Tag: author interview

Hawthorne Manor by Bryan T. Clark: Interview and Blog Tour

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, InterviewsLeave a comment

Hawthorne Manor by Bryan T. Clark

  1. How long did it take you to write Hawthorne Manor?

I started writing Hawthorne Manor in 2020. During the pandemic I’d lost all of my creativity and all but stopped writing. I hadn’t finished the first draft at that point, and the characters completely shut down on me. I would go into my office and just sit there, waiting for one of them to speak to me. It was horrible. As we moved through the pandemic, my creativity slowly began to return. I think I’m back to pre-pandemic creativity now.

  1. Is it true that you’re a plotter?

In the beginning of a story, yes. I start with an idea, then I plot out the beginning, the middle, and the end. Everything in between these three points is created as the character’s relay it to me. They speak, and I type. It all has to come organically at this point. It’s the only way I’ll ever tell a story.

  1. What advice would you give a new unpublished author?

Writing a book is hard work and requires a commitment to the task. You will have many roadblocks, and you may think that it’s an impossible task . . . but it’s not. For many people they say that they just don’t know where to start. I say just write your idea even if you don’t have the entire story plotted. Every one of my books go through at least two major rewrites. With each draft more of the story is flushed out. In the end, you will have that story you set out to write.

  1. In your previous life, before you were an author, you were in law enforcement. Do the two careers share anything in common?

Not at all. For twenty-eight years, I was a private person, personally closed off to all who I was in contact with during the course of a day. Then, my life was about facts and conclusions. Now, as a writer, I am infusing bits and pieces of myself in my writing and sharing personal things that have influenced who I am today. I’ve mellowed. Life isn’t so serious anymore.

  1. What are you working on now?

Only what so many of you have been asking for over the past five years: a sequel to Come to the Oaks. The first book saw the characters come alive, and the sequel is just as exciting. The sequel is not simply a continuation of the first book but a new journey for Ben and Tobias, with all the sass, suspense, and satisfaction of Come to the Oaks.

Advertisements
Hawthorne Manor - Bryan T. Clark

Bryan T. Clark has a new MM contemporary romance out: Hawthorne Manor.

Mikael Ferreira seems to have it all—a great career, looks, intelligence, and charm to boot. But his work as a full-time caregiver at Hawthorne Manor barely leaves him time to breathe, let alone date. Then a new employee arrives at the manor and makes Mikael question whether he’s been living at all or merely existing…

Elliot Olsson is Mikael’s polar opposite. Elliot’s autism has always made him feel isolated. Until now. Mikael truly sees him in a way no one ever has. Elliot wants to open his heart to Mikael and connect with him on a deeper level. But wanting won’t make it any easier to overcome the obstacles Elliot knows they’ll face as a couple…

As Mikael and Elliot’s story is beginning, eighty-eight-year-old Walter Hawthorne’s is coming to an end. But while his health is fading, his mind is sharp as ever—and he has a thing or two to share about life, intimacy, and love with the two young men who seem to know nothing about any of it…

Hawthorne Manor, a contemporary LGBTQ+ romantic novel, is an exploration of the foibles of aging, friendship, love, and the beauty that can exist in a found family. It features a house full of eccentric characters, witty banter, and a deeply emotional M/M romance. HEA guaranteed. Download today, and welcome to Hawthorne Manor.

Universal Buy Link

Excerpt

Hawthorne Manor meme - Bryan T. Clark

“Are you okay?” Mikael felt bad that he was the cause of Elliot’s stress. The two stood in silence for what seemed like minutes—very long minutes.

“Yeah… Just never been kissed before.” Elliot’s gaze dropped to the floor for a second.

Never been kissed? Mikael was at a loss on how to respond to such a profound statement.

“I liked it.” Elliot’s cheeks turned pink.

“You did?” A sea of blue in Elliot’s eyes, his rose lips, the pink in his pale cheeks… Mikael wanted to kiss all of him. He wanted to lift the sorrow from Elliot’s eyes, remove it from his lips, and wash it from his cheeks. He fought the urge to kiss him again. His heart pinged harder. He wanted to kiss him a million times to make up for all the kisses he’d missed. He touched Elliot’s cheek with the back of his hand, envisioning that he was wiping the sadness from it. Elliot trembled at his touch.

Elliot’s stare was piercing. His brows danced as a tiny smile slowly emerged, softening his expression.

“Do you know that you do this darling little thing with your brows? It’s barely noticeable how one goes up and the left one dips. It’s adorable.”

