Absolutely thrilled to see The Forest of Trees visiting the blog of the amazing Mark Fine, author of Zebra Affaire. Thank you, Mark!
Visiting Mark Fine: #Guest Author: The latest book by ANITA KOVACEVIC ‘The Forest of Trees’
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Writer’s Gift 4U from Phoenix Rainez
To end this challenging year, there is nothing like having a guest over. A romance author with a kind heart, Phoenix Rainez will make this transition from 2017 into 2018 smooth and gentle! Here she is, sharing with you some of her latest poetry:).
AUTHOR : Phoenix Rainez
GENRES : Romance, Erotica, Poetry
BOOKSITE LINKS : http://www.amazon.com/dp/1501022539
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1515302156
SOCIAL NETWORK LINKS : http://www.facebook.com/phoenixrainez2
https://phoenixrainez.wordpress.com
https://twitter.com/phoenixrainez
1. Do you have a favourite winter holiday story?
No favourite winter holiday story, but my favourite holiday film would have to be LOVE ACTUALLY. I have so many books in my collection still to read, I honestly don’t have time to re-read any of the books I’ve already read.
2. Which character from a holiday story would you like to be?
I think I’d love to be Elsa from Frozen.
3. What is your ideal way to spend Christmas Eve this year?
Curling up with a good book all day in my pj’s and a steaming mug of hot chocolate.
4. If you could travel anywhere this winter, where would it be and why?
I’d love to visit Lapland during a winter holiday season.
5. What would you like to ask your readers?
I’d like to ask my readers if they think a companion novella is a good way to introduce other characters in the story.
Do share a sneak peek into your current work in progress.
My present work in progress is my poetry book.
Give us a riddle to your wip.
When you need to share a secret quietly you ….
Where can we follow your progress?
http://www.facebook.com/phoenixrainez2
What’s the blurb for your work in progress?
No one asks to fall in love, but sometimes it happens, and the timing is all wrong. So, they wish upon stars for a love they can’t hold, and whisper their love on the wind, across oceans that keep them apart.
Sneak peek, please?
1st poem from my new poetry book:
You’re the whisper on my mind
Wrapped around my heart
I see you in my dreams
And touch you when I sleep
Your love is like a whisper
From a time so far away
Caught in a moment of silence
On the tail of a shooting star
We dare in dreams to share
A whisper of love so soft
Like the feathers on a breeze
Of a lover’s dream in thoughts
Sailing those intimate waves
Of a secret love lost in thought
We touch only in dreams
Our love just a breath
A whispered I love you
MY HOLIDAY WISH for my readers is that they find the time to read all the books they want to, not only over the holidays, but all year through.
Thank you, dear Phoenix. May your 2018 be a happy beginning to a new adventure!
THE WRITER’S GIFT FOR YOU FROM Michael R. Stern
We are joined today by an amazing history teacher who turns history into amazing time travelling adventures. Enjoy his pre-holiday post. Thank you for dropping by, Michael!
Author: Michael R. Stern
Genre(s): Time Travel
Booksite links: amazon.com/author/michaelrstern
Social network links: https://www.facebook.com/michael.r.stern.5
Twitter @sternmike5
1. What is your favourite winter holiday story you have read and like to go back to, and why?
A Christmas Carol is an annual tradition in my home. It’s the perfect holiday feel-good story.
2. Which winter holiday character, custom or decoration would you like to be and why?
A caroler. Nothing puts you in the spirit like an evening of Christmas songs, friends, and egg nog.
3. What is your absolutely the most favourite thing to do during the winter holidays?
Spend time with family. Really.
4. If you could travel anywhere in the world during the winter holiday season, where would you go and why?
Nothing gives me more pleasure during the holidays than traveling through the pages of a good book. I wouldn’t go anywhere if I could avoid it.
5. What would you like to ask your readers?
I would ask my readers to enjoy their own holidays, however they choose to celebrate. (And tell your friends about my books.) Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy choose your holiday, and Happy New Year.)
