Interview With Patti Ogden Author of Keoni's Big Question

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Keoni’s Big Question

Patti B. Ogden

What inspired the book?

A story told in several sermons of William Branham

What makes this book special to you?

Keoni’s Big Question is very special to me because it tells such a sweet story of a curious little boy that just wanted to know more about God. The little boy reminded me of myself. As a child I was very curious about the deep questions of life and I was just as determined to find the right answers.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

Keoni’s Big Question has a beautiful message with a surprising answer that will impact it’s readers for a lifetime.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

This 32 page fully-illustrated book is a wonderful book for all children, but I have had its meaning inspire parents as well. It’s an endearing story of faith, Christian values and the how and why of reaching out to God for answers in our life.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

They say good authors are good readers and I agree with that. My mind often starts to form ideas after reading inspirational items and great literature.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

One of the biggest stumbling blocks is coming to a word road block. You know what you want to say but the correct words or phrases escape you. The on-the-tip-of-my- tongue problem. That is frustrating! I get past this by going for a long walk to clear my head and then flipping through reference tools like my Thesaurus.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

This is something I wanted to do since a high school creative writing class. I think the motivation is the basic human desire to express ourselves. Writing is a channel that we can freely do that.


FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

Keoni’s Big Question is centered around a fishing trip Keoni takes with an old family friend. The setting was easy as it was a part of the original story told by William Branham. Yet that was only an outline and I had to fill in the gaps with fiction. I decided that the fishing trip had to become dangerous to make a way for Keoni to communicate with God so he would come naturally to the answers to his big question.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

Keoni inspires me because he never gives up. He knows there are correct answers to his questions and he persevered until he was satisfied in his soul. I admire that. It shows great faith.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.

The friction in this story are the many disappointing answers that Keoni receives when he first begins his search for answers. Sadly, this is too often seen in our modern society- people who are too busy to sit down and have serious conversation with children. Keoni begins to feel rejected and pacified and the reader will soon feel great empathy to what he is going through.

Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

Keoni’s Big Question and it’s message is very important - now more than ever. Headlines and current events are becoming more fearful about the state of the world, the economy and the prophecy of the end of times. Children are especially sensitive to these things, they see their families worried about job loss, higher bills to pay, etc. This book helps them to realize there is a higher power to call upon. One that can instill peace and joy.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

Watch for the Keoni’s Big Question book trailer in May.

I also have two more books that are coming out this year.

“Shamgar and the Ox Goad” is scheduled next. I am very excited about it! It is a very imaginative tale of the little known story of Shamgar, who was only mentioned twice in the Bible, yet greatly used of God. Taken from one verse in the book of Judges, this is a story of one man and how delivers Israel from the hand of the Philistines. This is the first volume in our Untold Heroes of the Bible series and is a powerful, intriguing story that teaches children the virtues of Godly character and faith.

“Momma, Am I Pretty?” is about a young girl who deals with her first experience of religious persecution and how the wisdom of her mother helps her through her emotional reaction. Illustrator and designer Robert Sauber is busy working on this project and we hope to have this one out by late summer.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

Thank you! It was my pleasure.

Keoni’s Big Question is available at :

Amazon.com - http://www.amazon.com/Keonis-Big-Question-Patti-Ogden/dp/098167836X

BarnesandNoble.com

Bookch.com.

I would like to invite readers to stop by our website.

Http://www.Capstone-Productions.com

Meet Heather Matthews - Author of Carolina

You have been invited to share your promotional experience with others.

Your Name: Heather Matthews

1. Where you are from and where are you now?

My name is Heather Matthews. I grew up in New Brunswick, Canada. I now live on the West Coast, in Vancouver. It rains now and then, but I love it.

2. How did you get started writing?

I started writing essays in school, and I was encouraged to write more. From the age of 8, I was writing stories on my own, but I tended to keep them private. As an adult, I developed the courage to share my work with the outside world. I began writing for magazines like Canadian Living, and doing freelance work for clients all over the world. Then I knew I was ready to start writing novels.

3. What do you do when you are not writing?

I’m a Mom, and I have a fourteen year old son named Jeremy. I enjoy spending a lot of time with him.