“I do?”

“When did you become so freakin’ hot?” Mikael’s voice dropped to a whisper.

Elliot wrinkled his nose. “I don’t think I’m hot.”

Mikael took Elliot’s denial as modesty. It was hard to believe he could be so attractive and not be aware of his good looks. “Yeah, and you know what? That makes you even hotter.” Mikael lifted Elliot’s chin. “I can’t believe you don’t know how nice-looking you are?”

Elliot shook his head, pulling loose from Mikael’s grasp. “No—”

“Yes.” Mikael raised Elliot’s chin. “You are.”

“I always thought you had a nice smile….” Elliot’s voice quaked. “Especially when you’re looking at me.”

You’re sooo freakin’ adorable. Mikael couldn’t avoid the big smile that accompanied his laugh.

“And you have pretty teeth,” Elliot mumbled.

“I think that’s a first. Someone complimenting me on my teeth. Usually, it’s my fat ass. But I’ll take teeth, too.”

“Your butt is nice too, but your teeth….” Elliot’s gaze drifted up to meet Mikael’s stare. “They’re really white.”

“Are you flirting with me, Mr. Olsson?” Mikael grinned as if he was in a toothpaste commercial, ensuring his white teeth were front and center. “I certainly hope so because I like you… I like you a lot.”

“I don’t know how to flirt. But your teeth are really white.” Elliot raked his fingers through his hair, then tucked it behind his ear. The protruding vein on his forehead subsided a little.

So, he does like me! Mikael’s heart thumped as he took a step closer to Elliot… and kissed him. Again.

It was only a soft kiss, but it was on lips he’d been dreaming of… and it was glorious!

He pulled back, assessing the situation. Seeing Elliot moisten his lips with his tongue, he did the same, wanting to savor every bit of the kiss. The dude that had never been kissed had the ability to set off fireworks within him.

Author Bio

Author Bryan T. Clark

Bryan T. Clark is a multi-published award-winning author of gay romance, and contemporary books. In his early in life, Bryan learned that he was different from everyone else in his world. As a young African American boy, he was the second to the youngest of seven children. Long before hormones kicked in and the realization of same sex attraction, it was his light skin and blond hair that made him different from those around him. Teased within his own race for being lighter than everyone else, the kids on the playground called him “Cornbread”.

As a writer, Bryan has taken back the power once given up to those schoolyard bullies. He is committed to bringing his readers stories of real life, with multicultural characters, riveting plots, and where the underdog always wins. He is the founder of Cornbread Publishing: the name empowers him and is a constant reminder that life can have a Happily-Ever-After.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Bryan and his husband of thirty-six years has made their home and life in the Central Valley of California.

Author Website: https://www.btclark.com/

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/btclarkauthor

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romanceauthor/Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Bryan-T-Clark/author/B0BQ5JQ24P

Other Worlds Ink logo

Interview with Author Brady Koch

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Interviews2 Comments

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I used to have a train commute that would take an hour in and out of the city each way. I’ve always been drawn to golden-era science fiction and horror and started writing short stories every day on the train. Eventually, I had enough to select from for my first collection Guns Gods & Robots. Reviews and feedback from my readers inspired me to keep at it.  

Advertisements

2) What inspired you to write your book?

I always like to ground my science fiction stories with an ethical dilemma and have been interested in the tragic Typhoid Mary story for a while. She was a woman immune to typhoid fever, but still transmitting it to everyone she came into contact with. She worked as a cook but couldn’t continue doing that and it ruined her livelihood. Her crime was being a carrier. Sara Glen started as a version of that. What if she had the opposite challenge? What if she carried a cure? But what if the only way the world could benefit from it would destroy her?  

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Sara is indecisive, as I would think anyone would be in her situation. I want readers to see how they think they would act in the same situation. Are they empathetic? Frustrated? There’s no right answer, but I want people to consider what they would choose for themselves. That’s been my favorite feedback. People enjoying your stories is nice, but if they feel like they are actively involved, that’s even better.  

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

My favorite science fiction is rooted in possibility. Day after tomorrow type of technology. In the case of The Negotiated Death of Sara Glen, the tech is commercial DNA testing, genetic mapping, and ultimately personal health data privacy. If this kind of tech we have in our lives today turns against us, then it’s easy to make the case that this also bleeds into psychological horror.

BookBaby's Complete Self-Publishing Package includes eBooks, Printed Books and more - everything you need for your book launch!

