Author Interview – Page 35

May 23, 2023

Interview with author Margaret Beaver

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

People seem most infatuated with the mundane details, so I’ll start there: My name is Margaret Beaver, I’m seventeen years old, and, occupation wise, I am an author, poet, novelist, memoirist, educator, photographer, artist, and self-proclaimed philosopher; at home, I’m the annoying little sister, frantic cat mama, and an average disaster with more books than wall space. I’ve lived in my hometown of Plano, Texas my entire life, and it was here I first hatched my creativity at the age of five, at which time I developed the fanatical habit of drawing with colored pencils on the walls, marking on furniture with Sharpie markers, and sketching the occasional illustration to accompany a fictional story I would swear to be true. At eight years old, I wrote my first semi- formatted novel, a forty-seven-page abomination about spontaneously dying butterflies, and I still keep the original manuscript shamefully tucked away in a drawer in my bedroom.

In February of 2020, just a month before I started seriously pursuing poetry, I exercised my impulsivity and submitted two of my very first poems ever written, which strangely enough elected me Topical Winner two consecutive times for the Live Poet Society of New Jersey’s “Of Love and Dedication” and “Inside of Me” publications (beginner’s luck). Featured in one publication would soon become the first poem of my collection and a fan favorite, “Sad boy.” After that, I submitted more poems for consideration and came up empty every time. The next month, I began the initial stages of composing inkwells. out of sheer boredom (and spite). I was fifteen years old when I received my first publishing contract with Pegasus Elliot MacKenzie Publishers, and inkwells., debut poetry collection chronicling my struggles with mental health, was published thereafter in June of 2022.

In terms of recency, my debut novel (excluding the dying butterfly incident), Flowers for Papa, is finally coming to a press near you in late 2023. Accompanying it is also my second poetry collection, Seasons: August’s Collection. While my editors are tackling those catastrophes, I’m attempting a student’s aspiration of graduating high school without incident.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book inkwells.?

For how sensitive the content is, writing inkwells. was easy. It was a very easy, smooth, deliberate process. I came up with a poem very few days—sometimes I wrote multiple poems in one day—and then once I began feeling better and my symptoms were more manageable, I collected all those pages and all those files on my computer and compacted them into one document. It was never my intention to actually do anything with the poems—I hadn’t meant to write as many as I did—but after I realized I had scrawled almost twenty thousand words of pure illness, I had to comprehend the fact that I had accidentally created something that was such a genuine, unaltered, and unrestrained demonstration of the realities of mental illness. I knew I had always wanted to be a writer, but I had wholly expected to enter the literary industry by way of some fiction novel I had completely made up; I never meant for any of this.

I’ve been asked so many times—by strangers, by friends, by publishing houses— “What is your reasoning for writing this?” “What are you trying to achieve?” And the answer is very simple. For people not dealing with mental health problems, particularly anxiety, depression, or PTSD, many of the poems in this collection can feel very dark and unsettling. But this is not a work restricted to one group of people; this is not a one-sided argument. For people who aren’t struggling, this collection is knowledge; for people who are struggling, this collection is validation. These poems can be very redeeming and comforting, in that they support the notion that that no one is ever alone in their condition and there are many others who are trying to cope as best they can. Of course, I can’t speak on behalf of the entirety of the mentally ill population, but I can provide you with the knowledge that this is what someone could be feeling.

The only real challenge of the work, outside of surviving myself, was the ordering of the poems. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to group them together based on their degree of darkness or if I wanted to leave them miscellaneous. All in all, I ended up leaving the order miscellaneous because this order reflects the fluctuations of mental stability—one day you’re fine and then you’re not. So don’t be surprised if you read this wonderfully optimistic poem and then you turn the page and suddenly you’re subjected to something comparable to hellfire. That is life with mental illness.

