Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Penelope Silvers "Extraordinary Detour" An Interview with Penelope Silvers by Jason E. Foss


                                                                                PENELOPE SILVERS

                              "Great Authors are those talented writers that answer their calling.  It's one thing to have talent it's another thing to not only recognize this talent but to do something about it.  The good news is you always have a chance to open your eyes to the opportunities to write that story that was meant for you to write.  Unfortunately no one is going to tap you on the shoulders and say 'Hey, this story is meant for you to write!'  The good news is in the blink of an eye you can become in tuned with your calling.  To see it through.  To tell your story from the very beginning and to do whatever it takes to finish your story to its very last chapter.  The choice is entirely up to you.  You have the power.  Penelope Silvers is one of those great Authors.  She let us know what motivated her."

                                                                                                    Jason E. Foss


Jason:                   "What motivated you to write "Extraordinary Detour"?"


Penelope:

                               "This book was not even on my radar five years ago. My husband had a massive stroke on November 13, 2013, and was airlifted from our small town to University of Florida Shands in Gainesville. As he recovered, slowly he shared shocking tidbits of his extraordinary near-death experience. And this is what prompted me to start writing."


Jason:                   "I noticed that you give a lot of credit to Annie Hermann for creating your book landing page. It looks Amazing! It makes the Reader look forward to knowing what it's about. Why is this page so important to you?"


Penelope:

                                "I feel it's very important to have a home for your book, where folks can come to check it out—even if you're still in the writing mode. This attracts interest in the subject matter and the book, and you can begin building a fan base of readers. Yes, Annie did an amazing job!"

                                  "On another note, credit for the photo I used for the book cover goes to Simon Matzinger on Unsplash. The title says, "Having a seat on the swing of life — Start to see the world in the colors you choose." It really spoke to me."


Jason:                         "For your fans and book lovers briefly describe "Extraordinary Detour"."


Penelope:

                                       "This book details God's incredible love and faithfulness to us in extreme and trying circumstances. We want people to know that even in a pit of despair things aren't always as they seem. God is taking you by the hand on a brand new journey—as long your eyes are wide open."


Jason:                              "Are you working on another book and if so what can you tell us about it?"


Penelope:

                                          "Yes. I've been working for awhile on the second in the Changing Tides romance series. It's a sweet romance novel that takes place on a fictional island off the west coast of Florida called Breezy Bay Island. It actually got detoured by ExtraOrdinary Detour!"


Jason:                                 "For those that want to read your book when will it be available and what is the easiest way to buy "Extraordinary Detour"?"

I've set a publish date of June 30, 2019 and it will be available on Amazon and other large online book retailers. The best way to stay in contact is to sign up for updates on http://Extraordinarydetour.com I'll keep you informed about once a week before pre-order time and where to purchase.


                                                                                   CLOSING

                                        "Penelope Silvers was motivated by her husbands shocking tidbits of his very scary experience.  As he recovered he shared a lot of that information with her and she began to write some powerful words that are going to help a lot of people.  My favorite thing about Penelope is when she said it is very important to have a home for your book.  If you go to her website you will see what I mean when I say she created a beautiful place for people to go to enjoy the Penelope Silvers experience.  It's more than a book.  Her website is like a home for those that would like to read it and after June it will be a home for those who have already read it.  You can subscribe or contact her on plenty of social media platforms.  Her talent and creativity as well as her ability to touch us with this amazing story is one thing.  The fact that she created a beautiful one of a kind website as breathtaking as her book cover makes the Reader appreciate this wonderful experience.  Click on the link above and keep your eye out for "Extraordinary Detour" set to be released on June 30th, 2019.  In the mean time her website is well worth visiting today."


                                                                                          Jason E. Foss
                                                                                          Empowered-individuals.blogspot.com
                                                                                          954 743 8670



Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Katie Backer "Nav'Aria: The Marked Heir” An Interview with Katie Backer by Jason E. Foss


                                                                                     KATIE BACKER

                                                    "Great Authors take the imagination and give it life!  They inspire us with their journey and motivate us to start ours.  They can take scribbling in a notebook and transform it into the beginning of an epic adventure.  This is "A Dreamer's Blog" and there are many great Authors out there that give us the idea that our dreams can come true.  Katie Backer is easily one of those great Authors.  Her creativity opens our minds and gives us a whole new world.  All we have to do is open her book.  Katie Backer let us know what motivated her"

                                                                                                        Jason E. Foss


Jason:                                         "What motivated you to write "Nav'Aria: The Marked Heir”?"


Katie:

                                                    "Initially, I began writing Nav’Aria on a whim!"

                                                     "I was a substitute teacher at the time (before I got my teaching position) and had run out of reading material for the day while the students were testing. I started doodling, and kinda brainstorming in a notebook to kill time. I had a lot of experience observing teenagers as a soon-to-be teacher, my brother had just gotten a tattoo on his finger, and I had always loved Fantasy and the unicorn painting my grandpa had given me, and so with all of that in mind, it just kinda spilled out onto the page. And so, Darion and the Nav’Arian Unicorn warriors were born."

                                                      "I didn’t take it seriously for many years though. At first it was just a hobby but soon I realized that it was taking shape as a real story. Upon adopting my daughter in 2017, I realized that this book (which has adoption themes) was something that I wanted to finish for myself—and for my daughter and the “Darions” of the world. I could now relate to my characters so much more as an adoptive mom, and I had a renewed vigor to finish it. It transformed from a “hobby” or a “just a story” to a “BOOK” in my mind, and once I changed that language, that was all the motivation I needed. I pumped out the second half of the book in a matter of months and began researching the next steps in the publishing journey… and now here we are!"

