Jennifer Lang and “The Whistle Blower’s Confession”

Author Jennifer Lang has always been a vibrant and creative person, so it’s no surprise that she would turn to writing and set her hand to an exciting psychological thriller.

She is an entrepreneur, with her own independent record label producing her own music. But as she found out, life is a highway with many turns, exits and destinations.

Jennifer had both feet firmly on the music path when tragedy intervened and her mother became very ill.

Jennifer’s motto is never give up and as she faced her mother’s illness and taking care of her, she couldn’t just stop there. As she became a caregiver, the keen curiosity and investigative inclinations that served her in college as a political science major helped her uncover that many of the issues her mother suffered from could be traced back to GMO’s.

And that’s when the seeds of her book The Whistle Blower’s Confession were planted. Jennifer believes that you only fail if you never try, so she turned her hand to writing.

Jennifer Lang is the author that is as courageous, as selfless and as and as determined as her characters!

Today I’m happy to have Jennifer on my blog and chat with her.

– First of all I’m curious to know if getting published was hard?
“Not for me, I went to a small family owned publisher and they liked my story and the message behind it.”

– Are your characters based on people you know?
“The main characters are bits and pieces of me. The issues of GMO labeling are It’s fiction. A bit of a suspense thriller, mystery, political thriller.”

– Which of your books is your most favourite?
“This is my first book….so, your first baby is always special. Ask me again, once I have my next one :)”

– Do you have a specific writing routine?
“Not really. I get moments of inspiration, especially while I’m out walking on the track. At that point, I’ve got to hurry and get home and when I start typing it all out, it sort of starts to come together and flow.”

– What are your current projects?
“Right now, I’m out promoting my book and working on a screenplay adaption.”

– What’s next for you?
“A children’s book filed with adventure and purpose.”

The Whistle Blower’s Confession is a taut political thriller
where Kelly Anderson, an investigative reporter, who after the death of her
aunt to cancer, discovers that the American people have been used as guinea
pigs for years.

Jennifer draws on her many experiences as an investigator,
as a political science student, her experiences studying GMO’s and her
substantial powers of creativity and imagination to craft a story that will keep
you on the edge of your seat and turning pages with story lines ripped from
the headlines of current affairs.

BUY LINK

http://www.amazon.com/Whistle-Blowers-Confession-Jennifer-Lang/dp/1634490533

Website

http://www.thewbconfession.com/

Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/thewhistleblowersconfession

Tanya Biondi on “Blustardusk” and the gift of creativity

INTERVIEW

Tanya Biondi was born in London but she grew up in Italy. From her Italian father Tanya inherited the love for the arts and from her English mother the love for literature, the love for Duran Duran music. She has been blessed with the gift of creative imagination and the ability to express it through words, music and painting. Tanya Biondi has self-published several poetry books and recently her first novel called “Blustardusk”.

Who exactly is Tanya Biondi?

“I was born in 1968, I’m half Italian half English and I work as a secretary. Since very young I was fascinated by tales and literature and started writing poems and lyrics for songs very early. I believe I have always been an artist and always new it, although life has taken me elsewhere.”

How did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“As I said, I have always been aware of my inclination towards creativity and since I was young dreamt of conducting the life of an artist, but things didn’t work that way. In fact I never decided to pursue a writing career, I wrote, because it is a sort of necessity for me, just as I compose my own songs or do any other creative work. I don’t do it with the purpose of a career, although it would be wonderful to be able to spend my time just doing that for a living!”

Was getting published hard?

“Well, it was not, since I’m not published, I self-publish my books online. I have made this choice after a few bad experiences with small publishing companies. Initially I only wrote poetry and I was very eager to publish my collections. Big publishing companies in Italy don’t bother with poetry by unknown writers, so I accepted a couple of contracts with two different small publishers whom I had to pay. Now, the problem is not that I had to pay, I understand and accept that it is a highly risky investment to publish an unknown poet, still, I believe there must be a difference between someone calling themselves publishers and a merely printing company. The difference is the effort the company makes to promote your work, and these people got a lot of money and gave no promotion. With this novel I decided to try sending the manuscript to many publishers, bigger and smaller ones (always in Italy), the only replies I had, were from companies asking me to pay; fortunately in these days the internet offers a wide range of services for self-publishing, so I chose that if I had to spend money I would spend it to promote myself and not to fill people’s pockets without getting much in return. So I pursued this path and did the same for the English version of the novel, without even wasting time trying to find a publisher.”

Are your characters based on people you know?

“Not at all, they were born from my fantasy, and frankly, it might sound funny, but I quite like the idea to have given them life in some way.”

What genre are your books?

“As I said, until now I had only written poetry, eight collections to be precise. This is my first novel, as for its genre, I’m not perfectly sure if it is more a romantic fantasy or fantasy with a vein of romance. In any case it is set in space, there is love, adventure and certainly a fantasy atmosphere.”