4. What would readers like to know about you?

I am a true romantic. I believe in love, and I feel inspired by the passion two people can share. I try to bring this spirit into my work.

5. What inspired your first book?

I’ve gone through hard times, just like my main character, Carrie Evans. I’ve felt the same heartache and the same doubts. But I have never given up on my dreams, and my heroine is just the same. I chose to write about a woman who rises up to great success, because I believe anything is possible.

6. How many books have you written?

I’ve written two.

7. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?

My first novel, Carolina (drama/romance), is coming out on March 27^th. My second novel, a magical adventure for young readers (Below The Sapphire Sea), will be released next October.

8. How do you decide on that topic or genre? Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?

Anyone who has experienced love, with all its trials and tribulations, is probably qualified to write romance. However, I’ve spent years perfecting my craft through freelance work and short stories. I’ve devoted myself to creating truly memorable characters.

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?

I always get caught up in my stories, so it’s easy to stay on track. Sometimes I even dream about my characters.

10. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?

I write because I have to. It’s my form of creative release. I would do it no matter what. I’m learning a lot about the publishing business, and my greatest hope is that I can reach a wide audience. If money comes from that, it will be a nice bonus.

11. What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used? Which were the
most successful?

My website is quite successful. I post all my freelance work on the site, along with some blog posts. I write about all kinds of things: astrology, parenting, phobias, current affairs, Hollywood…I get a fair bit of traffic to the site. People can see my book when they visit, and order it through a link I’ve set up.

12. What are some unique methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?

I have found social networking sites like Facebook and Myspace are a fun way to promote. It’s not work to talk about my book when I’m chatting to good friends. Facebook is a great tool for writers, and a wonderful meeting ground for old and new friends.

13. Do you sell through a website? If so, what’s the address? If not, why not?

I sell the book through a link on my own website: www.heathermatthews.ca By clicking on my book cover, you can go straight to Amazon and pick up a copy.

14. Where can people order your books?

My book is available on Amazon.com. Target.com, and at www.cacoethespublishing.com. It will be available at Borders and Barnes & Noble websites in the near future.

15. What format are your books – e-book, print, audio etc?

My book is available in e-book format, as well as print format.

16. Will you write more books?

I have already finished my second novel, and I’m definitely going to keep writing novels. It’s my favorite way to write.

17. What do you have in the works now?

I’m currently writing a novella. It’s a romance. And I’m sketching out some ideas for my third novel.

18. What does the future hold for you and your books?

Hopefully, my books will touch readers. Once they feel connected to my work, things will fall into place. I’m committed to getting better and better, so I can keep my bond with readers alive.

19. What was the most successful thing you did to promote your books?

Setting up a website has been very positive for me.

20. What was the least successful thing you did to promote your books?

It’s too early to tell. My book comes out on March 27^th. I’ve been selling pre-sale copies on Amazon, and I’m happy with the way things are going so far, but I’m bound to make some mistakes.

21. Tell us about your most recent book.

My first novel, Carolina, is a glitzy romance in the vein of Jacqueline Susann (The Valley Of The Dolls) and Judith Krantz (Princess Daisy). I’ve always enjoyed romance with a touch of Hollywood glitter, so I wrote about a poor girl, Carrie Evans, who endures hardship and heartbreak. Eventually, she becomes country music’s hottest new superstar – Carolina. Along the way, she meets Jacob Goldman, a record company executive who sees her true potential – and falls deeply in love. Unfortunately, he’s involved with Stella Davis, a country star of his own creation. And she doesn’t take kindly to competition.

22. What makes this book special to you?

I poured my whole heart and soul into this book. I tried to show a range of emotions, while maintaining a fast-paced story that features glamorous locales like LA, Memphis, and even Jamaica. Carrie’s journey is something any woman can relate to. We all have our dreams and desires, and you may find you care very much about her life after only a few pages.

23. What sort of comments have you gotten about the content of the book?

I’ve been told that the book has everything it needs to keep a reader turning the pages. Readers enjoyed the scope of emotions, the changes in scenery, and the believable characters. My editor expects my book to do well, and I hope it does.

