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Thanks for joining me on another edition of Author Interview Thursday. Today’s special guest resides in the beautiful state of Colorado. Despite the fact she has a big family, she still makes out time to write great Middle Grade fantasy books.She is well respected amongst her peers and has worked in the education sector for many years. It truly is a delight to meet someone whose passionate about improving literacy levels in young people and loves telling a story. Without further ado, please join me in welcoming M.J. Evans.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am a wife, a mother of five fabulous young adults, and a grandmother of nine beautiful kids. I love being outside (which is not good for an author!) I love riding my horses both on the trails in the Colorado Mountains and competitively in Dressage shows. I also love to ski, hike, camp, ride bikes…pretty much anything outside! I also love people and make friends easily. Dancing and musical theatre are also interests of mine. Now, add to that my love of reading and writing, I’m never just sitting around!

Tell us about the first time someone complemented you on something you had written? 

It wasn’t until I was a college student at Oregon State University that I was complimented on my writing and realized that I did have a talent for writing. It was many, many years later that I found the time to do the creative writing that I so yearned to do. Before that, I used my skills to write school curriculum and help Odyssey of the Mind teams write their one-act plays. Yet, I still didn’t really believe that I was a good writer until my books started winning national awards. When The Mist Trilogy won a gold medal from the Mom’s Choice Awards last December and North Mystic won first place in the Purple Dragonfly Awards for fantasy last spring, I started to gain a little more confidence.

What were some of your favourite books as a child? 

My favourite books were all horse stories! I loved all of Marguerite Henry’s books and I collect first edition copies of them. I loved Black Beauty and the Black Stallion, My Friend Flicka, and National Velvet. Do you see the common theme?

You have currently published three books in The Mist Trilogy. Was it a conscious decision to write a series and what led you to do it? 

As you know, publishers want a middle-grade, YA novel to be 50,000 to 70,000 words in length. I had the over-arching story in my head from the beginning and found that there were natural breaks in the story at about 65,000 words. So, it turned out to be a trilogy. I started writing The Mist Trilogy to challenge myself. I wanted to see if I could actually get it done. I had the story in my head and once my youngest child started high school, I actually had the time to commit to writing.

What tips do you have for writing good dialogue?

I love writing dialogue and I have found that I am quite good at it. The hardest part is to stay in character as you write what they are saying. Always ask yourself if that is something that your character would really say. Some other tricks I have learned: 1. Don’t try to fill in a lot of the story line or information through dialogue. Dialogue should enhance the story and add colour, not be the vehicle for telling the story. 2. Read it out loud, after all, dialogue is the spoken word. One example is to use conjunctions the way people actually speak. For example write: “She’s really angry with us.” Rather than “She is really angry with us.” 3. Let your characters have their own unique speech patterns and favourite phrases without over-doing it. For example, in The Mist Trilogy, one of the unicorns named Shema likes to repeat herself. One example: “Oh my poor boy, my poor, poor boy.” Hasbadana, the evil unicorn likes to try to impress others by using big words. In North Mystic, an award winning allegory of the Revolutionary war, the oldest child Evelynd is always the one to bring up the problem in any situation. She is the serious one, the pragmatic one.

Is there a particular book or film that inspires you to be a better writer and why?

My passion is writing fantasy and I get my inspiration from J.K Rowling and C.S. Lewis. One reviewer wrote that I was this generation’s C.S. Lewis and a young reader told me in a letter that she liked my books better than Harry Potter! I don’t believe that either of those are true but it sure was nice to get those compliments. C.S. Lewis uses allegory which is a tool I love to use and have used in The Mist Trilogy and North Mystic. J.K Rowling uses beautiful description which has inspired me as I write. I have a piece of paper by my computer that has five words on it: “Smell, Sight, Sound, Touch, Taste.” J.K Rowling is a master at using all the senses in her writing.

Toy Story or Shrek?

No contest! Toy Story!

With a background in education, what qualities have you seen in books that tend to capture children’s imagination?

I write so that pre-teens and teens will love to read. I believe that fantasy is one Genre that is best suited to encouraging the use of a child’s imagination. First, you are creating a fantasy world with fantasy characters. As the author paints a picture with words, the reader must use their imagination to follow the story. I have also learned that children should be allowed and encouraged to read books about topics that interest them. For me, it was horses. So, I have combined my love of horses and fantasy in The Mist Trilogy. I also enjoy history so I incorporated that passion in North Mystic.

What three things should a first time visitor to Colorado do?

Take a trail ride into Rocky Mountain National Park. Ride a bike from the top of Vale Pass to Frisco. Drive to the top of Pikes Peak. Actually, it’s really hard to pick just three things!

As you own three horses, I wanted to know if you could tell us three things most people don’t know about horses.

Everyone thinks horses are beautiful but some people are afraid of them because they are so big. Fear of horses is something I have never known. I guess that is why I get along with them so well. People need to know that horses are herd animals. As a result, they want and need a leader. If you are going to be the leader, that is just fine with them. But if you aren’t, then they will take that role because, in their minds, someone has to be the leader. This is why horses will behave so differently depending upon who is working with them. Second, horses have both a reacting side of the brain and a thinking side. An untrained horse has an over-developed reacting side and an underdeveloped thinking side. As a trainer and rider, it is my job to reverse that. I help them develop the thinking side of the brain. You never can completely eliminate the reacting side, however! Finally, horses have a great ability to sense what a handicapped child needs from them. If you have ever watched a therapeutic horse work with a disabled child (or adult for that matter) you will be amazed. Therapy horses have helped autistic children find their voice, CP and MS children find control of their bodies and at-risk kids find a purpose in life. Horses are truly amazing and a gift from God.

What can we expect from M.J. Evans in the next 12 months?

I have just completed a new manuscript titled In the Heart of a Mustang. It is a young adult novel about a troubled teen and a mustang mare that meet at an Arizona ranch. The bond that forms between the two saves both their lives. I am now starting to submit it for publication. It is not a fantasy and for a little older audience than The Mist Trilogy and North Mystic so that is new for me.

Where can readers and fans connect with you?

I love getting letters from my readers. They make my day…week…month! Readers can connect with me by going to my website: www.mjevansbooks.com They can also follow me on Facebook: Behind the Mist or North Mystic or on my blog: www.themisttrilogy.blogspot.com.

Any advice for authors out there who are either just starting out or getting frustrated with the industry?

