Tag: interview

Interview with Author Julie Cropp Gareleck 

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

I am a CEO, Author, and Entrepreneur, well-respected leader in business communities that extends from the US, to Canada, and the United Kingdom.  In 25 years, I’ve consulted with more than 1000 companies, including startups, midsize, and Fortune 1000 companies, to build sustainable, revenue generating strategies. In 2009, I founded Junction Creative, an award-winning strategic marketing agency, combining the intellectual capital of a business consulting firm with the creative execution of an advertising agency.  As the author of Dare to Become, From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office, I share the right blend of personal anecdotes and professional advice makes it a valuable read for those looking to gain insights into the entrepreneurial journey and the importance of resilience in achieving success. 

Writing has always been a passion of mine. I’ve kept a personal journal from the time I was a teenager until now.  Writing has provided me with an outlet to reflect on my journey, whether documenting my gratitude or working through difficult situations.

I’ve aspired to be an author since I was a child, and at 45 years of age, I dared to become one.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

After reaching 13 years in business, I felt the immense weight of the decisions I faced every day to keep moving the business forward.  After reaching the milestones I had set for the business, I realized that I wasn’t sure what was next.

I sifted through my journals, revisiting my teenage years, 20s, and 30s. As I poured through the pages, I realized just how far I’d come.   The lessons I had learned, the challenges I’d overcome, and the dreams realized motivated me to write Dare to Become, From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office.

It was looking back that I found my way forward and the words to write this book.

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

Within each chapter, I leave the reader with important details regarding how to start a business, fund a business, overcome challenges, manage a multi-generational workforce, develop a management style, and many more insights on what it takes to be successful in business.  I also wanted to inspire others to keep moving forward and find comfort in knowing that while our journeys to success might look different, we are all experiencing similar challenges and triumphs along the way.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Anyone who knows me would agree that I love to tell great stories. Dare to Become, From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office is just that, a prescriptive bio, full of insights and stories that detail the journey from being a waitress to building a successful business.  It felt natural to write in this style.

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

I utilize LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to communicate with my readership.

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

Writing a book has been one of my personal and professional goals. I initially thought that writing the book would be the most difficult part.  It turns out the writing was the easiest part of this process.  For others, starting the book might be the biggest challenge.

I would encourage any new author to be patient with the process.  Start with an outline and let the framework of the book take shape.  And when you hit a writer’s block, take a break from the keyboard.   Don’t rush the process.

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

If I only had a crystal ball! The future is looking bright.  I have two other book outlines that I am working on as I have more stories to share.  I will also continue to consult with companies, business owners, and entrepreneurs, whether inspiring change or being a catalyst for success.

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About the Author

Julie is a CEO, Author, and entrepreneur.  Julie is a respected and trusted leader in business communities that extend from the Northeast (Philadelphia, New York City, and D.C.) to the Southeast (including the Greater Atlanta region and Charleston, South Carolina.) and that includes CEOs and entrepreneurs of small to midsize businesses as well as the Fortune 1000. In her 25 years career, she has consulted with more than 1000 companies to build sustainable, revenue generating strategies. Her first book Dare to Become, From the Corner Booth to the Corner Office, hit shelves Worldwide on September 1 and details her journey working for her parents’ restaurant to building a successful agency. 

Julie Cropp Gareleck

CEO | Author | Entrepreneur

Website: www.juliecroppgareleck.com

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn

Read My Book: Dare to Become

Listen to My Podcast: Aspire to Be

Interview with Author Nancy Ejike-Offor 

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

I’m Nancy Ejike-Offor, an author who writes both children’s books and books on life issues. My writing journey began with a desire to connect with others through stories that inspire, educate, and offer comfort. As a mother, I was first drawn to writing children’s books to teach my own children important life lessons and Christian values in a way they could easily understand. Over time, I realized that many of the themes I explored in my children’s books, such as resilience, kindness, and healing, were also relevant to adults facing life’s challenges. This realization led me to expand my writing to include books that address deeper life issues, like grief and personal growth. My goal is to create stories that resonate with readers of all ages, helping them navigate both the joys and difficulties of life.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

As both a children’s book author and a life issues book author, my inspiration for writing “Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss” stemmed from a deep understanding of how grief affects people of all ages. Having experienced loss myself, I felt a strong need to address this universal experience in a way that could bring comfort and hope to both children and adults.

