Mayra Calvani's Blog, page 14

5 Questions with Eleanor Parker Sapia, author of 'A Decent Woman'

Puerto Rican-born novelist, Eleanor Parker Sapia, was raised in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Europe. Eleanor’s life experiences as a counselor, alternative health practitioner, a Spanish language social worker, and a refugee case worker inspire her passion for writing. When Eleanor is not writing, she facilitates creativity groups, and is making plans to walk El Camino de Santiago a second time. A Decent Woman is her debut novel. Eleanor is the mother of two adult children, and she lives in West Virginia.

About the Book 

Ponce, Puerto Rico, at the turn of the century: Ana Belén Opaku, an Afro-Cuban born into slavery, is a proud midwife with a tempestuous past. After testifying at an infanticide trial, Ana is forced to reveal a dark secret from her past, but continues to hide an even more sinister one. Pitted against the parish priest, Padre Vicénte, and young Doctór Héctor Rivera, Ana must battle to preserve her twenty-five year career as the only midwife in La Playa.

Serafina is a respectable young widow with two small children, who marries an older wealthy merchant from a distinguished family. A crime against Serafina during her last pregnancy forever bonds her to Ana in an ill-conceived plan to avoid a scandal and preserve Serafina’s honor.

Set against the combustive backdrop of a chauvinistic society, where women are treated as possessions, A Decent Woman is the provocative story of these two women as they battle for their dignity and for love against the pain of betrayal and social change.

Find out more on Amazon.

Q: What’s inside the mind of a historical fiction author?

A: Great question. Since I began writing full-time, I find my mind never rests. I’m either thinking about the next story I want to write, the story arc in my work in progress, and research that always manages to lead to more research, which is exactly what happens to me. It doesn’t matter if I’m watching a period film, reading a new or classic novel, at the museum, or at an antique market, something will inevitably remind me of history which leads me to think of my historical novels. I live in an historic, 109-year-old house, full of antiques and vintage accessories, so I’m very comfortable in old surroundings, if you will. An old book, a vintage iron, or a period dress—they transport and inspire me.

I sometimes worry that I missed or left out a juicy, interesting historical facts or snippet of daily life that I might have used in my first book. But at some point, a writer has to leave it alone, and if I’ve left anything out, I’ll simply use it in my next book. No overwriting or information dumping; it will show and lessen the work.

Q: Tell us why readers should buy A DECENT WOMAN.

A: Readers have described A Decent Woman as an important and moving novel about a little known corner in history—the lives of Caribbean women in colonial Puerto Rico. I wrote about black and white, and rich and poor women, society women and prostitutes. It is the story of Ana Belén, an Afro-Cuban woman born into slavery, who escapes Cuba and becomes the only midwife in La Playa de Ponce, Puerto Rico. Ana lives through many hurricanes, an earthquake, the occupation of Puerto Rico by the United States, and she fights male doctors who are entering the birthing room for the first time. Life was difficult for women in the early 1900’s, and more so for a poor, black woman with no education, and no man to protect her. Colonial Puerto Rico was a male-dominated society where men pitted women against women for their financial security and protection, which aggravated women’s lives, and forced many into situations that were considered ‘indecent’ at the time.

Q: What makes a good Historical Fiction novel?

A: To me, a good historical fiction novel stays true to the historical timeline, dialogue, and customs of the era. The research must be thorough and accurate. For example, if your character is ironing, your reader must see the iron in her mind’s eye, smell the damp fabric, and see the strain on the woman’s face and arm muscles, as those coal irons were heavy and unyielding.

I love a story that immediately pulls me in, makes me care about the characters, and invites me to see their vulnerabilities, flaws, and triumphs. I don’t write historical romance, so I don’t have to have a happy ending, but it must make sense to the time. Life was raw and difficult for many in days past; a good historical novel transports me, because at the end of the day, what we care today about isn’t so very different from a person living in 1900. We flirt, date, marry, have children, and we live through challenges before we ultimately die. If I don’t feel connected to a fictional character, I tend to believe that the author didn’t either.

