My name is Teressa Hill! I am originally from Portland Oregon where I grew up as a competitive figure skater. I have always been a writer. As a young girl, I would write poetry and short stories. I enjoyed my English classes in grade school and English and Creative Writing in College where I studied theater as well.
Q2. From where did you get the idea for your book “Boo Who?”?
I was trying to figure out a plot that my characters could face that teaches children how to face their fears. I’m a strong believer in getting out of the problem and into the solution. Walking through the fear sometimes is the best way to go because then you turn around and look back and you’ve done it, which builds self-esteem.
Q3. Can you tell us one thing people may not know about you?
I am currently working in Los Angeles as a professional film and television hair stylist, which is another art form that I enjoy. I am honored to be nominated this season for my work in the film industry. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the greats in our business.
Q4. How much research did you do? before you began your book?
Before I begin any project, I always do massive research. For this particular book, I researched trolls, fairies, Halloween, scarecrows, snails, witches and ghosts. I focused on Halloween and all the characters that come with it.
Q5. Which age group is your book “Boo Who?” suitable for?
For reading, I think it is great for ages six years and older. I believe it can be a book very entertaining for children under than the age of six due to the story line, characters, and the poetic meter.
Q6. What makes you passionate about being a writer?
Knowing that I can change a child’s perspective at a young age and encourage them to better themselves and to be kind and accepting of others. We are all flawed, yet our flaws make us unique unto ourselves and bring something special to the world.
Q7. What is the process of writing a book: how does it go from an idea to finished work on sale in bookstores?
For me, the first step was creating my core characters that I knew were going to embark on adventures where they would meet interesting characters along the way who set obstacles in their path. The challenges my characters faced and overcame would help children understand how to maneuver situations that may occur in their life as they grow older. I am a big fan of positive influences in children’s lives, as well as a big advocate for animals.
Q8. Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself as a successful children’s book author with a successful children’s animation series, Gracie and Sniggles.
Q9. What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Publishing my books! The ability to give back has been a highlight as well as all the royalties of “The Mystery of the Blue Goo” are donated to Saint Jude’s and the royalties from “Boo Who?” go to the ASPCA.
Q10. What do you hope kids learn from your books?
The benefit of kindness towards others, compassion towards those that are different from themselves, and the importance of friendship. Being different makes life more interesting and makes the world go round.
Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
Hi, I’m 44 I live in Great Yarmouth in Norfolk with my wife and 2 sons. My father and mother are Greek Cypriot I was born in North London, I love gaming and all tec I have secondary progressive Multiple sclerosis & Epilepsy. But I am really happy and I feel really lucky.
Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “The Nose Family”?
My mother handed me a sketch I did of the characters in the book which inspired me to write a story about them.
Q3. When did you realize you want to be an author of Children’s Book?
After my family and friends & people I didn’t even know liked my sketches and my writing.
Q4. Are you planning to release your next book soon?
Yes I hope to release my next book this year and If Possible another One is previewed on the back of the first book.
Q5. For which age group your books are suitable?
3-9.
Q6. What is your favorite Quote?
Nothing comes to mind.
Q7. What do you like the most about your country?
The opportunities and support is like no other.
Q8. What suggestion you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
Find something you love to read and read regularly it stimulates creativity.
Q9. What does literary success look like to you?
When my characters are enjoyed by everyone and around the world, And children know their names.
Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
My Cuz, Cary Kiki. Because Within just 15 years he has created a worldwide and brand. Oh, and his support is unfathomable.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hi, my name is Joseph T. Humphrey. I founded the independent publishing company, Intrepid Pen, and I am the author of the company’s first published novel, Branded. I’m an Emergency Medicine doctor, a Christian thinker/speaker, a novice banjo player, and I love hunting for the best donuts around.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Branded’ book?