                                                        "TWITTER POST (kinda relates to this question if you want to pull from it at all):    8 years. What started out as random scribbles while working as a substitute teacher in 2011, is now published as an ebook and sitting in my hands as a paperback TODAY. (Author proof!) For years, I kept my writing secret, downplaying it as "just a hobby". But the dream was there.And so I kept at it. I decided I didn't want to play the "coulda/shoulda" game. I decided to finish it, and then publish it. For no other reason but to prove to myself that I could. No. More. Secrets. That my dreams have power, and they can take flight to unimaginable places."

                                                         "This book is a gift for me. I hope it will be a gift for you as well. My message is: keep dreaming. Keep believing, keep striving, & keep achieving. I don't care how cliché it sounds, it's the truth. Give yourself a chance to dream. To soar. To be epic."


Jason:                                               "What character can you relate to the most and why?"


Katie:

                                                          "Gosh, I think a few of them!"

                                                           "Now as an adoptive mom, I can relate to Carol (Darion’s adoptive mom) and empathize with a lot of her emotions."

                                                            "I can also relate to Lyrianna (the Queen). I wanted her to be a strong character that is able to overcome all that is thrown at her and come out stronger on the other side… “a beauty from the ashes” type of character arc. Having experienced such adversity and torment, she doesn’t break—she’s not a victim, and if anything, her spirit is strengthened with the resolve that she will see her family again, and they will together defeat the evil Narco. I always loved her strong spirit, and sense of pride. She isn’t willing to give in—and I like to think that I, too, have a similar resolve."

                                                             "And lastly, I love the fierce sense of love and loyalty that Trinidad (the Unicorn) possesses. When I volunteered at an Orphanage school in Ambo, Ethiopia, the staff called me “Anbesit”, which means “lioness”. I think a lot of my fierce loyalty and protection for the vulnerable (children in my case, a prisoner in Trinidad’s), transferred over to the page."


Jason:                                         "For your fans and book lovers briefly describe "Nav'Aria: The Marked Heir”."


Katie:

                                                     "Darion is an insecure teen living in Oregon, struggling not only with his desire to belong, but also to make sense of his spreading, glowing birthmark and strange dreams. Meanwhile in a parallel universe, Vikaris, the rebel King, and epic unicorn warriors (as well as other mythical creatures) battle the evil usurper, Narco, for control of the Realm. Somehow Darion is connected to it all, and the answers he seeks are in Nav’Aria—but they may come at a cost!"

                                                      "Unicorns. I always wanted to see them as more, and so I wrote them the way I wanted to see them. "And so, a writer is born", I was recently told."

                                                       "I wanted to see unicorns not as pristine, passive creatures in the background, but complex, sentient beings at the forefront of the tale... and the fight! Battling alongside humans to rid their land of the evil Narco and his tyranny. However, being at war also brings the realities of loss, capture, and betrayal. This is not a lighthearted fairytale, but a look inside a kingdom ravaged by war...."

"Poor Trindad. What will come of him you ask? ... Well, I guess you better read it to find out!"

                                                        "Orphan. Outsider. Freak."

                                                       "Labels and questions swirl in Darion’s troubled mind. Why did his birthparents abandon him? Why is he haunted by visions of mythical beasts, a captive, and her torturer? And why is his birthmark glowing?"

                                                         "Discovering his true-identity may cost Darion everything, as he is suddenly confronted with a war-ravaged Realm and the answers he has always sought. Rav’Arians wreak havoc at the command of a sadistic usurper who led a grisly coup against the Marked Royals. Unicorn, Centaur, Nymph, and man have joined forces to face the oncoming threat of evil, yet their forces are slipping, and hope seems lost."

                                                          "Three generations interwoven throughout Nav’Arian history will reach as far as rural Oregon, to see the Kingdom unified once more."

"The only question is, will the return of the Marked Heir help or hinder in the fight for Nav’Aria?"


Jason:                                                "Are you working on another book and if so, what can you tell us about it?"


Katie:

                                                           "YES! The sequel, Nav’Aria: The Pyre of Tarsin is in full-swing! It picks up right where Book 1 left off, and all I’ll say is, it is EPIC! There is MORE of everything in this book, and it is so thrilling to write and see it take shape. (There is an excerpt of the prologue at the end of the Nav’Aria: The Marked Heir paperback copy)!"


Jason:                                                 "For those that want to read your book what is the easiest way to buy "Nav' Aria"?"


Katie:

                                                             "Nav’Aria: The Marked Heir is available on Amazon in e-Book and paperback versions, as well as, at This House of Books (for the Billings locals).
Readers can also request it at their local libraries!"

                                                    Link:    https://www.amazon.com/NavAria-Marked-Heir-K-J-Backer-ebook/dp/B07M6J5PN5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550585656&sr=8-1&keywords=nav%27aria

                                                              "Connect with me on social media!"

                                                                "Readers can find me (K.J. Backer) on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads if they wish to connect more, and/or visit: kjbacker.com to learn more about Nav’Aria. They can also sign up for my monthly newsletter on my website to learn more about upcoming events, giveaways, and the sequel release date, etc."


                                                                                CLOSING

                                                                "Katie Backer was just doodling in her notebook just to kill time as a substitute teacher.  Her grandpa's unicorn painting he gave her motivated her to write this epic adventure in her book.  My favorite thing about Katie is how her book has adoption themes and she is also an adopting mom.  To write a book for her daughter and the "Darion's" of the world is so powerful.  To write a book that they not only relate to but shows them how powerful we all are and that as long as you have a dream you are trying to reach you can fly!  Let Katie Backer inspire you because her adventure with words will take you on a magical ride.  And when you're done with the book you will most likely be ready to create a new journey of your own!  Click on the link above and buy "Nav'Aria: The Marked Heir”."


