Interview with Emily S. Hurricane, Author of Bloodlines

Good morning,

Today’s interview is with Emily S. Hurricane, author of Bloodlines.

You can find 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)?
Hi, I’m Emily S Hurricane and I’m from the east coast of Canada! 

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?
My newest set of releases is my Bloodlines series. As of right now, the first five volumes are live on all major retailers (first one is free!) and they’re paranormal dystopian novellas with a dash of romance and a pinch of horror.

3) What is the book about? 
After a disease wipes out humanity, Daphne is left all by herself, somehow immune. After finding out her true parentage, she sets off from the east coast to find her father and figure out why she survived. She ends up finding a whole lot more.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?
My husband likes to blurt out wacky story ideas randomly—he’s not a writer, but his brain is full of weird and wonderful scenarios. Sometimes they’re really cool, sometimes really ridiculous. Perfect writer’s husband, let me tell you!
Anyway, he had a particular ridiculous idea that we laughed about (I won’t disclose it because it’ll spoil some of the fun!), and then we got on the topic of what we would do in the apocalypse. I’ve always wanted to write a dystopian story, and the thought of being the last person on earth is both horrifying and fascinating. With the world as your playground, what would you do?
I started serializing it for NaNoWriMo in 2019 (freaked myself and my readers out when the pandemic started shortly after, let me tell you!) and my twenty-chapter outline quickly became a five-part epic, with so many more ideas percolating in my brain!

5) How long did it take you to write it?
Starting in November of 2019, I posted a chapter per day up to 93 chapters, so the first draft was about three months. It went through multiple revisions and rewrites over the course of 2020, for official release on Radish at the end of 2020 and eBook in February of 2021. Volume 5 just released at the tail end of March.

6) Did you learn anything from the project?
Definitely! I explore a lot of themes in this series, deep diving into the human condition, ambition, and what it means to belong somewhere. I don’t know about all writers, but I tend to delve into my characters when I’m writing them to really try to experience things that I never have before. (See: why I never end up sticking to my outlines.)
On a professional level, this is the first series that I’ve published wide across retailers other than Amazon. So it’s been interesting to learn about distributors (I used Draft2Digital) and other markets that I’ve never reached before.

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?
My web site is www.emilyshurricane.com, which is the hub for everywhere I can be found on the internet. I don’t have a blog (yet!) but I love guest posting and social media where I share all kinds of stuff related to my books, indie publishing, and books I’ve read and love.

You can find all of my socials at https://emilyshurricane.carrd.co/ I am everywhere as ESHurricane

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists? 
Biggest tip for any author is just to write! Write write write! I know everyone says that, but it’s so key. Every single word keeps your creative muscle working, and for me it keeps me learning. It’s so interesting to look back at how my writing has evolved since I started so many years ago.
Making author friends that are just as ambitious and driven as you is also a great idea. I’m surrounded by inspiring and excited writer friends every day (digitally of course) and we sprint together, read together, and chat about the business together. It makes what is usually a lonely job so much less lonely.
As for editors and cover designers, oh I know so many great ones! I like to use lots of beta readers (swaps with friends) before editing and it’s an exercise I highly recommend. You can learn just as much beta reading someone else as you can having your story beta read.
My main editor is Emerald Baynton (she’s not taking clients right now but you can find her at emeraldscreations.org), and the Bloodlines covers were done by Rebecacovers on Fiverr. Freelancing sites are a great way to find great deals on services—however do a lot of research, because sometimes it’s hard to sift through the scammers.
Other great editors I know:Jessey Mills – https://jesseymills.com/index.php/services/ Rhodora O (she also does custom book formatting for publishing) – https://www.fiverr.com/s2/b6deac29a8Nicole DeVincentis – https://www.fiverr.com/njdevincentis
Other great graphic designers I know:Midnight Coffee – https://midnightcoffee.co.uk/Pixie Stormcrow – https://covers.pstormcrow.com/

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?
I am open to reading anything as long as it’s engaging! Vague, I know, haha! But for me I look for interesting stories that are character driven and all of my favourite authors have very unique narrative voice. Think Palahniuk or Vonnegut. But really I am a Jill-of-all-genres (for reading and writing!).
I love reading brand new authors as well, and promoting those I enjoy across my social channels.

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why?
This is such a hard question! I think a book I couldn’t possibly live without is Blade of Tyshalle by Matthew Stover. I read it once every year or two and every time feels like the first time. It’s such a skillfully written and well-crafted world, with such deep characters and endless lore. The whole series is amazing but that one is my favourite.
Close seconds are The Princess Bride by William Goldman, Wizard and Glass by Stephen King, and Rant by Chuck Palahniuk.

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?
I have a fourteen-year-old toy poodle named Izzy, and she is my furry soulmate! She’s 100 lbs of diva in a 5 lb body and she is the absolute best.

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?
I do love paper books the best, but being a mom of two small kids I don’t often have either time, safe areas, or light to read by. My electronic alternative is my iPhone, and I use a combination of Apple Books, the Kindle app, audible, and for my serial obsessions Radish and Wattpad. I also often use Siri to read books to me if I don’t have it in audio. Makes chores and driving so much more enjoyable!

