Debbie Hampton

Location:  

Greensboro, North Carolina

Age:  51

Question:  How long have you been writing?

     I’ve been blogging since 2010.

Question:  What was the name of the first book you ever published, and when was it published?

     "Beat Depression and Anxiety by Changing Your Brain" eBook 2/2015 expanded and print 5/2015

Question:  Was this book published by a publisher; or did you self-publish?

     It was self-published on Amazon.

Question:  Tell our readers about this very first book.  (For example:  What was the inspiration for writing it, and what was it about)?

     After taking care of my brother as he wasted away and died from AIDs, the end of my 18 year marriage to my high school sweetheart; in an ugly parting that made Divorce Court look civil, and years of wrong turns, things not working out, and being flat-out disappointed with life, I tried to kill myself in June of 2007, by swallowing over 90 pills; mostly brain drugs. But because I wasn’t found in time, the drugs went all the way through my system wreaking destruction.

   After a week in a coma, I woke up with a global, acquired brain injury (ABI), technically labeled encephalopathy, to a very different world. Initially, I was seriously mentally impaired and couldn’t retrieve words, remember the day, my sons’ ages, or that I’d gotten divorced. Physically, I could barely speak, couldn’t coordinate the acts of breathing and swallowing anymore, and had no fine motor skills. My ex-husband sued me for custody of our two sons; won, and promptly moved out of state with them. And I thought things were bad before?

   Alone, for the first time in my life, I had no one to put my limited energy into but myself. Getting down right pissed off, I told myself, “If I have to live, I’m NOT living like this!” Over the first year, I naturally healed somewhat and, in the following years, the more I recovered, the more I learned. The more I learned, the more I recovered.

   Through years of daily work and such practices as neurofeedback, Brain State Technologies’ brain optimization, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, acupuncture, voice therapy, music therapy, cranial sacral massage, hypercapnia, visualization, meditation, cross lateral movement, yoga, cardiovascular exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, and more, I made a remarkable recovery. Although I still talk funny and have some slight manual dexterity issues, I’m better than ever, even with these.

   The brain injury forced me to make radical changes in my lifestyle and mindset that I’d needed to make long before. Better late than never! Because the underlying belief systems and the perceptual foundation upon which I’d built my reality withered away along with brain cells, I got to start with a clean slate; so to speak.

   By consciously working with and altering my thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, I transformed my world which, in turn, changed my physical brain and its default mode of operation. Today, I live a brain, healthy lifestyle incorporating mental health practices daily to maintain the balance and happiness I’ve found.

   Our brains are neuroplastic, meaning that their structure and function are literally, physically shaped by that which we do repeatedly in our lives – behaviors, emotions, and even thoughts. This works both for you and against you. We have much more power to recover from a brain injury, improve our brain’s functioning, recover from depression, and create our own happiness and reality with the gray matter between our ears than ever thought.

   Neuroplasticity is the super power we all are born with and possess until the day we die. The key to overcoming depression and anxiety and to stop living a numb, fear-based existence is in your head. Literally! By taking control of your mind and thoughts and adopting brain healthy habits, you can harness the super power you were born with, your brain’s proven ability to change itself, neuroplasticity, to optimize operation, change negative thinking patterns, and actually alter the chemical balance and physical form and function of your brain so that happy and healthy become your default.

   I know. I did it – but only after a decade of depression ending in a suicide attempt that left me with a seriously compromised brain. In healing my brain, I healed my life. You can do it too.

   I’ll tell you, in plain English backed by science, how you can improve your brain and life through simple practices:

– diet and exercise
– mindfulness and meditation
– responding rather than reacting
– gratitude and forgiveness
– making friends with fear
– visualization, thought reframing, and more.

Question:  Can a person still buy this book?  If so, where?

     Yes, at Amazon.

Question:  How many total books have you published?

      Just this one is published. 

     I have written an intimate, enlightening, and entertaining memoir, "Sex, Suicide, and Serotonin", detailing how I got to the point in life that I wanted to end it all, and how I came back against the odds to not only survive but thrive. You sit beside me on the seat on the rollercoaster ride that used to be my life, and I let you in on how I learned to stay calm and happy even with a shit storm swirling around me.  To be published next year. Click below url to read an excerpt. 

http://www.thebestbrainpossible.com/book-excerpt/ 

Question:  List all of your titles:

     See above.

