Jul 3, 2024 | Audio Book, Editors' Blog, Interviews, Non Fiction
Today, we’re talking with Evan Soundwell about his book,
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I am a holistic sonic therapist, not a professional writer. My expertise lies in the field of sound. With a robust academic background as a music teacher, performer, conductor, composer, and musicologist, I represent the new holistic sonic modality “Sonic Consciousness.” While my primary language is music, I have ventured into writing to communicate my discoveries in sound therapy.
Why do you write?
In today's segmented world of knowledge, sound healing remains a field that ordinary people have limited awareness of and often rely on so-called experts. I aim to bridge that gap, educate people, and help them form their own judgments to avoid misconceptions and fraudulent claims in the realm of sound healing. Writing allows me to share my discoveries and insights, documenting the profound impact that sound and frequency can have on well-being. It provides a comprehensive answer to the general question of whether sound can heal.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
The inspiration for “Sonic Consciousness” came from the gaps I observed in the existing literature on sound therapy. Many materials I encountered lacked either musical depth or scientific precision. This motivated me to share my comprehensive understanding in a structured and accessible way, addressing important questions that have never been fully answered, such as the true nature and clear definition of harmony, among many others.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
I enjoy the holistic health genre because it allows for a comprehensive approach to well-being, integrating physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. It's rewarding to see how alternative therapies can complement conventional medicine and provide relief to those in need.
How would you describe your writing process?
I discovered that writing and composing have a lot in common; they are just different languages. While everyone possesses the ability to understand the language of music naturally, writing is another skill I have developed to share my insights. My process is methodical and intuitive, starting with a broad outline and delving into detailed research and personal anecdotes to make the content relatable and engaging. This audiobook is designed with numerous sound examples to allow listeners to experience firsthand every claim I make.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Social media offers authors a platform to connect directly with their audience, receive immediate feedback, and build a community around their work. It is a valuable modern tool that makes it easier and more cost-effective for authors to gain recognition and engage with readers.
What advice would you have for other writers?
With my limited experience, I can say: Stay true to your voice and message. Be wary of relying too much on editors; your authentic voice is what matters most.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
I choose titles that encapsulate the essence of the book. For “Sonic Consciousness,” the title reflects the book’s focus on music as a language for our DNA. The cover is designed to visually represent its themes and invite readers to delve deeper into the book.
What's your next step?
My next step is to deliver on my promises to readers by creating sonic therapy sessions that align with the concepts presented in the book. Additionally, I will soon introduce the world’s first sound homeopathy modality, which will be announced on my Facebook page. So stay tuned.
What book do you wish you'd written?
I wish I had written “The Tao of Sound” by Fabien Maman. It's a comprehensive exploration of how sound affects the body and mind, aligning with my interests in holistic health and the transformative power of music and frequency.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
I haven't yet received any public reviews, but my colleagues among musicians have shown interest, as many parts of the book have been revelations even for them. This makes me proud to present concepts not previously discovered. My colleagues in holistic health, even without prior knowledge, find it very valuable and educational. The feedback I have received gives me confidence and satisfaction.
FIND EVAN'S BOOK ON AMAZON
Jul 3, 2024 | Interviews, Action & Adventure, Editors' Blog, Fantasy, YA
Today, we’re talking with Wayne D. Kramer about his book, Heroes of Time Legends: The Healer
Why do you write?
I love the concept and feeling of creating my own world, series, and brand that can be shared with readers everywhere. It's extremely gratifying to tell stories that people can relate to, with lovable and relatable characters that people want to keep reading and want to keep writing.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
My entire Heroes of Time series takes inspirations from books like Redwall, Mistborn, The Hobbit/Lord of the Rings, The Name of the Wind, the video game Chrono Trigger, and a variety of individuals and experiences encountered in my life.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
There are virtually limitless boundaries in fantasy. Epic fantasy, in particular, appeals to me because I love that deep sense of adventure, discovery, and complex interwoven plot-lines that tend to come with it.
How would you describe your writing process?
