Book: Pat Randolph Mysteries: The Case Of Lori Larkin
Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Brian Foster, and I am a first-time published author. I was born and raised in Chicago prior to moving to Florida. I have a bachelors and master’s degree in business administration. Outside of writing, I do love to travel, sing in a chorus, and bowl. I was inspired to write by my father who was an avid reader and encouraged me to do the same. The love of my life, Rose, was also a big inspiration to me becoming a writer.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Pat Randolph Mysteries: The Case of Lori Larkin’ book?
Since this is my first published book, my biggest challenge was coming up with a story line that can be made into a series. I was not sure if the book was long enough for an engaging story.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
James Patterson was a big inspiration for my writing, especially his Alex Cross series of books. I also enjoy Tom Clancy and Michael Crichton.
Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
My favorite spot to visit is Chicago. Chicago is special to me because I have a lot of memories growing up there. I also enjoy the people, sports, and food from the city. There are many restaurants to choose from in the city.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
The first part to writing a book is coming up with the story line. You need to determine the setting, central characters, and a central theme. In addition, you also need to make time to write your book. I recommend creating a schedule for yourself to keep you on track and ensure you have the time allotted to write your book.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Pat Randolph Mysteries: The Case of Lori Larkin’ book?
It took me 1.5 months to write it
Q7. On what all platforms’ readers can find ‘Pat Randolph Mysteries: The Case of Lori Larkin’ book to buy?
You can find my book at dorrancebookstore.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Pat Randolph Mysteries: The Case of Lori Larkin’?
I wanted to keep the book cover simple and add to the mystery of my book. The title of my book is an interesting story. The central character’s name is derived from a mixture of my fathers and great grandfather’s names. The title was based on an actual girl I knew who disappeared in my youth.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
You need immerse yourself into the story line and think about how the central character would react to events in your own life.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I set up the story line for a series of books revolving around the central character, Pat Randolph. I am, currently, in the process of writing the 2nd book in the series. My goal is to have it ready for release in 2022.
Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
I am a father to two lovely children, Sophia (14) and Theo (11), and married to my beautiful wife Caroline. We live in Hertfordshire and have done for 14 years although before that I lived all over the UK as well as Switzerland and Australia.
Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “Solar Flare”?
My two children. I wrote Solar Flare when they were younger and because they were fascinated by space. I honestly didn’t think the book was that good so sat on it for ages but then my kids encouraged me to get it illustrated and try and get it published.
Q3. What are your hobbies apart from writing?
I’m an outdoors person so I love most sports, walking the dog in the countryside, just being out and about in the fresh air.
Q4. Are you planning to write your next book soon?
It’s strange because I’m actually a songwriter first and foremost and had never really thought of writing a book. The words kind of came to me for Solar Flare when I was thinking about space and the passion the kids had for the universe. I’m convinced the songwriting was a trigger for the book so guess I’ll be hoping for a similar flash of inspiration because I’ll keep writing songs.
Q5. For which age group your book “Solar Flare” is suitable?
I think 4-7 is the perfect age but my kids still enjoy it now….although I know they are a little biased! I tried to write a book that parents would enjoy reading again and again since we’ve all been there at bedtime reading the same book when we’re tired and losing the will 😊.
Q6. What is your favorite Quote?
“Friendly people have friends”. Some simple but so true and all you need in life really.
Q7. What makes your city special?
Well I don’t live in a city now but the closest main city would be London. What makes it great? Diversity!
Q8. What suggestion you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
Find books they enjoy reading and that tap into their real life passions. That will help them develop the reading bug and they’ll open to expanding their literary horiozns from there.
Q9. What does literary success look like to you?
Writing something I’m proud to share with family and friends
Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
I don’t really have an individual, but I have huge admiration and humility when I think our about our World War 1 and 2 heroes. I am a keen historian particularly when it comes to the World Wars and I think it’s good for our minds and souls to always remember the suffering and sacrifice that these generations went through. When I think about some of the modern human and societal “issues” we face into, they really pale into insignificance to what soldiers and civilians experienced for the freedoms we enjoy today. And it was only 100 years ago or less! We would do well to remember that sometimes.
