Category: Author Interview

Book: Animal Council and the Disappearing Sea Ice

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

I was born in Westchester county, New York to a mother from Brazil and a father from England. They met at an international party and decided to settle in New York. I moved to Baltimore at the age of 18 and began higher education study at Johns Hopkins University.
The dream to be an author and write books has been with me since childhood. My economic situation was such that being an author would have to be a hobby, with moments to write stolen from the evenings after the kids were in bed, some hours on the weekends or while on holiday. One has to make time and prioritise, or the dreams will vaporise.
Personal life challenges brought me and my three boys to Iceland and then further east to Norway. I am now living in southern Norway and work as a protected areas manager. One can rarely control the inevitable bombs of life’s unforeseen destiny, but even so, I never gave up on my dream to be an author.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Animal Council and the Disappearing Sea Ice ’ book?

Finding time and being clear-headed enough to write in complete sentences were the key challenges. I was a single mother of three young boys at the time I conceived the outline of this book. Not long after, I began a PhD in northern Norway. There wasn’t much left in my brain at the end of the day after helping with homework, and I often fell asleep from pure exhaustion while writing. Then I would discover typos left over from sleeping fingers. This continued throughout the 15 years, but I never gave up on the dream. I remember being so very exhausted all the time. There was never enough time or energy to write without falling asleep.

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

A. A. Milne (Winnie-the-Pooh; the House at Pooh Corner), Rudyard Kipling (The Jungle Book), Agatha Christie, J. K. Rowling.

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

I have lived in three countries – the US, Iceland and Norway, and I have also travelled a good bit around the world (though not nearly enough). My favourite spot is always the ocean. No matter where I am, or the time of day, I seek out the sounds, smells and serenity of the ocean. For some reason, when I am near the ocean, whatever writer’s block might be in place dissipates into the sea air and I begin to write. It’s magical.

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

For me, the answer is no. When the words begin to flow, I begin to write. The key is to start writing, allowing the words to move from my imagination and take form on the page. The rest will come over time, as the images and characters become real.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Animal Council and the Disappearing Sea Ice’ book?

I worked on this book for 15 years. I was a single mother of three young boys when I first began the idea for this book and was living in northern Iceland. My boys are now grown men. Originally, I had targeted a much younger audience – more at the level of Winnie-the-Pooh, but my vision didn’t flow correctly at that level of writing. This book was my first, and in many ways an experiment, in creative writing. I published an earlier draft and sent it around for feedback to check on my direction, and over time the book evolved into its current form, though the title and concept has been consistent from the beginning.

Q7. On what platforms can readers find ‘Animal Council and the Disappearing Sea Ice’ book to buy?

The book was published by In-House Publishing, Brisbane, Australia. For residents in Australia and New Zealand it is recommended to buy directly from In-House Publishing. The book is also available on Amazon US and Amazon UK. All links are available through my website: http://www.mvsolstrand.com

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Animal Council and the Disappearing Sea Ice’?

The title has been there since the beginning, 15 years ago. I was working for the Arctic Council at the time and one of our most challenging projects focused on how biodiversity of the Arctic was being affected by disappearing sea ice.
The book cover is a rather lovely story, actually. It was my son, Kristian, who recommended an above-and-below ocean scene. There is a website called Reedsy (www.reedsy.com) which offers services to authors. I was scanning for an illustrator and found Madli Silm (www.madli.eu). She took the time to read the book first and we discovered that we shared a synergy of thought and vision. We started with the colour pallet and worked on the design from there. Madli and I worked through every detail together, down to the crumbling ice, George’s facial expression and even Bubo’s wing tips. Finally, came the choice of font. It was quite a special journey to see the book cover evolve and the reviews have been outstanding. It is a book cover to be proud of. Madli Silm is a truly gifted artist and there is no doubt she will be my first choice for all future illustrations.

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

For the last 15 years, I have not read a children’s book or seen a Disney movie or any other children’s film in order to avoid being influenced. I have waited, almost as an eager bystander, while my own imaginings took form on paper.

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

The names all have special meanings. If readers are interested, please join me in creating the sequel – book 2! I will begin research in 2021 and the book will feature the bleaching of coral reefs, illegal wildlife trade, deforestation and more on the theme of marine garbage. Send your ideas for plots and species! A few of the delegates to the Animal Council will have deputies with them in book 2, and I warmly welcome recommendations for highly unusual species who will attend the 13,998th meeting of the C7!