Thorough and meticulous. I tend to be a bit slow, unless I really push myself, and because I consider every word so carefully, I don't usually achieve large word counts in a single day/session.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
With the way algorithms are these days, it seems to be a place of diminishing returns. In the broad scope, I suppose some people do better with certain platforms than other. Social media is one of those things I would rather not have to spend so much time on. I enjoy being able to engage with fans, but I also get frustrated at how suppressed some posts and content can be.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Focus on content as much as possible before getting too deep in the weeds of marketing and promotions. Understand that it's a long haul, over 2 million books are published every year, and it will be difficult to gain visibility. But, if your content is strong and you learn to be an enthusiast about it, you can get traction. Be ready for the long haul if you want to make a business or career out of it.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
For the title, I look at the overall premise of the book and try to think of catchy words that properly reflect the plot and character of that book. For the cover, I determine a scene from the novel that is the most visually stunning or catching to the eye.
What's your next step?
As in my author career? I continue to build the Heroes of Time fantasy series as well as the Penny Pangolin children's picture book series, and that's what I'll be doing for the foreseeable future.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I try to play basketball with a group of guys every week (whenever I'm not traveling). As for travel, I've been to nearly 40 countries and almost 30 US States.
What book do you wish you'd written?
Harry Potter. This series hit all the right notes to become a cultural phenomenon. I love how fans are able to engage with the content of this series in a way that has blossomed such creative merchandising, iconic films, theme parks, and ways for people to feel a part of the world with things like magic wands and the Houses of Hogwarts. Plus, I love the success story of J.K. Rowling going from nothing to one of the most successful authors in history. The idea of my own world becoming even a fraction of that kind of franchise is very exciting to me.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
I'm thrilled to see positive reviews and wish I could thank everyone that leaves one.
FIND WAYNE'S BOOK ON AMAZON
Apr 17, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Interviews
Today, we’re talking with Tyler Strong about his book, Breaking Into IT: Your Roadmap to Success in the Tech Industry.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I am an athlete. I lead a flag football team in Tennessee where I play with former college and pro athletes. I was also a college and semi-pro rugby player.
Why do you write?
I write to help lead others to success. I struggled to find my way into the IT industry and was lucky to have mentors to lean on. Not everyone has that luxury so I write to give back knowledge I have learned to others looking for a rewarding career.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
From my own experiences. I spent countless hours researching, studying, and testing various tools and software to find what worked for me to achieve success. I also follow various influencers on social media who share a passion for helping others achieve their goals.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
Self-help is a genre that can literally change your life. There are so many books to help with career changes, curving mindsets, understanding others, and much more. I am a continuous learner and when I read a book, I want to learn something from it. In my opinion, self-help is the best genre for that. So many people have transformed their lives by reading self-help books.
How would you describe your writing process?
My writing process is informative. I don't sugar coat what I write. Finding a rewarding career takes work, but it is worth the time and effort. I am a firm believer that you get out of life what you put in. I try to share as much information as I can through my writing but doing it in a way that anyone can follow and learn from.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Social media is a game changer for authors as it allows us to reach a wider audience much quicker than traditional methods. It allows us to seamlessly connect with fans and potential readers from across the globe. In my case, I wrote about Information Technology. While I am US based, there is a big number of IT professionals across the globe. Social media allows me to connect, interact, and help people on a world wide scale.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Write about something you are passionate about. Writing should be fun and inspiring. Your best work will come out when you write about topics you love or have a passion for. In my case, technology, I could write all day and throw thousands of pages of information into a book because there is so much to the subject because I am passionate about technology.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
I check similar books that have had success then I provide some beta readers with options to get input from actual readers.
What's your next step?
My next step is to begin speaking arrangements to inform others of the opportunities that exist in the field of IT. Along the way, I am writing another self-help book to help others achieve their goals in more areas than just technology.
What book do you wish you'd written?
How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie. That book is a masterpiece by a brilliant author that truly stands the test of time. I refer to it frequently to help understand the emotions of others and control my own.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
I love constructive criticism. I want to know where my book could use improvement so I can make my next book even better. What I love most is reading reviews of individuals saying that the book helped them find their way in the industry.
FIND TYLER'S BOOK ON AMAZON
Apr 17, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Interviews
Today, we’re talking with Pierce Roberts about his book, Blood of the Pharoahs.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
Veterinarian for 49 years.
Why do you write?
I enjoy developing a good story with some twists and turns that will surprise the readers.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
This is book five in the Destroyer series so the story connects and develops with each new installment. The timeless battle of good versus evil never ends.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
Again that battle of good versus evil with the promise that evil should never win (although they try very hard).
How would you describe your writing process?
The storylines are out there, all around us. If I sense a ‘what if ?’ that often can morph into a good tale.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Greater audience and the ability to target readers with similar tastes.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Don’t give up.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
Since this is a series, the titles and covers interconnect with the theme.
