Majanka Verstraete's Blog, page 27
December 3, 2017
Author Interview with Cheryl Meyer
Today I’m interviewing Cheryl Meyer, author of nonfiction / health “It Feels Good To Feel Good”. Thanks for dropping by and answering my questions, Cheryl.
Author Interview
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I was a lit major at Cal Berkeley and it was always my joke that I was going to write a fun book called “A week full of Monday’s under the full moon. I toyed over the years with how it would be structured and how it would be unique. But life took me in different directions.
When I had an opportunity to take a 6 month course as an extension to the Health Coaching course I was taking, I jumped at it. I have always been a story teller, and I had a big whopping story to tell that could help many others.
What inspired you to write your book?
My own illness and return to wellness inspired me to go back to school to become a health coach and then to write the book. Instead of retiring, I now want to share my journey with others to help them find their way back to wellness.
What is your editing process like?
I printed the chapters and read and revised them over and over again. When I felt it was getting to be where I wanted it, my husband (a statistician with an eagle eye for punctuation and grammar from his Catholic school days) read it over and over again. God love him, I think he read some chapters at least 20 times. There were changes made every step of the way. When we thought we were getting close, I sent out pdf beta books to a couple of people that I really respected. One was an engineer with a very good eye, and who did not know the background of the information so he was invaluable to make sure I was stating what I wanted in a way that people would understand. The other was a girlfriend who implemented what I wrote about. She moved so quickly adopting what I wrote about she was rapidly purging foods from her kitchen, but had not yet made her husband a partner, So I backed up and worked with her on don’t do this do that so that everyone was happy and got to eat cleaner versions of what they loved. As a result I wrote an opening chapter about how to use the book, get everyone on the same train, and replace this with that so that everyone was in agreement. It was invaluable to have both of those sets of eyes on my information. I never hired an actual editor. I did hire someone to format both the paperback and the kindle version to its final form.
Is this your first book?
Yes
Did you set any writing goals for 2017?
I thought I was going to write the companion book by the end of the year. Instead my focus has been on getting my first book out into the world. I am writing articles now and blogs that will be incorporated into book 2, but I am not writing book 2 per se. Next year, I will concentrate on getting book 2 all together and ready for publication.
What do you do when you’re not writing? Any other hobbies?
I did become a health coach in March of 2017. After concentrating solely on speaking engagements, writing blogs, writing articles and marketing my book, I now am adding clients into my mix. I am very happy that my clients are seeing positive changes rather quickly by following my guidelines and with targeting their specific pain points. I did get to take a fabulous vacation with my husband for a well needed break for 3 weeks in England and France. This too will be a part of book 2, because I still needed to avoid my 18 food sensitivities or as I call them my kryptonite foods. I also went on a week-long retreat at a Tao retreat in Sedona, which fed my soul, and I am planning another for next January. I also do biweekly yoga.
Are you working on something now? I now am teaching myself how to create a complete marketing platform so that I can start to approach book stores and libraries in January 2018. I am participating in the Book Expo new title showcase next year and also the Public Library Association show in 2018.
About the Book
Title: It Feels Good to Feel Good
Author: Cheryl Meyer
Genre: Non-Fiction / Health
Got Pain?
This book is for anyone with chronic pain looking for answers. It will give you a place to start. You don’t have to resign yourself to a life of pain and pills.
In this book you will learn:
* What is causing your pain and how to eliminate it.
* How to find a practitioner that will help you gain back your health.
* What’s in your food? Organic, conventional, GMOs processed, fast, canned, dairy, factory farmed meat, soy, water. Identify your sensitivities and heal your leaky gut.
* Identify the toxins in your life. in your cosmetics, over the counter drugs,in you kitchen, in your body. Learn how to purge them.
* 34 stress busting ideas, and four simple exercises to reduce your stress.
* 32 suggestions from leading functional experts on how to get a good night’s sleep..
* How to recognize a toxic relationship and make it work or walk away.
* How to tame Anxious Negative Thoughts “ANTs”.
* The importance of movement, even for people who don’t like to move
* How to take control of your health, reduce your inflammation and feel great again!
Author Bio
About Cheryl Meyer aka Cheryl M Health Muse and her book, “It Feels Good to Feel Good, learn about toxins, reducing inflammation and feel great again.”
Five years ago, Cheryl got sick, really sick. It was a perfect storm: she was working 24/7; her long-term relationship imploded; economic changes slowed her business; she got Type II diabetes; she was taking care of everyone else; her stress was out of control.
Then one morning … viola, Cheryl woke up in incredible pain that didn’t go away. Her doctor didn’t recognize what it was and thought it was in her head.
Cheryl didn’t want more pills, so she embarked on her own journey to find wellness. When she started, she didn’t even know what she was looking for. She was stunned to find toxins in every aspect of her life that were poisoning her. She discovered the Functional Medicine community. She was tested for food sensitivities.
This book shares everything that Cheryl learned to reverse her inflammation and put her autoimmune diseases at bay. This is the get well manual that she wishes had been available when she got sick. The book is about first identifying that toxins that were a significant cause of her leaky gut, then she identified what the toxins were and finally she shares what she replaced them with. She addresses the toxins in our food, in our cosmetics, our cleaning supplies, our kitchen utensils, our water, our over the counter drugs, and even in our heads, stress, anxiety, lack of sleep, lack of movement and finally toxic relationships. She wants to help others find a path to wellness.
