Meglena Ivanova's Blog, page 10

Susan Wingate Award-winning, #1 Amazon Bestselling Author

I am happy to present Susan Wingate. Susan began writing as a child when she learned her father was a writer.

A vibrant public speaker, Susan offers inspiring, motivational talks about faith, the craft of writing, publishing and marketing, and how to survive in this extremely volatile ePublishing industry. She enjoys chatting with folks about her books at writing conferences, libraries and book stores around the country. She also loves to visit with book clubs for more intimate talks.

Hi Susan, thank you for agreeing to this interview.

1.Tell me a little about yourself and your background? What were you like at school? Were you good at English? What are your ambitions for your writing career? Which writers inspire you? Or something that you feel you need to share?

 I was such a nerd in high school and always felt out of touch with the cool kids but as I learned later in life, nerdism varies on some continuum that moves from desperately nerdish to nearly cool nerdish. One dear friend from high school contacted me a few years back. We hadn’t talked in a lifetime and he told me that he thought I was cool. Isn’t it funny how we view ourselves? It makes me wonder what the cool kids thought about themselves.

As for English? No, I wasn’t that into the subject. English was my dad’s and sister’s strong study. My strong studies fell to the sciences — algebra, calculus, biology, geology. English and reading felt like being dragged through sludge. Although, when I think back I had read more than I thought. I read all the Nancy Drew mysteries, Black Beauty, Charlotte’s Web, Old Yeller, The Incredible Journey and most of the Hardy Boys books.

Nowadays, my ambitions remain the same as they did when I first thought of writing as a career. I just want to write and create, dream up new ideas and publish my work. Writing better with each new story remains a goal. No fluff. Just guts.

Kurt Vonnegut, Raymond Chandler, Leo Tolstoy, Anne Sewell, Alice Sebold — these authors inspire me to write better fiction. Although, just lately, I read a blogger whose writing is critically awesome. Wish I remembered his site, his name. All I remember is that he stated he’d been genetically altered with puppy DNA. I think that’s hysterical.

2. What was your life like before becoming an author?

I used to be an accountant. When I moved from Phoenix to where I live now, I dropped the numbers game and took up the pen.

Susan’s Twitter Page!

My life before now was eight-to-five at a business office. Now, I spend my days in sweats, sitting on the couch and writing my brains out. I love my “now” life. It suits me. Several cats, a dog and birds keep me company and add music to my days. Right now, I’m listening to a ringed-neck dove calling from the other room, a gentle cooing that can sometimes sound like an owl and other times like a woman laughing.

3. Which comes first? The character’s story or the idea for the novel?

The character. Usually. Character issues (in my humble opinion) make or break a story. If the character lacks complexity, a reader will lose interest in her. If she lacks background and off-scene action, readers tend to feel the character isn’t real and we, as writers are charged by readers to suspend their reality if for only 300 pages or so. I believe that suspension of reality comes from a solid character with a yummy problem.

4. When did you decide to become a writer?

I think I always wanted to be a writer. My dad was a writer and I wanted to be like him. It wasn’t until my late twenties that I realized my passion in the written word. A couple of years before my dad died, I started dabbling with poetry. Poetry led to short stories and shorts led to novels.

5. Why do you write?

Heart attack. My heart would stop beating if I didn’t write. My thoughts, prayers, my words and actions all lead me to writing. Without it, I may as well dig my own grave.

6. So, what have you written?

I’ve written everything from poems to novels and back again. My latest novel, SACRIFICE AT SEA is the third book in one of my fiction series entitled the Bobby’s Diner series.

HOTTER THAN HELEN and BOBBY’S DINER respectively precede SACRIFICE AT SEA.

I have a collection of short stories as well called RAVINGS OF A MAD GENTLEWOMAN. And, last April one of my poems, “The Dance of Wind in Trees” made it into the Virginia Quarterly Review. That was a pretty big deal for me. Quite an honor, that.