Sneak peek & riddles:
step 1: I have asked authors to give us a riddle about a character, place or key word in their book
My name is Fritz Russell. Where did I go to college?
step 2: Here is the link where we can follow Michael’s wip progress) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y6GZXFD
step 3: short blurb for the story
A North Korean missile launch. A naval base attacked. Does the nation face a new menace? Or is an old one taking a treacherous turn? A plot to destroy any possibility for peace moves into high gear just as the president negotiates an end to war in the Middle East.
step 4: sneak peek “Merry Christmas, Mr. President.”
“Merry Christmas, Fritz. I’m sure you have a busy day ahead, but I wanted to invite you here for New Year’s Eve. You could stay a day and we could look around this place together.”
Michael’s message to you all:
To all you special people who have followed Fritz and friends through the harrowing times brought about by travel through time and space, I want to thank you for your reviews, and your continued support. I send my best wishes for a happy holiday season, and a New Year full of wonder, delight, and friendship.
THE WRITER’S GIFT 4U FROM Karen J Mossman
The Writer’s Gift is a little present that keeps on giving – my blog feature gift to the authors you should know about, and their gift to you as their (potential) readers. Find out more about some wonderful authors you may not yet have heard about, and enjoy a free sneak peek and riddles for their latest book or even a work in progress. Feel free to leave a comment and share the posts during the upcoming holiday season.
Here is a very kind lady and prolific author – Karen J Mossman.
Author: Karen J Mossman
Genre(s): Multi Genre author
Booksite links: https://magicofstories.net
Social network links: https://www.facebook.com/karenjmossmanauthor/
Chat with the author:
What is your favourite winter holiday story you have read and like to go back to, and why?
I read so much and so many that I don’t have a favourite and I rarely go back to something I have already read. I did read a series of crime cooks by Gillian Hamer recently. They were all divided into seasons and I loved the winter one where everything was frozen. It was set in the area that I live and we don’t get a lot of frost or snow in this part of Wales. So it was interesting reading about it.
I don’t generally take holidays in the winter and it’s usually a lead up to the Christmas season.
Which winter holiday character, custom or decoration would you like to be and why?
Holiday characters, that’s a tricky question, and I can’t think of something I would like to be. I’m quite happy just being me!
What is your absolutely the most favourite thing to do during the winter holidays?
Winter holidays, I suppose I could say Christmas because when I was working we would refer to it as a holiday away from work. My favourite thing to do would be getting together with my family, which of course, is tradition during the Christmas period.
If you could travel anywhere in the world during the winter holiday season, where would you go and why?
I’ve never considered taking a holiday during these months. I’m a sun and warm weather girl. I suppose if I did, I would go to see my sister as she lives in Massachusetts. We have been before and it’s a beautiful place during the autumn season.
What would you like to ask your readers?
Which one of my books is your favourite and why? I always like to know which they like as it makes me think of my reasons for writing it. It’s also good having people discuss us and hearing their interpretation.
Sneak peek & riddles:
I have asked authors to provide a riddle about their book for the readers.
step 1: Sarah has a secret. She is telling no one and won’t even admit it to herself. What is it?
step 2: your book and book link
myBook.to/TTWO
step 3: Book Description – Kelly needs to escape from her abusive and controlling boyfriend, but she’s terrified to leave. She’s then given a chance to start a fresh, but is the cost for her freedom too high?
Sarah is happy in her life. She has a dream job and a perfect roommate. But when a brick is thrown through the window, followed by a letter containing razor blades, her life starts to spin out of control. Detective Ryan Andrews is on the case and the two quickly form a close bond.
Will Kelly pay that price for freedom? Can Sarah’s secret past be kept from Ryan?
step 4: sneak peek, pls
Did I mention the silent phone calls on the house phone recently? Then, of course, the brick and razor blades and now this; I couldn’t ignore it anymore. It was happening, and I was scared. My stomach twisted and my ears pounded. Not again, I couldn’t do it again.
Karen’s message for the readers:
Enjoy your holidays and enjoy the Christmas and New Year festivities – Karen x
Thank you so much for dropping by, Karen!
CROOKED INTERVIEW with MARK FINE
The CROOKED TALES is another bountiful reader feast prepared for you by Readers Circle of Avenue Park and 15 extraordinary authors from around the globe. It contains 15 short stories on deception and revenge from all genres and walks of life, and is now available in kindle and paperback. It gives me a mixture of pride and humbleness to state that my story Beneath is also featured.
