Top Selling Authors: Get To Know Them Better

Featured Interview With Gerald Hogg

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am originally from Bedford in England but I grew up in Middlesbrough. When I was four years old, in the mid-1950s, my parents took me to Jamaica to live which must have planted in me the seed to travel, as I have been travelling ever since. I have lived in ten different countries and worked in five-star hotels and restaurants around the world as a chef. I have also worked on cruise ships, Antarctic supply ships, a gold mine in Papua New Guinea and the Falkland Islands after the war with Argentina.
I have written seven books in total, five of them are travel books aimed at retirees and baby boomers and I have also written a biography, “You will never amount to anything”.
I have now retired to Thailand where I live on the beautiful island of Koh Samui and travel extensively throughout South East Asia researching my travel books.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
The first books I remember reading were the Just William series of books by Richmal Crompton. As I matured I read everything Charles Dickens wrote and all of The Hobbit series of books by J. R. R. Tolkien, I also loved Catch 22 by Joseph Heller. My daughter was born in 1974, and as she grew older I would read Watership Down by Richard Adams to her at bedtime. Looking back now it was probably a little scary for a little girl, but she loved the book as much as I did. Being at sea for much of my life, books were an important source of entertainment in the few leisure hours that you get working on a ship. I would read everything that I could get my hands on, from Agatha Christie to Ernest Hemingway, from Nevil Shute to Leslie Thomas.
I started writing at the age of 65 when I retired in Thailand. With 60 being the new 40 that would be 41 in new years. I wrote my first book The Retire in Thailand Handbook for retirees and baby boomers who may be looking for an alternative retirement plan, to retire to a country where their pension dollars will stretch much further. I found that I loved writing so much that I made the book into a book series, “The Retirees Guide Travel Book Series”. I also wrote a biography “You Will Never Amount to Anything and have just finished my first novel; The Deptford Mask Murders.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favourite authors of today are James Lee Burke, Elmore Leonard, Dennis Lehane, Kate Atkinson, and Khaled Hosseini. I also like to read any travel-related books especially anything by Michael Palin and Bill Bryson. I don’t think any author actually influenced me, I just loved losing myself in a good book, but many authors have inspired me, Ernest Hemingway, Harper Lee and Charles Dickens.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
The book is called; “The Deptford Mask Murders; the First Capital Murder Trial in 1905 Using Fingerprint Forensics.”
The inspiration for the book came from my brother John. It was his project but he sadly died while the book was still in its planning stage. I decided to research the story myself and when I started to read about this fascinating period of criminal history I could see how the story of the Stratton Brothers trial had impressed my brother so much, so I chose to write and publish the book as a tribute to him.

In 1905 a crime took place in London that would change the way that police forces around the world would identify criminal suspects, the Deptford Mask Murders.
On the 27th of March 1905, Thomas Farrow was found beaten to death in an oil and paint shop he managed in Deptford. Ann Farrow, Thomas’s wife was also badly beaten and succumbed to her injuries and died in hospital one week later. This was the crime that the Scotland Yard Fingerprint Bureau had been waiting for since the bureau was formed in 1901, a high profile crime that would put the spotlight on the science of fingerprinting as a reliable, efficient and infallible system of identifying criminals.
A week after the crime was committed; Brothers Alfred and Albert Stratton were arrested and were later put on trial at the Old Bailey accused of wilful murder. The prosecution had very little evidence to convict the brothers and what they did have was mainly circumstantial, except for a thumbprint which was found on a cash box in the Farrows bedroom above the paint shop. Fingerprinting had never been used to solve a serious crime before in Britain and was often seen as being untrustworthy and untested, with one magistrate Fingerprinting had never been used to solve a serious crime before in Britain and was often seen as being untrustworthy and untested, with one magistrate writing to The Times; “Scotland Yard, once known as the world’s finest police organisation, will be the laughing stock of Europe it if insists on trying to trace criminals by odd ridges on their skins.”
The book is based on those true events and is my interpretation of what I believe could have happened 115 years ago when fingerprints were used for the very first time in Great Britain to convict the Stratton brothers of wilful murder.
All of the main characters in this book who played their part in having the brothers convicted were real people in this extraordinary historical event.

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Gerald Hogg’s Website

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Featured Interview With “The Whisperer” & Donna Earl “The Urban Soap Opera Diva”

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
“The Whisperer” (To Remain Anonymous)

Donna Earl, aka The Urban Soap Opera Diva is originally from Chester, Pennsylvania, now residing in Washington, D.C. She received her education from Morgan State University as Kaplan University. She is also the author of When I Close My Eyes and Eyes Wide Open.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
“The Whisperer”

My age of recognition of my fascination with books was since the first time someone (at teacher) asked me to write a sentence. It was at that point that I realized “someone” had to write this, it didn’t just appear out of thin air. I wasn’t just reading pages, I was getting between someone’s ears, that was very powerful to me. I have always written things since I can remember. I used to keep a diary when it wasn’t “fashionable” for men (or boys) to do so, keeping my thoughts since I was about 11 years old.

Writing poetry, songs and sharing my thoughts happened depending on whether or not I was in love or in a relationship. If I wasn’t I didn’t write, I always wrote when I was in a relationship. I didn’t actually pin a book until about 10 years ago.

