Category: Author Interview

Book: Sammi’s Worry

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

My name is Angela and I have been a professional, award winning artist for 30 years as well as a children’s art teacher. My art career mainly saw me focusing on painting portraits. After homeschooling my two children and teaching K-12 art in the homeschooling community, I began teaching in a Montessori school where I taught art from grades 1 to 10. I also studied Psychology at the University of Victoria, where I earned my degree. In my first children’s book, ‘Sammi’s Worry’, I wanted to bring together everything I knew about children’s psychology, my love of teaching, and my art background.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Sammi’s Worry’ book?

I strove to create a book that would be both useful for children suffering from anxiety, but would also tell a very compelling story. It was very important to me that the art be captivating, beautiful and panoramic. One of the struggles I had was to create a “worry monster” that wouldn’t be too scary for younger children. That is why he has cat like features. I modelled the Worry after my beloved cat, teeth and all!

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

One of my favourite author/illustrators is Helen Cooper and I could read ‘Pumpkin Soup’ every day for the rest of my life. I also read ‘Jacob Two Two Meets The Hooded Fang’ by Mordecai Richler every couple of years. It’s an oldie but a goodie and was my favourite book as a child.a I still love it to this day.

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

I live in a lovely little rural spot on Vancouver Island. Every morning I start my day with a morning hike along the coastline with my dog. I started walking this trail with my children when they were very young about 20 years ago. For that reason, it remains a sentimental spot for me.

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

For me, I began by talking with my students about their fears and anxiety. The story evolved from a combination of those stories, as well as inspiration from my own childhood anxieties and nightmares. The longest part of the process for me was creating the illustrations.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Sammi’s Worry’ book?

Once I actually sat down to work on the book, it took about a year to write, edit and illustrate.

Q7. On what platforms can readers find ‘Sammi’s Worry’ book to buy?

Readers can buy Sammi’s Worry from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookshop, and the Book depository

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Sammi’s Worry’ ?

The book cover (and title) depicts the part of the story just as Sammi confronts her Worry. He is huge and towers over her, yet that doesn’t stop Sammi from facing him eye to eye. Here, we see Sammi gathering all her courage.

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

I keep working with and for children. They keep me young, fresh, and on my toes! We have a million questions for each other, and sitting and listening to children express themselves is very important to me.

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

Well, I suppose if you don’t mind spoiler alerts, the reader may find it comforting to know going in that Sammi does find a way to defeat her Worry and get her anxiety under control. It’s up to the reader to discover how. So start reading ‘Sammi’s Worry’ today!

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Sammi’s Worry

Book: Bridges To Heal US

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

I am a biracial woman who was adopted as an infant by a a White couple from Northern Minnesota, who decided early in my life to teach overseas. I attended the American School of The Hague in the Netherlands for most of my schooling, where I got to travel a lot as an athlete and meet amazing people. I returned to the US for college, which was a very difficult experience. Although college in the US as a person of color in the late 80s was tough, one good part was meeting my husband, who has been my partner in crime for almost 30 years. We are parents to 2 bio kids, one formally adopted kids and a socially-adopted kid (all adults now). I was a soccer player for 20 years, a basketball player for 40 years and now run and walk long-distance for exercise. I have had lots of good experiences in my life and many tough ones. I made the decision to use every story in my life – good and bad – to help others.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Bridges To Heal US’ book?

The biggest challenge of writing was setting aside time regularly in the midst of one of the busiest professional seasons of my life. It was also hard figuring out which stories to tell and which to leave out. It really helped to have a writing coach who set goals and gave me assignments each week.

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

There’s not a particular author who inspired my writing style. I’ve read more fiction than non-fiction over the years and love the writing styles of Alice Walker, Maya Angelou , James Baldwin and Langston Hughes. However, I really enjoy the writing style of Isabel Wilkerson. I loved the way she used personal story and history in “Caste,” but I don’t claim to be anything like her. She’s a nationally award winning author who was a writer for the New York Times for years. I am NOT her.

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

There are so many places in the United States that I love to visit! I love walking along Ruston Way in Tacoma, WA. The view of the Puget Sound and the mountains is breathtaking. I love living in Washington state and being an hour from the mountains or the ocean and surrounded by trees. I also love to visit San Diego. The weather is sunny but mild. There is water everywhere. There are so many cultural activities to do in the city. I love to visit both DC and New York for the excitement.

