Category: Author Interview

Book: The Foretold Story

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

My name is Katia. I am a multi-artist who creates all kinds of art in a vast array of different mediums. Some of what I do is classical, and modern art, animation, filmmaking that includes all pre and post production along with acting and directing. I am a Graphic Designer, and a writer which includes screenplays and books. I like to create when and however I want. That’s me. An all-around layered Artist. I also hold a BFA in animation.

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

My key challenge I would say was the CONFIDENCE to finish it. That was the biggest challenge for me in the midst of navigating the curveballs life kept throwing at me while writing The Foretold Story. At times I felt like giving up but with encouragement from others, I kept writing and creating regardless.  

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

I would say I am inspired by many things not limited to books. I am inspired by George Lucas’s original Star Wars Trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, Final Fantasy X, The Legend of Zelda, The five People you meet on the Way to Heaven by Mitch Album to name a few. But at the end of the day, I am my own writer. I break rules and write in my own style with some imperfections.

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

There’s this one place I refer to as the hidden jewel of America located in the USA, Maine along the ocean. It’s special because of the unique experiences I have when I’m there. I find tons of sea glass and treasure gifts from the sea. I even found an alien looking rock once at this hidden jewel place but gave it to an eco-artist who smashed it up and put it in his painting. I’ve seen the heavens in its full glory with God’s brush strokes painting his canvas in the sky among his sea of stars. I’ve even seen shooting stars reflect off the gentle waves crashing to the shore line on a full moon’s night. And of course the fishermen’s boats going out to sea beyond the abandoned lighthouses. The list is endless.

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

Yes. I need a hot cup of Japanese green tea with sliced ginger and lemon with honey or agave in it. I like other teas also but Japanese green tea is my favorite. Or a nice cup of chai tea latte. I need those in place before I start writing. I also have my favorite composer playing in the background, Ivan Torrent. I have my Legend of Zelda Art book nearby and my Star Wars 1980’s tee-shirt on. And of course I have my jar of blue topaz that my nephew gave me and some sea glass and shells. My most beautiful rock and my own artwork around with my handy “PB, The Angry Paper Bag” pin. PB is the mascot and stamp of all my art. He’s a paper bag who is bitter because he experienced trauma and was thrown away. He gets recycled and begins his new life however, has deep and unresolved anger spanning from his past trauma. So in this new life, he now starts to heal and learn how to control his emotions. So yup. Once he’s in place on my desk, I say a prayer and begin my work.

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

19 years.

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

It’s available at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, and even Walmart LOL. You can also visit www.theforetoldstory.com which provides more information on the book series as well as all social media and contact.

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

I wanted to create something that tells the story, transferring it into a single image and powerful image. Color scheming and composition was important to me. When creating anything, it’s one of the first things I do. It’s where the eye travels within the image. I also picked the important elements from my story and incorporated them into the cover. Elements such as the ethereal sky and moon along the New York City skyline. I chose nightfall because the supernatural elements mostly take place in the night. The moon is often referenced throughout the story so I made sure to incorporate it into the cover. Even the colors of the letters go with the main themes of the book. Especially for the main character, Midas Aurulien, the one with the golden touch. And with that, my cover was born.  

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

MY LIFE! My life and its continuing strange events intertwined with interesting characters that follow me even now, keeps things fresh. The dreams I dream in the night along with the open visions of the day also keep things fresh. And also a walk in nature away from everything keeps things fresh. This is why I keep a sketchbook with me at all times, because there are so many fresh things to keep logged. I doubt I will get to every idea in my lifetime.

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

Joyce thinks she’s an only child and grew up believing that however, her father is hiding a secret from her and her mother.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

The Foretold Story

Book: Those We Knew In Summer

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

My name is Nicholas DeRosa. I am a high school history and economics teacher in Ewing New Jersey. I also coach Cross Country and Track and Field. Other than my writing hobbies I am a big gaming nerd. I enjoy playing board games, Magic the Gathering, and open world video games.  I have a loving family, a beautiful and supportive fiancé, and an emotional support Corgi named Phil.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Those We Knew In Summer’ book?