Question:  Any future writing projects in the works?  If so, tell us about it, and any pertinent dates to go with it.

     "Sex, Suicide, and Serotonin" to be published in Spring of 2016'.

Question:  What is the title of your current book, and tell us a little about it.

     See above.

Last question, if someone comes across this article and reads it, what would you like to tell them about why you think they should try reading your book or books?

     You can change yourself and your life for the better with simple practices incorporated into your daily life that over time will change your brain – and you don’t have to be a neuroscientist to understand and accomplish this. Peace and happiness are entirely within your reach. I did it. You can too! I’ll tell you how.

BLOG WRITER'S NOTE TO AUTHOR: I have to tell you I was totally blown away by your story.  You know they say that sometimes bad things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the BEST things that will ever happen to us, can only explain what happened to you.  I'm glad you survived and that you are now on a path to hopefully helping others who might think that nothing will ever be better.  Thank you for your interview and my best to you.  I hope the next fifty years end up being your BEST ever.  Good Luck.

Audrey Burke-Moore

Location: Adamsville, Alabama

Age:34

Question:  How long have you been writing?

I have been writing for about 25 years. I’ve been published 5 of those years.

Question:  What was the name of the first book you ever published, and when was it published?

My first book is titled, “The Definition of Sexy: One Life, One Body, One You.” I finished and published that book in 2010'.

Question:  Was this book published by a publisher; or did you self-publish?

I self-published this book.

Question:  Tell our readers about this very first book.  (For example:  What was the inspiration for writing it, and what was it about)?

The Definition of Sexy is a women’s book wrote to provide an opportunity for women to rethink the definition of sexy. The book tells stories of other women who have faced an array of situations in their life. The book displays a positive for some negative thoughts and actions.

Question:  Can a person still buy this book?  If so, where?

Yes, this book can still be purchased by visiting a book store’s internet site i.e. booksamillion.com, or from purchasing it directly from my website at:  www.audreyburkemoore.com.

Question:  How many total books have you published?

I have published 2 books.

Question:  List all of your titles

1.     The Definition of Sexy: One Life, One Body,One You

2.     The Choice: Weighted Letters

Question:  Any future writing projects in the works?  If so, tell us about it, and any pertinent dates to go with it.

Yes, I have projects in the making. I love to write and I promise you, I dream about my books (lol). I am working on a series of The Choice.

Question:  What is the title of your current book, and tell us a little about it.

My current book is called "The Choice: Weighted Letters". This follows the lives of Cheryl and Keith as well as Kayla and Austyn in two stories that are so different, yet so much alike. Both stories have life altering letters and choices within them.

Last question, if someone comes across this article and reads it, what would you like to tell them about why you think they should try reading your book or books?

In all of my books, I like talking directly to the reader as if they were experiencing each page with the characters. I am a very dialogue driven writer, and I act as the narrator between the lines introducing new scenes or characters providing a detailed view through words.

Anything else you'd like to add that I didn't ask you, but you would like to share with our readers? 

I use a percentage of my profits to combat bullying in schools. I can’t go into detail yet, but be on the lookout for B.E.T. (Bullying Ends Today).

BLOG WRITER'S NOTE TO AUTHOR: Your books sound quite interesting. You also present yourself as someone who is way beyond her years.  I'll definitely be checking out your books.  Good luck with your future writing projects, and thank you for the interview.

B. Scott (a.k.a. William S. Bistak)

Location: 
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Question:  How long have you been writing?

I developed my writing skills steadily through college. Currently, I professionally write as head of the marketing department for an online healthcare company. Additionally, I have been writing my own works for five years.

Question:  What was the name of the first book you ever published, and when was it published?

My first story-based book is:

Nine Short Horror Stories, Vol. 1: "Imaginationis Deadly"

Published March 25, 2014

Question:  Was this book published by a publisher; or did you self-publish?

This recent book is self-published.

Question:  Tell our readers about this very first book.  (For example:  What was the inspiration for writing it, and what was it about)?

Each story in Vol. 1 is its own design of horror, which represents part of my own life experience and observed life experiences.

Why re-create such experiences?

A Quote shall explain:

“Whatever is good for your soul – do that.”

