Linda Ballou

Location: California / USA

Question:  How long have you been writing?

   All my adult life.

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

   Wai-nani: A Voice from Old Hawai’i. Fabled history couched in magical realism set in pre-contact Hawai’i.

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

   I used Star Publish LLC, which is a boutique publishing company that serves independent authors.

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

     While I was living on the north shore of Kauai a special issue in the local paper about Captain James Cook caught my attention. The fact that Captain Cook was killed in the Islands 1779' intrigued me. I wanted to know why. I was curious about what was happening in the Islands when Cook arrived.  Most accounts depict the Hawaiians as blood- thirsty savages who ganged up on the world’s greatest explorer. I learned this was not an accurate picture and felt that the Hawaiians had gotten a bum rap. I wanted to tell the story from the Hawaiian point of view.

     My research brought me to the fantastic story of Ka’ahumanu and Kamehameha the Great, the two best-loved icons in the Hawaiian history. Their wild romance spanned forty years from about 1770 to 1810 the most dynamic period in the history of the Islands. I identified with Ka’ahumanu’s spirit of adventure and rebellion. During the sixties and seventies women were breaking out. I am athletic, outdoorsy, independent woman and childless by choice. She was childless, not by choice, but she found other meaning in her life. She questioned authority and the established ways of her time. She insisted on having sexual freedom. She stood shoulder to shoulder with her warrior husband and was a source of strength for him. She was strong brave, athletic, sensuous and deeply spiritual. In short, I saw her as the forerunner of the modern woman.

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

   Absolutely! It is available in e-book and print format on Amazon, as well as audio on audible.com. If you purchase "Wai-nani" on my site, I pay the freight and you get Wai-nani’s Wayfinder--a map to sacred sites on the Big Island.

Question:  How many total books have you published?

   Three. My second book "Lost Angel Walkabout" is a collection of my travel narratives. I love the outdoors and take my readers river rafting in Alaska, Utah, Idaho and Costa Rica, and horseback riding in pristine wilderness areas. Reconnecting with nature is a basic theme throughout, but there a couple of humorous tales of misguided adventures.

Question:  List all of your titles =

    My latest book, "The Cowgirl Jumped Over the Moon" is a “new adult” novel that fulfilled all of my equestrian fantasies.

Excerpt:

     When Grand Prix jumper Gemcie McCauley takes a tumble on Marshal, her Irish Hunter, it turns her world upside down. She heads for the high Sierras to find her balance and meets Brady, a solitary cowboy, who gives her the courage to get back into the saddle and beat the odds. She returns to reclaim Marshal and fly high with him once more.

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

   I am eager to get back to traveling and writing about my adventures. I am headed to St. Croix next for an Equestrian Wellness Week. Full report to follow on my site: www.LindaBallouAuthor.com where I have a host of travel articles.

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

  Not working on books now. Taking a breather from demanding projects. Off to collect more stories.

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?

     The common thread in all my work is that they are destination pieces. "Wai-nani" takes you to ancient Hawai’i, a place you can’t get to any other way. My travel collection is armchair travel you can enjoy without tipping your canoe or parting from your saddle. Cowgirl takes you to the high Sierra’s to trail solo in the John Muir Wilderness. My theme song is “Let Me Take you There!”

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

Stop by and see me at www.LindaBallouAuthor.com

Or at https://www.facebook.com/linda.ballou.9

Sign on to my blog and receive the latest travel articles, my thoughts, and news about events coming up.

http://lindaballoutalkingtoyou.blogspot.com

Thanks for the opportunity to share my work.

BLOG WRITER'S NOTE TO AUTHOR:  I always like reading books about other places when I know the author has physically visited there.  I feel that a personal touch on a location brings most books to life, whereas authors who don't do this somehow miss the mark of their location and culture.  I'll definitely check out your books, and thanks for the interview.

Chris Mason

Pictured:  Chris Mason

Location: California / U.S.A.

Age:  I am 41 years old.

Question:  How long have you been writing?

   I have been writing since 2008.

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

   My first book was titled "Video Store in a Box: A Guide to Free Television and Movies on the Internet" and was published December 25, 2013.

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

   I self-published through Smashwords.

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

   

   "Video Store in the Box" and my other books except "Tutor in a Box" were born out of two things that happened at the same time. The first was my family had to give up cable to save money but my kids still wanted to see the then popular That’s so Raven. The second was my mother came up with Mason day to teach my kids that you did not need a lot of money to give someone a nice gift. Mason day when like this a person was assigned a family member and had to make them something and could spend only 20 dollars. My thought was “Oh my God”. I had no artistic skills like my daughters’ and could not build things like my son but I did have impressive research skills. So the “In the Box” series of books was born.

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

   All my books are available but only in E-book. All books are available at all major retailers including:

·      Itunes

·      Barnes and Noble

·      Smashwords

·      Kobo

"Tutor in a Box" is also available internationally through:

·      Wheelers-Australia and New Zealand

·      E-sentral- Malaysia

Question:  How many total books have you published?

   There are currently five books in the “In the Box” series of books.