7. Where people can buy or see them?

People can find me at my website, susanwingate.com and on Amazon, B&N, Smashwords and in brick-and-mortar bookstores around the country.

8. Give me an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?

Georgette Carlisle, the main character of the Bobby’s Diner series is a southern gal who has lived all over the U.S. but who settled in a little town called Sunnydale, Arizona. In each story, Georgette faces personal internal battles as well as external ones that tend to lead her into perilous circumstances. As the head chef at her diner, Bobby’s Diner, most problems arise locally but when Georgette goes on a cruise with her new boyfriend and two other friends, the peril finds her out at sea.

In this thriller series — one that leans toward women’s fiction — Georgette often comes face-to-face with death. Georgette is a woman’s hero in that she is a loner when the vogue is to be coupled, she’s a fighter and a true friend.

9. What sparked the idea for your book?

My husband’s previous relationships and mine. I have one previous marriage. My husband has two before me. As me and my ex grew to be friends, my husband’s exes, have remained stalwart and basically combative. I think it’s a shame. I don’t understand how people who have loved deeply can end up hating one another. Of course, this only goes for relationships where the couple has not been physically or emotionally abusive — my husband is neither. He might be the kindest man I’ve ever known. In fact, I’m sure he is.

10. How do you market your book?

Susan’s Website!

All the modern ways! I market my books mostly through online platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, LinkedIn and my website and blog.

11. Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?

My advice to authors will be to gather as many friends and contacts one can on all sites and to blog regularly — no fewer than twice a week. Connecting with your fan base is key in today’s publishing landscape. Our fans will be your greatest allies.

12. What do you do to get book reviews?

I ask for them. Also, I hire book publicists such as Nikki Leigh to help me promote a title and to get reviews. Book publicists are wonderful people with awesome connections. I highly recommend hiring a book publicist for the release of a new title.

13. What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?

Keep writing and producing stories. A writer’s books are her inventory. We’re in the publishing industry — a huge billion dollar industry — made up of many businesses. Bookstores, publishers, literary agents, and authors are business people in this industry. We as writers must think like business people. If you don’t have product to sell, you won’t sell anything.

Write. All. The. Time. :)

14. How can readers discover more about you and your work?

Website: http://www.susanwingate.com
Blog: http://susanwingate.wordpress.com/writing-quirk-fiction-from-the-couch-with-susan-wingate
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorsusanwingate
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/susanwingate
Lnkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/susanwingate/
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/susanwingate
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Susan-Wingate/e/B003CMMERK/
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/authorsusanwingate

Book Links: (* American, UK, etc.) http://amzn.to/1e1dEq8
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sacrifice-at-sea-susan-wingate/1030791565?ean=2940148873792
http://www.astraeapress.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1856034.Susan_Wingate

It was a great privilege for me to get to interview Susan Wingate, who has inspired me in many different ways. Thank you Susan!!! Good Luck with everything!

P.S. You can read my review of SACRIFICE AT SEA here!!! :):):)

Sacrifice at Sea (The Bobby’s Diner Series) by Susan Wingate – 4 **** REVIEW

What it’s all about…

Why…it’s about four friends and the lives they lead. These four just happen to live in the same town, Sunnyvale, Arizona.Georgette is the main character. Somebody from her past plans to kill her.

My thoughts after reading this book…

I really liked the cover. This story takes place on a cruise to Santo Tomas de Castilla from Port Everglades in Florida. :)

Susan Wingate has the ability to see how people fit together and understand the intricacies of their relationships. Her new book Sacrifece at Sea does just that. Susan has done a wonderful job with characterization. At the beginning of the book, she introduces these four friends as a group, and then develops them one at a time to give us the opportunity to get to know them as individuals. I was engaged from page 1 and found the book hard to put down. I definitely expected a romance when I started reading, but was treated to a story about friendship. The characters struggles are real and heartfelt, and I felt this was a book a lot of readers would be able to relate with.

