Antonio D. Sommerio, Author of Borrowed Time

Today we are interviewing Antonio D. Sommerio, author of the suspense/thriller novel, "Borrowed Time."

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I guess you can say I’m one of those guys that’s done a bit of everything. No, I mean seriously, from working in the fast food industry to a Sheriff’s Deputy and even an IT Engineer. I am a firm believer in hard work and getting recognized for your contributions in opposed to “who you know”. I’m a sucker for humanity and believe we could do so much better if we just cared a little more and moved out of our comfort zone to help others. I love film, writing, gaming and I’m big on putting family first. 

Describe your book, “Borrowed Time,” for us.
"Borrowed Time" is a testament to the phrase “It’s never too late”. Not story wise but for the fact that I finished the manuscript in 2009 and was literally terrified to try and publish it until 2018. It’s a heartfelt story about a man who’s lost everything but gains an incredible power he has no clue how to manage. And so, here he is this “regular guy” with this huge gift/burden thrusted upon him. However, who he is as a person just plays so well within the actions he takes in the book. So, you wonder if this “power”, was tailor made for him so to speak. Also "Borrowed Time" was never meant to fall into the sci-fy category but there are small nuances there because of the time element.     

Who do you think would most appreciate “Borrowed Time”?
I must say women fall in love with Jacob’s persona. I’ve gotten so many emails about how they “miss him”, and how they enjoyed spending time with him. Everyone loves the humor that’s in the story and feel extremely close to my characters. I love the way they took a life of their own. People who like both suspense thriller books and film will like "Borrowed Time." It’s a quick read that feels like you’re in a movie. It touches on so many topics we deal with on a day to day. It’s about sacrifice and paying it forward. 

Have you always enjoyed writing in the suspense / thriller genre or is it something that evolved alongside your writing career?
You know looking back at all the stories I have plots for (and I have material for days) ...it, kind of just turned out that way. I have so many stories I look forward to writing and many of them inadvertently fall into the suspense/thriller category. However, I don’t try and write for a specific genre. My goal is to create a truly immersive experience. We categorize everything of course in every industry, but one small detail in your writing/story can allow you to overlap between multiple genres if you know what I mean.

One of the challenges of writing in the suspense / thriller genre is managing the pacing of the plot. Is this something that comes naturally to your writing? Or do you do a lot of outlining and planning to prepare?
I think I kinda dodge that bullet with "Borrowed Time." The book is so fast paced it doesn’t have much time to drag. That’s by design. I wanted a “quick read” as I call it. People are very protective of their time. Some have shorter attention spans and a ton of things to do in any given day. So, I wrote "Borrowed Time" to appeal not to just hardcore or mainstream readers, but to the nurse that reads on her lunch break…the stay at home mom that gets a little reading done after the kids are asleep. The husband waiting on his wife to come out of the grocery store, lol. You can read it in “spurts” and still feel accomplished. At present time however, I’m working on a second book that has so many more characters than "Borrowed Time," that I’m totally going to have to get my outline game in order. 

Are there any authors that have influenced your writing style?
Maybe James Patterson just a tad, however I break a lot of rules James would have a fit over (laughs).

Tell us about the story’s protagonist, Jacob Parnell.
Warm, kindhearted. Always putting others before himself. He lives with the pain of missing his beloved. He feels responsible. Jacob doesn’t believe in “what is written” or predetermined paths. He is a firm believer that he has control of his destiny and the way his life will proceed based off his actions (or lack thereof). 

Jacob’s life is marked by two major transformations – first with the death of his wife and second with the discover of his watch’s special ability. Is exploring transformations something that you set out to do with the story from the start? Or was it something that arose as you wrote?
Oh, it was definitely there from the start. It’s what drives the story. It’s also what drives his behavior. He feels responsible. He wants no matter what to have her back. The gift of “sight” (for him) is what he feels is a pathway to redemption. A way to apologize to her and the universe.   

Jacob’s discovery of his watch’s power is a life-changing moment for him. Can you tell us a bit about his thought process upon discovering what the watch is capable of?
Devastated, as there is now this complete opposition to everything he believes in. The predetermined path is there!!! Fate is kicking down his door!!! He’s emotional, scared and angry. Why him!? As punishment? As a chance at redemption? A chance to prove he can change destiny possibly? Or maybe just for irony to play a cruel role and take what little he has left. 

How do you think you've evolved as a writer since when you first started?
When I went back to "Borrowed Time" after an 8-9 year hiatus, I changed so much of the book’s story. I’d experienced so much more of life. My beliefs had matured and the world around me had definitely changed. But I think the most important thing is…(smiles) I don’t challenge or try to fight my characters. I allow them to have a life of their own. “They” do some things I don’t agree with and I have to live with that. I have to allow them to be them. They create the story, I’m just the guy privileged enough to be able to jot it all down and become a voice for them.

Are there any aspects (e.g. character building, world building) of your writing that you've been practicing?
The Holberg Collection will have an expansive world. I have so much research to do about massive plot and world building so I don’t confuse my readers. That series will be epic and vast across multiple books. So, I’m working on carefully describing every detail of the world and premise so my readers can follow. Speaking of multiple books, "Borrowed Time" was never meant to have a sequel. I decided to get crafty and change the ending to see what type response I’d get. Well, everyone wants a sequel. Now this is where it gets weird. The only way I can create a true sequel in to dive into the messy scheme of time travel. But I inadvertently left myself open ends and bread crumbs that were literally just unanswered questions which will get resolved in the next book. It’s almost like it was “meant” to have a sequel. So that’s basically taking something that’s maybe a seed that was forgotten and planting it, allowing a new portion of the story to blossom and branch. 

