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Gina Dobson 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hey all!

I am an educator, member of clergy and writer. I am, what I call an “extroverted introvert”. By this, I say that I love everyone and enjoy fellowship. It is usually, however; during the times that I am invited to a function, gala and am energized by the spirit of people. That said, I preferably use my time to hang out on MY couch, delve into social media (as if it is an experiment) to people – watch the ways that humans operate. Sufficient to say, it feeds my love to understand my own strengths and needs for improvement after seeing how choice folks make work or may not work out for them.

I love Jesus Christ with ALL of my heart. Secondly, I love wine. LOL. I am a gastronome who enjoys good food with great down time for ME! I have written one book to date.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is: Stop – Scapegoat No More. The Holy Spirit told me to write a book. I asked, “…on what”? He said, “Scapegoating. After hearing His Command and knowing accordingly that I would follow as a lover of God, I looked up the word, “Scapegoat” the dictionary to make sure I had the definition The Lord was showing me. It was.

I am a scapegoat, for which I already had a clue of the context given my daily struggle to break free from these unhealthy people.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do not have unusual writing habits. Rarely, do I write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Holy Bible is my GREATEST Influence as it is God’s Word. After, Michelle Obama, Dr. Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, Bell Hooks, Dr. Eddie Glaud and others are a real source of inspiration.

What are you working on now?
Getting my book in the hands of folks who will find a real healing through the words placed on my heart to convey to the public.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am learning. In being a self-published author, I am learning by doing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Study your craft. Be inspired by the topic for which you are writing. You edit your own work. If then you need others, be sure the work is protected before you farm it out to editors. Do NOT be afraid. You are called to do what you do. Others need your voice as a way to affirm how they make decisions.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Never sweat the small stuff.”

What are you reading now?
Becoming, by Michelle Obama.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I would love to create a children’s book – stay tuned!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would bring…

a.) The Holy Bible
b.) “In the Meantime”
c.) “Co-Dependency No More”
d.) “Democracy in Black”

 

Smaragdi Mitropoulou 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Athens. I have studied history and archeology at the University of Athens and had postgraduate history studies at the University of Cardiff, in Great Britain. I serve in secondary education. I am also a Creative Writing graduate (Diploma in Creative Writing) from the Writers’ Bureau College (Manchester, UK), and have studied theater writing at the International Theater Institute and directing at the Foundation of Culture in Tinos island. I have been honored twice by the Fictional Larry Niven Prize for Literature ( “Fantasy” category). During Panorama International Literary Festival 2020-held in India by Indusscrolls Press in cooperation with Writers Capital International Foundation- I was honored by the Panorama Youth Literary Award 2020. I have written four books, which have been published and launched in Greece. One of them, “One moment just an eternity”, has been translated in English and was published in 2020 by Ontime Books in Great Britain.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
As mentioned above, the title of my latest book is “One moment just an eternity”. This book (its title precisely) came as an inspiration a spring evening, at the port of Tinos island, where I was involved in a discussion with friends about the relation between “moment and eternity” and about what is eternal and what is temporary.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know when inspiration may strike, so I always carry a small notebook with me, where I jot down my ideas and thoughts; later they are turned into stories. As far as my writing, I do write first on paper and then I transfer all this work to my laptop… actually, during the writing process, there is a pile of notes on my desk with parts of my stories, notes and comments. Sometimes, I may write the end of a story first and then the beginning!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are too many. Each one has provided me with valuable insight, really, but I would like specially to mention: Josephine Cox, Jennifer Donnely, Kate Morton, Khaled Hosseini, Ildefonso Falcones, Gilbert Sinoue.