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Animal Council and the Disappearing Sea Ice

Book: Beasts Of The Night

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

Sure thing. My name is Matejs Kalns, born and raised in Toronto, Canada. I grew up in the Latvian community here and spoke Latvian from a very early age, brought up in what was initially a community of refugees that settled here after the Second World War. I’ve always written short stories since I was a child, but never really considered writing something longer. It always seemed a very daunting task until it just sort of, happened! I spent most of my twenties studying and then working abroad—mostly education and human rights, which provided a lot of inspiration for this novel.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Beasts Of The Night’?

I have always loved writing so I didn’t find it particularly challenging, it was very much a labour of love. I was very familiar with the subject matter given my academic and professional background. As I said, I love to write and tell stories so that part was lots of fun—plotting out all the peaks and valleys, how the characters would react, etc. The biggest challenge was the editing process. It can be difficult to step back from your work and view it with a critical eye. Although I think I’m certainly my own fiercest critic, reading and rereading something you’ve written and then editing a hundred thousand words can be daunting at times.

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

I read almost exclusively historical fiction as I studied history in school, and my family background is very much intertwined with the European history of the 20th century. Philip Kerr is who got me into reading this genre years ago with his noir series starring Bernie Gunther, a sort of German anti-hero detective from Berlin. Alan Furst has had a huge influence on me as well, I think I relate very much to his writing style. Not only do I appreciate his talent but I think I’m drawn to him because the stories are written in a similar way that I like to tell my tales, although that’s where any comparisons should end. I couldn’t insult the man like that!

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

I don’t have many favourite spots to visit in Canada—despite being raised here I’m a fairly avid traveler. Grandma’s kitchen table, if anything. But I would say the old town of Riga, Latvia has always held a special place in my heart. There are a couple of cafés in Bangkok that are also personal favourites, a city I actually detested the first time I traveled there, but have grown to love. Amman, Jordan is probably my favourite Middle Eastern city, and just about any brasserie in Paris will do me just fine.

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

I usually have the entire plot in my head before I even think about writing something. It has to pass a series of tests I suppose, I need to believe it’s going to be stimulating enough for the reader. Then I plot it out—the chapters, the twists and turns, what happens to who, and when—and only if I’m satisfied with the outline do I start to write the book. A lot of research goes into the work beforehand, but during the process as well. There’s no end to my pulling books from the shelves or googling articles to make sure what I’m writing is accurate.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Beasts Of The Night’?

It took me a few years but I certainly didn’t work on it the entire time. I had the initial idea several years ago while working in Egypt, however I didn’t start writing straight away. There was also a lengthy period of time where I was distracted with a new job and probably didn’t write at all for about a year. It’s difficult to say with Beasts, but now that I’m writing more consistently, I’ll have a better idea for the next one.

Q7. On what platforms can readers find ‘Beasts Of The Night’ to buy?

My publisher, FriesenPress and I are aiming for a release in early December, 2020. The book will be available in paperback, hardcover and e-formats through the FriesenPress bookstore  (https://books.friesenpress.com/store) and on Amazon (www.amazon.com)

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

I worked with a graphic designer regarding the cover which was a really fun experience. I wanted the cover to accurately reflect the feel of the book, which I think it does. It’s very minimalist, and has a gritty, faded sort of mood to it, which is keeping with the themes of mystery, uncertainty, a certain amount of desperation. I especially like the vague silhouette of Mei who is central to the story, and consequently the cover.

I had a couple of different working titles but settled on Beasts of the Night because I thought it captured the essence of what the story is about, at least the battle that is being fought in regards to Mei’s disappearance. I won’t give it away to readers, but there’s a poignant moment of reflection which I think really captures the essence of society’s struggle against these human rights abuses.

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

I won’t write a book if I don’t think it will hold my attention, and consequently, the reader’s attention. The story has to have enough twists and turns and there needs to be enough emotional investment in the characters to keep people interested. The writing never gets ‘stale’ in any sense for me. I find that even though I have an outline for the story, no matter how detailed, there’s always little ideas that fall from the sky and I end up going off on interesting tangents which end up adding a lot to the background, the pacing, etc. This is probably my favourite part of the writing process—no matter how specific and detailed my outline might be, ideas just simply materialize from somewhere and I get to run with them for a while, taking me in a new direction.