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

My writing, fiction or nonfiction, novel or poem, can technically be categorized as belonging to the Young Adult audience. Only, I struggle with that label because it has somewhat of a negative connotation. YA books are received as if they’re only meant for kids, as if they have nothing truly important to deliver besides empty entertainment, and that they are incapable of broadening your perspective on certain issues and having some sort of development or impact to your person. One book that comes to mind for this example is Looking for Alaska by John Green. It is a truly phenomenal novel that reaches incredibly intimate and universal depths, yet it’s restricted to the kids’ section where not many adults would venture to. For one, I really love being able to bring a sentimentality and a depth to a uniformly juvenile genre, and I much enjoy the fact that my work is rather a compound of elements amalgamated to craft a well-rounded piece suitable for the Young Adult genre, but also containing the knowledge and lessons relevant to older adults or those struggling with mental health, self-harm, or suicidal tendencies. As a sufferer of those things myself, I strive always to make my message true and genuine, and especially when it comes to circumstances I closely identify with. I want, always, to confront the great concepts of life—love, meaning, morality, family, death—and my intention for writing is for my audience to reconnect with those uncomfortable yet inevitable elements—elements that are responsible for making life whole.

That being said, my most influential writers have been restricted to the kids’ section, and particularly John Green, who is my favorite author. I’m talking Paper Towns; The Fault in Our Stars; An Abundance of Katherines; Will Grayson, Will Grayson. Dashing Through the Snow by Debbie Macomber, Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng, It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover, Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow, All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky—these are all novels I hold very highly and works which brilliantly defy expectation or restriction.

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

I’m not a very adventurous person simply because my condition has made me terribly paranoid and uncomfortable with the prospect of being in unfamiliar places, with unfamiliar people. I’m very outgoing if I’d simply let myself. Recently, for the first time, my mother and I had driven the absolutely gruesome eight-hour round-trip to Houston, Texas, and we were on the road by 6 A.M. Nighttime and early morning are very beautiful, with all the shops and signs lit up and headlights bounding off the bridges. Everything is so much more fascinating when you’re half asleep. By seven-thirty, we had made it to a place called Ennis and my mom, who is simply so much more exuberant than I am, insisted we stop by the Buc-ee’s we had passed. Long story short, after perusing around with my slippers on and my hands in my pockets, my mother bought us both a cream cheese kolache for the road. My special place will probably change, but right now I think of Ennis, the almost-sunrise, and my mother’s happiness over absolutely nothing.

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

I’d love to say I have an actual writing process I adhere to, but really, I’m a very disorganized person in general and I truly have no intentions of following any deliberate format. The truth of the matter is: I don’t plot books. At all. I get a very abstract and completely detail-void idea, I write a rough narrative surrounding the vague premise, and then I occasionally dapple in miniature descriptions and try to word it as if I knew what I was doing all along. There’s lots of frantic scribbling outside the margins of my journals with the new ideas I randomly get, and I try to make note of incorporating those details back into the narrative once I review and type up everything I’ve handwritten.

Basically, as I progress, I make more things up and get more ideas. And then I write those down. Nearly nothing is planned beforehand—I’m too eager and overly excited to write when I get a new idea that I bound in immediately—or the things I plan are very monumental and plot- altering events, and I get the vague impressions of things that I want to eventually happen somewhere down the line, but I have no details to patch the storyline together to effectively and realistically get to that point. This leads to me sitting on rather elementary plot points for weeks or sometimes months without writing anything; just purely speculating. But then, I’ll listen to a song, I’ll read a book, I’ll watch a film—and I’m inspired again. It’s a very unruly cycle, going through rapid writing sprees and then lying dormant for such extensive periods, but I’ve always been one to make things harder than they need to be.

There are some projects, also, where I have to do more notetaking than usual because of the potential intricacies in addressing a side scheme. Any notes I make in the very beginning of the process are typically scraped or adjusted later when I figure out what I’m doing. This, consequently, leads me to rewriting entire sections—entire beginnings—once I get a better handle and understanding of my character’s personalities and their ultimate aspirations or destinations. I sketch the initial beginning almost purely as a filler to build on the progress of and to motivate an early draft, and then once my understanding grows of what exactly is going on in my head, I scrap everything that doesn’t align anymore or things that could be better or more vividly explained.

As you can see, it’s a disaster.

