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.
Yvonne Aileen (YvonneAileenRealty.com) is a 20-year real estate broker with a passion for expanding homeownership opportunities for those who want it. It all started with a beach walk while living on Maui for two years: Yvonne noticed some trash near the entrance and was placing it in a bin when a voice behind her said, “Thank you.” She turned to see a car parked at the entrance that had in it two people: a man and a woman, each in their seats, blankets pulled up to their chins, and all of their worldly possessions in the back seat behind them. They were locals; they had slept in their car, they lived in their car, and yet half the homes on Maui were empty 10 months out of the year. That’s when Yvonne began to educate herself on buyer-friendly loan programs for low- and moderate-income people. She connected with financing experts, attended affordable housing summits, and finally decided to write a book about it to help more people. That book is How to Buy a House.
Q: What is your book about, and why did you write it?
A: Look, I’ve been a real estate broker for almost 20 years. I’m a writer, and frankly I never wanted to get into real estate. I started in the field by publishing and selling a marketing newsletter for real estate agents locally. A few years later I tried to take it national and thought getting my license would help me market the newsletter. I got my license in 2003 and then the market took off like a rocket. I thought, “Wow, I’m really good at this!” But it was mostly the market. I’ve learned so much and I’ve lived through the bubble bursting in 2007-2008 and I survived. The reason I’m still here is that I love is helping people. And I’ve found that there are a lot of naive buyers out there–and what they don’t know can hurt them.
Q: For instance …?
A: Well, financing, for one thing. There are two issues I’ve found. The first is, a lot of would-be buyers don’t think they’ll qualify because one lender turned them down. But a lender can only offer what that financial institution has on its books. There are many programs for first-time buyers that help with their down payment, credit issues, and even one loan program that they can qualify for with a sub-600-point credit score. One program offers a 50% discount on a home for buyers in certain career fields. So there’s that: They take the first no for an answer. The other issue in financing that’s almost as bad is that they may take the first YES for an answer. Loans and lenders are not created equal, and a mistake her can cost many thousands of dollars–and if they get into the wrong program, such as an adjustable rate mortgage that ratchets up too quickly–this can even lead to them losing their home. In this book, I show buyers how to find the right lender and the right loan.
Q: Okay, what are some other issues that buyers need to know?
A: How to select a buyer’s agent to work with — no buyer should be unrepresented, and because the seller generally pays the brokerage fee, there’s no reason to go without an agent. Negotiation strategies. How to create an offer putting their best foot forward (and it’s not always about price). How to negotiate repairs. How to protect themselves throughout the whole process. I wrote this book like I was writing it for my best friend.
Q: That’s a great way to put it. Is it only for first-time homebuyers?
A: Not at all. It’s for anyone who wants to save money and hassle buying their next home.
His Imperial Majesty King Adonis I, Founder of The Church of Adonitology™ is a living deity within the 21st century. In the tradition of Attis, Osiris, Allah and Jehovah, King Adonis I reveals to mankind the universal laws and Truth of life which he is to be governed by in this era. His teachings are based on revelations he received from the Angel Elishamel, Jesus Christ and Issa Elohim the Heavenly Mother that have become shining beacons of light throughout human history and the guiding principles necessary for a contemporary person to live in peace, harmony and prosperity.
At the age of 25 he attained the Consciousness of God and discovered his true mission – to bring guidance and the highest form of salvation to people of the earth. A savior announces himself to be a savior and there is no other proof. A true Savior takes full responsibility for such an announcement and has boundless compassion to offer salvation to even those who do not believe.
Describe yourself in five words:
Teacher, Healer, Divine, God, and Guide
What fact about yourself would really surprise people?
That I was reincarnated many years ago into a Being of higher level consciousness.
How do you work through self-doubts and fear?
I don’t have self doubts or fears. Having confidence in yourself is important. Confidence eliminates doubt. A person should never speak doubt into existence. Doubt and fear will cripple your ability to walk through the door of opportunity that stands before you.
