Category: Author Interview

Book: Rufus & Olivia: A Tail of Acceptance

Q1. Please introduce yourself so that readers will get to know you better.

Hello! My name is Michele Walker. I am a Head Start Teacher in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I live with my husband and our cat named Lucy and dog named Ethel (yes I am a fan of I Love Lucy).

I had always wanted to write a children’s book. It has been on my bucket list for many years. I am so pleased with Rufus & Olivia: A Tail of Acceptance. I am currently working on my next book with these characters.

I love to spend time with family and friends, and I also enjoy time to myself. I love spending time in nature, especially the Oregon coast. I always feel at peace there. I also enjoy live music shows. We have three grown children, and many granddogs.

Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book Rufus & Olivia: A Tail of Acceptance ?

I love animals and have always wanted to do a children’s book about a cat and a dog. My first idea was to have them switch places so they both could understand what it’s like to be the other. In these past few years with racism on the rise I felt it was important to touch on this subject with young children using animals that they would be receptive to. I wanted to give them a foundation for the acceptance of others; whether we see discrimination and injustice in someone’s abilities, family life dynamics or the color of their skin. My inspiration is helping children make a difference in their world.

Q3. What are your hobbies apart from writing?

I love to get lost in a good book. I also love movies and documentaries. I love many genres of music and dancing. It’s so good for your soul and your health. I enjoy learning about other cultures and trying new foods. My husband and I enjoy going out to breakfast. Most of all I love to laugh! I don’t know if that’s a hobby, but it keeps me happy 🙂

Q4. What do you expect readers to take away from your book Rufus & Olivia: A Tail of Acceptance?

That we all have similarities and differences, and that’s what makes us unique and special. I hope parents, grandparents, foster parents and teachers will have conversations after reading my book with their child or children about the feelings discussed in the story. There are questions in the back to help further those conversations. I hope they will remember the characters when they are in a situation and having to make a decision in what is the right thing to do. Especially in regards to the judgements of others.

Q5. Which age group is your book “ Rufus & Olivia: A Tail of Acceptance” suitable for?

Primarily the ideal age is 3 to 9 yrs. It really depends on the child for the story and the message. The illustrations are appealing to all and draw you in. I know some who say their 2 yr old loved it, or a 4th grade class have shared. I even received a photo and praise from a 93 yr old. All ages seem to enjoy Rufus & Olivia.

Q6. What is your favorite quote?

“If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person” Fred Rogers

Q7. What is your favorite country to live in?

Even with all the division especially in the last 5 years, the country that is my favorite is the one I live in The United States of America. There is so many states my husband and I still want to visit in our beautiful country. I would love to see Greece and Italy, but my home is here.

Q8. What suggestion do want to give parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

Reading and literacy are so important! Start at infancy with board books. Reading to little ones creates that special bonding time together, which is so important in promoting language and pre literacy. Set a bedtime routine which includes a story or two. This will also instill the love for reading in your child for their future. When children are starting to read have them practice with you or read to an animal. Instead of a phone/tablet to entertain or keep your child occupied when out bring a few books instead. Rufus & Olivia is perfect for an adventure out!

Q9. What does literacy success look like to you?

Getting my book into as many classrooms as I can and into the hands of children. I believe in its message, and its ability to build a foundation of acceptance in children’s lives. Success to me is getting all the feedback coming in about how much they love Rufus & Olivia. I have photos, videos, drawings, postings and reviews that mean the world to me.

Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

My parents are my inspiration. They have always been there loving me unconditionally. Instilling those values in me since I was a child. Always motivating me to go after what I want, and standing by believing in me every step of the way. I am truly blessed.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Rufus & Olivia: A Tail of Acceptance

Book: The Mystery of the Blue Goo

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

My name is Teressa Hill I grew up in Oregon, primarily the Columbia Gorge. As a child I spent much of my time outside riding horses, with my dog always trailing behind. We always had pets or fur family as I like to refer to them. When I was not spending time outside in nature, I trained as a competitive figure skater five days a week and travelled extensively. During my downtime from training, I liked to write short stories and poetry. I also loved to sketch and later I enjoyed painting. I used oil as my medium; although I loved the look of watercolours, it was so hard to control, so I stuck with oils. As a young adult I sold several of my paintings. After my competitive figure skating career, I transitioned into a career as a film and television hairstylist in the eighties. That is when I began writing screenplays. In 2005, I wrote a children’s animated series, a Bible if you will, which I have now developed into “The Wildly Whimsical Tales of Gracie & Sniggles,” a series of children’s books. My first, “The Mystery of the Blue Goo,” is available online and through any local bookstore. 100% of my royalties from “The Mystery of the Blue Goo” are being donated to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital. My second “Boo Who?” will release in the fall of 2021, my third “Magical Mo” will be released spring of 2022. There are many more beautifully illustrated books to come of this whimsical series. Ever reminding us of the importance of kindness, acceptance and tolerance above all friendship.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Mystery of the Blue Goo’ book?

Never having written a children’s book before. It’s not easy and can be a bit intimidating. There are many great authors past and present who have several degrees from prestigious colleges, who have developed amazing careers, agents and traditional publishers. So I would have to say working through my own stuff, not fitting the mold of a typical author. My children’s books are books are well over the traditional 30 pages, they have lots of illustrations, and they tell a story. So they don’t really fit into the picture book category, and then yet they’re not novels
– I consider them story picture books.

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

Wow! Good question. So many to name A.A. Milne: Winnie the Pooh. L. Frank Baum: the wonderful Wizard of Oz (my favorite all-time movie). E.B. White: Charlotte’s Web (I never ate pork again). Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree, A Light in the Attic.
Love the whimsical Dr. Seuss, Beatrix Potter, Robert Louis Stevenson

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

Northern California. Specifically Mendocino. I like to think of it as where the redwoods with the ocean. It’s real, it’s serene.

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

Yes of course. It’s important that the atmosphere in which I’m writing is conducive to helping me stay focus. I have my favorite sweater and my favorite socks that I like to wear. Because I like to be very comfortable when I write. Deciding on storyline, subject matter and how it plays out. I write my endings first. I’ve always done that whether it’s a screenplay, or a book. Character research is important. For instance, if I am introducing a new character like Wise Old Owl I want to know a little bit about owls, so I’ll do research on owls.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Mystery of the Blue God’ book?

From start to finish, first draft, editing, creating and developing the characters-illustrations with my amazingly talented illustrator Karine Makartichan, layout, the cover, to print — about 8 months.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Mystery of the Blue Goo’ book to buy?

Use the ISBN # below and you can order it anywhere

Hardcover | 8.5 x 11in | 74 pages | ISBN 9781665506014 Softcover | 8.5 x 11in | 74 pages | ISBN 9781665505994

E-Book | 74 pages | ISBN 9781665506007


Available at:

Any Local bookstore

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Mystery of the Blue Goo’ ?

Going through the process I pretty much envision it, or at least an idea of what the cover is going to look like from the storyline. Of course, it is then solidified once I sketch out illustration ideas with my illustrator. The title of the book, “The Mystery of The Blue Goo,” came from the storyline. Besides, everyone at every age loves a good mystery!

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

I think keeping the storylines interesting, relevant, the adventures whimsical, and the characters lovable and intriguing. Right now I’m just trying to engage my audience and introduce the characters. As the series involves so too do the characters. The characters teach children by working through a situation or problem, showing both their vulnerabilities and strengths. The last book of the series is going to be quite wondrous and very unexpected.

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Mystery of the Blue Goo

Book: Ancient History

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

Hi, and thank you for interviewing me. I grew up in the South West of England, close to the ocean, and I’ve always loved reading and losing myself in the pages of a book. I enjoy everything from Jane Austen to contemporary romances, and my first bachelor’s degree encompassed everything from Shakespeare to 20th century Italian literature. I now live in the Pacific Northwest of Canada, which has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. I have a master’s degree in education and for me writing is very much a creative outlet. I find I can lose myself in the creative process in the same way I can when I’m reading.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Ancient History’ book?

