Author Spotlight

It’s a priceless feeling to get special attention from readers and other authors. Knowing this, IBP has decided to publicize authors under the author spotlight category. Check out who the ‘author of the week’ is, connect with them and enhance your marketing strategies.

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

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 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.

December 8, 2021

An Interview with Susan Laubach 

Susan Laubach

Susan Laubach, PhD has had a distinguished career as an author, playwright, actress and educator. She has written nine books, including The Whole Kitt & Caboodle: A Painless Journey to Investment Enlightenment, which was called “the best basic book on investing available” by the National Association of Investment Clubs, and endorsed by Economics America, as well as the National Council on Economic Education. Her plays have been performed throughout the Northeast, including at venues such as Women at Work, MamaDrama, and EAT’s Sola Voce Festival. As a member of the Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the League of Professional Theatre Women (LTTW), and Dramatists Guild Fund treasurer and board member, she has appeared in many plays, television and film. She has also been a popular guest on CNN-FM and CNBC’s Morning Business Show, and The Money Club.

A mother of five children, including two sets of twins, she later rose through the ranks to become the first female vice president at the oldest investment bank in the U.S., Alex, Brown & Sons – but not before her fifteen-year stint teaching investing to over a thousand students. She earned her doctorate from the University of Virginia, and later taught at the College of Notre Dame.

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

I wrote the book as a series of cautionary tales because I saw a great need for them among potential and even long-time investors. My motivation was to address that need in a way that would encourage confidence and enable readers to remember the “rules” because of the story structure.

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

My main audience is the cohort of folks who want to invest but aren’t sure if they should. This includes people who find themselves with money from an inheritance or divorce but are scared to get started investing for fear of losing $$. as well as all Gens, X, Y, Z who think trading or penny stocks will make them rich overnight. Wrong.

3. How do you see this book being relevant today?

With so many opportunities to lose money in flaky securities or overpriced securities, this book is more relevant than ever. It is, however, “wintergreen” in that the “rules” will never be irrelevant.

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

Because of my many years as a stockbroker and simultaneously, nearly as many as an investment educator, I saw too many instances of investors failing to ask the pertinent questions (“what can go wrong?” “Is this price too high,” etc.) because they didn’t know the questions to ask. Consider me an investor’s advocate, arming readers with the most basic of ways to build confidence and knowledge about the Stockmarket. Being both an author and a playwright, I’m uniquely qualified to write readable and memorable stories which I hope will also amuse.

5. How did you come up with the idea for the book?

I came up with the idea for this book because I wanted a way for readers to remember these important “rules” and embedding them in re-told fairy tales seemed an effective way to do this.

6. Can you share a little bit about the process of writing the book? Did you keep writing once you sat down?

Once I hit on the idea of embedding investment rules in silly fairy tales, it was challenging and fun to match the rules with appropriate stories. Having been a teacher of Creative Dramatics, I also felt that kids would have a good time while learning important investment lessons if they acted out each story. This enabled me to make sure each “rules’” story had plenty of action. And yes, once I saw down, I kept on writing. No blogging and no writers’ block.

December 3, 2021

An Interview with Sybrina Durant

Sybrina Durant

Hi! I’m Sybrina. . .. . .Just one of millions of wannabe author/singer/songwriters out there but I hope, after reading or hearing my books and songs, you’ll think my contributions to the world have as much value as any other famous artist out there today.

Fame is all in being in the right place at the right time but at least with the internet and venues like this, all of us have opportunities to share our creativity with the world. I’m so happy that I am able to share my works with you. That is awesome!

The books I’ve written span a wide range between illustrated picture books, coloring books and YA novels to technical and how-to books. If you’re so inclined you can read a little bit about the inspiration for each one here. Enjoy!

1. Whats the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?
I wish I could ge into Sybrina’s head and live in her world is one of the most memorable things a reader has ever said about one of my books. It was a unicorn fantasy novel so it was pretty colorful. 

2. How long does it take to write a book?
There are many factors to consider in answering that question. An entire book idea can come in a flash or in a dream and writing the first draft can be pretty quick. But if you’re writing a picture book, you have to remember that good illustrations take a lot of time so you could be waiting months after you finished your writing before you have the final art work. Also, when writing a novel, the edits consume way more time than you ever possibly imagine when you flashed out that first draft. 