One of the major challenges was finding time to complete and edit the work while also working in an Emergency Department during a global pandemic! But writing the book has a been a way to express hope and triumph in difficult times. I hope the same sentiment comes through in the pages of the story.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Some of my major influences have been Ted Dekker, John White, Joseph Finder, Donald Maass, Tim Keller, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Bible. From authors to commentary, I’ve been shaped by these and many more.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
My favorite spot to visit in my country is the Northern Woods. Places like northern Wisconsin, northern Minnesota, and northern Michigan have a special place in my heart.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I do a ton of prep work ahead of time. I write down an explosion of scenes, events, and dialogue to take place in the story, and my notes have become a series of “a-ha!” moments—the moments that move, inspire, scare, twist, and soar the story. Then comes the sorting. There’s polishing, adding and subtracting, and developing the moment. It takes a lot to work the story, to make it more than mere words, and translate it to emotion and conviction.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Branded’ book?
Branded was written over six years. From original concept to storyboarding, full concept, writing the original draft, and subsequent edits and revisions, it was a long process. But totally worth it. I’m so happy to have completed it.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Branded’ book to buy?
Branded is available in ebook from Amazon/Kindle, Apple iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Google Play, along with others. The book is also available in printed paperback and hardcover versions through Amazon. Your local bookstore can request the book as well through the global distribution network Ingram Spark. If your bookstore doesn’t have it, ask for them to get it!
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Branded’?
The title Branded is a reflection of the story. The title came much later, and only after the story had been fully written. I worked with a fabulous cover designer at 99Designs to come up with the cover to reflect a moment in the story.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Freshness is important for the reading audience, and even for the author as well. The way to keep things fresh is to inspire—to give a moment of hope and reflection that will lift out of the pages of the novel and translate to the real world around us. The craft of fiction is to take the reader on an emotional ride so that at the end of the hero’s story, it is not only the characters that have learned and grown, but the reader as well. That is the triumph of the novel, and the moment of refreshment that all of us look for when we turn to literature.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
This is a book full of secrets, monsters, lost heritage, and reclaimed hope. Find the truth. Reclaim the Forgotten. Escape to the Other Side.
Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Justin and Alexis are authors, speakers, business owners and part of the Forbes Next 1000 class of 2021. Together, they’ve published an award-winning, bestselling book titled Redefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness and Love that has impacted over 15,000 individuals and families. With ROSE (Rising Over Societal Expectations) Empowerment Group and Redefining Normal, they hope to continue the conversation on healthy relationships, mental health, and healing through speaking engagements, trainings and book clubs.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Redefining Normal’ book?
Redefining Normal book is an intimate and personal journey of two individuals learning themselves outside of the unhealthy generational practices. We want to take people into the rooms where things happened, meaning we had to relive these situations ourselves. During this progress, we had a roller coaster of emotions and needed to find healthy outlets to continue out healing journey as we continued writing the book.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. It is a story of shame and redemption that reaches across racial and religious gaps. That no matter your environment, even in war, you can find joy. I can see this reflected in my own life that no matter what I go through and what my environment looks like, I have the power to choose joy in any situation. This reminds me of the power of our mind and our words and how we can reframe our situations so that we can learn and be empowered from it.
Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
One of our favorite places we’ve been to is Washington D.C. It’s a place known for politics but truly a beautiful and historic place to be. The energy of the city forces you to be focused and disciplined like no other place.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Yes, the book writing process can be exhausting but it all starts from an idea. With our latest book, we primarily focused on a concept that we’ve pondered on for years. We believe that challenging concepts and issues bring people together and that’s what we wanted to do with our book and business.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Redefining Normal’ book?
We started writing the book in March of 2020, the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic where we were locked down and looking for employment. Instead of continuing to search for job, we decided to put our full effort into creating this book and releasing it in 2020. The final product, Redefining Normal, was released on November 9th, 2020.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Redefining Normal’ book to buy?
Readers can find our book at re-definingnormal.com! You can also find it on Barnes & Noble as well as Amazon along with the audiobook.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Redefining Normal’?
Your normal is the identity that has been shaped by your family, community, and society. For those with trauma and abuse survivors, we inherited a culture of ideas that was a reflection of the trauma of our family and community. This became our reality and the image we had of ourselves. We needed to go through the process of redefining our normal and challenging others to do the same.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Living life and allowing yourself to process what you’re writing and your experiences keep things fresh. For us, we felt like we’ve lived four lives in one and we’re only in our 20’s. Being as detailed as possible also allows the reader to have the impact in living that experienced as well.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
The last chapter ends with us getting married. Not that it’s a surprise but it lets readers know just how far we’ve come from our childhood.
