Interview with Rachel Marie Martin, Author of The Brave Art of Motherhood

Rachel Marie Martin believes in the power of the human spirit to overcome, to thrive and to find deep joy and because of that she pours out her heart via these platforms: she is the writer behind the site FindingJoy.net, partner of BloggingConcentrated.com, co-host of the Amplify Podcast, and a featured writer for The Huffington Post. Her top blog post, "Why Being a Mom is Enough" has surpassed 1.9 million Facebook likes and she has had her articles translated into over 25 languages. Her site reaches millions of visitors and has a robust, engaged Facebook community. Her articles have been featured in The Huffington Post, iVillage, The Today Show, Star Tribune, iVillage, Stuff New Zealand, PopSugar, Parents, What to Expect, Mamalode, NBC Parents, Dr. Greene, and many more. Her first book, "The Brave Art of Motherhood", published by Penguin Random House, was released on October 9, 2018.

She speaks worldwide about a variety of empowering topics ranging from motherhood to social media marketing to website strategy to writing to creating an authentic community. She believes in living each day intentionally and loves working with others to cultivate a vision, realize their potential and see their dreams become a reality.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

Where did you grow up?

We are from St. Michael, a suburb of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. We moved to Nashville just over two years ago. My folks were church planters, among other things, and are retired now. My extended family still lives in Minnesota, but have grown to love having family in the South to visit during the long winters. The lack of snow been quite a change for the kids, but they have acclimated and look forward to school getting cancelled for the tiniest of reasons.

When did you begin writing?

I’ve always been drawn to computers. I have a memory of my dad purchasing a TI99 desktop computer and teaching me to code. Fast forward to college years and the AOL floppy disk to Yahoo! Groups to the start of blogging. The internet has always been a place for me to connect and became a vessel for my thoughts and words. As stated above, I started writing Finding Joy just about ten years ago. In the beginning, it was a bit of a hobby, but as time went on and it began to grow I gradually made the pivot from hobby to career. And honestly, for the last six years, this has been my full time job for myself, my partner Dan, as well as several others who are part of our team.

What is this book about?

Your heart matters and it’s easy to forget yourself in the middle of motherhood and think that “I’ll take care of myself” tomorrow. But life is short and there is no greater gift to yourself, your family and your friends when you are brave and fight for your heart, purpose and happiness again.

How is it similar to other books in its genre? How is it different?

Well, I think it’s similar in the fact that most motherhood books embrace how much motherhood matters. I can’t think of one book that would ever negate that universal truth. I would say that it differs in the way that it’s not about motherhood as in making a better pot roast or organizing, but is rather about your own heart in the midst of motherhood. It’s a reminder of strength and bravery and is the friend in the motherhood ring with you believing in all you can do and showing you what you have already done.

What is the most important thing readers can learn from your book?

You are a given a choice every day - wait to live fully or dare to live fully - and when you decided that every single day is a gift the decision to fight for that day becomes easy.

Where can readers purchase a copy?

All the usual places of course (ie. Amazon, Barnes&Noble, BAM, Target, Kindle, Audible) and I have autographed copies and special bundles at BraveArtofMotherhood.com

What is up next for you?

Finding Joy is a full-time job and I’m grateful that it’s my life. I will continue writing and continue developing programs that motivate and inspire. I’m hopeful to also continue to speak, to write another book when the opportunity presents, and to start a podcast.

Author Interview: Jill Kemerer, Author of Unexpected Family

Jill Kemerer writes contemporary Christian romance novels with love, humor and faith. A full time writer, she relies on coffee and chocolate to keep up with her kids’ busy schedules. Besides spoiling her mini-dachshund, Jill adores magazines, M&Ms, fluffy animals and long nature walks. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children. Jill loves connecting with readers, so please visit her website, jillkemerer.com.

Thank you for having me today!

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in farm country. We lived a few miles from Oakley, a small town in mid-Michigan. I spent a lot of time running around barefoot, playing with my sister and cousins and sitting around reading. We moved to Saginaw, Michigan when I was twelve, and I think I’ve been moving ever since!

When did you begin writing?

It was a cold January day. I was twenty years old. I’d finished my college homework, so I read a romance novel. Well, I didn’t like the book and figured I could do better than that! I grabbed a cheap spiral notebook and began writing. My characters would fall in love, and they wouldn’t have all those pesky problems the other fictional couples seemed to have. Twenty-two pages later, the book ended. Turned out the problems were the point! Yes, I had a lot to learn, but once I started writing romance, I never looked back. I’ve been writing them ever since.

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

I write my books during the day, but I write blog posts, short stories and other projects whenever I can sneak a few moments.

What is this book about?

Unexpected Family is about a single mom who finally gets the guts to tell her ex-husband they have a daughter. Here’s the back-copy:

His Surprise Daughter

After five years apart, Tom Sheffield is shocked to find his ex-wife, Stephanie, on his doorstep. The news that they share a child he's never met sends him reeling. Four-year-old Macy has his eyes, his mouth and, from their first encounter, his heart. Things with her mother are much more complicated. He doesn't understand what went wrong between them or why she kept their daughter a secret. And he's afraid of falling in love all over again. Yet he feels a glimmer of hope that somehow he can convince Macy and Stephanie to stay in Lake Endwell—and with him—for keeps.

What inspired you to write it?

Inspiration comes at the worst time! I was trying to fall asleep, and all of a sudden, I thought what if a guy got a call from the police saying, “Your wife and daughter were in an accident,” and the guy responded, “But I don’t have a wife or daughter”?

I got up and wrote it down. The idea would not go away, and the basis for Unexpected Family was born.

Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?

The road to publication was not only bumpy, it was steep! I wrote twelve novels and submitted nine before getting a contract. I’ve been writing for over twenty years, but I’ve only been writing full-time for eight. Last year, I finally got the call I’d been waiting for. My debut novel, Small-Town Bachelor, released in April. It, too, is set in Lake Endwell and features Tom Sheffield’s sister, Claire.

If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?

No. God used the time to draw me closer to him. I gained humility and confidence in my writing. I’m thankful for every step of my journey.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

Readers can find purchase links to all major booksellers on my webpage for Unexpected Family. Paperbacks are available in stores such as Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Kmart and local grocery stores.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

Never give up! And don’t let worries and doubts keep you from writing. Some authors get published with their first or second book. Some self-publish. But if you’re like me and want a traditional publisher, just keep trying. I’m living my dream, and you can too!

What is up next for you?

The third book in the Lake Endwell series will release sometime next spring, and I’m currently writing the fourth book. I love my job!

Thanks again for having me today!

