Category: Author Interview

Book: Discover Laws Of The Universe

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

Dear Readers: It is a pleasure to be able to introduce myself to you. 
What you may find interesting is that for me, becoming a spiritual writer and author was not something I had initially planned on or expected as part of my original life’s plan.
Over time my career has evolved, and one of the most fulfilling roles I’ve had is my work as an educator. I enjoy helping to nurture the growth and development of students as they work on their academic goals. I thought this was going to be the primary focus of my writing and publishing. I discovered over the past few years this was going to change.
I have been on a life-long journey of self-discovery, learning about my own spirituality and a natural ability I have to understand life from a different perspective. It is because of this ability, along with the challenges faced throughout my life, which led me to a new turning point in my life. While I still work as an educator, as time goes on I’m finding I am becoming more involved with my spirituality practice.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Discover Laws of the Universe’ book?

The only challenge I faced was my own mindset concerning how this work would be received. I am not attached to any religion and I am not a traditional spiritual teacher in any manner. I do not refer to any of the traditional religious references, when I’m explaining the order of the universe, and I am not following in the same path as mediums or Law of Attraction teachers. I have my own, unique approach and method of teaching.

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

My journey of self-discovery has been influenced by the New Thought Movement from the early 1900s, along with quantum physics, Law of Attraction, and New Age teachings. I studied each to help me better understand alternative ways of viewing the meaning of life and the order of the universe. What I discovered was an interest in each of the subjects for a short time, but then I moved on as I could not connect with any of these ideals, as I still could not find the truths I was seeking.

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

I’ve lived in the Midwestern United States most of my life. The most beautiful place my spouse and I have travelled to was Alaska during a cruise. While the Pacific Northwest holds a great deal of natural beauty, for us, there is nothing like seeing Alaska. The ocean is calm and the nature is breath-taking. It was there in Alaska that I felt renewed and made a decision to take the next step into work as a spiritual teacher.

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

The process of writing a book is ongoing for me. Each of my books is based upon a collection of my blog posts. I try to write a blog post each week to keep the writing process going, especially for the unique method I’ve established. Then after approximately two years, I take the collection of blog posts, organization them, and begin to work on the new book. I don’t re-use the blog posts   word-for-word. Instead, the blog posts serve as a launching point and most get re-written for the book. In other words, writing the book requires extensive editing, with new sections added.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Discover Laws of the Universe’ book?

This was a process of approximately two years, from writing weekly blog posts to editing the final book and writing new sections.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Discover Laws of the Universe’ book to buy?

It is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Scribd, Kobo, Apple, and directly from Bruce J, the publisher. Its available in paperback (signed by the author) and eBook formats.

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

As to the book cover, I had a specific image in mind and I wanted it to be a reflection of me as a new spiritual teacher, someone who is connected to the energy of the universe. It took some time to find the image and once I did, I hired a professional cover art designer to create the cover for me.
For the title, I wanted to reflect what I had learned up to this point in time, for my own spiritual self-discovery, and I wanted to help expand upon the field of spirituality. This was my first book as a spiritual author and I was sharing a new perspective. The purpose of denoting “Laws of the Universe” was also meant to show there is more than just one law, as I found Law of Attraction has been over-utilized to explain answers to life’s challenges and questions.

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

I typically write each week by starting with a question, often about something I want to know about for my life or my family. I can also start with a question from a reader as a starting point. In other words, I am always writing about something current and relevant to what will help inspire and empower readers.

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

The book shares a personal perspective about my journey, allowing readers to get to know about me. In addition, there’s more than Laws of the Universe explained within the chapters. There are writings designed to help provide inspiration, self-discovery, and self-empowerment. It’s also important to know that I do not ask readers to subscribe to any doctrine. Instead, I only ask readers to read and learn, and believe what they connect with as they read.
Also, I haven’t made a formal announcement yet; however, my next book will be coming out by November 2020. It will be a new book based upon the next two years of writings and growth as a spiritual writer.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Discover Laws Of The Universe

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

Hello to your Lovely Readers, I am an indie author based in the Hunter Valley, a beautiful area of rural New South Wales Australia. I live a simple live that includes my two Jack Russel puppies, Missy (15) and Little Man (13).  I spend my days either writing or making jewellery in my workshop. The two motto’s I live by are “Life is too short for bad Coffee, bad Chocolate and bad Men” and “Always leave a place or person better than you find them.”

