Interview with Kanika Saxena, Author of Gift Yourself a Smile

Good afternoon,

We have an interview today with Kanika Saxena, author of Gift Yourself a Smile.

Please see it below and enjoy! (The link to the book on Amazon is found above!)

Best,

-Vincent Lowry

______

Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?

My name is Kanika Saxena. I live in India.

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?

“Gift Yourself a Smile” is a non-fiction, self-help book.

3) What is the book about? 

This book is an attempt to make people realize the importance of being happy and smiling. I think that this book is relevant in today’s scenario when most of us are stressed out due to different reasons. This book emphasizes the power of the smile to help one de-stress, build relationships, boost immunity, and enhance the quality of life. This book stresses the fact that we don’t exactly need our wishes to be fulfilled to smile and feel happy. We need to gift ourselves that smile to make our lives more beautiful.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

The idea came to my mind when I happened to read a What’s App message from a friend. It was a motivational message about smiling and staying happy. The message was interspersed with emoticons of smiles. It was shared by a friend who does not exactly strike me as a happy person or one who smiles too often. It got me thinking about how we have become a generation that is too eager to share smileys and inspirational messages with others without actually “practicing what we preach.” I thought of how communication through devices has become popular in a world that seems to be losing “feelings” and emotions. I thought of writing this book to remind my audience about the importance of connecting on a “human” level instead of through devices. According to my a smile is one of the best ways to connect with others. It not only makes the one smiling happy but also spreads joy to others around. Smiling also brings a host of health benefits. So, this book is my humble attempt to make people smile!

5) How long did it take you to write it?

It took me about 10 days to write this book.

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

Being a professional content writer, I tend to dig a little deep into the topic I am writing on. So, it was while writing this book that I realized the health benefits a simple smile brings. 

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?

Yes, I have an author website kanikasaxena.com. I am proud to say that I have created this website myself. I created this site in the first week of December and it still needs some finishing to be done. I love to share self-help blogs on my website. I am also in the process of setting up Email marketing for my website so that I can interact on a personal level with my readers. 

This is the second book that I have self-published. The first was “A Lockdown Story” which I had self-published in June. My third book is with the publisher. It is called “Are Teeny Tiny Stress Triggers Troubling You?”

I do have a video of my interview which was conducted after the release of my first book.

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists? 

Consistency is one of the most important things when it comes to writing a book. Make sure that you allocate fixed timings for writing the book. And, even on the days when you don’t feel like writing, try to pen down a few words, maybe 100-200, just to keep up the momentum.

Try to avoid editing in between. Complete the entire manuscript and then edit. This is something that I find difficult to follow myself.

People do judge a book by its cover! So, a well-designed cover is a must.

The title of the book is also an important factor for its success. Make sure that you spend enough time to think of a unique and catchy title.

Just writing a good book is not enough. If you want your book to reach a larger audience, you need to dedicate time to market it also. 

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?

I like to read non-fiction books. I prefer books on self-management and success. As far as fiction books go I like to read crime thrillers.

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why? 

The Bhagwad Gita. On the face of it, this book seems to be a religious text. But it is way more than that. This book teaches some vital lessons that can transform one’s life. It can change our complete perspective on life. This book brought me to a state of “living” from that of “surviving.”

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?

I do not have pets. But other than my family, I do have living things in my life that I take care of my plants. I love greenery and flowers. I even create organic compost using kitchen waste for my garden. So I guess my plants could qualify as my pets!

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?

I do not have an electronic reading device because I guess I am a little old-school when it comes to reading. I enjoy having a book in my hands and reading it.

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Interview with Guy Morris, Author of Swarm

Good morning,

Today’s interview is with Guy Morris, author of Swarm.

Please enjoy!

Best,

Vincent Lowry

____

Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?

Guy Morris lives in Washington with a view of the Puget Sound

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?

SWARM is an action -thriller with AI, conspiracy / espionage themes

3) What is the book about? 

               Swarm is an action-packed thriller with advanced artificial intelligence weapons set in a divided, post-pandemic country struggling to maintain social and national security. 