                                                                                          Jason E. Foss
                                                                                          Empowered-individuals.blogspot.com
                                                                                          954 743 8670




Monday, February 25, 2019

Annie Acorn "Bright Treasures" An Interview with Annie Acorn by Jason E. Foss


                                                                                    ANNIE ACORN

                                        "Great Authors contribute to this world of ours by creating a world of their own.  Open their book and you are somewhere else.  They describe their stories with such detail that you feel that the town and the characters really exist.  With every flip of the page you are entranced by their words and when you stop reading as you go about your day in the back of your mind is getting to the next chapter.  How do they do it?  Create a world with words.  I believe today instead of wondering how, we shoild just appreciate one of them.  She will most likely give us some insight.  Annie Acorn is one of these great Authors.  She let us know what motivated her"

                                                                                                     Jason E. Foss


Jason:                              "What motivated you to write "Bright Treasures"?"


Annie:

                                          "Actually, I never planned to write this book. In the spring of 2011, I hosted a small writing group in my home one Sunday afternoon, and a newbie writer asked for advice about overcoming writers’ block. I had never experienced this problem myself, but I passed on information I had read and heard from other authors."

                                           "After my guests left, I began to wonder if the advice I had given would really work, so I opened a new Word.doc and began asking myself some basic questions, merely as an exercise. Was I writing a short story, a novelette, a novella, or a novel? Was there a specific genre? Was the main character a man or a woman? Young, middle-aged, or old? What did they look like? Where and when was the story taking place? And, finally, most important of all, what was the slice of time in which the reader is first introduced into the main character’s life?"

                                            "I settled on Angelique MacDuff, in her late twenties, who was preparing to open the store Bright Treasures, which had been the dream of her now deceased husband – his death being central to the story. I placed her at the curb across the street from the store, and suddenly, Lady Grace, a miniature Doberman appeared at her side – a surprise to me. From there, I allowed the characters to write their story, because I had no preordained plot, until I had reached approximately 1000 words."

                                              "At this point, one of my guests called to thank me again and asked what I had been doing. I shared what I had written, and she loved it, insisting that I continue writing the story and call her every day to read her what I had written. And so, every day I went to work and wrote 1000 more words during my lunch hour, calling my friend Elizabeth each evening to read her the newest chapter. Three months later the book was complete."

                                              "Initially, I had determined that the work would be a cozy mystery. At around 87,000 words, Elizabeth shared that she could hardly wait to find out who had committed the murder, and I had to admit that I could hardly wait to find out, too, as my characters hadn’t bothered to share that with me as yet."

                                               "Bright Treasures is approximately 93,000 words long – a full-length, cozy mystery. In the end, my characters did pull together and solve the mystery in a way that worked. To my surprise, when I reviewed the piece as a whole, I discovered that clues were dotted throughout it, along with a number of red herrings."

                                                "Because I had let myself go with whatever popped into my mind at the time, the book is filled with quirky characters and lots of humor. Readers love it, and I’m quite pleased with it. Lady Grace, who sprang out of nowhere, is one of my favorite all-time characters and plays an active role in the story. My only regret is that it took me so long to put it at the front of the line and get it published."

                                                 "All in all, if this book does nothing else, it proves the point I often make to writers I’m mentoring. It’s always best if you just allow your characters to tell their story, and I believe a strong case can be made for most writers’ block being caused by the writer attempting to force their character(s) to do something they simply wouldn’t do, based on who they’ve been developed to be."


Jason:                                      "You own and run @AAPublishingLLC that publishes works for 25+ authors, which is a HUGE accomplishment. What advice would you give those trying to achieve that level of success?"


Annie:

                                                  "At this stage in my life, I’ve owned and run several successful businesses, and the same rules applied in each case. First and foremost, keep an active list of goals – large and small, and constantly review and update this list, both to recognize your progress and new plans to implement."

                                                   "Keep your eye on the ball would come in a close second. Believe in yourself, work hard, learn from criticism, work hard, manage your time well, work hard, network, work hard, and develop whatever skills are required to put you in line for success."

                                                     "Also, I founded AAPub, as we refer to it, in large part so I could mentor younger/newer writers, and I strongly believe in the premise that with success comes a responsibility to give back, both with time and money. My tweeting writing tips at @Annie_Acorn is another way I strive to pass on my own lessons learned to those who can benefit from them."


Jason:                                           "For your fans and book lovers briefly describe Bright Treasures."


Angie:

                                                     "We meet the heroine Angelique McDuff and her miniature Doberman Lady Grace on the opening day of Bright Treasures – an antique store/cafe combo, which had been the dream of her now deceased husband Richard. The story takes place in the fictional, small town of Bright Seas, which is located along the shore of Puget Sound."

                                                     "Originally, Richard’s death was determined to have been an accident, but Angelique has come to believe that he was murdered. Money and jewels are missing, a frightening message appears from nowhere, and Lady Grace is acting strangely. In addition, if Richard was indeed murdered, then it almost had to have been by someone she both knows and trusts."

                                                      "This book is full of interesting characters, and many of their actions provide a good dose of humor to the mix. There’s a touch of fantasy, and romance is definitely in the air as well. Obviously, I got a bit carried away."


Jason:                                            "Are you working on another book, and if so, what can you tell us about it?"


Annie:

                                                        "I had to laugh at this one, because one of my goals for 2019 is to complete and publish all five books that I currently have in progress – one non-fiction, the sequel to my full-length, cozy mystery Chocolate Can Kill, a full-length and a shorter alternate novel for my romantic, women’s fiction/family saga Captain’s Point series that I produce collaboratively with @JulietteHill1, and the first full-length novel for my Luna Lake Cabins romance series."