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hi, I’m Niharika. I’m 21, studying at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, graduating with a double major in Economics and English & Creative Writing. I’m originally from Kolkata, India, but have moved several cities and homes, which has invariably influenced my art and writing.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Strawberries Under Skin’ book?
Strawberries Under Skin is a compilation of some of my best pieces, dating back to 2017. The biggest challenge while putting together this manuscript was revisiting my oldest poems and getting in touch with the person I was then. Revision is always the most tedious part of publishing because a writer wants their final product to be the most perfect version of itself, and that requires constant revision, polishing and looking at it with a fresh set of eyes. So that kept me busy throughout the majority of the pandemic, and though it was hard work, it was definitely enjoyable and exciting because I knew that I was working towards a larger purpose.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Ocean Vuong and Fatimah Asghar have influenced my writing style, and voice, in the deepest sense. Each of them, in their own unique manner, use their contemporary voices to talk about deep-rooted issues regarding families, native lands, relationships, and cultural and physical stereotypes, and I find myself in complete awe of that. Night Sky With Exit Wounds by Vuong and If They Come For Us by Asghar are therefore my top two favorites, but I also have immense appreciation for classics like Audre Lorde and Lucille Clifton.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Home for me is not as standard a concept as it may be for others. It’s almost bizarre because I’ve moved so many houses, ‘home’ now refers to the people I surround myself with. I think it’s not so much a singular spot in the whole country that holds sentimental value for me, but it’s a little more scattered. There’s a little bakery called Kookie Jar in Park Street, Calcutta, that was a go-to for my family for all birthdays and anniversaries and celebratory events for almost eleven years. I particularly enjoy their Chocolate Pyramids, and always get a box of those every time I visit the city. Then there’s a couple lake-side spots in Vadodara, Gujarat, that my friends and I often drove to. They were always very peaceful, breezy and an excellent picnic spot. I have special memories attached to all of these different locations and I think that’s what makes the spot so nostalgic and unique to my experiences.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Absolutely. The biggest lesson that I learnt was not to rush the publishing process. I’ve had this dream since I was 12 and I remember feeling so desperate to find a publisher that would push their stamp on my very childish, pre-mature collection of poems. But I didn’t go through with it. I grew a little older, and let my post-pubescent years drive my thought-processes and personal philosophies of love and life and growth. I also decided to start attending more workshops and seminars, studied under world-class professors and then pooled in all of the knowledge and skills and craftsmanship I’d learnt so far, and directed that towards creating a manuscript that would finally qualify as a well-written piece of literary work.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Strawberries Under Skin’ book?
I never really know how to answer that question, because there are several poems in the book that I first wrote when I was seventeen years old, but only slightly re-worked them during revision. But more generally speaking, it was a year long journey, from August 2020 to August 2021, to go from drafting a rough word document with thirty poems, to a 120-paged paperback, with a unique cover design and a real ISBN code and everything.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Strawberries Under Skin’ book to buy?
Strawberries Under Skin is available as a paperback on Amazon across the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, Spain, France and Italy and as a Kindle version world-wide. Both versions are also available on IngramSpark and Kobo. I am currently in Atlanta, GA and talking to local bookstores like Barnes & Noble and Eagle Eye Books to display my book on their shelves.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Strawberries Under Skin’ ?
