I am very honored to have the author of Spin, Catherine McKenzie stop by to do a Q&A with me. Thank you so much Catherine for taking the time out of your very busy schedule to do this with me.
I have to tell you right away it was truly an honor to get to work with Catherine. She is a super sweet lady. Also thank you to Diane the online publicist for allowing me to me a part of this tour.
I unfortunetly was unable to attend Catherine’s book signing in early January because I was sick but hoping that very soon I will get the chance to get my book signed and to meet her in person.
Without further adew I hope you will enjoy this interview.
CINDY: I was disappointed when I couldn’t get to meet you earlier in January, but was curious if you have any other signings happening? What has the reaction been to Spin?
CATHERINE: I’m sorry you couldn’t make it, too. It was a great night. Can’t remember the last time I smiled that much that night. I don’t have any other signings planned just yet, but am working on it. As for the reaction to SPIN, it’s mostly been great! I feel really, really lucky.
CINDY: You will have to let me know if something comes up with another signing. I have to ask you do you have another book in the works?
CATHERINE: I do. My next book, ARRANGED, is coming out next January. I’m currently revisions for that book. And I also have a early draft of another novel which I hope I’ll be lucky enough to publish.
CINDY: Can’t wait to read it as I did enjoy reading Spin. What inspired you to write Spin?
CATHERINE: A couple of years ago there were a bunch of celebrities going in and out of rehab and the paparazzi were going wild. I remember seeing them waiting outside, cameras at the ready. At some point I wondered, why hasn’t someone ever followed a celebrity into rehab? My next thought was, I should write a book about that. And so I did.
CINDY: That is a really good point. I wonder why no one has ever thought of that, perhaps they have and no one has succeed in getting in. You might have just started something.
Readers in case you didn’t know it, Catherine is a local writer here in Montreal. (I have to admit I only found that out when I signed up to review the book.) What’s the best/worst thing about living in Montreal?
CATHERINE: The weather. Seriously, it’s both the best and worst thing. I love the changing seasons, but it can also be bitterly cold and crazy hot and humid in the summer. A friend of mine lived in San Diego – mild and sunny every day. Sometimes that seems appealing.
CINDY: I have to let you know that the day Catherine sent me her answers it was -18 and not sure what it was with the windchill that day but it was cold. It does get bitterly cold here and our summers are extremely hot and humid. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Catherine McKenzie was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, where she now works as a litigator. When not serving on many professional associations, she sits on the board of the Montreal Children’s Library and Bishop’s College School, and teaches part-time at McGill University’s faculty of law.
Thanks again Catherine for doing this Q&A with me I truly appreciate it.
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.
TITLE: Step Back From the Baggage Claim AUTHOR: Jason Barger PUB DATE: July 2009
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Ever experienced the way small moments impact our lives? Ever wanted to participate in a movement to change our world? Step back, be still, share compassion, live gratefully. Today, travel gracefully along your path! “Step Back from the Baggage Claim”. Jason Barger spent seven straight days flying 6,548 miles to seven different cities living only in the airports the entire time. He studied 10,000 minutes of observations at all four corners of the U.S. and reflected on how our airport experiences can teach us about our lives today. The airport metaphor leaps to life through profound anecdotes about an orphanage in Mexico, a summer camp in Ohio, bamboo, the homeless, climbing Mount Everest, a hot dog grill, and much more. The funny and inspiring stories remind us how to change our daily world through thoughtful and compassionate action! Join the movement.
MY THOUGHTS:
Thank You to Jason for contacting me about his book and thank you for sending it my way.
I have to say that I don’t read motivational books this hasn’t been a genre that really has interested me until reading this book. I am sure I will be picking up future books in this genre.
I have to also say that Jason was a pleasure to work with when he contacted me about doing this and in the interview. He always answered my emails really quickly. Jason, you were a pleasure to work with.
The premise behind the book was that Jason decided to spend seven days living in various airports from Columbus, Ohio to Boston to Maimi to Chicago to Minneapolis to Seattle to San Diego. He also didn’t leave these airports at all. He ate and slept in them. He also had set a budget of $20 a day to live on.
I really enjoyed the book and I could relate to it because I have experienced what he was talking about all the time. I am not a worldly traveller and I am not in airports all the time. I can actually say I have only flown three times in the last 11 years but I know what he is referring to.
