Category: Author Interview

Book: Before I was Born

Book: Socks

Author: Corey Anne Abreau

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

My name is Corey Anne Abreau, I am a children’s book author of Before I Was Born & Socks. I am a mother to two boys, originally from Rhode Island, but currently live in North Attleboro Massachusetts. I enjoy reading, writing, and spending time with my children, my family and friends.

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

I do not feel I had any challenges writing Before I Was Born. This book actually flowed right out of me. I wrote it while I was pregnant with my second child and it just felt natural and right to get it all onto paper. I would write at night when it was quiet and when I was in bed. It was relaxing and fun to write about the perfect little baby growing inside of me.
Once the book was written I had to find an illustrator and searched online for one. It took a bit of time but I ended up clicking really well with this one woman. She did a fabulous job with the illustrations. It worked out really great.

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

I love all the Dr. Seuss books. I love rhyming books and cute and fun children’s books that make you feel good and smile.
Green Eggs & Ham is one of my favorites.
I also follow Jeff Kinney – Author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
My oldest son used to read his books and watch the movies. I love how motivated the author  is and how he has a series of books out. It makes me want to write and have a series out too! I have a ways to go to be like him but it is something to strive for.
Just have to keep on writing!

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

I love to go to Chase Farm in Lincoln RI. It is absolutely beautiful and so very peaceful. You can take a nice walk, go for a hike, or just sit and relax and enjoy the scenery. People fly kites, take their pets for a walk or just sit out on a blanket and have a picnic.
This place is special to me because I grew up in Rhode Island and consider myself a RI girl. I find myself going back there often.

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

For me, writing is fun and very enjoyable. I write about all types of things. Sometimes my feelings, sometimes a note to my children, or short stories for children.
I love writing for children mostly and love seeing a child enjoying my books. My children are my inspiration and motivation. My youngest is what I tend to write about most and then I  include my oldest son in the illustrations.
Sometimes a little bit of research is needed when writing but other than that it mostly comes from within. Whenever I feel like writing I just sit down at my computer and let it all flow out of me.

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

Socks took me one day to write. I remember the exact day. I was sitting on my couch watching my son play with his socks and just went with it. I knew exactly what I wanted to say and how I wanted the book to look. I had this idea in my head and after it was written I  took a ton of photos of him playing  and created a presentation for my illustrator so she knew what to draw. We worked really great together and my illustrator did an amazing job. The little boy looks alot like my son. I was very happy with the end result.

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

Both of my books can be found on my website
http://www.coreyanneabreau.com
or on Amazon
Before I Was Born:
https://www.amazon.com/Before-Born-Corey-Anne-Abreau/dp/159298598X/ref=sr_1_21?dchild=1&keywords=before+i+was+born&qid=1603810921&sr=8-21
Socks:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1950339785/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

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

It was just a vision I had for both of my books!
Before I Was Born was the perfect title for my first book as it explains what is happening inside mommy’s belly during the 9 months of pregnancy.
and
Socks was all about socks so I felt that was the way to go!
Both covers were photos that were taken at one point and I felt they just fit perfectly for the cover.

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

I enjoy cute and fun short stories and anything that makes you smile.
My first book was a bit more serious but the second was fun and silly. That is what I was going for.
I hope to write more and continue writing fun and exciting stores for children to enjoy.

Author’s Profile

Books are Available On Amazon

Before I Was Born

Socks

Book: The Adventures Of Tooth Fairy Tommy

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

I’m a mom of two teens, one of which has a rare genetic disorder called trisomy 18. I’m a life long advocate for special needs children. I grew up with a learning disability. Giving the voiceless a voice has always been a huge part of who I am. When I’m not writing books you can find me running a carpentry business with my husband! I’m a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature, where I studied writing for children and teens. 

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Adventures Of Tooth Fairy Tommy’ book?

Some challenge I had writing this particular book was really finding an illustrator who could  convey my characters the way I wanted.

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

I loved reading to my children books when they were little! Our all time favorite was: Click Clack Moo, Cows that Type.” I loved the authors silly writing that grabbed not only my kids attention but mine too!

