Category: Author Interview

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.

Author’s Profile

Books Are Available On Amazon

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.

Author’s Profile

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?

Author’s Profile

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

Book: The Power Of Positivity: The ABC’s Of A Pandemic

Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself?

I am a proud mom of 3 amazing young adults. For the past
30 years, I have owned and operated a licensed Family In-home Daycare/Preschool. In addition, I am a certified parent-relationship coach. Through my extensive hands-on experiences and raising my own three children, I have learned a lot about children and how children think and react to different situations. Using positive mindsets, I help family members build strong meaningful partnerships filled with better understanding, more joy, and the ability to work through problems.
I have always had a dream of writing children’s books. My book The Power of Positivity, The ABC’s of a Pandemic, was inspired by my daycare children. One of the many things unique about the book is that each character in the book is a likeness of my children and past or
present daycare children. I believe that as much as I have taught them over the years, I have learned so much from them. It was my way of honoring them and letting them know how special they are to me.
My other passions include traveling with my family. We love to go on adventures and discover places off the beaten track. In my younger years, I was blessed to have worked as a tour guide, traveling with 40-50 people for two weeks at a time. It was such a great
experience, and as my children grew, it was vital for me to instill the adventure of travel in them. We have experienced some amazing adventures over time.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Power of Positivity: The ABC’s Of A Pandemic’ book?

I think the biggest challenge was time. Just when you think you will make a deadline, something happens, causing delays. I worked with incredible professional people, so there was always a way to fix it. It was frustrating when delays happened because I knew I wanted the book out as soon as possible. After the first few delays I took on the mindset that there must be a good reason. I had faith that my book would be published exactly at the right time and that everything would fall into place. And it did, and things are still falling into place.

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

As a pre-school teacher, I have shared thousands and thousands of books with my children. I admire so many authors, too many too list. I love books that teach something, that help children see a problem they might have, and help them find solutions. That’s why I wrote my book. There was so much uncertainty around this pandemic. The uncertainty was causing children to be anxious and they were struggling with the right vocabulary to ask the questions to their concerns. I remember a book I read called Ruby Finds A Worry. Written by Tom Percival. In this book, Tom helps children who feel anxious, notice their worry and explains that it grows bigger and bigger if they keep it bottles up. When you share your fears and talk about them, they can go away. I believe children can learn so much through books and songs. My book has helped many children open up and talk about their fears of the pandemic and since my book focuses on the positive, reading and rereading my book helps them “rewire” their brains to look for the silver lining during this time.

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

I love the beauty of the great outdoors. When I was a tour guide in the mid 80’s One of my series was Alaska and the Yukon. Alaska and the Yukon have the most majestic mountains, glaciers and vast wild spaces. The wildlife is fascinating, and there is so much to learn about the history of the areas. The aurora borealis (northern lights) is breath taking, I have seen it many times, and each time it is unique and spectacular. For as long as I can remember, I always dreamed of sharing that area with my children. We were very blessed a few years back to take a vacation there and make unforgettable memories.

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

My process of writing a book may be very different from any other authors. Since the majority of my life has been surrounded by children, I am very in tune with their need. My children are always sharing things with me, so I get many of my children’s topics from them. I then do a lot of research. I sleep with a notebook by my bed, so if I think of something even during the middle of the night, I can jot it down. I do my best thinking just before bed and first thing in the morning because my mind seems clear and more open to creativity.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Power of Positivity: The ABC’s Of A Pandemic’ book?

Writing the book only took a few weeks. The idea for the book came one day on the zoom during our state shut down. One of my daycare children looked sad and lost. He was missing his normal routine and his friends. I opened up a conversation so that the children could share what they were feeling and what I found was that most of them were feeling the same way, sad, lonely and confused. They were focused on the terrible situations they heard about the covid-19 virus.
I tend to be a very positive person, Not to say I have not had my share of ups and downs and challenging times, but I always try to look at the glass half full. So I started to brainstorm all the good that has come out of this difficult time. Everywhere I looked, I could find nuggets of kindness, love and compassion for others. I began researching to see more examples to use in my book, and that is when The Power of Positivity, The ABC’S of a Pandemic, was born. The part that took the longest was the illustrations; those took about eight weeks. Harry Aveira is such a talented illustrator. He had incredible ideas and was so patient with the things I asked for. The illustrations are so important because they continue to tell my story, so it is essential to take the time to get them just right.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Power of Positivity: The ABC’s Of A Pandemic’ book to buy?

My books are currently located on Amazon, Good reads, Barns and Noble, and any Independent Bookstores. They are also available on my website https://www.ruthmaille-author.com/ “The Power of Positivity: The ABC’s Of A Pandemic’ is also available in Spanish, El poder de la positividad EL: ABC de una pandemia. I have also published 2 companion books, The Power of Positivity Coloring book for children ages 3-5 yrs old and The Power of Positivity Activity book ages 5-8. My website has more information as to where you can buy local and valuable information on what is happening.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Power of Positivity: The ABC’s Of A Pandemic’?