I always knew that I wanted ‘skin’ to be part of the title because so much of my work is inspired by the way I perceive my personal relationship with my body, the way that my body feels and the way it makes me feel. When I think about one word that describes me best, as a human being, the word ‘soft’ comes to mind. And a strawberry is a fruit that screams sensual, soft, and elegance along with a bold pop of color and juices. So the idea behind strawberries under your skin is essentially discovering the life that lies beneath your exterior, and the frailty and deep passion that you are really made of. I therefore wanted the cover design to reflect all of these notions, and I wanted the heart, the most important organ pumping blood to the rest of your body, to be infused with the red, porous structures of a strawberry.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I try to read as much as I can, and as frequently as I can. Being in college doesn’t allow you too much time to immerse yourself in novel after novel, but poetry books are easier and quicker to get through so I’ve actually gathered a pretty good collection of poetry books in the last two years, that constantly make me think from new perspectives, and make me write about experiences and people in a way I wouldn’t have considered before. I also often look out for online contests and writing prompts (the Instagram community of poets is an extensive and talented group of people) that challenge my comfort zone and push me to explore new styles.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I wouldn’t want to give away too many of my secrets, but I think one very cool thing about the book is I knew I wanted to have three or four chapters in the book; I just didn’t know what they would be called. Initially, the first ever edition of Strawberries Under Skin has three chapters called The Caterpillar, The Cocoon, and The Butterfly, to parallel the metamorphosis a caterpillar goes through before it can spread its wings and soar high. But that idea seemed almost cliché, overworked and a little stale, so I scratched that and decided to dedicate the three sections to the entities that pushed or provoked me into write that particular poem, which would find its place under that section. It’s funny how many times you rethink your title of the book, your subtitle or chapter titles before settling on one because you want it to be absolutely perfect without leaving much room for ambiguity, but I feel like a writer has their instincts that they must have faith in, and it’s usually a pretty incredible choice.
Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
My name is Margaret Montavon and I am so excited to be featured here today! I am an actor, producer, writer, and educator who believes in harnessing the transformative power of the arts to tell meaningful stories, spark crucial dialogues, incite curiosity, and inspire creativity and positive social change. I earned a BA in Theatre Performance from Marymount Manhattan College, a Master’s in Education from Northeastern University, and have worked as both a performer and a teacher all over New York City. Now, I am currently executive producing several forthcoming television series, as well as promoting my first published children’s book, Freckle Face From Outer Space!
Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “Freckle Face From Outer Space”?
I was a new student at a new school in first grade, where a classmate nicknamed me “freckle face from outer space” because of my freckles. I’d never felt self-conscious about my appearance like that before, and it began my journey of overly scrutinizing myself. Years later, I thought- what if I take that story, turn it into something more joyful, and use my experience to talk to children about inclusivity amidst uniqueness? So… I did just that!
Q3. When did you realize you wanted to be an author of children’s book?
I was feeling hugely depressed while in the throes of COVID lockdown in May 2020. Something was tapping at the inside of my brain, so I sat down one day at my computer, and out came this book. I did it because I felt I had to, but it wasn’t until I really lingered with and tweaked the project that I realized how much joy it brought me, too.
Q4. Are you planning to release your next book soon?
I hope to release at least 9 more standalone books featuring the same characters found in Freckle Face From Outer Space. If all goes well, hopefully my next book will be released in spring/summer 2022!
Q5. For which age group are your books suitable?
This book is a great classroom read-aloud (and independent reading book) for children ages 5-8. The book’s vivid illustrations and lyric rhyme scheme make it an excellent book for reading to younger children as well.
Q6. What is your favorite Quote?
I have MANY quotes that I savor, but one that has really resonated with me in recent days is actually a line from a poem by Erin Hanson. I have it framed at my desk, and it reads: “There is freedom waiting for you on the breezes of the sky, And you ask, ‘What if I fall?’ Oh but my darling, what if you fly?”
Q7. What do you like the most about your country?
It’s certainly flawed, but having independence and accessibility to opportunities is something I try to never take for granted.
Q8. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
Make it a family endeavor- if your child sees you taking the time to read (both with or without them), they’ll pick up on that and make it more of a priority. It also should be FUN, so approaching reading and sharing stories with a sense of wonder (instead of a chore-like mindset) is hugely helpful.
Q9. What does literary success look like to you?
For me, this project was never about making money- it was about getting a special passion project into the hands of young readers and loved ones, and that has been achieved. Seeing young readers hold and enjoy this book has brought joy to my life beyond compare, and if this book continues to succeed and more people can find something meaningful in this story, that, in my mind, is success.
Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
I feel fortunate to have an incredible support system of my husband, family, and friends, all of whom inspire me daily with their love, kindness, and accomplishments. I think if we’ve learned anything over the last 18 months in this topsy-turvy world, it’s that time is precious and our loved ones are, too, so being able to witness their growing families, respective successes, and enjoyment of life in all of its facets is, to me, a huge inspiration in and of itself every single day.
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello, everyone, my name is Dominique Carson. I am a freelance journalist, author, researcher, and massage therapist.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Jon B: Are You Still Down?’ book?
Some of the key challenges I’ve faced while writing the book is overcoming writing block due to my loss of income as a massage therapist during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. Secondly, I had to really think about the artistic direction for the book and started brainstorming on ideas for my next book since I had a book before but it was unpublished due to finalizing legal matters. I was moving to Virginia after leaving my hometown of New York of 29 years. Therefore, I needed the motivation to write the book and my fiancé, Jeffrey encouraged me to utilize my down time to write the book.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Wow, there are so many authors who influenced my writing. I would have to say my cousin, Niani, the late Maya Angelou, Sonia Sanchez, E. Lynn Harris, the late Eric Jerome Dickey, Gwendolyn Brooks, Ernest Gaines, Judy Blume, V.C Andrews, and Connie Briscoe.
Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
My favorite spot to visit in my own country will always be my hometown, NYC. Although I moved out of NY 1.5 year ago, it will always be home. You can take the woman out of NYC but NYC still lives within my soul. I have family and friends back in NY so it’s such an exciting feeling that you can attend home for a few days.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I wouldn’t say there is a lot to do; you have to figure out what you want to write about, genre, number of pages, and what is the overall purpose for writing the book. I am pretty sure every writer would like to receive a substantial amount of revenue for their book but money can not be your motivation.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Jon B: Are You Still Down?’ book?
Once I decided I was going to self-publish my book, it was game time. I wanted more creative control over my manuscript. I started the research process for my subject matter four months before I started writing the book. Then, I reached out to my editor and friend, Emily Timmerman about the concept for the book. We worked remotely since we didn’t live in NYC anymore but we still met the deadline. In six months, my book was edited, reviewed immensely, and designed because I really took my time to work on the book.
Q7. On what all platforms’ readers can find ‘Jon B: Are You Still Down?’ book to buy?
Readers can purchase the book on Amazon.com and Goodreads.com.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Jon B: Are You Still Down?’
I knew an attractive cover to captivate people’s attention and my end goal worked out successfully. I reached out to my former high school classmate, Stephen Davis because he is a phenomenal illustrator. He was truly honored and emailed a contract, stating his price and what I should expect when the illustration will be completed. We worked together remotely since it was the pandemic and it turned out to be one of his best illustrations. The title of the book is a song track from Jon B’s sophomore album, Cool Relax. The title was metamorphic because it was my way of asking the readers if they are still listening to Jon B’s music after 25 years. As a result, people are still listening to his music and attending his live performances across the United States and internationally.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I strive to keep things fresh by realizing writing is more of a spiritual practice and it’s my voice. Yes, writing has been a therapeutic outlet in my life since I was a child. It is still the fire in my belly. In order to keep the writing fresh, you must believe in your work and remain passionate. After two decades, I am still eager to write, remain efficient, learn new tricks along the way, and inspire others to leave a mark in people’s lives like a pen.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Jon B was the last person to physically work in the studio with the late rap legend, Tupac Shakur and produced for the English pop quartet, Spice Girls.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Tara Coyote. I live in Kaua’i, Hawaii. I am the author of the bestselling book ‘Grace, Grit & Gratitude: A Cancer Thriver’s Journey from Hospice to Full Recovery with the Healing Power of Horses’. I work with people with horses teaching Equine Facilitated Learning (helping people heal with horses).
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Grace, Grit & Gratitude’ book?
