Tuesday, July 21, 2009

**INTERVIEW with author DAUSON LOVI**

I Welcome author DAUSON LOVI!
author of: "HOLY SHIT"
Subtitle: "A Brief Look At Christianity's Problem"
Genre: Religion/ Skeptics/ Atheist
**INTERVIEW**
Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing?
Dauson: I like to write books that deal with religion, history, and society. My main
goal with most of the things I write is to get people to think. Something I
strive to do is to help people see they can be good without God, and the way
I've chosen to do this is by debunking religions with their own Holy books.
Geri: How many books have you written?
Dauson: I have written several books throughout my life, but currently only have one
published. The others were more of a hobby.
Geri: Do you have any current work in progress?
Dauson: Currently, I am working on three books: two non-fictional, and one fictional.
Two of these books, I'm actually in the writing stages with, while the other
one I have only begun the research.
Geri: Has anyone inspired you to write? Dauson: My family has always been supportive of my writing, but I don't think there has ever been a person who has actually inspired me to write. It's just something I've always done. It's just part of who I am. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Dauson: My favorite author is Nathaniel Hawthorne. While his work in "The Scarlet Letter" is wordy, it is my favorite book of all time, and not because it's a beautiful love story, but because it points out the flaws of idealistic society. He shows that love is never idealistic, and I think it was a profound statement for its time. Geri: Did you have any favorite books as a child? Dauson: My favorite book as a child, ironically, was the Bible. I can remember my dad reading various stories out of the gospels, nearly every night. Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Dauson: I don't think I ever realized I wanted to be a writer. It's always been a part of my life, and who I am. It wasn't something I realized, it was always something I've just done. Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published? Dauson: I don't know that I can really describe the feelings I had when I was first published as I don't think the reality of it has hit me yet. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing, or the first time you signed your book? Dauson: The first book that I signed was for my parents, and it was an extremely proud moment for me. Not so much proud that I was published and could sign a book, but proud that my parents supported me every step of the way. It was quite an emotional time as I realized just how lucky I am to have love and support from my family. Geri: What factors place you in the comfort zone while writing? Dauson: The key factor to my comfort when I'm writing is having my two cats gawking around. One of them is usually sitting on my lap, while the other one judgmentally watches me from a distance. Sometimes, I don't think I can work without them.

Geri: It has been with great pleasure, and an honor to interview you today. Thank you, and welcome aboard! Dauson: You're welcome!

Friday, July 17, 2009

**COMING SOON**

My Next INTERVIEW will be with author DAUSON LOVI....Coming Soon!
Every author who I have the Pleasure & Honor to INTERVIEW will also be Reviewed
&Promoted! My Mission is to make Promotions a rewarding & pleasant journey!
I wish you all the Best in your writing endeavors!
Author/Independent Reviewer/Geri Ahearn

Thursday, July 9, 2009

**INTERVIEW with author MILA BERNADKIN**

Author Of: "THE ATTITUDE GIRL" Genre: YA Novel (realistic contemporary) http://www.attitudegirlbook.com/ http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6517957.The_Attitude_Girl www.myspace.com/486758811 www.fivestarpublications.com http://www.authorsandexperts.com/search_detail.php?recordid=1016 http://www.schoolbookings.com/search_detail.php?recordid=122 INTERVIEW Geri: Is there a special person in your life who inspired you to write? Mila: My sister is very special to me, she's my best friend, and the best sister someone could have. But I'd say she encouraged me to write, rather than inspired. Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Mila: I've always known. I used to be an editor at my school newspaper, and wrote editorials, poetry, etc. I wanted to be a journalist in the former Soviet Union. But I've never thought it was possible here, considering that English is my second language. Geri: How did you feel the first time you were published? Mila: I felt proud of myself, like I was capable to do something that counts. It gave me a sense of accomplishment, and achievement. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Mila: I have quite a few, Russian-Chekhov and Dostoevsky. I'm a fan of Hemingway, and I love everything of Joseph Heller. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing, or the first time you signed a book? Mila: I had the same feelings I had when my book was published, pride, achievement, and accomplishment. Even more so, because I actually saw people standing in line to get my book autographed! Geri: Did you have favorite books as a child? Mila: Yes, I did. I grew up in the former Soviet Union, so I loved Russian fairytales. My favorite books were the books of poetry for kids by Samuil Marshak. They were wonderful. Every four lines told a story. I still have his four-book poetry collection. Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Mila: Doesn't every author at some point? But honestly, not that often. Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Mila: I have several ideas for books that need to be developed. Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end in promotions. What was your most difficult task? Mila: For me, promotions has just started, and marketing is the most difficult task. Geri: If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be? Mila: I'd like to try my hand in every genre, and for all ages. Although writing for adults is closer to my heart, I'd love to write a few books for little kids, and mid-graders. I also have an idea now for a romantic, and humorous book for adults. I'd absolutely love to write a mystery novel. Geri: Thank you for your time, it has been a great pleasure, and I wish you the best in all your writing endeavors. Mila: you're welcome!

