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 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 Carrie Hayes, Author of Naked Truth

Hello,

Today’s interview is with Carrie Hayes, author of Naked Truth.

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 Carrie Hayes and I live in New Jersey.

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

The title of my book is Naked Truth or Equality, the Forbidden Fruit. It is historical fiction.

3) What is the book about?

Naked Truth is based on the true, but little known story of sisters Victoria Woodhull and Tennessee Claflin who started out as spiritualists. Victoria was the first woman to run for President of the United States in 1872, almost 50 years before women had the vote.

4) Where did you come up with the idea? 

I read a biography about them by Barbara Goldsmith, called OtherPowers. Then I read another one about Victoria called Mrs. Satan, and then another and another… I became obsessed. And part of what was so tantalizing, was that the story of these sisters, Victoria and Tennessee was outrageous…. at first, they were famous for being famous. Then the next thing you know, they are the darlings of incredibly influential thinkers and activists. By 1870, Victoria was making headlines as the face of the suffragist movement. By 1872, when she was running for President, on election night, she and Tennessee were in jail.

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

It was almost five years.

6) Did you learn anything from the project? 

I learnt humility! I had to learn the lesson that not everyone thinks my ideas and my efforts at writing are the end all and be all which certainly set me back a little bit. I finished the book for the first time in 2016, and was pretty consistently ignored and/or rejected for about two years. By 2019, I still hadn’t landed the book deal in the sky, so I began working with an editor. It helped the manuscript ALOT…. but, while agents expressed mild interest, I just didn’t have any takers. Soooooo, I started to move forward with the idea of self publishing.

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

I do have a website, www.carriehayes.net and I sort of use Medium as my blog. I think I’m going to try and get a video together…

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

Yes. If you feel that you’re going to be going it alone, really spend a minimum of 3 months, beforehand, deciding on how you’re going to market this thing. I didn’t plan it out properly at all. When the pandemic hit, I was pretty clueless on how to proceed. I really recommend Eva Natiello for coaching and marketing the book. I really recommend Nicole Bokat for editing. I really recommend Cherub at 100 covers. All of these people were so kind and professional and helpful. 

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

I love historical fiction, I love thrillers, so long as they’re not too gorey. Yes, I love reading new authors and yes, am open to reviewing.

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

My favorite book tends to change from year to year. This year, I was blown away by Fleishman is inTrouble by Taffy Brodesser Akner. 

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

I have a super spoiled dog named Toby and an even more spoiled cat named Francois.

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

I have a clunky old paperwhite Kindle. I guess I’m ready for an upgrade. I do prefer books, because only in a book can you feel the geography of the experience, and quickly find anything you’ve forgotten or need to remind yourself of… I’m sometimes feel lost when I read on my kindle….

_____

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

Interview with Eileen A. Bjorkman, Author of Unforgotten in the Gulf of Tonkin: A Story of the U.S. Military’s Commitment to Leave No One Behind

Hello,

Today’s interview is with Eileen A. Bjorkman, author of Unforgotten in the Golf of Tonkin: A Story of the U.S. Military’s Commitment to Leave No One Behind.

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)?
Eileen A. Bjorkman, I split my time between Washington State and California. If you can only put one state, please put Washington!

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre?
Unforgotten in the Gulf of Tonkin: A Story of the U.S. Military’s Commitment to Leave No One Behind. It’s a narrative nonfiction book in the categories of military history and biography

3) What is the book about? 
The book is about the thrilling rescue of a Navy pilot whose aircraft was hit over North Vietnam. It also weaves in a short history of combat search and rescue, along with the continued search for the 80,000+ Americans still missing in action from previous wars.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?
I was working on a magazine article about a Navy plane, the F-8, which I tripped over a YouTube video that provided a thumbnail sketch of the pilot’s ejection and rescue. Planning to write an additional article about the rescue, I tracked down the pilot. But it was too much material for an article and it turned into a book.

5) How long did it take you to write it?
From idea to turning in the manuscript was four years. The bulk of the actual research and writing once I had a contract was about a year.

6) Did you learn anything from the project?
Yes, I learned a lot about the history of combat search and rescue, and also the POW/MIA movement that began in the US in the late 1960s. I was aware of that movement since I was in high school at the time and some of my classmates had fathers who were POWs or MIA, but I didn’t really appreciate the full history until doing my research. 

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?
My author website is at https://eileenbjorkman.com
My book video is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7sO_F_w20w&t=18s

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists? 
Get your writing out there! I started out with some freelance articles that gave me credibility when I went to pitch my first book to an academic press. That first book and my articles help me land an agent and then publisher for this book. And be persistent! I had a lot of rejection letters before I got my first publisher and then my agent. 

