Category: Author Interview

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

Thanks so much – it’s a pleasure to be with you. I started writing children’s books back in 2015, when I lost a ball of yarn in Paris! I thought it would make a great plot for a children’s book and decided to write and publish one as a creative challenge. My first book, “Lulu and Lainey … a French Yarn”, was published in 2016. It is about a little French girl who is going to knit with her grandmother and loses her favorite ball of yarn in the park. The yarn has an adventure and (spoiler alert!) eventually returns to Lulu. Sadly, I never saw my yarn again. Today there are six Lulu and Lainey books and each one recounts an adventure that the yarn (Lainey) has.
While I was writing these books my long-time friend, Jackie Bunn, was creating and selling party supply merchandise online and contacted me about an idea she had for a group of racially diverse mermaids, as there was little to no diversity in children’s party products at that time. I thought it was a great idea and we agreed that I’d write the children’s books to support these mermaid characters, who we named the Five Enchanted Mermaids. We then developed the character and personality of each mermaid to include a specific super-skill that each mermaid uses to help their undersea friends and children ages 3 – 7 develop socio-emotional skills.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Tales Of The Five Enchanted Mermaids:You Can Do It!’ book?

“Tales of the Five Enchanted Mermaids: You Can Do It!” was our first book about a situation that needs a solution and looks to all five mermaids for their advice. It was an interesting challenge to use each of the mermaids’ super-skills and have them offer tangible advice to Otto the octopus, who is learning how to control his frustration. Establishing the differences among developmental skills such as independence, honesty, courage, confidence and kindness really made me think about different approaches to use for each of them. Five mermaids can’t all offer the same advice, after all!
Another challenge I have in all our books is to set up visual scenarios for illustrations that can work with undersea creatures, who may not have physical arms and hands. The octopus, Otto, is easier, but fish, dolphins, sharks, seahorses, sea turtles and an oyster each presents a different challenge.

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

I’m quite independent when it comes to finding inspiration in works from other authors. I never wanted to imitate or copy someone else’s style. I can say I admire some of the authors from earlier times such as Ludwig Bemelmans, Francoise Seignobosc, and Margaret Wise Brown. Jean-Jacque Sempé has always been a favorite illustrator.

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

My favorite spot in the US is the Napa Valley in California. We have relatives who are growers in the valley and it’s a very special place to visit in all seasons. I love the peace and tranquility up in the hills among the trees and vines.

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

Mostly thinking and imagining. As I’m working out the plot I’m also thinking in images. By the time I sit down to put my thoughts on the page I’ve usually sorted out at a high level what I want the book to say and how I want it to look.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Meet the Mermaids: Hi, I’m Sofia’ book?

This book was written during the pandemic in 2020. As I mentioned earlier these books start out in my imagination so I can’t really quantify that time. By the time they get laid down onto the page I generally know what I’m aiming for, but I’m constantly tweaking until the last minute – usually working to shorten the text. Since other people are involved in the production I’m also constrained by their schedules.

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

All my books are available on Amazon.com. Most are in both English and Spanish. We also offer doll and book sets, which encourage role playing in children, to coordinate with the books. We also have a great line of Five Enchanted Mermaids dolls, gifts and party supplies. The complete Five Enchanted mermaids line can be purchased at the Amazon Five Enchanted Mermaids store.
You can also reach our Amazon store through our website: http://www.fiveenchantedmermaids.com.

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

For the cover I work with the same illustrator who did the Lulu and Lainey books (Tanja Russita). We wanted a unique look and one that complements the interior images. It’s not easy getting 5+ characters onto a cover in a meaningful way. We ended up with great images that look like selfies, which I love. The covers for the individual mermaids are more like portrait shots, showing off each mermaid at her best. The colors all work beautifully against the shimmering jewel-like tones of the blue background.

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

.I change the focus. Each book highlights a different subject, mermaid or undersea friend. We’ve covered Otto’s frustration, birthdays around the world and first school day jitters. Each of the mermaid books focuses on a different mermaid and her super-skill. I research the individual skill and generally find that they have many unique aspects. Sometimes a subject comes up more often, such as the fear of making mistakes, but I work to present it in an individualized way. Also, over time we’ve added more information about the mermaids and their home, Atargatis, as well as new undersea friends, such as Sally, Charlotte and a soon-to-be-named sea turtle. With these beautiful fantasy mermaid characters there are so many ways we can take the theme that it is unlikely I will every be bored. The mermaids have become like family!