Writing the book was not too difficult. I drank a lot of coffee and only walked away from computer to sleep and use the bathroom.  But it was the months/years of editing, plot analysis, workshopping with other writers, and the frequent self-doubt and anxiety that were the most challenging aspects of writing the book. My most challenging objective was that I wanted to be sure my characters both had a continuity of personality and genuine nature to themselves, but that they also showed growth through their experiences at the festival.

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

Any book that embodied the chaotic nature of young adults.  I needed the angsty and reckless motifs of younger generations, but also how those actions had some larger significance for the time period in which the stories to place.
For this book I tried my best to pay homage to the “lost generation” of writers and the “beatniks” that represent a lot of the counterculture in the United States.  Authors of particular influence were, JD Salinger, Hunter S Thompson, Nathaniel West, Ernest Hemingway and Jack Kerouac.  If you have read any books by those authors, you’ll understand where I am coming from.

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

My hometown of Clinton New Jersey is where the story takes place. It’s important for this book in particular because I refence it’s characteristics often.  It is where my friends and I grew up and it will always be home for us.  Other places I love are Gettysburg, PA because I have had some of my favourite history memories there with my Dad, students, and friends, and I had my first writers conference and workshop there; and Mystic, CT because I just love the town.
  
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

One word, research.  Most of my books have some kind of historical component that requires research.  For this book I needed to research the history of the town in regard to the Bellewood Amusement Park and I also needed to compile the musicians and songs I wanted to use for the book. It’s a lot of scene building to make the story come alive.  Which is also why the book has a map of the festival that comes with it.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Those We Knew In Summer’ book?

The draft took about two weeks. I wrote it between the end of summer camp (yes, I work at a summer camp as well) and the beginning of the school year.  The edits took about two years.

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

On Amazon you can order paperback and Kindle versions.  On my Blurb Bookstore (links on my website and socials) you can order paperback, hardcover, and an ebook version for tablets. You can also email me for merchandise like stickers and the festival map.

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

Oddly enough, my Mom came home one day with a painting she did of a night scene overlooking a lake with lights in the distance.  It fit perfectly to my story.  I brought the idea to my fiancé Amanda (@acrossendesign) and she designed the cover, map and stickers.   The cover is from the vantage point of the campsite looking over the lake to the festival in the distance.
The title is representative of the friendships and experiences the characters have when they escape to the festival every summer. Though the characters only see these festival goers once a year, they feel the closest to them. 

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

You must write things that have some relevance or connection to everyday life.  I am a huge fan of JRR Tolkien, but even the characters of Middle Earth have a connection to our lives in the non-fantasy world.  Without this connection in your writing, no one will care to read it.

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

There are many secrets.  Every interaction and observation that occurs amongst the characters has some significance to the inner conflict of the main character.  These little vignettes of exposition and dialogue also provide social commentary as well. Nothing is random in this story and every scene has some underlying significance.  My best suggestion is, watch the behaviour of the main character and you will notice the subtext.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Those We Knew In Summer

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

I have been teaching yoga and meditation to children and teens for over ten years.  My award- winning book Worry Bee I wrote in 2011 for my preschool yoga class that told me often they were worried which was 4 and 5 year old children.  I could not find  book that applied the principles of yoga  breath-work along with laughter for children to use in everyday life to relieve stress and anxiety so I made my own paper book and used it in classes with songs that went with it.  They would keep telling me then “Miss Ann I won’t be a Worry Bee.”  It was then published in 2018 by Pear Tree publishing.

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

Oh this is pretty funny story the book was originally a mindful spider and I had writers block.  I love spiders and my favorite book in elementary school was Charlotte’s Web.  However, I was sitting at our  lake home in New Hampshire watching the sun set as a full moon was rising, and I rewrote the book to be Mindful Moon.  Colleen Sgroi who illustrated the book came up to our home in NH and really saw my vision for the book.  The book won a Moon Beam children’s best illustration and I am very proud of it.

Q3. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

My work with children inspires my writing.  Children love to be read too and when I work in therapeutic or paediatric hospital settings doing meditation and yoga therapy I see how they relate to using mindful breathing or calm cantering with a book.

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

The White Mountains of New Hampshire where I was inspired by the view of the moon rising over the mountains while the sun was setting to write  Mindful Moon.  I get to see this in every season. Right now is truly one of my favorite Fall with all the gorgeous colours.