What are you working on now?
Actually, I am working on two projects: an online course about the fascinating world of Homeric Ladies and my new novel! Yes, you guessed right, it hasn’t been transferred on laptop yet…it’s in the form of notes…notes…notes.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My favorite method is book presentations and book signings, as it is a face-to-face encounter between readers and writers and a great chance to talk in general. I also do my best with promotion on social media and book sites.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be yourself and never give up. Keep your feet on the ground and your eyes on the stars.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Have faith in yourself and keep going…keep going… keep going

What are you reading now?
Well, I have been reading “Love Letters from Monmartre” by Nicolas Barreau, a novel about a man who sets out to fulfill his dead wife’s last wish.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More inspiration… more ideas… more novels.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would certainly choose “Mahabharat”, the great epic of India; “Amy, the first revelation”, by Mario Karma… and two Greek novels, which have great potential: “Secret lace” by Maria Gavrielatou, “Silence of Persephone” by Theophanes Panayotopoulos

Author Websites and Profiles
Smaragdi Mitropoulou Amazon Profile

Smaragdi Mitropoulou’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Victoria Dikaiopoulou 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I always remember myself writing. Formerly on pencil paper and now on the computer. And the more I write, the more inspiration and imagination I have.
My involvement with children from a young age until now as a mother has led me to constantly educate myself. So after school and after the experience of motherhood, seminars on personal development and promoting children’s mental health are often for me.

This helps me write better, more comprehensibly for children and always offer a moral lesson, without tiring the reader, no matter what age he belongs. My first book with 12 magical fairy tales is: “The fairyland”. The second with 5 unique stories is called: “The truth in fairy tales”
However, my fairy tales do not stop there. I have written many more that are patiently waiting to be published and for the world to know.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my latest book is: “The truth in fairy tales”. This title came from the thought that every fairy tale, while we know it is something fantastic – not true, has a truth to tell us. A message that hides a teaching that usually becomes our guardian and guide in life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, I write naturally, that is, effortlessly. All I want is for them to be understood and loved by the reader.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was little I loved the writing of Grigoris Xenopoulos. After that, I loved Kazantzakis the most. Today I read books on psychology and personal development, by Wayne Dyer, Robin Sharma, Paulo Coelho, Irvin Gialom and others. This is because I believe that the more you cultivate yourself, the better what you will offer, first to the people around you and then to the rest of the world.

What are you working on now?
I write new fairy tales when I have inspiration, and I have taken up a permanent column in the local newspaper: “The Voice of Salamis”, with topics about the child, the family and the book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I can not have an opinion, because I know very little about methods and sites. I prefer to leave these in the hands of experts.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, to always follow the voice within them. To write a lot, to believe in themselves and no matter what happens to continue, never give up!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Try it, you will succeed!

What are you reading now?
About every month, I finish a book. But now I have started a book that I believe will last me a long time. This is: “The power and wealth of the adolescent brain.” I need it a lot, because I’m dealing with two teenagers at home, my children.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Definitely to continue my education and to publish all my fairy tales.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Your Holy Self, by Wayne Dyer
Secret Odyssey, by Julia Pitsouli
The power of now, by Eckhart Tolle
Let me tell you a story, by Horhe Boukai

Author Websites and Profiles
Victoria Dikaiopoulou Website

Victoria Dikaiopoulou’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Enisan Isaac 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Enisan Isaac is an author, Marriage and Relationship Coach, Trainer and Motivational Speaker.
He is a Wedding Photographer. He has impacted many leaders in educational institutions, corporate outfits and renowned Marriage institutes across Nigeria.
He has authored other life-transforming Marriage books and resources such as
“Outstanding Couple: How to be Successful in Marriage Forever”
“Couples Goals: How to Improve & Enhance Your Marriage”
“Understand your Spouse: How to keep your Marriage Strong and Healthy”
“Qualities of A Good Husband: How to Make Your Wife Happy Always”
“Qualities of a Good Wife: How to Make Your Husband Happy Always”
“Genuine Friendship in Marriage: Building a Better Relationship with your Spouse”
etc.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Genuine Friendship in Marriage: Building a Better Relationship with your Spouse
The urge to make couples better in their relationship with their husbands and wives.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Total Marriage Refresh: 6 Steps to Marital Satisfaction
Marriage After God: Chasing Boldly After God’s Purpose for Your Life Together

What are you working on now?
Nothing at the moment

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep Publishing

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep doing what interest you.