Q: What is a regular writing day like for you?

A: I wake up between 8 and 9 every morning, and immediately prepare a pot of coffee or tea. After I’m adequately caffeinated and watered, I journal long-hand, and sit down to work with the social media sites I’m a part of. I read the headlines of the day online, and decide which to tweet and share on my social media pages. After lunch, I might write a blog post for that week, and then my writing session begins, often running between five and six hours; longer if research is involved, which is always required for historical fiction. After dinner, I take a walk in town with my dog, and prepare for more writing. My best writing occurs from 9 pm on, and it’s not unusual for me to turn off the writing lamp at 2 and 3 am. As I’m a single lady, I usually write on weekends and always take time off for Thanksgiving and the week of Christmas (but I might write a blog post!). In the summer months, I garden and spend time at my place on the West Virginia side of the Potomac River which has no Internet. A lot of good writing sessions take place out there with very few interruptions or disruptions.

Q: What do you find most rewarding about being an author?

A: Other than the fact that I don’t need an extensive wardrobe for my full time writing, I’d say sharing Latin American and Caribbean characters with my readers. I write what I’d love to read, and I’m blessed to write full time and live a creative life, which took many sacrifices to achieve. I am passionate about writing, and find it very rewarding to write stories about little known historical facts/events that took place in the Caribbean, and how the lives of Caribbean and Latin American women were affected by these events.

Seeing my books in print is thrilling and very rewarding, and I especially love interacting with my readers.

 

 

 

Interview with Irene S. Roth, author of ‘Seasons of Empowerment for Adolescent Girls’

Irene S. Roth is an academic and freelance writer for teens, tweens and kids. She has written over 500 book reviews and 1,000 online articles on different topics for teens, tweens, and about the craft of writing. She also teaches workshops on writing and craft at Savvy Authors. She lives in Stratford, Ontario with her husband and cat. Visit her at https://irenesroth.wordpress.com/

ABOUT HER BOOK

In Seasons of Empowerment for Adolescent Girls, Ms. Roth argues that there are four seasons of empowerment for adolescent girls. Sadly no adolescent girl can simply wake up one day, snap her fingers, and be empowered to tackle the world and all the forces that exist inside and outside. Becoming empowered to be who we are can be truly difficult. This book consists of a step-by-step guide to help adolescent girls achieve self-improvement.

Purchase at Amazon

Q: Congratulations on the release of your latest book Seasons of Empowerment for Adolescent Girls. What was your inspiration for it?

A: With this book, I want to inspire adolescent girls to get on the path of self-empowerment that will make the stronger and much more able to deal with the difficult years of adolescence.

Q: How was your creative process like during the writing of this book and how long did it take you to complete it? Did you face any bumps along the way?

A: I wrote the first draft of this book quickly. Then I went back and make some modifications. I didn’t have any bumps along the way at all, except I wanted to make sure that the book was written in a voice that was applicable to teens.

Q: Do you experience anxiety before sitting down to write? If yes, how do you handle it?

A: No, I never experience any anxiety. I guess I am a lucky writer.

Q: What is your writing schedule like and how do you balance it with your other work and family time?

A: My writing schedule is quite heavy: I write for 5 hours most days, and I teach and research in between times. I guess you can call me a writer and teacher. I slot my family and work life outside of these times. I always have.

Q: How do you define success?

A: For me success is defined as doing what you truly love. If you love writing and you can write quite a bit, you are successful and lucky.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring writers whose spouses or partners don’t support their dreams of becoming an author?

A: I would talk to them directly about it, and then I would still schedule my writing time and write. Sometimes you just have to do what is most important for you, without the permission of your family, especially if they don’t understand you as a writer.

Q: George Orwell once wrote: “Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand.” Do you agree?

