Category: Author Interview

Book: Delsar: The Champion & The Hero

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

My name is Solomon Andre Dawson Morway and I live in the city of Worcester, Massachusetts. I loved to play baseball and do karate. I even managed to get myself a black belt in Kenpo. After I finished my high school, I joined the Army National Guard at 19. That didn’t last long due to medical complications, but it did allow me time to write my book. Two weeks before I turned 22 I began my new adventure. My hope is that it brightens the day of even just one person, like writing it brightened mine.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘DELSAR: The Champion & The Hero’ book?

Starting a new scene or chapter. I always knew where I wanted to go with the story, I just didn’t always know how to get there.

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

My favorite book series has to be ‘Republic Commando’ by Karen Traviss. It was a series that never finished and it was my dream to finish it for her. Then I wrote something completely different.

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

Not necessarily a specific spot, but one of my favorite things to do is attend Renaissance fairs. Here in New England they have them all the time. They’re some of the best places to unwind and enjoy fantasy.

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

Sometimes, it’s as simple as just sitting down and beginning. Other times, it’s something someone said that inspires me or something I’ve seen. Once I have that drive, it’s very difficult for me to think of anything else.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘DELSAR: The Champion & The Hero’ book?

To write, edit, and publish DELSAR, it took me six months.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘DELSAR: The Champion & The Hero’ book to buy?

It’s all over the place…. Barnes & Noble, Nook, Amazon, Kindle, Writers Republic, Books-A-Million, eBay, Kobo, LibroWorld, Booktopia, and Waterstones. These are all online. We are currently working hard to get it in the book stores.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘DELSAR: The Champion & The Hero’?

The cover went through a couple phases. The first looked very fake and didn’t quite fit the aesthetic of the book. We used that first cover as the concept for the final cover. I felt the cover really speaks what the book means.

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

I like to add real conversations with friends, family, or anyone else I’ve spoken to recently. It’s never word-for-word, but I feel it helps keep dialogue organic and flow nicely. It also helps make the characters feel ‘human.’

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

There are a lot of Easter eggs and foreshadowing on events to come. A keen eye and solid sleuthing skills may allow you to figure a few things out. Trust me, if you enjoy Book 1, you’re not going to want to miss Book 2.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Delsar: The Champion & The Hero

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

Hey, My name is Rashaan & I create art. An author who just completed his first series of Fantasy/Adventure books. What I like to call a keyboard virtuoso, who enjoys gritty hip hop music & video games with combos & dazzling soundtracks. A lover of art & it’s different forms.

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

Storm Cy being my first book( & not having any real writing experience.) I knew I wanted to tell a story, but there were just several visions put together without any structure. I’m a fundamentals guy, when it comes to anything. It’s all about technique, so I had to knock off some rust while writing my very first book.

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

I began writing in 2017. Up until then I actually wasn’t much of a reader. As much more of a gamer, Games like Sly Cooper, Dishonored, & Mortal Kombat Influenced the worlds of my writing.

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

Sadly, they’re becoming harder & harder to find. But a bar with a pool table Is all a guy like me needs. A good table with some nice green felt to shoot on. Pool players usually want someone to compete with, so they’re very friendly!

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

Lots of planning! Now that I’ve done this a few times, structure is big for writing any type of fiction. Like music, its several moving parts all coming together in one flow.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Rain Of The Fallen’ book?

It’s a bit hard to pick the exact timeframe, because I began by writing two books at a time. Once I had completed Storm Cry, what I like to call a “skeleton” For Rain Of The Fallen. I took about 6-9 months after that to put it all together in a nice package.

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

Amazon is where you can find all three of my novels. There’s also a Nice hardcover available only on Barnes & Noble of ‘Lost Winds’.