Donna Earl “The Urban Soap Opera Diva”

I came late with my fascination with books. I was about 26 yrs old. I relocated to Washington DC and roomed with my friend Teeann Hawkins. She was an avid reader and she shared her love of books with me giving me my first book to read entitled “The Home.” It was a great read so she shared “Son of the Endless Night. Wow!!! Then I was off and running. I started reading Stephen King, VC Andrews, Terry McMillian, Walter Mosely…even Zane. I just read…

I started writing in 2004. My friend had shared her life story with me (it was a story and a half) and I felt she should share it with others; to be used as a service to those who suffered the same beginnings. She declined for personal reasons, so after her passing, I took on the task to bring it to life. That’s how “When I Close My Eyes” came about. Then Eyes Wide Open and now The Chameleon Judge.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
“The Whisperer”

I have always been fascinated by James Baldwin, Alex Haley and believe it or not Dear Abby. All of them brought something to the mental table of a young person with a drifting imagination. I don’t really have a favorite genre, it really depends on my personal what, when, why and how at that particular time. My musing inspiration changes all of the time. As I mentioned earlier, my relationships (various types), someone new I may meet, something I may see or possibly read. It’s why I never “plan” to write, when the feeling hits, I literally go with the flow.

Donna Earl “The Urban Soap Opera Diva”

Favorite authors are Stephen King, Walter Mosely and Terry McMillian. Those are my top three but I have a library of all types of books. My favorite genre to read, I can’t say but I have to admit I enjoyed books written by Ashley & Jaquavis and a brother by the name Kwan ( I like a little danger). I also like the Coldest Winter by Sister Souljah. I believe family and friends have been my inspiration to continue storytelling, if you call it that. I have a new story on the burner, entitled “BaLink” that is inspired by a friend of mine that use to be a DJ in Washington D.C. Was working on it the same time as “The Chameleon Judge” and I have another idea whirling around about another story that will be next.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I was inspired to write this book to defend the victim. Sexual Abuse/Molestation is a violation that was swept under the rug until recent years. The violation, however defined, leaves scars the victims have been left to deal with. One needs to understand the sexual violation is a sore that never heals. The scab comes and goes. We want this book to show for one victim, Jake Turner, how his sore remained open all his adult life and how it oozed, damnation, shame and how even after therapy, the sore could not be healed. Another inspiration is telling the story that despite having negative, dominating experiences one can still persevere and be a successful professional. Ultimately, getting the story told, using musing as therapy to deal with one’s past.

I Would like the readers to understand sexual abuse leaves a stain of shame that is not easily erased. The scar of this violation cannot be eliminated with the word sorry or with financial payoff. It’s an everlasting noose that pulls tighter and tighter around the neck of the victim nearly cutting off the victim’s well-being. Additionally, we don’t want readers to feel or believe that all members of the LGTBQ Community are predators, this book is loosely based on the experiences of a real-life person who lived with them.

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Featured Interview With Tonya M Logan

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m a native Washingtonian. After my divorce and parenting two children, my book was finalized published after taking 16 years to complete. I have nearly 30 years of professional clinical experience working with those managing conflict and trauma. A native Washingtonian, I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Virginia and my master’s degree in social work from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. I spent the bulk of my career, in D.C. and Maryland, working with biological parents and foster parents by securing permanency whether via reunification, adoption, or independent living. I was the clinical director of a program which provided in-home services to families at-risk of abuse and/or neglect in an attempt to strengthen and stabilize families so they would be diverted from the child welfare system. I was a contractor with an organization in which I facilitated 10-week grief groups for those impacted by homicide following my certification as a grief recovery specialist. I transitioned to being the supervisory social worker in a non-public school for students diagnosed with emotional disturbance and/or autism and then to a D.C., Title I, public school.
Currently, I am the Founder & CEO of Kayla’s Village, www.kaylasvillage.org, begun in July 2007, which strives to be the premier provider of innovative seminars and supportive resources for individuals, families, professionals, and communities. I am a full-time clinician providing counseling to individuals, couples, and families and on the Advisory Board of the Center for Infant and Child Loss. I am an active church member of Trinity AME Zion Church and the parent of two children, one by adoption and one by birth, and have hosted two exchange students. Obviously, I try to tailor my life to help others in need.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I have always been fascinated with books as I have always enjoyed reading for pleasure. I did not consider publishing a book until my daughter died. What began as a journal so that I would recall all details morphed into my self-published book, “Mommie’s Bright Sunshine.”

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I enjoy many Christian authors as well as those who share testimonies of overcoming their challenges. I feel the latter give me hope to encourage myself as well as others as I can then use examples with those who are hurting.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My first book is “Mommie’s Bright Sunshine.” I would like my readers to understand that death is an expected part of the completion of life. We know that everything born has a designated time to die and sometimes death arrives much earlier than we could have ever anticipated. Those who have a child diagnosed with an illness often have to watch their child suffer and then die if a cure is not found. For those of us who awake one morning with promises and plans for the future and then have our life suddenly to take another unanticipated, unknown course when our child is unexpectedly taken from us, is an unthinkable tragedy that only those who have experienced it can describe the lack of preparation. To lose a child – any child, by any means – is horrific. This book is a humble attempt to share my story and prayerfully to help heal others without judgment as we have endured enough. My sincere prayer is that all who touch this book will be moved to greater blessings and comfort as we overcome each day knowing that it is one day closer to being reunified with our child.