What are you reading now?
Total Marriage Refresh: 6 Steps to Marital Satisfaction

What’s next for you as a writer?
To affect more lives

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible (and other religious texts)
‘Ulysses’ by James Joyce
‘Robinson Crusoe’ by Daniel Defoe
‘The Color Purple’ by Alice Walker

Author Websites and Profiles
Enisan Isaac Amazon Profile

Cara Brzezicki 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello, my name is Cara and while being an author I am also and inventor. I have a husband and two boys. She went to Colorado State University and married her college sweetheart. I created the Sippie Clippie and the Flusher Blocker, with more on the way. I created my company, Jazzie Beans LLC, after my adorable dog Jazzie Beans. I love God, my amazing husband, my two wonderful boys, my sweet little Mal-Shi, Jazzie Beans, and the planet!

I have been featured in Lifehack.org, Word of Mom Radio, 12 Minute Podcasts, Inventors Helping Inventors, and other podcasts. I have had the privilege to pitch my products to HSN, Shark Tank, and InnovateHer. I have written many children’s books and I love creating solutions to problems.

This is my second book published, but I have 5 more that are written. My first book is called Jazzie Beans Saves the Planet and it is about a cute, little dog who goes on a journey to teach other animals about our plastic pollution problem and how we reduce plastic and recycle whenever possible.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I Love You Brother is my latest book. It is about two brother chicks who learn and are taught kindness and empathy. I watched my two sons playing one day and my youngest son was copying my older son. He just looked so enamored by my oldest son. It was super cute! But, my oldest son became mad because my youngest was copying him. I ended up teaching the boys about how my youngest loves his older brother so much. I decided that this was the perfect story to teach other children.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not sure if it is considered unusual, but I usually get my ideas from things happening in my life. Something will happen and then a story comes to me. I have to stop what I am doing and just let it flow! It such an amazing experience.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Eevi Jones because she writes children’s books, but she also teaches others how to edit, illustrate, publish, etc. She is a fantastic person and such a sweet soul! Kary Oberbrunner is another person I like to follow. He comes from a Christian background, which I appreciate. He is very open and honest and I love his writing style.

What are you working on now?
I just published “I Love You Brother”, so I am working on promoting that. But, I will publish another children’s book in two months. It is part of the Jazzie Beans series. I have already written the first book and published it from the series. There are so many more to come

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My followers on Facebook have been my biggest fans. Because I am an inventor as well, I have met so many amazing people through that journey too! Everyone is always so willing to help each other out. What more could you ask for than a group of people who will always support you!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, please never give up! You are going to be told so many things along your journey and some can be negative, but a lot can be positive. Know your worth and keep going. It is not an easy journey, but if it were easy, everyone would do it! Make sure you read books that help you publish in your genre and ask for help. Most other authors are willing to give you advice.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard was from someone for one of my inventions–“No means not right now.” That is some super sound advice!! I always use this. I am not one to give up, so I just remember this little piece of glory and move on.

What are you reading now?
Ha ha ha I read a few books at a time. I read self-help books and sometimes fiction. Currently, I am reading Unhackable by Kary Oberbrunner, Unleash Your Inner Money Babe by Kathrin Zenkina, Origins Manifestation Addendum by Katherine Hurst, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Discovering your Dharma by Sahara Rose. Depending on the mood I am in during the day and depending on my schedule, these are the books I am reading.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue to write children’s books because I love it! I feel our youth needs so much kindness and love. I love teaching through animals and books. They are our future and the more wonderful knowledge they can consume, the better!

I also have an idea for a non-fiction book for adults and a fiction book for adults. I keep coming back to them, so I believe I am supposed to move on those.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I am a vegan, so I would have to bring a book that shows me what I can eat on a deserted island! I would also need a book to teach me how to brave the elements so that I could survive. After I knew how I could survive, I would probably bring the Bible. I believe every lesson is learned from there. I cannot decide on a fourth book because it would have to be uplifting and make me happy.