I understand how frustrating the publishing industry is. Not only is it hard to break in and actually get someone to publish your work but the industry is going through a lot of changes that are hard to keep up with. Some of the changes are helpful for new authors. They now have the option of self-publishing, either in print or on eBook. I actually know several authors who are bypassing or abandoning the traditional publishers all together and just publishing on eBook format. I would recommend that new authors find several beta readers that are not family members or best friends to read their manuscript before submitting it to a publisher. Take their suggestions if you want, discard if you want, but at least you would get some objective feedback. The best thing that happened to me was when I submitted North Mystic to a publisher. After reviewing my query and sample chapters, she asked to see the full manuscript. A couple of months later, she turned down the book but wrote up a full page, single spaced, critique. I took every one of her comments and made the changes. As a result of her helpful suggestions and criticisms, North Mystic was not only published but went on to become an award winner.

Thanks for spending time with us today Margi. I loved your insight on horses and I’m really impressed with how you’ve weaved in a theme around horses – something you love – into your stories. Do check out Margi’s website where you can purchase one of her books. Do share our interview using one of the share buttons and leave a comment/question. We’d be delighted to respond and know that you stopped by.

It’s Author Interview Thursday and I’m so glad you’ve joined me today and our special guest. The wonderful lady in the hotseat has a background in education and recently became a grandma for the third time. Between juggling her roles as a wife, mother, grandma, educator, champion of children authors and so much more, she finds the time to write brilliant books for Middle Grade and Young Adult readers. She writes Quest stories that span different historical time periods like the Medieval era or ancient Egypt. She’s one of the main hosts of the Kidlit Blog Hop and has personally helped me broadcast my books on her blog and social platforms. She has a big heart and I know you’ll pick up something good. Do join me in welcoming Cheryl Carpinello.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself & the first time someone complemented you on something you had written.

I’m a twice-retired high school (ages 14-18) English teacher from Colorado having taught for 25 years. I love working with my students, and now I write for middle graders and early teens. It is my love of the ancient and medieval worlds that provides my settings for my stories.

Shortly after my first book, Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend, was published, I was doing a medieval writing workshop for 30 Junior Girl Scouts. As part of their participation, each girl received an autographed copy of my book. About a week later, I received an email from one of the girls. She told me that she had fallen in love with Guinevere and thanked me for writing the story. She also wanted to know when the next book would be released!

What can a reader expect when they pick up a book written by Cheryl Carpinello? 

Readers can be sure that they will be transported back into the ancient or medieval world in an adventure that at times, while exciting, may be dangerous and life-threatening. Weaved throughout the story are historical facts and fiction which enable readers to imagine themselves in that setting.

You’ve written several books set around medieval and ancient times. Can you tell us where this fascination with ancient tales stemmed from? 

I would like to say that it was from my childhood when I first watch Disney’s The Sword in the Stone, but my fascination with Medieval times started in college when I read Malory’s Morte d’Arthur. I fell in love with his descriptive interpretations of that era. Then I discovered T.H. White’s The Once and Future King. I’m a romantic and these stories drew me into the heart of medieval times. As for the ancient worlds, I’ve always loved them and teaching ancient Greek & Roman literature furthered my fascination and love. We spent three weeks touring Egypt in 2008. Always on my bucket list, Egypt stole part of my soul.

What were some of your favourite books as a child? 

I loved—and still do—horses. I devoured horse stories growing up. My favorites were The Black Stallion series by Walter Farley and The Golden Stallion series by Rutherford Montgomery.

What role would you say social media plays in building an author’s platform, and have you found it helpful in marketing your books? 

In today’s book world, social media is where an author gets their name out in the world. An author needs exposure and social media can be an important tool. I’ve met a lot of people—authors, readers, educators, PR—that would not have been possible without Twitter, FB, LinkedIn, & Pinterest. In that aspect, it has been helpful, but at times it is also frustrating, overwhelming, and time consuming. I would love to have a simple formula to plug in and use. Know one?!

What tips do you have for writing good dialogue? 

Writing good dialogue demands an ear for how an author’s characters speak. After 25 years teaching teenagers (14-18), their nuances and mannerisms are second nature to me. That is extremely helpful when writing for MG/Tween/YA. Authors should pay attention to conversations around them. If writing for young readers, observe nieces/nephews/younger cousins and/or volunteer at local schools/youth sporting events. Observation and listening are important tools when it comes to writing dialogue.

Is there a particular book or film that inspires you to be a better writer and why? 

I would have to choose Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien handles the hero’s journey and the quest story masterfully. We studied the similarities between Tolkien, Golding’s Lord of the Flies, and T.H. White’s The Once and Future King in my high school English classes and talked a lot about the influence of Joseph Campbell in all of those. For readers not familiar with Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, Tolkien does the best job of incorporating Campbell’s philosophy in his writing. That is what I strive to emulate in my writing.

Toy Story or Shrek? 

Shrek! Sorry to say I’ve never seen Toy Story. Shrek is on his own hero’s journey in his story.

With a background in education, what qualities have you seen in books that tend to capture children’s imagination? 

Kids tend to be drawn into stories that transport them to other world(s). Writers can do this by focusing on their audience and writing at a level that encourages growth in understanding and vocabulary. Continuous action without long drawn out description is equally important. Young readers also love to read about characters that they can identify with either in age, situation, or experience. Take poetry as an example. Many readers—young and old—have a difficult time with understanding poetry in meaning and vocabulary. The main reason for this is that readers bring to a written piece of work their personal experiences. If they are unable to relate to the poem’s topic or the vocabulary is several levels above where they are reading, chances are good that the poem won’t be finished or even tried again. The same works for stories, fiction and non-fiction.

What three things should a first time visitor to Colorado do? 

Getting up into our Colorado Rocky Mountains is a must whether it’s summer or winter. Colorado has 53—although some say more—peaks over 14,000 feet (4267.2 meters) in height. Hiking or snow skiing in the Rockies is an experience not found elsewhere.

Southwestern Colorado has some of the best examples of Native American ruins in the US. Mesa Verde with its cliff dwellings is not to be missed.

If visiting in spring or summer, taking in a concert at the world-renowned Red Rocks Amphitheater is an experience of a lifetime. The best of the music world have performed on this outdoor venue including The Beatles, Mumford & Sons, and James Taylor. The entire metro Denver area is visible from the seats as well as the start of the eastern plains.

What can we expect from Cheryl Carpinello in the next 12 months? 