                                                         "The Luna Lake Cabins novel is within 3,500 words of completion, so it will likely be the first one to launch – sometime this spring. Ten years before the story opens, the two main characters enjoyed an idyllic summer as friends before the male character became an Army Ranger."

                                                          "He has now left the service, much decorated and working to heal his wounded soul. She is now a young widow, facing major life decisions as to how best to move forward for both herself and her six-year-old daughter – a charmer."

                                                            "A promise made in the past reunites the two, neither of whom is looking for romance, and from here, the story unfolds."


Jason:                                                 "For those that want to read your book what is the easiest way to buy Bright Treasures?"


Annie:

                                                            "My full-length, cozy mystery Bright Treasures is available from Amazon"

                                          HYPERLINK.     https://amzn.to/2L764GJ" https://amzn.to/2L764GJ 

for Nook and Kobo ereaders, including at Walmart.com, and via iTunes. The audiobook version, narrated

by @lisaleslievoice will be available by March 31, 2019, through the Amazon website, Audible.com, and

iTunes.

                                  Twitter accounts: @Annie_Acorn, @CharlotteKent20, and @AAPublishingLLC

                                                  Websites: annieacorn.com and annieacornpublishing.com


                                                                                     CLOSING

                               "Annie Acorn was motivated by one of her newbie writers in 2011 who asked her for help getting over writer's block.  After the small writing group left she wanted to see if the advice she had given would work.  So she started this book and the rest is history.  What I like about this great Author is that everything about her revolves around helping others.  The smaill writing group.  Mentoring others to make them get better.  Her advice to let the characters tell the stories themselves.  Her advice about reaching success in accomplishing life goals.  These are all the qualities that would take anyone steps toward achieving great things.  And for that I am truly grateful for Annie to share that knowledge with us and steer us in the right direction.  This book is amazing because of her unique talent of letting the characters tell their own story.  What better mystery then one where the Author finds out right before you do.  Click on the link above and buy "Bright Treasures"."


                                                                                          Jason E. Foss
                                                                                          Empowered-individuals.blogspot.com
                                                                                          954 743 8670



Sunday, February 24, 2019

Veronica Cline Barton "The Crown for Castlewood Manor" An Interview with Veronica Cline Barton by Jason E. Foss


                                                                            VERONICA CLINE BARTON

                                 "Great Authors contimue to amaze us with their body of work.  They dedicate themselves to their Readers.  The pages they write and the chapters they finish are worked on and perfected like the masters of any craft.  To let their Readers and fans down is not an option to them.  My favorite thing about these great Authors as I said before is how they can look at a blank page and see the beginning of their next great book where most would just see a blank page.  Veronica Cline Barton is one of these great Authors.  She let us know what motivated her."

                                                                                              Jason E. Foss


Jason:                                  "What motivated you to write "The Crown for Castlewood Manor", the first book in your My American Almost Royal Cousin series?"


Veronica:

                         "Thank you, Jason, for having me a as guest on your blog—I love how you support the authors here, it’s very much appreciated!"

                           "In 2016 I had some major life dilemmas that needed to be addressed; season six of my beloved Downtown Abbey had concluded, and I needed to find something to fulfill my love for the imagined life on a lovely British country estate, LOL! I have always loved British cozy mysteries and am a huge fan of Agatha Christie, Rhys Bowen, and M.C. Beaton, so I decided to throw my writing hat in the ring to see if I could do it. I put my love for a Downton Abbey type production scenario together with my love for British mystery, and voila! The concepts for my series was born. I always try and be a little different in everything I do, so my main character, Gemma Lancaster Philips, PhD, is an American heiress who comes to live in this British, almost royal, cozy mystery world. The stories are told through her point of view, which leads to a few humorous happenings (and not so humorous mur-dahs) in her new world."


Jason:                  "What characteristic of Gemma can you relate to most and why?"


Veronica:

                               "Well I wish I had her metabolism, that’s for sure (she does like her food—finding all those bodies gives one an appetite, and she never seems to gain an ounce)! I can relate to her initial confusion as to what to do career wise after receiving her doctorate, the heartbreak of being cheated on by a boyfriend and moving on, and her love of her family and its history. She’s a hard worker and dedicated to those she loves, no heiress airs for her! I love travelling to the UK and seeing all the beautiful buildings and learning their history—Gemma and I share this love, and she luckily gets to live there in the beautiful trappings of the Cherrywood Hall estate."


Jason:                     "For your fans and booklovers, briefly describe "The Crown for Castlewood Manor"."


Veronica:

                                 "In this first book, Gemma is contacted by her British cousin, Evan, who happens to be the 8th Marquess of Kentshire and owner of the Cherrywood Hall estate. He has made it to the final four estates being considered for the set location of the new British period drama television series, Castlewood Manor. Winning the set location competition would bring in a huge revenue stream to the local community and give the estate resources to modernize and become more self-sufficient. Gemma agrees to come over and assist Evan and his estate manager, Kyle Williams in this new business quest."

                                 "As they go through the final events of the competition, things turn desperate and dangerous—someone wants to win this at any cost. You’ll learn the history of the competing estates and their families and be treated to the glitz and glamour of the aristocratic countryside (and meet a few royals too). Gemma learns more about her Lancaster family heritage and comes to love life at Cherrywood Hall and the residents who live in the nearby village of Maidenford. Gemma, Evan and Kyle assist Scotland Yard in catching the ne’er do wells, but can they put an end to the mayhem before the production of Castlewood Manor even begins?"


Jason:                       "Are you working on another book and if so, what can you tell us about it?"


