Tag: books

Singing Surya Dreams to Dance by Suchi Sairam Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

i received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young boy dreams of dancing in author Suchi Sairam’s “Singing Surya Dreams to Dance.”

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The Synopsis

Surya likes to sing. But he LOVES to dance.
There’s only one problem.
Surya is a boy. And boys don’t dance.

Or do they?

The Review

This was an uplifting and moving children’s book read. The author does a remarkable job of conveying a sense of heart and passion into the story, infusing warm imagery and great insight into what life a child is like, both for everyday life and for those from other cultures as well. The characters feel relatable and make the reader feel connected to both the story and the life experiences the story conveys.The depth of culture the author poured into this book was amazing as well.

What really stood out was the powerful themes of this narrative. The exploration of peer pressure, identity, and following one’s dreams is very prevelant throughout the book, giving readers a chance to see how the opinions of our peers and the world around us often hinder a person’s desire to follow their dreams or passions in life. Yet the book celebrates what makes people different, and encourages children to explore those passions with zeal and bravery. The courage and positive message the story drives home and even exploring how often ideas about what certain things are associated with certain genders and how that can impact a person exploring their passions made a strong statement in this book.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, uplifting, and engaging, author Suchi Sairam’s “Singing Surya Dreams to Dance” is a must-read children’s illustrated book. The steady pacing of the narrative, rich imagery, and the memorable themes the story explores will keep young readers entertained and help educate them on how to embrace their identities and celebrate what makes them different. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

SUCHI SAIRAM is an Indian-Texan-Minnesotan-American with her feet firmly and proudly planted in multiple cultures and identities. She is equally an engineer and artist, leader and entrepreneur, student and teacher.

Her passion is to integrate the arts, leadership, and entrepreneurship to help develop great people and spread good in the world around us.

Suchi’s nearly 40 year journey in the Indian classical arts as a student, teacher, dancer, choreographer and performer alongside her long career in corporate and small businesses gives her a unique worldview. She founded St. Paul, MN based dance studio and company, Kala Vandanam in 2002. Her first book, a multiple award-winning illustrated children’s book “Dancing Deepa” was inspired by her loving students at Kala Vandanam, and is dedicated to them and all of the young, aspiring dancers out there who just want to share what they love with others.

Suchi has devoted her time and talents to organizations supporting science and math education for girls, empowerment for women, the arts, and developing vibrant small businesses in her community.

Find Suchi on social media – instagram.com/suchisairam | linkedin.com/in/suchisairam

For more about Kala Vandanam – kalavandanam.com
facebook.com/kalavandanam | instagram.com/kalavandanam

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guAo2QXImSg 

When the World Hurts by Liz Moyer Benferhat Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Liz Moyer Benferhat shares the message of finding hope in desolate times and turning our pain into action in the book “When the World Hurts.”

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The Synopsis

Amazon #1 New Release

What if our pain isn’t the end but a beginning?

With breakdown on the rise—climate injustice, war, polarization, inequality—it’s easy to feel helpless. Overwhelmed. Collective pain isn’t just out there; it’s in your body. And if you’re like most people, you don’t know what to do about it.

But what if the pain we’re feeling—individually and collectively—isn’t proof of our demise, but a sign we’re awakening to something deeper as a society? What if your experience has a role to play?

When The World Hurts invites readers into a grounded, soulfully honest way of making sense of the world’s pain. It is a book about emotional healing that offers a simple yet radical idea: our emotions about the world are part of her change. Far from being obstacles, they’re doorways into collective wisdom. We just need the right tools to work with them.

Drawing from years of work at the intersection of sustainable development, systems thinking, and trauma-informed healing, Liz Moyer Benferhat presents a self-help guide to collective healing. She introduces her We Heal For All Circle model, a practice that helps people work with the emotional impact of change by connecting with themselves, each other, and the world through co-created wisdom.

When the World Hurts weaves together healing frameworks, social analysis, and storytelling to explore:

  • Why collective pain is on the rise and what it might point toward.
  • How to unearth wisdom within your grief for the world, and how to use it to play the role the world needs you to.
  • A deep dive into collective wounds to better understand yourself and others in our polarized times.
  • Tools that bridge inner work with outer action.