24. What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

The book is very current. It had lots of pop culture references, and they give the novel a gritty, contextual feel. The main characters are well drawn and dimensional. Noone is a cookie-cutter stereotype. My characters make decisions that are good and bad, and they work through problems, just like real people do.

25. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

This book will take you into another world, and it will allow you to live out the dreams we’ve all carried with us since childhood. For example, many of us have imagined ourselves living the life of a glamorous celebrity. For Carolina, this dream comes true, and we can live through her and feel all of her emotions.

26. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I lose myself in my own stories, and they seem to take on a life of their own. When I go back and re-read my work, and enjoy my own story, I know I’ve done something right. This keeps my creativity flowing. Films, books, and music are also powerful creative tools for me. I would recommend that any fledgling writer set up a little creative time each day, surrounded by music and other things that inspire beautiful words and imagery.

27. What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

It comes from the heart. I would write, even if I were the richest woman on earth. I think most authors feel the same way.

28. Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I’ve done all the typical things, such as setting up a personal website: www.heathermatthews.cawww.toptenz.net. By writing interesting material, and putting a big ad for my book on the bottom (through the kindness of my employers), I’ve found a wider audience for my work.

29. If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

My book isn’t a typical romance, and yet it’s very romantic. There is passion and longing, but also a lot of other feelings. Depression, jealousy, and grief also surface in the book. One character struggles with addiction, just as so many people do in the “real world”. Another suffers tragedy that scars her from within. There are many areas to explore in the human heart, and I try to touch on all of that in this book. It’s a little deeper than some romances, and it may touch you for this reason.

30. Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers?

Give us a hook to reel in new readers. In the age of American Idol, America loves contests and competitions. My character becomes involved in a huge competition, and it’s exciting to read about it from the “inside”. If you love shows like American Idol, you’ll enjoy Carolina.

Meet David S Brody Author of Cabal of the Westford Knight: Templars at the Newport Tower

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Cabal of the Westford Knight: Templars at the Newport Tower, by David S. Brody

What inspired the book?

As a resident of Westford, Massachusetts, I had long known of the legend of the Westford Knight (Scottish explorers visiting Westford in 1398 and carving an effigy in stone in Westford to commemorate the death of a fallen comrade). As I researched the subject further, I realized there is other evidence in New England that corroborates this legend. Further, the legend is consistent with many European sources. This hidden history is a story that needed to be told.

What makes this book special to you?

The research. It is truly fascinating, almost addictive. The artifacts and sites speak to us from 600 years ago. I feel like I’ve been looking through a window into our hidden history, and now I get to share my findings with the public through my book.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

I’m not sure I would use the word, “must.” But I will say that anyone who enjoys historical fiction, anyone who likes books that allow them to learn about history while at the same time being entertained, “should” read this book. Not to belabor the point, but it really does give readers an opportunity to learn about a fascinating, hidden history involving medieval exploration of America.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Anyone who enjoyed The Da Vinci Code really needs to read this, as it turns out the medieval exploration of North America is directly related to the families, themes and sites discussed by Dan Brown in his book. To be specific, I’m talking about the Knights Templar, the Jesus bloodline families, the Freemasons, so-called “paganism” within the Church, Roslyn Chapel—they all play an important part in who came to North America in the late 1300s and why.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

More than anything else, I think passion sparks creativity. Everyone has something they are passionate about, something that will get them up early in the morning or make them take that long walk into the woods. That’s what aspiring authors should write about.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

I have a rule: I never let a day go by without working on the book I am writing. If I’m not actually writing, I’m researching or editing, even if for only a half hour. In that way my brain never disengages from the story. It has really helped me avoid writer’s block, helped me avoid putting the project down and then not picking it up for weeks or months at a time.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

For me, my family is big into reading. We always had books in the house, always viewed reading as the best form of entertainment. I think everyone has a creative streak in them—literature was a natural venue in which to express mine.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

My first book, Unlawful Deeds, is a legal thriller that turns on a series of real estate transactions. It has an obvious appeal to real estate attorneys and paralegals. I used to go into the county registries of deeds, where closings were held, and tape promotional flyers on the tables where buyers and sellers transacted the closings. It worked pretty well—the book became a bestseller.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

The characters in the book travel across New England researching and investigating the medieval sites and artifacts much as I did when researching the book. Of course, they do so while being hunted down by enemies trying to keep this hidden history a secret. Nobody was trying to kill me while I was doing my research!