Cheryl is now relatively pain-free, but still considers herself a work in progress. She avoids the foods and spices on her specific, long list of problem foods. She has purged toxins. She has released stress and nagging worry. She has learned to find joy in movement. She has found love. She is grateful.
Cheryl believes that following her journey will help you live a long, happy and pain-free life.
In order to help others, Cheryl has become a Holistic Health Coach, certified from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition©.
My book has won the following awards to date:
3rd place CIPA EVVY Health/Wellness,
2nd Place CIPA EVVY Illustrator in a non-children’s book
New Apple Summer Digital sole winner in Health/medical
The Living Evergreen Award Gold winner for books that exemplify better living.
It is in the top 10 from Write your Own Dream Book, November 17, Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
TOP 12 Books on the Spirited Woman Fall Equinox 2017 book list.
Book Reviews
“It Feels Good to Feel Good, learn to eliminate toxins, reduce inflammation and feel great again” is written by Cheryl Meyer, a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition®, where she completed a cutting edge curriculum in nutrition and health coaching taught by the world’s leading experts in health and wellness. I recommend you read this book and be in touch with Cheryl (Cheryl M Health Muse ) to see how she can help you successfully achieve your goals.
– Joshua Rosenthal, MScEd, Founder/Director, Institute for Integrative Nutrition
If you want to truly feel better…clean up! Just one tip from Cheryl’s book will change your life. She has written the ultimate source for getting well through detoxification.”Suzy Cohen, RPh Author of “Drug Muggers: Which Medications Are Robbing Your Body of Essential Nutrients and How to Restore Them.”
“You have taken putting soap in the mouth for naughty words …” to a New Level! LOL Who knew we were surrounded by so many toxins.
I’ve pretty much finished your book now working on giving sections to my family and friend that I think will especially appreciate certain chapters! YOU, my Dear, have found your calling, YOU make this rather “dull” subject a Very Good, interesting read, with fun personal touches along the way.
I LOVE your book; I hope people will embrace it. Why worry so much about health care if we keep killing ourselves with poison. We can all start with eliminating the toxins out of our lives. Val Peterson
“As a Functional Medicine Doctor who partners with patients to deal with the root causes of their symptoms, it was a pleasure to read a book that offers such a comprehensive yet simple approach to improve health, reduce inflammation and pain, lose weight and increase energy. This is a great reference to keep in reach on your own journey to optimal wellness. If you are struggling with chronic symptoms like digestive problems, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune disorders, this book may really help you. It lays out practical tools that you can use right away and at your own pace, everything from how to change your shopping choices to getting more comprehensive medical testing to reduce your toxic burden. Her simple to understand, well researched and easy-to-adopt tools can be helpful to even the busiest among us.” Dr. Shilpa Sayana, Founder and Medical Director, Sayana Wellness Centers
“Cheryl has been not only been an exemplary patient, she has made it her mission to inspire and help others with her experience and knowledge!” Susan Spizer, MTCM, L.Ac.
“She writes like she talks, straight and with passion. What you will read here will surprise you. A helpful read that you will refer back time and time again for reference.” Scott Lee, Master, Body and Brain Yoga, Monrovia
“My friend, Cheryl Meyer has written a book that I recently finished called “It feels good to feel good”. It has a lot of common sense solutions (many that you would never think of) to healthy, toxin free living designed around the reduction of inflammation through what you put in and on your body. Most of this is from her personal experience. I know Cheryl to be one of the finest people you’ll ever know. Cheryl’s also a big proponent of “functional medicine”. If you are unfamiliar with this form of medical practice, you need to read her book. It will change the way you think”. Frank Jones
Cheryl’s book is as timely as it is informative. This is an excellent read for those seasoned in the holistic lifestyle as well as those just beginning. There is something for everyone. Her material covers everything from probiotics, house cleaning materials, and abdominal massages, to which teas to drink for better sleep. She has the latest information on metal detoxing and extensive research on the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat.
Cheryl provides real solutions that can be implemented far beyond the basics with a bend toward functional medicine. I personally ordered three products within hours of reading her book. I’m especially thrilled with the depth of her research around relationships and those that can be toxic. Make sure to read this book and hold onto the “not to miss points” at the beginning of each section.
Shannon Eavenson, Author, & Physical Therapist/Health Coach
Links
Facebook It Feels Good to Feel Good
Giveaway
Author Interview and Giveaway Just Like The Brontë Sisters
I’m interviewing Laurel Osterkamp today, author of women’s fiction “Just Like the Brontë Sisters”. Welcome, and thanks for answering my questions.
Author Interview
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I’ve always loved writing, but deciding to be an author, to me, means committing to writing an entire book. Around fifteen years ago, after reading Bridget Jone’s Diary (and all the subsequent chick lit books that came out) I thought, “I could write something like that.” So, I came up with an idea for what later became my first novel, Following My Toes. I decided I’d write at least 500 words a day until I had a first draft. But then came all the self-doubt and my inner critic, who told me I was silly to write a book, that I was incapable, that I’d just make a fool of myself. One night I was walking to my car after taking a writing workshop in downtown Minneapolis, and that critical voice was super-loud and super-mean, saying I was stupid to think I could be an author. I literally stopped in my tracks and told myself, “Laurel, you can give yourself a million reasons for why you shouldn’t write a book. But you’ll write one anyway and you’ll worry about how good it is later. For now, you’re just going to write.”
I listened to myself that time. That was the moment I knew for sure that I wanted to be an author.
What inspired you to write this trilogy?