And then there’s the processes of poetry, which aren’t necessarily processes either. When regarding the differences between writing poetry and writing prose, there’s, first, the fact that you have total creative control in poetry: you don’t have to use perfect punctuation or capitalization since poetry is more an art than a literature. All discrepancies are essentially excused, and you can format your stanzas and your lines however you please. Poetry, also, doesn’t require as much substance—that is not to say, though, that poetry is lesser. Novels are an entirety; they are a comprehensive and hole-less architecture founded on complete and detailed narratives, the construction of entire personalities and their backstories, and the creation of sometimes multiple converging plotlines. Everything mentioned or foreshadowed has to have a reason, and there is almost always something to be later uncovered. All of this must be thought through, which can be terribly distressing—or some things end up fitting together accidentally. In general, novels obtain a lot more requirements than poetry, and so they take more brain power and can be impenetrably exhausting. But I’ve always had a knack for having a lot to say.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book inkwells.?

As previously mentioned, poetry generally requires less essence—or the essence is its entirety, and poems are typically rather small. As an art, I would perhaps categorize poetry as one of the less demanding entities—or at least it is for me. In terms of inkwells., the entire collection was more of a relief rather than a hindrance. For example, the situation of inkwells. was rather unique: the reason for its particular rawness and vulnerability is the fact that it was written during and the product of what I would confidently describe as the worst mental health relapse of my life, caused largely in part to the fact that I had been ignoring my symptoms for well over four years—and I take responsibility for that. inkwells. is me taking responsibility.

You see, it is only natural for humans, when they are tired of life, to return to what makes life worth living: art. So practically every time I was experiencing a breakdown, or got severely nauseous, or was feeling particularly suicidal, perhaps—and these symptoms were repetitive, daily events—I would translate that anguish onto the page and write how I was feeling in that exact moment. Every poem included in inkwells. was born amidst some form of chaos, which only adds to its authenticity, I think.

Since my symptoms were so erratic and persistent for the several months I endured the battles of trying to find an adequate medication or searching for a suitable therapist—things that seem a lot easier and more trivial than they really are—I would write. I wrote every day. And since I wrote so often, inkwells. was finished very quickly. I began writing in March of 2020—that same month I started on Lexapro, which practically did me in and I had to switch over to multiple other medications—and finished somewhere in August. I started the photography for inkwells.— I remember the dates exactly—on October 7, 2020, and that lasted until January 31, 2021.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

There are multitudes of platforms, ranging from worldwide wholesalers to local depositories. Most notably, you can find inkwells. on the websites of Pegasus Publishers, Amazon Global Store, Books-A-Million, Waterstones, and Barnes & Noble. It’s also available on IndieBound, which is a great resource to use if you’d like to find out where a book may be located near you. More quaint locations would include SpeedyHen, Browns Books, Bookshop.org, PBShop, Booktopia, Wordery, Discover Books, Blackwell’s, Half Price Books, Interabang Books, Kennys Bookshop & Art Galleries Ltd., One More Page Books, Pretty Things & Cool Stuff, Hudson Booksellers, Patchouli Joe’s Books & Indulgences, The Dock Bookshop, A New Chapter Bookstore, Fabled Bookshop & Café, Black Pearl Books, BookWoman, The Book Nook, BookPeople, Better World Books, WHSmith, and ThriftBooks. I’ve also been in contact with a wonderful co-op located in Downtown Plano which sells vintage clothing and select novels, so it could be arriving there soon, too.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title inkwells.?

I came up with the title long before the poem ever existed. Not to spoil, but the final lines of the collection are “I drain myself inside these inkwells / We will overcome,” which essentially mean that I am draining the darkness from myself to create the ink inside the wells, and that from making the conscious decision to drain myself, I am overcoming my previous obstacles and finally returning to the truth that I deserve much better than how I was treating myself. I can’t tell you how I came up with that; I really enjoy vintage items and had recently been gifted a genuine Remington typewriter, and so perhaps I was thinking of ink and stumbled upon the word “inkwells.” Since I had the title picked out, the final operation of the collection, I had decided, was to write the title poem surrounding the word and its notion. I put the period at the end of the title simply because it’s very aesthetically pleasing to me and, like all humans, I am fickle.

