Paperback Writer - Books and Author Interviews

Belly of the Whale - Author Interview - Linda Merlino

Rebecca — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:00:17 +0000

Paperback Writer is pleased to introduce Linda Merlino, author of the literary fiction/women’s fiction novel Belly of the Whale.

About the Author:

Life is our daily teacher. One lesson begets another and then another.Once-upon-a-time life kicked me off my writer’s path and led me to pursue a more practical profession. My childhood dream of becoming a journalist was silenced.

Years later, I became a single parent, not by choice but by necessity, and my most trustworthy partner became a ballpoint. The fiction in my head turned into words on yellow legal pad. I wrote anywhere, any time, on my dining room table, and on my lunch hour. No place was my sacred space. I wrote in my car during soccer practices, under an umbrella on rain drenched sidelines, in fast food restaurants and in chain hotels. I wrote during championship after championship in cities and states, from Jersey to Phoenix.

The quieted yearning to be a writer reawakened onto the pages of a novel. My first was self-published after five years of juggling work, kids and day-to-day. A flawed but beautiful story emerged onto paper and “Swan Boat Souvenir” enjoyed local acclaim and success.

I knew there was more to do, more to write and that the next book would be published traditionally, that the next manuscript would have the benefit of an editor and the advice of professionals. After months of writing, Belly of the Whale went from paper, to computer, to draft after draft and finally into the arms of Kunati Publishers.

My children are grown. My passion to write remains a constant. Each book I complete is dedicated to the magic of believing in my dream, to my son and to my daughters.

About the Book:

Hudson Catalina has given up. Having lost both breasts to cancer, she is emotionally and physically exhausted, no longer willing to endure the nausea and crushing weakness that chemotherapy causes, until the wrecked-by-life young Buddy Baker arrives, bent on murder. A touching story of despair, abuse, murder and survival takes you on a journey through the darkest places of the human mind and spirit, and in the end leads you back out of “the belly of the whale” enriched by the experience.

Hi Linda Merlino,

Welcome to Paperback Writer

Will you share with us how you came up with the idea for this book?

The seed of this story was not about a young woman with breast cancer. In fact, the bud of the story was centered on another character in the book, Willy Wu. At the time I was putting my first words to paper I was rereading some of Joseph Campbell’s works and I was taken, once again, with his concept of heroes and this became coupled with a desire to write about a character that is challenged, mentally, physically and verbally. I wondered how much a Willy Wu character actually processed and if he could transcend his stereotyping and be a hero.

Do you plan your stories first with an outline or does it come to you as you write it?

In my head I have a string of thoughts but no specific outline. For the most part, the story comes as I write.

Do you know the end of the story at the beginning?

I know the beginning and I know the end, sort of like an Oreo without the filling.

Do you have a process for developing your characters?

The process for developing characters comes from observation, plain old people watching and of course research. If my character has breast cancer, as Hudson Catalina in belly of the Whale, then I must research all I can into the subject to develop this character.

It is said that authors write themselves into their characters. Is there any part of you in your characters and what they would be?

I do not see myself in my characters. I know that I have a certain writer’s voice and that comes through, but I call that a signature style and not a “writing” myself into the characters fabric.

What is your most favorite part about this book?

The epilogue is my favorite chapter, the one part that I can’t discuss if you haven’t read the book. The epilogue pulls all the pieces together.

When in the process of writing your book did you begin to look for a publisher?

I had a finished manuscript before I began my queries. I was told not to query without a clean manuscript. This piece of advice I followed to the letter.

What struggles have you had on the road to being published?

My struggles are the same as so many people eager to be published. The first was writing the query letter. This was my major hurdle, and will be again if I need to find a new agent.

What has been the best part about being published?

The high from being traditionally published leaves me without words. A part of me remains awe struck by my own good fortune; a bit like winning lotto, being published is dreams come true.

What do you want readers to remember and carry with them after reading your novel?