This spring I have an amazing treat for you as these superbusy authors have agreed to be my blog guests and do an interview. Crooked Tales inspiring my crookedness, I have also given them a task – in the second half of the interview they have to interview themselves:).
To open this series of Crooked Interviews, here is MARK FINE, a man whose autobiography alone would make for a stunning movie. Thank you, Mr Fine!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mark Fine [Mark of the Hyena], a self-confessed, tone-deaf music executive, was born in South Africa, However, now Los Angeles is his home. There with his two sons—and Charlie, an affectionate neighbor’s dog—Mark wrote his historical fiction novel, The Zebra Affaire—the story of a mixed race couple and their struggle to survive under the racist regime’s oppressive 1970’s apartheid policies. Mark also takes a broader look at the travails of greater Africa; a topic that concerns him greatly. A charming aspect of Mark’s writing is how he looks to nature—Africa’s animals and wildlife—for inspiration and a solution to human shortcomings. In the process of telling the truth via the freedom fiction provides, a reviewer said, “Mark Fine has been brave like William Faulkner in his journey of truth telling – he has simply done it with a much different kind of Southern accent.” For further info on Mark, check out these links— Website: finebooks.co Blog: Fine Ruminations~ or you’re welcome to connect on Facebook and Twitter: @MarkFine_author
THE ZEBRA AFFAIRE: An Apartheid Love Story (Paperback)
THE ZEBRA AFFAIRE (Kindle Edition)
INTERVIEW
– What is your Crooked tale about and what inspired it?
MARK OF THE HYENA: ‘Fish out of water’ stories intrique me. The set up of an elite academic from New York City stranded in the Kalahari desert with a tribe of San Bushmen as his only means of survival was too tempting to ignore. In the telling we learn of hubris wrapped in first world arrogance, and simple grace in respecting nature’s lore.
– What do you like writing and/or reading best?
I now have so many stories within me to tell, I’ve shifted my focus to short stories. This permits me the time to write them, and affords busy readers the time to read them.
– What else do you do in life apart from writing?
I mentor aspiring talent in both the music world, especially songwriters, and print publishing. It is the joy of collaboration that finally motivates me.
– What are you currently working on?
An historical fiction/suspense novel based in sub-Sahara Africa. It is based on a true story, and has the tantalizing title, “THE CULTURED SPY”.
CROOKED INTERVIEW
Conversation with myself: The whys and wherefores that shaped author Mark Fine’s novel, “The Zebra Affaire”
Mark Fine: What was the genesis of Zebra Affaire? Was it a grueling process or did it write itself?
Myself: More complex, more a creative evolution. I originally wanted to write a biography about my father. But, despite his accomplishments, he remained a modest man. I began to sense that the notion of a biography would be awkward for him. So I scrapped the idea. However, a great deal of research I’d already completed about his life and times. Subliminally, my mind must have churned away at this problem, because one day—a true kismet moment—the idea of courageous love story between a white woman and black man in the land of apartheid manifested itself. Only then did The Zebra Affaire ‘write itself’.
Mark Fine: Did you find that, as the characters developed, they changed the trajectory of the story from the original vision of the book?
Myself: The arc of the story remained surprisingly consistent. Probably because I wrote the end of my novel first. Seems counterintuitive, but it made sense to have a final destination as a guidepost. Kind of like a closing argument in a legal trial, I instinctively focused on the book’s conclusion when I began. Of course, as characters assumed a life of their own, the ending was constantly revisited, and refined.
Speaking about characters, I enjoyed adding the animal world and their instinctive code-of-honor into the story. As allegories to the foibles of human behavior, the natural behavior of these creatures was rather instructive. I’m thrilled I found a place for Africa’s wildlife in the book. It makes the experience all the more authentic for the reader, and foreshadows the human narrative at the heart of the story in a fresh way.
Mark Fine: Which of the characters, if any, did I shape from personal experiences?
Myself: The patriarch, the DGF character, typifies the decent people that tried to make a difference within the discriminatory apartheid system. Despite onerous job restriction laws that prohibited people of color from any management position, the real DGF did in fact hire and mentor a black man as a senior executive for a public company—despite such a hiring being illegal.
