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.
The identity of the author is part of an international contest. The first person to correctly name the HG Writer from the clues found in the Count of Monte Cristo sequels will receive a reward of $5000. Visit the Holy Ghost Writer’s Amazon Author Page for Details and see if you can discover the real identity of the author being heralded by fans as the new Stieg Larsson for The Anonymous Girl, the successor of Alexander Dumas for The Sovereign Order of Monte Cristo and the next Ray Bradbury for The Boy Who Played With Dark Matter. Contact the author c/o books@illuminatedpublications.com
How many books does the author have on the Amazon site?
A total of 31 books have been published to date.
The Mysterious Affair At Styles by Holy Ghost Writer
What is the latest release on Amazon?
Donald J. Trump: The Second Coming of Christ
What is the most notable reviews received for The Sultan of Monte Cristo: First Sequel to the Count of Monte Cristo?
“The Sultan of Monte Cristo is a quick and fascinating read that fulfills the fantasies so many readers have longed for after turning the last page of The Count of Monte Cristo. I highly recommend Holy Ghost Writer’s book, but with a warning: Once you read this first book there is no going back; you are going to want to read the next. I can’t wait to read the next installment, The Sovereign Order of Monte Cristo, and see what new adventures await.” Tania Staley, Pacific Book Review.
“Edmond Dantes, and his many identities, traverses the world in this whirlwind of a sequel.” Kirkus review.
“Overall, this book, though shorter than I wanted, was a good one to read.” Hollywood Book Reviews.
Where can readers get the clue to guess the author’s identity?
It is FREE on Kindle
Where did you get the idea to explore the stories of Alexandre Dumas?
My desire to continue the stories of Alexandre Dumas stem from a deep love for literature that he helped develop in me. I realize that some will be offended that I have the moxie to condense and retell his stories through the Americanized voice of Sherlock Holmes and add my own as sequels. In doing so, I believe that I am reintroducing The Count of Monte Cristo to a new generation of readers that most likely would have skipped this classic for its age and verbosity. I actually advise my readers to enjoy, as I did, the best translation, for those who read only English, by Robin Buss.
Why the pen name, ‘Holy Ghost Writer’? Am I saying that I am holy? God forbid! No, it is just a way to add mystery to the contest to discover my true identity. It is more along the lines of Robin saying, “Holy Ghost Writer, Batman.” Another reason is that Edmond Dantes refers to himself as “divine providence” in this classic tale. Those who write on subjects touching on divinity are often referred to as holy ghost writers. Just google the term if you doubt my word. In the process of writing That Girl Started Her Own Country (6th in the Monte Cristo series) I discovered that I am a possibillionist as did Zaydee, that book’s heroine. So for those of you who are turned off by religion, please understand that I am not ‘holier than thou’ and certainly not preaching any particular religious beliefs (or lack thereof) although my characters may express some of their own from time to time.
How many books are there in the Monte Cristo series?
There are 6 books with “That Girl Started Her Own Country” being the last and the one that has garnered the most reviews so far.
That Girl Started Her Own Country
What is your message to your readers?
I hope, dear reader, you enjoy exploring these works of quasi-fiction as much as I enjoyed creating them.
LaToya Lawson is a crime thriller/ mystery author and caregiver, whose creativity, compassion and perseverance have all earned her the reputation as a service-centred leader. Born in Chicago and employed as a caregiver from the age of nineteen, LaToya Lawson has spent most of her life by the bedsides of the sick and infirm.
By age twenty-three, she had founded Mississippi Professional Nursing Care, LLC, which would go on to inspire her debut novel, MA’SITTER. Although this career choice offered many rewarding moments, it was her lifelong passion to write that ultimately helped create this original work. As an African-American woman living in Mississippi, LaToya is familiar with the bigotry and social injustices of life in the Deep South.
An intensely personal work, the book was born from LaToya’s first-hand experience with racism, faith, friendship and life as a single mother in a world shaped by privilege. Her main character, Victoria Lewis, is a strong, single-minded woman, determined to build a better life for her child, Mona. As a female writer, Lawson’s stories are at times filled with pain, but are ultimately uplifting, buoyed by the triumph and redemption of her characters.
When LaToya isn’t writing, she can be found by her oven, either checking her latest baked three-layer Red Velvet cake or cooking a soul food feast; she can also be found soaring down the highway on her motorcycle
Ma’Sitter
Ma’Sitter looks like a great mystery thriller. Any plans to release similar books or turn it into a series?
