Category: Author Interview

Book: Healed

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

Dean Skinner: Artist, author, believer. “Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better.” – Andre Gide

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

There were some very personal moments in Healed that are still hard to read aloud without getting emotional or choked up. I knew this when writing Healed and I knew it was going to be darker than my other works but as an artist, I feel that makes for a great piece…putting your heart, soul, and sometimes even your pain into your work. It can be very healing.

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

Easy…The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a must for any soul trying to kindle their creative flame. My other “go to” that I try to read every morning and continues to amaze me is of course, The Bible…many authors 😉

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

Wow, this is a tough one. I’ve been to so many beautiful places on God’s great earth. So, I’ll list my “go to”…my patio, in the morning, with my journal, my Bible, and giant fluffy Sheepadoodle, Toby (yes, just like Toby in Healed).

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

Not really. I just start writing. In fact, for all three of my books (Broken, Paths, and Healed) I just start writing and don’t even know if I have materials for a book. That’s part of the enjoyment for me with both writing and in art…just start doing the work and see how it all comes together.

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

Off and on, about a year, from the first word typed to first draft.

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

Right now, Healed is e-book only but I will likely get an audiobook made (like I did for my first book, Broken) and am considering a print version of all three of my first books into one book since they’re all short stories.

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

Well, as a graphic design major and an artist, I sketch out what I’m thinking first and then work with a designer to finalize the finish product. Like my writing, I like leaving an “Easter Egg” or two in my cover design to see if the reader can eventually discover them after reading my books.

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

I really don’t think about it. I just write what’s in my heart.

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

Oh wow, so many…like all my books, I leave “Easter Eggs” throughout the book that once you finish, I’ve had readers “reread” to see if they can find all the subtle clues and “breadcrumbs” scattered throughout. I really love doing this and love the excitement when a reader shares with me what they’ve discovered.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Healed

Book: Hearts Amongst Stars

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

Hi everyone! I’m K. Soriano. I live in New Jersey and have my entire life. Writing is a passion of mine, that hopefully, one day, will be turned into a career, instead of only for fun. I dabble in multiple different genres from poetry, to dark fiction, to romance, to heart-warming, and I’m also dipping my toe in the water with a book about my struggles with anxiety and panic disorder from a non-clinical point of view. Currently, I have four different books I am working on because different ideas come to me, and I think “well, that won’t work in this book, so let’s write another.” It keeps me busy and I love it.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Hearts Amongst Stars’ book?

The organization of the book itself. I actually took it out of publication for a month so I could rework on the layout and rewrite some of the pieces in this book. I published it pretty quick, and even before publishing it, I wasn’t fully content with the flow of the pieces. After I went through it page by page and changed placement of some of the writings, I was happier with the finished product and published it again.

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

I’ve always been one of those people who looks up cute quotes. When Atticus first started popping up on my searches, I looked into his writing more, bought his books, and was inspired. I thought “Wow, this is someone who makes magic.” R.H. Sin is another author who has influenced me. I wish one day, I’ll be able to write as well and eloquently as they do. Then, of course, there are the classics such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, who once wrote, “The reason one writes isn’t the fact he wants to say something. He writes because he has something to say.” That resonates with my writing; having something to say, to put out into the world. Also, Hemingway is a big inspiration. He once wrote something similar, “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.” I take that advice in all of my writings, along with a few other pieces he’s written. Each one are true artists, and it’s interesting to see the differences of writing styles through generations, as well as how little has actually changed.

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

Lake George in New York. It’s so beautiful and peaceful there. It is also very inspiring. With the beautiful views and the quaint town, it’s hard not to feel inspired there.

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

Not really. There are times when I won’t write anything for months, but once I get inspiration, I can’t stop writing. A fun fact though… I hand write all of my writings before typing them up. For me, it’s easier to physically write, cross out, edit, and make notes if I’m not 100% confident with a piece. So there is a notebook and pen in every room of my house, in my car, in my purse, because I just never know when the smallest thing will inspire me. Eventually, each book gets its own notebook.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Surviving Love Life & Her’ book?

About 4 ½ months, including edits. That book just poured right out of me!!

