Meet Author Melanie Robertson-King. . .no foolin'!

Greetings readers, authors and friends of JLB Creatives. We're glad you stopped by - no foolin'! 

You have the chance to meet the fabulous author Melanie Robertson-King (pictured left). She will "wow" your socks off for sure! 

But first...

JLB Creatives Executive Team will be appearing at the UCF Book Festival coming up April 13, 2013. Details coming next week! 

And now...on with the show!

I had the opportunity to interview author Melanie Robertson-King. I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I did.

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Thanks for hosting me today, Janet. Before I get into answering your questions I have an April 1^st story to share. I think the readers will get a kick out of it. So if you’ll give me a few minutes of indulgence, I’ll tell it.

You are so very welcome. It is our pleasure to have you here. And I would love nothing more than to hear your story! Go ahead...the page is all yours. 

My father was raised at The Orphan Homes of Scotland (he wasn’t an orphan but that’s another story altogether) some fifteen or so miles west of Glasgow. Years later, I got involved with a group of descendants of “Home Children” from this organization and we held a number of reunions here in Canada to celebrate the resilience and perseverance these young children showed. I keep a website within my own dedicated to this organization which you can find here. http://bit.ly/11qAcQY

Fast forward to April 1^st, 1999 and an e-mail from the then chairperson of the organization – now known as Quarriers (after the founder) and one of Scotland’s biggest charities whose mission now is children and adults with disabilities and is still one of the foremost centres for the treatment of epilepsy. The Princess Royal (Queen Elizabeth’s daughter, Anne) is coming to dedicate one of the cottages in the village and we would love for you and your husband to be there. In addition to this e-mail invitation, they offered to pay my airfare PLUS our accommodations at the bed and breakfast located there.

My first reaction was “Yeah, right. Mean trick, guys.” But it was legit! How cool is that? So after undergoing a security check by MI-5 to ensure we were safe to meet the Princess and getting briefed on protocol, we received our “official” invitation in the mail and on June 3^rd, hubby and I schmoozed with Royalty!

Here’s the link to this once in a lifetime trip… http://www.melanierobertson-king.com/scotland1999.html

Now THAT'S one great story! Yeah, if you hadn't have said something I would have thought you were being fooled too. All right - with that said, are you ready for some questions?

I sure am. . .let's go!

Let’s say you’re thinking about going on once in a life time vacation…how exciting! What are some of the places you’d consider, and what would you do while you’re there?

Well, there would be a couple of places – Paris being one of them. I went for a week in 2003 but would love to go again and this time with my husband. After spending time there, take the high speed train to London and go through the chunnel. Once in the UK, work our way through there to Scotland visiting family and friends along the way… and stone circles, and castle ruins, and whisky distilleries, all the while making notes and taking loads of pictures. You just never know what might end up in a book sometime down the road.

The phone just rang – it’s a movie deal for your book! Holy cow – they’ve left it up to you as to where you want them to film on location, and who will play the starring role…we can’t stand the suspense. Where and who is it?

I’d have to pick myself up off the floor first and would likely babble incoherently at first from the shock. But once I got my wits about me, my movie would have to be filmed in Scotland – Aberdeenshire where my novel is set since my Scottish heritage is so important to me.

The actors playing my main characters would also have to be Scottish. So for the role of Sarah Shand, I would choose Shirley Henderson, who played Isobel Sutherland on the TV series Hamish MacBeth and played Jude in the Bridget Jones movies.

For Robert, it would be John Hannah who starred in Four Weddings and a Funeral, Rebus and MacCallum and many other programs/movies.

A zealous fan approaches your book signing table and wants to know everything there is to know about writing a book…right now! There’s a long line of fans waiting, and you only have a few seconds…what one thing would tell them to encourage them to become a writer?

Read, read and read some more.

What book or books are you currently working on? Can we expect a new release soon?

I’m currently working on the second book in my “Shadows” series, tentatively called Shadows from her Past. I don’t think it will be released as soon as everyone would like but I am over 38k words into it and the ending has been written… I just have to get there.