My project manager and mentor, April Cox, my graphic designer Praise Salfor, and myself worked on the cover idea. I wanted something that would encompass the entire book. People in the world were trying to cling to hope and be as optimistic as possible. So one night on zoom, we decided that the page “O is for Optimistic” was a picture of the earth; later named Orbit, with a band-aid on his head and a little girl hugging it, trying to make it feel better seemed to be the perfect cover. We also thought that the book should be neutral, so both boys and girls could love the book and its message. We decided to add a little boy. A friend of mine, Diane, suggested he be fist-pumping the earth since that was what boys were doing these days. The colors, font, and placement were also important. It took two weeks of tweaking to create what you see.

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

I think the secret is just being me. I write from my heart, and my intention is to help children develop into confident, happy, respectful, well-adjusted, and resilient human beings. I do this every day in my business, and writing children’s books is one more way I can make a difference. I don’t concentrate on “Is this what will sell my book?” I focus on how my message can make a difference in even one child’s life. I hope that when children read my book, they feel empowered to be the best they can be.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story. If you have any clarification questions or need more information please reach out.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Power Of Positivity: The ABC’s Of A Pandemic

Book: Three Tooth Fairies Flutter, Flax And Sam The Day Sam Gets Fired

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

Hi! I’m Lillie Sandstrom. I’m a wife, mother of 5, sister, and friend. I’m a grandmother of 4 with 1 on the way. I teach piano lessons. I love to read, bake, craft, and most recently, write books!

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Three Tooth Fairies Flutter, Flax And Sam The Day Sam Gets Fired’ book?

The challenges were getting the story to flow, be easy to read, and make sense. Then it was what are the fairies to look like? I wanted an illustrator, but found that making the fairies and taking photos was a better way to go. Then I worked with @FriesenPress, self publishing. They were amazing! The editing comments were the best help of all. The challenge now is getting the word out. The pandemic hasn’t helped, but social media is the key.

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

I love JK Rowling and the Harry Potter series. I love Shel Silverstein. “The Giving Tree” is my all-time fav book. Sandra Boynton and Dr. Seuss are among my favorite authors as well. I love a good detective-type novel. Trying to figure out whodunit is something I enjoy. Because I had 5 children, I had a lot of practice reading books to children. Some books we read over and over and I just thought about what made them so popular with our kids.

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

The beach. I live in So. California. The beach is one place I can go and just sit, watch the waves and people, and think. I find peace there.

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

Well, first you need a story. Take from your own experiences. Then you need to just get it on paper. Revisions, revisions, revisions. Just keep at it!! I had all my kids and my husband read my story and make comments. It was helpful.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Three Tooth Fairies Flutter, Flax And Sam: The Day Sam Gets Fired’ book?

I was on a long road trip (a 12 hr drive!), alone, and wrote the story on the drive home. When I would take a break for food and gas, I would jot down what I had thought about. I wrote it up when I got home and revised it several times, over a few months. Actually, it came together pretty quickly. And it’s a children’s story, 30 pages, so it didn’t take too long.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Three Tooth Fairies Flutter, Flax And Sam: The Day Sam Gets Fired’ book to buy?

You can purchase a book at Amazon; Bookstore.FriesenPress.com; BarnesandNoble.com; books.com; bol.com; powells.com; to name a few.
You can purchase a digital copy at Google Play Books and Kindle Store.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Three Tooth Fairies Flutter, Flax And Sam: The Day Sam Gets Fired’?

I knew I wanted a story of three fairy friends. As the story was coming together, I thought about fairies and they flutter around. That sparked the name of the first fairy, Flutter. Then I wanted another name that, when spoken, flowed together. The fairies are made from flowers and plants, so the name, Flax, worked nicely. My husband suggested that! Then I wanted a single syllable name to end the threesome. I just liked the name Sam. Because of our own experience, I wanted Sam to be the distracted one and it also comes from experience that our tooth fairy was fired. So it’s a story of how the firing of our fairy came to be.
Trying to find an illustrator was difficult, so I made the fairies and my husband, Stan, is the photographer/illustrator. We thought having real photos would make for a nice book. It’s a bit different than other cartoon-type tooth fairy books. I wanted to be just a little different.
I made several fairies and we had a photo shoot one day. The cover photo, with some added sparkles, was a photo both my husband and I liked, and it stuck.

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

Recalling your own experiences keeps things fresh I think. It’s always fun to reminisce. But making it a story for all to read, well, you need fun characters and a good plot or message. Having the three fairies and basically a community of fairies, all with different personalities, allows me to create lots of stories. The Day Sam Gets Fired is just the beginning of stories about Flutter, Flax, and Sam!!

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Three Tooth Fairies Flutter, Flax And Sam The Day Sam Gets Fired

Book: Hungry Hearts

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

My name is Julie Hoag. I’m an author of Young Adult books and a Family and Lifestyle blogger/influencer. I write contemporary romance and middle grade novels. My debut novel is “Hungry Hearts” and my next book “Out of Control” is scheduled to release in 2021 with Swoon Romance. I blog about family life, topics for kids and moms/women, pets, recipes, and travel, with some DIY added in here and there. I am also published across the internet in nonfiction. I am a wife and mom of three boys, two dogs, and a guinea pig.