Question:  List all of your titles =

  All are reference guides to the best free stuff in a particular area. The series currently includes:

•        "Tutor in a Box - A guide to free educational resources".

•        "Book Store in a Box - A guide to free print and audio books".

•        "Arcade in a Box – A guide to free video games".

•        "Video store in a Box – A guide to free Television and Movies".

•        "Record Store in a Box – A guide to free music"

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

   I am working on two more titles in the series due out Christmas of this year.

•  "Production Studio in a Box: The Guide to make DVD, CD Websites and other Media at Low or No Cost".

•   "Entrepreneur in a Box: The Guide to the best Free Websites to Make Money".

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

   The story behind my latest eBook "Tutor in a Box" would fall under the quote “necessity is the mother of invention”. You see when my children were younger they all attended a virtual charter school. When my first child started I asked all the teachers if they could help me help my children by providing online resources my kids could use. The response I received was rather shocking. Out of the six teachers I asked I was emailed only 3 links to educational websites. I thought to myself these are teachers at an online school and this is the best they can do. So I started to keep a list of websites that my kids used often or that I used to help them and just kept adding to it. I also noticed that many parents were lost when it came to where to go on the internet to get good educational information. I observed this one day as I sat at my local it’s a Grind and watched 7 parents in a group. All of them with computers trying their best to solve some Algebra II problems so they could then break those problems down and teach them to their children. They all looked frustrated and confused and a bit angry. So I thought why not take this list of mine that have compiled for the last six years and turn it into a book so others could benefit as much as I did. That is exactly what I did. That is the quick story of how Tutor in a Box come to being.

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?

    I can be contacted @ digitalattic95@gmail.com

Like me as an author at Smashwords to find out more about me and my books.

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/digitalattic

    While you are there pick up "Record Store in a Box", it’s Free at all retailers but Amazon.

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

   I am always looking for free resources on the internet. If a reader of this article has a resource they think is good email me. I will give contributor credit in my next edition. I have found many people have question about the topic of free resources. If any reader has any question on this topic feel free to email me@ digitalattic95@gmail.com .

BLOG WRITER'S NOTE TO AUTHOR: It looks like you are definitely the guru to creating the free stuff in a box collection.  I think it's great that you have taken the time to do this.  It seems to me that your books would be a big time saver when you are out on the Internet looking for bargains.  Good luck to you with your future projects, and thank you for the interview.

Marc Zirogiannis

Location:  NY, USA

Age: 45

Question:  How long have you been writing?

   15 years Professionally

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

   "The ABCs of Home Buying: A Practical Guide" (2000)

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

   This was published with a small, Independent Publisher that no longer exists.

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

   The 1^st book was a technical guide to the home buying process for buyers.  It was designed to take the complexities of the process and simplify it so people could better understand the process. 

    The book started as a teaching tool for home-buyers and became the basis of a 10 year adjunct faculty assignment at one of NY’s finest Universities and several related works.

    Most of my early work was non-fiction and technical because I feared the vulnerability of writing fiction.  My first attempt at fiction was a historical novel set in the Nazi invasion of Greece during WWII.  It was called Hitler’s Orphan: Demetri of Kalavryta.  It was well received and was recently entered into the permanent collection of the Kupferberg Holocaust Museum and received great reviews.   This gave me the confidence to pursue more fiction.

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

   The book was released in three (3) editions and the original is out of print; however, the 15^th Anniversary edition is due out this August 2015 and will be available everywhere books are sold.

Hitler’s Orphan: Demetri of Kalvryta is available though all online booksellers.

Question:  How many total books have you published?

     16 total

Question:  List all of your titles =

• "The Suffering of the Innocents" (Not self published)
• "Pannino is Dead"
• "Hitler’s Orphan: Demetri of Kalavryta"
• "The Journey of Praying Frog"
• "Sinatra Style"
• "A Beginner’s Guide to Meditation"
• "10 Online Tools No Small Business Should be Without"
• "A Consumer’s Guide to Resolving Any Dispute"
• "The NYS Taxicab Driver’s Companion"
• "The ABCs of Home Buying: A Practical Guide"
• "The ABCs of Home Buying:  15^th Anniversary" 
• "The ABCs of Title Closing"
• "Lessons from North"
• "Taekwondo: Articles, Interviews & Exercises"
• "Taekwondo Superstars"
• "A Guide for the Volunteer Taekwondo Referee"

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

    Now that I have opened myself up to fiction writing and enjoyed it, I am in the midst of writing a new novel about a father seeking to find justice for crimes against his daughter despite the enormous challenges he faces.  I am only in the midst of the first draft.  I expect to be ready for submission by Fall 2015.

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

  "The Suffering of Innocents" is my newly released work through Revival Waves of Glory Books & Publishing.  It is a novel that examines the personal and spiritual dynamics of an American family as it attempts to deal with a horrific series of events that change their lives forever.

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?

    I write on diverse topics because I view myself, first, as a student of the world and, second, as a teacher.  I have an insatiable appetite for learning about the human experience and I have tried to share my understanding through my writing.  The reaction to "The Suffering of Innocents" has been so positive, I think, because readers and critics have expressed to me that they felt they really could relate to the characters and their struggles.  They found them authentic.  I think that if someone were to read any of my books, but especially "The Suffering of Innocents", they would find that they have been challenged to think about issues in their lives and the world.