Whether you’re a burnt out activist seeking political self-help, a parent trying to stay hopeful for your kid, or simply someone who wants to do good in a world that’s upside down, this book is for you. It’s a shared space—a place to breathe, feel, and remember you’re not alone.

These pages won’t tell you how to save the world. But they will help you be in relationship with her, so you can listen more deeply to what’s being asked and be of service to the world’s transformation from the inside out.

The Review

In a world so divided and facing so many challenges, it is easy, when we are feeling stressed or scared about what may happen next, to feel alone and isolated. Yet the author’s book does such a beautiful job of creating a sense of community and love that resonates on an emotional level. The almost conversational tone and atmosphere the author creates with this book’s writing style cut through immediately for readers and allow them to relate to the author and their message very quickly.

The emotional journey readers are taken on is perfectly paired with the strong themes and messages this book offers. Not only are readers able to utilize excercises and moments of self reflection to engage in the author’s book, but the author showcases how the painful moments and experiences they live through both in their personal lives and what we as a society are experiencing right now are not necessarily a reason to despair and turn to hoplessness, but instead to see the winds of change in our world brewing and how that change can be the catalyst to heal these collective wounds and make a brighter future instead.

The Verdict

Hopeful, thoughtful, and engaging, author Liz Moyer Benferhat’s “When the World Hurts” is a must-read nonfiction book of inspiration, guidance, and heart. The author’s positivity and exploration of everything from political activism and parenthood to inner struggles will resonate deeply with readers, creating a book that is both helpful and healing. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Liz has worked in the sustainable development field for almost 20 years, so knows how much heart goes into caring about our world. Which is why she launched We Heal For All in 2018—to support fellow helpers and healers to have a healthier relationship with the world, so they can be conduits for these transformational times.

She does this through collective healing—both as a lens for making sense of the times we live in (“why is the world in so much pain?”) and as an embodied practice for what to do about it. Through writing, teaching, and beautifully co-creative community space, she offers language and tools for the inner dimension of social change, bringing healing-centered approaches into the mix.

Her offerings—Circles, courses, writings, and meditations—support people with the many normal feelings that come with being alive and attuned to our changing world. They’re the very tools she herself has needed as a longtime change maker, now shared to help others usher in the culture and consciousness shifts we’re at the precipice of. 

https://www.wehealforall.com/

https://amzn.to/3Lv0Fug

YOU ARE UNFORGETTABLE BY HARVEER SINGH REVIEW

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Harveer Singh shares the process of not only accepting oneself but using that to build their brand in the book “You Are Unforgettable.”

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The Synopsis

You were never meant to blend in, you were meant to be unforgettable.

If you’ve ever felt invisible despite your talent, unsure how to communicate your value, or frustrated watching others succeed while you stay unnoticed, this book is for you. You Are Unforgettable is not just another guide, it’s a powerful roadmap to help you build confidence, clarity, and a personal brand that truly represents who you are.

Rooted in lived experience and real-world results, this book speaks directly to readers who love self help books, motivational books, inspirational books, and self improvement books, while offering something deeper and more practical. Blending personal transformation with business strategy, it shows you how to stop hiding, show up authentically, and turn your story into influence and income through identity-first growth, without pretending to be someone else.

What makes this book different?

This is one of the rare personal development books that combines mindset, confidence, and strategy. Whether you are a sales professional, entrepreneur, creator, coach or corporate professional this book gives you practical tools to grow personally and professionally.

Inside, you’ll discover:

  • How to build a strong and authentic personal brand built around your personal story
  • How to communicate your value with confidence
  • How to stand out in today’s crowded markets
  • How to attract aligned clients and opportunities
  • How to monetize your knowledge, skills, and story
  • How to ensure you have an unshakable mindset to weather the ups and downs of sales and entrepreneurship


That’s why readers who love entrepreneurship books, marketing books, and personal branding principles find this book transformational.