Interview with Lisa Tillinger Johnsen, Author of STOP THE DIET, I WANT TO GET OFF! at The Book Connection

I thought my readers would be interested in an interview posted today at The Book Connection with author Lisa Tillinger Johansen, MS, RD, author of STOP THE DIET, I WANT TO GET OFF! You can find it at http://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2015/08/interview-with-lisa-tillinger-johansen.html

Interview with Jo Linsdell, Author of How to be Twittertastic

Jo Linsdell is  a best selling author and illustrator and internationally recognized marketing expert. She is also the founder and organizer of the annual online event "Promo Day" (www.PromoDay.info) and the Writers and Authors blog (http://WritersAndAuthors.blogspot.com). To find out more about Jo and her projects visit her website www.JoLinsdell.com.

What is your book about?

How to be Twittertastic is a writers and authors guide to the social media site Twitter. It covers a bit of everything from how to set up your account and personalise your profile to third party apps and getting the most leverage out of your tweets. It's also packed full of useful resources to help you make the most out of time and marketing efforts.

How long had the idea of your book been developing before you began to write the book?

I got the idea for the Writers and Authors Guide to Social Media series a while ago but as I was working on illustrating some children's picture books for clients and was also busy publishing a children's picture story book of my own (The Box) and so I didn't have time to develop the idea right away. 

A couple of months ago I decided that Twitter would be the topic of the first book in the series as it's the site I use that gains the best results. As soon as I had some free time I started brainstorming and plotting out a rough table of contents. It didn't take me long to know what I wanted to write.

What inspired you to write this particular book?

I'm a real social media junky and often get asked by other authors for tips on how to market their books online and build their author brand. When you have a passion that also happens to be in high demand it makes it easy to get inspired. 

This whole series is designed around the idea of making social media easy for authors to understand and to supply them with information and tips to help them get the most out of their time and efforts.

Social media is used by billions of people worldwide on a daily basis. Our audience is online and can be reached free of charge without us even having to leave our homes. Authors need to be taking advantage of this opportunity to connect with their readers and build their fan base. A lot of authors aren't using it because they don't know where to start. Others are using it but not making the most of it. I hope this series will help them build their online presence and give them some ideas for what and how to post.

How long did it take you to write your book?

A couple of weeks. The book is a quick read. I didn't want to keep repeating the same things over and over (I've seen others do that to bulk out a book and found it very annoying) and to be honest, there is only so much you can write about Twitter. The site is designed around the idea of clutter free, to the point, content. I wanted the book to be the same. 

Did you do any research for the book? If so, how did you do it? (searching Internet, magazines, other books, etc.)

I researched online using Twitter search to find examples to use in the book, and Google to find statistics, etc... As social media is one of my hobbies as well as a tool I use daily for marketing, I was already quite up to date on most of the details. I've also done several webinars on the topic and so already had a lot of notes to work from.

Who designed the cover?

I designed and made it myself using Adobe Illustrator. 

Where is the book available to purchase?

How to be Twittertastic is currently available in kindle format on all Amazon sites and will be out in print later this month.

Release date: 1st July 2014

Product Details: Kindle
File Size: 2191 KB
Print Length: 94 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00LFFRYEE


Purchasing links:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LFFRYEE 
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00LFFRYEE
http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00LFFRYEE
http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00LFFRYEE

Facebook event page: 
https://www.facebook.com/events/657184934375734/


Social Media Links:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
LinkedIn 
YouTube
Goodreads
Amazon 

Q&A with Bich Minh Nguyen, author of PIONEER GIRL

Bich Minh Nguyen (pronounced Bit Min New-`win) was born in Saigon in 1974. Her family fled Vietnam on April 29, 1975, and eventually settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Nguyen grew up. These experiences formed the basis of her memoir, Stealing Buddha’s Dinner, which received the PEN/Jerard Award and was named a best book of 2007 by The Chicago Tribune. Nguyen has appeared on programs such as The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer to discuss the prevalent themes in her book—immigration, food, and family—and how they relate to so many other areas of life. Her work has also appeared in publications such as Gourmet magazine, Jane magazine, the anthology Dream Me Home Safely: Writers on Growing up in America, and the anthology Watermark: Vietnamese American Poetry and Prose. She also coedited three anthologies: 30/30: Thirty American Stories from the Last Thirty Years (Penguin Academic), Contemporary Creative Nonfiction: I & Eye (Longman), and The Contemporary American Short Story (Longman).

Nguyen teaches literature and creative writing at Purdue University. She lives with her husband, the novelist Porter Shreve, in San Francisco. Her novel, Short Girls, was published by Penguin in 2010 and her lastest novel is Pioneer Girl (Viking, 2014).

You can visit her online at http://www.bichminhnguyen.com.

Your last novel came out in 2009. What has been different about the writing and publishing process this time around?

Pioneer Girl is told through the voice of Lee Lien, a daughter of immigrants who finds herself tracking down a mystery connected to Rose Wilder, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and her own family. Where Short Girls felt like it needed to be third-person limited, alternating between two sisters, Pioneer Girl immediately felt like a first-person project. This book was also very much guided by a lifelong obsession: in this case, with the Little House books. Because food is so integral to those books, defining every rise and fall, every day, it became integral to Pioneer Girl too; here, Lee grows up in a family that runs Asian buffet restaurants. In one of the chapters, Lee has a very voice-driven moment in which she goes on a tirade about buffets. I have to admit that, literary obsessions aside, food-as-identity seems to be a subject in all of my work.

Your main character, Lee, is Vietnamese-American, like yourself and the protagonists in your first novel, Short Girls. How much of yourself and your own experiences do you put in your fiction?

I’m interested in all kinds of identity—the 19th century pioneer one, for example!—but so far my main characters have been Vietnamese American because that’s the identity I both know the best and yet still haven’t quite figured out. In that sense, my fiction does draw on personal experience. At the same time, the great joy of this genre is the imaginative freedom to stray from, change, and subvert whatever it is that the mind calls truth or reality. In Pioneer Girl, Lee is living a fear I once had but thankfully never experienced: having nowhere else to go after grad school but back home. Probably the strangest thing about writing Pioneer Girl is that I feel like I somehow anticipated my own future. I’ve lived in the Midwest most of my life, and wrote this novel while in the Midwest. In the book, several characters, including Rose Wilder and Lee, head westward to San Francisco. Then this past year, long after I completed the novel, my own family and I ended up moving to the Bay Area.

Laura Ingalls Wilder and her daughter Rose are central figures in Pioneer Girl. When did you first read the “Little House” books? How did they shape you as a reader and a writer?

If the connection between Little House on the Prairie and Asian American identity seems unexpected or unusual, believe me, it isn’t! The Little House books are read all over the world and in the U.S. were (and perhaps are?) often given to immigrants as a kind of introduction to American history. I first read them when I was a kid, starting around age eight, and I couldn’t get enough. I practically memorized them. I identified with Laura, as almost everyone who loves these books does. She and I both felt like outsiders at times; we both enjoyed school; we both harbored rebellious thoughts. Later, as an adult, I read the books again and was struck by their depth of complexity and darkness. I realized, too, that there was a parallel between pioneers and immigrants in the U.S., both moving westward or to the West, both looking for new places to call home. I’m sure the Little House books shaped some of my thinking about the idea (and anxiety) of home, as well as the importance of seasons and food in literature. Food, definitely, for the way it marks necessity and luxury, past and present, hope and desire.

