Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Sue Lawrence, children’s author of two published children’s book based on my twenty year old tabby cat called Harry. I grew up in London and recently moved to Hampshire where I continue to write tales.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Harry: A Cat’s Tale’ book?
When it came to writing the stories I found that easy, but the challenges arose when trying to imagine the artwork alongside the story.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing.
From a young age I was inspired by Beatrix Potter, in particular the tales of Peter Rabbit. I was inspired not only by her writing but also the way in which she brought her animal characters to life and her beautiful watercolour illustrations.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
One of my favourite places is the Lake District in the North of England, not only because of the location’s connection to Beatrix Potter but also for it’s outstandingly beautiful landscapes.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
No, not really. The work begins for me once the story has been written.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Harry: A Cat’s Tale’ book?
Well that’s a tale in itself…
Q7. On what platforms can readers can find ‘Harry: A Cat’s Tale’ book to buy?
The book is available to buy on my website and also book shops such as Waterstones, WHSmiths, Barnes and Noble and Amazon.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Harry: A Cat’s Tale’?
There was a large oak tree in the field next to my garden and harry and I used to watch the hares just before sunset in the farmer’s field. So I imagined Harry and Hare sitting together in front of this tree. For the title it just came to me.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Every time I meet a new animal I imagine a new character. I’m surrounded by nature and inspired by my beautiful surroundings of the English countryside which I never tire of.
Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Mark Maurer. I am originally from Texas, but I have been living in Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for the last twenty years. In 1997, I started selling timeshare weeks at a resort in Texas after college. I wanted to live a leisure resort-type lifestyle and enjoy beach, ocean and sun and found that lifestyle on a beach in Mexico. For twenty years, I have been one of the most consistent and highest performing salespersons in Mexico timeshare industry. The Master of the Sales Universe was written to provide deep insight into the parameters of reality and how to turn the knowledge into personal and financial growth.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Master Of The Sales Universe’ book?
The challenge to writing the book was staying committed to writing during any downtime available, but once I started to get momentum and encouraged by how the book and concepts were shaping up, I created a pace that helped me complete it slightly before the date I had set to write it within.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
As a salesman, I have a tendency to read self improvement type books as I am always looking to increase my potential. Think and Grow Rich, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and more recently The Growth Mindset are examples of the influential books that I enjoy to read. I have found much knowledge in places like the Tao Te Ching, the Bible, Siddhartha and many other religious and historical texts.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
One of my favorite places in Mexico is a beach facing the Espíritu Santo Island, called Tecolote Beach in the Sea of Cortes. Just outside of La Paz, Baja California Sur.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
There was much research that went into writing the Master of the Sales Universe. Because the book revolves around the irrefutable laws of the universe, I wanted to provide key examples and deep support for the major principles and themes.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Master Of The Sales Universe’ book?
From start to finish, I wrote Master of the Sales Universe in approximately six months, but the knowledge and skill sets discussed in the book took more than two decades to be cultivated.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Master Of The Sales Universe’ book to buy?
Master of the Sales Universe is for sale on ebook and paperback on Amazon books. The Podcast, which covers the themes from the book, is available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and many other forums.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Master Of The Sales Universe’?
The cover for the book was actually made last minute, as the original design was not compatible with the Amazon format. The name for Master of the Sales Universe started as a playful title, but quickly became the perfect title. The intent of the book is for the reader to become a Master of Sales through the knowledge of the universal laws.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Part of the challenge to writing the Master of the Sales Universe was having compelling stories and data to weave in and around the storyline and keeping each chapter like it’s own mini book. That is how I keep the book moving from chapter to chapter.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I believe there are countless ways to capitalize from the information in the book, but I would encourage any and all to apply the Law of Vibration suggestions that I provide in the book. Recognizing you are broadcasting your frequency to all others around you at all times is a way to be aware of what and how you are communicating with the world around you. That alone, is life changing.
Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello everyone, I’m Prometheus Worley, an Environmentalist and Sustainability Specialist by trade. For the most part, I own/run several businesses as well as a Commercial Voiceover business that allows me to share my time between the United States and Europe. My passions include Climate Activism, Philanthropy, Fine Art & Antiques, Hiking, Backpacking, Meditation, Yoga, and international cultures.
I simply adore literature, in all its forms. When I am not working on a project, traveling, or visiting Monasteries, Temples, Art Auctions, or galleries, you will likely find me and my family of 5 hiking, backpacking and /or restoring vintage Victorian properties.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Wisdom From The World’s Greatest Gurus’ book?