Here’s the basic blurb for it: Sarah, bereft after being transported back to the present, finds herself in possession of knowledge that could change the course of history, should she use it. Will she remain in her time and let history run its course or find a way back to the past to save the man she loves?

Time for dinner! No, no, no, we’re not cooking – we’re going out. So…where’s your favorite place to throw down some good food with friends and family? And even more so, what do you recommend from the menu?

I’ve got a couple of places here in town that I really like. First is Luna Pizzeria. I love their souvlaki and Greek salad. The other place I enjoy is within walking distance of my house. Tandoori Mint – an Indian restaurant that has fantastic food. They have a menu or buffet and I much prefer the buffet because I can sample a little bit of everything. I happen to love Indian food. The first time I ever had it was in Scotland in 1999 on our schmoozing with Royalty trip.  

What kind of animals, birds, or fish do you like best? Do you have any pets - how many do you have – and what are their names?

I currently have a dog (inherited from my daughter). He’s a cross between a black and tan hound, shepherd and lab whose name is Jake. I jokingly call him the dog with the $1000 ear but truth be told it’s likely closer to $2000 or more. Poor boy is subject to chronic ear problems because of his long floppy ears. So between ear drops and sometimes oral antibiotics and steroids, surgery to remove polyps from his ear canal and another surgery just before Christmas 2011 because he’d ruptured all the blood vessels in his ear flap… this is all the same ear, too. You see why I call him what I do.

We all love stories – especially yours! Would you be willing to give the readers a synopsis of your current book?

When a contemporary teen is transported back through time to the Victorian era, she becomes A Shadow in the Past…

Nineteen-year-old Sarah Shand finds herself thrust back into the past. There she struggles to keep her real identity from a society that finds her comments and ideas strange and her speech and actions forward, unlike Victorian women. When Sarah verbally confronts confining social practices, including arranged marriages; powerful enemies commit her to a lunatic asylum. After falling in love with the handsome Laird of Weetshill, Robert Robertson, she must decide whether to find her way back to her own time or to remain in the past with him.

Who is your favorite character that you have created? Tell us about him or her and why you are so fond of them.

A little girl named Jenny. She wasn’t in the early drafts of A Shadow in the Past but one day she popped into my head and she became a key player in the novel and brought out the nurturing, protective instincts in Sarah that she didn’t know she had.

If you could cure something in this world, what would it be?

Cancer. I’ve lost too many friends and family members to this odious disease. A Shadow in the Past is dedicated to a friend who lost her battle with it.

Do you create and design your own book covers?

I don’t design them but my publisher allows input into the cover design. For A Shadow in the Past, I had to give a full physical description of my main character and a scene that I thought was key to the book. Then talented artist, Aidana WillowRaven went to work and designed my gorgeous cover.

If you could spend a day with an author, who would it be? And of course we’ve got to know why.

Bram Stoker. I want to find out straight from the horse’s mouth (so to speak) if it was Cruden Bay in Scotland or Whitby in England that was the real inspiration behind his writing Dracula. Both places claim to be the inspiration. Both have rugged cliffs with ruins at the top – Slains Castle in Scotland, Whitby Abbey in England. I prefer to think Scotland, but then I’m biased. *grin*

Where can we find your book(s)?

From my publisher - 4RV Publishing: http://4rvpublishingcatalog.yolasite.com/robertson-king.php

Online in Canada at Amazon.ca and Chapters Indigo

In the US at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com

And in the UK at Amazon.co.uk 

My blog, Celtic Connexions, gets the most attention these days so I’ll give you that link. http://www.melanierobertson-king.com/wp02/

FACEBOOK PAGE: Melanie Robertson-King – Author https://www.facebook.com/pages/Melanie-Robertson-King/221018701298979

TWITTER HANDLE: @RobertsoKing

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Thanks so much for being here Melanie - your interview is going to be the highlight of the week here on JLB Creatives Blog! 