Author Antonio D. Sommerio.

What are your goals as a writer for the next ten years?
To establish myself as a well-known author. To go from self-publishing to finding a home with a traditional publishing house. I really want to see my Novels and Novellas receive film adaptations. I write them that way. To ease the transition from literature to film. I love movies based on books. They have some of the best stories and plots in my opinion. The writing and construct tend to be well thought out so to speak. I can watch a film and say “this was a book”. I wait until the end credits and yup normally I’m right. So, in ten years’ time I plan to give my readers at least 5-7 new works and really shake things up with so many different themes and diverse storytelling.   

How have your readers responded to the book so far?
They loved it. However, it is so challenging getting them to write reviews. I get emails, more emails, and plenty comments on social media. Getting reviews written however is like pulling teeth. My most critical review came as an anonymous email and read: 
(“I loved 'Borrowed Time,' but make no mistake this is a movie waiting to happen. You shouldn’t be writing as a novelist, you should write for film, period!”) I really didn’t know how to take that critique. But for most they really enjoyed the book and want more. They loved Jacob, loathed Stanley and really enjoyed Sheryl. 

Is there any aspect of writing you don't like?
I have to stop being fearful. I let it limit me for far too long. I have to allow myself to be vulnerable to hefty criticism as it will only make me better. I hate that about writing, or any craft for that matter. You’ll pour your soul into something for months or years and in one sentence someone could tear it to shreds. One crushing review is all it takes to make a lot of people quit. That said, I spoke at a few high schools about that very topic. I wanted to motivate our youth not to be afraid to put something out there. Not to care about what some would think. Other than that, it’s definitely dialog, that’s a big one. I want to perfect that and its so many rules involving proper writing with character dialog.    

Have you ever had writer's block? If yes, how'd you deal with it? If you have not had writer's block, why do you think you haven't?
I haven’t had writers block so far (fingers crossed). I’m constantly flooded with ideas, stories and plots with not enough time to write. I have to make notes throughout the day and sometimes even wake up in the middle of the night and write out a plot on a dry erase board. I have so much content crammed in my head even if I got stuck on one story I can begin or continue on another and come back to the previous. I think if you get stuck, it’s best to walk away from it for a while. Your characters will let you know when they’re ready to continue. 

What do you have in mind for your next project?
“The Ki” is my next work to be published
It is a novella comprised of 4-5 short stories about how one kilogram of cocaine affects the lives of several individuals and their families. It’s definitely different from "Borrowed Time" and you’d be surprised at who’s actually the antagonist and protagonist in the stories. It’s real, gritty, heartbreaking and warm all at the same time.

Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
I put my all in "Borrowed Time." Not for fame, not for money. But to share my vision with the world. To tell a story about purpose…about moving forward, about sacrifice and most of all about balance. There is a little Jacob in all of us. We just have to be willing to accept it, and make the right choices.  

An excerpt from "Borrowed Time":

“Beware,” began the passage, “for if the bearer of the watch places it about his right wrist, he will not be able to see the time of others but of himself instead.” Jacob slowly placed the book on the bed and grabbed the calculator from his pocket. With the numbers still burned in the back of his mind, he started doing what he did best, calculations! As he factored in all the necessary equations, he began shaking his head. No matter how many times he did, the answer remained the same. Terrified, Jacob now realized by the numbers he’d seen that he had a little over three months before his timer would reach zero and…

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Victoria Ray, Author of Dulcinea and the Death Code

Today we are interviewing Victoria Ray, author of a YA fantasy and adventure novel, titled Dulcinea and the Death Code, which was published 9 June 2019.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born in Moscow but grew up in a small city in Belarus. My parents were divorced and for almost 10 years (during my childhood), my mother had 2 jobs: one was from 8 AM to 5 PM; the second was from 8 PM to 1 AM. I spent a lot of time reading and hanging with friends. I won a national poetry contest in Belarus. I studied classical literature, and I worked as a teacher for almost 9 years. For the last 12 years I have been living in Sweden. In August 2019 I’m planning on quitting my job to become a full-time writer. I also have two dogs: Sky and Daisy.

Describe the plot of your new book, Dulcinea and the Death Code, in a few sentences. 
This is a story about a girl with unusual DNA. She is a Death Code from a place called A-Ria. What is A-Ria? Nobody knows. But Dulcinea and her new friends (kids with powerful abilities) are on the way to revealing the truth. Dulcinea is also going through a transition: from “not-caring” and “cold” child to “a sacrificing” friend, the one who is ready to protect the world and her family, even if it hurts. But as always, the bad guy - in our case, Reality - wins. At least in book 1. How? Read to find out…

What inspirations contributed to this book? 

1. It is based on a vision from my meditation.
2. I tried to mix fantasy, romance, humor and bizzaro fiction. 

Dulcinea must move from sunny Sumter, South Carolina to Sweden. In addition to leaving behind a familiar climate and culture, she must leave behind the people with whom she’s grown up. How does she handle this? 
Dulcinea was born in Romania, but she moved to Sumter when she was a kid. She never had a lot of friends, but her life in Sumter was fun and secure. It’s always difficult to move to a new place, but you can overcome any obstacle with super friends like Joel, Osa, Loo and Brolle. These kids are from different countries and have absolutely contrasting stories, but they complement each other and they care about the Earth and Dulcinea – there lies their power. 

