Category: Author Interview

Book: Remember Her

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

Hi Everyone. Thank you for taking the time to read about my book and me. I am R. Cohen (my pen name), and I am a native of Las Vegas, Nevada and currently reside here. By day, I am a college a professor. I teach rhetoric and academic writing. I have been teaching college since 2007 and enjoy every minute of it. I typically write in the academic world, so writing romance fiction has been such a difference but a huge pleasure and filled with excitement. I have an amazing rescue husky dog named, Mila.

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

For one, it took me almost four years to write. There were moments where I did not think I would finish the book because nothing really forces you to finish as an independent writer. A lot has happened in my own life over the last four years. I survived the Oct 1 shooting in Vegas, and I can tell you I did not write for almost a whole year after that incident. This book was the last thing on my mind. However, I found my passion for writing again through the encouragement and support of my family and friends. I am incredibly happy I did not give up!

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

My two favorite books are Sula by Toni Morrison and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey. Although I read all kinds. For a while, I was only reading academic books because I was in school much of my life. Oddly enough, I am not much of a romance novel reader, but I enjoy romance movies, and I would say the dialogue in films influence my writing.

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

I enjoy the Oregon Coast. Being from Las Vegas and the desert, it is such a remarkable experience being by the water and the greenery that comes with it in Oregon. It’s a peaceful place, and it’s where I go to reset each year.

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

The book ideas, including my next book, were ideas that just popped up into my head and unfolded on their own. When that happens, I have to immediately tell someone about it and talk it out before writing the outline. Once I have a handle on the direction, I outline all the chapters with the end in mind. Then, I go back in and fill in the characters by writing out their personalities, relationships with each other, their nuances, etc.

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

Just under 4 years.

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

They can find my book on Amazon but all links to the book are available through my social media platforms and website rcohenbooks.com

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

The title was something I decided at the very end even after editing a while. Someone told me to wait until editing to see what phrase or key words popped out to me and since the theme is about not forgetting who we are, the title seemed fitting. As far as the cover, I knew I wanted it to have water in the image somehow because it is parts of scenes in the book but also because of how important water is to me when I have to take time out to reset in my own life. I also did not want to have a face showing either because I would like readers to depict the characters in their own way in how they choose to visualize them.

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

I am all about authenticity and being realistic. Romance novels tend to have a perception that they have to be one way but romance is different to all people. I tried to reflect the kind of dialogue that I have encountered in my life from people I have met from different walks of life. Ultimately, I think it’s about recognizing that there is no one “right” way to do something and being confident in what you are writing because you as the writer enjoys it.

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

Some of the characters in the book represent a few people I know in my real life, but I don’t say which ones because it is fun for me to see my friend and people who read my book try to guess. I get asked all the time about it, and I only have revealed that info to a select few.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Remember Her

Book: Deliberate Duplicity

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

After a long career in business that allowed me to travel to all but one continent and countless countries worldwide, I decided to write a murder mystery series based on a fictitious character named Detective Sasha Frank. The first book in the series is titled Deliberate Duplicity. I live in Illinois with my wife, and when I’m not writing I spend as much time as possible with my family. I particularly enjoy golfing.

Q2) What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your books?

I guess the first thing is that I was able to write a murder mystery. I’ve written a business blog for many years, but writing about murders is a significant change. Deliberate Duplicity has received great reviews, and I’m very grateful for that.

Q3) Could you please tell the readers something about your book Deliberate Duplicity?

The book follows the main character, Senior Detective Sasha Frank, with the Bloomington Police Department. One by one, bodies are discovered at different points along the Constitution Trail, consisting of forty-three miles of abandoned railroad tracks that once ran through the “Twin Cities” of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. The murders are the work of a calculating, methodical killer. Each murder victim is found posed, with their eyes wide open – witnesses who cannot testify to what they’ve seen. Deliberate Duplicity explores the twisted, vengeful mind of a serial killer. Sasha Frank is working to solve the mystery of who’s responsible for the string of gruesome crimes. There is a complicated web of clues leaving Sasha and his team with more questions than answers. It’s up to Sasha to find the killer and justice for all who were affected.

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

I greatly enjoy golfing and spend as much time working on my game as possible. I also am a fan of college basketball.

Q5) How is life in Illinois?

I grew up in Central Illinois, and I’ve lived in a handful of states and several countries. I lived in downtown Chicago for many years before moving back to Central Illinois a few years ago as we have a family nearby.

Q6) What is your favorite quote?

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” I’ve certainly made countless mistakes in my life, and I can only hope that I learned from them. While in business, I liked the anonymous quote, “Delegate authority ruthlessly with confidence.” In most endeavors, it takes a team to accomplish big goals, and the only way for a team to achieve is for all to learn to do.

Q7) What has been the most difficult situation in your life which you finally overcame?