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

Both Cameron and Amanda, the hero and heroine in the story, are at sort of a crossroads point in their lives. That makes them open to new ideas and new adventures. And also open to a possible romance.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.

There are a couple of different villains in the story, but I’m especially happy the way the Salazar character turned out. He is a hired assassin who between assignments is a doting and loving single father to his young daughter. He has the same dreams and concerns and feelings as any parent—the only difference being he kills people for a living. Despite what he does for work, it’s hard to dislike him.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

As you can probably tell, I’m very passionate about this story! If readers would like to see the sites and artifacts that I talk about in my book, they can go to my blogspot: http://westfordknight.blogspot.com/ . Many so-called experts believe these are all modern-day hoaxes or forgeries. I strongly disagree, and invite readers to reach their own conclusions.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

My website is www.davidbrodybooks.com

The link to purchase the book on Amazon is:

www.amazon.com/Cabal-Westford-Knight-Templars-Newport/dp/0977389871/

Darryl Hagar - Before He Was Published

I was now two years sober.I had been to over 300 12 step meetings, worked with a therapist twice a week, attended group mental health recovery classes for a year straight. My head was clearing and I really didn't want to go back to sea. What did I have to offer the world? I had navigated 900 foot supertankers for 20 years. I couldn't that ashore. I had drank and drugged for 27 years and unfortunately that was the only other thing I really knew a lot about.

I could write a book! God it would be an awesome read. All my sea stories, piracy, exotic ports and women, but most of it would be risky behavior about drugs and alcohol. I had done a lot of things that were socially unacceptable but there were dozens of lessons to be learned. I could make an impact on the world and leave a legacy of helping future generations srtuggling with addiction. I could even help an entire shipping industry, the merchant marines, that had a long reputation for drinking too much. What do you do with a drunken sailor? Well perhaps I could teach some sailors through my story not to be drunks.

I prayed to God to give me the courage, the wisdom, the strength to use my drug and alcohol crazy past to teach others about the disease of addiction and alcoholism. About how I succumbed to the temptation to drink and drug every day and how it ruined my career, my health, and nearly caused me to lose the one thing in life I loved the most, my son.

I wrote my entire life story, blow by blow, drink by drink,arest by arrest. I left nothing out nor did i embelish any of the events. It would be a no holes barred book that would stir peoples emotions, fuel their anger, and cause everyone involved how to better fight alcoholism and drug addiction, no matter what industry or population involved. I might have legal problems as a result of my writings but I would ask God for help. I couldn't help others unless I wrote down my story and shared it with the world.

The Man Overboard

How a Merchant Marine Officer Survived the

Raging Storm of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

was born and available at www.themanoverboard.com and www.amazon.com

Now I just had to have the courage to sign on the dotted line. As if a message from God came down from heaven I received the following two emails, One from one of my former Captains and the other from a major oil executive I had never spoken to in my entire life. I no longer believed in coincidences and after I received these emails, I moved forward and released my story to the world.

"I have had the pleasure of viewing your website,www.themanoverboard.com and wanted to let you know how proud I am having known you and what you are currently doing. As one of your prior supervisors, I apologize for not being more in-tuned with your needs at that time. Just know, as time progresses, we gain wisdom through experience. I have gained from this experience. Keep up the great work! I will continue to look for the good things in life that you have accomplished."

-Captain Richard Holman, Overseas New York and The Kenai

"Writing The Man Overboard and sharing your life experiences with alcoholism, ships, and the lessons you've learned takes great courage and will be helpful to our industry. I believe men will tuck your book in the bottom of their sea bags, right next to their dirty magazines, and read it back on the ships. I think men will look at their own lives, change their behaviors, and in turn, you will have helped prevent oil pollution and accidents. I will spread the work of your recovery and sobriety.

-Annonymous, West Coast Oil Tanker Port Captain

The Last Stop: Lincoln & the “Mud Circuit” by Alan Bower

Alan Bower

The Last Stop: Lincoln & the “Mud Circuit”

http:alanbower.com

1 - How did you get interested in the topic that’s featured in your book?