There is an object in your novel that connects Lee’s family with Laura Ingalls Wilder. How did this idea come to you? Is there an object from your family’s past that holds a special meaning?

In one of the Little House books, Laura’s fiancé Almanzo gives her a gold pin as a Christmas gift. In Pioneer Girl, I imagine that the pin is a real object that has perhaps found its way to Lee, who lives with her mother and grandfather in suburban, present-day Chicago. This idea grew out of the fact that Rose Wilder Lane once visited Saigon, in 1965, as a reporter for Woman’s Day. It’s the one actual link I know of between the Ingalls-Wilder history and the history of Vietnam. I couldn’t resist wondering “what if?” What if, while in Saigon, Rose had met a man who turned out to be Lee’s grandfather? What if Rose was wearing a gold pin—her mother’s gold pin—and somehow left it behind? What if Lee’s grandfather and mother brought the pin with them to the United States, not knowing its origins? Because my own family fled Saigon in 1975, we don’t have heirlooms beyond a few photographs and papers. I’ve always wondered what other things got left behind or forgotten.

There are some revelations about Laura Ingalls Wilder in your novel. How much did you already know about her life and what did you discover? What research did you do to find out more?

I read a number of biographical and critical texts about Laura Ingalls Wilder and Rose Wilder Lane. I also visited The Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home in De Smet, South Dakota, where the Ingalls family settled for good in 1879; The Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum in Mansfield, Missouri, where Laura and Almanzo settled and where Rose grew up; and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch, Iowa, where the Rose Wilder Lane Papers are kept. In Pioneer Girl, Lee also visits a couple of these places (though I took many liberties in terms of what she did there!). While I knew about Rose’s involvement in the writing of the Little House books, I hadn’t realized that she and Laura had had such a tumultuous relationship.

You portray two complicated and difficult mother/daughter relationships. How did you begin to imagine these relationships? Did they change as you wrote the novel?

I’m not sure if most people know that Rose Wilder heavily edited the Little House books—some even say she co-wrote or ghost-wrote them—and that she had a difficult and codependent relationship with her mother. Their letters to each other are fascinating. I wanted Lee and her mother to be a kind of indirect parallel to Rose and Laura. Both relationships are marked by back and forth squabbling, passive-aggressiveness, and a sense of obligation mixed up with guilt and resentment. Both Lee and Rose owe so much to their mothers yet at the same time often feel trapped by them, bound by expectations. They have benefited from their mothers’ (im)migrations. At the same time, they don’t want to fit the roles their mothers want them to have. I drafted this novel for a good long while before I realized that I was trying to say something about power dynamics in a family. Who gets to shape and set the narrative of a family history?

In your memoir, Stealing Buddha’s Dinner, you talk about your experience as an immigrant. What draws you to writing these stories in a fictional setting?

When I write nonfiction, I feel like fiction is easier. When I write fiction, I feel like nonfiction is easier. In nonfiction I tend to do more reflecting, or thinking on the page, often allowing ideas to determine the narrative path. In fiction, I enjoy creating and demanding more trouble and conflict. I like the process of plot: good old-fashioned making things up, figuring out back story, letting characters take off and do what they will. I love the gathering ideas part of the process. Back to food again: I often get ideas while I’m cooking or grocery shopping.

Your characters navigate physical and metaphorical frontiers. Laura Ingalls Wilder’s pioneering journey is well-known. How does Lee’s journey echo Laura’s?

The journey of the immigrant and the journey of the migrant both involve a search for home, yes, but they also involve a sense of displacement. Time and time again the Ingalls family had to acclimate to a new town, new neighbors, new schools. In Pioneer Girl, Lee has a similar experience. Growing up, she and her family moved around the Midwest, running Asian buffet restaurants, always looking for the next best opportunity. At each stop they had to start fresh, every day gauging whether this was the place they really wanted to be. Behind all of this, I think, are questions that I, as an immigrant and child of immigrants, thought about myself when I was growing up in the Midwest: Where are we meant to be? Where do we want to be? Will we know when we get there?


To read my review of Pioneer Girl by Bich Minh Nguyen, please visit http://lauralittlehouseontheprairie.blogspot.com/2014/03/book-review-pioneer-girl-by-bich-minh.html 

Interview with Susan Maiava, Author of Fat Chance! The no-going-back Weight Loss Workbook

Welcome, Susan. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi Cheryl,

Thanks so much for the opportunity to introduce Fat Chance! The no-going-back Weight Loss Workbook to your readers. A bit about myself? Well I have had an interesting range of life experiences from being an overseas volunteer (like a Peace Corp volunteer) to being a university lecturer, from being a mother to being an author and business owner.

But my chief qualification here is that I was significantly overweight for many years, so I can identify with anyone who is overweight and wants desperately to lose weight. I was tired of the debilitating effect it had on my life and when I looked into the future I didn’t want to be like that for the rest of my life. I couldn’t keep up with my children. It was hugely embarrassing to tell the shop assistant that the XXL was too small. So I gave up shopping for clothes.

Physically I snored, I got headaches and heartburn, my skin chaffed and I was borderline pre-diabetic (all those are gone now). It was hugely embarrassing to walk at normal speed with friends, trying desperately to hide my puffing. So I dropped out of activities (or was not included). I was an observer rather than a participant and I desperately wanted to participate in life.

But for me personally one of the biggest issues was that I had a lot to contribute but was not taken seriously. I was undervalued and overlooked in my professional career. Despite my size I was invisible. I wanted to be taken seriously – that was a key motivation for me.

What made you decide to write Fat Chance! The Weight Loss Workbook?

When I was losing weight I was always looking for good advice but I never found what I was looking for on the bookshelves. There were certainly inspiring personal stories of weight loss. There were prescriptive books full of diet plans written by professionals who had never been overweight (many of these did contain good technical advice which, incidentally, overweight people already know). And there were a range of ‘wacky’ restrictive pseudo-science options.

But most focused on dieting or sticking to diets and there was nothing (in my view) that combined a comprehensive approach to changing your lifestyle, including dealing with emotional hunger, changing your thinking, habits and behaviors, eating better, working with your body and getting active, with a personal, reflective, interactive workbook format.

So after I had lost weight I decided to research and write it myself. I had written a book before and I know how to research so I decided to fill what I believe is an enormous gap in the market. So when I wrote Fat Chance! I combined the best current research with my insider knowledge of what it was like to be overweight and how overweight people think. That combination is key.

How is it different from other weight loss books on the market?

The Fat Chance! slogan sums it up in a nutshell: “Forget about how fat people diet. Focus on how slim people eat.” The key point of difference is Fat Chance! is absolutely definitely not a diet. Instead it facilitates a lifestyle change focused on learning to think and eat like a slim person, forever.

