Author: Jasveena R Prabhagaran

December 24, 2021

An Interview with Author Ginny Rana

With her debut book, Joys & Memories: Revisiting Childhood, Ginny Rana endeavours to unravel some natural wonders of the beautiful world that surrounds us. She loves nature and is intrigued by the mysteries and wonders of the ever-growing world that surrounds us. She takes the reader down the happy lanes of childhood and along the paths of nature. In today’s modern world, where people are moving away from the real, natural world, she urges them to embrace and re-connect with nature.
Besides writing, she is an active volunteer with the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature). She loves travelling and exploring new places.

Q1. Where are you from?
A. I live in Delhi, India.


Q2. Why do you write?
A. I love to pen my thoughts. Writing gives me a sense of creative satisfaction.


Q3. What do you write about?
A. I write about almost anything that strikes my fancy, just about anything and everything under the sun.


Q4. Do you have a specific writing style?
A. Don’t think so.


Q5. What are the obstacles that come in the way of writing?
A. Regular day to day activities disrupt the flow of thoughts and often hinder the fluency and pace of writing.


Q6. What is the most memorable thing said by a reader about your work?
A. Once a reader complemented after reading a few of my poems saying that they are so happy. She said they seem to have been written straight from the heart.


Q7. How long have you been writing?
A. I’ve been writing since the age of sixteen. But it was more of a leisure activity. Gradually, however, the urge towards concrete and structured writing grew. That’s when I thought of trying to bring together some of my thoughts in the form of a book.


Q8. When did you first realize that you wanted to become a writer?
A. When I used to read works of other authors and poets, I used to marvel at the beauty of their work. I would hope that someday, I could also become a writer and inspire readers. For the last may be 10-12 years, I wanted to become a writer.


Q9. What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
A. While I’m writing, even when I’m involved with other activities, it’s like my mind is elsewhere. I’m trying to create rhymes or structure thoughts into sentences. The minute, something worthwhile crops up; I stop whatever I’m doing and run to pen down the ideas before they get lost.


Q10. What you say is your interesting writing quirk?
A. I love to write about things around me. Even mundane phenomena can take up interesting forms for me or simply be turned into metaphors of life.


Q11. How long does it take to write a book?
A. It took me about 2-3 months to write my first book.


Q12. Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?
A. A lot of reading. And when you write, don’t tie your ideas to rules of grammar or spellings, just write freely.


Q13. What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?
A. The biggest challenge for me is to think of a worthwhile subject to commence my content. Once I like the idea, then there’s no looking back.


Q14. What do you think makes a good story?
A. Well, I haven’t written a story. But from the ones I read, I think an excellent plot and well-developed characters go a long way in making a great story.


Q15. What does your family think of your writing?
A. My family is very supportive of my creative pursuit. I think they understand how special writing means to me.
Q16. Do you see writing as a career?
A. I enjoy writing. It makes me happy and it’s like attaining a creative salvation. My work is my career. If I can carve a career in writing alongside work, it would be a welcome addition.


Q17. Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?
A. A famous quote by Margaret Fuller comes to mind, “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” I firmly believe it and would like to tell everyone to read, read and read. You can never imagine how many beautiful thoughts and ideas can ignite your imagination and change your world.


Q18. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When saw the first look of my book, Joys and Memories: Revisiting Childhood, that’s when I considered myself a writer.

December 21, 2021

Author Interview with Brian Price 

Brian Price worked in the marketing and communications industry for nine years. The Public Relations Society of America, American Business Awards, and Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals are a few of the organizations that awarded his work.

But who actually cares about that?

He certainly doesn’t.

Sick of bookshelves being stuffed with bureaucrats’ memoirs and snake-oil entrepreneurs using novels as sales funnels, Brian started wrote a novel, Last Chance California.

If he isn’t reading or writing, Brian is probably playing with his rescue pup, Bucky, or ranting about the government.

Why do you write? 

Writing brings me joy. It’s challenging. It’s fun. It’s a battle against oneself.

If I didn’t write, I don’t know what I’d be doing. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed doing. Before I wrote a novel, I was in marketing and public relations, where I spent a majority of my days sitting in someone else’s office writing.