China has unleashed a devastating AI internet virus forcing antihero hacker Derek Taylor into a deadly conspiracy of digital identity control, and end-time prophecy. When a US AI weapon system goes rogue only a fugitive AI called SLVIA with a terrorist hacker group known only as SNO can prevent Armageddon.

Exploring the morality of artificial intelligence weapons while navigating church and political corruption, debut author Guy Morris’s sharp and frighteningly realistic storytelling will leave readers questioning what their future holds in this ambitious, edge-of-your-seat cyberthriller.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

               SWARM was inspired by a true story of a program that escaped the Lawrence Livermore Labs at Sandia (NSA spy lab for cryptology/ signals) – and was never recaptured.  Not lost, not stolen, not corrupted, the AP article said it had escaped.

               I spent months working on what kind of program could escape a government lab, and why would it.  Then I created an award-winning fictional webisode series in 96’ called ‘Cracks in the Web’ featuring SLVIA, my imagined AI. Hugely popular, and optioned by AOL, until the FBI came to my home to ask me to take the site down.  Apparently, I had correctly interpreted much of the functionality of the lost program – and it was top secret. Secondary confirmation came in 2016 when the Russians hacked an older CIA cyber tool kit, and it contained nearly every one of the functions that I had assigned to my fictional AI named SLVIA. 

               The rest was a simple matter of bringing the characters forward into the current day, looking around at the interconnected problems that will be impacted by AI including cyber war, AI weapons, infrastructure, ID access, and asked the question – what would happen if. 

5) How long did it take you to write it?

               SWARM took years to fully research.  The story premise, at least the story world and key characters have existed since the 90s’. Once I decided to write with a new premise, I spent 2+ months outlining, six weeks on draft 1, and then 8 months editing, rewriting, polishing, refining with beta readers before hiring a professional editor and cover designer. 

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

Oh my gosh, where to begin?  Yes, starting with the extensive research into areas of advanced/experimental AI, quantum computing, DARPA AI weapon systems, cyber security and vulnerabilities, and then end time prophetic references to align with current events, plus location and culture research.  One of the reasons I love to write is that I love to explore, and to learn.

On the writing side, SWARM was my second book, but the first one where I started with a clear, detailed character profile, and outline. In other words, I started by knowing my characters, and a plan of what happens to them, and how they react.  Not too detailed, but enough to weave multiple threads together. Wow, what a difference. For a complex plot with lots of characters, places and timelines – an outline saved my sanity.  Now of course, I made numerous changes along the way, but I had a map to follow, and it made the trip easier, and more enjoyable.

Once I had a good first draft, I took a series of Master Classes from David Baldacci, James Patterson, Ron Howard, and Dan Brown.  I learned so much that I re-wrote SWARM yet again.  Beyond the course material, I took 12 pages of lessons. The changes super-charged the ‘thriller’ impact, and connected the threads to fit perfectly.  Working on the sequel now.

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?

Yes to all.

My website Guy Morris Books -Contemporary Action-Thrillers includes a blog, plus direct links to Amazon, all of the consolidated SWARM reviews, and a recent article from Master Class featuring SWARM.   The site features tons of addition media on SWARM and my next book Curse of Cortes’. 

I also maintain a separate blog on Good Reads, but I don’t know how to connect the two together. 

On a book video, I have a Wix produced freebie promotional video, nothing fancy.  The video provides location images and reviewer quotes, but provides no story line. I have the video pinned to the top of my Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/officialguymorrisbooks . 

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists? 

As a debut author, I’m still learning and looking to others, but I do have a few thoughts.  

No amount of marketing, cover design, or promo will turn hum-drum writing into bone chilling. That takes polishing, editing, critique, editing again, and again until you have a story that resonates beginning to end. Take your time on the product before you spend a penny on publishing or promotion.  Let’s be real, it will cost to market and promote and you don’t want to do that for a mediocre book.

Finding good cover designers, editors and formatters can be really hard unless you know the business.  Each genre requires a different type of cover.  I needed a thriller cover that would grab you. For me, I found success on Reedsy.  That said, I am still a babe in the woods learning about promotion, marketing reviews, bloggers, and how to build sales.

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?