Where do I begin…Lol. Well, I’d have to say simply finding the time to read, research, write drafts, and effectively go over them, while being a full time Dad with two teenage twins and a rambunctious adorable Autistic 5-year-old was quite the challenge in and of itself, when I initially began working on the book back in 2019. When the global pandemic hit last year, all activities, writing, etc. for both myself as well as my wife came to a screeching halt, as we had to frantically rush all over the place to try to get our children (2 twin teenagers) safely out of Italy (they were in the middle of a year-long study abroad program), when the global-wide lockdowns began. Terms like hectic, unbelievable, and surreal cannot quite fully capture the rollercoaster of uncertainty that we as a family were experiencing as 2020 progressed into 2021. And my writing projects, the current book as well as several others I’m simultaneously working on, simply had to take a brief hiatus while my family and I adjusted to the new ever-present COVID reality.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Awesome question!!.. There’s quite a long list of authors from all over the world whose works I’ve read and greatly admired, but the immediate ones that come to mind are J.Krishnamurti, Mooji, Sadhguru, Mirra Alfassa, Bae Suah, Pema Chodron, Zora Neale Hurston, Ernest Hemingway, James Baldwin, Jack Kerouac, Cornel West, Rumi, Camille Paglia, Seneca, Oscar Wilde, Virgina Woolf, Thich Nhat Hanh, Montaigne, Ovid, Mary Shelley, Malcolm Gladwell, Jane Austen, Toni Morrison, Albert Camus, Simone de Beauvoir, and Rabindranath Tagore.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
The Adirondack Mountains /Upstate New York. What makes it so special for me is that, of all the places I’ve been fortunate enough to hike and backpack through, it’s the one place that I have experienced some of the most unforgettable wonderful memories with my family.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Usually I’ll engage in quite a bit of resource reading, research, documentary watching, and note taking way before I even sketch a potential book outline.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Wisdom From The World’s Greatest Gurus’ book?
Back in the Fall of 2019 I briefly worked off and on the book. I had drafted a 490 page manuscript by Spring 2020, but ended up cutting approximately 160 pages from it on the advice of my Copy Editor who also just happens to be my loving partner and wife.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Wisdom From The World’s Greatest Gurus’ book to buy?
Amazon, Google Books, Hampton Court Press (www.hampton-court-press.com)
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Wisdom From The World’s Greatest Gurus’?
Well, for many years I had read the various works of the wise sages I mention within the book (Sadhguru, Gurmukh, Mooji, Ram Dass, Yogananada, Mirra Alfassa, Gurumayi, and J.Krishnamurti), as well as, had read The Bhagavad Gita, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, The Mahabharata, Dhammapada, The Tao Te Ching and various other books on ancient wisdom from cultures all around the world. So, the title just seemed to evolve organically as a result from all that reading. And since both my wife and I highly regard the concept of Shiva /Shakti (Masculine & Feminine) divine energies being the creative catalyst for many of our successful joint ventures, using the image of the powerful Hindu God Lord Shiva just made sense to us.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Hmmm…that’s a good question. I guess I’d have to say I try to keep things fresh by challenging myself to continuously learn new and exciting things from reading international literature as well as visiting foreign countries as often as I can.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
At the moment, none really come to mind, with the exception of this; regardless of whatever challenges or obstacles you may face within your life, how you view the problem will determine how and if you will overcome the challenge.
Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Eddie Brophy, I am a published and award-winning writer and poet. My poems have appeared in several print and online literary magazines which include The Parliament Literary Journal, Terror House Magazine, Better Than Starbucks, In Parenthesis Literary Magazine, and Ghost City Press. I have a short story entitled “The B.K.R. Killer” that was published by Haunted MTL. I am the author of Nothing to Get Nostalgic About which is my debut novel that was inspired by my childhood growing up between 1994 and 1998.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Nothing To Get Nostalgic About’ book?