A: Despite the fact that I believe that writing is hard work, I have never believed that it is like a painful illness. That is too negative a connotation. However, writing does involve self-understanding and self-respect. And these can be hard to cultivate in a way that is open and honest.

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell my readers?

A: Always pursue your dreams, otherwise you won’t like your life or yourself.

Looking for reviewers for Victorian London suspense novel!

Dear Readers,

I'm looking for reviewers for the following mystery/suspense novel by author Chris Karlsen. Please let me know if you're interested and thanks in advance! :-)

////////////////

Silk (The Bloodstone Series Book 1)

It is the time of Jack the Ripper, the widowed Queen Victoria sits on the throne of England. The whole of London is on edge wondering when or where Jack will kill next. The Palace, Parliament, and the press are demanding the police do more to find him.

In another part of London, rough-around-the-edges war hero, Metropolitan Detective Inspector Rudyard Bloodstone has his own serial killer to find. Inter departmental rivalries, politics, and little evidence to go on hamper the investigation at every turn. In a battle of wills, Bloodstone presses forward following his instincts in spite of the obstacles.

Adding to those problems, away from the strains of the investigation, he is engaged in the ups and downs of a new relationship with a lovely hat maker.

‘April Snow’ (Dana McGarry Novel Book 2) Now Available for Pre-order!

April Snow, book 2 in the smashingly successful Dana McGarry series by talented author Lynn Steward, is now available for pre-order!

Pre-order the Kindle or print edition from Amazon.

While you're there, be sure to check book 1 in the series, A Very Good Life.

The print edition of April Snow will be available for pre-order next week. Stay tuned!

Dana McGarry, newly separated from her cheating husband is laser-focused on her new job as a buyer at B. Altman, a leading New York City department store of the 1970s.  But to achieve success, she must free herself from more than a bad marriage. She must prove to overly-protective family and friends that she can make it on her own and shake up the old guard at the store when her bold new ideas hit a brick wall. No stranger to innovation and risk, Dana is determined to stand her ground. She moves out of her comfort zone and into the arms of a dynamic businessman who suggests a daring fashion move that will advance her career. Her dreams within reach, Dana’s world is shattered in a New York minute when a life is threatened, a secret is revealed, and her heart is broken.

Steward captures the nuances of 70s life in New York City and provides the perfect backdrop for an independent woman determined to make her mark.  April Snow, the second volume in the Dana McGarry series, is a story that transcends any period.

Official release: May 22nd 

About Lynn Steward

Lynn Steward is a successful business woman who spent many years in New York City’s fashion industry in marketing and merchandising, including the development of the first women’s department at a famous men’s clothing store. Through extensive research, and an intimate knowledge of the period, Steward created the characters and stories for a series of five authentic and heartwarming novels about New York in the seventies. April Snow is volume two in the Dana McGarry Series. A Very Good Life was published in March 2014.

Connect with Lynn Steward on the Web:

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest

A Chat with Robert Lane, author of 'Cooler Than Blood'

Robert Lane’s literary crime noir novels mix humor, action, and ageless moral themes set against the backdrop of the west coast of Florida. Cooler Than Blood is his second stand-alone Jake Travis novel after The Second Letter. His third book, The Cardinal’s Sin, will be released in October 2015.Q:

Congratulations on the release of your latest book, Cooler Than Blood. What was your inspiration for it?

A: I yearned for a classic crime tale, in this case a kidnapped young woman, that, through twists and turns, circles back to my protagonist, Jake Travis. I desired a story arc, that in ways Jake could have never foreseen, threatens Kathleen, the “world’s most important person,” to Jake.  I wanted the story to force him into moral choices that will define and shape him. Where’s the inspiration? Instead of a faceless victim that the reader would have no feeling for, I was intrigued with the idea of a young woman who lost her father at a young age. She relies on the memory of her father and the lessons he taught her while boating, to persevere a kidnapping ordeal. The time she and he spent on the boat is all the fuel she has to survive her captivity. The only thing real, and inspiration, is the boat, but we all know the formula—1 percent inspiration and 99 percent work.