3. What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?
Getting published is easy…you have to do it yourself these days because there is so much competition out there that trying to get noticed by a traditional publisher is like trying to find the proverbial needle in a haystack. There are many self-publishing avenues available so that makes it easy. Writing, is easy for me as well, though it might not be for everyone. That one is subjective. Marketing is the hardest and frankly for me, the most fun part of the whole enterprise. In fact, I now consider myself an authorpreneur rather than just a writer. One of my ways to market is to start an online bookstore and gift shop for every type of book that I write. I became an Amazon affiliate so that I could easily create stores and find suitable products to offer. For instance, my Learn To Tie With The Rabbit and The Fox book series has a store featuring learn to tie books, fox books, rabbit books and manual dexte rity books and games by lots of other authors. My basic philosophy is if you can’t beat them, join them. 

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

I’ve been writing the Learn To Tie With The Rabbit and The Fox seriies of books for 30 years. I started out with a little book to teach how to tie a neck tie. Six books later, I’ve finally finished Boo’s Shoes, a story that teaches tying shoelaces in a fun way. It’s about a little bunny who doesn’t think he needs to learn how to tie his shoelaces because he has slip ons, pull ons and velcro fastened shoes for every activity that he loves. His friend Farah fox comes along and shows him that there are many reasons to learn to lace and tie up knots in ropes and strings. Her excitement and belief in his abilities encourages him to learn a new skill. 

December 3, 2021

Author Interview with M.J. Krem

Image

I am an up-and-coming author who just released my first book entitled Heart of Gold on Amazon. I love animals and have a saltwater fish tank. I am a laid-back girl just trying to bring happiness to others with my writing and maybe teach people a few things along the way. I am an advocate for human rights, BLM, LGBTQ+ and will always try to do my best to help in this world when human rights are involved.

Where are you from?

I am from Phoenix, Arizona

Why do you write? 

I write for many reasons, the first of which is that I just really enjoy it. I also really like creating poems, short stories and things that bring others joy. It’s probably very similar to when you cook something and get to see people or hear about how people enjoyed it, it warms my heart.

What do you write about?

I try to write about several different topics, my new book is about PTSD and mental health, I also have poems about coping and healing as well. But I’m a sucker for love poems, and stories about underdogs that overcome the odds.

Do you have a specific writing style?

My writing style is probably pretty weird to most people, I just kinda sit down and right. I let my creativity flow and then format and edit after, which while I am writing is great, but the future me that edits it is never happy about it.

What are obstacles that come in the way of writing? 

I think like most people today, having time and money. Our bills, responsibilities and just life make it hard to sit down and do the things that make us happy let alone having the ability to actually chase their dream. So having the ability to be able to have the extra time to write is challenging sometimes.

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

I think it has to be the simple thing of having people let me know it made them smile or brought them joy.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing poetry on and off since high school, however I started my Indy author journey about two and a half yours ago.

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

I wanted to become a writer at a young age, as early as I can remember. I also had problems sleeping, so I would create stories in my head to entertain myself. I will admit it was never a main job choice, but I also had the dream of writing a book.

What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

I can right as the mood strikes me, I found out early on that forcing myself to write lead to unimaginative boring works. That being said I tend to write more late at night like after 11PM and can sometimes go until 5AM the next morning.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I like to listen to music when I work, this sometimes makes me get up and dance when a good song comes on. I try to keep my spirits in a happy creative place, so I try to have fun with it.

How long does it take to write a book?

My newly released book took me a little over 2 years, that did include several breaks where I worked on other things and also got too busy with work and life to focus on it.

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

Take feedback and run with it, not all feedback you get will be good. However, if your audience is telling you to work on something work on it. Get that feedback its scary, I remember always fearing showing anyone my work. Later in life though I learned from Ms. Brene Brown, that you have to get into the arena of life and take chance and be vulnerable to truly grow as a person and to achieve your dreams. That vulnerability is what allows you to fail, learn, grow and the opportunity allows you to succeed.

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

I always try to create a story that not only is interesting to read but has a message in it too. I grew up in the millennial generation, we had cartoons that taught you lessons and values. I got to see Mr. Rodgers teach us about being kind and so many other things. That inspired me to try and do the same thing with my work, and that’s the challenge being entertaining and informative you gotta try and stay away from being preachy and try to not ruin your message by glossing over it by focusing too much on entertainment.

What do you think makes a good story?