After spending the last two years in ancient Egypt, I’m back in Medieval England working on the second of three Guinevere books. Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend was meant to be a stand-alone. Over the last five years, I’ve had readers contact me wanting to know when the next book about this young princess would be done. Also, Guinevere’s young friend Cedwyn has been whispering in my ear. Seems he really does have his heart set on becoming a knight! So, I’ve given into the pressure and am just finishing the first draft of Guinevere: At the Dawn of Legend—Cedwyn’s Story. At this time, it looks like very late in 2015 or early in 2016 for a release date.

Where can readers and fans connect with you? 

I have three websites:

Blog: Carpinello’s Writing Pages http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com where I interview children/MG/YA authors. Readers can find your interview there.

Author Site: Beyond Today Educator http://www.beyondtodayeducator.com

3-Author Site: The Quest Books http://www.adventurequestbooks.com where I team up with South African MG author Fiona Ingram and Abu Dhabi MG author Wendy Leighton-Porter. New subscribers to our monthly newsletter get to choose a free eBook from all our eBooks.

Social Media:

Good Reads:   http://www.goodreads.com/cherylcarpinello

Twitter Home Page: https://twitter.com/ccarpinello

Linkedin Page:  www.linkedin.com/pub/cheryl-carpinello/25/671/a02

Google URL: https://plus.google.com/110918922081424857545/

Pinterest:  http://www.pinterest.com/ccarpine/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.carpinello1

Any advice for authors out there who are either just starting out or getting frustrated with the industry? 

Write because you love to write, not to get rich. Writing is a long uphill climb.

Write the type of story you love to read, not what is popular.

Be passionate about your audience.

Thank you, David, for having me.

The pleasure was all mine Cheryl. I liked what you said about observation and listening being highly beneficial when it comes to writing good dialogue. Do connect with Cheryl at one of the links she provided. I did a short piece on Cheryl’s latest book – Sons of Sphinx. Be sure to share this interview on your social network and leave a comment below.

This week’s special guest on Author Interview Thursday is Cheryl Carpinello. I’m really looking forward to having a good chat with her and get her to reveal a few tips on what’s working for her and keeps her going as an author. Cheryl writes Middle Grade books and today I wanted to shine a light on her latest tome – Sons of the Sphinx. Enjoy.

Historical background of Sons of the Sphinx:

Sons of the Sphinx is based on the schism that shot through ancient Egypt when, according to historians, the Pharaoh Akhenaten turned his back on Thebes and the gods of Egypt. He built his own city to honor his god the Aten, and he insisted that the people of Egypt do the same. Along with this, he supposedly refused to send troops to defend Egypt’s borders thus incurring the wrath of the then General Horemheb. When Tutankhamen becomes pharaoh, he reverses Akhenaten’s proclamations and returns the governing center to Thebes and the worship back to the god Amun.

However, the damage has been done, and by the time Horemheb attains pharaoh status, he has proclaimed the betrayal of the Egyptian people by Akhenaten so widely and so much, all members of the family including Tutankhamen and Ankhsenamun and Ay are dishonored.

The historical significance of my story is the main reason I was able to write Sons of the Sphinx. Needing to help right a wrong done over 3000 years ago and reunite the boy king with his queen (whose tomb has yet to be identified or found), allowed my protagonist Rosa to come to terms with who she is and what her place in this world is.

Synopsis:

Armed with what she considers her grandmother’s curse, 15-year-old Rosa agrees to help the ghost of King Tut find his lost queen Hesena. Though Hesena’s ba inhabits part of Rosa, finding the whole spirit of Hesena so that she and Tut can be together for the first time in over 3000 years proves to be a harder task than Rosa first thinks.  Thrust back into Ancient Egypt with Tut, Rosa discovers that finding Hesena is not all she must do. She must keep out of the reach of the living Horemheb—who crosses mortal boundaries using Seth’s evil magic—if she is to stay alive to make it back home.

Buy Links:

AmazonUS: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MVGC96Y/

AmazonUK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00MVGC96Y/

Amazon Print: http://www.amazon.com/Sons-Sphinx-The-Quest-Books/dp/1500554936/

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/sons-of-the-sphinx

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/469860

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sons-of-the-sphinx-cheryl-carpinello/1120481788

iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sons-of-the-sphinx/id925912370

Just by looking at the book cover and the title, you immediately know that the main protagonist – Joe – is going to be placed in certain situations that will test him and cause him to overcome any internal or external forces pulling him to buckle under. I’m happy to say that this book does not disappoint!

Early on, we see multiple incidents where Joe displays his bravery. Against all odds, we see him entering a burning building to save a puppy. I liked the chapter where he goes into a dark and dangerous cave to get an autographed baseball for  a friend. It seems there’s nothing that can stop our hero. Sometimes I wondered if Joe was a bit too gung-ho in some of the stunts he pulled but there’s a charm about him that shows his heart is in the right place. It seems as if Joe is unbreakable and unstoppable until a strange woman called Mrs Chill enters his life. I guess with a name like that, we can only expect something diabolical to eventually happen. You’ll have to get a copy of the book to discover how Joe confronts a challenge and evil that seems beyond him.

I loved all the twists and turns plus sub plots Lisa Mitchel weaved into the story. She also peppers the story with fun moments that will leave readers chuckling. Joe is a guy we can root for and I love the virtues he projects.

I believe this book will make a worthy addition to your library.

It’s Author Interview Thursday and I’m happy and sad. I’m sad because today will be our last interview for the year but I’m super happy because we have a full roaster of inspiring authors lined up for the new year. Some of the authors lined up for 2015, have been admired by yours truly from afar and I’m so glad we both get a chance to learn something new and inspiring. On the hot seat today is a lady from the beautiful state of Ohio. She is an international bestselling author and her book ‘True Colors’ has gained a fanbase on several continents. She writes in different genres and loves making authors look good. I’m so glad she’s with us today and please have her name etched somewhere on your medulla oblongata as I believe you’ll be hearing more of it in the days to come. She has a lot to share with us today, so please join me in welcoming Krysten Lindsay Hager.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the first time someone complemented you on something you had written?

I’m a writer who used to work in journalism. The first time I got attention for something I wrote was when I won a writing contest in the first grade. I won a little clown doll (a cute one, not one of those scary ceramic clowns that can give a kid nightmares) for a school-wide essay contest.

What can a reader expect when they pick up a book written by Krysten Lindsay Hager?

I always write with humor because even the most difficult times in life are easier to take with a little humor.

What role would you say social media plays in building an author’s platform and have you found it helpful in marketing your books? 

