**INTERVIEW with CHRIS M. TATEVOSIAN**

It is a great pleasure, and an honor to interview author Chris M. Tatevosian! To get the opportunity to work with someone so Special is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I am indeed Grateful! author of: "LIFE INTERRUPTED" Subtitle: IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT ME" Genre: a candid and humble memoir http://weblog.xanga.com/cce613/681173471/book-promo-life-interrupted-its-not-all-about-me.html http://margayleahjustice.com/p=223 www.myspace.com/460667286 http://twitter.com/Margay http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home http://secondwindpub.wordpress.com/ http://www.msmaze.com/links/chris-tatevosian-on-the-monteloprah-ms-misfire/ http://www.adaptiveblue.com/demo/Authors/christatevosian.html Chris Tatevosian grew up in Holliston, Massachusetts. During 1980, while a freshman attending Johnson State College in Vermont, Chris was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. After graduating from Johnson State College in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Ecology, and a minor in Chemistry, he received his degree in human resourses, specializing in adult education from Trinity College. Then, Chris moved on to find employment as an occupational safety coordinator. His career was cut short in 1993, when MS forced him to stop working, and go on disability. Divorced in 2002, Chris has a twenty-three year old stepson, Jesse, from his first marriage. Chris now resides in Massachusetts after remarrying in April 2007. He lives with his wife Jane, and Jane's two children in suburban Massachusetts. AUTHOR INTERVIEW Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Chris: Writing is something I've discovered by accident. Whether I'm writing a book, an article for a magazine, or an E-Zine, I just find the process to be rewarding and life enriching. Especially, when I can write something that makes life more understandable, less burdensome! I like to write something rejuvenating that provides hope, purpose, and direction to one's life. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Chris: I'm finding that if I can help someone feel better about themself, appreciate others, and enjoy life more by putting pen to paper, then that is what I'm going to do for as long as I am able! Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write? Chris: It was not a person, but a situation that inspired me to write my first book. You see, when I started writing the book, it was my intention to help myself by clearing my name to speak. My divorce was bitter, and my ex-wife's lawyer embellished so much that I wanted friends, and family to know the truth. That's when God intervened, and helped me to realize that He was allowing me to write a book to help not one, but perhaps thousands of people around the world who may be undergoing a similar situation. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Chris: LIFE INTERRUPTED: IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT ME is my true life self-help memoir. My "poor me attitude" a manifestation of depression, how self worth and diminishing self-esteem resulted in the demise of my first marriage. I wanted to help others dealing with chronic illness or disability, their caregivers, friends, and family avoid the same relationship destroying mistakes that I once did. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Chris: As a kid, I enjoyed Eugene O'Neill, and Charles Dickens. More recently, I have enjoyed Mary Higgins Clark, and Dean Koontz. Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life? Chris: The characters in my book LIFE INTERRUPTED are all individuals who are mostly friends, and family that have played a role in the process of making me the person I am today. Geri: How many books have you written? Chris: LIFE INTERRUPTED is my only published book. However, my second book is in the works. A book titled THE SNIFFLES is my first children's book, designed to help youngsters understand what is going on within the family unit when a parent is suffering from MS. Geri: Where can your book be purchased? Chris: www.Tatepublishing.com www.amazon.com www.borders.com www.barnesandnoble.com www.Target.com Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published? Chris: I was a bit surreal. I mean, you first think of all the famous novelists over the ages, and then you see your own face on the back cover of your book online, or in a bookstore! You have to laugh! It's like, I'm not worthy, LOL! Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Chris: I do! My second book is in the works! The title for this book is THE SNIFFLES! My second publication will demonstrate what children may experience within their home as a result of the stress introduced to the relationship of life being interrupted by chronic illness, in this case, multiple sclerosis. Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? Chris: It is my desire to help those individuals, their caregivers, family members, and friends who must deal daily with the stress put on one's relationship as a result of life being interrupted by chronic illness, or disability. As a disabled individual who has dealth with MS for over twenty-nine years, it has become my God-given passion to provide those individuals having to deal with similar situations as my own with compassion, knowledge, awareness and guidance. My passion is through my writing, public speaking, and facilitation of group discussions whenever possible. Geri: Are you exactly where you want to be with your writing? Chris: To have the life and frame of mind that I do today is truly a blessing, a miracle, and a gift from God! Approximately ten years ago, dealing with progressing disability due to MS, the announcement that my ex-wife wanted a divorce, and not having a place to live wasn't all I had to face. In addition, I had to face the prospective of having to support myself on a meager disability income, I had no future! None for which I wanted to be a part, anyway! So what has changed? One must read LIFE INTERRUPTED to find out! Geri: What can help authors reach their dream? Chris: Never give up! Most importantly, live your life for God! Geri: Have you experienced writer's block? Chris: I have never really experienced it! However, there are certain times when the writing juices so to speak, flow more readily. I can be more productive after midnight. I wrote three-quarters of my book between the hours of midnight, and 4AM. Geri: What can prevent writer's block? Chris: Write when the writing juices are flowing! If it happens to be in the middle of the night, go with it! I also found that keeping a small handheld tape recorder at my bedside was helpful. My creative mind began working during the middle of the night, for many nights! Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? Chris: During my preteen and teen years, I enjoyed reading paperbacks, a whodunit of something involving a natural disaster, or something hauntingly scary off the shelves of any department store. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading a lot? Chris: I grew up in a cul-de-sac within a suburban neighborhood in Massachusetts. During the 1970's, there must have been twenty kids outside looking to play street hockey, baseball, or football. Also, hide-and-seek, and more at any one time, I don't remember reading being a priority. As kids, rarely were we in the house, but a rainy day was a good day to cozy up, and read. Geri: If you had the opportunity to live one day the life of a famous author, who would it be? Chris: Everyone of us who has their name in print on a book jacket has the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author. Geri: How do you balance occupation with writing? Chris: Because of my disability as of 1993, I am unable to work. My book LIFE INTERRUPTED was written with the help of assistive technology provided by the Easter Seals foundation. Because there were no time constraints, I was able to write my book over a five year period, using voice recognition software. My utilization of voice recognition software, while a blessing affording me the opportunity to "write" my book was truly a painstakingly arduous process, because of the numerous and diverse symptoms of my disability. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Chris: Truly, another surreal experience. On a much smaller scale, the experience allows an individual like myself who is not famous, to feel famous, like a movie star or a sports idle. Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would change? Chris: Writing has become somewhat of a hobby for me, one that provides me with a sense of purpose. Whether I'm able to to write another book, I know that it was God speaking through me who allowed this self-help memoir to come to fruition. Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end in promotions. what was your most difficult task? Chris: I'm learning now that writing the book is the easy step in the process of becoming a successful author. The real work involves the marketing, and promotion. Geri: Some writer's listen to music, or look at a particular scenery while writing, can you relate? Chris: For me, it's always been as soon as I want to go to sleep, my mind wants to write! Geri: If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be? Chris: A children's book! Geri: Thank you very much for your time, and devotion to this interview! Chris: You're welcome!

**INTERVIEW with author JERRY ADAMS, Ph.D.**

It is with great pleasure, and an honor to Interview author Jerry Adams, Ph.D. author of: "DISCIPLINE WITHOUT ANGER" Subtitle: "But Doctor, What Do I Do When...?" Genre: Parenting/ Self-Help/ Psychology http://www.disciplinewithoutanger.com/ www.myspace.com/jerry_adams_dwa Jerry Adams grew up in a large family in northern Iowa, and developed an early fascination with how children mature, and how they behave. After graduating from Iowa State University, he spent two years in the Peace Corps in West Africa, where he taught High School classes for one year, and worked in a Liberian psychiatric hospital for another year. In the process, he was exposed to what it universal in the human spirit, and to how culture impacts human development, and behavior. To pursue this new awareness, he continued his education, and completed his Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Iowa. Dr. Adams, once a tenured associate professor, taught at several universities, and published numerous research papers. However, his heart was always in clinical work with children, and he left academia for full-time clinical practice. For twenty-five years, he served as lead psychologist in a very large non-profit health maintenance organization, specializing in assisting children, and their parents. Whenever Dr. Adams gave talks to parents, many remained afterward to ask, "But Doctor, what do I do when...?" about difficult discipline challenges with their own children. Recognizing that neither he, nor anyone else can provide effective one-minute responses to such challenges, he set about developing a class to provide parents with a comprehensive approach to positive, and