What's your next step?
Continue to develop the series.
What book do you wish you'd written?
All Creatures Great and Small.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
A review is only an opinion, an interpretation of the manuscript, but it can help others decide if they want to invest the time to read your work. Good or bad we learn from the reviewers.
FIND PIERCE'S BOOK ON AMAZON
Apr 17, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Interviews
Today, we’re talking with Douglas Buckland about his book, Good Friends Are Hard To Come By: An action adventure thriller for men (The Unintended Series Book 1).
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
In the past I've held 3 Liberian shipping tickets; Able Bodied Seaman, Survival Craft Crewman and Oiler.
Why do you write?
I have always read voraciously, so during the Covid lockdowns I decided to try writing.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
I grew up in Colorado working on cars and hunting, so this gave me a basis for my characters. During my career in the oilfield, I traveled extensively which opened up many other options for locations. I try to be as accurate as possible with my locations, so actually living and working in these places was helpful.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
The ability to be creative and to use my imagination. I also enjoy the ability to interject come laughs and comedy into the tense situations or the relationships that my characters find themselves in.
How would you describe your writing process?
Structured. I like to come up with a storyline in my mind, then outline it ‘on paper'. I call the outline the skeleton that I will hang the meat of the story on as I write.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
I'll be 64 soon and I am not really an aficionado of social media. I do interact with some writer's pages and exchange ideas with a few select authors on them, but I find many authors who post on social media ask for advice or criticism, but when they receive it they either ignore it or simply can not take criticism.
What advice would you have for other writers?
To take writing seriously. It seems to me that many new authors feel that they can just sit down in front of their laptop and hammer out a novel. They do not realize that it is a long, involved process which takes a lot of research and discipline.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
I always create the title and the cover from something that occurs in the novel. I think this is important and a duty to your prospective readers. The cover, the title and the ‘back blurb' must reflect the book as accurately as possible. I'll come up with a few ideas for the covers and the titles and send them to my publisher. She is a very clever person and a more experienced author as well. She'll shoot some of my ideas down while offering her suggestions. It is an iterative process that seems to work well for us.
What's your next step?
I'll keep writing, but I need to become more knowledgeable and active concerning the marketing of my books.
What book do you wish you'd written?
The Loo Sanction by Trevanian, or anything by Janet Evanovich.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
I enjoy it, good or bad. Everyone likes to see the good reviews and it makes you feel that your efforts are not wasted. On the other hand, the negative reviews tend to show you where you can improve.
FIND DOUGLAS' BOOK ON AMAZON
Apr 16, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Interviews
Today, we’re talking with J.G. Harlond about her book, Secret Meetings: A Bob Robbins Home Front Mystery.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I've hang-glided off Mont Blanc, and bred and trained Spanish horses.
Why do you write?
Some people play the piano; I write. For many years I wrote text books, then moved on to fiction. I now apply my work-day discipline and research skills to something more creative but no less demanding.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
After years of reading quality historical fiction, spy stories and classic crime, I began writing novels that included an element of each.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
Historical crime fiction requires serious background reading and research: I love it when I find something unexpected or little-known that would make a cracking story.
How would you describe your writing process?
I treat my writing like a normal job: I work at a desk and don't cut corners at the editing stage. I grew up hearing ‘If a job's worth doing, it's worth doing well.'
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Being an author can be lonely at times, and few people understand the hard work that goes into fiction, so it has been lovely to meet like-minded souls on-line. Fellow authors are also very supportive in the main; ‘sharing' and ‘liking' helps a lot in the current over-crowded book market.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Get started, stay focused, get finished. Always use a professional editor. Don't settle for second best in anything.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
I try out different titles with my beta readers (who are also authors). My self-published covers are by professional designers, who are willing to listen and tweak until we are both satisfied. I have almost no control over my traditionally published covers.
What's your next step?
I'm on the third draft of a new hist-fic novel, and the next Bob Robbins Home Front Mystery is at the thinking and planning stage in a bright new notebook.
What book do you wish you'd written?
Niccolò Rising by Dorothy Dunnett.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
Usually thrilled, sometimes astonished. Reviews generally say more about the reviewer than the book they (may not) have read.
FIND J.G. HARLOND'S BOOK ON AMAZON
VISIT J.G. HARLOND'S WEBSITE