Thursday, June 25, 2009

**INTERVIEW with author DANIELLE PIERRE**

Author of: "JUST MAKE IT HAPPEN!" Subtitle: "UNLEASH YOUR INNER POWER AND TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE. NO MORE EXCUSES!" Genre: Non-fiction/ Self-help http://www.justmakeithappen.org/ www.myspace.com/justmakeithappen www.twitter.com/jstmakeithappen INTERVIEW Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Danielle: Poetry, self-help, and will be venturing into fiction soon, fantasy. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Danielle: Stephen King, Anne Rice (tie) Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write? Danielle: Timothy Pina inspired me to take the step to write the "JUST MAKE IT HAPPEN" Series. He is my partner(life and otherwise) and best friend. Other than that, I've had a passion for writing since childhood. It came about naturally, not from any direct inspiration that I can recall. Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Danielle: Age ten! Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Danielle: Many, yes! The "JUST MAKE IT HAPPEN" self-help series will have several volumes to it, which is a whip. Also, I have a book of poetry in progress, and will be making my first attempt at fiction over the summer. Geri: If you were to live for one day the life of a famous author, who would it be? Danielle: Stephen King, I often wonder if his life is anything like his books. Can you imagine? Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end in promotions. What was your most difficult task? Danielle: Promotions, definitely! It's a lot of work promoting a self- published book, not impossible, just a lot of work. Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Danielle: Yes, though it's easily overcome, start writing, anything. Geri: What factors would help authors to reach their dream? Danielle: Just write, if you can't find a publisher, self-publish at first, that really gives a person confidence to see their book and name in print. I am a firm believer that "thoughts become things" if you believe. Just make it happen! It's really that simple. Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? Danielle: Many! ALICE IN WONDERLAND, CHARLOTTE'S WEB, HUCKLEBERRY FIN, ROOTS. Also, NANCY DREW, WHERE THE SIDEWALK ENDS, WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE and so many more. Geri: Thank you kindly for your time, and for everyone out there who reads this interview, I met Danielle on Myspace many moons ago, where she welcomed me with opened arms. In just a short time, I learned that Danielle's personality is indeed as beautiful as her writing. Many people come-and-go in our lives, she is one who will always be remembered. Best of luck Danielle in all your writing endeavors! Danielle: Thank you!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