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

Well I can’t give anything away, but I will say that the reader will meet a whole cast of unusual characters throughout the book. I think the blurb and also some of the reviews paint a good overall picture of the story, however there’s still many twists and turns that readers will have to discover for themselves. That’s the best part of the adventure.

Author’s Profile

Website

Beasts Of The Night

Book: The Century’s Scribe

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

Hey! I’m Brendan Walsh. I graduated from the College of Wooster in 2017 with an English degree, and am now a grad student at Cal State Northridge. In addition to writing, I’m a big baseball fan, and you can also find me reading comics, drinking coffee, and thinking about what to write next. I also consider myself a philosopher and a recreational madman.

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

I had a lot of anxiety about it. It was originally 160,000 words, but my publisher wanted to divide it into two books. It’s also my most personal work, so I felt a bit more sensitive about rejection.

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

Too many to name, but the biggest names for me have been Ray Bradbury, Neil Gaiman, and Brandon Sanderson. Before I read Sanderson’s Mistborn series, I wasn’t much of a high fantasy guy, but that series changed my view. I wouldn’t have written The Century’s Scribe if I hadn’t been introduced to his work.

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

I’ve made many road trips across the country (the US), so I’ve seen a lot of it. That being said, my favorite spot is probably the Americana mall in my home town of Glendale, CA. In my life, I’ve probably spent more than $10,000 at their Barnes and Noble.

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

Not for me. I’ve never been an outliner. I’ve just started a scene and waited to see where it went. I would look at what I had written and try getting inspiration. I’d say it’s worked out for me so far.

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

I started writing it back in October of 2017, but was writing it very slowly because I was busy with another project. In March of 2019 I was only a few chapters in, but after getting to the sixth chapter, I started getting so into it that it was a race to the finish. By then it was another four months until it was done.

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

They can find it online anywhere books are sold. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc. If they’re ever in Glendale, the Barnes and Noble there should still have a few copies.

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

I came up with that title before I knew plot. I thought it was a neat title, and then I challenged myself to give it an interesting meaning in the story. The cover was done by my publisher, but I told them I thought it would be cool to have the city of Brunswald represented by a Victorian-era-ish London. The bird on the cover is sneaky, and might not mean what you think it does *wink* *wink*

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

It’s important for writers to realize they probably aren’t doing something extremely original, and that’s okay. The key is to make your writing uniquely yourself. If a reader can feel an author’s vulnerability, then that’ll keep it fresh.

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

As I said earlier, I had to break the book into two parts. The next book is coming out next year in July. All I will say is, if you think you know what the ending of The Century’s Scribe means, there is still a lot to learn.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Century’s Scribe

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

Hi! I’m a Young Adult author who loves period pieces and all things Pride & Prejudice. I’m a die hard cat lover, and I can never say no to a cup of good coffee.

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

I work a full-time office job so my biggest challenge is finding the time to write, especially because my writing process is very slow. Scenes marinate in my head as I write them, so I don’t get as much done in an 8-hour window as most writers do.

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

Laini Taylor & Julie Kagawa – they write stories and characters that stay with me.

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

Libby, Montana. It’s this quaint little town up in the mountains, near Kootenai Falls. It’s the perfect place to break away from the city life and remind oneself of nature’s beauty. The air is crisp and pine-scented, and only bird chirps and songs break through the peaceful quiet; I’ve always dreamed about writing my novels in a lake cabin up there.

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

Yes! I first work on the story’s major plot points, which works as a general roadmap, and then I write out a summary of each scene.

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

About two years.

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

Amazon, Audible, Google Books, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, & Smashwords.

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

I always had a very specific idea of what I wanted the covers to look like. What you see is what I originally envisioned. Book one’s title came to me in a lightbulb moment after playing with ideas for a few days. The titles for book two and three were a little easier to come up with, as they both relate to their pertaining stories.

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

I don’t force myself to write when my creativity muscle isn’t working. My writing quality drops tremendously when I’m not inspired to write, which is very frustrating as my time to write is so limited, but I’ve learned to accept it as part of my writing process.

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

A majority of the third book takes place in a different kingdom from those in book one & two.