Belly of the Whale carries a message of hope and survival. The story goes outside the boundaries of specific genre. Its appeal is far reaching. The message Belly of the Whale brings can be applied to everyone. The journey into the fish’s belly is the descent into life’s darkness. We have all been there or will eventually find our self there, some day.

One premise in writing this book and using the twenty-four hour storyline was to emphasize the point that we never know what is going to happen from one minute to the next. I would like the reader to be swept into Hudson Catalina’s life and when the last page is finished, long after, I would like each reader to still feel the impact of that day, still feel wrapped up in the lives of Hudson Catalina, Willy Wu and Ruby Desmond.

Do you have plans to write another book?

Yes, I am in the first year of what I call my three-year-book-plan. The first year consists primarily of research, reading, thinking and working the story through my head.

Would you care to share with us how the virtual book tour experience with Pump Up Your Book Promotion has been for you?

Pump Up Your Book Promotion has opened so many portals into the cyberspace community. Making connections to so many extraordinary people, their blogs, websites and beyond. Dorothy Thompson has gone over the top to provide an amazing service for my book and for me as an author. We are joining virtual forces again in October for Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Where can readers find a copy of your book?

Copies of Belly of the Whale are available through major bookstores, independent booksellers as well as online through Amazon, Borders and Barnes & Noble.

Do you have a website for readers to go to?

http://www.lindamerlino.com

Thank you, Linda Merlino for sharing your book and characters with us today. It has been a pleasure and I hope you have had a successful virtual book tour.

BELLY OF THE WHALE VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR ‘08 will officially begin on June 1, 2008 and continue all month. If you would like to follow Linda’s tour in progress, visit http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ in June. Leave a comment on her blog stops and become eligible to win a free copy of her book! One lucky winner will be announced on June 30!

Mrs. Lieutenant - Author Interview - Phyllis Zimbler Miller

Rebecca — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 07:00:38 +0000

Phyllis is a former Mrs. Lieutenant and lives with her husband in Los Angeles. The co-author of the Jewish holiday book “Seasons for Celebration,” she has written a success guide for teens. She welcomes messages and visitors at her website at www.mrslieutenant.com or her blog at www.mrslieutenant.blogspot.com.

About the Book:

They had their whole lives to look forward to – if only their husbands could survive Vietnam.

In the spring of 1970 – right after the Kent State National Guard shootings and President Nixon’s two-month incursion into Cambodia – four newly married young women come together at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, when their husbands go on active duty as officers in the U.S. Army.

Different as these four women are, they have one thing in common: Their overwhelming fear that, right after these nine weeks of training, their husbands could be shipped out to Vietnam – and they could become war widows.

Sharon is a Northern Jewish anti-war protester who fell in love with an ROTC cadet; Kim is a Southern Baptist whose husband is intensely jealous; Donna is a Puerto Rican who grew up in an enlisted man’s family; and Wendy is a Southern black whose parents have sheltered her from the brutal reality of racism in America.

Read MRS. LIEUTENANT to discover what happens as these women overcome their prejudices, reveal their darkest secrets, and are initiated into their new lives as army officers’ wives during the turbulent Vietnam War period.

Hi Phyllis Zimbler Miller.

Welcome to Paperback Writer

Will you share with us how you came up with the idea for this book?

I lived the story of being a new Mrs. Lieutenant in the spring of 1970. Because of both the ongoing Vietnam War and certain women whose husbands were in the same Armor Officers Basic (AOB) class as my husband, this was a very unique experience. For 38 years I’ve wanted to tell the story.

Do you plan your stories first with an outline or does it come to you as write it?

This story closely follows the actual nine weeks of AOB so I didn’t outline. But it turned out that having what I thought was an automatic structure didn’t work out that way. In several rewrites I had to work on story structure.

Do you know the end of the story at the beginning?