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

Title- It’s a challenge to have a catchy name that sums up your entire story in 1-4 words. For me, it’s the name that pops into my head and sounds good that’s has worked so far. Cover- Since I was a kid, I’ve been infatuated with covers from, books, manga, movies, to video games. I take a wide look at all the covers I like most and try to capture some type of presence from them. This is not possible AT ALL without the talented artists out there. I was able to find artists to meet me halfway with my vision & bring it to life.

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

I go into it wanting to take some form of a troupe or plot I’ve seen over the years & flip it on it’s head.

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

There’s a story soon to be told about a kingdom falling to ruin. By eyes that burn for revenge…
(If you read all 3, you may know who this prequel story may be about. coming ??/??/21)

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Storm Cry

Rain Of The Fallen

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

I am an American author and poet, most known for my Mike Check column. Over the years, I have done dozens of celebrity interviews, as well as hundreds of music reviews. The weekly Mike Check column, which appears in Strange Reaction, and the very popular Deep Red Magazine. I have had the pleasure of meeting people from all over the world just because we have this amazing technology on the internet.

I was an original member of the early Los Angeles punk rock scene, which is what I write about. It was an exciting time and I am lucky to have been able to meet so many of the bands I was a fan of as a teenager. I was a member of several bands myself and later a popular flier illustrator for others.

I have loved writing since my high school days. I live with my wife, Elizabeth, and our son, Lucas.

As an original member of the early Los Angeles punk rock scene, I was a member of several bands and later a popular flier illustrator.

I have loved writing since my high school days. I live with my wife, Elizabeth, and son Lucas.

I have written eight books, fiction, and nonfiction and co-authored one.

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

The challenge was to write something as interesting as the previous two books, Last One To Die and Life Won’t Wait. They had a certain feeling and atmosphere that the last book in the trilogy had to continue. After writing two previous novels, I could feel my writing style shifting and changing.

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

Well, I don’t know how influenced I’ve been by them, but I’m a fan of Eddie Little, Jim Carroll, and Dan Fante. I think I am drawn to writers that take the same approach as I do in that the technical aspects aren’t as important as storytelling. Raw and unfiltered writing that speaks to the reader on a personal level,

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

I would have to say Hawaii. I have visited the beautiful islands twice, one of them being my honeymoon, and it speaks to me. I think any place that involves the ocean would be where I want to go. It’s one of the wonderful things about living in Los Angeles where the ocean is a short drive away.

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

There is preparation that goes into starting a new book. I figure out if I’m going towards fiction or nonfiction. That decision comes from what type of story I feel like telling. An idea for a fiction story could have been ruminating in my mind for months before it decides it wants to be told. From there, I might outline roughly how the story will go, if it is fiction. My nonfiction books just flow without much of an outline, but I do try to keep them within the same theme. Once I’ve written the first chapter or story, the books seem to flow.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Life Won’t Wait’ book?

About two years. I had completed and published Last One To Die in 2011. It sold very well, so I jumped into the second book, Life Won’t Wait immediately. Once I completed it, I handed it off to my proofreader and editor and they felt it didn’t have the same punch as LOTD. So, rather than editing it, I dumped the whole thing and started over. I published Life Won’t Wait in 2013 and am still very pleased with the outcome.

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

All my books are available in the standard formats, Kindle and paperback on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. If you are in the United States, you can contact me directly and I will send you an autographed copy.

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

In the beginning, I took titles from songs I like. Mostly from the band Rancid. The covers have been various photographers I like. A few have been photos taken by my wife and one or two from legendary rock photographer Edward Colver.

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

I don’t really take freshness into consideration. I mostly write about what I want to write about. If I think too much about what everyone will like, my writing loses what makes me the storyteller I am. I think my faithful readers that have been with me from the start would notice the difference as well. They read and enjoyed my books for my particular style and take on storytelling. That being said, I have tried different things such as, co-authoring with other writers and collaborating. In fact, there are stories in two of my fiction books that my teenaged son contributed. He is turning out to be extremely creative and can come up with a whole tale on the spot.

