Former Pretzel King Stephan Bosshard offers ’Swiss Recipe To Happiness’

INTERVIEW

Although Stephan Bosshard was born raised in Switzerland, it wouldn’t be quite appropriate to call him the typical Swiss.

Due to his not exactly carefree childhood, he took his life into his own hands quite early and began to dream of true happiness.

He found it – not where one might expect, in his success and wealth, but in the subtleties of daily life. He learned from experience that true happiness consists of love, leisure time and good health.

On the zenith of his career – around the turn of the Millennium – he decided to let go. He sold his life’s work, the “Pretzel King” business, at a profit. For the time being, that spelled a Happy End to his earlier chase after happiness.

Today, Bosshard lives a happy, contented life – with his wife and their dog Gigi – away from any common daily routine, in Switzerland and on his yacht in Florida. He is convinced that on the way he has found his RECIPE TO HAPPINESS.

So, how did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“I wrote ’Swiss Recipe To Happiness’ on my yacht while visiting Miami, Florida for 6 months. I’d gone on many crazy adventures, traveled around the world, and met many interesting people. I decided to write a book about it. It’s funny, it’s inspiring, there are pictures from my journey, it tells of my loves, ups and downs, and how I met my wife. I want to encourage people regardless of how much money or material things they have, to find a way to find their own personal happiness.”

Was getting published hard?

“No. I self-published the book so there were not a lot of challenges.”

Are your characters based on people you know?

“Yes.”

What genre is your book?
“It’s an autobiography.”

Which of your books is your most favorite?
“’Swiss Recipe To Happiness’ is my first book and it is my favorite.”

Do you have a specific writing routine?
“I write early in the morning on my yacht when I am in South Florida.”

What are your current projects?
“Helping people find their own personal happiness regardless of their income or material things is what I am passionate about, therefore I want my book and its message to reach as many people as possible.”

What’s next for you?
“Enjoy life, spend time with my wife and dog GiGi and continue to live a life full of happiness.”

’Swiss Recipe To Happiness’

Genre: Autobiography

Available on Amazon.com and in quality bookstores internationally

Website: http://www.swissrecipetohappiness.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swissrecipetohappiness?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stephbosshard

Connie Kerbs a.k.a. The Fostering Mom on ‘Pebbled Lane Books series’ and many more

INTERVIEW

Connie Kerbs is, and always has, been a writer. An early and ardent student of Language Arts, she is a prolific writer and intense lover of great poetry, which she describes as a life-saving, game-changer. Along with the poetry, Connie a.k.a. The Fostering Mom, also writes fiction, non-fiction, inspirational tales, memoirs, children’s stories, and everything in between! She has been published in Foster Focus, Love Alters and 88+ Ways Music Can Change Your Life. She currently has a variety of publishing projects in the works, including the Pebbled Lane Books series.

“When not writing and mothering her large family, Connie serves on the Board of Directors (President, Past) of the Spokane Youth Symphony. She is also the Vice President of the Foster Parent Association of Washington State, (FPAWS),” Connie told me in a little chat we recently had.

I asked Connie to describe her journey into the literary world and that’s what she told me:

“I have been writing since I could hold a pencil! I wrote my first novel in the second grade (thank you to Mrs. West, for all the encouragement!) I’ve never stopped writing. I am an avid journalist, & writing poetry is cathartic for someone whose life work (foster parenting high needs kiddos for 23 years) is the ultimate reward – and sometimes the ultimate stress.

“I was created to write. Then life stretched me, honed me, and turned me inside out. Then it stewed and brewed me in a potpourri of passions, places, and people. Turns out, that was just all for tenderizing and seasoning, so I could have hearty, worthwhile things to write about. Life also had a few other little plans for me along the way. Sixteen of them, for starters.

“A lifetime ago I embarked with my childhood friend, and high school sweetheart of a husband on an epic journey of foster-adopt parenting. This life-altering decision took us down a winding road of multiple adoptions, (13 for the curious), and eventually compelled us into robust advocacy for child-welfare and family issues.

“It is a monumental, and a yet, highly IM-perfected task, (even with so much practice), of raising all these complicated and wonderful people who call me mom. My diverse brood also includes three miraculous birth children we thought would never come, and several differently-abled children, and (now) adults, who bless us with a unique kind of life every day we are privileged to remain in their presence.”

More about Connie Kerbs

Connie Kerbs, aka the Fostering Mom writes poetry, fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, Inspirational, and a little of everything in between.

