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Author: Michael Beas

A leader in the worlds of finance, publishing, marketing, and brand management, Michael Alexander Beas spent more than 12 years in Fortune 500 companies before becoming an entrepreneur. Today, he is the co-founder of Altas Elite, the founder and CEO of eBook Marketing Solutions, and the CEO of the leading dance music magazine Raver.
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An expert in book marketing, Michael has personally rebranded more than 1,000 books and made them bestsellers. He has written and published over 7,000 articles and has personally conducted interviews with some of the biggest names in dance music. Michael is passionate about disrupting his industry--and helping writers and music producers do the same. His extensive background in coding and SEO helps his clients breakthrough the digital landscape.

Prior to founding his own businesses, Michael worked in revenue-generation for leaders in the banking, telecommunications, and commercial business insurance industries, including Citibank Financial, Lucent Technology, AVAYA Communications, and Liberty Mutual.

Michael holds degrees in Business Administration, Business Management and Marketing from Nova Southeastern University. The author of two books, he is a dedicated reader and publisher, with many more books on the way.

Categories
Advice Branding Case Studies Growth Leadership

Building a Trustworthy Brand: The Importance of Values, Behavior, and Context

By Rob Docters author of Ethics and Hidden Greed

Building a trustworthy brand is crucial for any business to succeed in today’s competitive market. However, gaining customers’ trust is not built upon a list of attributes or a checklist but an outcome of ethical behavior and values.  In addition, social media allows businesses to gather information about people’s concerns and express themselves through better targeting the audience.

However, a company builds its brand through behavior, usually transmitted to potential buyers. The most successful companies instill their beliefs in every employee and don’t allow their salespeople to manipulate transactions to build a brand. Customers own brands, and they are not commodities. They want to know they are getting a quality product or service at a fair price.

Values, Behavior, and Trust

Knowing your values is crucial, not just for being suitable, which does not resonate with consumers, but for inspiring many decisions. For example, ExxonMobil aims to know where every gallon of gasoline is, from the well-head to the gas pump. You may say: “Oil is a commodity; it has no brand.” That would be wrong. Customers’ perception can easily alter the distinction between narrow and broad trust. If you are a product manager, then your goal is the value and price of a phone. If you are the company president, you had better think more broadly.

Pricing

The context for the pricing decision is what determines the price. For instance, Walmart gets a different price for Coke depending on where it’s displayed—its value changes when surrounded by Pepsi versus sporting goods.

It is crucial to understand customers and which of several categories of decision-making they go to. For example, a consumer bank had customers who hated banks and just wanted to “fly below the radar.” This segment was attracted to the bank, even if their intention did not sit well with the bank. At the same time, online-only consumers were not interested in guarantees and assurance regarding Internet banking and felt comfortable. They felt more adept than the bank, so the entire marketing pitch had to be flipped from safety to convenience, convenience, and convenience.

Building a trustworthy brand is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and attention.Businesses can establish themselves as reliable and trustworthy brands that customers can rely on by taking a proactive approach to understanding their customers’ needs and concerns. Companies can better target their audience and deliver high-quality products and services that meet their customers’ expectations. Building a trustworthy brand is not just good for business; it’s essential for success in today’s marketplace.

ROB DOCTERS

ROB DOCTERS recently co-authored Ethics and Hidden Greed. Your Defense against Unethical Strategies and Violations of Trust. He is Partner at Abbey Road, LLP, leading their ethics practice. He formerly led BCG’s pricing practice in Asia/Pacific.

Building a trustworthy brand should be a high priority for almost any business to succeed in today’s competitive market. How to do this? Gaining customers’ trust is complex, not built upon a list of attributes or a checklist. Instead, it is the result of instilling ethical behaviors and values. These aspects have always been important, but today social media can make ethical issues rapidly grow to be significant.

However, a company builds its brand through behavior, usually transmitted to potential buyers. The most successful companies instill their beliefs in every employee and don’t allow their salespeople to manipulate transactions or customer care to be dismissive of building their brand. Its customers who ‘own’ your brand. They want to know, without checking, that they are getting a quality product or service at a fair price.