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

The beach is our very favorite spot! We live very close to it. We are often there all year round.

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

Not really, I usually have an idea and get started!

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Adventures OfTooth Fairy Tommy’ book?

It took me a year. Only because I changed the direction of the book a few times. I wanted something meaningful. Using tooth fairy letters my children got from the tooth fairy  as my inspiration helped shape the direction of the book as well as my son who spent some time in a wheel chair like the character in the book.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘The Adventures Of Tooth Fairy Tommy’ book to buy?

You can find The Adventures of Tooth Fairy Tommy on Amazon, and direct from the publisher Book Baby. As well as any other place you can buy a book, Target, and Barnes and Noble are good places too!

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Adventures Of Tooth Fairy Tommy’?

I went with this title because I plan on writing more books with Tommy in them. I have another two books coming out later this year/ early 2021!

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

I try to use every day life. I think when you do that you can never go wrong and never run out of ideas! Something interesting is always going on. (At least one my house and life! Hahahaha!)

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

My daughters handwriting is in the book! The character Tommy and Jimmy are a play on words for my sons name Timmy!!

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Adventures Of Tooth Fairy Tommy

Book: Ascension

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

Hello! My name is Eric Erickson. I’m an author and filmmaker and I live in Los Angeles. I grew up in Northwest Washington state but have lived and worked all over the United States and other countries. I have a background in journalism but have also worked in politics and the entertainment industry, including acting in and writing a number of movies.

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

I wanted to take the complex ideas of death and the process of contacting and existing in the Realm and write them in a way that was accessible and fun. Taking the science and explaining how it worked as well as the feeling of this otherworldy universe and creating a page turning action novel. That was a challenge.

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

I grew up reading Robert B. Parker, Clive Cussler and the books of the Dune Universe (Frank Herbert and his son Brian and Kevin J. Anderson). They appealed to me, the descriptive narratives and the way the authors pushed the adventure forward with each chapter. I also really liked the way they injected humor and character quirks into their work to really bring their heroes to life. I think sometimes authors overwrite a bit too much and it slows things down. Give me a good story that pushes forward. ‘Ascension’ has been compared to Dan Brown and ‘The DaVinci Code’ and I’m OK with that.

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

I love road trips. I love to be on the open road and discover new places as well as revisiting old haunts. It can just be a day trip to see the forests or a getaway to Vegas, I just love the feeling of freedom on the open highway.

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

I tend to do a lot of research and planning out the plot. When I first began writing in my youth it was just about sitting down at the keyboard and seeing what happens. The challenge of the blank page.
As I got older and starting working in different types of storytelling including screenplays, I saw how I needed to plot out my ideas. It actually gives you more freedom because you don’t have to worry about the basics as much, so you can concentrate on characters, dialogue and filling out your story. You are also much more productive in your writing and you run into a lot less writer’s block.

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

I wrote the first draft over ten years ago and set it aside. The first draft is actually the first two books of the series: ‘Ascension’ and ‘Revelations.’ About two years ago I picked it back up and started to craft it into what you see now.
I made the decision to split it into two parts for creative as well as logistical publishing reasons. While the original version had mostly the same plot, the one you’re reading now is much leaner with more action and twists and turns. The characters also went through a number of changes, including race and motivations.

Q7. On what platforms readers can find ‘Ascension’ to buy?

It is available in hardcover, paperback (trade, mass market and large print) and e-book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, Kobo, Vivlio, Scribd and other retailers. You can visit Viking-Dog.com for links to all of the available sales locations.

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

It was actually a very long process and we went through numerous versions. Originally the idea was to portray Arius, the greeter of the Realm, but that became too difficult. I didn’t want to put an image into the reader’s mind, I wanted them to formulate him in their imagination. So we turned to the idea of the process of crossing over into the Realm. The great thing with literary science fiction is that your cover can be a bit more fun. So when the artwork for the brain and circuitry came up, I thought it was a great representation of the science in the novel.
The title was initially ‘The Realm,’ but that was for the first two books. When I decided to split it into two, ‘Ascension’ came right to the top due to the way the concept is weaved through the book.
The title of part two, ‘Revelations’ came about because the second book is truly where everything is revealed. Not just the Realm, but the motivations behind all the groups and characters and how they play into the story with their personal motivations. I also liked the religious allusion.