I think it helps people know who you are as a person and a bit of what they can expect from your work. A lot of people who knew me before reading the book have said, “Oh, I can hear you in the novel.” Some people have said when Landry and her mom argue in the book about Landry modelling that you can hear me with my adult view of modelling versus my view of it at Landry’s age.

You write in multiple genres like Young Adult, Middle Grade and Adult Fiction. Has this created any unique challenges and how have you overcome them?

The only difference is some of the themes you touch on. I wouldn’t use anything political in a middle grade/YA book, but I can do that in an adult piece. And obviously any dating situation is different. But a lot of the emotions stay the same no matter what the age.

What were some of your favourite books as a child? 

I love Judy Blume’s Just as Long as We’re Together, My Mother was Never a Kid by Francine Pascal, The Great Mom Swap by Betsy Haynes, and Goodbye, Glamour Girl by Erika Tamar. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve re-read those books.

What book or film has the best dialogue that inspires you to be a better writer and why?

F. Scott Fitzgerald has such a way with dialogue. The Great Gatsby is a favourite. I’ll never understand why they assign it in middle school though. I didn’t appreciate it until later in life.

How do you reward yourself once your book is published? 

I may have bought myself a bracelet and a necklace, but I can justify them both since the bracelet is similar to the one Landry wears in the True Colors (with a heart charm) and the butterfly necklace will appear in the sequel, Best Friends...Forever?

Toy Story or Shrek?

Toy Story all the way.

What three things should a first time visitor to Ohio do?

Well, I’m a book lover so I’m going to say check out Joseph-Beth Booksellers and Books & Co—both gorgeous bookstores. There’s an Air Force museum here and I personally love the train museum with all the little miniature displays of houses and towns. I have to say though that it throws me not living near the Great Lakes though. I’m from Michigan and I miss the lakes so I try to get home when I can.

With Christmas around the corner, can you tell us the most memorable gift you received growing up?  

I know I should say something like the gift of family togetherness, but let’s be honest, what can beat a Barbie Dream House? Kudos to my dad who spent ALL day putting that thing together…and was an awesome Ken…even if he spoke in a falsetto voice whenever he was Ken.

What can we expect from Krysten Lindsay Hager in the next 12 months?

I have a sequel to True Colors called, Best Friends…Forever? (Book 2: Landry’s True Colors series) coming out in 2015. I’m also working on another MG book, two YA ones and an adult humor novel. And I’m working on the third Landry book in the Landry’s True Colors series.

Where can readers and fans connect with you?

My website: http://www.krystenlindsay.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KrystenLindsayHagerAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KrystenLindsay

Instagram: http://instagram.com/krystenlindsay

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Krysten-Lindsay-Hager/e/B00L2JC9P2/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Any advice for authors out there who are either just starting out or getting frustrated with the industry? 

If a writer is just starting out then I’d suggest taking a literature class to learn from the best—the classics. I’d also say to take as many classes on writing, literature as you can as well as going to conferences and workshops. You can never learn enough. If you’re getting frustrated then I’d say to write the story you want to read and not worry about whether or not it gets published. Take all that pressure off yourself and enjoy the whole writing process. The work will be a lot better that way and that will increase your chances of publication. Even if it doesn’t get published, the focus should be on the journey, not the destination.

Awesome! Thanks for not holding back and sharing so much from your journey. I think as authors we sometimes get frustrated and it’s because we take our eyes off of the ‘main thing’ – our calling to write. Please connect with Krysten at one of the links she provided. Check out Krysten’s books and grab a copy for yourself or a loved one. Also remember to share this interview using the social buttons below and leave a comment. Merry Christmas!

I’ve been staring into my crystal ball and trying to foresee what 2015 holds. I keep staring and staring but I can’t seem to see anything. A good clean job might do the job…ehm…nothing. I don’t think this is working.

Why????????????????

If you know me, then you know the above scenario and a crystal ball would be the last thing I’d be staring at. I think sometimes, we want people to predict our future and lay it on a plate for us. The sad reality is that (like the saying goes) if it’s to be, then it’s up to me. With that in mind, I’ve been thinking of what I want to achieve in the coming year, especially with regards to my role as a children’s book author. I would like to write four books next year. Below are the David Chuka titles hopefully coming to your book shelf sometime in 2015.

Kojo the Sea Dragon Meets a Stranger – After the overwhelming success of Kojo the Sea Dragon Gets Lost, I just knew I had to write more stories with Kojo and his friends from the Zakari River. Below is a review from a reader:

Such a vivid and colorful tale for such a simple, yet important lesson; listen to your parents. The illustrations are vibrant and imaginative as are the characters. Kojo the Sea Dragon Gets Lost is a very fun read!

In this episode, Kojo and his friends plus everyone in the Zakari River is looking forward to the BOOM BOOM festival. It’s a time of fun, dancing, singing with lots of food. Everyone in the Zakari River gathers in the town center and there are performances by different groups. Kojo is looking forward to doing a special dance with his friends. The day finally arrives and Kojo is having so much fun with his friends and is enjoying the sights and sounds. Then something happens with some yummy cake and an evil eel that makes Kojo learn something new about his world and talking to strangers. This will most likely be the first book I publish in the coming year, so watch this space.

Non-Fiction Book on Writing and Publishing Children’s Books – I get asked a lot of questions by people looking to write and publish children’s books and I think it’s time I crystallise all my experience into a book that get that can help other aspiring and established children’s book authors. Some of the topics I’ll be touching in this book will include working with an illustrator, doing research, getting reviews, social media, marketing etc. I’m excited about the challenge of writing this book and currently putting ideas together.

Billy and Monster Meet the President – Like my most recent book – Billy and Monster’s Golden Christmas – I had finished writing this book in 2013 but due to challenges in finding the right illustrator, its release was delayed. I am quietly confident that I’ll be able to get this published in May and just in time for the Independence Day celebrations.

A Book about Thanksgiving – I’m not really sure what the story or characters will be but I do know that it’ll something based around Thanksgiving. I could either place Billy or Kojo in a situation where they learn something valuable about Thanksgiving. On the other hand, I could create new characters and tell the Thanksgiving story through them. Will provide more details later.

I’ll be visiting more schools in 2015 and looking to share my stories with more of my target audience. Thanks for all your support and do have a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2015.

Wow! Its Author Interview Thursday and I have to say that the authors in the hotseat these last few weeks have really been inspiring. Well, guess what? I think we might be taking it to another level with today’s special guest. I got introduced to our special guest by Stephanie Ward who organised a brilliant giveaway for children’s book authors back in Summer. She has a successful blog which she’s ran for about four years. What really intrigued me about her blog is that most of her posts attract a steady stream of comments from her loyal blog readers. She’s written several books that have received worthy mentions and reviews in high places. She has such a big heart and I know you’ll love meeting this children’s book author from Singapore. So without further ado, please join me in welcoming Claudine Gueh Yanting.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the first time someone complemented you on something you had written. 