Something that makes you want to come back to it, that hook that makes you go, I gotta see what happens next. I think that we’ve all stayed up way past our bedtimes and both children and adults watching a TV show. Those late-night Netflix binges that make you need an extra strong iced coffee the next morning while you try not to fall asleep in a meeting.

What does your family think of your writing? 

They always encouraged my writing, However I was very private and protective over my work for a long time, so they probably didn’t know till recently that I wrote.

Do you see writing as a career?

I really hope I can make a living off writing; I don’t need to be a rich author or anything like that. I do want to have the ability to be my own boss that writing brings. I want to be able to spend time with my family, my boyfriend and try to do some good things in the world and time is a very valuable resource for that.

Do you have anything specific you would like to tell the readers?

Yes, I would urge anyone in need of help to go and get it. The social stigma alone can scare many people away, especially men as the very wrong perception of it makes it seem like they are weak for getting help. I believe however, it is strong to get help not weak. Mental health is very important, and you need to heal from mental trauma just like physical trauma. The bottom line is, go get help if you need it. That is way I included resources in my book and will continue to always do that. There is a page dedicated to the to resources for those who need in the back of my book. Phone numbers for people to call for several different issues, hopefully by doing that it helps at least one person.

Link to my Patreon for more content including free content: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=62717929

November 17, 2021

Author Interview with Chris Patrick

Chris Patrick is a real estate consultant and founder of The Patrick Group, a premier real estate firm in Las Vegas. With over $100 million sold since 2013, he was named in the top 1% for all Las Vegas Realtors and the number one top producer for Signature Real Estate Group. Previously, he owned three successful businesses and spent 15 satisfying years in sales, marketing, and customer service.

A hard-partying snowboard bum turned successful businessman, Chris’s rise to success was hard-earned and well-deserved. From a young age, he faced adversity as the son of an abusive father in a struggling family. At age 12, he was wrongly accused of and arrested for a horrible crime that destroyed his reputation, leaving him to deal with the trauma in the aftermath of the accusation. Through trials and tribulations, Chris persevered despite setbacks on the road to his eventual success, such as business failures, loss, and heartbreak. He hopes to inspire others to see the opportunity within their own failures, rather than shame and defeat, and overcome their serious hardships, traumatic events, or struggles in order to live their absolute best lives.

Chris currently lives in Las Vegas with his wife Erin, daughter Jameson, and three dogs. Learn more at chrispatrick.net.

Where are you from?

I’m originally from the Bay Area California, then spent 10 years in Colorado snowboarding and I currently live in Las Vegas Nevada.

Why do you write?

I love expressing myself through the written word and find it to be not only a great artistic outlet but a fantastic way to help others.

What do you write about?

Life. I think I have a pretty unique perspective, having gone through some of things I’ve gone

through, and I believe I have valuable information and insight to share with the world. Plus, I like to laugh at my own jokes.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I write in a very conversational tone, like two friends talking over a couple of beers (and shots) at the bar. I’m not opposed to dropping a few expletives if it helps to make a point either, but that’s what friends do!

What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?

Time, mostly. My wife and I have a new baby daughter that we really love spending time with so I have to set aside time specifically for writing.

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

I’m so grateful and blessed that I have been able to have a positive impact on people’s lives. I get a lot of notes, messages and emails telling me how people have made significant

improvements in their lives after reading some of my work. It’s very humbling to say the least.

How long have you been writing?

Disasters To Dreams took about one solid year to write, so about that long professionally.

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

My wife and I had just attended a Mike Dooley event in Reno and we got back to the hotel that night and started talking about manifesting our dreams. We somehow got on the subject of writing a book since one of Mike Dooley’s books, Infinite Possibilities, had really inspired me years earlier. I was telling her about some of the crazy things that had happened to me during my life and she said ‘you should write a book about that’.

What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

For me, inspiration comes in waves and I try to capitalize on it when it’s high tide. It doesn’t

always work out that way, but in an ideal world I would sit at the computer and write whenever the ideas start coming. Sometimes that happens at 2 in the morning.

Disasters To Dreams: A Gritty Guide to Finding Success In The Face Of Failure: Patrick, Chris: 9780578954547: Amazon.com: Books

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I guess I’m a ‘seat of your pants’ writer in that I’ll start with a general concept but not really have any idea where it’ll end up. I just kind of go with the flow so to speak. I find it more enjoyable than drafting an outline like many writers do. It seems to come more naturally that way for me.

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

Just write. No matter how bad it is, just start. It seems like a no brainer but the only way you get good at something is to keep doing it.