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

I want to entertain myself. So when I am finished and editing, if I don’t start to lose myself in the words and the story, then it needs more work. If I come up against a situation where it’s been done before, I try to come up with a way to go “OK, but it hasn’t been done like this!”

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

My first answer is… No! Read the book and be surprised!!!
But I will say that the tale has heart and humor as well as adventure. I wanted to write a page turner with depth and that’s what ‘Ascension’ turned out to be. I will mention that when you get to the sequel, ‘Revelations,’ you might be surprised who is really who they say they are. Enjoy!

Author: Eric Erickson

Book Is Available On Amazon

Ascension

Book: Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle

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

S.L Jackson: Hello, I am S.L Jackson award winning urban fantasy author from Inkster, Michigan which is 20 mins outside of Detroit Michigan west. “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle” is my debut novella.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle’ book?

S.L Jackson: The key challenge was just to start writing the novella. Once I started it was fairly easy because “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle” is from the heart, even though it’s an urban fantasy novella it came from the heart it’s a lot of real life elements of this book.

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

S.L Jackson: I am a fan of so many I do not want to miss anyone; however, my favorite projects have come from Donald Goines and Iceberg Slim. I would not say any books have influenced my writing because I have never read anything like “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle”. It would truly in a class of its own for so many reasons, it is a short read, but it has a lot of plots and points that make you go back and re read it. It is value in my words, and sometimes all value is not realized at the time. “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle” makes you look at the world you have always seen, different. From another point of view.

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

S.L Jackson: My favorite spot in the world is my moms house in Inkster, Michigan. The reason why it is so special to me is because I remember when we got it, I remember my mother, my older sister Kijuanna, and my twin brother AJ turning it into a home. We all painted, laid carpet, and made it into our own. It is no other memories that can match those for me, real good times, lot of hard work.

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

S.L Jackson: For me, I just had to sit down and start. Once I started, the story just flowed out. It had been in my heart since I was a kid in some way. But I told the universe when it was time for it to be presented. I told myself I would win awards for this novella. I released “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle” on March 3, 2020. In May of 2020 “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle” won the gold medal at the 2020 eLit awards for BEST SHORT STORY FICTION.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle’ book?

S.L Jackson: It took me a lifetime, and only 3 weeks if that makes sense. I had to go through certain things in my life for better understanding on an emotional level. But when I finally decided to write, it only took 3 weeks.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle’ book to buy?

S.L Jackson: For anyone looking to order a copy of “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle” they can visit my website http://www.1sljackson.com all the links to order are there.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle’?

S.L Jackson: I came up with the title because “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle” is a fictional story based on a family of outlaw rabbits running the underworld in the jungle. The story is based in every jungle in the world from an “urban” standpoint. Even though it is based around a family of rabbits, it is all kinds of animals represented in the story. The cover art is what I see when I walk out my front door. I see the trees and rabbits, and deer, all types of animals right outside my front door. So, the cover was easy to come up with and I just shared that ideal with my graphic designer.

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

S.L Jackson: When I wrote this book, I told myself that it needs to be filled with a lot of “AH HA” moments. I wanted to give you a lot of things to think about, and a lot of emotions. So, I had to be able to get those moments across to the readers. I think I did it very well.

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

S.L Jackson: I would not say secrets, but I will tell your readers that “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle” will be the first ever debut award winning novella turned into an animated series. “Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle ANIMATED” is here, this is the link to the official trailer https://vimeo.com/461451424 we will be debuting the first episode some time in December so you can follow @animalinstictsanimated for updates.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Animal Instincts: The Urban Jungle

Book: Blind Horizons

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

Hello, my name is Duane Windell Phillips.  When I was little, I didn’t like my middle name even though it is my father’s name.  As I grew older, I realized what a privilege it is to have that name.  There are few Windells in the world.  I proudly use my father’s name for my writings.  I am married and my wife and I have 4 kids.  All are grown and live on their own. My oldest daughter is pregnant with our first grandchild.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Blind Horizons’ book?

