Debut Author Ellen Marie Wiseman

Ellen Marie Wiseman didn’t exactly choose a light period of history for her first novel “The Plum Tree.” In fact, I was a bit cautious when I saw a portion of the story takes place in the Nazi killing factory of Dachau. I’ve been there and experienced firsthand the overwhelming sadness exuding from the ground and very air visitors breathe. Then I read where the inspiration for “The Plum Tree” are the real-life experiences of Wiseman’s mother and grandfather, German citizens who had been caught up in events not of their making or support and just tried to survive while millions around them died. Suddenly, Wiseman’s novel took on a life beyond the pages. 

“The Plum Tree” is a romantic suspense tale set against the backdrop of WWII Germany, cleated boots on cobblestones, and the nightmare of the Nazis. The author isn’t afraid to grapple the horror of the period, and yet, at the same time, peels away the layers of fear and disparity to reveal a core of love and hope. The story itself is one of courage and promise as we follow Christine Bolz, a young German working for a wealthy Jewish family. The son, Isaac Bauerman, opens her eyes to a world of music, literature, and the magical beauty of love. This is the compelling story of Christine’s journey from innocence, to awareness, and, ultimately, to a voice that refuses to be silenced. 

Wiseman has captured the terror-ridden experiences of the era and interwoven a very believable love story through a combination of superb prose, attention to detail, and memorable characters. A wife, mother, and grandmother living on the shores of Lake Ontario in Three Mile Bay, NY, Ellen Wiseman is an author we’ll need to make room for on our bookshelves.

http://ellenmariewiseman.com/ 

Q) Most writers say they’ve been telling stories as long as they can remember. Still, there’s a huge canyon to cross from the comfort of anonymity to becoming published. What caused you to make the leap? 

A) Once I discovered my love of writing, I started daydreaming about being published. But making up stories was more of a hobby, a luxury I afforded myself whenever I had time. Then the idea for The Plum Tree came to me, and I knew it was the novel I had to write. From the very first paragraph, my intention was to try to get it published. I felt like it was a story that needed to be told. Thankfully, my dream came true! 

Q) Your personal world is changing as you learn how being an author isn’t a part-time job. It’s demanding and at times exhausting work, sweeping away the hours in a day like a clock ticks seconds. How have you prepared for the tours and conventions, as well as the time you need for writing, that will take you away from your husband and tranquil home life? 

A) I'm doing my best to keep a schedule, and that includes making time to do the things I've always done, like having people over for dinner and spending time with family. It would be easy to say I have too much on my to-do list, but those everyday things make me feel normal and recharge my batteries. As for tours and conventions, luckily, even though I love my tranquil home life, I love people too. I'm looking forward to getting out in the world, meeting readers, and talking about my book! 

Q) You have a rescued yellow lab as well as two Shih-Tzus. How did you and the lab meet? 

A) I've always had dogs, most of which were rescued in one way or another. Some were drop offs, some were given to me by friends who came across unwanted dogs. About nine years ago, my thirteen year-old beagle, Molly, died of cancer. I knew I needed to fill the hole in my heart and have always felt that people looking for a pet should go to the local pound or humane society first. I went to the county pound and met Sophie, a four year-old yellow lab, the day before she was supposed to be euthanized. There was an immediate connection between us. When I took her home, she was ecstatic, wagging her tail so hard it started to bleed. She's thirteen now, blind from diabetes, and I have to give her insulin twice a day. But she still looks and acts like a puppy. She's been one of the best dogs I've ever had. 

Q) How did your mother react when you told her you were writing a book inspired in part by her life? 

A) She was surprised because she doesn't think she's that interesting. But once I started asking more questions, I think she started to recognize how extraordinary her experiences were. When she read The Plum Tree, she said it was overwhelming, like reliving everything. I think it made her realize how strong she was, and still is. Unfortunately, her life after the war has been extraordinarily hard too. But she's really proud of me for getting my novel published, and it makes me beyond happy to bring some joy into her life. 

Q) We readers can be a finicky lot. You’ve debuted with a historical novel. Will your next book stay in the historical genre, or will you switch gears? 

A) I love history, so I think my novels will always have a touch of the past. Right now I'm working on a story that goes back and forth in time, from the mid 1990s to the late 1920s. I think fiction that incorporates history it a great way to ask ourselves how we would have reacted under challenging conditions, be it WWII or the Great Depression. 

Q) Any parting thoughts for potential readers and fans? 