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Tonya M Logan’s Website

Tonya M Logan Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Arthur van den Elzen

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in the south of Holland, better said in the Netherlands (in 1964). The 4th of five children my parents set on this planet, 4 boys and 1 girl. Through my studies I did my thesis in Riobamba, Ecuador, working at an educational radiostation. After finishing college (or University, as they say in Europe) I worked in that field for almost 7 years in Ecuador, followed by 3 years in Guatemala.

In 2003 I returned to Ecuador, with my wife Wendy and our daughter Lisa. Nowadays we run a hotel and restaurant in the Andean market town of Otavalo. Besides that, I do a lot of reading and writing.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was fascinated by books from a very young age, although I have to admit that when still young I preferred to go out and play soccer with my brothers and friends. That said, I felt one day I would meet up with my book fascination and that happened when I went for 6 months to do my thesis in Riobamba, Ecuador. Of a sudden, at night, I had all the time in the world to read and write.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I prefer History & Biographies. Non fiction books about the old civilizations like the Maya-civilization. As well as books about the Second World War, the Vietnam War, Europe, the USA, Latin America (especially Mexico), Exploration, Travel (James Cook, Von Humboldt).

The best book I ever read is Jose Luis Martinez’ “Hernán Cortés” (only in Spanish), followed by Robert A. Caro’s biography (4 volumes..so far) about Lyndon B. Johnson and Janet Browne’s 2 volume set about Charles Darwin. Amazing books, inspiring authors.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book I wrote in honor of my father. On his death bed in 2011 he literally asked me to put his remarkable life story on paper. He knew I was interested in the past, his past. Even as a young boy I was always asking question. And besides that, he was the proudest costumer and seller of my books I had written so far (in Dutch). Of all the stories written, I’m the proudest of this book. An honor really.

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Arthur van den Elzen’s Website

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Featured Interview With Charyse Allan

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I published my first novel in 2014 and have published five others since. I completed my BA in Professional Writing through GCU. Now married to my best friend/high school sweetheart, we live in the sweltering heat of Arizona raising our four kiddos and two Goldens. I’m a bookaholic and chocoholic; my vices keep me sane, but Father keeps me patient.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was around ten when I became fascinated with books. I still have memories of one of my favorite books of that time was Promises to Keep. It was a sweet book about young girls adapting to being ladies and interacting with girls that made life more difficult. This was important to my passion with writing. I have always worked to write pieces that stick with people. I want them to be able to recall my books years later. I loved creating stories from a young age, but I didn’t become passionate about writing until I was twenty.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Some of my favorite authors include Justina Chen, Karen Marie Morning, Aprilynne Pike, Sally Thorne, Tijan, and Penny Reid

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest release was “Kate,” released June 20th. It’s a fast-paced contemporary romance with an intelligent, headstrong heroine who fights against a dark past by clinging to her woven control and a sexy air force hero who insists on pushing her to relent that control. Surprising twists, secrets revealed, and the test of true love, “Kate” will have readers hungry for every word.

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Charyse Allan’s Website

Charyse Allan Facebook Page

Charyse Allan Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Lucia Matuonto

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a writer and painter. I grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and now I am living between the US, Spain and Italy. I have been living in many countries where I had the opportunity to learn about different cultures and to open my mind to the world. As a Physiotherapist, I used to treat disabled children and learned to enjoy entering their fantastic and emotional world. I love animals and I have a cat called Atila.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Since I was little I preferred reading books over playing with dolls. Reading fascinates me and I cannot spend a day without reading or writing. I started writing blogs and short stories about 20 years ago.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite writers are John Grisham, Stephen King, Agatha Christie, Mario Vargas Llosa and Isabel Allende.I also enjoy reading children’s chapter books .
My favorite genres are suspense and adventure. I am inspired by Kate DiCamillo’s books for children.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Zoe the crab tells the story of a clever little crab, who is very curious about the exciting world around her. However, she is also afraid to face the many challenges that wait for her on the crowded beach, outside her safe and cozy hole. To accomplish her desire of getting out, discovering new places and making many new friends, she has to deal with predators, humans, snakes, and all kind of unplanned surprises. Zoe is puzzled and bothered by the fact that she walks sideways. She thinks it is silly and very inefficient. She keeps trying to walk forward. She is always questioning her brothers why only crabs walk like this, while her brothers keep making fun of her. She has no friends and sometimes she is so tired that she just wants to stay at home with her mom.
She is the youngest of three siblings and she is sometimes more mature than her teenager brothers, who are always getting into trouble.
One day she gets also dragged into it, suffers an accident and ends up lost on the beach. Zoe needs for once and for all to face her fears and have the courage to search for her way back to her family. In fact, this turns out to be the best day of her life yet, because she finally meets friends and proves to herself and to her family how much she can accomplish and how strong she can be.