Do you have a specific writing routine?

“No, I don’t, I work in an office and live with family, so I’m not free to organise my day around writing, I would say rather the contrary, as soon as I get some free time I get down to work, and even so, I’m not always inspired. When it is possible I prefer to write in the open air, especially in the pinewood near home, where I find peace and quiet and beauty. When I start writing I can go on for hours on end, sometimes I have to force myself to stop, it depends also on what you are writing, some passages require more thinking and it might take hours just to write a couple of pages.”

What are your current projects?

“I am writing my second novel, I would say I’m half way through the raw version, then there is all the editing to do which can take quite a long time. The topic is a little more delicate so the work grows slowly. A part from that, I’m also preparing for a new song album and for the audiobooks of some of my poetry collections, I would also like to translate a number of chosen poems into English.”

What’s next for you?

“Difficult to say, I hope my work gets some appreciation, a part from that, I’m never short of ideas!”

“Blustardusk” on Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SELOYY0

Author’s Amazon Page

http://www.amazon.com/Tanya-Biondi/e/B00OU24U3M

Season Bennett and ‘The Social Barber Book’

INTERVIEW

Season Bennett is a Technical Business Analyst at a Fortune 100 company. She has over 15 years of professional experience in Information Technology. She graduated from South Carolina State University where she majored in Professional Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science. She also received a master’s degree in Software Development from Winthrop University in 2004. She is married to Derrick Bennett, master barber and owner of Headlines Barber Shop in Charlotte, NC. where Season also serves as the Director of Marketing and Promotion. She is also the author of The Social Barber Book.

Why did you write The Social Barber? “A lot of barbers and hairstylists are artists. They love to create. They end up having to leave the industry to get a “real job” because they can’t make a living doing what they love. I wrote this book as simple how-to guide to help them increase their customer base so they can continue doing what they love.”

What makes you an expert on social media marketing for barbers and hairstylists? “I enjoyed doing social media marketing so much that I ended up getting certified as a Social Media Strategist. So I have an extremely unique experience as both being certified in social media marketing and also owning a barber shop.”

“How did you start doing social media marketing?” “I spent several years in corporate America as a computer programmer and my husband owns a barber shop. He’s been a barber for many years. I thought the barber shop would be the perfect place to have a food drive. I started doing social media marketing because I wanted to get the word out about the food drive.”

Why did you name your book The Social Barber? “Good question! I wanted to call it The Social Barber because I wanted to remind barbers to be social. Most people use social media for entertainment so hard sales tactics really don’t go there. I want them to have fun and get to know people.”

What is the biggest misconception about social media marketing? “One of the biggest misconceptions about social media marketing is that you have to be actively selling. You are really trying to build a relationship with people—some you’ve met in person and some you haven’t. You want people to get to know you.”

What are some of the biggest mistakes that you see barbers and stylists making in their social media marketing? “I see a lot of barbers and hairstylists that are posting inappropriate content. They are more focused on getting a large number of likes or gaining followers. At the end of the day, those things don’t matter. I always ask the question: would you rather have 10,000 followers or 5 new consistent and loyal customers.”

Why do you think it is so important for barbers and hairstylists to use social media marketing? “Social media marketing is the new word of mouth. Barbers and hairstylists should use it as an online portfolio of their work. They have the added bonus of other users commenting on their work that potential customers will see as well. Their current customers may see work they’ve done on another client and feel like they’d like to get an additional service done.”

What is your professional background in? “I have over 15 years of experience in Information Technology. I’ve done a great deal of work as a computer programmer and a technical business analyst. I think that has really helped me to look at social media marketing from an analytical perspective.”

Was getting published hard? “I decided to go the route of self-publishing so that really wasn’t an issue.”

Keep in touch with The Social Barber:

www.TheSocialBarber.com

Simel Bey and ‘The Mysterious One of Kapwera Engolo: A Story of Defiance and Triumph’

INTERVIEW

There are a variety of kind words that could describe Simel E.J. Bey; father, teacher, entrepreneur, medical practitioner, humanitarian, world traveler. Any one of these on its own would be accurate, but to properly sum up Simel Bey would take every one of these and more.

Born in Denton, Texas, Simel was born the oldest of three sons to Dr. Jack Osborne Jenkins and Delilah Elaine Luten Jenkins. Simel’s father, the Reverend Dr. Jack O. Jenkins, became the second African-American to receive a PHD from the University of Georgia’s Psychology Department and his drive and determination can be seen in everything Simel does in life.

Well Rounded Educational Career

Simel educational background is storied and extensive. He excelled in school, enjoying his elementary and high school years before attending Fort Valley State University where he majored in and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Radio, Film and Print. Upon completion of his degree, Simel traveled to Kenya and Tanzania to study the Kikuyu, Akamba and Massai cultures while documenting Serengetti and Kakemega rainforest plant specimens.