The greatest misconception people have about losing weight is that you lose weight by dieting for a certain time (and then going back to your old behavior). One of my first insights was the realization that if you eat the amount of food needed to maintain your goal slim weight every day, you would, over time, reach and maintain that weight, just as slim people do, keeping the weight off forever.

With Fat Chance! you learn to eat for your slim weight from Day 1. The new skills and strategies you adopt to do this are yours for the rest of your life. I think that is the key difference and is why this is not a diet. The end goal is to live differently. The weight-loss will happen as a result of changing your lifestyle.

The second major point of difference is the engaging, interactive workbook format. Research has shown that food journaling alone is a very effective weight loss tool but it is more than that. The question and answer format enables the reader to slow down, become much more self-aware, reflect deeply and draw out of themselves and make the changes they need to make at a very personal and individual level.

How easy is your book to use and understand for someone who hasn’t tried anything other than traditional diet plans?

I agree that it seems strange to not think you are supposed to be dieting. After all we have always been taught that is how you lose weight. But think instead of how slim people naturally maintain their slim weight.

Fat Chance! is extremely easy to use as you work through it just one day at a time. The journal style has several advantages. It provides a very safe environment in which to deal with weight issues, especially emotional issues; a sort of “dear diary.” Many people have written to me describing it as their new best friend. The workbook itself becomes the encourager, the friend who walks beside the reader on their journey each day.

Fat Chance! is well designed and organized so everything is covered. Each day of the week has a different theme: The six themes are: Thinking like a slim person, Working with your body, Establishing new habits, Dealing with emotional hunger, Getting active, Enjoying a healthy balanced diet and Day 7 is a Debrief and reflection. Groups can come together on Day 7. So each day is interesting and new but the full picture layers and builds week on week.

How much time does it take to implement the plan in your book?

Fat Chance! The Weight Loss Workbook is a colorful and stylish but very practical, interactive workbook which engages the reader every day. It can take as little as 15 minutes or up to 45 minutes a day, depending on the reader. Many prefer to delve into it both morning (to plan) and evening (to reflect).

The program is 12 weeks long, but because it is life-changing, in this sense it never ends. There is no going back to old ways. I don’t mean that you have to diet forever (a terrible thought). Instead you reach a healthy new equilibrium; a new lifestyle where you think and eat like a slim person forever.

It is important the workbook journey is undertaken one day at a time. It does take time to identify the changes that have to come from within and discipline to slowly and deeply embed those changes. The discipline is not in resisting food (we know that doesn’t work) but rather the discipline is in changing your thoughts and habits. And that is where Fat Chance! walks with you as you journal your progress.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone considering a lifestyle change?

Completely abandon the idea of dieting, and completely embrace the idea that you are going to change your lifestyle and there will be no going back to your old behavior. If you are not prepared to change, don’t do it!

But also know that it is absolutely possible, and Fat Chance! will be there right there beside you, showing you the way. Ask yourself (Fat Chance! asks you a lot of questions): Do I want to live differently or do I want to be fat? It really is that simple.

Where can readers purchase Fat Chance! The Weight-loss Workbook?

Readers can purchase a hardcopy of the Fat Chance! Weight Loss Workbook from Amazon or www.ShoppingMoa.com Links to the specific buying pages are found at www.fatchanceweightloss.com (note it is also called “Fat Chance! Forget how fat people diet, Focus on how slim people eat” – I like that!).

Recently I have created an interactive Online web-based version of Fat Chance! which is available globally from www.fatchance.co.nz/new-fat-chance-online-programme

Do you have anything else to add?

I’m absolutely delighted with the response Fat Chance! has been getting. As well as individuals it is being used by groups of friends (meeting on Day 7) and health professionals working with overweight clients. Apart from the fact it really works, people love the design, colors and the layout of the book which is really stylish and fun as well as practical.

I’d love your readers to read the success stories of people who have used Fat Chance! lost weight and changed their lives at www.fatchanceweightloss.com/testimonials. Some of the stories and photos are just amazing and are why I know Fat Chance! works.

Your readers can also read and download the Introduction from www.fatchanceweightloss.com/sneak-peak and everything and anything else they want to know is there as well.

Thank you for allowing me to share Fat Chance! with you.

I wish all your readers all the best in their weight loss journey!

Kindest regards,
Susan Maiava PhD.

Interview and Giveaway with Rachelle Ayala, Author of Hidden Under Her Heart

Rachelle Ayala is the author of dramatic fiction crossing genres and boundaries featuring strong but flawed characters. She writes emotionally challenging stories and is not afraid of controversial topics. However, she is an optimist and laces her stories with romance and hope.

Rachelle Ayala has written three novels. Michal’s Window is a powerful and emotional journey as lived through the eyes of Princess Michal, King David’s first wife. Broken Build is a story of redemption and healing where a man learns to love and trust the woman who destroyed his life. Finally, Hidden Under Her Heart is concerned with forgiveness in the face of judgment over abortion.

Visit her at: Website: http://rachelleayala.me Blog: http://www.rachelleayala.com or follow @AyalaRachelle on Twitter.

When did you begin writing?

Writing has always been a part of my life, but until a few years ago, I never thought about releasing any of my writing to the public. I used to type up a story and share it with my friends, or at the most, e-mail them to friends and acquaintances who’d encourage me. However the thought of finding a publisher held me back and I had other priorities in my career and family. This all changed when I was drawn into the story of Princess Michal, the daughter of King Saul. Her story jumped off the pages of Scripture and compelled me to take a deeper look at her. She was the first wife of King David, the princess who he married after paying in Philistine foreskins, and the only woman in the Bible that loved a man. Once I started writing her story, I became obsessed with perfecting it. I self-published it February 2012 and have since published two more novels and haven’t looked back.

What is this book about?

Hidden Under Her Heart is a story about a young nurse struggling with her decision to abort after being raped. It shows the emotional consequences of abortion on both men and women.

What inspired you to write it?

2013 marks 40 years of legalized abortion in the United States. 53 million lives have been lost and countless others have been impacted. I decided to write a non-political fictional story exploring both sides of the abortion decision. One out of every three women of childbearing age in America has had an abortion. I would bet that a similar percentage of men have been touched by it. I came up with the idea while brainstorming a romantic suspense story about a woman who wanted to catch a rapist by keeping her baby. The story transformed into something different when I realized prenatal testing could very well extract the baby’s DNA, so there went my plot!

Who is your favorite character from the book?

None other than the hero, Lucas Knight. He is the ultimate swoonworthy romantic hero: athletic and hot, but with morals. He’s concerned about Maryanne and is willing to sacrifice his own short term goals to ensure she does not make a mistake she would regret.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

It is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Diesel and Smashwords. Readers can find all of the links at my Book Page: http://www.rachelleayala.com/p/hidden-under-her-heart.html

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

Write true to your heart. You are the best person to tell the story you’re writing. Believe in your uniqueness and that you have something worthwhile to say.

What is up next for you?