In March 2019, I suffered sudden cardiac arrest. I was down without a pulse for 15 minutes before many heroes, including my wife, a 911 dispatcher, a police officer, paramedics, and a dedicated group of health professionals at a local hospital, worked tirelessly to give me my life back. Over 99 percent of people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest in their home die and my living is a miracle. I suffered no memory loss, brain damage, or severe heart damage. With the help of countless people, I survived and was able to finish Deliberate Duplicity.

Q8) When is the second book of Detective Sasha Frank Mysteries to be released?

The second book in the series is titled Cold Consequences, and I’m currently working with editors and my publisher on final edits. We have a planned release date of late Summer 2021. I’m also currently working on the untitled third book in the series.

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

I’ve enjoyed reading my entire life. I like reading mysteries and especially murder mysteries. A few years ago, a friend suggested that I write business books and become a conference speaker on business. I tried writing a business book and found it impossible to write. I then started thinking about all the books that feature detectives in big cities while there aren’t books featuring detectives from a smaller city like Bloomington, Illinois. I had the name Sasha Frank in my mind and began thinking about what kind of murders would be interesting to readers like myself, so in 2018 I started to write Deliberate Duplicity. I greatly enjoy writing about Sasha Frank.

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

Those who have created something from nothing are incredibly inspirational. Since the beginning of time, the list of those who have made a difference in the world is endless. That list would include those who began transformational societal movements like Martin Luther King or Nelson Madella to this century’s business game-changers like Jeff Bezos, Steve Jobs, or Elon Musk.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Book: The Old Men Who Row Boats And Other Stories

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

Thank you so much for having me here. I feel privileged, and look forward to sharing a bit about myself, my book, and the writing process for your readers. My name is David Joseph, and I am the author of The Old Men Who Row Boats and Other Stories. I am married, have two children and have lived in California and Spain over the past twenty-five years. What seems like a lifetime ago (it nearly is now!), I was a student of English Literature. I went on to complete a graduate program in writing at USC and then teach at the college level. However, I left teaching to move into the nonprofit sector, where I co-founded LA SCORES, an organization that uses writing to help inspire children in Los Angeles. That was my passion for many years, and I only returned to my own writing in earnest four years ago. Since then, I have been writing and publishing full-time and have completed four collections of fiction, the first of which is The Old Men Who Row Boats and Other Stories. I’ve also been able to invest more time into the true loves my life, my wife Karen and our two sons Jackson and Cassius.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Old Men Who Row Boats And Other Stories’ book?

That’s a great question. I think the biggest challenge I faced while writing this collection was that I hadn’t written a short story in nearly two decades! That’s quite a long time, and it likely dates me as well. I’d continued to write poetry, essays, and Op-Ed pieces, but fiction was a medium I hadn’t worked with in a long time. I think writing is similar to many other crafts, in that it’s important to work on it constantly in order to remain sharp. I’d like to think I have done that over the years by continuing to write, but I still had to shake off some of the Rust when it came to writing fiction. At the same time, I was also much younger back then. This passage of time can serve as a challenge, but it also has the capacity to be beneficial. I have had so many experiences in my own life since I last wrote fiction, and those experiences have helped me evolve as a person, but also as a writer. They’ve given me a new perspective, and it’s from this vantage point that I have worked to craft fresh narratives, and I hope that is evident in these stories.

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

There are so many different fiction writers that have influenced me over the years, with Raymond Carver and Ernest Hemingway’s short stories at the top of the list. I also love “Sonny’s Blues” by James Baldwin’s, and more recently, I’ve been reading the fiction of Mario Vargas Llosa and Arturo Perez Reverte. I’ve also been inspired by Flannery O’Connor, Chekhov, and I love Carson McCullers story The Jockey.

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

I love Joshua Tree National Park. I’ve heard some people say there’s “nothing there” but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s what I imagine it might be like on the moon. It’s just the feeling of being in another universe. The desert landscapes stretch out for miles. The wind tunnels through the stone corridors and the sky goes on forever. It’s almost impossible to conceive that it’s only two hours from the urban jungle of Los Angele, but it is. And it’s a wonderfully desolate, vast paradise. There is an almost spiritual quality to it, and I can always think a bit more clearly when I am there, when I am removed from everything that moves quickly and immersed in the desert stillness.

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

I imagine there is, but that’s not how this project began. It started with some casual verse that turned into prose and stretched out into a single story. The second story came quicker than I expected, and only then did I begin to think of the possibility of a book and begin to conceptualize where I might be able to head with the collection. I’d like to be able to tell you that there was a lot of preparation, but I really just began writing and then new ideas for new stories started to take shape organically.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Old Men Who Row Boats and Other Stories’ book?