It’s the stuff of this thing called life pieced together into a body of work that I hope is inspiring, nurturing and enjoyable. I pray it will ripple out positively…and be a little spot of light, hope, faith, and love wherever it goes…

Connie’s Pebbled Lane Books series is a project which serves as a means to help others – either by acting as an outlet for serious writers to publish their stories, or by supporting worthy causes directly through the proceeds. Her passion for this project is as evident as the love for her husband and her children, who fuel her inspiration and her desire for success.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH CONNIE KERBS

Review: ‘Jack Gets His Man’ by D.E. Haggerty

REVIEW

I love amateur sleuth mysteries, especially the cozy ones. This is probably my most favourite literary genre of which ‘Jack Gets His Man’ by D.E. Haggerty is the finest example.

I hadn’t read anything from D.E. Haggerty before but since I first saw ‘Jack Gets His Man’ original comic-inspired cover, I said myself “This is a book I have to read”. And so I did. And I loved it!

What is not to love in this book? Jack, the best friend every woman would love to have? Izzy and Noel, that super cool couple? Those adorable ladies from the knitting club “who fancied themselves private investigators (…) seriously considering getting licensed”? Or Jack’s man? (No, I’m not going to reveal who that is).

To me ‘Jack Gets His Man’ is the perfect read for a Friday evening, when you want to get rid of the work’s stress and chill out.

I was amazed by D.E. Haggerty’s humorous, witty writing style and her ability to weave an interesting, fast paced storyline with hilarious Chapter titles like “My boobs are sore”.

The police car scene was one of my favourites moment in the book as was Chapter Fucking’s-right-32.

“Jack” and “His Man” got easily my five stars and convinced me to read the rest of D.E. Haggerty’s books.

Book title: Jack Gets His Man

Series: The Gray-Haired Knitting Detectives, Book 2

Standalone

Author: D.E. Haggerty

Genre: Romantic Comedy (M/M)

Published: July 1, 2015

Synopsis:

Jack’s life is awesome. His store is making money hand over fist and his best friend has found love. So what if he’s feeling a bit restless and put out about his upcoming birthday and his ex is being a pain in his fabulous behind? That’s nothing he can’t handle. But then his smoking hot new bookkeeper discovers things at the store aren’t actually as they seem. Someone is playing fast and loose with the finances. Jack’s bestie and his gal pals, the gray-haired knitting detectives, jump at the chance to solve Jack’s problems. When they aren’t re-enacting scenes from spy thrillers, they’re setting Jack up on dates and generally insinuating themselves into his love life. They’re determined to find love for Jack as well as his missing money. Will Jack catch a thief or find love? Either way Jack’s going to get his man.

Purchase links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Gets-His-Man-Gray-Haired-ebook/dp/B00YBZITC6

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25552260-jack-gets-his-man

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/551332

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1122163358?ean=2940151977913

Teasers:

Jack groaned and hid his face in his hands. This is what his life was reduced to? Getting set up on blind dates by eighty-year-old grandmas? He was pretty sure this was the definition of pathetic.

***

“I don’t know whether I love them or want to strangle them. When their attention is on someone else, I want to worship at their conniving little feet. But when they sink their claws into me, I want to scream like a little girl and go hide.”

***

“Underwear,” Betty repeated. “Why do you need cross-dressing underwear?”

Jack’s face pinked slightly. “Well, you know, to tuck certain assets away.”

The ladies giggled and glanced at his package, which was obviously not tucked away. Clearing his throat and resisting temptation to cover his family jewels with his hands, Jack continued. “And on this side, we have the big and beautiful section for women.”

***

Jack, Izzy, and the ladies met up at Izzy’s house the following night. The women were tittering in excitement. They had obviously coordinated their going-on-recon outfits. Their matching ensembles consisted of black, stretchy pants, black blouses, and black orthopedic shoes. They even had matching black scarves to hide their silver locks. Jack wondered if he should be escorting them to a casual funeral instead of going on this so-called recon mission.

***

“Hands in the air. Drop to your knees” was shouted at them. Blinded by a flashlight, it was impossible to identify the speaker.

Martha huffed. “There is no way I’m going to my knees, young man,” she yelled at the light.

“Me either. I’ll never be able to get up again,” Ally agreed and put her hands on her hips in protest.

Jack shook his head but quickly dropped to his knees. Only he would get caught while snooping with two grandmas who refused to listen to the police. He hung his head and pretended he was somewhere else, anywhere else.

Author bio:

I was born and raised in Wisconsin, but think I’m a European. After spending my senior year of high school in Germany, I developed a bad case of wanderlust that is yet to be cured. My flying Dutch husband and I have lived in Ohio, Virginia, the Netherlands, Germany and now Istanbul. We still haven’t decided if we want to settle down somewhere – let alone where. I’m leaning towards somewhere I can learn to surf even though the hubby thinks that’s a less than sound way to decide where to live. Although I’ve been a military policewoman, a commercial lawyer, and a B&B owner, I think with writing I may have finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up. That’s assuming I ever grow up, of course. Between playing tennis, running much slower than I would like, trying to adopt every stray dog within a 5-mile radius, traveling to exotic new locales, singing off tune, drinking entirely too many adult beverages, addictively watching new movies and reading books like they are going out of style, I write articles for a local expat magazine and various websites, review other indie authors’ books, write a blog about whatever comes to mind and am working on my sixth book.