Values, Behavior, and Trust

Knowing your values is crucial for product development so that all activities resonate with consumers and inspire many decisions. That applies to almost all markets. For example, ExxonMobil’s profits lie in reaping the value of superior lubricants and oil. You may say: “Oil is a commodity; it has no brand.” That would not be true. Not only do lubricants vary in quality, but buyers get a cue about performance and value from how the company presents and markets these products.

Trust in a brand comes in two forms: narrow and broad, depending on the product. Narrow means evaluating each transaction. Broad means that customers form a view of the seller, and only if disproved does that perception evolve. Customers remember an experience, especially negative ones. If you are a product manager, then your goal might be narrowly the value and price in a specific sale. If you are the company president, think more broadly about the relationship.

Pricing

The context for the pricing decision is what determines the price. For instance: Walmart obtains a different price for Coke products depending on where it’s displayed—market price changes when surrounded by Pepsi versus sporting goods.

It is crucial to understand the decision criteria customers rely upon. For example, a consumer bank found that some customers, who “hated” banks, just wanted to “fly below the radar.” This segment was attractive to the bank, even if their views contradicted their aspirations. At the same time, online-only consumers were not interested in obtaining guarantees and assurance regarding Internet banking. They felt more adept than the bank, so the entire marketing pitch had to be flipped from safety to convenience, convenience, and convenience.

Building a trustworthy brand is an ongoing process that requires using the right levers. Unfortunately, many companies do not meet that requirement. Businesses can establish themselves as reliable and trustworthy brands that customers can rely on by taking a proactive approach to build ethical standards for all transactions—large and small (often taken as an indication of the overall relationship). Generally, this means employee behavior in customer interactions, ensuring their fidelity to values. Building a trustworthy brand is not just good for business; it’s essential for company success.

Categories
Uncategorized

Chatting with Bestselling Author Giorgio Garofalo

Giorgio Garofalo is one of those authors whose passion and storytelling skills propelled them to great heights and popularity. Recently his book ‘Korian: Ark of the Fallen King’ hit the bestseller list becoming a breakout favorite for readers and reviewers.

‘Korian: Ark of the Fallen King’ is part of the The Korian Epic Fantasy Adventure Series, which offers readers a fascinating adventure taking place in a world that is captivating, bold and dynamic. In this book, which is the second book in the series, readers are drawn into a dystopian world loaded with mystical beings, sorcery, and combat, as well as passion, friendship, and survival.

For seven years, a remote island has served as a bucolic sanctuary, but a strange light in the southern sky summons more than curiosity. With a handful of his friends, and with help from a surprising face from the past, Korian – the Azura and bearer of the enchanted spear – returns to resume the brutal battle against the evil Aaron Hades and his army of Stragoy.

In this unique tale where a creature the size of a mall island pays it forward, a mysterious eye holds the key to buried secrets, and a heroic battle amid ancient ruins determines more than the future, the origin of the insatiable evil that pervades Endura is horrifically revealed. Follow Korian as he learns why the secret within the Ark of the Fallen King threatens the foundation of all Endurian life.

‘Korian: Ark of the Fallen King’ is a book that will have you craving more – yes it is that good., so much so we are grateful Garofalo is working on the third book of the series. Recently he took some time out of his busy schedule to talk to me about his success, the fantastic world he has created in his books, and what he is listening to while he is writing.

Your book ‘Korian: Ark of the Fallen King’ recently became a bestseller what was that like on a personal and professional level? How did you celebrate when you heard the news?

When I first became aware that Ark of the Fallen King became a bestseller, I had to exit the Amazon site and jump back in several times just to be sure. A bunch of emotions surfaced at the same time. There was an overwhelming feeling of gratitude to those who have given Korian a chance. I felt a huge sense of achievement. I remember thinking, ‘My wife and kids are going to take me serious now. They may even be happy for me.’ Just kidding. They’re elated. I’m so encouraged and blessed that my story has touched people, and I’m very excited that the book is getting some traction. On a professional level, achieving bestseller status gives an indie author a certain level of credibility. I hope to leverage this experience for greater exposure and hope to pour the many lessons learned into my next book.

