BlogTalkRadio Interview with Mary E. Martin, Author of The Trilogy of Remembrance

Are you looking for the kind of book which carries you deeper into yourself? What about the kind of book which challenges your preconceptions of life? Do you ever long to enter the sacred mystery, the places where meaning and purpose reside? If you are, The Trilogy of Remembrance is a series that will inspire you.

Author Mary E. Martin is not the average writer. Her work is thoughtful and provocative on levels most books never explore. Full of lush imagery and rich language, Martin's work provokes thought without imposing answers or giving too much. She asks you to join the journey of her characters toward personal transformation, for the gratification of expansion.

Please join me as I host this Blogtalkradio interview with guest author Mary E. Martin, as we discuss The Osgoode Trilogy and the Trilogy of Remembrance.

Hear the author speak about the differences between her two trilogies's protagonists; how each protagonist and series allowed her to explore her chosen themes differently. Martin answers questions about series development, and her creative writing process, as well as real world influences on character creation. She speaks about using setting for greater effect in writing and shares details about where blogging is taking her creatively on the Internet.

Check Out Books Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with inkslngrswhmz on BlogTalkRadio

Web of Lies: My Life With a Narcissist, by Sarah Tate

Writers In The Sky Podcast presents an interview with author Sarah Tate about her recently released book, Web Of Lies - My Life With a Narcissist.
The interview offers information about NPC, Narcissistic Personality Disorder and about the authors experiences publishing her work through Create Space.

Click Play to Listen . . .









About the Author

Sarah Tate is a single mother living and working in Switzerland. She arrived in Switzerland ten years ago and apart from a brief stay in France, has remained ever since, as Switzerland has become her adopted homeland.
Sarah has three young kids, who take up most of her time, but she still managed to find time to write her first book, Web of Lies - My life with a Narcissist. The book is an auto-biographical novel which describes in graphic details, the ups and downs of life with a person who suffers from (amongst other things) Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
Web of Lies takes the reader on an emotional journey and gives a deep insight into what it's like to be sucked into the world of a disordered individual, and more importantly, how to escape with your sanity in tact.

Review
Author: Sarah Tate
Publisher: CreateSpace (December 27, 2010) 
Language: English

• ISBN-10: 145651668X
• ISBN-13: 978-1456516680

Link to Purchase 

Web of Lies is the gripping autobiographical story of Sarah Tate, a young woman who's life goes tragically wrong when she meets and marries a man with NPD, Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

The author skillfully relates her life story and experiences, revealing aspects of relationship that are both sobering and chilling. Circumstances related in Web of Lies are those of a nightmare relationship come to life and include the psychological torment experienced by Sarah and her children as they struggle with both loving and fearing her husband and their father.

Readers will learn about the nature of NPD, how to recognize the symptoms and what it means for those who are close enough to be impacted by the narcissistic personality. The experiences and situations related in Web of Lies are real and expressed from the perspective of the author for the benefit of others.

Everyone may have some traits of narcissistic behavior, that may at times seem selfish or to be the cause of distress in their relationships. However, a person with NPD is engaged in behavior that goes far beyond natural or healthy self interest.  Sarah Tate opens her life story in Web of Lies, as a healing journey of self discovery and recovery, a shining example of perseverance and the healing that can come through creativity. Web of Lies includes a comment from Dr. David Holmes, Senior Lecturer for the RIHSC Research Centre: Social Change Research Centre.

Recommended reading for everyone interested in the human story!

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Residue and Ashes, an Interview With Author Russ Vanheel

One of my favorite topics and interests as a writer is how creativity can be used in healing and self recovery.

In Residue and Ashes, author Russ VanHeel set out to record his healing journey using short story writing as a form of therapy. He explores the domestic abuse and trauma that he suffered in a past relationship from many angles.

Russ's writing is deeply visceral, and at times disturbing. Residue and Ashes is not for everyone, as it explores abuse situations and the abuser/victim experiences that are both traumatic and frightening. Those who have suffered abuse however, will recognize their own experiences in them and hopefully feel the liberation of deeper understanding that comes through self exploration and reflection.

Some of the stories Russ has written from the perspective of witnesses and several through the eyes of his abuser. Several of these stories explore the emotional experience of abuse through fictionalization, but all share autobiographical elements.

Healing is a personal process but sharing ones experiences is an integral step in moving forward and embracing life. Residue and Ashes is the author's vehicle of healing, which he hopes will touch others who have survived domestic abuse allowing them to know that they are not alone.

Residue and Ashes is a study in healing, and an exploration of the soul.

Join host Vonnie Faroqui as she interviews author Russ VanHeel about his latest book Residue and Ashes, a collection of short stories that explore the healing journey. How has the author used writing to aid in self recovery? How vital is creativity in the healing process?

Click Play to listen . . . 