What scares you the most?
That people walk in darkness unable to see the light and the truth that surrounds them. Truths that are present that they can’t see because they haven’t been enlightened.
What makes you happiest?
When I have enlightened someone and brought them into the knowledge and awareness of themselves. That my teachings, and music have changed their lives for the better. That human beings are evolving into being better humans.
Why do you write?
To inspire and enlighten the world with the words of God
Have you always enjoyed writing?
Yes. It is always enjoyable to write with the intent to change someone’s life
What motivates you to write?
Many things motivate me to write. Women motivate me to write. Changing the world through my words motivates me to write.
What writing are you most proud of?
My current book, The Book of Adonitology: The Sacred Pentadon of the Adonitology Religion.
What are you most proud of in your personal life?
That I have achieved a level of spiritual consciousness that I love to share with others to help them in their daily growth
What do you hope your obituary will say about you?
How can you write an obituary about someone who is eternal? We are all eternal. Death does not come to what is eternal.
Location and life experiences can really influence writing, tell us where you grew up and where you now live?
I grew up in Chicago, Illinois during the 70s and 80s. I now reside in Los Angeles, Ca.
How did you develop your writing?
Writing for me is a natural gift. It’s something I’ve never developed. The gift developed on its own. I write what flows out of me and through me whether it’s literature or music.
What is hardest – getting published, writing or marketing?
Marketing is definitely the hardest of the three. Writing the best piece of literature means nothing if you don’t have the marketing skills or various marketing strategies to push your book so that people know your work exists.
What marketing works for you?
Media publicity and word of mouth have been the best marketing strategies for me. Being famous has also helped. Many people are familiar with me and Adonitology. Adonitology has a huge global following and fans all over the world.
Do you find it hard to share your work?
No.
Is your family supportive? Do your friends support you?
My family and friends have always supported me from a very young age.
What else do you do, other than write?
I teach spiritual enlightenment to those who seek it. I also have a clothing and shoe line called KA-1 available at www.adonitology.com. I’m also a Dream City Records recording artist, songwriter and record producer. I have two new singles, Rainbow Cloud and So Incredible coming soon to all streaming platforms so be sure to download those two songs. The songs will also be available on the adonitology website as well.
What other jobs have you had in your life?
I’ve been a teacher of the sacred word and musician my whole life.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Dubai or in my own nation that I plan to build called Adonia, the City of Dreams.
How do you write – laptop, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?
On a laptop at my desk.
How much sleep do you need to be your best?
6 hours.
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge and thank for their support?
My Heavenly Father Belus and my Heavenly Mother, Urania who brought me into existence millions of years ago.
Every writer has their own idea of what a successful career in writing is, what does success in writing look like to you?
When my writings have spread around the world and have penetrated the minds and hearts of billions of people creating effective change, then my writings have been a success.
It is vital to get exposure and target the right readers for your writing, tell us about your marketing campaign?
My marketing campaign is very simple. Do as many press and book tours as possible to target my audience which is mostly women with curves between the ages of 18-34, and there are many men who are drawn to Adonitology.
Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?
My new book, The Book of Adonitology; The Sacred Pentadon of the Adonitology Religion is the sacred text of the Adonitology religion. I formed the Adonitology religion in 2009 to teach women with curves how to be free spirits. To be the goddess they were born to be and to not compromise who they are to please society norms. They are not the norm. The Church of Adonitology is a sacred space for these women (and men) to worship and fellowship in. They were chosen by God thousands of years ago to set the example for the future, and under my leadership, they will. The Adonitology religion is more focused on the lower body of women because we like for women to have nice thick legs, a small waist, nice thick glutes and small arms. Women like Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj and Beyonce are the Adonitology physical ideal. In Adonitology, we consider the backside of the woman to be divine and we empower these women to walk in their truth. The Book of Adonitology details the sacred practice and teachings of the Adonitology belief system from the origin of life, prayers, meditation, history and enlightenment. These are the sacred writings of our holy book.