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

I think that depends on the book you are writing. My book is literally the written version of training I do every week. That being said, before I started writing the actual book, I had several meetings with my writing coach to walk through concepts and organization to identify the key points I hoped to cover. I’m so glad I took so much time to get organized before I started writing.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Bridges To Heal US’ book?

I started meeting with my writing coach in late February and finished writing the book during the last week of June.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Bridges To Heal US’ book to buy?

At the moment, the book is available on Amazon or from me at an in-person event.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Bridges To Heal US’ ?

I have always talked about being a bridge, so I knew I wanted “bridges” in the title. I also like the play on words with “US” (meaning “us” and “United States”). With regard to the cover art, I am known for my “big” hair, red lipstick and earrings. Finally, I didn’t ask for this, but the cover artist came up with the idea for the flag in the background. I love it, because I talk often about challenging current notions of patriotism.

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

As a public speaker, I am often speaking 4-5 times per day. Sometimes I have to share the same stories. I try to tap into as many emotions as possible to keep it fresh and new for me and for the audience. I tried to do the same in the book.

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

I don’t know that there are “secrets” in the book. I think the most important thing I hope to communicate is that we have made it taboo to talk about politics, race and religion in the United States. Because we are not “allowed” to talk about these subjects, we’ve not developed the skills necessary to talk effectively about them. I guess the “secret” is that ANYONE can learn, if they are willing. If we want to heal, learning new skills is necessary.

Book Is Available On Amazon

Bridges To Heal US

Book: 18: An Unschooling Experience

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

Hi, my name is Marta. I was born and raised in Barcelona, Spain. When I was 22 years old, I left my country, with a college degree under my belt and very little money in my pocket, to go live in the USA. The USA adventure turned into an immigration fiasco, a husband, three kids, and lots of pets. I love cats, the ocean, summertime at the pool, the color pink, and reading romance novels.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘18: An Unschooling Experience’ book?

I didn’t have challenges while writing the book. The challenge came once I was done. The biggest difficulty I faced was finding a literary agent and a publisher that would be interested in my manuscript and give the book a chance.

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

Jen hatmaker’s books (my favorite 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess), Rage Against the Minivan by Kristen Howerton, and Untamed by Glennon Doyle. In fact, Untamed is the very last book I read before writing my own.
I didn’t know how to write, a lot of times over the years I wanted to write articles about parenting and education but I would block not knowing how to transfer my thoughts into paper. This time, the book in my head was bothering me and I need it to take it out. I asked myself “How do Jen and Glennon write? They don’t! They talk to you”. I decided to do the same. I pretended to talk to a friend using my phone voice text. The very first thing I wrote on my manuscript was through voice text, but that got annoying with my accent and the machine not understanding me. I had to do so much editing that finally I transferred to typing on my computer.

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

The Mediterranean sea. It calms me down, takes all my problems away, and it gives me energy and peace.
When I submerge my whole body in the sea I feel like I belong.

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

My book came to my head all of sudden, there was nothing to do before that but to let it out on paper (computer). However, it did take 18 years of life to build up to that moment. To write a book you need to live life and gain experiences.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘18: An Unschooling Experience’ book?

It took me 2 months to write 18. I wrote every day, all day long. I did not recognize myself! I was a completely different person.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘18: An Unschooling Experience’ book to buy?

Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Kobo, Scribd, Booktopia, Target, Book Depository.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘18: An Unschooling Experience’ ?

I designed the cover one night laying down in my bed. Tired of writing, I wanted a break but I didn’t want a break from the book. I started playing around with my phone. I knew I wanted a big 18 on the cover with a blue background. I searched on the internet for three pictures that could represent my kids. I found a soccer player, an aerialist, and a writer. I put them around the number 18, wrote the subtitle, and wrote my name in pink. After this first design was made on my cheap phone, I created many more covers using my computer. No one liked any of my covers except the very first one I made one night on my phone. I gave my publisher the design everybody seemed to agree on and he made it better.