Of the four friends, I was most interested in Georgette. I liked her and I found it easy to relate to her. She is a very strong character, courageous and determined. I found her funny and totally sympathetic. Quite honestly, the entire novel pivots around her. However, she was not perfect and that was making her more lovable. She disobeyed her new husband and kept her suspicions from everyone. But she was able to unearth the truth about a cruel murder.

I would have given this book 5 stars, unfortunately there was too much romance plot and not enough ‘mystery’ in it for me. There wasn’t a huge plot twist at the end, but still something completely unexpected. This book really shows how evil and cruel some people can be.

After all, this was a great friendship story, highly recommend if you have a book club of close friends or want a reminder to appreciate the friends you have. I enjoyed each character and following their lives, they all had a special voice, all very different which we made it easy to follow. :)

 You can read here interview HERE and learn more about her and her other books!!!! :) :) :)

Interview Questions for Media Person

Hi people, I have amazing news to share!!! Last week Teddi Pope, a current student at Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College in Tifton, Georgia ask me if I could answer a few interview questions for one of her projects. Teddi is majoring in English and she plans to write novels, short stories, plays and articles, so to support her and help her with her project I agree to do the interview. Hope you will enjoy it… :) Everybody is welcome to answer her questions and post comments on my answers. :)

March 2014, Theiadora Pope

How did you become what you are today?

I knew I liked writing from the time I was very young, so I don’t think I ever really decided to write. I was writing to express my feelings and to help my friends feel better if something bad was happened to them or their families.

When I was 10 years old I won third place in the local literary contest. That’s how I started writing essays and short stories for different competitions.

Now I’m writing more about innocent times, objects, creatures and magic.

I have published a several short stories, a couple of essays and poems, and of course my first book – The Legend of the Moonstone: A Series for Kids and Young Adults.

I’m currently writing the second book in the trilogy – The Bloodstone. I am not even done with the book and I have generated so much buzz over the project that I have had several people tell me that they want autographed copies. I am still getting used to these requests. It feels good though… to have people reacting so strongly to the concept of my book. I just can’t wait to finish it and move into the next phase of promoting it. When it is ready I promise I will send it to you for an honest review Teddi.

What inspired you to get a profession in media/writing?

I write because I have to. Never thought I’d say that as it sounds so wonky but it’s true. I get edgy and down if I can’t write or make something, so I am always working and happiest when I have a deadline. The desire to see my work in print and my books on the shelves but I look on that as motivation. What inspires me to write in my case should be WHO inspires me to write? The answer to that – my English school teacher and a very dear friend.

What is your daily course of business?

Every writer has their own routine. Some people write a certain amount of words or pages per day. Robert B. Parker, the mystery writer, famously writes five pages every day; Stephen King ten pages a day, and Ernest Hemingway 500 words every day. Some writers can only write standing up, some (Truman Capote) can only write lying down. There really is no ‘typical’, there’s just what works for you.

Personally, I try to write and market my book(s) (only one published so far, more to come). I spend some quality time on social media, researching and learning new writing techniques, and ways of promotions. I update my blog and website. Read and write a lot until I have time, because I have day job and a house to manage.

When I’m not writing words down, I’m still thinking about the story, so when I get a few minutes at the screen I’m able to pick up where I left off. Having a good memory helps, too. :)

Hard work pays. Managing family, work and still writing a book in between coffee breaks is inspiring.

What do you love and hate about your job?

For me the worst thing about writing is finishing the book and having to leave the characters I have become close to and know so well, but there are new people to meet in the book ahead. Of course, because writing doesn’t bring in a regular income, I’m not allowed to take it seriously. Some people still seem to see it as a cute hobby to keep my little brain occupied while I’m sitting at home doing nothing except looking after a toddler. I wish society would accept that some things are worth doing even if they don’t attract a wage. :)

As of the best part, I love the writing itself. I love just writing for a few hours straight and getting so engrossed that I can hardly remember the differences between the characters and myself. I love when you really get into the zone and you block everything else out and it’s just you and your words and the story. It’s an incredible feeling.