It took a lot of focused effort and determination to write my book. I made myself sit down and write each day, because I knew if I didn’t, I would not have finished it.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Anais Nin, Jean Shinoda Bolen, Linda Kohanov, Mary Oliver, Starhawk
Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
My favorite spot is here in Kaua’i, Hawaii, where I am fortunate to live. My father’s side of my family is from here going back to the 1870’s, so I feel deep roots here. It is a lovely tropical location, full of tropical breezes, warm ocean and is a beautiful, healing place to live.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
When I wrote my book, it was basically a compilation of 6 years of writing. It took a huge amount of motivation and focus to organize it. So, no there was not a lot to do, but to harness motivation!
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Grace, Grit & Gratitude’ book?
It took me fifteen months of writing, editing and working hard for 1 – 5 hours a day. It generally took me one hour a day, but near the end before publishing my book I was pouring in 3-5 hours in every day.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Grace, Grit & Gratitude’ book to buy?
Amazon Barnes & Noble
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Grace, Grit & Gratitude’ ?
For the book cover, I wanted something that would capture the readers attention and tell the story of my healing cancer with horses tale. I wanted something that was beautiful and yet would catch attention. The title came from the belief of all it took to get through the trials and tribulations that are written about in my book. ‘Grace and Grit’ came from my kundalini yoga teacher friend and ‘Gratitude’ as it took a huge amoutn of gratitude to find my way through the perilous journey!
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I would set the timer for an hour, light a special candle and give it my all during that hour of writing. If I was burnt out from writing or exhausted I would give myself a break.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
It is a tale of discovering great self love, which is the ultimate healing force!
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I have written and published all of my life. But always nonfiction. Fiction is new. Well, new within the last ten years. My 7th novel, The Reluctant Queen is the third in the ancient novel series. The 1st four are a medical mystery series featuring cardiologist Dr. Lindsey McCall. I am now working on the 5th in that series, Plausible Liars.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Reluctant Queen’ book?
Since I’d written I Claudia and My Name is Saul, I thought the research and writing of a story about the ancient Persian Kingdom would be more of the same. But, unfortunately, I was wholly, totally wrong. Finding reliable information about a book in the Bible current scholars believe to be fictional was exceedingly difficult.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Every book I read influences me. Reading other people’s novels relaxes me. Hence I read a lot. And I notice the good and poor plots, character development and coherence of the story. But, more and more frequently, I stop reading after fifty pages because of the lack of the previous attributes.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Maybe because I write about places worldwide, I feel as if I travel a lot. Malthus Revisited, the 4h Dr. Lindsey McCall novel, features Slovakia, the California central coast, Germany, China, and Zurich. Traveling in my head saves enormous hassle.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Yes.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Reluctant Queen’ book?
About a year.
Q7. What all platforms can readers find ‘The Reluctant Queen’ book to buy?
Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Google Books, and many of the venues carrying Ebooks.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Reluctant Queen’ ?
I work closely with a design/ publisher. And need the cover before I start the story. For some reason, having the cover is a critical first step.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I think readers look for compelling stories with plots that grab. And they need characters with flesh and blood who feel as if they are sitting beside them. To accomplish this, I send the 1st iteration of my manuscript to four readers. I look for plot coherence, character development, and consistency, not editing. Their feedback sometimes require extensive rewrites but the finished product is always far better because of their input.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Reviewers to date tell me that they find Esther’s story compelling. Several have said that one of their favorite characters is Queen Atossa, the mother of King Xerxes. They also enjoy the story of the Achaemenid Empire and the mix of history with fiction.
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I originally grew up in Southern California not far from the beach, though I now live in the mountains. I am the youngest of three children, though it was almost like I was an only child as my siblings and I are far apart in age. I loved to read as a child and thought I might like to be a writer someday, but my parents felt it wasn’t likely and that I should have a degree. I graduated with a teaching degree and have taught many different ages, including kids who were youth in custody as well as kids in college. I’ve been married nearly 25 years and have two children. My children are 20 and 10 years old. I love being a mom. I also have a dog named Frankie who thinks she is another child.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Black Sheep Rising’ book?