For children, I wanted to create a resource that would help them navigate the confusing and often overwhelming emotions that come with losing someone they love. My experience in writing my Six children’s story books, such as “Learning to Forgive,” “The Dove of Peace (Noah’s Story),” and “Learn to Share”, and others, allowed me to approach this sensitive topic with care, using language and imagery that young readers could relate to and find soothing. These Children’s Story books are available on Amazon, where I’ve been fortunate to reach a wide audience.

At the same time, as a life issues author, I recognized the importance of providing guidance and support to adults who are also struggling with grief. I wanted to offer insights and practical advice that could help them process their emotions and find a path to healing. My goal was to create a book that serves as a companion for anyone going through grief, offering reassurance that they are not alone and that, with time, healing is possible.

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

The key message I hope readers take away from “Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss” is that healing is a journey that requires time, support, and love. I want both children and adults to understand that it’s okay to feel sad and that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Through this book, I aim to provide reassurance that, with time, the pain of loss can be softened, and that it’s possible to find peace and happiness again. My goal is to offer a gentle reminder that they are not alone in their grief.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

As both a children’s book author and a life issues book author, I’ve always been drawn to stories that have the power to touch hearts and change lives. My passion for writing began with a desire to teach and inspire young minds, which naturally led me to the genre of children’s literature. Writing for children allows me to introduce important values, such as kindness, faith, and resilience, in a way that is both engaging and accessible. Seeing how these stories positively impact young readers motivated me to explore even deeper themes.

As I continued my writing journey, I realized that many of the challenges children face, such as dealing with loss, understanding emotions, and finding hope are also relevant to adults. This realization inspired me to expand my work into the life issues genre, where I could address these topics from a more mature perspective. Writing about grief, healing, and personal growth has allowed me to connect with readers on a deeper level, offering support and guidance during difficult times.

What truly drew me into both genres is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, whether they are children or adults. I believe that stories have the power to heal, teach, and transform, and I am committed to creating works that resonate with readers of all ages.

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

Facebook has been incredibly helpful in developing my readership. My page, https://www.facebook.com/Booksbynancy1/,’ serves as a central place where I can share updates about my books, including both my children’s books and those focused on life issues like “Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss.” Facebook has allowed me to connect directly with parents, educators, and readers, building a supportive community around my work.

In addition to Facebook, my TikTok channel, ‘@daughterofmosthigh,’ and my YouTube channel, ‘ https://youtube.com/@inner-powerinspirations?si=qAvQMNfdly3NgKgQ,’ have also been crucial in reaching a broader audience. TikTok’s dynamic format has enabled me to engage with readers in a more interactive way, sharing insights about my writing process, book snippets, and personal reflections on the topics I cover. Meanwhile, on YouTube, I create content that aligns with my mission of inspiring and uplifting others, which complements the themes in my books. Together, these platforms have been instrumental in helping me connect with readers and share my stories with a wider audience.

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

For aspiring authors, especially those writing for children, my advice is to write with empathy and from the heart. Understand the emotions of your readers, whether they are children or adults, and approach your storytelling with a sense of care and compassion. It’s important to stay true to your voice and to remember that your stories have the power to make a lasting impact. Be patient with the process, seek out constructive feedback, and always believe in the message you’re trying to convey.

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

I’m excited about the future and the new projects I’m currently working on. In addition to continuing my work on children’s books that teach valuable life lessons, I’m also focused on expanding my collection of life issues books. One of the upcoming books I’m particularly excited about is titled “The Art of Letting Go.” This book will go deep into the important process of moving beyond past hurts and embracing the freedom that comes with forgiveness and personal growth.

Alongside “The Art of Letting Go,” I’m also exploring new themes for both children and adults, always aiming to create stories that inspire, comfort, and empower my readers. Whether it’s helping children navigate their emotions or guiding adults through life’s challenges, my goal is to continue making a meaningful difference through my writing.

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About the Author

Nancy Ejike-Offor is a dedicated author known for her inspiring children’s books and insightful works on life issues. With a passion for storytelling that began as a way to connect with her own children, Nancy has authored a series of children’s books that teach important values and lessons through engaging, faith-based narratives. Her works, including “The Beautiful Beginning,” “The Dove of Peace (Noah’s Story),” and “The Story of Faith and Promise (Abraham’s Story),” have touched the hearts of young readers and their families.