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

Hmm, if I told you it wouldn’t be a secret! Kidding aside, I suppose the biggest secret, that people probably want to confirm, is that every single story is absolutely true and without embellishment for the sake of making it better. All the crazy moments and characters and situations you might have thought “I wonder if that really happened”? The secret is yes. Yes, it happened and it happened exactly the way I described.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Born Frustrated

Life Won’t Wait

Book: Death of a Final Girl

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

Hello world, my name is Sonny G! I’m a free spirit Latino, and a Jersey boy at heart. I’m a horror lover, proud Wiccan, podcaster and all around creative. I also hope to leave a small footprint in the horror genre.

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

I started writing in the fourth grade, but I was more into films and creating them. Screenwriting then became my focus from middle school all the way through college. It wasn’t until maybe my second year that I realized I enjoyed writing short stories and the passion started from there.

Q3. From where did you have the idea/inspiration to write your debut book “Death of a Final Girl”?

The original idea was completely different from the final product. It was going to be an anthology based on unsolved murders and I was going to create my own reasoning to what I thought happened. That all changed though when I was reading through the outline and realized this is a series. From there, I combined what I already had and created the world of Devil’s Den. I really wanted this book to be a representation of me as a writer and horror films are a big part of my life. I wanted to create one book that wasn’t just a horror movie but a franchise altogether.

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

When I’m not writing, I’m working on my podcast: Stoney Horror, watching movies, having adventures with my people or creating content for our IG page. Oh, and I also love cooking! It’s very relaxing and I enjoy feeding others.

Q5. What is the most difficult part of your journey as an author?

Aside from finishing the book…. One of most difficult parts for me since I’m an independent author is figuring out the business all on my own. I was luckily enough to go to an art school and learn some of the ropes there, but real life isn’t like school. Also not having a mainstream team behind you is difficult when it comes to advertising or just getting your work out there to the right people.

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Q6. What is your favorite Quote?

It’s probably corny but my favorite quote is from one of my favorite shows.

“The hardest thing in this world is to live in it. Be brave. Live.”
-Buffy Summers

Q7. Do you believe in ghosts?

Yes, I do. I am very spiritual and have seen weird stuff, but those are stories for another kind interview.

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

This book is defintley catered to the horror fans, but anyone can enjoy it. It’s something you can finish before bed, while traveling, or even out by the pool. Aside from the horror references and themes I hope the readers can take away the female empowerment. A horror franchise is as good as its Final Girl, so I hope my final girls fit that mold. But for the most part I hope the readers are just entertained. I wanted this book to be a fun, intense, fast-read.

Q9. Do you read or write daily?

I write almost every day and if I’m not writing I’m thinking of an idea to write. When it comes to reading though, I do it for research compared to it being a hobby. Like I said before I am a little screenwriter at heart.

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

Hm, I would say never give up, the hardest thing is always finishing your work. Write every day even if it’s just little notes in your phone. Lastly, network, network, and network. Sometimes it is who you know, but not only that, networking helps you meet other amazing artists. You can build great relationships with them and eventually collaborate and help each other flourish. It doesn’t always have to be a competition.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Death of a Final Girl

Book: The Faith of a Mustard Seed

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

Hello, my name is Deborah Smith. I am a Speech and Language Pathologist. I have enjoyed teaching special needs children how to communicate for over 3 decades. I’ve often used books along with other teaching tools as a means to help stimulate language development in my students. My biggest joy however, is spending time with my family and creating stories.

Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “The Faith of a Mustard Seed”?

I became inspired to write a book about faith for children because I noticed that many children are growing up lacking an understanding of who God is and what it means to have faith in Him. I wanted to teach the concept of faith on a very simple level.

Q3. When did you realize that you wanted to be an author?

I realized that I wanted to be an author a few years ago. We all know that life can present many challenges and hardships. Teaching children from a young age to build up their faith in God helps with overcoming difficulties. I felt that pictures and stories would be a good way to teach that concept on a simple level.