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

Sara has enough on her mind so I wouldn’t want to bother her. There is a side character, Dr. Reggie, that I would love to check in with to verify the medical information I’ve included in the book. I’m no Michael Crichton and needed to streamline the disease explainer, but wanted to guarantee it was grounded in actual science.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I started writing and distributing short stories for free through platforms like OpenBook (RIP) and Noise Trade (RIP again). These were great because I would get the contact information for each person who would download the book. Now I use Drive-thru Fiction for the same purpose. It’s also been good to have these lists to get some advance readers willing to give me honest feedback.

ABN Banner

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Knock out that first draft warts and all. It feels great to get to the end. Then put it away for a while before revisiting it for your first edit. I’ve found that editing as I go makes something fun into an absolute chore.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Are any new books/projects on the horizon?

The Negotiated Death of Sara Glen is the first of four novels I’m releasing this year. They’re each distinct capsule stories that are all part of a larger narrative called All Our Forgotten Futures. That larger volume will be going to print in the fall. After that, I’ve completed a weird mystery/suspense novel that should be coming out in 2024 then a short story collection later that same year.

Advertisements

About the Author

Feel free to read over Brady’s shoulder if you see him working on a new novel or short story at the coffee shop or library. Despite his penchant for crime, horror, and the unusual in his writing, he’s actually a nice guy and welcomes your feedback. Brady Koch’s first collection of short works, Guns, Gods & Robots, is now available. His debut novel, All our Forgotten Futures, will be available in Winter 2023.

Website: www.BradyKoch.com

Email: BradyKochBooks@gmail.com

Interview with Author Zeb Beck

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I did a lot of writing in college and graduate school as a student of history. I learned the basics there of how to make a point and how to strengthen a sentence and paragraph. I also took a couple creative writing courses but didn’t learn the kinds of things I needed to create a story. I really learned how to write a story by re-reading many times over a handful of treasured novels: Pride and Prejudice, Great Expectations, McTeague, The Great Gatsby, and The Catcher in the Rye were all fundamental to my understanding of character and how to develop a good plot. Once I had a story in mind — that is, a beginning, middle, and ending somewhat outlined in my head — I was ready to get to work.

Advertisements

What inspired you to write your book?

I traveled extensively throughout Mexico when I was younger. In my twenties, I used to go down to Tijuana to buy and consume hard drugs. Those substances were acquired in the same neighborhoods where women worked the streets. I got to know a few of them as friends and – surprise, surprise — came to discover they were real people with wit, intelligence, problems, and dreams like the rest of us. I should clarify, I have not done a single drug in many years so please don’t misconstrue my answer.

What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I think that’s a question best unanswered, at least by an author. There are obvious themes of class, work,  and the burdens the universe sets up for us to overcome as we pursue goals, but I think I should leave it at that. 

What drew you into this particular genre?

I have felt strongly that there is not enough literary fiction for men out there. I hope that isn’t taken as a controversial statement. I don’t mean it as one. There’s a reason 85% of book buyers are women; the market is set up to satisfy women readers. Unless a regular guy is into nonfiction, science fiction, thrillers, or fantasy, there aren’t too many places to turn. My hope is that there’s an untapped niche for humorous literary fiction, the kind of stuff Exley wrote, that Fante and Bukowski wrote. The Lecturer’s Tale comes to mind, something that goes a bit beyond wacky Florida murder mysteries. English, August by Upamanyu Chatterjee is a wonderful example of the kind of novel I wish there were more of.

Bookbaby.com helping independents – whether authors, publishers, musicians, filmmakers, or small businesses – bring their creative efforts to the marketplace.

If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I like the question. To me, Ava is the most interesting character in the book. I think I might ask her, as brilliant as she is, what made her drop out of college and turn to sex work. I have an idea what she might say, but I’m not sure. 

What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I’m not sure; I’m still developing my readership. I’m going to be posting some stuff on Instagram in the next couple months. 

ABN Banner

What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Come up with a story and keep it moving. We have enough novels exploring characters’ feelings about an early and traumatizing past experience. Be careful to include the odd detail. The odd detail is what makes writing believable. Camus was a master of the odd detail. Finally, I would say resist the advice of those authors who have made a fortune churning out multiple books each year. I’m sure there’s money in that, but there’s money in sex work, too. 

What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I’m outlining a book in my head. I think it will overlap YA and psychological thriller. There will be laughs, too, be sure of that. Give me a few years to make it good.

Advertisements

About the Author

Zeb Beck lives in Los Angeles with his lovely wife and difficult pets. He likes and dislikes the same things you do.

