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

I have practiced plaintiff’s personal injury and workers’ compensation law in North Carolina and South Carolina for over twenty years.  I find working as an attorney helping those that have been injured to be incredibly rewarding.  I have enjoyed writing poems, and fiction stories, since I was a child.  Writing was my first love, or so I thought until I met my wife, Susie. That is when I realized what love really was all about, and that I could write some fantastic and spicy romantic scenes. In my spare time I enjoy traveling the world with Susie, world history and cultures, fitness, and experiencing all the wonder that life has to offer!

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Immortal Divorce Court’ book?

I was always trying to one up myself in having Sirius Sinister find himself in ever more precarious scenarios. How he reacts to things that he should ultimately be to blame for is very real life, and for the readers of Immortal Divorce Court – real hilarious!  But, I did find great pleasure in thinking that I had Sirius Sinister in a situation that couldn’t possibly get any crazier, and then finding a way to push the envelope even more.  Since Immortal Divorce Court is set all over the world over hundreds of years, I loved the process of researching exactly what things were happening at the time in history that I was setting the story.  It was especially cool to learn new things about places that I had already visited in my travels with Susie.

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

Since I was a child, I have been drawn to the epic fantasy worlds depicted in such series as the Lord of the Rings and the Sword of Shannara.  I also loved the snarky humor of the Xanth series by Piers Anthony.  Before the internet, reading was the way people of my generation learned about the real world even if it was through the eyes of characters in fantasy or science fiction novels.  Authors of those genres did then, and still today, address relationship dynamics, race relations, world cultures, history, religion, and philosophy.  As to romantic fantasy, I enjoy a good love story because the journey of two people finding each other amidst chaos is timeless.  I also believe in true love, and I have been lucky enough to find it in my amazing relationship with my wife, Susie.

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

I don’t necessarily have a favorite spot to visit in the United States.  I equally enjoy the hustle and bustle of big cities like New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles, and the mountains and beaches of both the east and west coast.  Some of my favorite places that I have visited outside the United States are South Africa, Argentina, and Brazil.  There is nothing like the serenity and majesty of the wildlife preserves in South Africa, the Mendoza region of Argentina, Iguassu Falls, and the energy of Rio de Janeiro.

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

I usually try to work from a fairly basic outline.  But, quite often my imagination as I am writing takes the novel in a direction that I hadn’t even thought of when I started it.  I also do a good bit of research to see if I can use events in history to compliment the storyline.  But, the most important thing I do before I sit down and start writing is to make sure that I am in the creative mindset.  When I am in the creative mode, the words just seem to flow!

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

The entire seven book Immortal Divorce Court series took about seven, or eight years to write.  Immortal Divorce Court Volume One: My Ex-Wife Said Go to Hell probably took the longest because I wasn’t sure necessarily where the story was going.  But, once I did, I just kept going.  Essentially, I wrote one massive novel, and then went back to see where the natural breaks in the action were, and it worked out to the seven books of the series.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find  ‘Immortal Divorce Court’ book to buy?

I would recommend readers check out my website http://www.kirkzurosky.com where they can learn about the upcoming books in the series.  Daisy has also been working really hard on her Dog Blog, where you can learn about the books and the self-proclaimed world famous Maltese from her canine perspective.  You can also check out the Sirius Sinister™ Gear store.  We have come up with some really cool Immortal Divorce Court merchandise.  Daisy also has inspired Got Garlic?™ vampire Maltese themed merchandise.  I love interacting on social media, and I post frequently on my Facebook fan page – Immortal Divorce Court by Kirk Zurosky, and on Instagram @KirkZurosky.   The book is also available on Amazon of course!  https://www.amazon.com/Immortal-Divorce-Court-Ex-Wife-Said/dp/173462521X/

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

Immortal Divorce Court was not the name I had for the series the whole time I was writing the books.  When I was finished, because the courtroom scenes became such a big part of the plot sequences, it just seemed perfect.  And, it’s catchy and looks great on a t-shirt!  Coming up with the cover, I wanted to focus on the dynamic of Sirius Sinister and Garlic, and the three paramours he meets in Volume One.  The cover art is beautiful and really conveys how each of the women really feels about Sirius Sinister.