Author’s Profile

Books are Available On Amazon

The Kingdom Within

The Lost Throne

Book: The Organized Thinker

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

Hi, I am Lesley Geller, Founder of Geller Coaching, Business/Life Coach, author, retired teacher, mother of 4 amazing children, wife and blogger. In my spare time I love running, biking, hiking, and spending time moving slowly through life with a pen in my hand.

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

The biggest challenge I faced while writing The Organized Thinker was creating the time I needed to complete it. Luckily at the time I felt challenged was while running my Mastermind Group and had just set an intention for the group to create a 30-day goal for themselves. Simultaneously I set the same goal for myself, and completed the book in the next 30 days!

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

I have spent much of the Pandemic indulging in psychological thrillers, and have enjoyed Blake Pierce’s series, as well as Calia Read. On the non-fiction side, Eckhart Tolle and Mark Manson inspire me about perspective shifts that resonate with me as a Professional Coach.

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

My favorite spot to visit is Harvey Cedars, NJ on Long Beach Island. I have known this as my home away from home and have been enjoying the quiet bliss of this beach town since I was very little. It was also my mom’s secret sweet spot, which has made it even more special since losing her to cancer.

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

Writing is a magical process to me. I find it difficult to even think about what I will write about, unless my fingers are perched on the keys. I simply open my lap top, read the last few lines of where I left off and begin writing. It is like my fingers have a journey of their own and I am often surprised at what appears on the pages at the end of each writing session.

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

It took me one year to write this book, but actual writing time was about 4 months. After the first 3 months of beginning, I stopped making the time to complete it and simply put it on the side. When I picked it up 8 months later, I committed to completing it in a month. And did!

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

This book can be purchased on Kindle, Amazon, Good Reads and my website www.GellerCoaching.com

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

I knew when I began to write this book that I wanted the title to encompass more than the basic organization category since there are so many organization books. In addition, I do believe that organization is so much more than the word describes. I spent several weeks brainstorming every word I could think of that related to the way one thinks about organization, until one day I found it. I kept all of my ideas on my notes app so I could keep track of my random thoughts and that helped a lot. For the cover I committed to simply looking through hundreds of photos and remained optimistic that I would find a picture that would speak for itself. This cover called out to me for sure, just like a bright bulb!

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

I write the way I speak, so that it feels natural to me and personal to the reader. I have worked with so many clients, friends and family on this topic so I knew that if I could share it that way, it would speak in a unique way to readers. I also keep in mind how busy we all are and do my best to write in ways that even the busiest of people can find time to not only read my work, but also begin using the tools I suggest immediately.

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

A little inside scoop on the book: “When we are truly present, in our body, life, relationships and work, we become powerful human beings. We awake each day with a sense of calm and can breathe easily, inhaling and exhaling at the exact same slow pace. When we are present, we become aware of our own steady heartbeat. In this state, we are given back the power in our life. We know where we are, where we want to go next and are able to access our tools easily at a minute’s notice. It begins with the way we think.”

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Organized Thinker

Book: Below Them The Horizon

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

I’m a writer, editor, English teacher, and vegan foodie from Cincinnati. I have an MFA in creative writing from Fairfield University. My publications have appeared in Lost River Literary Magazine, Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Yes, and Long Island Literary Journal. I also run the blog Thinking with My Mind Full. My debut novel, Below Them the Horizon, was published by Woodhall Press fall 2020.

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

The most significant challenge was helping it find its shape. It went from third person to first person to third person. For a while, the timeline was anachronistic. It took years to smooth it out!

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

There are so many. Marilynne Robinson is a huge inspiration, along with Toni Morrison, Willa Cather, Lief Enger, and most currently Neil Gaiman (though he didn’t influence Below Them the Horizon. The novel was done by the time I find his books).

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

I’m from the U.S., and I love so much of it. Probably my favorite place is Mackinac Island, Michigan. It’s beautiful and truly a place out of time.

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

Yes! Lots of reading (craft books, fiction similar to what you want to writing, and anything you love) and lots of writing. Write essays, short stories, and other novels for practice. Keep notes of characters, setting, and timelines within the story. Take pictures of the places you base your setting on.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Below Them The Horizon’ book?

Almost 7 years! I started it in 2012 when I began working on my MFA from Fairfield University.