Interview with Author Greta Uehling

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

Greta Uehling, tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

As a young person, I was more drawn to paint brushes than pens. In college, however, I was lucky to have superb mentors who encouraged me find my own voice. I began to experience writing as a form of creativity that was both enjoyable and empowering. 

I first became interested in eastern Europe through language and literature courses I took as an undergraduate. I was captivated by universal themes like love, loss, loyalty, and betrayal as seen through eastern European lenses. Those courses inspired me to participate in an exchange program in Ukraine, where I lived with a family and attended classes at the local university.  

My experience in Ukraine opened my eyes to myriad themes that are relevant today including the differing interpretations of national history, the importance of a national language, and the damaging effects of human rights violations. 

Since then, I have traveled and lived in eastern Europe and Central Asia extensively. I have gathered material in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Russia, Moldova and other countries. 

Throughout my work, I have benefited enormously from the warmth, care, and support that people extended. That, too, kept me writing. In fact, Everyday War would not have been possible without Ukrainians’ willingness to speak with me about the difficult topic of war. For me, the publication of this book with Cornell University Press is accompanied by gratitude toward the many people who shared their thoughts and lives with me. It is a privilege – and a responsibility – to bring their stories to readers. 

Advertisements

What inspired you to write your book?

I was inspired to write Everyday War by my experiences living and working in Ukraine. Interviews with people all across that country between 2015 and 2017 revealed civilians were engaging with the war in very conscious and creative ways. What struck me the most in that first phase of the war was that one of people’s greatest concerns was how friend and family relationships were being adversely affected by the war. 

My research showed that in addition to the humanitarian crisis brought about by Russian aggression against Ukraine, there is a relational crisis characterized by families and friendships acquiring their own fault lines. This is important because as I describe in the book, personal relationships are usually treated as backdrops or tangents for the “real” action. The book illustrates that when kinship becomes “tactical,” to use my term from the book, it matters. 

Get FREE SHIPPING on all custom printed books at BookBaby.


What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Many readers will have heard about Ukrainian resilience in the face of Russian aggression. Everyday War: The Conflict over Donbas Ukraine unpacks the significance of this resilience as well as its limitations. The stories I tell in the book demonstrate, among other things, how the time-honored distinction between combatants and non-combatants is being eroded. What readers may be less likely to hear in the news is the tremendous cost of this resilience. I explain this in the book through personal stories that vividly dramatize the normalization of violence. 

In short, I hope readers will take away a greater appreciation the significance of civilians during war. 


What drew you into this particular genre?

I grew up in a very diverse neighborhood in Madison, Wisconsin near the University of Wisconsin where my father worked. Students from all over the world sat next to me at school, became my friends, and invited me to their homes. I think that experience primed me for later travel and fieldwork because I began to feel increasingly at home away from home. 

Travel experiences became the basis of a career as a cultural anthropologist when I discovered I could have a profession centered in listening to peoples’ stories and learning about the world experientially. Perhaps a helpful way to think about what cultural anthropologists do is that they practice the art of stepping inside other peoples’ worlds to experience them from within.

What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Well, I am still in the early days of promoting the book and my preference is subject to change. Recently, I’ve been most effective on Twitter. If readers want to find me there, the correct handle is @uehlingumiched1. My tweets on book-related events and also humanitarian and human rights news have garnered positive responses. In the future, I hope to reach a larger audience on Instagram. If readers are interested in following me there, they can find me at greta.uehling. 

ABN Banner

What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Aspiring writers will likely already have learned that it is a good practice to write every day. I agree and there are so many ways to make writing a habit, from journaling to sharing “morning pages,” and participating in writers’ groups. Advice aspiring writers may not have heard is to think about writing as a physical activity in addition to a cerebral one. My best strategy for easing the mental gridlock that can set in with long hours at a computer is to walk, run, or cycle. Fresh ideas then come easily, providing solutions to writing problems that are harder to resolve behind a desk. A related strategy is to try pen and paper. Our brains are connected to our hands and there is abundant scientific evidence that shows the benefits of writing by hand. Far from slow or primitive, writing by hand can unlock thinking. 

What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon? 

Yes, and thank you for asking. I’m working on a book manuscript about what it means to be indigenous in Ukraine. Like my current book, Everyday War, my forthcoming book will have significance beyond Ukraine. A major theme in this work is the importance of political recognition for indigenous rights, and how humanitarian “politics of pity” aren’t enough to truly advance indigenous interests. I’ve been especially inspired by the writing of indigenous scholars in Canada during this project. I’m looking forward to the future publication of the manuscript because I have greatly enjoyed connecting with the readers of Everyday War. I can’t wait to share my next book with readers when its ready!