A) I'm thrilled and honored to have The Plum Tree out in the world, and I hope everyone enjoys reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I know there are millions of books to chose from, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for picking mine. I hope The Plum Tree will remind everyone that although at times it may seem as though fate conspires to break us, our only true destiny is that which we create for ourselves. Also, one of the best parts of this journey is hearing from readers, so please write. I'd love to hear from you!

DA Kentner is the author of the award-winning novel Whistle Pass http://whistlepass.blogspot.com/

 

Transformational Leaders Dr. Judith Wright and Dr. Bob Wright

Dr. Judith and Dr. Bob Wright founded the Chicago-based Wright, a transformative education organization, and the Wright Foundation for Transformational Leadership. Traditional (transactional) leadership utilizes the concept of an exchange of effort (activity) for value (reward). Transformational leadership is designed to empower and develop the follower’s (employee/participant) interest and desire to achieve the organization’s (be it a business, family, or community) goals, thereby having a positive effect on the parties involved and, ultimately, the world around them. 

To this end, Wright provides ongoing education to empower the individual to live the most empowered and contributory life possible, and the Wright Foundation funds graduate research, leadership awards, educational loans and scholarships, as well as symposia in an attempt to promote forward-thinking performance, philosophy, and methodology. Key in both is the development of the individual and that person’s awareness of their role in the family, society, and business. Once that awareness and understanding is attained, the individual can begin to encourage and guide (lead) others toward setting, developing, and achieving imperative goals. 

While Wright has worked with participants from corporate giants including Microsoft, JP Morgan Chase, and Neiman Marcus, it is important to remember that the emphasis is on the individual and the benefit to be gained from inspiring and encouraging leadership within followers. 

“Transformed!: The Science of Spectacular Living” is a book co-written by the Wrights designed to bring the organization’s beliefs and methods into the home and, thusly, our daily lives. To be honest, I expected loads of unfamiliar jargon interspersed with complicated theories unfamiliar to me and a difficult reading experience. Was I ever wrong. What I found was an enjoyable learning experience centered on the very common ideal of turning idle dreams and ideas into reality. 

In “Transformed!,” the Wrights effectively turn self-improvement into an event that transcends business to sit at our kitchen table. Childhood development is likened to “watching the image of a photograph emerge during processing.” I loved that comparison. The authors openly discuss the differences in mental attitudes of children and adults in order for the reader to understand that the methods used to enhance growth must follow different paths. What’s good for the goose may be great for the gander, but the goslings require an entirely different mindset to promote change.

One area frequently glossed over in self-improvement books is the effect the individual’s transformation will have on those around them. Ideally, positive energy will elicit positive energy from others. That’s not always the case. Reality consists of the not-so-complimentary comment, “You’ve changed,” with the unspoken ending of “and not for the better.” The Wrights take great care to discuss how to handle these situations and use them to our benefit. The goal is leadership by developing the “self,” and leadership means leading, not leaving others behind. Whether the reader is interested in self, family, or business improvement, “Transformed!” is a book well worth your time.

http://www.wrightliving.com/transformed 

Q) Both of you are bestselling authors and life coaches. What do you believe “Transformed!” provides readers your other books don’t? 

A) We have developed our curriculum over time in response to research into customer desire and satisfaction. You could say that the programs developed organically as our clients and students were moving into their next area of focus and development. Our first books really focused on different components of those trainings. 

The in-depth research we conducted since then revealed and named the core process to all learning, development, and transformation. The process runs through and is the foundation of the other books, but wasn’t named and described specifically. For the first-time ever, we have put this core process into one book in a powerful but easy to understand way so that everyone can the fundamental process by which human beings learn, grow, and transform. This understanding has powerful impacts for not only breaking through persistent barriers in their lives but also being able to have the results they have longed for. 

Q) I always have to ask this question: Why should a working mother on a tight budget buy this book?

A) The tighter the budget, the more we need to squeeze out of every second—more productivity, care for the kids, enjoyment, and fulfillment. Transformed does this. 

And frankly, the same holds true for a non-budget focused executive or business owner, their time is valuable and they need to squeeze the most out of that time. 

Q) When you began writing “Transformed!,” who were your targeted readers, and did your own goals change as the book took life? 

A) It’s funny because, I think ‘target readers’ is where we always get stumped. We have segments of individuals who are very much attracted to what we do—business owners, young emerging professionals, boomers-in-transition—but when we look at the makeup of our courses, the individuals are so diverse. It’s not uncommon to have a high level executive sitting next to an artist sitting next to a single mom sitting next to a small business owner. Even the ages are diverse from 14 to 86 years old. 