Q5. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Worry Bee’ book?

I wanted to make sure that parents, caregivers and educators could really easily follow the directions to do mindful breathing like Worry Bee and use it in a way that supports calming children’s worries.

Q6. Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

I AM ….. It is called Mind Buzz another bee theme, but it is a meditation workbook for teens.  Stay tuned everyone.  It is great for adults too!

Q7. What does success means to you?

Finding  joy in the present  moment  not because everything is perfect, but because you choose it.

Q8. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I meditate every morning even if it is only for five minutes and when I get stuck in the process I  leave the work and go meditate more!

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

Oh this is a great story as my parents were teachers and educators their entire careers, so reading was instilled to be very important in our household. When I was a young girl my mother bought me the book Ann Likes Red by Dorothy Seymour it was my favorite book as a young child especially with my name being Ann. Then my father bought me Charlotte’s Web in elementary school by EBWhite and I am a big animal lover spend every week in a barn with my rescue horse and rescue donkey.

Q10. Lastly, do you want to give any advice to someone wanting to write and publish a book?

Oh yes… when you think of what you are writing is a gift to the reader  you have a whole different idea of  gratitude for the process.

Books are Available On Amazon

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

I am originally from the Coastal Empire low country of Savannah, Georgia. I am a poet, an author, and a proud mother of two. My journey as a writer began when I was only eleven years old, due to my passion for poetry and entertaining others with amazing stories. I love to influence others with uplifting insight and accurate information. 

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Philosophy of the Power Of Love’ book?

The main challenge I faced while developing the book ‘Philosophy of the Power of Love,’ was combining so much material into one quick and easy read for my audience.

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

J.K Rowling is so amazing and has influenced my writings tremendously, as well as, one of my favorite poets; Maya Angelou. Maya is so phenomenal she was invited to recite one of her best poems at one of the presidential inaugurations. 

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

In America, my favorite place to visit is Detroit, Michigan. I love the hospitality and the huge lakes are so cozy and relaxing to sit around and enjoy nature.

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

I do have a process that I have become accustomed to when starting a new manuscript. For starters I begin my brainstorming for the rough drafts.  

Q6. How long did it take you to write the ‘GAME ON’ book?

The book ‘Game On’ took me a while to finish because I had to keep up with the basketball game scores for each player as I developed the entire children’s story.

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

You can go find my books on Amazon, Google, Instagram, as well as on Twitter.

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

Most of my book covers are pictures that I have taken while traveling, which makes the process of manually making a book cover much easier. Each title, however, is unique to the book subject itself; depending on the content inside the book, I will then consider the best title for that book. Coming up with titles and book covers are the easiest parts of finalizing a book before publishing it.

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

I keep my material fresh by thinking of the unthinkable! I must be original with my approach so that my readers stay engaged. I focus on my audience which keeps me excited and full of fresh data.

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

All the secrets unfold inside the books while my readers read. None of my books are hidden secrets.

Books are available on Amazon

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

My name is Katie Reed and I am 29 years old. I worked at afterschool programs most of my career. When I graduated college, I became an afterschool program coordinator and ran my own site. I have also worked in a reading intervention program at a local public school for a couple years. When I had my son, I decided to stay at home for a while to be with him but I also decided to pursue my dream job as a children’s book author.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Wizard and the Lizard’ book?

I started writing Wizard and the Lizard when my son was 2 months old. I was very sleep deprived, which sometimes created a lack of motivation to write. However, I did get the idea for my Wizard and the Lizard books at 3:00 in the morning while feeding him. I just started writing notes into my phone, and felt inspired and motivated to write these books. Once I had the idea for the series, I was ready to write!

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

My son loves rhyming books. The Pout Pout Fish books are probably his favorite. I definitely got some motivation from The Pout Pout Fish series, as well as Tolkien. I love fantasy so I knew I wanted to write about magical characters.

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

I love the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. My dad and I went there after my mom passed away when I was a kid. I loved how green it was and having the ocean there too. It is just a magical place.

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

I have to think of the overall message to get me motivated. Once I have that, I get inspired pretty quickly. Sometimes getting the rhymes right can be tricky as well. But I would not say there is a lot to do before I start writing.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Wizard and the Lizard Wacky Weather’ book?