Even while working full-time, I’d still find time to create my own short stories, jokes, thoughts or whatever else popped in my mind. Unfortunately, I’d write my own ideas down during meetings or while on the clock at my job. There were just things I just had to get out and onto paper. There are always things I need to get out. Writing is an obsession with me. It always has been.

What are obstacles that come in the way of writing? 

People. Dogs. Existence in today’s world. There’s always a crisis. Something constantly needs my attention.

I often fantasize about owning a cabin in the woods far away from the universe where I can write.

I do my best work when I’m isolated.

Or maybe that’s the pandemic fatigue talking.

What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?

A good friend of mine read a beta version of Last Chance California, and after he finished, we had a long talk about our fathers. The book helped him articulate some of the things he felt towards his own father. Being able to reach him in that way was one of my proudest moments as a writer.

How long have you been writing?

I started writing before I could even write sentences. I have books from my childhood with pictures and squiggly lines underneath them.  I always wanted to be a storyteller. If I wasn’t reading, I was writing. I’d give my family stories and books for holidays and birthdays. Sometimes I’d just write to write. There’s nothing I enjoy more than writing.

Well, no.

That’s not entirely accurate.

There are a few things I do enjoy more than writing.

What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

Wake up. Coffee with my gratitude journal, philosophy reading and general reading. Get a fresh cup. Write some words. And that’s what I do for the rest of the day. I’ll take a few breaks throughout the day to play with pup, eat, or stretch, but for the most part, I’m writing or editing from nine to six. After that, its dinner, some educational videos on famous writers, the publishing industry or how to self-publish before I do some more writing.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I don’t know if it’s a quirk, but I light a certain candle and make music playlists for every book. I love to set the mood for writing.

And if a character is sad, I like to get myself feeling sad. I do the same for any type of mood. That way I can write with passion. I think that translate in my novel. Or at least that’s what I was going for.

How long does it take to write a book? (If you’ve written one -published or non)?

Too long.

Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?

Be true and honest with your words. Readers can tell when an author is holding back, not being truthful, or trying to imitate another writer. The key to writing is to write like yourself. Don’t try to be something you’re not. No one can write like you.

What do you think makes a good story?

Good stories need to hit all the human emotions. Desperation. Hopelessness. Fear. Loss. Sadness. Pride. Love. Triumph. Happiness. Add those emotions with flawed and memorable character and a hopeful ending and you might be onto something.

What does your family think of your writing? 

No idea. It’s terrifying to be honest. I’m not sure if they enjoy it or hate it. But I’m kinda glad I don’t know how they feel … considering my writing style and subject matter.

Do you see writing as a career?

I hope so.

Not having an alarm clock wake me in the morning, making my own schedule, every day being a weekend, and typing whatever nonsense is floating around in my head for money is something I hope I can get paid handsomely to do.

Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?

I mean well, despite the main characters I wrote in my book.

No. but seriously. My debut novel, Last Chance California, is dark, hilarious, and raw. You’ll laugh, cry, and finish the book with a sense of hope. I think I really captured the sentiment of millennials and the state of our world in Last Chance California.

But then again, I’m bias.

I wanted to write something that challenged people’s perspectives while highlighting the last effects of child abuse. Child abuse is real. And it’s never talked about it. People don’t understand that child abuse doesn’t just end after childhood. Many of us carry that burden of abuse and it’s secrets for our entire lives. Some of us are unable to face the past. Others? It destroys.

It did both to me for a long time.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Writer. Author. Bestseller. Most people throw around these terms for sales or their own ego without considering what the words mean.

A lot of people write, but there aren’t a lot of writers.

I don’t consider myself a writer. At least not yet. I’m hopeful I can get there some day. But who knows?

Title:

Last Chance California

Link:

Description:

Are We All Doomed to Become Our Parents?

Terrified he’s becoming just like his father, Wyatt Lewis, a disillusioned millennial, breaks up with his fiancée to chase his childhood dream – a fresh start in Southern California.

Once in San Diego, Wyatt reunites with an old friend, Summer Harrison, while falling hard for the elusive and free-spirited, Leah Murphy. Summer and Leah show Wyatt a dazzling world littered with lavish speakeasies, egregious drug use, and overpriced cocktails. Surrounded by fake glamor and stuck in a terrible corporate job, Wyatt’s escape turns into his worst nightmare.