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Books Are Available On Amazon

Meet the Mermaids: Hi, I’m Sofia

Tales Of The Five Enchanted Mermaids: You Can Do It!

Book: The 30,000 Mile Cat Travels Across America

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

I am a teacher, living in the Gallatin Valley in Montana with my husband, who I call Professor, and our precocious tortoiseshell cat, Trouble. I live an active lifestyle – hiking, biking, gardening and traveling. In the evenings, I enjoy reading a good book while Trouble sleeps in my lap.
I’ve lived in other parts of the U.S. including Florida and Pennsylvania. My husband and I have travelled across America and Europe, and Trouble has been with us on many of those trips. I have written many stories based on our travels and The 30,000 Mile Cat is my first memoir.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The 30,000 Mile Cat Travels Across America’ book?

The main challenge was finding time to write The 30,000 Mile Cat book. I work full time as a teacher, so I had to work on the book in the evenings and on the weekends.
Another challenge was not being able to consistently work on the book. When I was very busy with my job or family matters, I had to put my writing aside for a week or two. Then when I sat down to continue writing, I felt a bit lost, trying to get back into the story that I was working on.

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

For The 30,000 Mile Cat book, I read other memoirs to learn from their examples. One modern author, William Alexander, has been a major influence. I have read The $64 Tomato several times – for inspiration and a good laugh. The same is true for another modern author, A.J. Jacobs.
I also read classic authors. Pearl Buck’s books are full of time-honored wisdom. I have also benefited from the cultural insights presented in John Steinbeck’s books.

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

Yellowstone National Park is one of my favorite places. The natural wonders including geysers, mud pots and wildlife are amazing. We’ve had incredible experiences at Yellowstone, including having our tent surrounded by bison. Many of the Yellowstone stories are in The 30,000 Mile Cat book.
We’ve also been to many wonderful lesser-known places which I included in the book. The next 30,000 Mile Cat book will feature our travels across the Western United States including Crazy Horse Monument in South Dakota and Arches National Park in Utah.

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

My books are memoirs based on my travels with my husband, Professor, my cat, Trouble and family members including my beloved grandmother. So, taking trips to interesting places and keeping a detailed journal during our travels are important steps in the process. When I get home, I pour through my notes, trying to select the best stories to share with my readers.
I’ve learned from past mistakes and have improved my writing process. I’m currently writing the second 30,000 Mile Cat book and am more organized and focused.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The 30,000 Mile Cat Travels Across America’ book?

It took me 5 years to write my first book. I’m hoping to publish the second 30,000 Mile Cat book by 2022.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The 30,000 Mile Cat Travels Across America’ book to buy?

The 30,000 Mile Cat book is widely available to readers around the world: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound.org, Walmart, AbeBooks (UK), Dymocks (Australia) and many local bookstores.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The 30,000 Mile Cat Travels Across America’?

Since our cat, Trouble, is very photogenic and one of the main characters, it made sense to put her photo on the cover. However, as pet owners know, getting a good picture of a pet is not always easy since the pets don’t usually cooperate.
Thankfully, Trouble is a very smart cat and she seemed to understand that it was important for us to take a good picture of her. It may sound crazy, but I believe she actually posed for the photo which we put on the book cover.
The title is based on the number of miles that Trouble has travelled – 30,000 miles (about 50,000 kilometers). That’s the same as driving from London, England to Beijing, China.

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

I believe in living life to the fullest and have had a wide range of fascinating experiences. I shared many of those stories in my first book and continue to provide updated information and stories through #30000milecat, the30000milecat.com, Instagram – @ginnielhansen and Facebook – Ginnie L. Hansen.

Thank you so much for your time. I enjoyed sharing information about myself, and Trouble and look forward to hearing from our readers.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

The 30,000 Mile Cat Travels  Across America

Book: A Grim Awakening

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

Hi, I’m Ashley Tomlinson! I live in South Carolina with my husband and our plethora of animals. When I’m not reading or writing I’m usually binge watching tv or playing video games. I knew I wanted to be a writer in high school and I did everything I could to achieve my goal.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘A Grim Awakening’ book?

Well, I never wrote a sequel before so that alone was challenging. I had to figure how much to add from book 1 so that everyone could follow the story without ever feeling lost. When I wrote Becoming Grim I hadn’t planned on making a sequel; so I had to figure out where else I wanted to take the story. Thankfully, it was pretty easy to get back into the characters.