Because I fictionalized the actual events I knew that I wanted a more dramatic ending yet an ending that would be consistent with the story’s reality. As I wrote the novel the dramatic ending I needed became clear to me.

Do you have a process for developing your characters?

In this case I took pieces of real people and then mixed and matched those pieces to create the characters I wanted to portray.

It is said that authors write themselves into their characters. Is there any part of you in your characters and what they would be?

Of the four female protagonists in MRS. LIEUTENANT, I’m the closest to Sharon Gold. Yet there are many differences between us and, in fact, I gave her a more interesting backstory than mine.

What is your most favorite part about this book?

I actually like best the first four chapters of the book – one from the point of view of each of the four women – because I think the individual women are really set up well in these chapters. (If you want to see if you agree with me, you can go to my website at www.mrslieutenant.com and download for free those first four chapters.)

When in the process of writing your book did you begin to look for a publisher?

I’ve been working on this book for almost 20 years since two female film producers optioned the story for a movie. Then they decided I needed to write a book first. By the time I had written the first draft, they had moved on to other projects. Over the years as I rewrote and rewrote I tried to get a publisher.

What struggles have you had on the road to being published?

I have had the most bizarre rejections: One New York editor rejected the book because she said the book wouldn’t be relevant because there was no longer any racial prejudice in the U.S. Another top New York editor rejected the book because she said the women couldn’t meet through their husbands’ jobs. They had to meet through their own jobs, such as all working at the same law firm. That editor missed the point that the book is exactly about women who meet because of their husbands and are then forced to try to accept each other within the parameters of being proper officers’ wives.

What has been the best part about being published?

Achieving my goal of sharing this specific slice of women’s social history with young women who don’t know about this period as well as with older women who remember this period when a married woman’s identity was based on her husband’s identity.

What do you want readers to remember and carry with them after reading your novel?

Because there still is racial and religious prejudice in the U.S., I would be very pleased if readers would think about their own attitudes towards “others” and then try to be more accepting of people’s differences.

Do you have plans to write another book?

I’m working on the sequel now – MRS. LIEUTENANT IN EUROPE – about living with the army in Germany as an occupation force and during an intense period of the Cold War.

Would you care to share with us how the virtual book tour experience with Pump Up Your Book Promotion has been for you?

The knowledge and planning of Dorothy Thompson are amazing. She really knows what she’s doing and what she should be doing. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to do a virtual book tour through Pump Up Your Book Promotion.

Where can readers find a copy of your book?

The best places to find MRS. LIEUTENANT: A SHARON GOLD NOVEL are on Amazon or through my website www.mrslieutenant.com.

Do you have a website for readers to go to?

Besides the first four chapters of the book, www.mrslieutenant.com has original 1970 army documents along with information on organizations that support military families today. I also write a blog – www.mrslieutenant.blogspot.com – that can be accessed directly or through my website.

Thank you, Phyllis Zimbler Miller, for sharing your book and characters with us today. It has been a pleasure and I hope you have had a successful virtual book tour.

MRS. LIEUTENANT VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR ‘08 will officially begin on June 1, 2008 and continue all month. If you would like to follow Phyllis’ tour in progress, visit http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ in June. Leave a comment on her blog stops and become eligible to win a free copy of her book! One lucky winner will be announced on June 30!

The 3 Secret Pillars of Wealth - Author Interview - James Burns

Rebecca — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:00:01 +0000

Paperback Writer is pleased to announce the author of the day, James Burnes, author of the financial non-fiction book The 3 Secret Pillars of Wealth. James is a tax attorney who served honorably in the United States Marine Corps’ Force Reconnaissance (akin to Navy SEAL program). James brings the same commitment and loyalty to his clients that he exhibited when he served our country. He is also CEO of White Diamond Properties, Inc. a real property investment acquisition firm and is on the Advisory Board of Wave Uranium Holdings (WAVU.OB), a development stage company that engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of uranium properties in the United States.