Advertisements

About the Author

Greta Uehling began her career by working directly with refugees, helping them find work in the United States. Her experiences in refugee resettlement motivated her to pursue a PhD in cultural anthropology, and have informed her career ever since.

After earning her PhD, she became a consultant with the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in Geneva, Switzerland, working in the Evaluation and Policy Analysis Unit. Her work on irregular migration there led to another migration-related position as a Family Reunification Coordinator for minors smuggled across United States borders from Latin America and China, in Washington, DC.

Named after the globe-trotting Swedish actress Greta Garbo, she has traveled and worked in many regions. Her interviewees have often remarked about the rapport they feel during conversations. Her colleagues in anthropology note how this rapport, and Uehling’s writing, centers previously unheard voices.

With her current project, Uehling sought to tell the story of internal displacement in Ukraine in a way that is multivocal. She uses the language of lived experience to take readers on a journey through Ukraine that deepens understanding and solidarity.

Uehling dedicated Everyday War to her students because they inspire her to write with their many and insightful questions.

Home

https://twitter.com/GretaUehling

Interview with Author Thomas More

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Interviews1 Comment

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I’ve written all my life. Little stories when I was a kid, bigger stories as an adult. It has always been my dream to live the life of a writer and I’ve always imagined my books on shelves and tables in every bookstore I’ve ever entered.

Advertisements

What inspired you to write your book?

It was literally a moment of inspiration while riding the subway. It came to me in bits and pieces and once I started to write the book, it kept getting bigger and bigger and more detailed. But honestly, it felt as if someone was dictating the story to me. The words just flowed.

What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Believe in yourself! No matter what other people say. The only way to live a good life is to pursue your dreams.

What drew you into this particular genre?

I’ve been a science fiction fan from birth, practically. I loved sci-fi television shows, movies, and books. Every sf book I’ve read pulled me in and had me imagine a different world as if it were real. I loved it!

ABN Banner

If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

Well, of course it would be the protagonist, Sakima. I’d ask her what she was thinking in her darkest moments, her moments of sadness and defeat. And then I’d ask her how she moved past it to secure her future and live her dream life.

What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I’m not that good at social media, but Instagram has been mildly successful. I’ve been told, however, that TikTok #BookTok is the way to go.

What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Never give up! Never stop believing in yourself. Just keep writing. And don’t wait for inspiration to hit (although it does sometimes). Just write and the Muses will join you there.

What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

City At My Feet is the first book in the Manahatta Series. Book 2 comes out this Fall (fingers crossed). And I’ve done initial work on Book 3 in terms of new characters, plot outline, and more. So hopefully Book 3 will be out in a year or so after Book 2!

Advertisements

About the Author

Thomas More holds an advanced degree in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. Although college-educated in the art, craft, and labor of writing novels, he is self-taught when it comes to science fiction and its associated tropes, its readers, and the best of its writers. His favorite pastime is going for long motorcycle rides on city streets, country roads, and beaches (where allowed, of course!).

Website:

Home

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thomasmorewriter/

Pinterest

https://twitter.com/thomasmorebooks

Preview of City At My Feet:

https://cityatmyfeetfreepreview.com/

Interview with Author Jill K. Thomas

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

Even though I have written 3 full-length books and several hundred blog posts, I still don’t really consider myself to be a writer.  I think of myself more as a Hypnotherapist who writes.  When you own a business writing becomes a necessary part of getting your message out and I love doing it..so maybe I am a writer…Hum, you are making me think, I love that!!.. I will say, it’s fun, people I am not related to say I am good at it so I will keep it up.

But to answer your question about how I got into it I will say I have been journaling since I was a young child.  I used it as a way to handle difficult emotions and over time as I got better and better at crafting a concise message, I started to use it in my pre-hypnotherapist professional life and career.  As in “We need someone to write a blog or 10 for the company website, who will take on that task..”  Me, always me.  

Advertisements

What inspired you to write your book?

The book, which is about how to create a successful healing arts practice, came out of frustration.  I kept seeing new hypnotherapists, reiki masters, massage therapists and even a few psychics in my office trying to figure out how to turn their gifts into a business and I kept repeating the same advice over and over again. Eventually, I thought “What if I just write all this down and tell them to read the book” It took a few years but here it is.