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

My general rule is that if I am writing something, and it makes me laugh out loud then I know I am on to something!  I try to craft a universe where the characters are so very relatable!  As an attorney, I have met plenty of real-life characters, and I am essentially in the business of relationship management.  I talk with people on a daily basis with different backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences, and my job is to find a commonality to communicate together to solve the particular problem.  The conversations I have had with close friends and family about life and relationships have also contributed to the real-life relationships in Immortal Divorce Court.

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

Immortal Divorce Court is a seven book series, and what happens in Volume One definitely plays a part all the way through to Volume Seven. The whole series has layers upon layers, and all of the main characters have well-developed plot lines, and genuine growth. Another thing I have done for mainly my own amusement mainly is to intersperse popular culture references throughout the entire series.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Immortal Divorce Court

1. What was the hardest scene to write in Becklan’s Doll?

The hardest scene for me was Audrina’s past. I wasn’t prepared for such an emotional glimpse into her sorrow.

2. Do you have a favorite character that you’ve written? If so, who? And what makes them so special?

Yes, Myles has a special place in my heart. He’s so witty and sassy, yet still holds the ability to lighten the mood in only a few words. He’s a personal favorite with a personality that shines no matter where he is.

3. Can you tell us about the process for coming up with the cover?

This cover in particular is special to me because the two models on the cover are very dear friends of mine. Chris and Cheyanne. That photo was taken inside my dining-room and then handed to a designer, who took my ideas and magically brought the cover to life! It’s exactly how I envisioned it from the beginning.

4. What do you hope for your readers take away from the story?

I hope my readers take inner strength and courage from my story, and put it to good use where ever they can.

5. What was the inspiration for Becklan’s Doll?

I live by the mountains and I was working in Carbondale, Pa. After so many musings on the way to work, it was only a matter of time before I decided to create a world under it and named it Crobania.

6. What inspired you to start writing?

I was thirty years old and working two jobs when I discovered Stephen King’s memoir. After reading it from cover to cover, I not only started my novel… but I did it long-hand as I didn’t have a laptop at the time. A highly recommended read for any inspiring writer!

7. When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I started reading when I was young, 2 to 3 novels a week for years! That’s, when I noticed them; the mistakes. When I was able to spot errors inside published novels, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I started a few projects back then but I wasn’t anywhere close to ready. Now, I’m ready.

8. Do you want each book to stand on its own? Or, are you trying to build a connection between each book?

The books inside the Crestemere Series will each be a pivotal point. My readers can go from book to book without getting lost and still share a connection as they experience a character’s story.

9. Where can your readers purchase your books?

Barnes & Nobles, Nook and hopefully their local book stores.

10. Are you working on anything in the present you would like to share with your readers?

Readers should be expecting the second edition of the Crestemere series very soon, release date yet to be determined.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Becklan’s Doll

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

I was born in Brussels, and work in the Belgium capital for one of the European Union’s key institutions. I like watching mystery series and going to the cinema. I barely sleep six hours per night as managing the social media can be a time-consuming activity and sometimes I have creative ideas which are burning in my mind the be written down.

Q2. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Jesus Christ Cypher’?

The cover took a long time to design, luckily I had an amazing artist who helped me insert the different symbols which exist in reality and they play an important part in the plot, from the Great Pyramid and the strange engraved pyramidon to the sacred symbols of the Ankh and of the Phaistos Disk. The title gives a way a bit of the plot, as the main character needs to uncover the trail of clues Jesus left in case his plan for humanity would be lost in time.

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

I always have ideas, this is my first book so all the social media and advertising options are new to me, sometimes I use FIVERR for help, but I realised that time-wise doing all this alone is almost impossible, hence I would need an Literary Agent and Publishing house to be able to start working on my 2nd and 3rd book which I want to write in parallel.

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

Belgium is famous for many mystical places, lost to oblivion especially ancient religious sites and castles. It is not only the centre of the European Union but also a place at the confluence of different societies and powers.

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

Not really, I followed the advice of my “mentor” Dan Brown: write the books you always wanted to read. Lately, maybe because I am getting older have difficulties in connecting to my favourite authors which seem out of innovative ideas.

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

It took me almost 2 years, writing where I could: in the car, bus, metro, plane, train even on a boat. During my holidays, weekends and whenever I had a spare moment.

Q7. What does success means to you?

It means when people love your work and appreciate what you try to do, understand the message you want to pass. As all my work has a hidden message which takes you to the next step of evolution.