Revisiting traumatic events in my life and having to relive a lot of the pain that I had spent a significant chunk of my life trying to mitigate through escapism and self-medication. There came a point where I could not write entire chapters without being completely manic or hysterically crying. I just felt that it was something I could no longer elude for the sake my six-month-old son at the time. I did not want him to grow up the way I did, and I feared that if I didn’t find some way to purge all of the negative and detrimental feelings about my childhood it was going to be detrimental to his life…almost like a cruse that I had no intention of passing on.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Its hard to say that no books or authors directly influenced my writing because anyone who reads this or has read if will surely pick up on some notable Stephen King vibes. What can I say? I grew up in New England. Historically? This place has a VERY spooky history. I grew up with a penchant for the macabre, so I was drawn to 80s horror films, Stephen King, and grunge music. Initially, I had wanted to be a poet/lyricist based on my love of Kurt Cobain, Layne Staley, Maynard James Keenan’s lyrical content.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Growing up as a kid, one of my favourite places to go was Pine Banks Park. I do not know why; I just took to this place immediately. When I was younger, I used to love seeing the animals they used to have. As I grew older, I just had an affinity for walking around in the woods with my headphones on. Maybe I found some sort of serenity there, I am not too sure. I just loved sitting on the rocks with a notebook and pen and enjoy any moments of clarity of creativity came from it. When my oldest son was born, I used to take him to the same playground I used to play at and take him to the water to see if we could spot any turtles or frogs. For someone who does not like to consider himself nostalgic I guess I cannot help it when positive memories of my childhood take me to a better moment in time before so much of my life turned upside down.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I would not consider myself a very disciplined person when it comes to approaching a book. I know lots of authors and writers who subscribe to a myriad of different techniques before diving into their work. I have always been a big fan of stream of consciousness. I guess I think the more preparation I try to put into something the more likely I am to talk myself out of committing certain thoughts or choices to paper. It can also be spontaneous or sporadic how ideas or material manifest. I might hear a song or see something, and it’ll resonate with me so profoundly that I am able to create an entire narrative around it.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Nothing To Get Nostalgic About’ book?
The initial writing started in the fall of 2017. I was a new dad, had just turned thirty and still reconciling over the lack of emotional and mental resolution that lingered after my father passed from cancer in 2014. We had a very contentious relationship and his death brought up several existential concerns and memories that I realized I could not ignore or outrun. In that sense the story’s primary protagonist Charlie is very much me. I reached a point where the book just became so exhausting that I had to walk away from it. Prior to this manuscript I had already finished four previous manuscripts that had been rejected by hundreds of agents. In the spring of 2018, I found myself compelled to finish Charlie’s story and close the proverbial chapter on my own life. When it was finished, it was met with the same futility of all the other manuscripts I tried to land an agent with. In 2019, I nonchalantly just decided it to submit it to Atmosphere Press with zero expectations. They were the right publisher at the right time. Typically, it can take me anywhere from two to six months to finish a manuscript. This one was more challenging because of how autobiographical a significant portion of it was.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Nothing To Get Nostalgic About’ book to buy?
It is available through Indiebound.com which I love because it helps support independent book stores. You can also find it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, etc. Indiebound is the one I try to promote the most due to the fact that I love the idea of supporting local businesses and smaller book retailers.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Nothing To Get Nostalgic About’
The cover was created by Josep Lledó who works with Atmosphere Press. Nick Courtright (the founder of Atmosphere Press) asked me to send him some covers of books that I really loved so he could get an idea of what I wanted conceptually. I wound up sending him a lot of old horror paper backs from V.C. Andrews, Stephen King, H.P. Lovecraft, etc. I really wanted a cover that would either entice readers based on the strength of the artwork or scare them so badly they would be morbidly curiously about the content of the book. I was showing the mockups to my wife, and she immediately felt a connection to this one. It checked off all the boxes for what I wanted. It did not give anything away about the book and it looked like a paperback that I would have found in my big sister’s closet in the 90s (she was a hardcore horror novel nerd).
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Even though the story dealt heavily with the 90s, I wanted to make subtle gestures to notable events that were going on in present day. Particularly the ubiquity of fear going on in the country. Initially, the Jimbo stuff was ENTIRELY different. It was based off my relationship with a good friend of mine and our respective battles with depression. I had gone into a liquor store one night to self-medicate and as I approached the counter the clerk who had become something of an acquaintance had started talking about the potential of a civil war and had offered for my wife and baby to go up north to stay at a bunker he had. I remembered walking out of the liquor store thinking…what in the actual hell is going on? Yet, that moment felt oddly apropos of where I was in the writing. Charlie is a man who can’t outrun his past and yet, his future seems destined to resemble so much of the toxicity he grew up around. I grew up with a glorified sociopath who once threatened to burn the house down that his ex-wife and children were sleeping in. At that point and time, the world felt like one perpetual version of that very scary night in 1992 when I was a young boy.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
The house and the lore around the house are very real. I grew up in a haunted house with a sordid history. Frankly, I don’t know if my family was always bound to turn into a train wreck or if the house managed to exacerbate some of the issues that had been subdued prior to living there.