The biggest challenge in writing Blind Horizons was telling a story about things I knew little about.  While not specifically stated in the story, the setting is in Lebanon.  I’ve never been to Lebanon and there were cultural differences I had to learn.  I have posted most of my stories on my blog and this one is no different.  A blog follower who liked the first few chapters and gave me positive feedback offered to help with cultural issues.  I would like to give them praise for their kind assistance but they wish to remain nameless.  I wish them my heartfelt thanks.

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

I’ve never considered who has influenced my writing since I’ve never tried to emulate anyone.  After publishing Blind Horizons I read A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini and I was amazed at how it was told simply but with great emotional depth.  I discussed this with a friend and he commented that is how my stories are written.  If this is true, I consider it an honor to write like Mr. Hosseini.

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

I am blessed to have traveled to many places.  I have so many more places I hope to visit someday.  If you visit the US, and you like nature and being outdoors, you must visit Yellowstone National Park.  It is an amazing and diverse place on our beautiful planet.

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

I suppose I am not a typical author.  I like writing and I write what is in my heart.  In the case of Blind Horizons, I told the stories of Ali and Amal.  Actually, they told their stories through me.  I had no outline and, other than knowing they had to meet again after many years, didn’t exactly know how the story would be resolved.  I got to a point where I wanted to write the story in one direction but that way wasn’t true to who the characters are.  Therefore, the story went in the way that was true to Ali and Amal.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Blind Horizons’ book?

I wrote the first chapter in my mind as I drove home on Christmas Eve.  I actually started typing out the story and posted it to my blog on Christmas Day.  The final post was completed May 3rd the following year.  So that is about 5 months.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Blind Horizons’ book to buy?

Blind Horizons is available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.  It is also available on most bookstore websites.

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

Since sunsets are prominent in the story I knew a sunset needed to be on the book cover.  I worked with Rick Holland at Vision Press to make the book cover.  He was gracious enough to consider a photo of my own for the cover but we ultimately went a different direction.  For the book title, I must again offer thanks to the online friend for helping me with a catchy title.

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

I feel it is important to write about things that interest you.  If it is something you love you will be excited about it.  Also, I find you can keep things fresh when you purposely write about things you don’t fully know.  This forces you to stretch yourself.  It may be awkward at first but keep at it.  Writing is a muscle that must be exercised or it will wither.

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

Secrets from the book?  All the names mean something. Also, while this is a romance novel, can you guess how many kisses are in the story. You might be surprised.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Blind Horizons

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

I wanted to be a writer since I was seven years old, after first reading my first Nancy Drew book. Life got in the way and I didn’t have a chance to write my first book until I was 42 years old. I enjoy the art of creating characters and their stories.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading, watching television (I’m a huge Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed fan). I love hiking and traveling. I enjoy interior design and creating art.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Day Of First Sun’ book?

It was my first book. I had a rough idea of what the book was about but I didn’t understand how to put the idea on paper. I published the book long before it was ready and in the ten years since I originally published it, I took it down from Amazon, re-edited it and started over. In 2015, I rewrote the ending of the book to answer more questions and then ended up rewriting the entire beginning, so that it is now the edition it is. I ended up writing The Day of First Sun in at least fifty drafts.

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

The authors who wrote Nancy Drew. I fell in love with the detective genre and wanted to write my own stories. Judy Blume because I wanted to write a book that made the reader feel for the characters. Stephen King because he wrote outside the box and something unexpected.

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

I love Florida. I love being on the beach, near the water. Both my grandmother’s used to live in Florida. It’s just where we went.

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

I’m a pantser meaning I write by the seat of my pants. I don’t plan my books. I start with a character and a generally idea of what I want the story to be about. Usually by the third draft, the story is pretty much where I want it and all I have to do is minor changes.

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

Black Market took a year from the start of the first draft to the day it was ready to publish.

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

Apple  https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1536935254
Kobu https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-day-of-first-sun-an-urban-fantasy-murder-mystery
Kindle https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019SES79O?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_0&storeType=ebooks

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Wizard War’ & for the book ‘Prophecy’?