The Wake-Up Call

A near fatal car accident changed Simel Bey’s life forever. A head injury and the subsequent healing process caused Simel to briefly rely on painkillers that wouldn’t allow him to think clearly much else fulfill his destiny. One clear day, Simel removed himself from the regimen of painkillers and began to view the world in a new fresh perspective. He saw incredible visions of celestial beings with acupuncture meridians and what life held for him. He knew immediately what he had to do.

Not long after, Simel attended The Texas College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Austin, Texas where he worked to receive his Masters of Oriental Medicine Degree while completing his work on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Disorders. Simel became Licensed and Board Certified as an Acupuncturist by the Texas State Medical Board of Examiners for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and now he shares his techniques to heal the mind, body and spirit of his clients. He works to free their Qi through the effective use of dietary therapy, therapeutic exercise, cupping and spiritual awareness programs for both individuals and business professionals. He has even been awarded the Best Acupuncturist of 2013 in Austin, Texas.

One of a Kind Author, Humanitarian and Human Being

As the author of many well-known titles including Children Initiatic Tales: Stories of The Immortal Light and his latest The Mysterious One of Kapera Engolo: A Story of Defiance and Triumph, Simel Bey’s interest in sharing his work with those in the world around him is evidenced by his desire to improve the lives of everyone he comes in contact with.

Simel Bey is truly a one of a kind human being with the mind and spirit to match. To learn more, kindly browse our website or book an appointment to find out what Simel Bey can do for you.

– Who exactly is Simel Bey?
“Simel Bey, author of The Mysterious One of Kapwera Engolo: A story of Defiance and Triumph’.”

– How did you decide to pursue a writing career?
“Writing has always been a part of my life. Over the years several friends and teachers encouraged the medium of writing to share storytelling.”

– Was getting published hard?
“This project is self-published.”

– Are your characters based on people you know?
“Yes and no. Some characters are composites of personalities known over the years while others are literally channeled.”

– What genre is your books?
“At this time I prefer children stories and the YA (Young Adult) market.”

– Which of your books is your most favorite?
“It’s difficult to say. Each of my works holds a special place in my heart.”

– Do you have a specific writing routine?
“While I believe writing is a discipline, my writing routine is not. I write when ideas arise.”

– What are your current projects?
“Well, we currently have the launch of The Mysterious One of Kapwera Engolo: A Story of Defiance and Triumph, the coming of age story of Besege, born in Africa, abducted to Brazil raised as a warrior and destined for greatness available soon via http://www.simelbey.com.”

– What’s next for you?
“Next we will release C is for Capoeria in the Fall of 2015. Created for the entire family, its an exciting dynamic historical perspective to engage the Artform of Capoeria.”

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Born in Africa, abducted to Brazil, raised as a warrior, destined to for greatness.

Based on the true story of Mestre Benedito, one of the founders of the unique and beautiful martial art of capoeira, The Mysterious One of Kapwera Engolo celebrates the life of a young man named Besege taken from home and sold into slavery in the New World. Swiftly escaping to a multi-racial community of freedom fighters, Besege survives to witness turbulent times, including the birth of capoeira from a mix of African and native Brazilian arts, the abolition of slavery in Brazil, and the rise of Afro-Brazilian culture as an enduring force.

Caught between worlds, living his life on the run from the authorities, and trapped within a system that enslaved and condemned him on the basis of his skin color, Besege rises to a position of respect and leadership as a warrior, a spiritual guide, and a teacher— one whose legacy survives even today.

As rich in action as it is in history and culture, The Mysterious One of Kapwera Engolo is a captivating and enlightening window to a very different place and time—a world defined by adventure, mysticism, upheaval, and the eternal struggle to be free.

Humanitarian Margaret Galabe talks about SIDE and “The first-ever Baligham village health fair”

INTERVIEW

Margaret Galabe is a humanitarian, philanthropist, social entrepreneur, advocate for women with disabilities and founder Student International Development Engagement.

SIDE, for short, provides learning programs for international students that are looking to deepen their understanding and gain real, hands-on training and knowledge of the issues that affect vast populations of people living in rural, poverty-stricken villages in Cameroon, Central Africa.

Through Student International Development Engagement mission, sustainable development initiatives are fostered and cross-cultural experiences are available to engage students worldwide through a combination of volunteer opportunities, service learning and internship.

The THE FIRST-EVER BALIGHAM VILLAGE MOBILE HEALTH FAIR book is a story of mothers and their babies, families and the myriad of health concerns facing this underserved remote village.