Q8. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Jesus Christ Cypher’ book?

Some of my religious readers didn’t appreciate it’s title and the messages I am transmitting, accusing me of heresy…thankfully we are not in the middle ages otherwise me and Dan Brown we would have been executed and burn to the stick already several times. My message is one of peace, that there is always hope even in the darkest moment.

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

I love J.K Rowling and Dan Brown, Stephen King and Frank Herbert and many more.

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

My main character suffers from Nyctophobia, being afraid of the dark which suffocates her as she experiences a traumatic event in her childhood. I also have this fear of the dark which I tried to put in writing when Lydia is exploring a hidden catacomb or an ancient lost chamber inside the Great Pyramid. Like her I had to learn how to master my fear and use it a constructive way. The next books will be much more terrifying, darker closer to the horror genre as her adventure are likely to continue if I’ll gather your support, of the amazing readers that wait impatiently to be dazzled.

Thank you for this amazing interview.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Jesus Christ Cypher

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

My name is Jonathan Kumar.  I was born and raised in Brookfield, WI which is a suburb just west of Milwaukee.  When I was young, I loved reading and being read to, especially books where the characters went on an adventure.  I am a middle school English Language Arts teacher. 

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Mondegreen Monk’ book?

Mondegreen Monk, like everything I write, is highly autobiographical.  However, the situation in my real life that this book was based off did not end well so the challenge in writing ‘Mondegreen Monk’ was thinking of a way to make it into a happy ending. 

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

Jack London has most influenced me because I love his style of writing and the themes he discusses in his books.  He dives deep into the psychology of both animals and humans.  His writing is philosophical as he discusses the battle of life throughout his works.  Charles Dickens has influenced my writing mainly in terms of prose.  He is the author I feel I most try to imitate in style.  Dickens intrigues me because his writing is socialogocial and also ethical.  He used his platform as an author to educate people as to their responsibility as citizens.  C.S. Lewis has influenced my writing with his versatility.  I am fascinated that he wrote non-fiction, children’s and science fiction works.

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

I haven’t traveled as much as some people I know, but one place I really enjoyed visiting was New Orleans.  I liked that the people there were laid back and the weather was warm but not uncomfortable.  I enjoy places in my hometown such as the neighborhood where I grew up and the parks.  

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

This depends on the individual book.  I usually develop a book in my head for months or years before I sit down and put it to paper.  Sometimes I get a lot of random thoughts about a project that I have to write down and try and piece together into a coherent story; other times, I don’t have much of an outline and the thoughts come out as I am writing. 

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Neurosis of George Fairbanks’ book? 

This was a book that was in my head for many years.  It is difficult to say how long a book takes me to write because I am inconsistent with writing regularly.  I can’t say it took a certain amount of consecutive days because I will be productive for a period of time then leave a project for weeks or months if I get distracted.  ‘The Neurosis of George Fairbanks’ took a few years to write on and off.  If I had to quantify it into a number of hours it took to write, I would estimate around 100-150. 

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

Success means first and foremost creating a respectable or exceptional work that finds its intended audience.  Success is hearing from readers to say they enjoyed reading my book(s) and that it has inspired them to write or changed their life or perspective in some small way.

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

Believe it or not, ‘Spots Before Stripes’ is highly autobiographical as well.  I have struggled with my self-image for many years.  The main theme of the book is accepting who you are.  To write this book, I imagined which animal I would be and fleshed out the story from there.  I chose the book cover because I wanted an image to represent the main character named Epicello doing what he loves to do most and that is sleeping.

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

I try to think in terms of not so much originality in plot but in perspective.  I enjoy trying to look at a problem from many different angles and in ways that others haven’t yet thought of.  I try to keep things fresh by writing across a wide range of genres.

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

I am not good at keeping secrets so I don’t have any from the books.  I am transparent and enjoy sharing everything I have with those I know. 

Author’s Profile

Books are Available on Amazon

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

Hello! My name is Edwin Betancourt and I am an Independent Author hailing from the Bronx, NY. I have been writing since I was 14 years old and haven’t stopped since. The main genres that I write are usually Fiction, Fantasy, Drama, Comedy and of course fused with twists and turns. I love musicals, comics and binge watching “Charmed”, “Buffy The Vampire Slayer (show)” and “How To Get Away With Murder”.