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Well, My name is Salma Soliman, I am a 35 years old Egyptian and a proud mother of 2. A girl, Malak 3 and a half years old and a boy, Selim 2 years. I’ve always been so passionate about 4 main and constant things ever since I was a little girl; kids, reading, writing and dancing, and as I grew up, my passion for them grew as well and never changed or dimmed.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Series Of Kindness’ book?
Well, as hard as it still feels to talk about it, but the truth is that the key challenges I faced while writing my first book “The Series Of Kindness, Volume 1” was the fact that I was writing it during the course of a personal significant trauma. When I was diagnosed with unexplained infertility and undergone several failed IVF attempts only to be more certain that it is never going to happen for me, that’s when my husband told me it was time we tried something new and Oh my! Thank God we did! We traveled to the UK to undertake another round of IVF with a new approach and for the first time I conceived triplets, but sadly I lost my boys in my 6th month which somehow pushed me towards the darkest yet brightest phase of my life. The darkness of losing my precious babies and the light that after all I CAN conceive. Those two opposite and profound feelings lead me into a rollercoaster of emotions that I found myself writing stories to my unborn children manifesting through them the human beings I would wish them to grow up into and as I wrote I felt closer and closer to them and my dream felt so attainable. This was my real challenge, I was too emotional to write, yet I couldn’t stop myself. At some point, I was too scared that all my hurt and personal struggles will be reflected in my stories but yet again I believe that the best books are written from the heart, so I continued to write through all my pain and loses. My book includes 5 stories and as I finished my fifth, I was ready to give birth to my beautiful miracle “Malak”. I don’t think I will ever face a bigger challenge than losing the children I longed for for years, but these challenges are the real reason my book is written & are also the reason I am now enjoying every single second with my children.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
To be honest, I am not consciously aware that a certain writer influenced my writing more than others. I have a lot of favorite authors, I believe they all influenced me one way or another, but I am not sure how exactly have they influenced my own writing. But let me tell you about my favorite books & authors as a kid & as a grown woman. Ok, let’s see, as a kid, I loved Robinson Crusue by Daniel Defoe, i was fascinated by the survival skills & the adventure of this book that I had my uncle read it over & over to me again whenever he visited. The Whizard of Ozz by Liam Frank was also one of my very dearest books, I was enchanted by the fantasy world & it’s beautiful message that everyone has a missing part & it is either we accept our incomplete selves & focus on our own edges or we will keep searching forever for what we are missing & lose ourselves entirely in the process. Growing up, I fell in love with Charlotte’s web by E.B. White, I believe it is a story that teaches true meanings of kindness, acceptance & friendship. As I became a mother myself, I loved the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, I think it is a brilliant story that teaches your little ones so much in a fun & appealing way. Now, as a grown woman, I tend to love thrillers & dark novels like “the Prey Series” by John Sandford. Gone Girl & Dark Places by Gillion Flyn. Deceit & A Dark Devotion by Clare Francis.
Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
My favorite spot in my country is a very small & very primitive village called “Ballah” right by the Mediterranean Sea in the North Coast. I really don’t know what it is about this place that speaks right to my heart. It is amazingly beautiful in its very own way, it is like civilization has totally forgotten about it & so it is still pure, simple & real. When I go there, I feel so at ease & calm. The houses there are tiny, the sea is crystal blue, the sand is snow white & the weather warm with a chilly breeze. Just Perfect. It is the kind of place that freshens your heart & awakens your soul. I am very lucky to be living in Egypt, my country has all kinds of uniquely beautiful sceneries. It has exotic deserts, beautiful seas & shores, historical monuments, just all kinds of beauties that fit all tastes. Really It is a very special country, I can’t get enough of it, yet I still choose “Ballah” to be my favorite spot.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Yes, I believe there is so much to do before starting to write a book, but it all has to start by having the right state of mind that helps your imagination blossom, whatever state it is that serves your personal self best. For me, It all begins with having an idea, then I have to get my mind to keep on thinking & thinking about this idea without trying to push it in a certain direction, just let it be until it defines itself. Once it has been defined, it is time I start putting it on paper in the form of key words & sub ideas that eventually shall lead to a complete story. I then start taking one sub idea at a time & start building on it by research, creation, & details in the form of characters, events & circumstances. At this point I should have a clear vision of who I am talking to & what is the effect I wish to leave on my readers. It is then that my initial idea is starting to breathe & come to life, during this stage it is essential to not stop & keep going. Let it flow without over thinking, self-criticism & evaluation. By the time I am done, I have my story & I am free to reevaluate, add & subtract as much as I want and boom! There you go, My book is alive!