effective discipline. "I learned from hundreds of parents who attended my classes what does and what does not work, and I refined my presentations accordingly," he says. Despite extensive handouts which he provided to parents who attended his classes, he was frequently urged to write a book encompassing the entire approach, resulting in "DISCIPLINE WITHOUT ANGER." Dr. Adams, who is married, has two sons, and two grandchildren. He is licensed to practice his profession in California. AUTHOR INTERVIEW Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Dr. Adams: I had enjoyed writing in High School, and was co-editor of a High School newspaper. As a psychologist, I wrote numerous research reports for publication in professional journals, and found completing each project gratifying. However, I always found the process challenging, and difficult. As a result, writing for me has been a means of communicating concepts that I found important to get across, and not something I have done for its own sake. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Dr. Adams: Writing the book was a major task, and I did not find the process enjoyable. I would have like to have written all sorts of books, but writing itself does not come easy to me. Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write? Dr. Adams: Several High School teachers, a small town newspaper editor, and a college creative writing professor encouraged me to write. Writing research papers, and professional reports were simply expected, and I have done a lot of each. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Dr. Adams: No! But everything in my book has been based on feedback from people with whom I have worked. The numerous vignettes in the book reflect disguised examples of interchanges with specific families. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Dr. Adams: Just one? Wow! I guess Mark Twain would be my first choice. I have so admired his capacity to write humble, and humorous stories with great depth about the seemingly simple lives of his characters while addressing the most complex of human challenges, and embracing the loftiest of ideals for humanity. Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life? Dr. Adams: There are no "characters" as such in my book. However, the vignettes I used to illustrate various points are all based on real patients I worked with in my clinical practice. Geri: How many books have you written? Dr. Adams: Just one, most of my professional publications have been research papers presented in journals. Geri: Where can your books be purchased? Dr. Adams: http://www.authorhouse.com/ http://www.disciplinewithoutanger.com/ http://www.amazon.com/ http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published. Dr.Adams: My first published writing occurred in High School, and it was an exhilarating exprience. I had a very similar reaction when my first research paper was published, and when my book finally went to print. Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Dr. Adams: No, I am concentrating on publicizing DISCIPLINE WITHOUT ANGER. Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? Dr. Adams: My continued goal is to support parents in adopting a loving, positive approach to teaching their children to behave responsibly in their everyday lives, so that parents can move beyond the all too typical reliance on punishment, after the fact to "correct" their kids. Geri: Are you exactly where you want to be with your writing endeavors? Dr. Adams: No! I wish I wrote the book several years ago, so that I would be further along in publicizing it. Geri: Have you experienced writer's block? Dr. Adams: Many times, mostly in the form of indecision! Geri: What can help to prevent it? Dr. Adams: Being a good writer requires a solid idea, clarity in presenting that idea, at least a modicum of skill with the language, and with writing. Also, a strong capacity for tolerating tedium, managing anxiety, and persevering in the face of all sorts of obstacles to success. Geri: AS a child, did you have favorite books? Dr. Adams: I was hooked on Nancy Drew, and the Hardy Books books. I also read all sorts of things when I could get access to them. Geri: As a child, did you read a lot? Dr. Adams: I loved reading! Our small town developed its first-ever library when I was a kid. I would be at the door at opening! Geri: If you had the opportunity to live one day the life of a famous author, who would it be? Dr. Adams: Mark Twain! Geri: Many authors feel a sense of achievement after publishing a book, or self-satisfaction. Can you relate? Dr. Adams: Yes, I am sure that the sense of achievement, and self- satisfaction of completing a major project, and seeing the result represents a driving force for most writers and is responsible for much of the great literature in the world. Geri: How do you balance occupation with writing? Dr. Adams: I am largely retired, so I have less to balance than employed people. It's still a challenge to find time to pursue all of the potential ways to market the book. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Dr. Adams: It was very gratifying! Geri: If you won the lottery, what would change? Dr. Adams: It would not bring much change to my life! Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end in promotions. What was your most difficult task? Dr. Adams: The difficulty in promotion! Geri: Some writer's focus on a particular scenery while writing, can you relate? Dr. Adams: My frequent observations of children being disciplined ineffectively, and often harshly by well-meaning parents.