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

There were so many challenges I faced when writing this story. When I began writing this story I debated whether I wanted to write it in first person narrative through the eyes of Jayson but then the events that take place without Jayson’s knowledge wouldn’t be displayed properly. The next debate had a lot to do with the story and how I wanted to convey Jayson’s past-being an Immortal Witch who is 520 years old. I knew right away I wanted this story to take place in 2019 (that was the year I began the final draft) but I also wanted to show Jayson and Nathaniel’s history in 1519 in a unique way. That’s when I decided to make the even numbered chapters (chapters 2, 4, 6 etc) take place in 1519 showing how Jayson and Nathaniel met and then the odd numbered chapters (chapters 1, 3, 5 etc) take place in the present, 2019, telling the current story. In my mind that was an idea that I enjoyed but I feared readers wouldn’t. So that was definitely a huge challenge for me.

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

I am a huge fan of Edgar Allan Poe! His short stories had so many twists and they were not only short and sometimes absurd but they lingered in your mind long after you stopped reading it. Of course, I have to throw in Hans Christian Andersen and the Grimm Brothers because they created these dark and sinister fairy tales that Disney watered down and gave Happily Ever Afters to.

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

That is a great question. I’m much of an introvert-a cliche amongst us writers- but I do enjoy visiting the Botanical Gardens (although my allergies get the best of me) and the Bronx Zoo. I love just walking through those places and letting the solitude inspire me. It definitely helped me when I had writers block while working on “Jayson The Witch”. It’s special to me because I love being surrounded by trees, the wind blowing and not knowing who’s watching you and what Magical Being is probably lurking around the corner.

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

For me there is a lot of preparation! I’m an old fashion writer, so I write the story in a notebook first and then type it all up and edit as I go. When working on a new project I always imagine the plot first, then create the characters and ask myself: “What is going on in the story?”, “Why are the characters this way?”, “What is the endgame of this story?” and most importantly “Why should anyone want to read it?”. Once I answered those questions I’m able to write and see where my mind takes me. Sometimes it’s a short story, other times it’s a story that I get halfway through and leave it until I can decide where else to take it and other times it’s just a dead end with no redemption.

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

15 years! I know that sounds crazy. I began writing this story when I was in high school in 2004 for a writing class, then I stopped to focus on playwriting. Once I got back into the story I finished it and had my classmates read it and they enjoyed it, but it didn’t feel complete to me. That’s when I knew more had to be done. It wasn’t until later on (2010) that I picked the writing of this book back up and added the fairy tale aspects, the relationship with Nathaniel and then some twists. I submitted my manuscripts to many publishers and they rejected it due to certain things they wanted me to change to make the story more adult rated which I didn’t want. There was a publisher that took interest in the book and told me so many wonderful things about it, but they wanted me to pay them to publish it. Tip for writers: NEVER pay a publisher to publish your story! That’s when I gave up going the traditional route and ended up self publishing the final draft this year.

Q7. What does success means to you?

Success isn’t money to me. Success is people reading your story and telling others about it. Reading your story and then messaging you to talk about it and ask questions about the characters that you can’t answer due to spoilers. Success for me is just people reading my story and enjoying every single page and finding the world I created as an escape for them. Which is why I made the story free to read on Amazon in the United States and Canada. I’m working on India as we speak.

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

Yes! Creating a book cover for me is the most interesting and stressful thing ever. I use the site and app called Canva to do everything because it’s affordable and so easy to use for someone like me who isn’t tech savvy. The cover for any story should be intriguing and unique as well as representative of what’s going on in the story. I originally wanted a Witch hat on the cover but I felt like then the readers would expect Jayson to wear a Witch hat, which he doesn’t. So I thought about the color scheme, red is the color Jayson wears the most and I knew that’s the color I wanted. But then what about the image? I believe less is more-especially for an Indie writer like myself who is on a budget, so I found this beautiful picture of red smoke and seeing how Jayson loves red and his magic tends to glow red, this was the perfect image! After a few image placements, the final one came out amazing!

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

Hmm, I would have to say the small stuff I do in the stories I create. For example, I always end very chapter in a cliffhanger to keep readers invested in turning the page. I act as if the chapters are episodes and every end is what will keep the audience coming back for more. Story wise, I always want to write a story that is unique and special to me and my community. Being a Gay male myself, I wanted to write a story that young LGBTQ+ people could read and enjoy because it isn’t filled with vulgar language, disturbing images or trigger warnings, but filled with characters that they could relate to. I of course, would never isolate other readers and say I only write for LGBTQ+ people because I’m a huge supporter of diversity, so I always write stories that aren’t offensive or vulgar to anyone and it shows that LGBTQ+ people can be heroes, villains, masterminds, writers, magical etc
without needing to be sexualized.