While I was reading the book I can remember from the times I was in an airport that people rush off the plane to get to baggage claim to claim their stake for the best spot to grab their baggage while the people behind them were basically trying to poke and peek through to see if their bag had come down yet.
It always funny to see this and it has actually happened when I take the train that people are in such a rush to get their belongings that they don’t realize that by the time they get to baggage their baggage is still being unloaded.
Also as a society I find that we have become self centered and that its always about me and not those around us. I have witnessed this on several occassion where I have been standing in line for fast food to have someone butt in front of me. Just because I am a stay at home mom my time is just a precious as the person who cut in front of me.
On one occassion when that happened to me I actually spoke up because I was in a rush and had to be somewhere so I said “Excuse me, but I was in front of you.” The guy looked at me and said “Yea well not everyone can be a stay at home parent. Some of us have to work.” I was rather annoyed but thankfully the lady behind the counter served me before him.
The book was a quick read and it was interesting that Jason also included at the end of each chapter a few questions to ask yourself and to write them down. He also includes frequently asked questions that he gets asked with is answers. I was also curious and happy to see how he managed to live on $20 a day at these airports. Surprisingly he managed to do it. I guess something to think about when you are traveling this holiday season.
This book isn’t meant only for stepping back from the baggage claim but as well as stepping back in life. We are now a society that is a rush to get from A to B in the fastest time and we really need to step back and smell the roses as the saying goes and live in the moment and not let things pass us by.
Just remember it takes two seconds to help someone be it helping a mother with her stroller if she is going down stairs, holding the door open for someone it just takes one small act of kindness to make the difference in your day and in your life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jason Barger is the author of the book Step Back from the Baggage Claim: Change the World, Start at the Airport – featured in the NY Times, ABC News.com, National Geographic Traveler, Kiplinger.com, Book TV, the Seattle Times, the International Herald Tribune, and many other wonderful spots.
Before taking off to sleep in airports and observe human behavior, Barger led over 1,700 people to construct 125 houses internationally for families living in poverty. He also implemented the Streets Mission Project to serve the homeless on the streets of Columbus, Ohio. As the former director of First Community Church’s Camp Akita, he designed programming focused on living with joy, love, compassion, faith, and service for over 1,900 campers per summer.
Jason is a graduate of Denison University, where he served as captain of the men’s basketball team, and then received certification from Georgetown University in Nonprofit Executive Management. In 2004, he was one of five people in Columbus, Ohio, to receive a Jefferson Award, a national award given to “ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”
Today, Jason, his wife Amy, and their two sons, Will and Benton, live in Columbus, Ohio. Jason is an author, consultant, servant-leader, creative Think-Tanker, and respected speaker. When not spending time on those things, he is cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes and leaving the door open for the next opportunity to serve.
MY INTERVIEW WITH JASON:
I want to thank you Jason for taking the time to sit and answer my questions.
CS- I am sure people are wondering why did you decide to write Step Back From the Baggage Claim?
JB-I’m fascinated by people and the spaces in the world where our lives merge together. I’m inspired by the fact that we all share in the creation of today – wherever we are right now. Our actions ripple to those around us and help to shape the culture of the environments we move in and out of every day.
CS- As a society do you think we are in too much of a rush and we just want to get in and out as quickly as possible?
JB-There’s no doubt that we (generally speaking) are living at a faster pace today than at any other time in our history. We live in a fast-food culture and world of instant communication. There are many positives to this fast-paced, connected world that I enjoy, but the downfall is that when we get moving too quickly, we can find ourselves racing recklessly past those along our path just to get the next thing done.
CS- Being in airports for seven days you must have seen some funny stuff, what was your favorite/funny thing you saw while you were observing people for the book?
JB- I love the phenomenon of when an airplane lands and 80% of the plane immediately leaps out of their seats. It is funny (and interesting) to watch the scurry for the overhead bags, the people who rush to try to get a couple rows ahead, the complaining about why it’s taking so long, and then the awkward wait that comes until the doors open a few minutes later. Everyone is “in a hurry” and “late for their next flight” and then you see the same folks 20 minutes later standing in a long line at Starbucks.