Due to the real DGF’s mentorship and ‘civil disobedience’, Rupert Bopape became a legendary music producer and label chief. DGF’s philosophy was simple in a complicated color-shaped society: merit is the only sustainable litmus test, and surpasses all other things that divide, such as race, tribe, gender, and faith.
In the context of the times, DGF was quietly brave. Now for a confession, my late father David Gabriel Fine inspired the DGF character. Fittingly, by weaving his memoire within the tapestry of my historical fiction story I was finally able to pay tribute to a wonderful man, and terrific dad.
Mark Fine: Your Zebra Affaire story deals with many areas of history and diverse ethnic groups. How much of the final work was a result of inspiration or research?
Myself: The schism between the various races and tribes was my motivation to write the novel, as it remains a cautionary tale. I felt the world tends to adopt a simplistic ‘bumper-sticker’ view of what in reality is a more complicated state of affairs. Things are invariably seen in stark black and white, when in fact it’s anything but immutable. For example, in South Africa the white clans hated each other (English speakers versus the Afrikaners from Dutch heritage), as do the various native tribes (Zulu, Sotho, Venda, Xhosa and others). It’s ironic that South Africa’s motto was “Unity is Strength” when it was such an intensely balkanized society.
But the challenge as a writer was to humanize this constantly shifting tide of societal unrest, and so the context—shocking for that time and place—of an illicit interracial romance. As such, the arcana of South Africa’s convoluted legal code needed thorough research.
However, my main goal is to entertain the reader. It’s the thrilling fusion of romance and suspense set against a canvas that’s vividly authentic and powerfully provocative that makes The Zebra Affairestory worth writing, and reading. This is about the courageous love story of Elsa and Stanwell, the two of them on a collision course with the mighty racist regime, which is the compelling narrative that draws the reader through the book’s pages. If the reader becomes better informed in the process, well, that’s an added bonus.
Mark Fine: If you could return to post-apartheid South Africa and make sweeping changes, what would they be?
Myself: Out with the men! The women of Africa are saints. That image of a humble woman walking miles in the heat of day, barefoot, with a five gallon bucket of water balanced on her head—and with a baby wrapped in a blanket bound to her back, is for me the essence of selfless sacrifice. Unless there is another Nelson Mandela, these women should represent the true voice of Africa. Tireless and dedicated they may be, yet sadly they remain marginalized, underappreciated, due to gender discrimination and patriarchal tradition. I believe it is time for an authentic, nurturing, honest African woman to become the next president of South Africa! Maybe this will become the topic of my next book…
MARK FINE’S QUESTIONS for other Crooked Tales authors
Do you find a silver lining in a bad review? If so, please give an example.
What percentage of the research you do for a novel actually lands up on the printed page?
Do you have an author you admire? If so, why?
Could the Crooked Tales authors please reply to this kind gentleman in the comments below? Other authors also welcome:)
Why authors ♡ their characters – by Allaina Daniels
Allaina Daniels is one of the sassy young authors who come highly recommended. She is also one of the reviewers on Readers Review Room. Here is why she loves her character.
A bold yet surly redhead sits in the corner of my mind. She gives everyone who passes her a moody stare while daring them to approach her. That is, everyone but her best friend. The bubbly blonde who sits across the table from her and welcomes most of the world with her warm smile. These women are two facets of my huge personality, and because of that, I love them. They also contain pieces of my best friend, which makes me love them more.
Hi, I’m Allaina Daniels, and I’m an author.
Have you ever met someone, if only briefly, that left a piece of themselves with you? It could be a beautiful memory, a laugh, a frown, or even a horribly twisted sense of self-entitlement.
Yes?
Me too.
For me, though, these traits help me create multifaceted characters to write about in my stories. Some characters come from dreams, others from people I know or that random cashier at Walmart and they are all full of life which makes them more than just thoughts. I even have a series plotting itself in my head all because of my Tahoe, who I’ve nicknamed Tasha, who likes to do weird things for no apparent reason. These people in my head are real to me. I may be the only one who can see them with perfect clarity, but they are real, and they are my darlings. Darlings that I adore and yes, even love.
These characters are parts of everyone I cherish and small fragments of people I’d rather not know. They are so real that sometimes I feel like I’m going crazy with the amount of living that they do inside my mind, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Allaina on Amazon
Thank you for being my guest, Allaina! Happy writing!