A mindset shift that lasts

At its core, this is a powerful growth mindset book rooted in real life transformation. It helps you overcome self doubt, fear of judgment, and the habit of playing small, not through borrowed theory but through lived experience and practical application. Readers of personal growth books, self growth books, and self development books will recognize the emotional depth and appreciate the clear, actionable guidance that moves them from insight into execution.

It also serves as a modern self care book, reframing self care not as indulgence, but as the daily work of building confidence, clarity, and self belief as the foundation for lasting success.

Perfect for readers who enjoy:

  • Self help books that are practical and inspiring
  • A modern inspirational book with real-world application
  • Personal branding book strategies that actually work
  • Personal branding guidance rooted in authenticity


Part 1 helps you identify what truly makes you unique. Not despite your past pain, awkwardness, or insecurities, but because of them. This is where you stop hiding your story and start seeing it as your advantage. It is time to look within.

Part 2 teaches you how to build a personal brand rooted in those truths. One designed for connection, trust, and client attraction. You are guided step by step so your brand reflects who you are and what you stand for.

Part 3 strengthens your mindset so you can confidently put your message into the world. You will learn how to stay consistent when motivation fades and how to handle criticism or self doubt without shrinking.

The Appendix includes a practical 30-Day Personal Branding Challenge that helps you build your personal brand one intentional action at a time.

Let’s build you an unforgettable personal brand that gets you paid. Buy your copy today!

The Review

Such an inspiring and empowering read. The author does a remarkable job of writing in a way that feels both conversational and uplifting all at once, relating to the reader his own personal struggles with maintaining his identity and not letting others erase who he is, while also showing the reader the steps that can lead to someone owning themselves and building a brand that reflects that. The author’s writing conveys a tone of duality, that of understanding and a fast-paced fire that instantly motivates the reader.

The author’s emphasis on the importance of the self and self-expression was remarkable. The creativity the author uses in utilizing stories from history and mythology, from the Rubicon River Caesar himself crossed to the rising of the Phoenix, and so much more, was enthralling and memorable. The reader is not only able to connect to the author, but the author is able to balance the reader’s ability to build self-confidence with the skills they need to turn that confidence into a brand that works for them.

The Verdict

Inspiring, authentic, and engaging, author Harveer Singh’s “You Are Unforgettable” is a must-read nonfiction book. The book is both a tool to better yourself and a reminder that, while also giving readers the skills they need to build that self-image into a brand others can identify with and be inspired by. The remarkable honesty and compelling writing the author displays will have readers returning to this book time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Harveer Singh is a personal branding strategist, speaker, and author of You Are Unforgettable: Build a Personal Brand That Gets You Paid. He has almost two decades of experience in Sales within the Commercial Insurance and Real Estate Sales industries. As a first generation Sikh American, Harveer rebuilt his career after identity based challenges and major income loss during the pandemic, ultimately becoming one of the most recognizable personal brands in his market. His work blends personal branding, mindset shifts, confidence growth, and practical business strategy to help entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and creators stop hiding what makes them different and use their story to stand out, attract opportunities, and grow income. Through speaking, coaching, and content, Harveer helps people turn authenticity into visibility and visibility into results.

https://www.theharveersingh.com/

https://amzn.to/4jGKqql

THINK LEAD REPEAT by London Porter Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author London Porter shares hundreds of lessons to help leaders grow in the book “THINK LEAD REPEAT.”

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The Synopsis

Think – Lead – Repeat offers 369 days of practical wisdom and bold leadership insight—one day at a time. Designed for modern professionals who balance ambition with authenticity, this book delivers bite-sized lessons on influence, emotional intelligence, strategy, and communication. A great conversation starter for team meetings. Each daily read blends inspiration, reflection, and actionable guidance to help leaders at every level think sharper, lead stronger, and make things happen—with purpose, confidence, and a touch of swagger.

The Review

What a compelling and insightful read. The author delivers each chapter with gusto and wit, offering lessons in business and personal growth that will resonate with readers daily. The personal empowerment and business development lessons will reinforce the reader, emphasizing the author’s expertise and knowledge and making the tone feel incredibly real and relatable at the same time.