So fans - it's your turn now, be sure to share this post with your friends and family. Let them know the JLB Creatives Blog is one of the best when it comes to showcasing authors from around the globe! 

Until next week - stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me. 

Your Blog Host:

Author Janet Beasley

(Be sure to check out the new page on the blog, 

Meet Your Blog Host, that is if you'd like to find out more about what 

makes this creative genius tick!)

Meet Childrens Author Jo Linsdell

Welcome fabulous fans and followers!

This week we are featuring the fabulous

children's author Jo Linsdell.

We were so thrilled when we landed an interview with her as we know

just how busy this talented literary genius is!

We're certain you'll enjoy catching a glimpse of one of 

the best in business. . .

Please welcome, author Jo Linsdell

Janet: We're so glad you found the time to be with us. I promise, we won't keep you long...only ten great questions we're dying to know the answers too. Is that good?

Jo: It sure is! Thanks for having me. And just so you know, I'll make time to be on the JLB Creatives Blog anytime you want to feature me. 

Janet: Honored at that for sure. So, let's get down to business. . .

What book or books are you currently working on? Can we expect a new release soon?

I'm working on several books at the moment. Two non fiction; The Writers and Authors Guide to Social Media and Virtual Book Tours. Plus two children's picture books The Bedtime Book and the first book in The Adventures of Nappo and Lollo series, Where's Lollo?

Hopefully my next release date will be late Spring.

Janet: I'd like to add this great bunch of info regarding Jo's book: 

Fairy May dreams of one day becoming a tooth fairy but she struggles at school and always seems to get things wrong. With hard work and determination she prepares for her test. Will she realise her dream and become a tooth fairy?

Release Date: 

1st February 2013

Product details:

 Paperback: 32 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1481951424

ISBN-13: 978-1481951425

Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.1 inches

Time for dinner! No, no, no, we’re not cooking – we’re going out. So…where’s your favorite place to throw down some good food with friends and family? And even more so, what do you recommend from the menu?

Jo: I love sushi. It's strange before I had kids I couldn't stand fish. Just the sight of it would churn my stomach but now it's my favourite thing to eat. Weird how pregnancy changes your tastes. Anyway definitely sushi. Anything with salmon would be top of my list.

Chocolate or vanilla?

Chocolate

  

Dogs or cats?

Dogs (I'm allergic to cats)

We all love stories – especially yours! Would you be willing to give the readers a synopsis of your current book?

Fairy May dreams of one day becoming a tooth fairy but she struggles at school and always seems to get things wrong. With hard work and determination she prepares for her test. Will she realise her dream and become a tooth fairy?

 Creativity. Where does yours come from? This is something writers are asked about much of the time.  Would you be so kind as to elaborate on where you get your ideas and what sparks your creativity?

I get a lot of inspiration from my kids. Playing together or watching them play with each other, watching cartoons and reading books.

Love and romance, paranormal, epic fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, thriller, drama, and the list goes on. Where do your books fall as far as genre and reading audience?

Children's picture story books, pre-school and early readers

  

What are your favorite genres of books to read, and what are your favorite genres of books to write?

I have very varied tastes when it comes to both reading and writing. My favourite genres to read though would be suspense/thriller (especially crime) and chick lit.

As for writing I love working on children's books but also non-fiction. It would be hard to pick one over the other.

Social media has become a part of being an author. What are your 3 best tips of the trade for upcoming authors when it comes to building their social media platform?

1) Quality over quantity. Social media isn't a competition of most followers. What counts is the connection you build with the people that follow you. Interactions are far more important than a number to boast about.

2) Let your personality shine through. People want to connect with YOU.

3) Make sure you're giving people a reason to follow you. You need to think about it from the readers point of view. What do you offer? Why should they follow you?

For the first time in your writing career someone recognizes you as their favorite author, in public. Would you panic? Smile and bask in the moment? Blush and walk away? Invite them for coffee and cupcakes? Scream? Run? Faint?