I write thrillers because I love thrillers.  Dan Brown, Steve Berry, Michael Crichton, James Rollins and others of that caliber excite me.  Why?  Because they will always write from deep research to present an interesting premise based on science, archaeology, history or technology.  You learn something on the thrill ride. The biggest challenge with being an author is that it cuts into good reading time. Find me a book that will take me on a thrilling adventure, and teach me something interesting, and challenge my morals or perceptions along the journey.

That said, when I am working on a new manuscript (like now), most of my reading revolves around research, and can vary widely from Graham Hancock pre-history to Welcome to Leningrad, a book on Putin and his criminal empire, a book on the Copper Scroll, or the Illuminati. Sometimes interesting, sometimes weird, but you need to read  a TON looking for that gem of information, that flaw, that mystery or quirk, or little known fact that can be leveraged into a credible, imminent crisis.

I welcome reviews of SWARM, and open to reviewing other thriller authors.  My only caveat is that I have several books in the queue while I am currently eye balls deep in the research mode for my next manuscript. Patience.

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why? 

Seriously? Is this a trick question?  I would say, impossible to say.

It would be easier to say who are my top five favorite authors. I fell in love with reading in college. Classics from Mark Twain, Hemingway, Poe, and Shakespeare to my favorite authors Dan Brown, James Rollins, Michael Crichton, Steve Berry, Dan Silva and a dozen others. 

But a book? Seriously? I could never pick just one book with a straight face.  Da Vinci Code, Timeline, Jurassic Park, Pelican Brief, Sherlock Holmes, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Amazonia are perhaps top in the top ten percent, but that would be a seat-of-the-pants ranking.  

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?

I married an angel with five cats, but we are now down to one exceptionally spoiled, demanding, neurotic and psycho prince of purrrrrsia.  Seriously, our cat Raven needs an entourage to keep him entertained.  We understand each other, which is to say that he has me trained. Speaking of which, mien FUR-er calls – gotta go. 

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?

No sir!  This conspiracy writer is strictly old school, pages in hand, bookmarks in yellowed print, and probably a little dusty. Besides, the FBI may still have an eye on me, and in the end, don’t we all deserve a little privacy.  

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Interview with Saji Madapat, Author of The Gods Must Be Crazy!

Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Enterprise-Great-Again-Capitalism-ebook/dp/B08BJ9WH65/

Hello,

We have an interview with Saji Madapat, author of The Gods Must Be Crazy!

Please see the interview below.

Thank you,

-Vincent Lowry

Interview:

1. What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?
   Vince, I am honored to have this amazing opportunity.
   My real name is Saji Madapat, and for the past two decades rocking and rolling’ on the banks of the mighty Mississippi river (Memphis, TN) and Great Lakes (Chicago, IL). I am born and raised in God’s Own Country (Kerala, India). In the second half of my life, I am a globe-trotting explorer (as of now ~20 countries with camera & gear) searching for new horizons with Eastern roots and Western guts.
   My pen name is “EPM Mavericks”. EPM (Enterprise Performance Management) is the strategic financial engineering system used by CFO’s (Chief Financial Officer) office. I am an EPM professional to feed my kids, and this book is my passion for greenwashing my guilt.
   I am also known as Tiger Rider, which I used for my photography hobby website (https://www.tiger-rider.com/)
   