Despite the remarkable success of all these different segments of students, certain students excelled even further. They transformed, but we did not know the secret to their success. We wanted to discover this to improve our teaching. The book followed. As we worked to report the results of the research, we were amazed by how it put into context everything from behavioral economics to positive psychology, neuroscience, and eudaimonics. 

So I don’t think we had target readers, demographically, when we started this book. What we did focus on was writing to the heart of the success we had experienced in the people whom we had met over many years. 

Q) In “Transformed!” you touch on the detriments of ‘overthinking.’ How dangerous is overthinking to a person’s attempts to expand their personal world? 

A) Analysis paralysis is a result of overthinking. We are built to balance thought and action—over-thinking is a sign of fear-oriented failure to move forward in life. 

Overthinking can literally stop any potential forward progress. It’s like sitting in your room thinking about what it would be to live a spectacular life vs. going out and doing it. Many of us use our thinking as a way to avoid doing. We are unconscious about how threatened we feel to making real change in our life and we use our smarts to justify it. We think once we really get it figured out then we’ll do something about it. But that’s not how learning works. True learning comes from trying and also from failing. 

Q) Many will say, “I’m happy with who I am.” How can a person be convinced to look beyond the comfort of routine and see the unexplored daily world around them? 

A) Human beings are built to progress, learn, grow, and transform. If we are honest with ourselves, the best result we could honestly declare is being satisfied with our progress. 

No high accomplishing human being has ever been happy with who they were. In fact, it is this divine dissatisfaction that drives high achievers and Transformers. Respecting one’s self and feeling fulfilled are much more compelling qualities. 

We’d be better off considering what brought the person to say “I’m happy with who I am”? Were they faced with a personal development opportunity? “I’m happy with who I am” is essentially a defensive statement, and the interesting opportunity is to see why we are orienting to that in the moment. Shakespeare addressed this in his comment “the lady doth protest too much”! 

Q) Any parting comments for those not familiar with your work? 

A) We are excited to share this discovery of the core process of learning and growing that leads to transformation. The way it brings together current and past research on human emergence is powerful and we are looking forward to hearing how others apply it.

DA Kentner is the author of the award-winning novel Whistle Pass http://whistlepass.blogspot.com/

 

Award-Winning Author Alan Chin

Books are categorized into “genres” for purposes of identifying the type of story or subject matter for readers. Well, that and so librarians and book sellers know what shelf to put the book on. And there lies the difficulty with author Alan Chin. 

Alan is one of a rare breed who instills literary artistry into everything he writes. Whether a historical, romance, or a story told just for the fun of it, Alan paints vivid images that float our imaginations into every scene. We hear the ocean’s waves, feel the breeze on our faces, smell the airborne brine. And when, as in the stirring novel “Simple Treasures,” a Shoshone Indian attempts to free a diseased man’s embittered soul, we share the pain and beauty of the moment. “Simple Treasures” exemplifies how a book may be classified as a ‘romance,’ but transcends the obvious and leads the reader on a journey of life’s magnificence and devastation amidst the characters’ self-discovery. 

Former Navy jet mechanic Alan worked for twenty years in the field of software engineering. He also obtained a degree in economics and a Masters in Creative Writing. After retiring, Alan decided to enjoy his hobbies of tennis, traveling, and writing. But for many authors, writing refuses to remain a hobby for long, and such was the case for Alan. He’s now poised to see his sixth novel “Daddy’s Money” published, with the seventh to follow in June 2013. 

“Daddy’s Money” is a complex contemporary tale of love threatened by family secrets. It is the story of sexual confusion, one man’s need to possess those around him regardless of the cost, and how what is right must sometimes be fought for against those we never viewed as our enemy. 

I need to mention “The Lonely War.” In this novel Alan takes on the military’s former stance of “don’t ask, don’t tell,” as well as enlisted/officer relationships, the horrors of a WWII Japanese POW camp, and the torturous extremes a person will submit to in order to protect those he loves, even at the risk of being branded a traitor to his country. This is a seriously good book. 

In all fairness, I’ll admit that not everyone may find Alan’s subject matter to their liking. However, anyone who enjoys literary eloquence, masterful storytelling, and tightly woven plots should definitely give an Alan Chin book a try.

http://alanchin.net/ 

Q) I have to ask, what inspired you to place “The Lonely War” in a POW camp and subject the lead character to such personal extremes? 