**INTERVIEW with author THOMAS C. ADLER**

It is with great pleasure, and an honor to Interview author Thomas C. Adler! Author of: "CAMPINGLY YOURS" Subtitle: "A heartwarming journey of a lifetime at summer camp" Genre: Memoir http://www.campinglyyours.com/ http://www.whereisthomasc.com/ http://www.fivestarpublications.com/ Thomas cried on the first day of summer camp, and got a face full of pudding! Forty-five years later, he is still serving as co-director of Chippewa Ranch Camp, a girl's camp in Eagle River, Wisconsin. He owned, and operated this camp for twenty-seven years. He was raised in St. Joseph, Missouri, a town of seventy-five thousand, located fifty miles north of Kansas City. His summer camp adventures began in the early 1960's. At the age of ten, he attended North Star Camp for boys in Hayward, Wisconsin, with his older brother. Despite the sticky start, Thomas returned to North Star for fifteen years, both as a camper, and as a counselor. Thomas graduated from Missouri University with a degree in secondary education, and taught and coached High School in Denver, Colorado for one year. In 1979, Thomas purchased Chippewa Ranch Camp. Each summer since, he has supervised two-hundred and twenty counselors and campers around the clock, spearheading countless adventures. Thomas's summer camp experiences have allowed him to befriend people from all walks of life. He and his wife now remain onsite temporarily as co-directors to facilitate a smooth transition, after selling the ranch to a former employee. AUTHOR INTERVIEW Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Thomas: A year ago, my Mom thought that I would be a good writer. I realized that I wanted to write a memoir about my family life, and summer camp. Mom never got to read my book, and neither did Dad. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Thomas: I enjoyed writing the memoir. I would like to write stories that serve a purpose of making people think about life. Geri: Did a special person inspire you to write? Thomas: Mom! Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Thomas: Yes! This memoir! Geri: Who is your favorite author? Thomas: Calvin Trillin Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life? Thomas: The characters in my memoir are from real life. Geri: How many books have you written? Thomas: One Geri: Where can your book be purchased? Thomas: http://www.amazon.com/ http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ http://www.fivestarpublications.com/ http://www.borders.com/ Target, Walmart, Paradies Shops at the airports Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published. Thomas: It was a nice feeling of accomplishment. It was a strange feeling in some sense, because I exposed my family, and many friends. Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Thomas: I'm not sure about the next book. Geri: What are some links to your websites? Thomas: http://www.campinglyyours.com/ http://www.whereisthomasc.com/ facebook- Pamela Adler Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? Thomas: My goal is to raise money, using my memoir as the vehicle. I am raising money to send under-served children to a summer camp program, from this country, and South Africa. Geri: Are you exactly where you want to be with your writing? Thomas: Yes! Geri: What can help authors to reach their dream? Thomas: Study proper procedures, find books that relate to the purpose, and read "how to" books in regards to getting published. Develop discipline to stay with the project. Don't be afraid to take some criticism, and make sure to have pre-editors help you. Geri: Have you experienced writer's block? Thomas: Yes! Writer's block is common. Not to worry, just take a break, do something totally non-related, and get back to writing when it feels correct. Geri: What can prevent writer's block? Thomas: It's good to think of ideas while exercising, taking a shower, or enjoying nature, and books. Always carry a notebook and pen, and jot down your thoughts. Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? Thomas: As a child, I liked books on sports! Geri: As a child, did you read a lot? Thomas: I did not read enough as a child. Geri: If you had the opportunity to live one day the life of a famous author, who would it be? Thomas: I think Calvin Trillin has a nice life. He writes for the New Yorker, had numerous appearances on the Johnny Carson Show, but can go almost anywhere without being hounded, and is well respected in all literary circles. Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction, or achievement after publishing a book, can you relate? Thomas: I enjoy new adventures in life. I never thought about becoming a published author. I had a quiet feeling of excitment when I was accepted, and it was pretty neat for the first time to see my book in a book store. I hope Mom and Dad are okay with their picture on the cover for all to see. At least I know my brother is fine with it. Geri: How do you balance occupation with writing? Thomas: I work out of my house, and for now, promoting the book is full time. A lot of work through the book is to raise money for the children. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Thomas: Well, I felt a little Mickey Mantle! Oops! He rarely signed anything while he was playing. My first signing let me know how hectic it must be for those who are constantly hounded. Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would change? Thomas: I would buy a better window shade to keep the glare down in my office when I write. I would also donate lots of money to help children enter a summer camp program. Geri: We begin with a manuscript, and end in promotions. What was your most difficult task? Thomas: It wasn't writing the book! Ireally enjoyed that part. The task of putting together a proper proposal was difficult, and tedious. My proposal was sixty pages, and I worked on that for three months. It was difficult to make connections with agents, and publishers. Perseverance is a must, along with patience! Geri: Some writer's listen to music, or look at the ocean while writing. Do you have a particular scenery? Thomas: In writing my memoir, I gathered hundreds of pictures from the past, to the present. So many thoughts came to my mind, and it was fun to look at pictures that collected dust. Geri: If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be? Thomas: I would write a romance novel about a father, and son! Geri: Thank you very much for your time! Your Interview was very enjoyable! Thomas: You're welcome!