Without giving too much away, tell us a bit about the mysterious glowing crack that follows Dulcinea around.
It is the entrance (the door) to access Reality (in a raw form), and at the same time, it is the exit, a lie and the play of Eilidh (you’ll meet IT in book 2). 

Your story involves a lot of world building. Was it challenging creating fresh, new places and making them feel real?
I spared it for the next book. Of course, Dulcinea visit A-Ria 3-5 times, but we still don’t know what it is and why it wants to control the Earth. 

Is there an author that has influenced your writing style?
I prefer to read short stories - mostly satire, humor, sci-fi or non-fiction (psychology and science). Also, I love crime and mystery books. My influencers are: O. Henry, Byron, Dostoevsky and Ray Bradbury.

What are your goals as a writer for the next ten years? 
To see the world full of Ray’s fans. 

How have your readers responded to the book so far? 
Only my editors have read the book. They liked it (because of my ‘quixotic’ style). But I got 1 hate rating from a man on Goodreads, so I’m not sure… all I can say – this book is not for everybody. Mostly for: females, 13-25 years old. The book was published on Amazon on June 9. I’m looking for people who’d like to read my novel and who’d love to share their thoughts about the story and heroes. I’m providing a free copy (in any format) if you’ll send me an email: victoria.ohlsson@aol.com 

Is there any aspect of writing you don't like? 
A lot of sitting. And snacking. I’m snacking a lot while writing. 

Have you ever had writer's block? If yes, how'd you deal with it? If you have not had writer's block, why do you think you haven't? 
Some days I don’t feel the desire to write at all, and I never push myself to do something I don’t want to do. I’m living in the moment - in the Now. So, I have to enjoy it. Usually, I’m shifting between different hobbies, so I am never bored. Also, I’m working in so called “chunks” - all or nothing. That means I’m writing 3-4 weeks, and then I’m taking a break for 2 weeks. Repeat.

Victoria Ray, author of Dulcinea and the Death Code.

What do you have in mind for your next project?
Well, quite a lot.

1. My book Damn Ray Reviews: 40 Books in Your Pocket will be published summer 2019.
2. Poetry book, with a working title, The Legs: A Global Perspective On Society, is planned for autumn 2019. 
3. Book 2 in the series So Absurd It Must Be True, it is a mix of satire, sci-fi and erotica - winter 2020. Attention: only for adults! If you are 18+ you can check out book 1 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/So-Absurd-Must-Be-True-ebook/dp/B07MYJRV55.
4. My sci-fi novel The Pearl Territory. A few chapters are already posted on my blog. I’ll continue writing during the summer. You are welcome to follow the story. It is a mix of private journals and dialogues/scenes. 
5. Of course, The Secrets of A-Ria, Child of Illusion Series, Book 2 – summer 2020. I’m planning three books in the series Child of Illusion. 

Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book? 

1. Written without any plotting or outline. 
2. Too many books give us “ready” answers; the author some way is “chewing” the idea and all we have to do is “digest” it. But I want you to think, to imagine, to create… that’s why this book has of a lot of mysteries - I’m simply giving you the space to move; to use your own fantasy. 
3. I added digital portraits for 6 heroes: Dulcinea, Erik, Osa, Loo, Brolle and Joel. And also a couple of poems. 

An excerpt from "Dulcinea and the Death Code":

The front yard is covered in a sparkling yellow light. I want to grab my favorite spring outfit out of my closet, but there’s no closet. Like there’s no “my room”. And there’s no “me”. 

I can’t match my shoes or go out to the car, screaming: “I’m going to be late, dad! I’m meeting Jess before class!”  

I can’t call Jess as well, because if there’s no “Dulcinea” in that story, then I don't have her phone number and she doesn’t know who that girl is: the one with the butter rose, almost-pink hair…  

I’d never meet Jess at the Starbucks, my favorite coffee place. I’d never order a vanilla grande latte with a huge cinnamon roll. The two of us would never discuss the boys, or next Christmas, or plan our shopping trip. I’d never know what kind of amazing laid-back person she is, or what kind of absurd humor she’s got.  

I am not there! 

I can't make the world around me feel uncomfortable. 

And that's why the day is perfect…

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Steven Thompson, Author of BRUTAL

Today we are interviewing Steven Thompson, author of a thriller/suspense novel, titled "BRUTAL."

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m in my forties, having worked in so many jobs in my life. I see the varied life I have lived as the perfect background to become a writer. I started ghostwriting books for other people and have taken this practice with me into writing for myself.

Describe the plot of your new book, “BRUTAL,” in a few sentences.
The team of detectives that failed to catch Alaaldin Hussein in the first book have been in disarray over the Winter. The book starts with a killing that sparks them back into life. After 6 months of recuperating from the horrors of the summer before, they have to get back into the swing of things with no notice and under a new leader.

The book is all about relationships. We see most thrillers as books about crime, but that really isn’t the case. The team trying to catch the killer are complex, like all teams.

Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
It is perfect for fans of the genre but looking for something a little different. There isn’t the deep focus on the crimes, but an exploration of the people who are involved in the story. I’m told this makes the book more of a literary thriller than a crime thriller, but wither way the suspense is there.