Q: Tell us something interesting about your protagonist. 

A: Jake Travis has struggled with who he is and is just now learning to accept himself. He cannot resist the thrills found on the edge of life, but they come with heavy consequences. Unfortunately, some of these consequences are moral ambiguities that are likely to re-occur. It’s the central theme in his life, and central themes do not fade or resolve.

Q: How was your creative process like during the writing of this book and how long did it take you to complete it? Did you face any bumps along the way? 

A: My books are character driven—I have little clue as to how they will end. I usually see the end coming somewhere around two-thirds of the way through. That’s good—I think. Hemingway said if you know where your story’s going, so does the reader. Total writing time is about nine months, with half of that time in re-writes and crafting the words. Writing is a bumpy road. Sometimes it comes out smooth and clean, but that’s just the space between the bumps.

Q: How do you keep your narrative exciting throughout the creation of a novel? 

A: I don’t let myself get bored. Add humor. Conflict. More conflict. Physically move Jake.  In Cooler Than Blood, Jake gets a lead, hops in his truck with Garrett, and the story explodes as he meets other characters who, in turn, lead to the core of the story.

Q: Do you experience anxiety before sitting down to write? If yes, how do you handle it? 

A: Not really. My secret is I flip open the laptop and hit it hard and fast. If I waited, even a minute, I know self-doubt would gain a foothold.  Also, I usually exercise before I write—let the endorphins meet anxiety at the gate and thrash it away.

Q: What is your writing schedule like and how do you balance it with your other work and family time? 

A: I run or swim early in the morning and then write until my mind shuts down. By late in the afternoon, it’s been recharged enough to go a couple more hours. If I had sixteen free hours, the best I could do is write during five to six of those hours, and not congruently. That leaves plenty of time for other activities and obligations.

Q: How do you define success?

A: Doing my best used to be my mantra, my measuring cup for success. After I read Haruki Murakami’s excellent book, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, I altered that stance. Success is exceeding my capabilities. Doing better than I thought I could do. Freeing my mind of self-imposed limitation and handicaps. That’s pretty elusive…but so is success.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring writers whose spouses or partners don’t support their dreams of becoming an author? 

A: Get a new a partner? That could be expensive. How about this: forget them. It’s your dream. Since when do you need the outside world to validate your goals and aspirations?

Q: George Orwell once wrote: “Writing a book is a horrible, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven on by some demon whom one can neither resist nor understand.” Do you agree? 

A: I suppose I do, but that seems a little heavy, dare I say Orwellian? Lighten up. I don’t drill too deep into my compulsions, who’s got time for that? At some point, during the writing of every book, I’ve sworn off writing and rue the day I ever started. Is that so different than other professions and activities in our lives, or do writers just whine more?

Q:  Anything else you’d like to tell my readers? 

A: While reading my books, I hope you laugh, I hope you get choked-up, I hope you turn the page quickly to see what happens next, I hope you come across a mirror and ponder yourself, and I hope that is some small, immeasurable, speck-of-dust manner, all that gobbledygook gives you a better understanding and acceptance of your world.

5 Questions with Author John Herrick

A graduate of the University of Missouri—Columbia, John Herrick explores themes of spiritual journey and the human heart in his works. Herrick’s debut novel, From the Dead,which was hailed as “a solid debut novel” by the Akron Beacon Journal, achieved Amazon best-seller status. Herrick’s second novel, The Landing, was named a semifinalist in the inaugural Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. Herrick’s nonfiction eBook, 8 Reasons Your Life Matters, received over 100,000 downloads and landed at #1 on Amazon’s Motivational Self-Help and Christian Inspiration best-seller lists.  John Herrick is a native of St. Louis.