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Series Of Kindness’ book?
It took me almost 2 years to be completely done & satisfied with my final draft.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Series Of Kindness’ book to buy?
My book is published now by Austin Maculey publishers. You can find it on their own website together with all major online retailers like amazon, Barnes and Noble, Waterstones, WHSmith and Book Depository under the name “The Series Of Kindness, Volume 1”. You can also find it on my very new Instagram page KINDKIDS by S S where you will soon find a bunch of interesting and appealing ideas on how to advocate Kindness to your kids, so please follow and stay tuned!
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Series Of Kindness’?
My book cover was my own sketch, I croakily drew it, then my mother being the talented architect & painter that she is neatly sketched it for me, & we had it sent to my publisher. I was trying to reflect through my cover the celebration of love & kindness by all, featuring the heroes of the book all teaming up together to carry the big heart of kindness feeling happy & empowered by all the love they are feeling. The title was pretty easy for me because my idea was very clear from the start. I wanted to create a whole series of books linking every value in life to kindness. Serving the purpose of advocating for a culture of kindness, emphasizing on the fact that the kinder you are the stronger you get & thus resulting in creating kinder realities for all our children. So the title very simply became “The Series of Kindness”
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Keeping things fresh is a very important aspect of writing. You have to practically be living in your story & not push away any idea that comes to your mind. I personally love to write in open spaces, it keeps my mind opened, vibrant, & fresh. I like to imagine that all my ideas are already a success, that gives me more confidence when writing. Also, I believe it is essential to add from my very own opinions & personality to anything I write, because we are all different & unique human beings & by adding a part of you, you know that it is only yours & thus it is fresh. Reading a lot also serves writers really well, the more you read different things, the better you write. For me every time I read a book, something lights in my mind & a door opens to a brand new idea that could turn into another book or simply just disappear in thin air, the important thing is that reading keeps my mind working & productive .Finally, having an inspiration always keeps my writing fresh, whether it is a person who inspired me or a feeling, a song, movie or anything else, Being inspired makes me write with passion, & passion is always fresh.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
The first secret is that I believe that “The Series of Kindness” could be a book that grownups could enjoy as much as children. It can be suitable from the age of 2 & all the way up to young adults, it all depends on how you pick from each story what you believe shall stick with your children according to their ages yet keeping the main moral of the story.
Another secret is that the characters of the book can be anyone & everyone of us. We can all make the choices that the heroes made in the book, we don’t have to be super or skillful. All you have to do to be karim, Hannah, Fares, Farida or The Little People is to be strong enough to see things differently & allow your heart to see everything before your eyes does!
Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Of course! My name is Caleb Thornton and I’m an author from Warner Robins, GA. I love writing, I consider it my first love. I also love reading. It’s sort of my second love. If that’s a thing.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Tenacious’ book?
The key challenges were trying to include things that I’ve been through as a teenage boy in middle school and high school. Experiences that made me very sad. Things that made me feel as though I wasn’t in control or inferior perhaps.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I read a lot of manga. There’s this manga artist named Harada. I love ANYTHING she writes. I’ve probably read all of her works.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
My favorite spot to visit is probably my room. My bed to be exact. I’m a Pisces, so anytime that I can rest my head and dream, I take it.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
With this book there wasn’t really anything that I felt the need to do. Once I shot the promo photos and everything, I just wanted to finish it.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Tenacious’ book?
I started a rough draft on August 13, 2020 and finished in the middle of May 2021. So, I’d say about 9 months?
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Tenacious’ book to buy?