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

‘The Tempest of Eerikki’ is the first book of the fantasy action adventure series ‘The Panacea Quest’. The real challenge with this book and subsequent books of the series is in keeping track of all the details.  The adage “the devil is in the detail” is true with a good fantasy novel.  Nothing worse than reading in one book the character has a couple of sons only to read in the next book or even worse the same book that the character has both sons and daughters.  While some readers may not pick this up immediately it can be disconcerting on a subconscious level. A great Editor can help with this, but I keep copious amounts of character notes that include full bio’s and backstories. I am creating this world so I should be able to keep it all straight.

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

I have a secret obsession with reading Sci-Fi Alien Romance so writers like M.K. Eidem, Anna Hackett and S.E. Smith are who I read most, and I suppose have the greatest influence over my style.  They weave tales that are entertaining and fast paced.  I very much enjoy writing to this style.  I have always found it is not the amount of words I write, its about if I am telling the story and does it entertain or touch my readers.

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

Oh well that is a hard one, I am an Aussie born and breed.  We have amazing places all over and I am very fortunate to now reside in a small hamlet in the Hunter Valley an area renowned for its Vineyards and Wineries.  It may sound very strange but If I need to say one place it would have to be my workshop. It is a beautifully converted garage that offers a perfect view of farmland with a mountain vista in the background.  It is peaceful and perfect for writing and allows for my other passion, making jewellery.

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

Not usually, I seem to have large spurts of inspiration, that give me a good story outline. These outlines have most of the basics a catchy beginning, part of the journey and drama as well as a possible ending.  From this I do like to start detailing my main characters which includes creating some of their backstory which helps me to give the characters depth.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘CHRYSALIS of the Creator’ book?

It was about 12 months; the book outline came to me at the same time as ‘The Tempest of Eerikki’ but there was a lot more involved with the characters and story line.  Unlike ‘The Tempest of Eerikki’ I was not sure if it was going to be a stand-alone book or part of a series.  So happy its part of a series I ended up falling in love with the characters and wanted to write more about each one of my Galactian Hero’s.

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

The books are on multiple platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple, Googleplus, Barnes and Noble just to mention a few in both electronic and paperback.  I am in the process of doing audiobooks and can not wait to have them available on Audible.  We can always catch up at my author website www.mariekejtreloar.site

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Rowland, The Senator’s Son’?

I am very fortunate to have a friend who is a great photographer Peter Tyrrell.  I always had a vision that the cover should have a mysterious almost tantalising edge and of course I needed a male model with a massive set of shoulders (very fortunate that I found this in my “Secret Senator”). We took approximately 300 photos to get the right one and then there was at least twelve versions of the cover before I was satisfied with it.  Unfortunately, today the cover is the first step that will entice a reader to delve between the pages and emerge themselves in the story.
The book itself came from a ‘what if’ conversation with a friend as in – What if a respected Politician dies, leaving his eldest son with a task to protect a mysterious woman.  Who unbeknown to all is the Politian’s secret Mistress and the son falls for the woman?  The title sort of wrote itself from that story outline, hence “Rowland, The Senators Son.” The next book in the series is “Oryan, The Governor’s Man” the cover will have a similar look and feel except with a little more of a military slant.

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

I am a total genre hopper while I love writing raunchy action adventures, I always make sure there is some fairly substantial twists and turns I can never promise they will all end as happily ever after tales.
As a writer, I love the freedom that writing offers.  At any one time I usually have at least two or three stories on the go and the opportunity to switch between them is how I keep things fresh for myself.

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

Ah now let me think, “Rowland, the Senator’s Son” – I love the character of Rowland, Alexia offers him the opportunity to broaden his sexual experiences.  These encounters not only broaden his mind they strengthen his spirit giving him the courage to pursue his true destiny.

Author’s Profile

Books are Available On Amazon

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

Hi there. I’m Romona. I’m the author of a new cross-genre series that includes suspense, dark romance, and horror, starting Her Eyes Underwater.

Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Her Eyes Underwater’ book?

Finding time to write was a challenge. I am often busy with my other job and had to write on the side.

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

I didn’t really think about other authors when I wrote the book. I was just doing my own thing.

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

Any place close to a lake is very peaceful for me.

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

If I can find the time and stop myself from procrastinating, there is not much else keeping me from writing.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘Her Eyes Underwater’ book?

About 3 months.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Her Eyes Underwater’ book to buy?