Plus, it is a privilege to horrify your senses, in any way possible.

Question:  Can a person still buy this book?  If so, where?

A person can obtain a free download from by website/blog.

Question:  How many total books have you published?

     Three.

Question:  List all of your titles:

1 -"The Deviant Chronicles", Book One (published – no longer in circulation)

2 - Nine Short Horror Stories, Vol. 1 (available for free download)

3 - "The Deviant Chronicles", Mysterious Poems Vol. 1 (currently on Amazon.com)

Question:  Any future writing projects in the works?  If so, tell us about it, and any pertinent dates to go with it.

Nine More Short Horror Stories, Vol. 2

(Due Out 2016)

”Bleed Nanny, Bleed"

(A script already written and slated as a movie release for 2016. More on bleednannybleed.com)

Media-enriched stories for my website at a production pace of 1-2/month.

Question:  What is the title of your current book, and tell us a little about it.

Nine Short Horror Stories, Vol. 1

This book features nine completely original works. My mentor, Joan Hovey, accomplished author from New Brunswick, strongly encouraged me to publish every one she read.

Each story explores human suffering, pain and the last stitch effort to escape into the light. Many of these stories reveal light and darkness don’t always speak loud enough to guide. In some cases, nothing reaches out? The prevailing question is whether hope is a matter of emotional discernment or a state of the spirit.

Last question, if someone comes across this article and reads it, what would you like to tell them about why you think they should try reading your book or books? 

My website: www.bestshorthorrorstories.com offers my best in a collection of separate horror stories.

Each story is presented (all or in part) with its

·       

·       *written form

·       *video trailer

·       *audio book (read and dramatized),

·       *script (if applicable)

·       *and in some cases, its own short film.

At this point in time, all of it is free online.

In addition, a new downloadable program will be offered in late summer 2015 to show how I create a full-fledged story production in such a short turn-around (roughly 21 days or less). This will be a product to purchase.

Anything else you'd like to add that I didn't ask you, but you would like to share with our readers? 

Many authors claim they love to write for the sake of writing. I will echo the same.

In addition, there is a unique set of reasons for my writing.

Long ago, I met the most spellbinding speaker of my life. He could tell a powerful story within four minutes and leave you speechless and alone, casting you upon on the edge of powerful emotions you never knew you could feel.

In the same time period, my mother also possessed this unique skill.

On a very deep level, my soul wants to carve my own story telling upon life’s stone canvas.

And I desire to do it out of pure respect for these two great storytellers in my life, my mother and the Catholic pastor of the Church we attended.

You may ask me why I choose horror.

The first short story collection that scared me to my core was entitled, "Night Shift" by Stephen King.So, thank you Mr. King for introducing me to my own fears at a young age.

And thank you mom (R.I.P.) for emotionally influencing value via stories into my life.

And thank you Father Eder (R.I.P), for reminding me that there are other intense emotions to feel other than fear from a short story/lecture.

I write to convey the purity of intense emotion(s) with my story telling. And maybe you will remember not the words written, but what you felt.

Blog Writer's Note to Author: I've always enjoyed great horror writing and the writer's who know how to do it well.  Just like you I love reading Stephen King stories.  I'll definitely check out your books.  They sound quite interesting and amazing.  Good luck with your writing, and thanks for the interview.

Oliver Phipps

Pictured: Oliver Phipps

Location:     U.S.A

Question: How long have you been writing?

I wrote a story when I was ten years old. My mother still has it and I vaguely remember it. She says it's really good but I think that's just the mother in her talking. At any rate, I've been writing stories since the age of ten.


Question: What was the name of the first book you ever published, and when was it published?

The first book I published was an information book and I published it in 2004. I'll not mention the name though. The information was good but I did the editing myself and that was a mistake. I'm proud of it for the fact that it gave me confidence to move forward and it was an exceptional learning experience. But it wasn't polished nearly enough.

Question: Was this book published by a publisher; or did you self-publish?

I published it myself.

Question: Tell our readers about this very first book. (For example: What was the inspiration for writing it, and what was it about)?

Hmm, this is a bit of ancient history but I'll tell a little. It was about auctions and information in regards to getting into the auction business without losing your shirt. I was actually in the resale and auction business for a while and did fairly well.