As for the book cover, I really love digital design and often create my own random book covers with completely fictitious titles out of my own sketches. The font was easy enough: I had largely incorporated the use of my typewriter for the photography element of the book, so I knew I wanted the font to resemble that of a typewriter. (I dabbled with attempting to create the cover by typing the title directly on my typewriter, but that never came to fruition.) I knew for a long time I wanted the scheme to be primarily black and white—very minimalistic, as I much prefer book covers to be—and ended up inserting the image of a whim because it was, simply, a very beautiful clip of a photograph I had taken for “it doesn’t have to make sense,” a poem in the collection. I put a monochromatic filter over the image, and it was very beautiful. With some slight adjustments made by my publicity team, the cover was finalized. I always intended the cover to be simple yet refined, and I believe it turned out very well.

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

Taking breaks—often. In all aspects of my being, I am a very obsessive worker; I’ve had teachers and counselors at my school tell me to calm down and walk slower at my own pace or else I’m going to give myself an ulcer. I can’t handle having things to do and knowing they’re sitting there, waiting for me to do them, and very often I go into panic attacks if I’m overwhelmed with tasks and don’t know where to begin. Needless to say, taking breaks is very difficult for me; I want to keep working until it is all finished, completely neglecting any of my own needs or my potential exhaustion, and then I will rest and then I will take care of myself only when the deed is done. There’s a very debilitating perfection that surrounds me as well: I don’t only want to get everything done, but I want to get it all done to the highest extent possible or else I’m remarkably disappointed and unfulfilled—for a long time, until I do well again. It’s been a significantly lengthy process for me to realize I can give myself permission to rest when I need it; grind culture can be very helpful in terms of motivation but also very injurious, too, and I urge everyone to listen to their bodies and, frankly, disobey the demands of others—including yourself. Exhaustion and burnout are genuine health issues, and you could be left recovering for the rest of your life.

The same goes for readers regularly consuming sensitive media. I’ve read very graphic and emotionally discomforting books over strenuous world issues or the horrific memoirs of amazing people I’m still attempting to fathom, and what you dump into your brain is also what you dump into your stomach, and it can make you very sick. inkwells., in particular, is very impressionable and perceptive and can incite distress at certain intervals. This is why I strive to always be aware of the wellness of my readers and put trigger warnings on all my books. As written, “Under no circumstances should any reader compromise their mental health to analyze or endure mine.”

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

On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser. I received this novel as required reading during my time in AP Language & Composition in the eleventh grade, and I would refer to it as singularly the most fruitful nonfiction I’ve ever experienced. I read it all through the winter months and upon January second, my class was tasked with the assignment of dissecting out three primal quotes which we connected with in the text, and to analyze and expand upon them in our own writings. As a writer who specializes primarily in their area of optimal entertainment—romantic fiction, historical fiction, science fiction, just any fiction at all—I found myself at utter despair with having to read the devil of all book genres:

the memoir (which is highly coincidental considering my first publication was nonfiction). Some of the most intimate sentiments have come from pure logic, and that pure logic has come from Zinsser: “I don’t like to write; I like having written”; “I think they get that permission by being born”; “Writers who write interestingly tend to be men and women who keep themselves interested. That’s almost the whole point of becoming a writer. I’ve used writing to give myself an interesting life and a continuing education.” The narrative is composed on the entirety of making one feel less otherworldly, admitting the truths and realities of the completely condescending and mentally exhausting processes that is writing, and providing what could be largely considered as the Holy Bible of nonfiction writing: beneficial and substantial for any writer or reader across any genre. Even above that, Zinsser instates and emphasizes the comprehensive lessons of a student bent to the mold of traditional educational algorithms:

everybody loves to learn and create—but not for a grade or under a time limit or having to turn around and prove themselves to superiors. To students and anybody at all: You mustn’t be reduced, and you don’t have to prove yourself to anybody. And even more: just because you love your occupation or profession does not mean you are immune to the stress or the treachery of it.

Buy inkwells. on Amazon

May 19, 2023May 19, 2023

Interview with author Jean D Francis

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

A: Hello, Everyone! I am a woman who wears multiple hats with grace and excellence–an adjunct professor, entrepreneur, writer, wife, and mother.

My passion for education and writing has led me to become a respected university professor, where I inspire and empower students to achieve their full potential in becoming exceptional leaders.

As an entrepreneur, I have founded and am growing a successful business, demonstrating my entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.