**INTERVIEW with author GAYLE NOBEL**

Author of: "IT'S ALL ABOUT ATTITUDE" with Author Kathy Almeida Subtitle: "Loving and Living Well With Autism" Genre: Self-Help/Inspirational/Special Needs http://www.autismwithattitude.com/ www.myspace.com/150577803 http://twitter.com/attitudemama1 paula@marketingexpert.com http://twitter.com/PaulaatAME INTERVIEW Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write? Gayle: My son Kyle, who has autism, is the inspiration behind the entire book. I was also inspired by my co-author Kathy Almeida who encouraged me to put my heart on paper as she was doing the same. In addition, I was inspired by the parents of kids with autism who read some of my initial writing, and told me it had made a tremendous difference for them. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Gayle: For fiction, Jodi Picoult. For non-fiction, it's whoever's inspiration I am hungry for at the moment. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Gayle: It was a real thrill. Finally, the culmination of a very long dream and process. Little did I know, it was only the beginning. I loved talking to people, and seeing the books stacked up on the table next to me. Then of course, watching people buy them was very exciting too. I really wanted to share my inspiration with as many people as possible, and it was finally happening! Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Gayle: So far, it's just been non-fiction, inspirational, based on my experiences as a mother of a child with autism and a sister to someone with autism and just as a mother in general. Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life? Gayle: Since it's non-fiction, personal experience, the characters are all in my life, and mentioned by name. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Gayle: My book is based on my own personal experiences with my son who is severely affected by autism, very much true life. Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published? Gayle: It was very exciting to hold the first copy of our book in my hand. We had worked for over five years to get to that point. There were so many challenges along the way working together, and being new authors. It was quite a moment and opportunity to make a difference for others, by sharing our story. Loved it, and still do! Geri: Did you have favorite books as a child? Gayle: Dr. Seuss, and Nancy Drew. I read a lot, but can't remember much of what I read. My mom's cousin had illustrated a children's book, which I thought was really cool, and liked to read that one over-and-over, THE ALPHABET TALE, I believe. Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end in promotions. What was your most difficult task? Gayle: Carving out the time to write was a big challenge since Kathy and I both have sons with autism who live at home. Our sons can be a bit "high maintenance" in terms of time, energy, demand, and needs. So, there was always a tremendous balancing act going on. Also, there was the challenge of writing with another person. We sometimes saw things differently in what we wanted for the book. Wanting to keep our close friendship in tact, we did a lot of compromising. I think we both grew a lot in the process of writing the book. Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Gayle: I am currently working on a second inspirational book. This one will just be me as the author. It is also based on personal experiences with my son, but with an added very hands-on-twist. It should be out in about a year. Geri: Thank you very much for your time. It was a pleasure, and I was very interested in your work, and greatly admire your patience and courage as I have helped many children and still do with special needs, including one of my daughters! Gayle: You're welcome!

Friday, June 12, 2009

**INTERVIEW with GARY STARTA**

It is an honor to interview multipublished author Gary Starta! Author of: "BLOOD WEB" Subtitle: "A Caitlin Diggs Novel" Genre: Science Fiction http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Web-Gary-Starta/dp/0979130484/ref=sr_1_1? ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1244828331&sr=8-1 http://www.fictionwise.com/eBooks/garystartaeBooks.htm http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrKKfoKYy3g www.myspace.com/gstarta http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php? INTERVIEW Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Gary: I went to UMASS where I studied journalism/english, and became a reporter for a few years. So, I always wrote. But I didn't think I would do fiction until about five years ago. I guess I finally took the plunge after a lifelong science fiction fan. Geri: Did a special person inspire you to write? Gary: I would say Isaac Asomov first inspired me to write my first novel about androids. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Gary: Science fiction, mystery/crime, fantasy. Actually, cross genres are great. I tend to write novels that way. I believe a good novel contains suspense, mystery, romance, action and intrigue. Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life? Gary: No, I have not done that yet. I seem to seperate my brain fantasies from reality. Geri: How many books have you written? Gary: Eight books, three are still to be placed. Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Gary: I have several. One is to be the third Caitlin Diggs series. Diggs is first introduced in "BLOOD WEB." Geri: As a child, did you have any favorite books? Gary: I probably wasn't considered a child when I first read Tolkien, but the Lord of the Rings blew me away. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Gary: That's difficult, but I'll pick Dean Koontz. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Gary: I am still working up to that achievement. Geri: We begin with a manuscript, and end in promotions. What was your most difficult task? Gary: I really feel promotions is more difficult. You have less control. I can totally control my characters, my story lines in the manuscript. You can never predict how potential readers might react, or what they want. However, I feel I have always written for the reader, or the science fiction fan. I would rather be unconventional and disregard formula if I feel my storytelling would be more satisfying for the audience. Geri: Thank you kindly for your time! Gary: You're welcome!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