As a part-time author I think one of the biggest challenges is finding a big enough chunk of time to get fully immersed in my writing. I like to have several manuscripts in progress at any one time and that way I can move to a different project if I get stuck. Once things start to flow, it becomes a lot easier.

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

That’s a really hard question. I think I am probably influenced by every book I have ever picked up, so it’s hard to pin down just one author or book. I also think it’s really important to find your own voice as a writer. There are so many amazing authors out there, more so now than ever before, but I think I realized very early on that I couldn’t be those authors – I had to be me.

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

Well, I spent much of my formative life growing up in England and I always loved visiting the historic homes that looked like they had come straight out of Pride and Prejudice. Here in Canada we are blessed with mountains and forests and coastlines, so we are really lucky. A few years ago we had a sailboat and sailing to a quiet cove and anchoring for the night was very special.

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

It all starts in my head. I start to get ideas and formulate part of the story before I start to write. I’m not someone who tends to plan everything out in intricate detail. I prefer to let things evolve a little more organically than that.

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

Probably about a year all together. The first draft was finished in a few months, but then it went to my developmental editor and I spent another couple of months re-writing, before it finally went to a copy editor.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Ancient History’ book to buy?

It is available on Amazon, Kobo, Nook, Apple, Barnes & Noble, and it will be available from libraries with Overdrive.

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

I am very lucky to have an amazing designer from the UK who designs my covers for me. I give her the basic premise of the story and she does her magic for me. She is very talented at interpreting my vision for the book.

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

I think the best way to keep things fresh is through characterization. My characters are very important to me and they tend to develop as the story progresses. By the end of the book I’m definitely very attached to them, and it’s sometimes hard to let them go!

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

I’m not sure I want to give anything away that would spoil it for my readers, suffice to say that all my books have a happy ending and there is definitely a happy ending with Ancient History.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Ancient History

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

My name is Annika Jeras, and I am a first-year elementary school teacher! I have worked with young students for several years and have always had a love for children’s literature. Now with writing and illustrating my own children’s books, I feel that I have something special to share with both my own students and young learners everywhere!

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Freddie Yeti Goes To School’ book?

The most challenging part of writing “Freddie Yeti Goes to School” was creating a character that was relatable for all children. Inclusion in a big part of my classroom, so I wanted to also create a story that reflected that. I tried to create a character and story that every child could relate to, and I think Freddie’s nervousness towards starting school is something many can understand.

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

Mo Willems has influenced my writing and illustrations tremendously. I have often read his books to my students and am often just as entertained with them as the students are. When writing and illustrating my own book, I tried to take a note from his stories and create something that was entertaining for both adults and children.

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 Flagstaff, Arizona. I went to college there, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. The scenery is also beautiful, with forests of pine trees and high mountains. Being in Arizona, a notoriously hot state, Flagstaff is one of the few cities that actually has all four seasons and is a great place to escape the heat!

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

With creating a children’s book, there is quite a bit to do before I can actually begin writing. Since I illustrate my own books, I have to consider what images will engage young readers before I fully develop the written portion of a book. I have to make sure that I have an illustration in mind for each part of the story before I can actually begin to create my book.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘‘Freddie Yeti Gets A Pet’ book?

It took about three months to write and illustrate “Freddie Yeti Goes to School” and another three months to create my second book “Freddie Yeti Gets a Pet”. Once I get started on a project, I constantly want to continue working on it, so that drive allowed me to create each of my books fairly quickly. I also absolutely love to draw, so once I begin working on the illustrations for my books, it quickly becomes all I want to work on!

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

Both of my books, “Freddie Yeti Goes to School” and “Freddie Yeti Gets a Pet” are available as both paperbacks and as Kindle eBooks on Amazon!