What is one moment in your job that you were extremely proud of yourself and what you do?

One of my extremely proud moments is when I finished my first book. I remember that I wrote and wrote and then rewrote and rewrote until finally I looked up and had my first completed novel. It was a magical moment.

Is there anything that concerns you about your profession? If so, what and why?

It’s much harder to write a book than people think. Because the words never come out the way they sounded in your head. And it takes a long time to get those words out. Many people want to write a book, but most of them give up because it’s too hard. The truth remains: only a few authors make any significant money from their novels. The upside is, if you accept that truth from the start, it doesn’t matter. :) From the moment they see their first novel on a bookshop shelf, very few authors would choose another trade. Money or not and I am one of those authors.

Would you advise young people to follow in the footsteps that you have taken for the same profession?

My advice is not to get too stressed out about the lack of sales, lack of reviews, etc. Having fun and a few satisfied readers is what’s most important for a writer who is driven to write. :)

What advice do you have for a student embarking on a writing career?

Not everyone is a writer and not everyone wants to write, but most of us do write for our jobs and we write to get a job. Knowing how to write well can not only help us advance in our own careers, but it can help others when we share our knowledge and our experiences and our ideas with them, in writing. So, my advice to you is before you try to get published, and before you even start writing, you need to read. By reading professional publications, you learn about new ideas and new ways to do things. You learn what types of publications you like to read, and you learn how to formulate words and sentences and paragraphs and persuasions that will make you a better writer.

“If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” — Stephen King

Thank you Teddi for choosing me to be your media person for the project you have been given. It was a pleasure for me to answer all of your amazing questions. Hope one day you will become a great and amazing author or/and journalist. Good luck and keep up the good work. :) :) :)

10 Questions with Anna Dase. . .

Anna Dase

Anna Dase is an avid reader from Pennsylvania. She is a book reading, book buying, book loving person! Her belief that people who do not read are truly missing out on something wonderful.

Anna’s Blog!

Reading broadens her mind! Anna’s goal is to share her love of reading with the world one book at a time. If there is a good book out there, she will find it and share it with you.

You can reed more about her on her BLOG!

AND now her answers to my 10 Questions . . .

What is your biggest goal in life? – Just to be Happy! :)
What’s your dream job? - I would love to be a librarian!
Would you rather follow your heart or your head? - I generally follow my head!
If you are allowed to do just one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? - Read!
What do you think of this expression: Where there was fire, ashes remain? - That a new life will grow from the ashes!
What’s the best gift you’ve ever given and what’s the best gift you’ve ever received? - My husband and that would be our beautiful daughter and she is also the best gift that I have ever received.
If you could vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go? - South Africa!
What would you do without electricity for 3 days? - Read, Read and Read Some More!
What is your favorite book/author? - Childhood Favorite Book – The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and now well that would be a tough one to answer.
What’s the biggest problem facing the world right now and If you alone could solve it, how would you do it? - There are many problems facing the world right now and I would rather keep my opinion on them to myself at this time. I would rather not upset those who do not express the same opinions as I do. I would rather there be peace.

Her Inspiring INTERVIEW with me, you can find & read HERE!

BOOK REVIEW – “The Necklace of Goddess Athena” by Effrosyni Moschoudi

If you like The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, you may also like


The Necklace of Goddess Athena by Effrosyni Moschoudi

Great book from a new author, who I only discovered recently. Every few decades a book is published that changes the lives of its readers forever. The Necklace of Goddess Athena is such a book. From the first pages the story makes you feel captured by the mythical Greek legends and spirits of the old times. Effrosyni’s charming story will enchant and inspire an even wider audience of readers for generations to come. The story teaches us that the people are born into this world with the freedom of choice and surely, given the right mindset, this divinely endowed gift can grant them the power to acquire anything that they desire. Phevos, Daphne and their father are time travelers and believers of Goddess Athena. Every one of them is unique in their own way and the story reveals how important are their decisions to follow or to not follow Athena’s command.