Overworked, alone, and filled with regret, the aspiring writer spirals down a self-destructive path that forces him to confront the violent past he ran away to California to forget.

In his raw, hilarious, and dark debut novel, Brian Price showcases our world, on the verge of the COVID-19 pandemic, through the eyes of a sarcastic and stubborn narrator as he attempts to drown his family’s demons.

Title:

Tales From California

Link:

Description:

This short-story collection highlights Brian Price’s writing style while also serving as an introduction to the main characters in his debut novel, Last Chance California.

The collection includes the following tales:

Chicken Nuggets or Bust
It took Wyatt over thirty years to experience In-N-Out Burger. The joint turned out to be a powder keg ready to blow with one missed pickle.

When Wyatt Met Summer
How did Wyatt meet Summer? Well, she isn’t shy about telling the story. that’s for sure.

The California Palm Reading Seduction
Wyatt is struggling in Southern California. He calls out of work and visits a fortune teller for guidance. She invites him over to her mansion for a reading. Things get weird.

Sick and Fired
Wyatt’s job sucks. Thankfully, strep throat allowed him to avoid the office for a few days. But that led to more problems for Wyatt’s career.

Abraham Lincoln: Animal Whisperer
If not for a reincarnated Abe Lincoln, Wyatt Lewis would have killed his dog while flying home for Christmas.

Title:

pandemic woes and lockdown lows

a poetry collection written during Covid-19

Link:

Description:

wake up. make some coffee. watch the news. pack a bowl. freak out. catch a snooze.

Lockdown poetry.
It’s sad.
It’s weird.
It’ll punch you in the heart.

Brian Price’s first poetry collection delves into themes of love, death, depression, inequality, mental health, and self-righteousness. Written entirely during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the works are the thoughts of a millennial questioning himself and the world he lives in.

Title:

Once Upon a Subway

Link:

Description:

The author of Last Chance California, Brian Price tackles toxic love in this modern romance novel.

Years after their passionate, but turbulent relationship ended, two ex-lovers reconnect during a chance encounter on a subway commute. Is their train ride together a second shot at love or a final farewell?

Author Website/Blog:

https://brianvstheworld.com/
December 17, 2021

Book Review: The Cursed Item Merchant: A Young Adult Fantasy of Cursed Enchanting Tales by Endlyn

The cursed items are powerful… But not as strong as their friendship.

Menda spent her whole childhood living a simple life in the village. A serene and happy existence surrounded by the love of her family and friends. But all changed on one perilous evening when the blight of the Dark Dragon emerged, raining fire down upon the people of her home.

In a chance encounter, a cursed coat binds to her as a power source saving the town by absorbing the fire of the dragon’s breath. Fulfilling her part of the deal, Menda’s life changes forever. After a separation and a reunion the two learn to become friends.

Together, they journey the land discovering other cursed items and finding opportunities for the mysterious artifact to find mighty attachments just like theirs…

An illustrated fantasy packed full of stories of cursed items that will entwine and wrap around the reader. For Young Adults, New Adults, and Adults. A low Fantasy tale with beautifully drawn illustrations not to be missed.

Grab your copy of “The Cursed Item Merchant” Now and find out how indestructible a friendship can be.

Review:

Rating: 4 out of 5.

This book is a short joyable read and the first written by the author. I particularly liked the world building aspects and how the main character, Menda, was covered by a curse coat which enabled her to save her village from the destruction of Dragon. She then brings us for a roller-coaster adventure where she saves many more others using her newfound power. I like how the author has woven the story to connect one characters with the others, making it an enjoyable read. It is a little over 200 pages and can be read within a few days. A fairly easy read. Highly recommended if you like Young Adult & Sorcery Fantasy

December 17, 2021

An Interview with Author Endlyn

I have been writing and telling stories since I was in middle school, getting introduced to the idea from reading a friends first books. For many years my ADHD kept me jumping from project to project.

Last year I deiced to put all my focus into finishing one project and managed to do so. The plan now is to keep the record going with one book a year.

https://www.endlyn.net/

Why do you write?
It’s a lot of fun and I like to figure out new ways to do old things.