I have a really good team at Damonza.com. I give them themes of the books and some pieces that I’d like to highlight on the cover and they come up with the design for me. I give the design to several good friends who give me their opinions and suggestions and I take those to the book designer.

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

Each book’s mystery is concentrated in a different aspect of the wizard community. The Day of First Sun was a magical police procedural and stayed in Chicago.
Black Market took the reader to the black market, away from Chicago, and introduced a different aspect of magic in the form of a secret society.
In Wizard War, the reader’s journey was set in Europe and the reader met other Wizard Guard departments in the wizard world. It allowed a new view of magic and the reader could compare and contrast how it was different or the same.
In Prophecy, the reader was not in Chicago and learned more of Annie Pearce’s past. The magic was ancient and different in the book.
And in Rise of the Black Market, the reader was given the answers to questions they didn’t know they should ask. It was the culmination of the entire series and very personal to Annie Pearce.

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

All the books pulled the main character, Annie Pearce, into a journey in which she discovers truths about her past and each story sets up her future. I hadn’t intended on the books being joined by one plot point, but it ended up that way.

Author’s Profile

Books are Available On Amazon

Book: The Lighthouse Keeper

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

Sure, my name is David Richards.  I’ve had many titles in my life, from Marine to yoga instructor to author and dad.  Perhaps my two favorite titles are “friend” and “storyteller”.  I grew up moving every few years as my dad was in the Marines too, and spent three years in Japan before I was 14.  After seeing the world as a Marine myself for 15 years, I decided it was time for a change and ventured into the corporate world.

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

I think the biggest challenge was making the story interesting.  I had never tried to write an educational fiction story before, but it was important to me that I make the most of the analogy found within the book.  That, and making the characters relatable.

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

Stephen King has always been a favorite…I just love how he creates characters.  Growing up, I loved comic books, and those have certainly played a role in sparking my creativity.  Perhaps the book that has most significantly influenced my life has been Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill.  I’ve only read it once, but that book has led me to so many incredible discoveries about myself.

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

The ocean off the coast of North Carolina. There’s a small island called Emerald Isle that I’ve gone to since I was a teenager.  It always feels like a small town, and that makes me feel like it’s home.

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

It really depends on the book.  I’ve started writing some stories that took place thousands of years ago.  The trick is, you have to be careful.  I’ve never finished those stories because I got so caught up in researching the history of the culture and place I was writing about…that eventually became more interesting than the story.

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

The idea was born out of my first book, Whiskey and Yoga, which came out in 2017. I didn’t do anything with it until December of 2018, when I listened to Dandapani talk about a very similar idea as it relates to the mind and our awareness.  That sparked the idea.  I started writing in January, had one major adjustment to make after meeting with my editor in July, then finished the book in September of 2019.  It released this summer.

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

It’s on my website and available on Amazon.

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

Someone recommend a good cover designer. They sent me four ideas based on our conversations, but this one immediately became my favorite.  It’s simple but elegant.  The title just seemed a natural extension of the idea that our mind is an ocean and our awareness is a lighthouse.  Someone has to be the lighthouse keeper that maintains the light.

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

That’s the beauty of writing.  The first person the story has to excite is the author.  Going back to Stephen King, after he wrote Pet Sematary (my favorite from him) he refused to publish it because it frightened him.  THAT is the experience every author wants from their writing.  Not necessarily of fear, but certainly to feel something.  Whiskey and Yoga excited me because I finished it, and up until that point, I really didn’t know if I could write a book.  The Lighthouse Keeper excited me because I really think it’s a good story, and there’s a big part of me in the book.  That said, it’s exciting when you create characters that feel real.  In that sense, you kind of have to let the characters write themselves.  That’s what makes writing fun; getting to the point where your characters write themselves.

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

In some ways, it’s a story about our creation.  It’s not immediately evident, but it’s in there.  You just have to ask yourself…if the characters in the story represent something more than just people, how does that evolve the story?