Author Websites and Profiles
Cara Brzezicki Website
Cara Brzezicki Amazon Profile

Cara Brzezicki’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Delia Coffey 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I love spending time outside. I grew up going to the lake every weekend, fishing, boating and enjoying the great outdoors. I have written two books so far and plan on many more. I enjoy short reads for some of us that don’t have a lot of time to read and can enjoy a good story on a day off, afternoon relaxing or coffee breaks.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
At The Lake. I was inspired by the place I used to go as a child.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Daniel Steele was always one of my favorite authors.

What are you working on now?
I am working on two more short reads.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have them on Amazon Kindle.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
After reading many blogs and websites my advice would be to write about places you know. It is easier to describe and set the setting.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You only live once.

What are you reading now?
I am half way through Where the Crawdads Sing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan on keeping up with my writing, it is fun and takes me away from work.

Author Websites and Profiles
Delia Coffey Amazon Profile

Delia Coffey’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Amy Raines 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a stay at home, home-schooling mom who has written over 20 books across various genres including fiction, non-fiction, and self help. Writing horror and high octane thrillers are my personal favorite playgrounds. However, I also tend to write things that people need to know about (ex: depression, home schooling, etc…).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is No Where To Be Found. It started out as my first attempt at a pure romance, but when I began weaving in the dramatic stuff a lot of suspense happened instead. This is one of my personal favorite writings that started out one way and wound up going in a completely different direction.
The inspiration for this book came from a segment about the ocean on our local weather station. While watching the waves beat on the edge of an island, the story and characters began to form. My muse can be very unpredictable at times.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if it’s something that would be considered unusual. However, I create a rough outline before writing then fill in the blanks as I go along. After the story is finished and successfully published, I celebrate as if it were my first book.
Even now, the thrill of writing and publishing is as prominent as it was when I first started.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The most influential authors for me are Stephen King, John Connolly, John Saul, Patricia Cornwell, and V.C. Andrews.
The list of books that nurtured my own muse is so extensive it would take way too long to list them all. However, I will list my absolute favorites:

Stephen king: The Stand, IT, The Green Mile and Duma Key
John Connolly: The Killing Kind
John Saul: The Blackstone Chronicles
Patricia Cornwell: The entire Kay Scarpetta series
V.C. Andrews: The entire Cutler series.

These are some amazing works by some of the most amazing authors I can only dream of knowing. The wild rides they spin are what allowed me to realize that writing twisted and horrifying tales can be just as much fun as reading one.

What are you working on now?
I am a multitasker (ADD won’t let me focus on one thing at a time). I am currently working on 3 separate novels.

1.) Mirror Men (should be completed before this year is over) is inspired by an old wives tale- the old belief that seeing one’s reflection in the window of a hearse marks places the viewer on Death’s list.

2.) Unbound, which is inspired by legends in the ancient Dynasty Of China concerning a mirror kingdom that contains some of the world’s dead. (To be completed by the end of 2021.)

3.) Unit Of Corruption (To be completed very soon) is the sequel to Night Stalker. This story further exposes the corruption in the city of Midfield, Ohio. As the story moves through the ranks, murders take place that have Night Stalker evidence all around even though the actual MO of the current crimes is very different.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use all of my social media outlets like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin, and Tumblr. Blogging on my WordPress website is another avenue of promotion that has been quite useful.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you are writing to make a profit, stop now. If you’re writing for the pure joy of creating a world full of characters that set your mind and spirit free, don’t stop!
Writing should be done by those who have something to share with the world, whether it be fiction or non-fiction.
If being a writer of any caliber is simply who you are, then I encourage you to be careful of who and how you publish. There are several scams and vanity houses out there that are ready and willing to take advantage of new authors. Do your homework, research everything extensively, and most importantly enjoy the entire process from outline to published work!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My little brother, Michael, is a comedian and a podcaster who recently discovered the importance of taking a step back to take a look at what you’re doing. He knew I had recently gone through a lot of personal problems that inhibited the work I was trying to put out.
He told me: “Aim, don’t rush. If you work too quick to try to meet your own high standards you won’t have any fun at writing. If you don’t have fun writing, your readers won’t have fun reading.”
This is without a doubt the truest statement I have ever heard concerning writing. Hopefully, any writer who reads this will take my brother’s statement to heart so that they can do what they love without putting too much pressure on themselves.