Connect with the author on the web:

http://johnherrick.net/

http://johnherrick.net/interact.htm

https://www.facebook.com/johnherrickbooks

https://twitter.com/johnherrick



Q: What’s inside the mind of a mainstream fiction author who incorporates faith into his books?

A: “This is going to be uncomfortable.” That’s the thought that runs through my mind as I prepare my books! I gravitate toward characters who struggle, and many of those struggles are the type we don’t like to discuss. Taken one step farther, I believe in the power of the heart, in removing boundaries and making myself vulnerable as a writer. If my work is effective, the characters become so genuine that some readers say, “There’s no way he could write that without having lived it firsthand.” I’m aware that, every time I write a novel, it might ignite a series of questions about my personal life among people who know me or don’t know me. That said, I’ve grown less fearful to explore whatever characters or topics burn in my heart. If a character arises within me and won’t let go, I consider it a prompt from God that someone needs a book written for them, someone who will relate to that character. And ultimately, that’s what resides in my mind as a writer: “Will this novel make a difference in someone’s life?”

Q: Tell us why readers should buy Between These Walls.

A: We tend to see a gay man’s experience from the external. In the news, we hear people argue for and against gay marriage, gay rights, or gay adoption. We see people in parades and picket lines; we hear derogatory comments based on personal perceptions. But we seldom hear about the emotional, spiritual or social aspects that roil within a gay individual. Between These Walls offers readers a rare glimpse into the internal, psychological struggle of Hunter Carlisle, a gay main character, from his youth to adulthood. Between These Walls takes readers “between the walls” of Hunter’s heart and mind, and then places his journey in the context of his faith and church, which exposes another layer of insecurity in his life. Regardless of what we see on the surface, a story or heartache might bubble underneath.

Q: What makes a good faith fiction novel?

A: I believe realistic characters and scenarios are a key component. On one hand, it means your books won’t appear in a Christian bookstore, so you lose some exposure. Some readers will disagree with your approach—some won’t like the faith element, others won’t like particular words in a novel of faith. I understand and respect those opinions. But if your goal is to do your characters justice and shape them in a manner to which your readers can relate, then it’s necessary to allow your characters to be themselves. That means highlighting their admirable qualities, but also giving them the freedom to speak and act without unnecessary filters, quoting them verbatim. As a reader, I crave believable characters. If someone were to quote me or write the story of my life, I wouldn’t want them to polish me until I’m pristine, so I try to offer my readers and characters that same degree of respect. For many readers, the books hit that sweet spot of balance, and those are the readers for whom the novel was created.

Q: What is a regular writing day like for you?

A: I’d like to say my sales are so huge, I dedicate each day to my books! However, like many writers, my book work operates alongside another career. So each morning, I start writing around 5:30 or 6 a.m. and plug away until 8 a.m., when my desk job begins. Sometimes I’ll wrap up details or tackle some additional book work in the evenings too, but my early rise time doesn’t leave me with much time in the evenings. By nature, I’m a night owl and used to write at night, as I mentioned in my nonfiction book, 8 Reasons Your Life Matters. Eventually, I found myself more and more exhausted at night, forcing myself to write rather than savoring the miracle of characters coming to life. So I rearranged my schedule. Now I  give the books my first and best in the morning, which has made such a difference. Plus, I get to watch the sun rise as I write—a rare occasion for me in the past! One day, I hope to shift my attention to my creative projects full-time, with several projects in different phases at once—and regain my leisure time!

Q: What do you find most rewarding about being an author?

A: The impact your words can make upon the souls of your readers! I love to write, and the finished product is its own reward. But the privilege of hearing from a reader who says your book has encouraged him or given her a reason to hang on one more day—the rewards don’t get better than that. That counts in life. You can’t buy it, yet it’s worth more than gold.