The title of the book had three stages. First I named it Unschooling in America. Then, the emotions of my son turning 18 years old, this number is so important and meaningful to me, I wanted to name the book just 18. I like numbers better than letters and words, but I learned that readers need a subtitle to understand what the book is about. I came up with the subtitle Stories of an Unschooling Family. I didn’t like the length of the sentence, I like short and simple, that’s why I finally named it 18 (an unschooling experience).

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

I used dialogue or some kind of action at the beginning of the chapters to engage the reader.

I also gave some information without details, more like a teaser, so the reader would be shocked and interested to keep reading.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

18: An Unschooling Experience

Book: Cruelly Betrayed

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

My name is Mary, I am 38 years old and I live in Luxembourg, Europe. I am a clinical researcher, a pharmacist, a single mum of 4, a long term childhood sexual abuse survivor and since a few months also a cancer survivor. I have accidentally written a book within 8 weeks while undergoing heavy cancer treatment.

Q2: What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Cruelly Betrayed’ book?

‘Cruelly betrayed’ has written itself. Being faced with my own mortality after waking up from a long and complicated surgery, only to learn that my cancer had spread, I felt an overwhelming fear of death.

I started compiling a letter for my children on my hospital bed and the pages just kept going. I was recovering from a horrible surgery, going through chemotherapy and attending 30 burning radiation sessions. These were the challenging conditions in which that book was written.

It was as if I still had so much to say still before dying and everything just came out freeing me up from any bottled up negative emotions that I didn’t realize I still had inside of me until triggered by the possibility of my own demise.

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

Since I am not your typical writer, I’d say my writing style is very concise and to the point. I don’t use long sentences and that’s why this book is very digestible and easy to read within a short time. The book has been described by many as being captivating and the readers couldn’t put it down.

The reader will always need to remember that the book is a first draft written under horrible circumstances within weeks. That is what makes this book authentic as it’s straight from the heart.

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

However strange this sounds, this would have to be the cemetery where my stillborn daughter is buried. Whenever I feel down, that’s where I go to pick up strength and positive energy to get me back on track, my other children feel the same about this particular spot.

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

Well, since it’s my first book and it’s been written in the middle of a horror situation, I am very curious to see what I can write when life is more calm and I can actually consciously think about content and structure 😉

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Q6: How long did it take you to write ‘Cruelly Betrayed’ book?

It took me about 8 weeks to write that book, mostly while I was attached to my 12 hour chemo infusions, on my laptop on the hospital bed.

Q7: On what all platforms readers can find ‘Cruelly Betrayed’ book to buy?

The book can be purchased in the global book trade (physical and online bookshops) including amazon (also available in Kindle format) as well as on my website http://www.maryfaltz.com

Q8: Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Cruelly Betrayed’ ?

The title of the book needed to be eye catching and since the topics in themselves are cruel, I thought why sugar coat the title and make it sound sweeter. I decided to put a smiley strong face on the cover in order to portray that this woman right there is unbreakable.

Despite all the hardships she’s had to endure, she’s still standing and smiling at life because life is beautiful no matter how many times you got hit and hurt, life is magical if you just open your eyes and see.

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

This specific book has been unconsciously written in the midst of total chaos, it’s an unedited first draft, as if you were reading an intimate journal of a mother facing her death, very scared of not seeing her babies grow.

I am certain the words would flow out differently today if I decided to write them. The book knows no plan or structure, the feelings were typed as they were felt in real time.

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

Hmm, secrets? Well, I can only say that despite the heavy thematics, the tone throughout the book is very empowering despite it being written in absolute fear and despair.

This book is merely a sneak peak of my horrid reality. there is humor, suspense, horror, romance, action, love, hope, perseverance, kindness and trust all packed in an accidental book.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Cruelly Betrayed

Book: Chocolate Milk With A Side Of Beauty

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

I am Tiffany Cash-Harris a wife, mother and educator. The DMV is where I reside and raise my two beautiful children all while educating the minds of hundreds of little children.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Chocolate Milk With A Side Of Beauty’ book?

Honestly, writing Chocolate Milk with a Side of Beauty was not really a challenge for me. Because it was a personal story, I was able to relate to. Teaching early childhood also assisted me while writing. I thought of my students and other educators during the writing process. The most challenging party was finalizing the title.