I think the most difficult thing for me while writing this book was being so honest about my childhood. Because my brother and sister are so much older than I am, they had different childhoods than I did. It was hard to reflect on the differences and wonder why my childhood had to be so challenging.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
The poet ee cummings and beat poets like Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Alan Ginsburg have been an enormous influence.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I would have to say Disneyland. I love Disneyland because I truly feel free to be myself there. Nobody cares if you are screaming on a ride or clapping along to a parade. It is just a really liberating place to me.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Yes and no. When it comes to writing poetry, I keep a notebook by my bedside table and in my purse so I can write down ideas when they first come to me. You always think you’ll remember something but never do, so I have learned to write it down. Then I take those little snippets of lines or phrases and begin fleshing out the whole poem. As far as fiction goes, I plot things out in my head first and then write plot points on individual notecards so I can arrange them.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Literally Christmas’ book?
I first wrote Literally Christmas as a short story and then a year later I expanded it into a novella. It took me about three or four months to write and edit.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?
I am exclusive to Amazon currently.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your books ?
As far as titles go, I find a line of poetry that resonates with me especially and turn them into titles. For Literally Christmas, the title came to me when I was thinking about what it would be like if everything a character said came true literally, especially during the holidays. When it comes to my covers, I consult with a terrific graphic designer. We talk about what images I want to evoke and what feelings I want my readers to have. From there, she mocks up a draft and then we discuss placement of the title so that it is pleasing overall.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I don’t want readers to feel like they’ve read something of mine before, so I try to approach familiar topics in an original way or in a way that might be more universally felt by the reader.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I have three jellybeans hidden on every cover. They represent my two children and one baby I lost. They’re easy to find on some covers and really difficult to find on others.
Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Certainly! I grew up in the Chicago suburbs but now live near Denver, Colorado. I’ve been a reader for as long as I can remember, fatefully growing up in a house full of books and both parents avid readers. This lead to writing, naturally, though I guess you could say I didn’t start writing “professionally” until a few years ago.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Peaceful Meridian’ book?
I thought for a long time about how I wanted to structure the book. I tried a regular chronological narrative, but that felt dry when I read the results. I stumbled on this split narrative by realizing that my own memories were not chronological. Those four years of my life are just a series of impressions, so I wanted the book to be the same. I also had to decide where to circumscribe the narrative. Many biographies, even of a particular period of time like “Peaceful Meridian” include a recap of the subject’s early life. I decided to leave that part of my life out because I didn’t see it being terribly relevant to the political experiences that I wanted to concentrate on.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
“Peaceful Meridian” was heavily influenced by Robert Graves and “Goodbye to All That.” I read it while in the Navy and the droll, dry observations he made of the military were the tone I wanted for my own writing. I also love James Joyce for the quiet inner life of his characters, though that doesn’t come out much in this book. There’ll be more of that in my next book.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I moved to Colorado to live near the mountains. Any place that is natural and wild.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
For “Peaceful Meridian,” I had to research my own life. This meant unsealing old journals to get the dates right and see what I was feeling at that time. My parents kept every email I sent them while in the Navy so that was an important resource, again not only for chronology but to see how or if my memory had drifted.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Peaceful Meridian’ book?
From start to finish with all my editing done, about a year. It’s not a long book and I had a strong vision of it once I figured out what that vision was.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Peaceful Meridian’ book to buy?
The book is available through Ingram so basically, walk into any bookstore and order it. Online, it is available through every bookselling platform, though I always say it’s best to buy from the independent bookstores. Jeff Bezos has enough rockets. If you’re an eBook reader, it’s available from Apple Books, Nook, and that aforementioned company named after a South American rain forest.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Peaceful Meridian’ ?