The team’s leader, Augustine Boyle, is bedridden, recovering from injuries. How does the team cope without him? Does his absence make them even more inspired to catch the killer?
His absence is a major factor in how the team deal with everything thrown at them in this book. He is always there at the forefront of their minds. They want to do it for Augustine, bring to justice the man who put him in that hospital bed.

Tell us about the villain, Alaaldin Hussein.
Alaaldin is a complex character that we didn’t get to unravel much in the first book. Here, he isn’t a mystery any longer. The police know exactly who he is. This has given me the freedom to delve deeper into his psyche. He sees himself as on the side of good, educating the world on their sins.

You come from a unique background, having studied Linguistics. How has your deep understanding of language has impacted your writing style?
Great question! My degree in linguistics has helped me to think about language in a different way. At university I studied speech as well as the written word. A great book just sounds right on the ear. As you read a thriller book in your head, it should hit the right spots in terms of intonation and pitch as well as story and language.

Steven Thompson, author of BRUTAL.

Have you always been interested in the thriller genre? Or is it an interested that developed later in your reading/writing career?
It was something that I developed in later life. Jo Nesbo is the one author that really got me going in this genre. Once I started to read his books, I was hooked. It inspired me to start writing short stories of my own in the same mold. From there, I suppose novels were inevitable. The wheels of progress were already in motion!

What inspirations contributed to this book in terms of plot, setting, and writing style?
It is the sequel to INITIAL, so much of the inspiration came from the events of the first book. It is set in the North East of England, where I live. My home is Washington, where George Washington’s family came from. It is a place with a mix of old and new, which felt like the perfect setting for the novel to play out.

Is there an author that had a major influence on you while you were growing up?
I think like many kids, reading Roald Dahl opened my eyes to the wonder of language. His characters and storylines were the thing of childhood fantasy. 

Who was your favorite character to write?
I love writing the character of Gary Hole. I think people who aren’t good in their heart are much more interesting to write, as they can do things that other characters just can’t.

What is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book of all time is 11.22.63 by Stephen King. The story grabs you and takes you by the hand. I’ve never been a massive fan of King, but this is an absolute classic as far as I’m concerned.

How do you think you've evolved as a writer since when you first started?
We evolve every day. I think that the best practice to become a writer is to write. I used to shy away from dialog when I first wrote, finding it difficult to sound real and believable. I wrote dialog time and time again to get it just right for BRUTAL.

How have your readers responded to the book so far?
The initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. People tell me they can’t put it down, which is always a good sign and so warming to hear. I just want people to have as much fun reading it as I did writing the novel. That’s the thrill of being a novel writer.

Have you ever had writer's block? If yes, how'd you deal with it? If you have not had writer's block, why do you think you haven't?
I’ve never had writer’s block. I don’t get it. As far as I can tell, language comes from the same place in the brain. Nobody suffers from speaker’s block, so I don’t know why writer’s block would be a thing. Sure, there are days when I write fewer words than my daily target, but that’s down to outside factors rather than writer’s block.

What do you have in mind for your next project?
I am taking a break from Augustine Boyle and the team for the next book. I love writing thriller novels, but I feel that becoming a better writer is about testing myself. So, the next book is set in the near future, when there are only a handful of people left on the planet. They live in a facility, trying to eke out an existence on next to nothing. But one man decides that there is more to life than this. I won’t give any more away, but it concentrates on the difference between living and staying alive.

An excerpt from "BRUTAL":

Alex reached as far right as she could see, across towards Roker Pier. There were two more hazy silhouettes at the other end of the beach, and these were the last of the people she counted. As she compared this number with the undoubted multiple that they would encounter on a sunny beach in a tourist resort on the island of Majorca, Alex heard a thud. The next thing, she screamed like she had never screamed before. The thuds kept on coming. Alex thought there were scores of them. Later she would be told that there were eight sounds – seven short thuds and her one continuous scream. Every part of that morning on the beach would stay with her for the rest of her life. The sounds would come back in her dreams that night. 

What Alex had seen was more than any girl of her age should be exposed to. The bodies fell from the sky and landed on the beach. Each one disintegrated into pieces on impact. As she looked away from one body, she witnessed another falling, landing, disintegrating. It was pure horror in a place she had always associated with innocence. She didn’t want to go to the beach ever again.

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Angela Savidge, Author of Urban Faery: A Modern Fantasy

Today we are interviewing Angela Savidge about her visionary fantasy novel, titled, "Urban Faery: A Modern Fantasy."

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I was born on an American military base in Germany and raised in a deeply entrenched southern Baptist community in rural North Carolina. Overall, I do feel it was a safe and good upbringing, although I have always been more spiritual than religious. I was an only child and spent a great deal of time in a densely wooded forest near my home. And otherwise, I was very involved in the theater department at the local University. I lived in my imagination and loved the stage, but I was admittedly not a very good actress, so I navigated into production instead. I attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and graduated as a Theatrical Production Stage Manager. After college, I bravely took the train to New York City with only $300 in my pocket to take an assistant position in film production. That job eventually ushered me through the gates of Universal Pictures in Los Angeles. I spent more than a decade in LA, but for the last 5 years, I’ve lived in Portland, Oregon and Saint Petersburg, Florida. Like my main character, Cate, I had grown disillusioned by everything around me in a predominately material-obsessed environment, and I needed to live somewhere more grounded for awhile. That being said, publishing this book has been very cathartic, and I am pleasantly surprised that I am missing Los Angeles now. I can’t wait to get back and have a regular presence there again.