In addition to her children’s literature, Nancy also writes books that address deeper life challenges. Her work, “Healing Hearts: Overcoming Grief and Loss,” offers guidance and comfort to those navigating the difficult emotions associated with loss. She continues to explore themes of personal growth and resilience in her upcoming book, “The Art of Letting Go.”

Nancy is active on social media, where she connects with her readers through her Facebook page, ‘Booksbynancy,’ her TikTok channel, ‘@daughterofmosthigh,’ and her YouTube channel, ‘Inner-powerinspiration.’ Through these platforms, she shares insights, offers support, and spreads positivity to a growing community of followers. Nancy’s writing is driven by her belief in the power of stories to inspire, heal, and transform lives.

Interview with Author Ahlam Faris

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

It’s funny, I never knew I had the talent for writing until one day my literature teacher came running to the class looking for that student who chose to write a story instead of a topic in the exam. And she was like, “You wrote this?” I was like, “Yes!” and wondered if I was in trouble. She was just appalled and said, “Why aren’t you participating in writing contests?” And I answered, “I didn’t know these existed.”

I love writing, I have always found myself imagining new worlds, writing dialogues, and thinking really hard about how the stories in my head can progress. I guess it just comes naturally to me.

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 2. What inspired you to write your book?

I always dreamed of writing a book one day, and it happened to be this one. As for the inspiration, I was reading about Zarqa’a Al-Yamama and wanted to create a character inspired by her. If you don’t know Zarqa’a, she is a real historical figure from pre-Islamic history who had superb eyesight and could see a tiny white hair in a bowl full of laban. She could see invaders from as far as a day and a night’s walk and would warn her people to prepare for a fight. There are many stories about her; some say she had help from Djinn, while others believe she gathered gossip and news from traveling merchants and knew when invaders targeting other villages would come for them. One day, the invaders thought of hiding behind shrubs that they carried and started advancing slowly. When she saw the trees advancing, she told her people, they thought she had gone crazy. Unfortunately, the trick worked, and the invaders killed Zarqa’a. The first thing they did with her body was gouge her eyes out and let the crows eat them. She was my baseline for Mina. However, the character of Mina evolved and developed her own characteristics, background, and story.

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

Mina struggles with restraints. She has to watch herself—to not be sad, to not be angry, to not give in to negative emotions, or the thing within her will start to wiggle itself, and she knows from experience that she can hurt people. But you can’t restrain yourself too much; you will eventually explode. My message is: we all have restraints that we should cater to, but we shouldn’t let them prevent us from being who we want to be. It’s like a game of balance. As Hugo from Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame says “Give her some slack, then reel her in, give her some slack then reel her in.” honestly this is one of my favourite quotes, and kind of a universal advice. You can see this in the world we live in, it’s either total freedom or too much oppression. We have to find the middle ground somehow between the two.

 4. What drew you into this particular genre?

I love fantasy, it’s as simple as that.

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

Hmm, this is a difficult question! I probably know my characters more than they do themselves. However, I would love to spend time with them over a cup of Quahwa and enjoy it without saying anything.

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

Since my book hasn’t been published yet, the only place I could see my early readers reactions is through Goodreads. It’s good to see who enjoyed that early ARC, what their thoughts about it and if it wasn’t really the flop, I think it is sometimes. I would love to see random people pop up on My DMs one day and to hear about their thoughts about the book if they liked it. That would be a treat. Like receiving fan mails, I guess. 

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

This might be repetitive, but just write. As a busy person myself, I rarely have quiet time to write anything, so most of my writing is done through my phone. It’s messy, full of grammatical and spelling mistakes, but I’m laying down the bricks for the story. When I have time, I will sit in front of my computer and start editing. You don’t need to force yourself. Write when inspiration hits you.

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

I’m currently working on Book 2 of Rings and Chains, but I also started on a new WIP during the waiting time between the editing process of Book 1 and getting it ready for publication. I couldn’t make myself start Book 2 because I was afraid people might not enjoy the first book in the first place. So, I had to distract myself with something totally different. Now that the early reviews are coming in, mostly positive ones, I found the push I needed to start working on Rings and Chains Book 2. I work on my other WIP when I’m in a writing slump or whenever I get an idea for a scene or something while lying late in bed thinking about the story. While I’m really in love with that WIP and would love to share it with the world as soon as possible, it will have to wait until Rings and Chains series is done. Which may take years. But by that time. I will have a lot of material to work with, hopefully. 