Just Like the Brontë Sisters is a stand-alone novel. For the last several years, I’ve written many books/novellas/stories/blog posts about the same two characters, Lucy and Robin Bricker, who are cousins through marriage. I loved writing about Lucy and Robin, but after a while, it became difficult to come up with new ideas without making their lives sound crazy-unrealistic. So, I knew I was ready to start something new. I wanted to write about sisters, skiing, and literature. I wanted to make the story unique and sort of thrilling. In my jumbled-up mind, Just Like the Brontë Sisters was born.
What is your editing process like?
I wait until my first draft is done before I do any serious editing. Then, it’s just combing through, finding mistakes and revising for readability. I love revising; editing though, is tedious. I always have a few trusted friends/family members help me. Extra sets of eyes are invaluable.
Is this your first book?
Nope! Just Like the Brontë Sisters is my seventh full length novel.
Did you set any writing goals for 2017?
I love writing enough that I don’t really need to set goals. No matter what, I’ll always want to write. But I do try to write 300 words every morning first thing, when I get up at 5 AM. That way, I know I’ll fit writing into my very busy day.
Are you working on something now?
Definitely! I’m a political junkie, and during the 2016 campaign, I was very intrigued by Chelsea Clinton and Ivanka Trump’s friendship. I’m writing about fictional versions of them, along with a fictional Jared Kushner, and a totally made-up main character who becomes close to all three.
About the Book
Title: Just Like The Bronte Sisters
Author: Laurel Osterkamp
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Sisters Skylar and Jo Beth adore skiing and they virtually share the same soul. After an accident, Jo Beth flees to Brazil, leaving Skylar behind in Colorado to obsessively read the Brontë sisters. While abroad, Jo Beth meets Mitch and her life takes some unexpected turns, until tragedy leads free-spirited Mitch right into Skylar’s empty arms. With their Heathcliff/Catherine romance in full swing, Skylar wants to trust Mitch, but did he harm her sister? Loving Mitch could make Skylar lose everything. Just Like the Brontë Sisters is an unconventional romantic page-turner inspired by Daphne du Maurier’s My Cousin Rachel, full of magical realism, literary references, a ghost, and some healthy doses of suspense.
Author Bio
Laurel Osterkamp is a Kindle Scout/award-winning author of women’s fiction and suspense. Her “day job” is as at Columbia Heights High School, where she teaches creative writing, college writing, and AP Lit. She resides in Minneapolis with her husband, two chatty children, an overweight cat, a gecko, and a hissing cockroach (don’t ask). Her other loves include chocolate, jogging, and boots.
Links
Giveaway
December 1, 2017
Author Interview with Justine Avery
I’m interviewing Justine Avery today, author of paranormal “The One Apart”. Welcome to my blog, and thanks for answering my questions.
Author Interview
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
A love for reading inspired me to write. I think it’s natural for all of us who love to read to be drawn to the idea of creating our own stories, developing our own ideas, and giving readers that sense of surprise or happiness that we enjoy when we read a great story. When I was eleven or so, I started my first novel. It was essentially a retelling of the Cinderella story with a main character named Ella that—SURPRISE!—would be revealed as a secret Cinderella. It’s a good thing I never finished it! After that, I believed the folks that told me that writing is more of a dream and not really a career, so I only wrote sporadically when I was really moved to live my biggest dream, only for life and that “real career” to get in the way. There were so many detours—for decades—but now I realize they’re all really valuable experiences for the life of a writer. Finally, the urge to write, the feeling that you’re supposed to write, took over, and I finally gave my writing “dream” the priority it deserves.
What inspired you to write this book?
For The One Apart, I woke up one morning with just one interesting sentence in mind as an idea for a brand-new story: “he remembered everything.” It felt really impactful, like the fact that this person remembered “everything” was a big deal, that it wasn’t supposed to happen, something went wrong, or maybe, someone would be really upset to discover this person did remember everything. That was it. And that’s my favorite part of writing. I love having no idea what the story is and just writing to uncover it. I wrote two scenes from that idea and set it aside because I was hoping to write a short story and I knew this idea was “a long one.” And two years later, when I sat down to start writing my first novel, I picked up this story idea again. I knew this one was the idea to run with.
What is your editing process like?
This year has been a huge learning curve for me, just in discovering what it takes to edit a novel-length work and especially, one of this size (622 pages in paperback!). There are also complex ideas, a big cast of characters, and two worlds to balance. With this kind of length to deal with for my first time (see the next interview question!), I had to learn what my editing style is and determine the best method for all future projects. So, my editing process borrows a bit from Stephen King’s wisdom: write just for yourself, then set the project aside and allow yourself to forget the story so you can return to it and just read it as a first-time reader—don’t edit, maybe just jot down a few notes, just read for the story itself—then edit it for yourself alone, before you ever allow another reader or viewpoint in. That’s genius. It guards the story and keeps it whole and as “magical” as you intend it to be, before you open it up to criticism and invite more opinions to ensure your ideas are getting across to other readers. My editing took ages; I had so many notes on themes, character names, formatting, how to break the story into chapters, even logic for making sure the rules of the worlds were adhered to. I read through the entire epic story about four times, editing as I went along, before I allowed in the first outside reader. And of course, the feedback and editing continued round after round from there! …through formal editors, beta readers, formal proofreaders…
Is this your first book?