Why authors ♡ their characters – by Wanda Luthman
Wanda Luthman is the auhor or wonderful children’s books I’ve had the pleasure of reading. One of the cutest is certainly Tad.
Why I Love Tad, The Turtle
I love Tad, the turtle, in A Turtle’s Magical Adventure. I love this little guy because he’s cute and sweet. But, he struggles with a part of himself that he doesn’t like—his shell because it makes him too slow. We can all relate to Tad because we each struggle with things about ourselves that we don’t like. He goes on an adventure and meets other characters that struggle with being slow but have somehow accepted it. Through a series of conversations with them, he begins to consider that maybe it’s not so bad being slow. But, of course, he just can’t settle into it. He’s not ready. Just like us, others may tell us we are fine or even better than fine, but we still struggle with accepting ourselves. Not until he has an experience with almost losing his shell does he begin to realize how much he needs it. He then faces more danger and a new friend comes to his aid. He realizes that his worth isn’t in how fast he can be, it’s in accepting himself and others just as they are.
Wanda on Amazon
www.wandaluthman.wordpress.com
Thank you, Wanda! Keep writing positive and educational children’s books!
Why authors ♡ their characters – by Erica Gore
Erica’s books have been a source of joy in my house and lessons, and Taya is one of the most positive preteen heroines girls could have. Read all about why her creator, Erica Gore, loves her.
Why I Love Taya
Taya Bayliss (Taya Bayliss Mysteries) is the bold, daring little girl that I wanted to be.
When I was growing up, I was a red-haired, freckle-faced child with a tendency to throw up when I was nervous. I was outwardly shy but inwardly adventurous.
I wanted to know and to do everything.
My favourite thing in the world was reading. Books fired my imagination and created new worlds for me to explore. I was the star of the books I read.
Now Taya is the star of the books I write.
She has the adventures that I dreamed of having. She is a child who wonders about things and likes to figure out puzzles. She can be a scaredy-cat, but she can also be amazingly brave, far braver than I could ever be. She has a social conscience that leads her to step in to help senior citizens, stand up to bullies, and to protect the environment. And she never throws up when she’s nervous. I like that about her
I also like that she is not perfect. Eleven-year-olds are rarely perfect. Taya tells the occasional fib, has sulky moments, and disobeys her parents. She doesn’t like closed in places or boys who pick their noses. (Yuk!)
Her best friend, Chris, would tell you that Taya has Chronic Nosy Parker Syndrome.
I like that about her too, but I would call it a thirst for knowledge.
Taya asks questions of the world. She is driven by the need to know things. She likes to know what makes things tick and what would happen if they didn’t. In my case those questions usually resulted in my being told to be quiet, mind my own business, or leave the classroom. For Taya, however, curiosity leads to interesting and exciting times.
I love that Taya doesn’t live in a fantasy world, that she has no super powers, that she has no weapons. I love that she is clever and observant. I love that she snorts when she giggles. I love that she has a happy dance.
I love that Taya Bayliss is an average kid – just like the kids I taught, like the kids who live in my street, like that little freckle-faced, red-haired girl from so many years ago.
And what I really love is that now a whole lot of young readers love her too.
Links:
www.facebook.com/EJGoreAuthorpage
https://plus.google.com/u/0/+EricaGore
Thank you so much, Erica. Go on creating wonderful books for kids.
Meet Karen J. Mossman
Don’t you just love having guests over? It is wonderful to be able to introduce you to another author whose books might just tickle your fancy – Karen J. Mossman.
BIO
I come from a family of journalists, but am the only one to have gone into fiction. My first book was published in 2014 and this year I hope to write the sequel to that.
I live in Anglesey, a small island off the North Wales coast with my husband and elderly Yorkshire terrier. We have two children who were born on the same day two years apart and ironically 2lbs different in weight. At the time we lived at house number 22. It’s a pity they didn’t have the lottery back then! Although I always considered myself blessed and lucky with them and I now have two grandchildren.
Links:
Website – Magic of Stories https://magicofstories.net
Bookstore – https://magicofstories.selz.com/editor?url=/
Blog – Karen’s Book Buzz – know your next book – https://karensbookbuzz.wordpress.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Kazzmoss
INTERVIEW TIME
Why do you write?