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

Yes, I am in the process of writing more children books. One is a faith- based book and the others have different themes.

Q5. For which age group your book “The Faith of a Mustard Seed” is suitable?

The book is suitable for children up to 8 years old. However, it was written to engage older siblings and caregivers to engage in dialogue about the concept of faith. The questions at the end of the book will hopefully stimulate that conversation and really get people to think about trusting God.

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Q6. What is your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is the scripture Matthew 17:20, where it talks about having faith the size of a seed so that nothing will be impossible for you. What a power to tap into!

Q7. How is life in New York?

I enjoy living in New York and being around a diversity of cultures. You can always find something to do. It can however be busy and fast paced. I work in a busy and populated area which many people do enjoy. At the end of the day, I thoroughly enjoy winding down in a quieter setting.

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

My advice would be to always set up a consistent time to read with your children. Take trips to the library and make reading important. Reading builds up their imagination, vocabulary and literacy skills. But most important, kids love to spend that individual bonding time with their parents. Time goes by fast so create those moments as often as you can.

Q9. What does literary success look like for you?

For me as an author I ask myself these questions:
Did I stimulate interest in the book?
Did I get children thinking about a concept I presented?
Did I encourage children and parents to engage in dialogue?
Was something learned?

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

My inspiration in life are my daughters. They are very talented individuals. They have grown into bright and beautiful women inside and out. They encourage me to stay relevant to the times!

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Faith of a Mustard Seed

Book: Amber Tambourine and the Land of Laugh-a-Lot

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Q1. Can you please introduce yourself so that the readers can know you better?

I was born and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. I started off my career as a primary school teacher, and now work in the field of online education.

Q2. From where did you have the idea to write your book “Amber Tambourine and the Land of Laugh-a-Lot”?

I started thinking about my first house as a child, where I used to love wandering through the back woods and discovering hidden places. So that is where the book starts off…Amber wandering through the back woods with her dogs and stumbling upon a magical, hidden place.

I have always been obsessed with magical “otherworlds” I guess you could call them. My favorite movie has always been “The Wizard of Oz” so obviously the Land of Oz was an inspiration. And I also loved “Brigadoon” about a magical Scottish village that appears for only one day every 100 years. All inspiration for my “Land of Laugh-a-Lot” for sure!

Q3. What do you hope your readers will take away from your book?

At its core, the book is about friendships lost and new ones found. It is also about transition in one’s life and how difficult it can be, and how it seems things will never get better…but they do, in time. And good friends are always worth the wait.

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

I love being outside in nature, exploring the natural beauty of our world – beaches, waterfalls, mountains. I also love road trips, music, dancing, watching good TV and movies, and spending lots of time with my family. And I insanely love dogs.

Q5. Please tell me something about yourself that will astonish me and the readers?

That I didn’t start publishing my writing until my forties…although my mom said technically I wrote my first book when I was like 5 or 6. I always wrote in some form or another growing up, but on my fortieth birthday I had some kind of mid-life epiphany, I think. I promised myself I would start writing more and actively pursued it. I started writing and publishing articles for online platforms like Blasting News and Medium. I created a personal blog, Life Lessons for My Daughter. Then from there, just started writing children’s stories.

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Q6. How do you select the names of your characters?

I really wanted to write a book with a character based on my daughter, Amber, who is now 7. Then our two dogs, Bandit and Roxy, got added in as well. “Amber Tambourine” was a nickname I gave my daughter as a toddler – I don’t even remember why now, to be honest – I have just always made up cutesy nicknames for her – this one just kind of stuck.

Q7. How is life in Canada?

Canada is a beautiful country and being such an outdoorsy person, I truly value and enjoy all of its breathtaking scenery. I think my best writing ideas have come to me while walking and being out and about in nature.

Q8. Can you please tell me and readers about your debut book publishing journey?