As I mentioned before though, I feel the information was good and helpful but it was my first attempt at a book, so beware of the editing if you ever come across it.

Question: Can a person still buy this book? If so, where?

Oh my, you really want to get to the root of things don't you? I respect that, but no more questions about the first book after this one, please...

I think you can still buy my first book from a few independent publishers. I still get some royalties from time to time. I pulled it from the bigger publisher’s years ago though and I've been meaning to pull it completely off the market until I can redo it.

Question: How many total books have you published?

I’ve published ten books altogether.

I've published eight fiction books and several non-fiction books, one under a pen name.


Question: List all of your titles (optional)

My fiction titles are:

Ghosts of Company K
The House on Cooper Lane
Tears of Abandon
Twelve Minutes till Midnight
Bane of the Innocent
Diver Creed Station
A Tempest Soul
Where the Strangers Live 

Question: Any future writing projects in the works? If so, tell us about it, and any pertinent dates to go with it.

I have two projects I hope to publish this year. One is a psychological / historical thriller. The other is the first book of a historical / action adventure trilogy.

Now, that being said, I've been known to put one project aside and bring another one up in its place. This may happen before the year is over. I have a project I've wanted to get back on for a while now and it's finally moved into a position that I may be able to do that. If this happens then the action/adventure will be on hold for a while and the last book of this year will be something of a nice surprise for fans of Diver Creed Station. That's all I'll say about that right now.

Question: What is the title of your current book, and tell us a little about it.

My current book is: "Where the Strangers Live". The setting is 2013, and a passenger plane has disappeared over the Indian Ocean. An unmanned sensor pod has detected a signal four miles down and a deep sea submersible is sent down in the hopes of it being the missing aircraft's black box. What the three crew members find is far from what they ever could have imagined. Mythological creatures and aliens collide in this deep sea sci-fi thriller.


Last question, if someone comes across this article and reads it, what would you like to tell them about why you think they should try reading your book or books? (Basically, what can you offer them in the way of information or entertainment)?

I believe there's something for everyone with my works. All of my titles have been on the bestseller lists, or are still on the bestseller lists. They've also received favorable reviews. But I think readers new to my work will find that I don't imitate other writers in order to sell books. I've seen a lot of very similar stories out there and I can't help but feel much of that is to cash in on the success of another writer's story more than anything else.

I write because I have stories to tell, not because I want to make money. Money is important; I have no misconceptions about that. But with me it will always be second to entertaining and hopefully bringing some adventure as well as a few smiles and laughs to others. That's the truth my friends.

Anything else you'd like to add that I didn't ask you, but you would like to share with our readers?

You can connect with me on Facebook by Clicking Here  

or my website at:  http://www.oliverphipps.com/

Blog Writer's Note to Author:  Your current book: "Where the Strangers Live" sounds like a very interesting book.  I'm a huge Sci-Fi fan, so I will definitely be checking out this book.  I also like the fact that you have a love for writing that goes beyond the money.  I'm alot like that myself.  I want to wish you the best with your future writing projects, and thank you for the interview.

Summerita Rhayne

Location:  India

Question:  How long have you been writing?

I’ve been thinking of writing for much much longer than I should have been. Since the time I chose my career, writing was something I enjoyed and somewhere had the intention of doing full time. But somehow that got sidetracked. For the last four years, I have been consistently working on it though. I’m not strictly regular but do manage to get words down on most days. If not writing, then at least editing. Or even plotting or researching. Mostly I fit in something related to writing in my routine. 

Question:  What was the name of the first book you ever published, and when was it published?

I was first published traditionally under another name. Under Summerita Rhayne, my first book was out in August. It’s called, "Against All Rules". It’s a sensual, push and pull, office romance.

Question:  Was this book published by a publisher; or did you self-publish?

I self-published. I like being traditionally published too. But self publishing lets you get away with writing the way you like best. You have total control over the process, which can be very liberating but also quite a learning process. Not to mention being a mountain load of work! *smile*

Question:  Tell our readers about this very first book.  (For example:  What was the inspiration for writing it, and what was it about)?