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Lucia Matuonto’s Website

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Lucia Matuonto Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Lucia Matuonto

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a writer and painter. I grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and now I am living between the US, Spain and Italy. I have been living in many countries where I had the opportunity to learn about different cultures and to open my mind to the world. As a Physiotherapist, I used to treat disabled children and learned to enjoy entering their fantastic and emotional world. I love animals and I have a cat called Atila.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
Since I was little I preferred reading books over playing with dolls. Reading fascinates me and I cannot spend a day without reading or writing. I started writing blogs and short stories about 20 years ago.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite writers are John Grisham, Stephen King, Agatha Christie, Mario Vargas Llosa and Isabel Allende.I also enjoy reading children’s chapter books .
My favorite genres are suspense and adventure. I am inspired by Kate DiCamillo’s books for children.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Zoe the crab tells the story of a clever little crab, who is very curious about the exciting world around her. However, she is also afraid to face the many challenges that wait for her on the crowded beach, outside her safe and cozy hole. To accomplish her desire of getting out, discovering new places and making many new friends, she has to deal with predators, humans, snakes, and all kind of unplanned surprises. Zoe is puzzled and bothered by the fact that she walks sideways. She thinks it is silly and very inefficient. She keeps trying to walk forward. She is always questioning her brothers why only crabs walk like this, while her brothers keep making fun of her. She has no friends and sometimes she is so tired that she just wants to stay at home with her mom.
She is the youngest of three siblings and she is sometimes more mature than her teenager brothers, who are always getting into trouble.
One day she gets also dragged into it, suffers an accident and ends up lost on the beach. Zoe needs for once and for all to face her fears and have the courage to search for her way back to her family. In fact, this turns out to be the best day of her life yet, because she finally meets friends and proves to herself and to her family how much she can accomplish and how strong she can be.

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Lucia Matuonto’s Website

Lucia Matuonto Facebook Page

Lucia Matuonto Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Michelle Parmigiani

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
My name is Michelle Parmigiani and I’m the premier author of New Jersey-based children’s book publisher, Fifth & Zilai. I’ve lived in northern New Jersey all my life and while I’ve always had big city dreams, I choose to chase them from the small town where I grew up and continue to reside. I’ve always loved to write and have written in many forms for varying outlets but I must say, writing children’s books is among my favorite tasks to date. Aside from writing, I love fashion, I love to bake and I love my English bulldog puppy, Prada Penelope.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
For as long as I can remember, I have always been an admirer of the written word. Reading and writing allow us to feel connected, to feel heard and to feel like we have a voice. Writing has long been my creative outlet of choice and I’ve decided to put pen to paper to empower others.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Like so many others in this world, I have been judged by my appearance and often underestimated. Lucky for me, I always had the confidence to overcome other’s doubts but that isn’t the case for many. The stories I tell show girls and boys alike that they are more capable, more powerful, more intelligent and more incredible than they know. They explore the values of individuality and inclusivity and what it means to be yourself. The greatest lesson I share is the power we each behold by simply being ourselves.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is a children’s book called “Carrie’s Cupcake Success.” Carrie’s story is truly inspirational and empowering for young girls in particular. Carrie overcomes self doubt by exploring one of her passions which happens to be baking. While making cupcakes with her mom, Carrie realizes that she is relying on the math skills she didn’t know she had. Regardless of what her classmates may have told her, Carrie puts her math skills to the test and comes up with a cupcake success. At the end of Carrie’s story, I’ve created an extra special surprise that will show readers they can be as successful as Carrie when it comes to both math and baking!

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Michelle Parmigiani’s Website

Michelle Parmigiani Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Margaret Buapim

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
Hello Book Readers! I’m the author of Ring Envy, a short Christian Fiction romance novel. I am also a freelance non fiction writer. I claim the West Coast as my home but I’m still an East Coast girl at heart. My hobbies include reading both fiction and non fiction work, DIY crafts and film making. In fact, you can visit my website to connect with me and others around these interests! https://www.thatpioneerdream.wixsite.com/mysite.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I’ve been reading from a very early age and decided to use my interest to tell my own stories while still in elementary school. The first writing format I attempted was focused on dialogue and story more so than setting and observational details. I developed a love for writing in series format and I also discovered later that my early writings were pretty spot on screenplays. So, screenwriting and the novel series will always be a love of mine.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love literature and am particularly interested in works by African American writers and those of the African Diaspora because I feel those are necessary voices that are sometimes marginalized and easily overlooked. I like romance fiction but am inspired by the breadth of subjects that tell stories about life. Its like a window into the soul of others! My favorites are Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Terri McMillan, Zora Neale Hurston and I’ve recently discovered the works of Mary Monroe which I am immensely enjoying! There’s actually a host of new writers that I am looking forward to delve into this summer.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Ring Envy was originally self published in 2006 because of the Christian principles on dating and marriage that are explored. It deals with relationship betrayal, self esteem in dating, loss of faith and learning self love. It has been a popular read and now its available in eReader format across the various platforms like Kindle.

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Margaret Buapim’s Website

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Featured Interview With Deborah Poulos

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in Berkeley, CA, on May 6, 1945, the day the German generals surrendered to Eisenhower in Europe. Two days later was Victory in Europe Day, officially announcing the end of WW II. The
running line in my family was, “When Debbie was born the Germans surrendered!”

