Freedom of Press: Interview with Balthazar Rodrigue Nzomono-Balenda

Balthazar Rodrigue Nzomono-Balenda( August 29^th 1981) is an author who published several books of poetry in 2009, including  The Depth of My Soul, The Struggle for Power and the Fight for Survival and  his newest book, Freedom of press the  sitting duck. His books are based on different social circumstances and injustices that occur in our societies.

Born in Oullins (Lyon), France and raised in the Republic of the Congo, he is the second child of both André and Rose Nzomono-Balenda. Balthazar began to be interested in poetry in 2003, when he expressed himself about circumstances that he didn’t like in the Danish society. It was the time when he felt alienated by the Danish society.

He published poems in a Scandinavian poetry page known as digte.dk in Danish and Norwegian in the year 2003. In 2005, Balthazar decided to publish poems in English because he felt like it was more comfortable for him. He began to publish poems at www.allpoetry.com , where he also wrote poems about “god” and Jesus, when he was a Christian. On allpoetry.com, Balthazar wrote poems about social problems too. He got quick positive critiques from his fellow poets at allpoetry.com and most of them were Christians. He was encouraged by them because he was writing worshiping poems.  The same year, Balthazar went on writing poems at www.poetry.com, which today does not exist anymore because Lulu.com bought it. As he wrote poems at, poetry.com he often received letters from the International Library of Poetry Selection Committee (www.poetry.com) about some his poems reaching in the International Open Poetry Contest. In 2007, Balthazar was invited by the International Society of Poet Convention and Symposium because he was one of the nominees as the Poet of the Year, in Las Vegas, but he couldn’t make it. The same happened in 2008. When Balthazar decided to be an Agnostic-Atheist, he stopped writing Christian poems at allpoetry.com and it cost him many fans. Most of Balthazar’s fans from allpoetry.com are still from United States.

Balthazar is also a member of the International High IQ Society in 2006 and the Hamilton   Institute. Balthazar is a very active and hardworking person and he takes his life seriously. When he sets himself goals, he does everything to reach them.

Balthazar is also connected on other networking sites:

Twitter: @brnbalenda

Redroom:   www.redroom.com/author/balthazar-rodrigue-nzomono-balenda/bio

Facebook : www.facebook.com/nzomonobalenda

Personal portfolio: www.ganymedeweb.com

Facebook fan page  :http://www.facebook.com/pages/Balthazar-Rodrigue-Nzomono-Balenda/62700587511.

Q: Thank you for this interview, Balthazar. Can you tell us what your latest book, Freedom of Press is all about?

A: You’re welcome. It’s an honor for me to be interviewed by you. The book is about freedom of press being under attacked by criminal gangs, political parties and religious organizations who can’t stand the idea of an independent press because of their insecurities. Journalists are often warned, kidnapped, tortured or sometimes killed by these groups because they want a press, which is either silenced or controlled. Journalists are targets of violence and horrible circumstances in these following countries: Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Colombia, Somalia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Mexico, China and some other countries. Journalists are people like you and me who just doing their job and they need to be free to do so. Without them, we would have had a hard time knowing about different circumstances that occur around the world. It’s ok to disagree with them and their views, but barbaric acts only produce negative results.

Q: Is this your first novel?  If not, how has writing this novel different from writing your first?

A: It is my third book and the difference between my this and my first book is that in my first book, The Depth of My Soul is that in my first book, I talk about genocides, war crimes, abuse at all levels, dictatorship, religious fundamentalism etc. It was also a time, where I experienced for the first time, how it is like to be a writer. Whereas in Freedom of press the sitting duck, my third book is single subjected from the beginning to the end. However, I use poetry to talk about different stories journalists experience in their journey, especially when they do their works in countries that don’t welcome an independent press.

Q: How difficult was it writing your book?  Did you ever experience writer’s block and, if so, what did you do?

A: It was not difficult for me to write my book. What I needed to make sure is that I put some references, when I find pieces of information about such a situation. My publisher, I-Proclaim has really been very supportive of me and other authors. I don’t think I have ever experienced a writer’s block in this situation. I experienced a writer’s block when several agents  around the world have declined me and I decided to promote my books on my own.

Q: How have your fans embraced your latest novel?  Do you have any funny or unusual experiences to share?

A: My fans have embraced this novel by being very supportive and they understand, how important it is for a press to be independent. They have been so happy because they’ve never seen such a book before.

Q: What is your daily writing routine?

A: I don’t have a specific routines. I guess, I can adapt in any routine, when it comes to writing. I just get inspiration from news, documentaries before I even think about writing a book because it’s important that I educate myself before I write a book about a subject that I am passionate about.

Q: When you put the pen or mouse down, what do you do to relax?

A: I watch several sports and movies, I go out and enjoy myself with my friends. Sometimes, I spend time with my family and friends.