CS- I have to ask this and I am sure you get asked this alot but do you have any future books in the works?
JB-I’ve got a few projects that are marinating right now. Who knows what will emerge!
CS- I have to say that I am really surprised that you could actually live off of $20 / day in an airport. Were you surprised that you actually could do that? Did you find it to be a challenge?
JB-$20 does not go far in the airport! It was a challenge to meet the basic nutritional needs and still have enough money for the gallons of coffee required since I was sleeping only about 4 hours a night. It was a fun challenge.
CS- What surprised you about yourself when you set out to write Step Back?
JB- I was surprised how smooth the writing process was. It was an amazing feeling to see how the stories, lessons and observations emerged along the journey. I felt very grateful that I continued to have trust in what would arise from this unknown process.
CS- What would you want or hope readers would take away from reading your book?
JB- That they are significant in the world…today. That their actions matter more to the envionment around them than they fully realize. That when they put grateful and compassionate actions into motion during the seemingly insignificant moments of every day life – the world is changed. I hope readers feel hopeful, inspired, grateful, and compassionate for others along their path.
Thank you, Cindy! I truly appreciate your help sharing the positive spirit of this project! I hope all is well in your world.
This book was provided for review Jason Barger by. Jason sent me the book to read and review as part of his virtual blog tour. Thank You Jason.
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.
Truth or Dare and All That Glitters are two new books by author Nicole O’Dell. I discovered Nicole on Twitter and she graciously asked me if I would love to be included in the virtual tour of her two books and I was.
I have read both of these books and my review for them will be posted tomorrow.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Nicole O’Dell is happily married to her husband Wil, with whom she is attempting to restore an old Victorian home. She is the mother of six wonderful children, the most recent additions being triplets, born in August of 2008. Along with her six kids, Nicole is very proud to have birthed a unique teen-fiction series called Scenarios: Interactive Fiction for Girls. It has been a true labor of her love—in the most literal sense. The completed manuscripts for Truth or Dare and All that Glitters, the first two books in the Scenarios series, were submitted from her hospital bed as she awaited the arrival of the triplets.
You can check out Nicole’s website by going clicking here.
Here is my interview with Nicole O’Dell.
CINDY: Thank You so very much Nicole for taking time out of your extremely buys schedule to answer a few questions for me. I was wondering when you were writing Truth or Dare did you have a favorite character in the book and why or why not?
NICOLE: I pulled from a lot of my past and my own experiences to create the characters. Parts of all of them are me; parts of them are people I encountered. I could really identify with Macy in many ways. I struggled with weight issues as a small girl and then “blossomed” as I entered high school. The scene where she realizes that she could fit into her friend’s clothes actually happened to me. I remember exactly how thrilled I felt.
CINDY: I could relate to the situation with Macy. I had a similar thing happen to me when I was younger and in school. Truth or Dare has been around forever do you think that too many young people take the game seriously and feel as though when they choose DARE that they have to perform the dare no matter what it is?
NICOLE: Yes! It’s a matter of honor to complete the dare and the stakes are often too high–much higher than they realize. Plus, it’s like all of life. By starting small and escalating to bigger things, desensitization starts to occur and things they’d never have done before get easier and easier. Think of prime-time television. The images and situations we witness on TV would have horrified our parents and grandparents. But, as a society, we’re desensitized to them and hardly notice them. How much more would that be true for impressionable young girls who are just learning about what’s acceptable for them?
CINDY: I agree with you, as a society we are getting so desensitized to what is around us. I found it hard growing up but I think now a days its harder for young girls as they are seeing all this and are trying to find ways to find in and sometimes they aren’t choosing the acceptable things. Choosing the wrong role models per say. This is a great time to ask my next question which deals with the second book All That Glitters. Do you think that too many young people are pressured by peer pressure?
NICOLE: Without peer pressure, there would be very few problems with our young people. I can’t think of one bad thing that I did as a teen that wasn’t because someone coaxed me. Even bad attitudes come from shared complaints and groups of teens feeding off of each other. But, it’s real. I mean, we can’t isolate our kids completely from other people and the media. So, we need to teach them how to be strong in the face of everything that tries to pull them the other way.
