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!

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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.

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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

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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

____

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

_____

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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Interview with Kanika Saxena, Author of Gift Yourself a Smile

Good afternoon,

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

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

Best,

-Vincent Lowry

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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)?

My name is Kanika Saxena. I live in India.

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

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

3) What is the book about? 

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

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

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

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

It took me about 10 days to write this book.

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Interview with Guy Morris, Author of Swarm

Good morning,

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

Please enjoy!

Best,

Vincent Lowry

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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)?

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

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

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

3) What is the book about? 

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

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

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

4) Where did you come up with the idea?

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

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

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

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

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

6) Did you learn anything from the project?

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

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

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

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

Yes to all.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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