   
2. What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?
   It is a NON-Fiction book (with mult-dimensional perspectives including Finance, Geo-Politics, Economics etc.), and I am afraid the name is a long title. 
   Make Enterprise Great Again: The Gods Must Be Crazy!: Cradle of Communism to Catacomb of Capitalism: A Proposal to Bring Back the House of Roosevelt’s
3. What is the book about? 
   The namesake of this book comes from the 1980 Comedy film “The Gods Must Be Crazy,” in which an empty Coca-Cola bottle is dropped from a plane onto a community of African bushmen. The bottle has a gift from the gods, but after it ensues fighting among the villagers, the tribal leader decides to return it to the gods by journeying to the end of the world. Through my own metaphorical coke bottle, I can see the dawn of the new empire. This book serves as a testament to restoring the current empire (Capitalism and enterprises) before it is too late.
   Please don’t waste time on this book if you are not open to contrarian Geo-Econo-Political perspectives. This book is not meant for B&W Ereader. This book has over 100 high-resolution color graphs/graphics. Please take a look at the book trailer to decide: https://youtu.be/pe50Rx1DjOc
4. Where did you come up with the idea?
   When I wrote this book (May 2020), there was anarchy breaking out; a civil war is going on right in front of my home in the heart of Chicago. Quoting a recorded call from the Chicago City Council, “it is ‘a virtual war zone’ where ‘gang members armed with AK-47s were threatening to shoot black people.’ They are shooting at the police.” Meanwhile, in the mayor’s office, the City Council’s recorded strategy discussion that was intended to resolve the problem, devolved into a profanity-laden shouting match reminiscent of the Chi-Raq banana republic. I wondered what the future has in store for us if this board up can happen to my centennial home? Even one of the most exquisite and iconic ivory towers in the world (Britannica’s last headquarters) protected by a private militia, seems to be unsafe.
   I took the One Shared World pledge to be an advocate and safeguard, not only of my beloved United States, but humanity at large. I believe it is my moral responsibility to educate others about a predictive, preventative, and responsive infrastructure that might protect us from shared existential threats. The consequences of that moral responsibility are this book.
5. How long did it take you to write it?
   I am a contrarian rider in distorted reality fields for half a century, and the ideas for this book were bubbling up since I am in the womb of my mom. 

The more I examined the finance world in the West, the more disillusioned I became. I lost faith in the rollercoasters of flash markets. 90% of today’s stock market without long-term fundamental values is chasing stock buybacks, the Tweets, QE, the hot dollars, and high-frequency algorithmic flash gambles by BOTs. Hail to Hernando de Soto, I was born again to The Mystery of Capital Gospel.
Thanks to the Economic Tsunami in 2009, I packed my bags for the Cambodian Jungles in search of answers from the bottom of the pyramid through Chinese GIFT (Global Institute for Tomorrow) – a Clinton Global Young executive Leadership Program (YLP). Since then, I have published and presented about 50 papers and presentations around the world, including keynote to the Most Admired Knowledge Enterprise (MAKE) audience at the Sharif University of Technology in Iran.
Finally, thanks to COVID & FLOYD, I finally got the MOJO to transform into this book earlier this year.

6) Did you learn anything from the project?
Life is too short to regret: Think different, challenge the statuesque, rules are meant to break, forgive quickly, love truly, don’t be trapped by dogma, live the moment, and never regret anything that makes you proud… Wow! What Year-long learning! I, too, had an excruciating year, to begin with, including COVID taking my storyteller’s (narrator) soul to heaven.
The past year is the darkest in my close to half a century life. During these trying times, to channel some of my challenges to something purposeful, I started writing through my own metaphorical coke bottle, of “The Gods Must be Crazy!”. During these trying times, many of my liberal networks ridiculed me, including those with whom I volunteered over a decade, disowned me (many dis-invited me from LinkedIn) by judging me by the cover. Ironically, I find ultimate solace in some of the unusual places.
Then came my savior. Narration is his passion, and for bread and butter, he works as an EVANGELICAL church coordinator (Audio-Visual) in the South (USA). He was barely trying to survive with the menial income from church even after long work hours and doing the Voice-Artist job on the side over FIVERR & ACX (when I spoke with him July/August 2020, he was planning to switch to full-time Voice Artist). Considering the nature of the content, he and his family had a detailed discussion before even entertaining my request. He came back and told me that the book personally resonates with him since he is living through some of those). He wholeheartedly wants to contribute to the project and offered to do it for FREE. Sadly, he had all sorts of personal and financial tragedies in his life in the past couple of months. He tragically lost his mother recently, his house was hit with lightning, and he lost all his electronic types of equipment, including the audio recording studio, etc. He was too busy serving God and couldn’t even find the time to record the updates of my book. Ironically God ultimately decided to take this amazing God’s COORDINATOR’s life on earth earlier this afternoon. Bryan left his bride (suppose to marry her in a couple of weeks) and little kids on earth…
When the darkness rolled in, through thick and thin, an amazing community was there for me with helping hands. Just as an example, we cracked the code of BIG Publishing houses and achieved something even crème de la crème writers could dream about. Within a few months, thousands read the Gods Must Be Crazy in over a dozen countries, offering over 50 rave reviews (Amazon + GoodReads), and even achieved the #1 bestseller rank in many Amazon categories!
Above all, I do have the amazing honor to donate the royalty from this book for a greater purpose to Mother Teresa Mission (Missionaries of Charity).