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

The authors that have influenced my writing have been the great Maya Angelou, in addition to Eric Carle. The books that has been an inspiration for my book has been Hair Love, I Like Myself and I Am Enough.

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

I love visiting NC, the state means so much to me. NC is a special place because I was able to meet some of my life long friends and create very special memories that has shaped me into the woman I am today.

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

Thinking of a story line, characters and a lesson, once I have those things writing comes easily.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Chocolate Milk With A Side Of Beauty’ book?

I wrote Chocolate Milk with a Side of Beauty in one night.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Chocolate Milk With A Side Of Beauty’ book to buy?

Chocolate Milk with a Side of Beauty can be purchased from Amazon and Barnes Noble.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Chocolate Milk With A Side Of Beauty’ ?

To be honest with you, I had envisioned this book with young children in mind, I wanted to them to see themselves throughout the story. My goal was to make the book as relatable as possible.

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

When writing I think of the things that my students can relate to or things I have noticed during my years of teaching that students and or other children can benefit from learning. Also, listening to the conversations of children amongst one another in addition to parents and educators also assist me in keeping things fresh for not just me but my readers as well. I also have conversations with my children to see what types of things that they like and things that make them happy of interest them.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Chocolate Milk With A Side Of Beauty

Book: Woman Of God: Stop Looking for Love

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

Christy Sanderson is from Canton, Mississippi. Now she currently lives in Houston, Texas. She is an Award Winning Author, Award Winning Female Entrepreneur of the year, and Public Speaker. She has a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, has a Master’s in Special Education and she is an Educator!!! She has authored five other books, Woman of God Who Did God Create You To Be, From Nothing into the Woman of God: Spiritual Life, Woman of God Stop Looking for Love, God’s Kingdom: Spiritual & Wealth Motivation and From Nothing into the Woman of God part 2. Christy has been featured on the cover of UBAWA Magazine, and several radio interviews. She was once a Co-Host on the Digital Breeze radio show in Atlanta, Georgia. At the young age of 23, Christy fully committed herself to God, letting Him take total control of her life, and started her own ministry, Glory Nation. Her life purpose is to experience and share God’s Glory, to fulfill God’s promises, and to help others become closer to Jesus Christ to find their life purpose. You can find more information at http://www.glorynation.org.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Prayer Journal: Guidance, Prayer, Praise & Worship’ book?

Some of the challenges I faced is trying to create a prayer journal that stands out from from everyone else and be able to help women on a daily basis.

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

One of the most powerful books I ever read is The Secret by Rhonda Byrne because it is increase my faith in God. It made believe I can achieve anything in life and all things are possible to those who believe. It changed my own mindset about life.

One of my favorite Authors that inspired me to become an Author is Sister Souljah who wrote my favorite book The Coldest Winter Ever. The way she wrote made it seem like the characters were so real and I love the way her mind thinks. She is more than just an Author, her words were so powerful and they touched me. It made me want to write a book like her one day.

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

My favorite place to visit is a walk at the park or beach. I love walking because it ease my mind and help me to think.

Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?Before I start writing I would start praying because I have to be lead by the Holy Spirt while I’m writing. I don’t want any of the words to be my words but God’s words instead.

Before I start writing I would start praying because I have to be lead by the Holy Spirt while I’m writing. I don’t want any of the words to be my words but God’s words instead.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Woman Of God: Stop Looking for Love’ book?

I first wrote Woman of God Stop Looking for Love when I was just 14 years old. I rewrote the book and published it in 2018.

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

My books can be found on my website http://www.glorynation.org, Amazon, goodreads, Book-A-Million and Barnes & Noble.

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

I had someone to design my book covers for me, I told me my colors and what I wanted so they made it a reality for me. The way I came up with my titles is because I wanted to reach and help women to find purpose in life and to love themselves. So that’s how I came up with the title Woman of God series.

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

In order for me to keep things fresh for my readers and I is for me to remain focus with a clear mind. Not only that I find different ways to relate to them so I can bring them closer to Jesus Christ and have a personal relationship with Him.