In March of 2006, I attended a meeting, in Taylorville, Illinois with its mayor, tourism council and president of the local historical society along with others interested in documenting Lincoln’s presence, activities and relationships in the city. This information would be used in promoting the city and its connection with Mr. Lincoln as part of the Looking for Lincoln project. “The Last Stop” was the result of that research project I agreed to undertake.

2 - Tell us a bit about your background. What have you done in the past that relates to your book and that topic?

I am directly descended from Joseph Durbin Sr., one of the first settlers who came to Christian County in 1829 and lived on Bear Creek, then part of Montgomery County. His brother, John “Stumpy” Durbin, arriving a year earlier is the great-great-great grandfather of Illinois Senator Richard Durbin. They both knew Lincoln for he represented members of their families in several cases. The two brothers are buried in the Durbin ancestral cemetery on Bear Creek in Christian County.

3 - What advice would you give to someone who is interested in your topic?

The number of books available on Mr. Lincoln is said to number in excess of 15,000. I am sure the reader can find something that would interest them.

4 - What do you see as the benefit to participating in groups and organizations? My first thought would be networking opportunities and the chance for personal and business growth. What are your reasons?

My reasons are the same as your original thoughts.

5 - Who is the ideal person to read your book? If each person that reads this was going to recommend your book to one person, what sort of person would they want to chose?

Anyone having a keen interest in the early years of Mr. Lincoln in the Illinois Assembly and his life on the Eight Judicial Circuit would find “The Last Stop” valuable in studying the types of cases he had including the extremely important relationships he established which would lead him to the White House.

6 - What do you think ignites a person’s creativity?

Passion…without it nothing happens.

7 - What have you found to be the biggest stumbling block for people who want to start writing?

They perhaps fail to realize that anyone can write or they think they don’t have the time.

8 - How would you suggest they can overcome that?

A great journey begins with one small step and the same can be said for writing. The prospect of writing book can be intimidating and daunting task but if broken down into its individual parts the process soon looses it’s sense of enormity.

9 - What do you find is the biggest motivator for people to succeed? Is it money, security, desire for fame or something else?

Motivation to succeed in anything we attempt comes from many sources and not always measurable in terms such as money or fame which can be fleeting.

10 - Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Never be afraid to try something you have never done before….you might be greatly surprised at the results…the best hitters in baseball strike out 70% of the time.

Meet Maria J. Andrade, M.F.T.

You have been invited to share your promotional experience with others.

Your Name: Maria J. Andrade, M.F.T.

1. Where you are from and where are you now?

Maria :I was born in the middle of the earth, Ecuador, South America. I was

raised in New York and in California where I now live with my husband,Sy.

2. How did you get started writing?

Maria : I wrote poetry and plays as a child. My undergraduate degree is in English but I studied psychology in graduate school. After becoming a Marriage, Family, Child Therapist

I wrote a book to help people succeed in love and marriage, entitled, Heart Magic, Keeping Love Alive & Well. It was translated into Spanish. I also wrote a book of poetry,

Singing My Self Home, a spiritual journey on the crisis of our time and my recent eco-social book and CD for children, Youngen Finds Her Song, which contains allegories about their global inheritance.

3. What do you do when you are not writing?

Maria: I work with people in the field of counseling every day. I also garden, read and work on my house, which has become synonymous with working on myself!

4. What would readers like to know about you?

Maria: I don’t know what they would like to know. I am a pretty open person so whatever they wish to know they can always ask by going to : www.magicunion.com

5. What inspired your first book?

Maria: The divorce rate. Its like a crap shoot. One out of two marriages ends in divorce.

I also didn’t like to see the suffering it caused children. So I wrote a small self-help guide

to inform people about the greatest of all arts - the art of relating. It is not entirely true

what the Beetles said, “All you need is love.” I think we need some preparation in this

area!

6. How many books have you written?

Maria: The three I mentioned and 3 other kids’ books which will be coming out in 2009,

a science fiction novelette and a novel on the life of 3 women’s friendship which takes place in the 30s and a comedy play which I hope will be published by 2012.