I wrote the drafts in 3 days for both books… However with editing, and working with an editor, it probably took a month (each) to complete the writing for both books.

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

My books are available on Amazon in Paperback and Kindle formats.

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

I wanted there to be some mystery that draws in readers with the cover. My first book: Wizard and the Lizard has a cover with Wizard and Buddy looking into a cauldron with green smoke coming out. My second book: Wizard and the Lizard: Wacky Weather has a picture of Wizard and Buddy looking out a window and pointing at something the audience can’t see. I want the readers to wonder what is in the cauldron and what Wizard and Buddy are pointing at out the window, hopefully enough to read them and find out.

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

I like to use humor to draw in children and parents. It is also fun to laugh while writing it! I also hope my characters are silly and memorable for both children and adults.

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

I am excited to announce I have a third book coming out in March! Follow me on Facebook at katiereedauthor and Instagram @wizardandthelizardauthor and check out my website katiereedauthor.com for free coloring sheets and updates on upcoming books!

Author’s Profile

Books are Available On Amazon

Website

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

My name is Nalini Raghunandan. I am married and have two wonderful daughters and an adorable 3-year-old grandson.  I was born in Guyana and currently live in Markham, Ontario. I currently work in telecommunications; however, prior to working in telecommunications, I was an elementary school teacher and an early childhood educator for 15 years, both in Guyana and Jamaica. This is where my passion for literacy and cultural diversity started.
When I am not working, I enjoy writing, travelling, reading and spending time with my family.

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

I had the idea to write a children’s illustrated book since my early years as a teacher/educator.  The story and images have been on my mind for several decades now, so as you can imagine, articulating my abundant thoughts in a limited number of words for age appropriate readers was the greatest challenge.  However, this led to the book series.

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

I loved reading as a child however there wasn’t a library where I grew up. My father bought us books even though owning our own children’s books was such a luxury at the time.  
I was fascinated with classic fairy tales such as Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Rumpelstiltskin. However, as you can imagine there wasn’t much diversity in those books and I want all children to be represented in my stories.

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

My favourite spot is Bluffer’s Park in Toronto.  It has a 5KM walking and biking trail. The water is blue and there is lush greenery in the summer. I find tranquility and peace just looking at the lake.

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

Before I begin to write I make sure my work space is quiet with no clutter.  I would try to formulate the story/scenes in my mind, create a title/placeholder for the book—then the magic begins with a pencil and paper.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Fanny Saved the Day’ book?

Because of my full-time job, it took me approximately 6 months to complete the final transcript of Fanny Saved the Day.

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

My books can be found on Amazon, Good Reads, Barnes & Noble, Books Depository and Abe Books.

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

Growing up, we had a dog named Fanny.  He was a rescue we found him lying on the side of the road.  He was just a tiny puppy. Fanny was gentle, loving, funny and adventurous, so the name “Fanny” was an easy pick. The remainder of the book titles emerged from the story. I have a few names for Book 3, but the title will depend on how the story evolves.

Author’s Profile

Books are Available On Amazon

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

I have been teaching yoga and meditation to children and teens for over ten years.  My award- winning book Worry Bee I wrote in 2011 for my preschool yoga class that told me often they were worried which was 4 and 5 year old children.  I could not find  book that applied the principles of yoga  breath-work along with laughter for children to use in everyday life to relieve stress and anxiety so I made my own paper book and used it in classes with songs that went with it.  They would keep telling me then “Miss Ann I won’t be a Worry Bee.”  It was then published in 2018 by Pear Tree publishing.

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

Oh this is pretty funny story the book was originally a mindful spider and I had writers block.  I love spiders and my favorite book in elementary school was Charlotte’s Web.  However, I was sitting at our  lake home in New Hampshire watching the sun set as a full moon was rising, and I rewrote the book to be Mindful Moon.  Colleen Sgroi who illustrated the book came up to our home in NH and really saw my vision for the book.  The book won a Moon Beam children’s best illustration and I am very proud of it.

Q3. Is there lots to do before you dive in and start writing a book?