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?
Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/pe50Rx1DjOc
My Personal Website: https://www.epm-mavericks.com/
Breaking News!: https://youtu.be/5ZlJncOLZjM

There are all kinds of video @ https://www.epm-mavericks.com/post/trump
Professional Site: http://www.linkedin.com/in/goodtogreat

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists? 

“If you can dream it, you can do it.

Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse.”

― Walt Disney

As I mentioned earlier, I paid a high price for my dreams and it was worth every penny. I had approached professionals, including from the leading publishing firms. Almost all of them turned me down. When the darkness rolled in, through thick and thin, an amazing community was there for me with helping hands.
Believe it or not, in addition to my network, I had used dozens of great PAID editors in Reedsy, FIVERR, and UPWORK. Since my book is a bit of a niche, my editors may not be strictly applicable to others. I highly recommend you to interview them, test them with samples. I had also immensely benefited from the professional editors in addition from the USA, from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, UK, Australia, Canada etc., to have multiple perspectives on the geopolitical Tiger I am catching by the tail.
Even on the book cover, I had reached out over a dozen artists and even attorneys.  When I reached out to Getty images, just the cover images alone were estimated to cost several thousand. Finally, one of those professionals advised me to check it out on the White House website albums – that saved me thousands in addition to all the legal troubles. 
In summary, I do have gratitude to countless, and I will be doing an injustice if I miss anyone.

 
9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?
I read all kinds of stuff and primarily in the Non-Fiction domain. Beyond reading, I am a big proponent of long-form journalism, including PBS documentaries (like American Experience – The Presidents, Frontline etc.), Real Vision (Finance), Financial Times, Harward Business Review, Bloomberg, Ray Dalio, Hernando de Soto, Henry Kissenger, Chamath Palihapitiya, Charlie Rose, GIFT (www.global-inst.com) etc.

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why? 
“The Mystery of Capital: Why Capitalism Triumphs in the West and Fails Everywhere Else” by Hernando de Soto.
That book helps me initially address my answers to the distorted reality fields of Capitalism to be born again to The Mystery of Capital Gospel.
Coupled with my Chinese GIFT executive leadership program (https://global-inst.com/learn/) in Cambodian jungles opened my perspectives from the bottom of the pyramid.

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?
The Tiger I am riding – just kidding. 

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?
I am a big proponent of Whispersync enabled Kindle & Audible book combination. I usually project from Galaxy Tab S6 to watch it on 85″ Sony TV (Whispersync ON). Meanwhile, I highlight and take notes with my Kindle APP on my computer. 
Vince, once again, I am honored to have this amazing opportunity.

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Interview with Kaylin McFarren, author of Soul Seeker

Hello,

The second interview today is with Kaylin McFarren, author of Soul Seeker.

The interview questions can be found below.

Thank you,

-Vincent Lowry

_____

Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?

My pen name is Kaylin McFarren and I’m living primarily in San Diego, California, although I have a second home in Portland, Oregon where I visit my children. 

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?

The title of my latest novel is SOUL SEEKER. It is Book 1 in my Gehenna Series and is described by readers as a new urban paranormal, romance-adventure taking you to the world of celestial politics, supernatural demons, guardian angels, soul collectors and other dark, maligning creatures referred to as humans. 

3) What is the book about?

Here’s a one line description: While awaiting his execution on death row, Benjamin Poe meets with his lawyer and shares the unthinkable story of his battle against Crighton—the manipulating, soul-collecting demon that tricked him into murdering his own son.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

I love supernatural stories, murder mysteries and thrillers and SOUL SEEKER came to me in a dream that begged to be written. 

5) How long did it take you to write it?

I spent the better part of six months working on this 373 page story and about two months editing it before submitting it for publication.  

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

I researched religious material, horror fiction, and biblical references and was surprised to learn the history of Lucifer and about his closeness to God. 

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?