***INTERVIEW with Author LISA CERASOLI***

It is with great pleasure, and an honor to Interview Author Lisa Cerasoli! Author of: "On The Brink of Bliss and Insanity" Subtitle: "A comedy about sex, drugs, sex, religion, sex, crime, love & happiness" Genre: Chick Literature (that guys will dig reading) www.myspace.com/lisacerasoli www.FiveStarPublications.com www.onthebrinkofbliss.com www.lisacerasoli.com www.amazon.com www.barnesandnoble.com Lisa Cerasoli left her hometown of Iron Mountain in the upper Peninsula of Michigan upon graduating from its one and only school, Iron Mountain High. Michigan State University was her first stop. She tested into Lyman Briggs School of Science, majoring in pre-med. That dream quickly deflated when she realized she's a complete hypochondriac, and the last thing she needed was to feed her neurosis by being around "sick people" all day. Feeling lost, she fled to Arizona for spring break, and didn't get back on the plane to return home. Instead, she applied to Arizona State University. Four years, and a few beers later, Lisa got a very practical theater degree, and transported herself by way of Honda Accord(that would be stolen twice by year's end) to the city of Angels. L.A. was pretty good to the girl. She booked her first series, Acapulco Bay, within nine months. After that she spent two-plus years as a series regular on General Hospital, playing the quirky role of "V." She then booked a string of guest star roles including Oh, Grow Up, Diagnosis Murder, Pensacola Wings of Gold and two recurring roles on The Pretender as "Zoe and Boomtown." In the fall of 2002, Lisa and her manager Sandra Siegal, met with Ken Atchity of Atchity Entertainment International in regards to her screenplay, On the Brink of Bliss and Insanity. Ken thought it sounded like a novel, so she went home, and blew out three chapters. That's when she fell, for certain and truly in love with writing. AUTHOR INTERVIEW Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Lisa: I never realized I wanted to be a writer. I just started writing ten years ago out of boredom and frustration, with a stagnant film career. I was on General Hospital, but prior to that, I had always pictured myself doing Indies, so I started writing one. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Lisa: Comedies, novels, and screenplays! Twisted, adorable, vaudevillian, possibly grazing on autobiographical comedies. Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write? Lisa: Two people inspired me to write. My sister, Lora Cerasoli, and my manager, Sandra Siegal. They were both sick of hearing my redundant whining, and within the same week told me to, "Shut-up and go write something!" One month later, On the Brink of Bliss and Insanity, the screenplay was born. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Lisa: I'm working on several. I recently wrote an essay about my late father. It's on my website at: www.lisacerasoli.com. It's under, "Dedication to Dad." I may elaborate on that. I am also writing a novel based on my grandmother, her life, and her life with dementia. She lives with me. It's heartbreaking and hilarious, and sometimes the conversion from one to the other is nearly indiscernible. I think that story needs to be told. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Lisa: I sort of have favorite books over favorite authors. I don't read many authors more than once. Whatever I grab onto in the first book of the authors tend to overwhelm any that succeed it. I'm mad for The Fountainhead, The Catcher In The Rye, White Oleander, and The Secret Life Of Bees. Also, Henry's List Of Wrongs. John Scott Sheperd is probably my favorite modern day writer, because his style is in one word, cool! Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life? Lisa: I think somewhere in the deep, dark depts of "brain Lisa" I met every single one of them, at least once! Geri: How many books have you written? Lisa: I have my debut novel, On the Brink, three finished screenplays, and three unfinished novels. Also, I have about a hundred other books, films, and TV series roaming about my brain from midnight to six. Geri: Where can your books be purchased? Lisa: www.lisacerasoli.com www.onthebrinkofbliss.com www.amazon.com www.barnesandnoble.com www.sears.com www.borders.com The Trunk Of My Mother's Car (no dot com) and recent addition, Barnes & Noble land stores. Yeah! Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published? Lisa: Getting my book published felt like watching my favorite Hugh Grant flick on a constant reel, and the best part is, that reel circled for five months. "About A Boy!" In case you were wondering the name of my fave H.G. flick! Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Lisa: I'm envisioning On the Brink, the screenplay being made by year's end. Also, I have another Rom Com that is simply incredible! I can say that because I wrote the script, but the story was conceived by my brilliant manager, and a protege of hers. It's a big budget Sandra Bullock type piece, and will find the right studio home soon, I'm certain! Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? Lisa: My goals as a writer? Destination Oprah, and sell two movies to Hollywood by 2010. Geri: Are you exactly where you want to be with your writing? Lisa: I didn't plan my career around writing, so this is a tough question. I thought I would have won an academy award by now for acting. When I was five, that was the goal! Now, I just want to sell millions of copies of On the Brink! I think the story is an important women's piece and worthy of book circles, and again, Oprah! Then, I'll have bags of money to feed the hungry, clothe and house the needy and make movies, and really show my daughter "the point of life." Follow your passions, and be of service to those in need! Geri: What can help authors to reach their dream? Lisa: I think the one and only key to great writing is to steal everything you got from your subconscious, and don't give a shit about who will ever read it! Also, take plenty of notes, and criticisms from people smarter than you, it really helps grammatically! Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Lisa: I've never experienced writer's block, mainly because I am not a disciplined writer. I mostly write when I feel inspired. Now, I have experienced "scared-shitless" block! That's when a studio tells you to rewrite a section of your screenplay, and you have no idea how to do it, and you have a week to get it done! But then you eventually whine to your manager, Sandra Siegal , who tells you to, "Go shut-up and write something!" You manage to pull it off! Geri: What advice can you give to prevent writer's block? Lisa: Go talk to someone, anyone, and not about writer's block! I mean, get out there in the world, and hang in there until something hits you. Also, read your favorite book all over again. Then, watch your favorite movies with a pen and paper, and write down everything that works! Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? Lisa: I swear, as a kid, I was a math freak! I slept with my geometry book under my pillow, so I could solve all the extra credit questions through osmosis. The only reading I mostly did was required. Geri: As a child, did you enjoy reading a lot? Lisa: No! Geri: If you had the opportunity to live one day the life of a famous author, who would it be? Lisa: Is Oprah considered a famous author? She does have her magazine. Alan Ball is a screenwriter and TV producer, American Beauty, Oh, Grow Up! Also, Six Feet Under, True Blood! I met him when I guest starred on the set of his first TV series, the sitcom, Oh, Grow Up! I love his writing style. His characters are really outer limit. They're funny, they lack emotional boundaries, they're pensive, and generally in a static state of turmoil. The best part about them is they are unlike anyone you know, yet you root for them, and hope they find freedom from their predicaments, and themselves. I don't know if I want to be Alan, but it sure would be great to work by his side. That would be a dream come true! Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction, or a sense of achievement after having a book published, can you relate? Lisa: I feel fantastic! I'm a rock star! Geri: How do you balance occupation with writing? Lisa: There is no balance! I need so much assistance, it's pathetic! A daycare provider, an accountant, an in-home nurse to help gramsy and ten thousand books to sell per month to even come close to balance. Also, a therapist, and a massage therapist couldn't hurt. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Lisa: I felt perfect, like being on a set when I was acting. I smiled until my cheeks hurt! Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would change? Lisa: I would be executive producing On the Brink of Bliss and Insanity, the movie. It's a small budget Indie flick. I could do it easily for two million, and half of that if I had to! Geri: We begin with a manuscript, and end with promotions. What was your most difficult task? Lisa: Waiting, waiting for feedback, waiting for a publisher! Waiting for publicity, waiting for sales, waiting! Geri: Some writer's listen to music, or look at flowers, or the ocean while writing. Do you have a particular scenery? Lisa: I have no special needs beyond a semi-functional computer, or notebook to write on. I wrote my debut novel, while caring for my dying father. I have a four year old who loves to hang all over me. Writing is the only time I'm not high maintenance! Geri: Thank you very much for your time with this interview. It was quite interesting, and enjoyable! Lisa: Your Wellcome!