Because when I write I can do anything and be anyone. I can also go anyway I like – and I can even get away with murder!
What’s your latest project?
When I first began writing, I really didn’t know what I was doing and published 3 themed short story collections. As I met other authors and learned more about my craft, I realized these books needed rewriting and reformatting and I got them great new covers. For the last 6 months, I’ve been doing this. The Missing and Heroes are out, and I am just doing the final checks on Behind the Music. I was pleased to be able to add a brand new story to include with this one.
What is your favourite character among the ones you created?
Tommy who is the boyfriend of Kerry in The Secret. He’s everything I would love in a man and he adores Kerry and just wants to look out for her, especially when he realizes she is in trouble.
What was the most difficult thing for you to write so far?
Some of the scenes from The Secret. I don’t want to give anything away, but some were harrowing and my only experience was my imagination.
What are your writing plans for the future?
I have my next two books planned out. Joanna’s Destiny is the sequel to Joanna’s Journey followed by a completely different book set in medieval times.
What makes you happiest in the writing process?
Writing early in the morning without interruptions and realizing my muse is fully awake and my fingers and just keep on tapping on the keyboard with a life of their own. Then like magic, a story has appears – I love it when that happens.
If you didn’t write, would you try any other arts or crafts?
I’ve always loved cross-stitching and now I have two grandchildren I have started knitting and have just learning to crochet. So far I have made a knitted teddy and am crocheted blanket. Now I’m starting on a bobble hat.
What was your favourite book when you were younger or a child? Why?
It has to be Enid Blyton’s Famous Five books. I remember turning the page at Chapter 1 and feeling so exciting to start a new adventure.
Thank you for your time, Karen. A brief reminder to readers – if you like what you read, do leave a review at the purchase site and/or a book club. It helps authors a lot.
CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR INTERVIEW no.7 – Amanda DeJong
How many of you had a secret wish as a child to become a detective? Come on, don’t be shy!
Well, here is the perfect children’s book author to talk about then – Amanda DeJong!
INTERVIEW TIME
1. Pretend we are all children and tell us 5 things about yourself which you consider the most important!
«Hello kids!
1) My name is Amanda DeJong
(…Because it is important when you address peple, that they know WHO you are…
–Just a tip )
2) I am a kind & understanding person
(I would say this so that you know you kids are safe with me.
–NO stranger danger…
I am a good guy… only I am a girl…
Hmmm –that’s probably an important piece of information IF I am not addressing you in person…
Because if it was in person, I would’nt have to SAY that outloud…
…You would be able to See that, with your eyes… Uless you were blind…Oh I digress…)
3) I am a girl…
-Woman
-Female…
I would tell you that I am female because with the initials A.J., how would you really know unless you were looking at me. –Which I assume you are NOT right now… Right!!!??
4) I have two children, 1 dog and I am married to my high school sweet heart
(….That is probably considered five or even six things… But I will only count them as one… Because I think I can.)
5) I wish for hunger to be erradicated and peace on earth
-For real… I do
2. Why do your write books for children? What motivates and inspires you? How do your books come to life?
I write books for children because I feel like my attention span has not gotten any better with age and therefore I can relate to younger people on so many accounts.
…I believe that children are our future… (-Wait, I think someone has already said that a time or two)
I am inspired by SO MANY THINGS!! I love children’s imaginations because they are limitless. The way they think, play and act are so beautiful and innocent.
My books come to life because they are inspired by either actual events, people, places and things OR the imagination of actual people, places and things.
3. What were your favourite children’s books and characters when you were a child (and still)? Was there a character you wanted to be, or a book you wanted to step into? Why?
I loved some of the classics like:
Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish
If you give a mouse a cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff
And a little later I liked the Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner & thought that I would fit in nicely with their family dynamic!
4. What is your main goal when you write a children’s book? What do you want your readers to think or feel?
I want it to be relatable.
I want them to read along with Jane and be excited when she is, and feel her frustration, then eventually sit back and say; «Hey, I do that too!!!»
5. How do comments and reviews affect you? What do your friends, family and colleagues think about you as a writer?
I am blessed that those that are around me are supportive of what I do and highly encouraging!
Therefore, I THRIVE on the positive reviews!