CINDY: I can’t think of one bad thing either. I guess I hung around with the right group of people and peer pressure was never an issue with us. As much as we would love to put our children in their rooms and lock them there we can’t and as parents I think its up to us to teach them how to be strong and not to be afraid to step away.
CINDY: Did you favorite one sister or the other?
NICOLE: The teenager I was relates more to Drew but I always wanted to be more like Dani. I was the “good girl” for so many years. And then, like Macy in Truth or Dare, I got in shape and I joined the swim team (see Making Waves, coming in April). I did what Drew did–I snuck makeup onto the school bus, I rolled up my skirt so it became a mini, etc. etc. I also dealt with the same internal battles that Drew did.
But, as a mom, of course Dani is my favorite. 😉
CINDY: I think I related more to Dani. As strange as this will sound I never did anything like that. I never snuck make up and that was because my mother never wore it and my sister didn’t live with us so I really had no access to make up until I was older and using babysitting money to buy it.
CINDY: I just have a few more questions for you Nicole and they are just general things. Why did you choose to write your books in this format?
NICOLE: We can write stories that always wind up with the perfect scenario. And, that’s good, sometimes things happen that way. But, I didn’t want to write a “story”, I wanted to write tools. I wanted to offer girls the chance to see the consequences of their choices before they make them. Obviously, there are many more possibilities in life than two endings, but it’s a start. It’s a way to see that even with good and bad choices, there are always consequences but also forgiveness. All of the books have the message of God’s grace and forgiveness, either as the main character seeks it after her bad decision or as she offers it to others after theirs. It’s real life.
CINDY: How long have you been writing? What was your inspiration to become a writer?
NICOLE: I’ve been writing since I could talk. I just enjoy it–I need to do it. I would write whether I published or not. My inspiration for writing?Hmm. In general, I write because it’s what I want to do. But, I draw inspiration for each story or topic from various people in my life.
The Scenarios series in specific was inspired by a game I play with my kids. I call it “Scenarios”. Original , huh? In the game, I place the kids in various tough situations and give them options of what to do. Then we talk about it. I started that because I wanted to prepare them far in advance for things they’d face. I believe that it’s much easier to make the right choices when they’ve prepared for them rather than in the heat of the moment when the pressure’s on. After years of doing that and seeing how it benefited them in real life situations, I decided that other teens could benefit, too.
CINDY: That is such a great game idea and I think a great tool to use to prepare them in advance. If they have the knowledge now of what the outcome could possible be they are prepared. I think as parents we need to prepare our children for those kinds of situations.
CINDY: I have to say I am in awe of you and I don’t know how you can manage to do it but being a mother with six kids (three of them being young triplets) and a busy mom how do you find the time to write? Do you have a writing schedule? (Nicole has a beautiful family.)
NICOLE: No, not at all. I write or work whenever I have a few minutes, hours…whatever I can get. We’re still on a two naps a day schedule with the babies. My husband is great to take over so I can have a few uninterrupted hours. Plus, I stay up late and get up early.
CINDY: Its amazing what you can get done during nap times. I remember those days. My son is now 6 so nap times are finished for us unless he is sick or extremely tired. If were to speak to a group of young girls and they were to ask why should they read your books, what would you say to them?
NICOLE: They’re fun, they’re real, and they’ll make you think. I didn’t soften the situations to make them cutesy, perfect stories in perfect homes with perfect people. Real things take place and hopefully you’ll be able to see yourself in the characters and make some decisions for your own future choices.
CINDY: That is true your situations are so real that I am sure anyone could say “Hey I was in that place.” They aren’t made up. Okay I have one last question and you did tell me to think outside the box so I did and if you could only have three things for the rest of your life what would they be and why?
NICOLE: Well, since you’re looking for fun, I won’t say my family, my friends and my Bible. Not that they aren’t fun…oh, you know what I mean. 1. My computer with internet. That way I can write, read, study, see all of my pictures and videos, etc. 2. My coffee pot. Who can do all of those things I listed above without a coffee pot? 3. My treadmill. I’d have to stretch my legs sometimes.
CINDY: That is a great list Nicole and I am with you on the first two. My third one would be my camera as I don’t think I could live without that.
Thanks again Nicole for taking the time out to do this and I loved your books and really looking forward to the next two to come out.