I wrote the first story in the spring of 2017 and the final story was completed in 2019, just over two years after I had begun. Since that time, I’ve spent my time working on the editing, cover, design, and trying to develop a plan to market and sell the book effectively. These aren’t my strong suits, so it’s been a learning experience. Fortunately, I have an incredible team of people that have helped bring the book to fruition, beginning with my editor Emma Moylan, Cover Designer Katarina, and Layout Specialist Walt. Without their guidance and expertise, putting the finishing touches on the collection would have been hard to imagine.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Old Men Who Row Boats and Other Stories’ book to buy?

The book is available for pre-order on Amazon.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Old Men Who Row Boats and Other Stories’?

As far as the title was concerned, that is the title of one of the stories in the collection. The story, in particular, wrestled with time and place and the manner in which time moves along, which are themes that are found throughout many of the stories in the collection. The cover was a completely different process altogether. As I said, this is not where my personal expertise falls, and I am so lucky to have found such a talented designer, Katarina, from Die Welle Design. She took the time to become familiar with the stories and then create a cover that she believed embodied them. I am so pleased with it, from the colors palette to the image to the design, and I couldn’t be more proud to have this beautiful cover house the stories in this collection.

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

This is another great question. This is, of course, so important for writers if their work is going to resonate with readers. For me, I just try to make sure that everything I write feels like it’s coming from an authentic place, that it’s being written with my heart as well as my head, and that I am not forcing something onto the page that I don’t feel completely, wholly convinced about. This doesn’t have to be something significant. It could be describing two people sitting at a table at a restaurant. Or it could be someone gazing at a sunset or two people contemplating their future together. But if I am not passionate about what I am putting down on paper, it’s hard to expect the reader to be. I suppose whether I’ve accomplished this or not remains to be seen, but I hope that this approach has created some moments and that will resonate with readers.

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

Are there any secrets? I’m not sure. Perhaps I am not clever enough to have any secrets! But these stories don’t really fall into categories of mystery or fantasy where there are continual twists and turns and elaborate plots. So, it’s not a case of having something that I can leak or share or unveil. If I was going to reveal a secret, and I am not even sure I’d call it a secret, I’d reveal that the characters in this book are ultimately defined, like us, both by what they do and by what they don’t do, what they say and don’t say. And I guess it’s up to the reader to determine how they feel about them and the stories they inhabit. But I am excited to put this first collection forward and hope readers will enjoy it.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Old Men Who Row Boats And Other Stories

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

I’m Nevmah Morris, I was born in Walsall, UK in 1981. I have 5 boisterous brothers and we lived in Staffordshire during our childhood years. During our teenage years we lived in the West Midlands. I moved to North Wales in 2000.
North Wales, UK, is indeed a beautiful part of the world to live in and a wonderful place to raise children so needless to say I still reside in Wales.
I was a Primary School teacher for 13 years until joining my husband in our family business as Funeral Directors. I am also a children’s book author and writing stories about precious moments is my favourite pastime.
My husband and I are raising 5 beautiful daughters. They are my purpose, my reason for all that I do. To be a role model to them to show them that not only can you be a wife, mother, go to work, but that it’s important to maintain your own identity and not be too busy to lose my own interests and hobbies whilst taking care of many other people. Writing stories is time for ‘me’.
I’ve thought about publishing my stories for many years. After being diagnosed with breast cancer and surviving I realised that tomorrow is not promised to anyone, we are only given today. So why wait? Take one step towards your goal each day to make it happen. I began writing my first book ‘My Daughter Believes’ and have a mind full of stories ready to tell the world.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Post Office Travels’ book?

Talkers can talk and writers can write. I guess I was conscious of the word count and to keep it suitable for the age range I had intended it for without it becoming too lengthy. It was a challenge to condense the content and proved to me that it is much easier to write more than less!

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

As a child I could transport to another world through the writings of Enid Blyton, it was the closest to magic a child could get. Creating a book that can stretch a child’s imagination beyond anything they could ever experience is key. I also love the childlike simplicity and innocence that Beatrix Potter can bring to stories. With both of these authors it is quite something to be able to master completely fictional places and characters and make them so incredibly real and normal to a child.

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

Wales is an idyllic place to live. It is difficult to pick one spot. My children and I have created many stories and games in a tranquil woodland, reaching the heights of a hill or mountainside to have a picnic with a view or building a boat out of sand whilst listening to the sound of the ocean.

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

I ‘think’. I can spend days, months and years bringing a story to life in my mind. I write the plot, create characters and a purpose for the writing all in my head before I even put pen to paper. I plan a whole story then once it’s finished in my head the writing it down is the easy bit.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘My Daughter Believes’ book?

My Daughter Believes is a collection of childhood memories based on my own daughter Kya. As she grew up there were so many beautiful moments that I wanted to bottle up and keep treasured forever so over the years I would write them down on little pieces of paper and keep them in a drawer. In 2018 I was diagnosed with breast cancer which encouraged me to then do something about ‘those little pieces of paper’ and in 2019 I wrote my book My Daughter Believes. This book is dedicated to Kya and I intend to write and dedicate a book to each of my children.