You can find me on social media:

Instagram: @yumiche.withbooks

Twitter: @TheAhlamFaris 

Amazon Author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ahlam-Faris/author/B0D956RZ1B?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

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About the Author

I’m Ahlam Faris, a self-published Indie Author who have a passion for all things fantasy, I’ve been writing for years, but I’ve only recently found the courage to submit my work to the world, I really hope you enjoy reading “Rings and chains: Daughter of Light and dark.

https://ahlamfaris.com

https://a.co/aWLYEb0

Interview with Author Colette Bos

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

I have been writing for quite a while, but more in technical writing, documentation, and editing through my website, www.writeforhire.com. However, it has only been in the past couple of years that I have felt confident enough to try writing a book. 

I enjoy reading about the latest in science, technology, and science fiction, and with my degree in geography, I have always been interested in climate. So, I guess when searching for a theme to write a book, I chose Global Warming, which I felt combined all these interests.  

Interestingly, it was only later that I discovered a genre based on these interests called Cli-Fi, which is short for (climate fiction). When I think back, I now realize that I needed this final boost back then to get me moving on at least an outline for the global warming fellowship idea for my book, Bon Echo and The Competition.

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What inspired you to write your book?

I spent my early childhood in Kaladar, Ontario, Canada, where my parents owned the Kaladar Hotel. Our hotel was close to Bon Echo Provincial Park, so many of our guests who had travelled far to visit the park would stay overnight while sightseeing. Bon Echo is famous for its spectacular azure lake reflecting sunlight onto its golden cliffs at sunset.

Somehow, I must have stored a vision of this inspiring spectacle of nature as a child, forgotten its location, and then held it in my memory as a powerful childhood mystical experience. I have meditated on this calming vision throughout my life but could not recall where I acquired it. So, later in life, I decided to explore places with my husband from my childhood, including Kaladar and Mactier, a railroad town in Muskoka, where we lived before moving to Kaladar. This adventure quest was sad and yet very gratifying at the same time. It was heartbreaking to see the ruins of our old home in Mactier and, even more so, the broken-down remains of the hotel. The Ministry of Transportation demolished it in 2018, so I was grateful to see it one last time before it was gone forever.

Due to rainy weather, we had to return home before reaching Bon Echo Park. However, happy childhood memories flooded my mind as I told my husband about my childhood in Kaladar, visiting Bon Echo Park and feeding deer before crossing the park gates in my family’s car. Eventually, I followed up with online research and found my beautiful Bon Echo vision on my laptop in pictures of the shimmering sunlight reflecting on Mazinaw Rock. I traced this major event in my childhood to the source of my love for nature and why I felt drawn to geography at university. You can read the full story of my quest to find the inspiration for my Bon Echo series through this link: Northern Lights Publications

Bon Echo reflects the inspiration for a fictional setting in my Bon Echo series and on the adventures of Maven and her friends. Hopefully, it will inspire you to visit the real Bon Echo Park, as Bon Echo Bay is a fictional creation found within the pages of my book Bon Echo and The Competition.

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

When I was approximately the age of five, I visited Bon Echo Park in Ontario with my family. I recall looking at the fantastic golden glow of the sun reflecting off the Mazinaw escarpment rock face. I must have been so awestruck by its beauty that I experienced a mystical connection of love emanating from the environment’s sheer beauty and maybe even Mother Nature herself. Of course, I’ll never know for sure what I experienced, but it was such a powerful experience that I carried that image and feeling of love throughout my entire life.

When I decided to try to write a book, the theme of fighting global warming seemed like the right choice for me. It felt like an opportunity to honour Mother Nature for all the love and peace I received from her over the years. 

The most powerful message of my book is our need to protect and conserve our planet through fellowship because the earth is the only home that we can all say we genuinely share and need to save.

What drew you into this particular genre?

I have always been a big fan of all sorts of science fiction, from Star Wars, Star Trek, Dune, and all the TV science fiction series. So, I was pretty sure that if I were ever to write a book, science fiction/fantasy would be my first choice.

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

That’s an easy one! I would ask Maven a particular question related to her journey in discovering her passion in life. I would have asked her if her search would have had a time limit. Writing became my passion, but I didn’t realize it until much later. I would encourage Maven to never give up on her quest to find what ignites her love because it is such a powerful and energizing force in life, making it worth pursuing.

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

I haven’t experimented too much with social media, but Facebook has been the most helpful in developing my readership.