Veronica:

                                  "At this time, there are three books in my series. Cast, Crew, & Carnage; the Filming of Castlewood Manor is the second book, and the third, Deadly Receptions; the Debut of Castlewood Manor was just released on February 1st. I have just started formally working on Book 4 of the series that I hope to release in early summer, 2019. Exciting times!"


Jason:                       "For those who would like to read your books, what’s the easiest way to buy them?"


Veronica:

                                    My books can be found on Amazon:

 HYPERLINK.       https://www.amazon.com/Crown-Castlewood-Manor-American-Almost-Royal-ebook/dp/B079RN7WG7


 HYPERLINK  https://www.amazon.com/Cast-Carnage-Filming-Castlewood-Manor-ebook/dp/B07BN568Y7

                   
 HYPERLINK.             https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MJM923B


                                             Follow me on Goodreads and BookBub:

 HYPERLINK.         https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17736857.Veronica_Cline_Barton

 HYPERLINK.       https://www.bookbub.com/profile/veronica-cline-barton 

                           
                                                            Twitter and Facebook:

 HYPERLINK.                             https://twitter.com/VClinebarton" https://twitter.com/VClinebarton

 HYPERLINK.                             https://www.facebook.com/myamericanalmostroyalcousinseries/


                                                                                          CLOSING

                                  "Veronica Cline Barton was motivated in 2016 when the end of 'Downtown Abbey' had concluded.  First of all, her calling that a major life dilemma was hilarious!  Any 'Downtown Abbey' fan would know exactly how she felt.  Everyone can relate when their favorite show ends that there is a void to be filled.  Binge watching it and having weekend marathons of each episode will be fun but after a while there is a better way to enjoy what you love.  My favorite thing about Veronica is she found that better way.  For someone that loves British cozy mysteries, Downtown Abbey, and has a passion for the imagined life on a British Country estate, why not create something for those that miss it too!  She is brilliant!  Now Downtown Abby fans have something new to look forward to.  Written by someone that knows exactly what you've been missing and knows how to give it back to you in the form of a great book.  Click on the link above and buy "The Crown for Castlewood Manor"


                                                                                          Jason E. Foss
                                                                                          Empowered-individuals.blogspot.com
                                                                                          954 743 8670

                                                 

Sandra Cox "Queen of Diamonds" An Interview with Sandra Cox by Jason E. Foss


                                                                                   SANDRA COX

                                              "Great Authors take you on a ride with your mind.   Just when you're convinced the story is going to go a certian way ten pages later they give you so many surprises that you are glued to every line.  They master the imagination and lock into yours.  Readers love them because these great books add spice and adventure and breaks up the monotonous of every day living.  Their amazing creativity gives us just what we need one chapter at a time.  Sandra Cox is one of these great Authors.  She let us know what motivated her."
                                                                                                 

                                                                                                      Jason E. Foss
                                       

Jason:                                    "What motivated you to write "Queen Of Diamonds"?"


Sandra:

                                                "I’ve been enamored of jewel thief themes since Cary Grant’s TO CATCH a THIEF and Robert Wagner’s TV series IT TAKES a THIEF and thought it would be fun to write one. It was."


Jason:                                       "What characteristic of Kendall can you relate to the most and why?"


Sandra:

                                                   "Her love of family. I think anyone who is a mother or has a close relationship with their mother will be able to relate to Kendall. Though, hopefully they approach their responsibilities a bit different than she has."


Jason:                                         "For your fans and book lovers briefly describe "Queen Of Diamonds"."


Sandra:

                                                     "Logan Hunter is a bestselling author with a penchant for the ladies. Kendall Theron, his efficient publicist, is prim and colorless—at least on the surface. Beneath the proper facade is a woman who will do anything to protect her family, even if it’s not quite legal. Kendall, knowing her boss’s propensity for the fair sex, has replicated herself into a lady who should hold no appeal for the charismatic charmer she works for. She’s even added a Mrs. in front of her name for an extra layer of protection. If her boss ever turns those sharp eyes on her, if his curiosity is unleashed and he digs up her secrets, the results could mean jail time. It’s taken Logan Hunter nearly three years to discover there’s more to his employee than meets the eye. An unplanned kiss that ignites them both has him looking at his publicist in a whole new light. He soon learns that the woman he thought he knew doesn’t exist, her persona an illusion. Everything she’s told him is a lie and he’s determined to find out why."


Jason:                                         "Are you working on another book and if so what can you tell us about it?"


Sandra:

                                                     "Actually, I’m working on three: a western, a western-romance and a shapeshifter. It keeps my muse on her toes instead of vacationing on me."


Jason:                                            "For those that want to read your book what is the easiest way to buy "Queen Of Diamonds"."


Sandra:

                                                                              "It’s available at Amazon."

                                                   HYPERLINK:         http://tinyurl.com/queendiamonds

                                                            Thank you so much for having me today, Jason.


                                                                                             CLOSING

                                          "Sandra Cox was motivated by Cary Grant and Robert Wagner's work about Thieves.  My favorite thing about her is how she gave credit to these creative people for inspiring this new book she wrote.  She could easily take full credit but as you can see she is just having fun creating quality books for her fans.  She does it the right way and her books have not disappointed us yet.  So if you are looking for a book that is captivating and characters that keep you locked into the story this one is for you.  Click on the link above and buy "Queen of Diamonds".


                                                                                          Jason E. Foss
                                                                                          Empowered-individuals.blogspot.com
                                                                                          954 743 8670
                 

                                                                                               




Friday, February 22, 2019

Nina Romano "The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley" An Interview with Nina Romano by Jason E. Foss


                                                                                     NINA ROMANO

                                       "Great Authors are always dedicated to giving you their very best.  They know what they are writing about and they are so accurate about their knowledge of that time that Readers can almost start to believe the story they wrote really happened.  They know their characters like the back of their hand and each chapter builds the Reader up and never lets them down.  Nina Romano is one of these Great Authors.  She let us know what motivated her."