My work with children inspires my writing.  Children love to be read too and when I work in therapeutic or paediatric hospital settings doing meditation and yoga therapy I see how they relate to using mindful breathing or calm cantering with a book.

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

The White Mountains of New Hampshire where I was inspired by the view of the moon rising over the mountains while the sun was setting to write  Mindful Moon.  I get to see this in every season. Right now is truly one of my favorite Fall with all the gorgeous colours.

Q5. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Worry Bee’ book?

I wanted to make sure that parents, caregivers and educators could really easily follow the directions to do mindful breathing like Worry Bee and use it in a way that supports calming children’s worries.

Q6. Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

I AM ….. It is called Mind Buzz another bee theme, but it is a meditation workbook for teens.  Stay tuned everyone.  It is great for adults too!

Q7. What does success means to you?

Finding  joy in the present  moment  not because everything is perfect, but because you choose it.

Q8. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I meditate every morning even if it is only for five minutes and when I get stuck in the process I  leave the work and go meditate more!

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

Oh this is a great story as my parents were teachers and educators their entire careers, so reading was instilled to be very important in our household. When I was a young girl my mother bought me the book Ann Likes Red by Dorothy Seymour it was my favorite book as a young child especially with my name being Ann. Then my father bought me Charlotte’s Web in elementary school by EBWhite and I am a big animal lover spend every week in a barn with my rescue horse and rescue donkey.

Q10. Lastly, do you want to give any advice to someone wanting to write and publish a book?

Oh yes… when you think of what you are writing is a gift to the reader  you have a whole different idea of  gratitude for the process.

Author’s Profile

Books are Available On Amazon

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

I’m from a small town in the Southern United States. I hold dual degrees in business and psychology and read or write about almost anything. I began writing when I was four, before I knew how to write words- Like Hey, somebody, write this down! I’m married to my high school sweetheart and we are parents to two wonderful grown children. Together, we own a large, nationa-award-winning family farm. I enjoy yoga, world travel, and outdoors in my spare time.

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

“Lainey Cash“ was the first novel for which I sought publishing out of twelve novels I completed in a twenty-year period. For the cover, I wanted to stay with the story’s prevailing themes of grief, greed, rivalry, and romance. I also wanted a photographic cover because we are a picture-posting society! The title was a cinch: This is the story of Lainey Cash, a female farmer, which is still quite revolutionary, and her evolution into adulthood- her education, career, and love life. Lainey Cash could be any woman.
*Interesting side note: My sister is an artist, and we have since collaborated. Her illustrations will be featured on future books I publish. It’s hands down the coolest part of my author journey. See her amazing work on the cover of “Sunshine and Lev” and “RETURN”.

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

My husband and I are adventurous travel buddies. Everywhere I go, big or small, busy or rural, I view life and my surroundings and other people as a possible story or character. Planting those seeds in my mind (and heart) delivers cool twists and vivid plots regularly. I also majored in psychology, so I’m not shy about delving into human emotion. That makes the possibilities endless.

Q4. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I wrote before I could read and finished most of my early novels before I drew a connection to other authors. Whenever I would try to read growing up, I would resort to writing. You can’t do both at the same time! As an adult, I try not to read books and think about how or what I would write. Therefore, if and when I read, it can be a lovely escape out of my life, even my author life. With that perspective, I am glad to say that as far as exemplary writing, I will forever be captivated by The Great Gatsby, Gone with the Wind, and The Scarlet Letter. Such passion and clear visuals! My genre is romance-suspense. Nora Roberts and Sandra Brown are queens.

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

Oh no, not for me! I’m a pantser, as in- I fly by the seat of my pants and garner passion and energy from that frenzied, instinctual writing process. With “Lainey Cash”, I woke up early one morning in 2000, and wrote about twenty hours a day for eight days to finish. I completed the trilogy in less than three months. With “RETURN”, my latest dive into the time travel/magic genre, my husband suggested I write about Halloween on Halloween night 2019 because it’s my favorite holiday. By November 30, the book RETURN was written.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Sunshine and Lev’ book?

“Sunshine and Lev” was the next novel that I started AND finished writing (an accomplishment for an author, right?) after I finished the Lainey Cash trilogy in 2000. I woke up during the night in January 2001 and began writing “Sunshine and Lev” the story of an artist and an architect on the South Carolina coast. It was finished in mid-March 2001 writing 5-10 hours per day.