7. What are the titles of your books and what genres are they?

Maria: “Why Dear Mrs. Sullivan Is Distressed” and “Buster” are children’s stories in poetry. “Jennifer Magicum” is also for kids. The science fiction story is called, “The Return” and I don’t yet have a title for the novel or the play.

8. How do you decide on that topic or genre? Why are you specially qualified to write about this topic?

Maria: I write what insists on being written and there are a lot of topics fighting for my attention so I usually give in to the one that most vehemently pursues me.

9. How do you manage to keep yourself focused and on track when you’re writing a book?

Maria: Guilt- in part.I am sure I would have written much more if I had been more focused. My problem is I am interested in any number of things but I also have this commitment to my writing like a mother has to her children. It isn’t just about bringing them into the world but it is also helping them find a place there so they can have lives of their own!

10. Do you write to make money, for the love of writing or both?

The priority is writing which I have done when I made no money at all at it but I like to know people are reading my work so obviously I will get paid. I have also given books away. This last book, Youngen Finds Her Song, An Inspiring Adventure From The Heart Of Nature, which as I mentioned, has an audio-book version with the voices of birds and insects conversing about “humans” and special sound effects and music. We gave many of the books and CDs to children who had special needs.

It is a book about hope, self-confidence, caring, earth stewardship and peace and I wanted to give it to them as a gift.

11. What are some traditional methods of marketing you have used? Which were the

most successful?

I think the reviews on Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com has helped and the American Book Sellers Association have done a great job getting the book out. Press Releases

are useful but not as helpful as forming relationships with people in the book trade

such as with this blog here with you! I appreciate the opportunity to be here.

12. What are some unique methods of marketing you have used? Which were the most successful?

Maria: Although the book just came out barely a month ago it is already being used in schools. This is because of the work the publisher has done to inform teachers and libraries. We also have started a contest for students who write essay about the four basic concepts in the book, which includes some kind of drawing with it.

13. Do you sell through a website? If so, what’s the address? If not, why not?

Maria: Yes I do. I will be putting more information about the contest on my website: www.magicunion.com under “Children Books”

14. Where can people order your books?

Maria: They can order them through major book stores. However, for signed copies and for the audio book which seems to entertain and inform kids from 3 to 93 go to my website or write (Clara Publishing): clarapub@ca.rr.com

15. What format are your books – e-book, print, audio etc?

Maria: I mentioned print, audio and also e-book.

16. Will you write more books?

Maria: Do dogs have fleas? How many is the question based on what the gal upstairs decides.

17. What do you have in the works now?

Maria: Most immediately I am working on the illustrations for one of the children’s books and I want to finish what needs completion the play and novel.

18. What does the future hold for you and your books?

Maria: I intend for people all around the world to read my books while I am above the sod. So I have my work cut out for me don’t I? Right now my children’s book, “Youngen” and “Rufus” (the two main characters in my book -birds) have flown to Canada to be part of the “Blossom Project” an organization that works with girls who are the first to go to college. They are also flying to Africa – to be part of the Woza Moya Poject to help children who have Aids. These are two good organizations for your audience to check out.

Who knows where my books will go next?

19. What was the most successful thing you did to promote your books?

Maria: Make connections with organizations and people like you.

20. What was the least successful thing you did to promote your books?

Maria: Probably press releases. I wonder if anyone actually reads them?

21. Tell us about your most recent book.

Maria: This is a story about a small Thrush, who accompanied by her friend and guide an Owl, goes on a journey to find her unique song. She starts out without one, which is rare for a Thrush because they are beautiful singers. This is partly due to the fact that she has no confidence in herself. In one chapter she tries to put other bird’s feathers in her own!

At any rate in her journey she finds her song but she also discovers what “Humans”

are like and learns about the incredible beauty and wonder of the world around her.

22. What makes this book special to you?

Maria: This book contains everything I believe in.

23. What sort of comments have you gotten about the content of the book?

Maria: My favorite comments are from kids. I actually wrote this book with children ages 7-13 in mind. However, sophomores from Upland High School in CA wrote:
“Youngen is a great book. It taught me to respect nature.”

“What I liked about the book is that it showed some of the world’s problems through the eyes of two birds. I also liked that she went through a journey.”