Q: What book changed your life?

A: The book that changed my life is the God Delusion by Richard Dawkins because I realized that religion is deceptive. I don’t have the book with me, but I listened to Richard Dawkins on Youtube talking about his book from there, my life changed from being an Agnostic Theist to being an Agnostic Atheist. Because of both private and external circumstances, I decided to stop being a Christian last year because I came to a conclusion that believing in the unknown would not help me through the process of reasoning and life at all. I’m the only one who can save myself and that’s why I am grateful that there are people like Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Pat Condell, Sam Harris and Ayaan Hirsi Ali.

Q: If someone were to write a book on your life, what would the title be?

A: Well… I don’t know. It would be up to the one who will decide to write a book about my life.

Q: Finish this sentence: “The one thing that I wish people would understand about me is…”

A: The one thing I wish people would understand about me is that I am an author who values our social situations and tries his best to bring them on the table. It can either be through poetry or non-fiction books. I talk about the Armenian genocide, other types of genocides and different types of injustices around the world. I know that they are abusive acts and I don’t care if some countries are offended because I bring these problems on the table because their offense shows their cowardliness. Writing is one of my passions and I have fun when I write.

Thank you for this interview Balthazar.  I wish you much success!

You’re welcome and thank you once again for welcoming me.

Return to Your First Love: Interview with Christian Self-Help Author Teresa Jones

Teresa Jones is the author of the newly released book, Return to Your First Love.  Teresa is a writer for the Neighborhood Writing Alliance (NWA), which publishes the award-winning Journal of Ordinary Thought (JOT). Teresa is a member of Toastmasters International and the National Association of Female Executives (NAFE). Teresa is faithful member of the Apostolic Faith Church, where she serves as a prayer counselor for the Prayer Line Ministry. She and her husband, Alexander, have been married for 16 years and have two children. You can visit Teresa R. Jones website at www.teresarjones.com. You can contact Teresa at teresa.jones@revelation2-4.com.

Thank you for this interview, Teresa. Can you tell us what your latest book, Return to Your First Love, is all about?

Return to Your First Love is my life story and my journey to seek an intimate relationship with God.  On this life journey I discover that there are hurdles of distractions, rejections, persecutions, and hurts. Others have positioned most of the hurdles, but I also have placed them in my path as a result of sin in my life.  As I am steered back on course by the leading of the almighty loving Father, I find forgiveness, compassion, blessings and joy.

My story begins in the Southside of Chicago, in the Woodlawn neighborhood.  Woodlawn is an area of the city where poverty, destruction and despair are prevalent.  To add to my troubles, I’m a member of a dysfunctional family.  My father often neglected his family responsibilities for gambling, and other women.  While growing up my problems intensify with a tumultuous relationship with mother.  In the midst of pain and strife, I become aware that God is extending His loving hand towards me, and comforts me through the ordeal.  I find peace in the midst of storm as I draw nigh unto Him.

As I come into adulthood, I don’t have the same struggles I had as a child.  There is a new set waiting for me as I transition into the next season of my life.  The new battles are men, friends, employers and even my siblings.  I exhaust a lot of precious time and energy fighting the wrong battles.  There is also conflict between my spirit and my flesh as I adopt a part-time relationship with God to spend time with the world.  My relationship with God still exists, but I have lost the zeal I had as a child, along with my childlike faith.  Unbeknownst to me, I have also lost my joy and have sunk into a depression.  Growing up, I often had people to ask me, “Why do you smile so much?”  My smile along with my peace had been exchanged with chronic crying, murmuring and complaining.

By age 27, it felt as though everything that could go wrong in my life was.  There were struggles with my finances, my employment and with my relationships.  No longer did I feel I was succeeding, but failing.  It appeared as though my life was on a downward spiral.  It was at this point that I came to myself.  Events of my life played out through my mind as I was knelt down on the floor at the foot of my bed.  I thought to myself, “I have done things my way long enough, let me try it God’s way.”  It was at this point that my life made took a turn for my good.  There have been other challenges, trials and tribulations along the way, but nevertheless, I have stayed the course.  I’m back with my first love.

Is this your first novel?  If not, how has writing this novel different from writing your first?

Yes, this is my first book.

How difficult was it writing your book?  Did you ever experience writer’s block and, if so, what did you do?

Writing Return to Your First Love has probably been the most challenging task I have ever had up to this point in my life.  I first had to overcome the fear and doubt of wondering if I could do it, and then I had to overcome the fear and doubt about how I was going to do it.  There were many times I second guessed myself.  After 10 years of working on this book, I’m elated to finally have a finished product.

I did experience writer’s block.  When this happened, I usually took a break.  Sometimes I would pick up where I left off and sometimes I took a break from writing for the remainder of the day.  Progress favors consistency.