“It transcends boundaries, North Toledo, in the U.S.A., a diversified group of passionate student volunteers from Canada, the U.S., Ireland, Germany and the Czech Republic” Margaret Galabe explains. “The first-ever Baligham village health fair is as Laura Marano said, and I agree, “Every single person has the power to change the world and help people.” impact the lives of others. Students travel abroad to enrich their global experience, contribute to development issues and find the experience rewarding in a way that they never imagined.”

How did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“I never thought about being a writer , it grew out of an opportunity I saw to improve the health care and mortality rates of rural families, mothers and children in Baligham, a remote poor village in Cameroon. Using a mobile health fair model, and a team of local and international volunteers planned, executed and assessed the success of the first-ever Baligham Village health fair. The experience of the team is described in this book, including the lessons they learned and the extraordinary gift they shared with members of this underprivileged rural village. The most valuable chapter in the book isn’t about the planning or execution (although they are certainly program priorities) but about the lessons learned. Every successful program must continue to evolve in order to sustain longevity despite the ever changing needs of the project. The goals of this book is to inspire and encourage others to take part in the important work being done via the Baligham Village Project. My experiences are shared in this book for those who will enjoy the encouragement and hope present in a story such as this, where strangers give and share of their time and talent in the service of others.”

Was getting published hard?

“As you know, writing a book is a long process. THE FIRST-EVER BALIGHAM VILLAGE MOBILE HEALTH FAIR is my first book and I would never have successfully published it without the help of William Hoard, CEO/ Look Press-Seattle, USA. ‘You have developed a most remarkable program to do so much to help the people of Cameroon! I have visited your sites and read thru your preliminary manuscript. I am wondering how you managed this. It seems like such a daunting task, yet an ingenious way to create symbiosis between cultures.– At this point, I am getting a little picky about which projects to take on. My priorities are: 1] books with social or cultural impact (messages that make a difference),— So your project just rose to the top of my list!—'”

Are your characters based on people you know?

“– one face at a time

“I must admit that I personally measure success in terms of the contributions an individual makes to her or his fellow human beings.”

(Margaret Mead)

Truly, the human aspect of our successes were the most memorable. By that I mean, there are faces we saw on the day of our health fair that I will never forget; they are the faces of people who will stay

in my heart, and in the hearts of volunteers, forever more. And to me, more than a listing of objective evidence that our fair was a success, it was bearing witness to the outpouring of individuals towards their fellow man that was the most compelling reason to say we succeeded.

For example, there is an image of a man who comes to mind as I share this portion of our experience. He was wearing a black hat. Through our health fair, as a routine assessment, he had his blood pressure checked, maybe for the first time ever. Later, he was admitted at the Holy Family Medical Center in Akum and several volunteers and I were able to see him a short time later. He got out of his hospital bed and came out to thank us and to introduce us to his daughter. If we had not screened him at the health fair, he probably would have had a stroke, or worse, died. During examination, Dr. Kume had remarked, “this man can have a stroke at anytime…” and swiftly referred him for further treatment. I don’t think I’ll ever forget this man.”

What genre is your book?

“As stated in the beginning, one of the goals of this book is to inspire and encourage others to take part in the important work being done via the Baligham Village Project. Genre: anti-poverty, women’s issues and sustainable development.”

Which of your books is your most favourite?

“THE FIRST-EVER BALIGHAM VILLAGE MOBILE HEALTH FAIR is my first book and my most favorite. A phenomenal success! That’s the overwhelming response to the first ever BALIGHAM MOBILE HEALT H FAIR!

The pilot project was created to provide health care and disease prevention to Baligham, a small village in Cameroon. Sponsored by the Student International Development Engagement, a program in which international students deepen their understanding of the issues facing poor villages in Cameroon. But, it truly does take a village to make this mobile health fair happen. Without the many generous and hard-working volunteers, neither the resulting success nor the Health Fair would have been possible. Volunteers have been and will continue to be the heart of this very worthwhile event…”

Do you have a specific writing routine?

“Well, at this stage of writing my first book THE FIRST-EVER BALIGHAM VILLAGE MOBILE HEALTH FAIR, a specific routine that worked for me was carrying with me at all times a notebook of the Baligham village mobile health fair actual event, late at night I read my notes and write down any new ideas. I tend to write in the morning after a short walk and a cup of coffee.”

What are your current projects?

“THE FIRST-EVER BALIGHAM VILLAGE MOBILE HEALTH FAIR, second edition made up of short stories, memories written by different authors into these people’s everyday lives, and calls for action on their behalf.”

What’s next for you?

“I feel strongly that my long-term vision is on point. That is, in the long-term, I will continue replicating our sustainable model for effective rural healthcare delivery, thereby reducing maternal and child mortality rates among other benefits. I will do so by continuing to use a platform that incorporates university students and faculty – sustainable village development partnerships, service learning and volunteering. In the future, I hope to set up a permanent Maternity Center that would be run by local health care workers partnering with University medical schools combined with a student volunteering and service learning component. I am confident this promising model will not only reduce mortality rates but will also improve the delivery of preventive and primary health care for the people of Baligham Village.”