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

Currently, my books are only available on Amazon, no matter what country you live in. Hopefully, that will change one day, and readers can head to bookstores to find my books!

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

I am a very simple person, so when I was creating the covers for the books, I knew I wanted to keep them simple, but use subtle designs and backgrounds. Surviving Love Life & Her was the hardest cover to make; did I want to include the images from the chapter pages on the cover? Would that be too much? Eventually, I decided against using the images and went with a black, grain background. Choosing the title was easy though. It was what I was living through at the time.
I had the complete opposite problem with Hearts Amongst Stars. The title took a little longer to choose, though I knew I wanted to write a book about love and the night sky. There truly is something magical about the night sky, in my opinion. Being in love and spending nights outside, is so intimate. But once settled on the title, I knew what the cover art needed to be. But, again, because there is heartbreak included in this book as well, I wanted to keep the main cover color black. Plus, it’s a continuous of Surviving Love Life & Her. I like to stay on theme.

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

It’s all about what inspires me at the time. With SLL&H, I was inspired by my emotions and didn’t hold anything back. With Hearts Amongst Stars, I was inspired by the stars and the moon, and still had more to say after SLL&H. Midway through writing Hearts Amongst Stars, I decided these books were going to be the process of eventually moving on from a bad relationship and finding yourself again. That will be more apparent in my next book coming out, hopefully, at the end of August.

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

Great question!! Hm. I’m not sure if this is much of a secret, but every dialogue, or scene portrayed in both books, is real. Both Surviving Love Life & Her and Hearts Amongst Stars were not just inspired by events, but they every page was written off of an actual experience. I just turned them from an experience into art. All the writing I do (which is a lot!!) I like to base off of reality. Reality is what I know, given I’ve lived it, or dreamed it. These poetry collections, however, is the only writing I’ve done that is 100% real.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Hearts Amongst Stars

Book: Walking the Wrack Line – Where it Mattered Not

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

I’m Buck Rish MD retired neurosurgeon and Navy Capt USN/ret.I now live in Columbia SC where i continue to write mostly Southern FIction.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Walking the Wrack Line – Where it Mattered Not’ book?

Walking The Wrack Line was a real challenge as it is based on a true medical record of a case which I had lived andwas intimately involved in for 50 years.

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

I have read most of the more prominent southern authors and enjoy the ones that write about their life’s experiences in the South–Welty, Faulkner, Fitzgerald, Steinbeck, and more current- Chrisham, Conroy, Cassandra King, Rick Bragg, .

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

I love to visit the Outer Banks of NC and VA. That’s nature at it’s best reflecting the tides of time.

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

Yes, I research a subject in depth and the draw on my own experience before going with a new book.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘A Class Act’ book?

A Class Act tok two years to organize as it covered the actual history of a medical school class thru 50 years.

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

Books by buckrishmd web site

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

Cover selection has to represent the guts of the story and titling is very difficult and requires a progressive elimination from a long list. I do better titling other peoples’ books and have as an editor promoted many excellent titles, but I struggle for the duration of the a book’s birthing to get just the right title.

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

Know your subject and stick to your experience base. Use a story board to keep the time lint accurate and relevant.

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

All of my work is experientially based, so I just have to be true to my own memory.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Walking the Wrack Line – Where it Mattered Not

Book: Love Pain: Stories of Loss and Survival

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

Hi, my name is Lynn Jaffee. I’m an acupuncturist and free-lance writer. I love to write and blog about health, nature and eating well at acupuncturetwincities.com. I’ve also written about Eastern medicine in ‘Simple Steps: The Chinese Way to Better Health’ and how you can use it to live a healthier life. However, in my recent book, ‘Love Pain: Stories of Loss and Survival’ I wrote about love, loss and mental health after losing my adult son, Andrew, to cancer. I live and work from my home in Edina, Minnesota, which is near Minneapolis.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Love Pain: Stories of Loss and Survival’ book?

Love Pain was an incredibly hard book to write, because I was telling the story of losing my son. Despite the story being sad, there’s also a narrative underneath the sadness about living life to the fullest and appreciating the small miracles that occur every day. Even on the worst of days some incredible things happened, and it was a challenge finding the balance to tell that part of the story without the sadness overshadowing everything else.

