Interview with Wanda Luthman, Author of The Cloak

Hello,

I’m pleased to bring you this interview with Wanda Luthman, author of The Cloak.

Please enjoy it!

Best,

-Vincent Lowry

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Interview Questions:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)? My author name is the same as my real name, Wanda Luthman, and I live in Florida

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre? My newest book is called The Cloak and it is the first book I have published in the Christian fiction genre. Up until now, I have been writing and publishing children’s books. I have 11 of those.

3) What is the book about? The Cloak is about the soldier that won Jesus’ cloak at the foot of the cross when they were gambling for it. He doesn’t think anything about the man who wore it until later and then it brings up questions he must find the answers to, so he goes to look for someone who can help him. It’s a beautiful story of coming to know who the Messiah was and finding personal salvation.

4) Where did you come up with the idea? I do Christian meditation which is sitting quietly with God; sometimes “living into” a scripture which is what initiated the thoughts for this book; other times, I just sit quietly focusing on my breath in the presence of God.

5) How long did it take you to write it? Not long because as soon as I was able to write it down after I came out of my meditation time. But, it sat for years. I never intended it to be a book. I just wanted to get my thoughts down from the mediation because it was quite powerful. Later, I wanted to enter a short story contest and the thought came to me that I could use this story. After that, my Mom encouraged me to make it into a book. It’s very short, but I did make it into a pocket-sized book and published it.

6) Did you learn anything from the project? I learned that I enjoy writing inspirational spiritual books and that I want to write more stories like this to help spread the work about Jesus.

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video? My blog is www.wandaluthman.wordpress.com. I don’t have a book video for this book yet.

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists?  My advice is to write whatever you feel inspired to write. You have a unique story inside of you that only you can tell in your voice. Don’t try to be like someone else. My illustrator for my children’s books is awesome. Her name is Mara Reitsma. She did the cover for this book as well as the pencil drawings inside.

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work? Funny enough, I don’t read very much outside of the Bible. I just never feel like I have the time to just sit down and kick back and read. But, if I did, I love fantasy!

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why? My favorite book of all time is certainly the Bible because you can read it and read it and every time get something else from it. It’s an amazing book! I love the stories in it from the Old Testament to the New. And I love that everything in it is all about Jesus. I never realized this until one day I actually read the genealogy list in Matthew and it struck me those were books in the Bible and that they were relatives of Jesus. Kinda cool!

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind? I do! I have two Yorkies–Scruffy and Tessa. I love them to pieces! and I have about 15 feral cats that I feed outside. My neighbor and I had fed the first two females that showed up together both pregnant. And eventually we were able to get all of them caught and spayed and neutered. Some are very affectionate and others are quite stand offish still.

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it? I have a Kindle Fire but it’s actually kind of old so I wind up only listening to music on it. Otherwise, I read ebooks on my phone. I prefer paperbacks to electronic reading devices to be honest.

Thank you, Vincent!

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Interview with A.W. Baldwin, Author of Diamonds of Devil’s Tail: A Relic Novel

Hello,

Today’s interview is with A.W. Baldwin, author of Diamonds of Devil’s Tail: A Relic Novel.

Please find it below.

Thank you,

-Vincent Lowry

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Interview:

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

A.W. Baldwin.  I live in Wyoming.  My books are all available on amazon and also can be ordered through any bookstore.

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

Diamonds of Devil’s Tail – outdoor thriller

3) What is the book about? 

It centers on how people behave when an opportunity for great wealth presents itself, in this case, diamonds in a remote canyon — how they handle the urge for that wealth and what they are, or are not, willing to do to get it.  Wealth without work can lead to violence and injustice, and it does in this story.  The deeper characters of the actors are revealed in their struggle and the final resolution.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

I’ve always wanted to write a story involving a cast of strangers on a trip together and the whitewater excursion was perfect for that.

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

About 12 months

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

I feel like I’m always learning, especially about plot lines and getting a good rhythm going for high action scenes and character interactions.

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

Yes. awbaldwin.com. I have a trailer for both Raptor Canyon and Wings Over Ghost Creek.

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

Daniel Thiede does my book cover art and he’s fantastic.  The design, the color, and the theme that runs through each of the covers are really great.  As for tips, I’d say write what you want, work on your craft, and enjoy the process.  If that’s not working right, none of the rest will, either.

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

Thrillers and mysteries, mostly, but yes I am open to new authors and reviewing their work if I have the time.  I like a novel with lots of action but with good humor, too.

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

I don’t know about a favorite book of all time, but I grew up on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ stories of Tarzan.  More currently, Clive Cussler is a guiding star, as is Wilbur Smith – masters of the high adventure.

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

Not at the moment but I am a long-time “dog” guy – English Setters, Golden Retrievers, mostly.

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

No.  When reading, I like the feel of a paperback best.

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Interview with Bill Boggs, author of The Adventures of Spike the Wonder Dog

Hello,

Today’s interview is with Bill Boggs, author of The Adventures of Spike the Wonder Dog.