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

Oh gosh, that’s a tough one. Stephen King is a huge influence for me after I read his memoir ‘On Writing’ and because he was my Grandmas favorite author. When I read his book I feel closer to her so it makes sense that I’m so influenced by him.

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

Charleston, South Carolina. It’s a beautiful city that has such a rich history. My husband and like to visit there every few years or so. We would love to live there one day.

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

Yes, I spend weeks, sometimes months building a story before I actually start writing. I plan out character names and traits, then I have to think about the plot and setting and so much more. And sometimes everything I planned for goes right out the window when I meet the characters and they take over.

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

A year and a half. I feel like it could have been a lot shorter if I didn’t second guess myself so much.

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

Paperbacks can be found on Amazon. Ebooks can be found in most estores. I think Google books is the only one that doesn’t have them yet, but I’m working on that.

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

I didn’t come up with the covers my very talented cover artist did that all on her own. The titles usually come to me when I’m about halfway trough writing the books. I go into it not knowing what I want to call it. The Demon in Me was the toughest one to come up with because I had so many ideas but I kept coming back to that title so it stuck.

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

I watch a lot of tv and read a lot. I sometimes like to make references to pop culture in the stories I write.

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

Most people don’t know this but Liv from Becoming Grim and A Grim Awakening is based on my sister. She has my sister’s personality. My sister actually helped me name Cru and I based him off of my sister’s husband (they just go married last year.)

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Book Is Available On Amazon

A Grim Awakening

Book: The Journey’s End

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

My name is Victoria Olasegha. I’m a psychiatrist who is passionate about weaving stories that help others enrich their relationships but also draws them into a closer relationship with God. I’m a passionate mental health advocate and this reflects in my writing. I draw on my own experiences and the experiences of others to try to create rich, empowering and relatable stories. When not working with people or writing or thinking of what next to write, I make my home in Manchester with my family, where I am a wife and mother.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Journey’s End’ book?

The challenges I faced included making sure the plot was very creative and making sure the characters were well rounded and relatable

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

There are some authors I absolutely love. They are Frank Peretti and Francine Rivers.

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

I love to visit hills and mountains. My favourite place to visit in my home country is Jos, Plateau state. This is because of the breathtaking beauty evident from the hills in the area.

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

I guess I tend to mull the idea over in my mind for a few days before writing it down. Many times it’s also important to do a little bit of research so that the work is as authentic as possible.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Journey’s End’ book?

It took me quite some time. I first wrote the book in a rush in two weeks then had to take time out over several months to adjust it and make several tweaks.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Journey’s End’ book to buy?

Its available on amazon, Google play, okadabooks and my website

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Journey’s End’?

The Journey’s End as a title came to me together with the story. It just seemed very fitting. The cover on the other hand took a longer process. I wanted it to have a little bit of mystery and intrigue, scary but not too scary.

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

I try to keep things fresh by looking around at my environment so I can intimate myself with things happening around me so I’m able to incorporate a piece of reality into my fiction.

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

Well what can I say except that after reading the Journey’s End, you realise that it’s a journey that everyone has to take and hopefully you’ll get valuable insight on how to navigate your personal journey.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

The Journey’s End

Book: The Adventures Of Summer And Winter: I Got A Puppy!

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

My name is Tatyana Arrington, I’m an author, actress and media correspondent. I co-wrote “The Adventures of Summer and Winter: I Got A Puppy!” with my little Sister Summer and my Mother Vanessa.

Q2) What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Adventures of Summer and Winter: I Got A Puppy!’ book?

One of the key challenges we faced in writing this children’s book was how to end the story. We wanted to make sure we ended at a point where we left the reader wanting more and I feel we accomplished that.

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

The Authors that most influenced our writing are: R.L. Stine, J.K. Rowling, Rick Riordan, Judy Blume, and Whoopi Goldberg.

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

Florida is one of our favorite places to visit. My family and I have such a great time because there are many fun things to do. We love visiting the Disney Parks, Universal Studios and the Beach.

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

When writing a book, it’s very important to have an outline and a vision of what you would like to accomplish. We wanted our book to be interactive, fun to read with vibrant and colorful illustrations that looked like us.

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Q6) How long did it take you to write ‘The Adventures of Summer and Winter: I Got A Puppy!’ book?

It took us a total of 2 years to complete this project.

Q7) On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Adventures of Summer and Winter: I Got A Puppy!’ book to buy?

You can purchase The Adventures of Summer and Winter: I Got A Puppy! on Amazon.com.

Q8) Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Adventures of Summer and Winter: I Got A Puppy!’?