A) In TLW, my aim was to make a very personal statement about love relationships between men, affairs both plutonic and physical. To do that, I chose to juxtapose plutonic love (Andrew’s relationship with his commanding officer) with a passionate, physical love (Andrew’s affair with the commandant.) 

I chose a POW camp because that is one place where the military rules of behavior are turned on its head. Like “Brokeback Mountain,” the camp, Changi, was the one place where Andrew and Mitchell could express and explore their love for one another. It was also an environment so brutal that it would also test the extreme depths of their bond. Andrew swings from one lover to the other—like a pendulum—days with Mitchel and nights with Tattori. It is by this comparison, that I state my views on male love, which is to say, a rather heroic adoration. This is a story of love, idealistic, passionate, and also of brotherly love for comrades caught in a horrific situation. 

Q) With writing demanding so much of your time, how’s the tennis game? 

A) A few years ago I stopped playing amateur tournaments. It wasn’t a matter of time, so much as my old body slowing down. I simply can’t compete with these twenty-somethings anymore. These days, I get together with friends a few times a week for sociable games of doubles. I still enjoy the game as much as ever, perhaps more so that I’m no longer so competitive. 

I must admit, however, writing is a time-suck. No matter how much time and energy I devote to it, it always demands more. The better writer I become, the more difficult it is to write, and the more effort it takes to be satisfied with my work. I believe that is a curse for any artist’s life, no matter what the media. 

Q) At some point you made the decision to have your stories published. What was that deciding factor? 

A) Great question. I had three driving reasons for wanting to be published. The first was because I wanted to be taken seriously as a writer, and nobody I know grants unpublished writers any credibility. These days, even published writers have difficulty commanding respect from a reading public, let alone friends and family. 

The second reason had to do with a determination for excellence. You see, if I have no plans for publishing a manuscript, then I have no need to spend an extra six months of time and effort refining that story. Preparing a work for publication forces me that extra mile (it seems more like a million miles) to not only improve the manuscript, but also to develop my writing skills and grow as an artist. At the time, I needed that motivation to push myself and my work. I still need it. 

My last reason to be published was to share my work with a reading public. I am aware my stories are not for everyone, and that’s fine. But judging from the fan mail I have received, my stories have touched peoples’ lives and they seem to enjoy my work. There are few things more gratifying to a writer than knowing you have brought joy into a person’s life, that you have inflamed peoples’ imaginations. 

Q) In your work you tackle deep subjects such as moving on after loss, dual sexuality, the dangers of thwarting societal expectations, and many more. Though your stories explore love, you inspire the reader to examine the world with a fresh eye. In other words, you make us think. Why is this so important to you? 

A) Those are very kind words, and I’m grateful. For me, that is the point in writing. If it’s not important, if the characters are not struggling with deep issues that the readers can identify with, then why write it? That is what art does, it makes us evaluate our life, our reality, and our dignity as human beings, and hopefully it shines a light on our values and goals and moral behavior. It is through art that we learn to live meaningful lives. 

And you hit on exactly why fiction can do this. It puts the reader (and the writer) in an alien situation so that they can experience these life concerns from a different perspective, new eyes. That is the power and beauty of storytelling. 

Q) When the time comes to lay down your pen, how do you hope your work will be remembered? 

A) I’ll be happy if it is remembered. ;) But seriously, my goal is to tell unforgettable stories featuring unforgettable characters. If I can do that, then I will bring pleasure to readers. That is how I would like my work to be remembered, as a collection of stories that are a pleasure to read. If they also inspire readers to question their reality, that’s the icing. 

Q) Any parting thoughts for fans and potential new readers? 

A) Yes. If you read a book that you really enjoy, please take the time and effort to email the author and let them know what you thought of their work. Nothing encourages writers as much as hearing from an appreciative reader. We spend many months, sometimes years, creating work for you to enjoy. So please take a few minutes to lookup the author’s website and leave a message. It really means the world to us. 

Also, if anyone should care to read more about me or my work, I have a website http://alanchin.net/ and a writer’s blog http://alanchinwriter.blogspot.com/ Please look me up.

DA Kentner is the author of the award-winning novel Whistle Pass. http://whistlepass.blogspot.com/

 

 

Bestselling Fiction Author Sara York

Sara York is a writing machine. The woman produces book after book, and every single one of them a quality tale worthy of reader attention. In fact, it isn’t unusual to find her stories located in one or more Top One Hundred bestselling categories on Amazon.com. With such a strong readership and following, it would be easy for Sara to settle into a comfort zone and focus on one style of writing or genre. But Sara is a writer not content to limit her interests. 