Q7. What do you think your readers take away from your books?

I am unattached to a specific outcome. Let it be what you want it to be when you read my books. Maybe someone reminds you of your father, your grandmother, your last boyfriend. Maybe you’ve been to Mexico and that chapter in “Sunshine and Lev” takes you back to your trip there or maybe you want to go one day OR think you’ll never go, so you go with me on the page. …I’ve heard from a lot of readers- that they laugh, cry, yell, cuss, dream, love, travel, smile, and live vicariously through my stories. Perfect!

Q8. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Lainey and Jed’ book?

“Lainey and Jed” is Book 2 of the Lainey Cash trilogy. I knew in my heart of hearts that “Lainey Cash” Book 1 would be the first book I published out of all the books I’d written. To follow up with something as jaw-dropping, heart-wrenching, and adventure-filled, to keep up the drama, suspense, and pace while keeping their love alive and hot (wink) was my aim. That’s not easy. It took longer to write Book 2 because I meant it would be a worthy second book in the trilogy, not just the middle filler to get from the beginning, “Lainey Cash” to The End, “Delaina” Book 3.

Q9. Are there any secrets from the books (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?

Secrets, hmm. Sure! I wrote “Lainey Cash” in 2000. I sought publishing in 2019. When I revisited the manuscript, there were no smartphones back then. Haha! I edited the trilogy to include modern technology but kept the original. Maybe there’ll be a “Lainey Cash” trilogy prequel, the way things really were when I wrote it. In “Sunshine and Lev,” you’ll find out that main love interest Lev is cousins with Lainey Cash’s main love interest, Jed! Both books are part of my Fifteen Thousand Times for Fifty Years series. Bombshell: All the main love interest men are cousins; therefore, you will see some of your favorite couples from previous books make cameo appearances in future books in the series.
“RETURN” is my latest release with a delve into time travel. In that book, Halloween night is required to time travel. It’s going to be part of a six-book series. This is the first time I’ve admitted that each new book in the series is related to a specific holiday in order for characters to time hop.

Q10. On what all platforms your books are available to buy?

My books are always available at Amazon and Barnes&Noble in print and eBook. I was invited to London and New York to promote the Lainey Cash trilogy, but Covid stopped that from happening, as well as a nice run of book signings on hold. As soon as it’s possible, my husband and I will take this book career on the road! Can’t wait to meet you!

Author’s Profile

Books are Available On Amazon

Book: Classroom Confidential: How I Survived 33 Years in a Public School Classroom…and You Can Too!

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

My name is Victoria Lucido, but I go by Vickie.  I grew up on the Monterey Peninsula, was a student of Monterey Peninsula Unified School District from K-12, and ended up teaching in my home district for 33 years.  When I decided to retire, I wanted to share what I learned with other teachers so they wouldn’t have to struggle to figure things out the way I did when I first started teaching.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Classroom Confidential: How I Survived 33 Years in a Public School Classroom…and You Can Too!’ book?

Writing the book was actually the easy part.  It truly just flowed out of me once I started writing it.  I had so many things I wanted to say and share, and it was very cathartic getting to write them all down.  The hard part came when it was time to pitch it to publishers hoping someone would pick it up.  The next hard part has been marketing a book on teaching during a pandemic when schools are closed down.  I never saw that coming in a million years!  It’s been a challenge not being able to have a launch party or do book signings during COVID.  Fortunately, the message in my book is timeless, so I will hit the ground running as soon as it’s safe to do so.

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

Being from the Monterey Peninsula, I have always been a fan of John Steinbeck.  Being a former social studies teacher, I love reading historical fiction.  I don’t particularly have an author who influenced my writing because I wanted my book to be uniquely me and my voice.

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

I love to travel and visit all sorts of different places.  I just got back from visiting Bass Lake, California, which is very special because I grew up there camping and water skiing with my family.  But I would have to say my favorite spot in my country is my hometown and my favorite place to visit is wherever I can spend time with my family.

