Sherri Schafer

Location: Old town San Dimas, California

          U.S.A.

Age: Proud Babyboomer

Question:  How long have you been writing?

   About 3 years.

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

   "Stuck in a Shell Hole" and it was published in late 2014'.

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

   It was 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)?

   The two most important lessons I have learned come from my children; to always recognize the positive in others and to never give up because I am their role model.  So part of my bucket list was to share my passion for creating simple praise and fun movements with the world. The book is an uncommon and engaging “go to guide” to creating the ideal work environment using the amazing power of Woo Hoo! It is targeted to managers who not only want to be good at their jobs, but have fun doing so.  A frustrated employee may even want to consider making an anonymous gift of it.

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

   It can be purchased on itunes (animated) and also on Amazon.

Question:  How many total books have you published?

   This is my first book ever published.

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

   “Stuck in the Back Shack”, which will be a book on how to engage remote workers who work from home.

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 have ever pondered any of these questions then you should grab a copy of this book:

•   If studies show that once a week recognition makes for happy and engaged workers, then why aren’t more managers recognizing employees in simple and thoughtful ways?
•  Why are GEN Y (millenial) employees unhappy and basically walking off job sites when they are making a good salary?
• Why isn’t FUN a common core value for companies if it makes peeps want to come to work?
• Why can’t office cubicles be colorful instead of grey?  Is grey even a color?

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

   Warning: Characters like Mr. Grump Ass Coffee mug hang out in this book so it includes a few expletives.   

BLOG WRITER'S NOTE TO AUTHOR: Your book sounds like a winner.  It seems like today more employer's should probably read this sort of book.  Your future writing project also sounds like something I would be interested in reading since I work at home.  Thanks for the interview, and good luck with your writing.

Connie Kerbs aka The Fostering Mom

Location: WA State/U.S.A.

Age: Too old to say.

Question:  How long have you been writing?

   All my life – literally for as long as I can remember.  I was given an old script type-writer (an antique even then!) at about age 7.  I quickly took to typing after being shown “home,” position – and loved to fill all that white space with that beautiful script!  No poem, Hallmark card, or church hymnal from my grandmother’s piano was safe from my innocent plagiarism! I typed so many favorite verses, poetry and inspiring thoughts I came across. Of course, I am just old enough that this was in a pre-digital world, when copying was far less available, and more of an elite technology. I copy-typed my heart out and put the pages in special home-made poetry and music journals– and imagined I was saving all those beautiful words for something special, and important. Though I didn’t know what! J

    I wrote my first 300 page “novel,” by the third grade.  (Thank you Mrs. West, my teacher, for all her “critiquing,” and encouragement!)  The biggest game changer for me was a school writing competition I won in the 4^th grade – where, as a result of my writing being chosen out of all the others – I was sent as an Ambassador to represent my school at the Young Writer’s Conference.  That was a defining experience – especially for a shy girl who had changed schools many times by then…

Question:  What was the first publishing experience you had, and when?

   In the May, 2014, issue of Foster Focus magazine, my narrative poem, "Open Window", was given a six page layout in celebration of the much celebrated Foster Care Month – at least in the foster care world.  It was an unexpected and humbling honor – as I had submitted the poem months earlier.  It was so lovely to see this tender, poetic story in print.  I had much hope that it resonated with others in the deeper way which only poetry can do – and in the very least, validated their experiences in the composite story of the poem.

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

   My first self-published inspirational book is going to be "Paths of Friendship", and it’s the debut title in a series I am so thrilled about!  The Pebbled Lane Series is the brain, or rather heart-child of a prolific writer who has always loved to write about the seasons and holidays, in poetry and prose. I love to write when the larger cultural mood is striking, contagious, and heartfelt; to capture those sentiments of the individual experience in real-time.

   On top of that – Pebbled Lane Books are givers on three fronts: either by helping authors have a real publishing opportunity.  And yes, (quality) self-publishing is a REAL publishing opportunity, no matter how much the traditional, corporate publishing market wants to deny the reality of Indie’s growing, and likely soon to be dominant share of the pie.

   The second way that Pebbled Lane is a giving project is that several titles in the series are giving at least a portion, if not all the proceeds to a worthy, heartfelt Cause.

   Last, but not least – Pebbled Lane Books’ ultimate purpose is to offer something memorable, inspiring and positive to a readership who appreciates a good, clean, engaging and enjoyable read.