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

Most of the books I written are mostly based off from my own life story or different experiences I went through in life. In my books I discuss most of my life obstacles is to relate to my audience. It is to the world know that I am human, I make mistakes as well. But I repent back to God, He is a forgiving God and He forgives our sins but we stop sin in our own lives to become the person God create us to be.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Woman Of God: Stop Looking for Love

Book: Bambolina Adventures: Little Doll Adventures

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

Dear readers, my name is Maria ST Clair, and I recently wrote my newest adorable children’s book “Bambolina Adventures”! I was born and raised in southern Italy, but have been living in Virginia since 1984. I am bilingual and my book is available in English, Italian, and Spanish. My love for creativity, my lovely granddaughter and her mom, Novella Low (co-Author), is what inspired me to write this adorable picture book. I am also an advocate for education and support children who love to read. When I learned that my granddaughter was going to a local library at the age of one, well, that did it. I decided she should have her own book. In fact, it is her book, she is the main character and the stories are based on true events. I just put it in ink and tweaked it a little bit with beautiful little fairies, just to make it more fun and magical for little readers. In addition, I love to cook, a few years ago I wrote my first cookbook: Eat Better, Feel Better.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing the ‘Bambolina Adventures: Little Doll Adventures’ book?

The main challenge I faced while writing Bambolina Adventures was the formatting, but thanks to my awesome illustrator, Caroline Webb, and co-author, Novella Low we put it together beautifully. And what a great experience it was!! Seeing the book come alive before my eyes was an unforgettable feeling. The other challenge was the translation: although I am fluent in Italian, well translating a book is quite intriguing. Many thanks to Barbara Dalla Villa and Virginia Magri’ for the Spanish translation, also a challenge.

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

No author or book influenced me in my own writing. Although I love Harry Potter by JK Rowling, I find her books imagination mesmerizing. In addition, I love Magical Adventurous Little Heer, by Amita Momi, her creativity is astounding.

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

Southern Italy, I was born there and with the breath-taking architectural history, I cannot get enough of it.

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

Yes, a lot of thinking, processes, and planning.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write the ‘Bambolina Adventures: Little Doll Adventures’ book?

That was the easiest part because the stories are based on true events and they are short, it only took me two days.

Q7. On what all platforms’ readers can find the ‘Bambolina Adventures: Little Doll Adventures’ book to buy?

Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart (Spanish Edition) #2ncnewportnews #BNNewportnews # #picturebookplaydate #bluebirdgapfarm #mariastclair #bambolinaadventures #walmart #amazon #barnesandnoble #bnhamptonva #youngreaders #bambolina_adventures

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Bambolina Adventures: Little Doll Adventures’?

The front and back cover are real photos, and Bambolina is a real character. That made it easier.

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

In my case: (children’s books) more magical, adventurous, and creative!
To all my readers: read it, love it, and kindly leave a review! See you in Bambolina’s next adventure coming in 2022 Thank you!!

Author’s Profile

Book is available on Barnes & Noble

Book Is Available On Amazon

Book: Virtual Insanity

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

I’m Lara, and I am a former management consultant who works full-time and writes part-time. I am from Australia, but live in the UK. I have two children, who are adults now although I have a painful story of losing custody of them many years ago. My inspiration for writing came out of a childhood dream of wanting to be a writer. I have written four books: Virtual Insanity, a memoir published in 2020, two children’s books, Lest We Forget and Wizard Company published in 2021 and a sequel memoir being published in early 2022. I have recently submitted a manuscript to my publisher called My Dream, The Republic of Australia, Our History, Our Hurt, Our Country for release in 2022. I am also working on my debut fiction novel.
I live with my partner in Hampshire, UK. I have a passion for writing.
And a little secret I hold is that my daughter inspires me to write, and I write my books for her too.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Virtual Insanity’ book?

Virtual Insanity was my first book, and is a memoir of my life and descent into mental illness. I wrote whilst I was unwell in psychosis so that I could illustrate the challenges of mental illness. Writing my memoir was hard because I revealed so much about my life; very personal details which I felt ashamed about at the time. But after it was published I felt a lot of healing and peace. No longer was I silent about my life, my illness and the things that had happened to me.
In Virtual Insanity, I described how I felt under surveillance by intelligence agencies and terrorised by a drug cartel. There is a part of me that still believes my story is true and that these things were occurring. However, I have found peace and joy in my life again.