Author Russ Vanheel and grandchildren

 After two years of extensive therapy, I had finally learned I was a victim of domestic abuse. From a male standpoint, this was an extremely difficult concept for me to accept, and up until then, it felt like nothing more than a weakness on my part. Who was this woman that had caused such an overwhelming magnitude of ruination to every aspect of my life? Someone totally devoid of a conscience, and clearly incapable of having empathy for others. I'd never known anyone like her before she came into my life....
~ Russ Vanheel


Russ's two books, Life in Purgatory and Residue and Ashes are available through Outskirts Press and Amazon books.

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GOOD TALES, an Interview With Author Louis Winslow

Every Body Loves a Good Tale

Author Louis Winslow and host Vonnie Faroqui discuss the release of his short story compilation in an engaging interview.

The author shares his experiences with writing and publishing, Good Tales: Tales Guaranteed to Entertain!

Louis Winslow is a retired chemist, turned author, living in Stillwater Minnesota. Good Tales is his first published work.

Click Play to Listen . . .




To purchase your copy of Good Tales visit Amazon.com

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Ink Slinger's Whimsey welcomes author Jim Daddio in a written interview about his most recent novel, The Cobras.

Vonnie Faroqui: Some of the first questions that fans usually want to ask have to do with that moment of discovery, when you first knew that you wanted to be a writer; in part, because writing is one of those creative vocations that so many of us aspire too. Do you think of writing and being an author as a special calling or your purpose in life?
Jim Daddio: Writing is a passion. If a person believes in themselves and has a story to tell, fiction or non-fiction, it is important to find the tools to write it.
Faroqui: When did you first know you were a writer? How did you know?
Daddio: I was always told that I told a great story, that and in my business life, I was considered very creative in my ideas. I put the two together.
Faroqui: How do you find ideas for your books? How do you find inspiration, fill your creative well, so to speak . . ?
Daddio: I seem to always have ideas running through my mind. I try hard to create a different story or approach. My goal is always to create a fiction story that feels real to the reader.
Faroqui: What is it like to get that creative burst that evolves into a novel? How was that for you? What inspired you to write The Cobras?
Daddio: I was inspired to write The Cobras from people I’ve met over the years and the stories they’ve told me. I also did research on the FBI and law enforcement and created an FBI Agent from a composite of stories and my imagination.
Faroqui: Did you spend much time considering who you were writing for, or did you write for yourself?
Daddio: I would love to say that all readers would enjoy The Cobras, but it is a man’s book. The Stuart News said, “The language is frank and the violence is central in this fast-paced thriller.”
Faroqui: If you were to characterize your writing style how would you describe yourself? I try to develop stories about people that the reader can identify with.
Daddio: I want the reader to follow the characters throughout the story and understand the decisions they make, good or bad, and the consequences they face.
Faroqui: Some people believe that in order to be truly creative a person has to be tormented, or have deep inner turmoil? What do you think of that notion? Daddio: Again writing is a joy and passion. If that’s what drives a writer then the person’s personal life shouldn’t matter. This is especially for fiction. A non-fiction story can come from personal tragedy or turmoil in their life.
Faroqui: What experience in life has been the most helpful in preparing you as a writer?
Daddio: I’ve always traveled in my business life. Therefore I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many different people and be in so many places that the stories were always in front of me. It’s taking all that and tying it together with imagination and the writer’s privilege to embellish . . . (Ha, Ha.)
Faroqui: Do you have any advice to offer others, the would-be-writers out there, which might help them on their way?
Daddio: I have three rules; 1. It’s called The End. Write it, finish it and have it edited. 2.) Understand your audience and find a publisher that matches your genre. 3.) Have a plan to market and promote your work. Don’t count on the publisher on doing that for you.
Faroqui: Do you have anything you would like to share with your readers, thoughts, thanks, or news about upcoming books?
Daddio: I wrote a romance book with a humorous touch. I will be publishing it on an e-book only site. It is called The Choice. I tested it with three female readers and the response has been very satisfying. I also have signed with an agent to place a murder mystery, The Privileged.
Faroqui: What books have you written and where can your books be purchased?
Daddio: I have written a trilogy featuring a PI, Art Decco. The Wind, on Amazon.com, Las Vegas Dead, at publishamerica.com, and Heaven or Hell-A Story of Human Trafficking, at wings-epress and amazon.com
Faroqui: Do you have an author’s website where fans can follow your work?
Daddio: Yes, I do and thank you for asking, it is www.jdaddiothecobras.com

Many Thanks to Author Jim Daddio for answering our questions and for sharing his experiences writing The Cobras!

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Author Margaret Gill Shares Her Book,The Quetzal Skull

Today I would like to share the interview I did for Writers in the Sky Podcast, with author Margaret Gill, about her most recent novel, The Quetzal Skull.