Yes, MA’SITTER is a four-part series.
So, we are just warming up with the first book.
What will
readers get out of your book?
I hope entertainment! It’s a
fiction book yet my main character Victoria Lewis is relatable to anyone who
has struggled to make ends meet. While working for privileged individuals or
super rich snobby corporate bosses. Every night millions of people dream and
pray for a fruitful life. Or to sing and dance like Beyoncé, act like Hallie
Berry, produce movies like Steven Spielberg or have an all-time best-selling
book, movie and so much more like J.K. Rowling.
What
inspired you when writing Ma’Sitter?
I
started writing MA’SITTER in 2011 and I buried it not long after. My motorcycle
accident on March 9, 2018 made me immobile, depressed, hopeless and bored.
Therefore, my love DeLeón and sister-cousin Toroda encouraged me to complete MA’SITTER.
Once, I started back writing I couldn’t stop. Writing and creating people (LOL)
truly makes me happy. I love it!!!!!!
I also kept hearing my 8th grade
teacher Mr. Lewis telling me you’re going to be a writer one day.
Side
note too teachers: MOLD AND ENCOURGAE OUR CHILDREN.
The
words of my 8th grade teacher Mr. Lewis at Chastain Middle School in
Jackson, MS have stuck with me all these years!!
When
did you decide to become a writer?
I was
ordained at the young age of 13. Summoned into an imaginary world where I could
be whoever I wanted. And speak my mind to whom ever I felt. It wasn’t until my
motorcycle accident that I pursued this career.
When
writing Ma’Sitter did anything stand out as particularly
challenging?
I cried as I wrote about the
character Zaka.
How did
you come up with story for Ma’Sitter?
Well, since you
asked! LOL
At the age of 23 I
started my own private care sitting service. Therefore, I have seen and heard
many things. Some of the people who signed my checks became the best
inspiration and motivation. And not because they personally encouraged me but
more so because they looked down on me. Therefore, I emptied my rage, feelings,
thoughts, dreams and crazy ideas into MA’SITTER.
What do
you like to do when not writing?
I am so ashamed to say this
but, riding my motorcycle.
I also love to bake, cook and
plant flowers. Seeing my flowers grow into huge, “FEED ME SEYMOUR PLANTS,” has
been a thrill when not writing a thriller. LOL
How can
readers discover more about you and your work?
As a video enthusiast, I’m on a mission to enhance author branding by leveraging the power of video. (If you want to learn more, get in touch with us https://internationalbookpromotion.com/contact-us/)
But, I noticed that quite a number of authors are not comfortable facing the camera and coming on screen.
Author of The Little Light: A Story of Reincarnation and the
Crazy Cosmic Family
Describe yourself in five words
Curious. Adventurous. Happy go lucky.
What fact about yourself would
really surprise people?
When
I was a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut. Even today, I love visiting
planetariums and observatories. It reminds me that the world is a vast and
glorious place full of undiscovered mysteries.
How do you work through self-doubts and fear?
I follow my heart’s desire. And
that’s that.
What scares you the most?
Heights.
Seriously. The first time I went rock climbing, I nearly threw up.
What makes you happiest?
I
enjoy both solitude and the company of others. There’s a sense of exhilaration
that sweeps through me whenever I pack my bags and embark on a solo adventure
in a new country. I also relish a good one-on-one conversation that’s full of
depth and substance. Throw in a nice meal and we’re in business.
What books did you love growing
up?
As
a kid, I loved Roald Dahl. I re-read The Witches countless times. He has a
brilliant way of weaving real life into a story and making it fantastical. I
read a lot of Enid Blyton, too. Archie comics were a childhood favorite of
mine.
I
think I’m dating myself… Yes, I grew up in the 90s.
Why do you write?
Because I must. I don’t remember a time when I
didn’t write. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a writer. I
don’t know where this desire comes from. It’s hard to explain.
What do you hope your obituary will say about you?
She
fulfilled her personal legend. I’m a Paulo Coelho fan. Can you tell?
Location and life experiences can really influence writing. Tell us how your travels have influenced your work.
I’ve lived, worked and studied in: Singapore, Australia, Israel, Japan and China. Each culture I’ve encountered has molded and shaped me in some way. Perhaps I’ll tell that story when I’m old enough to write a memoir.
If you could live anywhere in
the world where would it be?
San Francisco. What a city. What a vibe.