5 Questions with Marija Bulatovic

Born in Yugoslavia in the 1970s, Marija Bulatovic, along with her parents, immigrated to the U.S. in the 1990s just ahead of the 1990s Yugoslav wars and the breakup of the country.  An accomplished business professional with years of experience driving enterprise business with Fortune 500 companies, Bulatovic graduated from Colgate University. Marija Bulatovic lives in Seattle with her husband and son.

Website/ Facebook / Twitter / Amazon

Q: What’s inside the mind of a memoir author?

A: A memoir author sets out to accomplish a combination of goals: to paint a picture of a time and place that have passed or have changed, to bring characters to life again, to tell a story that’s very personal and to bring all of this together in a meaningful but amusing way to her readers.

Q: Tell us why readers should buy FANTASTICAL: Tales of Bears, Beer and Haemophilia.  

A: FANTASTICAL is a magical, whimsical memoir about living life in full color.  It’s an engaging set of 13 stories that take readers on a wild journey through 1980’s Yugoslavia, a time and place that no longer exist but come alive in these stories.  FANTASTICAL amuses and transports readers to a surreal dimension where “socialist meets gypsy Woody Allen,” where strange happening abound, and magic, mystery, dark humor and curiosity thrive.

Q: What makes a good memoir?

A: A good memoir is more than just recounting of historical records.  It’s a work of passion, part tribute, part love letter to a time, place and people that the author holds dear.  At the same time, it can’t be narcissistic.  Its charm is to bring all of those elements together and engage, involve, amuse and transport the reader into another world.

Q: What is a regular writing day like for you?

A: I didn’t set out to become an author and have spent 15 years in hi-tech.  However, once I started writing FANTASTICAL the stories came very easily to me; I was delighted to wake up every day and write.  My goal was to write a story a day for 25 days and this was easily achieved since I couldn’t wait share these stories with the broader audience.

Now that FANTASTICAL is out, I feel I have more books in me and have already written a children’s book and am starting to map out a few other book projects.  While unexpected, I feel this could turn into a second and very rewarding career.

Q: What do you find most rewarding about being an author?

A: I love the process of writing and bringing topics that I’m personally passionate about to the broader audience.  I also love the execution process, from taking the raw material to shaping it through editing, illustrating, layout, etc. into stories my audience can enjoy and feel close to.

 

5 Questions with Linda DeFruscio, author of 'Cornered: Dr. Richard J. Sharpe As I Knew Him'

Linda DeFruscio is the founder and president of A & A Laser, Electrolysis & Skin Care Associates in Newtonville, MA. In addition to Cornered, her memoir about her friendship with Richard Sharpe, she is currently writing a book on skin care and completing a book of profiles based on interviews with transgender people, many of whom are her clients. WhileCornered is her first book, her skin care articles have been published in magazines for years. Connect with the author on Facebook and via her website.

About the Book

In the year 2000, Linda DeFruscio was forced to make an unthinkable decision. Someone whose genius she admired immensely, a business associate and dear friend, committed a terrible crime. In response, she could cut off their friendship and avoid the risk of losing friends, clients and her own peace of mind—or, she could trust her gut and try to save some aspect of her friend’s humanity.

Cornered is Linda DeFruscio’s story of her long and often complex association with Dr. Richard J. Sharpe, the millionaire dermatologist from Gloucester, MA who was convicted of killing his wife. Beautifully written and surprisingly tender, Corneredallows the reader an upfront view of the fragility of genius and the decline into madness, all while casting a second light on how one woman’s refusal to turn her back resulted in momentous changes in her own life.

Find out more on Amazon.

Q: What’s inside the mind of a non-fiction author?

A:        My day job is working as an electrologist (someone who removes unwanted hair from clients’ bodies) and an aesthetician (someone who helps clients enhance their skin and features so that they can be their most beautiful selves). I wouldn’t be as good at what I do if I didn’t enjoy focusing on details. My love for details informs my writing as well. I am a taker of notes, a collector of information. When I decide to write something, whether it is an article on skincare for a magazine or something personal, as in the case of my memoir, I find I already have notes tucked away to get me get me started.