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Lighthouse Keeper

Book: The Spell

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

Hello, I’m C.V. Shaw, author of The Spell…my debut fiction fantasy novel. I LOVE to make up stories. I’m always making a story in my head. I also write poetry and short stories.  I love the world of magic and still get excited to watch Mary Poppins. I was born and reside in the United States. I have two grown children, and by daytime I am a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and a Quantum Energy Medicine practitioner. I also teach Mindscape.  A course that teaches you how to use the full potential of your mind. Like I said, I love magic!

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

One of the bigger challenges was writing the one scene at the beginning that would make it all come together at the end without giving too much away. 
Also I believe all writing comes from a subconscious aspect of ourselves that needs healing and we symbolize it creatively through our imagination, so naturally, some unhealed parts of me were triggered at a few different points throughout the story. 
And lastly, finishing the story, gave me a sense of grief because it was over.

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

Edgar Allen Poe, Guy de Maupassant and Alison Weir.  As per books, too many books to mention, but Snow White and the Huntsman,  Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman all books by Alison Weir.

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

As childish as this may sound, it’s the truth…Disney World.  I’m very lucky because it is only 4 hours by car from where I live.  It truly is a magical place.  My inner-child is unleashed.  The park never ceases to amaze me and the energy of fairy tales is so alive. I love it there!

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

I’m sure there is…but I just dove in head first and the timeline and organization aspect figured itself out as I went along.  I always say I feel it wrote itself and I was just a channel.

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

Exactly 7 months.  (Now, the editing…well that’s a whole other animal).

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

Barnes & Noble, Target.com, Amazon, Indiebound, Bookshop, Walmart, Google Books

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

The cover took a few tries.  My designs were too one-dimensional.  I wanted to combine the elements of the story and also elicit the mood.I wanted the person to feel as if they time- traveled there by  just looking at the cover of the book.  Thank God my cover designer and illustrator (there’s a map) Karen Taylor @artbykarentaylor took over and it was like she waved a wand and poof there it was.  She’s beyond amazing.
As per the title, well I felt like  the actual “spell” held such a presence in the book, that  it demanded to be the title.

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

If I feel it starts to get boring for me, then I know it will be boring for the reader too.  When you get around the middle, it is common the story can take a dip…so I inserted a back story that had excitement in it.

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

There are secrets, but I would be giving away too much away if I gave them up…just gonna have to read to find out.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Spell

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

I was a working journalist for 35 years, three newspapers, an investigative reporter for the Associated Press, and a Producer and Executive Producer for CBS News. Along the way there were three Emmys among the awards for investigative documentaries that I wrote, produced and directed. So it was time to move on, tackling serious writing as an author, only to be struck with macular degeneration which has left me legally blind for more than a decade. Yeah, you could say this would be an enormous handicap for an author wanna-be, and initially it was. Then I decided what the hell, let’s turn it into a strength. So with the help of state-of-the art computer, audio-visual devices and an assistant who has been with me for more than a decade. I have completed one non-fiction book and the first two books of my Passaic River Trilogy, “Father Divine’s Bikes” and ”Payback-Tales of Love and Revenge.”

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Father Divine’s Bikes’ book?

We’ve already discussed the blindness issue. The main problem to be overcome was the slow rate of progress. As a former journalist, I quite often had to meet demanding deadlines, and if I didn’t, it would be “move on, buddy, this isn’t the job for you.” Now, I had to rely on technology and assistance to get my work done. It was not an easy transition.

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

Noir crime fiction has always been a magnet for me. Two authors with too many titles under their belt for me to list are James Ellroy and John MacDonald. Like me, both are minimalists who do very little moralizing and view adverbs and adjectives as necessary evils to be used sparingly.

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

It’s a toss-up. The mind boggling natural artistry that created the magnificent red rock mesas, cliffs and valleys in and around Sedona, Arizona have always captivated me. San Francisco, where for several years I was an Urban Affairs investigative reporter, is another magnet that draws me back every year.

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

Research, research, research. My Passaic River Trilogy rests squarely on the shoulders of characters entwined together more than 70 years ago. So you can imagine the work needed to authenticate dates, dialogue (especially urban slang), and the prevailing social-economic trends, good and bad, at that time.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Payback-Tales Of Love,Hate and Revenge’ book?