Thank you for this opportunity, David! It’s always good getting to know more authors and their books.

I’m a picture book and middle-grade fiction writer and an English tutor in Singapore. When I was 15, I wrote about my encounter with a spirit-medium. My teacher praised it and even read it out in class. That was a defining moment for me! 

What can a reader expect when they pick up a book written by Claudine Gueh Yanting? 

Quieter protagonists who don’t realize how strong they can be, and (hopefully) lyrical writing.

My picture books: My Clearest Me; Brightness Sailors, Bit by Bit

My middle-grade fiction: Little Orchid’s Sea Monster Trouble

More about them here: http://www.carryusoffbooks.com

What role would you say social media plays in building an author’s platform and have you found it helpful in marketing your books? 

It’s all about exposure, reaching potential readers and keeping old ones up-to-date with your next book. Although social media isn’t the sole place an author can build her platform, it is possibly an indispensable one these days. 

For me, social media has been useful for gaining exposure while blogging has been effective in gaining loyal readership (for the blog, not my books). Once readers trust my reading taste and writing style, they might be willing to take a chance on my books. Sales can’t be guaranteed, but credibility can be built and what it leads to can be amazing. 

What tips would you offer other children’s authors with regard to working with an illustrator? 

Pick one whose style fits what you seek instead of approaching any illustrator and then requesting them to paint in the style you want. 

Be clear with the fee, the number of revisions you need from her, and the deadline up front. Everything is negotiable, but you must only begin the project when both sides are comfortable with the terms. 

Be fair and respectful. Most illustrators are just as dedicated to the project as we are.

What in your opinion makes a great children’s book?

One that tells its story honestly (i.e. doesn’t talk down to children or try too hard to impress) and has great illustrations.

What were some of your favourite books as a child?  

My sisters and I devoured Enid Blyton’s books then we’d act out some of the scenes and pretend to be good friends with the characters. That’s why we were pals with an almost-deaf man who wore a saucepan on his head. On other days, we were best friends with a naughty, obstinate girl and her friend who could whistle like a kettle. “The Faraway Tree” and “The Wishing Chair” series were our favorite. I also enjoyed boarding school stories tremendously.

What book or film has the best dialogue that inspires you to be a better writer and why? 

Mark Helprin writes excellent dialogue. I was particularly stirred by his “Winter’s Tale” and “A Soldier of the Great War.” I can’t think of a film right now, but a TV series that I watch over and over again for its dialogue is “The West Wing.”

How do you reward yourself once your book is published? 

Cake. (Usually Black forest.)

Toy Story or Shrek? 

Toy Story. I’m a Studio Ghibli and Pixar fan.

Your blog’s been running for about four years and has a loyal fanbase. Any tips for us on how to build and grow a good blog? 

I’m always surprised and extremely thankful that people actually read and follow my blog! Most of them are fellow writers and bloggers and we visit one another every week. As for tips on blogging, I’ve heard many and will just focus on these:

1) Blog on what you’re passionate about. (Wait, wait, don’t roll your eyes yet. I understand it sounds like “duh” but I do know of quite a few authors who blog on topics they think their readers want to learn about instead of what they themselves are excited about, so they end up sounding forced and quit blogging after a while.) Ask yourself: Is it books in particular? Which age category or genre? Is it about bridal hairstyles? Is it about relationships? You don’t have to limit yourself to just one category, but you do need a rough picket fence so readers would know if your posts fit their taste or not. 

2) Blog on what your readers want to know. Yep, this upsets whatever I’ve written in 1). But this suggestion might come in handy once you have a blog running for some time and you’ve built yourself to be a credible source on your topics. Ask your readers if they have any questions they’d like you to address. You’ll be their go-to expert.

3) Keep it short. 

4) Add pictures or quotes.  

5) Be consistent in posting. (This is something I still need to work on.)

What three things should a first time visitor to your home town do? 

1) Try our local breakfast: toast with thick butter and kaya (a coconut jam), two soft-boiled eggs and a cup of local coffee. 

2) Visit both hawker centers (our marketplaces and food centers) and independent cafes/restaurants.

3) Visit our libraries, especially those in the lush, neighborhood area.

What can we expect from Claudine Gueh Yanting in the next 12 months? 

Another middle-grade novel, short stories plus a few paintings. I have a budding interest in painting and hope to explore it more next year.

Where can readers and fans connect with you? 

Blog: http://www.carryusoffbooks.com/blog

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/CarryUsOff

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarryUsOffBooks

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/carryusoffbooks/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/107307586955978074011/posts

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6937945.Claudine_Gueh_Yanting

If you enjoy picture books, middle-grade stories and picture-and-quote inspirations, do drop by my blog some time. I’d love to hear from you.

Any advice for authors out there who are either just starting out or getting frustrated with the industry? 

If writing makes you happy, keep going. Learn to market yourself and your writing, but don’t let sales, reviews, rankings and what-not affect you too much. Keep working hard. Let go of the rest.

Thanks for taking out time to be with us today Claudine. I like your encouragement for us never to allow sales or rankings  affect what to do. Also, while its a word most authors don’t like, the truth is we need to learn to market ourselves and our books better to reach that audience that will find great delight in our writings. You can connect with Claudine at one of the links she offered and do drop by her blog to read one of her insightful posts. We’ll be glad to read your comments or questions and remember to share this interview using the social buttons below. One of Claudine’s books will definitely be a great addition to a loved ones’ library, so grab a copy at the link below.

Claudine Gueh Yanting Books on Amazon

Its Author Interview Thursday and today we have a children’s book author from Yorkshire in England. He was introduced to me by Sherrill S. Cannon who was my special guest  earlier this year. My special guest today has being getting the attention of a few movers and shakers in the publishing world with notable mentions at a few industry events. He’s only starting out but I really see great things on the horizon for him. Please join me in welcoming Liam Moiser.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you ended up being a children’s book author? 
 I live in a town called Goole in East Yorkshire with my brother and Father. I have two half-sisters that live with my stepdad. I lived in Goole for a bit when I was small but don’t remember much about it because I moved to Rawcliffe Bridge where I spent most of my childhood. I moved back to Goole to live with my father when I was 14 and I’ve lived here ever since. I have been working for a fast food company now for three years. I think I just liked how children’s books can differ and you can put more imagination into them. So I decided to give it ago.