What do you write about?
I write any fantasy as long as I find the interesting at the time.

How long have you been writing?
Since I was in middle school though I probably didn’t finish anything till I was in high school.

What writing are you most proud of?
My first book. I have completed short stories but this is the first book I finished.

What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?
My ADHD it’s hard to get motivation sometimes.

What books did you love growing up?
Terry Pratchett discworld series and Robert Asprin Myth-series. i would read them over and over again.

What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?
Marketing, I’m still trying to learn how to do it.

Do you find it hard to share your work?
Finding a location yes, being able to do it no.

Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?
Yes, my mom and sister were the first to read my finished book. Some of my friends were the first to buy it when it became available (they also asked for an autograph lol)

What else do you do, other than write?
Crafts like cross-stitch and knitting, video games, reading manga. I have also been streaming for a few years now.

How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?
I start with quick scenes on a watch that sends to my phone. I then move them to google doc and then either on my computer or phone which ever i have.

Do you see writing as a career?
I do, though it takes a lot of work.

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?
Living comfortably off my books, paying all the bills on having enough to spend for fun once in a while.

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?
It is called “The Cursed Item Merchant”. It is the story about Menda who makes friends with a sentient coat named Calbas. They decide to then find cursed items and find them their perfect host (where the curse will help the host or at least not bother them)
I wanted my first book to be a happy one. this was also just fun to write.

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?
Reading manga and watching YouTube, or hanging with my rats.

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?
Depends on what I write but for this one happy.

December 17, 2021

Live Interview with Author Quinton Douglas Crawford

Quinton Douglas Crawford is a freelance writer, author, teacher and organization leader with over fifteen years of professional experience. He takes part in many local cultural, social justice, environmental, and educational programs in and out of the country. He loves to contribute to the positive formation of a better present and future.

Author Live Chat with Fans
Sunday: Real-Life Inspiring Stories
The Global Situation
19th December 2021 8PM CST on Facebook page (International Book Promotion)

  • Where are you from?

I’m in Northern California (45 minutes east of San Francisco)

  • Why do you write? 

I’m addicted to teaching and like the fact of creating a legacy.

  • What do you write about? 

I write about what I care about

  • Do you have a specific writing style?

Not sure, but I prefer facts over fantasy

  • What are obstacles that come in the way of writing? 

Sometimes a health problem

  • What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?

“I Love what you did”

  • How long have you been writing?

Since 2000

  •  When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?

On my 40th birthday

  • What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

I may take 1-2 days a week off to finish a chapter.

  • How long does it take to write a book?

Some take a year others take longer.

  • Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?

Building from a topic that is most dear to you works best for me.

  • What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?

Writers’ block can slow anyone down

  • What do you think makes a good story?

Relevance

  • What does your family think of your writing? 

Many have dimly expressed some excitement, but none seem to understand the financial potentials.

  • Do you see writing as a career?

No, I see it as a stress reliever and a possible financial help on the side.

  • Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?

Yes, but I add that to my interviews.

  • When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I was in my Bachelors Degree Program and had a long-standing applause for an essay presentation I did on the dangers of the “Disrespect for Nature”.

Author
Author website
December 17, 2021

An Interview with Author Kossi Afedo

Kossi Afedo

I am 45.
I am a husband and father of 2 children.
I am author and Businessman living in Hamburg Germany.
I love helping people.

Describe yourself in five words 

Impulsive, kind, courageous, a little intelligent but at the same time stubborn

What fact about yourself would really surprise people? 

My love for others. 

How do you work through self-doubts and fear? 

To overcome my fears, I go to the front of things.

I take a deep breath

I have a rule of 4-6-8. I take 4 seconds deep breath, release it out of my mouth 4 seconds. Repeat this for 6 seconds and 8 seconds. I tell myself that everything is fine and I pray.

What scares you the most? 

Losing my mind

What makes you happiest? 

Family, friends and success

Why do you write? 

To help others understand how things work.

Have you always enjoyed writing? 

Yes. That is why I am with you

What motivates you to write? 