I was so fortunate that Austin Macauley Publishers USA believed in my little book and took a chance on me as a first-time author. It really is difficult to get your first book published but Austin Macauley is all about giving first-time authors a chance, and they are fantastic! I will be forever grateful to them.

Q9. Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

I definitely want to keep writing children’s books, so my goal for the next 10 years is to keep writing and hopefully get more books published.

Q10. Who inspires you the most in life?

My daughter Amber is my biggest inspiration – I love watching her grow and play and dance and discovering her own unique talents and interests. I find myself jotting down story ideas all the time just from things she is interested in.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Amber Tambourine and the Land of Laugh-a-Lot

Book: The F Word

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

My name is Paris Chanel and I’m a writer from Chicago, Il. I write humor books, children books, and YA Fiction. I can write anything.

Q2. What is your inspiration behind your book “The F Word”?

My son was my inspiration. He repeats everything and much like his parents, he adds a comical spin to everything he does, even when he’s being mischievous. This story is based on a true story, condensed down to one day.

Q3. What are your hobbies apart from writing?

Apart from writing, I love to read! LOVE to read. Reading relaxes my mind and opens the world (this world and factitious worlds) up for me.

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

My next humor book and four children’s books are COMPLETED! They just need to be illustrated. I want to keep my same illustrator, @Taiye_okoh, because he’s the best and understands my vision for the stories. Hopefully we can have three more out by the end of this year. I’m also in the middle of re-writing a couple of YA Fiction books that I can’t wait to introduce to the world. There’s nothing like them.

Q5. For which age group your book “The F Word” is suitable?

Good question! This book is targeted to any adult with a sense of humor. The book is funny! I am also targeting parents, who I think will find the book most relatable. They can decide if the book is suitable for their child to read for a laugh.

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Q6. What is your favorite Quote?

I don’t really have a favorite quote. The scripture that screams at me all the times is, Matthew 5:5, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth.”

Q7. What is your reaction when you hear a kid using bad word around you?

If it’s not my kid, I don’t have much of a reaction. I wonder how the parent feels because I’ve been there. When it’s my kid, I’m shocked and feel bad because I hope they didn’t pick up the word from me or their dad. The point of the book, if you pay attention *wink*, is that we parents can’t fully control what your child hears, sees, and picks up from the world we live in.

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

Hmmm…I say find books about something that they have an actual interest in, and their child will read it on their own. Enjoying reading came naturally to me, but not to all my kids. I don’t understand that at all, but I had to accept it. They have other passions that I love.

Q9. What does literary success look like to you?

Literary success to me is producing a book that you are proud of and not only sharing it with the world. Everything that I write has an intention. I wrote The F Word to make people laugh. The next book is to make people remember and understand that they are a part of history. My YA fiction books were written to make people think on a new level. If I can reach people through my literature, people I’ve never met and will probably never meet, to me, that is literary success.

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

I have so many…Simply put, I want to be the Beyonce of writing.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The F Word

Book: Mommy, Is My Hair Nice

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

I am Tanika Baker. I am from Jamaica, but I relocated to Canada with my family just over five years ago. I am a thinker, sometimes I think so much to the point where I get lost in my own thoughts! Good thoughts though, life, my family, my career, where I want to be in the future.

Q2.What is your inspiration behind your book “Mommy, Is My Hair Nice”?

My family is my inspiration – specifically, my children. My husband and I have two daughters. The characters Kaliah and Asara, in “Mommy, Is My Hair Nice?” – actually represent our girls. The story is based on their real-life experience. Just trying to engage in the conversation with them and looking at the current social landscape, I felt it was a story that needed to be told. Black hair continues to spark many discussions, some of them, not so positive and I feel it is necessary for me to let my girls, and other Black girls like them understand the beauty of their hair and how it is a part of their identity – something for them to celebrate. There is also message to every reader – there is beauty in being different and it is perfectly fine to be different.