What are you reading now?
My husband bought a book for me for Christmas called- To Sleep In A Sea Of Stars by Christopher Polini.
My husband doesn’t read book descriptions and though the book would be a romance or something similar.
When I dove in and began reading, he asked me what it was about. I explained to him that it was a Science Fiction space adventure with some thriller undertones (so far).
He apologized because he knows I don’t really get into space adventures of any kind. However, this particular book is absolutely amazing. I am about four chapters in and am loving every minute! I would encourage anyone (including my husband) to check this book out.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I honestly have no idea. I guess my goal is the same as every other author who believes in their work. I hope that seeing one of my stories become a movie is somewhere in the next chapter of my career.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would bring Duma Key by Stephen King (there’s no such thing as reading this one too many times), To Sleep In A Sea Of Stars by Christopher Polini (I can’t wait to read the next chapter as it is!), An Alfred Hitchcock collection (any one will do. You can’t go wrong with AH!), and of course the book my daughter got for me for Christmas- A Tale Of Witchcraft by Chris Colfer (I haven’t cracked the cover yet, but the description is awesome! This is what I will be reading when I finish To Sleep In A Sea Of Stars!)

Author Websites and Profiles
Amy Raines Website
Amy Raines Amazon Profile
Amy Raines Author Profile on Smashwords

Amy Raines’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Syretta Walker 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Biography: Hi, I’m Syretta A. Walker. I’m from Beaufort, South Carolina. I enjoy bowling, skatting, cooking, and going out to eat. I was an author before I decided to write screenplays full time. My titles included ‘Upgrade You’, ‘Behind Chastity Belt’, ‘Get Into the Car’, The Day Marijuana Was Legalized In The U.S. A.,’ ‘My Momma’s Man in Chocolate Rose 2 Anthology’.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Loan Shark is the name of my current title. It is based on my late great uncle.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love urban fiction period.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a story called Back Pack mafia.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
www.urbanscreenwriters.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You need a tough skin in this industry.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Start my own company.

What are you reading now?
Nothing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep honing my craft.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Mary Monroe- Gonna Lay Down My Burdens
K’wan – Gangsta
Nikki Turner- A Hustlers Wife
Nikki Turner- The Glamorous Life

 

Syretta Walker’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Joelle Silveen 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
For me, writing is an art, just as when I paint a canvas. I don’t believe any art should have boundaries. I write for myself and hope that there is someone else out there, like me – that will understand it and like it.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Island in the Bay was inspired by my teenage daughter asking me, if I’d ever fallen in love with a guy I consider my best friend.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
* I never sit for longer than 30 minutes.
* I keep an Amber worry stone next to my keyboard and use it often
* I also have a head massager on my desk that I use frequently

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have a thing for poets – Sylvia Plath being my favorite. I have I AM I AM I AM posted on my wall. I almost got an I AM tattoo. I also have Understand Me by Charles Bukowski on my wall because it fits me so well. I often imagine if the two of the would have gotten together, the writing that would have come from that coupling would have been magnificent.