On the other side Manos and Ksenia are challenged to believe in the existence of the goddess Athena and her strength.

The fourth siblings strongly believed from their experience that there is no such thing as coincidence. They always found signs of guidance whenever they needed them, so they keep believe that the Gods respond to prayer by guiding people through signs. During their journey they are learning how to read the omens strewn along life’s path, and, above all, following their dreams.

What I liked about this book was the great imagery Effrosyni uses throughout the novel. Also, I love that this book is taking you on a journey, not an adventure to slowly get the author’s point across. You will feel yourself getting smarter and more adventurous as you read The Necklace of Goddess Athena.

What I disliked about this book was that it is slow at points and gets a little monotonous, but if you keep pushing, it will all be well it.

Anyway, the novel is filled with symbolism, spirituality and cleverly disguised valuable life lessons. The book was well written, and has a nice flow, almost as if it has poetic tones to it. It is loaded with nice descriptive and philosophical language that makes for a quick read. The ending is satisfying, although I would have truly liked to see what happened next.

I am extremely pleased that I was given this book in exchange for Honest Review. I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I did. So, when you guys finished the book, please tell me what do you think of it! :):):)

P.S. A curious fact - The Necklace of Goddess Athena have a Moonstone on it. If you want to read more about the necklace you should read that incredible book, if you want to read more about this fascinating stone you are more then welcome to read my story – The Legend of The Moonstone, the first book of the SACRED STONES trilogy.

My 26th Birthday….

On March 15, 2014, I made a list of 26 things I wanted to do on my 26th birthday.

And I wanted to see if I can do them all in 24 hours. The entire day was documented with my iphone and my progress was updated live on Facebook.

Many thanks to those who cheered me on and supported me throughout the day. I would never would have conquered the list without you. And of course, thank you all for the birthday wishes!

#1.Tell my husband & family “I LOVE YOU“!

#2. Breakfast in BED! /with Harry Potter movie/

 

#3. Make someone LAUGH!

#4. Eat a cake!

#5. Buy a Lottery Ticket!

#6. Buy myself a gift!

#7. Hug 26 people!

 

 

 

 

#8. Meet and hang out with some of my FAVORITE FRIENDS!

#9. Drop 26 cents on the street!

 

#10. Finish reading a book!  /You can find my REVIEW of “The Necklace of Goddess Athena HERE! Soon I will post a REVIEW of “Sacrifice at Sea“”/                                                                                                                                                                                                

#11.Go to the Children’s section at B&N and read my FAVORITE CHILDHOOD STORIES!

#12. Make video slideshows with photos, music…

#13. Do some shopping!

#14. Text message my best friend, to tell him that he is GREAT FRIEND!

 

#15. listen to my FAVORITE SONGS!

#16. Cook a nice meal!

#17. Play with doggies!

 

#18. Go to a park!

#19. Make time to start reading a new book! /You can find out more about “Copyright” at Lori’s blog – HERE!/                                                                                                                         

#20. Enjoy the LITTLE THINGS!

#21. Have a personal PASSION PROJECT!

#22. Be HAPPY in my own company!

#23. Be CREATIVE!

#24. Buy a MOVIE Tickets!

#25. Take a lot of pictures and post it on Facebook!

#26. Be NICE to people I LOVE!

Of the and of the day I MAKE A WISH…

My birthday wish is for a world of amazing people that I can belong to and write for, who will inspire me every day… Oh, wait! I already have that! It’s you guys! Ok, then I wish for three million more wishes!

What’s your wish?

XO-XO, Meggie

What We Do to Be a Successful and Creative Teacher? Guest post by Fedric Adkins!

Creative thinking is vital to student success in all subject areas. To prepare students for future success – in and beyond the classroom – our teachers need to have techniques that foster creative innovation. Teachers must understand how students think, and build from there, focusing on the basic principles.