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

Before creating a story, I first came up with the character of Freddie. In the midst of some mindless doodling, I sketched a cartoon yeti that I thought might make a good character for a children’s book. I named him Freddie Yeti, since rhyming is very popular in children’s literature. Once I had the character and name created, I was able to easily create titles and covers that clearly show young readers what the books are about.

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

Working with young children as a teacher, I am constantly entertained by the creativity and enthusiasm of my students. Since Freddie, the main character of my books, is a young child, I try to give him some elements of my own students’ behaviors and personalities. Children are full of constant surprises, so I think giving Freddie some of the characteristics I see in my students helps to always keep things fresh!

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Freddie Yeti Goes To School

Freddie Yeti Gets A Pet

Book: In my Fathers’ Steps

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

It is my pleasure to introduce myself, my name is Brother Hannibal Muhammad.

I am a multi-talented individual that loves to express the natural talents and gifts that I was blessed with. I am the Student Assistant Minister of the Nation of Islam in Phoenix, Arizona under the leadership of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, a loving husband and father, youth mentor, and an exceptionally talented photographer/designer.

One of my biggest passions is being a philanthropist. I have dedicated many years to initiatives aimed at bettering my community and helping the less fortunate such as:

– Being a community organizer, proud member of 10,000 Fearless Phoenix, and a member of the Farrakhan Twitter Army.

– I also designed the 2015 Justice or Else “Redistribute The Pain”, end of the year boycott marketing campaign and I am forever grateful for the opportunity.

– I have worked with the youth for over 20 years from the Boys & Girls Club, to managing group home facilities.

Now that you know a little about me, I want to leave you with this:

Live life to its fullest.
Activate your true potential.
Create new opportunities.

Blessings,
Brother Hannibal Muhammad

Brother Hannibal is the owner of “Brother Hannibal LLC” Where he lives by the motto “LIVE, ACTIVATE, CREATE.” Brother Hannibal LLC provides photography and design services. He has been a professional photographer and designer for over 15 years, and his photos have been used all around the world, one of which has graced the cover of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan’s iconic book series “The Teachings 2.0.”

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘In my FATHERS’ Steps’ book?

The key challenges I faced were insecurities and boredom. Not knowing if anyone would want to read this book. My team built my confidence when they would review the chapters and tell me things it was doing to help them overcome their own difficulties. They were unaware of my insecurities. In Robert Greene’s book the 50th Law he discuss boredom. I really strived to focus and be more creative when I would get bored of writing the book as many people give up on their greatness because they reach the bored stage of their development. That helped me to push through.

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

The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad’s approach of transcribing lectures into book format such as “Message to the Blackman, Fall of America and Our Saviour Has Arrived” has been a life changer. The book Closing the Gap by Brother Jabril Muhammad. Inner personable interviews of the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan and style use was very intrigant in my work. My layout concept comes from Robert Greene’s book “Mastery”. I love his approach. I have also studied John MacArthur’s book “The Murder of Jesus” and calming storytelling approach. These authors and books have played major influences in my development.

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

Most of my favourite spots throughout the country are because of food. I like a good food spot, however Sedona, Arizona brings me peace. I love visiting the red rocks to get away and clear my mind. If I am unable to get there I visit float tank therapy is the next best thing. Tim away from the chaos to focus on self-care.

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

Just like any great athlete preparing for a big game, there takes much preparation. You strengthen what you know, look for weaknesses in your thoughts, and constantly going over everything to make sure you do not miss a point. Once I think about what I want to convey to my reader to start writing things down and recording thoughts in my phone. From there researching items that confirm my thought. After that its getting git to paper and arranging to what works. That is a short answer lol.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘In my FATHERS’ Steps’ book?

On and off for 2 years. I did not want to rush it. Wanted to ensure everything was right and right on time.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘In my FATHERS’ Steps’ book to buy?

Hannibalmuhammad.com, Amazon, Apple iBooks

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘In my FATHERS’ Steps’?

