When Ann Sawyer had her book printed by Smith Printing Company that was just the beginning of her journey.  Since then she has had a public reading of her book, received a great professional review and created her own YouTube video! 

“During the Q&A (which is not included in the YouTube link) I did give a shout-out for Smith Printing. Someone commented on how nice the “feel” of the book was, and how they liked the printing quality.”

A note from the author:

Hi Friends and Neighbors, 

For those of you weren’t able to attend the reading at Moon Palace, I’ve posted the reading of Mars on Life on Youtube. It runs about 9 minutes, and has the beautiful music of Laura Harada and Tim O’Keefe. I hope you enjoy it, and please feel free to share it widely with friends!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SenIt0QFBQ&t=12s

And…if you wish to score a copy of the book, you can go to Moon Palace Books or my website. 

https://moonpalacebooks.com/?searchtype=keyword&qs=anne+sawyer&q=h.tviewer&using_sb=status&qsb=keyword

Or 

https://annesawyerart.com/product/mars-on-life/

Love and springtime sneezes, 

Anne

Our next entry comes from first time author LG Young.  Drawing upon her own professional experience and familiarity with the city of Atlanta, she was able to create a fascinating story readers of murder mysteries will certainly enjoy!  Here are some of her insights on becoming a published author:

Where did you get the inspiration or idea to write your story?  “I was a medical examiner investigator for over 10 years, so I have a lot of stories to tell.”

Why is your story or subject important to you?  “It’s for fun. I enjoying reading murder/mysteries and watching the crime shows on TV, so hopefully I will give others enjoyment reading my stories.

“Did you learn anything new about writing along the way?  “There is a lot to learn in the process of publishing your own works. At least it will be much easier for the next book.”

What challenges do you face as a writer?  “Editing, Editing, Editing. And stopping yourself from wanting to change the way you write things every time you reread your manuscript. Pick one and sick with it.”

If you could share one piece of advice with a beginning author, what would that be?  “Write it in a way that you would enjoy reading it.”

Where have you been selling your book, what has worked best? “I just received the first books two days ago, so am just in that process of how and where to sell my new book. It was so exciting to finally hold the finished product in my hand. It is available on my website, www.lgyoung.com and is available as an ebook on Amazon Kindle.”

Just for Fun

What is your favorite font?  Times New Roman

What is your favorite season of the year?  Summer

Are you a Dog or Cat person?  I’ve had both all my life

Where do you go to write?  Sitting on my bed in my bedrooom.

Your favorite book:  Outlander – Diana Gabaldon

Finally, Who is YOUR favorite author?  John Sandford

Additional insights you would like to share: “I lucked out when I found Smith Printing. I received more help than just having a book printed. And, the final product was way above my expectations. I am very proud of the quality of my new book.”

We are proud to give you another installment in our Authors Interviews and Insights series!  Dawn Trappen and her husband Jon created a beautiful  looking children’s book.  Dawn is the author and Jon did the illustrations.  The intent was to create a vintage looking book and it turned out absolutely wonderful!  This is the first of a seven-book series called Kingdom Valley Fables.

Where did you get the inspiration or idea to write your story? Years ago when I was a young mother I felt like I experienced a download from the Lord and wrote the little book. At that time I felt it would be a series…28 years later I’ve published the first book in the Kingdom Valley Fables Series, The Plumpest, Purplest Grape!

Why is your story or subject important to you? It is a story about life and love in fable form. As we all live our lives we come face to face with two kingdoms on this earth, one that leads to life and one to death. We get to choose which kingdom we want to align with. My hope and prayer is that I share the beauty of life and love, not only in this book series but also in how I walk out out my life.

Did you learn anything new about writing along the way? Yes, I am not naturally gifted to write…I have to be inspired or it falls flat.

What challenges do you face as a writer? Striving instead of Abiding

If you could share one piece of advice with a beginning author, what would that be? Get your self out of the way. How can you instead, bless others.

Where have you been selling your book, what has worked best? Word of mouth, Facebook

Just for Fun
 
What is your favorite season of the year?   Spring/Summer
Are you a Dog or Cat person (or neither!)?   We have a cat, but dogs are nice too!
Where do you go to write?  Somewhere very peaceful and quiet
Your favorite book: Tale of Benjamin Bunny
Finally, Who is YOUR favorite author?  Illustrator/Author- Beatrix Potter

Where can we find your book online? http://www.kingdomvalleyfables.com

Welcome to the first entry in our Interviews with Authors series!  Today we start out with an award winning children’s author by the name of Andrea Studenc.  “Oh No, there is a Jingle in my Hair!” was actually Andrea’s third book in the Hair Brain Jane series.  It was preceded by “Hair Brain Jane” and “Beach Brain Jane’s Adventure on Hilton Head Island.”  Andrea has become a friend of ours and was delighted to be the first author to contribute!

Andrea, where did you first get the inspiration or idea to write your story?

My first book, “Hair Brain Jane”, came to me from a dream and I made the character come to life.

Why is your story or subject important to you?

I think the way my character was created is very important. She was a vision from a dream, which proves dreams can come true. My character is about a little girl who has trouble staying focused in & out of the classroom, which is so common today. I stress in all of my author presentations & author visits to schools, why it is so important to stay focused. The teachers see this happening in their classrooms & the kids do understand that their little minds do start to roam.

Did you learn anything new about writing along the way?

Boy did I learn about writing. Lots of bumps can occur. A lot of re-writing & spell checking.

If you could share one piece of advice with a beginning author, what would that be?

Take your time whenever you are producing your work. Always make sure that your work is checked & re checked. Have several capable people check your work. What one does not see, another one can. Always allow plenty of time for production, especially if you are on a time frame, say for instance, if your book is a seasonal book.

What challenges do you face as a writer?

A big challenge is always to know what is available to help you become a better writer. You have to be able to give the public what they are wanting to read. A writer needs to stay in tune with the competition of today’s society.

Where have you been selling your book, what has worked best?

I have been selling my books at local shops where I reside, through my FB page for my character, through e mail, word of mouth & author events. All have been proven to do well.

Just for fun…

What is your favorite font?  I would have to say Curls or Andy

What is your favorite season of the year?  Christmas

Are you a Dog or Cat person (or neither!)?  Both!

Where do you go to write?  In my office

Your favorite book: Happy Birthday Moon!

Who is YOUR favorite author?  Pat Conroy

Any last thoughts before we conclude the interview?

If anyone ever has a dream of writing and illustrating, I say , “Go for it!” One never knows where it will lead you to. I never in a million years would have ever thought that my Christmas book would have actually won an award for best seasonal book. I only hoped for this. So this is proof that Dreams can come true!

We would like to thank Andrea for taking the time to share with us!  Visit the Hair Brain Jane Facebook page to purchase the books and find out more.  You can also order books via email at: hairbrainjane@gmail.com

Coming Soon:
Interviews with Authors!
We have created a page to give those of you that have written and published your books a chance to give advice and encouragement to people just starting out. We know you have learned so much along the journey! Your willingness to help fellow writers is appreciated. If you have written a book and would like to share some of your wisdom, please send us a note!

Stay Tuned…..