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

Oooh, so many secrets but I cannot reveal too much. I can say that I don’t write things by accident. There are certain things that were said in narration and by characters that will play a huge part in the second book. Like “Malum”. I can also say as of right now, the second book is about 60% complete. It went through some constant changes but I’m aiming for a Halloween release. I ideally wanted it for this Summer but due to the Pandemic that doesn’t seem likely.

Author: Edwin Betancourt

Book Is Available On Amazon

Jayson The Witch

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

Sure, My name is Gregory Muller. I was born in the apple farms of New York. Where I spent much of my youth, and education. Before leaving and moving to another state.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Chasing Stomach Butterflies’ book?

I think the key challenges were actually finishing. I have the ability to put words to page, with almost no difficulty. But to have the words and the story structure come together into a story that I can allow other people to see, takes much more time.

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

I did not think there was a lot, but the more I have done the more I realize the “pre-work” is more important. The easier writing the book becomes. Where the story is going to go. The emotions each scene is going to have, and so on. There is still a place for sudden moments, but I have been trying to move more towards structuring my writing.

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

I am not sure if i have a favorite spot. I have moved around so much, and been to so many great places that it is hard to choose any single one. If I had to, it would likely be in the forestes of small mountains. Something about the wonderful tree smells, seculustion, and connection to nature that seems to bring me back to it, wherever I am.

Q5. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I think the best way to keep things fresh is to have some stake in the characters. Have them be real enough that when they hurt, I hurt. When they laugh, I laugh. Bland characters make me not want to write it, let alone read it. So I write for myself first.

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

This book took six or nine months, depending on when I put the official start date. But it is not a long book, nor was it a standalone. It was meant as an attachment to another book that has not come out.

Q7. What does success means to you?

I have not really defined success that much. I enjoy writing, and hoping to be able to do it for a long time would be my threshold for success.

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

So, I was going through the different emotions that the main character Natalie was going through in the story, and I was comparing the different titles that already exist. Such as “Looking for Alaska” in a brainstorm session it sort of appeared. And it just seemed to work. As far as the book cover. I had some ideas, as to what I wanted it to look like. I got a note early on that, my book was like Rol Dahl. So I gave my book cover designer, some direction with that.

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

One of the most influencing books was the christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Sons and Lovers by D.H. Lawrence also deserves much credit for young artists being the main character. Towards the end of writing this book, I was also reading a lot of Musashi, and it certainly affected me.

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

I don’t think so, I tried my best in writing the blurb to have the best stuff packed into it, So any secrets that might be inside of the book, I have forgotten at this point, in my journey.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Chasing Stomach Butterflies

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

Hello everyone.  My name is Jenna Rector, and I am a wife, mother, grandmother, counsellor, blogger, and children’s author (among many other things).  I have been married for nearly thirty years, I have two grown sons, two amazing grandkids, and a passion for helping people learn to be the very best versions of themselves.

Q2.  Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Amazing Livy Loo and the Things She Can Do’?

My idea for this story came from my granddaughter, as the inspiration.  I wanted to show her, that everyone, including kids, can face fears and doubts about themselves.  But I also wanted her, and all kids, the message that they are all amazing, in their own way, and can be so impactful in their lives, just being themselves. My granddaughter’s name is Olivia, and her nickname is Livy Loo, so with a rhyming story in mind, the title came to be.
My amazing illustrator, Millie Bicknelle, worked with me to create the vision of what the story should look like and helped me bring my words to life. I had envisioned the idea of showcasing Livy Loo as a superhero, to again, remind kids how incredible they can be, and all the amazing things they really can do. I wanted them to see, they really are superheroes, when they learn to believe in themselves.

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

In this case, there was just the idea that came first; an idea of showing kids that it’s okay to be scared, but also share a message of hope.  Once the idea was in my head, it was a rather quick process to start finding the words to share the message.   I love the use of rhyming in books for younger kids, and therefore, spent most of the time trying to find the  verses that shared the message and had a nice flow to them.