The title was very difficult as this book covers so much in it. It’s a book of growth. I reached out to many friends and created a group chat discussing the cover. So many ideas where put in the chat but did not hit. I sent all of the titles and one of my sisters and she rearranged the titles to be what it is. I wanted to turn it down, but it kept sticking. I did not any faces on the cover of the book. I wanted to keep it simple, sleek, and something that created suspense.

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

I like to keep things real. I focus on principles in life. That is universal and timeless. Keeping up with current events and slang helps, but getting to the root of things that a child to an old person can relate to that either stage in life is important.

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

The book does not discuss the maze on the front cover. The book of life is like a maze. There are many paths and road blocks. As we may get far along in life, thinking we are fulfilling our purpose and out of nowhere that path ends. Instead of griping over it we must pivot and adjust to the new path set for us. The previous paths we journeyed through were all developments for the bigger purpose in life. That is why there is a maze on the cover.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

In my Fathers’ Steps

Book: Crowned in Beauty

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

Hi There! My name is Kimberly Lecar. I’m a US Army spouse, new mom, worship leader, and author who has been blessed to travel and live abroad. I love encouraging people through my podcast “Crowned in Beauty Podcast,” blog post, testimonies and sharing about Jesus.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Crowned in Beauty’ book?

Crowned in Beauty is a devotional testimony book, of how I made Jesus Lord and Savior of my life. When I began writing the devotional, I knew that I had to be vulnerable and share my hardships to encourage my readers. This book challenged me to trust the process, trust in what I read and trust that what I wrote, would serve a purpose. So, essentially the challenge was giving over doubt and judgment by embracing a new season of growth and self-acceptance.

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

“The Broken Way“by Ann Voskamp, “It’s Okay to Not be Okay” by Sheila Walsh, and “Uninvited” by Lysa Terkeurst. I enjoy authors that shed light on their experiences and find deeper meaning as a way to encourage others.

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

Clearwater Beach, Florida. It’s where I gave my life to Christ and also closer to St. Pete beach where married my husband.

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

Lots of reflection, praying, remembering the “why” I’m writing, and researching. Once I have an outline of each chapter and/or topic, I remind myself of the why.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Crowned in Beauty’ book?

It’s funny, I would say the first “Crowned in Beauty” book I wrote was in 2017. Initially this first draft of 5 chapters was “finished.” But, on a trip to Italy I decided to take my laptop. The trip didn’t turn out that great. My laptop and other valuables were stolen and there went my story. Back to the writing board on January of 2019 and completed within 4 months. Honestly, I’m glad that first draft wasn’t the final book. I still had a lot to learn about myself and what became the final book is what needed to be.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Crowned in Beauty’ book to buy?

It’s available at http://www.crownedinbeauty.com, Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible and online retailers. It’s also available as an Audiobook, which is a plus because the songs are included.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Crowned in Beauty’ ?

In the Bible, there is a verse that talks about God replacing Israel’s beauty for their ashes. (Isaiah 61: 3) I thought of how as God’s children we are crowned in His righteousness. I wanted the ashes, rust and dirt to be a reflection of my past being replaced with rubies. The rubies represent our value, being more precious than rubies. (Proverbs 3:15)

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

I beleive this comes with being vulnerable, genuine and confident in who you are. My experiences are specific to me, but they are relatable. I simply share from my heart.

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

There will be times you may feel uncomfortable, challenged and maybe question your faith. It’s all part of the journey.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Crowned in Beauty

Book: Dear Sons

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

My name is Cory Ward, I am 39 years old born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I have been married to my best Friend Joslyn Ward for 9 years and we have two beautiful boys Joshua who is 5 and David 3.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Dear Sons’ book?

Some key challenges were simply getting started, and being discipline enough to create space to create and write. My wife was very helpful with helping me stay on track and holding me accountable for my writing goals day by day

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

Dr Jermone T. Glenn, Dr Myles Munroe, and Dr Tony Evans

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

I would say my favourite state to visit in the United States would be New Orleans Louisiana just the food and the melting pot of culture is pretty cool to me

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

I would say yes, a lot of the prep organizing and plain motivating yourself to do it all happen before you ever write or type your first words. I highly recommend an outline of what the overall theme of your book is, what each chapter will focus on with bullet points to keep you on track, you can have a great concept that you place in the wrong chapter if you don’t have a focus. I can be scattered brained at times and go down a rabbit hole lol. So, outlines next to me while I am writing help me keep the focus.