Originally, the title was “War/Anti-War” but an editor at Atmosphere Press suggested another name, and together we came up with “Peaceful Meridian: Sailing Into War, Protesting At Home.” At first I was resistant, but it grew on me. I like the way it reflects the idea of navigation, sailing a course through something difficult to a better place. The cover was done by a close friend of mine, Chenoa Ellinghaus-Blair (Home – Split Mountain Studios). It’s fantastic and I can’t wait to work on the cover for the next book with her. We discussed the book a lot, the mood and tone, and I read her passages until her subconscious latched onto what “Peaceful Meridian” was all about, like a good artist does. The cover is fantastic and gets lots of comments.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Unlike the common writer’s advice, I don’t write every day. I wait until I know I have something good to get down on paper. I let it sit in the back of my mind, stewing, until the words that need to be recorded come to me. Then I just write. Unlike some writers I don’t mind editing. It’s better for me to get the words out first, then I actually enjoy the process of going through drafts and watching the work get better. That way, I know what I have written is genuine and not just filler to make a daily word quota.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
There were some stories about shipmates I decided not to share. Tales of crime, or disappointment, heartbreak, death. I never would have named names, and really don’t remember most of the names, but still I felt that those stories belong to them, not me, and to the moments we heard them.
Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
Hi, my name is Flora Ekpe-Idang and I am the founder and CEO of Corage Dolls; a multicultural doll and book company that helps to elevate, educate and encourage girls of color to be unstoppable.
Q2. What is the inspiration behind your book “Don’t Give Up, Aaliyah!”?
The inspiration behind my book “Don’t Give Up, Aaliyah!” is sparked by this generation of young girls and their creativity, fierceness, and boldness to change the world. From girls like actress Marsai Martin who is creating greater representation on screen and book activist Marley Davis who is amplifying diverse stories to Mari Copeny aka “Little Miss Flint” who is raising awareness about environmental justice, I’m amazed at how this younger generation is no longer waiting on adults to solve ongoing issues. I wanted Aaliyah to be a character that children, especially girls of color, could see themselves reflected in and instill cultural pride. Aaliyah is an everyday girl from Chicago, who’s creative, curious, and entrepreneurial at heart, and inspired by her community to create positive change. Also, there’s a bit of myself that’s reflected in Aaliyah’s personality. She carries her signature green notebook wherever she goes as a way to jot down her creative ideas, and similarly I’m always carrying around a notebook or using the notes section on my iphone to capture new ideas.
Q3. When did you realize you wanted to be an author of children’s books?
I realized I wanted to be a children’s book author when I decided that greater representation was needed in children’s literature. According to research, only 11.9% of main characters in children’s books are Black/African, 1% are Native/First Nations, 5.3% are Latino, 8.7% are Asian/Asian American, and .05% are Pacific Islander, while 41.8% are white and 29.2% are animal/other. This means that there are more children book characters that are animals than diverse characters across race/ethnicity combined! Additionally, as Aaliyah is also a doll I wanted to create a book that could serve as an accompanying narrative for children to dive deeper and relate more to her story.
Q4. Are you planning to release your next book soon?
I’m in the process of releasing new accessories for the Aaliyah doll this November with a goal to start developing a new book in the near future.
Q5. For which age group your book is suitable?
The book is most suitable for 4-8 years old, but is truly a great story that kids and adults can enjoy together. The book teaches values of perseverance, early entrepreneurship principles, and the importance of family which anyone can relate to.
Q6. The main character of your story Aaliyah is based on your product Aaliyah doll. What message do you want to give to readers through this book and Aaliyah doll?
No surprise here. To never give up!
Q7. What do you like the most about your country?
I love the city that I’m from. I’m originally from New Jersey and the community and family that I’ve grown up with has been a great source of inspiration to pursue my passions.
Q8. What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
Encouraging your kids to read stories that are diverse, spark curiosity and creativity, and build empathy are truly important to their development and how they perceive the world as they grow up. Make reading fun vs. a chore by asking what interests them and finding diverse stories to expose them to.
Q9. What does literary success look like to you?
Seeing more kids have equitable access to diverse stories and children of color having more opportunities to create more stories.
Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
My mother, she is my role model and has been the one to teach me to never give up!
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