I grew up mostly in San Diego, where my dad was a chemistry professor at San Diego State. Just before my junior year of high school, he was appointed founding president of Sonoma State College in Sonoma County, CA. I went on the UC Davis, in ‘63, where I earned a degree in
English and an elementary teaching credential.

I returned to Davis in 1973, where I taught mostly intermediate
grades, including 8 years in a fourth-grade self-contained gifted class, for
most of my 27 years.

I retired in 2000 due to a diagnosis of PLS, primary lateral sclerosis,
an impairment of the voluntary muscles. It had already reduced my
ability to walk, and I wanted to have time to travel with my husband
before it progressed. In 2006 I was diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig’s’
disease. It usually progresses very fast to death, by suffocation when the
diaphragm muscle stops working on the lungs, but for me, it has been a
very slow progression. Even though I’ve been in a power wheelchair 24/7
since 2013, I am still enjoying living a full and rich life. I focus on what I
can do, not bemoaning what I can’t do.

I have two children with my first husband who I divorced when they
were 3 and 4. I met my husband, John Poulos, a law professor at UC
Davis law school, when I ran for a seat on the Davis City Council in 1984.
He saw my photo in the paper with the information about my views on
issues and said he fell in love with me then. We met in December of that
year and were married the following summer. I won that election with
the most votes.

I had always been a visual/spatial learner, designing houses as a
child. In 1981, during summer break from school, I was the designer and
general contractor to build my own house in Village Homes, a solar community in Davis. After John and I were married I designed and was the general contractor for another home in Davis.

In 2006, in order to make our small cabin at Alpine Meadows, in the
ski country of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, accessible for me in my
power wheelchair, I designed and generally contracted, with my husband,
an expansion. I was very satisfied with these experiences designing and
building homes.

When I retired I took up making quilts. I had been a sewer since I’d
taken a Singer sewing class in the summer after sixth grade. I used to
sew most of my wardrobe. I’d always been interested in the designs and
colors of the fabrics I used.

I was using these interests to design and make quilts. In the last 20 years I’ve made well over 250 quilts from twin to king size. As my ability to use the sewing machine declined, I began to make a simple half-square triangle quilts arranged in a spiral or maze-like design. Now I have friends who make the blocks, following my directions. I choose all the fabrics, arrange all the pairings, and design them for the quilt top. I send them off to a quilter who sews all the blocks together and does the quilting. I’ve had many quilts shows where I sell the quilts to support residents of my senior living community who need help. We live at University Retirement Community in Davis.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I had struggled to learn to read all through elementary school. In first grade, just a few weeks after school started, we moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where my dad was going to work for a year at the National Labs there. They hadn’t started teaching reading in San Diego, but here they were already reading from The Big Red Storybook, propped on an easel in front of each little group sitting on the floor in a line, like birds on a wire.

When it was my turn I failed miserably. This experience happened over and over again. I didn’t learn to read in the 1 st, 2 nd, or 3 rd grade. For the rest of elementary school, we didn’t have to read aloud in a group. I could only read the words that I memorized, but there were so many other words that
I couldn’t memorize. I didn’t know what it meant to “sound out” words.

No one had ever really explained it in a way I could understand.
Eventually, after failing so much, I adopted an “avoidance strategy”
just to protect me from trying and failing all the time. I never tried to
read when I returned to my desk from the reading group.

My avoidance strategy was successful until the beginning of my 7th grade English class when the teacher brought in Time Magazine and gave everyone the same copy. He said, “Everybody is going to read a paragraph or two, and we’re going to talk about what it means.” I thought, “Oh my gosh I’m going to be found out as a failure in front of all these potential new friends.” Of course, I sat in the back of the class because I wanted to hide. So, I listened intently to every word I heard and
saw. And so, as they came closer to me, I had a chance to figure out which paragraphs were going to be mine, and I practiced over and over.

When it came to my time, I read the paragraphs as if it were no big deal. It sounds crazy, but it made me realize: I could learn to read. From there, I worked at it instead of avoiding it. I was never a fast reader; I was a plodding reader, but I worked hard and became an excellent student. So I wasn’t a reader on my own until after college. It is ironic that I’d been an English major in college. So I wasn’t your typical avid reader.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I don’t have any favorite authors right now. I read bong until after college. I read fiction and non-fiction. I like novels based on real life.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
THE CONSCIOUS TEACHER is an up-close and personal
look at how a truly conscious teacher can help all students reach their
full potentials.

I describe how I get to know students by reading through each cumulative record file before the first day of school. I learn about any issues they have with learning, their family situations, and their report
cards from earlier years. I memorize their names with their photos so that I can welcome each one by name on the first day of school. They look up at me w/ eyes wide open and I imagine they’re thinking,
“Whoa. She already knows me.” This is a powerful tool that tells each student that I think they are important.

I organize a seating chart that puts students who need help next to students who can help them. I put students with behavior issues near the front of the class next to well-behaved students who
can buffer them. Students create a behavior management system with consequences if standards are not met, and they sign it.