Q1. Hello Mam, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hi I’m Rachel I have been an artist / illustrator for 30 years I live on a farm near a small village in the Cotswolds. I spend my days doing art work and caring for my daughter who has a chronic illness. All of the proceeds from my art and these books goes to her fund. She was undiagnosed with a life threatening illness for 14 years. She is now 22 & has a poor quality of life because she became so poorly due to non diagnosis. I am hoping The Biscuits will become a thing so I may give her all of the medical treatments and medications she needs to make her well again, here is a link for more about Molly http://www.mollysmiracle.co.uk. I’m also mum to another 3 children Primrose poppy & Joshua & have a husband called Martin. We have lots of animals & live in a beautiful part of the world.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Biscuits’ book?
I came up with the idea of the Biscuits a long time ago… it came about as my son was dunking a Biscuit. Duncan Biscuit was born. The only challenges I found whilst writing this first book Mr Richard Tea was managing everything else around me. We were in lockdown at the time because of covid. As molly was clinically extremely vulnerable we were all very very worried & fearful for her. Other than that it was a great stress relief.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I think Roahl Dahl has to be my most favourite author, his sense of humour and creative mind was just brilliant.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I think our favourite spot in the country other than home has to be Cornwall. We visit Cornwall for our summer holidays as we have never been able to take Molly abroad. It has uch a beautiful cost line and the beaches are fantastic ( if of course the old British rain holds off)
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I normally illustrate books so have been doing the job for quite some time. I found that to invent all of the characters first was very helpful as I could see them in my mind when writing the story.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Biscuits’ book?
It took about a year on and off mainly because the illustrations take so long. I also did a few too many illustrations which I have put on the website I know my page numbers now I’m writing book 2. My publisher was really good with the knowledge he has and so I’m glad to have him on board. I find it so much easier to write the story illustrate each page and then re write the story, this is how it all eventually comes together
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Biscuits’ book to buy?
The Biscuits Mr Richard Tea is available on Amazon, in shops locally and will soon be ready to order from bookshops. It’s also available on the website http://www.thebiscuitsofcrumbleton.co.uk
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Biscuits’?
The cover is simply the character Mr Richard Tea. There are 20 books in the series I am currently working on Custard Queen. Each cover will have the character on the front as to who’s story it is
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I find so much inspiration from just general life really. There is always something going on here on the farm…. like my husband chasing an escaped horse down the lane, the sheep escaping & running loose all over the place. The cows once came in to my garden & dug up the new lawn… these things go on constantly and with my big family well they are always up to mischief too… I have so much material I’m sure I could write Biscuit books for the rest of my days
Q1. Hello Maám, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
My name is Bethany, I grew up home-schooled and an only child ‘til I was 10. Then my little brother came along and he was better than being an only child. My Mum would read to me every day and my Dad told me stories every night before bed so I grew up telling myself stories and making people repeat themselves multiple times before I heard them from inside the book I was reading. One day I’d like a pet Aardvark. And otter. And lion. That’s not too much to ask from life right?
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Bad Dreams’ book?
Bad Dreams was a kids book so the main problem I had with it actually getting the whole story written. I tend to write a chunk of something down then write the rest in my head and never put it on paper.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
The Bible has wonderful language and expressions in it so I probably got my first appreciation for the English language from that. As a kid I loved, and continue to love, books like The Silver Brumby by Elyne Mitchell, Seven Little Australians, Enid Blyton books, Narnia… anything that could pull me completely me into its world or had especially beautiful writing. Recently I discovered Tolkien and he’s probably had the biggest direct influence on my writing.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
Any beach. I think the beach is my favourite part of God’s creation. You can walk on it, sit beside it, explore, listen to it… It never gets boring.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?
Yes and no. I have heaps of ideas that I’ll write down either in one of my writing books or my phone and that’s easy. But actually putting it into a proper story format takes a LOT longer because I don’t have a lot of spare time.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Bad Dreams’ book?
I can’t actually remember how long it took me to write it. I wrote it a few years ago and I wrote a couple of others pretty similar all around the same time. I probably wrote the main idea in one go and then came back a few times to edit it.
Q7. On what platforms can readers find ‘Bad Dreams’ book to buy?
It’s being sold on Book Depositary, Amazon, Ebay, from Austin Macauley, and BookTopia.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Bad Dreams’?