To celebrate, I grabbed a cigar that I had put aside should this day ever arrive—a Cohiba Maduro 5 Genios—and paired it with my favorite scotch. There was a full moon that night, and I remember thinking that from this day forward, every time I see a full moon I’m going to think of the time I learned the news that Ark of the Fallen King had become a best seller.

Writing a series is very different than writing a stand-alone book. What made you want to write the Korian Epic Fantasy Adventure Series, and what was this process like for you?

I wanted to tell a story, not rushed and not to just churn out books, but to pour a piece of myself and my beliefs about being human into a fantasy adventure. I felt that a series is what it would take to adequately relate the themes I wanted to exploit. In the back of my mind, was George R. R. Martin’s answer to a question he was asked in an interview once of why he did not want his books converted into a movie, choosing instead to do a series. He did not feel the volume of his work could be adequately portrayed in a two-hour movie. Similarly, I did not want to rush the story. It had to unravel on its own pace. I found I had to fight the urge sometimes to rush to get to certain outcomes. I forced myself to focus on showing, not telling, and as a result, I’ve learned discipline and another level of patience I didn’t realize I had.

If you could spend some time with any of the characters in your series which one would it be and why? What would you all do on your one-day adventure?

I’d chose to spend some time with Oren, the three-foot tall, humanoid creature. I’d relish in his wisdom and in his stories. I figured he’d have a few to tell. After all, he’s lived more than two-thousand years.  I’ve always found it quite intriguing to speak with a person who is somewhat long in the years. In fact, I look for it and rather enjoy the exchange. Those moments are always fascinating and enlightening.

What would we do on our one-day adventure? I’d spend it in the valley of the Jayen—true giants of Endura—probably sitting on a ledge with Oren overlooking the goings on. I’d listen to his stories, while Korian and the gang would be brewing some magic potions under the guidance of, Zohar, the alchemist, to use as weapons. The colossal Jayen would gracefully stroll across the valley, tending to their entrapped beasts. Around us would be an awe-inspiring forest of thousands of spiraling pillars, striking monoliths, or towers of stone.

I’d ask Oren what lessons he’s learned and he’d be forthcoming. Who knows, maybe I’d include some of the things I’d learn from him in my next book.

Your books are epic reads which fascinate readers. What is it about the fantasy adventure genre that you find so intriguing?

Besides being a fan of both the horror and fantasy genres for as long as I can remember, I’ve always been intrigued by the way they give the storyteller the freedom to present themes in unconventional ways. I wrote a blog called “Writing Roots and Influencers – Why Dark Fantasy,” on my website, www.giorgiogarofalo.com where I describe my fascination with these genres in great detail. I reference two stories that I believe were integral in my journey. Interestingly, one was science fiction and the other, a little horror and science fiction combined.

The first was Mary Shelly’s, Frankenstein and the Modern Prometheus, and the second was The Streets of Askelon, by Harry Harisson, a short story released in 1962, also published under the title, Alien Agony. I used concepts from both these books in the Korian series.

When a book is so successful readers always want more. When will you be releasing a new book? Can you tell us about it?

I have started writing Book 3 and hope to be in a position to publish by summer 2023.  I’ll be introducing a new realm, a few new interesting characters, and I plan to bring back one surprising character from the past. There will be more epic battles, a few twists and I’m certain the ending will surprise you.  I’ll be sure to provide updates on my website of progress and for other exciting promotions. Stay tuned

When you are writing what kind of music are you listening to? What kind of music do you chill out to?

I like all types of music but find that I change the tune, pardon the pun, based on the mood. When chilling I really like contemporary jazz that’s a mixture of smooth, groove, well-engineered, crisp and clear sounding that’s totally cool! Most of it is instrumental. Some describe it as a sophisticated oasis of sound. My go to has, and will always be rock and roll. After all, we always seem to have a certain affinity to music we grew up to, and rock is home for me.