I set up a silent signal so that when a student misbehaves they take a time-out outside the classroom, coming back in when they are in control of their behavior. In this way, I don’t reward bad behavior
with attention. The only way to extinguish bad behavior is to not give it
attention. I meet each student at his or her level so that I can nurture learning. Students who are working below grade level must be met at their level in order to be pulled up to grade level. Students who can do above grade level work must be pushed to achieve at their level so that they become comfortable with being challenged. I teach students the “five finger rule” so they can choose books at their reading level.

The whole class operates as a team. And I treat all students with dignity and respect no matter what.
All of these basic steps are so important to creating a classroom that works for every child.
The subtitle is, “What all teachers and engaged parents need to know to be more effective.”  Almost every chapter has notes directed to parents. In this time of Covid-19, The Conscious Teacher is a “must-have” for parents. With the importance of staying calm, putting the child in charge, behavior standards, meeting each child at her level, creating self-motivation, individualizing and differentiating, and ideas on subject area teaching, parents will be glad to have their help and support.

Truly effective teaching, and parenting, is an ongoing process of actively thinking about what is best for each child (and working with each one to bring out his/her full potential),. Continuously thinking about and improving upon your strategies is a constant work in progress that calls for consciously observing, and applying, what works best.

As I detailed above, I tell my personal story revealing how my early struggles learning to read and do math led to becoming the teacher I illustrate in the book. I offer everything to help both teachers and parents to do the same.

The detailed Table of Contents provides a roadmap to all the information in the book. I taught most of my career in Davis, California.  I’m excited to share my new book with teachers and parents.

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Deborah Poulos’s Website

Featured Interview With Ashraf Shaikh

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised in Mumbai, and currently, I live in Mumbai. I spent a few years jumping to and from Mumbai To Saudi Arabia for my School, but Now I’ve settled in Mumbai. I have a bit of romance for writing, I started writing novels from age 17, and from then I haven’t stopped.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
From age 17 I started writing, I read Paulo Coehlo, and other authors, Khaled Hoseini inspired me the most. From then on I started thinking, what if I could write my book, my novel, and how wonderful it’d be. Then, I wrote my first novel, “Friendship, Love & Sacrifice” and “In Search Of Happiness”

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Most of my writing is inspired by Haruki Murakami, and that too, all these novels. Paulo Coehlo’s work. I consider myself more of a character writing than a plotter writer. I like to get inside my character head as these writers do.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is Zwischenzug, part five of my series, “Murder of my mysterious wife”.
In this book, I have talked about current literary scene in India while also, we lost a good actor, due to his suicide. I have written this part consider both things. Also, this book is heavily focused on Exposition and characterization and this is the part where most of the story changes and developed further in the upcoming parts.

Featured Interview With Debra Valentina

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was trained as a healthcare executive and led managed care organizations for many years, For over 30 years now, I have been a holistic coach for female executives and entrepreneurs.

I was raised in western Massachusetts in a small city called Holyoke. Today, after moving many times as an adult, I have settled in Denver, Colorado. Prior to that I lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Scottsdale, Arizona, Mercer Island, Washington, La Jolla, California, and Kauai, Hawaii. I love pets; however, I travel frequently (except for the last 3 months) and thus do not have a pet.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was fascinated by books at a young age and started reading daily at the age of five. I started writing in my diary, also daily, in the second grade. Up until very recently, I had kept all my diaries and journals as I had the thought early on that I would be writing my memoir, which I did!

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite authors are personal development authors such as Wayne Dyer, Brene Brown, and Mike Dooley. My favorite genre is self-improvement. Who inspires me to write my own personal evolvement books are my coaching clients.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book is entitled “Beyond Chaos: Journey to Freedom and Joy.” It is my memoir about growing up in a challenging and dysfunctional family and expanding beyond that adversity to live a thriving, successful, and contributing life.

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Debra Valentina’s Website

Debra Valentina Facebook Page

Featured Interview With Stephanie Thoma

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was raised in a town outside of San Francisco, and I live in the big little city now! I don’t have pets, but live near a bunny whom I love to visit with, as well as Ellie the neighborhood cat!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I enjoyed reading magazines as a child, but what I loved, even more, was writing. Poetry, songs, stories… and books became more interesting to me in my college years when I began to read more for leisure and established book goals on Goodreads.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love nonfiction self-help, so it’s no surprise that’s what I often write. Authors I love include Erich Fromm, Marie Forleo, Vanessa Van Edwards, Ryan Holiday, Seth Godin, and countless others.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
Confident Introvert is the first brain baby I’ve put out into the world in published book form. It’s a combination of gaining confidence to then be able to connect personally and professionally. I rarely make a concrete distinction between personal and professional development and expression.