____

Admin: As an Amazon associate I earn for qualifying purchases.

Interview with Dr. Sheldon D. Newton, Author of Genna’s Fight and Specific Kinds of Prayer

Dear Readers,

I’m very pleased to bring you this interview with Dr. Sheldon D. Newton, author of Genna’s Fight and Specific Kinds of Prayer.

Please see the interview 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)?

My name is Sheldon D. Newton and I live in Nassau, Bahamas.

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

As an author, I have written both fiction and non-fiction. My fiction is “Genna’s Fight,” a novel which deals with domestic abuse and one woman’s struggle to survive. My latest non-fiction book is on the subject of prayer, “Specific Kinds Of Prayer,” which shares practical principles on prayer which one can apply and experience real answers.

3. What is the book about?

Genna’s Fight is concerning a beautiful lady named Genna, who was abuse continually by her husband, Tom. However, she was not new to abuse. She experienced it as a young girl growing up as well. She struggled to regain her sanity, being tempted to committed suicide and end it all. Reader’s Favorite Arya Fomonyuy gave it a 5 Star rating saying, “Genna’s Fight: Will She Be Able to Discover Her True Self & Get Her Son Back In Time? by Sheldon D. Newton begins in a way so that the reader can’t help but keep reading. The hook is very powerful: “I am divorcing you Genna. You are leaving my house tonight, and you are leaving alone. You will not be taking Samuel with you. He is staying with me. You will not be carrying anything but the clothes on your back…” The story starts right in the middle of a dramatic situation. Genna, who has suffered all forms of abuses, is getting the hardest blow of her life: her current husband is divorcing her and he does so in the clearest and harshest of terms. She’ll leave with nothing, but what hurts most is that she might not leave with her only child, Samuel. This time, will she allow any man to trample on her dignity or will she stand up for herself and the one person she loves the most — her son? This is a story that will bring tears to the eyes of readers, a story fraught with realism that speaks of the pain that millions of women suffer behind closed doors. But it is a story of a woman’s journey to real freedom.”

4. Where did you come up with the idea?

My mom experienced abuse in her marriage. Perhaps this is where the inspiration for the book may have come from. Because of our past in that regard, I hate abuse in marriage, whether it is coming from the husband against his wife, or the wife against her husband. I have witnessed abuse in marriage several times through the years and it still deeply affects me and hurts my heart. It is my prayer that those who have gone through such torment, fear, terror and pain would gain a sense of hope, healing and wholeness.

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

I wrote Genna’s Fight within three months. Some of my books took much longer to write. However, it seems as though when one has a real passion to write in an area, the words just flow.

6. Did you learn anything from the project?

As a writer, I learned to flow with the ideas and thoughts that come and to always have something to write on with me, because these ideas and ‘moments of inspiration’ can come at any time.

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

I have a website, but I am having work done to it. I presently use my Facebook Fan Page, www.facebook.com/authorsheldondnewton. And I am working on a professional video for Genna’s Fight. Should be ready in short order. I should stress that it is vital that an author has a workable website. It helps people to locate you better and learn more about you and what you do. I just recently took mine down to make some changes. Will be back up in short order. For right now, Genna’s Fight and my other titles can be found on Amazon.com just by going there and putting in, “Books by Sheldon D. Newton.”

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

Yes I do. Here are just a few tips: 1. Ensure that you do your homework and know your subject. In a novel, you are permitted and encouraged to be creative, but to keep the objective or your subject in mind. 2. Do not be your own editor. You are the writer. Find a good editor to take care of that aspect. (One that I have found is Deborah Moore of Moore Editing Services. She is busy so she can only take a certain amount of authors at a time. By the way, my cover designer is GLA Graphics, here in Nassau, Bahamas). 3. Lean the importance of marketing. Regardless of how good a book may be, if it is not properly and effectively marketed it may not go far. I learned that lesson from a New York Time Best-selling author I wrote for advice. He told me, “Never Stop Marketing.” I write more advice in my book, ‘Lessons I Learned As An Author.’

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

I love reading non-fiction Christian genre books and self-help books. As it pertains to novels, I like investigative stories and suspense novels that keep my attention. I love novels that shows how one may have come from hard times or a hard life and got over the top or had something good happen in the end. I love stories with a positive spin. And yes, I would read seasoned as well as new books as long as it can keep my attention.

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

That is a loaded question. Primarily, my favorite book to read is my Bible. Second, if we are speaking of novels, I really, really, really enjoyed Mark Victor Hansen & Allen’s book, “The One Minute Millionaire.” On the left, it has a story that honestly grabs your attention from beginning to end, for those who love novels. And on the right hand side of the book is the practical principles to apply to better your life for those who love non-fiction. That fictional story is perhaps my favorite to this day. It speaks to me for it shows the power of desperation and determination in such a thrilling manner when a lady faces the possibility of losing her children and what she has to do to ensure that she keeps them. I will not spoil the story for you. But, it is awesome.

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

Yes, we have a Shih Poo. He is really my daughter’s dog, but we all love him. His name is Pumpkin.