I have a website, a blog and a book trailer. Here they are: http://www.kaylinmcfarren.com (website); https://kaylinmcfarren.blog (blog); https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJG9_9xUQUA (book trailer) 

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists?

I can only suggest to read like there’s no tomorrow. Reading gives great insight into the types of books and genres you enjoy and would perhaps enjoy writing as well. I have a great editor by the name of Aimee Long and my cover artist for all of my books is my daughter Amanda Tomo Yoshida, a Gnomon graduate with incredible talent. 

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?

I’m a huge thriller fan, which led me to write in this genre. I also enjoy discovering new authors and occasionally review their work. 

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why?

Memoirs of a Geisha and Shogun are two of my favorite books. When I’m reading, I enjoy learning interesting information and discovering historical facts that are taboo, buried and rarely discussed. 

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?

I have two rescue puppies, although they’re both 11-years-old. One is a Malti-poo and the other is a Lhaso-poo. They’re both black and white and have the same markings, and sweet, easy going disposition.  

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?

I have an iPad loaded with lots of books that I love reading when I’m traveling back and forth to Oregon and California or relaxing by a pool on vacation. I also enjoy watching movies and social networking on it. 🙂

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Interview with Cindy Burkart Maynard, Author of Finding the Way

Hello,

Today’s interview is with Cindy Burkart Maynard, author of Finding the Way.

Please enjoy!

Best!

Interview:

1. What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?

Cindy Burkart Maynard   Tucson, Arizona

2. What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?

“Finding the Way”   It is historical fiction

3. What is the book about? 

Set in 1250 in the Basque Pyrenees of northeastern Spain, it’s the story of a young Basque girl, caught in the personal and cultural friction between traditional folkways and Christianity. Her devastating personal tragedy propels her to undertake a quest along the Camino de Santiago. So far I’d characterize it as a cross between an action/adventure novel and a Canterbury Tales. https://www.cindymaynard.net/

4. Where did you come up with the idea?

In 2017 I walked the Camino de Santiago, a 500-mile pilgrimage route across northern Spain. In 2017 over 200,000 people walked the Camino, a number equal to those who walked In 1250 AD. I wondered what it would it have been like to walk this path in 1250.  After a year of research and reading I set pen to paper. Finding the Way is my answer to that question.

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

It took about 2 years months to write.

6. Did you learn anything from the project?

It’s historical fiction, so I learned a lot from my research. I learned a lot from walking the Camino. I learned more about honing my writing skills. So I learned a lot, both personally and professionally

7. Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?

I have a website: HOME | Writer/Author (cindyburkartmaynard.com)

I do not have a book video

8. Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists? 

I have only one tip, from a friend who wrote a book in a month for NaNoWriMo. We are all very busy, but it’s amazing what you can get done in two hours. Just squeeze an hour or two into your schedule five or six day per week. Take time off once in a while to recharge your batteries.

9. What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?

I love historical fiction above all else. But I read and/or listen to anything I think is well written.  I don’t read romance, fantasy, erotica, cowboy-and-indian style westerns,

10. What is your favorite book of all time and why? 

No fair! I can’t begin to remember or compare all the wonderful books I’ve read. In the last few years my favorite is “Where the Crawdads Sing,” Delia Owenss

11. Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?

I have two cats, George and Gracie. They keep me amused. And my husband, Bob. Does he count? 

12. Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?

I own a kindle. I love it. I can take many books with me wherever I go, and it fits in my purse. I do still love the feel and smell of a real print book

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Interview with Harry Colfer, author of Dead Regular

Hello,

Today’s interview is with Harry Colfer.

Please enjoy!