The 3 Secret Pillars of Wealth synopsis

The evidence is now clear that the old formula of go to school, get a job, buy a house and retire no longer works. Retirees need more reliance in a ruthless and unpredictable future with many new curves in the road to retirement. The US Department of Health and Human Services says that 36% percent of sixty-five year olds are still working, 54% are dependent (require family or government assistance), five percent are deceased, 4% are financially dependent (with at least $3,000 per month to live on) and one percent are wealthy.

In answer to the statistics of only 1% of retirees achieving wealth upon retirement, the book “The 3 Secret Pillars of Wealth” has come to the aid of concerned retirees. The author cautions readers that we are facing financial times unlike anything we’ve seen before and we cannot afford to make mistakes or be taken advantage of.

The 3 Secret Pillars of Wealth is a virtual survivor’s manual for the investor informing them of what they face in the future that is new and unpredictable and how much investing is costing them with traditional investment vehicles. Forward-thinking financial planners will avail themselves of the technical information outlined in The 3 Secret Pillars of Wealth, while the average investor will have a roadmap that guides them to financial success. One of many recent books to go against the grain and inform the public how much investing is costing them and how they are in a losing battle where executives of the big investment firms take $52 million dollar Christmas bonuses. The book is ultimately written for entrepreneurs and investors who are busy with life or lack financial education and are defenseless targets by opportunists abusing the financial planning system because of the compensation grids unique to the U.S.

Hi James Burns, Esq.

Welcome to Paperback Writer.

Would you share with us how you came up with the idea for your book?

First I lived with the late Doris Duke whose father endowed Duke University, captured hydro-electric and created the rolled cigarette. In living in that billionaire world I examined certain traits and habits. Then in my legal practice as an estate planning attorney I’ve witnessed both habits and tools. About two years ago my ideas were confirmed with Forbes released its 2006 400 list. There were three self-made; I have to reiterate self-made billionaires that were using the tools I had identified.

Was it a light bulb moment or something that you thought about for a very long time?

It was both really. I thought about the tools for a long time but in 2006 it was confirmed when I found my three self-made billionaires all stating that one or the other of the three pillars was the best investment advice they had ever heard.

How did you come up with the title?

I had the three pillars which are considered foundational and I think they are foundational to financial education. Then I felt that they were secret to most people because I know some folks had never heard of the word arbitrage before unless they are in the financial world.

How did you find an agent and publisher?

I wanted to run with the idea very quickly so there was not a lot of time to do publisher pitches and go through rejections to find one that would allow me to have my voice in the world. Therefore, I sought the assistance of Arbor Books who is renowned for helping self-published authors. Many luminaries started their authorship careers with Arbor.

Who made a difference in the book’s quality?

The graphic artist with the cover design but the response I get from readers is that they just love the content and people write me saying thanks.

How long did it take you to complete the first draft?

It was almost a year. I had to overcome my inner perfectionist and just get it done and out and this was a personal struggle. I came to the conclusion I could always do a second edition if it became popular enough.

How long did it take from start to publication?

I would say a year.

Do you have any advice for new authors?

Yes, you can do this and don’t let your inner perfectionist prevent you from getting it done and out. You have to decide to get it done and out and if you need to do a second edition, then so be it because so many people have great ideas stuck in their heads but their inner perfectionist keeps them a prisoner of procrastination. You have to just do it.

Thank you, James Burns for stopping by Paperback Writer on your virtual book tour. I wish you continued success through the rest of you tour.

THE 3 SECRET PILLARS OF WEALTH VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR ‘08 will officially begin on May 1, 2008 and continue all month. If you would like to follow James’ tour in progress, visit http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ in June. Leave a comment on his blog stops and become eligible to win a free copy at the end of his tour! One lucky winner will be announced on this tour page on June 30!