It is available on Amazon in two formats right now (ebook and paperback) and on Barnes and Noble in two formats (paperback and hardcover). At the end of September, it will also be available as an audiobook at any retailer that sells audiobooks.

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

The title is a reference to a phrase used in my favorite chapter of the book. The cover was designed by an artist after I told her a little bit about the book.

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

Since I planned to write a series, I simply planned things out in my mind so that I would have enough material for a series.

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

This isn’t really a secret, but people should think of each book sort of like an episode. Each book will build on the one before it until the whole story is told. Everything people want answers to will be explored eventaully.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Her Eyes Underwater

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

Hi there! My name is Rene’ Schultz from NH USA!  I’m so grateful to live in a beautiful state w so much nature all around.  I live here w my husband of 25 years and my two adult daughters. I suffered w childhood sexual and physical abuse but always tried my best with what I knew, volunteering and working w elder care and special needs. I’ve made it through a life of struggles with CPTSD and now want to teach kids before the going gets really tough

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘A Million More Kisses’ book?

Key challenges, we’ll first of all I’m an accidental writer. I haven’t taken classes and had to be taught as I went, about how to set up paragraphs etc.  them the tech stuff, I am $10k into this book as I had to hire and beg everyone I could find for the answers to everything.  I don’t learn very well so this project has been arduous for me and the many people I bugged incessantly. I am so, so grateful for so many people along my journey

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

Honestly, I haven’t read children’s books in 20 years. I have tried on my journey to not read any kids books, afraid I would get someone else’s idea in my head and be frozen. I’m not super creative so I’ve been super sensitive to not letting others influence any ideas I may come up with

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

I honestly have not been far. I would have to say again, I’m so grateful to be in NH, I have mountains, cities and beaches all within an hour of me.

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

Is there a lot to do before diving into books? Well I have 2 series coming, both based on my life experiences so I had to live almost 50 years of trauma lol  One is on my chihuahua, pretty basic and I know him well.  The other series is set in the woods w animals so reading up in nests, dens, animals and what they eat is a lot of fun

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘A Million More Kisses’ book?

It took almost 3 years from beginning to end. I went through a few publishers who scammed me, an illustrator and several editors.  I finally got a great team around me and have been able to put out a spectacular product.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘A Million More Kisses’ book to buy?

Readers can find my book on IG at woody Knoll Publishing or my personal account, _that_wicked_smaht_chick. Facebook Rene Pelletier Schultz, my website woodyKnollPublishing.com, TikTok, Rene Schultz And I’ll be on Goodreads this week.

Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘A Million More Kisses’?

Around 2017 I took a photo of my chihuahua standing at the top of my mother in laws outdoor stairs looking down. It looked like he was saying goodbye for the last time and I got the idea to write about it.  The cover, I initially just wanted an outline of a lady’s face so the book would be relatable to more kids.  My illustrator ended up doing this and I went with it. I trusted her skill and the process of what the book would become

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

My book has so many secrets!  1. I had a very difficult relationship w my in-laws esp my mother in law.  She is on the cover and I wrote a gorgeous story around her. Around the woman she was to others. Her cruelty for 30 y literally drove me to suicide. The passion for my book came from loss of self, grieving what will never be, keeping faith, hope and boundaries in order to find freedom in forgiveness. The black and red checker jacket hanging in the nurse scene is a shout out to my father in law whom I did hospice for.  Kelley library is our real library where Nonnie, my mother in law always went, and her niece Audrey who really worked there!   In one of the scenes there is a sign way out in the yard, in real life it says “Schultz conservation land”. When Nonnie died in July, 2019, the little sign outside the library had one of her quotes on it “the best thing about books, no commercials”. The nurses are my daughters. Emmy is Emily and Ellie is Rachel Elizabeth. Yes, I had so much fun writing this for everyone.  The story you’ll hold in your hands is for the kids, my story of overcoming is to hold in your heart.  God bless us all as we fight darkness with light.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

A Million More Kisses

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

My name is Corey Croft, I live in Vancouver, Canada. Besides story-telling I enjoy exercise and travel. It should be important to differentiate travel with vacation, or as the Brits call it ‘holiday.’ Everyone loves not working and spending leisure time in varying degrees of luxury and pomp. Not working is most people’s idea of a great time, even if it is just staying at home and watching movies on the couch or staring idly at a plain wall. When many people say they enjoy travelling, they really mean they enjoy merely not working and adding a tropical destination to the pot for spice. Yeah, that rant more-or-less sums me up.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Becoming Buddha’ book?