What do you think makes a good story?

I feel that to make an interesting story and a great read you have to keep the reader in mind

first. Make it about them. Of course you also have to have a hero that your readers can relate to, and you have to make the reader care about what happens to the hero.

What does your family think of your writing?

My family has been very supportive of my writing, my amazing wife in particular. She basically held the household together for us while I was off doing my thing during the writing of Disasters To Dreams. I definitely couldn’t have done it without her.

Do you see writing as a career?

Absolutely! It’s important that we all chase our dreams and being a great writer is something I’ve thought about for a long time.

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

Yes, I’ve learned over the years that everyone has the same incredible powers at their disposal. I’ve learned that even if you don’t know why something happened to you at that time, eventually you will. I’ve also learned that nobody’s life has been perfect, and that’s a good thing. And no matter where you find yourself right now, you have it within you to live the life you really want.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

As soon as Disasters To Dreams launched on 10/21/21.

Do you have links that you’d like to share for others to read?

Absolutely! Readers can visit my website here where they can read the latest blogs, connect

with me on social media and I even have a free download available now: FROM ROADBLOCK TO ROCK STAR – Smash the 10 Mental Roadblocks Holding You Back from Rockstar Status

Home

November 15, 2021

Author Interview with Amy Key Zaret

Ever since she sported pigtails and had a huge crush on Bobby Brady, Amy Key has been turning her romantic daydreams into stories. Writer is her official job title, but Amy considers herself a semi-professional fangirl due to her obsession with the television show Supernatural. Her other abilities include ninja reading skills and the ability to constantly learn. She lives with her husband and dog in Dallas, Texas, and she would love to hear from you at amykeyzaret@gmail.com or on https://www.facebook.com/amykeywriter.

Describe yourself in five words

happy, optimistic, intelligent, fun, and kind

What fact about yourself would really surprise people?

People would be surprised that I wanted to be a herpetologist when I was young, that I love roller coasters, and that I intend to skydive someday.

How do you work through self-doubts and fear? 

I pivot off of negative thoughts as quickly as possible. I believe in the law of attraction and that my thoughts create my reality, so it’s important to work through doubt and fear fast.

What scares you the most? 

I am afraid of being the lone survivor of a zombie apocalypse.

What makes you happiest? 

I love traveling and going to the movies with my husband.

Why do you write? 

I write to teach people, even in my fiction.

Have you always enjoyed writing? 

Yes, I wrote stories from an early age.

What motivates you to write? 

I want to teach and entertain people.

What writing are you most proud of?

My latest book, Attract Love Now!, makes me very proud because I know that it will help people find happiness in love.

What are you most proud of in your personal life? 

I am proud of raising my sons and I am proud that I started over at the age of 42 and met and married the man of my dreams!

What books did you love growing up? 

I loved Cinderella, The Little Princess, The Secret Garden, and many more!

What do you hope your obituary will say about you? 

I hope that I will live to be 104 years old and that I will be known as a person who taught and helped others.

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

I grew up in Dallas, Texas, USA, and I still live here.

How did you develop your writing?

I wrote and wrote and wrote. Practice is the only way to improve writing. Also, I have a master’s degree in humanities and I did many creative writing courses.

What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing? 

I find marketing to be the most challenging.

Do you find it hard to share your work? 

No, I love to share what I have written.

Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you? 

My family is extremely encouraging and supportive.

What else do you do, other than write? 

I read, go to movies, travel, exercise, and go to fan conventions for the show Supernatural.

What other jobs have you had in your life? 

I was an English and European history teacher for fifteen years.

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

I would still pick literature, history, and art

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

I would love to live in England or New Orleans, Louisiana.

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

I write on a laptop, mostly.

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

I would love to thank my husband, Mike, for his wholehearted support of me and my work!

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

I am a successful writer when people read and enjoy my books.

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

Attract Love Now is a guide intended to help people meet the romantic partner of their dreams. I wrote it to be an inspiration to anyone who despairs of ever finding soulmate love.

What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?

I want people to have hope after reading my latest book. No matter what your age, weight, or appearance, you can have true love.

November 12, 2021

An Interview with Author Daniela Joy Voigt

Daniela Joy Voigt

Joy Voigt (Daniela), born in Mexico, has spent the better part of the last two decades traveling and learning across many places on the globe. Deeply passionate about the intersection between the primordial human experience and her spiritual journey, she has spent much of her life living in Buddhist Temples and meditation centers. A massage therapist by trade, she finds much of her expression through multiple mediums such as writing, making music, dancing, weaving and floral sculpture. Joy’s main interest in life is learning the art of true listening.