The thing that stood out to me as a reader was both the unique way the author crafted these lessons and the way readers can interact with the book. The author breaks these micro-lessons into 1-page lessons, divided by month and day, allowing the reader to follow them almost like a daily motivational page to keep the day moving forward. On top of this, readers can pick up this book at any time and often return to it time and again to engage with the lessons they need most in times of crisis or uncertainty.

The Verdict

Authentic, honest, and engaging, author London Porter’s “Think Lead Repeat” is a must-read nonfiction motivational business read. The expertise and heart with which the author writes and the way readers are able to take in these lessons at their own pace and put them into action to see the change in their leadership skills will resonate with readers and keep them returning to this book anytime they need more drive and inspiration to move forward in business. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

London isn’t your average HR executive — he’s a LinkedIn mini-sensation who leverages his charismatic personal brand to redefine leadership conversations in addition to everything HR.

Known for his engaging short videos that develop work competencies under 2 mins, he enthusiastically spotlights his brother and sister public service organizations, nation wide. His savvy yet cheeky style has cultivated an impressive following — enough to earn him 2025 HR Professional of the Year.

With a knack for writing popular books, inspiring thousands, and consistently adding straight whiskey value across the HR and business communities, London has pledged his personal life to helping raise the vibration of the work place and the planet, one conversational competency at a time. And c’mon, when was the last time competency training was binge-worthy?

https://amzn.to/49BwAkJ

What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes Review

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

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A woman pushes herself to experience more of life after the sudden loss of her mother in author Caitlin Forbes’s “What Comes Next.”

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The Synopsis

An empowering and heartfelt novel about the complexities of family, the power of sisterhood, and the bravery it takes to choose happiness when all seems lost.

“My life is perfectly fine.”

Alex has pretended this for years―despite an emotionally absent father, a best friend drifting away, and a floundering dog-training business. At least Alex has her sister, Meredith, a driven polar opposite. But both their lives are upended when their estranged mother dies of a genetic condition that the sisters have a fifty-fifty chance of inheriting. For Alex, a world without her mother is uncomfortable. But a world without Meredith is unthinkable.

Alex suggests a pact to which Meredith tentatively agrees: In three months they’ll get tested. Until then they go after everything they’ve ever wanted. Alex is finally stepping out of her comfort zone and opening herself up to new relationships. Or maybe reconnecting with an old one. Nathan, a boy who once broke her heart, needs a trainer for his mixed-breed rescue. Alex can’t resist.

As sparks rekindle, and time passes much too quickly, Alex discovers more about herself, her sister, and her mother than she ever imagined. And that everything in life―especially happiness―comes with a risk worth taking.

The Review

What a heartfelt and emotional read. The author finds such a delicate yet perfect balance between exploring the grieving process, the intricacies of relationships, and the power of self-discovery. The juxtaposition of animal care with the protagonist’s life, especially with Remy and the frequency of animal abandonment due to past trauma, making it difficult to train or home them, mirrors the protagonist’s own abandonment issues and really speaks volumes throughout this story.

Yet it was the relationship between Alex and Meredith that really stood out to the reader. The way they learned to lean on one another in the absence of their parents, the loss they share, and the shock of a shared illness lingering as a possibility is something that felt so relatable as someone who inherited several ailments and the dangers that come with genetic diseases. The author artfully navigates these troubled waters by exploring the path to finding hope again in a person’s life amidst the trauma.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Caitlin Forbes’s “What Comes Next” is a must-read women’s fiction-meets-family-drama novel. The imagery and atmosphere the author brought to life on the page, along with the compelling blend of emotional storytelling and hopeful tones, will keep readers engaged until the book’s final chapters. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Photography by Molly Haley, mollyhaley.com

Caitlin Forbes is a Maine-based author who writes stories that explore the messiness of relationships—from sisterhood to romance to the tricky relationship we have with ourselves. When not writing, you can find her chasing after her toddler (or her dog) and exploring small-town New England life. 