Buddha was a shock to the system because it was both the first book I had ever written and the first attempt that I had ever taken to write something that wasn’t purposely built for academia. It was a good instructor in regimentation and discipline. It proved a greater influence in what ended up becoming a borderline-obsessive necessity from then-on. I hadn’t formulated a strategy or a blueprint beyond some primal urge to write. It turned out there was more in my head than I’d thought and it just kept coming, and coming, and… When the first draft was completed, the whale weighed-in at more than 200,000 words. Even crazier, I roped in a few poor souls to read it. The biggest obstacles to overcome were all those that amateurs and first-timers encounter: doubt, fear of failure, the overwhelming feeling of putting a tempest into a tea-cup, and more.

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

The big two have been Dostoevsky and Kafka. The Russian’s Crime and Punishment was written in a way that seemed to pierce directly into the centre of my heart and I was able to relate entirely. The same goes with the latter’s works, who also added a sense of absurdity that opened a door to my mind which has stayed ajar. Some others, for reasons of eloquence, creativity prose, or narrative have been Nathaniel West, Philip K. Dick, Hunter S., Gogol and many more.

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

My country is enormous. I live on the west coast, which has mountains and ocean and is visually stunning as well as yields a very agreeable climate in comparison to the rest of the country. I like the Eastern Maritime provinces, the Islands off the coast of my province and Toronto. My favourite place is Montreal. It is in the francophone province of Quebec and is quite unique for that and other cultural reasons. I lived there for a spell and look forward to returning when the pandemic loosens its jaw.

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

Depends on the story. For a shorter story, especially one of my more absurd pieces, I dive in with a loose metaphor and let it unravel. I don’t hold back, anything. It feels good. It can be confusing and overly convoluted, but, that’s half the fun of the dissection. For a standalone novel, I tend to map it out as much as it needs. Most importantly, I want to know the character bases very intimately and develop theme and plot points. Oftentimes, I do this through key events and interactions. I use the characters as a means to have conversations with myself; they usually take far ends of the spectrum and speak towards the middle. As a result, I have to plan out the dialogue. Not in the sense of actual script, but what the characters represent to the story and theme and what they ultimately stand for in the larger scope. I could go on for too long about this, so, let’s just say that planning is important and varies depending on the message and its profundity.

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

Buddha took, if I recall, 6-9 months to write a rough draft. I realize that three months is decent-sized gap, however it was a while ago. It really came together at a certain point, somewhere around midway through part 2.  The long part was the editing process and my own confidence behind the project. It was long and personal. I knew that it had some very touchy subject matters and needed someone that I could trust. The editing and evisceration of that beast took a while. During the edit, I damn-near rewrote the entire thing, top-to-bottom. There was a point when I ‘got it.’ More than the nakedness of the piece, I knew what it meant, why it was important, and, with some help from Bukowski and his vulgar prose, I was comfortable in letting my true voice ring-out.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Becoming Buddha’ book to buy?

Buddha is available through Amazon and its long-ass arms on print and e-book. It is also available through Ingram Spark and their sellers, but I am unsure if it is solely e-book or if some representatives have a print-on-demand service as well. In reality, if you don’t have the money or the ability to utilize one of the outlets, holler at me and I’ll email a copy. I just want my books read and enjoyed.

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

The original title, which I won’t say for the same reason I didn’t go with it, is a dead giveaway and spoiler for the last two parts of the book. The actual title came to me while I was listening to a song. I’d heard it a while before I’d written the book and then heard it again as I was writing it. I remembered the effect the lyrics (which are also used for the epigraph) and changed them around. The cover, done by my brother Spencer, was an idea that I had when putting everything together. I think it all fits perfectly, even if people seem to read the book as one or both a self-help book and memoir. Truthfully, I don’t know what it is beyond a story.

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

I have a stellar bull-shit/anti-corny meter. One of my mutant abilities is to rebel against commonplace trends and make my weird whatevers seem cool. I jest, but I don’t. If something is significant enough to impress me, it has already passed through several layers of tough security. There is no one maneuver to keep things fresh. Recognizing gaps of what is not being done and doing the opposite are good yardsticks, and my brain does this reflexively. What is most important is that I (or you) make something your own. Show respect to the story and characters but keep them in a wound fist.