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

I love so many different authors that it’s hard to choose! I’m a big fan of Pam Houston because reading her stories feels like you’re talking to your best friend. And when I’m stuck or need inspiration in my writing, I always turn to Natalie Goldberg.

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

I love the Southwestern United States, especially Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. Maybe because I live in Minnesota which is so green and lush, I’m attracted to the red rocks and desert landscapes of those states. It’s beautiful country that demands you go outside to hike and explore it.

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

The idea for a book percolates in my head for several months before I actually sit down and begin to write. Because I was writing about the loss of my son, that process for ‘Love Pain’ took even longer. I knew that I would write the book, but beyond being creatively ready, I had to be emotionally ready to sit down and write that story.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Love Pain: Stories of Loss and Survival’ book?

It took me over a year when I actually sat down to write ‘Love Pain’. There are several stories in the book, and I’d write a couple of them and then had to step away for a while. It seemed that when I took breaks, I was able to come back and feel fresh and ready to continue writing.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Love Pain: Stories of Loss and Survival’ book to buy?

It’s available in paperback and on Kindle from Amazon.com here.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Love Pain: Stories of Loss and Survival’?

I had completed the book, but was struggling for a title, figuring that if I just set it aside for a while, a title would come to me. Then, one day when I was walking through the marsh trail near my house, I came across a women who was singing to her daughter in German. As I passed by them, she was a little embarrassed about singing, and explained to me—a complete stranger—that it was about love pain, and it was s song that her grandmother used to sing to her. I immediately thought “That’s it! Love Pain!” So much pain that occurs in our lives is because of the people we love, and it felt like the perfect title.
The cover image for ‘Love Pain’ is actually a photograph I took during my first solo road trip out west that I wrote about in the book. It was taken in the Sandhills of Nebraska, and I was attracted to the lonely road and the threatening color of the sky. I felt like it captured the theme of the book, that despite difficult times on the road ahead, we find strength and keep moving forward.

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

For myself, I took regular breaks from writing, so I could come back with a fresh perspective. For my readers, I tried to keep the stories interesting in a couple of ways. First, each story intertwines my son’s words with my own, so we’re both telling the story from two different perspectives. Second, I tried to mix things up. While I was ultimately telling a story of loss, the book also talks a great deal about travel, nature, a little bit of Eastern medicine and the incredible things that happen when you slow down and live in the moment.

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

Yes, despite being a story of loss, many readers have said they enjoyed the humor in ‘Love Pain’. There’s even a food fight!

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Love Pain: Stories Of Loss And Survival

Book: Second Wind

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

My name is Tiffany Smith. I have been in education for 9 years after spending almost 10 years working in the criminal justice system. I am an instructional coach for Central Middle School in Dover, Delaware. I have been married 10 amazing months to my best friend. I have one daughter who is a rising senior and is slated to go Division 1 for lacrosse. Last but absolutely not least, I love God, he is my everything.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Second Wind’ book?

The key challenge was I had no idea what I was doing initially. I am a teacher but I teach Algebra 1. Not only did I not know the processes, I struggled making sure grammar was right, my theme was throughout the book and each part of my story was well developed. Another challenge was finding time between my job, being a wife, a mom and between doing my school work for my doctoral classes.

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

To be honest, I just started reading again. I used to be an avid reader when I was younger but life changed all of that. A book I read most recently was The Blood of Emmett Till by Timothy B. Tyson which was very informative and a good read. I recently have been reading on Black history. No one really influenced me to write my book. It was a burning desire to tell my story.

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 as of right now is Naples, FL. I like to visit beaches and Naples had a very relaxed environment and beautiful view/scenery of the beach.

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

It wasn’t for me. I really just wanted to tell others how great God was in spite of the circumstances. I wanted to encourage and inspire anyone and everyone who has ever been in a dark place and felt like they weren’t going to ever make it out.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Second Wind’ book?

I started writing it on March 1st and finished it on May 29th. I took 3 months but that doesn’t include edits and revisions that took place afterwards.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Second Wind’ book to buy?