Q3.When did you realize you want to be an author of Children’s Book?

Honestly, it was almost like a collision of thoughts (yes, those thoughts). As a communicator, writing is a huge part of what I do. When I was younger, I always thought about writing books, but never pursued it. I suppose at the time, I never saw my purpose, or maybe I figured there wasn’t anything worth writing about. But it came home to me one evening – maybe about two years ago – after talking to my children, and listening to their stories, looking at our lives, our journey and realized that I do have something to write about. I know our experiences aren’t unique, but as I see it, once you have a message, there will be someone who needs to hear it.

Reading is an impactful experience for children, and so it the message in the stories they read – so here I am, telling my children’s stories, sharing our lives with our readers and hopefully, delivering a positive message to those who need to hear it.

Q4.Are you planning to release your next book soon?

Yes, I am planning to release another book before the end of 2021. Hopefully two! These will be part of the Growing Up with Kaliah & Asara series – again, reflective of the girls and their real-life experiences.

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Q5.For which age group your book is suitable?

The book is suitable for ages 5-10, but I have had older and even younger readers reading it.

Q6.What is your favorite Quote?

My favourite quote is “With God, all things are possible.” (Matt. 19:26)

Q7.What do you like the most about Canada?

Canada is a great place! It’s hard to choose, but I love the newness of each encounter, so many diverse cultures to learn and to understand. I also actually love that there are four very distinctive seasons. The weather keeps life interesting – keeps you on your toes and each season truly gives you something to look forward to.

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

Reading opens our minds to realities and equally to possibilities. Being able to read truly is like having an awesome window into the world. I encourage parents to spend time to read with their children – even once a week. Let your little ones choose a book and spend some time reading it. This allows us to understand how our little ones think, it allows them to be imaginative and build their comprehension skills. It also allows us to see very early, if they need help with identifying words and prepares us to provide that help.

Q9.What does literary success look like to you?

Literary success looks like many things – but I think the most important element really is being able to deliver a story through writing and having an audience that not only provides positive feedback, but also looks forward to more.

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

My mother. She’s my greatest inspiration in life. She has done so much for her family, made so many sacrifices and has never asked for anything – except that we make the most of every opportunity that comes our way. She loves unconditionally and will move every mountain to stand by our side as long we need her.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Mommy, Is My Hair Nice

Book: The Royal Visit

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

My name is Ranti Akintobi. I am Nigerian but I’m currently based in the Netherlands. I work full time as a Finance Manager. I was born in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. As an adult, I have lived in three continents (North America, Europe, and Africa) in London, Chicago, New Jersey, Lagos, and Ibadan. I have found all these different cultures very interesting.
I won’t describe myself as a creative as I’ve always been a numbers person, but I am very passionate about bringing awareness to the various rich African cultures. Most especially embracing our culture.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Royal Visit’ book?

One of my challenges was having a full time job and only having some weekends and some evenings to work on the book. But the greatest challenge (I guess you can call it that) was self-doubt. I doubted myself/ my capabilities of writing something even good enough to read as I’m not naturally a writer.

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

I have to admit that I intentionally didn’t read children’s books written based on African children characters so as not to be tempted to deviate from my idea of my children’s book series (T&T Nubian Adventures). I am still learning how to write, and my editor has been great at guiding me.
However, one book I did read about African folk tales was The Girl Who Married a Lion by Alexander McCall Smith. It has fantastic compilation of African tales which I feel should brought to the whole world.

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

My home in Ibadan. It’s special to me because it’s a house I built from scratch and with my hard earned income. I own it out-right.

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

I have a lot of storyline ideas written down and I have my 2nd and 3rd book written already. The story outline for the 4th book is ready but still needs to be developed. But as mentioned, having a full time job does not help create enough time to focus on my writing. Once I come up with idea of a storyline – I write it down.

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Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Royal Visit’ book?