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

Elyn Saks, an American, who is Associate Dean Professor of Law, Psychology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California Gould Law School was my greatest inspiration for writing my books. Elyn Saks lives with schizophrenia and wrote a book about her experience with the illness in her award-winning best-selling autobiography, The Center Cannot Hold.
I am diagnosed with schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder and I read Elyn Saks autobiography in 2018 and it gave me the inspiration and courage to tell my story.
My other favourite author is Jane Austin whose works I find romantic and divine. She has inspired me to write my first fiction novel that I am currently working on.

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

I am from Australia and my favourite spot in Australia is the Gold Coast. White sandy beaches and the aqua ocean always give me a sense of calm. It’s a beautiful spot and brings back my childhood memories of playing in the sand and diving into the surf.
As I live in the UK now, my favorite spot to visit is in Cornwall. We go camping there, visit the old ruins of castles and go to the beaches and rock pools. I find delightful beauty in the UK countryside and love hiking through woods and visiting historical places.

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

I always plan the book out before writing. As a former project manager and cannot help but planning it out! Often my books require research and brainstorming sessions to develop the plot and characters and I will spend quite a bit of time doing this. I also like to read other books with the same genre which inspire me in my own writing.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Wizard Company’ and ‘Lest We Forget’ books?

Wizard Company and Lest We Forget are children’s books for 5-10 year olds. Lest We Forget is an educational book teaching children about Remembrance Day and all those past and present who have served in our Armed Forces and given us our freedom.
Wizard Company is about four children who find a magical book and are transported to a magical land where they have to overcome dark forces and solve a riddle to return home. It’s a fantasy story but teaches children to have courage.
Both books took me six weeks to write.
Virtual Insanity, my first memoir, to me one year to write.

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

Virtual Insanity is available on Amazon in eBook, Audiobook, Paperback and Hardback. All my other books are available in Paperback and eBook.

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

Titles I find difficult to come up with. The title of Virtual Insanity I chose because I wanted to reflect the brink of insanity I experienced with my mental illness. That is, I virtually became insane. I have recovered now though.
The titles for Wizard Company and Lest We Forget are titles that I chose because they reflect the themes of the book.
All My Stars, my sequel memoir being released in early 2022, was a title I was wary of choosing but I came up with it because it reflected the spiritual experiences I have had which I have outlined in the book.

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

When I’m writing I take breaks – sometimes long breaks. During these breaks I do other activities and go on long walks. This gives me time to reflect on my writing and allows me the ability to change the plot, characters, storyline or find a twist that I need to add. I also sometimes create vision boards (a board with pictures from magazines) which I use to inspire me with my writing.

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

I guess one little secret I can divulge which I share in my sequel memoir, All My Stars, is that I found love again. In Virtual Insanity, my first memoir, I end with being alone. But my life changed so much since then and I reunited with my former partner which I ended with in All My Stars.
I guess the message is, that no matter what, no matter what you go through, no matter what happens to you, you can recover and love can be found again. Love reigns supreme. I recreated the gorgeous life that I live now.

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Virtual Insanity

Book: She Is

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

My name is Charde Vera. I am from New York but have lived and travelled many places because I was in the military. I am a wife and a stay-at-home mom to an incredibly talented daughter named Nayomi, who also co-illustrated my first children’s book “She Is.” My passion, dream and purpose have always been for writing. I have been journaling since I was five years old and still have them all to this day! I am an advocate for mental health and self-love and want to use my writing to guide woman and children into believing, trusting and loving themselves fully.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘She Is’ book?

The most challenging part of writing this book was the discipline to keep going when things got hard, confusing and overwhelming. As well as finding and readjusting balance while writing this book, being a stay-at-home mom and wife and other responsibilities. Once I got in a good flow it was great because putting out this book is my dream.

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

Joyce Meyer has really influenced my writing because of her own story and all the amazing books she has written have helped me through the process of writing my own book. Books such as “Never give up” or “The Confident Woman.” She even has amazing children’s books.