   "Paths of Friendship", the first book in the anthology series, will be released on December 1, 2015!  It is appropriately, a Cause Book, for a dear, young and close friend (of my daughter’s) who has been suddenly and unexpectedly taken quite ill, with a serious, long-term illness.

Question: What are some of the titles in your series?

   Some of the titles in the Pebbled Lane Series include, "Paths of Fear", "Paths of Gratitude", & "Paths of Resolutions", and there are many more in this inspirational series.

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?

   Connie Kerbs aka The Fostering Mom, writes to inspire, and engage at many levels.  I put my best foot forward, as an artisan of the writing craft, as a contributor to the literary landscape, and as a person.  I surround myself with others who believe the same – to create the unique, the good, and the beautiful, and what I very much hope will be enduring, meaningful work you won’t want to miss.

   For me, it’s all about what I call “living the gratitude,” – and understanding that whatever you put out there comes back to you many times over.  So, best make the ripple be of good things…

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

Just my favorite quote from Mother Theresa: 

  “We can't all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.”  This is good advice – for so many facets of life.  It’s gotten me through many challenges as a foster parent, as the mother of a large, (sometimes larger than others!) family, as a wife, daughter, employee, and friend.  As a writer, it’s also a reminder to just give and do, and be our best – in the small, singular moments that life is really made of. In this way also – the true riches of life experience are magnified, and so much more deeply appreciated.

You can contact and learn more about me and my books at the following links below:

http://www.conniekerbs.com/

http://www.pebbledlanebooks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ConnieRaeKerbs.Writer

Gabriella Kovac

  

Location: Australia, Sydney, NSW

Question:  How long have you been writing?

  

   Including my first technical book I have been writing for over 20 years.

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

   My first book was called “Magic Drafting” Teaching women how to make their own dress patterns. It was published in 1992.

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

      It was published by Kangaroo press

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

   As a trained pattern maker I felt there was a need for women to be able to make their own clothes that would fit them individually without any technical know-how.

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

  

   Unfortunately it is out of print. I will be re-publishing it in the future.

Question:  How many total books have you published?

   So far I published three books.

Question:  List all of your titles =

1.)   Magic Drafting

2.)   Bobelee and Boboya (children’s book available on Amazon Kindle)

3.)   Georgina Holocaust Survivor Stories.

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 a book. A historic romance about a young man born just before WWII in remote Yugoslavia and his strive for freedom.

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

   Georgina Holocaust stories. My book "Georgina Holocaust survival stories" Is about an amazing woman who may inspire the reader on how to think outside the square and win against all odds.

She outsmarted the Nazis during the Holocaust and then the Communists!

   The story is relevant today as it was in the past!

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 wrote Georgina Holocaust stories as a thank you to my mother for saving my life several times. It is an inspirational story written for those of us who need inspiration and motivation in their lives.

   I wanted to help others to look outside the square and live a better life.

BLOG WRITER'S NOTE TO AUTHOR: You sound like an author that really has some fascinating stories to tell.  Also, as a side note, when you manage to get your first book re-published: "Magic Drafting", please let me know.  This is a topic I would definitely like to know more about.  Good luck with your future writing, and thank you for the interview.

Alessandro Ashanti

Location: Phoenix, AZ
           U.S.A.

Age: 46

Question:  How long have you been writing?

   Since the age of 9.

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

   This is my first book published.  "Full Circle: Lessons Learned on the Martial Path"

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

   I self-published through Amazon Createspace.

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

    Can be purchased from Amazon.com

                                                           (To Order - Click Here)

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

   Yes, the next book will actually be a historical look at the ancient art of sword fighting focusing on the Philippine Islands.  I’m considering telling this in a fictional context but I’m still in the research phase.

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

   "Full Circle: Lessons Learned on the Martial Path".  It’s a martial arts philosophy book based upon my experiences as a lifelong practitioner and teacher.

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?

   This book is in the tradition of The Book of Five Rings and the Art of War as a martial text.  Not that it is the same style of book or writing but rather is uses the experience of the martial arts as parable for one’s daily living.  You don’t’ have to be a martial artist to enjoy this book as it is written for the layperson all the way to the Grandmaster.

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

   Yes, the book is a collection of essays, articles, social media postings, and other ramblings original to the book.  It’s all tied together in one narrative.

BLOG WRITER'S NOTE TO AUTHOR: Your book sounds like you've put quite a lot of information about the martial arts; as well as being a martial artist, and it affect on your own personal life.  

I also find it interesting that you live in Phoenix, Arizona, because I do as well.  Good luck with your future writing, and thank you for the interview.