How did you develop your writing?
I started by writing words. Words became sentences. Sentences became paragraphs. Paragraphs became chapters. And one day, I was holding my very own debut novel in my hand… I’d say that’s the gist of it.
Do you find it hard to share
your work?
I
think there’s a big difference between the stuff you write for yourself and the
stuff you write for publication. It would be ill-advised to confuse the
two.
What is hardest – getting
published, writing or marketing?
To be an authorpreneur is to constantly develop and expand your skillset. When I started my own publishing business Mith Books, I knew I had to become a jack of all trades. It hasn’t been easy – but the journey’s been incredible. I’ve grown so much so quickly.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in starting Mith Books?
There’s
a lot that goes on behind the scenes into making a book happen. It’s also an
industry that’s been going through an overhaul since ereaders entered the
market. The game’s been changing for several years now and will continue to
change in the future. Personally, I think it’s an exciting time to be in the
book business.
Currently,
I’m working ridiculously long hours as I’m in the startup phase of a business. Finding
the right people to work with has been a challenge. I’ve collaborated with some
incredible individuals as well as ran into a few duds. It’s part self-study and
part trial-and-error.
What marketing works for you?
I’d say that unlike other ‘products’ available in
the market, a book is different – especially when we’re talking about fiction.
We can do our best to hustle and get it out there into the hands of reviewers
and readers, but we never know when the story will take off and find its way
into the public imagination. It’s not a linear path.
Is your family supportive? Do
your friends support you?
I’d
say a vast majority of them would prefer that I live a ‘stable and secure’ life
where I conform to societal norms. But the heart wants what it wants. I’ve met
way too many people well-meaning people who make the mistake of projecting
their own fears and expectations onto me.
One
thing I’ve learned is that it is unwise to stand between a soul and its heart’s
desire. The soul always chooses the heart’s desire.
What other jobs have you had in your life?
My
background’s in business and education. I have extensive experience in the
public-school system as well as the private, corporate and government sectors.
If you could study any subject at university
what would you pick?
Astrophysics.
Having said that, I don’t have any intention of going back to school anytime
soon. I prefer learning-by-doing. I no longer have it in me to sit in a
classroom.
Tell us about your new book.
The Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Venus,
Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu – Celestial Beings from world mythology – bicker and
squabble, just like any family. But they’re going to have to put their
differences aside to help the Little Light – a wise soul, imbued with insight
and curiosity – prepare for its birth on Planet Earth, where it has a great and
far-reaching destiny…
What
inspired The Little Light?
The
idea came to me when I was lying in bed alone in my apartment in Japan. I was
contemplating the vast nature of the universe when I suddenly thought, “How
nice it would be if I could invite the planets over for a discussion on life,
love and the larger purpose for our existence.”
I
promptly opened up my notebook and drew a sketch of what the mythological Nine
Celestial Beings would look like if they were ‘updated’ for the modern era. The
idea ruminated in my head for four years before I finally sat down to write the
story.
It’s vital to get exposure and
target the right readers for your writing. Tell us about your marketing
campaign.
Many
of my readers have said that The Little Light is a unique book in the
spirituality genre. My novel handles themes like reincarnation, mythology,
cosmology and folklore. There’s nothing else like it available in the market.
Titles in the spirituality genre are typically non-fiction and intended for an
adult audience. I’ve written The Little Light with younger readers in mind. My
goal is to inspire their curiosity in these topics in a fun and accessible way.
This
has been both my debut novel’s strength as well as the challenge I’ve faced in
marketing it. This is typical of books that don’t fit into a neat category.
Even marketing veterans from traditional publishing houses have told me that
they’ve faced this very same challenge with some of their favorite books.
Firstly,
I’d say get the buzz going about the kind of book it actually is. Target the
right bloggers and reviewers that will ‘get’ your book. Don’t be hasty and rush
into things too quickly. Once you have a better idea of the initial response,
you can plan a more large-scale promotion campaign.
If you could have a dinner party and invite
anyone dead or alive, who would you ask?
The Nine Great Celestial Beings, of course! The
Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. They’ve been gazing
down at mankind since time as we know it began. I’m sure they’d have great stories
to tell about the history of the earth.
When you are not writing, how do you like to
relax?
Long
walks by the ocean. Stargazing. Travelling. A good conversation with an old
friend.
What do you hope people will
take away from your writing? How will your words make them feel?