The Quetzal Skull, is already featuring in the quarter finals of the Amazon breakthrough novel contest for 2011. Three of Margaret's books have won first prizes at Winchester Writers' Conference and Swanwick Writers' Conference in the UK. Narwhal the prequel to The Quetzal Skull was shortlisted for the Cinnamon Press award, the UK Authors competition, was a Finalist in the Indie Excellence Awards (USA) and winner of the Eric Hoffer award.


This fascinating author shares her experiences in writing, the considerations she had about self publishing, for her choice of publishers, and gives some excellent marketing strategy tips.

Click Play to Listen . . .

"Margaret has a depth of emotion and joy for writing that really comes through in our interview. She writes from a place that few authors ever reach, a place of wonder for the mysteries of life and all things hidden. This author interview was pure joy. Thank you Margaret." - WITS Podcast host and reviewer Vonnie Faroqui.



Margaret lives in the United Kingdom, where she has spent the majority of her career as an educator. She was Head of English at Wellingborough College,UK, for twelve years. Her chief interests apart from writing are in the fields of healing, meditation and yoga which she teaches locally on a part time basis. She also loves to travel and art and is herself an artist, as she puts it painting from time to time.


To learn more about Margaret Gill's work visit http://www.margaretgill.co.uk/



For those of you wondering, Quetzal is pronounced [ket-sahl]

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Love from the Other Side: a Review

Book Title: Love from the Other Side: Searching for Answers
Author: Carol Shimp
ISBN: 978-1432767907
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Reviewer: Vonnie Faroqui


Are You Searching for Answers?

At some point, most of us find ourselves searching for answers to questions about what comes after this life, about the possibility of being touched by the spirits of our loved ones who have passed on. We all have our own reasons for the search and it is in these times of searching books such as Carol Shimp’s, Love from the Other Side: a Search for Answers, find their way to us. Sometimes a friend will recommend we read, other times it will be through a review that our attention is caught. We may not always agree with what we read, but the need to understand drives us and so we turn the first page hoping to find peace and a sense of knowing. If you are in one of these periods of soul seeking, it is no coincidence that you are reading this review or that the opportunity to read this story has come to you.

Love from the Other Side - Cover

Carol has given the gift of her story in, Love from the Other Side, a memoir recounting her spiritual exploration, paranormal experiences, and quest to balance daily life with experiences of the spirit world, precognitive dreams and other worldly messages. Through this book, the reader will discover hidden groups of spiritual seekers, spiritual teachings, and have an opportunity to encounter teachings that are often obscured for the protection of the innocent. In a world that has grown skeptical of anything that cannot be scientifically weighed and measured, psychic and paranormal experiences remain a taboo subject in most homes, or a matter of ridicule and scorn. As I read, I found myself drawn into the memoir by the sincerity of the author.

The quality of writing is pleasing; the chapters are well constructed, making the story easy to follow. Great care is given in the treatment of spiritual beliefs and matters of faith. Carol does not denounce or espouse any particular faith, although she does share that her background and religious path is Catholic. She receives assistance from a group of spiritual seekers and eventually undergoes a non-Catholic exorcism of energies that were detrimental to her spiritual and mental health.

This is a marvelous book for the curious and for spiritual seekers. There are wonderful spiritual truths within the folds of Love from the Other Side that will enrich the unfamiliar and gratify those initiated in the practices and teachings of spiritualists and mediums. Rather than portraying the sensational, Carol’s style and message are without guile. In the end what is revealed comes from a place of love and is offered without condition.

A Podcast interview with Carol Shimp about the book and her publishing experiences is available through the Writers In The Sky Podcast and Blog or for download from WITS Podcast on iTunes for your iPod or iPad.

To learn more about Carol Shimp and her book, Love from the Other Side: Searching for Answers, go to . . . http://carolshimp.com/


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WITS welcomes author of Evidence of Insanity, Carol Piner

Writers in the Sky Podcast guest, author Carol Piner will share her autobiographical book, Evidence of Insanity.

This hilarious new book is a jaw dropping, full-speed-ahead romp through the life of a girl in the south. Carol "dances shamelessly" through a maelstrom of events that would . . . bring a man down, but she bounces back and keeps on going. This is an amazingly candid story that will have you laughing and crying at the same time. Carol Piner is a storyteller in the grand-old-southern tradition. Join host Vonnie Faroqui for a visit with the author and discover what it means to be a “tale spinner,” southern style.

www.EvidenseofInsanity.com
To buy Carol's paintings or signed copies of her book, Evidence of Insanity [for $22.72,] contact Carol directly at sunny@clis.com.


Click Play to Listen . . .

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An Interview with J.C.Knudson Author of, Living the Difference

Writers in the Sky Podcast Presents . . .