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Stephanie Thoma’s Website

Stephanie Thoma Facebook Page

Stephanie Thoma Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Anna “Annina” Lorenzi

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m Anna Lorenzi, but my close friends and family call me “Annina,” which means “little Anna” in Italian, maybe because I’m not so tall, but it’s also a term of endearment. I was born in Milan on a rainy Monday morning, the 26th of October, 1981. I grew up in this town in which I still live with my two splendid beagles, and have never stopped “indulging” my passions: writing, music, photography, nature, travel (especially in my beloved USA!), and motorbikes and cars, in particular the “old” ones. Talking about work, I’ve really done a little bit of everything, including founding a company in Texas that operates internationally in the field of classic cars, and for which I’m the exclusive consultant. I publish short stories and articles, participate in literary competitions, collaborate on blogs and for Italian magazines, even managing my own personal blog annina19.com in which I share my creative writing. Now, I’m dedicating myself to the publication of my most recent novel in a professional, but completely independent, way both in Italian and in English and with global distribution.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I was born in a house with two “devourers of pages” for parents and a library of thousands and thousands of volumes (and still growing, so much so that they don’t know where to put them all!). My first memories are tied to books when I was very small. My mother would get me to go to sleep reading me fairy tales, and I had a set appointment with my father every Sunday morning in his study; I remember that for a long time we always read Pinocchio, together.

I began to write as a child, when I really didn’t know how to do it, yet. I’ve always loved telling stories, inventing them, and narrating what I saw outside and inside of myself. Writing for myself isn’t only a passion, it’s also my first way to communicate; it’s something very intimate in certain ways, almost a need.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I really wouldn’t know how to say who is my favorite author, it’s really hard to choose. The genre that I prefer is fiction, but I also like mysteries, poetry, the classics… every book that can capture, captivate, transmit something profound, move me, and – why not?! – make me reflect.

Honestly, when I write something I try, if possible, not to be influenced by what I read. I want my writing to be completely honest and really and truly mine. I want it to get to the reader as something that belongs to me in the deepest part of myself, like a part of me, and not just like a nice story that I decided to put down black on white.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My most recent book is called Meeting Laura – A Novel Loosely and Partially Inspired by the Life of… , professionally and amazingly translated by Starleen K. Meyer from the Italian, Incontrando Laura… . It was released this last May 19th as a Kindle eBook and paperback, and is available on all Amazon stores.

It’s dedicated to “…those minds wanting to think, to those hearts wanting to beat, to the brave and the crazy.”

It tells the story of a young writer, a challenge that he can’t *not* accept and his “crazy” idea to follow that dream with his whole being. In his pocket, a plane ticket for New York, a few bucks, a little bit of fear, and a lot of determination. A manuscript that he hugs to himself, “as if it were the most important thing on the face of the earth,” a book already written, ready to be consigned to the world, but with a surprise ending that draws the reader in. A trip with an uncertain outcome, most assuredly unexpected, in order to meet his muse, and to give her his opus, sensations, words, and emotions for a better tomorrow. An unusual trip, apparently simple, but always intriguing in its “becoming,” narrated among thoughts, memories, emotions, and clear images depicting her, Laura, really that same Laura that the whole world knows and acclaims… (or maybe not?)

At this point, everyone usually asks me who Laura is, and so, for once, I’ll preempt the question.

First and foremost, Laura is a person. A person who exists, and yet doesn’t exist. Laura is a well-defined idea of a certain type of woman. To be clear, she actually could have any name. Laura is ‘The Laura’ of my novel, an imaginary person in a tale, the muse of the protagonist. She was partially created out of the inspiration of a real Laura, but it’s obviously not her. My Laura doesn’t exist in the real world. The real Laura is Laura Prepon, a famous and excellent American actress, director and writer, the right person to inspire the description of the character in my novel.
What struck me about her was what she seemed able to transmit something about herself, not so much what she did, but how she did it. Laura seemed to me to be one of those people who choose to follow their own way with courage, determination and consistency, always being themselves, trying to do their part in this world as best as they can, whatever it is, without faking it, without forcing it, without imposed masks and costumes. Doing it for themselves and for others, with heart, mind and soul. Always. So, a person to be looked up to as an example and, why not?, as an inspiration for a writer. That’s why I decided to keep the name ‘Laura’ for the character in my novel, also as an affectionate homage to her and for all women like her.

How long did it take me to write it? Considering that I usually write when caught up in the spirit of the moment, almost as if it were a need to satisfy, following the flow of images and ideas that I suddenly see so clearly in my mind, the gestation sometimes is as long as the actual writing, so all in all, it probably took me about four months to conceive of and write Meeting Laura.

It was an intense writing experience, a feeling that I hope, I believe, I have succeeded in sharing with the reader.

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Anna “Annina” Lorenzi’s Website

Anna “Annina” Lorenzi Facebook Page

Anna “Annina” Lorenzi Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Margaret Marr

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina and I still live there with my dog. Digger is my only pet unless you count the blue-tailed lizard that crawls along my windowsill and a mouse that eats all of the dry dog food much to Digger’s dismay.

By day I work as an environmental specialist, which is just a fancy word for housekeeper, at the local nursing home. By night I write spooky paranormal books with a hint of romance, a pinch of suspense, and a whole cup of thrills.

I’ve written over 15 books, which are available on Amazon with Kindle Unlimited or $3.99 to buy.

My hobbies include hiking, crocheting, diamond painting, adult coloring, and walking for my health. To date, I’ve lost 95 pounds!

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I discovered the magic of books in first grade. I was thrilled when I learned how to read all about Dick and Jane and Spot! I learned I could escape into a book and spend hours in another place and time.