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?
I read mostly nonfiction, although I do like a good detective novel or mystery at times. I am open to reading new authors and reviewing their work.

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why?
This is a tough question because I like so many books for different reasons. But if the number of times I have read a book is an indication of favoritism, it would have to be Jon Krakauer’s “Into Thin Air.” The book is so gripping that it’s hard to put down. I’ve done a lot of hiking, but I’m fascinated by the tales of mountain climbers. His writing style inspires me as well.

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind? I have one cat, a black and white tuxedo.

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it? I don’t own an electronic reading device, but I have the nook and kindle apps on my iPad mini. That works better for me since I travel a lot (although that has slowed down with the pandemic). I like the portable aspect of the iPad and it’s also great for books I’m using for research since the ebook version is usually less expensive. But overall, I prefer print copies of books because I like to take marginal notes, skim certain topics, and move back and forth at will (which I commonly do with nonfiction books).

Admin:

*As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Interview with Luke Soto, Author of For We are More Than Conquerors

Hello,

Today’s interview is with Luke Soto, author of For We are More Than Conquerors.

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)?          The author name I go by is Luke Soto, my actual name. and the knight of redemption a nickname i came up with

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre? The title of the newest book i am having released is called “For We Are More Than Conquerors”  it would fall under Christian living 

3) What is the book about? 
    It is about the redemption of Christ, it is about how we as the creation of God were bound by sin and didn’t have a choice in the matter of how we lived because either way we were damned to hell. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our salvation set us free from sin and now that we are free from sin, we can now choose to live our best life in Christ and live outside of that habit of sin that held up captive, its now our choice to live in Jesus Christ and free from our addiction to sinful living. Sin doesn’t want that and will do what ever it takes to keep you stuck under It’s control, its the slavery to sin God has set us free from. We now followers of Christ have to fight these temptations fight this addiction and long habitual practice of sin everyday of our lives, and what do we do we don’t even know how to, how can a man or woman stand against something if they don’t even know their identity in Christ, so this book is to help them to remember what Paul says, “…we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ”  this books is a reminder of the fundamentals of our faith and what it actually means to be more than a conqueror. We hear in church all the time that we are more than a conqueror but what does that actually mean? read and find out what the very definition and life of the Christian is as more than a conqueror. That is what this book is about.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?
It was just bugging me as I sat in church and heard the phrase “we are more than a conqueror.” and then go right on along. It was sung in song and in preaching it just became a by word, it was bizarre but it kind of just followed me and every time I heard it, it just echoed deep within me and it was like a haunt from a ghost. I felt that nudge of my curiosity that said, go find out what it means to be more than a conqueror in Christ.

5) How long did it take you to write it?
 it took me a long time to research it but it took about nine months to write this out. and studying everyday with hours at the computer typing out this sermon.

6) Did you learn anything from the project?
 Yes I did. I learned about the redemption we hold in Jesus Christ, I learned about faith, I learned about prayer, I learned about hope, about the responsibility we have to live right before God, I learned a lot about the life of Sin and Death and how it is a part of who we are but it doesn’t have to be the way we live, we can accept that fact that we do sin but we don’t have to stay living in it, and we can live a better life outside of our addiction to sin and death. We can live the life that Jesus Christ has planned for us. I learned the truth that Jesus is there to fight with us and we got to trust that He is God and has our best interest at heart and we can make it through our hard times. I learned about the Cross and the suffering and the pain that awaits us, but I also saw that we get battle scarred and also the love and the true reward of living the blessing that comes from fighting against the sinful self and the devil that looks to keep us in death and hell. I learned that we fall, we scrap our knees and get bruises but we can get back up and live better still. I learned the Lord God is a warrior and The Lord of Hosts is His name. That Jesus Christ is Lord of Angel Armies. and by the blood of Christ we are free to live in Him and free from the sins we were bound to. I learned salvation is a process and lasts our lifetime and that redemption is for the believer in Christ more than the sinner, but the sinner has the invitation to come and get that redemption from sin as well. God loves all humanity not just the few, I learned about the God who is More Than a Conqueror. I hope to share Him with  you the readers.