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

My children’s books – My Daughter Believes and Post Office Travels – are available to purchase on Amazon and via my website http://www.nevmahmorris.co.uk.

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

My Daughter Believes is about all the childhood memories with my own daughter. Kya believed in everything – from fairies, midnight dances, the magic of Christmas to friendship, kindness, helping others. I hope her wonder of believing stays with her long into adulthood.
Post Office Travels was about my own travel and experiences to many places and countries. I wanted to record these experiences and share them with children in a story book. Using the Post Office, as a place of work in my book, enabled each reader to ‘travel’. One can travel anywhere in the world they need only take their imagination.

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

I focus my writing on the ‘present day’ and noting new things that come to light during conversations with others or observations of behaviours resulting from present day experiences. Hence I then work with new thoughts and ideas without the need to revisit old matters/ topics.

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

Plenty  My second book Post Office Travels is dedicated to one of my twin daughters Tien Rose. Tien helped me to create lots of fun seek and find items within the book. Tien loves interactive books so the last page calls for all ‘little explorers’ to go off and find things throughout the story. The name written on the boat, when the character is in Greece, is called the Tien Rose.

My Daughter Believes has many subtle references to our family too. For example, the characters that appear in the story are our 5 daughters, our family dog is illustrated on certain pages, the teddies on the little girls’ bed are drawings of Kya’s own stuffed toys, the name of the fairy is what Kya called her childhood imaginative fairy, one page is an illustration of a field by our house, the car number plate are our own private plates, we have a family tradition of the girls taking it in turns to put the star on the Christmas Tree each year which is exampled on one of the pages and Kya’s name means ‘diamond in the sky’ which is again illustrated on a page.
It’s been lovely that my girls have joined me in the writing, illustrating and publishing process to help create wonderful stories for children.

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My Daughter Believes

Post Office Travels

Book: Melik Nightcat And The Elven Prince: The Key Of Brundag

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

I served in the military, have a Juris Doctorate, and am wrapping up a thirty-year career as a Criminal Intelligence Analyst with the State Police. I’m married to a wonderful woman, have a grown daughter and a dog named Biscuit.
I grew up on the banks of the Mississippi with its wetlands and tributaries as my playground. For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved books. My earliest memories are of my dad reading the newspaper to me. Later my grandmother regularly gave me a quarter to purchase a comic book and candy bar at the Five and Dime. My comic book collection has grown to over 10,000!

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Melik Nightcat And The Elven Prince: The Key Of Brundag’ book?

The first big challenge was believing I could write a book worth reading. I’m very critical of my work. My first attempts were when I was twenty. All were rejected, and rightly so. Forty years later, with a lifetime of experience, I was finally ready.

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

Robert E. Howard, Edgar Rice Burroughs influenced my physical description of action. J.R. Tolkien, Ann McCaffery, Andre Norton influenced my world vision. Stephen King spoke to me on character development. A fantasy author who combines all of this that I enjoy today is Jim Butcher and his “Dresden Files.”

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

I love to visit the beach and watch the ocean play at its edge. It is so relaxing, and it seems to wash away all concerns. I feel like I’m in a dream, and my imagination is free. Some of my earliest books were about ships of war during the revolutionary war and, of course, pirate ships in the Caribbean.

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

Not really. When I’m not on task with something, my mind tends to wander, and I’m musing over bits and pieces of stories of various kinds. It all just bounces about in my head, so when I sit down to write, all I need to do is put it in words.

Q6. How long did it take you to write the ‘Melik Nightcat And The Elven Prince’ book?

It took about a year to write the book. I was working full time and spending time with family. I set myself a goal of writing five pages a week, and eventually, the book was finished. It is how I approach any big task, one step at a time until you reach the end.

Q7. On what all platforms can readers find ‘Melik Nightcat And The Elven Prince’ book to buy?

You can purchase a paperback or Kindle version through Amazon. It is also available on Kindle Unlimited. If you live in the Peoria, IL area, you can buy a signed copy from Bob at Acme Comics on Glen street. It has been my favorite store for the past thirty years.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Melik Nightcat And The Elven Prince’?

The title describes the entire story perfectly. Melik and the Elven Prince must work out their differences to stop a civil war. It is their quest to succeed or fail.
The book cover is the product of being married to a talented and popular artist. I have made friends with some of the most wonderful artists because of it. Jeremy Berkley, an amazing screen-printer, agreed to create the covers for all three of the books in my series. I showed him some examples of book covers I liked, and the creative genius that is Jeremy came up with several possibilities from which I chose two. The one you see on the first book and another for the second book.
Of course, having the art and turning it into a book cover is something else. Here I turned to Chelsie Tamms of “Letteringworks.” She put it into a proper format and lettered the title.