                                                                                                      Jason E. Foss


Jason:                           "What motivated you to write "The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley"?"


Nina:

                                      "I always wanted to pen a novel that takes place in the Wild West to cull from my knowledge of  the history and geography of settling the US American Frontier. I’ve had, since childhood, a great interest in and about our diverse Native-American cultures.  My desire to write comes from my youth because I lived among great story-tellers—my grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles.
My Grandfather and my Dad were both avid fans and fascinated with Indians, cowboys, pioneering and the development of the American West. Naturally, my inclination always moved in that same direction. They read about pioneers, prairies, deserts, mesas, plateaus, rivers, mountains, valleys, etc. They watched movies set in Western culture about gunfighters and gamblers, about gentrified folk and bandits. These two family members were totally spellbound, and their knowledge and interest rubbed off on me!"


Jason:                              "What character can you relate to most and why?"


Nina:

                                         "I relate mostly to Cayo Bradley. You may think, ah, well, she’s got that all wrong and should relate to Darby because she’s a woman. I do, however, although not to the extent of Cayo. He suffers agony, trials, desperation, and the process of redemption and growth. All of the adversity he endures, many women live through—despite the fact they are widely diverse situations than Cayo’s. I’m sure they’ll grasp his plight, hardships, and misfortune, in the same way that I do."


Jason:                             "For your readers and book lovers briefly describe The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley"


Nina:

                                         "This novel is completely different than my previous trilogy—those novels certainly are historical, as is this one, however, two of them were set on foreign soil—one in Asia and one in Europe. This novel is homegrown on good old American soil, set between New Mexico and Missouri in 1874. The story involves history, geography, and cultures of the west I studied and have come to love. From the title, you can deduce that it’s a love story, and one where I write about two disparate people falling in love and I, as the writer, am privy to seeing the relationship develop and get to fall in love, too!"

"Here’s the official blurb for THE GIRL WHO LOVED CAYO BRADLEY"

                                            "When Darby McPhee falls in love with Cayo Bradley, a wild cowboy from a nearby ranch, her world is ripped apart. Caught in a lifeless existence of caring for her father and brothers since her mother’s death, Darby does little else but work. But a death-bed promise to her mother to get her education now stands in the way of her heart’s desire to belong to the rough-and-tumble Cayo Bradley."

                                            "Darby is Cayo’s redemption from a horrific act in his past that torments him. After being captured as a young boy by the Jicarilla Apache, he now tries to settle back into white society—but how can he? If he loses Darby, he loses everything."

                                             "Darby is determined to keep her promise to her mother, but will Cayo wait for her? In this stunning tale of love and loss, Darby comes to understand that no matter what happens, she will always be THE GIRL WHO LOVED CAYO BRADLEY."


 Jason:                                  "Are you working on another book and if so what can you tell us about it?"


Nina:

                                               "My current work-in-progress is set in Russia, and I’m confessing it here, that I don’t know what I’m doing precisely, yet I’m enjoying every misstep along the way! This novel is a huge diversion and change from my previous works. Why? I decided to challenge myself to write what I’d never have dared to dream of writing before—a mystery/thriller/suspense novel! I recently returned from a trip to Russia last autumn. I’d been to Russia before, and I’ve studied Russian history and admit, I was enthralled with it!"


Jason:                                     "What is your ultimate dream for this novel?"


Nina:

                                                  "My wish, my hope, and my prayer for this novel would be for a copy of it to somehow find its way to John Fusco’s door. So he’d read and write it as a screenplay to develop into a motion picture—as only he, master of the art, can visualize."
 

Jason:                                        "For those that want to read you book what’s the easiest way to pre-order The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley?"


Nina:                                         "The Book is on Amazon and here is the Link":

                                                 HYPERLINK.     https://amzn.to/2DKeeii

                                                                             Author Links:

                       Amazon Author Page:  HYPERLINK.     https://amzn.to/2zVdmq9

                                          Goodreads:  HYPERLINK      https://bit.ly/2DCJ2lg

                                                Twitter:  HYPERLINK      https://twitter.com/ninsthewriter

                                                                                            @ninsthewriter

                                            Facebook:  HYPERLINK.    https://bit.ly/2BFi38l


                                                                                    CLOSING

                                             "Nina Romano always wanted to write a Novel that takes place in the Wild Wild West.  Her knowledge of those times will give this story pin point accuracy guaranteeing the Reader will experience this story as if they lived in the same time frame.  My favorite thing about Nina is how she can relate to Cayo Bradley and the process of redemption and growth.  She inspires us that you can always come back from any failures and gradually learn and grow and rebuild yourself gaining new chapters of positive change and success.  Nina's fans read her books because she knows how to blend accuracy and knowledge with creativity and the imagination.  She achieves this time and time again and this novel is no different.  Click on the link above and buy "The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley"."


                                                                                          Jason E. Foss
                                                                                          Empowered-individuals.blogspot.com
                                                                                          954 743 8670
                   



                                                     

Thursday, February 21, 2019

Lauren Berg "A Memoir To Remember" An Interview with Lauren Berg by Jason E. Foss


                                                                                  LAUREN BERG

                                               "Great Authors have a way with words.  They write with a Purpose and they let us into their world.  Whether it is an amazing book or their blog that keeps us up to date with their life and their creativity it becomes a part of our life!  Their adventures become our adventures.  Before they were great Authors they were great Writers.  They give us great content time and time again.  Their stories help us to live our own life story.  Always making us think.  Building a connection with us through their words every time.  Lauren Berg is one of the best.  She let us know what motivated her."