Unfortunatly, not everyone out there is going to feel the same.
There will always be someone who thinks that what you do is not good enough, and perhaps even they can do it better.
To that I have to say: There is ALWAYS someone who will be better than you at something, and there will always be someone who is not as good as you are at something.
To the individual who is better, I offer encouragement and praise because there is beauty in a job well done.
To the individual who does not do as good as you, I offer gratitude.
Thank you for being who you are and never stop trying.
Because EVERYONE deserves praise & admiration, there is certainly enough to go around.
(…And to the NA-Sayers… I simply cannot please everyone, and no one should have that kind of weight on their shoulders! There are plenty of other good books in the sea! )
6. What is the most difficult thing about writing a children’s book? What is the most fun aspect of that process?
Difficult: At first I was worried that my vocabulary was too adult for children and then I thought: That’s not a fair assumption and perhaps I am selling my audience too short.
(Even though in all actuality they probably ARE short –in the literal sense… Because they are kids… –BUT I am not here to judge since I am 30 years old and stand at 5 ft 1 inch…)
Fun: Getting what is going on inside of my head on paper!
My father used to preach to me: «Never forget what it’s like to be a kid» and I took this to heart. I think about what it’s like to be a certin age and the task at hand, then analyze how I would have handled it.
–To get that translated into words is SO MUCH FUN!
7. Do you like reading your book in public? Who is the tougher audience – the adults or the children? Share an anecdote if you wish.
I DO because then I can really emphasize how I had originally intended for it to be read!!
Adults tend to block you out because they are busy doing «important» things…
Like FACEBOOKING (To which I shake my head in disaproval)
Children will sit there and listen, as long as you are entertaining!
8. What is the one genre or topic you think you would never write and why?
Crime… There is enough violence in the world and I honestly don’t enjoy reading about it anymore because I feel bombarded by it constantly.
9. If you could interview any famous children’s author, who would it be and what would you ask?
OH WOW… J.K. Rowling because her PERSONAL story is so inspiring, and just look at the empire that was built on her characters!
10. Why is reading important for children? Is it more important for them to read by themselves or with an adult?
Because using one’s imagination (in my humble opinion) is one of the most important skill to build upon.
–Artists, engineers, archetects, Mathemeticians, Scientists, Dr’s –the greatest philosopers of our time use(ed) their imagination in order to solve and analyze problems!
Never stop dreaming and using your imagination!
I dont believe one is MORE important than the other.
Reading with an adult serves multiple purposes: -It enhances a child’s ability to comprehend & learn about language/verbal skills, and of course the quality time & bonding is highly important.
But I also see the advantages to reading on your own, as you have no one to «impress», there is little to no stress and you can simply immerse yourself into what you are doing unabashedly!
11. Would you like to add anything about your current work or send a message to the readers?
One’s imagination can be a powerful tool.
Never stop using it. –Ever.
No matter what you are going through, your thoughts have the ability to save you.
AUTHOR’S BIO & LINKS
Author Page
Jane Brown Facebook Page
Twitter
ABOUT THE BOOK – Jane Brown and the Case of Mistaken Identity
“Allow me to introduce myself, the name is Brown, Jane Brown, and I am the greatest detective the world has ever seen. I’m known to solve multiple cases, on any given day, without even breaking a sweat. In fact, I am working on one now.”
Meet Jane Brown, a tenacious young girl with a wild imagination. Follow her and her partner, Ares the Rottweiler, as they attempt to solve various mysteries using her trusty detective kit.
On this day, Jane’s father has recruited her to find the television’s missing remote control. But when the evidence begins to point toward her colleague and best friend, Jane must figure out how to close the case and prove his innocence before it’s too late.
At seven years old, Jane may not be investigating much more than larceny of the most mundane kind, but that is certainly not going to slow her down. Yeah, times are hard for a budding gumshoe trying to catch a break. Yet, Jane makes the best of every situation, and digs deep to reveal a compelling conclusion to each assignment. Her charming personality and witty sense of humor will have readers cheering for her from start to finish. Jane shows us all that with a little determination and the right support, anything is possible, as well as fun!
Feeling curious already? I know I am:) Thank you, Amanda! Happy writing and may you have many readers,
Anita's Haven 