A teacher wrote: Fabulous story! There are lots of insights and lessons for young readers.

For myself, once I started reading, I did not want to put it down!

24. What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

Maria: I believe there is crisis in our country and around the world, which is social, economic, moral and spiritual. Fundamentally it is an opportunity for the human race to re-evaluate its priorities. My book written for children allows us to see what is truly important in life. These are things like family, friendship, community and the connectedness of all life. I think our ability to choose our priorities wisely now is a matter of our survival.

25. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Maria: We need to get in touch with hope and this book offers that vision! It is not a Pollyanna kind of hope but based on some facts which people of all ages need to know.

26. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own

creativity?

Maria: I love poetry and a good poem sparks my creativity but so does a good meal. I think it is important to be open to the world, people, nature, beauty, books, art. Etc. Keep being curious and being open to learning. I was thinking of learning to play the ducimer.

I am as old as dirt but hey, I would love to play that instrument when I do a poetry recital.

27. What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

Maria: The need to communicate with large numbers of people about things you care about motivates authors. However, they usually begin by writing for themselves. I wrote poetry as a kid because I was moved by joy, sorrow, fear etc. I also wrote plays to see words come to life. It is something that is organic like becoming a kind of tree.

28. Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

Maria: I think right now it is the contest which will offer kids a $50.00 US Savings Bond for writing an essay on one of 4 concepts in the book, Youngen Finds Her Song:

Self-confidence, Community, Earth Stewardship, or Peace.

29. If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

Maria: Teach Your Children Well! This book contains a essential values not only for an individual to create the “good life” but these are life enhancing values for a united World.

30. Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

Maria: The major theme of the 21^st Century is “Relationship” with self, other and the natural world.

The lone wolf mentality is over. We can see that as we look at the impact of things like global warming, the economy, and human rights. We will either make it together or we don’t make it at all. My book reminds us that our chance of making is - good!

Jamie Glazov Author of United in Hate: The Left's Romance with Tyranny and Terror

Tell us the book title and your author name.

United in Hate: The Left’s Romance With Tyranny and Terror

What inspired the book?

When I saw my leftist acquaintances and leftists on the world stage cheering when 9/11 hit, I realized it was time to write a book exposing the Left’s charade of being for humanitarianism and social justice.

What makes this book special to you?

This book is special to me because I wrote it out of respect for the victims of tyranny and terror – who the Left tries to push into realms of invisibility. The Left’s priority is to wipe out the memory of the victims of adversarial regimes so it can keep its own agenda in place.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

If people want to arm themselves with knowledge to see more clearly the insidious forces that want to take our freedoms away, they need to read this book.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

People just need to have a passion for freedom and to be interested in preserving it.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

My creativity is sparked by my yearning to fight for the truth. I don’t think I can give tips to spark others’ creativity. This is something that must come from within. If anything, you have to rest. You can’t create properly when fatigued.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

Sometimes a project seems so large that you don’t know how you will overcome it. The key is to go step by step.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

Everyone is different. In my case, it was personal. Communism killed millions of my people. It killed members of my family. I wanted to expose the Left for its veneration of the killers that led that system, and other systems.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

Nothing really unusual. Just the standard interviews and reviews.

NON FICTION - Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

I am the best person to write this topic because I come from a tyranny and know what freedom and despotism are. I have dedicated my whole life to analyzing the leftist mindset.

NON FICTION - If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

If a potential reader thinks that my book wouldn’t interest them then I would tell them they will never see the world in the same way if they did read it. My book unlocks the mystery of why leftists worship regimes under which they themselves would be killed.

NON FICTION - Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

United in Hate solves the mystery of why believers in the West venerate regimes and ideologies under which they themselves would be extinguished.

NON FICTION Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

The Obama administration is planning to give $900 million to Hamas. Why would you fund a Nazi organization? My book shows how this is just another continuation of the Left’s romance with tyranny and death.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

United in Hate rips the mask off of the Left. The Left loves to portray itself as humanitarian and for social justice. My book reveals that the Left is vicious and has blood on its hands.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

www.Frontpagemag.com

http://www.amazon.com/United-Hate-Romance-Tyranny-Terror/dp/1935071602