Everyone can go find “Tenacious” on Amazon Kindle, Archive of Our Own, Wattpad, and Inkitt.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Tenacious’?
The bear that I’m always with is supposed to symbolize the guy that Matthew, the main character, is head over heels for. I don’t think a guy would let me blindfold him and stab him. That would be sort of traumatic I’d imagine. I was talking to my friend Diamond and an idea just sparked in my head to use a bear to take out all of my frustration.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I try to stay as true to the story as I can. Or as true to my feelings, I would say.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I was once friends with this boy in middle school, and I was so happy because he was the first guy friend that I had. Word had got around that I was gay, and he stopped talking to me. At the time, “KIK” was very popular, and I use to always hit him up and he suddenly wouldn’t reply to me. That stuck with me for a while. I recently just saw him at my job and I acted like I didn’t know who he was. Our friendship could’ve been great. His loss, haha. Ethan, which is Matthew’s friend, is supposed to represent the guy I’m talking about.
Q1.Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
My name is Shari Jonas, I’m a Mom to 2 incredible young adults. I’ve graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and a Masters degree in Human Relations and Family Life Education. I’m the author of Father Effects: How Your Father Influenced Who You Are & Who You Love. Last year, during Covid, I began creating content on social media to share my experiences and knowledge about family relationships and what I discovered is that parents are really concerned and very interested in learning how to help their children to thrive.
Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “My Roots and My Wings”?
My Roots and My Wings was born out of an expression that I have always used to describe how I brought up my children. Raising my “little adults” was not just about teaching them to tie their shoes or ride a bike. I knew that they needed to develop a strong sense of self, to feel good in their own skin, and develop self-esteem. My philosophy has always been, if you know who you are and you like who you, then you’ll be less interested in being like everyone else.
Q3. When did you realize you want to be an author of Children’s Book?
The impetus behind writing this children’s book was to help parents talk to their children about what matters most in life. Building a strong foundation of self-awareness, self-expression, compassion, and respect, will enable children to better cope with life. The 24 lessons are designed to empower a child and build their self-confidence because that is truly the key to their personal and social happiness.
Q4. Are you planning to release your next book soon?
The research for my next book began before I wrote, My Roots and My Wings. I’ve been very concerned, almost obsessed with understanding how and why so many young people today are struggling with anxiety. What’s changed since I was a kid? Why aren’t they coping? If it’s because of social media, we must do better. Our children aren’t built to last anymore, emotionally of course, and I want to change that. But before I could delve into how to handle and overcome anxiety in adolescents, I thought that I should write a book geared towards very young children, a book that would lay the foundation for a healthy mindset, therefore preparing them for the social pressures and expectations that lead to anxiety. My Roots and My Wings puts the horse before the cart, but the cart or rather, my next book, is on the horizon. (I hope that makes sense!)
Q5. For which age group your books are suitable?
My Roots and My Wings should be for everyone because the lessons are truly universal. But it is geared towards children under the age of 10.
Q6. What is your favorite Quote?
So many to choose from! I have always love inspirational quotes, overcoming adversity quotes, empowering quotes…but for the purpose of this book, my favorite quote is by Frederick Douglas; “It’s easier to build strong children, than to repair broken adults.”
Q7. What do you like the most about your country?
I was born in Canada, but my father was an American citizen. So, I have spent my life travelling between both countries. In fact, I was born in Montreal and the culture there is very different than any other in North America. I love many aspects of both countries, but I can also admit that I’m not impressed with how our children are being affected by the social pressures and the lack of mental health resources that exist in both the US and Canada need to improve.
Q8. What suggestion you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
Children should be introduced to books as early as possible. My children had books for the bath, books that smelled like strawberries and pinecones, books that popped up when you opened them. Children learn to read faster with books, they learn to concentrate, they develop their imagination and of course, it’s great bonding for parents, especially when communicating is not always easy. Introducing books early builds character and creates readers for life.
Q9. What does literary success look like to you?
When something that you’ve created touches the hearts and minds of as many people as possible, when lives are changed, attitudes are shifted and people feel empowered by the words I have written, that is literary success to me.
Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
There are so many people in my life who’ve inspired me. It’s one of the reasons why I feel so inspired to help others. We all learn from one another. But if I had to name a few, and these are definitely “dating me”, it would be people like Wayne Dyer, Abraham Hicks, Louise Hay and currently, Michael Singer, Gabrielle Bernstein and Glennon Doyle. But there are dozens of psychologists, spiritual teachers, motivational speakers, self-help gurus and even angels that have guided me my entire life. If you are truly a student of life, there are many teachers who will cross your path.
Book: Meglet And Seb Experience A Magical Christmas
Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.
My name is Meg Lester. I am a new author originally born in Philadelphia Pa and raised in the countryside. I have resided in Southeast England for almost 20 years after leaving my 2nd home of sunny Florida. I have a love of all animals especially cats and dogs. I enjoy walking in the countryside whilst using mindfulness to reconnect with nature which helps me to keep a check on my mental health.
Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “Meg And Seb Experience A Magical Christmas”?
My inspiration behind my book was to remind me of a special relationship I had with my father. My story is based on a true family tradition as my family made Christmas so “Magical” when I was very little. My cat Sebastian “Seb” was one of a kind he was genuine and very loving. Over the years much of the world has become extremely materialistic So my little book represents you don’t need to have the biggest tree or 100’s of presents it’s about being with people you love and grateful for what you have.
Q3. When did you realize you want to be an author of Children’s Book?
I always enjoyed creative writing, unfortunately my teachers felt I wouldn’t going to amount to much of anything as I was clearly mediocre in all subjects. My real passion was to become a vet but never came to fruition. I started writing about my childhood memories after a 3rd accident which caused me to have grave mobility issues for years. When I was told by a physician “it’s time for a new career, something less physically demanding. Pick something you enjoy”. I knew this was my calling to begin writing; however it then took over 4 years to build up the confidence to have my book published.
Q4. Are you planning to release your next book soon?
The good news is I have 2 more books which should be published by 2023. I’m taking a pause in life so I can concentrate on my studies and volunteer work with those affected by substance misuse like myself.
Q5. For which age group your books are suitable?
My books are for early readers from age 3-5. I hope by reading with an adult they can learn the sometimes hidden moral of my story and feel the joy I express in my writing.
Q6. What is your favorite Quote?
Wow, to pick my favourite quote is very tricky. I have so many to chose from as I’ve created my own personal book of quotes I’ve collected over the years. I suppose it would be: Today live with grace. Exercise compassion. Practice empathy. Show love. Be kind. Have faith in the future. Allow emotions. Be Gentle. Rest in hope. By: Rachel Marie Martin So many people need to learn, understand and put to practice this quote. I try to embrace this daily.
Q7. What do you like the most about your country?
I am an American living in the U.K. I will always love and respect my home country. I’ve learned to love my new country and come to adjust to the weather to be honest. England has such beauty not only in the land but the people. Luckily, I’ve settled in the southeast where the weather can be less extreme. My children were very fortunate to have a wonderful education here. I’ve made my new “home” in a growing town not too far from London and only a short drive to the coast. I am very blessed.
Q8. What suggestion you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?
When I was young I truly enjoyed reading alone or with a loved one. There’s something about sharing a story with someone. To be able to unlock a door of dreams, excitement or even fantasy. One can get truly lost within a book. When I became a mother for the first time I made it a ritual to read with my child even before they could hold a book. Unfortunately my life changed dramatically in which I began to experience recurrent ill mental health and substance misuse. I wanted my children to have my love and the love of reading but sadly I was defeated and so my children did not continue my wish for them. I’d say to new parents of little readers, you have been blessed take the time and read with your child it will help enrich not only their life but yours as well.
Q9. What does literary success look like to you?
I believe literary success comes from within. Each author has their own views and ambitions. Although I’ve written 20 true children’s stories based on my childhood I’ve only had 1 published so far which means I do not see myself as having a form of literary success. For me it’s not about money, this is my hobby. I’ll begin to believe I’m successful when people begin to have a conversation on the “hidden” morals in my books and have more awareness of mental health issues.
Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?