Second Wind can be found on Amazon, Ingram Spark, Barnes and Noble and the hardback can be found on Target.com.

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

Second Wind in the natural state is when you are out of breath and you are exhausted and your body naturally kicks in a boost of energy or desire to keep going. The second wind I speak about in my book is the same thought process except I am speaking about having a second wind spiritually. When you are struggling in your spirit and you seek God and he gives you a new strength and energy to stay the course.

I was told how important a book cover is to your story and I was blessed to find Vanessa Mendozzi, Coverart by Vanessa Mendozzi. She was absolutely amazing. She listened to my vision and created exactly what I wanted.

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

I made sure I kept my voice. Anyone who knows me will tell you I am full of personality. I don’t want to sound cocky but I am one of a kind, definitely my own person. I knew if I could keep my voice, I would keep my audience captive. Everyone who has read my book say, “I couldn’t put it down.”

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

A lot of people want to know where my daughter, Superia eventually committed to for college because I never said in the book. She is verbally committed to go to Syracuse University.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Second Wind

Book: The Vicissitude Of A Femme Fatale

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

My name is Anthony Walker from the Bronx, New York and I am an aspiring author who has gone on to create 12 novels and 3 screenplays .

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Vicissitude Of A Femme Fatale’ book?

Unfortunately during the timing of this novel, I was an incarcerated inmate who made the wise decision to become an author in the effort of removing myself from any negative behaviors by way of immersing myself in productive and creative activities until my time to regain my freedom was granted.

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

I have been influenced by a number of great authors such as the late Eric jerome Dickey, Jeffery Deaver, Tess Jerritsen, Vince Flynn, Nelson Demille, Terry Woods Andrew Vochs, and a newcomer named K’wan Foye amongst the many others who provided me with the insight on how to create a great novel.

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 hands down is the ‘Museum of Natural History’ which always works to allow me the ability to escape the barriers of my own mind by allowing me to take a voyage outside of my mind to ponder upon the many wonders of the galaxy. I often recommend the experience to anyone in search of a fun encounter

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

In my experience I cannot fathom someone just diving into the process of creating a novel without first processing the many factors that are involved with
how it should commence, what the ending should amount to be, to go along with the process of creating the many characters which are meant to compliment the story the writer is crafting.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Vicissitude Of A Femme Fatale’ book?

One of my earlier creations ‘The Vicissitude of a Femme Fatale’ was actually done over ayear before reching its completion as I made my best effort to produce a proper novel on my accord that is ready for submission to publishers.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Vicissitude Of A Femme Fatale’ book to buy?

The platforms I can be found on is the publisher’s website located at: https:// AustinMaucauley.com/us/book/.vicissitude-of-a-femme-fatale; https://www.barnesandnobel.com/w/the-vicissitude-of-a-femme-fatale-anthonywalker/1139673050?ean=9782647500672; https://www.amazon.com/vicssitude-Femme-Fatale-Anthinyt-Walker-ebook/dp/B0973MJ7CG/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=162382593&=sr1-3.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Vicissitude Of A Femme Fatale’ ?

The cover art for the novel came about during a chance happening when after creating a rough draft of the main character for the book cover, I I paid a visit to my aunt Brenda at her workplace where I found a discarded illustration of a flower that someone painted and I thought to include such a picture in a way of detailing the state of innocence that the main character “Gloria” wishes to protect.

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

In the effort of keeping things fresh for public consumption, I sought inspiration from the likes of everything from movies, T.V shows, famous songs, poems, and of course the inspiration I derive from everyday life.

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

The only secret which contributes to the creation of the novel, is the fact that the story is loosely based up3on true events which arise during an unfortunate time when a number of young women have gone on to commit the act of suicide in an attempt to escape the troubles of their tumultuous livliehoods that they fear is unaviodable. As such, I sought to keep the memories of said women alive by creating a character that is meant to encompass the strength of every woman in the world in the hopes to inspire others from avoiding a similar fate by recognizing the inner courage they possess to overcome any form of adversity.

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Vicissitude Of A Femme Fatale

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.

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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.

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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.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Cruelly Betrayed