Describe the plot of your new book, “Urban Faery: A Modern Fantasy,” in a few sentences.
Predominately set in Southern California’s iconic neighborhoods of West Hollywood and Malibu, my book follows the remarkable journey of a rising actress, Cate, as she attempts to find more meaning in life. Desperate to reconnect with the natural world, she wades into the ocean at one of Malibu’s most notorious surf breaks but is unaware that a powerful swell has moved in putting her in the direct path of danger. When Cate is rescued by a mysterious surfer named Luc, an alluring Welsh renegade and a modern-day descendant of the ancient Fae race, she is propelled into a new era of self-discovery and a total re-evaluation of the world around her.

Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
The obvious target audience are readers of Fae romance and new age fiction, but I do believe that this book will appeal to a much wider audience. It’s a unique blend of Southern California’s surf culture, environmental spirituality and urban fantasy. I think surfers and anyone concerned about the environment will really enjoy reading it, particularly Angelenos and anyone living and pursuing careers in Hollywood. Also, the elusive Fae, Luc, is from the Pembrokeshire coast of Wales, and the book touches on a bit of Welsh history and mythology. As the series continues, Wales will feature much more prominently. 

Tell us a bit more about the protagonist, Cate.
My main character, Cate, is in essence myself. She’s from a small town in rural North Carolina, and although she always wanted to move to a big city and have a successful career, it eventually becomes too overwhelming for her. There is a piece of advice floating around the writing world that you should always make yourself the main character. Not every author does this, but it felt right in my case, and I feel it made this story much more authentic. Although I am not an actress myself, I’ve always daydreamed about it. Also, while living in Los Angeles I spent a good amount of time in Malibu, and like Cate, I really envied that extraordinary connection surfers have with nature.

Author Angela Savidge.

Cate experiences a sense of meaninglessness before meeting Luc. What prompted her to feel this way?
The realities of Hollywood can be very harsh. And when living in Los Angeles, surrounded by so much fame and fortune, it can sometimes be extremely difficult to stay grounded and true to one’s authentic self. Cate was experiencing what Joseph Campbell calls ‘a dark night of the soul.’ She’d lost touch with her true nature and was spiraling into an abyss of despair.  

Once Cate meets Luc, her outlook on life changes. Luc has a mysterious heritage and an interesting past. Without giving too much away, can you tell us about him?
Born in 1860, during the height of the Industrial Revolution, Luc suffered a great loss due to a tragic environment disaster—one that would forever alter the course of his life. After the catastrophe, the Fae mystics and foretellers decided to embark on a great pilgrimage to seek out a youthful, new-fashioned candidate with the intelligence, personality, and charisma that would be required to be an ambassador to the modern world. They found Luc in a remote area of the Usk Valley in Wales and deemed that he would be the bridge that humans would invariably need. But as the story opens in 2018, Luc had spent the better part of his life in care-free solitude. He’s a rogue rebel, one might say, with a peculiar, yet spellbinding penchant for surfing.

The setting, Los Angeles/Hollywood/Malibu, plays a major role in the story. Did you always know you wanted to set the story in Los Angeles? Or is it something that evolved as you wrote?
I lived in Los Angeles for more than a decade, and spent a good amount of time in Malibu. In many ways, this story is semi-autobiographical, deeply rooted in my experiences. So, yes. I always knew it would be set there.

One of the interesting aspects of the story is the blend of the ancient with the modern. How did you accomplish this with your writing?
Thank you for asking that. It is an excellent question. This is the one aspect of the book I really hope I got right. I wanted the story to be distinctly believable, not too far off on the scale of fantasy. I really made a huge effort to hold back on the fantasy end, to keep the story reeled in to modern-day life, so that the reader might just imagine that the Fae actually still do live among us. 

What got you interested in the visionary fiction/urban fantasy genre?
In my teenaged years, I happened across a book entitled Seth Speaks: The Eternal Validity of the Soul, as dictated by Jane Roberts, and to this day, I do not remember how I acquired it—but it forever altered my perception of the world around me. The text, spoken by a discarnate entity named Seth, was my first introduction to the concept that we live within a multidimensional reality, that our bodies and the entire universe are composed of timeless atoms and molecules flickering creatively through space. As Carl Sagan famously said, “We are all made of star-stuff.”

Are there any authors who have influenced your writing style?
For sure, Joseph Campbell. Both personally and as a writer. I first read The Power of Myth in college and was so moved by it. The ideas he presents became my philosophy. Later in life, when I began dabbling in writing, I really delved into all of his work, and I am still a self-motived student of his to this day. There are so many quotes that I call my favorites, but one that is particularly potent for me is, “The goal of life is make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature.” That one brings tears to my eyes.  

Who was your favorite character to write?
There is an ancient bard in my book, a Fae elder known only as Night Owl. And, oh how I wish I could meet him in real life! He is a great philosopher and storyteller with a compulsory infatuation with American music. Light on his feet and a natural-born thespian, he even appeared in several motion pictures during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

How do you think you've evolved as a writer since when you first started?
When I first started writing, the technical aspects were extremely daunting. Everyone has an opinion on writing style, and I simply did not know who’s viewpoint to trust. Also, some of my favorite books are written in entirely different grammatical styles. It took me a long time to have the self-confidence to go ahead with the style that felt right to me.