Any writer that starts writing to get rich is most often disappointed. No, most writers write because it’s impossible NOT to write. The stories build up in your head and the developed characters come alive and won’t let you rest until you write down what they are telling you.

And I know that everybody has a story which will please someone else. So, I write mine.

What writing are you most proud of? 

I am proud of the book I published right now on amazon.

What are you most proud of in your personal life? 

My family and friends are my first pride

What books did you love growing up? 

The stories in the bible.

Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live? 

I grew up in Togo Africa and I am living now in Germany.

How did you develop your writing? 

I like reading other books and get inspiration from them.

What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing? 

Marketing

What marketing works for you? 

It is not that easy to market a book but I have a team of people like you who work hard to let people know about what I am doing. What really works for me is facebook marketing.

Do you find it hard to share your work?

Yes. This is the crucial point that makes most writers doubt.

Is your family supportive? 

Yes. Of course. They are my biggest fans and my main inspiration.

Do your friends support you? 

Yes. Some of them read my books and give me their honest review.

What else do you do, other than write? 

I am a businessman. I sell things online and consult other companies.

What other jobs have you had in your life?

When I was in Africa, to finance my studies, I sold insurance. When I arrived in Germany, to finance my studies and other things, I had worked as a cook’s helper.

If you could study any subject at university what would you pick? 

Business, accounting and marketing.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? 

Right here. I like to take advantage of the time that I am in a place. Because I can’t say why I’m here at this time.

Tell us about your family? 

I am a husband and father of two children. I love them above all else.

How do you write – laptop, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk? 

It depends where I am and I have the ideas. Sometimes I use pencil and paper. But most of the time I use a laptop.

How much sleep do you need to be your best?

At least 6-7 hours 

Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support? 

Yes. First of all my family, my lovely wife Sitsofe, my children Emefa and David. Also  my brothers in Christ and friends Fojo, Narcisse, Jonathan, Yah-se, Nathalie, Serge, Ingolf, Marcel and Kaka

Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?

Success for me is when my audience or readers identify with my writing and can’t get rid of my books. Among other things, when the same books hit Amazon’s bestseller list, the same books can help a lot of people and my books will be cited by people for reference.

It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign? 

Hum, I am now using Amazon KDP select. I will use fiverr gigs, use banner ads on blogs, use facebook groups, facebook ads etc.

Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?

My new book “CONVERTING FEARS INTO CONFIDENCE” is an interview exposing the truth about cancer with an expert oncologist and hematologist Dr. Med. Thomas A. Walter. 

When it comes to cancer, how can you segregate FACTS from MYTHS?

It doesn’t help to be bombarded with jargon and medical terms we are not familiar with.

With all the available information online, it can be confusing and stressful, especially for someone ill. 

I, myself, faced cancer in 2013 and dealt with it successfully so I wrote this book or interview to help people that are sick of the disease of cancer and their family who are fighting to find reliable information online to get rid of the fears they are having and gain confidence.

This is my goal.

If you could have a dinner party and invite anyone dead or alive, who would you ask? 

Hum, I never think about this before so I’ll give you the answer next time

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax? 

Reading, enjoying playing with family and friends, watching movies and traveling.

What do you hope people will take away from your writing?

To get rid of the fears of cancer and gain confidence in this 21st century.

How will your words make them feel? 

They will change their perspective on how they view it as a fatal disease and in fact listed as one of the leading causes of death in the world.

December 13, 2021

Book Review by Jas: Uncomfortable Ideas by Dr. Bo Bennett

Prepare for a Bumpy Ride.

Many of our ideas about the world are based more on feelings than facts, sensibilities than science, and rage than reality. We gravitate toward ideas that make us feel comfortable in areas such as religion, politics, philosophy, social justice, love and sex, humanity, and morality. We avoid ideas that make us feel uncomfortable. This avoidance is a largely unconscious process that affects our judgment and gets in the way of our ability to reach rational and reasonable conclusions. By understanding how our mind works in this area, we can start embracing uncomfortable ideas and be better informed, be more understanding of others, and make better decisions in all areas of life.