How have your fans embraced your latest novel?  Do you have any funny or unusual experiences to share?

A:  The book has been well received by most.  I have received a lot of encouragement.  I have talked with several women who can relate to at least one aspect of my story.

One woman informed me that she was an atheist and that she had no interest in my book.  She was very polite about it, though.

This one guy replied to an email blast that went out about the book; asking if we had met, and if not, then could we meet.  I didn’t know that email blasts where another channel for finding a mate.

What is your daily writing routine?

My husband advised me to write at least 10 minutes per day.  Often times I found myself steering away from this routine.  When I write, I often do it from 30 minutes to two hours.  However, if I write for an extended period of time one day, I usually don’t write again until a few days later.  I think I will work harder at taking my husband’s advice in the future.

When you put the pen or mouse down, what do you do to relax?

I usually take a journal or pamphlet and listen to Christian music to put me in a rhythm to write.

What book changed your life?

With the exception of The Bible, I would have to say Think and Grow Rich, by Dennis Kimbro.

If someone were to write a book on your life, what would the title be?

Ironically, Return to Your First Love.

Finish this sentence: “The one thing that I wish people would understand about me is…”

My intimate relationship with God has made all the difference in my life.  He has saved me from situations that could have taken a turn for the worst, He sustains through the most trying times in my life, and He keeps on blessing with blessings I don’t even deserve.

Thank you for this interview Teresa.  I wish you much success on your latest release, Return to Your First Love!

Let’s Play Book Trivia with Romantic Suspense Authors K.M. Daughters

It’s time to play Book Trivia!  Periodically, we scour the Internet for interesting authors who would like to play Book Trivia with us.  By answering our book trivia questions, we get to learn things about the author no one else knows!  So, let’s get ready…let’s play…

Today our guest author is K.M. Daughters, author of The Sullivan Boys Romantic Suspense Series, Book 2, BEYOND THE CODE OF CONDUCT.

K.M. Daughters is the penname for team writers and sisters, Pat Casiello and Kathie Clare nee Lynch.  The author name is dedicated to the memory of their parents, Katherine and Michael, the “K” and “M” in K.M. Daughters.  Inspired by their father who wrote children’s books for them when they were small and their mother’s love of romance novels, K.M. Daughters was “born” a little under five years ago at a Romance Writers of American national conference when the sisters plotted their first manuscript, now published in E-book by Sapphire Blue Publishing: Past, Present and Forever.

Since that conference, K.M. Daughters has written five additional award-winning novels, all contracted to The Wild Rose Press and its new subsidiary, White Rose Publishing.  Most recently the 1^st book in The Sullivan Boys Romantic Suspense series was distinguished in The Lories published contest; Past, Present and Forever received the Coffee Time Romance and More Reviewer’s award and their upcoming release, Beyond The Code of Conduct was rated 4-stars, compelling, page turner, in the June 2009 issue of Romantic Times Book Review.

K.M. Daughters resides in Illinois and New Jersey with husbands Nick and Tom, a total of five children and two grandchildren between them.  Visit at: http://www.kmdaughters.com.

Thank you for playing Book Trivia with us, K.M.!  Here are your questions:

If Tom Hanks, in the movie Cast Away, unearthed a copy of Beyond The Code of Conduct, how would that help Tom find a way off the island?

The book would make great kindling for a rescue-me blaze – after he enjoyed reading it, of course.

Everyone knows rock star idol Brittany Spears is always in trouble with everything you can think of.  In what way could your book help her and set her life back on track?

Heroine Bobbie Leighton would set an excellent example for wayward Brittany.  After floundering for years trying to find that right career, Bobbie finally found her niche.  She thought it was law enforcement until she realized it was the right man.

You have a chance to appear on the hit talent show for authors, American Book Idol, with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi determining whether your book will make it to Hollywood and become a big screenplay.  What would impress them more – your book cover, an excerpt or your best review – and why?

Our favorite review because – and we’ll quote – “This book is hot, hot, hot!”

Hulk Hogan, the famous wrestler and star of his own reality show, has invited you and your book to appear on his show.  One catch.  You have to read a passage out of it to convince him you are star material.  What part would you read?

A line we particularly like, “You want hot?  I’ll give you hot.”  Then a mug of scalding tea flies.

They’ve invented a board game using the theme of your book.  What would the title of it be that would be different from your book and which retail store would they place it to make the most sales?

Love Heals.  Walmart, of course.

The Arbor Day Foundation has decided to pick one tree in your honor because of your writing brilliance.  What kind of tree is it and why did they choose that tree in relation to your book?

A weeping willow for its tenacity in the wind and soft beauty.

President Barack Obama has become the author of several books and he has requested your presence at a special hush hush meeting to discuss ways to promote it.  Through luck of the draw, you were chosen.  What would be the first thing you would tell Barack?