I can’t remember precisely but definitely a good part of 2019, and I still made changes to it in 2020 and early 2021.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Royal Visit’ book to buy?

Amazon and Okadabooks.

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

I wanted something that was colourful and be attractive to kids – with that in mind, it made it easy for easy to choose on featuring the animals at the zoo.

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

I try to end the books with a suspense for the kids.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Royal Visit

Book: The Sovereign

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

Hello, I’m Xandrea Castaldi, author of the novel, “the Sovereign.” I’m a photographer that loves music, food, traveling, and artsy things, but I’m also a thinker. Deep concepts, unorthodox ideas, an “uncharted territory” type thinker. I don’t own any pets but I will babysit whomever’s furbaby needs it. I started writing as a child, and am a screenwriter “by trade.” My favorite movies are the Godfather, the Mummy (Brendan Fraser not Tom Cruise…sorry Boris Koloff), Rush Hour, and Captain America: Winter Soldier.

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

Attempting a genre I didn’t have much experience in. When I started writing (seriously) as a pre-teen, the first story I wrote was based in ancient times, as well as every subsequent story since until now. Learning what makes science fiction what it is and applying my own ideas and flare were pretty mind-opening moments for me. Another challenge that I overcame was the typical fear a debut author would have. I remember the day I told myself that I wouldn’t let that fear keep me from doing what I’ve been wanting to do since I was a kid. I’d let life push me so far off track of where I really wanted to be. I was tired of doing abunch of things I hated. Publishing this book was an act of self-love for me.

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

Ray Bradbury was the first author that introduced me to science fiction, followed by George Orwell. Both of them directly influenced this book. But in other genres, Michelle Moran, John Grisham, Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, Ralph Ellison, Joseph Conrad, A. W. Tozer, J. Gresham Machen…I have a few. If I could choose a book or two that has influenced my general writing the most, I’d pick Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, Heart Of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, and The Ways of White Folk by Langston Hughes. I adore the way they tell stories.

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

I don’t have a single favorite spot to visit. I enjoy spending time in nature, but I also enjoy people-watching. I don’t always need to interact with people to have a good, meaningful time. The first place I think of when I think about visiting or traveling is Miami. It’s where I went to college and I always tell people I grew up there because in many ways, I did. It’s my home away from home. So my answer really just depends on the day, but as long as there’s nature, I’m set.

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

Not at all. Many times I find myself writing scenes, conversations, or full chapters, and calling it a “book” later. I don’t write my books in the mindset of it being “work,” otherwise I’d never get it done. I allow the story to build itself and I supplement the gaps with research or ideas I’ve held onto but had nowhere to use them. I think the most work that goes into it is just figuring out the first few steps, e.g., what’s the story about right now? Where can it go from here? How do you want it to get there? I just ask myself those questions a lot and build as I go.

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

The first draft took a month, I started compiling the story into a book in May 2019. I submitted the final draft to a publisher around March or April 2020. So about 11 months.

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

Besides Amazon – Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, IndieBooks, WalMart, far too many to list…I mean, it’s selling on online stores across the world. I had to search my own name and book to see all the places that offer it. But it’s available both in paperback and e-book formats.

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

I wanted my book cover simple, that was my first non-negotiable. I didn’t want it “too busy.” I wanted it dark, starry skies, shadows, etc. But the back cover had to be what it is – bold. I wanted the cover to tell you the story but not the whole story. I worked with a design team at Palmetto Publishing and they would send me proofs and I’d send suggestions. It wasn’t a long process because I wanted simple but still a statement. I think they did an incredible job with it.

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

I add elements in the details, and try to give people something they haven’t seen like this before. My writing style is a little different and I don’t force myself to change it. Over time, I think we’ll all see how not only details change in my work, but how influences and interests change. The stakes, however, will always remain pretty high.

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

The only secret is what hasn’t been released yet *wink*…But honestly, no secrets. Plenty of Easter eggs, but no secrets.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Sovereign