A Special Summer - Author Interview - A Special Summer

Rebecca — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:53:33 +0000

Paperback Writer welcomes author Victoria Wells, author of the multicultural romance novel, A Special Summer. Victoria joins us a part of her virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book Promotion and shares with us how she creates her character and her favorite part of the book.

About the Book:

In love with the man of her dreams, Summer Jackson is living her life in sheer bliss…so she thought. Devastation rocks her world when handsome Nick Stiles walks out on her, leaving her to pick up the shattered pieces.

As days, weeks, and months fade into the future, Summer is forced to push thoughts of loving Nick far from her heart and her mind. Thoughts that may possibly threaten to expose the secret she’s hiding.

Out of the blue Nick resurfaces with intentions of reclaiming Summer as his woman. That is…until he is confronted with a betrayal that is so insurmountable he finds himself in a blind rage, hell-bent on revenge.

Will Summer’s need to protect her secret destroy any hope she has of being in the arms of the only man she’s ever loved? Is Nick willing to forgive Summer for her acts of betrayal and deceit? Will this once passion filled love survive such treachery?

Hi Victoria,

Welcome to Paperback Writer

Will you share with us how you came up with the idea for this book?

Having read so many romance novels I would often wonder, “What would have happened if he did this or she did that?” I forever wanted to rewrite someone else’s story. One day I thought to myself, what would happen if a younger inexperienced woman met an older man? Although this has been a common storyline in romance, I wanted to turn its simplicity into something that would really grab the reader’s attention.

Do you plan your stories first with an outline or does it come to you as write it?

Generally, I get an idea for a story and then I take it from there. As I write the story unfolds.

Do you know the end of the story at the beginning?

I sure do. Because as I’m thinking about the story I know how I want it to begin and to end. I just have to figure out what happens in between.

Do you have a process for developing your characters?

Yes, I think about what role each character is going play. For instance if I need a character to have a strong, bold personality I think about all the people I know with similar personalities. I usually take traits from a few of these individuals to develop the character.

It is said that authors write themselves into their characters. Is there any part of you in your characters and what they would be?

Yes. Most of the female characters are independent, financially self sufficient and educated in the health profession.

What is your most favorite part about this book?

I would have to say my favorite of the book is when the heroine, Summer Jackson finally gets enough and let loose on the hero.

When in the process of writing your book did you begin to look for a publisher?

Originally my book was self-published. I didn’t get serious about looking for a publisher until receiving overwhelming positive feedback from readers.

What struggles have you had on the road to being published?

I would have to say I’ve been really blessed. I submitted my manuscript to three publishing companies. Two were interested and the other acknowledged that my story had enjoyable aspects to it however it didn’t meet their needs as the time. I was also encouraged to send them any other manuscripts I was working on.

What has been the best part about being published?

Being a published author with a publishing house vs. being self-published has certainly given me credibility as an author.

What do you want readers to remember and carry with them after reading your novel?

At some point in their lives they may make choices or experience situations where they may need to be forgiven or redeemed. And perhaps if they don’t find themselves in either position to be compassionate and non-judgmental of someone who may be.

Do you have plans to write another book?

Yes, I’m currently in the process of writing my next novel.

Would you care to share with us how the virtual book tour experience with Pump Up Your Book Promotion has been for you?

So far it’s been a pleasure experience. Dorothy has been wonderful with helping me navigate my virtual book tour.

Where can readers find a copy of your book?

On amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, borders.com and book stores everywhere.

Do you have a website for readers to go to?

www.victoria-wells.com

Thank you, [Victoria Wells] for sharing your book and characters with us today. It has been a pleasure and I hope you have had a successful virtual book tour.