Remember to come back tomorrow to see my reviews for Truth or Dare and All that Glitters.
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.
I have to send out a huge THANK YOU to Michael Sussman for contacting me and asking if I would be interested in reviewing his first children’s book. I knew Michael (my son) would love the book and he did love it. We read it all the time.
Michael was also very gracious to do this interview with Michael. This is Michael’s first interview with an author and I was really impressed with the questions he came up with. Not bad for a 6 year old in my opinion. What do you think?
Thank You again Michael for taking the time out to do this interview with Michael and thank you to my Michael for coming up with these great questions. You did a fantastic job. I hope you enjoy this interview.
MICHAEL:How long have you been a writer?
MICHAEL(author):I started writing short stories in middle school and poetry and song lyrics in high school. I kept a journal for many years and wrote a doctoral thesis for graduate school. I published two books for mental health professionals before starting to write for children.
MICHAEL:Why did you decide to write a children’s book?
MICHAEL(author):I was reading loads of picture books to my son, Ollie, and wasn’t impressed with most of them. I thought I could do better! (This is Michael (author) with his son Ollie.) [You did a fantastic job Michael. The book is great. I am sure we all were in Ollie’s place at one time or another. I know I could relate to Ollie as I wished that too with my younger brother.]
MICHAEL: Do you have any say in the illustrations that are used in the book?
MICHAEL(author): None at all. Most people think the author gets to chose the illustrator, but that is the job of the editor. I lucked out, though: my editor chose the wonderfully talented Scott Magoon! I was able to see early sketches of the illustrations, and Scott was very open and responsive to my suggestions.
MICHAEL: Do you plan on writing more children books?
MICHAEL(author): There are many more on the way! The next one is titled, Bella Bellows.
[We are excited about this one the title alone sounds really good. Can’t wait for it to come out.]
MICHAEL: Is “Otto Grows Down” based an anything? [Michael wasn’t sure if that question made sense when I was writing them down. He actually explained it very well. His words were after asking the question “What I mean is if Michael based Ollie’s wish on his own siblings and wishing they were around?”
MICHAEL(author): As a child, I used to amuse myself by imagining what a day would be like if time ran in reverse. I was also very jealous when my baby brother was born.
MICHAEL: What was your favorite part about the book? [Michael’s favorite part of the book was seeing things being done backwards especially the bath one.]
MICHAEL(author): I like the funny aspects of living in reverse, like taking in the garbage on trash day and taking baths when you are clean and they make you dirty. My favorite illustration is of Otto lying awake at night, feeling bad about Anna.
MICHAEL: How long did it take you to write Otto Grows Down? [I think he wanted to know this because in the last month he has been making his own little booklets. A possible future author in the making?]
MICHAEL(author): The first draft only took a few days, but it took over a year to get the story just right.
[Michael was a little surprised when he heard this as he thinks things happen quickly with books and getting them out to the public.]
MICHAEL: Was it a long process from the time you wrote the book to getting it in customer’s hands?
MICHAEL(author); Was it ever! It took nearly three years from the time I sold the manuscript to Sterling. Picture books take an extra long time, especially if you have a well known illustrator (who typically have several other projects to finish before they get to yours.)
MICHAEL: Do you have any advice to kids who want to write a book? [He asks this because he is making little booklets with short stories in them.]
MICHAEL(author): Study your favorite stories and learn from them. Get as much feedback as you can from lots of people on your story, and keep rewriting it until every word is perfect. Learn about submitting your manuscript from books such as Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Publishing Children’s Books.
MICHAEL: Is there anything you want people to know about you or your book?
MICHAEL(author): All the names in the story—Otto, Anna, Bob, Mom, and Dad—are palindromes. That is, they read the same forwards and backwards!
As it says on the jacket flap: unlike Otto, I’m still stuck in backwards time! If you have any ideas on how to help me, please e-mail me at Michael@OttoGrowsDown.com
Finally the last picture is of Michael reading Otto Grows Down. He really is just looking at the pictures in the book. We won’t let him know that we know he is just looking at the pictures.
Michael’s review of Otto Grows Down will be posted tomorrow. Come back and check his review.
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.