Please enjoy.

Best,

Vincent Lowry

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Interview:

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

Bill Boggs. I live between New York and Florida.

  

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

“The Adventures of Spike the Wonder Dog:” as told to Bill Boggs. It is satire, social commentary in the Jerry Seinfeld vein, absurdist humor, and a touch of personal memoir regarding my life as a TV talk show host, narrated by fiction’s funniest canine.

 

3) What is the book about? 

The madcap adventures of a dog and his master who become TV and social media stars and the price they both pay for fame.

 

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

I had a very funny dog on my morning TV show, “Southern Exposure with Bill Boggs,” in High Point, N/C. His name was Spike and he was a big hit on the show and very popular throughout the south where the show was syndicated. Before leaving for NYC and my big break hosting “Midday Live” Spike was killed by a drunk driver. I thought, what if Spike hadn’t died and came to NYC with a guy like me in today’s world and became a big hit….and that’s how it all started.

 

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

Three full years including two comprehensive edits and the continued addition of more comedy..called “punching up” in the business.

 

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

Yes many things. First, it is still possible to satirize our culture, although it frequently appears to be satirizing itself. Second, that I could block out the time to write even though I have a busy life. Third, that the narrative came to me and I was writing in the voice of my central character who was a dog, that was a huge insight. I can think like a dog who comes across as an observational comedian.

 

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video? (There are videos on the various social media platforms.)

Twitter: @SpikeWonderDog – https://twitter.com/SpikeWonderDog

Instagram: Spike the Wonder Dog ­ https://www.instagram.com/spike_wonderdog/

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

YouTube–Bill Boggs TVs – https://www.youtube.com/user/BillBoggsTV

Amazon Link – Orderspike.com

Website – https://spikethewonderdog.com/

twitter @realbillboggs.com

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/379950.Bill_Boggs

billboggs.com

 

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

It is very important to have as much social media following as possible. Make sure your publisher sends books to the NYT and other national publications weeks in advance of publishing date. I can suggest a good cover designer if needed.

 

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

I most like to read biographies and history and books written by my friends. If I know someone who has written a book, I always buy it. Of course, I am open to reading new authors, someone has to replace Steven King eventually. I am currently deep into writing the sequel to “The adventures of Spike the Wonder Dog,” and not available to review books, but I would be in the future. I do not read other fiction when I am writing fiction.

 

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

“ACT ONE,” by Moss Hart. A rags-to-riches story written brilliantly. 

 

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

I’ve had many but right now, it’s just The Wonder Dog in my mind.

 

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

I listen to audio books on my phone and have an iPad on which I can read, but I prefer the printed page a little bit more.

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Interview with Amitabh Sarwate, Author of Humorously Yours! (Tales from the Gymkhana)

Hello,

Today’s interview is with Amitabh Sarwate, author of Humorously Yours! (Tales from the Gymkhana)

The link to buy it on Amazon is above!

Please see it below.

Thank you!

Best,

Vincent Lowry

_____

Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)?
Author’s name: Amitabh D Sarwate. Residence address: Los Gatos, CA, USA

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?
Title of book: ‘Humorously Yours’. Genre: Humor

3) What is the book about? 
It’s a collection of 11 hilarious short stories inspired by real life events and characters. It’s a PG Wodehouse meets Indian Curry brand of humor :)Since its recent debut on Amazon, it has hit the Kindle bestseller list on several occasions.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?
The PG Wodehouse character Mr. Mulliner was the inspiration behind the book. I conceived a Mr. Mulliner kind of character in a very Indian setting. Thischaracter is a storyteller who operates from a famous sports clubhouse in a large Indian city, and regales his audience with quirky and witty stories often on their own dime.

5) How long did it take you to write it?
It was a 2 year long effort

6) Did you learn anything from the project?
A debut fiction book is a labor of love – from writing, editing, finding an agent and then a publisher – all takes time, but when you hold your first copy in hand, you realize it was all worth the trouble. From this particular project, I learnt to appreciate the art of picking up the traits of people from life all around us, the sights and sounds of the cities we live and work in, and use them to paint the stories in the book. It develops your powers of observation and the ability to absorb everyday situations and find humor in them.

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?
Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/amitabh.sarwateBook video is available at: https://www.facebook.com/amitabh.sarwate/videos/10158371477819605

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists? 
Commit the time to the writing process and enjoy it! The drafts, the editing, search for an agent, publisher – enjoy the process! Rejection is an inevitable part of the journey, but trust yourself, trust your writing and don’t give up. More than ever before, writers can find numerous platforms to publish their work.

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?
I like reading Humor, Spirituality and Non-fiction. I can assist new first time authors and share my learnings with them.

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why? 
Hard to pick one! So many.. 🙂

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?
A dog. His name is Einstein. He is an adorable golden-doodle @ 5 years old.