Many of my writings have been published in notable publications, showcasing my exceptional talent for crafting engaging and thought-provoking content. And I am exceedingly proud of my accomplishments for authoring my current memoir, Naked Truth, which is no different.

As a devoted wife and mother, I balance my personal and professional life with ease, while setting an example for others to follow. Whether in the classroom, boardroom, or at home, my unwavering dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence have made me an inspiration to all who cross her path.

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

A. The challenges I faced while writing my book was to put into writing the pain and difficult experiences I encountered in the workplace based on discrimination and retaliation. The reason being is that writing about discrimination and retaliation can be challenging for many reasons:
Firstly, these are sensitive and emotionally charged topics that can evoke strong reactions from readers. Hence, as a writer, I needed to navigate complex and nuanced issues surrounding my experience with discrimination and retaliation.
Secondly, writing about discrimination and retaliation can be emotionally draining and psychologically taxing, particularly if you have experienced these issues personally. Therefore, I needed to confront my painful memories, feelings of anger, frustration, and helplessness, and the fear of retribution or further discrimination.

Finally, it can be challenging to strike the right tone and balance when writing about discrimination and retaliation. I needed to convey the seriousness and urgency of the issue while also being sensitive to the experiences and perspectives of different groups of people. I also needed to avoid stereotypes, generalizations, or assumptions and ensure that my writing is inclusive, respectful, and empathetic.

Overall, writing about discrimination and retaliation requires bravery, empathy, and a deep commitment to social justice. It is a challenging but necessary task for those who seek to promote equality, fairness, and human dignity.

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

A. The books or authors influencing my own writing include: The white Wall by Emily Flitter; Becoming by Michelle Obama, and Finding Me by Viola Davis

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

A. At this point in my life, I don’t have a favorite place to travel. I love traveling, and I want to travel the world. Hence, every year I choose a place that I have never been before to gain new experiences and meet new people and culture. This experience excites me.

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

A. There was lots to do before diving in and starting writing my book. After organizing the material to be used in the book, it all came together smoothly.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Naked Truth’?

A. The process of writing my book Naked Truth took me about six months to develop a rough draft. However, the process of editing the draft took exactly two-and-a half years to complete. In the end, I declared it a masterpiece because of the help of my exceptional editors and reviewers. For this, I am grateful.

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

A. Readers’ are able to purchase my book on various platforms such as: Amazon, Ingram, and Barnes and Nobles.

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

A. The process of coming up with the book cover was easy. There were two covers to choose from, one with my photo and the other with the scale of justice. After a cover poll created by my publisher, Koehlerbooks, the cover with my photo was highly preferred. I concurred.

Regarding the title, I thought “Naked Truth” was a good fit because of the lies that were launched against me at my workplace in retaliation for filing multiple complaints about discrimination and retaliation. My naked truth would be to address the lies and speak truth to power in getting to results.

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

A. When writing my book, I keep things fresh for both my readers and myself by doing a few things. One, I read newly published memoirs that are best sellers to gain insights for enhancing a certain chapter or phrase for my book. Second, I step away from my desk and travel to free my mind, learn new things, and relieve the stress of writing–but I never forget to come back to the writing process. Finally, I keep reminding myself on a daily basis why I was writing my book. And when I focused on my “whys” I was motivated daily to continue my writing, complete my manuscript, and share my story to the world to motivate and inspire others to tell their truth. I am glad I did.

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

A. The most valuable piece of advice I’ve given about writing was from Les Brown when he stated that “The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled, the books that were never written, the songs that were never sung, the inventions that were never shared, the cures that were never discovered, all because some was too afraid to take the first step, keep the problem, or determined to carry out their dream.” In this regard, I decided that I would never be in this category. So, I took the first step, wrote my book and shared my story to make a positive impact, not only in my local community, but the world. My prayer is that I have done just that.

Buy Naked Truth on Amazon

May 18, 2023

Interview with author Terry Lee Caruthers

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

I was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, where I’m a career librarian and a semi-professional storyteller. For almost twenty years, I did cat rescue—specializing in the rescue, rehabilitation, and socialization of feral cats. I currently share my life with Blackberry—a feral kitten I rescued in 2005, Clover—a feral kitten adopted from a fellow rescuer in 2013, and Rumblewick—the nine-month-old feral I rescued in 2017.