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

When I first started to write, I realized how much of a learning curve I had to tackle before even beginning to put pen to paper. I was a complete novice and seriously didn’t have a clue where to start. I felt it was best to research and learn the basics through the many excellent books and on the many varied writing subjects. So, if you are not well versed in grammar, terms, usages, and writing methodologies, I would start there. And of course, read, read, read, because we all build on the shoulders of others, and because nothing is new under the sun, I promise you will find so much inspiration in all your reading adventures. Also, if you are prepared to take on this journey, you will learn much about yourself as a writer and even start cultivating your unique writing voice.

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

It has been a long trek and quite an adventure of the mind writing my first book, which has energized me even further to start outlining the second book in my Bon Echo science fiction series. The working title for this second book is Bon Echo and The Crystal Library, and I am coming up with all sorts of intriguing ideas on living history, artificial intelligence, and possible future climate change directions that may take place within this series. I have an enormous amount of research and notes that need organizing and outlining, which seem to take place in tandem because, as always, “the learning curve” can be its own adventure. I am currently digging in and looking forward to all the stepping stones of the writing process. Make everything an adventure, and you will never be bored, which is one of the true joys of imagination.

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About the Author

Colette is a talented writer and web developer who has turned her passion for science fiction and environmental causes into a new creative writing direction. With a background in Geography, she has taken a more focused approach to exploring ecological themes in her work. Her debut book, “Bon Echo and The Competition,” the first in the Bon Echo Science Fiction series, is a captivating blend of science fiction and romance. Set in a world where environmental issues are at the forefront, Colette weaves a beautiful story of adventure and love that will captivate readers until the end. With her remarkable talent for storytelling, Colette is sure to leave a lasting impression on the science fiction genre.

Social Media Links:

Author website:  Northern Lights Publications

Facebook:  (1) Facebook

Instagram:  Colette Bos (@bos_colette) • Instagram photos and videos

Newsletter:  Northern Lights Publications

Amazon Link to My Book:  https://mybook.to/BonEchoandTheCompetition

Interview with Author Richard Sherman

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

I am a professional photographer and former Navy Officer and Gulf War veteran.  I became interested in writing and photography during high school where I was editor of the school newspaper and won a small creative writing prize. I began college as a journalism major but shifted to International Relations and Economics at Lehigh University.  My dad had his own dark room when I was a young boy, so you can say photography has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  My father was a Korean War veteran and so when I left for the Gulf War as a young Navy Officer, he didn’t give me any advice, but instead he gave me his Minolta camera and lenses. I captured a couple of shots on our way to the Persian Gulf that helped me understand the power of photography.

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What inspired you to write your book?

Screenshot

The inspiration comes from a desire to say thank you to our fallen heroes from WWI and WWII.  Several years ago, I met a Ukrainian cab driver years ago in Vancouver who fought for the Red Army during WWII, and he told stories of the terrible atrocities of the Nazis and how cruelly they were treated by the Russians.  He said the Ukrainians were stunned when the American military came to help them fight on their own soil.  Some 60 years later, he was still grateful to the American GIs for their help and their generosity.

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

The key takeaway is that these were real people, and they deserve much more than to be remembered as a statistic in a history book. They were brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, husbands and wives, and they had real dreams and aspirations but sadly they never made it home.

What drew you into this particular genre?

Photography is a perfect language to express the complex mixture of emotions one feels when visiting any of our 23 overseas WWI and WWII cemeteries.  It is hard to articulate those emotions, but you can evoke those feelings in others by showing them a powerful image. Photographing Normandy American Cemetery for the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings was a very moving experience for me.

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

I am not certain, the book only recently came out so it is evolving.  My website, www.NeverHomeHeroes.com/index has gotten some decent traffic, and I think LinkedIn has been impactful because many veterans use it, and there are numerous companies and organizations that try to do right by the veteran.

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

After six years working on this book, it often seemed the road would never end.  But you will get there.  Life will try to derail you, but you just keep going. Trust your vision.

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

Right now, it is all about getting these stories of our fallen heroes into as many people’s hands as possible.  I have hopes for another book, but that is a ways off.

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About the Author

When I was four or five years old, my Dad purchased Time-Life’s books on photography, bought a Minolta SLR camera and built a darkroom in our basement. Since that time, photography has been a part of my life.

I even remember the giant, heavy flash that ran on D-sized batteries and the smell of the leather case for his manual light meter. In my teens, Dad taught me the basics of photography on that Minolta. And today his photographs remain among our family’s most prized possessions. Though my father passed away a few years ago, I feel a special connection with him every time I pick up my camera bag.