Residing in the southern U.S. with her family and dogs, Sara began her writing career as Sara Thacker during her first pregnancy and a break from her job in statistics. She soon discovered the passion dwelling inside her for storytelling and hasn’t looked back. While Sara’s books cover a broad range of reader interest, we’ll focus on a few of her thrillers. 

“Red Skhye” is an exciting story set on what should be an island paradise. Unfortunately for Delanie Skhye, paradise becomes a serial killer’s hunting grounds, and her life may well depend on an embittered cop dealing with his own problems of a philandering wife bent on finding her own version of bliss. In this story, Sara’s strong prose pulls the reader into each scene and detail, creating a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. “Red Skhye” offers readers a fresh take on suspense and the pleasure of the south seas. 

“Murder Stalks” presents a unique situation all its own. Tired of being alone, Detective Tony Santos’s wife Marissa leaves him. What Tony couldn’t have anticipated is the dead body filling the empty spot in their bed. A killer has left a calling card of death, and a clear indicator Marissa is on the ever-growing list of homicides the detective is being pressured to stop. Somehow, Tony has to find a murderer while protecting the woman he loves who wants nothing to do with him. Marissa on the other hand needs to prove to herself she can stand on her own, and Tony’s raw energy and passion to keep her safe isn’t helping to keep her sensual interests in check. Meanwhile, a killer has plans to make Marissa his crowning achievement. 

Whether readers enjoy romance, suspense, humor, or dramatic thrillers, Sara York has a story waiting.

http://sarayork.com/sarayork/ 

Q) The obvious question: Why do you write in a variety of genres? 

A) I think it's in part because of ADHD. Really. I think in multiple genres with random burst of inspiration. I live in visually rich environment, on the beach, just south of Parris Island, there's love, intrigue, excitement and even the possibility for a little bit of paranormal activity. Inspiration is all around me and when I get an idea, it swirls for a while and comes out. Thrillers are my deepest love in writing. No matter how random my ideas get, thoughts of danger are always at the back of my mind, trying to twist the stories into a fast paced action adventure with guns, murder and a good guy to save the day. 

Q) Being so prolific, how do you keep your stories and characters fresh and original? 

A) I hope they are fresh and original. I know some of my themes this year are a bit more on the 'put the character through the wringer' type of stuff, but that will change because I feel a comedy coming on. One thing I love to do is people watch. I also have been known to eavesdrop a little. I pay attention to what goes on around me and I think about what separates one person from another and how does that relate to my characters. There are so many different possibilities and when you throw in the randomness of life, your characters are unique. 

Q) I’m curious: Why did you change from Sara Thacker to Sara York, and did this cause any problems for your many fans? 

A) It really was out of laziness. I'm switching my name slowly from Sara Thacker to Sara York so I don't have to maintain two identities. It's exhausting trying to be two people in the public eye. I believe my non-erotic readers can figure out which of my Sara York novels are non-erotic by reading the blurb. Many of my erotic readers had no idea I had thrillers and once I started the switch over, they were excited to find a different side of my writing, one filled with excitement and danger. 

Q) Bowing to your success with romance novels, what do you think you bring readers that sets your stories apart from the pack? 

A) Mark Twain says it best—There is no such thing as a new idea. I hope that I make my characters interesting enough, my action fast enough, and my plot thick enough that the reader finds some entertainment. Creating characters with many facets is key to creating a good story. The deeper you make your character, the better the story becomes. When I flesh out a novel, or a series, I have a questionnaire for each character. It's long, in depth and much of what I come up with for my character will never show up in print, but the background is thick with details. It's the little idiosyncrasies that create believable characters which in turn makes them unique and gets the reader to cheer for them, hoping for a good out come in desperate situations. I believe that's what makes a difference in my writing. 

Q) Any parting thoughts for your fans and those yet to read your work? 

A) I love my fans and love hearing from them. It's overwhelming sometimes, like when I kill off a favorite character, but all of the notes, even the ones from fans yelling because they couldn’t believe what I made my characters do, are good to get. If you haven't read my work, Murder Stalks is a good place to start. It's my first published book, the one that started it all for me. I hope you enjoy the thrill.