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

My favourite place to visit is Sedona, Arizona.  I live in Arizona, only an hour and half away from Sedona, and so I am fortunate to be able to visit often. It is stunningly beautiful, with its majestic red rocks that surround the small town.  But there is something magical about being there, that you can’t help but feel peaceful and happy when you are there. It is a place I hope everyone can one day get to visit.

Q5. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Amazing Livy Loo and the Things She Can Do’ book?

I would say the process of getting the book from my mind into an actual book that can be shared with the world was a bit daunting.  I chose to self-publish, because I truly believed in getting the message of this book out, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t challenges along the way. But I believe if you have a story to tell, and a message to share, you work to find a way to overcome the obstacles.

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

I currently run a blog website, http://www.jennarectorwrites.com, which is focused on stories of hope, inspiration, and mental well-being.  While Livy Loo is a story for kids, I believe everyone needs their own message of hope, and the blog is meant to be a source of inspiration for anyone needing it.
I also have a couple new children’s book ideas I am working on, hoping to continue to share other children’s books that encourage, inspire, and uplift young readers.

Q7. What does success means to you?

For me, success is mostly about doing something meaningful in your life, and being able to share your life with the people you love.  I consider myself exceptionally blessed, to have such an amazing support system of family and friends, who are always there for me, and now, to be able to share my writing, in the hopes of making a positive difference in the lives of others. Success is about doing the thing that ignites your soul, and knowing, you have an amazing crew behind you, cheering you all along.

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

I think, as a new author, that is something I am learning as I go.  I work to consider the stories that both kids and adults need to hear most, and find a way to incorporate my experience, from my own life, and also from my background in counselling, to give new perspectives on sharing those messages.

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

As a child, my favourite authors were Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss.  I loved the sweet rhyming style of both authors, and the inspiring messages often found within.  As an adult, I have always been a fan of Stephen King, Nicholas Sparks, and Stephenie Myer.  While they are all so different as writers, they are all exceptional at getting you lost in the magic of their stories, and I hope, as I continue to grow as a writer, I will be able to do the same.

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

Go for it!  It can be daunting, but I truly believe, if something within you tells you that you have a story to share, the world needs to hear it.  Everyone has a unique voice, and I believe every person has a story to tell (whether fictional or real).  Never let anything stop you from doing that very thing you are driven to do!

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Amazing Livy Loo and the Things She Can Do

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

My name is Isaiah Daniel and I am from Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the USA. I really enjoy the tech industry and it’s actually what I studied with Network/Security as my track. I am also the author of the book “The Sun, The Moon, and The Stars”. 

Q2. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Sun, The Moon and The Stars’?

The process of coming up with the idea for the book cover and the substance of the book itself was fairly easy. Life for me is all about perspective. I constantly talk about the importance of perspective vs. reality and when you look at the title and the book cover you might begin to think it’s just about the sun moon and stars. The moment you open the book you realize it’s way more than that. The reality of not judging a book solely based off its cover. It’s eye catching to say the least. 

Q3. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Sun, The Moon and The Stars’ book?

The challenges that I came across were deadlines that I had for myself and also finding an illustrator. I came up with the brilliant idea of writing this book back in February of 2019. I was done with the writing process that March and spent the last 5 months looking for an illustrator that could take my vision and bring it to life. I ended up taking a trip to Bali and scrolling through Instagram and finding a young lady from the states, who in fact goes to school in Washington, DC. Her name is Teunice Curtis and she was just the right person for the job. At this point we were already behind for my deadline to introduce this book to the world Christmas of 2019, but I wasn’t able to do so until February of 2020. 

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

My favorite place of all time in the states would be Miami, Florida. It was the first place I visited when I was young. It was the most beautiful place I had ever seen as I’m from the inner city. The air was different. The scenery is way different from what I’ve ever seen. The water is clear. Although I hate the heat, I would just deal with it to get away from Milwaukee, WI.  I also wanted to go to college in Florida or Atlanta, Georgia. I was accepted into schools in both places, but my family thought it best that I went to school in Maryland where I have family. In high school I took a trip that I think is important for a lot of kids from the inner city. It was the HBCU college tour. It was a way for inner city kids to see themselves represented all over the world in different states and cities. Persons that look like them and are enjoying their life and the culture of what college exudes. We ended up going to Florida on that trip and I just fell in love with what it was all over again. It was on this trip that I told myself that I was going to college. It was my ticket out the inner city. Although I didn’t go to school in Florida like I planned I ended up going to Miami, Florida for my 21st birthday during spring break and after that in the same year I went back for memorial weekend and for the next 3 years after my 21st. Needless to say Miami will always hold that special place in my heart.