What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

You are important, your dreams of financially freedom and creating a successful business of your own are important and most especially you and your gifts really needed right now. Its time to get started making your dreams a reality. Entrepreneurship it’s not as hard as you think, this book shows you how to do it.

What drew you into this particular genre?

HA! Because I don’t know how to write books about vampires with a lot of sex in them.  Love reading those books thought, wish I could write like that but I’m more of a “this is how you solve your problems” kind of writer.  

Bookbaby.com helps independent authors bring their creative vision to the marketplace. Sell eBooks online in the biggest retail stores.

What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Well, I am embarrassed to admit this but, not so savvy on the social media.  The only one I have used with any kind of success is Pinterest because my “7 ways to solve… (insert problem here)” posts seem to do better on Pinterest than on any platform.   And frankly wading through Facebook, Instagram and whatever todays latest trending social media site, just isn’t fun for me and I figured out a long time ago that if it isn’t fun, I won’t do it.  

What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Therapy, lots of therapy.  HA! There will be a lot of “no” and even more common, silence when you send out inquiries about finding a home for the books and or articles you are writing.  Know that this is part of the game and is not a reflection of who you are as a person or your value in the world.  Every writer has gone through this.  Learn who you are as a person and create a practice of loving yourself no matter what before you really start wading into the very cold pool of book agents, publishers and radio show producers.

Also, Work on getting a good social media following, years before you have a book to sell.  That is one of the first questions the publishers ask, and my career would have been much easier if I had done that work before I released my books.  

What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

Yes, actually I have a book about Emotional overconsumption that keeps waking me up at night wanting to be worked on.  As many writers will tell you, a book can be a bit like a petulant child pestering you and wanting your attention.  I keep having to tell it at 3AM that it needs to wait its turn, its very impatient but I need to launch my current project first then I will give it my full attention.

But yes, I appear to be pregnant again with another book.  

Advertisements

About the Author

As an Intuitive Hypnotherapist, Clairvoyant Reader, Author, Medium and Vocal Channel, Jill K Thomas, CHT has over 18 years’ experience helping clients move past limiting beliefs, discover their authentic selves, and create a life of peace and harmony. Jill has helped thousands of people realize lifestyle and wellness goals they could never before achieve, including attracting prosperity and success, overcoming debilitating phobias, healing toxic relationships, and losing weight.

Among many of her accomplishments, her most recent book, “The High Income Healer: How to Turn your Healing Gift into a Full-time Business” helps healers take their business to the next level. Her other books include “Tales From the Trance”, published by Ozark Mountain Publishing, and her well known weight loss book “Feed Your Real Hunger: Getting off the Emotional Treadmill that Keeps you Overweight”.

She has appeared on numerous radio shows, maintains her popular online blog “Confessions of a Hypnotherapist”, and has authored articles for magazines read across the nation. Her “30 Day weight loss Jumpstart” CD has also helped many people finally lose the pounds, after years of trying.

https://www.jillkthomas.com/

https://twitter.com/hypnotistjill

Interview with Author Maggie Lovange 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I am a person of action. I always have to have a goal. To do something useful. I don’t know if it’s my ADHD, nature, or upbringing, but I’m always looking for challenges. I have achieved many things in my life, professionally and personally, but I am most proud of raising my 3 children.

Looking back on my life, everything has led me to this moment to become a writer. Now I am in that period of my life when I have achieved everything I could possibly want; a home, family, and career. While many people will say this is the time to sit back and enjoy your achievements, I felt weightless. You know, like, “Now what?” So the idea for the first book Dealing With Teen Anxiety, came to me at just the right time. 

Advertisements

2) What inspired you to write your book?

A year ago, our family found itself in crisis. A crisis caused by the anxiety of our youngest child – Renee. As always, I turned to the books to find a solution to the problem. But the more I read, the more depressed I became. Because I couldn’t see the solution to our problem. I continued to look for answers in parenting forums and in scientific studies. But the solution came when I came across the speeches of teenagers. It was so painful to read them that I cried. But then I realized what the solution was. After 3 months, I already had my child back. We had a lot of work to do with the anxiety, but at least I could talk to her now.

This inspired me to write a book for parents who want to help their children not just deal with anxiety but also become stronger.

The book is short, and I can see from the readers’ feedback that they have many questions. Visit my site and www.maggielovange.com and contact me. I will be happy to give you more information about everything.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

This is a book about hope and love. The strongest love – is the love of a parent for a child. It is no coincidence that the last two chapters are about how to make deep bonds with our kids. It’s important because soon your teenagers will grow up and go their separate ways, but if you have a strong relationship, they will always be close to you.