Another romance. I love romances because they are optimistic stories with a happy ending. That said, I like my characters to face tough issues and challenges, grow and change for the better before granting them the victory. The story taking shape involves a woman who cannot fall in love because she suspects her father is a murderer. The hero, who used to be a player has suffered a crippling disability and ironically, is ready to fall in love, even though he now feels he is unworthy of love.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Yes, thank you for featuring me and my story on your blog. To the readers: I sincerely hope that my stories will touch your life and your heart. Everyone has a story to tell, and I can’t wait to hear yours.

Enter the 

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Interview with Sarah Reinhard, Author of Catholic Family Fun

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm a Catholic wife, mom, and writer who lives on a farm in central Ohio. I'm an avid reader and there are rumors that I'm a little TOO fond of Twitter.

What inspired your book, Catholic Family Fun: A Guide for the Adventurous, Overwhelmed, Creative, or Clueless?

The editor who emailed me with the idea gets the credit for the inspiration. She got me thinking about the importance of family fun and the need for something that had specific resources for Catholics included.

How is this book different than other family activity books on the market?

It has specifically Catholic ideas included, which makes it unique. However, if you're not Christian but not Catholic, I think you'll find this book also very useful and relevant to your family life.

What if your favorite activity from the book?

Horseback riding, hands down. We go every week!

What are you doing to promote Catholic Family Fun?

We have a book tour going on right now, there's a Facebook page, and the book has a website, CatholicFamilyFun.com, with new content being posted biweekly.

Where can people purchase a copy?

First, I encourage everyone to go to their local Catholic retailer first. If that's not an option, I have links available on my website for other outlets.

What is up next for you?

In the fall, A Catholic Mother's Companion to Pregnancy: Walking with Mary from Conception to Baptism will be released from Ave Maria Press.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I'd love to hear what your readers do for family fun! Thanks so much for hosting me today!

Don't miss a chance to own a free copy of Catholic Family Fun. Enter our giveaway running now!

Cafe of Dreams 365 Days of Great Authors and Giveaways!

My friend April over at Cafe of Dreams Book Reviews is running a full year of interviews and giveaways with great authors. You don't want to miss out on all the wonderful books up for grabs. Be sure to check out her blog and her constantly updated list of new guests. You'll find it at http://www.cafeofdreamsbookreviews.com/p/365-days-of-great-authors-and-giveaways.html A link to her blog is always in my sidebar too.

Good luck to all who enter these giveaways!

Interview with Dr. Michael Norman, Author of Unbridled Grace

You have an incredible story. I am not quite sure where to begin. I mean, you graduated college, answered an employment ad in the newspaper and unknowingly went to work for the Russian Mafia. How does something like this happen?

They (Mafia) were very good at what they do. They knew exactly what they were looking for. They live in a world of total deception just like all evil does. Nothing about their world is real and my book portrays what evil looks like. If someone has never been exposed to this type of world, they are easy prey. That was me.

And then, a few months later, despite your cooperation with the government investigation, you become one of their prime targets, culminating in an early-morning armed raid upon your home and arrest, all in front of your five-year-old daughter. I guess the scary thing for me, after reading your book, is that this could happen to any of us if it happened to you.

Absolutely it could. The storm just kept getting darker and darker for our family. I was surrounded by deception on all sides and for a while, nothing in my life was real anymore. It started with the deception and greed of the Russian Mafia and ended with the deception and arrogance of the federal government.

You live in Texas. What was the Russian Mafia doing in Texas? It sounds rather bizarre.

I’ll say! My understanding became that there was a spread of organized criminal activity that developed out of Russia after the break-up of Communism. There really isn’t any part of the world that is immune from the reach of their tentacles. They go where the money is.

I have to ask the obvious question. Why didn’t you hire an attorney early on in your ordeal?

Two reasons: I had no money and I did nothing wrong. I thought if you were innocent, you didn’t need a lawyer. Also, I relied heavily on free legal advice at that time. As the book relates, we all know where this got me.

Do you fear any retaliation from the Russian Mafia or the government?

No.

Did you write this book as “payback” for what was done to you and your family?

Absolutely not. This book is about God’s victory and all the incredible blessings that have resulted from this experience. I wrote this book to share what God can do in all of our lives despite anything we are facing. We simply must trust Him and then courageously choose His will. It’s not easy but it is truly the greatest of all roads to travel.

Okay, let’s talk specifically about your book. The cover photo is beautiful. Where was it taken?

This is on top of a peak in the Dolomites mountain range in the Alto Adige region of Italy (the northern-most region of Italy in the European eastern Alps).

Where did your title, Unbridled Grace, come from?

I wanted to hopefully convey the reality of complete, unrestrained grace that God wants to share with all of us. As I said in the book, a highly contagious ripple-effect of God’s grace can be unleashed through our life choices that can rapidly spread through our lives, our families, our churches, our cities and our world. I have found that God works through us in this way but our cooperation is necessary.

How long did it take to write this book?

On again, off again for about 10 years. There were several times I boxed everything up and packed it away in a closet but I kept “rediscovering” it. For me, it was the story that wouldn’t go away, even though I tried.

The theme of your book is the power of choice. Explain the importance you place on this.

It’s everything. It’s God’s greatest gift to us and it can unleash the most powerful force on the planet, His grace. I wrote about the fact that all of God’s new doorways for our lives can be bigger than the previous ones, if we use our power of choice for Him. Our lives simply keep expanding if we allow them to. Now the opposite is also true. When we mis-use His gift, our power of choice can lead to a “shrinking” of our lives until we begin to choose differently.

And this “shrinking” of our lives is what you called a hell of our own creation?

Yes, and I knew it well.

Have you always placed such importance on the power of choice?

Absolutely not, as the early part of the book describes. Although, looking back over the years, my favorite movies have always been the ones which show alternate versions of life possibilities for the character if they had chosen differently. My favorite is still “It’s a Wonderful Life”. We all have an infinite number of life possibilities available to us depending on the choices we make.

You include inspiring but challenging meditations at the end of each chapter for readers. Where did these come from?

I don’t know how else to answer that except, they were lessons that came out of the pain. I wish I could have just learned them from a book instead! The themes of the meditations mirror their respective chapters and the events that unfolded within them. They’re kind of like “classroom notes” over several years.

Are you worried they are a little too challenging for the average Christian?

They are absolutely challenging. I read them often to help push myself. I know they won’t be for everybody. I have painfully learned that Christ challenges all of us to become more than who we are today. For me, this was difficult then, just as it remains difficult today.

Don’t you worry about the “hypocritical, holier-than-thou” label?

I’m used to it as a father of a teenager!

No, seriously.

Yes, there is always that possibility but it is far riskier to not write this book. This is God’s victory that is told, not mine. He permits all of us to pass through trials and difficult life experiences for a reason and it remains up to us to give a testimony to His power. If we don’t, who will? Everybody loves a good story. Why not share true stories that tell of His victories? I would love to see the book market flooded with them.

In your book, you share an incredible Marian experience that you and Laura received. How did this impact the eventual outcome of your ordeal?