I hope you enjoy the images here and that you find peace and tranquility in them. Perhaps your mind will drift to days gone by, or trips you have enjoyed with your family and friends; perhaps it will make you think about your next vacation. Thanks for visiting today, and please come back soon.

https://www.richardshermanphotography.com

https://www.neverhomeheroes.com/p/buy-the-book

Interview with Author Michael Harbron

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Interviews1 Comment

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


I grew up in northern England, near Hadrian’s Wall, similar to the Wall in “Game of Thrones.” As a child, I loved storytelling and using my imagination to captivate others. In my twenties, I moved to America, where I continued my creative pursuits in writing, mainly in music. I’ve always been fascinated by the supernatural. At ten years old, I begged my mom for “Fright Night” by Tom Holland. I loved being scared, but it was never the gore or slashers that interested me. “Poltergeist” remains my all-time favorite movie, and it inspired me to start writing.

2) What inspired you to write your book?

In 2018, my father committed suicide. I wasn’t able to comprehend it but I was fascinated by it. Although skeptical, I talked to a medium for fun upon a friend’s recommendation. She claimed my father communicated through her, urging me to resume storytelling. My father had died by walking in front of a train, an incident unknown to anyone else, and it happened 5,000 miles away. When the medium said my fathers proof was showing her train tracks, it reignited my fascination with the supernatural.

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


Horror is so much more than just shock value. The theme of “IWTD” was to develop characters in a way that allows readers to connect with them on a deeper level, without relying on simple scare tactics. It’s a story of love, isolation, greed, and, of course, horror. I believe everyone can relate to at least one character in the book.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?


I aim to write horror in a better way. I’m tired of going to the movies and seeing yet another exorcism movie that is rinse and repeat, followed the same formula, and inevitably received low ratings. No one is writing or producing great horror anymore, except perhaps people like M Night. I aim to blend the macabre of the 80s and drag it into the 21st century. I’m obsessed with plot twists, and those will always be a part of my stories.

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


I’d ask Shaun why he’s such an asshole haha. But really, I’d sit down with Lucifer. I asked myself the same question when I sat down to write the interview chapters. There’s small elements of Joe in myself, so it was easy to have a conversation with the Devil. All the questions I’ve ever wanted to ask a higher being, I asked him. My version of how the universe and Lucifer came to be is revealed in the book.

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


Facebook has been great in building awareness for the book and really helped me develop a following.

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


Consistency is key, and when you get writer’s block, write vertically.

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

“Epoch,” the final chapter in my trilogy, is set to be released later this month or in August. I’m also expanding the Devil Universe. Everything I wanted to tell can’t be done within one trilogy. I also love reader feedback and reviews, good or bad. It’s inspired spin-offs to explore backstories further. One of the most enjoyable characters to write about is Lilly, who will be the focus of the next spin-off, “The Witch.” Additionally, I’ll delve deeper into Elias Tomlinson’s story from Chapter 12 in “Resurrection.”

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About the Author

Michael Harbron is an American fiction writer who brings a unique, yet traditional approach to the horror and supernatural genres. From a young age, Harbron was captivated by the eerie and unexplained, a fascination that has deeply influenced his writing. His works aim to unsettle readers through suspense and psychological depth, revisiting the shadowy corners of childhood fears. His debut novel, “Interview with the Devil,” exemplifies the blurred lines between reality and the unimaginable. Harbron’s storytelling resurrects dormant fears, proving that true horror lies not in what is seen, but in what is felt.

The Author Page

Interview with Author Mike Darcy

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

I think we are all storytellers at heart. I imagine neolithic families gathered around the fire sharing stories. We are social creatures; it is what we do. I’m no different, I have always loved to tell stories, I have always enjoyed the bond that is created between the teller and listeners. Writing down these stories was a natural extension of storytelling for me. And, it allows me to share with more people and I love that.

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What inspired you to write your book?

I first told the story of Little Joe to my flower girl almost 20 years ago. Then I told more Little Joe stories to my child. I told the stories to others and eventually wrote them down. I understand that is more the how than the why, so, I’ll go back to sharing stories with others as my ultimate inspiration. 

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

I hope Little Joe can remind us to see each other and no matter the circumstances, that we accept others for who they are and treat them with kindness and love. Little Joe is about friendship and accepting differences. 