Yes! I’ve written and published umpteen shorter stories and novelettes, even a few short story series, before sitting down to write my first novel-length story. I could’ve avoided it forever, never having written a story that long and not knowing what it would require of me. It was my husband who lovingly dictated “you’ve got to write your novel now,” and so, I sat down and did it.
Did you set any writing goals for 2017?
PUBLISH the novel. The One Apart is epic, its editing requirements were epic, and I wanted to finish the project and get this saga out to the reading population before the year ended. I’ve done it!
Are you working on something now?
I have a few short stories that belong in a collection full of tales of those moments in life when everything changes, when a new path is chosen, when we’re jerked right out of our old ways—all with twists and surprises, of course!
About the Book
Title: The One Apart
Author: Justine Avery
Genre: Paranormal
Only one obstacle stands in his way of enjoying a normal life. He remembers—every life he’s lived before.
Tres is about to be born… with the biggest burden any has ever had to bear. He is beginning again—as an ageless adult trapped in an infant body.
He and his teenage mother face life filled with extraordinary challenges as they strive to protect, nurture, and hide how truly different he is. But Tres alone must solve the greatest mystery of all: who is he? The answer is linked to the one question he’s too afraid to ask: why am I?
In his quest, Tres discovers that all is considerably more interconnected and dynamic than he could ever imagine—and fraught with far more danger. He cannot hide from the unseen threat stalking him since his birth.
Life as he knows it—as all know it—is in peril. And Tres is the only one aware.
Author Bio
Justine Avery is an award-winning author of stories large and small for all. Born in the American Midwest and raised all over the world, she is inherently an explorer, duly fascinated by everything around her and excitedly noting the stories that abound all around. As an avid reader of all genres, she weaves her own stories among them all. She has a predilection for writing speculative fiction and story twists and surprises she can’t even predict herself.
Avery has either lived in or explored all 50 states of the union, over 36 countries, and all but one continent; she lost count after moving 30-some times before the age of 20. She’s intentionally jumped out of airplanes and off the highest bungee jump in New Zealand, scuba dived unintentionally with sharks, designed websites, intranets, and technical manuals, bartered with indigenous Panamanians, welded automobile frames, observed at the Bujinkan Hombu Dojo in Noba, Japan, and masterminded prosperous internet businesses—to name a few adventures. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree that life has never required, and at age 28, she sold everything she owned and quit corporate life—and her final “job”—to freelance and travel the world as she always dreamed of. And she’s never looked back.
Aside from her native English, Avery speaks a bit of Japanese and a bit more Spanish, her accent is an ever-evolving mixture of Midwestern American with notes of the Deep South and indiscriminate British vocabulary and rhythm, and she says “eh”—like the Kiwis, not the Canadians. She currently lives near Los Angeles with her husband, British film director Devon Avery, and their three adopted children: Becks, Sam, and Lia. She writes from wherever her curiosity takes her.
Avery loves to connect with fellow readers and creatives, explorers and imaginers, and cordially invites you to say “hello”—or konnichiwa.
Twitter: @Justine_Avery
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/JustineAvery
Book buy link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076B7RDWY
Giveaway
November 29, 2017
NaNoWriMo Week 5 – The End
It’s the end! After five long weeks, thirty long days, we’ve finally reached the end of NaNoWriMo. And guess what? Even if you reached your word count goal or not, you can still consider yourself a winner because, no matter how many words you wrote down, you wrote down something. You made some progress, and that alone is worth being celebrated.
We’re all winners today. Congratulations to everyone who participated in NaNoWriMo, and a double congratulations to everyone who reached their goal, whether that was writing a 10k novel or a 100k novel. Congratulations!
November 28, 2017
Author Interview with Libby Heily
I’m interviewing Libby Heily today, author of YA Fantasy “Wrong Side of the Rift”. Welcome to my blog, and thanks for answering my questions.
Author Interview
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
As a little kid. I’ve always loved words. I started off writing horrendous poems in elementary school. They were terrible, but the love was there.
What inspired you to write “The Wrong Side of the Rift”?
The Grape Merriweather series started as a response to a dangerous trend I saw in YA a few years ago where female characters had little to no agency and stalking/abusive behavior was normalized. That was the impetus for the first book. Once I started though, I decided to tackle some challenging themes using the fantasy genre. In the first book, we explore beauty/celebrity worship. In book two, we’re really looking at dealing with your inner demons and taking on impossible tasks. Delving deep into the themes is where I have the most fun as a writer but I also love the adventure aspect of the story.
What is your editing process like?
Grueling. My first drafts aren’t particularly good. I’m more of a re-writer as opposed to a writer. I take a lot of notes as I read draft one and ask myself how I can do it better. Then I make a whole new plot outline and pound out another draft. Repeat.
Is this your first book? If not, please tell us a little about your first book.
I’ve written two others. The very first was Tough Girl, a book about an eleven-year-old girl who escaped the harsh realities of her life through daydreaming. The second was the first book in this series, Welcome to Sortilege Falls.
Did you set any writing goals for 2017?
I wanted to finish book 3 in this series and I am on track to do just that.
Are you working on something now?
I’m finishing up book 3 in the Grape Merriweather series and preparing for my next novel. It’s going to be a contemporary fiction novel with fantastical elements.
About the Book
Title: Wrong Side of the Rift
Author: Libby Heil
Genre: YA Fantasy
Grape can’t unlearn what living in Sortilege Falls has taught her. Magic is real. Vampires live among us. And there’s a portal in her back yard that leads to another world.