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

About 4-5 months during the height of the pandemic, I hade been working on it in bits and pieces for a while by journaling my thoughts on manhood and fatherhood, but during the pandemic the world was still so I had time to focus on creating, one of the benefits of the pandemic was the world couldn’t go anywhere so I had a lot of time.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Dear Sons’ book to buy?

Readers can find Dears Sons on my website corjward.com and by next month sometime it will be available on Amazon also

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

What’s interesting about the book cover is that photo is from a family photo shoot we did with a friend of ours named Leah a whole year before I even thought about writing a book, and wanted something that my boys could see years from now and be proud of.

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

For myself, prayer, studying the word of God and translating HIS thoughts about topics and scripture, music and watching my children be themselves in their various environments really feeds my creativity. For readers I am not sure I kind of just a problem pertaining to manhood and fatherhood and try to be a piece of the solution

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

None that I can think of

Purchase Dear Sons From

Author’s Website

Book: I Am Me

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

Hi Angie! My name is Angelica Clark, I am 34, I have two beautiful girls, a toy poodle named Teddy P. and I am a children’s book author focusing on mindfulness and positive mindsets! I was born and raised in Monroe, Louisiana. I received a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. I moved to Dallas, GA in 2012 and found my way back home to Louisiana in 2015. I’ve lived here since then.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘I Am Me’ book?

The most challenging aspect was choosing the affirmations and only choosing twenty! I had a total of about 200 positive affirmations to choose from and I loved them all! I put into consideration of my audience’s age range and that helped a lot with choosing the affirmations that are in the journal.

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

No particular author or book. I got into journaling about six years ago. It became an outlet for me.

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

I love the beach! Any beach of the Atlantic Ocean will do just fine. It’s so calming for my overactive mind! It the one place I don’t have to force my mind to shut down. The sound of the ocean waves hitting shore just washes my thoughts away.

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

No, not really! I always brainstorm before writing and jot down ideas as they come to me. I definitely have to be in the mood to write, so it can flow out of me easily and authentically. I typically meditate and clear my mind. If there is something pressing to do, I HAVE to finish that or I will think about it during writing.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘I Am Me’ book?

4 months! I paced myself so I wouldn’t get overwhelmed with the idea of completing.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘I Am Me’ book to buy?

I Am Me is available for purchase online on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. I will have a book signing in Baton Rouge, LA June. 19th and the Journal will be available in store on that day!

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘I Am Me’?

I wanted something that was unique but represented me. I was initially thinking of something dealing with DNA strands to represent identity but my sister suggested my thumbprint and I ran with it! I bought colored pen markers and a black ink pad. I pressed my thumb in the pad, and placed it on a blank sheet of paper. I then blew it up and traced affirmations onto tracing paper along the ridges of my thumb pattern! I had a blast! I had such a hard time choosing the 20 affirmations that I couldn’t let go of the affirmations that I did not chose! I ended up putting them (along with the chosen affirmations) into my thumbprint! That beautiful handwriting you see is mine as well! LOL!

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

I have nieces and nephews that keep me updated on the new trends. I’m and old soul but I’m also young at heart. With all the negativity we face every day in the world, I figured I would make my “Tik Tok” scene in the form of a book! You’re never too old to learn something new, so I embrace the youth’s view on life, mix it up with my own and what I’ve learned and make something of it!

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I Am Me

Book: Kachina

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Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

My name is Alexandra Lopez. I was born in Ecuador and spent my childhood in Venezuela. I lived in Switzerland for a year to study French and then moved to the United States for my undergraduate and masters degrees. I combined my passion for education and my love for languages by opening an English speaking preschool in Venezuela.  I am now living in Miami with my husband and four adult children. I love writing children books that inspire children to reach their highest potential.  

Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “Kachina”?

I was inspired to write Kachina by looking at the stars and imagining what they think of us humans and our beautiful Earth when they are gazing down at us.

Q3. What are your hobbies apart from writing?

Apart from writing I love spending time in nature and doing yoga and bicycle riding.

Q4. Have you authored any other book too?

The first book I wrote was in Spanish, Golpe de Suerte, Stroke of Luck. It is the story of a man who helped care for macaws and helped them fly freely through the skies of Caracas.

Q5. For which age group your book “Kachina” is suitable?

Kachina can be read by 4 year olds and will also be enjoyed by adults.

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Q6. What is your favorite Quote?

I don’t have a favorite quote but one I recently read that I loved was “the secret of getting ahead is getting started” by Mark Twain.

Q7. What is your favorite country to live in?

I loved living in Venezuela but now I am very happy to be living in the U.S. Traveling and seeing other cultures and points of view is important to me.

Q8. What suggestion you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

My suggestion would be to make story time fun and exciting and make a routine that you and your child look forward to doing together.

Q9. What does literary success look like to you?

Literary success to me is writing a book that inspires children to identify their feelings and and assert their self esteem.

Q10. Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

I am inspired by people who have overcome hardships and become more compassionate and are able to help others.  
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Kachina

Book: Brothers in Arms

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Q1. Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

Born in Northern India, Punjab in 1965. I am the youngest in the family of four kids. At the age of 5, I arrived in the UK with my mum with my three elder sisters. I grew up in the 70’s and 80’s. The world landscape was changing in every design. The music, the air, the people, and the acceptance of who we are.

Now turning 56, I have three adult children and I have taught them to be free, be honest with yourselves, be who you are and don’t forget your culture.

Q2. When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

At the age of 15, I was in a special class for English at school. This made me work harder to prove myself. I struggle with mt English because I write what I think.

Q3. From where did you have the idea to write your book “Brothers in Arms”?

I used to work in London Bridge and on the fateful day that the twin towers were hit, we were in a meeting with the BBC. That changed my life and the idea formed over the next so many years.

Q4. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

a. Playing and watching golf
b. Going for long walks
c. Reading, books are our wealth.

Q5. Please tell the readers something about your book Deliverance?

Deliverance was my redemption and my deliverance. It was a man on a journey to learn who he was. A man given a second chance to live his life by god. Go back to earth and safe lives. In the process he was healing himself and realized that within us is god and bad. God and Satan are one, but we need to accept this as human beings. We need essentially to love ourselves. This book is very personal journey of me because I was that character. It took me out of a dark place and back into the light.

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Q6. How is life in UK? Do you miss India? Which country you actually love more and why?

Leaving India at 5 years old was a new adventure. For me I could not miss it. Now as a grown adult, I do miss it and I have two homes. I will always be Indian at heart and my kids will call me a freshie. I live in the UK and this is my home.

Q7. What are you working on next? Are you planning to release another book soon?

A few years ago, I was in Barcelona for a meeting. On the way back , sitting on a train, I was watching a young couple , around 18 /19 years old so much in love. They were travelling to the airport, first holiday, journey. So, a book formed in my head about these two young kids. A book essentially about LOVE. I am fascinated by love and its my first chance to really explore it in a sensitive manner.

Q8. What do you hope your readers take away from your books?

A sense of love, compassion, laughter. I want them to immerse themselves into the characters and feel their love, be in there shoes.

Q9. Your book “Brothers in Arms” has a character that joined army. Do you belong to a military family?

My father and his brother tried to join the Indian army before we came to the UK, but they were not accepted on medical grounds.

For me I have always loved history and the forces resonate in my heart and I feel them and I cry. I had to write this story.

Q10. Lastly, do you want to give any advice to readers and aspiring writers?

Just be you, words are like musical notes on a music script. Let those notes flow, play and hum in your mind. Don’t be afraid of what people will think and say, just be you

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Brothers in Arms