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

I want my world to seem like a real place. Even though it is all made up and full of magic, I want the reader to believe the place might have existed. I love the challenge of working out how certain magics would affect day-to-day life or why only a few use magic. It sets boundaries within which I create, and my writing thrives as restrictions become apparent.
For the reader, I like to take the expected and push it into the grey. I don’t want to take familiar tropes and make them unrecognizable but change them subtly to give them a new look.
I also like to foreshadow. For the discerning reader who wants to figure out where the story is heading, I like to leave breadcrumbs. There is always a reason why I put something in the story. When the unexpected happens, the reader can think back to an earlier part and understand where it came from.

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

In college, I was both a player and game master of dungeons and dragons. There are quite a few nods to the game if you’re paying attention.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Melik Nightcat And The Elven Prince: The Key Of Brundag

Book: Letters To My Father: 7 Steps To Healing From The Loss Of A Parent

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

I am Vernae Taylor, NJ based Authorpreneur, Speaker and Mentor and I help people move from a place of loss and grief, step into their confidence and break through to live life on purpose.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Letters To My Father: 7 Steps To Healing From The Loss Of A Parent’ book?

The first challenge I had while writing this book was that after losing my father back in 2011, I began writing in a spiral notebook every Father’s Day, every birthday and every anniversary to simply honor him and reflect. I never imagined that I would someday be sharing this journey with the world, so I had to reformat the entire book from scratch into a guide to help others along the process of loss and grief. I faced the challenge of staying focused and motivated in the midst of a pandemic and unimaginable uncertainty. Although my father has been gone for quite some time, I also felt myself being triggered by constant loss around me and my family, due to Covid-19.

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

Sista Souljah, The Coldest Winter Ever; all of Langston Hughes’ poetry and writing, which always reflects the black voice; Alice Walker, The Color Purple, Terry McMillan, Disappearing Acts; Joyce Meyer, Beauty for Ashes; Stormie Omartian’s praying books; Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now

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

My favorite place to visit is Miami, Florida in the U.S. It’s special to me, because it represents the perfect balance of relaxation, good food and electrifying music that makes you dance all night long.

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

Fortunately for me, my books have not required much preparation, as I believe my story and my experiences have already been written in some regard. I say that with great confidence, because writing poetry, journaling and cataloging written reflections have always been a daily practice for me ever since I was a child. The most involved process would be the publishing and marketing of the book, upon completion.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Letters To My Father: 7 Steps To Healing From The Loss Of A Parent ‘ book?

You’ll never believe it…but I DO have an award to prove it. I completed my manuscript in just 2 days!

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Letters To My Father: 7 Steps To Healing From The Loss Of A Parent’ book to buy?

By direct order (autographed with added gifts) at http://www.letters2myfather.com or personal website http://www.vernaetaylor.com

By email request at vernaetheauthor@gmail.com

Amazon central (author page) https://www.amazon.com/author/vernaetaylor

Amazon kindle edition

http://www.goodreads.com

http://www.amazon.co.jp

http://www.amazon.de

http://www.amazon.ca

http://www.amazon.co.uk

http://www.amazon.fr

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Letters To My Father: 7 Steps To Healing From The Loss Of A Parent’?

While writing in that old spiral notebook, it was always titled “Letters to my Father.” The subtitle came later, as to clearly identify to the readers what to expect and what they would learn by picking up and reading this book.

When I thought of the word letters I immediately envisioned frayed written letters (in cursive) scattered about, along with a pen. Initially I was going to use the colors black and white or gray to represent the timelessness of these letters. However, after receiving the first draft, it gave me a feeling of weariness and sadness. So we had to go back to the drawing board.

I absolutely love purple and any color within that same family, so that’s where the lavender orchids came in. After seeing that second draft, my mood immediately perked up and a feeling of hopefulness and enlightenment came over me. That’s the feeling I wanted and needed my readers to have after experiencing the devastating loss of a parent.

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

I’m not sure if I truly focused on the idea of freshness as much as I did on authenticity and transparency. Whenever I’m writing, I want it to be as honest and raw as possible. Remaining true to my authentic voice and point of view within that present space and during that period of the actual loss is what was most important to me.

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

There are two amazing human beings and writers (Alessandro Cerdas and Edna Frate) who I am honored to call lifelong friends that popped in and made a contribution in two separate sub-chapters. After reading, can you guess where these two people showed up?

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Book Is Available On Amazon

Letters To My Father: 7 Steps To Healing From The Loss Of A Parent

Book: The Meal Deal

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

My name is Lisa, and I’m not really sure how to define myself since I’m always changing and evolving. I’ve been many things in my life so far, from a graphic designer to an economist to a freelance writer to a wellness coach. I’ve never been one to have a straight path in life, but rather tend to live more organically and follow my heart to the next project. I’ve also never followed societal norms, and have a different definition of success than a lot of people – one that’s defined more by growth than by material or job-related expectations. But writing has always been my first love (since I was very young), and everything I’ve done has involved the craft in some way. I’m an avid reader, cook, non-competitive athlete, certified nutrition coach, and I love doing what I can to help others find their own way.