A few weeks ago, Grape lived a quiet life with her family in Watts Landing. Now, she’s stuck in Sortilege Falls, searching for a way to rescue her brother from the other side of the rift. She’s connected to Brad through dreams and what she sees terrifies her. Brad is being tortured into performing magic and, even worse, he’s being forced to torture others.
Grape hounds the magic folk in town, seeking a way through the rift. Her mother’s memory’s been stolen. Her new vampire friend refuses to help. Grape must do it all alone. What she uncovers is a whole host of secrets about the town and her own family. And she’s not the only one hunting for answers.
Time is running out for Brad, but it might be running out for Grape as well.
Buy your copy of Wrong Side of the Rift from Amazon.
Author Bio
I was born during a blizzard. I’m told it was pretty cool but I have no memory of that time. I grew up in two tiny towns in Virginia and spent most of my twenties moving around the US. I’ve lived in Virginia, Florida, Missouri, and Washington. I’ve settled down, for now, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
I’m a writer and improviser. I studied acting in college but spent more time rewriting lines than memorizing them. My first play, Fourth Wall, was produced my junior year. Since then, I’ve written several full length plays, one acts and screenplays. I started writing fiction in my late twenties. Now, I focus mainly on novels but still dabble in theater.
Fun facts about me: There are none. I’m sorry to disappoint you so soon. But, I do love to read, write, and run. My hubby is my favorite person on earth. Dogs are my second favorite. All dogs. I love orange juice, especially when it’s mixed with club soda. Carbonation is better than alcohol. Jaws is my favorite movie. Everything I’ve said so far is true.
Awards:
Puschcart Prize Nomination for “Grow Your Own Dad” – Published by Mixer Publishing
Semi-finalist Eugene O’Neill Playwrights Conference – “STUFF”
Honorable Mention The Ohio State Newark New Play Contest – “The Last Day”
Links
https://libbyheily.com/
https://www.facebook.com/libbyheilyauthor/
https://twitter.com/libbyheily
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5066866.Libby_Heily
https://www.instagram.com/libbyheily/
Giveaway
Author Interview with Ken La Salle
I’m interviewing Ken La Salle today, author of YA contemporary “Work of Art: An Intention of Flowers”. Welcome to my blog!
Author Interview
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
That’s a tricky question, mostly because I’ve known most of my life I wanted to be an author just as I knew I wanted to be an actor, a singer, a director, a… It took a while for me to sort things out. One of the great things about being an independent author, however, is that I get to do so much more than write. I produce and record my own audiobooks, take my career in directions I might never have otherwise, and generally spend my days in a playground of my own making.
So, I guess my answer would be that I always wanted to be an author. It just took a while for me to realize that meant I could be anything I wanted to be.
What inspired you to write this book?
There’s this famous bridge in Los Angeles or, I suppose, I should say there was. The Sixth Street Viaduct rose over the LA River, providing unique panoramas of Los Angeles neighborhoods unlike any you’re likely to see again… at least, not until the bridge is rebuilt in 2019.
One afternoon, my wife and I were driving home and as she took us over this bridge, I looked down to see a group of children painting the pavement in what looked like a parking lot. As usual, for me, I wondered about the story there. What motivated this painting? Who were the artists? What drove them?
An Intention of Flowers isn’t just about teachers and students. It’s about artists, young artists growing up in a world that has commercialized art to the point where we see so much of art as worthless/worth less. Just like any working artist, I feel that devaluation of art deep in my gut, which I suppose inspired me to write this as well.
What is your editing process like?
“Write Drunk, Edit Sober” is often attributed to Hemmingway and I have to say I agree.
Granted, I don’t write drunk. But I think there’s more to this than just an encouragement to drink. It’s about being open to the experience. I like to leave all issues of editing, expectations, and commercial value out of my mind when I’m writing… which makes editing that much more entertaining and challenging.
My first step, after I complete a first draft that I’ve probably been mulling through my noggin for several years and writing for a few months, is to put it aside for as long as possible. Having a fresh eye is crucial because my biggest changes are usually from my first draft. This is also when I add color. Literally. You see, I write too fast for details when I’m laying down that first draft so my second draft becomes one in which I’m putting in all the detail. Colors, looks, furnishing, decorations – all that background stuff.
Third draft follows pretty quickly and, if I’ve done everything right and had a good helping of luck, this happens fairly quickly. From there, it’s on to my editor, Darryl. I’m fortunately to have found an editor who gets what I’m going for and understands that I am not afraid of dropping in a really bad joke every now and then.
Short answer: My editing process is a mess. And I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Is this your first book?
I really wish I could say that was so; I would love to be starting my journey as an author just now. With over 30 titles available on Amazon, however, that simply isn’t the case. I’ve been writing most of my life and I can’t get enough of it. An Intention of Flowers is not my first book but it is far from my last.
Did you set any writing goals for 2017?
Goals are essential if you’re going to work as an artist. Having said that, I don’t set yearly goals because I’ve already written the books I’ll release in 2018.
Instead, I decided to go the independent route like so many of my fellow authors. I write and publish my own work, produce my own audiobooks, and set my own course as part of a five-year plan. My goal is further off but I’m hoping to create something grand in the process.
Are you working on something now?
This is a dangerous question as I’m always working several releases ahead of time. With that in mind, here are simply a few…
Heaven Enough. This re-release is getting its own audiobook and, on the same day I’m writing this, I have a meeting with the actress who will be reading the audiobook with me. The ebook and paperback are now available and you can expect the audiobook in the spring of 2018.