From concept to final edited draft, it took about two and a half years.

Q7. As an author, what does success means to you?

I know this may sound strange, but wide notoriety as an author was never a prime consideration when I made the switch from journalism to literary writing. I never had an overwhelming drive to make big bucks on my books. Sure, it would be great but being realistic, as a first-time independent author-publisher, I never visualized snapping rubber bands around fat bankrolls. What has been rewarding is the large number of reviews, especially those from hard-nosed professional critics that convinced me that the message of the Passaic River Trilogy was clearly getting across.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Payback-Tales Of Love, Hate and Revenge’?

The book is set in 1946, more than a year after the end of WWII. The euphoria of victory was gone and people from every social-economic class were beginning to question what had really been won. How could it be possible that the global carnage and human devastation originated in two of the most advanced countries in their regions, Germany in western Europe, and Japan in Asia. When Nazi and Neo-Nazi scientists, who had used slave labor drawn from nearby death camps for their research and development, were given Hollywood red-carpet treatment when they migrated to the United States, coast-to-coast anger erupted. I wanted the cover to be as graphic and yes, even gruesome enough, to depict the barbed-wire hell that was Germany for twelve years. Payback was necessary, along with all the ingredients that made it possible – love, hate and finally revenge.

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

An easy answer would be to identify the reader not only with my characters, but with the settings as well. Except for a few obvious exceptions, there are no totally good or bad characters. We are all flawed. We rationalize our shortcomings, and in noir crime fiction, everyone has them. I try to push the reality envelope to the extreme while still making the characters’ actions plausible and believable. The setting for a character’s action must be believable while at the same time extraordinary enough to hold a reader’s interest.

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

One character, who in fact has been called an unexpected plot presence, should be followed closely by the reader. Only six-years-old, Muriel has packed a lifetime into her childhood. The passages devoted to Muriel are highly autobiographical. I don’t know if it would be called revealing a “secret” or not, but as a kid I spent five years in two Catholic orphanages, and like Muriel, these years changed my life for the better.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Father Divine’s Bikes

Payback-Tales of Love and Revenge

Book: Notes Left In Time

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

A1. Yes! My name is Jaclyn, you’ll sometimes see me go by Jaclina (a family nickname) or Jaclyn Aisling, Aisling is my middle name.

Q2. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Notes Left In Time’?

A2. The cover was intuitively designed by a contracted artist, while the title was original to my theme of using the “notes” in my iPhone.

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

A3. I write what only comes to me, when I feel moved to write it.  Everything you read is authentic in that I hear the poem of sorts play out in my head prior to typing it in my phone.  It’s almost spiritual or cathartic.

Q4. What does success means to you?

A4. Success?  That’s tough, I’ve often bounced between near last place and first.  It’s a balance.  There’s a lesson either way. You win some or lose some.  You won’t win all, but there something to gain regardless.

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

A5. With my poetry book(s),no, my second and upcoming project, Lessons Learned in Time, is more writing and less poetry.  There’s more that goes into this for me.  Only speaking for myself, it’s an exciting, emotional process, but the finished product, much like each poem I write, is well worth it.

Q6. How long did it take you to write this book?

A6. Honestly? Off and on about 6 years or so.  Crazy, I know!

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

A7. Newport, RI My birthplace.  Growing up,I’d spend my summers in Rhode Island.  I have so many fond memories of Newport.  The beaches, boat races, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, downtown Newport, kite festival, the list goes on.  Not to mention the history, which I’m still learning.

Q8. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Notes Left In Time’ book?

A8. The biggest challenge was me facing my own insecurities and accepting opinions on my work.

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

A9. The first full poetry book I read was Tupac Shakur.  I had recently started writing and was given his book to read.  Currently, I go on and off listening to Edgar Allan Poe on Audible.

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

A10. Everything is a matter of perception, these poems, take them how you will.  I wrote them, some of them, quite literally. It’s up to you to figure out which one are which.  There are hidden messages in most of my poems, especially the ones pertaining to me. 

Stay tuned for Lessons Learned in Time! 2022.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Notes Left In Time