AUTHOR BIO

Margaret Galabe began her life-changing work as a volunteer and philanthropist at a young age. Watching her mother, a community development officer in Cameroon, work with volunteers from various countries in North America and Western Europe on social and community development projects, inspired Margaret to champion her own projects later in life. She is a committed and tireless advocate for humanitarian, sustainable change and has spearheaded numerous grassroots projects benefitting the economic empowerment of women and the development of rural development projects.

Margaret was nominated in 2003 for the inaugural Perdita Huston Human Rights Award, an award bestowed by the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA). She was the 2011 recipient of the International Alliance for Women’s “World of Difference 100” award, an award which recognizes extraordinary individuals whose efforts have contributed to the economic advancement of women locally, regionally or worldwide. She is also a 2009 recipient of the European Union Women Inventors and Innovators special recognition award, and a 2004 recipient of the Global Women Inventors and Innovators (GWIIN) award for expanding export market opportunities for women in developing countries.

LINKS

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/margaretgalabe

www.studentinternationaldevelopmentengagement.com

http://www.facebook.com/studentinternationaldevelopmentengagement

http://twitter.com/StudentInDev

http://www.pinterest.com/Studentinterdev/

https://vimeo.com/studentinternationaldev

http://studentinternationaldevelopment.tumblr.com/

Marketa B.Linden W meets ‘Queen Margot’

INTERVIEW

Gritty reality of the 16th century in France with love, passion, opulance sits side by side with dirty streets and intrigues is featured in the first historical novel Queen Margot by MBLW.

MBLW has good grip on the facts, writting skills and lightness to tell the story to everyone without knowing too much from history in similar way like David Attenborough.

These are just some of the stellar reviews ‘Queen Margot’ has received. “Game of the thrones written by real history” News New York wrote. ‘Queen Margot’ is the first historical novel by author Marketa B.Linden W (MBLW) that deals with the drama around Margaret of Valois, the daughter of famous Catherine de Medici.

But who exactly is MBLW?

“I am British – Czech natural multitasking woman who loves arts, sports and history and put the interesting part of French history into the book, with rebel princess Margaret of Valois as leading character. It is her story with the backdrop of religious wars in France during 16th century, mother Catherine de Medici, scheming brothers, her arranged marriage to Henry de Navarre. I can promise a lot of drama written by history itself, intrigues, love, passion, murders and life of one extraordinary woman who was able to survive civil war and live her life to full.”

– How did you decide to pursue a writing career?
“I don’t pursue writing career but I was scribbling or penning always something as the child and it came from that. I has expressed myself better in written form once time as a child until I grow up and gained certain self confidence to use my vocabulary, logical sense tongue which became sharp tongue to become good speaker in public eyes. I think good writer is also avid reader and I was a bookworm.

My dream was to be anything else than a writer but I typed a book about small girl as a child and we had school magazine. The first serious writing job is linked with sport newspapers and it was great experience as I get into the radio after long journey when I really grew up into the role. I have had always normal jobs and I saw writing as an outlet for my creative side and it came from there.

One of my teenage dreams was to be like Sarah JP in Sex and the City who was able to type her articles home and go for cup of coffee to chat with the girls. I see it without rose tinted glasses now and I love my normal work routines and busy schedule, normal consenquences of my huge wardrobe and big troubles caused by moving me and the partner together when I was really happy he has no huge wardobe like I have :]]

That’s perhaps one thing I share with Carrie and anything else, no Mr Big and you can type any blog post on the internet. It is up to you and the internet is great outlet for anyone to write. It doesn’t matter if you have just friends reading your work or huge audience.”

– Was getting published hard?
“It is not difficult to be published as self published author but you find out than it is more than just honing your writing skills and talent. It is like big business project and it is unfortunately run on long distance that included marketing and big task is distribution.

Distribution is difficult, not get book published if I don’t speak about rejections by publishing houses what a lot of writers experienced. Writing and publishing is one process and distribution and marketing is other, bigger process which I call post production.

It is like with the movie, you are able to write a script, shoot all scenes, edit it but you need a distribution otherwise you screen the movie to couple of the friends.”

– Are your characters based on people you know?
“No, because I write a historical novel and Margaret of Valois is real person but I guess I write about strong, independent women from history as they are my ideal role models. Of course any writer projects their thoughts to the books and leaves personal footprints on the pages.”

– What genre are your books?
“Historical fiction. Historical novels but they have a lot of real facts and are sometimes more like biographies.”