The book cover was mostly the illustrator. The only thing I’d really thought about was the lettering of the Title. I called it Bad Dreams because… that’s what the story was about. Looking back I would have called it something VERY different but, clearly I didn’t think creatively about my titles when I was younger.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I’ve never really had the problem of wondering how to keep things fresh for my readers. I’m still VERY new to this whole… author thing. Frankly I’d be quite happy to have that problem because that would mean I did HAVE some readers! I do worry about character development in the stories I have in my head, can I actually create individuals with their own personalities that will be realistic or am I just making boring cardboard copies?
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
I don’t know about secrets but the illustrators very kindly changed the dog in the book from a small dog to a big dog. We have a big dog and I thought it’d be nice if Liam’s dog was big too.
Q1. Hello Sir, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Good evening sassy, and thank you for having me. My name is Daniel Kelly, I am from the village of Creeslough in Co.Donegal in Ireland. I am a chef by trade, but have always had a love of history and mythology, reading in my spare time, predominantly historical fiction and fantasy.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Fall Of The Phoenix’ book?
The main thing I found was deciding how much you could take as real from original sources. The main source, obviously being Homer’s Illiad was only written around five hundred years after the events of troy. The stories had originally being passed down orally through generations and by the time of homer there were dozens of versions around Greece, homers became the most famous because the king of Sparta at the time liked it the most and heavily promoted it. But I think we can probably take it for granted that the gods didn’t actually start it over a beauty contest for a golden apple, so I removed most of the influence of the gods, writing instead about the individual humans making it more of a historical fiction story than Greek mythology.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Although a lot of authors have influenced my work, probably to some degree everything I have ever read and loved, from S.E.Hinton’s The Outsiders in contemporary, and Tom Lloyd’s The Stormcaller in fantasy, to Conn Iggulden and Christian Cameron in historical fiction. Everything you read and enjoy influences your voice as a writer, and your writing of conversations, descriptions, places etc. but I think, strangely, David Gammell’s Troy series influenced this book most. Strangly only because he is mostly a fantasy writer, but his final scene of how the city fell set me to thinking that things didn’t have to have happened as mythology had told us. That the stories can be completely changed through the misinterpretation of a single word. Having read this set thoughts moving through my head about potentially what actually had happened and eventually let to me sitting down to start writing my book.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I am obviously biased, but I have now been living in Dublin for fifteen years for work, and my home in Donegal is still my favourite place to visit. It’s a beautiful area, soaked in history and ancient Irish mythology. Doe Castle where the legendary real Irish hero “Red Hugh o’Donnell” was held hostage as a young man is literally a stones through from where I consider home, with Glenveagh castle only a few miles up the road and all penned in by the beautiful north Atlantic cliff’s and coast. It inspires me every time I get there and is still what I consider home.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
I don’t think I would say there is a lot to do before I start. I am whats referred to in writing as a pantser as apposed to a planner. I start with an idea and work a lot of it in my head, though writing like this involves alot of research during the writing process. Others do all their research prior to starting the writing process but I like to give the character freedom to grow organically during the writing process, growing and evolving with every conversation so even I don’t know what decisions they would make until they are deciding.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘A Hero’s Welcome’ book?
“A Hero’s Welcome” was written in a little under a year. This was unusual since it took me a few years to write “The Fall of The Phoenix”. This was because, with ‘A Hero’s Welcome’ being a sequel, I had actually planned out and researched most of the book while writing the first book.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your books to buy?
The Fall of The Phoenix is available on most platforms, though mostly through amazon, its also available through barnes and noble, whsmith and most other bookstores to order. A hero’s welcome though, for the minute is exclusive through amazon.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your books?
I will always have a working title in my head while I am writing a book, this is what the file is saved under on my computer, but if while writing I decide it doesn’t suit the book, that will possibly change during the process. The cover will usually form out of an image I get in my head while writing it. This can be a single scene, or a single battle stroke that I feel embodies the story and when I move to talk to my cover designer we talk about what is in my mind until he gets some idea of what I am thinking. Then he works his magic and puts that idea on paper and designs the cover to suit the image.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I don’t start writing unless I have thought of a way a previous story doesn’t make sense to me. I like a story to make sense so I can understand the why of how something happened. Sometimes though the characters surprise me though.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
The end of my book, and a lot of historical mythology surrounding troy, ties it to the founding of Rome. That was where the Phoenix in the title comes from. But the Phoenix being an eastern mythological bird, carrying a golden Phoenix from troy to Rome, it would be recognised by the locals as an eagle. So when the eagle of rome is raised by the legions, its symbolically the rising of the phoenix from the ashes. And troy takes its revenge against Greece for the destruction of troy when rome invaids.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sassy Reviews 