"Against All Rules" was inspired by my early attempts to write. I actually wrote a few pages of this when I was about seventeen. However, those got lost a long time back. The characters remained in my head though. Tahir Virani, a business tycoon with a failed marriage which has deepened his distrust of emotional involvement. Samara who can’t bear rejection and would rather avoid the risk of it than take a plunge into a relationship. Gradually the interaction and face-off between them took shape into a sensual and emotional romance. 

Question:  Can a person still buy this book?  If so, where?

Yes, you can buy it. As kindle on Amazon and in print on Createspace. Here are the links and the cover:

BLURB:

The efficient PA out of her depth...

Samara knows getting attracted to Tahir is like asking for trouble. Not only is he her boss but he's got divorced recently and has sworn off any commitment. Short term is not on her list but temptation has never been stronger...

The man who doesn't have faith in rainbows anymore

Tahir doesn't believe in enforcing a code of conduct he cannot follow. But Samara might just make him make an exception! An affair at the office might seem a solution to his troubles but how can he avoid treading uncharted territory...?

Against All Rules

...when fire is set, it's hard to avoid the blaze...

Buy the ebook at :

Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MY2QVRS

Buy the print version at:

https://www.createspace.com/4975687

Question:  How many total books have you published?

Four. As Summerita Rhayne, two.

Question:  List all of your titles 

"Against All Rules"

"Hidden Passion"

Question:  Any future writing projects in the works?  If so, tell us about it, and any pertinent dates to go with it.

Thanks for asking. I’m currently working on my next historical, "The Eligible Princess". It’s a sort of prequel to Hidden Passion and has the story of Rukmani’s sister Lakshaya. Rukmani is the heroine in Hidden Passion. This book is set also in Early Medieval India. In addition, I’m rewriting and editing a contemporary romance set in Mumbai which is the story of a Bollywood starlet and director.

Question:  What is the title of your current book, and tell us a little about it.

It’s called "Hidden Passion". It is set in the Middle Ages in India, around 600A.D. Around that time, India was divided into a number of regional kingdoms. I find a lot of drama and intrigue in history. This book came to me like a random train of thought. A princess seeking the sanctuary of a Maharaja whom she thinks she can depend on but that Maharaja being unwilling to help her. I had to think why he wouldn’t and why she had to run to him and slowly the characters took shape: Rukmani, a princess of the Kamboj clan who has been pampered by her family but now is suddenly without support and Deveshwaraya, a Samrat who was not born to a throne but comes to rule by following his convictions.

During that period, the custom of swayamwar was prevalent in which the princes lined up and the princesses put a garland of flowers around the neck of one who was their chosen husband. I make reference to this in the book where her family is not letting her make use of this tradition which is her right. Many political consequences were tied up to rituals in the olden times and in my book too, political reasons mean she should not have her choice. The heroine, Rukmani, is determined not to let such pressures stand in her way. The hero, Deveshwaraya is the most powerful in the region, yet also very down to earth. He wants to help her but is tied by his own convictions. I got so carried away writing these characters, that a story that was initially 15k words, ended up at 35k plus.

Here’s the Blurb:

Rukmani, the youngest of her family, has always had her way and she thinks she would too when the question of her marriage arises. But when she expresses her wishes, her world comes crumbling down because she has fallen for the wrong man. Who can she run to but the strongest ruler of the region, Deveshwaraya?

Devesh finds himself torn between duty and desire. He is drawn to her, yet being with her jeopardizes everything he has worked for. When even protecting her invites trouble, how can he let his heart become involved?

When the walls of monarchical politics rise high between them, will her passion prevail?

"Hidden Passion" - the story of a princess daring to reach out for her heart's desire.

Last question, if someone comes across this article and reads it, what would you like to tell them about why you think they should try reading your book or books?

If you are a fan of history and love reading romance with sensual tones, "Hidden passion" is for you. It’s priced very low, a grab-while-you-can offer since it’s a launch price.

Anything else you'd like to add that I didn't ask you, but you would like to share with our readers?  

I love to help aspiring authors. You can check my writing posts on my blog at: www.summeritarhayne.com

Aspiring authors, especially aspiring indie authors can contact me via my website or follow me on Twitter. I would love to share my experience and sources with them.

Blog Writer's Note to Author:
You sound like quite the romance writer.  I like the fact that you bring your culture into your stories, and I also like your book covers.  Good Luck to you with your writing, and thanks for the interview.