He definitely should play Book Trivia.

Finally, you just got word that your book has received the 2009 NY Times Bestselling Book Award and you have to attend the ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan.  Anyone who’s anyone will be there and it’s your shot for stardom.  On stage, you must give an acceptance speech.  What would you say and who would you thank?

Pat would say, “Thank you, Kathie.”  And Kathie would say, “Thank you, Pat.”  Finally we would chorus, “Thank you, Joelle Walker, our Fairy GodEditor at The Wild Rose Press.”

Getting to Know Tim Kellis, author of EQUALITY: THE QUEST FOR THE HAPPY MARRIAGE l Q&A + Blog Tour

I am honored to have as my guest today Tim Kellis, author of Equality: The Quest for the Happy Marriage, for which he has been touring this month and last month on a virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion. What I would like to do is get to know the author behind the book more. Wouldn’t you?

_______________

Thank you for this interview, Tim. Let’s start with your childhood. Where did you grow up and what was your childhood like for you?

I grew up in St. Louis, the second oldest of four. We grew up relatively poor. My dad worked as a cab driver and my mom a secretary during my entire upbringing.

And my parents were really strict with us. We used to get spanked on a regular basis and were really kept isolated from the rest of the world. We rarely went on vacation, really only to visit my parents relatives in Ohio and Kansas. Our outlet was a campsite outside of St. Louis where my parents had a trailer.

My mom had selected my career when I was a kid to be a priest, so I studied the bible. Yes, I was an altar boy, but I have not stories.

What I enjoyed most as a child was playing soccer, a sport I have played since I was 5. And I was actually pretty good. I even played in college, where we were Big 8 champs (the precursor to the Big 12) 2 of my 4 years in college.

What was most important about my childhood was a cathartic experience I had at 25, when I forgave my parents for my “terrible” upbringing, really the only reason I believe I am able to promote the path to a happy marriage, forgiving your parents. I believe the biggest key to success is really falling in love with your parents because of the detrimental influences form those imbalanced relationships with our parents.

___________________

How about those teenage years? Good or bad?

What I remember most about my teenage years was always being in trouble. I was constantly grounded. And in high school I was the kid who was always trying to be accepted by the “in” crowd, so my classmates would always pick on me.

But I discovered that I was good in school. In junior high I was just an average student but my second semester of my Freshman year I scored a perfect 4.0 GPA and eventually graduated second in my class of 406 with a 4.1 GPA because of college prep classes.

I was also pretty active in sports, playing football and soccer. My dad, who was really into athletics, was always proud of our sports achievements, although my high school football team broke the record when I was there for the longest losing streak in the state of Missouri, where we lost every game my Junior and Senior year.

I also didn’t really date much in high school, not discovering girls until I went off to college. I actually didn’t get my driver’s license until I was 18, making dating really difficult, in another example of my parents “destroying” my childhood.

___________________

Who was your first crush?

I didn’t meet my first love until after I graduated from college, when I moved to Kansas City to work for AT&T. We met about a month after graduation and I immediately fell in love. Her name was Marcia. There was just one problem in my young, immature mind, she had a child from a previous marriage. When AT&T offered me a promotion, requiring me to move to Blacksburg, VA, I couldn’t pull the trigger and marry Marcia. Soon after I moved she met someone else, whom she eventually married. I was crushed.

___________________

How do you know love is for real?

To me the bottom line with love is when you meet someone that you cannot imagine ever living without. This is when you decide you have met your soul mate, someone you want to spend the rest of your life with, have children with, and grow old together.

The led to my absolute, utter confusion when at 36 I met someone I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life with, only to see that relationship end. This led to me researching and writing my book.

___________________

What’s the perfect romantic evening like for you?

Oh wow, excellent question. To me the most romantic evenings are those evenings while traveling. I love to travel. When you travel you get to step away from your daily existence, and what a wonderful time to spend with your love.

After a full day of activities, the perfect evening is returning back to the hotel room to get ready for a wonderful night out. First you find that romantic spot for dinner, and then you go out to a club for dancing.

And then you return back to the hotel room for an evening of passionate…

___________________

____________________

Favorite romantic movie?

I’ve always thought Sleepless in Seattle is the most romantic movie, the notion that there is someone out there for you and all you need to do is find that person. The buildup to their meeting is timeless. The reality is we spend so much time today looking for that right person and when that person does eventually come along then you finally can become whole. We are not meant to live our lives as adults alone.

___________________

What do you like to do for fun on Saturday afternoons?

Living in Florida I love anything to do with the water. The ocean is so accessible and there are pools everywhere. Maybe you spend the day on a boat, or at the beach, or just swimming at a pool. Saturday’s are so awesome because you don’t have the pressure of work to worry about. You get to take work off of your mind, if only for a short time.