Some uncomfortable ideas entertained in this book:

  • Political correctness can be harmful
  • Identity politics is a dangerous game
  • Morality is functionally democratic
  • Victims often do share some of the responsibility
  • God is a far more horrifying character than Satan
  • There is no such thing as freewill
  • Americans are manipulated into being pro-war
  • Non-whites can be racist, and women can be sexist
  • Some people do “choose to be gay”
  • Sometimes the bad guys win
  • Obese people are not perfect the way they are
  • It’s okay to find inappropriate jokes funny

Facts don’t care about feelings. Science isn’t concerned about sensibilities. And reality couldn’t care less about rage.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A bumpy ride indeed. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the content, it still manages to make one think critically about certain things, and that is always a good thing. What’s more, it is being presented in a non-threatening, clear, balanced, and objective way. A great way to tackle uncomfortable ideas.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Very eye-opening. Making us question the things that make them uncomfortable and why, is what we all need. Love it!”

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Definitely a book that requires some time for the readers to read and reflect on many uncomfortable aspects of life. I certainly enjoyed reading this book and took time to ponder upon the questions summarized at the end of the book. Many of the ideas discussed are something I have questioned myself before and as we humans have biasness, these questions may not always have a truthful answer and we may also find ourselves conflicting what we said in the past just because we now think differently and therefore think what was not acceptable in the past can now be accepted. I think it is especially true when it comes to relationships and polyamarous relationships. It can be a very difficult subject to handle but while polyamarous relationships are certainly possible, I would question the level of fulfillment one gets out of relationships as a whole, when attention is divided between many parties involved.
Likewise, the author has also mentioned that extreme feminism can cause people to question the reason behind the movement in the first place, which I agree.
I think this book is worth reading from the perspective of a professional who wrote the book to encourage people to embrace different ideas.

December 10, 2021

Book Reveal: Seven Doors to Salvation

After a year and a half of working on this personal project, I’m happy to finally reveal it to everyone. My first novel, Seven Doors to Salvation: A Tale of Darkness and Light, will arrive on December 13th, 2021, and it’ll be available to purchase exclusively on Amazon! I’ve worked hard on bringing this novel […]

Book Reveal: Seven Doors to Salvation
December 8, 2021

Book Review: Rumpelstiltskin’s Rules for Making Your Farthings Grow

“Rumpelstiltskin’s Rules for Making Your Farthings Grow is a charming introduction to investing! I have long felt that I should know more about the topic but have struggled to find resources that don’t confuse me or put me to sleep. This book solved both problems! It’s an engaging resource that has empowered me to be a better steward of my limited retirement funds.”

— Sally L. Bond, President & Senior Consultant, The Program Evaluation Group, LLC, Chapel Hill, NC

Ready to get a clue about investing and take charge of your financial future?

Before you sink a single dollar into the stock market, read Rumpelstiltskin’s Rules for Making Your Farthings Grow by Susan Laubach. It’s a fun, painless, and profitable introduction to the world of investing.

If terms like broker, bonds, and venture capital cause you to break out into a sweat, fear not! Laubach teaches through entertaining, colorful retellings of fables and fairy tales you already know by heart.

You’ll learn business and investing fundamentals right alongside The Three Little Pigs, Sleeping Beauty, Goldilocks, and more.

  • How are stocks and bonds different?
  • What causes a stock price to go up or down?
  • Why are earnings per share critical to understand?

You’ll even learn an easy-to-apply “secret formula” to discover if a stock price is a good value—or not!

Investment concepts are broken down in easy-to-understand, easy-to-remember language. Rumpelstiltskin’s seven rules will provide a foundation for all your future investments. (They’ll also equip you to sniff out the foxes and wolves selling bad investments).

These “rules” are essential for investing, served with a smile, so you can laugh while learning.

A practical summary and study guide at the back of the book further reinforces your knowledge and provides a quick refresher whenever you need it.

With Susan Laubach as your storyteller and guide, you can be sure you’re in good hands. She is a former Wall Street stockbroker and financial educator. She’s taught several levels of investment education to students aged 18 to 74. Better Investing Magazine called Laubach’s previous book “the most-well rounded source of basic stock information and education.”

Look, if Baby Bear can grow up to be a successful stock broker, then you can learn to invest, too.