You can follow the author at: 

https://www.caitlinforbesauthor.com/

https://www.instagram.com/caitlin_forbes_author/

Blog Tour Calendar

December 8 @ The Muffin

Join us at the Muffin as we celebrate the launch of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of the book.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

December 9 @ Kaecey McCormick’s blog

Join Kaecey’s blog for a guest post from Caitlin Forbes about why she writes and what inspires her.

https://www.kaeceymccormick.com/blog

December 11 @ Knotty Needle

Judy shares her thoughts about What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. 

https://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

December 12 @ CC King’s blog

Stop by Caitrin’s blog for a guest post by Caitlin Forbes on the struggle and process of publishing a debut novel.

https://www.caitrincking.com/blog

December 15 @ Sarandipity’s

Visit Sara’s blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. 

https://sarandipitys.com/blog/

December 18 @ Knotty Needle

Stop by Judy’s blog again for her response to our tour-themed prompt about her own dog rescue story.

https://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

December 19 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff

Stop by Nicole’s Substack for a contribution from Caitlin Forbes.

https://nicolepyles.substack.com

December 20 @ A Wonderful World of Books

Visit Joy’s blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/

December 20 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Visit Anthony’s blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

https://authoranthonyavina.com/category/blog-tours/

December 21 @ Chapter Break

Visit Julie’s blog for a guest post by Caitlin Forbes about the importance of fiction, particularly book club fiction, in this crazy time.

https://chapterbreak.net/

December 23 @ What Is That Book About?

Visit Michelle’s blog for an excerpt from What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com/

December 26 @ Words by Webb

Visit Jodi’s blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

December 28 @ StoreyBook Reviews

Stop by Leslie’s blog for a guest post by Caitlin Forbes on why she included dogs in her book What Comes Next.

https://storeybookreviews.com/

January 2 @ Nicole Writes About Stuff

Stop by Nicole’s Substack for a feature of What Comes Next in her weekly newsletter.

https://nicolepyles.substack.com

January 3 @ Seaside Book Nook

Visit Jilleen’s blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

http://www.seasidebooknook.com/

January 4 @ Author Anthony Avina’s blog

Stop by Anthony’s blog for his review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

https://authoranthonyavina.com/category/blog-tours/

January 8 @ Writer Advice

Visit B. Lynn Goodwin’s blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes.

https://writeradvice.com/

January 9 @ Writer Advice

Stop by B. Lynn Goodwin’s blog for a guest post by author Caitlin Forbes about the question of inheritance – of what we inherit versus what we get to choose.

https://writeradvice.com/

January 10 @ Just Katherine

Stop by Katherine’s blog for her review of What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes. You’ll also have a chance to read her response to our tour-themed prompt about whether if she had an incurable condition and if she would want to find out.

https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/

Interview with Author Cory V. McCray 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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


I’m a proud son of Baltimore, an electrician by trade, and now serve in the Maryland State Senate representing the 45th District. My journey started with an apprenticeship — it gave me not just a career, but a path to stability, leadership, and service. Writing wasn’t my first language; I was used to working with my hands. But over time, through op-eds, speeches, and listening to the stories in my community, I realized writing was another way to build — not with wire or tools, but with words that could help shape futures.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?


The book grew out of a simple truth: apprenticeships saved my life. I wanted to create a guidebook that would demystify the process for parents, students, and mentors — to show them that the trades aren’t a fallback, they’re a way forward. I’ve seen too many young people miss opportunities because they didn’t have access or exposure. This book is my way of pulling back the curtain and saying, “Here’s how you can get there.”

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


That second chances are real, and pathways to the middle class come in many forms. Apprenticeships are the other four-year degree. I want readers — whether they’re young people figuring out their path, parents trying to guide their kids, or counselors advising students — to walk away knowing that opportunity is closer than they think, and that hard work plus access can change everything.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?


Memoir with a “how-to” spine felt like the right fit. I wanted to tell my story honestly — the good and the challenges — but also leave readers with practical steps they can act on. It’s not just about my journey, it’s about creating a blueprint others can use.

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


Instagram has been powerful — it allows me to share visual moments, connect with young people, and engage directly with readers who may not follow traditional political spaces. But I also lean on LinkedIn, because so much of this conversation is about workforce development, policy, and leadership, and that’s where those communities live.