Whenever this happens I smile and thank them. It's always nice to get a compliment. I also make sure they know my website and invite them to connect with me via my social media channels so we can get to know each other better.

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Again, we're so glad Jo was able to stop by. Wasn't she fun? Now, check out all these great places around the web you can find Jo and her books, as well as at upcoming events. Be sure and tell her you found her on the JLBC Blog!

WEBSITE OR BLOG ADDRESS:

www.JoLinsdell.com

Purchasing links:

Amazon

Createspace

Barnes and Noble

Video trailer:

http://youtu.be/wAGUrj7o_Ks

About the author: Jo Linsdell is a best selling author and illustrator, award winning blogger and freelance writer. Originally from the UK, she now lives in Rome, Italy with her husband and their two young sons.

Author website: www.JoLinsdell.com

Social Media Links:

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

LinkedIn

YouTube

Goodreads

Amazon

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We hope you enjoyed Jo. Next week we will be featuring the amazing

author Melanie Roberts-King, and she's prepared to be featured

on April Fool's Day!

Did I mention she's fun, entertaining, a super author and a generally all around

great person...on if only the world had more Melanie's :)

Until next week,

Stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me!

Your Blog Host

Author Janet Beasley

Meet Author Andrew Marr

Welcome fans of JLB Creatives. 

We're so glad you stopped by this week. 

We've got tons in store for 2013!

JLBC, AIP (Authors In The Park Event Series), and Lit Wits Schedule:

AIP Event 

Spring Into Art ~ The Gallery Walk

Renaissance Bldg in Mt. Dora, Florida

April 13

2:30p - 4:00p  and 6:00p-8:00p

JLBC Executive Team Exhibit Booth

Books, Lit Wit Session Sign-Ups, Autographs, Paraphernalia, and more! 

UCF Book Festival

April 13 - UCF Orlando, Florida

10:00a - 4:00p

JLBC Executive Team Exhibit Booth

Learn about Lit Wit Sessions and AIP from our experts

Silver Springs Green Festival

Silver Springs Amusement Park

April 18 - 19

9:00a - 5:00p

AIP Event

Picnic with the Authors

Gilbert Park

Mount Dora, Florida

July 6

11:00a - 1:00p

Lit Wits Sessions
Typically the last Saturday of the month starting with
Saturday April 27, 2013

That should be enough to keep you going for a bit - but wanted to get these dates to you so you can mark your calendar and invite your friends to these outstanding appearances.

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Now, on with the show. This week we are featuring the wonderful author

Andrew Marr.

"A Benedictine monk in the Episcopal Church who writes fantasy fiction? How did that happen?"

We certain you're gonna love his story, and will want to snap up his books after reading this feature.

St. Benedict in Fairy Land

by Andrew Marr

A Benedictine monk in the Episcopal Church who writes fantasy fiction? How did that happen? The short answer is: God knows. As for myself, all I can say is that the fantastical has always fascinated me and matters of faith have always been a consuming interest. The first two books to have my name written in them were that tales of Hans Christian Andersen and Grimm’s fairy tales. I started writing fantasy stories as a child and I haven’t stopped since. My religious journey took many twists and turns during my youth, including detours in Hinduism and Buddhism, although I consistently believed that religion dealt with the most important things in life. This journey led me back to the Episcopal Church in which I was raised and then to St. Gregory’s Abbey in Three Rivers, Michigan.

Another interest that caught me and has never let me go is music. Singing in a high quality church choir as a boy introduced me to great choral masterpieces and music has been woven into my religious interests ever since. These days, I sing plainsong in the monastic church and listen to music of all kinds in my spare time. Along with my religious convictions, music is a major strand in many of my stories.

Another swirl running through all of these major interests is a concern for peace and for alternatives to violence. In my stories and other writings, seeking peace within oneself and, more important, within social relationships, has become one of the major themes I deal with. Tools for Peace engages in a dialogue between the Rule of St. Benedict and the thought inspired by René Girard, a thinker preoccupied with the social dimensions of violence while my stories take the reader through enchanted but sometimes troubling pathways in search of visions of peace.