I grew up surrounded by strong female role models, who nurtured my imagination and imbued me with a love of reading, writing, and storytelling. My favorite book is Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird,” which I’ve read almost every year after being introduced to it by Deborah Taylor-Battles in a ninth-grade contemporary literature class.

I was married to the love of my life for almost 38 years. My husband was an ardent supporter of my writing, but he passed away in 2017—never seeing any of my works published. Ironically, on the first anniversary of his death, I received a publication inquiry that resulted in my first book contract.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “The Faithful Dog’’?

Research validation. As a career librarian, I believe in getting the facts right—meaning I use original source materials when they are available. I also verify my information, by checking multiple sources and vetting my writing with experts in the field.

It’s frustrating to encounter materials where writers have not done their due diligence, and I encountered two of these authors who failed in their research regarding Lieutenant Pfeif’s dog.

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

Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird.” I’ve been told by those who have read my manuscript “Red and Me,” that the character of Marlene reminds them of Scout.

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

I’m not a person given to traveling, but my favourite spot as a child was Blowing Rock, NC. My paternal grandmother and aunt loved to go there in the 1960s and early 1970s. It was a quaint, quiet little mountain town back then. I loved the atmosphere and the auction house, where we spent many an evening being entertained by the auctioneers.

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

That depends on the book. Some require lots of research—like “The Faithful Dog,” while others require none at all—like my forthcoming book, “Red and Me” slated for publication in 2024.

On July 4, 2018, I was awakened at 6:00 a.m. by the voice of a ten-year-old girl named Marlene Reynolds, screaming in my head—demanding her story be told. I wrote for about 18 hours that day, transcribing what Marlene was telling me. The book was completed in two months, and my picture book publisher, Star Bright Books, contracted it in 2022.

Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘The Faithful Dog’?

While doing research on a project in 2011, I encountered a mention of Lieutenant Louis Pfeif and his dog. The reference intrigued me. Believing the account would make an interesting story, I tucked it aside in my WIS—my Writing Ideas Stash.

In 2013, I began writing what would be the first version of the book, finishing it in 2015. I started submitting it to publishers that fall. In October of that year, the editors of Lucky Marble Press wrote that they were impressed by its historical accuracy and the true story the tale was based on. While they rejected my submission, they did mention they liked the chapters that had told the story through the dog’s point of view—calling my concept ‘fresh’ and ‘clever.’ That comment continued to nag at me, and I couldn’t help but wonder if they might be interested in the book if I rewrote it from the dog’s perspective.

I began the rewrite in 2016, finishing it in 2019. After this new version was critiqued in 2020, I resubmitted it to Lucky Marble Press. While the editor remembered the previous submission and liked this new version, the company had ceased publication. I then submitted it to Black Rose Writing who had published my YA novel “Vivie’s Secret,” and they gave me a contract on it.

So, from concept to publication, “The Faithful Dog” took eleven years!

Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?

“The Faithful Dog” is available at most online booksellers—Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc., as well as directly from my publisher—Black Rose Writing.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title “The Faithful Dog”?

David King of Black Rose Writing designed the book cover for “The Faithful Dog,” so that credit goes to him.

As for the title, the story of Louis and his dog inspired it.

I was shocked when I finally located the actual newspaper article about the pair that was published in “The Daily Missouri Republican” on May 24, 1862, for it was titled “A Faithful Dog.”

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

Creating characters readers can identify with, root for, empathize with.

I can’t wait for the world to meet Marlene in “Red and Me.” My publisher fell in love with her on the first page.

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

Participate in an in-person critique group. Sitting down with other writers, reviewing and discussing your work as a group, is invaluable. The interchange of multiple opinions and ideas helps a writer clarify what’s working and what’s not. You don’t always have to take their advice, but the feedback is beneficial.

I been in one for eleven years and am a better writer because of it!

Terry Lee Caruthers on Amazon

May 18, 2023

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

May 18, 2023May 18, 2023

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

May 18, 2023

Interview with author Adrian Kooistra

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!”

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.

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!

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!

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

May 18, 2023

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

May 13, 2023

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 2^nd 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

May 11, 2023

Interview with author Ruth Amanda

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.”

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.

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!

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.

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

May 10, 2023

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