What can a reader expect when they pick up a Liam Moiser book? 
They can expect a lot of twist and turns in the plot line. I love to keep people guessing about what is happening. Without giving too many spoilers away, I made sure that in my Moore Field School Series I put twists and turns in the book. For instance, in the first book I made sure that I introduced some ghosts right at the end. At first I was going to add them at the beginning, but in the end I thought I’d keep everyone in the dark about them until they were needed.
I added them for a reason, because they play a big part in the plotline. You find out more about them in the second book, but when the third book comes out you’ll find out a lot more. This is when I will wrap up the trophy mystery but I will leave it open for future books. I have a few new ideas I want to work on, but I have also got plans written down if I want more Moore Field School Books.

What in your opinion makes a great children’s book? 
I think that you need to be able to interact with the child and make them see the book through their own eyes. I also think that it is vital that you keep the children on their toes. You want them to be able to imagine the situation.

You had two honourable mentions at the London Book Festival and New Book Festival plus you were announced as a Readers Favourite Finalist. Can you tell us how all that came about and your reaction when you heard? 
My mentor, Sherrill S Cannon, who I can say has been amazing and supportive of my work told me about the competitions and so I decided to enter them. When I heard that I received praise for my work I just couldn’t believe it.
I have recently been told that I won an HM award in the Readers Favourite International Contest. I am extremely happy about this because I won over some good competition to get the HM Award. I have already proudly put the seal on my book and printed out the certificate, which will be going on my wall soon.

How do you handle bad reviews? 
I haven’t received a review that was less than 3 stars yet. I know some people out there who have read the book probably weren’t keen on it but all I can say is that each person has his own taste. If I can make a difference with just a few people, then all this will have been worth while.

What has been your most successful marketing method for promoting your books?

Local Media. I’ve appeared on the Local Radio Station a few times and I’ve also appeared in the local paper. When I went back to school with a signed copy of my book, they not only put it on their website but they also sent out a press release that was picked up by the Hull Daily Mail. I have also had success in getting my books into Libraries.

What were some of your favourite books as a child? 
When I was really small I loved reading Postman Pat, Thomas the Tank Engine and I’ve read some Pokémon books as I grew up. I loved the Harry Potter Series, Famous Five and I’ve read a lot of others. If I list them all we would be here all week because I just loved reading.

What mistake(s) have you made while writing/publishing your books that you would advise other authors against? 
One mistake that I had was to under estimate the e-book market. I thought I could do without it but I’ve decided to put the first book on E-book now. It took me a year to realize how big e-books were.
How do you reward yourself on completing a book or achieving a specific publishing goal? 
I treat myself to a meal so that I can just go out and relax. When I am writing, I am in a zone so I just concentrate on that if I can.

Toy Story or Shrek? 
This is tough but I’ll go for Toy Story. 

What should a first time visitor to Yorkshire in the Northern part of England do while there? 
This is really hard because I know what I’d want to do and that is go visit the Haribo factory. But if I had to pick one thing I’d say to visit the North Yorkshire Moors because the scenery is amazing.

What can we expect from Liam Moiser in the next 12 months? 
I haven’t decided yet what I want to do. I know I have a few school visits lined up and I’m hoping to get some more interviews lined up. As for on the book front, I’m thinking of a 2016 release for my third book. I don’t want to ruin the series by having a rubbish ending to this trophy mystery, so I want to make sure everything is perfect.

Where can fans and readers of your books discover more about you and connect with you? 
I have a facebook page and a twitter page and an author website.
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLiamMosier
https://twitter.com/Moiser201
http://sbprabooks.com/LiamMoiser/
If you click on the sbprabooks link, you will see a contact page. This will send an email directly and I aim to reply within 48 hours of receiving any emails that anyone has for me.

Any advice for authors out there who are either just starting out or getting frustrated with the publishing industry?


What I can tell people is that no matter how few of the books you sell, you have achieved something. That is how I look at it. I have sold in America and the UK at the moment, and without it being published no one would have read it. So remember that even if you make just one person smile you have achieved something!

Thanks for spending some time with us today Liam. I have to say that I find your honesty and love for the craft very refreshing. I know we’ll be hearing great things about you in the future. Please click the link below to grab a copy of one of Liam’s books and we’d be delighted if you could leave a comment or question below.

It’s Author Interview Thursday and I’m so glad you’ve joined us today. This is a particularly special week as its Children’s Book Week. Many authors, publishers, bookstores, bloggers and children are doing various things to celebrate this special week. I’ve joined a super group of authors, publishers and bloggers who are donating gift cards, books and other prizes in a Kidlit Giveaway Blog Hop. You can read about all about it and my special gift HERE. Our special guest today is a part of this blog hop and she has a special something, something for you that will be revealed in our interview today. As I’ve gotten to know our featured author over the last few months, I’ve been impressed with her big heart and support for the writing community. She is a moderator for one of the Facebook groups that I belong to and her warmth plus fountain of knowledge fosters an atmosphere for sharing and growth. I got introduced to her by Sharon Ledwith and I’m so glad she made the introduction. She writes in several genres and I feel honored to have the opportunity to pick her brains today. So without further ado, please join me in welcoming Ann T. Bugg.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the first time someone complemented you on something you had written?

My first writing related memory happened in the 3^rd grade. My teacher read my short story to the class then said, “You’re going to be a writer someday.” I don’t even remember what the story was, but I’m sure my mom has it somewhere. The first book in this series is the first thing I’ve ever really written. My daughter reading it as I completed each chapter and the nagging to hurry and write more was all the inspiration I needed to keep going.

What can a reader expect when they pick up a book written by Ann T. Bugg?

They are sure to recognize a familiar tale with a fun new twist. Fairy tales re-told have always been my favorite stories. Add the sass of two best friends that could not be any more opposite, and hopefully the reader will walk away with a few laughs.

You have five published books in the ‘Before Happily Ever After’ series. Was it a conscious decision to write a series and what led you to do it?

Truthfully, no. I wrote number one for my daughter for fun. I never expected to see the end of it, let alone 8 more come of it. The series is actually based on my daughter and her best friend. It was amazingly easy to use their personalities to create the characters of Valerie and Samantha and stretch it tale after tale with fun characters that we all know and love. The series sat for years on my laptop. When my daughter was 14 and created the cover for #1, I finally got serious about getting them published.