***INTERVIEW #3 with JEFFREY B. ALLEN***

I Welcome back today author Jeffrey B. Allen! It is an honor, and a pleasure to work with him! author of: "GoneAway Into The Land" *****REVIEW Posted on: http://www.amazon.com/ http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ http://www.authorgeriahearnsbookreviews.blogspot.com/ http://www.goodreads.com/ http://www.worldcat.com/ Jeffrey was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts in 1953. New Bedford was home to Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick. Jeffrey believes that the first paragraph of Moby Dick was the best first paragraph of any novel he has ever read! His father moved his family around the country nine times. Jeffrey spent many good years, and many difficult years growing up. Both the good, and the bad contribute to his writing. While in High School in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Jeffrey began to gravitate away from academics, and lean more toward the arts. He went to art school for painting, and later studied set design at Boston University. Jeffrey loved the process of writing the very minute he started. GoneAway took three and a half years to complete. It is loosely based on a childhod story that he told his children when they were very young. They never forgot the story, and encouraged Jeffrey to write it down for posterity. Today, Jeffrey lives with his wife in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. His two children are grown, one living in Deleware, and the other in Hong Kong China. Jeffrey's children, and his wife have been a great inspiration to him. http://www.jeffreyballen.com/ http://goodreads.com/about/how_it_works www.myspace.com/jeffreyballen AUTHOR INTERVIEW #3 Geri: Have you ever had the pleasure of discussing your book with a fan? Jeffrey: Yes! I have had several discussions with my readers about GoneAway! One thing I wish, however, is that my readers would not feel intimidated to express what they got out of the book, because everyone of them said they could not put it down once they reached a certain point. Only a couple of readers were personally affected by the tragedy of the story. And surprisingly, not one had noticed when John makes the transition into the World to the Land that the story goes from first person to third person. When I decided to do the switch, it was a very difficult decision, because doing that as a writer is said to be very dangerous, and hard to pull off. The reason I changed from First to Third person would be a whole subject for discussion, in and of itself. I would love to speak to people about the deeper meanings behind GoneAway, so anyone who reads this interview is welcome to contact me through my website. Geri: Are you the only writer in your family? Jeffrey: Yes! I am the only novelist in my family. Everyone in my family are very good writers, and avid readers. That is the way I was brought up, and that is the way I brought up my children. Geri: Is there a particular author who inspires you to write? Jeffrey: No! There is not one particular author who inspires me to write. What inspires me to write is a desire from within myself to paint pictures with words, and to tell a story that other people will enjoy reading. But if I were to name a few authors, I would have to say writers such as Hemingway, Jules Verne, Arthur C. Clarke, and Frank Herbert. They have been very influential in motivating me to write well. Geri: What is the age group for your reading audience? Jeffrey: I am trying to always write to the adolescent, and adult audience. I usually write for age sixteen and over, although I found out that a twelve year old loved GoneAway as well! The subject matter, and the vocabulary is not typically suited for young children. One of my reviewer's made a point of saying that exact thing. She read the fantasy portions of the book to her children, because they are very suitable for that, but the underlying story is absolutely not suited for below age seventeen. Geri: Do you believe that the cover of a book can draw a reader in faster to your story? Jeffrey: Yes! I would have spent much more attention to the cover if I wasn't so involved in editing the manuscript at the time. I approved the cover, thinking that it wasn't that important. In fact, my publisher convinced me that the cover wasn't all that important, but I have come to disagree. Geri: In your opinion, what does it take to become successful? Jeffrey: Good writing, good story are paramount, but in this day and age, unfortunately are not the drivers toward success as they once were. Marketing now plays a huge role in an author's success. I never guessed that the marketing of my first novel would take so much of my time. Geri: What motivates you to write? Jeffrey: My motivation is to write stories that people will find interesting, but also provocative enough for them to think about what they have read for a while, after they finished reading the book. Another thing that motivates me is that I find writing novels the most challenging thing I have ever set out to do. Having the book published was like reaching the summit of a mountain. Now that I know the way, I feel I can do it again, only quicker, and better! Geri: What books do you read for enjoyment? Jeffrey: I love Ancient History. I just finished a book about Hannibal's march over the Alps on his way to conquer Rome. Sometimes, history is as good, if not better than fiction. I like Science Fiction, but it has to be either very surreal, like Larry Niven's Ringworld, or real science like Arthur C. Clarke's Rama books. I cannot leave out Frank Herbert's Dune, which stands in a class by itself. Geri: Has television ever inspired you to write about a certain topic? Jeffrey: No! Now, wait! I take that back! There have been some things on television over the years that I have found tremendous, but in general television is the devise that brings sports into my living room, and I enjoy watching Football in the fall, and basketball in the spring. I watch golf inbetween. Without TV, those events would be out of reach. The older I become, the less I watch TV! Geri: Has a particular classical movie ever given you ideas to write about a new topic? Jeffrey: No! I can't think of any in particular! Although the subliminal messages that accumulates in our brains come from all kinds of stimuli. One of those is certainly movies, and TV. All of that stimulus must have an influence on our creativity, and thought processes. You know, I say that none have influenced me, but there have been a few movies that I have to put on my top ten list that have definetely influenced me. The 1933 King Kong, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, Forbidden Planet, and the first make of War Of The Worlds influenced me. Also, The Day The Earth Stood Still influenced me. Great acting is like great writing, it stays with you forever! Spencer Tracy in Old Man And The Sea, and Peter O'Toole in Lawrence Of Arabia. I am out-dating myself! How about Mickey Rouke in The Wrestler? Geri: Thank you very much for today's interview! Your responses were very interesting, and enjoyable indeed! Jeffrey: You're welcome!