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

 I think it depends on the way you go that makes the work more or less. All of it is necessary, so I wouldn’t use the word “a lot”. Like writing an autobiography, or a self help book I’m sure is different from writing a children’s book. You want to make sure everything flows for every book of course. The language you use in an autobiography may fit you more than what a children’s book might. It’s you telling a story in the way that you talk. It’s more personable. Where a children’s book is part of your imagination. It’s you of course, but you are talking in a way children will understand. I would say make sure you have your ducks in a row. Make sure you do the proper research on what will fit you in order to put out something that you can be happy with. From who will publish your book, a proofreader, The book cost, the deadline, the marketing. All of that matters. Which is probably the most work for any book honestly. The process can be a little easier on you if you choose to publish with someone that will do the work for you, but that’s also costly upfront and you have to find someone that believes in your work if not the same or more than you do. Everyone is writing these days. Everyone has a story, which is awesome in itself, but it makes it harder for someone to pick up your book and say I’m willing to give you a chance. Self publishing may be the way, but if so you’ll be doing a lot of marketing on your own. 

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

At the current moment I am actually working on a couple of things. I am working on an animated short film for my debut book “The Sun, The Moon and The Stars” as well as an original EP (music album) with various different artists. I’m also working on my next book. It won’t be a children’s book this time, but more of a self help book. I didn’t grow up with my father in my life and I had questions that will never be answered and wanted to tell my story and what I went through that could help others going through the same. Of course all of our paths are different and what works for me may not working for others, but hopefully this will resonate with some and they can take and apply what they can where they can to make it easier for them to understand their situation.

Q7. What does success means to you?

Success means different for everyone. My success will not look the same as somebody else. For example, Society tells us that success is money and fame. To someone that might be true. For me not so much. Of course money and fame is a goal one day, but I would say the greatest success is happiness. It’s something that’s in all of us, but hard to acquire or keep. In order to find true happiness, it takes digging deep. That requires doing the necessary work on self. Mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.  I pride myself on the connections i make with people. Good or bad it is the experience that i can take with me. Learning how to truly forgive and not just say it. Learning that forgiveness is for you just as much as it is for the person being forgiven. Just because you acquire the money and fame, doesn’t always mean that you are happy. That might actually bring on more problems than you had before. Anxiety, paranoia other mental strains that weren’t there. I think you must find that balance of happiness and dealing with your mental in order to see what true success is.

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

While I was writing this particular book I actually didn’t even think about the freshness of the book. I actually found out a lot about writing a book after I had written and published it to the world to read. I honestly just took a conversation that I naturally had with my children and wrote it based off that. I thought it would resonate with the conversations most parents have with their children. Well their answers anyway as opposed to my perspective and outlook on what the sun, moon and stars are. I just figured that as adults and children, with the way life is set-up that we all can take from it. Adults and their experiences causes them to look at situations from a different lens as they did when they were children. A child looks at things innocently for the most part. I figured that was the joy in this book. 

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

The one book that I can honestly say influenced my life in general would be “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe. Everyone that reads a book ends up taking something away from it. What I took a way from this book Is staying true to yourself. What is most important to you and what are you willing to give up in order to acquire that. Of course the book ends in tragedy, but was that the life of happiness for someone as opposed to living in turmoil. Knowing that your morals and beliefs would be erased and forgotten. I can’t say that I’m as strong as Okonkwo was in my everyday life, but I hope to get there one day. I also want to mention Other books such as “48 laws of power” and  “the 50th Law” by Robert Greene, “Shook one” by Charlamagne Tha God, “Wild at Heart” by John Eldredge, “Unf*ck Yourself” by Gary John Bishop, “The Hidden Messages In Water” by Masuro Emoto, “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne, “The Holy Bible” and the more recent books that I’m currently reading and  find very interesting is “Becoming SuperNatural” by Joe Dispenza and “The Energy Codes” by Dr. S.U.E Morter.