___________________

Of all the places you have traveled, which location did you fall in love with?

After graduate school I traveled to Europe, visiting 9 cities in 30 days, by myself. That was one of the most wonderful experiences I have ever had. And my favorite city by far was Rome. I am a huge history buff and there is no other city with such a culture of history as you find in Rome. I cannot wait to return.

___________________

Of all the places you haven’t traveled, where would you most likely want to go more than anywhere else?

I love traveling so much, and have been to so many places, that you ask a tough question. I would probably have to answer a place more historic than Rome, and that would be Greece, the birthplace of philosophy.

___________________

What’s the most favorite room of your house?

I would have to say the bedroom, where romance occurs. And I have finally discovered I love to study my dreams.

___________________

Do you like to entertain?

I am really quite sociable so yes I love to entertain, whether during the day or night on weekends. There is nothing like having your friends around.

___________________

Can you tell I’m running out of questions?

Nothing wrong with a lot of questions. The funny thing about that is I am almost done with my 2 month blog tour and have answered more questions than I could have ever imagined, but your questions have let me travel in my mind. Thank you for your questions.

___________________

Would you like me to stop asking you questions?

No, ask away.

___________________

LOL, okay, last question. Tell us one thing about Tim Kellis that no one knows and I’ll leave you alone.

One of the things I have really worked on recently is my emotional side. I have spent the last 20 years in a professional career filled with a logical approach to life that I have realized that I have missed out on another side of my mental life. The belief that a guy with feelings is gay is not true. In fact, having feelings is actually awesome. I hope someday to be as emotionally developed as I am logically developed.

___________________

Thank you for coming, Tim, and good luck with Equality: The Quest for the Happy Marriage!

About the Book:

The journey through “Equality: The Quest for the Happy Marriage” includes a trip through history, where the most significant lessons civilization has learned over the last few thousand years are used to demonstrate not only the way to set up a positive relationship, but the causes of that relationship turning negative.

Additionally, I dive into the science of psychology to answer the most basic question anyone asks who goes through the pain of divorce, “why didn’t we work out”?

The basic premise of the book is that we have a 50% divorce rate yet there doesn’t appear to be anything happening to help solve this problem. Just because divorce has become a significant part of our culture doesn’t mean we should simply sit back while countless families suffer through the agony of splitting up.

The toll to society tomorrow because of our culture of divorce today is impossible to determine but future generations will have to deal with this change to the culture that has occurred over the last two generations.

For the first time in history I elaborate on a psychological solution to our psychological problems so that couples can learn how to change the direction of their negative relationships. In essence, the psychological objective is to understand what happens mentally between two people who make one of the most important decisions of their lives, to get married.

The objective of this book is to provide real, logical help to couples so that they can learn how to stay out of the divorce trap. The bottom line is to learn how to set up your relationship so that you can maintain a happy, healthy, harmonious, loving, affectionate, intimate marriage.

___________________

You can purchase Tim Kellis’ Equality: The Quest for the Happy Marriage by clicking here!

Book Trivia: Interview with Historical Fiction Author J.A. Hunsinger

It’s time to play Book Trivia! Periodically, we scour the Internet for interesting authors who would like to play Book Trivia with us. By answering our book trivia questions, we get to learn things about the author no one else knows! So, let’s get ready…let’s play…Book Trivia!

Today our guest author is J. A. Hunsinger, author of the historical fiction novel, Axe of Iron: The Settlers!

J. A. Hunsinger lives in Colorado, USA, with his wife Phyllis. The first novel of his character-driven, historical fiction series, Axe of Iron – The Settlers, represents his first serious effort to craft the story of a lifelong interest in the Viking Age—especially as it pertains to Norse exploration west of Iceland—and extensive research and archaeological site visitations as an amateur historian. He has tied the discovery of many of the Norse artifacts found on this continent to places and events portrayed in his novels.

Much of his adult life has been associated with commercial aviation, both in and out of the cockpit. As an Engineering Technical Writer for Honeywell Commercial Flight Systems Group, Phoenix, AZ, he authored two comprehensive pilots’ manuals on aircraft computer guidance systems and several supplemental aircraft radar manuals. His manuals were published and distributed worldwide to airline operators by Honeywell Engineering, Phoenix, AZ. He also published an article, Flight Into Danger, in Flying Magazine, (August 2002).

American Institute of Archaeology, Canadian Archaeology Association, MIPA-Midwest Independent Publishers Association, and IBPA-Independent Book Publishers Association, are among the fraternal and trade organizations in which he holds membership.
http://www.vinlandpublishing.com/
http://www.vinlandpublishing.blogspot.com/

Thank you for playing Book Trivia with us, Jerry! Here are your questions:

If Tom Hanks, in the movie Cast Away, unearthed a copy of Axe of Iron: The Settlers, how would that help Tom find a way off the island?