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

I’ve always had a severe lack of self-confidence, so I finally had to confront that with a therapist to help work through a lifetime of self doubt and the feeling of not believing what I had to say was worthy of being out in the world. I also had to work with an incredible editor to figure out the structure of the book, because in the beginning it was just a bunch of bulleted lists with no real actionable steps.

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

Michael Pollen is my icon in terms of food writing. Herman Wouk for his literary flow and humor. Any author who has the enviable trait of being able to get their point or story across succinctly but with finesse (for example, “Catch -22,” by Joseph Heller, and more recently Matt Haig). Elizabeth Gilbert and Stephen King’s books on writing were instrumental in helping me develop as a writer and nurtured my creativity.

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

Bodega Bay, California. My Mom has a home on the coast with stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. I’ve been going out there so long, it feels like a second home. We love to visit the vineyards and the wonderfully quaint small towns, but just staring out of the windows from the house at the vast ocean and being mesmerized by its beauty is perfection.

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

I think it depends on the book. I imagine some books take years of research before you can begin writing, and then they kind of write themselves in a way because you’ve been plotting the story as you’ve been doing the research. For “The Meal Deal,” I basically just started with a brain dump, and then made an outline and tweaked it too many times to remember.

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

It felt like forever. I’d say it was probably 10 years from putting pen to paper (and then to computer) and publishing. But a lot of that time was because I got stuck on thinking it would never be good enough, so I’d put it away and then come back to it over and over. But it’s something I couldn’t stop thinking about, so I never let it go completely.

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

Right now you can find it on Amazon: (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1610059743?ref=myi_title_dp)

Booklogix: https://www.shop.booklogix.com/The-Meal-Deal-22313.htm

And on my website: https://lisakschreiber.com/the-meal-deal-book

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

The main title came to me pretty quickly as I was playing around with words and phrases I thought would represent the book well. The subtitle was a joint effort between my husband and me. He and I were talking about finding an active subtitle that would encompass what the book was about at dinner one night, and we were throwing out ideas and that one stuck. I felt like it was dynamic and explained just enough of what readers could expect to find. Then I worked with a very talented cover designer at my publisher’s and she asked if I had anything in mind for the cover. I mentioned I loved the idea of having a menu board, like the kind you’d find outside a restaurant to get people excited about their food, and she ran with it (and, I thought, did a superb job).

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

I think I try to keep things relevant to what’s currently going on, but also timeless so that it’s something readers can relate to, hopefully, for many years. And I always try to keep in mind the big overall concept so that I never stray too far and have readers wondering why something is there. That also helps me refine as I go instead of wasting time throwing in the kitchen sink (which I tend to do anyway – that’s why editors are a must).

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

While the book is aimed at helping readers set up their surroundings to make meal planning a way of life, it’s also meant to be like a mini-coaching session. I hope readers will learn to trust that they are the ultimate authority on their lives, and they don’t need to compare themselves or compete with others in any way. It sounds like an easy concept, but these can be hard habits to form. I ask readers to repeatedly practice self-compassion and self-acceptance because these are fundamental concepts that, if practiced over and over, give people room to grow through their lives. I also ask readers to break down their big “why.” Getting to the heart of why they want to change their eating habits can help people remember the deeper purpose and motivate them to keep going when things get challenging.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Meal Deal

Book: Where Is Bejou?

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

My name is Hiba Shublak I am the founder of Active Learning and ALBI (Performing Arts Programs) http://www.activelearningusa.org I have a B.S. in Child Development and M.A. in Education and
I have developed award winning musical theatre, dance and PE programs and curricula throughout California. My accomplishments include developing innovative resources, publications and programs to maximize healthy communities rich in the arts.

It has always been a dream of mine to write children’s books. When I lost my dad a few years ago, my whole world changed. Then, I lost my first dog, Bejou a few years later. I wrote this story after experiencing loss in my lifetime with the hope of inspiring others to be grateful for having loved ones, and for the positive marks they leave in our lives.

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

Some of the key challenges to writing the book, where coming up with storyline, learning how to illustrate and particularly digitizing my pictures to look professional. This story comes from my heart, and the story didn’t take me long, the pictures easily flowed out of my paintbrush, but learning how to digitize the paintings was the biggest challenge of all. Once I found a great digital artist, we were able to work together to finalize the drawings and I am currently taking classes.