The inspiration in my life I’d have to say is my mother. She is such a strong and independent woman who taught me to believe in myself and do the best I can. Her morals and values were strong as she taught me about respecting and accepting all people no matter their race or religion. We are all human. When I lost myself to addiction she never lost HOPE in my ability to fight.
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello, my name is Cassandra Campbell-Kemp, I’m 66, British and I live in England in a 350 year old coAage with my rescue cat, Felix. For over 30 years of my life I lived and worked in Europe – Italy, Greece and Spain – where I learnt the languages, fell in love with the people and their cultures and lived happily alone; though more oMen than not I was adopted by stray cats! I am fiercely independent, unafraid of being alone and I absolutely loved travelling and discovering new things.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Tales from the Hamlet’?
I’d actually wriAen my first book (Cauliflowers through the CaRlap) during the first Lockdown so I sort of knew how to put a book together. Writing Tales from the Hamlet, I think the key challenge was trying to decide what to put in and what to leave out, there was so much to tell. I am retired so I had all the time in the world to write and I loved sitting at my desk reminiscing about my time in Italy. In fact my biggest challenge was realising that I couldn’t get the entire story into one book, so I am about to start writing the sequel, which will finish the narrative off nicely. It will be published in the Autumn next year!
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Eric Newby’s wonderful books – particularly Love and War in the Appenines (which was set in an area bordering the one I wrote about). He is so good at narrative, at presenting his characters and his life has been absolutely fascinating. Peter Mayle and his A Year in Provence series, Frances Myles and her Under the Tuscan Sun series – the first of which was made into a movie. I like reading about the trials and tribulations of people living in a country that is not their own! Bill Bryson, whose Notes from a Small Island (about Britain) and subsequent books were very influential. I love his writing style.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I think my favourite spot is actually the town where I live. We have a huge partly-ruined 11th century Abbey at the top of the High Street, which, in its time was a monastery and one of the greatest seats of learning in medieval Europe. I go and sit in the bit that’s still standing – which is now the church – and just chill. It’s so relaxing, so beautiful, so full of history and so inviting. I’m not religious but I certainly appreciate the sacredness of the space. The fact that it was also a monastery that produced some of the greatest thinkers of the early Middle Ages really appeals to me!
Q5. Are there lots to do before you start writing
Yes, I sit and stare out of the window a lot, I find my best ideas come from doing that. I then make many notes – I have notebooks full of usually indecipherable jottings. I also like researching the things that I write about so do a lot of fact-checking. Interestingly a number of people who have read Tales from the Hamlet have told me that they have fact-checked what I wrote, so it is important to get things right!
Q6. How long did it take you to write ”Tales from the Hamlet’ book?
About 5-6 months. I didn’t have a schedule, I just let it come. Sometimes my best ideas woke me at 3.00 in the morning. A particular event or word would reverberate around my brain, so I made sure to write it down as soon as I got up.
Q7. How did you decide to set the story in Italy?
I didn’t decide to set it there, I WAS there! The book is a Memoir. It is my story of my time inItaly.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title of your recentbook?
The book cover was illustrated by my very talented friend, Jill Bissenden. It is taken from a photograph of the Manor House where I lived. The title is as a result of how the book came about. While I was living in Italy I would write short blogs on my Facebook page called ‘Tales from….’ and it was my Facebook friends that encouraged me to turn them into a book. Blogs about my time in the Hamlet thus became Tales from the Hamlet. Though writing a blog and writing a book are very different things – as I soon found out!
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I think the main way of keeping things fresh is to stick to the rule ‘show, don’t tell’, to keep the chapters a manageable length and try to make each one interesting and where appropriate, amusing. Keeping it fresh for myself was more difficult, I’d lived it, so I had to make sure if it still interested me, then I could write about it.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Book: Keep Pressin’ Pretty: A Guide On How To Slay From The Inside Out
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello, my name is Kisha Prince and I’m a person who loves life and is grateful for every moment I get to live and let live. I try to find the lessons and the goodness in the journey I have been allotted. I like to say that I am an empowerment enthusiast. I like to empower the people around me to be the best version of themselves. I am a child of God, mother, personal shopper and stylist, divorce coach, and a new author. I enjoy writing, listening to music, vacationing, relaxing next to a large body of water, good food and wine, decorating my house and spending time with family and friends.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Keep Pressin’ Pretty: A Guide On How To Slay From The Inside Out’ book?