4) What drew you to this particular genre?

As I said before, I am most proud of my children. Not because they are intelligent and beautiful but because they have achieved their goals and found happiness.

In the last 10 years, there has been a lot of talk about positive parenting. Well, I’m 2 steps ahead. My grandparents on both sides raised my parents this way. My parents added something to that upbringing, and I added more. I think I can help many parents by telling them about these 2 steps forward.

In my opinion, parents’ job is not just to feed and educate their children but to teach them to deal with life’s problems. And something more important: It is unproductive to raise children in an environment without consequences.

ABN Banner

5) Which social media site has been most helpful in growing your readership?

Well, I’m still at the beginning. I am still developing my marketing strategy and looking for a way to reach more parents. Perhaps on Facebook, it is easiest to contact parents. But if I want to reach younger people, it’s Instagram and Tik Tok.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or budding writers?

Do your target audience research. Do thorough research on the topic that interests you. Don’t write just to write something – be useful, and write from the heart.

7) What does the future hold for you? Are any new books/projects on the horizon?

I already have several projects in my head. I am currently working on my website, Make Parenting Easier. 

The next is about the stages of a child’s development from a psychological point of view – not just how to deal with the crises that children go through, but what we need to teach them to build a strong psyche.

The other project is about ADHD – this is something that needs to be addressed early on – in the early years of development. How to turn weaknesses into strengths because of how we were raised.

You can look at www.MaggieLovange.com for those who want to receive notifications about my new projects. There you can also leave the questions and opinions you have. The more honest they are, the better my next book will be.

Advertisements

About the Author

Hi, I’m Maggie.

My name is Maggie Lovange, and I am an M.S. in mathematics, graphic designer and author. But what makes me proud are my three wonderful children.

Why my work will be helpful to you

I have experience raising children, not just as a stay-at-home mom but as a working mom. I was a single mother with my first child. I am the parent of a stepson, and of course, I am familiar with the problems when two parents raise children. The experience I gained, the issues I faced and the final result I achieved are helpful.

In today’s informational world, we are overwhelmed by a lot of information. Very often, the information you can find about a problem needs to be more consistent or made up. I am a mathematician, and my logic is very highly developed. On the other hand, I love reading and discovering new concepts and ideas. What I do is find the connections between different scientific studies and explain them in a way that is practical and easy to understand. A great example of this is cognitive behavioural therapy – which is complex. It took me about three months to research it and find different sources to be able to explain it as something utterly applicable in every person’s daily life.

Of course, being an author and a mother is not always easy. There are days when I feel like I am pulled in a million different directions. Seeing the impact that my writing has on others is the most rewarding thing I could ever ask for. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

As my children grow older, I know that new challenges and topics will require my attention as a writer. But I am ready for whatever comes my way. Writing is not just a job or a hobby for me; it’s a calling. It’s a way to connect with others and make a difference in the world.

Writing a book is not easy, but the rewards are immeasurable. And as a mother, there is nothing more satisfying than knowing that you have positively impacted your child’s life and the lives of others.

http://maggielovange.com/

https://www.facebook.com/miminiki1234

Interview with Author Arthur Hartz

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I’m an MD PhD, medical researcher who no one imagined would write social commentary, especially using cartoons. They didn’t know that my secret identity is a Margaret Meade type anthropologist fascinated by how the people in my primitive society interact. I first began creating cartoons as a tool for teaching medical students. Later, after writing some research papers as a wannabe anthropologist, I found that cartoons could present observations in a simple, entertaining, and relatable way that were clunky to present in words. I later added aphorisms and commentary to focus or expand interpretations of the cartoons. 

Advertisements

What inspired you to write your book?

I read a lot of social psychology about how people treated each other. My observations were often inconsistent with what I read. I thought that these observations may be interesting to others.

What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Being a good guy doing the right things does not solve relationship problems. Our genetics and our culture make good relationships much more difficult than simply behaving well.

What drew you into this particular genre?

So much of the conventional wisdom about how to have good relationships didn’t fit with what I was seeing. I wanted people to think harder about what their needs really were and how they behaved.

ABN Banner

What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I have not developed a successful social media site.

What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

I hope that in a year or so I will have had enough success that I am qualified to give advice.

What does the future hold in store for you? Are any new books/projects on the horizon?

For several months, I have been marketing my books.  I hope that I will now have more time to spend time writing creating new cartoon books and other books that will be interesting to a mass audience. 