I suppose I could sum up my outlook in life as: Saint Benedict in Fairyland. In their various ways, St. Benedict and fairy tales combine an earnest moral and spiritual drive with a delight in God’s goodness. For me, monastic discipline and the freedom of the fantastical imagination reinforce each other. Both my religious writings and my stories witness to my conviction that, contrary to the violence humans perpetrate, God has created a friendly universe grounded in God’s love for all of us.

Andrew's blog is called "Imaginary Visions of True Peace" and is located at http://andrewmarrosb.wordpress.com

Andrew's Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-Marr/359275597487643

Andrew's Twitter handle is AndrewMarr@AndrewMarrOSB

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We'll see you next week when we feature the outstanding 

children's author Jo Linsdell.

~ Until then, stay casual, live life to the fullest, and have a piece of chocolate for me ~

Your Blog Host

Author Janet Beasley

Meet Nancy A. Kaiser

Welcome all you great and wonderful peeps!

We're so thrilled you stopped by. This week we had the priveledge of interview Author Nancy A. Kaiser.

I think you're going to have as much fun reading the interview, as I did interviewing her. She's an amazing animal lover with tons to share!

So, without further ado, 

I introduce to you the lovely. . .

. . .Nancy A. Kaiser

~     ~     ~

So you thought you’d be a writer – how’s that workin’ out for ya?

Actually, I never thought about being a writer. I backed into it when I began writing a personal journal in order to heal from a unexpected trauma after my husband retired and we moved to the mountains of North Carolina. Six weeks into construction of our retirement home he decided to tell me he “never wanted to be here.” Within a week, we were separated and seven months later divorced. I was living 600 miles from everyone I knew without a home or job on the side of a mountain. My family consisted of two Labradors, 3 barn cats, and a horse. I never saw it coming and was left shattered and feeling that I’d failed.

About a year later, I began a personal journal to try to learn what I needed to from my dark night of the soul. I wrote for about 14 months and learned more about myself than in the first 53 years of my life. After sharing portions of it with friends they convinced me to turn it into a book to help others who were suffering from life’s traumatic twists & turns. In June 08, my first book, Letting Go: An Ordinary Woman’s Extraordinary Journey of Healing & Transformation was published. Based on the many comments from readers, my friends were right to encourage me to share my remarkable journey of healing with others. Writing allowed me to uncover lessons that had been lost in the moment. I became an observer of life as I wrote about my experiences, which removed me from the intense emotions of the moment that hid the lessons my soul was presenting me.

My Ex was a horse vet and I managed our equine hospital and breeding farm in New Jersey for 27 years. During this time, one of our client’s foals taught me my life’s purpose, which was to be an animal communicator and healer. Over the years, many animals chose me to be their voice. The lessons they taught me were nothing short of astonishing. I’d always known that one day I wanted to write their stories. Given the warm reception for Letting Go, I knew it was time to share all I’d learned from the animals over the past 20 years. Tales of an Animal Communicator ~ Master Teachers was released in October 11. It shares the lives and lessons of the filly foal, who taught me I was meant to be an animal communicator, and my personal animals.

Writing allows me to reach so many more people with the lessons I’ve learned from my personal trauma and from the many animals that have come to me for assistance. Knowing my words have helped another navigate their life’s challenges or live more happily with their pets is truly gratifying. So, writing is workin’ out wonderfully for me!

Let’s say you’re thinking about going on once in a life time vacation…how exciting! What are some of the places you’d consider, and what would you do while you’re there?

I’ve been blessed to vacation more than once in several of Mother Earth’s most spectacular spots. I’ve twice been to Banff & Jasper Parks in Alberta, Canada, which I feel this is the most beautiful and spiritual area in the world. I’m very fortunate to have a timeshare on Maui that I visit often. There are two places I’ve yet to experience that would qualify as once in a lifetime trips for me: Alaska and Australia & New Zealand.