I found it amazing that I am not the only person that thinks this way. Creativity is needed in today’s school systems because the world is changing so rapidly. To talk more on this topic I invited Fedric Adkins. He will share with us his thoughts, views and experience.

What We Do to Be a Successful and Creative Teacher?
by Fedric Adkins

I always admire teachers who are intellectually curious and professionally vital. I feel extremely privileged to have been taught by a host of such great teachers who were my greatest sources of inspiration. I feel proud to be talking about such teachers, but I will restrict myself to the description of the greatest of the lot in my opinion. Let me give an account of my all time favorite teacher who had taught me English for two years. He is a six footer who stands tall both literally and metaphorically behind all his students. Those of us who had a great passion for English language and literature were so eager to have a glimpse of him the first thing in the morning as soon as we reach school. I used to get such strong positive energy just by seeing him and greeting him in the morning and the whole day used to be so lively for me.

Students, at the first place, need to like the teachers in order to be able to enjoy their lectures. The first thing you notice when you come across any person is the attire and how that person carries his or her self. This great teacher of mine dresses so officially that one cannot find a single crease on his shirt. Indeed, he is like a white shirt, so neatly dressed and spick and span.

He is an avid reader who constantly updates his knowledge. He has had enough exposure to psychology, theology and ethics. His lectures were so informative that the class notes I took years ago continue to enlighten me till date and every time I go through them I get fresh, new ideas. He is such a social person who used to know most of the students in and out. It may not be an exaggeration to say that he is an encyclopedia on two legs. I have never come across such a practical person who used to give great insights to us all. He comes to the classroom just with a textbook. He does not need any preparation for any class in English language and literature. His scholarship is such that anything we ask the answer is ready on his lips.

Having studied psychology, he is a great judge of character. He analyzes each student in great depth and lends all his moral support to his students. He treats his students as if they are his own children. The care and affection I got from him is sincere which comes from the bottom of his heart. His classes are great, but the one-to-one correspondence with him is still greater. He is so passionate about his career that after each class I used to get some points to ponder. I can proudly say that I have learned a lot from him which helped my overall development.

A successful teacher will remain fresh in all his students’ minds. This great teacher of mine has an enormous amount of patience which is an essential thing for a teacher. He explains things in a way which most of his students understand. He is someone who believes that students should not restrict themselves to classroom activities. He organizes cultural activities for students and leads all those so well because his leadership quality is highly commendable. It is said that a teacher should be like a friend, philosopher and guide. From the bottom of my heart I can say that this teacher was all of this for me, he still is and he will be so.

A great teacher should be widely read, passionate about the noble career of teaching, innovative and always ready to do the best possible for his students. Such teachers can change students’ lives for good. I do owe this teacher a lot for having helped me change my life.

Thank you for those inspiring words Fedric. Thank you so much for contributing to this topic.

When I was writing my book – The legend of The Moonstone, I’ve created a character based on one of my high school teachers. My reasoning behind it was that I really admire the way this teacher teaches us.

“Teaching… it’s not just a job, it’s an adventure!”

Any thoughts or ideas you have along these lines will be greatly appreciated.

A MOMENT TO SHARE with Sara Rose Salih

Today I’m truly grateful to have Sara Rose Salih as a Guest Author for this week’s blog to interview. She is the author of the new juvenile fiction series, Life As We Note It. This November Sara celebrated the official release of the first book of the series, Tales of a Sevie.

Born and raised in Texas, writing has always been Sara’s passion. She enjoys writing books, short stories, novels, poetry, and anything teen. In her free time Sara enjoys music, photography, and baseball.

Sara Rose Salih

Hi Sara Rose Salih, thank you for agreeing to this interview.

Tell me a little about yourself and your background? What were you like at school? Were you good at English? What are your ambitions for your writing career? Which writers inspire you?