Laura St John is on a mission to spread kindness by teaching children to accept themselves and other children who may be different. Laura is a wife, and mom, and she works with children who have been abused and removed from their homes. She’s the author of two popular children’s books, Don’t Judge a Bug By Its Cover, and the Christmas House.
Why did you start writing children’s books?
I wrote the manuscript for both of my first two books over 15 years ago and have tweaked them along the way. I saw a need for a book about not judging people by how they look. I was trying to shape young minds to become more aware of these issues as adults.
Did you read to your children when they were younger?
Yes, every night! I missed out on being read to. My dad died when I was five and my mom was pretty busy with three kids, getting her degree, working and taking care of the home. I made sure to read to my children every night at bedtime.
How have your children influenced your writing?
The bug book was partially due to my own experiences of the past. There was some bullying along the way and some insecurity came with that which took a while to overcome. Teen image was very important for my kid’s generation – sometimes too important. Magazine images and the media created certain body type guidelines as to how we all are supposed to look. And with that, feel about our bodies.
What is the main theme or purpose of Don’t Judge a Bug by Its Cover?
These days the news is filled with school shootings, bullying and body shaming. Children feel so much pressure to fit in, look like models and to be popular. The main message of Don’t Judge a Bug by Its Cover, is to accept others not based on their looks but who they are as humans. To look beyond the exterior features and learn to see the beauty and specialness in every person.
What ages is the book for?
I wrote it for kid’s preschool to elementary age with the hope that I can help them understand the principles of accepting others at an early age.
I want children to learn to accept others and make friends based on how they act as humans not the physical or visual aspects. Also, to help friends in need and realize that even nice-looking people can be lonely. Some of us think that if people are famous or pretty that they have tons of friends and support. But really loneliness can fall onto anyone; no matter how you look or what you have.
What are some things parents can do to help their kids accept themselves and have positive self-esteem?
Here’s three simple things parents can do to help their children accept themselves:
Let your children know they are awesome just the way they are, regardless of weight, height, IQ, glasses, sports abilities etc.
Say something positive to your children every day.
Focus on their strengths and successes, not their weaknesses.
What are some things parents can do to help their kids accept other kids?
Parents should:
NEVER say anything derogatory about another person. Children see others being prejudiced or hear them say insensitive things then they repeat what they’ve seen.
ALWAYS treat others as you would want them to treat you; no matter if they are different. Freedom to be yourself and not judge others who have that same right.
ALWAYS be kind, understanding and respectful.
Where can people get your book?
If you want a personalized autographed copy and bookmarker, go to my website www.LauraStJohnEnterprises.com or you can also find my books on Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and Amazon.
As a video enthusiast, I’m on a mission to enhance author branding by leveraging the power of video. (If you want to learn more, get in touch with us https://internationalbookpromotion.com/contact-us/)
But, I noticed that quite a number of authors are not comfortable facing the camera and coming on screen.
So, I came up with this idea of splicing up videos from different authors to help them break the fear of camera. If you want to participate in the upcoming video challenges, write to us at info@internationalbookpromotion.com
Don’t really worry about the due date. Join us for the subsequent weeks!
As a video enthusiast, I’m on a mission to enhance author branding by leveraging the power of video. (If you want to learn more, get in touch with us https://internationalbookpromotion.com/contact-us/)
But, I noticed that quite a number of authors are not comfortable facing the camera and coming on screen.
So, I came up with this idea of splicing up videos from different authors to help them break the fear of camera. If you want to participate in the upcoming video challenges, write to us at info@internationalbookpromotion.com
Don’t really worry about the due date. Join us for the subsequent weeks!
I was born in
Moscow but grew up in a small city in Belarus. My parents were divorced and for
almost 10 years (during my childhood), my mother had 2 jobs: one was from 8 AM
to 5 PM; the second was from 8 PM to 1 AM. I spent a lot of time reading and
hanging with friends. I won a national poetry contest in Belarus. I studied
classical literature, and I worked as a teacher for almost 9 years. For the
last 12 years I have been living in Sweden. In August 2019 I’m planning on
quitting my job to become a full-time writer. I also have two dogs: Sky and
Daisy.
Describe the plot
of your new book, Dulcinea and the Death Code,
in a few sentences.
This is a story
about a girl with unusual DNA. She is a Death Code from a place called A-Ria.