Q: Tell us why readers should buy Cornered.

A:        Cornered is my story of my long and complicated association with Dr. Richard J. Sharpe, the millionaire dermatologist from Gloucester, MA who was convicted of killing his wife in 2000. He had been my friend and business mentor before his crime, and afterwards I had to decide whether I would continue to befriend him. It was not an easy decision to make. He was a troubled man who did a terrible thing. For nine years, from 2000 to 2009 when he died, the media couldn’t get enough of him. They covered every moment of his trial, his imprisonment, his various suicide attempts and finally his death. So did I, in a sense. As his friend and confidante, I achieved a better understanding of the inner workings of his mind than the jury or the journalists or the psychiatrists ever did. I met most of the people who walked in and out of his life after his incarceration. I came to understand the motivations of the various women who offered him their support—and often a lot more—while he was in prison.

Cornered is a virtual banquet for psych fans. If you liked the book (or film) about Richard Nash (A Beautiful Mind), you will probably like Cornered as well. Moreover, in order to tell Richard Sharpe’s story, I also had to reveal details about my own life. My father was a member of the Boston-area crime scene. He knew Whitey Bulger, Richie Castucci and others. For years, the greater part of our time together was spent in prison visiting rooms. As a result, I was never afraid to go into a prison to visit Richard Sharpe. So, my book shines a light on Richard Sharpe, the individual, yes, but also on prisons and criminals generally. If you’re a reader who likes crime stories, you are sure to get your fill.

 

My decision to remain friends with Richard Sharpe impacted my life in ways that were unimaginable to me at the time I made the decision. I learned a lot about myself and about human nature generally because of our association. I suffered a great deal of loss; and I gained a few things. I think any reader who has experienced shifts in their life as a result of their association with a difficult or strong-willed or mentally-ill person—whether it is a child or a spouse or a friend—will identify with my story.

 

Q:       What makes a good memoir?

A:        A good memoir tells a story that captures the interest of others. When I made my decision to support Richard Sharpe after his incarceration, I had some clients and some friends who turned their backs on me and didn’t want to have anything to do with me. On the other hand, the ones that stuck by me could never get enough of the scoop.

Q:       What is a regular writing day like for you?

A:        I don’t have a regular writing schedule. Because I have my own business and work long hours, I don’t have the option of writing whenever I want. But I also don’t have the option of not writing; at some point I have too much going on in my head and I need to put it down on paper.

Q: What do you find most rewarding about being an author?

A:        This is my first book, and as of this writing, it is just out, so I can’t say for sure how it will be received by readers. As for personal rewards, not only did I accomplish what I set out to, but in the process of getting the story down on paper I got answers to questions that had plagued me for years.

 

Meet Harris Kern, Author of 'Going From Undisciplined to Self-Mastery: Five Simple Steps to Get You There'

Harris Kern is recognized as the foremost authority on providing practical guidance for solving management issues and challenges. He has devoted over 30 years helping professionals build competitive organizations. His client list reads like a who’s who of American and International Business. His client list includes Standard and Poor’s, GE, The Weather Channel, NEWS Corporation, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminal (HACTL), among hundreds of other Fortune500 and Global 2000 companies. He pioneered the Discipline Mentoring Program and Professional/Personal Growth Program (P²GP) and is the author of over 40 books, including his latest, Going From Undisciplined to Self-Mastery.

Website / Amazon

Q: Congratulations on the release of your latest book, Going From Undisciplined to Self-Mastery. What was your inspiration for it?

A: As a life coach my clients gave me the inspiration to write this book. On a scale of 1-10, where 10 is the highest level of discipline - the average rating for my clients is a 3. Very few people are disciplined. People waste on average 4 hours a day - that's 2 months from their life flushed down the toilet. It's the same issues all over the world - I refer to them as the dirty dozen:

The Dirty Dozen:

Severe procrastination
Failed goals
No motivation
No sense of urgency
Disorganized
Lack of structure
Not focused
Not managing sleep optimally
Poor performance
Poor time management
Lack of energy
Inconsistency

Q: Why do you think so many people have problems with discipline?