What drew you into this particular genre?

I have dabbled in many genres, but as a story teller my target audience is often children. This story in particular has always been for children, so that is why this particular genre.

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

This is the best question ever. I think of the three characters in this book I would like to sit down with Roxy, I’ve had several encounters with bears in real life and the idea of sitting down with one over a cup of tea makes me smile. There are a lot of questions I have for her, but I think the one I most want to ask her is, “Do you have any family stories about your great-great-grandfather’s time in the circus?”


I love that there are these wonderful backstories that develop with the characters, and it is only mentioned in passing in the book. I would love to learn more about her family.

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

I have only just begun this journey. So, I don’t know that I can responsibly declare any one platform better than others. I am most comfortable and familiar with Facebook. My guess is that is where most of my efforts will be placed. 

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

I am also an aspiring author who is just starting out. My advice is do. I don’t believe anyone aspires to become an author because they are chasing money. We want to connect with others through the power of storytelling. If that is what you want, then do it. Write to share.

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

Little Joe has a few more adventures to have. Next up Little Joe and the Big City, and Little Joe and the Big Snow. And I’ve been playing with ghost/horror stories and some retellings of classic fairy tales. So, keep your eyes open. Oh, and thanks to one of the previous questions I am now writing about Roxy’s ancestor in the circus.

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About the Author

Mike Darcy is a devoted husband, doting father, and animal lover who has nurtured a lifelong passion for wildlife. His deep connection with nature inspired him to pen his debut children’s book, which promotes adventure, curiosity, creativity, and forging unexpected friendships through small acts of compassion.

When away from the writing desk and his day job as a business manager, he can often be found experimenting with new recipes, wandering the wilderness on a long hike, and even mountain climbing. Mike currently resides in New Hampshire with his wife, child, and their dog and cat.

He hopes you enjoy his story as much as he enjoyed crafting it, and that you join Little Joe on his next adventures in Little Joe and the Big City and Little Joe and the Big Snow!

https://a.co/f6uKBem

Interview with Author Mark Cox

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Interviews1 Comment

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

I have been an academic for almost 40 years, teaching in MFA programs all during that time. I did spend a decade as an industrial painter before I started university teaching, but teaching and writing are what I know best. I’ve been publishing poems in books and/or periodicals for forty years, as well. I became a poet accidentally, really. In sixth or seventh grade I had a teacher named Irma Schiele who saw some talent in me after doing a class metaphor clustering exercise. She had me stay after class and told me to go home, write a poem and have it on her desk in the morning. I did that. She marked it with an A in red ink and said write me another one. That was perhaps 55 years ago, and I have just kept at it. There were times when I concentrated on song lyrics or prose, but I have been writing poetry since that day in grade school. 

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What inspired you to write your book?

Writing books is just what I do. Although there are some older poems in it, most of the book was written in a five-year period between the publication of Readiness and Knowing. That’s probably a constant for me in terms of time. It takes between four and five years for a book to take shape. I revisit and revise heavily. When I was compiling my selected and new poems, Sorrow Bread, I very much had my three children in mind. I felt that I was leaving them a record of exactly who their father was. I feel the same way about many of the poems in Knowing. “Gasoline” is a complex poem that offers a perspective on the divorce that helped shape them. The poems that reference them like “The Song that Never Ends” and “Wonderbread” are particularly dear to my heart. 

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

I don’t feel it is my job to teach an audience something. I have no expectations of them. It is my job to share my experience, my psychic truth, as best I can with the hope that others might find some value in it. Poetry accomplishes varied things. It connects, it consoles, it challenges, it provokes, and so on. I guess my hope is that my poems connect with readers on the basic human level, making my perspectives known. Knowing, at its core, is about living comfortably with three facts we know for sure. That is, living involves loss, insists on change and ends in death. These constants give value to all human relationships, be they with other people or matters of the spirit. In this sense, the book is as much about not knowing as it is about knowing

What drew you into this particular genre?

Well, I answered this partially above. However, I became devoted to poetry because being a poet is a way of life, a way of being in, and interacting with, the world. Poetry is a demanding art. One learns to accept failure and understand that it is the ongoing process of failing that makes a few limited successes possible. You learn to undertake and enjoy the process of writing for its own sake and the perspective it gives you about your life experience. 