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

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Interview with Angie Hundley, Author of A Recipe for Bad Lemons – Ingredients for Success from Life’s Sour Moments

Good morning,

I’m pleased to bring you this interview with Angie Hundley, author of the memoir: “A Recipe for Bad Lemons – Ingredients for Success from Life’s Sour Moments.”

The link to purchase the book is found above!

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)?

Angie Hundley, Kansas

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

A Recipe For Bad Lemons: Ingredients for Success from Life’s Sour Moments 

Memoir/Autobiography 

3) What is the book about? 

My memoir describes 8 “bad lemon” scenarios and my personal ingredient for overcoming each one. My first chapter talks about overcoming physical and sexual abuse resulting in 18 months of foster care before my sisters were adopted in separate homes. My subsequent chapters talk about a fatal car wreck where I had to overcome PTSD in efforts to drive again, pregnancy in college and finishing my degree as a mother, divorce, scary pregnancy, cancer scare, meeting my birth parents and my final chapter talks about how I turned a business mess into success. The chapters are summed up with a recipe for life’s success.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

I decided to write a book after I realized that the success rate of foster children is less than five percent. I didn’t realize I fell in a small statistical category and wanted to inspire others to find their success.

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

I wrote the first thirty pages and then put it down for five years. I wrote the final 125 pages over the winter of 2019/2020. 

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

Prior to publishing my memoir, I was unaware of all the efforts that goes into the publication process. I was fortunate to have a well-versed publishing team to assist me with my final product. 

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

My website has everything on it: https://angiehundley.com/

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

I fell in love with the text to voice option on Microsoft Word. Often times, our brains will insert missing words as we read so having that capability definitely helped with the editing process. Also, I have been asked several times how to write a book and I always suggest to build a strong outline with detailed notes. I lived off of mine!

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

I like memoirs and autobiographies. 

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

I have read so many but I would say The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. I’m currently reading Small Ball Big Results by Joel Goldberg. 

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

I have a Doberman puppy. She is currently 3 months old and her name is Piper. She’s quite spoiled!

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

I do not. 

Interview with Beverly Oliver, Author of Dr. Sebi Speaks of Dembali

Good morning,

Today’s interview is with Beverly Oliver, author of Dr. Sebi Speaks of Dembali.

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)?

My name is Beverly Oliver and I live in California.

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

My newest book is Dr. Sebi Speaks of Dembali. It’s nonfiction: part memoir, part social commentary.

3) What is the book about?

Alfred Bowman (Dr. Sebi) lived in the United States among Black people for more than fifty years, longer than in his birthplace Honduras, Central America. He married and started his family in New Orleans so he knows the health, culture and food customs of the United States as well as anyone who was born there. His asthma and impotence, and the state of health and nutrition in the United States, propelled him to become the natural healer and alkaline herbal medicine specialist we affectionately call Dr. Sebi. The new book briefly recalls that journey. It mainly focuses on what dembali means and why Dr. Sebi urged me to write the book. Dembali is a word he coined to draw attention to why people reject recommendations in matters of health, race, family and culture. He observed these challenges through dembali’s lens. But it’s the same manner he viewed solutions, such as his African Bio Mineral Balance therapeutic method and his nutrition guide. It’s full of alkaline food recommendations. 

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

I was in Honduras when Dr. Sebi introduced me to dembali. He felt health and nutrition in America, especially Black America, hadn’t improved much since he retired. He wanted the book to explain why and he wanted to offer solutions. 

In Dr. Sebi Speaks of Dembali, he encourages readers to understand why we choose the food we eat, know how race and culture affect food choices, health and behavior, be aware of the slow, cumulative effects of acid and hybrid food on the body, and finally, know that eating comfort food (20%) is fine but it’s alkaline food (80%) your body needs. 

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

Dr. Sebi introduced me to dembali in 2008. I started developing the book in 2018.

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

Yes. I learned that even though he was charismatic and eccentric at times, his key traits were patience, compassion, empathy and understanding. I also learned he was proud of his daughter Xave and her expertise in natural healing. As they say, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” 

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

Yes. The websites are https://www.sojourntohonduras.com and https://www.sevendaysinushavillage.org. Dembali’s landing page is on the first website. The book trailers are on YouTube, on the SojournHonduras1 channel. The videos are titled Dr. Sebi Speaks of Dembali trailer and Dr. Sebi Speaks of Dembali release trailer. 

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

I’ll echo what others have said about editors—You need one. Fresh, professional eyes are key to book development. Without fail editors catch something authors missed. I’m grateful for editorial assistance from The Artful Editor. 

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

I like to read memoirs, biographies, personal development books and inspirational texts. Yes, I’m open to reviewing a new work or two and would appreciate someone doing the same for Dr. Sebi Speaks of Dembali.

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

Sorry, too many in that category but I will mention Sidney Poitier’s Measure of a Man and Clint Hill’s Mrs. Kennedy and Me. 

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

I don’t have any pets right now.

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

Other than my cell phone, I read stories on my laptop.

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Admin: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.