A: Being disciplined is hard work - although the results speak for themselves: efficient with time, always achieving your goals and living life with urgency to accomplish more. However, very few want to put in the effort to acquire discipline. It means living a very structured lifestyle (being organized, following a routine, following a to-do list and maintaining a good health regiment daily).

Q: How is your book different than others about this subject?

A: My formula for success is derived from hundreds of life coaching case studies and dozens of organization performance mentoring engagements from Fortune 500 and Global 2000. It is the proof not the hype. I also walk the talk. I've lived the past 4 decades following the 5 steps in my book and my accomplishments speak for themselves.

Q: Why do people procrastinate?

A: For several reasons:

They don't know how to train their mind to consistently motivate themselves.
They have a lackadaisical approach to each day. They don't know how to live life with a sense of urgency.
They look at time wasted as a few hours here or there. However the average person wastes 4 hours a day procrastinating. If you extrapolate that throughout the year - they're flushing 2 months of their life down the toilet.

Q: What do you hope readers will learn from your book?

A: How-to combat the DIRTY DOZEN above to live a happier, more productive  and successful life.

Q: What is your writing schedule like and how do you balance it with your other work and family life?

A: I write approximately 2 hours a night after I wake-up. I've trained myself to sleep only 4 hours a night so it allows me to go to the gym and write before anyone in the family wakes up. During the daytime I have 2 businesses to run and my daughter to take care of.

Q: As an author, how do you define success?

A: Success for me is:

Living a happy, productive and balanced life by focusing equally on my 3 priorities (and they're all top priority): career, health and relationships
It's waking up with a purpose everyday
Constantly accomplishing
Leaving behind a legacy for my family
Living a healthy lifestyle

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

A: I would tell them to start small and begin writing as a hobby. Don't quit your day job.

Q:  Anything else you’d like to tell my readers?

A: Yes: LIVE or EXIST! By being disciplined you will accomplish more and to me living life is about waking up with a purpose, being productive and always accomplishing to eventually leave behind a legacy for your family.

5 Questions with Jonathan L. Ferrara, author of The Blackwell Family Secret: THE GUARDIANS OF SINS

Jonathan L. Ferrara was born in San Pedro, California to an Italian fisherman and a mother from New York. Growing up with one older brother, Jonathan had several hobbies: finding the best hiding spots to jump out and scare his mother, discovering new fantasy book series, and imagining outrageous, whimsical worlds full of magic. He is now happily married, residing in California in the City of Angels. He has two wonderful children-his dog Koda and cat Merlin. 

WEBSITE

Q: What’s inside the mind of a fantasy/adventure author?

A: A lot of fun whimsical characters. For me, it’s like a never-ending movie trailer playing in my head, telling me the story before I write it.

Q: Tell us why readers should buy The Blackwell Family Secret: The Guardians of Sin.

A: If you are waiting to escape your norm and set off on an outrageous adventure through a magical world filled with nonsense, secrets, heroes, and many villains then this is the story for you. I wrote this story for those, like I, who have an interest in the Seven Deadly Sins and want to know their origin. Readers will find an unique story that combine magical elements with mankind’s history.

Q: What makes a good young adult fantasy novel?

A: The world needs to be alive and breathe through the written word. The reader needs to see it as if it were real and understand how it works.

Q: What is a regular writing day like for you?

A: Sitting at my desk, inspiring music in the background, my dog sleeping at my feet, and surrounded by my odd trinkets scattered around my computer. And most importantly, lots and lots of coffee!

Q: What do you find most rewarding about being an author?

A: I love to see the world come to life before me. I feel most rewarded when I start to understand my characters as though they were my friends, or better yet, me in another life that I’m remembering- like a forgotten dream.