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

Anywhere books are sold! Especially Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com.

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

The title is actually a line from the book, at the end of one of my favorite scenes between Lucy and Audra. It’s a pivotal moment for Lucy.

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

I try to be aware of any stereotypes or stale writing techniques that may creep in. If it seems too expected that a character might go right, I’ll ask myself if it really serves the character (and ultimately my readers) for the character to do that thing. If not, I’ll surprise everyone by making the character go left. What happens next? Even I might be surprised!

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

There aren’t secrets, per se, but I will share this: It has heavy themes, but it won’t leave you in despair!

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Below Them The Horizon

Book: Scots Honor

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

My name is Kelly Malee, which is why I write under the name K.M. Hardy. I’m a college graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology, I’m a huge foodie and lover of adventure and trying new things and… people have told me at first glance that I’m intimidating but, really, I’m just a big, weird, goofball.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Scots Honor’?

I think probably the biggest challenge I faced was listening to my characters. It’s so easy to stay stuck to the initial outline that sometimes you can make your guys do things that they wouldn’t normally do and it completely ruins their character arcs. Other than that, I would say finding my own writing voice. Even now, I have a hard time properly explaining the genre of Scots Honor. If you tell somebody you wrote a romantic mystery thriller, the first thing they think of is one of those books where somebody is brutally murdered or having sex in every single chapter. I’m not down with that. I like writing things that everybody can enjoy that have a good pace. I like to think that Scots Honor is a mystery thriller with the right amount of romance: where there’s an actual real relationship between two characters and not just raging hormones. The best way I can think to describe it is like a great PG-13 movie.

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

I’m a big fan of Tom Clancy’s ‘The Hunt for Red October.’ Such a great thriller with so many twists and turns! Angels and Demons by Dan Brown is another favourite, and I really like the Abhorsen trilogy by Garth Nix. To me, the pacing in these books is absolutely perfect and, if you’re not careful, you’ll miss an important detail that plays into the finale. I try to keep my writing interesting and fun and in a way where every detail is important. I want my readers to be on the journey with my main character Sam, not just observing him.
The truth is I’m a picky reader. To me, it’s all about the voice of the author: there needs to be the right amount of balance of adventure, action, story, a little romance when necessary, and humour.  For example, I know that Stephen King is an amazing author and his imagination and storytelling abilities are brilliant, to say the very least. But I’m a big baby. I cannot do horror or I won’t sleep again in life. Sorry Stephen.

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

Honestly, anywhere that has a body of water. I’ve seen the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, I’ve been to the Caribbean, every year my family travels to Lake Powell and I could visit any one of those places and still have my breath taken away. I love the water. When I was a little girl, I would spend every waking moment of my life in my grandparents pool pretending to be a mermaid. I know, a lot of little girls do that. But even to this day, if I could live in the water I totally would.

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

They say that 90% of an author’s job is research. And they weren’t lying. Thankfully, I have a lot of friends and contacts still working in the criminal justice field that I’m able to call up when I have a nitpicky question that my own experience can’t answer for me. Other than that, it’s all about the elements of the story for me. If there’s a historical element, then I need to find out everything possible I can about it before I’ll even consider putting together a plot. Geographical? Same thing. I need to go and live and experience so I can truly understand the point of view of my guys. Funny enough, that’s a trait that Sam and I have in common: insatiable curiosity.

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

From the very first concept to the finished manuscript… I want to say about seven months. I’m first and foremost a mom, so I work around my kids’ schedules. I have a minimum daily goal of 1,000 words, which is about a quarter of a chapter. Even on the days when I’m stuck, I won’t quit until I reach my goal. On a good day, when all of the voices in my head are talking to me, I can get two or three chapters done. It all adds up over time. Then, when I’m done, I pick it apart until I’m satisfied that it’s perfect. That can take up to a couple of months because sometimes I need to step away and let myself get a fresh perspective. But I also have a very loyal group of beta readers who help me with their constructive criticisms and pointing out something that I might have missed. I’m an incurable perfectionist.

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

Just about everywhere! Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Books-a-Million, Indie reads… there’s a few more but I can’t think of them.