In school I was definitely a rebel. I was good at English, Creative Writing, Art, and that was about it. From a very young age I loved to write, whether it was songs about homeless people on the street or stories about the boys I had crushes on, it was safe to say that from a very young age I was a writer. A few of my favorite writers are S.E. Hinton, George Eliot, and Reinaldo Arenas.

What was your life like before becoming an author?

Honestly? Not much different than life now. J You’d think one might be able to sleep better after publishing a book. Not so much. My mind is always racing on the next big thing, the next idea for a book or script.

I have had a lot of old friends and acquaintances come out of the blue though since I’ve published, which has actually been quite nice.

Which comes first? The character’s story or the idea for the novel?

For me, the characters almost always come first. Once I’m familiar with who they are, I can base a story around them and figure out the kind of shenanigans they’re going to get into.

When did you decide to become a writer?

I can’t truly remember a moment where I “decided” it; it’s just always been what I’ve done. I guess when I decided to do it for “real” was after college.

Why do you write?

Because I love it. I need it. It’s how express myself, and it’s how I say the things I feel I can’t always say out loud.

So, what have you written?

My first book I’ve officially had published (besides my silly poetry in high school) is Tales of a Sevie, a lighthearted tale of the highs and lows of junior high told through a series of handwritten notes.

Where people can buy or see them?




Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Sevie-Life-As-Note/dp/0985346604/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384465135&sr=8-1&keywords=tales+of+a+sevie
CreateSpace: https://www.createspace.com/4191695
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tales-of-a-sevie-sara-rose-salih/1117533329?ean=9780985346607


Give me an insight into your main character. What does he/she do that is so special?

Well this book, since it is told through a series of notes, is very different.

The main character is Summer, and she receives all the notes.

In this first book of the Life As We Note It series, we don’t get to hear from our main character.

We have to learn about her strictly from what others say to her in the notes.

What sparked the idea for your book?

My first book Tales of a Sevie was inspired by a lot of the notes my friends and I wrote to each other during our own years of junior high.

Many years ago I discovered an old box of notes from my first year of middle school. After reading through about 10 of them, I was crying I was laughing so hard.

The content of the notes was ridiculous, but something about the set up intrigued me. I felt writing from the point of view of twin girls in the form of notes to tell a real story could be fascinating. That’s how it all began.

How do you market your book?

As a self-published author, I’ve had many challenges…

I try to market online, through social media as much as I can, but I’ve found appearing in person at local schools, bookstores, and having books signings have had a great impact on my sales.

Do you have any advice for other authors on how to market their books?

Sara’s Facebook Page!

The internet is great for groundwork, to establish yourself through a website and social media, but I personally believe nothing is better than making a true connection in person when it comes to marketing your books.

It’s better to just show up at a store or company and show them what you’re all about instead of trying to send it in an email.

What do you do to get book reviews?

I’ve sent a lot of free copies of my books to promising sources.

What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?

In this day and age it’s very easy! Just be very careful who you sign with and really take your time to research literary agents, publishing companies, and especially self-publishing “print on demand” companies.

Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?

Thank you Meglena for the amazing opportunity to present my work, my story and my journey.

How can readers discover more about you and your work?


Website: http://sararosesalih.com/
Blog: http://sararosesalih.com/my-blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SaraRoseSalih
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaraRoseSalih
Lnkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=207748528&goback=%2Enmp_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1&trk=spm_pic
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Sara-Rose-Salih/e/B00GOADOJ4/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

It was a great privilege for me to get to interview Sara Rose Salih, who has inspired me in many different ways. Thank you Sara!!! Good Luck with everything!

Day of Forgiveness….

Only Bulgarians Celebrate the Day of Forgiveness…

Today is the Day of Forgiveness in Bulgaria — the last Sunday before the Great Lent starts. Forgiveness is an easy thing when you have not done anything wrong but a very serious business when you might have done — intentionally or not — things that might have hurt others.

Bulgarians observe Sunday a self-styled traditional ‘ Forgiveness Day ‘ on which everyone asks everyone t o forgive his or her misdeeds over the passed year.