Please visit http://www.mandalasproject.com for updates on upcoming releases, as well as other offerings.

Describe yourself in five words

Open, curious, intrigued by life

What fact about yourself would really surprise people? 

At the core, I am a very shy person even though many folks think of me as open, confident and bold. And, this book itself is quite surprising. If you met me, you’d never think I’d write a dark fiction and I too never expected to have quite a lot of darkness come through in my writing. But there you go.

How do you work through self-doubts and fear? 

I am quite curious about fear. I find it to be a goldmine, usually. Beneath its rough façade, if I keep my ear to the ground on it and stay humble, it usually reveals some deep untapped resources within myself.

What scares you the most?

Letting fear fester inside me.

What makes you happiest? 

Loving others.

Why do you write? 

Because I deeply enjoy it and learn so much about myself through the process. I find writing accesses parts of myself that no other medium are able to tap into.

Have you always enjoyed writing? 

Yes, even as a little girl I’d spend a lot of time coming up with lyrics in my head and found quite an ignited part of me when doing so. As I said, I am quite shy so writing really suits my introverted need to express myself.

What motivates you to write? 

I can’t say that I do much in the order of self-motivation. Inspiration usually gallops into my world in the most unexpected of moments and it’s one of those things where I either get on the ride with it or it quite literally passes me by, in search perhaps, of someone willing to listen and take the adventure.

What writing are you most proud of?

My latest novel, ¨Fox Woman Dreaming¨ and a poem I wrote while being in a long winter retreat titled, ¨The Bounty.¨

What are you most proud of in your personal life? 

It’s not exactly being proud of it since I didn’t do much to deserve this, but I really appreciate that there seems to be a seemingly great store of kindness that is always on tap for my friends and for people I care for. I really appreciate that about myself.

What books did you love growing up? 

I was a big Nancy Drew fan and my dad introduced me to Greek myths when I was quite young so I’ve always had some gravitational pull toward them, even as a young one. 

What do you hope your obituary will say about you? 

Answered the call when friends asked for help.

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

I grew up in Mexico and have lived in many, many places across the globe. I currently reside in a small emerald island of the coast of Washington called Friday Harbor.

How did you develop your writing?

I’d say it’s a two part recipe: Firstly reading a ton – I’d read so much that, to this day, the librarians of many of the places I have lived in are close buddies of mine. Secondly, needing an outlet to understand chapters of my life. Although principally writing fiction and poetry, writing has become a kind of self-discovery tool that keeps me coming back for more. In many ways, I would say that I feel courted by words and it’s not so much that I am doing the writing but more that I have gotten a front row seat to the wild and almost mystical world of language.

What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing? 

I find marketing to be the area I know the least about and hence sometimes deem it as hard. But calling it hard makes it sound like it is undoable, or at least that’s how I interpret it. I’d call it the area that I am most in the state of continuous learning.

What marketing works for you? 

Interviews seem to really work for me.

Do you find it hard to share your work? 

Only when I make it about myself. Otherwise, it feels quite organic.

Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you? 

Oddly yes! And they are quite the fuel to my fire. I’m not quite sure what I did to deserve such incredible people in my life but I am forever grateful to the close circle friends and family that I have.

What else do you do, other than write? 

I am a bodyworker by trade and a musician by enjoyment.

What other jobs have you had in your life? 

That’s a very long list.

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

Uh-oh. Only one? I’d choose Dance but would sit in the back of many a physiotherapy class and epistemology course.

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

I often get hit with a chapter of a book or poem while I am far from any writing implement so I memorize as much of it as I can and have actually sprinted to my computer to catch the words before they fly away.

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

My friends, deeply. I would be a crust of a human being if it weren’t for the amount of love, support and care that I have received continuously over many years.

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

I have fun and like myself throughout the whole process.

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

My campaign is a bit of a learn as I go methodology. Maybe not the best strategy but it’s kind of my only choice at the moment.

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

¨Fox Woman Dreaming¨ is a dark fiction that explores the subject of repression, utopia and the wild human spirit. It follows the story of Sybil, a Dreammaker who lives in a world where people have been tailored to be the Perfect versions of themselves, disallowing any of the more uncouth and wilder sides of the human psyche to be around. Sybil works for the Company, a corporation that sells dreams to Consumers, manicuring reality with a very particular set of morals. It is when Sybil discovers that there is more to her than a Good and Correct person that things get a little strange and so begins her journey into discovering more about her humanity and, ultimately, her own voice.