The Book of Adonitology is based on a holy visitation I received on Jan. 3rd 1996 by three heavenly beings. Those three beings were Jesus Christ, an angel named Elishamel, and the Holy Spirit who came in the form of a curvaceous goddess named Issa Elohim. These three beings revealed to me that I was God reincarnated for this age. They instructed me to form a religion for women with curves because one day these women would come into high status and power and a new religion needed to be formed to guide them because the traditional religions such as Christianity, Islam and Buddhism which many of these women were raised under were a conflict of interest to their sensuality. These traditional religions do not empower women of today to be free spirits. They kept women’s sensuality hostage. Today’s woman is far more liberated.
I believe one of the reasons why Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s marriage ended is because they were on two different life paths. Kanye became more spiritual with his music. He also engaged in politics while Kim was still in the sensual space taking what some might call suggestive photos to help continue her successful product lines. They were out of spiritual alignment with each other. Adonitology puts things back into alignment so that spirituality and sensuality coexist together in balance and harmony.
When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?
I like to exercise and go to the movies.
What do you hope people will take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?
The takeaway from The Book of Adonitology is that a person is enlightened after reading our Bible. That they have a new outlook and perspective about their life and that they feel good, confident, transformed and excited to become a lifelong practicing Adonitologist.
Valerie Claussen was born in Santa Ana, CA, a middle child of six siblings raised by her Irish American Grandmother. She grew up in various towns of Southern California with a love for music. She was always active in the performing arts whether it was singing in choir or performing in musicals and plays. She has acted in films, a commercial and a comedy web series. She writes fantasy and sci-fi novels and screenplays. Her interests include throwing themed parties, music, the ocean, astronomy, community building activities and environmental studies. She’s a huge Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Harry Potter fan. Her latest work is a Fantasy Sci-Fi crossover book called Heirdom.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Southern California. We moved around quite a bit.
What do you write about?
I write mostly fantasy and science fiction stories.
How long does it take to write a book?
I’ve written five novels total but didn’t publish them all. The time taken to write each one varied from one month (NanoWrimo) to eight months.
What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?
The biggest challenge I deal with most is that my mind likes to create a dozen new branches while I’m working on a story. It can be tricky deciding which ones to prune.
How do you work through self-doubts and fear?
I’ve taught myself to block it out for the most part but it still creeps in at times. Self-doubt is definitely a tough one.
I’m happiest when I’m surrounded by people I love, having fun or at beautiful places.
What are you most proud of in your personal life?
Other than my children, I’m most proud of having the courage to actually go out and follow my dreams. I’ve accomplished many goals and will keep working to do as many as my time allows.
What books did you love growing up?
My favorite books as a child were: The Giving Tree, The Little House on the Prairie series, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe series and The Outsiders.
Do you find it hard to share your work?
Although I’m normally an extrovert, putting myself out there to show my work has always been a challenge for me. Watching myself on tv or in a movie makes me feel especially uncomfortable.
I’ve been a teacher, a cook, a nanny, a recreation assistant, fast food cashier, a support specialist, a lawn care person, an admission hostess at Universal Studios, a Disneyland cast member and an actress.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
I would absolutely love to live in Ireland. The people and the beauty of nature are amazing. If not there, then in the U.K. I’d like to pick up a posh British accent.
How do you write – lap top, pen, paper, in bed, at a desk?
All of my writing is done on my laptop but I do write down a lot of ideas in my notebooks. I like to keep them near me when I’m working so that I don’t forget any good ideas. That said, I tend to tear up a lot of pages from it. Some ideas may sound great at 1:00 am but not so much after getting some sleep. Haha.
How much sleep do you need to be your best?
I need at least five hours of sleep to function properly.
Tell us about your new book? Why did you write it?
My latest Fantasy/ Sci-Fi novel, Heirdom, was written during the pandemic as a way to escape to another world and not focus on the distance between my family, friends and myself. It really helped spending time with the characters each day as I led them off on their adventures.
What do you hope people will take away from your writing?