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

I am afraid I am pretty old school when it comes to social media; that is, I don’t have a clue! I do have an Instagram account that was helpful in announcing this latest book. And this blog tour the book is on is something very new to me. I hope it will help the book find new readers. 

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

We writers talk a lot about finding our voices, our authenticity. But I think the important thing is to worry about listening as opposed to speaking. We have to listen to, and trust, our inner voice–pay attention to the ways in which we perceive and experience the world. We need to discover innate patterns, recognize them as such, then be able to question and alter those filters for personal and creative evolution. I would also encourage writers to see themselves as artists and as part of that larger world of creative exploration and expression. Engage all the other arts seriously and learn what you can from them. Within writing, this is true of genre, as well. Don’t limit your exposure to one genre. Engage writing of all kinds as both a reader and practitioner.

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

I have started some poems toward an eighth volume of poetry, but I am mostly working on a screenplay right now. Narrative comes naturally to me. I’ve found I have a knack for understanding the pacing of screenwriting. I enjoy it very much. 

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About the Author

Mark Cox has authored six other volumes of poetry, the most recent being Readiness (2018) and Sorrow Bread: Poems 1984-2015 (2017). He has a forty-year history of publication in prominent magazines and his honors include a Whiting Writers Award, a Pushcart Prize, the Oklahoma Book Award, and The Society of Midland Authors Poetry Prize. He chairs the Department of Creative Writing at UNC Wilmington and teaches in the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA Program.

Available on Amazon and Bookshop.

Tour Schedule:

June 13: The Book Lover’s Boudoir (review)

June 18: Lavender Orchids (review)

June 20: Lavender Orchids (interview)

June 26: Wall-to-Wall Books (review)

July 1: Ashley’s Books (Instagram review)

July 2: Anthony Avina’s blog (review)

July 9: Anthony Avina’s blog (interview)

July 16: The Reading Bud (review)

July 18: The Reading Bud (interview)

July 24: Review Tales (review)

July 30: Savvy Verse & Wit (review)

Aug. 9: True Book Addict (Review)

Aug. 22: The Book Connection (Review)

Follow the tour with the hashtag #KnowingPoems

Interview with Author Erika MacDonald

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

Hi! I’m Erika MacDonald, the CEO & Founder of Engaging New Media. My journey into writing began with my passion for storytelling and video production. I’ve always loved creating content that resonates with people and drives results. Writing a book felt like a natural extension of my work, allowing me to share my insights and strategies on a larger scale.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

I wrote “Effective Video Marketing: How to Make Videos That Sell” because I saw a gap in the market. Many businesses struggle to create videos that truly engage their audience and drive sales. I wanted to provide a comprehensive guide that combines data-driven strategies with the art of storytelling to help businesses succeed.

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

The core message of my book is that effective video marketing is about more than just creating content—it’s about creating the right content that tells a story and connects with your audience. I hope readers walk away with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of how to leverage video to boost their brand and sales.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Video production and marketing are my passions. This genre allows me to merge my creative and analytical sides, offering readers a unique blend of storytelling techniques and measurable results. It’s a perfect fit for my expertise and interests.

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

LinkedIn has been incredibly valuable for me. It’s a great platform for connecting with professionals and sharing insightful content. It has helped me build a community of readers who are interested in video marketing and business growth.

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

Start with a clear vision of what you want to achieve and who your audience is. Consistency is key—write regularly and keep honing your craft. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, and leverage social media to build your platform and connect with your audience.

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

I’m excited about the future! A second edition of “Effective Video Marketing: How to Make Videos That Sell” is set to come out in 2025. This edition will focus on nonprofits and using video content to help them fundraise effectively. Additionally, I’m exploring opportunities to create more educational content and workshops to help businesses and nonprofits thrive.

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About the Author

Engaging New Media is the brainchild of Erika Mac Donald, an award-winning writer and producer with 15 years of experience in managing promotional production from concept to completion. She has partnered with renowned commercial and non-profit networks throughout her successful career, including Sirius Satellite Radio, MLB.com, PBS, and TruTv. 

Erika has also developed top-notch television, radio, and web promotional video content that has reached over 20 million viewers across the New York metro area.

Her vision for establishing Engaging New Media was sparked by her passion for connecting the masses to the resources they need to change their lives and community. With the support of her highly skilled team, she aims to help businesses and brands connect with their target audiences across multiple platforms, increase their community engagement and accelerate their growth. Our team consists of experienced professionals well versed in their trade, dedicated to helping you connect with your ideal audience.

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