The holiday is observed on a Sunday, exactly seven weeks before Easter, and is also called Sirni Zagovezni. That name refers to the fact that one is allowed to eat milk products, the day being located within the Easter Fast. Sirni Zagovezni is also considered a preparation for the Great Lent.

In some parts of the country the forgiveness day is also associated with the manifestly pagan kukeri dance, in which men dressed like demons try to chase evil spirits away.

The most typical tradition connected to that day is starting the feast fires. Right from the very dawn, a Koukeri band starts its walk around everybody’s home. By means of various symbolic and ritual-magic actions, they are wishing health, land fertility and prosperity to the hosts.

At Shrove Sunday, the spirit gets purged by the forgiveness given and asked for, the body gets stronger if the person manages to jump over the fire, and the nature sends away evil forces by the ringing of the Koukeri bells. The dance of those masked men brings blessing and land fertility. A Kouker young woman (also called “bride”) starts ploughing the field and calls fertility, health and good luck to come into people’s houses…

There is a delightful Bulgarian tradition on this Day of Forgiveness to play a game in which the children try to catch a hard-boiled egg suspended on a string from a rod while using mouths only and no hands. It was one of those dear childhood memories that brought unrestrained laughter into my family.

Now I am at New York, USA, 5805,53 miles away from my beloved Bulgaria, my lovely parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and my amazing sister, but that won’t stop me of celebrate this day with my husband and friends.

Hope you all, will find this tradition interesting and you all, will forgive your friends and family too, for everything they have been wrong during 2013. Any thoughts on this great Bulgarian tradition are welcome…

*** For more information on Sirni Zagovezni or the Day of Forgiveness you can read this amazing article – HERE !

Bulgarians to the world: Happy Baba Marta Day!

One of the most heart touching traditions is Baba Marta Day celebrated in Bulgaria as the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Every year Bulgarians exchange martenitsi (red-and-white adornments) on the first of March and celebrate each other with the words: Chestita Baba Marta (Happy Baba Marta)!

First of March is also Imen den (Day of name) of all who are named Martha, Martin, Martina and Eudokia. Imen Den celebration is rooted in the Christian traditions, as a joyful and friends-connecting feast as the Birthday.

Who is Baba Marta?

About Baba Marta etymology: Bulgarians name the old women “babi”. Grandmother is also in Bulgarian “baba”. Marta is rooted in the month of March. Baba Marta is imagined as a moody old woman. The sun shines when she is happy, and her anger brings cold storms. She is a human picture of unpredictable March weather. March storms are sometimes described as Baba Marta’s spring cleaning, and the last snowfall comes from falling feathers when she shakes out her mattresses.

Baba Marta Legends!

Legends have grown around the holiday tradition. Perhaps the oldest describes the origin of the custom found in a kindness by Khan Asparuh, the founder of the first Bulgarian state, who is said to have sent his wife a white cord as a sign of having survived in battle.

Another tale describes how Baba Marta, angry at an old woman taking her goats into the mountains a few days early, brought on a fierce storm that raged for days. Later, when the townsfolk went out in search of the old woman, they found her turned into stone, with a freshwater spring running out from under her feet.

Baba Marta Today!

Today the holiday has become an opportunity to share good wishes of health and happiness with friends, family and colleagues. Children often compete to see who can collect the most martenitsi.

Leading up to the day, street corners are filled with fold up tables and upright displays of red and white decorations. The most common motif is a pair of figures, a man and a woman called Pizho and Penda, but there are martenitsi in all shapes and sizes. Larger sizes are used to adorn tables and doors, and different forms can be worn as bracelets, necklaces or pins. There is great fun to be had in finding just the right martinitsa for a friend.

You can read more about this special Bulgarian tradition at Wikipedia!

Video Tutorial: How to make a basic adjustable martenitsa bracelet click here!

Chestita Baba Marta to all the world!