– Which of your books is your most favourite?
“I penned only one from my genre but I think my the most favourite will be next one – about other Margaret, this time English royal who is also less known person from history textbooks and her name is Margaret Beaufort. She is a grandmother of Henry VIII and she was very interesting woman in times of struggles during War of Roses. It was this lady who united two Houses of Plantagenet Rose.Her great granddaughter Elizabeth I pops out from time to time on the pages of Queen Margot’s book.”

– Do you have a specific writing routine?
“I will say no. I know there are tips how to build dynamic dialogues and action scenes or structured novel, but I type historical novel with real facts and I don’t want to make it harder for the reader. As a person I learnt a lot to write with certain routine and couple of hours each day but I still didn’t settle into certain schedule. I write from the scratch, with no strict plans to pen ten pages each day and I have no certain favourite time during day or night as well as room when and where I write. The collecting of facts and time spent in archives is consuming.

I am working person, not profi writer that’s why I need to adjust my writing to my daily tasks. I think if you want to write a book, you write it. It doesn’t mean you will have a book published or you will be famous but the journey starts with the first step and the first word on the paper or PC screen.

I had a friend who is a lawyer and she has great income, maintenance and child maintenance by former husband but she still moans how she hates her job and she wants to be a writer with published novel. I told her to stop moaning and start writing but she replied she has no time, only in the evening and she doesn’t want to write. I know a lot of people write in the evening but they write.”

– What are your current projects?
“Reading diaries of one countess for my next novel, trying to gain an access to Lichtenstein’s archive for this reason and typing a book about Margaret of Beaufort.”

– What’s next for you?
“A lot of exciting things but I hope there will be time left for relax and private time with the partner. I cannot wait for the spring :]]

I also will see if my grandma who reads just books about horses and her favourite novel is Seabuscuit, will grab my book. She mentioned it but I will wait and see as she is curious mind. If she will do that, I know I succeeded, because I know she isn’t historical buff and she is very strict.

I was able to change opinion of my cousin Chuck who is more like a dad to me, about abstract arts when he got a ticket to White Cubicle gallery for his birthday. He collects loo seats and we have special sense of humour within family and I like to tease him, but I’m not sure about a gran as she is very serious old lady, but often also a mix of Miss Marple and Gossip Girl and she mentioned she cannot wait to see my book.

I am not sure if she will read it, but if she will, I know it was good. It also means it is easy to digest for any reader who has no deep knowledge of history and it will not put them off.”

Pippa Franks and ‘The OMG Test’

INTERVIEW

Pippa Franks lives in Warwickshire with her husband and rescue dog, Bailey.

Although her real name is Cheryl Henderson, she wanted to write under the name Pippa Franks in her mum’s memory. She’s known to her family as ‘Cheryl the Peril.’ This confuses her. It’s not as if she’s clumsy or accident prone, or anything…

Pippa started writing this book almost ten years ago and then life got in the way. But she never forgot the characters and their story. She’s delighted to be able to introduce them to you at last.

Her second book, ‘The 7th Day of May’ will be published by the summer of 2015.

– Who are you, Cheryl Henderson or Pippa Franks?

“My real name is Cheryl Henderson, but I wanted to write under the name Pippa Franks in memory of my mum. She was ‘Pip’ Franks. I hope this doesn’t confuse people.”

– How did you decide to pursue a writing career?

“The idea of writing a novel began many years ago when I was ‘helping’ my daughter with some uni work. I told her jokingly that I was going to write something.

This is how the conversation went:

Me: I’m off to write something myself now.

Daughter: Write what?

Me: A book.

Daughter: A book? Really?

Me: Yes!

(Much laughter)

Daughter: What’s it going to be about, and what will the main character be called?

Me: I dunno, but the character will be called erm, Olivia.

Daughter: Good luck!

I could tell she thought I was going to need it, but I wish I had a picture of her face two hours later when I showed her chapter one! It was terrible, of course. It was one thing wanting to write, but another thing entirely, knowing how to. But over the course of ten years I’ve improved (I hope) enough to finally publish Olivia’s story, now called ‘The OMG Test.’

– Has the process of getting to this point been hard?

“Definitely! There’s been blood (well, my fingers have felt as if they’re bleeding from all the typing) Sweat (not very glamorous, I know) and tears (plenty of)

I sent off agent submissions at different times, all to no avail. I did get some positive feedback though. There’s many more options for writers though, in this day and age. Self-publishing isn’t frowned upon as it was years ago.”

– Are the characters based on people you know?

“No, but my family beg to differ! Olivia is clumsy and accident prone. All I will say is that they call me ‘Cheryl the Peril’.”

– What genre are you writing in?

“Chick-lit/romantic comedy. This is where my heart is. I do, however, touch on important issues along with the fun and farce. This will be the case in every book I write.”

– Curent projects?