Advertisements

About the Author

After retiring from a career as a medical researcher, Arthur Hartz worked with a team of artists to produce a series of cartoon books, the Slings and Arrows of Mundane Fortune. Slings and arrows in the title of this series refers to the daily attacks most people face on their self-esteem and relationships. From a distance these attacks are interesting and often funny. Four books have been completed with cartoons and aphorisms grouped according to the sources of the slings and arrows:

1. Winners and Losers, Heretical Cartoons About the American Religion of Winning

2. The Autumn Years, Cartoons from the Front Lines of the Battle Against Aging

3. Love and Marriage, Cartoons About Imperfect People Managing Their Most Important Relationship

4. Friendship, How Hard Can That Be

The talented artistic team for the series of cartoon books includes Aleksandar Jovic from Serbia, Mike Wolfe from Salt Lake City, and Heroud Ramos from Peru. Hartz describes what he wants, the artists draw what they like, and then they work it out — amicably.

Dr. Hartz was born in Baltimore; raised in Farmington, New Mexico, and worked in medical schools in Milwaukee, Iowa City, and Salt Lake City. Currently he and his wife, Ellen, live in St. Louis. He enjoys his grandchildren and talking to people in Latin America who can tolerate his Spanish.

https://mundanefortune.com/

https://twitter.com/arthur_hartz

Interview with Author Peggy Payne

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

My first thought of being a writer came in third grade in a paradoxically backwards way. My thought was: I could never be a writer because everything I write sounds like me and not like real writing. I didn’t realize at the time that a distinct voice was an advantage. But I see now that I was thinking then about writing.

Next milestone was eighth grade: my version of a homework assignment to write three paragraphs of description turned out to rhyme. More important, I found it hugely intriguingly fun to do. My course was pretty much set then.

I worked briefly for a newspaper, then began freelancing, which has led to four books and stories from more than 25 countries.

Advertisements

2) What inspired you to write your book?

My LIfe On Earth And Elsewhere is the first novel I began writing. I had just been sitting in a committee meeting as a news reporter and was frustrated that the committee wasn’t taking action. I felt powerless  and that led me to start doing a little world-building on paper. I started this novel that afternoon, immediately after leaving the meeting.

Why this story and not a different one? I wanted to write about out-of-body experience.

The book didn’t find a publisher then, though an editor at a major house wanted to publish it if, shockingly, I took the fantasy out. No way was I going to do that.  I put it aside, wrote several other books, and then came back to it about forty years later.

Bookbaby.com helps independent authors bring their creative vision to the marketplace. Sell eBooks online in the biggest retail stores.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Almost anything is possible. 

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Writing about an out-of-body experience led me into another realm.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I would ask Risto to tell me more about life before birth and after death.

ABN Banner

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I’m only now beginning to have a significant presence on social media (other than socializing on Facebook). When my previous book came out, social media was not as large a force. And I was running behind in developing it.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Don’t let anything deter you. Just keep writing and seeking publication.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I’m on the verge of finishing two other books, one based on my blog Emails To My Therapist and one a combination biography/memoir Miss Chant of Cottage Lane: The Making of a Mystic.

Links:

   A video of author Peggy Payne’s reaction to Author Anthony Avina’s review

Pre-order now: 

   Amazon

 Barnes & Noble

Quail Ridge Books

Advertisements

About the Author

Peggy Payne likes to write about difficult people and how they got that way.

Her novels usually venture into the realm of the supernatural, ranging from mainstream religions to the occult.

Her writing inevitably touches upon the intersection of sex and spirituality — to her surprise and no doubt that of everyone who was in high school with her. This pattern didn’t become startlingly clear until she’d published her third novel, Cobalt Blue, and reached the supposedly staid age of 65.

By the time she’d started her first novel, Revelation, she’d spent years as a travel writer, TV and newspaper reporter, magazine nonfiction writer, from Ms. Magazine and More to Travel & Leisure and Cosmopolitan. After writing from more than 25 countries, she had expected to keep rambling about the world for the rest of her days.

But then came the overwhelming need to write fiction, an event much like a spiritual awakening.

Peggy dates her first glimmers of interest in writing fiction to the third grade, when she thought:  “I could never be a writer, because everything I write sounds like me (not like real writing.)”

Home

https://www.facebook.com/peggy.payne.142

Links to my other books:

Sister India

Cobalt Blue

Revelation

The Healing Power of Doing Good, with Allan Luks