A SPECIAL SUMMER VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR ‘08 will officially begin on June 1, 2008 and continue all month. If you would like to follow Victoria’s tour in progress, visit http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ in June. Leave a comment on her blog stops and become eligible to win a free copy of her book! One lucky winner will be announced on June 30!
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Relationship Magic - Author Interview - Edythe Denkin

Rebecca — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:25:35 +0000

Paperback Writer welcomes Edythe Denkin, Ph.D. is author of the self-help relationship book, Relationship Magic. Edythe is also a Certified Marriage Counselor. Relationship Magic, is a set of tools in parable form for those wanting to keep or rekindle the love and communication in their relationships. Dr. Denkin understands that “Happily Ever After” does not just come naturally. It takes communication, honesty, and empathy. This book is based on her work with Imago Relationship Theory.

The host of “Catch Your Kids Doing Things Right,” a four-part television series in which she taught many of her techniques to a wide audience, she has been trained and certified as an Imago Relationship Therapist by Dr. Harville Hendrix, best-selling author of Getting The Love You Want, et al.

Edythe is also the author of Why Can’t You Catch Me Being Good?, a best-selling book from Adams Media that shows how to raise self-confident and well-behaved children

About the Book:

Relationship Magic: The Secret to Happily Ever After helps couples realize that long-term marital bliss does not “just happen” and that “happily ever after” is possible when couples learn to treat each other with respect, honor, and trust.

All couples go through phases in their relationships, but frequently they do not recognize and address them due to poor communication skills. Using a set of tools in parable form, Denkin teaches couples to stop negative thinking based on childhood patterns of experience and communicate their expectations to their partners in a loving, respectful manner. Based on Imago Relationship Theory, Relationship Magic illustrates for couples how to mirror their partner’s words in order to increase empathy.

Relationships bring out unconscious behavior learned in childhood. Prince James and Princess Cinda take you into their lives and show you how you too can develop lasting love. Acquiring an awareness of your reactions can help you and your partner feel loved rather than rewounded by old childhood issues.

Hi Edythe,

Welcome to Paperback Writer.

Would you share with us how you came up with the idea for your book?

I came up with the idea for Relationship Magic after working with couples for 25 years. I realized that I needed to come up with some easy to understand principles for couples. I was working with kids and I knew that story telling was the best way to teach them new principles. I knew then that story telling would also work with adults to help lead them to new understandings.

Was it a light bulb moment or something that you thought about for a very long time?

I thought about it for a long time. I knew a fairy tale could get the point across effectively without being threatening to the reader.

How did you come up with the title?

My publishing partner, Amy Collins, and I were tossing ideas back and forth and when she mentioned “Relationship Magic”, we both knew it was perfect.

How did you find an agent and publisher?

I was introduced to my agent many years ago by a family member. He helped me find a publisher (Adams) for my first book. The second book was being written and I knew I did not want to go through the process of being rejected by 20 publishers before I found a publisher. Sp I decided to launch my own publishing company and publish Relationship Magic under Destiny Press.

Who reads your work in progress?

My publishing partners, my editors, my intuitive coaches, my husband, my son. It was their encouragement that really made a difference.

Who made a difference in the book’s quality?

I had to get an experienced, professional editor. It made all the difference. I learned through this process that writers sometimes like to do everything. They think they can write and edit. I have learned that writers should write and let editors edit. It is very important to realize that you do not have to do it all.

How long did it take you to complete the first draft?

I worked on Relationship Magic’s manuscript first draft for four years.

How long did it take from start to publication?

I started in 2003 and it was published in Jan 2008. It took 10 months from first manuscript, through the editing and design process to get to the final printed book on the bookstore shelves.

Do you have any advice for new authors?

Go with your idea, take it one step at a time, don’t give up and keep moving no matter what.

Thank you, Edythe for stopping by Paperback Writer on your virtual book tour. I wish you continued success through the rest of you tour.

RELATIONSHIP MAGIC VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR ‘08

will officially begin on June 1, 2008 and continue all month. If you would like to follow Edythe’s tour in progress, visit http://www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com/ in June. Leave a comment on her blog stops and become eligible to win a free copy of her book! One lucky winner will be announced on June 30!