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

My advice is stay true to whatever you are writing. Tell the story the way you want to tell it. People will tell you that your content may not be for them, but that is okay. Your writing is meant to reach someone. It may not reach everyone, but it will mean more to reach one person and it actually changes something in them. Inspires them or motivates them. That means more than someone buying your work and never actually reading it. Writing may be hard at times. You may get writers block, but keep going. Put out something that you yourself can be proud of without ever folding. Also market your work prior to putting it out. I ended up putting out my work without really telling anybody but a few of my friends at the time. Market as much as possible prior so that when the time comes for you to release your work, you have pretty much already put in the work needed to get great results. 

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Sun, The Moon & The Stars

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

I am Kristen Keenon Fisher, author of the The Quantum Cartographer, which was my debut novel and a “distinguished favorite” in the New York City Big Book Awards. I am from the Eastern Shore of Virginia and I studied audio engineering and graphic design in Rockville, Maryland.

2. What inspired you to start writing?

Well I’ve always written short stories and poetry for as long as I can remember. The inspiration for a novel came from a challenge to myself. I once told myself that I could never write a novel. It was too complex, too involved. I could never do that. So one day I decided to prove myself wrong. I dared myself to write a novel. I made a deal with myself to finish no matter what. I wouldn’t give in to any doubts I had or excuses, I was just going to take my time and persist. I started having a lot of dreams at that time to. They were random but very vividdepictions of people, places and events. I used a lot of the details from the dreams in the story.  

3. What do you hope your readers take away from your book “The Quantum Cartographer”?

I hope they see The Quantum Cartographer as an intriguing journey with many interesting and thought provoking destinations along the way. I want it to be something you read and then read again to catch all the synchronicities and moving parts. I hope they find it to be more than just another tale of time travel and discover deeper themes and ideology. The Quantum Cartographer is a journey for your mind.

4. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

When I’m not writing I enjoy anything inspirational. I enjoy, gaming, reading, meditating, drawing. I’m just obsessed with art and creativity and being inspired to create things that might inspire someone else to create something. 

5. Have you ever seen a time machine? Do you actually believe that it works?

I have never seen a functional time machine but I do believe the technology is possible. Rumor has it that Nikola Tesla invented one. It was one of the ideas posed as the catalyst for the “Mandela effect,” which was the name given to the growing phenomena of multiple groups of people from all around the world who remember certain historical events happening differently. Theoretically to time travel successfully, you would need to travel faster than the speed of light. And in the phenomena of black holes, light is actually slowed down tremendously. So, if you could somehow manage to harness the power of a black hole you could conceivably create a time machine. Easy.

6. What is your favorite Quote?

“The opposite of an idea is the absence of the idea itself. Absence is the absence of justice. Presence is the absence of absence.” —Unknown

7. What are you working on next? Are you planning to release another book soon?

I am currently working on a second novel as a matter of fact. It will be set in a colorful, beautifully rendered, and foul mouthed alternate universe.I would say expect to see it maybe late this year or early next year. The only thing I can say about it is … There will be machines.

8. Which is your favorite Time Travel fantasy book?

My favorite time travel story is “All You Zombies” Robert A. Heinlein, which was adapted into a movie in 2014 called Predestination. The paradoxes created in the story are mind-blowing. I don’t want to give away too much about it in case there’s someone reading this who hasn’t read the book, or seen “Predestination” which was a film released in 2014 that was based on the short story by Heinlein,but it was definitely one the most magical efforts of storytelling I’ve ever witnessed.  

9. How do you come up with the idea to write a science fiction involving time travel?

The idea of time travel has always fascinated me. And with storytelling you can do some really interesting things with it and create what I feel is a “beautiful conflict” within the reader, wherein the sequence of events becomes entirely distorted. If past events influence the future and future events influence the past in this seemingly never-ending loop, which came first? Is time itself really just an illusion and do our actions as transient beings cause ripples not only in the future but the past as well? And in the case of reincarnation, what if your next life wasn’t in the future at all? What if a soul could reincarnate into the distant past? I wanted to explore these ideas and many others.

10. Lastly, do you want to give any advice to your readers and aspiring writers?

Keep writing. I think we have a tendency as writers to feel as if we have to have it all planned out and write the greatest story ever told on the first draft or we have some form of writers block. But in fact, writing can be more akin to an excavation process rather than a performance art. We have the luxury of doing “not quite the right thing” and editing and perfecting until it is the right thing.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

The Quantum Cartographer: Book of Cruxes