DA Kentner is the author of the award-winning novel Whistle Pass. http://whistlepass.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

 

Award-winning Author Lois Greiman

 Lois Greiman was born on a North Dakota cattle ranch. After graduating high school, she opted for the ‘southern’ clime of Minnesota to train and show Arabian horses. Since that time she’s raised three children and written stories in numerous genres, including romance (humor, contemporary, historical, paranormal), children’s, and mysteries. She’s also amassed a list of awards and honors for her storytelling abilities. And certainly, with past jobs as a high fashion model, veterinary assistant, and fitness instructor, Greiman has a wealth of her own experiences to draw from for inspiration.  

Readers may be familiar with Greiman’s cocktail waitress turned psychologist character Chrissy McMullen who has starred in a number of humorous mysteries, the latest of which is “Uncorked.” In “Uncorked,” Chrissy’s on and off again romantic interest Jack Rivera is the chief murder suspect, and Chrissy is determined to clear his name in spite of the position and female company she last saw him in. 

Now, “Finding Home: A Hope Springs Novel” is being released this month. In this story Greiman melds her humorous side and equestrian knowledge with the touching tale of Casie Carmichael. Casie has to return to Hope Springs, SD, to sell her family’s broken down ranch, unaware that every orphaned animal and troubled child in the area seems to be waiting for her, along with a former beau not so convinced her practical in every way fiancé should become her groom. “Finding Home” is aptly titled as that’s just what readers should experience; a sense of warmth only a real home can provide. Pick up a copy. I think you’ll be glad you did.

http://www.loisgreiman.com/ 

Q) Obviously, we don’t need to strain our eyes to see the similarities between you and Casie. Why did you choose this story (Finding Home) to parallel so many facets of your life? 

A) Farm life is a big part of who I am and horses have always been good for my soul. So I thought it was time for me to put those two aspects together in a way that (I hope) is meaningful to me as well as to readers. Finding Home is a ranch story, but I think it's more than that. It's a story about hope and hardship and the invincibility of good. I think we all need a little of that right now. 

Q) Your story settings span warrior Scots to London witches to pirate lords, and now you’ve taken us to contemporary South Dakota. What era and locale is your favorite to use for your endless menagerie of characters? 

A) The wonderful thing about fiction is that I don't have to choose a favorite. I can live in all those places and enjoy every one of them to the fullest. But I have to say, the Black Hills of South Dakota is a spiritual place for me, somewhere I return to time and again with my family and my horses. 

Q) You claim to love happy ever after endings, but haven’t given Chrissy McMullen and Jack Rivera theirs yet. Why not? 

A) Chrissy isn't the kind of person who will ever be entirely happy. She makes far too many problems for herself and wouldn't be content any other way. Besides, I'm having too much fun with her and Rivera to give them any kind of tranquility! 

Q) In a 2007 interview, you mentioned that you first decided to write mysteries when your sons moved out of the house. You also once said how you didn’t start writing seriously until after your children were born. Just how influential have the changes in your life been on your writing career? 

A) Extremely influential. For instance, my first granddaughter was just born a few months ago and suddenly all my fictional characters seem to be pregnant. Look out Chrissy McMullen!! 

Q) You have said you would like to write a literary story. Though clearly a romance, “Finding Home” does embrace a literary element with its masterful characterization and fluid prose. Will we see you venture into women’s fiction in the near future? 

A) Firstly, thank you for your kind words. 'Masterful characterization’ –wow! But, is Finding Home really a romance? I think of it as women's fiction. While it does have romantic elements, that's not the main thrust of the story. To me, Finding Home is the story of a young woman trying to find her place in the world. 

Q) Any parting comments for fans and readers new to your work? 

A) I'd like to say thank you for picking up one of my novels and for giving me the opportunity to flex my literary muscles in so many different genres! It's an honor to be able to tell lies for a living.

DA Kentner is the author of the acclaimed suspense novel Whistle Pass http://whistlepass.blogspot.com/

 

 

 

Psychic, Medium Matthew Fraser

Matthew “Matt” Fraser is a “2012 best Esteemed Psychic in America,” was named a “Psychic Superstar” by OM Times Magazine, has appeared on numerous talk radio shows, and is internationally known for his abilities, as well as being a truly nice person with a warm sense of humor. Basically, Matt’s one of the nice guys who also gives his time and support to Forever Paws Animal Shelter (foreverpaws.com) and the New Hampshire Cultural Diversity Awareness Council. He also wrote a book. 