                                                                                                     Jason E. Foss


Jason:                                    "What motivated you to start your memoir work in progress?"


Lauren:

                                                "My memoir is based on a life-changing event that happened to me a little over two years ago. It’s a bit of a wild story (I’ll share more below). But I’ve always believed in the healing power of writing, so the past couple years I’ve been recording everything that happened and how I have processed it. I’m using that writing as a springboard to launch a memoir that hopefully would be inspiring, gripping, and empowering to others who have dealt with trauma of different kinds."


Jason:                                      "For your fans and book lovers briefly describe your memoir work in progress."


Lauren:

                                                   "In 2016 I was living abroad in Kaikoura, New Zealand when I experienced a really big earthquake. I mean, REALLY BIG. It was a 7.8 on the Richter scale, two-minute-long quake that woke me up in the middle of the night, and I listened to the sound of my home being destroyed. There’s a lot more to it: the shock, the evacuation, the helplessness, and the dramatic return to America. Much of it boils down to losing a home, and that feeling of life being out of control and all the emotions and processing that comes with that. However, I don’t want this memoir to be just about me and my experience and processing; I want it to be a story others can relate to and use as a tool to process their own moments of trauma, where they felt out of control. So it has a lot of potential, and I’m excited about it! But it’s definitely still got a ways to go in the organization and writing process."


Jason:                                         "If there was one quote that helped you get to the success that you reached, what would it be?"


Lauren:

                                                     "My favorite poem is Wendell Berry’s “The Mad Farmer Liberation Front.” It ends with the line “practice resurrection.” How do you do that, practice death and rebirth? There are times in my life where even though a season has come to an end I don’t want to let go of it, to let go of the past. That’s definitely been true of my time living in New Zealand. In writing about that experience and putting words to paper, I feel like I am finally allowing myself to say goodbye to that time and say hello to the new life that awaits me now. I’m practicing resurrection."


Jason:                                         "Can you briefly tell us about your second work in progress?"


Lauren:

                                                    "Absolutely! In my spare creative time, I came up with a children’s picture book about a lost migrating robin that meets other robins around the world. I love the idea of expanding kids’ ideas of what a robin might mean to different people and telling a fun and heart-warming story in the process (it has a happy ending!). This project is especially exciting to me because many of my friends are pregnant and having babies, so it’s just a fun time in general. And what better baby gift to give than a book I wrote? Diapers obviously. So I’ll be giving them a book and diapers."


Jason:                                        "For those that would love to stay connected to you, how can they support you?"


Lauren:

                                                    "I have a blog! You can read my thoughts on living abroad, living in community, and ways I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone at www.laurenaberg.com. Or follow me on twitter @lberg845, and I’ll keep you updated on my new writing ventures there."


                                                                                       CLOSING

                                                   "Laurn Berg is motivated by a life-changing event that happened to her a little over two years ago.  Thankfully for us she decided to take this horrific experience of an earthquake that was 7.8 on the Richter scale and use it to help others.  She inspires us and gives us this feeling like we can always start over.  We can always decide to create a brand new life.  My favorite thing about Lauren Berg is how she lets us into her life through her blogs and her words.  Her memoir will do the same.  It will inspire us to appreciate the New Beginnings in our lives.  To let go of the things in the past that no longer serve you.  And like some powerful words in her favorite poem "practice resurrection" .  Click on the link above and get to know Lauren berg her new writing ventures."


                                                                                          Jason E. Foss
                                                                                          Empowered-individuals.blogspot.com
                                                                                          954 743 8670
                     


Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Lauren Scharhag "The Order of the Four Sons" An Interview with Lauren Scharhag by Jason E. Foss


                                                                                LAUREN SCHARHAG

                                 "Great Authors have a natural talent.  Sometimes they may not realize it or focus on it but once they have the opportunity to be creative their work shines like the brightest sun.  Their vision actualizes itself when pen meets paper and their story begins.  When people read they read with their own purpose even if it's just to pass the time.  Some readers seek to feel a sense of adventure in a book or just for relaxation.  These Authors satisfy their needs and then some.  Lauren Scharhag is one of these great Authors.  She let us know what motivated her."

                                                                                                            Jason E. Foss



Jason:                      " What motivated you to write "The Order Of The Four Sons" (Book 1)"


Lauren:

                                  "Hi, Jason. Thank you for hosting me on your site. I really appreciate the opportunity to talk about my work. The Order of the Four Sons actually started life as a screenplay back in 2005. Some friends of mine knew a director who wanted to film a horror movie in Excelsior Springs, MO, near where I live. I wrote the script, then called The Greater Dark, and got to do some other fun things with production, like build sets and hold a boom mic. One day, I met a nice guy named Coyote Kishpaugh, who was an extra in the film. We hit it off right away, and even started working together on a sequel for the film. But once the filming wrapped, that was it. The movie never actually got made. I still owned the copyright on the screenplay. About a year later, Coyote called me up and said, “That was a really good story. It’d be a shame to waste it. Why don’t we turn it into a book? Or better yet—a series of books?” So that’s what we did. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into."


Jason:                        "Which of the characters in your book can you relate to the most and why?"


Lauren:

                                    "I’m so close to all of them, it’s hard to choose one. All of them, both heroes and villains alike, have elements of my personality in them, so it’s hard to say one is more like me than the others. I’m a bleeding heart like Kate. I’m irreverent like Murphy. Sarcastic like Bill, analytical like Clayton, nerdy like Doug. Like Colonel Garnett, I curse like a sailor. I can be a bit elitist, like Bathory. I guess it’s good to have an ensemble cast like this, so you can break down your personality parts and spread them around. Like Whitman said, “I am large. I contain multitudes.”"