**INTERVIEW with LEN SCHRITTER**

It is an honor to interview author Len Schritter. author of: "THE SECRET LIFE OF A SNOWBIRD" subtitle: "An Inside Look At Retirement In America's Sunbelt" Genre: non-fiction/humor www.myspace.com/arizonasnowbird www.FiveStarPublications.com www.twitter.com/arizonasnowbird INTERVIEW Geri: When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer? Len: I was always an avid reader as a young student in Junior High School. I loved to read, and thought at the time that it might be fun to write and work for a magazine, or newspaper someday. But, I never followed that career path. Geri: What type of books do you enjoy writing? Len: The only book I've written is a non-fiction book about my life as a snowbird in Arizona. I enjoy writing about personal experiences. I try to allow the reader to feel the same things I did. Geri: Did a special person in your life inspire you to write? Len: Yes, my wife Diana prodded me along to finally pursue a lifelong desire. I was reluctant at first, but with her support I started on my book. Geri: Have you written any books based on a true life story? Len: Yes, my only book, "THE SECRET LIFE OF A SNOWBIRD" is based on a true life story. Geri: Who is your favorite author? Len: My favorite author is, without a doubt, James Herriot who is the author of "All Creatures Great and Small" and other books about his life as a country vet in Yorkshire, England. His work was a great influence on my own writing style. Geri: Are your characters created from people you've known in real life? Len: I write about real people in a non-fiction setting. Sometimes, I don't use their real names however. Geri: How many books have you written? Len: Only one, But I hope to write many more. Geri: Where can your book be purchased? Len: www.amazon.com Or by asking for it at any bookstore Geri: Describe how you felt the first time you were published? Len: It was quite a thrill to finally see my name on the cover of a book. It filled me with a great sense of accomplishment, and gave me a real boost of self-esteem. Geri: Do you have any current work in progress? Len: I am probably a year away from publishing my second book on the same subject, which is tentatively called "HAPPINESS IS BEING A SNOWBIRD." Geri: What are some links to your websites? Len: www.Secretlifeofasnowbird.com www.FiveStarPublications.com Geri: Do you have goals set for the future? Len: My goal is to further exploit this niche regarding retirement, traveling, snowbirding in mybooks, and blogs. I feel that it's an untapped market that will only get bigger in the next few years as the Baby Boom generation ages. Geri: Are you exactly where you want to be with your writing? Len: No, if I had to do it all over again, I would have pursued a career in journalism, and writing. In my late fifties, I'm just getting started in what I really wanted to do with my life. But, it's better late than never. Geri: What can help authors to reach their dream? Len: Never give up, never quit! Realize that you don't know everything there is to know about your craft. Always be willing to learn, and seek out constructive criticism. Geri: Have you ever experienced writer's block? Len: I don't think that there is such a thing as writer's block. You just sit down, and start typing. You might end up working on the same paragraph for hours, but you grind it out, and work your way through your thoughts. Otherwise, you would write nothing. Geri: What advice can you give to prevent it? Len: Stay at the keyboard until you get it right. Geri: As a child, did you have favorite books? Len: I enjoyed reading the Hardy Boys Mystery Series. Geri: As a child, did you read a lot? Len: Yes, it was one of my favorite things to do. Geri: If you had the opportunity to one day live the life of a famous author, who would it be? Len: It would have to be my favorite author, James Herriot. Geri: Many author's feel a sense of self-satisfaction, or achievement after publishing a book. Can you relate? Len: Yes, it was the most satisfying feeling I have ever felt. Geri: How do you balance occupation with writing? Len: My current occupation is very seasonal, allowing me plenty of time to devote to my writing at certain times of the year. At busy times, my writing takes a back seat to my other work, or comes to halt entirely for a few months. Geri: How did you feel at your first book-signing? Len: I was very humbled, and grateful that people were taking an interest in my book. I try to write something personal to each reader who asks for a signed copy. Geri: If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would change? Len: I would quit my job, and devote full-time to my writing career. Geri: As writers, we begin with a manuscript, and end in promotions. What was your most difficult task? Len: Marketing and promotions are far more difficult than actual writing. You have to be somewhat hard-skinned, and sluff off rejection, those who aren't interested in your book. The people who really love your writing and tell you so, keep you going. Geri: Some writer's need to listen to music while writing, or look at the ocean. Do you have a particular scenery? Len: Not any object per se', but when I write, I need complete silence, and oceans of uninterrupted time ahead of me. When it's going well, I don't realize how much time has gone by, four hours could seem like thirty minutes. Geri: If you were to write in a different genre, what would it be? Len: I would like to write a historical novel someday. Geri: Thank you for your time, it's been a pleasure! Len: You're welcome!