“The Secrets to Unlocking Your Psychic Ability” is an ebook which I found priced at $2.99 on Amazon.com. “Secrets” is an easy to read and understand book designed to aid readers in exploring their own psychic abilities. Included are many exercises, tools, and techniques that can be utilized on a daily basis to help people enrich their lives. Will a reader be able to talk to their dearly departed ancestors in three easy lessons? No. This isn’t a hocus pocus magic wand or medicine sideshow snake oil guaranteeing anything other than an offering of assistance and guidance to those interested in searching inside themselves and connecting with threads of awareness and conscience they believe to already be there. One thing is for certain: Matt’s writing is clear and enjoyable, and many readers will walk away with a new outlook on the world around and ahead of them. 

Matt attributes his abilities to his mother and grandmother, a Native American “seer.” Thousands of people from all around the globe have had lingering questions answered by Matt and many continue to utilize his talents long after their initial meeting. If you have ever wondered if you have an inner ability to connect with the unseen, or simply want to enhance and take advantage of the intuition most of us believe we have, “The Secrets to Unlocking Your Psychic Ability” may well be a book you should read.

http://www.meetmattfraser.com 

Q) Most people have experienced a déjà vu moment at some point in their life. Do you believe, as some do, that déjà vu is a window to inner awareness or a parallel to psychic abilities? If not, why not? 

A) Definitely. We have all experienced that moment of deja vu where we feel that we have either been at that same place at a given point of time or that we had met that same person before and just could not remember. This is our intuitive psychic ability stepping in and showing us that we in fact have seen this before and we are in the right place and in fact right on track. It reminds us that we are right where we need to be or that the person we just shook hands with is someone that we are supposed to have met and will bring us into a new positive opportunity within our life. Deja vu reminds us that we are constantly tapping in and out of the spiritual world and that we also have access to universal information. 

Q) How important do you believe your Native American heritage is to your psychic abilities? 

A) I believe it is very important, one because Native Americans are very spiritual people and two because heritage can play a huge role in psychic abilities. Everyone is intuitive /psychic or has abilities to some degree, but those families who embrace it more have strong connections with their abilities and it is passed down to future generations. Having psychic abilities run so strong on both sides of the family and it enabled my gift to be discovered a lot earlier in my life and allowed me to truly embrace it and familiarize myself with it instead of keeping it hidden. Not only was this gift present way back through my great grandmother it was also embraced by my grandmother on my mother’s side who also was a psychic medium. She would read for friends and family during the day by sharing messages from loved ones in heaven and also used it to help those around her find guidance in everyday life. I also use this same gift of connecting those here in the physical with those in spirit on a day to day basis. It is such an honor to see the love, joy and hope that these messages bring. 

Q) Why should someone like me who has never really sought to explore any psychic potential buy your book? 

A) Great Question! The reason being is because your intuition- psychic ability is a powerful tool that you carry with you that you can use to improve your life in just about any category. Your psychic ability allows you to use your intuition to not only know more about yourself but also to feel situations before they happen that can help you find the positive outcome in many situations. Developing your own psychic abilities will help you to life a more positive and fulfilling life by seeing or feeling beyond the obvious to the underlying connections know those around you on a deeper level, and also appreciating all the good and positive opportunity that we have to look forward to in our life. 

Q) Of course, there are those with no interest in this topic whatsoever as well as firm believers. For those on the fence, where should they look first to decide if they should accept psychic ability as reality? 

A) They should first take a look at their own experiences that had occurred in their lives. We have all had our intuition talk to us at one point or another in our life as a hunch, a feeling knowingness. Maybe you knew not to go out on a certain night and you did which resulted in a flat tire or you thought that you were going to get a promotion at work and that week it was given to you. The signs are all around us, take a look at some of those experiences that you just cannot explain, you will see that your intuition was at work guiding you. 

Q) You are in constant motion and demand. What do you do to relax and recharge? 

A) Prayer, meditation and good friends are the best ways that helps me to relax and recharge. Being able to collect my thought through a quick meditation before speaking to large groups helps. Also I pray every day. It connects me to a state of peaceful calm, and helps me stay centered while energizing my thinking from previous sessions. 

Q) Any parting thoughts for your fans and those not familiar with you? 