I wrote it because I needed to grapple with my own understanding of being Good and Correct. Morality is a place of great inner questioning for me. I lived for about two decades in a state of discipleship and, as of late, I am exploring what it is like to embody what I have learned and what it would look like for my own voice to take root within me.  

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

I deeply enjoy beholding nature, that is one of the most relaxing things I can do. That, and watching YouTube videos of animals being rescued. I am a big sucker for that.

I have a 28 day pre-sale link available with special perks for folks buying the book before it is released.

Kickstarter link: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1776416211/fox-woman-dreaming-and-on-becoming-human?ref=thanks-share&fbclid=IwAR0uLcRzelVxABP_LLQZbSFebS66gYDnYFOMXPNLTpgV3lGGhEFinfNrI0o

My website: www.mandalasproject.com

November 11, 2021

Author Interview with Alex G. Zarate

Alex G. Zarate

Long (LONG) ago, Alex was born somewhere in Texas when a rip in space/time opened a dimensional rift that nearly wiped out all of humanity. (It might have been a little different but he was newborn and hadn’t thought to take notes.)

Alex writes books, creates worlds and ventures forth to take pictures of this planet he shares with you kind co-inhabitants of this lovely blue orb.  (Thank you for that. Y’all are great!)  It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, so when he posts online, this is always at the forefront of his mind.  Some of the words he uses are shared wisdom and others are hopeful insights.

Feel free to check out the Instagram link below.  (Don’t be afraid.  It won’t bite.) 

Alex also likes to draw and illustrate his books.  He is constantly crafting stories in his head when he should be paying attention to the road.  But until he can stop time, (This is on his “To-do” list)  he will make do with the allotted hours at his disposal.

Despite the limited time span of each day and the grim reaper trying to sneak up on him whenever he gets distracted by shiny things, Alex follows his passions.

Most of all, he creates.

Whether it is the next book in a series, a blog topic to cover, a new place to take pictures that he just can’t get out of his head or new illustrations that continue to prompt him for more tweaking, Alex seeks out new and creative ways of expressing himself.

In the meantime, Alex travels to distant worlds, fights monsters on a bi-weekly basis, peers into alternate dimensions when they grab his attention and once in a while, when the inclination is upon him… he saves the world.

It’s a hobby.

Alex sleeps between blinks or when his eyes close unexpectedly.

He and Snoopy have word sprints for fun on weekends and holidays

Where are you from?

I’m originally from Massol, a small town on the moon.  No, not this one.  Around Saturn.  Nice little place but pricey.  I like it here more.  Better sunsets, interesting people.  Plus, the air is free!

Why do you write?

It’s a calling. I’m a creative. Writing is part of who I am.

What do you write about?

Other worlds, mysteries, fighting darkness and reaching for the light

Do you have a specific writing style?

My style falls somewhere between Dean Koontz, Ray Bradbury and Edgar Allen Poe

What are obstacles that come in the way of writing? 

Mostly allocating time to the task. Scheduling is key to any creative lifestyle.

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

That my book was the best thing to come along when they needed help with overcoming life’s challenges.

How long have you been writing?

All my life

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

When I realized books were written by people

What is your work schedule like when you are writing?

Mostly I write at night. I do some writing during the day but I write well into midnight every night.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I like to have classical music playing, a snack on hand and coffee or tea to sip

How long does it take to write a book?

Some have taken months and others, years. It varies depending on the project.

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

Read lots and write more.

What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story? The challenge of describing what I see in my head. When the story is taking shape, I want to follow it full steam but describing every scene and character turns a complicated scene into a project in itself.

What do you think makes a good story?

Good characters, relatable situations and a worthwhile struggle by the end.

What does your family think of your writing?

My family always discouraged me from writing until I became a published author.

Do you see writing as a career?

Definitely

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

I want you all to enjoy what I write. My Nonfiction is meant to encourage everyone on a daily basis. My Fiction has dark situations but will always have a happy ending to look forward to.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I always considered my self a writer. A writer writes. Am I a bestseller? No. A household name? No. Am I following my writing passion? Always.

https://www.facebook.com/aIexgzarate/

https://anchor.fm/alex-g-zarate

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