Its not very often that I get the chance to interview an author so when I do get the chance I am all excited and wonder about questions to ask in hopes that I am not going to ask the same questions they have been asked a million times before. Today the author of Holly’s Inbox, Bill Surie has graciously stopped by to answer a few questions about Holly’s Inbox and much more.
Cindy: At some point we are all curious and would love the chance to be able to read someones inbox. I admit that I would love to read a few people’s inboxes. If you could read one person’s email who would it be and why?
Bill: Kim Jong in North Korea – like most people I’d like to know what he’s playing at.
Cindy: If you are wondering who Kim Jong is, he is North Korea’s leader.
Cindy: You have been touring Holly’s Inbox alot recently are you surprised at the reaction you are getting for it?
Bill: Yes, every day I seem to get some good news. It’s going to be such a come down when it’s over, but at the moment it’s like YAAAAAAAYYYYY YIPEEE everyday.
Cindy: Do you feel there has been a shift in the reviewing process? (Ie newspaper, books etc)
Bill: A massive shift yes, I didn’t realize quite how it’s all changed. I think it’s good, it means as an author you’re actually talking to people who have read your book (more often than not) and who love reading, so passionately they have started a blog. I think SOME people in magazines are doing it just as a job, nothing more, so it’s a little clinical.
Cindy: Do you have any future books in the works? And if so are you able to share with us what it is or about? Is there a possibility there will be a book 2 to Holly?
Bill: I do, there’s a second Holly – can’t really share a lot with you as it will ruin it.
Cindy: I can’t wait. When and Why did you begin writing?
Bill: I began writing when I was about 22. I tried doing stand-up comedy but everyone said I looked like I was just reading a script. I was and it got even worse when I got heckled; I’d lose my place and you could see me staring at this imaginary script in space, almost using my finger to find the line again. I was awful. Really really bad. I tried writing books, but to be completely honest – all the description was beyond me. I lost my flow. The only thing I can do is hear people talking and writing – speech. That’s all and if I have to stop for description I lose it completely. I love writing speech though, I love getting wrapped up their world and my characters seem to be much funnier than I ever could be. I have total confidence in them saying the right thing at the right time.
Cindy: As people are just discovering this book and you, what would a person be surprised to discover about you?
Bill: It was a secret – but I think it’s pretty much out now – that I’m a chap – happily married with a gorgeous 2 year old daughter.
Cindy: Where there any real people you modeled your characters after? (Holly, James, Trish)
Bill: Lez and Trish – are based on a couple of real friends of mine. Although none of the anecdotes about them are real – their characters are, and the way they argue but love each other – that’s all them. Also my Granny – was exactly like that, she was hysterical (she did actually do the dancing thing – exactly as it was in the book – if you know what I mean) and I will miss her hugely.
Cindy: Readers, if you want to know what Bill is talking about you need to read the book to find out. Who was your favorite character to write about?
Bill: Jason – I began to enjoy writing his character so much he made me laugh every time, he’s so upbeat and optimistic.
Cindy: I thought Jason was really fun and he just made the book that much more fun to read. I read that there was talk of Holly’s Inbox being made into a series, is that still going to happen and if so will it only air there or do you think they will bring it world wide?
Bill: I have no idea – it’s at quite a tricky stage but budgets are tight these days everywhere even in TV. I would like to say yes – I HOPE SO – WOW can you imagine!! I’ll come over it does and we’ll all go out and celebrate in a bar somewhere!
Cindy: That sounds good Bill. I am going to hold you to that deal. HAHA! Would you like to say something to my readers?
Bill: Yes, I hope you like it, I hope it makes you laugh because that means the most to me. However I was thinking the other day, remembering writing the sadder parts – a lot of previous heartbreak went into it. Ok, so I hope it makes you laugh and cry – a lot. Yes, and you finish reading it with a big warm smile on your face.
X Holly/Bill
I just want to say Thank You to Bill for taking the time out of his busy schedule to stop by Cindy’s Love of Books. I really appreciate you answering my questions today.
If you haven’t already read Holly’s Inbox the I suggest you pick it up today. You can also check out http://www.hollysinbox.com/ to go with the book.
GIVEAWAY:
Thanks to Danielle at Sourcebooks, she is allowing me to give away 1 copy of Holly’s Inbox to one lucky Canadian or US visitor to my blog. The only thing is that you must not have a PO mailing address.