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?    yes i do
www.knightofredemption.com – author website  there you will see i have a blog as well that talks more on this topic and the stuff that goes along with the topic of redemption
as for the book video i have it attached  to this file.  i dunno if that helps or do i need to send a link from my social media page
For_We_Are_More_Than_Conquerors_720p.mp4(21,012K)

also here is my social media links incase readers are interested in following to keep updated on when the book is being released
facebook: The Knight of redemption
instagram: knight_of_redemption
twitter: @knightredeemed

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists? 
I’m a new author. 
I really don’t hold many tips myself. I can only say learn your history, apply the lessons best you can for yourself and read your book so much that you get sick of seeing it. Let that book be such a part of you that you ooze with the words and live the very pages in your life as an example. be the living word…. well the word that you want to emulate in your life.
Don’t know if that helps any people out there.

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work?
I like classics, historical fiction mostly. I’m a huge fan of the classic authors, not this new stuff. I love Alexander Dumas, Robert L. Stevenson, Mark twain, G,K. Chesterton, sir walter scott, J.R. R. tolkien, C.S Lewis, Homer, Aesop, etc. 
they have to have a really good topic to talk on, and a point that can hold my attention, a lot of modern writers are very much so just lacking the imagination like the writers of the past centuries. Maybe I’m a bit of a purist, maybe i’m a bit spoiled after reading such legendary works
 I don’t think I could offer any advice that would be meaningful. Who am I to say what will work and not work. 

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why? 
The Count of Monte Cristo but I’m so torn between that and two others. but i’ll say that one off the top of my head. The book has it all! drama, intrigue, love, adventure, revenge!, lessons to learn for our lives. 
the count shows a man who gave himself up for hate and lost his very identity and didn’t see the goodness that was there infront of his eyes all along, this man was stupid as a bag of rocks  and just didn’t care. Heck the life of this man was something that can really make a difference in many people and also spark and inferno in the imagination and get you so involved…. I threw  the book at one point when I saw that a certain event took place… I won’t spoil it.  I never felt so involved than I was in that book.

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind?
     I personally don’t. but I love dogs

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it?
not anymore i don’t’. I had a nook when it was first released, actually a nook color. but i hated it. It was super frustrating.  After trying to read through the book it was like I was making no progress and I was more focused on that than on the plot of the book. I was trying to enjoy and help me be stress free. It works for some, it’s just not my cup of tea.

_____

*As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Interview with Anthony Aaron Richards, Author of A Transfer of Vengeance – Volume 3 – The Switch Pops

Hello,

We have an interview today with Anthony Aaron Richards, author of A Transfer of Vengeance – Volume 3 – The Switch Pops.

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)? 

Anthony Aaron La Forgia – Florida 

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

A Transfer of Vengeance Volume 3 – Mystery 

3) What is the book about?  

A young female Architect, who finds out she has a sister no one has told her about and just after they meet – the sister is murdered. Raven is taken to the crime scene by the FBI and New Orleans Police were she has a psychological break – and she begins the hunt for the person that killed her sister, finds him, dates him, and kills him – Raven never expected to become a serial killer chasing other serial killers. She finds a strange connection between the serial killers and her and Sara’s bizarre past. When the family secrets finally come out of the summer cabin, no woman is safe…  

4) Where did you come up with the idea? 

I’m a retired Counselor, dealing with women and the abuses they endured and helped them get free and start new lives – I guess it’s my way of fighting back for all the Didn’t Make It’s out there. 

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

Well, it’s a seven-book series – still going, I came up with an idea for each book to have four volumes (quick reads) which keeps a good pace. I’m in book one – volumes 1 & 2 are published and volume 3 will be out next week. I do have book 2 done, book 3 almost complete and sections of the rest in progress. 

6) Did you learn anything from the project? 

OMG – The world of human trafficking is one hell of a dark road – I had to find a way to bring it to the forefront in a different way – I was told my subject was a hard one for publishers. 

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

Yes, website – aarichardswrites.com and use Instagram (tony.laforgia.7) for what I call Story Pic’s, it my own art that relates to the books – and I give little hints as to what’s happening. 

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

1. Set a time to write that fits you and stick to it. 

2. Always have an editor, that you can work with – always, always… 

3. Don’t go cheap on your cover 

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

Actually, I read a little of everything – including Childrens and Sci-Fi – feed the mind with as much imagination as possible. I started writing children’s stories when I began.  

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

Allen Folsom/Day of Confession, for some reason it hooked me, and I couldn’t stop – good story and writing. But the big but is John Grisham, I read Folsom first and the next book I picked up was one by Mr. Grisham. Through his books (which I read everyone I get my hands on at the time, early 90’s) I learned that you could have a cause and fight for it in your stories. Thanks to him my world opened.  

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

A six-pound Chihuahua Terrier mix – I call her my assistant. 