The Adventures of Summer and Winter: I Got A Puppy is based on my little Sister Summer who is also Co-Author of the book and her yorkie puppy Winter. My Mother saw how much my Sister loves her puppy and thought it would make a great children’s series.

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

The best way to keep your ideas fresh when writing a children’s book is to write from their perspective and how they see and experience the world.

Author’s Profile

𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝘼𝙢𝙖𝙯𝙤𝙣, 𝙒𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙨 & 𝙉𝙤𝙗𝙡𝙚𝙨

The Adventures Of Summer And Winter: I Got A Puppy!

Book: Who’s The oldest: A Twin Question?

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

Normally when a person is asked to introduce themselves so that people get to know them better we always start off with our name, where we were born, how many children we have, if we’re married or not and so on. With that being said I want to do something that is not as traditional. To get to know me better based on the the common traditional statistics such as where I was born and if I have children and so forth please go to the macandroniread.com website and select About Author. There you will be able to view traditional get to know me better information as well as listen to an audio message from myself.

Q2) What is your inspiration behind your book “Who’s the oldest: A Twin Question?”

The inspiration behind the freshman book from the Mac and Roni Read brand was to introduce the characters and put focus on a basic common argument that is known among twins; who is the oldest. This question and argument can be googled and researched and there is a plethora of information. I also chose this topic because it connects to one of the main focuses of Mac and Roni Read to learn. One of the focuses of this book is biology. Mac and Roni research and they read and learn biological information about the fraternal Twins. As an early educator for 25 plus years I have always taken literature and connected it to a topic to engage the student in an age appropriate way. Basically I intentionally wrote the freshman book based on years of early education work inspiration.

Q3) You have read so many Children’s Books over years. Which is your favorite Children’s Book?

Hamm….I don’t have a favorite. LOL (emoji smile). However I will say that I like the classics such as Dr. Seuss cat in the hat and Dick and Jane. I believe many of us have forgotten about the Dick and Jane books.

Q4) Are you planning to write your next book soon?

I’m so glad that you asked this question . I had Mac and Roni Read as well as the character likeness trade marked for the sole purpose of the brand being a continued series of books. The sophomore book of Mac & Roni Read is due to release May 24 2021.

Q5) For which age group your book “Who’s the oldest: A Twin Question?” is suitable?

Mac and Roni Read books are suitable for ages (Pre-K) 4-8 3rd grade.

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Q6) What is your favorite Quote?

Honestly, I don’t have a favorite quote. I gave up on having a favorite quote LOL (emoji smile) Every time I think I have a favorite quote I read another one and that becomes my favorite quote. So what I notice is I have favorite quotes based on circumstances- situations. As a master social worker ( MSW) and an early educator I’m always empowering people so I work with quotes very often.

Q7) Mac and Roni, the two characters of your book are fraternal twins. What does Fraternal Twins means?

Wow I feel like macaroni did when their mother told him too research and find out what fraternal Twins mean LOL (emoji smile). What I like to emphasize too students in the early ages is to remember Identical Twins share ALL their genes and are always the same sex. Unlike fraternal Twins they share HALF genes and they can be either combination of two boys and two girls or a boy and a girl.

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

one suggestion I want to give the pairs of little leaders regarding habits is as follows: Make reading a habit!

Q9) What does literary success look like to you?

I’m glad you asked this question. when the book was about to be released and even when it was first released, I had some people ask me to autograph their book. now these were people such as close friends and family. I told them that developing these characters and writing the books is really an extension of my work in early education. I’m just coming from one side of the book which is reading it to the other side of the book which is writing it. With that being said literary success for me it’s not about what the normal person thinks that it is as far as signing autographs. literary success to me is leaving a mark on beginning readers across the globe. Of course, if the work is affecting the learner than the brand will be able to take care of itself

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

My inspiration in life is the high-power God. As far as a human being is concerned I would have to save my grandparents that raised me. I think back on how I watched them work 30 years and 25 years respectively and retire, house paid for and they lived a drama free life. Now that is what I call inspiration!

Book Is Available On Amazon

Who’s The oldest: A Twin Question?

Book: Ungodly

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

I am a proud father of two, and honored husband to one. In my free time — what little there is — I enjoy exorcising demons by writing dark fiction. An example of such a therapeutic exorcism, and the reason we’re here, is my novel Ungodly. Thanks for having me. 🙂

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

Truthfully — finding time to commit to the task. Our first child came along soon after I started writing the story, so time was (is) of the essence. Since my creative energies peak in the early hours, I carved out routine time slots in the morning during the work week, waking up at 0430 and dedicating a solid one hour to highly caffeinated story writing. While some sessions were naturally more productive than others, working in this brief but methodical fashion best channeled my creative focus.