I don’t think there would be a story without this event. It changed Laura and I completely. I write about how we were given a momentary glimpse beyond the veil and I am so thankfully humble to have received this awesome blessing and gift. I mean, we were able to make the courageous and impossible choice of risking a loss of family, freedom, friends, career, finances, home, everything. It helped us stand up for God and accomplish His will.

What about those who do not believe in Marian experiences or do not believe you?

I am sure there will be plenty. But Christ also tells us ‘by their fruits you shall know them.’ This is what I prefer to use as my “barometer”. I hope they would as well.

Although you are currently studying for a degree in Theology, you have no other formal theological training or credentials. Do you think this hinders the chances for your book being successful?

First of all, I consider my book a success if only my children and grandchildren would be able to read about God’s victory and the choices I made. That’s why I wrote it.

Fair enough. What about your lack of theological training and credentials?

As a hindrance to success? I think a theology “textbook” is difficult for most people to understand and apply to real-life experience. This is a true story that could occur to any of us and illustrates how theology can become practical and lived out in real-life.

Since your ordeal, what has been your biggest surprise?

When I speak to groups and share this story, I have met so many people who have gone through similar experiences within our legal system.

What were some of the biggest challenges in the writing of Unbridled Grace?

One of the biggest was overcoming the conflicting advice from the publishing world. From the beginning, they told me to choose “mission or market” but not both because that is not possible. It was strongly suggested that I bring this story to market as a strictly secular account with all the “winning” elements: an incredible true story, individual accomplishment and triumph over adversity. I just couldn’t do it. Without Christ and what truly helped me, this story could no longer be considered true. In the end, I would have cheated both, the secular market as well as the Christian market.

Where do you go from here?

My prayer is that Unbridled Grace helps many people and it could open the door to allow me to continue writing.

So, there may be a future book?

Hopefully.

Unbridled Grace: A True Story about the Power of Choice

Dr. Michael J. Norman

Dog Ear Publishing

ISBN: 978-145750-096-1

Available at Ingram, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and fine bookstores everywhere

http://www.unbridledgrace.com/

 
Dr. Norman will be touring with Unbridled Grace in February 2012 with Pump Up Your Book. Visit http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2011/12/07/unbridled-grace-virtual-book-publicity-tour-january-2012/ for more information or if you are interested in hosting him.

Interview with Vincent Zandri, Author of Moonlight Rises

Vincent Zandri is the No. 1 International Bestselling Amazon Kindle author of THE INNOCENT, GODCHILD, THE REMAINS, MOONLIGHT FALLS, CONCRETE PEARL, MOONLIGHT RISES and SCREAM CATCHER. He is also the author of the bestselling digital shorts, PATHOLOGICAL and MOONLIGHT MAFIA. Harlan Coben has described his novels as "...gritty, fast-paced, lyrical and haunting," while the New York Post called THE INNOCENT, "Sensational...Masterful...Brilliant!" In March, April and May of 2011, he sold more than 100,000 Kindle E-Book editions of his novels. An MFA in Writing graduate of Vermont College, Zandri's work is translated into many languages including the Dutch, Russian and Japanese. An adventurer, foreign correspondent, and freelance photo-journalist for RT, Globalspec, IBTimes and more, he lives in New York. For more go to WWW.VINCENTZANDRI.COM


Did you have a favorite book you read as a child?

Huckleberry Finn

Is there one you've read you wish you had wrote? If so why?

That’s a tough one. But I wish I wrote Charlie Huston’s Hank Thompson Trilogy. It’s some of the best noir writing out there, and I based much of my Moonlight series on it.

You've written a number of chilling thrillers. Is there one that sticks out as a favorite?

The Remains came out of nowhere is sort of uncharacteristic of my macho, if you will, style. A woman’s POV and a plot revolving around paintings and an autistic savant. I definitely explored new territory there and I feel I succeeded in that it’s been perpetual Amazon bestseller for more than a year, having reached the Top 20. It’s also been bought out from its initial publisher by Thomas and Mercer, Amazon’s new major publishing arm.

When did you first decide you wanted to write a book? And why thrillers?

In my late teens and early twenties I knew I wanted to write novels for a living. I started out by writing newspaper articles and developed my skills from there.

What has been the highlight of your publishing career so far?

The success of The Innocent this past Spring, spending almost 8 full weeks in the Amazon Kindle Top 10. At one point it reached No. 3. I was selling more books than Stephen King and James Patterson. It’s all lead to a major deal with Thomas and Mercer.

What was the most interesting research you did for a book?

Spending a night in Sing Sing Prison comes to mind. Also, I just returned from a month in Florence, Italy researching Blue Moonlight, the follow-up to Moonlight Rises.

What do you think makes a good story?

Three dimensional characters, tightly written paragraphs, pile-driving plotting and plenty of action.

I heard you have a new release. Please tell us about it.

Scream Catcher is a novel I’ve been writing for 5 or more years. It’s about a former cop turned author who, along with his family, is stalked by a video game designer/serial killer who records the screams of his victims before killing them, then places the real screams in his violent video games.

Do you have a short excerpt you'd like to share with us?

Prologue
Sweeny’s Boxing Gym
Lake George, New York
Tuesday, August 15, 6:10 A.M.

The man is hiding. Has been for a long time now, since his life—his physical body--became reduced to a shadowy reflection of his own fear. A fear so real, so palpable and heavy, it seems like there are times it might be possible for him to unzip it like you would a second skin and maybe hang it up on a sixpenny nail to dry. If only that were possible.

But his fear is more than skin deep. It is an internal demon and it is lodged inside bone and flesh like a cancer. It is what he has in the place of a soul. Rather, it is what has replaced his soul. Only when he least expected it, did it reveal its beastly head of pale white skin, black eyes and fang-like teeth before entering into his body and holding him hostage.

Ever since that day he has since been trying his best to purge the demon from his body. But he does not use a priest for his exorcist. He does not use a shaman. He does not use a psychiatrist. He does not use God.
Instead, he uses only physical exertion.

He attempts to push the fear out through his ribs by improving his physical body with exercise. Grueling exercise on a daily basis. Running, lifting, boxing, stretching, sweating, groaning, pushing, pulling, crying, bleeding, sucking air and, on occasion, passing out.

It’s bad that those closest to him no longer trust him. It’s worse that he no longer trusts himself. And a man who cannot trust himself, can never know what it is to truly love or be truly loved in return.

Yet, he lives and carries on as if today—this very moment in time—will be the end of something bad and the beginning of a new life free of the demon.

But today will not be one of those days.

Because today, Jude Parish, forty-five year old ex-cop turned bestselling true crime writer, gets to be the eyewitness to a murder.