What are your goals as a writer for the next ten years?
I’m a late bloomer, and now that I’ve finally started writing, I never plan to stop. It’s up in the air now if I will carry on writing the Urban Faery series in novella format, or if I will develop it directly as a television series. Maybe both. I feel I could carry on with this story for quite a long time. Otherwise, I do have several full-length novels that I have begun work on, but those are at least a few years from completion. I also feel that my experience in the film industry is quite unusual for writers in my genre, and I hope that I will be able to use that to bring visionary fiction stories to the screen in a commercial yet mindful way. That’s my long-term goal. 

Is there any aspect of writing you don't like?
Proofreading and editing. I took typing in high school, and I was an executive assistant for many years, so I am a very fast typist. But when typing my own thoughts, I make a lot of mistakes, especially when my mind is moving much faster, or slower, than my fingers. Also, whenever I read my own work, I rarely see the mistakes I’ve made. It’s almost like I’ve memorized the words already. It’s hard to explain, but there’s a disconnect I have with the page. I hope in the future I find a really good editor/proofreader who can help me with this. But this time around, I never found one. In the end, I was essentially on my own. 

Have you ever had writer's block? If yes, how'd you deal with it? If you have not had writer's block, why do you think you haven't?
When I get writer’s block, I literally sit and stare at the page. There’s no running away from it, no magical cure. I sit and sit and sit. The discipline to do that is intense, but after awhile a few words might come…and then a few more…and then I’m off!

Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
I am donating 10% of all proceeds from the book to the Surfrider Foundation, an organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches.  http://surfrider.org.

More Information
Visit the author's website. 
Buy the book on Amazon. 
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Sola Togun-Butler, Ph.D., Author of Where Do You Keep The Lions? An African Girl's First Day of School in America

Today we are interviewing Sola Togun-Butler, Ph.D., author of a children's book, titled, "Where Do You Keep The Lions? An African Girl's First Day of School in America."

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am an Assistant Professor at a private college and a clinical therapist providing counseling services in person and online. I am very passionate about education and social work, so I consider myself blessed to be in both fields. I love to read as reading has ability to transport the reader into the world of the character(s) and develop powerful imagery in the process. In addition to reading, another one of my favorite hobbies is traveling as I love to learn about cultures. It never ceases to amaze me that I get on a plane and 8-12 hours later, enter a whole new culture. I find it very exciting!

Describe the plot of your new book, “Where Do You Keep The Lions? An African Girl's First Day of School in America,” in a few sentences.
The underlying plot is that young children can also incorporate into their belief system stereotypes about other cultures, and innocently use the same stereotypes when they interact with classmates from those cultures. Therefore, we have an African immigrant whose emotions of happiness turns to sadness and anger by the end of the school day.

Who do you think would most appreciate this book?
I believe that both children and adults will appreciate the book. The book identifies the origin of stereotypes about the African continent and how those stereotypes can be very hurtful when we use them as a means of connecting with people from African countries. 

Tell us a bit about the protagonist, Kemi.
Kemi is an 8-year-old African immigrant who is excited about her first day of school in America. However, she is unprepared to be confronted with negative comments and questions about Africa. Her excitement turns to anger and sadness as she tries to figure out the origin of the negative comments and questions related to the continent.

The story was loosely based on your experience as a young African immigrant in 1988. Can you share with us a bit about your experience? 
As a young African immigrant, I was also confronted with many negative questions and comments about Africa. I had classmates that were shocked that I spoke English, knew what a television was or that I lived in a house in Africa. As an adult, I still deal with hurtful questions about Africa. I have turned that hurt and anger into showing people another side of Africa that they often do not see. I offer free presentations entitled, “Challenging Myths About Africa”. I have done the presentation at high schools, colleges, churches, elementary schools, etc. to encourage cultural awareness and sensitivity.

One of the themes of your book is encouraging children to ask polite questions when they’re curious about other cultures. Do you have any tips for parents who want to have this discussion with their children?
Curiosity about other cultures is normal and should be encouraged by parents. However, it is important for parents to talk to their children to identify any stereotypes or biases that they might have about other cultures. By identifying those biases and challenging them, we can teach our children how to assess if the questions they are about to ask are polite questions. A polite question would be “Can you please tell me about your culture?” An impolite question would be “Is it true that you are all starving in Africa?” There is a big difference between both questions.

Children's book author Sola Togun-Butler.

You’ve been in the field of social work for more than 15 years, with eclectic experiences, from foster care to gerontology. How has your diverse work experience influenced your writing and how you tell stories?
The field of social work requires that you engage in ongoing self-awareness to identify any biases that might impact interaction with a client population. The best part of my work is meeting clients from all over the world and learning about their amazing cultures. People go into the field of social work to change the lives of their clients, I can honestly say that my clients have changed my life as well. They have taught me what it means to be resilient and to embrace the beauty of diversity.

You’re also involved with the Victoria Ibironke Togun Scholarship fund, which provides educational opportunities to young girls in developing countries. Can you tell us a bit about this?
As a social worker and educator, I am a firm believer that everyone should have access to a quality education regardless of their socioeconomic status. In some developing countries, parents cannot afford to send their children to school. I decided to start the scholarship to give young girls the opportunity to access quality education. I named the scholarship after my maternal grandmother who believed in the importance of education and even as a widow with limited funds, ensured that all four of her children got an education.

