Tag: how to

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.”

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The Home Network Manual: The Complete Guide to Setting Up, Upgrading, and Securing Your Home Network by Marlon Buchanan Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

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

Learn how to set up a secure and reliable home network while learning about the basic components that make up a home network in author Marlon Buchanan’s “The Home Network Manual: The Complete Guide to Setting Up, Upgrading, and Securing Your Home Network”.

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The Synopsis

Learn everything you need to know about perfecting your home network in one simple guide.

Do you need to build or upgrade your home network, but aren’t sure where to begin? Would you like your home network to be fast, stable, and secure?

After reading The Home Network Manual you’ll know:

– The components that make up a home network

– The right way to set up a home network from scratch

– Which devices will give you the best home network

– Tips for making your home network fast

– How to have reliable Wi-Fi throughout your home

– How to diagnose and fix common home network problems

– How to secure your home network from hackers

…And so much more!

Having a fast, stable, and secure home network is more important now than ever. After reading this book, you’ll be equipped with all the tools and information you need to have the trouble-free, fast, and secure home network you need.

If getting every device in your home on your home network has been a chore, or if you’re putting up with situations like your video streaming services buffering every few moments, your online games kicking you because your Wi-Fi drops, or your Zoom sessions fuzzing out and freezing into that impossible to understand robot voice, then you need to read this book!

Keep yourself and your family safe in the digital age. Make sure everything is running the best it can, and learn what you need to know about your home network. Troubleshoot your issues and be the hero that saves your family grief in their day-to-day online experiences.

The Review

This was such a thoughtful and engaging way to relate the information concerning home network installation and care to the average reader. The pointed and efficient way the author covered the intricacies and details of the book really allowed the reader to feel a sense of understanding and accomplishment when working towards understanding their own home networking capabilities. 

The style and tone the author deploys into their writing were superb. The book finds that perfect harmonious chord of balance between the educational study of skill or profession while infusing humor and personal stories to make the learning process that much more engaging. The book flows smoothly and the author really does an amazing job of covering the basics needed to understand how to work a person’s home networking system. 

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, authentic, and engaging for readers who enjoy learning about computers and setting up home networks, be sure to grab your copy of author Marlon Buchanan’s “The Home Network Manual: The Complete Guide to Setting Up, Upgrading, and Securing Your Home Network” today! The relatability and the author’s means of relaying information about the installation for the average reader. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Marlon Buchanan’s genuine interest in home networks shines through in his writing. Taking what’s often considered a boring topic and making it palatable and even exciting is no small feat, yet Marlon manages to do this and more. His invaluable experience and expertise can help anyone from beginner to pro tackle and manage their home network concerns. He holds a bachelor’s in computer science and engineering from MIT and master’s degrees in business administration and software engineering from Seattle University. He works as an IT Director but was previously a software engineer, business analyst, and college instructor.

Marlon currently resides in Seattle with his wife and kids and hopes to make home technology topics common knowledge.

Guest Post: My Top Five Tips For Writing Great Sci-Fi Fantasy Novels by Michael Phillip Cash

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, Book Giveaways, book launch, book news, Book Promotion, Guest Post, reviewsLeave a comment

Hey everyone. I’m honored to share this amazing guest post from author Michael Phillip Cash. Be sure to check out his website and links down below, and don’t forget to follow the link to the Rafflecopter giveaway as well! Take it away Michael!

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“My Top Five Tips For Writing Great Sci-Fi Fantasy Novels”

By Michael Phillip Cash

When you’re just starting out as an author you may be tempted to heed the advice to “write what you know.” But what about writers who want to write in the Science Fiction Fantasy genre? That’s certainly not a world you’re going to have some knowledge of. But wait. Don’t get discouraged. You have a distinct advantage over some other genres. Everything you need to know about writing Sci-Fi Fantasy is already stored right in your noggin. That’s because it’s your world and you get to create every single thing about it. It’s known as world building and it’s awesome. As long as you keep some things in mind you’ll be good to go. Here are my top five tips for writing great Sci-Fi Fantasy books:

  1. Read, read and then read some more

Read every science fiction/fantasy book you can get your hands on. Study them like you would any other reference book. Learn from the masters. Take notes as you read. Don’t aim to copy, but use other books as jumping off points for your own unique stories.  

  1. Tap into traditional fantasy elements

It’s okay to include the standard trolls, elves, giants, wizards, warriors, or whatever. Just use them in totally different and unique ways. Use these tried and true elements, but do it as originally as possible.

  1. Combine basic writing principles in distinctly unique ways

Boy loves girl. Boy gets girl. Boy loses girl. Boy gets captured by a ten-foot tall giant and girl must use her magical powers and her talking dragon to fool the giant into letting boy go. You get the idea. Much of what works in say for instance romance or another genre will work in fantasy. You just have to do it with a magical sort of imagination.

  1. Make sure your characters have dreams, hopes and goals

If your characters have nothing at stake, or nothing to overcome then no one will care what happens to them. When you’re creating your cast of characters, be sure to give them strengths, weaknesses, fears and flaws. Even fantasy characters have these and this is what will keep your readers invested in your story.

  1. Study old (and new) maps, and learn about different cultures and climates.

Maps are beautiful and artistic props to use as inspiration – particularly older maps. Imagine what it might be like to live in a foreign land. Research the clothing, tools and equipment other cultures use now and in the past. Considering what the terrain or climate might be like in your fantasy world will ultimately allow your readers to immerse themselves in your story.  

About Michael Phillip Cash

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Michael Phillip Cash is an award-winning novelist and screenwriter. His novel The Battle for Darracia is a three-part saga and is available on Amazon.

Michael’s novels are best-sellers on Amazon under their genres – Young Adult, Thriller, Suspense, Ghost, Action Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance and Horror. Michael writes full-time and lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wonderful wife and screaming children. You can follow him @michaelpcash or connect with him via his website.

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