One of the key challenges I faced while writing ‘Keep Pressin’ Pretty: A Guide on How to Slay from The Inside Out’ was having to channel and go back into the emotions and feelings I had while going through such a painful divorce to put it inside the book. It was exhausting and brought me to tears at times while writing it, but I wanted readers to feel what I felt in those moments. The process of writing this book was therapeutic for sure.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Dr. Myles Monroe and Sarah Jakes Roberts influenced my writing. They are both phenomenal, thought-provoking teachers and writers that leaves you empowered and energized. The late great Dr. Myles Monroe has inspired his listeners/readers to find their purpose and operate in it unapologetically and relentlessly. His book ‘Understanding the Purpose and Power of Women’ is one of my favorites. In it, he encouraged women to know who they are (with or without a man), what their purpose is and find innovative ways to exist in a culture and society that presents women with many challenges and obstacles. I am also encouraged to be great and fearless after reading about and listening to Sarah Jakes Roberts. Her book ‘Lost and Found’ is a book full of hope and life lessons. Her testimony about having a child at a young age, her relationship with her father and growing up in the church is so relatable to me. Her testimony of overcoming and thriving after such difficult times in her journey, makes me want to never give up on myself. She also has a passion for fashion which is something we both have in common. It would be an absolute pleasure to style her one day.
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 the United States is California. It has the perfect weather, wonderful sceneries, lots of activities, great shopping, beautiful beaches and was a dream vacation of mine as a kid. Its special to me because growing up in such humble beginnings, California was just a place to go to in my dreams. I would watch the ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous’ as a kid, but never thought in my wildest dreams I could ever afford to go somewhere so fabulous and prestigious. In 2018, I was able to take my family on a trip there and to top it all off, we were able to sit on the front row in the audience of my favorite game show Family Feud. I can certainly say that dreams do come true.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
For me it was finding the courage to be vulnerable and tell my story. It took time, help from God and my therapist to find my voice and the strength to write about something so personal. I had to think about the women I wanted to encourage and empower through my testimony of healing and deliverance while going through the most painful time of my life.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Keep Pressin’ Pretty: A Guide On How To Slay From The Inside Out’ book?
It took me about a year to write this book after journaling off and on for years. The chapters about my self-esteem and my unhealthy relationship with shopping, were things I had realized and wrote about years ago, but never thought to put it in a book. It was only after going through my divorce I decided to write about my experiences, not only as a divorcee but as a multifaceted woman with many dimensions.
Q7. On what all platforms’ readers can find ‘Keep Pressin’ Pretty: A Guide On How To Slay From The Inside Out’ book to buy?
Readers can go to keeppressinpretty.com or Amazon.com for now.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Keep Pressin’ Pretty: A Guide On How To Slay From The Inside Out’?
Keep Pressin’ Pretty was an affirmation I came up with years ago to declare over myself when I was feeling less than and not good enough. While writing this book I thought Keep Pressin’ Pretty would be appropriate and indicative of the self-encouraging journey I was on. I wanted something to empower women to press pass what they are going through and remind them that they look better than what they been through. ‘A Guide on How to Slay from the Inside Out’ is the lesson I learned being a person who is a lover of styling and all things fashion. I was tired of slaying on the outside through clothing and accessories but feeling lonely and empty on the inside. As a woman trying to reinvent herself and be better (mind, body and spirit) while transitioning into this new chapter, God worked on me from the inside out. Now I not only dress the part, but more importantly I take pride in being the part.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I think a writer keep things fresh for the reader and for themselves by just being authentic and as transparent as possible. I believe readers want something that they can relate to and see themselves in, and writers want to write about something they can be proud of that resonates with the reader in some way.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I pretty much put everything in the description (blurb) to synopsize the book. But I will say that although this book is about me overcoming divorce, it is not about me bashing my ex-husband. My healing and the process of my recovery had little to do with him, but everything to do with how I saw and see myself.
Sassy Reviews 