Q2. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Hungry Hearts’?

The book cover was fully created by Month9Books/Swoon Romance, the publisher of the book. I loved the cover instantly when I first saw it. They did an amazing job, it’s just so gorgeous. The title fits because the book is about anorexia, food, and being hungry both for food and for love. Landra’s heart is starving for love and attention almost as much, if not more, than her stomach is for food. She severely lacks emotional support and evidence of love at the beginning of the book, only receiving it from her two best friends. So, her heart is very hungry. The title was originally longer but upon collaboration with the publisher, we thought the shorter version was better.

Q3. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I wrote this book as a part of the Twitter writing challenge NaNoWriMo. This is a writing challenge for writers/authors to attempt to write at least 30,000 words in a month. It was in the month of November and I exceeded the goal and made it to 45,000 words in the month. I took two more weeks of intense writing and I finished the book in a total of just six weeks. I had beta readers read it, I revised it and shipped it off and I was offered a book contract in January. For me, keeping it fresh means writing manically. I feel I’m in the zone of a book when I write on it constantly, so I keep that intensity going because I feel I’m living in the book. This helps me remember who is doing what, who is saying what, and helps keep me in the flow of the story better than when I take large breaks. So, I guess I tend to write books in chunks of time rather than over a long period of time.

Q4. What does success mean to you?

I have already met my goal of becoming a published author. That is a dream I’ve had since I was a very young girl in the fourth grade. Of course, I want to sell more books and move people emotionally and mentally with more books, but to me, I am already successful no matter what happens next. I’ve written seven manuscripts/books, two of which I have contracts for, and that is a huge accomplishment in and of itself.

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

I usually start with characters and a basic premise for the book, a set of themes I wish to touch on in the story. It’s been different for each manuscript. I often need to research something about a storyline, to make it accurate, and I do that as I go along writing usually. I do like to have an outline, query letter, or hook written out before I start to keep myself oriented to the storyline.

Q6. How long did it take you to write this book? On what all platforms can readers find your book to buy?

I guess I touched on that already, I wrote this book in six weeks, rather manically. But to me, if I’m in the zone of the book, it’s easier to keep going. If I have ever taken breaks, I have to go back and reread what I’ve written to get back into the zone of that book, so it’s rather an ineffective way to write in my world. My book is in ebook form, audiobook, audio CD, and paperback. It is sold on Amazon, Target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, all the independent small book stores, play.google.com, and more.

Q7. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?

Anywhere on the coast as I love the beach. I love the sound of water, so lakes are nice too, but the ocean shore is unmatched in beauty, serenity, magic, and majesty.

Q8. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Hungry Hearts’ book?

My key challenge was to depict the characters as true teens. My greatest compliments have come from those who called my book “a true YA book”, “almost too real” they were uncomfortable, that the characters were almost painfully too realistic. This means I’ve done my job in writing true to life characters, which is what I’d be honoured to be known for. It was a challenge I enjoyed trying to incorporate my own experiences with teen anorexia into a book where the character showed her true anorexic nature but also experienced growth, healing, and maturity.
The other thing I wanted to illustrate is that teens with disorders and low self-esteem can still fall in love. Not that love is a fix all for problems, if only it were that easy, but the support a person can receive from someone they love can help them down the path to healing. Other books with teens who have anorexia delve into the deep dark arena of anorexia where they may have severe health problems resulting from the anorexia. Well, the truth is, less severe cases of anorexia are far more common and can be just as potentially dangerous as those who end up in the hospital due to their anorexia. Anorexia is on a spectrum, just as all disorders, there are less severe cases and more drastic cases. I wanted to show the case of a girl with anorexia who definitely was negatively impacted by her poor eating but who didn’t end up with organ damage or hospitalization. A person with anorexia needs the support of her family and friends, and therapy if that’s available. But support from those in one’s life can have a significant impact on heading down the road to healing.
Incorporating multiple themes, including low self-esteem, bullying, and grieving on top of all of the above into a book can be a challenge, but that is accurate to real life. No one lives in a bubble. We all have challenges, issues, hurts, and healing ongoing throughout our lives. I wanted to create a character who reflected that reality. It’s very close to what I lived through myself having lost my own mother at sixteen. But, yet, I also wanted to show the upbeat nature of teens falling in love so the challenges were definitely there.

Q9. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Oh, that’s almost impossible to say. I’ve read so much over the course of my life; I’ve consumed so many books it makes my head spin. From teen romance novels as a young girl (and still now… I read YA all the time), to mysteries, to horror, to romance, and a whole line of classics. I love to read fiction, poetry, and memoirs too. To pick some who have inspired me I guess I’d pick Stephen King, John Green, J.K. Rowling, Kami Garcia, Stephanie Perkins, Sara Dressen, Jenny Han, Huntley Fitzpatrick, Jennifer Niven, Clare Di Liscia, just so many amazing authors. I couldn’t even begin to name them all.

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

The boy she falls in love with ends up pleasing her in ways she never expected.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Hungry Hearts