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

That’s too vast of a question to answer. All of my writings, everything I do is saturated with hidden meaning and lade with Easter eggs. It’s one of the ways I keep it fresh and hope to make potent connections with my readers. Some of the things are for my own amusement. Some are near-microscopic details in descriptions or locations or characters that have been picked up and brought back to my attention. While a story can entertain, educate, enlighten or any number of words that start with E, a link is forged between the author and the reader through the strength of the connective tissue and what is being said and how. That is woven in the style and the descriptive minutiae of the story and is akin to idiosyncrasies in a relationship. We may have jobs and interests in common but it’s how we jive and get-on that really makes or breaks our future together.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Becoming Buddha

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

I’ve lived in or near Chicago, Illinois all of my adult life. I have three daughters ranging in age from 26 to 31. I pay my bills as a lawyer; I have my own practice and work out of my home, focusing mostly on real estate matters. My hobbies are traveling, reading, baking, making ice cream, and cursing at my garden. I didn’t start writing my first book, Serendipity: Seemingly Random Events, Insignificant Discoveries, and Accidental Discoveries That Altered History until I was sixty years old. Heirs Apparent is my first novel.

Q2.  What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Heirs Apparent’ book?

Finding time to write was difficult at first until I found the discipline to set a couple of hours aside every day whether I felt like it or not. For the writing itself, there were issues with plotting. It wasn’t until I had lunch with an estate planning attorney and he told me a story about an unusual request from a client (that he turned down) that the key element came into focus. Finally, keeping all of the characters consistent in their behavior.

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

Unquestionably Rex Stout and his “Nero Wolfe” series has had the greatest influence, especially in his pure, simple, but effective use of words and his creation of memorable characters. Also Robert Crais and the fun he has with his books and the pacing and suspense of Harlan Coben.

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

I don’t know if I have one favorite spot, but I love being out in nature. I took a raft trip down the Grand Canyon and the majesty and beauty were incredible. I love the boundary waters up in Minnesota. My favorite places in general are a quiet cabin in the woods by a lake. Chicago itself has a wonderful array of things to do and one of the world’s best food scenes.

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

I don’t dive right in. I brainstorm and research a lot of different scenarios and settings before settling on one. Then I’ll do more research to get as many details as I can about the key plot points. I visit areas that will be settings for a scene in the book and take a lot of pictures. Then I write out a general plot progression by chapters, although the final book is very different from my initial thoughts. It goes off in unexpected directions as I write as if it has a mind of its own.

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

About six months writing part-time, not including the time to send it off to an editor and waiting for my beta readers to make suggestions.

Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘Heirs Apparent’ book to buy?

It can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and directly from Austin Macauley, the publisher. It’s available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats.

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

The title for this one was easy as it’s a phrase that’s both catchy and fits the plot of the book perfectly. I don’t remember having to sit down and think about it, it was always there. This is in contrast to the next book in the series, where I’ve spent hours trying to find the perfect title.
The cover art comes from the genius of Stephanie Rocha, my designer. I told her I wanted there to be a will and a pen with a drop of blood coming out of it, which survived. I had about a hundred other ideas which she thankfully ignored. The shadow of the tall man was her idea, as were the actual graphics used. I think it’s very eye-catching.

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

I appreciate you thinking that I do. My books aren’t overly long, which helps. I try to change the pace and insert humor among the tension. After spending so much time with the manuscript, both writing and editing, I got tired of it and set it aside for a month before going back to it with fresh eyes.

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

I won’t reveal any secrets—discovering them is part of the joy of reading. I will say that all of the characters are based at least in part on people I know or have met. Leo is actually very close to a man who owned a small Cuban restaurant two doors down from a former office of mine. He did claim that he was in witness protection for trying to assassinate Fidel Castro and his food was, well, not all that good. 
I also haven’t announced it yet, but the next book in the series is tentatively due to be released in early February 2021.

Author’s Profile

Book Is Available On Amazon

Heirs Apparent

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

I was a tenured professor who took the leap of faith to follow my entrepreneurial dream. Now, I am the CEO of Inspiring Lives International, the Executive Director of the Global Sisterhood, the Editor in Chief of Inspiring Lives Magazine, a keynote speaker, and the author of 13 books such as Ball Gowns to Yoga Pants.