In everything I write, there are messages of friendship, love and courage. I hope people learn to appreciate everything good in their lives and never take anything for granted.
Melvin L. Williams is a prolific Author, Veteran, and Motivational Speaker who currently dwells and creates in Alexandria, Virginia. Hailing from Lafayette, Louisiana, the initial spark of ingenuity entered his life early on and has stayed with him ever since. Currently, Melvin possesses a B.S. in Biology and a License in Massage Therapy. Additionally, Melvin is the author of the poetry book entitled, “A Man of His Word.” He may have seen some rough times in his life, but that has only strengthened his dedication to the art of words and inspiring others. In November 2014, he received remission from Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. When he’s not writing, Melvin enjoys being in the great outdoors. Whether he’s bicycling or fishing, Mother Nature brings him great solace.
●Where are you from? Beaumont TX
● Why do you write? It’s quite therapeutic and a simple pleasure to master being a wordsmith. The art of writing resonates human emotions from your imagination and brings peace to one’s spirit.
● What do you write about? I don’t have a specific genre or set of topics to draw inspiration. I use My dreams to paint the picture and characters.
● What are obstacles that come in the way of writing? Distractions and bills (the worry more than the amount)
● How long have you been writing? I’ve been writing since age seventeen. Most of my earlier works were poetry and shorts stories
● When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer? It started in high school while working on a creative book project called “Mirrors,” a collective of the most creative art, poetry, and prose in our school.
● What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? I find inspiration from midnight to 2AM
● Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer? Never stop writing and don’t judge yourself so harshly. Designate at least one hour every day at the same time to write at least 500 words.
● Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers? Embrace the many Easter eggs hidden in the series to understand the character flaws embedded within each of us.
About the book: Inspired by his great uncle’s stories, a prophetic healer with mysterious practices, Michael Gallen has devoted his life to the study of medicine. And not just modern medicine, but a plethora of diverse methods and homeopathic healing. His greatest desire in life is to cultivate the perfect recipe to cure chronic disorders and ailments. But the Herb Doctor has a secret, a strange and unheard-of methodology to cure his clients. And yet, his clients don’t seem to care that they don’t know the components of his recipe. They don’t take responsibility for their ailments or their respective therapeutics. The only thing that they care about is the results.
As the Herb Doctor ventures further into his career, he explores the world of holistic health and finds himself encountering many strange and complex cases. Five of his most challenging clients become the subject of a fascinating novel. And he continues to utilize his experiences with such clients. As he does his enigmatic works, he balances his life and work. And while his family and friends are all impressed by his blossoming career, they all wonder what the secret behind his success is…
“A Pinch of Salt: On the Edge of Apprehension” is a fantastical and intense work from the brilliant mind of M.L. Williams. It speaks not only to those fans of Science Fiction but also dramatics and those who enjoy mysterious fiction.
Reroute: Post Grad Guide to Success – Physically, Mentally and Financially
Geraldin Noemis Diaz is a Sales Development Representative at Insider Intelligence by day and CEO of Grow With Gera by night. Her platform, “Grow with Gera”, shares her story of exploration during her life and times after college where she supports postgraduates from culture shock into real life. Her hope in writing is to instill the same sort of passion and excitement she has for postgraduate success in others. She wants everyone to discover their maximum capabilities and achieve authentic greatness. Outside of being passionate about writing, she enjoys singing, something she’s been doing since she was 8, and dancing, something that allows her to let loose and enjoy herself. Remember always to live limitless and be fearless.
Humanity at Work: Diversity, Inclusion, and Wellbeing in an Increasingly Distributed Workforce
Anjali Bindra Patel is CEO of Sweatours, a diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing consultancy focused on unleashing cultures of global connection. Patel is a seasoned speaker, regularly keynoting at industry conferences, organizations, TEDx, and Google StartUp Grind. Anjali was also Editor-at-Large for Arianna Huffington’s Overcoming Lawyer Burnout and has received national media attention for her work. In addition to writing Humanity at Work, Anjali is a lawyer, military wife, and mom of 3 kids and a dog. She spends her free time running away from mosquitoes and pretending to cook.