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

Titling a book is tricky. I very much love symbolism and intrigue as well as sending a message. Scots Honor is Sam’s origin story; it shows people what kind of a man he is as well as how smart he is. He’s not perfect, by any means. He’s an ordinary guy, but he has his scruples that he doesn’t bend for anybody. The cover tells the same story, and I have to credit my amazing artist for it: she’s a freelancer that you can find on Fiverr, she does incredible minimalist art! Back to the cover, it tells the story of Sam vs. Everything Else: while everyone is entangled in a web of corruption and mystery, Sam has his Scottish roots and morals to guide him, even when he makes mistakes.

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

Hmm… I would say I rely on two things: my past experiences in the field, and my author powers. My experiences have given me ideas to look back on and inspire me. One of good cops’ best assets is being able to think like the bad guy, the same thing goes for being an author. The difference being that as an author, you have to embrace your multiple personality craziness. We’re all a little crazy. I have never met one person that hasn’t been somebody else around different people. Authors just know how to let all of the voices play together at the same time. That being said, I start by thinking like the crook: I plan the crime, and I figure out every single angle and detail. Then I have to think like a cop and notice the little things that point me in the next direction.

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

Actually yes: even though Sam is the main character, Director Belinda Copper is somebody to pay attention to. She’s actually my favourite character I’ve ever written. I don’t want to give away too much, but I will say that you’ll hate to love her.

Book Is Available On Amazon

Scots Honor

Book: The Art Of Influencing Project Success

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

Hi, I’m Nicholas Ferguson.  I’m a father, artist, philosopher, yogi, and lover of this life experience.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Art of Influencing Project Success’ book?

This was my first book and finding a voice and believing in my message took some time. I realized the more significant challenge came after completing it and wanted to start sharing it with the world. My energy around it was not one of success. I’m improving this all the time.

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

In no specific order. Isaac Newton.  Albert Einstein.  Max Planck. Buddha. Lao Tzu. Ernest Holmes.  Esther, Jerry and Abraham Hicks.
I’m very selective about what I read and about the thoughts I take in from others.  I follow what inspires my focus and attention.  The people listed have inspired my thoughts and awareness for decades.

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

I love Big Sur, California.  I love the blending of mountains, ocean and the forest.  It feels magical and inspiring to me.

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

The time spent before diving into a book is largely filled with thought games and coming to realizations of your own awareness. I found that it all unfolded with ease.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Art of Influencing Project Success’ book?

I used the Author Incubator program to help write the book since I had no clue what I was doing. Their system worked perfectly for me and allowed the information to flow smoothly. I spent about 12 hours prepping and getting the content aligned with their expectations and desired marketing, 12 hours at the keyboard typing, and another 12 hours through the editing process. It was all fun. I loved it.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your book ‘The Art of Influencing Project Success’ to buy?

Currently, it’s available on Kindle and Paperback.  I’d recommend the Kindle version presently. I think the diagrams in the book are horrible quality in the paperback version. Likely to be fixed in a later revision.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the cover and the title of your book ‘The Art of Influencing Project Success’?

I painted the cover picture during the fall of 2019 when I was experiencing a period of extraordinary clarity. It is a self-portrait. When I completed the book, I submitted that picture as the one that best represents the book’s flow and concepts to me.  
The title came from a list of suggested options that help market and sell books for first-time authors. I liked several others, but the editors believed this to be the most marketable of the options I presented.

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

I don’t read or consume other’s content when I’m in the creating and thought phases. I follow my inspiration and emotional guidance but keep influence from other’s thoughts to a minimum. I must be inspired to read or listen to something during this time to do it. This selective isolation allows me to deliver my thoughts and perspectives with more clarity. The more clarity and flow I’m receptive to allows fresher content for any subsequent reader.

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

For the past 25 years, my day job has been highly technical, including years of programming, system architecture, and design. I love abstraction, science, and philosophy. As I mentioned in the preceding answers, around August 2019, I began a period of clarity; some in the New Thought and Law of Attraction communities might call it a period of receiving or downloading information. This period started shortly after sitting in the Abraham-Hicks hot seat during a seminar while on an Alaskan Cruise with my son on July 19th, 2019. I began to see our (human) experience as a reflection of our (individual and collective) expanding conscious awareness. It’s a little like a mirror but in reverse – where our (physical) life experience is a type of reflection of our (nonphysical) conscious expansion. My love of science, philosophy, and system abstraction combined, so I translated these new thoughts into a formula that explains it all with elegant simplicity. C^2 * M = E = M * C^2, is a formula describing nonphysical awareness and physical expression entangled through a conscious source energy. My ideas came directly from Newton’s, Einstein’s, and Jerry, Esther, and Abraham-Hicks’ work blended with my understanding and ability to abstract and bridge these concepts.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Art Of Influencing Project Success