Best,

Vincent Lowry

Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)? Hi Vincent, my name is… no hold on, my pseudonym is Harry Colfer. I am a paramedic working in Brisbane, Australia, and because I have fictionalised my experiences I feel it’s only healthy to maintain a certain degree of anonymity. 2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre? I have just released my first novel, Dead Regular, which is a murder mystery. It features a paramedic called Jono, who has already been the subject of 20 short stories in the humorous Ambo Tales from the Frontline series. 3) What is the book about?  Well, Jono is a little, how should I put it… jaded with his role? No, perhaps disaffected is a better word. He really wants to love his job, but he can’t cope with the overbearing management. However, when several of the regular time-wasting patients turn up dead he won’t ignore the mounting body count. He’s convinced that someone has taken it upon themselves to clean up the city, but nobody else seems to care. It’s full of dark ambo humour with an equal measure of suspense! 4) Where did you come up with the idea? [ Laughs ] You just need to talk to any paramedic about regular patients, you’ll get the picture! I have to say that it was an interesting mental exercise to come up with several non-suspicious ways of killing people, in a fictional context, of course! 5) How long did it take you to write it? I was advised by my wife back in 2012 to write a book as a way of dealing with my work-related stresses. It took me two-and-a-half years to finish the first draft and then about six years of editing, re-writing and dithering about the risks of publishing. Even though it is a fictional story, ambulance services worldwide are ‘risk averse’ when it comes to any publication that could be perceived as a less than positive portrayal. I am still nervous about releasing Dead Regular, but in the words of Tom Cruise in the dubbed version of Risky Business, sometimes you just gotta say what the F-Hell. 6) Did you learn anything from the project? Writing’s the easy part! ‘Killing your darlings’ and editing over and over again can be so hard and very tedious, but it’s essential to produce a story you’re happy to let others read. And I guess that’s what it’s all about. 7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video? You can find my website at www.harrycolfer.com and I’m not sure what a book video is… so, I guess I don’t have one. I would like to produce audiobook versions of my short stories and eventually the novel, but I’ll have to find some time to work on that. 8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists?  You’ll have to ask me that one again in a few months! If success is simply measured by getting my book published, then find yourself a partner who’s a great alpha reader and not afraid to tell you when you’ve written a pile of rubbish. Also, look into Scrivener as a writing tool, ProWritingAid for grammar, BetaBooks for beta reading and Vellum as publishing software. And find yourself a group of supportive friends who can keep you motivated! Oh, and I did the cover art, but as my wife will point out, it was her idea! 9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work? Crime, thrillers, mystery, humour, action and adventure, science fiction. I tend to devour a book in a feeding frenzy and so I have to have some spare time to allow myself the indulgence. Although I have my favourites, I’m always open to reading new authors and if you expect others to read your drafts, you have to be open to reviewing other peoples’ manuscripts. It’s part of networking. 10) What is your favorite book of all time and why?  That’s a difficult one. I have never liked all-time-favourite lists as my tastes are so eclectic and are likely to change with the weather or time of day. If pushed for an answer right now, Blood Works by Michael Connelly comes to mind, but that’s probably because I’m in the middle of the Bosch TV series! 11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind? No. My wife has a dog which apparently I’m very fond of, but I’m less than convinced. I do have wild king parrots that will feed from my hand, but I don’t think they count as pets. 12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it? An iPad. Although a Kindle is cool, the added functionality of an iPad blows it out of the water. I can read books on my iPad and also write them and it rarely leaves my side!

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Interview with Susan Taylor-Reeves, Author of Return to the Garden

Hello,

Today I’m pleased to bring you this interview with Susan Taylor-Reeves, author of Return to the Garden.

Please enjoy!

Best,

Vincent Lowry

Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?

Susan Taylor-Reeves, I live in Brisbane, Australia

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?

Return to the Garden. It is a fiction novel for young adults.

3) What is the book about? 

The first created creature in who wakes to find himself in The Garden, he is all knowing, and alone, so he thinks! The animals in The Garden witness the fall of man and are forced to live outside of the garden that was created for them. These are the tales of Lowey and Savannah who lead their fellow creatures, helping them adjust to life in a new community called The Clearing, while they search for a way to return to The Garden and back into the peace that they had once known.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

I have always had a love of animals and our planet and finally became a Vegan 5 years ago after driving behind a truck of cattle bound for the slaughterhouse (I assumed). Since that time I have become involved in animal rescues and in particular QLD Guinea Pig Refuge in Brisbane. I foster guinea pigs and have many foster fail guinea pigs of my own. Earlier this year I lost four of my little ones over a couple of months and wrote a poem about ‘A Party over the Rainbow’, a place that many people refer to when their pet passes away. I have always beleived that animals have a place in Heaven, and as a Christian always pray for the creatures in my care. A dear friend Lynne Hudson, is an artist and I commissioned her to paint a picture of my guinea pigs in heaven.  In the Book of Genesis after the Great Flood, the Lord makes a covenant with all living things, Genesis 9:5 so I decided to write this book inspired by the Word of God and the creation story.