Jay Sharma is an incoming Commissioning Engineer at Arup and graduate of Purdue University. He is heavily involved with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), an organization dedicated to increasing black and minority participation in STEM fields, and volunteers with various community and environmental organizations in the Boston area. Jay wrote this book because he was curious as to how cities get their unique feel. He wanted to understand why cities always had certain things in common and what about a place makes someone feel welcomed. Above all, he wanted to learn how to make cities a better place for all communities, and how to bring joy back into urban neighborhoods. Outside from writing, Jay enjoys being outside, doing yoga, learning new things, and gardening. He is an avid biker, reader, listener, thinker, and lover of hip-hop music.
Ascending Adversity: The Journey of a Polio Survivor Dealing with Disability and Discrimination
Mohammed Yousuf’s journey began in India at the age of two when he was first diagnosed with Polio. Although he learned to live with this new challenge, he decided early on that his physical limitations would never define his potential. Mohammed came to the United States in pursuit of a new tomorrow. He went on to realize his American dream, find his purpose in society, and to portray a vision of hope. Mohammed became a thought leader in disability development, research, and innovation. He has spoken at prominent national and international conferences on transportation research and disability development. He also serves on technology research committees and is the founder of EquallyAble, an organization that amplifies the voices of those living with a disability.
Hi! I’m Malisa. I am a first time author but have had a passion for writing since junior high.
I spend my days hoping to make an impact with kids as an elementary school counselor, as well as working with the newly bereaved with a hospice in OKC, that I’ve worked with since 2013. I also hang out, taxi, pull my hair out doing school work, bite my tongue, feed, clothe, etc… with my husband and three kids.
My first book is a labor of love born from a vision I got when I was in 8th grade. I had already experienced a lifetime’s worth of trauma but knew more was in store for me. Something told me that I would one day take all of that pain and make it my strength. I decided that I was going to help others with my story. So while I certainly have more left in me to write, this was always going to be the start for me.
I hope that you will read my story and that you will feel hope and meaning for your own life.
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Moore, Oklahoma and now live in Yukon, Oklahoma. Both are suburbs right outside of Oklahoma City.
Why do you write?
I write to express myself. I’m known for lengthy Facebook posts that I’m sure my friends grow tired of.
What do you write about?
I usually just write about whatever is weighing me down.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I think I have a pretty conversational writing style.
What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?
My biggest obstacle with writing is my own fear. I can get pretty nervous about how it will be received.
Owning My Crazy
How long have you been writing?
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember but this is my first book!
When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
In 8th grade I had a very distinct moment where I just knew I wanted to be a writer. I was really struggling with my family stuff and something just told me that I would be able to use those experiences to help others one day.
How long does it take to write a book?
I had the first draft of this book done in a week and then the second draft done in another two weeks.
What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?
My biggest challenge in writing this book was to try and not make the reader so sad that they couldn’t make it to the end and see the work I’ve been able to overcome. It was hard to keep a flow of events without bogging it down. I feel like I left so much out but it was an important part of the process. Picking what to leave out felt just as important as what to leave in.
What does your family think of your writing?
I mean… I think they like my Facebook posts. Ha! I gave my brother a sneak peak of one chapter. Other than that, nobody has read any of the book.
Do you see writing as a career?
I want writing to be a career and I’m hopeful that it will be.
Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?
I just want the reader to know that my biggest intent with writing this book was to show that it is possible to overcome even the worst of circumstances.
Christopher J. Buxton is a UK based new indie author, with his debut Sci-Fi novel Alternate. He graduated from college with a building studies qualification and has worked as a draughtsperson and design technician in the construction industry since. He enjoys film, creative stories, space, video games, music and believes family is massively important. He has been reading novels and listening to audiobooks for a few years. And finds writing refreshing and the perfect doze of escapism from the mundane of everyday life. Mostly a write of Sc-fi but is experimenting with other genres.