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

I don’t think so.  I think you need to just do it.  Since I got my book published, many people have said to me, “I have an idea for writing a book” or “I’m thinking about writing a book,” and I always tell them, “Just start writing!”  The main thing, for me, about writing a book is be sure you have something to say.  I definitely felt I had something to say when I wrote my book.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Classroom Confidential: How I Survived 33 Years in a Public School Classroom…and You Can Too!’ book?

On one hand, I suppose you could say it took me a lifetime to write my book because I couldn’t have written it without living through all of the experiences I shared.  But if the question is how long did it take to do the actual writing, I would say 6 months for the rough draft and another six months with all of the edits.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find your book ‘Classroom Confidential: How I Survived 33 Years in a Public School Classroom…and You Can Too!’  to buy?

I am selling my book on my website: victorialucidobooks.com and it is also available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other book stores.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Classroom Confidential: How I Survived 33 Years in a Public School Classroom…and You Can Too!’?

My brother actually came up with the idea of Classroom Confidential as a homage to Anthony Bourdain with his book Kitchen Confidential.  My editor and I came up with the tag line: How I Survived 33 Years in a Public School Classroom… and You Can Too! We wanted to make sure people knew I would be sharing my secrets to help others. Being a classroom teacher all of those years, I envisioned a chalk board on the cover of the book because while a lot of my advice is “old school” the lessons will never go out of style since people are people and that doesn’t change.  Morgan James Publishing took the cover idea in my head and made it a reality.

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

I believe the best way to keep things fresh is to be authentic and write from your heart and not your ego.  Don’t ever try to manipulate the audience into feeling a certain way.  When you tell your truth with honesty,  it has a universality to it and others can relate.

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

Those of you who choose to read my book will see that it is like having a safe conversation with an experienced teacher.  While my book is set in the classroom, it’s really a no-nonsense book about life and best practices for managing and working with others.

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Classroom Confidential: How I Survived 33 Years in a Public School Classroom…and You Can Too!

Book: How to Survive Your 20s

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

Hi, my name is Portia Ingram and I am the author of How to Survive Your 20s. I am a thirty-something born and raised in New York. I graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and City University of New York with a Masters in Disability Studies. I’m active in my community and despite my diplomas ended up working for my local government and nothing to do with science. But as my book points out…life can be funny like that. Lol.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘How to Survive Your 20s’ book?

I must say the only real obstacle I had was understanding the publishing process. I had already authored two workbooks called The Helpful Planner & The Helpful Planner Kids however I self-published them through Amazon. Since I wanted to reach a wider audience, I wanted to go with a publishing company and was accepted by Mascot Publishing.

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

I enjoy reading Napolean Hill’s books as well as Agatha Christi (And Then There Were None is an all-time favorite!). One author crucial to my development and storytelling ability was Shel Silverstein.

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

Being raised on Long Island, I loved going to our many parks and shores. There is a State park called Sunken Meadow that I enjoy going to when its warm. There are small microscopic crabs, horse shoe crabs, and a sand bridge by a beach less travelled that washes away with the high tide at noon. I think that’s so cool!

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

I would say depending on the book..yes. I wrote from experience so it took some honest reflection and even digesting of things I didn’t realize had such a major impact on what I wanted to write about. Once I got through that process it made the road to writing much clearer.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘How to Survive Your 20s’ book?

I would say I wrote it over the course of a few months. The content coming from lived experiences made it relatively easy to pen.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘How to Survive Your 20s’ book to buy?

The book is available for purchase online at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘How to Survive Your 20s’?

I wanted the cover to be simple yet eye catching. The use of bright colors helped with this however I also researched books that had done well in my category and I saw how I could integrate what I wanted with what was a pattern amongst popular authors.

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

That’s a great question. I think one can keep things fresh for themselves and the audience by introducing new and different perspectives. I come from a social science working background and like to analyze life from a meta perspective- qualitatively, quantitatively, and engaging all the senses. Thinking outside the box to explain the most mundane topics can spice things up : )

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

The book actually had several more chapter than were published. One title of a chapter that didn’t make it to press is “Do the Right Thing EVEN If it’s Unpopular.” In my teen and young adult workshops I discuss this but I believe especially in this day and time with so much potential for change it’s more important for people to hear.

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Book Is Available On Amazon

How to Survive Your 20s