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

    I am also the leading Tae Kwon Do Journalist in the world.  I have been lead correspondent for Tae Kwon Do Times Magazine for the last 3 years.

BLOG WRITER'S NOTE TO AUTHOR: It is quite obvious to me that you have a strong love for writing.  I'm amazed by your wide range of writing topics that you have written about.  Your book:  "The Suffering of Innocents" seemed quite interesting and I will definitely be checking it out.  Good Luck with your future writing projects, and thank you for the interview.

Marilyn Redmond

Location: Washington State

Age: 76 years old of wisdom

Question:  How long have you been writing?

     I have been writing for 25 years.  

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

    My first book was: “Roses Have Thorns, Encouragement on evolving from pain to joy”.  It was published in 1999.

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

   Kaleidoscope Press published it.

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

    The inspiration was my own pain and growth from domestic violence and several addictions.  It is a chronological path in poetry of my traumatic life that lead to the answers that I have and share today.  My pictures are my own as I am also an artist. It was to share my experience and offer hope.  People especially in recovery from addictions and/or from distressing backgrounds especially find it encouraging.

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

     It is still available on Amazon.com, or from me at marilyn@angelicasgifts.com

Question:  How many total books have you published?

     I have published two books, and hundreds of articles in magazines, newspapers, and online.

Books are on Amazon.com

Question:  List all of your titles =

Books:

"Roses Have Thorns: Encouragement on Evolving from Pain to Joy"

"The Real Meaning of 2012, A New Paradigm Bringing Heaven to Earth"

E-Books:

"Vasanas: The Gifts That Show Us the Way"

"Incest, Love Heals the Soul"

"All Time Victim: Domestic Violence"

"Spiritual Alignment, Are You Ready for 2012?"

"Peace on Earth, Finding Your New Life" 

Other Writing is on my blog:  marilynredmondbooks.blogspot.com 

  

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

     I am ready to publish my next book, “Paradigm Busters, Reveal the Real You”. This book offers details and the “how to” to move into a higher consciousness of unconditional love.  It starts out with my story of being raised in domestic violence with abuse.  Each chapter then is a principle that needs to be a basis for our life to move into a new reality.  They are the principles for creating a loving life.

     When we change ourselves, our lives create a new experience.  Learning to live in principles are the rules of the universe that we need to learn to outgrow the past and find our real self as a loving person.  We leave the past criticisms, judgments, and condemnations behind and grow into maturity.  It addresses most common problems in life, as relationships, finances, illness, addictions, mental illness and more.  It is the ultimate prescription for a life in unconditional and unselfish love. 

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

     My current book is: “The Real Meaning of 2012, A New Paradigm for Bringing Heaven to Earth”.  It is about changing the influence of the ego by changing your thinking from the past, harms, or traumas.  My book provides guidance and clarity in simple terms.  It is succinct in explaining the dynamics for shifting your energy.  The book is profound and priceless for understanding the dynamics for moving into the present time or the “Now” to experience your love in your life.  It gives permission to outgrow the immaturity from the ego’s influence. Today, with the new, higher energy on earth it is possible to transition into a higher consciousness often termed Christ-Consciousness.  It is for those brave enough to grow into adulthood with Divine Love.

Please email link to article to: Julia@JuliaWiddop.com

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? 

     I can offer:  My experience is worth all the writing of any other author, as they are telling you from facts, statistics, and other limited viewpoints from third dimension. I can share my insights and the dynamics of my journey to accomplish the feat of moving into the fifth dimension of a higher consciousness from my experience.

      I have achieved the impossible dream of moving into “Heaven on earth”, emotionally.  I know that peace from within. I am living in abundance, prosperity, unconditional love, surrounded in a caring love.  As a mature person, I understand the immaturity of my past and how I found the principles too embrace life and joy.  I am no longer a victim to the past people, places or things. I am fearless and respond in love for myself and those around me.

     My writing is from a higher perspective than most writers as it is channeled from a higher consciousness.  My wisdom and understanding can move your life into a more loving experience when you are open to the changes necessary to shift your energy.  I offer “The right use of energy”. This is what Jesus came to share. 

     Moving into unconditional/selfless love without judgment, criticism, and condemnation is our goal.  It is possible today with the higher energy on the planet.  If I can rise above mental illness from a domestic violent childhood, domestic violent marriage of abuse physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, you can too. 

     I explain in the Prolog of my coming book how I came to planet Earth to show life is love and that you are love.  We came to Earth to enjoy our experience on this beautiful planet.  Removing the barriers makes this possible.

BLOG WRITER'S NOTE TO AUTHOR:  You sound like someone who's been around the block a few times.  I have to agree with you about the maturity aspect in writing.  I have found that the older I get the more I can look back at the past and see all the things I stumbled over so differently.  I guess it really does come down to age and the things each of us learns on this journey called life.  Good Luck with your writing, and thanks for the interview.