A) Start increasing your attention on your spiritual journey. It is a wonderful ability that is available for you to use and many find it has helped increase their positive thinking and closeness with others. Pay attention to your hunches. Start writing down your dreams. Just pay a bit more attention to how you feel around people and situations. Personally, I found it a gift that once I began to accept and develop has evolved and allowed me to connect with others and bring messages of love from the departed on the other side. It only takes a minute of your time to take hold of this amazing ability. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

DA Kentner is the author of the acclaimed suspense novel Whistle Pass. http://whistlepass.blogspot.com/

 

Attorney/Author Samuel Bearman

This interview is more an attempt to educate than learn about an author and his or her work. Flooding and the accompanying intricacies and pitfalls of insurance coverage leave many folks wondering if they are covered or if they should be covered. Samuel Bearman and Dennis Abbott wrote a book titled “Your Guide to Handling Flood Insurance Claims.” 

Mr. Bearman is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Duke University and has been practicing law for over twenty years. 

“Flood Insurance Claims” isn’t a voluminous legal masterpiece sure to confuse the reader. In fact, the book consists of three chapters. The authors kept the number of pages to a minimum, opting for quality and comprehension in their message. And, bless their hearts, the language is in lay terms even I can understand. 

Bearman and Abbott walk the reader through flood insurance; from what kind a property owner should have, to how to obtain it, to what information/documentation must be kept and provided to successfully file a claim. Bearman, along with Dana Oberhausen, also wrote “Your Guide to Understanding Florida Personal Injury Law.” 

So, if you’ve ever had questions about flood insurance, maybe “Your Guide to Handling Flood Insurance Claims” is a book you should check out.

http://www.bearmanlaw.com/ 

Q) The first questions I think most folks will have are how much of the information you have compiled is available through other sources, and why should we buy your book? 

A) The general information contained in the first chapter can be found at various FEMA websites and from FEMA/NFIP publications. We have taken information from all these sources and have organized it into a simplified explanation of the important terms and conditions of the flood insurance program. Chapter Two addresses flood claims from a legal perspective and we know of no other publication which attempts to do this. Finally, there is a useful FAQ section in Chapter Three which answers the most common questions relating to flood insurance. 

Q) On the first page you point out that the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which is now a part of the Dept. of Homeland Security, and that the federal government will make flood insurance available to a community if certain steps are taken by that community. To some people, that chain of involvement won’t sit comfortably. How intricate is government involvement to a homeowner just trying to insure the property they’ve worked hard to own? 

A) Buying flood insurance is as simple as contacting your local insurance agent. The same agent who provides you with car and homeowners's insurance can usually sell you flood insurance. 

Q) In the book you list several important forms flood victims will need to file claims. How important is it that a homeowner have specific ‘to the letter’ forms? 

A) A flood policy has strict filing requirements and requires specific information when making a claim. Forms have been developed by FEMA which incorporate these requirements. It is very important to use these forms. These forms will usually be furnished by the adjuster. However, the forms are provided as a courtesy only and if not provided, the policyholder has the responsibility of providing the appropriate information. 

Q) To protect themselves in the event of flooding, what documentation should a property owner either not have stored on site or have duplicated in a secondary safe location? 

A) Obviously, any documentation relating to ownership and value of the property is important is resolving your claim. "Before" pictures of your house and contents are invaluable in settling your claim. You should always keep a current inventory of your personal property. Make sure these documents are kept in a safe and dry place. 

Q) What is the greatest pitfall homeowners need to be aware of when purchasing flood insurance? 

A) Be sure to discuss the realistic replacement cost of your property with your agent in deciding on how much insurance to purchase. Many policyholders are underinsured. Be sure to protect your equity in your property and also purchase a sufficient amount to obtain the greatest benefit under the policy. 

Q) Vehicles and boats are not covered under most flood insurance policies. What kind of policy would provide coverage for these in the event of flood damage? 

A) Your car and boat policies usually cover flood damage but make sure you discuss this with your agent. Not all policies are the same and flood exclusions are common. 

Q) My curious question: Flood insurance carriers have received a bad rap due to recent disasters and stories of nonpayment. Do recovery odds actually increase when a homeowner hires an attorney, and, how can most folks afford an attorney when they’ve just lost everything? 

A) A flood policy has critical deadlines and requirements and if not met, an otherwise valid claim will be denied. A policyholder not only needs an attorney, they need an attorney with experience in handling flood claims. Most attorneys will work on a "contingency" basis and will be entitled to a fee only if additional payment is obtained. 

Q) Any parting comments? 

A) Flood insurance claims are handled the same way in every state because this is a federal program. The procedure in the State of Washington is the same as the procedure in the State of Florida. If we can help with any questions, particularly regarding flood damage from Hurricane Sandy, just let us know.

DA Kentner is the author of the acclaimed suspense novel Whistle Pass http://whistlepass.blogspot.com/