Author links:

Website: http://www.dehaggerty.com

Blog: http://www.dehaggerty.com/mymusings

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dehaggerty

Twitter: https://twitter.com/denaehaggerty

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+DEHaggerty/posts

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/denahaggerty/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7210211.D_E_Haggerty

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/D.E.-Haggerty/e/B00ECQBURU

Email: dena@dehaggerty.com

Kit Miller: the 16-year-old author of ‘Sailor Uncovered’

INTERVIEW

Kit Miller has been an avid writer since her days in elementary school. What began as a weekend hobby quickly escalated into an everyday activity. Her love of writing led her to join her high school’s nationally acclaimed journalism program; VISTAj. She is currently the editor of VISTAj’s website and literary magazine – Periphas. She also works for the commentary website Psycho Drive-In.

“But who exactly is Kit Miller?” I asked Kit in a little chat we had recently.

“I am a 16-year-old girl who loves to learn and tell stories,” she replied.

A few weeks ago Kit celebrated the release of her debut novel called ‘Sailor Uncovered’. This twisting story begins with the murder of a man who victimizes women. The heroine, Sailor, is a survivor but her sister Catherine is not. Sailor tries to prove her innocence for that man’s murder though a maelstrom of chaos caused by his brother, Michael.

– So why did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“When I was in 4th grade I read ‘Hatchet’ by Gary Paulsen. I had always loved reading, but Hatchet was the first book I ever truly got lost in. I wanted to tell meaningful stories like that and inspire others as ‘Hatchet’ inspired me.”

– Was getting published hard?

“Absolutely! With the publishing industry changing and more and more people writing books it’s really hard to get your foot in the door. Taking on new writers is risky, and taking on really young writers with no previous credentials is especially dangerous. My book was rejected 39 times before my current publisher picked it up. I’m thankful for each rejection though; taking the easy way has never been my style.”

– What genre is your book?

“My book is a crime fiction/mystery novel.”

– Do you have a specific writing routine?

“I wouldn’t call it a routine, but I always have to have my journal on hand. Ideas pop into my head throughout the whole day so I have to be prepared to write them down.”

– What are your current projects?

“Right now I’m just trying to juggle high school and my budding career!”

– What’s next for you?

“Hopefully more published books in the near future. I refuse to be a one-hit wonder!”

MORE ABOUT KIT MILLER

Kit spends her free time reading, writing, taking Instagram-worthy photographs, and watching sports and documentaries on TV – particularly football, baseball, and anything about nature, respectively.

Her taste in books ranges from rugged westerns to inspirational memoirs to out-of-this-world fantasy, and everything in between. Among her favorite authors are: J.K. Rowling, Gary Paulsen, David Eddings, Mark Twain, William Shakespeare, Erin Hunter, and John Flanagan.

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH KIT MILLER

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KitMillerAuthor

Twitter: www.twitter.com/MooDeere

BUY LINK

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sailor-Uncovered-Kit-Miller/dp/1910530948/

Jendela Tryst on the ‘Fallen Immortals Saga’, Greek Myth and Love

INTERVIEW

Jendela Tryst is a closet romantic. She’s smart, clever, has a great sense of humor, but she hides an extremely sensitive and compassionate nature that is afraid to show itself for fear that she’ll be ridiculed.

Jendela is the author of the ‘Fallen Immortals Saga’, a Greek mythology inspired book series that includes two installments (‘Struck: The Myth of Eros and Psyche’, ‘Scorched: Origin of Love Book 2’) with a third (‘Rupture’) coming soon.

Recently I had a little chat with Jendela Tryst and, firstly, I asked her to describe herself.

“‘Jendela’ comes from an Indonesian word for ‘window’. ‘Tryst’ has Latin roots, meaning ‘sorrow’. The French translation for ‘secret affair’ is also very relevant,” she explained. “All are sides of Jendela Tryst, sensuous, empathetic, a die-hard romantic who loves love despite living in a world that rewards cynicism and pragmatism. Jendela Tryst is the most authentic, human side of me,” she added.