“I’m writing my second book, ‘The 7th Day of May.’ It’s paranormal. I aim to get the first draft completed about the same time as I publish book one.”

– What’s next for you?

“To publish the first two books in 2015 and to have started my third.”

Pippa would love to hear from readers, through any of the following contacts:

http://pippafranks.blogspot.co.uk

Email: pippa.franks@hotmail.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/pippafrankswriter?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/pippacheryl

https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/23337353-pippa-franks

Laura Garrett talks about What happens after ‘Happily ever after?’

INTERVIEW

Laura Garrett is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has been in the counseling field for over 25 years and has worked with hundreds of individuals and couples with relationship issues.

A few months ago Laura Garrett published a book called ‘What Happens After ‘Happily Ever After’?‘ that deals with ‘How to obtain and maintain a healthy, intimate relationship with a significant other’. She has written this book based on both her professional and personal experiences with relationships.

“I decided to write a book on relationship skills as I strongly believe everyone deserves to be in a fulfilling and long-lasting relationship,” Laura says.

“Having both personal and professional experience, I wanted to share what I have learned and what I believe to be the six most essential skills for building and sustaining a healthy relationship with a significant other, ” she explains.

-Please tell us more about your book…

“This is a non-fiction book, written as a fairytale narrative. No one ever tells us what happens after the “happily ever after” in the Disney movies, so this book is written from a Fair Maiden’s perspective and what she learns after attending a relationship skills training. With the help of a Wise Fairy Guardian and a Prince, she learns much about herself and the work it takes to be in a successful relationship.’

– What is your favorite literary genre?

“Books I enjoy reading are fantasy, historical romances and non-fiction.”

-What’s next for you?

“I am currently working on my second book, a prequel on seven fundamental life skills, to be released by June 2015.”

Author Bio

Laura Garrett is a licensed professional counselor who graduated with a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver and a second Masters degree in Adult Education and Training from Colorado State University. She is currently in private practice with over 20 years’ experience in relationship, mental health and addiction issues.

Laura has worked with hundreds of individuals and couples who struggle with relationship issues. She knows what it takes to have a happy and healthy relationship with a significant other and is eager to share this knowledge with her readers.

Visit her website at www.laurabridgeways.com

You can email her at lbridgeways45@yahoo.com.

To buy links:

Book: https://www.createspace.com/5020576

Workbook: https://www.createspace.com/5074906

Website: www.laurabridgeways.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbridgeways45

Russell Chapman and ‘The Roads of Destiny’

INTERVIEW

Born in Erith Kent at the end of 1957, Russell Chapman moved to the Cathedral City of Canterbury at the age of five, where he attended the local grammar school. He studied mathematics at Bristol University followed by successful careers in accounting, sales and marketing. Married in 1989 to Dianne, Russell and their cat live in a small village in West Cornwall.

Outside of writing his business interests include online marketing, RusseIl Chapman is Marketing Director of KachEnt Enterprises Ltd. He’s also a partner in Cornwall Property Inventories.

A few months ago, he published his first book Roads of Destiny: First Chronicle of Gaia (Chronicles of Gaia Book 1) .”Publishing is easy,” he says, “marketing the published product is difficult.”

– How did you decide to pursue a writing career?
“I have always wanted to write a book. In 2014 I had the time to do it.
Circumstances combined to motivate me and put in a creative mood. These included an extremely bad business and experience my father’s terminal illness and death. I found writing an extremely effective form of therapy and an excellent way to reflect on life.”

– Are your characters based on people you know?
“The characters in my first published book Roads of Destiny are inluenced by my experiences and those of people I know.
No character in the book is based on an individual person.
In the book I am currently writing, one minor character, is based on someone I knew as a child.
The other characters are based on mythological characters, my observations and experiences.”

“Publishing is easy, marketing the published product is difficult.”

– What genre are your books?
“I would descibe my books as Fantasy & Mythology, equally Roads of Destiny could be catagorised as Religious Fiction.”

– Which of your books is your most favourite?
“To date I have only written one book, ‘Roads of Destiny’ so it has to be my favourite.”

– Do you have a specific writing routine?
“No. If I’m in the mood I will write if not I don’t.
With regard to a storyline I know the start and the end. I do not plan a book, I let my imagination fill in the middle.
This is probably not the most efficient use of time, but the end product is better.
The only writing discipline I have is to check the consistency of story as I go along. ”

– What about your hobbies? Any books or songs you love?

“My extensive travel experiences include flying on concord, cruising on the QE2, and riding on the Orient Express.

Coral Island by R. M. Ballantyne was the first serious book I read. During my early teenage years, encouraged by my grandfather, I read the entire works of Charles Dicken’s. I enjoy a variety of book genres, my preferences being fantasy, sci-fi and historical novels. My favourite series of fantasy books are the ‘The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant’ by Stephen R. Donaldson. Others include the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Sci-fi novels there are too many great books to mention. Sharon Penman’s Plantagenet series are among my favourite historical novels.