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

I love children’s books and some of the most influential writers I have been inspired by include the following:
• The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
• They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel
• The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

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

My favourite spot to visit is the beach and just being out in nature. These spots are special to me because I love being out in nature and paying attention to the beautiful signs that pass by me. I love seeing animals, listening to the water and enjoying the beautiful weather to be grateful for life. Nature inspires me and when you read my book, you can see how the symbols of nature are intertwined in the overall message of the book. “Leave a mark wherever you go.” This is one of my favourite quotes in the book from a snail.

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

There are many things that must be done before I start writing. First, there is the initial concept, the age group you are intending to write for and what your moral of the story is going to be. Research on other authors and books that have written around the subject is of utmost importance. It is important to learn what books are out there, read other authors, learn the language of different age groups. Next there are several drafts of the story. Once the story is finalized, illustrations play a big role in the book. Sometimes, the storyline may change a bit based on the illustrations.

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

I wanted to write my first book with the intention to write more books in my future. It took me more than 3 years for the entire process. I spent a year researching, reading and studying children’s books, respected authors and illustrators, and learning how to complete a fully storyline that is interesting to readers. I also spent time learning how to illustrate pictures. I wanted this to come from the heart, so I taught myself how to use watercolour paint and worked with digital illustrators to help me put my drawings into a digital format. Once all of that was completed, I published and I am currently taking classes in digital illustration.

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

My book is available on an international level at many retailers, however the ones listed are the most popular. Furthermore, if you go directly to my website https://www.activelearningusa.org/where-is-bejou You can click the links directly to go to the purchase pages.
Book Baby
• English: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/Where-is-Bejou
• Spanish: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/d%c3%b3nde-est%c3%a1-bejou

Amazon
• English: https://amzn.to/3qUCrtc
• Spanish: https://amzn.to/3cf3sno

Barnes & Noble
• English: http://bit.ly/3iSHWG3
• Spanish: http://bit.ly/3cdotPh

Target
• English: http://bit.ly/3iREJH0
• Spanish: Coming Soon

Walmart
• English: http://bit.ly/3aa4YEo Spanish: Coming Soon

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

The cover picture of Where is Bejou, came to me without a thought. I wanted to capture the adorable Bejou in a little portrait of her. The nose, in the shape of a heart, represents how much I loved her.

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

As an educator, it has always been my goal to teach stories with moral values. To do this, I am always reading new books for all ages, watching movies that inspire me and getting to know what is out there through extensive research. I think of what I wish I had as a child, what I would want my children to learn and grasp in life and I am constantly looking for new ideas through nature walks, lessons I have learned in life and sharing experiences with others.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Where Is Bejou?

Book: Cloud Cover

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

Hello and thank you for the interview. I live in Toronto, Canada, and I work full-time in the back office of a bank. My first love is film; I tried to make it as a screenwriter, but nothing came of it. Then I turned to writing books.

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

The book is focused on a man named Tony who has mental health issues, specifically an eating disorder. The biggest challenge was accepting that readers who were my family and friends would probably figure out the character was based on me. It took a while to get over the shame I used to feel. And of course, the never-ending hours of writing is always exhausting and sometimes demoralizing.

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

Some books that have changed my life include The Color Purple by Alice Walker, When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, and Life Will Be the Death of Me by Chelsea Handler. Other writers I love are James Baldwin, Douglas Coupland, Andrew Pyper, Maya Angelou and Sylvia Plath.

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

Any tennis court in Toronto. My parents taught me how to play when I was 8 and I’ve been addicted for 30+ years ever since. Being on court on a warm sunny day and hearing the balls hitting the racquets and the birds in the trees makes me feel like a kid again.

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

Yes, depending on what I’m writing about, I try to do a lot of research about the topic and make a loose outline of the book before doing the actual writing. But there’s no real step-by-step process to it – I kind of just try to organize myself and then go with the flow when needed.

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

It was long! I would write a bit, then not touch it for months, even years at some points. But if remove all the breaks I took, probably about 3 and a half years.

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

It is on Amazon, Indigo/Chapters, Barnes & Noble and Kobo. There is a link on my Instagram and Facebook bio that takes you to all that.

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

I came across the cover of an album called Upstairs and Eric’s by Yazoo that I really love. It has a male mannequin sitting at a table, with his body cut in half. It’s very contemplative. I thought the idea of a mannequin would suit my book’s theme of trying to fit oneself into some ideal mould, so I went with that direction.
As for the title – the main character often thinks he is cursed in life, that there is a cloud always over his head, following him. Like him, I couldn’t make sense of all the events that happened to me. The only reason I could come up with as to why these things occurred was so I could have a story, and maybe share it with others who are experiencing the same. Maybe it would help them. Maybe it would help me. I so wanted to make my pain and grief mean something, and it turned into the book.

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

I always surround myself with books, poems or other pieces of writing, songs, and even visual art during the writing process for inspiration. You never know where your next idea could come from.