Are there any authors who have influenced your writing style?
The three authors that I have influenced my writing style are Chimamanda Adichie, Buchi Emecheta and Chinua Achebe. The title of their books grabs your interest and the story line maintains it. Therefore, it was important for me as a writer, that my title grab the interest of the reader and maintain that interest till the end of the book.

How long have you been writing?
I have been writing since the age of 12 but this is the first book I have published. I believe I got my “writing genes” from my father who is also a published author.

The book was illustrated by Bang Qhodir. What was it like working with Bang? Did you have a vision for the illustrations before you started?
I really enjoyed working with Bang Qhodir as he is a very talented illustrator. He was able to capture my vision for the book and add his creativity to it. I will work with him again on future projects.

What are your goals as a writer for the next ten years?
I would like to publish more books that teach the importance of cultural competency, awareness and sensitivity in our interaction with others. The world is becoming smaller, so it is important that we teach our children these skills.

How have your readers responded to the book so far?
Readers have responded very positively to the book and felt it was important that issue of cultural awareness and sensitivity be addressed with young children, so they are cognizant about it at an early age. African immigrants have also identified with the character in the book and shared the impact negative questions/comments have had on them.

Is there any aspect of writing that is challenging for you?
Coming up with a title can be very challenging for me. I am still struggling to come up with a title for another children’s book that I would like to publish. It took me some time to come up with a title for this book. It was while I was staring at my computer screen that I remembered the question about Africa a classmate asked me that I have never forgotten, “Sola, where do you keep the lions?”

Have you ever had writer's block? If yes, how'd you deal with it? If you have not had writer's block, why do you think you haven't?
I feel that all writers at some point deal with writer’s block. The best way I have dealt with it is to go for a walk around my neighborhood to clear my mind.

What do you have in mind for your next project?
My next project focuses on tension within similar groups and how that tension is communicated to our children. Even though a child might be similar to a peer in terms of their racial/ethnic background, he or she might be told by family members not to associate with that peer because of socioeconomic status or place of residence.

Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
It is my desire that this book take both parents and children on a journey of cultural awareness and sensitivity. To understand the origin of our stereotypes and detrimental impact those stereotypes can have when interacting with others from different cultures. In addition, I hope that readers see the value of taking on the learner perspective when curious about other cultures because that perspective helps generate polite questions.

More Information
Buy the book on Amazon.
Visit the author's page on Amazon.

Robert Moment, Author of Starting a New Job: Career Planning and Job Promotion Tactics for Motivated New Employees

Today we are speaking with Robert Moment about his new book, "Starting a New Job: Career Planning and Job Promotion Tactics for Motivated New Employees."

Tell us a bit about yourself.
Robert Moment is The Get Hired Expert, Job Interview Coach, Speaker, and Author of “Starting a New Job” and “How to Ace an Interview.” Robert specializes in teaching recent college grads and experienced professionals how to interview using skills and strategies that will make them stand out, get hired, and make more money. He is using his exceptional skills and business acumen acquired working for iconic brands such as CitiGroup, Xerox, Manpower, Sprint, and Pitney Bowes as a Corporate Executive, Account Manager, Account Executive, and Business Development Manager to help new and seasoned professionals recognize, demonstrate and leverage their value in the job market and workplace.

Describe the purpose of your book in a few sentences.
The book, "Starting a New Job," is aimed at providing a road map to career success in your new role in any industry. This book provides a detailed breakdown of some proven techniques used by new employees who seek to attain success within their first 90 days of employment. It also includes a year-long career advancement success plan.  

What inspired you to write a book on how to successfully start a new job?
Working with my coaching clients, I realized they did not have strategies on how to succeed in starting a new job in the first 90 days of employment.  I decided to write a book that will give my clients and new employees proven methods to succeed. 

Who do you think would most benefit from reading this book?
I believe that this book will be indispensable to recent college graduates and experienced professionals with starting a new job.

What are some common mistakes that people make when starting a new job, and how does it affect their chances of promotion?
During the first 90 days, some of the common mistakes new employees make are: 
• A lack of a clearly defined idea of success.
• Failure to solicit feedback about their job performance from their manager.
• Failure to build quality relationships with team members.
• Failure to go above and beyond their job duties.
• Failure to learn (memorize) the rules and regulations of the organization.
• Failure to learn about the products or services the company provides.
• Failure to observe and learn about the company culture.
• Failure to build a good working relationship with their manager.

One of the themes in your book is that getting a new job can be easier than keeping it. Why is this?
It’s easier to get a job because during your job search you have a clearly defined plan of action; however, once you get hired, in most cases, new employees do not have a plan for success during their first 90 days of employment.  

A major theme of the book is that employers are constantly assessing a newly hired employee’s performance. What are some things they look for?
An employer looks at a new employee’s job performance, quality of work, attitude, time management, productivity, and soft skills. How a new employee’s success is measured will be communicated by their manager.

You talk about the importance of having good habits for successful employees. What are some habits that a newly hired employee should incorporate into their work routine?
Great habits new employees should take up to be successful are:
• Go above and beyond in the workplace.
• Request additional responsibilities.
• Embrace leadership roles.
• Be a team player.
• Be a hard worker.
• Set realistic goals.