My musical interest are broad including country, heavy rock and soul. My favourite singer / songwriters include Johnny Cash, with his many dark lyrics, and Bruce Springsteen.”

– What are your current projects?

“I am currently writing ‘Dark Cornwall’.
Dark Cornwall, set upon Bodmin Moor where Peter and Bridget Smith believe they must choose between their eternal love and their souls.

Can they save their supposedly perfect marriage? Are the problems in their relationship of their own making? Are events being driven by the Warleggan family, who Peter and Bridget believe are the guardians of the ancient and Goddesses of Bodmin and in league with Devil?

Peter believes he sold his soul to the Devil, to win the heart of his beloved wife for eternity. Must she now pay the price to save his soul? Are his sexual fantasies and pride the true driving force behind his decisions?”

– What’s next for you?

“Roads of Destiny is the First Chronicle of Gaia, I will write the remainder of series, probably 2 more books. Outside of writing I am involved in two start up businesses.”

RusseIl Chapman’s Website

Home Page http://gaiagods.com

My Page http://gaiagods.com/russell-chapman/

Book(s) http://gaiagods.com/my-books/roads-of-destiny-first-chronicle-of-gaia/
http://gaiagods.com/my-books/dark-cornwall/

Amazon

Author http://http//amazon.com/author/russchap

Book http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OE9IABE

BookLaunch.io

Book https://www.booklaunch.io/10202177196549819/roadsofdestiny

Facebook

Book https://www.facebook.com/gaiagods

Author https://www/facebook.com/gaiagod

Other social links

Twitter https://twitter.com/russchap
Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/russellchapman28
Google+ https://plus.google.com/+Gaiagods2014/about
PinInt http://uk.pinterest.com/chapman7256/

Publisher www.averyannepublishers.com

‘Alexandr’: Chris DeBrie and his perspective of vampire love

INTERVIEW

When I came across ‘Alexandr’, a graphic novel series by Chris DeBrie, I was amazed by its tagline: “Sick of all the vampire love? SO IS HE.”

I found it brilliant and I wanted to know more about the book and the author.

Chris DeBrie is an American publisher, cartoonist, and musician… but I think we’d better let him introduce himself:

– Who exactly is Chris DeBrie?
“Chris DeBrie is a born again, hellfire-believin’, question-asking, greatly thankful boy from North Carolina, U.S.A.

– How did you decide to pursue a writing career?
“I don’t remember not writing. Even if there was no pen and paper, I could tell a story off the top of my dome, as we used to say. There really is no “career”… I will write until I physically can’t or I die, whichever comes first.”

– Was getting published hard?
“Getting published is as hard as going to your job every morning. It takes persistence and long-term thinking. You have a goal? Pray about it, make a plan, and get after it. When I was self-publishing as a young man, I got humbled by lots of people who didn’t think much of independently publishing a book, because “any idiot can do it these days.” Then I had an epiphany: None of the people who say this have written anything.”

– Are your characters based on people you know?
“I can’t write real people as characters, because the story is different than life. This leads to the writer propping a “real person” that he must now create new reactions and words for… which leads to the character not being “real” anymore.”

– What genre are your books?
“Mystery, coming of age, comedy, fantasy, and sci fi. I am always searching for new ways to see the world. Whatever is in your heart will come out.

– Which of your books is your most favourite?
“My favorite of my own books, though probably not the best, is the graphic novel series Alexandr. That comic book grew out of a conversation with a co-worker back in 2009. We were wondering, when did the vampire of popular culture become a love interest? Not that long ago, people in films were quick to call out a lynch mob to cut vampire heads off. By the next day I had conceived the Russian-born, vampire-hunting Alexandr, a kind of cross between Blade and the Punisher. I showed my co-worker the sketches I’d done on a napkin. He was a true comic book convention type of fanatic, and when he burst out laughing, clearly pleased, I knew I was on to something.”

– Do you have a specific writing routine?
“I stay busy, so writing gets squeezed into spare moments. Set times and atmospheres are too much to ask. We make time for things we want to do.”

– What are your current projects?
“Alexandr is a continuing project, because there are a lot of directions he could go, and it should be interesting to toss him about a bit in a comic book setting. In his world, superhumans exist openly and are mostly feared and misunderstood. “The Bean Ricochets” is the title of an upcoming novel chronicling that world. Got a couple of mysteries in the oven as well.”

– What’s next for you?
“I’ll be playing with music ministries at area churches, spreading the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ. Other than that, I will play with the cat…”

Links:
www.meanpimento.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/WYHP/94601729756
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3060250.Chris_DeBrie
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/washyourhands

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