Author J.C. Knudson in an interview about his book, Living the Difference. Knudson is using his autobiographical book as a vehicle to educate society on homosexuality. He is a firm believer that an educated society is a more accepting and understanding society and out of that understanding will eventually follow equality for all.

Living the Difference is an enlightening story revealed for people of all ages straight or gay. With all the news coverage recently on gay rights, teen suicides, and the upcoming elections, this book is worth reading, no matter which side of the issues you find yourself.





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Claudy Is Back! Out of Retirement and Hitting the Paranormal Romance Scene

Author of 40 top selling romances, Claudy Conn, comes out of retirement after nine years to present her latest book, Spellbound - Legend.

This is the first paranormal romance she’s written but it is just the beginning. “What I have done is outlined my series in my head. Each installment will have a new heroine and hero with circumstances that will develop for them alone. The ongoing story will evolve through each of them. Important secondary characters will take part in all of the books.”

Claudy continues by sharing that “Writing is a must for me. Inspiration comes from everything, but especially from my hot Irish husband, our incredible daughter and her handsome husband.”

Claudy brings a wealth of writing experience, talks about eBook publishing, and romancing the book industry.


Click Play to listen . . . 

Visit the author's site at http://www.claudyconn.embarqspace.com/ to purchase your eBook today.

Inside Murder: An Interview with Author Olivia Rodan Jacobs About The Poisoner's Agenda

WITS host Vonnie Faroqui and author Olivia Rodan Jacobs talk in depth about writing of Jacobs's novel, The Poisoner's Agenda.


From the Author:

I am not now nor have I ever been a spy! But it's fun to write a who-done-it, a thriller. Why set the story in Israel? What an exciting place! Besides, I've studied, visited, and "bummed around" Israel enough that I could picture all the places I wrote about. But how could I (not a spy!) write a mystery involving espionage? Well, my cousin was a real life spy, and then there's all those international intrigue mysteries I've read... To be candid, the "story" of THE POISONER'S AGENDA sprang full-blown from a careening imagination.






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http://www.thepoisonersagenda.com/

Say It: I'm No Bitch, I'm No Ho, and I'm More Than Just Another Vagina

An Interview with Host Vonnie Faroqui and Author Elsie Spruill


Elsie Spruill, author of Say It: I'm No Bitch, I'm No Ho, and I'm More Than Just Another Vagina, loving yet firmly addresses a culture of sexual promiscuity and its impact on today’s youth culture. Join WITS host Vonnie Faroqui as they discuss the author's motivation for and approach to writing this book, and Spruill’s crusade to help young women value their bodies, their choices, and their self.



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Confessions of an Ex-Gun Dealer: an Interview with Author Ludwig Sawicki

WITS Podcast presents . . .
Confessions of an Ex-Gun Dealer, by Ludwig Sawicki, a humorous memoir about life as a gun dealer in middle America.

Author and host, Vonnie Faroqui, laugh over the life and situational humor in the book. Sawicki shares some of his writing and publishing choices and considerations.

The interview includes an excerpt reading by the author from Confessions of an Ex-Gun Dealer.


[Ludwig Sawicki, photo right]

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TJ Gets a Haircut: an Interview with Audrey Fuller

This Friday, WITS Podcast host, Vonnie Faroqui, interviews children's author Audrey Fuller.

Click Play to listen . . .

Audrey is a 12 year veteran of the US Armed Forces. Her first book is titled, TJ Gets a Haircut: The Twintastic Adventures of TJ and Taylor. The book is suitable for young children.  The tale of a father who helps his son build a stronger self identity and take one giant step on the path to growing up.

Audrey shares the process of selecting an illustrator and more considerations taken when self-publishing a children's book, in this interview about one author's journey.

An Interview with Angie Printup and Kelley Dollar, authors of He Blew Her a Kiss

Welcome to Writers in the Sky Podcast. Today's interview will be with author's assistant Vonnie Faroqui and co-authors of He Blew Her a Kiss, Angie Pechak Printup and Kelley Stewart Dollar.



Angie Pechak Printup and Kelley Stewart Dollar, have teamed up to put together a compilation of true stories with the express desire of helping others in the healing process after losing a loved one. Being lifelong friends for 35 years, it was only natural for Angie and Kelley to work together, combining their talents to bring this healing book for the soul to the world. The idea for this book was born out of a heartwarming experience that Angie’s good friend, Tom, had after losing his beloved wife, Judy, to cancer in 2008. The first story in the book, He Blew Her a Kiss, retells Tom and Judy's amazing love affair in a third person narrative and provides the inspiration for the title.

Angie and Kelly will share details of how they collected the many accounts of after death communication[ADC,] how they turned these accounts into story, their editing choices, and recount their journey to publish and market their book. Included in the interview is a reading by Angie Pechak Printup from the book.


Click play to listen . . .