Not Where I Thought I Would Be. My third autobiographical monologue, the first draft of which was written in a marathon 24-hour writing session. I have rewrites and recording sessions ahead for this audio-only release, which you can expect in winter of 2017.
Max Dedge in The Time of The Uniborg. Sci-fi/fantasy world-hopping adventure meets a detective who will sooner take a punch than give up on a case. This first book in a multi-book series arrives in spring or summer of 2018 with a radio-play inspired audio production to follow.
And no list would be complete without mentioning the next Work of Art book. The series will return with more stories about Andy Hollis, Joseph Arillo and a growing cast of passionate artists who will do whatever it takes to make their dream happen.
About the Book
Title: Work of Art: An Intention of Flowers
Author: Ken La Salle
Genre: YA / Contemporary Fiction
Oily pavement.
Thick tempera paint.
A parking lot filled with history, fear, and regret.
A young man named Joseph Arillo sits in the parking lot and paints the pavement with flowers.
And Andy Hollis steps in it.
As the new art teacher at Santa Ana High School, he’s too curious about Joseph’s Flowers and unravels both of their lives in his pursuit for answers.
He learns that it’s all part of a rite of passage, an absurd test started by Joseph Arillo’s father, the suspiciously world-renowned artist named only Tom. Which also connects to the drama teacher at Santa Ana High, Katie Bustos. Whose daughter, Desiree, may or may not be dating Joseph. Who is putting himself in danger from a local gang, the lot’s mysterious history, and the police.
Andy puts himself in danger of losing his job, his home, and his freedom. If he can’t solve the riddle of Joseph’s Flowers, both of their lives will go up in smoke – despite any help from Winny, the old, Slovakian bureaucrat at school, or his students, or Tom himself.
But is Tom trying to help? And is Joseph really up to his father’s test?
And is Andy really fit to be a teacher? He doesn’t understand kids, can’t get to school on time, and… doesn’t appear to care about art or families or anything. But Joseph’s Flowers will challenge everything Andy believes: about himself, about the world, and most importantly of all about art.
Before Andy and Joseph are finished, they will witness the power art has to provide inspiration, to waken our hearts, and to shatter everything you ever believed about humanity.
An Intention of Flowers is the first book in a 5-book series, modestly titled Work of Art, about growing into the person you always wanted to be, making the most of what you have to give and not just what you have, and the power in each of us when we chose to be ourselves.
Author Bio
Author and occasional philosopher and monologist, Ken La Salle’s passion is intense humor, meaningful drama, and finding answers to the questions that define our lives. Ken La Salle grew up in Santa Ana, California and has remained in the surrounding area his entire life. He was raised with strong, blue collar roots, which have given his writing a progressive and environmentalist view. You can find a growing number of his books and performances available online. Find out more about Ken on his website at www.kenlasalle.com.
Links
November 24, 2017
Author Interview with Michael Timmins
I’m interviewing Michael Timmins today, author of fantasy “The Awakening: Part Two”. Welcome to my blog, and thanks for answering my questions.
Author Interview
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
How did I know I wanted to be an author? I’m not… at least I don’t feel like one. I will feel like an author when I start to sell enough books that all I have to do is write.
What inspired you to write this trilogy?
Well, we will use the word ‘trilogy’ loosely, since even though it has three books in the saga, it is comprised of four ‘physical’ books. But anyways… I initially conceived of a sort of fighting force of lycans, almost like the Avengers or the Justice League, and from there it kind of morphed into what it is now. Similar, yet different.
What is your editing process like?
Tedious… That is what it’s like. Editing is very tedious. But it is necessary. I tend to just write to start out. I don’t edit as I go… well minor things that I might notice I do, but major issues I just flow by. Then I re-read the whole book and make any changes that leap out at me. After I finish that, I send the manuscript to my editor and when it comes back I make any changes he suggests that I agree with and fix any obvious grammar problems. Then I re-read it again, to make sure he and I didn’t miss anything. Then I read it out loud to make sure it feels like it flows… I might go through it a few more times after that, but for the most part after that last reading, it is as good as I feel like I need to make it.
Is this your first book/first series?
It is my first book and first series. Sometimes I feel like I might have bit off more than I can chew, but now I have readers, and they want to know where this is going, and I’m not going to let them down.
Did you set any writing goals for 2017?
I find if you don’t set any writing goals, then you can’t be disappointed when you don’t meet them. Life is full of complications and I never try to really force myself to write, because when you do that, it seldom works out right. So, I write when I write and hope for the best.
Are you working on something now?
I am working on a couple of things actually. The first is of course Book Two of the Lycan War Saga, which is titled, “The Gathering.” Secondly, I am working on Anthology of short stories that will preclude the next series I am writing. I already have completed the first short story, “Intellect” which is available for free on Instafreebie.com
About the Book
Title: The Awakening: Part Two
Author: Michael Timmins
Genre: Fantasy
The world is awakening
The monsters of myths and fairytales walk among us.
While Clint, Shae, Kat and Blain awaken to their powers, the others have too. Realizing that they are not like everyone else, and that they aren’t alone.
Samuel, who was once known as Syndor, has managed to survive all these years preparing for Kestrel’s spell and her arrival.
Five of the original eight bloodlines have awoken, but what of the others? How will their awakening happen?
Sylvanis continues to grow at a rapid rate, much to the bafflement of her parents, but her body recognizes the need and responds. Now, she must make a desperate gamble to call out to her Lycans, knowing Kestrel will be able to find her if she does.