Jason:                         "For your fans and book lovers briefly describe "The Order Of The Four Sons.”"


Lauren:

                                     "The Order of the Four Sons is the first book of a series about two ancient organizations, the Order of the Four Sons of Horus and Starry Wisdom. For centuries, they have been duking it out for possession of a powerful artifact known as the Staff of Solomon. Whoever has possession of the staff can rip open the very fabric of existence. Book I introduces the heroes: Colonel JD Garnett, novice mage Kate West, Detective Ryan Murphy, scholar Doug Grigori, and field techs Bill Welsh and Cecil Morgan. The team is dispatched to investigate the disappearance of one of their own in a small town. There, they uncover a lot more than they bargained for—a segment of the Staff of Solomon, and the evil forces that are converging to claim it."


Jason:                            "Are you working on another book and if so what can you tell us about it?"


Lauren:

                                        "Yes, I’m working on Going Forth by Day, the sixth and final book of the O4S series. It’s the final showdown between the Order and Starry Wisdom. In it, the ultimate fate of the staff, as well as the universe, will be decided."


Jason:                              "For those that want to read your book what is the easiest way to buy "The Order of The Four Sons"?"


Lauren:

                                          "It’s available in paperback and ebook through Amazon, and through most ebook retailers. Here are the links:"

                                            Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002P8MQ0W

                                        Smashwords - https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/5424

                      Barnes & Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-order-of-the-four-sons-lauren-scharhag/1113470646?ean=2940044558823

                                       You can also read excerpts, trivia and other bonus material at my author blog:

                                                               www.laurenscharhag.blogspot.com


                                                                                  CLOSING

                           "Lauren Scharhag was motivated by a Screenplay back in 2005.  The movie never got made but Coyote reached out to her a year later complimenting her great story.  My favorite thing about Lauren is how she didn't let that Screenplay collect dust.  Many of us have a vision or a project and when things don't work out it's on to the next project.  I really admire the way Lauren turned her Screenplay into a successful Book.  That takes determination and answering opportunities with action.  Lauren inspires us that when you create something that people want to use and it doesn't work out.  Don't waste it.  Revisit it and find a way to bring it to life in another way.  Thankfully this amazing book is now available to the world.  Click on the link and buy "The Order of the Four Sons".


                                                                                          Jason E. Foss
                                                                                          Empowered-individuals.blogspot.com
                                                                                          954 743 8670
                       

Sunday, February 17, 2019

Julie & Cynthia "2 Blondes Media Management" An Interview with Julie & Cynthia by Jason E. Foss

     
                                                                                  JULIE & CYNTHIA
                 
                                                                  (2 BLONDES MEDIA MANAGEMENT)

                     "Great Authors have the ability to create a story that connects with us from the beginning of a book to its very end.  Lets not forget about the talented and creative blondes that have a lot of their backs.  There is so much work that comes along with being an Indie Author.  Any one that thinks there is a magic wand that you aim at your goal and poof your successful is hugely mistaken.  There is work, work, and more work.  And after that repeat.  That's when Julie & Cynthia, the creators of '2 Blondes Management' comes in to lighten the load.  They let us know what motivated them."

                                                                                                                Jason E. Foss


Jason:                                        "What motivated you to create "2 Blondes Media Management"?"


J & C:

                                                   "We were helping our husband and father,  Author Michael Allen Scott with his social media presence.  We discovered that other Indie Authors can use our services.   Social Media can take up a lot of time, which is time away from writing, what they do best.


Jason:                                          "You both look like you're having fun working together.  What is your favorite thing about being able to help so many people take their business to the next level?"


J&C:

                                                     "Yes, we do have a lot of fun!  We're a mother and daughter team that work really well together.  Two blondes are way better than one!!  Also, we love to see Indie Authors flourishing and prospering.  We're constantly looking for ways to help them sell more books.


Jason:                                          "For your fans,  clients, and people that would like to know more about you two, briefly describe what you both do for your clients."


J&C:

                                                    "We're a boutique firm that specializes in personalized services for indie Authors.   We provide a wide range of services from e-mail account management to  Twitter and Facebook account management.   It all depends on what their individual needs are.


Jason:                                         "What was that moment while working together where the two of you looked at eachother and realized that your business was not only working but it was helping a lot of people.


J&C:

                                                   "Great feedback from our clients are always fulfilling.  We keep statistics on our various activities and love to see our stats going up.


Jason:                                        "For those that would love to work with you what is the best way to contact you and pay for your services?


J&C:

                                                  "You can always email Julie at Julie@2blondesmedia.com.  We can answer your questions and decide if our service is right for you.  Our website is  2blondesmedia.com.  We're in the process of getting it updated, but it can give you some basic information about some of the services that we have.

                                                                                          CLOSING

                       "Julie & Cynthia were motivated while helping their husband and father, Author Michael Allen Scott.  After all their help was proven successful they realized that they had a talent for helping Indie Authors to keep their energy and time focused on writing.  While their Author clients see the difference writing is without the business side lurking in the back of their mind these 2 blondes keep them organized and up to date with everything else their services provide.  What a great feeling to be working on chapters and meeting the deadlines you set for yourself knowing all of your emails are answered and up to date.  If you are an Indie Author and you sometimes feel overwhelmed managing your emails and your response time on Social Media.  If find yourself gettjng backed up and possibly missing out on opportunities this need not be the case.  Email Julie at Julie@2blondesmedia.com or click on the link to their website above and find out if '2 Blondes Media Management' services is right for you.  If you are a fit, rest assured they are going to give you 100% of their efforts as they did for their family when they first started!


                     .                                                                     Jason E. Foss
                                                                                          Empowered-individuals.blogspot.com
                                                                                          954 743 8670