Not many people may know this Ann but you write in different genres. Can you tell us of any major challenge this situation presents and how you overcome it?

I don’t feel it’s a challenge at all. The books are totally separate, and I only ever do one at a time. I don’t need to stop and put on the different writer hat. The crazy hat is always on. The girls and their personalities make it easy to add life to my middle grade characters. With my women’s fiction, my characters always run the show. I’ve never outlined or detailed out A to Z. It somehow always falls into place. I see your next question, so I’ll explain more there.

Do you believe in writer’s block and what do you do to overcome it?

I’ve never had writer’s block * knock on wood *. I think it’s because the way my writing process works. All of my novels have sparked from one small idea and have exploded from there. Four sequels I never planned on writing came about from fan’s e-mails. I have always let my characters take the wheel. If I’ve ever thought it would end one way, they told me, “Nope. This is how it’s going to be, lady.” Some people will say “you have no control”, others will say “that’s when you know your story has really taken shape”. I say everyone has to do what works for them. I can only imagine writer’s block comes when you want to get somewhere and can’t see how to make it happen. So yes, I believe it can happen and have heard from a lot of frustrated writer friends, but with how I work, it doesn’t happen. I never have expectations of what will happen, we just get there together! My poor family will just have to endure me shouting things like, “You play the piano? That would have been nice to know five chapters ago!” and “You have a twin sister? Thanks for the info!”

What is your definition of success as an author?

The biggest thing for me is fan mail. If I touched someone enough that they feel they want to write and tell me how much they liked it, that’s pretty big in my book. Of course a front table at Barnes and Noble would be great, but touching readers is the bottom line.

What have you found to be a successful way to market your books?

Working at it constantly is what it takes, and I’m extremely guilty of slacking since our move. I’ve never been the greatest at “tooting my own horn”. Lately I’ve been trying to go after reviewers, hoping that good old “happy word of mouth” helps. I think everyone is getting drowned out in Facebook groups and lost in the steam at Twitter, so I don’t hold much hope in social media. GoodReads giveaways are nice and the 99¢ deals do give a great sales boost.

What were some of your favourite books as a child? 

I was a horse book gal. Misty of Chincoteague was a memorable one.

Toy Story or Shrek?

Gah! Tough call. I guess I’d have to say Shrek with all the great Fairy Tale twists.

What three things should a first time visitor to your home town do?

Go somewhere else. Sorry – just getting out of an extremely bad winter here. (19 inches of snow in the SPRING!) Not a fan of Minnesota right now (although there is a great outlet mall down the road.) Taylor’s Falls isn’t too far away. It’s very beautiful. The first time we drove though, I felt like I was driving into a story book! Lots of lakes just a stone’s throw away from my house. If fishin’ is your thing, you’re in luck!

What can we expect from Ann T. Bugg in the next 12 months?

I try to get at least two middle grade and two women’s fiction out a month. There are currently only 9 in the Before Happily Ever After series (8 and a prequel that may or may not make it…) My daughter has been nagging for me to take it to the Young Adult level and keep going, but I’m not sure. I have too many women’s fiction in the finishing stages. I will keep you posted though!

Where can readers and fans connect with you?

My middle grade website: http://www.beforehappilyeverafter.com/

Middle grade FB fan page: https://www.facebook.com/AnnTBugg

My women’s fiction website: http://www.junekramin.com/

Women’s fiction FB fan page: http://www.facebook.com/JuneKramin

Twitter: https://twitter.com/junekramin

Any advice for authors out there who are either just starting out or getting frustrated with the industry?

My stock answer is if it’s really what you want, don’t give up. I can’t count how many times I’ve said, “I’m done!” I believe the first time was right before my first acceptance letter showed up. There are only a few things that may be harder than trying to break into this industry. It’s a constant battle to keep yourself out there. I get asked a lot of the same question from various friends who are silly enough to think they want to write. I have started a “TIPS” page on my women’s fiction website and try to update it often. http://www.junekramin.com/tips

Thanks for having me!

It was a pleasure having you today Ann. I really agree with and feel the same way about you on your view on success as an author. To have someone who you’ve never met in your life, be so impacted by your words and story that they decide to get in touch with you is truly a blessing. OK, like I said at the start of this interview, Ann has something special for us today. You can read all about it at the link below

http://www.beforehappilyeverafter.com/Blog

Also, the first book in her ‘Before Happily Ever After’ series is FREE today! Click the link below to grab your copy.

Through the Window and Into Snow

It’s Author Interview Thursday! Yeah! I was involved in a conversation with a friend who was having a few challenges pushing their business to the next level. My 2 cents to their dilemma was that they had to SEE themselves closing deals, winning clients and making bumper sales. I added that they also had to stay in their lane and believe that their daily positive actions would eventually bring the future they desired. I believe this laser-focussed mindset is embodied by our special guest in the hot seat today. She writes in the fantasy genre and aligns her marketing efforts to establish this. I was fascinated by the fact that she co-writes her books with her sister, Toni Burns. I was introduced to her by Sharon Ledwith who was our featured guests several moons ago. I’m so glad Sharon did as she’s an author who generously supports other authors. She has so much good stuff to share with us today. So without further ado, please join me in welcoming Lisa Fender.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the first time someone complemented you on something you had written.

Thanks David for having me as a guest on your blog! I’m looking forward to meeting some of your followers!

Let’s see, I live in Golden Colorado and love it here. I’m married to Rick, and we’ve tied the knot twice, with each other that is, and he has 3 kids and I have 2. We both have grandchildren, but we were young grandparents. In fact, we are both “big kids”. We love hiking, camping, fishing, and the like, and our favourite relaxation is to go to the hot springs in the mountains and soak and enjoy the fresh air.

The first time someone complemented me on my writing was when I was still a teen. I had written some poetry and read it to a friend of my mothers’ who was an author herself. Her name is Autumn Stanley and she has a famous book in several of the university’s across the country. She was also an editor for Stanford University years ago. She’s a wonderful woman and when I finally published Fable, I sent her a copy, and of course, she sent it back with marks for me to fix. My sister and I had to laugh, we knew she couldn’t help herself, and we fixed most of her edits and republished.

What can a reader expect when they pick up a book written by Lisa Fender?

You can expect not your usual story, for one. I didn’t want to write the same type of urban fantasy, or dystopian fantasy that everyone else was. Instead of the “A” typical vamp or werewolf, I decided to do a take-off of the Djinni, but not one in the bottle, but a race of beings in another dimension. These beings keep the balance of both our worlds and are threatened by a faction in their side of the portal, and are threatened by what we are doing to our planet on this side.