Blood has been spilled already, but the war has only just begun!
Author Bio
Michael Timmins lives in Toledo, Ohio with his wife and two sons. His inspiration for writing came from his many years making modules to run for his D&D group. It has been a dream of his to one day get his work published, and now with ease of self-publishing he has made his dream come true.
Links
Amazon The Awakening: Part Two
Amazon: Series Link
Author Website
Facebook
Twitter
Author Facebook Page
Giveaway
November 22, 2017
NaNoWriMo Week 4 – Nearly At The Finish Line
We’re in week four of NaNoWriMo, and that finish line is creeping closer as we speak. But… Will we make it? Here are some tips and tricks to survive the fourth week of NaNoWriMo.
If you’re ahead, keep going
If you’re ahead of your targeted word count, congratulations! Now, keep going. No dilly-dallying, no focusing on other stuff, keep on writing! That you’re ahead doesn’t mean you’re there yet, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve failed right before the finish line, and I don’t want the same thing to happen to you. Be glad you’re ahead, but keep going, and don’t take any breaks until you’ve hit that marvellous finish line.
2. If you’re behind, time for a sprint
Years ago, NaNoWriMo’ers already started with word sprints, where you write as many words as you can in fifteen/twenty/thirty minutes, or even an hour, in an effort to get that word count up. Join other NaNo’ers for a word sprint or a word sprint weekend to get back on track. There’s power in numbers, and if you have other people participating too, it’ll be that much easier to reach your goal. Try the @NaNoWordSprints twitter account if you’re looking ofr other authors joining in the sprints too.
3. Keep on going, don’t give up
No matter how far you’re behind, now is not the time to give up. You’ve come this far already, don’t give up now. Even if you’ve only written 10k words so far, try for 15k. If you’ve only made it to 5k, push until you reach 10k words. You don’t have to reach that big 50k goal, any progress is progress, but now is not the time to give up.
4. If you’re getting bored, add more conflict
If your own book is starting to bore you, don’t worry, it’s perfectly natural. That’s mostly because you already know the grand resolution, the big ending that is going to tie it all together, and that takes away the tension for the author. A good way to get un-bored is by adding more conflict to your story, adding different layers, and overall, making the story more complex and intriguing. Find a way to fall in love with your story again.
5. Take it one day at a time
Don’t stress over NaNoWriMo too much. If you didn’t get your desired word count yesterday, don’t fret about it again today. Let it go, or the whole experience will have you more stressed out than anything else. Instead, focus on your progress, and be proud of any progress you’ve made so far.
I hope my tips were helpful to those of you participating in NaNoWriMo. Good luck, and see you at the finish line!
Bewaren
November 19, 2017
Author Interview with LeNae Goolsby
Today I’m interviewing LeNae Goolsby, author of nonfiction “Seven Sundays to Sweet Inner Serenity”. Welcome to my blog!
Author Interview
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
I have always loved writing. From poetry to song lyrics as a teenager to spiritual-centric articles to finally moving into creating books.
What inspired you to write “Seven Sundays to Sweet Inner Serenity”?
I was inspired to write Seven Sundays to Sweet Inner Serenity after feeling like I finally came out ahead of a storm that knocked me off my feet. I felt compelled to share the processes I used to get from there to where I am today with others, particularly because stress is such a big issue for our time.
What is your editing process like?
I tend to edit and format as I go, and then I appreciate another set of eyes to catch any typos or things that don’t make sense because frequently my mind moves faster than my fingers.
Is this your first book?
This is my first book, though I have been writing articles for various publications for a few years now.
Did you set any writing goals for 2017?
My writing goal for this year was to get Seven Sundays to Sweet Inner Serenity finished, edited, and published whatever it took. As far as holding myself to a daily writing goal, I did not. I packed in as much writing as I could on the days that allowed.
Are you working on something now?
Yes, always. I co-authored Empowered Medicine: Harnessing the laws of the universe to obtain optimized health, Trip Goolsby, MD and that should be released in short order. Additionally, I am working on Seven Sundays to Manifesting Money Like A Master Manifestor, The Spirituality Reality (working title), and co-authoring on at least one other project…for starters.
About the Book
Title: Seven Sundays to Sweet Inner Serenity
Author: LeNae Goolsby
Genre: Nonfiction (Body, Mind & Spirit)
Seven Sundays to Sweet Inner Serenity provides an experiential journey where mental and emotional vibrations rise and conscious awareness expands. Personal power is reclaimed and peace restored with each chapter and each sweet serenity tip.
Author Bio
LeNae Goolsby is the Founder/Owner of www.LeNaeGoolsby.com, the host of Empowered Living with LeNae which is syndicated on 50 global networks, as well as the Practice Administrator/Director of New Business Development for www.YourInfiniteHealth.com
In addition to running these successful ventures, LeNae is a wife, mother, artist, writer, oracle of the pragmatic persuasion, calm cultivator and energy healer.
LeNae received her certificate from the Duke University Integrative Medicine Center Leadership Development Program in February 2017, and her law degree from Tulane University Law School in 2010. And somewhere between Tulane and Duke she completed her universal law-centric coaching studies and honed her intuitive abilities.
LeNae is also an expert and writer for www.YourTango.com. She is the author of Seven Sundays to Sweet Inner Serenity, and is on the cusp of releasing “Empowered Medicine – Harnessing the Infinite Laws of the Universe for Optimized Health,” which she co-wrote with her husband. She is also working on her next book, Seven Sundays to Money Manifesting Mastery.