To enter all you have to do is leave a comment with your email address so that I can contact you should you be the winner. This contest will end on June 12th.
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.
I recently took part in the Pump Up Your Book Promo Tour of Kelly Epperson’s book “When Life Stinks, Its Time to Wash the Gym Clothes”. My review can be read HERE
Here is a little info about Kelly: Kelly Epperson has been dubbed “Every woman” and “Rare woman” in the same breath. Kelly’s style is uniquely her own, yet she can relate to all of us. Her weekly columns of life, real everyday life as well as travels through Europe, bring a warmth and a wit that we all long for.
Leaving her job at the IRS ten years ago (it was “sucking the life out of her”), she then embarked on a new career, and served as resident court jester, at a local nonprofit agency that taught English and reading to adults.
Kelly’s motto and quote that hangs over her desk is “To love what you do and feel that it matters – how could anything be more fun?!” After a year in France, Kelly returned to the states and launched a full time career of writer, ghostwriter, and speaker. Every day, she does the happy dance in her kitchen.
To maintain connection and spread a little joy with friends, family, and readers, Kelly recently started a weekly “happy mail” – When Life Stinks, Find Your Joy. To check it out, send Kelly an email to kel_epperson@yahoo.com.
Kelly lives in Loves Park, IL (city with a heart) with The Man of the Place, her two teenage sons, who are brilliant and witty of course, and a sweet dog Starburst who sheds like crazy. FYI-Kelly hates dog hair, hence, the essay, “It’s Not Easy Being Cruella DeVil.”
For more info, please visit www.whenlifestinks.com.
Here is my interview with Kelly. I hope you enjoy it.
Cindy: Kelly do you have another book in the works?
Kelly: I’ve got two in the idea stage: When Life Stinks, Go to France and When Life Stinks, Find Joy. I lived in France for a year and I have oodles more stories to tell that never made into my weekly newspaper columns. I also recently launched a joy network, a weekly enewsletter/magazine kind of thing and readers are asking for a book that captures the fun and flow of finding your joy.
Cindy, the two ideas for books sound really interesting. The finding your joy sounds really nice too. I will have to go and sign up for it. Do you have a link for the joy network?
Kelly: Sign up at www.whenlifestinks.com
Cindy: Of all the articles you write, do you have a favorite?
Kelly: I make the biggest chunk of my income from ghostwriting; I love meeting the people and telling their stories. I also freelance and enjoy that. Writing my column is my favorite though. I can write about whatever I want, not an assigned topic. The relationship with my readers is so rewarding. I have speaking gigs now that launched from being a columnist and I love it! I used to be afraid to speak in front of a group and now it is the best part of my career. I never imagined it could be so fun! Spreading a little joy in this kooky world. That’s why I started the weekly joy newsletter. I have more to share that I can’t fit in my weekly G-rated column, so every Friday I send a happy mail. Back to your question, the favorite articles are when I can make a reader laugh and give them something to think about in the same 600-word column.
Cindy: I agree I laughed when I was reading your book and some of the stories made me think too. What inspired you to put the articles into a book format?
Kelly: My beloved readers asked for a compilation of columns, so I finally decided to do it. The hardest part is selling it. I love my readers and want to give them all a book. And a hug. Sales and marketing is not my forte.
Cindy: I am sure all your readers will buy the book. Are the stories you write about based on someone you know, or events in your own life? How long have you been writing your weekly columns?
Kelly: The columns are snippets from my life and whatever is going on in the world around us. I’ve been writing a weekly since May 2001 and never run out of ideas. “Whatever pops into my head” would be an apt description. My smart car got stranded on an icy road recently so I wrote about it. This past year, I got a hug from Barack Obama, a kiss from Garrison Keillor, and I literally rubbed elbows with Dave Barry. I write about it all.
Cindy:I loved when I got the book in the mail, you also included a sample box of Tide. What made you think of doing that? That was a really great idea and I think it makes the connection that much greater.
Kelly: The credit for that goes to my creative friend, Mary. She thought: When life stinks, it’s time to wash the gym clothes; hmmm, to wash gym clothes, we need Tide. She made mini book covers for sample size Tide boxes. I love giving people a fun gift with the book.