I had hoped to vacation in Alaska back in the late 80s after completing a dream trip to Kenya. No matter how I worked it, Alaska was just out of reach financially. The size of Alaska would warrant a longer than usual vacation for me. I’d want to spend no less than 3 weeks and probably a month. When I’m away I experience everything possible about my destination. Alaska to me is wildlife and breathtaking scenery very much like Alberta. I want to take a smaller cruise ship allowing the possibility of getting up-close-and-personal with any wildlife along the shores. I want to see whales and glaciers. I want take the train to Denali Park and stay at the lodge in the Park. I’d like to fly over the expansive mountains and spend time learning about the Inuit culture.

Australia & New Zealand require a month just because of the long flight to get there from North Carolina. I have been fascinated by the Aborigine Dreamtime for years. I was privileged to take a workshop at the Omega Institute, a holistic learning center, in Rhinebeck, New York taught by an aboriginal couple from the Pitjantjatjara people. We were the first people in North America who they shared their wisdom with. It was an amazing experience. I’d love to reconnect with them in the Pitjantjatjara Land. A visit to the Barrier Reef is a must. Meeting Australia’s unique collection of animals is a tremendous draw for an animal communicator.

From all accounts, New Zealand is uniquely different from Australia and deserves the time to experience its natural environment and culture as well. What little I’ve seen in pictures leaves me breathless. No matter where I travel, I’m all about the natural beauty of an area, the animals that live there, and the indigenous cultures. In addition to studying about the Dreamtime with the aboriginal couple at Omega, I’ve also studied with an American Indian and a Shaman there. The knowledge that they shared was astonishing. It is wisdom that needs to be shared or it will be lost forever.

What book or books are you currently working on? Can we expect a new release soon?

I am not currently working on a book, but there will be a third. Tales of an Animal Communicator ~ Being a Clear Voice will share the lessons I have learned from working with my clients’ animals. There have been so many lessons taught over the years by so many remarkable animals that they couldn’t fit into one book. I will begin work on it when my intuition tells me the time is right.

What kind of animals,birds, or fish do you like best? Do you have any pets - how many do you have and what are their names?

Being an animal communicator, I like most animals. As far as domestics, my favorites are horses, dogs, and cats. I have an issue with animals that are caged. Whales, dolphins, hawks, eagles, mountain lions, giraffes, and deer are favorites in the wild realm.

I’ve ridden and trained horses for the past 50 years. Currently, I have a Swedish Warmblood, whose name is Follow Your Heart aka Stormy. He is my grandson since raised him and his motheron my farm in New Jersey. He was born almost 11 years ago on Mother’s Day during a thunderstorm. I live with two Labrador brothers, Hana and Saba, who will turn 7-years-old in late May. They are named after two of my favorite places on Earth. Hana is on Maui and Saba is a Caribbean island near St. Marrten. These spots are two of the most healing areas I’ve ever visited. I lost my last two barn cats a few years ago and have chosen not to replace them.

Time for adventure! Your friends are heading out to go skydiving for the first time…are you going to join them or suggest a different adventure? If you go skydiving please elaborate, or if you suggest something else what would your favorite adventure be?

Definitely, not skydiving.
Depending on my location, I would go snorkeling in Maui or whale-watching if it was winter. If I was somewhere that offered horse-packing trips, I’d choose that. There is nothing more magical than discovering an area from the back of a horse. Wildlife are much less afraid of you if you’re on a horse. Places I’ve ridden over the years: twice into Haleakala Crater on Maui, for a week in Banff Park, Alberta, Canada, a week in the Teton Wilderness and Yellowstone Park in Wyoming, and Snowmass, Colorado. Back in the late 80s, I enjoyed a phenomenal hot-air balloon ride over the Masi Mara in Kenya. This is perhaps the most exciting and memorable adventure of all that I would love to repeat one day.