From reading the book, he would learn how to survive, how tools are built, and how wooden ships and boats are built. Knowing this would give him hope and perhaps a flash of ingenuity.

Everyone knows rock star idol Britney Spears is always in trouble with everything you can think of. In what way could your book help her and set her life back on track?

Can she read?

You have a chance to appear on the hit talent show for authors, American Book Idol, with judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi determining whether your book will make it to Hollywood and become a big screenplay. What would impress them more – your book cover, an excerpt or your best review – and why?

The best review. It tells the entire story from another person’s perspective.

Hulk Hogan, the famous wrestler and star of his own reality show, has invited you and your book to appear on his show. One catch. You have to read a passage out of it to convince him you are star material. What part would you read?

The scene with the dying native in a canoe that drifts to a shoreline where a grizzly kills and eats him is poignant, I think.

They’ve invented a board game using the theme of your book. What would the title of it be that would be different from your book and which retail store would they place it to make the most sales?

Axeman. Wal-Mart, Sam’s. Amazon

The Arbor Day Foundation has decided to pick one tree in your honor because of your writing brilliance. What kind of tree is it and why did they choose that tree in relation to your book?

Yew tree. The area of Canada, Quebec, where the first two books take place have an abundance of yew.

President Barack Obama has become the author of several books and he has requested your presence at a special hush hush meeting to discuss ways to promote it. Through luck of the draw, you were chosen. What would be the first thing you would tell Barack?

Thank you for inviting me.

Finally, you just got word that your book has received the 2009 NY Times Bestselling Book Award and you have to attend the ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan. Anyone who’s anyone will be there and it’s your shot for stardom. On stage, you must give an acceptance speech. What would you say and who would you thank?

I am humbled by this honor that you have bestowed on my book and me. My wife Phyllis and my brother Tom are partially responsible for the final product. Phyllis is not only my wife, she is my best friend, and one of the few people on earth to whom I listen. On occasion, I need a push, to get me going again. She happily provides that. My brother Tom is now doing my research. His encyclopedic knowledge of the American Indian is proving to be invaluable for the other four books of the Axe of Iron series.

And so forth, thanks, Jerry.

Thank you for playing, Jerry!  What a good sport…everyone go out and pick up a copy of his latest book, Axe of Iron: The Settlers!

It’s Maggie Rose Crane Week – Day One!

As promised, we have a great week ahead at As the Pages Turn. Maggie Rose Crane, author of the self-help book for baby boomer women, Amazing Grays: A Woman’s Guide to Making the Next 50 the Best 50 (Regardless of your hair color!), will be here with us to talk about her new book!

Today, we’ll be interviewing her to find out more about Maggie, the author behind the book. On Wednesday, we’ll have a wonderful guest post from her and she’ll be available to answer questions. On Thursday, we’ll have a fantastic review that I know she’s just waiting for!

Thank you for visiting us today, Maggie. I know you are on a virtual book tour and it seems you’ve been answering the same familiar questions. I’d like to do something a little different. I’d like to explore the author behind the book. First, I’d love to have you share a little about your lifestyle. Are you married? Do you have kids? What part of the country do you call home?

I, too, enjoy getting to know an author’s story. It’s interesting to see what brings a person to this point in their lives, and perhaps find ways that our histories might intersect. I was born and raised in Wisconsin, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, lived and worked in Chicago for many years, and moved to California in the early 80s. I have been married to the same wonderful man for 23 years, whom I met here in California. I have one daughter from a previous marriage, 2 stepsons and now, 2 beautiful grandchildren. I love the southern California lifestyle – relaxed, casual, lots of time outdoors and warm and wonderful neighbors. (Did I mention no snow!)?

Backing up a few years, can you tell us about your childhood?

I was the oldest of 6 children with parents who both worked blue-collar jobs. My father was a bit of a drinker, so there was a fair amount of abuse suffered by all. As the oldest, a lot of the household responsibilities and chores fell on my shoulders. I guess I coped by pulling inward and insulating myself from the chaos around me. I would often retreat to our neighborhood Catholic Church and bury myself in a pew amongst the adults. Here I took solace in the music, incense and melodic incantations of the mass. I seems I was a seeker from an early age.

I’m not sure where it came from, but I was motivated to make something of myself. I was determined not to be like my father and not to take root where I was planted. I was the first in my family to graduate from college, travel the world and seek a life outside the city I was born in. You could say I’m a living example of the notion that what doesn’t kill you – makes you stronger.

I hated my teenage years. Too many hormones flying around and I sometimes felt no one understood me or cared. What was it like growing up as a teenager for you?

As I said, I created a rich life outside of my family. I was pretty much invisible at home. I was very active in junior high and high school. I played sports, was a champion high jumper and eventually became a varsity cheerleader. I also had some good friends who included me in their family activities.