How did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“There was no escaping it. The day I realized the hidden treasures behind ‘books with no pictures’ was the day my fate was decided. Finally, there was a use for an overly vivid imagination and the stories that kept popping in my head! I tried to pursue other careers because writing wasn’t worthy in my parent’s eyes and I tried to be the ‘dutiful daughter’. But I wanted to write, even while I studied practical degrees like Economics, and then nursing. Instead of studying for finals, I was writing short stories, poems, narrations, and quick summaries for potential novels. No matter what, my mind always wandered to plots that needed to be organized and characters that needed to speak. It was torture not giving them the time they deserved.”

Was getting published hard?

“I am an indie author, so it was hard in trying to learn various aspects of publication that had nothing to do with writing itself. I am actually very grateful for my business background because I think it prepared me for some of the more formidable aspects of self-publishing like finance and marketing. Still, the hardest part was dealing with self-doubt. As an independent author, everything is on you and that’s a lot of pressure, especially when dealing with that loud and very obnoxious inner critic. For some of us, that voice can be especially vicious.”

Are your characters based on people you know?

“Yes. That is, several aspects of my characters are based on people I know, but not completely. Those closest to me will make claims that they recognize a certain conversation, or certain traits but I try to stay diplomatic about it. I’d hate to offend anyone, especially the ones I love. However, some of the most colorful characters in my life give me endless material so it would be a shame to waste any of it.”

What genre are your books?

“I hate labels. It’s one of my things and it’s one of the reasons I wanted to self-publish. I never attempted to send my books to any publishing companies because I was afraid they would force my book into a genre. If I had to simplify, I suppose you could call it a romance. But there is also a lot of adventure in it, and since it’s based on a Greek Myth, it has some philosophy as well. You can’t write about Greek Mythology without sneaking in philosophy, it’s just not possible!”

Which of your books is your most favorite?

“I feel like the series ‘Origin of Love’ is really a single book in three books. I loved that I divided them into three books because I think, in many ways, the characters and their love for each other, changed over time. I think of relationships as living, breathing things. It goes through its own different phases and each phase is beautiful in its own way. Struck is about first love. New love. That amazing sensation of being completely surprised and enamored by the person you’re with. Scorched is a more established love, when the person you’re with becomes your best friend and you start understanding and establishing trust and experiencing the highs and lows of life together. Finally, Rupture is what I consider eternal love. The kind that many speak of, but few have ever really seen. It can survive anything. Time, space, betrayal, death, it is everlasting. All of these forms of love matter, and are beautiful in their own way. That’s why I can’t pick a single book; it’s like trying to pick out your favorite color in a rainbow.”

Do you have a specific writing routine?

“No. I wish I did. I really do. Maybe it’s because I’m just starting out, but really, the only consistent thing I do every day is make myself coffee. After that, it’s up in the air. Sometimes, I just mull around, fiddle on my piano, write a song on the guitar, worry a lot, and if I’m lucky, I’ll reread a few chapters. Then one day, usually when I have the least amount of time or I’m in the middle of a busy highway, driving a long distance, sentences or dialogue will pop up in my head. I have pull over and start dictating to my phone like a crazy person. Or writing on a receipt or napkin, whatever is around.”

What are your current projects?

“I am currently working on a retelling of the myth of Hades and Persephone. It’s a sort of prequel to Origin of Love Trilogy. I’ve always been somewhat drawn to the macabre, and Hades, god of the Underworld, is such a different hero from Eros, god of love. Historically, most renditions of Hades has not been very flattering, so I took a lot of liberties and turned him into more of a diabolical, brooding demon lover. He is definitely sexier and less petrifying, yet still the quintessential, misunderstood “bad boy”. What’s there not to love?”

What’s next for you?

“You know as much as I do. My day job is always waiting for me. Writing will never leave me, that much I’ve accepted, but how quickly I can write and how much time I have to spare to write will be determined mainly by my readers. If they like what I have produced, they’ll buy my work and keep me and my family fed. If they don’t, then, writing will have to be placed in the back burner for a bit. But that’s ok, because I know it will never leave me. In a way, it’s as Democratic as you can get. Everyone votes with his or her dollar. What’s great is that my first two books, Struck and Scorched, will be available for free with Amazon Prime, so really, no one has to spend a dime! My third book, Rupture, will be out in September as well.

What I’m really looking for are others who are as passionate about love stories as I am. I want to find other die-hard romantics so we can continue to inspire each other. Because really, what’s there not to love about love?

I just hope people will give a relatively unknown author with a lot of great stories to tell a chance to keep doing just that.”

We hope that too!

BUY LINKS

Amazon URL:

Struck: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KJKGBV8

Scorched: http://www.amazon.com/Scorched-Origin-Love-Fallen-Immortals-ebook/dp/B00U9PGN2U/

Rupture: Coming Sept 2015

STAY IN TOUCH WITH JENDELA TRYST

Website: www.jendelatryst.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jendela.tryst

Twitter: @JendelaTryst

A book and a cup of coffee

Month: September 2015