly from me and receive a signed copy by filling out this form. It is available in paperback and digital. 

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘A Girl’s Guide to Military Service’?

There was a lot of process and thought of coming up with the title. We struggled with what the right word to use was. Do we use woman? Do we use female? Do we use girl? My original title was A Girl’s Guide to the Military. But there were a number of filler titles that we went through trying to make sure the right person knew the book was for them. We did a few test runs to get feedback and A Girl’s Guide to Military Service ended up being the most popular and met the needs we were looking for.  Since our target was high school girls and they related to that name it was the one that won out. It was really hard to narrow in on the title. 

For the cover I worked directly through my publisher. We had a brainstorming session with a number of ideas. In the end, the one we picked was my favorite. I just love how it looked and hoped that it would draw girls considering military service in. 

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

To help keep me on track I created a detailed outline. It helped me stay focused when writing and also helped me to quickly dive back in after taking a break from writing each day. Spending detailed time up front to build the outline was critical in helping me to stay focused on not getting distracted or off topic. I also have to thank my publisher and editor for the input and feedback they gave. They really pushed me in different directions and helped me make a number of changes that helped make the book better and stronger. It is a team effort in writing and I couldn’t have done it without their help and direction. 

Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

To be open to feedback from others. I have learned to open myself to constructive criticism when it comes to writing. Sometimes the changes suggested frustrated me but they were things I was holding onto that actually didn’t need to be there. The push to make changes, listen to feedback and work to continually improve the book and my writing helped me grow as a writer. I can’t believe the transformation that took place from when I first started writing to where the book is today. 

Buy A Girl’s Guide to Military Service on Amazon

Design a site like this with WordPress.com
Get started