While writing this book and revisiting your work experiences, did you see anything from a new perspective?
Yes, to achieve career success starting a new job it’s essential to categorize and set goals in the areas of work performance, employee initiative, and personal development to maintain clarity and focus on achieving career success.

Author Robert Moment.

What do you hope readers will gain from reading your book?
They will learn tactics and strategies on how to succeed in starting a new job in the first 90 days and beyond for career planning and job promotion in any industry.

How have readers responded to your book so far?
Responses have been very positive.  Readers are saying, “This is an effective and timeless guide for starting a new job.”

Is there anything else you'd like potential readers to know about your book?
Yes, they will be able to effectively communicate their value and demonstrate their value in the workplace enabling them to stand out and get promoted.

More Information

Buy the book on Amazon.

Check out the author's website.
Connected with the author on LinkedIn.

Dr. Maisha Cobb, Author of "Epiphany Marketing: The Heart of Marketing Starts at Your Core Business/Leadership/Marketing"

Today we are interviewing Dr. Maisha Cobb about her new book, "Epiphany Marketing: The Heart of Marketing Starts at Your Core Business / Leadership / Marketing."

Tell us a bit about yourself and your background in marketing.

I am a psychologist by training, but I quickly realized the world of therapy and academia wouldn't be enough for me. After graduate school, I started a career in marketing and have built a solid career as a strategy, branding and insights professional. I have spent most of my time in corporate and nonprofit settings – which enables me to balance the business side of my personality with the side that loves to give back. 

Describe your book in a few sentences.

"Epiphany Marketing" is really a book about self-discovery and reconnecting with who we are as leaders, marketers and individuals. It is about the field of marketing, but also has lessons for all of us on how we can live more authentically.

Who do you think would most appreciate this book?

I believe anyone who is searching for their path, their truth and anyone who wants to get back in touch with their true self will enjoy the book. It is written for organizational leaders and marketers, and I think those who are disruptors, trailblazers and innovators will get the most out of this read. 

What inspired you to write a book about marketing in this modern age?

I was growing so frustrated in my work due to the shift to digital. It reminded me everyday that what was most missing from marketing is a human connection and that connection is what really drives good marketing.

How has technology changed marketing?

As I write about in the book, technology drives how we market. Unfortunately, most people have taken technology to be what we market – and I believe this is why things are getting so out of whack. Technology enables us to connect with customers virtually anywhere, which is great. However, it is not a substitute for connecting authentically, this can only come from baring your soul as individuals and organizations.

What are some common mistakes organizations make when marketing today?

Similar to what I just mentioned, most organizations feel they can target a wide group with a generic message and it will break through. What most fail to understand is that today, Marketing is all about shared experiences and shared values. If your organization isn’t focused on these areas, you will be left behind.

Author Dr. Maisha Cobb.

One of the themes of your book is the need for authenticity and articulating core beliefs. Why is this so important for organizations to pursue?

As our human experience continues to become less personal, fans are seeking experiences that enable them to feel they belong to something bigger, more meaningful. Most organizations are so wrapped up in their day-to-day that they forget the authenticity comes from within and needs to be lived and breathed daily. If organizations don’t know who they are, their fans won’t either.

What are some crucial first-steps organizations must take before moving forward with marketing from the core?

I have an 8-step process I use with organizations and the first step is honestly evaluate where your organization stands. I have a few exercises in the book that can help begin this process. The goal is to understand objectively how you are showing up today with fans (internal and external) and then start to realign with who/what you intend to be. Much of this begins with a clear understanding of culture – or what I call organizational soul.

Did writing the book take you to unexpected places or reveal things you hadn’t thought about before?

I think it highlighted for me the tremendous change we are seeing in marketing and how this change is brought about by the intersection of organizations, fans and technology. This has everything to do with marketing becoming more of an experiential field vs. a selling field.

Can you tell us a bit about your writing process?

I had this topic in my mind for a bit based on presentations and speaking engagements. Once I decided to turn it into a book, I took my own advice and relied a lot on what felt right with regard to structuring content, what to include and what to omit. Most of my thoughts were developed in my quiet time as well as during personal travel to remote locations where I can just center. We can learn a lot by going into these quiet places inside.

What was the most challenging aspect of writing the book?

Determining what not to include. I had to realize that every idea I had was not relevant to this book. So, I will have to retain some for the next book.

What do you hope readers will gain from reading your book?

More than anything, I really hope people feel empowered to return to their true essence. 

How have readers responded to your book so far?

Lots of head nods, lots of agreement with the premise and tons of questions about how one can build the confidence to truly be themselves. There is an immense amount of insecurity in our world and people don’t necessarily like/want to stand out. Ironically, standing out and standing up for who you are is what draws the most loyalty – so many understand the impact of failing to be authentic, they just want affirmation that it’s okay to do it. Most know that the answer is there, it’s just a matter of having the courage to act on it.

Are they any authors who have influenced your writing style?

Deepak Chopra, Iyanla Vanzant, Jen Sincero – all have an attitude of getting back to who you really are an eliminating the clutter.

What do you have in mind for your next writing project?

I have a few ideas percolating but nothing concrete yet.

Is there anything else you’d like potential readers to know about your book?

This is less of a how to market and more of a just do it type of book. I hope people are inspired to take action in their business and personal lives. If nothing more, they can use me as a testament to how taking control and going with your core can lead you down new paths.

More Information

Buy the paperback version of the book on Amazon.

Buy the Kindle version of the book on Amazon.

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