2. How do you think being a writer has helped you as a person?

Writing is a terrific outlet for me. When there is something that is on my heart to write, there is nothing that will stop me from getting to the goal of publishing! Being a writer has expanded my knowledge through research/interviews and has helped me to reflect on my own journey.

3. What do you hope your readers take away from your book “Ball Gowns to Yoga Pants”?

I hope that my readers come away from Ball Gowns to Yoga Pants with and action plan for creating their dream business and brand; also, that they take massive steps towards their goals!

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

I love doing fun things with my kids and working out. I also adore singing, dancing, and acting and I have been able to raise a great deal of money for important charities by performing at gala fundraisers!

5. How long did it take you to write your book?

Ball Gowns to Yoga Pants took about a year and a half to write. I have written books that took 6 months and one that was a Pearson college textbook that took 3 years.

6. What is your favorite Quote?

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”
― Maya Angelou

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

I am really focused on my VIP 1:1 clients for my EmpowerU Master Class. I love to work to coach and guide women entrepreneurs towards their destiny of obtaining inspiration, empowerment, balance, and abundance in their life. I will release many more books in the future. Right now though, I am focused on Ball Gowns to Yoga Pants, my company, non-profit, and my family.

8. Any favorite writers that inspired you to write?

Maya Angelou, Jack Canfield, and Gloria Steinem.

9. How do you come up with the title of your book “Ball Gowns to Yoga Pants”?

My daughter noticed that when I was a professor I always wore power suits. Then once I was an entrepreneur, I was always either dressed in ball gowns for charity events or yoga pants running around making deals on my cell phone with my kids beside me!

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

Yes. Extend yourself grace. Everyone writes differently and at different paces. You will develop a unique voice and that is a beautiful thing. Try not to compare yourself to other writers. You are one of a kind and your book will reflect that to your future readers! You can do it!

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Ball Gowns to Yoga Pants

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

I found my calling in content writing after trying out a myriad of occupations in life. A content writer by the day, I find solace in reading fiction works and comic books. I am a post graduate in Public Relations from Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai. I am the caregiver of beautiful Indian mixed breed dogs named Thimpoo Rani and Ole Kumar. They are my world! When I am not working, reading or tending after my canine babies, I am busy collecting action figures and sarees.
I live and work in Navi Mumbai.

Q2.  Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘The Odd One & Other Short Stories’?

The book cover is designed by my friend and an awesome designer Mandar Rao; the only input I gave was that the cover should show that one thing is not like the others. My maiden book is a collection of short stories, and one of the stories is named “The Odd One”, that’s how the name of the book came into being; The Odd One & Other Short Stories.

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

I chose to complete my manuscript in Goa, because of tranquillity and a fresh perspective. For me a change of pace, location and a fresh perspective helps.

Q4. What does success mean to you?

I would consider myself successful when I can safely call ‘being an author’ both – my passion and profession.

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

Not really. The availability of time or the lack of it is the only driving point here. I am a novice when it comes to being an author, I have the beginning of at least 3 to 4 books in my head, I just need the time to start writing them.

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

About two years to start 11 short stories.

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

There are so many places, each with a reason of fondness of its own, however, lately I am drawn towards old Goa, because I completed the manuscript of the first book there, and would like to visit again (maybe book the same Air B&B even) to complete my second manuscript too.

Q8. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘The Odd One & Other Short Stories’ book?

Time, or the lack of it, being the primary challenge; researching and narrowing down to a publisher was challenging too.

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

I am not sure about the influence part, but I have grown up reading and loving the short stories of O Henry, Bernard Shaw & Jeffrey Archer in English, while Satyajit Ray, Sunil Ganguli, Leela Majumdar, Shirshendu Mukhopahyay and the likes of them in Bengali. So maybe some of them have seeped into my ideas at one point or the other.

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

Its just a quirk but I have pets in almost of my stories and I am pretty sure, I will continue having them in my future stories too. Life is so much better with pets in them.

Author’s Profile

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The Odd One & Other Short Stories

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

I was raised on a farm on the prairies in Canada. I studied to become an accountant and moved to Ottawa, Canada where I spent 33 years working in various finance related capacities for the federal government. After I retired in 2004, our son and I decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. That led to my first book, written with our son, which was called Kilimanjaro and Beyond: A Life-Changing Journey. Writing the first book turned out to be such an enjoyable experience, I wrote a memoir about travel with my in-laws, called I Guess We Missed the Boat.  I turned to fiction after that and wrote The Vanishing Wife, which became the first in The Marcie Kane Thriller Collection. Three other books and a novella in the series followed. Each of the books stand alone, although the characters evolve. The Burden of Darkness is the latest in the series. Besides writing, I enjoy hiking, golf, reading, playing guitar and spending time with my three grandkids.