Book: Black Boy Joy

Author: Charlitta Hatch

Available On: Amazon

Language: English

Rating: 5/5

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

I am Charlitta Hatch. I am a Wife, Mama, Consultant, Author, and Advocate. 3 years ago after my son was born, I looked through our home library to find a specific book featuring a young Black boy. I have read stories featuring other characters, but this was missing for me. I began to search and to my surprise, I couldn’t find it. Instead, I learned that less than 10% of children’s books featured people of Color and of that 10% less than 3% featured Black boys as the leading protagonist.

I am on a mission to change the narrative of Black boys in American through positive images, expressive stories, and deliberate advocacy. I fulfil part of that mission by saturating the media, homes, schools and communities with positive images of Black boys.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Black Boy Joy’ book?

1)      Finding a publisher that was willing to publish my story

2)      Sharing the story beyond my network

3)      Accepting that everyone will not be supportive of the book because it features a Black boy on the cover

4)      Hearing feedback that someone will not share this book with their child because of their gender or race

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

I love you forever by Robert Munsch was the book that pulled on my heart strings as a new mom. I searched all over for a mother/son story that featured a Black mother and son like I love you forever and was not able to find it. That was the book that sparked me to write my own.

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

Since we are in a global pandemic, I am traveling in books right now. I am learning so much about our history and applying that to the Me3 Project. Me3 Project is an organization I started to change the perception of Black boys in America through positive images, expressive stories, and deliberate advocacy.

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

I have not followed the traditional path of writing and have been inspired by experiencing that I have with my son. My first book Black Boy Joy was inspired because of my love and desire for my son and I wanted him to see and feel that in the books we were reading. My 2nd book, Black Boy Joy Christmas Countdown was inspired by wanting to teach my son what Christmas was all about and also showcasing that Black families celebrate Christmas too.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Black Boy Joy’ book?

I was nursing my son when the idea of Black Boy Joy came to me and I wrote it that night. The next day I called my friend to tell her that I thought I wrote a children’s book and that I didn’t know how to find an illustrator; her 17-year-old stepdaughter illustrated both books. The 3rd day I was connected to my publisher at AK Classics. 90 days later we were published and gifted my son Black Boy Joy for his one-year old birthday. Similarly inspired for Black Boy Joy Christmas Countdown, after the Christmas holidays last year, I wrote the story that I wanted to read to my son to share with the world.

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

My website https://www.me3project.com/shop-1

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

The title Black Boy Joy derived from the desire to humanize Black boys in America. To change the perception of mainstream media, I thought it was important that the title reflect the joy of being a child and how Black boys deserve that as well. The covers were strategically chosen to show a Black boy being loved and adored by his mother in Black Boy Joy and the entire family celebrating Christmas together in Black Boy Joy Christmas Countdown. These are not images that you see in mainstream media when you think of Black boys or their families.

Book Is Available On Amazon

Book: Vanity

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

Hi there! Well, my name’s Rhiannon Garrard, I’m a criminology and policing student at London Metropolitan University and I work as a special constable in my local community. When I’m not either at university or working, I’m indulging in horror and fantasy- books, movies, shows, anime- anything! Vanity therefore is pretty much a perfect combination of everything I love: a supernatural murder mystery with some nice horror elements!

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

When I started Vanity (As well as the sequels), I was a young teenager, so I would say that editing the mess it started as into something I’d be proud to have people to read was the hardest challenge, haha! Writer’s block is also a constant lurking devil- ready to halt me in my tracks at the most inconvenient times. There were definitely bits and pieces to research, but that wasn’t as much of a challenge as the others- I wrote Vanity about everything I love, after all, so I enjoyed the reading it made me do.

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

I was certainly reading a lot of Lovecraft’s various stories whilst writing Vanity. I was also re-reading some of my personal favourite murder mysteries as I wrote it, but the one I think I read the most was Los Angeles BB Serial Murder Cases by Nisio Isin. I know it might not be an obvious choice, but I adored how it was written. It might not have influenced Vanity the most, but I must have read that book cover to cover three times whilst editing my own work, so I think it’s worth mentioning.