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

New York City is my favorite place to visit. What makes it so special to me is the diversity of the people, the sightseeing, the activities and places to visit. There is so much to do there, it’s beautiful. It also happens to be my home city.

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

Yes, there are so many things to know. However, I believe if someone wants to write a book they should just start writing. Make an outline and write all ideas about what the book will be about. Have a plan for your purpose in writing this book, why are you writing, what do you want to share or do with this book? During that process you can research and reach out to other authors to help with everything that goes into the writing, publishing, and marketing part of it, especially a self-published author.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘She Is’ book?

Once I started writing the book it took me about 4 months for everything, including the illustrations. However, this book has been in my heart for 5 years before that. So, once I started, I was ready for the world to see it and worked hard to complete it.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘She Is’ book to buy?

On my website http://www.chardevera.com as well as amazon for right now. I plan to have my book in many stores including Barnes and Noble and Walmart to name a few.

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

The title “She Is” came to me when I began putting all the affirmations together for my book. It is a positive affirmation book for girls reminding them that they are each of them, e.g. Beautiful, Strong, Valuable. That’s when the name came to me because whomever she may be, She is Beautiful and She is Valuable. The cover of the book came to me because my daughter was my inspiration. She also co illustrated the book and it is her on the cover. She is surrounded by the flowers which represent each girl and the affirmation assigned.

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

Research, and that can mean searching online, talking to different people, putting ideas together and taking time to create and learn what people enjoy and what they need.

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

The book is very diverse. I wanted to represent many different girls and, although each girl on every page has an affirmation on that page, every girl in the book, and in life, are all those things and more.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

She Is

Book: Tyranny Reborn

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

My name is Daniel Greenwell, I was born in 1987 in Darlington, a large market town in the North East of England which is approximately 225 miles from London.
I am from a large family and, being the step-son of a RAF Officer, we moved around the country but we returned to live in Darlington a number of years ago where I currently work as a Warehouse Operative.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Tyranny Reborn’ book?

One of the main challenges I faced whilst writing Tyranny Reborn was keeping it as realistic and up to date as possible whilst, at the same time, entertaining.
Many Government Departments, procedures and locations featured in the book are based on reality but, as it took me a long time to write, I had to go back and change things because procedures or departments had been altered. I was determined to keep it as realistic as possible.

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

I have always been intrigued by the world of spies, conspiracy theories and terror attacks and am an avid fan of James Bond.
I have read a wide range of books by various authors on these subjects.

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

London is my favourite place to visit in England. Trinity Square, which is a little-known Memorial Park in the Tower Hill district is a particular favourite of mine.
To me, London stands out from other capital cities I have visited around the world. It has a different feel – you can feel the history as it has a fantastic combination of gothic and modern architecture.
I feel at home there – there is so much to do and see and, even though I’ve visited London dozens of times, I still haven’t seen everything it has to offer.

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

Before I begin writing, I like to conduct as much research as possible to keep my work realistic.
I investigate everything that I believe I will touch upon then I flesh out the plot, bringing it all together. I look into everything to make sure all the dots are connected before I start writing, to determine that it makes sense and I know which direction I am going in.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Tyranny Reborn’ book?

It was in 2005, not long after my first solo trip to London during my final year in college, that I started to write Tyranny Reborn.
Whilst 15 years seems like a long time to take, there were, of course, many times over many months when life got hectic so I didn’t write at all.
The plot over the course of this time has changed and evolved many times!

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Tyranny Reborn’ book to buy?

Tyranny Reborn is available on Amazon Kindle and paperback.

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

The front cover was a last-minute idea. I had not thought how my front cover would appear at all. When I had to come up with the decision, I wanted to portray the image of Britain on the brink of collapse, just a subtle image that would stand out to the reader, the image of the ripped and burning England flag came to mind. The entrance of the MI5 building below the title to show who the main protagonists in my story were. As for the title, I came up with the title rather late on, about ten years into my writing. It merely popped into my head, I can’t explain why it did, no reason or rhyme to it. It just came to me and I liked it.

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

For me it takes hours and hours of research and not being afraid to go take a slightly different direction if necessary, that’s what keeps things fresh for me.

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

The only thing I will say is…when you think you have worked it all out, you’ll be proved wrong!

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Tyranny Reborn