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

Like all the books in The Marcie Kane Thriller Collection, The Burden of Darkness takes on a subject of social significance. The story is built around a character with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) so I wanted to make sure the condition and treatment were portrayed accurately. It involved research and interviews with subject matter experts. I knew where I wanted the story to go, but it was important to me to ensure that those elements of the story were factually correct, so that was a challenge.

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

I think I’m an eclectic reader, but in the crime genre, I enjoy books by the likes of Jeffrey Deaver, Michael Connolly and Steve Berry. I’ve even started reading some books by Raymond Chandler who wrote crime fiction in the thirties. I don’t try to write like them because I think it’s important to have your own voice, but I’m always intrigued by what makes them so popular.

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

I can’t pick just one. Canada is a beautiful and diverse country. If I have to narrow it down, I love to visit the Rocky Mountains in the west because, in my opinion, they challenge mountains anywhere for scenery. I also love to go back to the prairies where I grew up because of the memories it brings back.

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

As mentioned above, each book in The Marcie Kane Thriller Collection has a socially relevant theme, so there is a lot of research that goes into them. I don’t know much about the theme going in, so I have to rely on research and interviews with subject matter experts to get it right.

Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘The Burden of Darkness’ book?

It took over a year from the time I started thinking about the subject to when it was edited, formatted and published.

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

Right now, the e-book is exclusive to Amazon so readers who subscribe to Kindle Unlimited can read it for free. The paperback version can be ordered from any retailer that sells books.

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

I find that the title and cover fall out of the book at some point. I don’t go in with a preconceived notion, but eventually, it comes to me.  The protagonist and antagonist are both suffering from life altering conditions, so they are both in a dark place and carrying a heavy burden. I wanted the cover to reflect the title obviously, so it is a scene of a (possibly) troubled individual watching the darkness fall. Part of the book takes place in Arizona, so the background is the desert.

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

I build the stories around different themes. The Vanishing Wife is about how far an ordinary person will go if their family is threatened. A Perilous Question is about human trafficking. Never So Alone is about the drug culture and Remote Access is a political thriller about computer hacking. I have learned a great deal about a number of subjects since I started writing, and that keeps it fresh for me, and hopefully, the readers.

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

The antagonist, Owen Strand, who has a terminal illness, wants to gain notoriety before he dies. He decides to seek revenge against those he deems to have wronged him, and he does so by traveling around North America picking them off one by one. I don’t think the blurb mentions that he does it with drones.

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The Burden Of Darkness

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

I am a 41 year old female American of African descent who writes fantasy and science fiction. I have been married to my husband for 20 years and we have six children, and a dog. My parents died when I was very young so I was raised by my grandparents (father’s parents). I have a half-sister by way of my mother. She and I were separated after our mother’s death.
I have three degrees (Associate of Science in Funeral Services, Bachelor of Science in Human Services Management, Masters of Elementary Education). Now you may be wondering, “What in the world?” I promise I will get to the how and why of my educational journey.
My story began in inner city New Orleans. You see, I was raised in those red line segregated neighbourhoods. “What do you mean segregated? Segregation ended in the 1960s, correct? You are partly correct. Yes segregation ended in the 60s but many of its practices did not.
At one point, my grandparents lived in a wonderful neighbourhood, but as many Americans of African descent moved in, many Americans of European descent were sold falsehoods. They were told having “Blacks” in the communities would bring down property value and bring in extraordinary levels of crime. They were told they would not be safe in their homes.
Redlining would see many Americans of European descent vacate cities and head for the suburbs. Those lines drawn would keep Americans of African descent out of certain areas. Those very lines caused property values in those communities to plummet. My grandfather’s dream would not come to pass. He had worked hard all his life (only a third grade education) to now see his property worth nothing.
Life was hard. Due to my grandmother’s many illness, she was unable to work so I did in her stead. My grandfather restarted his landscaping business so by age ten I was working. Not only was I working, but I had to be my grandparent’s eyes and ears because neither of them could read.
“I made decisions that I thought would matter. I made a mistake. Get your education. No man can take away what lies in your mind.” Those were my grandfather’s words. I took them to heart and tried my best in school. Sometimes my best was good enough and other times, it wasn’t.
As I grew, I realized I would one day have to leave my grandparents in order to make a better life for myself. The thought of it was excruciating. Who would help take care of them? Who would read for them? My grandmother did not want me to go, but my grandfather pushed me. Even in my darkest hours, he pushed me to try again. “As many times as you wake up. You have a chance to start over.” He would always say.
Soon, I began to write about my doubts, fears, and frustrations. After a while, I began to use my imagination to help me turns my doubts, fears, and frustrations into fantasy stories.
Before long I would become fascinated with the might of dragons. My grandfather would take me to the library to research dragons. What I found would later lead me down a path to discovery.
Of all the dragon myths, none were related to Africans. As my writings developed, so did my reading. I got to a point where all I wanted was to read fantasy.  I dived into the world of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien. Again leaving me to wonder where were the people who looked like me in those stories?
By the time I was 17, I decided I wanted to work with disadvantaged children.  I wanted them to learn to use their imagination to escape worlds of pain.