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

It may not seem like it from the blurb or the first few chapters, but there is a lot of humour in the book. One of the characters is a drag queen – I had so much fun writing the scenes in the drag bars! Also, anyone who works in an office will probably laugh at – and relate to – the ridiculous absurdity of corporate culture, brought in by the main character’s boss

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Cloud Cover

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

I’m Lanie Mores, author of the science fiction and fantasy book series, Father of Contention. I reside in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada with my husband and son. I have two little, feisty dogs, Petri and Batman, who are a constant source of entertainment and distraction. Besides writing, I also run my own personal training business in-home and online. My interests involve music, baking, watching movies and television shows, fitness, reading, and writing. I’m currently busy working on the fourth book in my series, Gatekeepers of Eden, which should be available this summer.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Father of Contention’ book?

Father of Contention was the first novel I wrote, and so I struggled with “imposter syndrome”. Feelings of doubt and inadequacy constantly led to procrastination, and I almost quit the process more than once. Not only was I faced with insecurity around my writing abilities, but I was a newbie to the entire publication process. Editing my manuscript, writing queries, synopses, back cover blurbs, creating social media pages…it was a steep learning curve, but worth it all in the end.

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

Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Margaret Atwood, and Stephenie Meyer have all influenced my writing. They inspired me to write in the science fiction, fantasy, horror, and paranormal genres, and their writing styles are much to be emulated. I’m impressed by their effective use of poetic description, the impact that their characters’ internal dialogue has on their readers to make them feel a part of the story, and the inclusion of tragic storylines that don’t always have a happy ending. Although I could never say that I write as well as them, they inspire me to keep improving my skills and aspire to be a better author.

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

My all-time favourite spot to visit is the Indigo/Chapters bookstore in my hometown of Thunder Bay. It has a Starbucks attached, so it’s always filled with the glorious aroma of fresh brewed coffee. Coffee and books together…it’s my little slice of paradise! I worked there when I was in University, and more recently I got into the habit of dropping in every Sunday after church with my mom and son. It was the perfect escape, but we haven’t been able to go since Covid-19 hit, so I sorely miss our little dates.

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

As far as being a “Plotter or a Pantser”, I would say I’m more of a plotter. I always start with an idea or a group of concepts I want to write about, and then I research those concepts to death, literally burying myself in articles, books, periodicals…whatever I can get my hands on pertaining to the subject, until I feel like I’m an expert. Next, I create an outline of how my chapters and storyline will evolve; when different characters will be introduced and what they will be like, creating the scenery, developing bits of dialogue. During this process there are times I’m simply staring off into space, daydreaming, creating the scenes in my head before I write them down on paper. Finally, when I feel the story is mapped out from beginning to end, I start to write.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Sea of Forgetfulness’ book?

Sea of Forgetfulness took me approximately three years to write, from conception to completion, but I was working on other projects simultaneously. I began writing the first draft during NaNoWriMo 2016. Then I put it on the backburner until I finished it during NaNoWriMo 2019, followed by months of edits.

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

My website http://www.laniemores.com has direct links to most of the platforms where my books are available. That being said, you can find them on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indigo/Chapters, Kindle, Kobo, Smashwords, and Goodreads.

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

When I’m planning my covers, I picture in my mind what I would like the cover to look like, and then I search through hundreds of stock photos until I find the closest picture to match my vision. For my current book series, I wanted a character picture on both the front and back cover, so I needed to find the perfect fit for both. After I narrowed it down to a few choices, I had my friends vote on their favourites. The winners got sent off to Tellwell Talent’s book cover designers, who then created the final, polished graphics.
For title selection, my first book was easy since the devil serves as the books’ narrator, so I called it Father of Contention, which is one the devil’s many names. He also becomes the father of a new race of human, and so it was fitting. My second book, Guardian of Angel is a play on words. The main character’s nickname is Angel, and she gets linked to her guardian angel after a near-death-experience. Sea of Forgetfulness is taken from the Bible, a special place where people go that is somewhere between life and death…the main theme for that storyline. And the final book, Gatekeepers of Eden literally is about a selected group of individuals meant to protect the entrance to the Garden of Eden.

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

There are times I ignore the rules of writing and go off on my own tangent. It’s a risk, and can go either way, by being effective or an epic failure. I’m pleased how it’s turned out so far. For example, in the Father of Contention series, I have the devil using free-style poetry to narrate the story during the opening, midway and closing of the story in each book. He speaks directly to his audience, to you as reader and as the humans he loathes. I feel this addition gives the story a unique feel.

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

There are a few secrets I can share from my latest book Sea of Forgetfulness that aren’t considered spoilers. For instance, Anthony and Ang, two of the main characters, get married in a quiet, understated affair. I also take the concept of “kill your darlings” a little too far by knocking off some major characters, while other characters thought to be dead and gone, resurface. Things aren’t always as they seem in my stories.

Author’s Profile

Books Are Available On Amazon

Father of Contention

Sea of Forgetfulness

Guardian of Angel