Here’s how it happens:

He’s just exited Sweeney’s Boxing Gym by way of the back door. It’s raining, the new summer dawn hidden by a black and blue sky; its heat by fierce wind gusts; its calm by lightning and thunder. The early morning workout--six rounds jump rope, six rounds speed bag, six rounds heavy bag—is all but historical fact. Now oxygen starved lungs crave the fresh air; tired muscles and joints welcome cool rain. Kissing the sky, Jude allows the rain to pelt his stubbly face, to soak his cropped hair, to dampen his gray sweats.

Mounted to the block wall behind him is a reflective exit sign and a lit spotlight. To his right a blue dumpster, the letters B.F.I. printed on the four metal side panels. To his left, an open sea of cracked and blistered blacktop. Beyond that, a too dark nothing that stretches all the way beyond the Canadian border.

Dead ahead he spots two people.

What at first glance appears to be a longhaired man chasing a T-shirted man from out of the old Malloy gravel pit. Two grown men who stumble down the pit embankment, crash through second growth woods like two hunted deer, until spilling out onto the flat lot.

Back pressed up against the block wall, Jude watches, listening to his heart beat inside his temples. He’s no stranger to the pit. As a boy he used to play Johnny Quest inside the big dig during the day, but never at night when the Lake George dark monster came out of hiding. Standing in the rain his mind recalls deep craters, jagged shale, abandoned automobiles, empty beer bottles, used condoms and rock piles galore. The images flashback while he works up a smile. Black Bear’s Bar and Grille is located on the opposite north end of the old pit. Black Bear’s is open all night for the commercial salmon and charter fishermen and their pickled livers.

As for the running men?

They must be drunk as rabid skunks.

Pulling himself away from the wall, he sucks in a wet breath, prepares for the two mile jog back home to pregnant wife and child when the T-shirted man drops to his knees on the pavement; when Longhair raises up a hand exposing a silenced automatic.

What happens next takes forever and an instant.

Longhair extends the right arm, presses the automatic to T-shirt’s head.
“Scream,” he orders in a strange, high-pitched voice. “Scream. For. Me.”
The man on his knees hesitates. Peering slowly up at the longhaired man, he doesn’t scream. He produces only silence and a frightened smile. Until Longhair thumbs back the hammer on the automatic.

“Scream. For. Me.” he repeats, bringing a hand held device to the mouth of the T-shirted man.

T-shirted man loses his smile. He lowers his head, swallows a deep breath.
He screams.

Screams so loud the guttural shriek bounces off the side of the gym and rattles Jude’s bones.

He screams directly into the hand-held device. A device that by now, Jude is certain is an iPhone.

When the scream is finished, and the T-shirted man’s lungs are empty of oxygen, silence returns to the lot. That’s when two muzzle flashes light the dark sky for two brief instances.

Longhair takes a step back.

T-Shirt falls face first. French kisses a rain puddle.

“God almighty,” Jude whispers to himself.

But there’s nothing God almighty can do now.

Longhair slides the automatic into a shoulder holster, and pockets the iPhone. Sensing another presence, he turns, laser beams a gaze in the ex-cop’s direction.

It’s then that Jude’s body becomes the suddenly pin-pricked balloon.
All strength bleeds out of his feet.

He drops down onto the wet lot, rolls his body behind the BFI dumpster, hides himself behind stacks of cardboard and rain-drenched newspapers.
Heart beats a berserk rhythm. Hands tremble. Adrenalin filled brain becomes an orchestral symphony warming up inside the skull, until the roar of a car engine and burning rubber kills the music.

Longhair is getting away.

What’s the ex-cop gonna do?

Ex-cop is gonna listen to the demon inside his chest, and he’s going to sit still, play dead.

The car approaches, downshifts to a crawl, then brakes to a hard stop some fifteen or twenty feet away. As soon as the passenger window goes down, Jude can’t miss it: gunmetal death staring him in the face.
Longhair’s got an unobstructed shot.

When the hammer comes down the ex-cop never sees the flash. Never feels the pain.

What’s it like to die?

It’s like the lights in a room being turned out. It’s about silence and stillness and darkness. It’s freedom from the demon. It’s like falling . . .

. . . falling into a deep and painless sleep.

What are you working on now?


Blue Moonlight, the third full-length Moonlight novel. I’ve also just finished Murder by Moonlight which will be the fourth. Both will be published by Thomas and Mercer. I’m also rewriting all of my most successfully anthologized short stories for a collection that StoneGate Ink will be doing something this late Fall or early Winter.

Do you have any writing quirks?

I always write in the nude.

Would you rather have the power to be invisible or be able to fly, and why?

Fly. I wouldn’t have to give so much money to Delta or USAir.

You’ve won a talent show! What act did you perform?

I played my drums.

What fun answers! Thanks so much for joining us today, Vincent. It's been a blast getting to know more about you. In closing, please tell us where we can buy your books. Where can we go to learn more about you?

Just go to http://www.vincentzandri.com/ for both and thanks for having me…Better put some clothes on, I guess…

Book Details: Moonlight Rises
Genre:Adult Suspense, Mystery, Thriller
Publisher: StoneGate Ink
Publication Date: August 13,2011

AMAZON

BARNES AND NOBLE

The Next Stop:


October 13th-Review&Guest Post@A Good Day To Read

Interview: Joseph Schneller, Author of Your Average Joe Unplugged

Joining us today is Joseph Schneller, author of Your Average Joe Unplugged. Joe served as a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps and holds a Psychology degree from Whitworth. He is an alumnus of the Christian Writers Guild. His publishing credits include Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family, Clubhouse, and Focus on the Family; LifeWay’s Stand Firm; and Walk Thru the Bible’s Indeed. He writes nonfiction and humor for adults, and fiction for children, youth, and adults. He and his wife, Kippi, live in Colorado with their two young boys.

Welcome to my blog, Joe. It's wonderful to have you with us. When did you begin writing?


In the third grade, I wrote a series of short stories on “Super Pickle,” a superhero vegetable who (I’m assuming now) went around doing heroic things in the plant kingdom. The class loved it when I read new installments to them—at least that’s how I remember it. Our teacher, Mrs. Baseman, was very encouraging about my writing. I think I’ll break out those old stories some day and see if there are any publishable concepts, maybe a Vlasic-meets-VeggieTales theme. Oh, I got it: VlasicTales.

Sometime in elementary school, I also wrote a story entitled “Dead Men Don’t Eat Quiche.” So you can see that most of my early writing centered around food.


What is this book about?


Your Average Joe: Unplugged is a Christian devotional and humor book. It takes a gritty, honest approach to issues such as employment, unemployment, trial, fear, and the Word of God. It also includes Dave Barry/Erma Bombeck-style humor articles about married life.

The Christian life is no easy gig, but for some harebrained reason Christians can think that we’re supposed to have it all together, that life should be smooth and prosperous. That’s unbiblical nonsense. This book takes a what-the-Bible-says-even-if-I-don’t-like-it approach, including transparent renderings of my personal experience. I hope readers find it liberating.

Early reader feedback includes accolades for tear-jerking honesty, an easy and “conversational” writing style, and laugh-out-loud humor. I’ve been hearing the “lovin’ it” phrase, which of course makes me think of McDonald’s. But there I go about food again.