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

Without question my style was distilled from reading virtually all the ‘80s-‘90s works by Dean Koontz and Stephen King. In alternating patterns, I’d go back and forth between authors, quite literally, learning from the best in their prime while thoroughly enjoying the wildly different rides.

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

It’s probably not a coincidence that my novel is set in a lonely mountain town — I do love the mountains. In fact, you’re hard-pressed to find more scenic, inspiring views than you will see along the Appalachian Mountain range. Basically, just pick yourself a starting point, traverse the mountain’s trail in any direction . . . and savor the sweet majesty.

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

In terms of gathering lots of coffee — yes, absolutely. Can’t have enough of the murky magic. Cheers.

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

In total, it’s tough to say . . . because of the aforementioned brief morning sessions that rarely exceeded one hour in length, and due to setting the work aside for spells (discontinuing the writing to tend to other projects), it’s tricky to quantify in total time. I will say that the first draft was completed in 2015, and because it weighed in at 511 pages, I knew I had lots of work to do in trimming down the story and extracting the fluffy material, so I put the manuscript in a drawer for a couple years, hoping to develop an eye objective enough to perform the necessary surgery. Over time, thankfully, I found the objectivity needed to trim the fat, further assisted by the weighty critiques of well respected — but varied — fiction editors.

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

Right now, only on Amazon, but with recent interest, I’ll be exploring more options soon.

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

Covers are critical, right? Contrary to the cliché about not judging a book by its cover, that is exactly what we are prewired to do — and it’s especially difficult to bypass this type of wiring. All I knew was that I sought a concept that lived somewhere between majestic and macabre, with a mountain landscape that teased with intrigue. Fortunately, the designer, Reynaldo A. Licayan, interpreted my intentions with utmost precision and produced a stunning cover. All credit to Reynaldo here. Hats off to him.
The title was inspired by the only word that came to mind upon first reading a scene in part two — which remains the most disturbing chapter of fiction I’ve ever written, as far as I’m concerned, if only because I wrote the scene in one sitting while in a trancelike state, possessed by the dark power of the writing itself.

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

Readers and critics have described my writing style as conversational and casual, if not playful and simple; friends within the circle say they can literally hear me speaking the prose they read in the story. The point is, I just want to have a playful chat with you. That’s all. And yes, full disclosure, the conversation will take some dark turns.

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

As the title suggests — and according to readers — it’s a devilish ride . . .

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Ungodly

Book: Preparing A Fruitful Harvest

Author: Autumn P Prather

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

I am Independent Author, Autumn P. Prather. I am passionate about empowering women, especially mothers, to lead authentic lives. More than anything, I love being a mother to my 21-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son.

Q2. What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing a book?

Writing a book may seem easy but it’s not! Your mind will try to protect you so you will have moments when you feel like giving up.  This was new territory for me, but I’ve never considered myself a quitter.  So, it was very surprising to me that I considered quitting after writing about 12 chapters of the book. Yes, it would have been easier to just walk away from it.  But nothing worth doing is ever easy! Plus, I wouldn’t have fulfilled my God-given purpose for writing this book which is to help mothers change generations.  

Q3. What is your favorite quote? 

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” -Wayne Gretzky

Q4. What are your hobbies apart from reading or writing? 

I love public speaking, hosting events, facilitating workshops, and creating content. 

Q5. The cover of your book “Preparing a Fruitful Harvest” has a mother and a daughter. Would you like to share something about it?

My new book journals my experience in raising my 21-year-old daughter and leading her into adulthood. We share a special bond and have formed a nonprofit together to promote the sacred bonds of the mother and daughter relationship.  I write about breaking negative generational cycles, taking care of mental health issues, building generational wealth, and learning to be the best woman and mother you can be. The book also highlights women’s empowerment principles of self-care, finding your passion, having a vision for your life, and leaving a legacy to your children.  

Q6. Are you from a literary background?

No. I come from a financial and administration background. 

Q7. What advice you want to give to other mothers who have daughters?

Build a foundation of love, wisdom and understanding. First and foremost, love covers all. Secondly,  mothers should always share their wisdom to help steer their daughters away from the pitfalls they fell into along life’s journey.  And lastly, daughters should understand that mothers are here to do one job and that’s to be good stewards of the blessings God has given us.