5) How long did it take you to write it?

It has taken me 4 months to write the book.

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

This being my first book, it has been a very steep learning curve, especially in the area of new ideas and editing. I am currently writing book two and am much more organised!!

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?

My website is www.chuckleinn.com Once the book is available, Lowey the main character in Return to the Garden will have his own blog.

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists? 

Believe in your characters and let them come alive in your life, I talk about my characters like they are real people, even friends.

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?

I enjoy reading non-fiction, biographies but also young adult thrillers and science fiction/fantasy.

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why? 

When a Monster Calls.  I really enjoy young adult fiction which incorporate animals for example The Narnia series. When a Monster Calls is so incredibly deep, I found myself so caught up in the emotion that Connor, the main character experiences and takes you into world of fantasy. It covers many issues that so many young people face today and gives a message of hope. Even the story behind how the story came about is powerful.

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?

I have many pets, all rescue animals, two dogs, Bramwell and Ruby, two cats Simba and Baby Joey, a tank full of fish and 36 guinea pigs.

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?

I use the kindle app on my iPad, however it cannot be compaired to holding a good book, and smelling the pages, and of course never needs charging!

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Interview with Marin Darmonkow, Author of The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel

Good morning!

I’m pleased to bring you this interview today with Marin Darmonkow, author of The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel!

Please enjoy!

Best,

Vincent Lowry

Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?

Marin; I am a children’s book creator living in Canada.

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?

My latest book is titled The Epic of Gabriel and Jibreel, which is going to be launched this month (December 2020). It is the fourth title in the 2GETHER book collection so, like all my other works, it is a children’s picture book. 

3) What is the book about?

It is a poignant story about two young boys — one a refugee and the other a youngster from a wealthy suburb – who meet under unexpected circumstances, become best friends and form an unyielding bond. As unforeseen as their adventure is, so is the finale of the epic — sending a powerful and thought-provoking message to young and adult readers alike.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

Although I have always been a ‘glass-half-full’ person, I learned at an early age that life is not fair. We all often hear about but quickly forget statistics concerning millions of displaced people in the world. This thought helped me envision how the two extremes, the haves, and the have-nots, can find a common ground and possibly connect on a deeper level. After all, we are all in the same boat called Earth.

5) How long did it take you to write it?

Although I do not report my ‘billable hours’ to anybody but myself, I highly respect the time since I am responsible not only for writing the story but for creating the illustrations, working on the book layout, selecting the soundtrack, searching  for voice-over artists, producing the book trailers, recording the audio version, updating the author’s website, etc. For this reason, it is hard for me to determine the exact time it took me to write it in this rather elaborate process.  

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

Yes, absolutely: I have the propensity to employ a fairytale element for younger readers so they can digest, with some ease, the surprises which life may offer. At the same time, with many other elements in the book, I tend to engage the attention and the interest of parents/adults.

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?

My website’s domain name is Fontreal.com. I also maintain a blog on Goodreads — this way, I am part of a community of avid readers and book connoisseurs. All my books, including this one, come with book videos available on my website as well as on YouTube and on Goodreads.

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists? 

My humble advice to fellow authors is: Write the book you want to read. I also want to remind them what Albert Camus said, “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself”. If you believe he was right, please keep on writing. As for recommending certain professionals, I seldom provide such as selection criteria are deeply personal.

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?

I am a literary omnivore. I find genres to be a construct and often serve as superfluous frames some authors try to squeeze their works into.

I welcome new and unknown authors. Concerning a review of their work, I am definitely interested, though at the moment my time is preoccupied with many creative projects. 

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why?

It is impossible to pick up only one. 

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?

When our children were growing, we had many pets in the house – an elegant black cat, numerous hamsters, and an iguana. Currently, I am a pet-less individual.

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?

Apart from a well-equipped desktop computer, I am rather indifferent to other electronic tools.

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