Time is money, and there’s no better time to learn about investing than right now. Make Rumpelstiltskin’s Rules for Making Your Farthings Grow your first—or next—investment in your financial future. The knowledge you’ll gain will pay dividends for the rest of your life.

Review:

Rating: 5 out of 5.

This is a great book for older children to understand the crucial concepts in finance when they are young as they would otherwise struggle to be interested in learning as they grow older. I still remember Robert Kiyosaki’s book The Rich Dad Poor Dad and that was the first exposure to financial intelligence we got growing up, and that too when we were young adults. A book like this would definitely interest young kids to start understanding money literacy and the wisdoms from the author can be passed on to them at an early age in life. I love how the author has incorporated fairy-tale-like stories to make the concepts simpler, so that the kids remain interested when learning all 7 rules in investing.

December 8, 2021

An Interview with Author Bo Bennett

Bo Bennett

Bo was born in Connecticut where he lived until he was 21. He attended Bryant University where he paid his own way through by running a promotional business while also serving as a Resident Assistant.

At age 13, Bo started studying the martial arts. By Age 18, he earned his first degree black belt in Shaolin Kempo Karate. Since his first black belt, he has also earned a second degree black belt in Tae-Kwon-Do and continues to study several different styles. He is also passionate health and fitness.

Right after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Bo moved to Boulder, Colorado where after just five months, realized the “Rocky Mountain High” wasn’t for him. Missing his family, he moved back to Connecticut.

In 1994, Bo met his wife-to-be, Kim, at the bar “Archie Moore’s,” which is where they got the name for their first dog, Archie, which is where he got the name for his business. Bo and Kim moved to Boston, Massachusetts shortly after they met, got married, and been living in the Boston area happily ever since, with their dog, and two children.

For updates on Bo’s latest projects, visit BoBennett.com.

1. Why did you write the book? What was your motivation behind it?

I wrote this book because I noticed a disturbing trend: a vocal minority started to have tremendous influence over both individuals, our institutions, and businesses. This group deemed themselves the arbiters of political correctness and social justice. To even question these people is social and professional suicide. Even our academic institutions have swept aside the scientific method and scholarly debate in fear of the repercussions for disagreeing with these false gods and their rhetoric. The “uncomfortable idea” that the critical thinking community used to relish has now become the idea that should not be questioned—at least not publicly. This is a major societal problem that needs to be solved.

2. Who do you see as your main audience for this book and what do you hope they will get from reading your book?

This is the ironic part, or perhaps the challenge that I have as the author. The book does not cater to any one ideology. The political left and right will find things they agree with as well as things they disagree with. The religious and non-religious will be offended. Those with conservative values and more progressive values will be upset by something in this book. The question is, can the readers suspend their ideological zeal in favor of reason?

3. Why do you think you are the right person to write this book? How do you think your qualifications or experience make this a better book?

I have a PhD in social psychology. Although what we see happening with facts being denied and non-dangerous opposing views being silenced can be explained by multiple disciplinaries, social psychology offers the greatest insight, as well as solutions. Plus, I am generally indifferent about these topics, which allows my reason to prevail where others who are passionate about these topics allow their emotions to interfere with reason, leading to poor conclusions.

4. Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?

No. I am not embarrassed nor ashamed about any views I hold, especially the ideas I write about in this book. I don’t even share my views on the topics—I simply present the arguments that many people are afraid to present. Many of these arguments I don’t agree with, but I do present them.

5. Were there any topics you left out of the book because you were afraid of the consequences?

Yes and no. I wrote the first edition back in 2016 before the U.S. presidential election. I wrote an article about no matter who wins, we should support him or her (Trump was running against Clinton). After Trump won, I was so turned off by his behavior and his apparent disregard for honesty, that I removed the article from the book. Then about a year later, I put the article back in, realizing that what I wrote did not mean we need to agree with whoever is in office; just that we need to give the a fair shot, and avoid buying into the media rhetoric.

6. The book’s latest edition has just been published in November of 2021, five years after the first edition. Have you received any blowback from writing about such controversial and taboo topics?

I get the occasional “unfriending,” nasty comment, and one-star rating on my book because I offended someone. The university where I used to teach as an adjunct professor never invited me back. I can’t be sure it was because of this book, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it were.