Forget about make-believe super powers…we’ll never have them – bummer, I know right? But good news…TRUE super powers come in different forms such as a great attitude, a wonderful personality, loving kindness, and other cool traits like those. Who’s the one super hero in your life, and what is their TRUE super power?

The one super hero in my life was my dad. I lost him in 2000, yet a day doesn’t go by that I don’t think of him. When I was living through the dark night of my soul that became my first book, Letting Go: An Ordinary Woman’s Extraordinary Journey of Healing & Transformation, I sensed the presence of my dad often. The lessons that he taught me throughout the 49 years we shared helped me survive and now flourish.

I followed my dad into the practice of pharmacy. It was while working with him in Kaiser’s Rexall Drug Store that I witnessed his TRUE super power. My dad was a “people person” plain and simple. I was far more comfortable with animals. I’d watch my father turn an angry customer, who was vehement about whatever their complaint was, into feeling sympathetic for him within a few short minutes. I’d watch this over and over and simply marvel at his gift.  

Dad took me to all the horse shows until I was old enough to drive. If he could stay, he would groom for me. If he had to work, he’d leave me, the horses, and the trailer and return after working all day. Many times he was able to stay. I knew he was very proud of his daughter’s success at the shows. The funny thing was that my dad knew more people at the horse shows than I did.

My dad’s presence is missed every day, but his treasure-trove of lessons remain. Whenever I tell people that I’m really not a people person, they ask, “Why do you think that? You’re great with people.” It always makes me smile while whispering, “Thanks, Dad!”


We all love stories – especially yours! Would you be willing to give the readers a synopsis of your current book?

My latest book, Tales of an Animal Communicator ~ Master Teachers, is the book I always intended to write one day even before I knew I could write. This book chronicles the tales of the remarkable animals that taught me that I was destined to be an animal communicator and healer. They begin after my marriage to an equine veterinarian in 1977. Having left pharmacy to manage our equine hospital and breeding farm in central New Jersey, I found astonishing animals and events entering my life. From my life on Fair Chance Farm, through my move to the mountains of North Carolina, and subsequent divorce, the lessons and unconditional love of the extraordinary animals will simply astound you. Tales will broaden your perspective on the significance of your animals in your life while helping you develop more meaningful relationships with not only your animals, but all animals. You will never look at your own animals the same way again! A portion of the proceeds from the sales of Tales are donated to my local Humane Society, Noah’s Wish, and The Wild Horse Sanctuary in Shingletown, California.

If you could personally thank one person, or several (living or not) for giving you the strength, determination, and perseverance to continue in your writing who would you thank?

First and foremost, my parents, who were the first role models in my life. I have been blessed with an amazing life thanks to their willingness to support me in everything I did; from my first riding lesson at age 8, purchasing horses as I moved up each level of the show world, providing my pharmacy education, and eventually joining us on the farm and spending their last 20 years there. They always had my back.

I have to thank all of the animals that have shared their lives, love, and lessons with me. I am honored that they’ve chosen me to be their voice. To those who are/were my personal animals, I would have never become the woman that I am without you guiding me along the path. To my clients’ animals, I am so gratified to have been able to help you through your issues with living in the human world. It’s your trust in me that motivates me to keep writing and share your lessons so that together we can heal the human-animal bond.  

Do you create and design your own book covers?

I envision my book covers and work with a fabulous book designer, Janet Aiossa, who brings them to life. Each time her cover has gone way far beyond my vision of it. Working with her is the easiest part of the entire process, which she says is because I know exactly what I want.

As a self-published author do you recommend having your novels professionally edited? Please give us some cool thoughts of why you chose the answer you did.

Absolutely! I want my readers to have the best book I can produce and that takes a village. I work with an editor and then a proofreader before it ever gets to my book designer. I think you could edit forever, but you finally reach a point where you just say, “Enough.” No book is ever perfect, but I want my books to be the best they can be. I want my readers to know that when they spend their money they are getting almost perfection.