Where are you from?
Nottinghamshire, England
Why do you write?
I find it a good escape from the reality of everyday life. The combination of working 43 hours a week, doing the school run in the morning and be a parent can get mundane, de-motivating and sole destroying. My full-time profession as a designer in the construction industry is good but can also be mentally demanding, draining, stressful, complicated and sometimes sole destroying. Spending all day working on someone else’s design / project – it just feels a relief to be able to work on something that is mine, my own project. One that I fully control and just write what I want to, as I am sure a lot of people can relate. It started as a hobby, as one day I just thought I’m going to have a go at writing a story, and still is a hobby – but a serious one.
What do you write about?
Thriller and Sci-fi fiction. I started writing sci-fi and self-published my debut novel Alternate: A Jimmy Ray Journey. Which is a just a fun multiverse sci-fi adventure thriller, which for a first novel I was happy with it. But now I am trying my hand at Thriller. I was working on the sequel to Alternate and needed a break from it for a while. So decided to try something totally different. I thought it might be a good idea to write a short story. And so, with that LYLA’S THREAPY was materialized into existence. Ha ha…. Totally different in the fact it is a tense psychological thriller with a twist or two!!! For a short story I really think it holds weight, and I am surprised how it turned out. I will be honest I’m proud of it.
Do you have a specific writing style?
Just try to start with building suspense, and confusion to try and get the reader to say to themselves – what on earth is going on…. But also, I’d say, I try to always maintain a level of comedic, sarcastic, and skeptical humor in my characters. I try to keep them down to earth so to speak, and relatable – but with a small sense of there is something slightly different about them.
What are obstacles that come in the way of writing?
Most probably the same that most indie authors face. Finding the time to write. But its not just time per say it finding the free time when I’m in the right frame of mind to right too. Time when I am also motivated and inspired. Sat a desk working on a computer all day designing, leaves me uninspired and tired. So, when I get home after spending time with my children. All I want to do is relax. So, a lot of writing has to wait for weekends.
What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?
It was in a review for my first book. The description of narrative was so that you felt like a film was playing out in your mind. Some interesting characters and twists and turn. Great novel can’t wait for the next one.
How long have you been writing?
4 years.
When did you first realize you wanted to become a writer?
The moment I finished watching a film called Bandersnatch on Netflix in Dec 2018! This was an interactive film and I just thought it was so creative. Maybe it triggered my creativity lol.
Lyla’s Therapy
What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
Busy…very busy…
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
British common slang and skeptic sinical sarcasm.
How long does it take to write a book?
My first novel Alternate took 16 months including editing process. My new book LYLA’S THREAPY took roughly 4 months including editing (as this is a short story)
Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?
Just start writing, get a feel for it. And spend some time watching some tutorials and tips.
What challenges do you come across when writing/creating your story?
Trying to keep the dialogue as real and as close to what people would actually say in real life. Trying to realize when it becomes too staged. Also, to keep the story dark and not let it drift off into cheese land……Also perspectives can become tricky.
What do you think makes a good story?
Nothing explained to begin with. Keep the reader guessing for as long as possible with drip feeds of reveal. And a story that’s relatable too.
What does your family think of your writing?
They think its great, they love it and are impressed…Or at least that’s what they tell me…ha. ha.
Do you see writing as a career?
Probably not no. There is just not enough money in it and would be too lonely. And would eventually become less enjoyable. Staying as an indie author for now with my current situation works well for me. But in the future, who knows – maybe!!
Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?
Just that if you want to try writing, just go for it. You don’t have to have been writing and reading all your life. I am 37 and only started 4 years ago. And in that 4 years although it’s been a steep learning curve. My word I have learned so so much. Don’t be scared. The only other thing I should probably add is that my new book / novella is out now on Amazon and Goodreads. If you want to find out more about LYLA’S past and why she is in therapy – give it a try. That would be massively appreciated for the support.
International Book Promotion 