What are you working on now?
I never tell!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stop writing. You will get tired of your story. You will want to throw your computer at the wall. But one day you will finish it and then you’ll be scared. But force yourself to publish it and move on to the next story. Remember those that give you bad reviews just didn’t understand you and that’s ok.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. Anything by John O’ Donahue
2. Anything by John D. MacDonald
3. The Emotional Thesaurus
4. The biggest notebook available to write in

Author Websites and Profiles
Joelle Silveen Website

Gargi Shukla 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Gargi Shukla belongs to Ayodhya and is a Psychology student. She released her first anthology “ Sunsets and Flames” as a compiler and later debuted with poetry collection “ Thoughts of A Sugary Leaf” as author. Her association with various publications houses like Notion Press, The Alcoves and Young Moves led her to open her own line of publication house series Raisin Publications.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“ Thoughts of A Sugary Leaf” is a collection of poems published by Notion Press. It has poetry that talks about nature and minute observations and thoughts that run behind it. A few poems are written with symbolic contrast that has a very unique style of itself. Various seasons are represented with profound imagery and simple language making it a beautiful yet easy read.
I feel the trigger behind writing the book was Lockdown. I saw a lot of anthologies coming up and enquired about self publishing. I did have plans for publishing a book but it was never going to be this soon. Lockdown made me utilise it as an opportunity to write the book. I already had a few unpublished verses so I began writing my book on the same basis.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I feel I have an unusual habit of writing down many poetries at a same time. I keep putting down thoughts as it fits according to the poetry. It is really difficult for me write and concentrate on a single poem at a given time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think my basic inspiration in my poems is John Keats because I think my initial journey with reading poetry began with his classic masterpiece “Autumn”. The imagery in words of William Wordsworth and simple writing style of Amish Tripathi are key elements that I try to incorporate in my writings. Ashish Baghrecha and Rupi Kaur are beautiful writers and the way their poetries are so relatable and simple are worth mentioning.

What are you working on now?
I am considering the release of “Thoughts of A Sugary Leaf” as an e-book for now. The upcoming book is yet in consideration however I think I can say it’s going to be about love, sacrifice, emotions and the universe. A few publications as anthologies can be expected soon too.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I feel the best method is to promote the books using online websites that offer free promotions initially because you actually don’t know how your book is going to do. Once you are sure that your book is making its mark, you can start including book reviewers and paid programs to your promotions.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing poetries is neither an art nor it is a skill that you go to some class to master or learn. It is an innate tendency in each individual that just needs to be actualised in order to feel and understand poetry. Based on my personal style of writing, I was very hesitant as a beginner due to my non-preference for usage of difficult vocabulary unnecessarily in poetry. Poetries are usually a thought process, an imitation of what our mind might be thinking in beautiful synchronisation and a normal thought process is very simple in language. If you want your words to sink in deep and be felt by the reader, helping them connect with your poems, it is important to make it easy for them to read and understand, making it feel like a part of their own thought process.
Each poet or author has their own way and style of writing and expressing through poetry. It is therefore invalid to compare our work with someone else or take criticism very negatively. The good reviews are obviously a pleasant part but your expression is your own individual style of writing. Grammatical errors can be corrected but with a lot of changes in your verses you may change your thought process. Also, never lose your confidence in your book by a single negative comment. You have put in your efforts in this book and you know your own expression better. Just because someone doesn’t agree with your expressions and opinions does not make it invalid. So go ahead expressing yourself to the world and enjoy this journey of writing you have embarked on.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever had is that “It is impossible to keep everyone happy and satisfied. Nobody has the responsibility to keep you happy. It is only you who has the responsibility to keep yourself happy and that is what should matter while you hustle.”

What are you reading now?
Currently I am reading “Ikigai” by Albert Liebermann and Hector Garcia. I just finished reading “The Ramchandra Series” by Amish Tripathi and it is a beautiful yet extended read.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As I writer, I think I will be focusing more on quality rather than quantity in my books. I have just released my debut poetry collection which was highly appreciated. As a next step, I would like to try writing a short story compilation or may be a novel. Can’t say for sure yet but another poetry collection can be anticipated by year end.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I feel being stranded would give me pretty leisure time. Being a Potterhead why only 4, I would carry all 8 Harry Potter Series books with me. Apart from that Amish Tripathi’s “Shiva Trilogy” is a read I would love going through again. Non-fiction titles like “Interpretation of Dreams” by Sigmund Freud can be a good read too.

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