As a self-published author do you think that the ebook phenomenon helps or hinders your sales? Please let us know why you chose the answer you chose.

Both my books are available as eBooks on numerous sites. Personally, I don’t own an ereader. I’m just an old-fashioned kind of gal, but there are millions of people do. You have to give the people what they want. I am sure I’ve sold eBooks to people who wouldn’t have bought a print book, which helps my sales. On the other hand, I don’t give away or low-ball price my eBooks. Having thousands of free eBooks or those priced quite low available to the reader pool hinders my sales. Honestly, I think there are far less readers in the world today than even 10 years ago due to all the digital and computer entertainment options out there. It’s just a different world now.

Where can we find your book(s)?

Personalized, print copies are available on my Website.

Letting Go

Tales


Print copies and ebooks are also available from most online booksellers such as Amazon, Barnes and Nobel, etc. I'd like to personally invite you to check out my author page on Amazon - it's easy, just click here.

You will also find me on Facebook and Twitter:

FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/nancykaiseranimalcommunicator


TWITTER HANDLE: @nakaiser

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Hey Nancy - 
Thanks so much for taking the time to do an interview. We certainly wish you the best of success as an author, and look forward to following your amazing love of animals and all you have to offer. ~ Your JLB Creatives Executive Team ~

Meet Gregory Faccone

Hello wonderful fans and followers. So great to have you here this week. Why? Because we're featuring the awesomeness of Author Gregory Faccone!

Read on to discover some incredible tips 

on back cover blurbs

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Making a Superb Back Cover Blurb

~or~

Blurbs? How hard can it be… right?

                                            by: Author Gregory Faccone

The back cover blurb may be the three most important paragraphs to whoever picks up your print edition. In those 150-175 words, your potential readers may decide if they are going to become actual readers. And even if you are published in eBook formats only, the ever present description box needs the blurb to accomplish the same thing.

You might let your literary agent do it, or your publisher. But it is your book. Want to give it a go? (If you are self publishing, you will have to.) Now there are places online where you can get good tips for writing a blurb. I just want to highlight a few as I see them.

First, keep it lean and to the point. Do you have an ensemble cast? There is not a lot of room for, “Meanwhile, back on Tau Ceti 5, the brother-in-law discovers…” Focus on your protagonist and keep the description to their key arc. That is really what your book is about, isn’t it? The rest of the supporting content is good, but belongs in the book interior.

 "Keeping it real (readable). I wanted a little color and flavor on the back cover blurb letters. Not just plain white. But readability had to come first. In the end the dark background frame worked well, fading out before the ships."

Also, I recommend a classic format. Introduce your protagonist in paragraph one. Are they relatable? Even the most way out character has something to which a reader can relate. Paragraph two sets up your conflict. It upsets you lead’s world and often starts with an action word. And finally, the third paragraph is the big tease. You’ve set up your protagonist and the conflict, now hint at the journey, the stakes, and the awesome forces at odds. But do not give away too much.

And lastly, some practical advice. Have you paid a professional artist to make your cover art? Your blurb and that art need to coexist. Make sure your text is not tiny, is easy to read, and not some crazy font that gives customers headaches. I decided to not obscure my fine cover art with an opaque text box. I wanted it to blend in organically, and even have some color and life to it. So many little things go into a professional book. You know this if you are doing it all yourself. Whether you are or not, it is YOUR book. Make sure all the ingredients comprising your fine creation are the best they can be.

Hey Gregory - 

Thanks so much for sharing your insight with aspiring authors. It was our pleasure having you as a featured guest on the JLB Creatives Blog. We hope to have the opportunity to feature you and your wisdom again in the future.

Be sure to check out Gregory's book, Tethered Worlds Unwelcomed Star. Be prepared to be dazzled and amazed. Here is where you will find Gregory's work:

http://tetheredworlds.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gregory-Faccone/309582359137870
https://twitter.com/GregoryFaccone