I started writing over 25 years ago. I was a stay-at-home mom and looking for something to fill up the hours besides watching soap operas.

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite author is Dean Koontz. He has such a way with words that blows me away. His writing is descriptive and profound. I also enjoy Amanda Stevens who can cause chills to go down my spine with her words. My inspiration comes from people who read my books and let me know how much they enjoy them.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
BANSHEE is my latest book, and is the second book in the Hayton County Supernatural Series for young adults. It took me a year or more to write it in between working my day job and dealing with life. Below is about my book:

After rescuing Bradford Phillips from the facility hidden deep in the mountains of Hayton County, the teenagers draw back and recoup. Abe Abernathy takes a job. Mandy Jensen has second thoughts about Abe and is still determined to rescue her mother with or without help. Bradford prefers to remain a loner. Simon Rogers is stalked by a screaming woman that visits him late at night.

Plans for another rescue operation is put on hold as the teenagers attempt to figure out what the banshee wants with Simon—and what she’s warning him about. Ghosts walk the streets of Hayton County adding to the pandemonium. A demon hangs in the shadows waiting for an opportunity to cause chaos that might just end in disaster for Mandy and her friends.

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Margaret Marr’s Website

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Margaret Marr Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Terri Buckingham

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am passionate about hearing the voice of God and helping others to hear Him, too. Because hearing starts us on the road to Kingdom power, which is where we learn to walk as Jesus walked and do as Jesus did.

My books not only inform and instruct, but are themselves an example of God breaking through the veil to touch man on earth. Most of my books are written in the voice of God, and they are just that, His voice. If He can speak to Moses, Daniel, David, and Ezekiel, then He can speak to us. And He does.

Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice.” We just need to learn how to hear. And that’s why I write. That’s my mission. I want to hear, and I want to teach others the secrets to hearing.

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I had always wanted to write. Eventually, I thought I was going to write a book on spiritual warfare. But not the sensational type, just the normal every day warfare all us Christians need to engage in to keep sane, to keep positive, and to keep our love heart on.

Then one day I read Richard Sigmond’s My time in Heaven, where he sees books in heaven that haven’t been written yet on earth. When I read that, I asked God if there was a book in heaven that I could write, and He gave me this one. Now, a few years later, I have 15 books, and I consider all of them to be gifts from God! 🙂

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
Check out my Goodreads bookshelf. I put most of my favorites up there, the authors who have shaped me as a person. There are many.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
I actually wrote three books from start to finish during quarantine: Eternity, I want you here with Me—God; Kingdom Purpose Kingdom Power; And Kingdom Mates. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but Eternity is definitely up there. In fact, I just finished recording the audio version of it, I liked it so much. It’s just a great read about what comes next—after time. You know? In that sense it is sort of a sequel to Majesty: Till Time is No More. But not really. I don’t know how to describe it except to say it’s comforting, revealing, and salient for the times in which we live. You’ve got to read it to experience it.

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Terri Buckingham’s Website

Terri Buckingham Facebook Page

Terri Buckingham Twitter Account

Featured Interview With Vitor Vicente

Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
My name is Vitor Vicente. I was born and raised in a labour town besides Lisbon, Portugal. Since 2006 I am living abroad between Spain, Ireland, Poland and Hungary, being currently based in Budapest. I have traveled to more than 60 countries, either for leisure and business purposes. My extensive travels as well as my expat experience, are definitely present in various forms and shapes in all my books. I have a cat, called Hanucat, named after a strong affinity for Judaism (which is another key element in my literary works).

At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I always had a keen interest on any guidance material to help me understand the world and the human being. Books just came across during that journey. At first, around the age of sixteen, I have started composing lyrics for heavy metal bands. I was supposed to sing, but in the end, I only succeed to read the books referred by my music idols and to realize that would be a way wiser to spend more time holding a pen than a micro. On the beginning, I did write poetry (like every teenager) and stories with an absurd background (most of the times, inspired by the surrounding reality of that labour town).

Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
So there are still genres in reality! Glad to know that literature is still intact to the amalgam devouring every aspect of life into a messy mass. My favorite authors are Franz Kafka, George Orwell, Michel Houellebecq, Nelson Rodrigues, Enrique Vila-Matas, José Rentes de Carvalho, Bret Easton Ellis. Going back to genres: I am quite inclusive, but I would certainly fall for Memories and Short Stories. It is pretty difficult to identify what inspires me to write, as I believe that the writer shall be the venue and not the organizer of the event. Perhaps we can coordinate the…chaos. Still, I would say that I am inspired by all sorts of things that transcend my comprehension, being writing a tool to give them frame and by that saving me for getting overwhelmed, calm me down, etc.

Tell us a little about your latest book?
My latest book, “Bravo, Brasil” it is a narrative of the first two trips I made in Brazil. Even though both set-up after cultural events (book presentations, academic conferences, among other boring stuff) the object is rather focused on country observations, on comparing it vs. Portugal/Europe, on acknowledging and demolishing Latino stereotypes. The second part (which corresponds to the second trip) is radically different, it is written from a 5 stars hotel in Sorocaba and it extends the satire to the colonialist mentality. The tone is certainly caustic.

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Vitor Vicente Facebook Page