Reaching college by the age of 19, I was able to leave New Orleans.  Many different majors later, including funeral services after a book I had written about the dead rising, I found my way back to my love for children. 

By 2007, nine years after graduating high school and four years after my Associates and Bachelor’s degrees, I entered a Masters of Elementary Education program at The University of Phoenix. 

By 2010 I found myself with three degrees and no job.

Continuing to write but never publishing, I began to take my writings to small presses. I was never picked up but I had finally become a special education teacher.

I began to wonder if what a college teacher back in Beaufort, South Carolina said of my writings might be true. “Your story is good. Your editing sucks but your story is good. I’m going to spare you future regret by telling you the truth. No one is going accept extraordinary black characters. They’re just not ready. Fantasy is not your realm.”

I remember telling myself, “You can’t just ignore the fact that you were not represented in fantasy. You and young people who look like you deserve to be represented in a realm of strength, magic, power, and rule. You’re a dragon!”

I sat down and had a conversation with my husband and older daughters about my desire to return to writing. This time, I would self-publish if I had to. With their blessing, I would write again.

Q2.  Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Dawn Of The Dragon’?

The cover was actually designed before the book was completed. The creative design took around four weeks to complete. My cover designer is Fiona Jayde @fionajaydemedia. The progress began with me completing a form that asked varies questions about the structure of the book. Then, I chose a series of images to send to Fiona. Next, Fiona designed different graphics based on the three act structure of my story including the setting, characters, and important plot points.  After another round of questions based on my vision, Fiona developed three sample designs. I chose the design then her creative process took over to develop the final product.

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

I use Wattpad, Reedsy Discovery, and my blog Realm of Writes to communicate with my readers. They are willing to offers suggestions, participate in polls, and read drafts.
Research is also important. I research historical places, past, and current events.

Q4. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?

Yes! The main task is researching the market to find out what’s hot and what’s not. It is also important to be a reader. Writers must be readers. I enjoy reading some of my favorite authors to build my own stamina in order to prepare for the ginormous task of writing a book.

Q5. How long did it take you to write ‘Palera Dawn’ book?

It took some time because of losses that occurred during the process. I lost my grandfather at the beginning of writing Palera Dawn. By the middle of the writing process, my brother from another mother, as he was called died of a heart attack one week before his college graduation. He was only 22. He had played basketball and ran track. He kept up with his yearly physicals. This was a devastating blow. His name is Warren Xavier Sales.
The dragon in Palera Dawn, Xavgon was renamed for him.

Q6. Congratulations for the Book2 ‘Dawn Of The Dragon’. What do you think your readers take away from both of your books?

My hope is that they see the importance of having not only a female protagonist, but a female protagonist of color. I hope they see that people of African descent/culture should continue to rise in epic fantasy.

Q7. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘Dawn Of The Dragon’ book?

Time. Time was the enemy. I am the mother of six children and a special education teacher. My schedule is often laid out before I know it.

Q8. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Evan Winters (The Rage of Dragons), The Lord of The Rings (J.R. Tolkien), A Song of Wraths and Ruin (Roseanne A. Brown), and Children of Blood and Bone (Tomi Adeyemi).

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

Well, secrets lead to spoilers. I don’t want to spoil the story, but I will say the relationship between Kalera, the main character, and Xavgon, her dragon, thrust the story forward.

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Palera Dawn

Dawn Of The Dragon