Q8. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?  

In the next 5 years, I see myself as a full-time entrepreneur, working on behalf of the non-profit my daughter and I started together called The Mother & Daughter Experience™. Our mission is to promote the sacred bonds of the mother/daughter relationship and to be a positive influence in the lives of women and girls.  We host several events to bring together different generations of women to offer hope and healing.

Q9. When did you first realize you wanted to be an author?

Writing a book has been something I’ve always wanted to do but didn’t quite know where to start.  Back in the fall of 2020, I was contacted by a Publisher who noticed my content on Instagram and Facebook. Most of my posts were about our aforementioned nonprofit and he remarked that I had book within me – a message that needed to be shared with all women, especially mothers. So, it just kind of landed in my lap and I took advantage of the opportunity to make this investment in myself.

Q10. Lastly, who inspires you the most and why?

My late mother. She was the epitome of class, grace and hard-work. She is also the catalyst for why my daughter and I started our nonprofit.  And as such, we have formed a memorial scholarship in her honor.

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Preparing A Fruitful Harvest

Book: The Adventures Of Summer And Winter: I Got A Puppy!

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

My name is Tatyana Arrington, I’m an author, actress and media correspondent. I co-wrote “The Adventures Of Summer And Winter: I Got A Puppy!” with my little Sister Summer and my Mother Vanessa.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Adventures of Summer and Winter: I Got A Puppy!’ book?

One of the key challenges we faced in writing this children’s book was how to end the story. We wanted to make sure we ended at a point where we left the reader wanting more and I feel we accomplished that.

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

The Authors that most influenced our writing are: R.L. Stine, J.K. Rowling, Rick Riordan, Judy Blume, and Whoopi Goldberg.

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

Florida is one of our favorite places to visit. My family and I have such a great time because there are many fun things to do. We love visiting the Disney Parks, Universal Studios and the Beach.

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

When writing a book, it’s very important to have an outline and a vision of what you would like to accomplish. We wanted our book to be interactive, fun to read with vibrant and colorful illustrations that looked like us.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Adventures of Summer and Winter: I Got A Puppy!’ book?

It took us a total of 2 years to complete this project.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Adventures of Summer and Winter: I Got A Puppy!’ book to buy?

You can purchase The Adventures of Summer and Winter: I Got A Puppy! on Amazon.com.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Adventures of Summer and Winter: I Got A Puppy!’?

The Adventures of Summer and Winter: I Got A Puppy is based on my little Sister Summer who is also Co-Author of the book and her yorkie puppy Winter. My Mother saw how much my Sister loves her puppy and thought it would make a great children’s series.

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

The best way to keep your ideas fresh when writing a children’s book is to write from their perspective and how they see and experience the world.

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The Adventures Of Summer And Winter: I Got A Puppy!

Book: Snow Night

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

My name is Julie Bergfors. I live in Crawfordsville, Indiana. I am a retired first grade teacher and a mom of three grown children. I have wanted to write since I was a young girl. When I taught school, I loved reading picture books out loud. So, when I retired, I decided to write one of my own.

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

The key challenge was getting someone to illustrate my story. When my good friend said yes, we had to talk about the pictures and lay out the story over zoom calls because of Covid 19. It was challenging, but fun.

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

I love the stories from E.B. White, Francis Hodgson Burnett and Madeline L’Engle. For picture books, I like Kevin Henkes, Arnold Lobel, Tomie de Paola and Leo Lionni.

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 ocean. I have great memories of family vacations in Florida and North Carolina. I also have family on Cape Cod in Massachusetts, where I often visit.

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

I like to go into schools and talk to kids about their experiences before I write a book. I am a substitute teacher in our elementary schools in my town. I get a chance to see what kids are doing and what they are reading.

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

I had the story of SNOW NIGHT in my head for many years. While on vacation with my family in early 2020, I finally put the words to paper. It took me about one month to write, rewrite and edit the story.

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

My book is sold on my website: juliebergforsbooks.com and through amazon.

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

The cover was a picture I had in my mind about a school being covered in snow. My illustrator captured it perfectly. I originally wanted to call the book Snow Day at School. I came up with Snow Night instead, after seeing a lot of books already published with the words Snow Day in them.

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

I read the latest picture books to see what is new. I also spend time talking with children to see what they like to read and what they think about a particular story idea.

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

This story was a real-life event for students in Atlanta, Georgia during an ice storm in 2014. And, I have heard that it happened in my town as well, before I was born.

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Snow Night