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

I have a Samsung Tablet. I like it for watching movies and for reading too. However, along that line, I am getting a Kindle Fire next week because I prefer it for reading.

____

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

Interview with Karen Tripson, Author of The Cooking Class in Budapest

Hello,

Today’s interview is with Karen Tripson, author of The Cooking Class in Budapest.

I hope you enjoy it!

Best,

Vincent Lowry

Author Interview:

1) What is your author name and in what state do you live (or country if not in the US)? Karen Tripson Seattle WA 2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre? The Cooking Class in Budapest Love later in life 3) What is the book about?  It’s a love story about two middle-aged art experts and a cache of hidden art. Bernadette stars as a smart Parisian woman living in Seattle. An unexpected inheritance of paintings makes her suspicious as she hardly knew the artist. Her employer, Drew, has been in pursuit and she decides to give him a chance. Bernadette doesn’t plan to fall in love or go to Budapest to look for the mising art. Soon the pressure is on for her to go to Hungary before an old friend of her father’s dies without revealing the location of the art. The Cooking Class in Budapest offers the precariousness of love later in life, the intrigue of recovering stolen art and the sensual joys of fine dining and travel. 4) Where did you come up with the idea? This novel is third in a series of love later in life stories with cuisine, travel and art as the focus of the characters. My previous locations were Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and San Sebastián, Spain. I needed an exotic setting with history and a sophisticated cultural scene. I got ideas for the action in the novel while vacationing in Budapest. 5) How long did it take you to write it? About two years. 6) Did you learn anything from the project? Unlike most previous projects, I did not prepare a detailed outline. I was inspired by the characters and started writing with no clear concept of where it was going. I don’t think I’ll use an outline again.    7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video? My web site is https://www.karen-tripson.com and includes my blog https://www.karen-tripson.com/blog which displays all the posts since the publication of The Cooking Class in Kuala Lumpur in 2013. The blog Cooking and Reading Every Day dates to about 2000. I don’t have a book video yet but intend to create one soon. 8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists?  Sit at your desk every day and write. I get started by reviewing what I wrote the day before. My editor is Debra Ginsberg. She’s terrific and always has good suggestions. My cover art and book interior are by Schubert Design. I love working with Daria and think she’s done a great job for me.  9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work? I’m an eclectic reader and proudly display my Goodreads list on my website. I read classic fiction, women’s contemporary fiction, romance, mysteries, memoirs, biography, art history, cookbooks, gardening and travel.   I’d be open to reading and reviewing new authors on subjects I’m interested in.  10) What is your favorite book of all time and why? That’s a difficult question. Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey is a favorite I’ve read several times as it satisfies on every level. The writing is a pleasure to read. I was charmed by the generations of the Stamper family who all live and work together in the dangerous logging industry in Oregon after the Korean War. It’s inspiring and heartbreaking when a union strike pits the Stampers against the whole town and the union. Hank, Henry, Lee and Viv are all memorable characters. The story foreshadows the complicated decline of the timber industry which decimated so many lives and communities in the Pacific Northwest.  11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind? An acutely intelligent cocker spaniel, who loves cooking and reading every day with me.  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 with the Libby app to download eBooks from the Seattle Public Library. I love traveling with it to avoid carrying a separate bag for books. I also have a Kindle app for downloading purchases from Amazon when I must have something good to read right now.

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

Interview with Joan Brooks Baker, Author of The Magnolia Code

Hello,

Today’s interview is with Joan Brooks Baker, author of The Magnolia Code–a memoir.

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)?

Joan Brooks Baker. I live in Santa Fe, New Mexico

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

The Magnolia Code, a Creative non-fiction Memoir

3)    What is the book about? 

Risk, Choice and the Consequences to both are the themes. Following the rules of conduct, espoused in the Southern unwritten Magnolia Code, promises a mythical sphere of happiness, but fulfillment in finding our true selves, whatever the consequences, is the worthy goal. However Beware, the risk of authentic choice could place one on the outer rim of belonging.

4)    Where did you come up with the idea?

My Southern Aunt Billie told me as a little girl, “Remember, Joanie, Oscar Wilde said something like this: “Might as well be yourself, cuz everyone else is taken.”

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

Seven years. I had always been a photographer. Then I learned to write and I loved it.

6)    Did you learn anything from the project?

Compassion. . . for myself and for others, particularly my parents who I discovered were also Human, not just parents.

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

Yes, JoanBrooksBaker.com which includes two Book Video Interviews.

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

Dare to hear your voice. Just start with a sentence, or a good story, that is about you.

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

I like stories about life’s emotional challenges. Just finished several James Baldwin short stories and Patti Smith’s Just Kids. In the middle of Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon. Definitely open to reading new authors.

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

The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett. Overcoming the obstacles – I envisioned the garden.

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

Nikko, the most wonderful dog in the world, came from the Pound.

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

Yes, I have a Kindle – for traveling. And I sometimes listen to Audio, depending on the Reader

____

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

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

_______

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!

___

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

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

____

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.

___

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

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

_____

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.

____

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

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?

____

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

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.

______

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