The fact that I even went to college is something of a miracle. My parents never encouraged me to pursue higher education. Days before my high school graduation, one of the counselors caught me in the hallway and asked which school I would be attending after graduation. I told her I wasn’t planning on going to college. Looking me in the eye, she said something that changed the trajectory of my life. “What a waste” she whispered.

It took me by surprise… and it stuck with me. If she thought I was college material, maybe I should look into it! And I did. Unfortunately I suffered a bad case of mono immediately after graduation and was hospitalized for 6 weeks. After I recovered I made a beeline to register for classes at City College, and later transferred to the University. Through a bit of a long and circuitous route, I eventually received my BS in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh.

It really made me aware that you never know how something you say may impact another person’s life – so be kind and be truthful.

I left home to get married. When you left home for the first time, when was it and why did you leave?

I left home to attend City College, but I only moved across town to be closer to school. I lived with my grandmother, which turned out to be a wonderful experience. She grew up in Poland, and immigrated to America at 16. During our time together I grew to appreciate her journey and the strength she had to muster to make a new life for her self. We became very close – and her love and support inspired me to appreciate the opportunities I had and make the most of myself.

My first job was picking turnip greens off a conveyor belt at a food packing plant! What was your first job?

Besides the occasional babysitting and waitressing jobs in high school, my first “real” job with a steady paycheck was that of a “stewardess” for American Airlines. After just 2 years of college I had an itch to get out of my hometown – I wanted to see the world! It was a great job, and I kept it long enough to help me finish college a few years later. The 747 airplanes were brand new at the time, and had a downstairs galley. I bid this position and flew M-W-F turnarounds from Chicago to the west coast and back so that I could study between meal services while on route. On Tues and Thurs I would attend my college classes from 8am-8pm. I also took the summers off and spent 2-3 months traveling around Europe. During spring break, I would use my miles to fly to Arizona or someplace warm to write my term papers and study for exams. It was a great job!

When did life suddenly make sense to you?

There was a pivotal moment and I remember it like it was yesterday. As a college student I was riding the elevator as I went from English Lit to American History class. The doors opened and in walked a disheveled looking girl, crumpled clothes, greasy face, papers sticking out of her book, and reeking of Ambush cologne. From my position at the back of the elevator I began to judge her mercilessly. Suddenly I heard a faint buzzing and it was as if time stood still. From nowhere in particular I heard a voice say, “You are the same”. I was flooded with a rush of love and compassion so deep I was dumbfounded. I “saw” that she and I were not separate. As I judged her – I judged myself. It was a moment of clarity. I had always believed in a Divine presence that connected us all, but this was a concrete experience of it. From then on – I knew that “everything is all right.” I now understand that I am an integral part of life, as are we all, and not separate from it. Sometimes, I can still tap into the profound love I felt back then. My intention is to be able to live it. I write about this experience in more detail in Amazing Grays.

Of the three stages of life – childhood, adolescence, adulthood – which can you look back and reflect and say, “This is the real Maggie Rose Crane!”?

I spent so many of my younger years trying to be the person I thought I was “supposed” to be that I rarely got to be the person I really am. It wasn’t until I reached midlife and began to rub shoulders with my mortality that I decided that I’d better embrace my authenticity NOW – as there were no guarantees I’d even have a “later”.

Allowing my hair to go gray was another pivotal decision. On the day my hairstylist cut off all my brunette hair to reveal a short, sassy silver hairdo – I began to feel lighter, freer, more ME. The artificially colored hair represented the person I had tried to be. Now, my silver hair reflected the authentic me – no pretense, no pretending. It translated into a deeper appreciation of how important it was to live my life from a place of authenticity and joy. My first 50 may have been all about putting myself on the back burner and tending to the needs of others. This next 50 is about putting myself back at the top of my list!

Today, we all need places to go to reflect and touch base with our Inner Self. Where do you go?

I head to my meditation cushion on a daily basis to “practice” living in the moment. It calms and centers me – and reminds me to carry that mindset into my daily life. I also take occasional silent retreats at a monastery to recharge and refocus – as day-to-day living can so easily pull one off Center. Through my practice I’ve come to appreciate that the noisy chatter of self-hate inside my head is not “who I am”. I’ve learned that the past is just a memory, the future a dream and the only way to avoid missing the life I have is to live it mindfully in the now. That’s why I practice.

Finally, what advice can you give everyone on how they can live life to its fullest?

By choosing to live mindfully, every moment is rich with experience. Stop indulging the compulsion to regret the past and fantasize about the future. We’ve all had the experience of living mindlessly. It’s that feeling of wondering where the years went, how did we get here, even not remembering what we had for dinner last night!