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

That’s a tough one…I won’t say a specific location for obvious reasons, but my great-grandfather had a wonderful forest just outside of his home in Cornwall- and to this day, that place is drenched in magic. A beautiful babbling brook, a rope swing at the top of a hill…It always felt like you could stumble into a dragon’s cave or find faeries dancing in the moonlight. To this day, I love walking through those woods…Good times.

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

For me? Not really. I’m not one to meticulously plan my novels- I know some people will spend ages planning out their books, but whilst I’ll have a bare bones structure in my mind before I start, I just generally jump right in and start scribbling. The first draft is never the final one, and I find it more exciting to write on the fly as it were. Once I have the bare bones down, then I’ll edit it, add scenes, take away things etc. But for getting started, all I need is an idea, a notebook and a pen.

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

Oh, that’s too difficult to answer, I’m afraid! I have a particular habit of switching between different novels, all of different themes, tones and audiences, whenever Writer’s Block sets in on one. So in the past, I’ll get Writer’s Block on Vanity, so I’ll start writing about Vampires instead, as an example. But that means all I can say for sure is that I started Vanity when I was 16, but since I’ve not worked on it solidly, I can’t really even give you an estimate for that.
Let’s say…. A while. It took a while to write Vanity.

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

Naturally, Vanity is available on Amazon- it’s also on Book Depository as well, and both of these have worldwide shipping. If you’re in the US and you’d like to shop a little more local than that, then it should be available at Murder By The Book, and Once Upon A Crime. If you’re in the UK, then you’ll be able to get a copy of Vanity from my website (rhiannongarrard.com) and those ones are signed!

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

I’ve never been good at titles for my books- so they have a tendency to be either incredibly floaty philosophical phrases or very weirdly literal. I suppose for sake of intrigue, I’ll leave it up to the people to decide whether Vanity: Murder in the Name of Sin is.
As for the cover, I’ve always liked book covers which have a symbol or symbolic item on the front rather than the main character just staring out at you- and considering the symbolism of the eye tattoo in Vanity, that made it an easy choice for the front cover. The cover itself was my own design; I produced a template which included all the main features you see on the book- the eye tattoo, the purple to black gradient, black text at top, white text at the bottom- and that template was presented to one of Atmosphere Press’s cover artists (Man’s name is Ronaldo Alves- credit where credit is due!) who did a hell of a job on it. Honestly, I am so pleased with how beautiful the cover turned out. Hopefully if I was to publish the sequels, they can look as gorgeous as Vanity does.

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

The best thing I can do for myself and my readers I think is keep searching for inspiration- try to find different books, movies, shows- experience new things, meet new people and get new perspectives on the things I think I know. I do what I can to experience what I write- or the very least research what I can’t experience. Read far and wide, keep notes on interesting things and slip in little titbits here and there; those are the kinds of things I love in a good book, so I’m hoping it’s what readers would like about mine.

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

Something which be interesting is that when some hear I’m taking a degree in criminology and policing, and I work as a special constable in the UK, they might automatically think that the policing in Vanity will be very British- when in fact I actually took great pains to blend the detective work in Vanity with US policing as well- so we’ll see some practices and legal terms from the UK and some from the US- they use the UK caution and work under an Inspector, yet use the terms “First/Second degree murder” and carry guns with them. I decided to write Exerdian policing this way for two main reasons:

1.) The setting of Vanity is an invented country called Exerdis (After the word exodus- it’s as much of an omen as it sounds) and Exerdis isn’t supposed to look or feel exactly like a country you’ve been to, but similar to places you may have been to. It’s not a place with a brand-new look and feel, like Middle Earth- but I wanted it distinct enough from reality where no one can point to the myriads of make-belief cities and say “That’s clearly New York” (As an example, I’ve never been to NY). I figured a blended policing style would add to the uncanny feeling.

2.) UK police don’t carry guns with them except for very specialised units- which means whilst I’m more familiar with the kinds of policing which doesn’t involve guns, I knew if guns weren’t involved in Vanity, a distinct portion of the audience would assume that guns would fix everything, so I figured the threat was more menacing if I nipped that assumption in the bud.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Vanity