Links
Website: www.LeNaeGoolsby.com
Where to Purchase: https://books.pronoun.com/seven-sundays-to-sweet-inner-serenity/
November 17, 2017
Author Interview and Giveaway with Robert Downs
Today I’m interviewing Robert Downs, author of mystery novel “Penchant for Vengeance”. Welcome to my blog!
Author Interview
When did you know you wanted to be an author?
Even though I’ve been a reader all my life, and I wrote song lyrics, or really bad poetry, since I was a teenager, I never tried to write books, until I watched Finding Forrester. Instead of starting small, I decided to either go big, or go home, so I wrote a novel. It’s probably my biggest book to date (or at least it was until I removed 90% of it), and it has been reworked multiple times, yet it’s still not a publishable piece. But I didn’t give up on it, or writing, so I wrote another book, and another one, and another one, until I published my first novel in 2011. Other than reading often, that’s the best piece of advice I can offer to aspiring authors: don’t give up. One day your number will be called, and you need to be ready for it.
What inspired you to write this book?
I didn’t have any particular inspiration for PENCHANT FOR VENGEANCE. What I wanted to do is write a police procedural, since I’d never written one of those before. I like to challenge myself. I had an idea for a character, and a setting in mind, and I built the story around the character. It’s really Luke’s (my main character) story, and I was just happy to be the one to tell it. Whether I was successful or not is really up to the reader. I’ll continue to tell stories, since that is what I like to do, and if I’m lucky, I’ll pick up a few readers along the way.
What is your editing process like?
It varies from book to book. Some books need more help than others, since the creative process is unpredictable at best, and at its worst, it can be a giant mess. So the number of edits can vary greatly. But what doesn’t change is my dedication to the process, and how I go about it. I write the first draft as quickly as possible, since going fast works best for me. Once the first draft is completed, and I set the book aside to give myself some distance, I edit my printed manuscript by hand with a red or blue pen. On this pass, I’m looking to remove what doesn’t work and occasionally add what I think might work better. I’ll also shift pieces around if part of the story is out of order. Once this is completed, I enter my changes in the computer, and once that is complete I make another pass. This time I’m looking to expand and grow the story, and I do that on my computer, which is the same way I write my first draft. I’ll repeat the process as many times as necessary until the story is complete. Once it is done, I send it off to my publisher, and if they like it, I receive a contract. Screaming for joy (on the inside) normally happens somewhere between the yes and the receipt of the actual contract, and sometimes it occurs at both times.
Is this your first book?
No, PENCHANT FOR VENGEANCE is my fifth novel. My first two novels were hard-boiled mysteries with a playboy PI and a mysterious bartender named Dragon Lady, my third was a female amateur sleuth forensic accountant, and my fourth novel was a standalone thriller set in southeastern Virginia. The titles of my previous novels, in order are FALLING IMMORTALITY, GRACEFUL IMMORTALITY, LACOUR’S DESTINY, AND THE CONVENIENT ESCAPE.
Did you set any writing goals for 2017?
Not really. At least not in the normal sense. I knew I wanted to do National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), so I’m currently doing that this month. I’m writing the sequel to the novel I wrote last year for NaNoWriMo, and I hope to publish both one day. But that’s a ways down the road. Since I write as much as I can and as often as I can, I did reach a goal that I had in mind ever since I started my writing career, and that was to publish two books in the same year. THE FIX will come out next month with my publisher Black Opal Books, and it’s a noir novella. It’s my first attempt at noir and a novella, so I’m excited to try two new things at once.
Are you working on something now?
Since I never stop writing, and I am working on multiple books at once, it all depends on how you define now, and what stage in the process you are talking about. THE FIX will come out next month, I am currently awaiting my publisher’s initial edits from another novella that will hopefully come out next year, and there’s also my NaNoWriMo novel. PENCHANT FOR VENGEANCE is my fifth book, and there’s a certain level of excitement for me, since I am under contract for books six through ten with Black Opal Books. I hope to continue doing this for a long, long time, but that is ultimately up to my publisher and my readers. I’ll control what I can in this process, and that’s to continue to write.
Website: http://www.RobertDowns.net
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/RobertDownsBooks
About the Book
Title: Penchant for Vengeance
Author: Robert Downs
Genre: Mystery
Charlottesville, Virginia, Police Detective Luke McGinty has a closet filled with demons, along with a few skeletons; a steady job, but no steady partner or girlfriend; and is still married to his wife Sallie, even though she’s been dead for three years. Then his detective work takes a turn for the worse when a body is discovered at the downtown mall. One dead body isn’t enough, though, and another one turns up. When ties to a cold murder case in another county present themselves, Luke realizes that, if he doesn’t tread carefully, he could end up short more than just a few answers…
Author Bio
Robert Downs aspired to be a writer before he realized how difficult the writing process was. Fortunately, he’d already fallen in love with the craft, otherwise his stories might never have seen print. Originally from West Virginia, he has lived in Virginia, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and now resides in California. When he’s not writing, Downs can be found reviewing, blogging, or smiling. To find out more about his latest projects, or to reach out to him on the Internet, visit the author’s website: www.RobertDowns.net. PENCHANT FOR VENGEANCE is his fifth novel.
Links
Giveaway
Giveaway for 2 paperbacks and 2 eBook copies of “Penchant for Vengeance” during the book tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