**INTERVIEW with Author/ Publisher LINDA F. RADKE

It is with great pleasure, and an honor to Interview Author/Publisher LINDA F. RADKE! Author of: "The Economical Guide To Self-Publishing" Subtitle: "How To Produce and Market Your Book On a Budget" Genre: Business www.FiveStarPublications.com www.myspace.com/fivestarpublications http://twitter.com/fivestarpub Since 1985, veteran publisher Linda F. Radke, owner of Five Star Publications, has been ahead of her game-self-publishing before it was commonplace, partnership publishing before the rest of the world even knew what it was and producing award-winning traditional and nontraditionally published fiction and nonfiction manuscripts for adults and children. Radke's odyssey to becoming one of the nation's leading consultants in the areas of book production, marketing, publicity and distribution, began simply enough with the desire to print a few books to complement the household employment agency she owned. For Radke, who on more than one occasion has been teased about having "printer's ink in her veins." The experience of publishing the books was exhilarating, prompting her to change careers, and launch Five Star Publications, without looking back. Eventually, Radke added services and acted as a publishing consultant for other self-publishers, ventured into traditional publishing and pioneered partnership publishing to allow her to publish more authors, and make them a more integral part of the creative process of publishing. Among her many accolades, Radke is the author of The Economical Guide To Self Publishing (a Writer's Digest Book Club selection that is now into its second edition) and Promote Like a Pro: Small Budget, Big Show(a Doubleday Executive Program Book Club selection). She is a founding member of the Arizona Book Publishing Association and was named Book Marketer of the Year by Book Publicists of Southern California. "Every book, no matter how well written, will languish on the shelf unsold without a comprehensive and creative publishing and marketing plan to support it." __Linda F. Radke AUTHOR INTERVIEW Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Linda: I enjoy writing non-fiction, and poetry! Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write? Linda: My cousin Dorothy, she kept a poetry journal. This started me on the road to writing poetry. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Linda: No Geri: How many books have you written? Linda: Seven Geri: Where can your books be purchased? Linda: www.amazon.com www.barnesandnoble.com www.FiveStarPublications.com Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published. Linda: Proud Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Linda: The Economical Guide To Self-Publishing-2nd edition Geri: What are some links to your websites? Linda: www.SelfPublishandSave.com www.FiveStarPublications.com Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? Linda: My goals are for children of all ages to experience the thrill of being a published author. www.KidsCanPublish.com Geri: What can help authors to reach their dream? Linda: To work with an experienced team of experts! Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Linda: Yes! Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? Linda: I loved reading comic books. I could hardly wait to take my fifteen cent allowance, and walk a few miles to a local drugstore for the next issue of my favorite comic books. Okay! Ten cents for the comic book, and five cents worth of candy! Geri: As a child, did you read alot? Linda: I loved my comic books! Geri: If you had the opportunity to live one day the life of a famous author, who would it be? Linda: Me! Geri: Many authors feel a sense of self-satisfaction, self-achievement after publishing a book, can you relate? Linda: Absolutely! Geri: How do you balance occupation with writing? Linda: My writing goals are always put on the back burner. My Five Star authors always come first! Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Linda: Proud! Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end with promotions. What was your most difficult task? Linda: Promotion, promotion, and promotion! Too many authors think too late about promotion. You start with your market in mind, and then write a book for it. It's like having a baby, and not thinking beyond the birth. Geri: Some writer's need to listen to music, or look at the ocean, or flowers while writing. Do you have a particular scenery? Linda: I am consumed with my thoughts when writing, and I am oblivious to all other sounds. Geri: Thank you kindly for today's interview. It was quite enjoyable! Linda: Your welcome!