What inspired you to write it?


I spent 9 ½ months unemployed/underemployed, and this with a wife and toddler at home and a second child on the way. To a minor extent, I felt like the Biblical character Job (pronounced “Jobe”), who lost nearly everything he had and spent much time grappling with loss and with his faith in God. Like I said, the faith walk is no cake walk.

I knew that this life is but a womb for the next, that God uses it to prepare us for service here and for life in heaven. But, in the midst of my desert—a most difficult time in my marriage, a most difficult time for me personally—I asked God if it’s really worth it. Is Kingdom-work on earth and preparation for heaven really worth all this heartache, all this headache, all this loss?

During most of that time, I ran a website and posted articles about my pilgrimage. At one point I read an email about the impact the website had on a woman. It struck her to the core, and was one of the things that helped her return to the Lord. As I finished reading that email, instinctively I said aloud, “This makes it all worth it.”

So, my deep hope is that God would use this book to draw people closer to Him. And yeah, if I’m able to help someone because of the low places I’ve seen, then it’s all worth it.


Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?


The book can be purchased from the publisher (http://www.nordskogpublishing.com/), from Amazon, or (if you want an autograph and possibly some leftover pickle) directly from me (http://www.josephschneller.com/). Because I’m a first-time book author, it may take a little while to get on the bookstore shelves. But I think you may be able to order it through your local bookstore as well.


What is up next for you?


First off, I need to take a shower. I smell like a yak. Secondly, I have a completed young adult novel which I’m pitching to publishers. I’m also interested in further nonfiction for adults, and have a couple more novels rumbling around in my head. I’m also considering the children’s market. Of course, there are always the magazine articles (I’ve written for Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family, Clubhouse and Focus on the Family magazine; LifeWay’s Stand Firm; Walk Thru the Bible’s Indeed, Wesleyan Publishing House’s Vista; etc.). So, I’m currently in the cool place of having more potential opportunities than I have time.


Thanks for spending time with us today, Joe. We wish you continued success.

Interviewed at Through His Eyes on Saturday, July 23rd!

Dear Friends,

I wanted to let you know that I'll be interviewed tomorrow at Salena Stormo's lovely blog, Through His Eyes. I'm so thrilled to be there. I hope you'll join me while I spend the weekend at this wonderful blog.

I'm sure she would appreciate some followers too.

Blessings to all,

Cheryl

Garasamo Maccagnone at A Book and A Chat on Thursday, July 21st!

Thursday July 21st – 6:30pm EST

Number you need to call is: 347- 237-5398

Set in a Michigan factory, the title story takes readers inside a workplace dominated by a ruthless bully and his cronies. While explaining the actions taking place around him, it becomes clear that the narrator yearns to escape the blue-collar life handed down to him from his father. “Perfect Game” unfolds during a minor league baseball game with Chi-Chi Gomez on the mound, a fearless pitcher who never fails to brush a few batters back from the plate–a space he considers his personal property. Along with other stories, the book also features original poems including “Uncle Nardo’s Store,” “My Father’s Foot,” and “The Malediction of Miss Holstein.”

Garasamo Maccagnone is a writer and entrepreneur. The founder of a successful airfreight business, Maccagnone now focuses on his literary career. He is the author of the novel St. John of the Midfield, the novella, For the Love of St. Nick, a collection of short stories entitled, My Dog Tim and Other Stories, and a children’s book titled, The Suburban Dragon. Sentiments of Blue is his latest short story collection. Maccagnone currently lives in Shelby Township where he is working on his second novel, The Sorrows of Pebble Creek.

Find the author online at http://garasamomaccagnone.com/.

Listen to Gary on A Book and A Chat tomorrow, Thursday, July 21st starting at 6:30 PM Eastern at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond

Interview with Kurt Stradtman, Author of Am I the Person My Mother Warned Me About?

Our guest today is Kurt Stradtman. Kurt, author of Am I The Person My Mother Warned Me About?: A Four-Year College Experience . . . Only the Fun Parts, is the next up-and-coming author aiming his satire works at college-age students documenting true events that have happened in his life.


Welcome to Books, Products and More, Kurt. It's great to have you here.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up on a coastal island off of the state of Georgia, St. Simons Island.

When did you begin writing?

I have always had an interest in writing, and have always written off and on. I began writing Am I The Person My Mother Warned Me About? two years ago after posting my first blog post on “A Haphazard Collection of Contemplation” (My personal blog).

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

Because I work full time in advertising and photography, after getting my publishing deal, I could only write late at night (early in the morning). Countless energy drinks, loud music, and 4am bedtimes is what go the book completed in time.

What is this book about?

This book has a lot of underlying meanings. This book is a personal memoir about the four years I was in college. Just because it is of four years, does not mean that I finished college. I took a very long holiday off college.

However, during college, many people face identity issues. Issues trying to find your true identity or colors. This book is an account of the incidents and events of my actions that led me to ask myself the question, “AM I The Person My Mother Warned Me About?” I wanted to use this book to lead to my answering the question, but then I decided to make it a little game; you answer the question yourself… but don’t judge a book by its cover.

What inspired you to write it?

The first ever chapter was written as an email to a friend, it was received with praise, and soon all my friends wanted to read it, and encouraged me to write more. I then posted them on a blog, and then people suggested I compile them into a book.

Who is your favorite character from the book?

My favorite character is my best friend who’s name was changed to Jessica in the book. She shares my quirks, and we have had the best of times. (I will give you a hint, the book is dedicated to her).

Who is your biggest supporter?

I would say my biggest supporter is my family. My mother likes to say that she didn’t expect anything less from me, she was a bit disappointed in some of the themes of the book, but where would the title be if she agreed with everything?

Who is your favorite author?

I can be poignant and say Henry David Throeau, but Augusten Burroughs is probably my favorite author. Even though my memoir is edgy, and politically incorrect, it’s theme is still comparable to a modern day Thoreau. Be yourself, and don’t change yourself for anyone. The world will take you for who you are.

Do you have an agent or are you looking for one?

I am looking for an agent.

Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?

Smoother than I thought. From the time of finding a publisher, to holding the book in my hand was about 3 and a half months.

If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?

Nothing at all. We have all made mistakes, we have all had opportunity’s where we would have liked to have done things differently, but it all happened for a reason, it shaped me into who I am, so I made this bed. I am sleeping like a baby.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

3,000 booksellers, surely your favorite store sells my book. But your local bookstores order desk, amazon.com barnesandnoble.com, etc.

Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?

http://www.kurtstradtman.com/ and links to my blog and Facebook are on the site.

Do you have a video trailer to promote your book? If yes, where can readers find it?

A book trailer is under construction and will be made available on my homepage as soon as it’s completed.

What is up next for you?

I am currently working on my next memoir, scheduled for release late 2012 encompassing my childhood until now and my unconventional family.

Thanks for spending time with us today, Kurt. We wish you great success.