To get good at anything, we have to practice. I recommend we each find some way to practice mindfulness – meditation, centering prayer, yoga, tai chi, Qigong. Pick one and stick with it, no matter what your inner voices tell you. By living each moment as it happens, your life will feel fuller, longer and richer – no matter how the years add up.

Thank you Dorothy for this opportunity to share a bit of my own story. Readers can learn more at www.maggiecrane.com. If they decide to purchase “Amazing Grays” from this site they will receive an autographed copy, free shipping and a bookmark with a wonderful quote affirming the amazing woman we’ve become.

Thank you, Maggie! Everyone, stay tuned, because Maggie will be back on Wednesday with a wonderful guest post and answer any questions you may have!

Interview with Fantasy Author Sienna Skyy

We have a wonderful interview for you today with romantic fantasy author, Sienna Skyy. Sienna’s book, American Quest, is the debut title from The Story Plant, a new publishing house set up by Lou Aronica and Peter Miller, two well-known and respected industry veterans.

Itʼs such a pleasure to have Sienna here with us today at As The Pages Turn so we can find out more about her, her book and this exciting new publishing house.

Thank you for this interview, Sienna, and welcome to As The Pages Turn!

Sienna: Thanks for having me!

Can you tell us briefly what your new book is about?

Sienna: Sure. American Quest is a tale about love, evil, magic, and the fate of humanity. It centers around Bruce and Gloria, a young couple with uncommon depths of passion for life, the things they believe in, and each other. But they fall prey to a dark force—there are hordes of demon-like creatures called Maculs who look for ways to defile human virtues. If the Maculs achieve a certain degree of success, they gain power over humanity. Enervata is one such Macul. He abducts Gloria and lays a trap of seduction and temptation, trying to turn her to his side and lay down her love for Bruce and all that she cherishes. If Enervata succeeds, he enslaves the entire human race; but if he fails, he will kill Gloria. Bruce learns that his only hope is to find the Four Pillars of Humanity. He embarks on a quest to find the Pillars, fight Enervata, and save his true love.

Why did you choose to query The Story Plant, a new publishing house and one in which no one was familiar?

Sienna: Apparently my manager had submitted my work, unbeknownst to me. They’d been looking for manuscripts to launch their new publishing house, but couldn’t seem to find the right one. Having read my other work, they approached me with the idea of creating something completely new. I jumped at the chance to work closely with publishing legend Lou Aronica.

Did you have to be agent-represented?

Sienna: I don’t know whether you have to be, but I do have an excellent manager who had made this connection for me.

Aspiring authors area always on the look out for publishing houses that help the authors promote their books. What kind of publicity do you get with The Story Plant?

Sienna: The Story Plant has launched a really cool online marketing campaign, including a virtual tour (which is what brought me here today). But holding true to their innovative model, they’ve also put together an amazing multimedia package, complete with music and imagery.

What are Lou Aronica and Peter Miller like to work with?

Sienna: I’ve learned so much from both of them, and they’re also a lot of fun to interact with. I worked closely with Lou Aronica right from the start of the project, and his guidance helped me to take this to a whole new level. He not only helped me tighten my prose (didn’t realize I had a tendency to wander in character point of view like that) but somehow guided me in such a way that I worked more efficiently than ever before. Perhaps that’s because he is a writer himself and understands the process. He’s also a foodie and a musician, so it was a kick to get his perspective on those parts of the book. As for Peter Miller, he’s an unstoppable force. He knows everyone and is a master of the art of the deal. Everyone wins when he’s involved. This is truly my dream team.

How much time did it take for the book to be accepted and it being published?

Sienna: From the moment of editorial acceptance, it took about 15 months.

What genres are The Story Plant looking for?

Sienna: I’m not sure, but definitely urban fantasy (since that’s what American Quest is), and I believe they also might be looking for thrillers. But I would suspect that genre is less important to them than wide-reaching concepts for international markets, with an emphasis on works that are motion picture ready.

Honestly, why do you believe your book was chosen to be its debut title?

Sienna: I know they were looking for a “big” concept, and that they wanted something powerful that would touch the heart. Plus there’s the fact that I’ve always been extremely lucky. :)

Do you plan on more books with them?

Sienna: Absolutely. In fact we’re gearing up for the sequel to American Quest, which will be called Otherworld Quest.

Thank you so much for this interview, Sienna. It’s been a pleasure! Can you tell us how we can pick up a copy of your book?

Sienna: Sure, it’s in all the major stores such as Barnes & Noble, and of course you can always get it online at bn.com or amazon.com. Thanks for having me!

Technorati Tags:
author interview, Sienna Skyy, American Quest, fantasy novel, virtual book tour, blog tour, virtual blog tour
Add to: | Technorati | Digg | del.icio.us | Yahoo | BlinkList | Spurl | reddit | Furl |