What is A-Ria? Nobody knows. But Dulcinea and her new friends (kids with
powerful abilities) are on the way to revealing the truth. Dulcinea is also
going through a transition: from “not-caring” and “cold” child to “a
sacrificing” friend, the one who is ready to protect the world and her family,
even if it hurts. But as always, the bad guy – in our case, Reality – wins. At
least in book 1. How? Read to find out…
What inspirations
contributed to this book?
1. It is based on
a vision from my meditation. 2. I tried to mix fantasy, romance, humor and
bizzaro fiction.
Dulcinea
must move from sunny Sumter, South Carolina to Sweden. In addition to leaving
behind a familiar climate and culture, she must leave behind the people with
whom she’s grown up. How does she handle this?
Dulcinea
was born in Romania, but she moved to Sumter when she was a kid. She never had
a lot of friends, but her life in Sumter was fun and secure. It’s always
difficult to move to a new place, but you can overcome any obstacle with super
friends like Joel, Osa, Loo and Brolle. These kids are from different countries
and have absolutely contrasting stories, but they complement each other and
they care about the Earth and Dulcinea – there lies their power.
Without giving too much away, tell us a bit
about the mysterious glowing crack that follows Dulcinea around.
It
is the entrance (the door) to access Reality (in a raw form), and at the same
time, it is the exit, a lie and the play of Eilidh (you’ll meet IT in
book 2).
Your
story involves a lot of world building. Was it challenging creating fresh, new
places and making them feel real?
I
spared it for the next book. Of course, Dulcinea visit A-Ria 3-5 times, but we
still don’t know what it is and why it wants to control the Earth.
Is there an author
that has influenced your writing style?
I prefer to read
short stories – mostly satire, humor, sci-fi or non-fiction (psychology and
science). Also, I love crime and mystery books. My influencers are: O. Henry,
Byron, Dostoevsky and Ray Bradbury.
What are your goals
as a writer for the next ten years?
To see the world
full of Ray’s fans.
How have your
readers responded to the book so far?
Only my editors
have read the book. They liked it (because of my ‘quixotic’ style). But I got 1
hate rating from a man on Goodreads, so I’m not sure… all I can say – this book
is not for everybody. Mostly for: females, 13-25 years old. The book was
published on Amazon on June 9. I’m looking for people who’d like to read my
novel and who’d love to share their thoughts about the story and heroes. I’m
providing a free copy (in any format) if you’ll send me an email: victoria.ohlsson@aol.com
Is there any
aspect of writing you don’t like?
A lot of sitting.
And snacking. I’m snacking a lot while writing.
Have you ever had
writer’s block? If yes, how’d you deal with it? If you have not had writer’s
block, why do you think you haven’t?
Some days I don’t
feel the desire to write at all, and I never push myself to do something I
don’t want to do. I’m living in the moment – in the Now. So, I have to enjoy
it. Usually, I’m shifting between different hobbies, so I am never bored. Also,
I’m working in so called “chunks” – all or nothing. That means I’m writing 3-4
weeks, and then I’m taking a break for 2 weeks. Repeat.
What do you have
in mind for your next project?
Well, quite a lot.
My book Damn Ray Reviews: 40 Books in Your Pocket will be published summer 2019.
Poetry book, with a working title, The Legs: A Global Perspective On Society, is planned for autumn 2019.
My sci-fi novel The Pearl Territory. A few chapters are already posted on my blog. I’ll continue writing during the summer. You are welcome to follow the story. It is a mix of private journals and dialogues/scenes.
Of course, The Secrets of A-Ria, Child of Illusion Series, Book 2 – summer 2020. I’m planning three books in the series Child of Illusion.
So Absurd It Must Be True
Is there anything
else you’d like potential readers to know about your book?
Written without any plotting or outline.
Too many books give us “ready” answers; the author some way is “chewing” the idea and all we have to do is “digest” it. But I want you to think, to imagine, to create… that’s why this book has of a lot of mysteries – I’m simply giving you the space to move; to use your own fantasy.
I added digital portraits for 6 heroes: Dulcinea, Erik, Osa, Loo, Brolle and Joel. And also a couple of poems.
As a video enthusiast, I’m on a mission to enhance author branding by leveraging the power of video. (If you want to learn more, get in touch with us https://internationalbookpromotion.com/contact-us/) But, I noticed that quite a number of authors are not comfortable facing the camera and coming on screen.
So, I came up with this idea of splicing up videos from different authors to help them break the fear of camera. If you want to participate in the upcoming video challenges, write to us at info@internationalbookpromotion.com
International Book Promotion 