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


Stay true to your voice. Writing can feel intimidating, especially if it’s not your first craft, but authenticity is what resonates. Be disciplined about putting words down — even if it’s just a page at a time — and surround yourself with people who will push you to finish. Most importantly, write the book you wish you had in your hands years ago.

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


Right now, I’m focused on bringing The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life into as many classrooms, libraries, and communities as possible. But I also see this book as just the beginning of a larger conversation.

On a personal level, I’ve got a 10- and 11-year-old in the house — both boys — and time is flying. Writing this book gave me space to reflect on the disciplines and lessons I’ve learned through life, and I want to make sure I pass them on early so they don’t fall into the same traps I did. With my wife, our focus is on raising our four children to be good human beings — the kind who contribute to making this world a better place.

So while I’m already thinking about ways to expand on this project — companion guides, lifting up more apprenticeship stories, and maybe another book down the road — my deepest priority is what’s happening inside my own home, and making sure my kids grow up with the tools, values, and exposure they need to thrive.

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About the Author

Cory V. McCray is a husband and father of four from Baltimore who believes deeply in second chances and creating pathways to opportunity. An electrician by trade, he now serves as a Maryland State Senator, representing Baltimore’s 45th Legislative District. Cory is the author of The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life, a guidebook and memoir that shows how apprenticeships are “the other four-year degree.”

Links:

Interview with Author Roshana Ariel

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

I always enjoyed creative writing throughout school. I took a class in high school that helped nurture that little spark. My mother was an unofficial editor—as a medical librarian, she would edit doctors’ papers for medical journals. She would sometimes edit my school papers too, and they were always so much better when she touched them. That’s how I learned how powerful editing can be.

Later in life, I became an editor at daily newspapers in the Midwest, and in that role, I started writing a weekly column. That continued for many years.

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2)     What inspired you to write your book?

I wrote a Christmas column one year, in 2012, which became this book, “Merry Christmas, Cosmos.” I remember waking up over and over one night as another line of text came to me. It sort of wrote itself that night. I was inspired by the idea of evolution and some of the books that were coming out around that time—“Evolutionaries” by Carter Phipps was one.

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

I would love for people to recognize that we’re all one big family on this planet, evolved from tiny creatures swimming about in primordial pools. And that Earth is our common home. I would love for the divisiveness in the world to decrease and the understanding of our shared heritage to grow.

4)     What drew you into this particular genre?

It grew out of the inspiration from the Christmas column I wrote. From that place, I just wanted to illustrate it. One of my favorite books is “Your Illustrated Guide to Becoming One With the Universe,” by Yumi Sakugawa. It came out a year after my book. I love short books with a powerful message.

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

Social media? I haven’t even posted my book yet on Facebook. But I will. I don’t do much social media-ing.

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

Read your writing out loud; that helps a lot with hearing the rhythm in your writing. And go with your heart, and edit, edit, edit until it feels just right.

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

Since I published this book, I wrote a song to go with it: “Merry Christmas, Cosmos (the song).” I’ve gone into the studio and recorded my parts and have spent many hours tweaking it for release. It should be uploaded to streaming services any day now.

And I do have a book on the horizon, tentatively named “Your Big Self.” I hope to bring clarity to what people mean when they talk about a true self, higher self, unique self, local self, etc. It will probably be in the same kind of picture-book style.

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About the Author

Roshana Ariel is a writer, editor, and musician who weaves wonder into everyday life. She’s the author of “Merry Christmas, Cosmos,” a holiday book for families that blends science, sacred storytelling, and a sense of belonging in the cosmos.

Her life’s path has taken her from playing in bands and as a solo performer across the United States, to working as a radio announcer, and eventually to journalism, where she worked her way up to managing editor at a daily newspaper.

Now living in North Carolina, she performs regularly at her local Unity fellowship and creates memes, meditations, and music that celebrate conscious living and our shared origins in a vast, unfolding universe—all in service to Goodness, Truth, and Beauty.

https://roshanawrites.medium.com/

https://amzn.to/4r88pSR