Thank you to Kelly for doing the interview with me I had a blast reading the book and look forward to reading more of Kelly’s work. Thank you to Dorothy for asking me to do this. It was fun and looking forward to working with you again.
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.
Thank You to Jane for offering to do this interview with me. I truly appreciate it. It was alot of fun to read the book and then to speak with you afterwards. Jane is the author of the book THE RIDE. Which I was given the chance to read and review. My review can be seen HERE
Cindy: Jane can I ask you who and what influences your writing?
Jane: Though I write in a voice that I consider distinctly my own, I feel my writing most likely has been influenced by every author I have ever read, starting as a child. Although it may be at a subconscious level, I’m sure that my upbringing, life experiences and people I have met through the years all play a part in the formation of my characters and plots.
Cindy: As a writer, do you have much time to read? If you have time, I am sure you must be busy. Who do you enjoy reading?
Jane: I love to read although lately, I don’t have as much time to devote to it as I would like. I love Stephen King, Jodi Picoult, and Amy Tan, just to name a few. I also have also enjoyed books by emerging authors such as Tina Murray (A Chance to Say Yes) and fantasy author Sandy Lender (Choices Meant for Gods), and Tom Williams (Lost and Found). There are so many excellent authors and so many good books out there that to include everyone I like would take up too many pages.
Cindy: I love reading too. I am sure you know that. Jodi Picoult is really good she is another fave of mine. I also enjoy reading emerging authors too. There is so much unknown talent out there. How long did it take you to write The Ride?
Jane: The Ride took about a year to write. Then I had to tack on another five or six years of revisions and rewrites while trying to find an interested publisher.
Cindy: A labour of love I am sure. What was your inspiration for The Ride?
Jane: It started as a dream—a Stephen King type of story. Then when I sat down to write, something completely different developed. It was as if my characters took control and determined how the plot was going to progress. I think they (my characters) were trying to tell me that my genre is women’s fiction rather than horror/super natural.
Cindy: Speaking of your characters, in the book your main characters are Barbie and Ken, which I thought was really cute especially when she left and in the paper there was an article about Ken and Barbie getting a divorce. Did you plan on using those names when you started the book?
Jane: Yes. It was intentional. I enjoyed playing with the comparisons and symbolism’s such as at one point in the book when Barbie mulls over her marriage to Ken, she thinks to herself, “Our appearance may not resemble the dolls but our relationship is as plastic as they are.” Then when I read the Mattel press release about the breakup of Barbie and Ken dolls a few years ago, I thought it would be fun to work it into the plot.
Cindy: I have to ask you this cause I am sure my readers would love to know, how do you feel about book bloggers? Do you think that they help promote authors books?
Jane: I love book bloggers! They are great sources for established and emerging writers as well as readers. These bloggers open the door to many wonderful books by authors that you may not hear about through the main stream media or see in your local bookstore. Their reviews help readers like me decide what books to add to my ‘want to read’ shopping list.
Cindy: I know since I have started blogging that I have been exposed to many wonderful books and authors that I probably wouldn’t have normally picked up in the store or library. Do you have any other books in the works?
Jane: Yes. I’m working on my second novel, Reigning Cats and Dogs. It’s about two young woman—both misfits in society. Though totally opposite in personalities, they form a strong bond after literally running into one another. Strengths they didn’t know they possessed are revealed when their attempts to help each other lead them into a life-threatening situation.
Cindy: That sounds really good. I can’t wait to read it. What would your readers be surprised to know about you?
Jane: That I once signed my own death warrant. When we moved to Saudi Arabia for my husband’s job, the warrant was part of the necessary paperwork we had to complete. It basically stated that we understood and agreed to the death penalty for bringing illegal drugs into the country. Though I knew I’d never do such a thing, adding my signature on that form was the most difficult things I’ve ever written!
Cindy: That sounds really scary and I am sure it was really hard to do. Any last words you would like to leave the readers with?
Jane: Keep reading! And, if you like what you read, let the author know. I can’t speak for other authors, but I love hearing from readers.
Cindy: Thank you again Jane for allowing me to read, review, blog about your book and speak with you. I truly appreciate it.
Jane: Thanks for the interesting, fun questions. I really appreciate you taking the time to read The Ride and to do an interview.
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.