For two, we really pride ourselves of trying to make sure that the writing is as good as any traditional published work. We have two critique partners and after we think we have the chapter the way we want it, we send it to a friend of mine who is an author, and he goes over the chapter. Once the book is finished, Toni and I go through it once more before it goes to our professional editor.

We want to make sure it’s tight and an enjoyable read for whomever takes a chance and reads our books.

You co-write books with your sister Toni Burns. Can you tell us a unique challenge this situation presents and how you both overcome it?

Actually, the challenge is we are sisters and fight once in a while. But when it comes to writing we are spot on with each other. For some reason we really click and are in each other’s minds when we write. We have a system that works for us. I write the rough drafts, and then go through and clean them up a little. Then she and I go over each line and brainstorm together the way we want the story to go. It works great for us.

You write in the Fantasy genre which is very popular and competitive. What advice would you have for someone who wants to write in this genre?

Of course, make sure you put out a high quality book. You need to pay for a professional Editor. It’s the only way. I’ve read quite a lot of self-pub books and the mistakes and head-hopping stick out like a sore thumb, for me anyway. Next, try to come up with something unique. Sure there are going to be certain types of “guidelines” to your story. For example, if you’re writing epic fantasy, there will probably be a type of kingdom, and swords and bow and arrow will be the main source for weapons, but you can still come up with a new angle.

What have you found to be a successful way to market your books?

This is one of the toughest parts to being a writer these days. I have pounded my head against the desktop more than once and it can leave you with hurt feelings and misguided advice. I have been studying the social media concept here lately and I believe the best way is through email contacts, either newsletters, or some type of fun interaction with your readers. Facebook used to be a great place, but now they have changed their reach for your fans. These days you’re lucky if more than 40 people see your posts at any given time.

They want you to pay for Facebook advertising and even that doesn’t amount to much more of a reach. Twitter is tough too because you have thousands following you and you them. How many of your followers’ posts do you click on and read? Not too many usually, so probably not too many are reading yours.

This is such a tough business so my advice is to try and set up a way to personally reach your readers.

What were some of your favourite books as a child? 

This is such a long list; I don’t know where to start. I was always a big reader. I loved all the Disney classics, Snow White, etcetera, but I also liked the Boxcar Children and the Hardy Boys. I think my favourite was Wild Things and Charlotte’s Web.

What three things should writers avoid when writing dialogue?

Dialogue should sound natural. Watch the way people talk with each other and try to bring that out in your writing. You don’t want it stiff.

Two, use more action tags than “he said, she said” tags. Especially if you like to use other words besides “said”. They can take the reader out of the book.

Three, don’t add too much character’s thoughts in between each dialogue speech. It’s annoying.

What is your definition of success as an author?

To me success in life is the people who surround you with love, and care about you. I think it’s the same with being an author. I think the more popular you get the more people love you. To have people tell you they love your story is so wonderful! If you can build from there and gain more and more fans, you are successful.

What book or film has the best dialogue that inspires you to be a better writer and why?

There are several. I think the Europeans are much better with great acting and writing than we are. Harry Potter had some great acting, as did Lord of The Rings, and even Game of Thrones. Their acting is powerful and believable. My writing couch was English and she taught me the way they are taught across the pond. She really instilled in me the creative writing skills you need to have a clear and tight book.

Toy Story or Shrek?

Another tough question…I guess I have to say Shrek. Love him!

What three things should a first time visitor to Colorado do?

Go to the mountains and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. Enjoy a hot springs pool, and if you like skiing then this is a great place for it.

What can we expect from Lisa Fender in the next 12 months?

We are revising the second book in our Lorn Prophecy series, Lore. We hope to have it ready to publish by the end of the year…we’ll see. I am also plotting Lore ahead so that I can start writing the rough draft for the third book in the series. I have also written ten chapters in the next compendium for the Djenrye Chronicles, which are side books about our made-up world, Djenrye. It’s been a lot of work, but I love it! We do have one of the compendiums published – Fated. It’s the first in that series.

Where can readers and fans connect with you?

I am on the usual hangouts,

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fablebookI

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/lisafender1

And my Blog: http://www.lisafender.com

We are building our website as we speak and hope to have it up and running in the next couple of months. We will have an interactive blog to get people involved with the story and writing. I’m really looking forward to it! We will be sending out invites to join our email list by the end of the week.

Any advice for authors out there who are either just starting out or getting frustrated with the industry?

Just like wine, every good thing takes time. Give yourself a break and just be consistent in what you’re doing to gain fans. It might take a while, but being relentless is the answer.

Thanks again for having me as your guest David! You’re a great host and good luck with your books!

Thanks for spending some time with us today Lisa. You really have opened my eyes to a few things I wasn’t aware of. I love the fact that you’re in this for the long haul and are not putting any pressure on yourself to be an over-night success. As Lisa stated in the interview, the best way she considers to reach out to her readers is to have them on her mailing list. If you want to see how she structures her emails and interacts with her audience, click the link below to join her mailing list.

http://www.djenworld.com

You can also read the full description and pick up one of her books at the link below

Lisa Fender on Amazon

Every now and then I go into a local bookstore to read a few pages from the books on display. I sometimes find a gem that I either buy on the spot or buy later on Amazon. A few Fridays ago I found such a gem - I am Nit a Loser by Jim Smith. I have read the first book in the series and they are a set of funny books for kids. I love how Jim Smith has created this unique world with interesting characters, unique words and phrases plus quirky illustrations to accompany the story.

In this episode, Barry Loser is super excited because he has won an audition (with his friends, Bunky andNancy Verkenwerken) to star in the new Feeko’s shampoo advert. However, an absence of a certain skill from Barry to capture the Director’s vision for the advert leads to betrayals, riots and finally a restoration of broken friendships.

You really can’t go wrong with a book that has a line like this

Then all of a non-sudden it was Saturday and I was standing on the edge of Mogden Common with Mrs Dongle and all her wooden-bead-necklace friends and their husbands, wondering how in the unkeelness my life had ended up so loserish.

I would have loved to have read the Barry Loser books as a 9-year old and I believe this book will appeal to children of all ages (and perhaps some grown-ups too) and hopefully convert reluctant readers into avid readers.

Definitely one for your library. I’ve checked on Amazon and you currently can’t get it on there, so you’ll have to check your local Waterstones or WH Smith to grab a copy. If you’re interested in the other books in the series, You can grab a copy at the link below

Barry Loser Books