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

Well, I fought it at first, I was hard on HARD COPY… but I’m also a junior techie and have an iPad/iPhone/Mac – I love the ability to pull up a book at any time and READ, READ, READ…  

__________

As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Interview with Maureen McCabe, Author of A Christmas Love Story: Nicholas Nutcracker & Brittany Ballerina

Hello,

I’m pleased to bring you this interview with Maureen McCabe, author of A Christmas Love Story.

I hope you enjoy it!

Best,

-Vincent Lowry

 

Interview:

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

2) What is the title of your newest book and what is the genre? “A Christmas Love Story: Nicholas Nutcracker & Brittany Ballerina,” Children’s Christmas Story, Romance

3) What is the book about?  The story of two engaging Christmas tree ornaments:  Nicholas Nutcracker, a retired toy-soldier from a small village in Germany, and Brittany Ballerina, a world-renowned ornament ballet dancer, are both in search of their true love. “I will find my true love with ‘word-of-mouth marketing!'” exclaims Nicholas determined to find his true love this Christmas.   Or, maybe they will meet at the annual “Meet and Mingle of the Christmas Ornaments?” Nicholas and Brittany are both more than ready to find their true love before they go back into their boxes in the attic for another year.

4) Where did you come up with the idea?  While putting my own Christmas ornaments away, I came across a cute illustration of a dangling nutcracker & ballerina on a Christmas tree branch.

5) How long did it take you to write it?  Two-plus months for writing, tweaking, editing.  But, with a children’s book, there are also illustrations and graphic design to make the book competitive in a crowded field.

6) Did you learn anything from the project?  Oh, yes.  I learned that the writing for a children’s book is just the beginning.  The rest of the project requires finding the right people to do the art and layout.  Also, one must communicate the project to them in detail.  And, now there is the marketing.  I am so glad I found Vincent’s workshop to help me navigate that.

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?  Yes,  https://achristmaslovestory.com and blog on “goodreads” https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5331866.Maureen_McCabe/blog.  You-tube 33-second ad: https://youtu.be/8r3MNkUZuuE

8) Do you have any success tips to pass on to fellow authors? How about any great editors/cover artists?  I looked around and sent inquiries to a number of illustrators before I found one whose work I liked and she was more affordable that many.  Children’s Illustrator: AnastasiaKhm812 at Fiverr.com.  Lauren is an experienced illustrator/designer and I would recommend her also. 

Children’s Graphic Design/Illustrator: www.laurengallegos.com 

9) What genres do you like to read? Mysteries, Crime, Thrillers, Childrens Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work? Yes, on a time available basis.

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why?  Gone with the Wind, What’s not to love about an epic American story of the Civil War, told with romance, unrequited love and a southern lifestyle that was gone, gone, gone (even when the book was published in 1936?)

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets?  Dog  If so, what kind? Mini Australian Shepard (19# of sweetness).

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? Nope. And, I’m not sure if I would transition.

(*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Interview with Allan J. Katz, Author of Hey! What About Me?

Hello,

Today’s interview is with Allan J. Katz, author of Hey! What About Me?

Please enjoy!

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)?  Allan J. Katz, Memphis, TN

 

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

Hey! What About Me: How to make yourself and others a priority in a world of indifference, impulsivity and distraction.  Genre: Addiction Recovery

 

3) What is the book about? The book is about how to achieve freedom from modern day slavery to technology, work, other people and emotions.

 

4) Where did you come up with the idea?  At the Passover meal last year the theme was freedom and I thought what are we enslaved to today that we need freedom from.  I came up with four ideas and make a mind map of them and thought this would make a great book.

 

5) How long did it take you to write it? 6 months.

 

6) Did you learn anything from the project? I learned that I probably put too many elements into the writing; addiction recovery, character trait enhancement, exercises and priority.

 

7) Do you have an author website and/or blog? How about a book video?  Yes, http://allanjkatz.com.

 

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

Editors: Samantha Dawkins on Linkedin

Cover Artists: Nora Childers at http://norachilders.com

Success Tips: I once asked Scott Turow how do you write a book and he said, “just begin writing.” One tip is to make an outline first and then spend time figuring out your target market; who is this book really written for and make sure there is a way to market to them.

 

9) What genres do you like to read? Are you open to reading new authors and reviewing their work? Psychology, Self-Help, Psychological thrillers.

 

10) What is your favorite book of all time and why? Artist Way by Julia Cameron.  This book changed my life and gave me the courage to become a writer.

 

11) Fun Question: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind? No

 

12) Fun Question 2: Do you own an electronic reading device? If so, what kind and how do you like it? Yes, my phone to read Kindle. I still like paperbacks better but that’s because I’m older.

 

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.