When writing, I throw on headphones and play music that I think will inspire the mood or setting. I often put soundtracks to movies on. They inspire more than you realize. Two of my favorites are the soundtracks to ‘The Last of the Mohicans,’ and, of course, “The Lord of the Rings.”

You can find more about Giorgio Garofalo and his work on Amazon.

 

Categories
Culture Growth Personal Development

E. A. Coe Discusses‘The Other Side of Good’ with Michael Beas in an Exclusive Interview

E.A. Coe’s bestselling book ‘The Other Side of Good’ is one of those books that grabs you, and keeps you enthralled from beginning to end, making it a must-read. Coe is a brilliant writer, who creates compelling plotlines, and intriguing characters who venture into the gray of life while taking readers on an adventure that no doubt will leave them wanting more. 

In ‘The Other Side of Good’ Theo Jackson proposes a donation to the city for a new youth center, the mayor sends Theo’s childhood friend, police officer Denton Jones, to negotiate the terms. Denton’s efforts inexplicably make him a target for a corrupt city official, but a dishonest bureaucrat is the least of the city’s problems. Theo uncovers evidence of an international criminal organization facilitating human trafficking in the city. Repulsed by the crime, Theo enlists an unlikely coalition of clergy, law enforcement, and criminals to try to stop it. 

If you want to find out what happens, and you know you do, pick up a copy of this rather brilliant read. Recently Coe took some time out of his very busy schedule to talk about his work, and what’s coming next. 

Congratulations, your book ‘The Other Side of Good’ recently became a bestseller. What was that success like for you on both a professional and personal level?

The achievement was gratifying but also inspirational. To reach a bestselling level on Amazon validates the possibility and provides an incentive to work hard to make the experience happen more frequently.

There are many aspects to the writing process and for some people having fun is also part of the mix. What is the most fun or joyful part of writing for you?

I enjoy writing fiction for the exhilarating control it gives me over my characters and the situations they encounter between the front and back cover of a book. Real-life can be unfair, but fiction doesn’t have to be. I have the power to freely reward the good guys and punish the bad ones. If this sometimes doesn’t present life as it is, it at least provides a glimpse to how it could be.

You have had a very diverse work-life. You are a former United States Naval aviator and career businessman, both of which were very successful. Did either or both of those careers help you when you started writing?

Positive communications skills, whether they be in speaking or writing, are an important tool in just about any professional. I “started writing” well before beginning any careers and honed the tool through practice during them. Transitioning from executive correspondence to fiction was a shorter leap than if I had begun writing from scratch in retirement.

 

  1. Theo Jackson and Denton Jones are both very intriguing in their own ways. What or who was the inspiration for these characters which take readers deep into the adventure you have created?They, like nearly all the characters in my stories, are amalgamations of diverse people I have met in life. Part of the enjoyment of writing fiction is dissecting the different personalities and characteristics of those you have known to create new characters you invent. Denton Jones came to The Other Side of Good from out of my first novel, Full Count. In that book, he had a supporting role as a colorful character on a college baseball team, and readers loved him. The history I created for Denton in Full Count, as a youth who grew up in the tenements of Cincinnati, established the necessary time and location for The Other Side of Good. It would be natural for someone associated with such an inner-city environment, like Denton, to have childhood friends who made more nefarious career choices, like Theo.

    I am sure your fans are dying to know. Can you tell us about the new book you are working on, and when readers can expect it to be released?While I was waiting for TOSOG to go through the publishing process, I started writing a novel tentatively titled, “Pedaling West.” It’s a COVID-19 era story about a young woman who loses her job and her fiancé all in the same week during the opening months of the pandemic. To “reset” her life, she decides to embark on a cross-country biking journey from Virginia Beach to Mendocino.She is unaware she has information relating to her former boss’s plan to embezzle awarded COVID relief funds that could incriminate him … which makes her a target. The story cycles between a drama involving the bad guys chasing her and a travelogue of an idyllic trip across America.

    My wife and I took the same trip as the fictional biker in November … only in a nice car and staying in good hotels. We traveled on no interstates using only rural roads … and we had a blast. The trip changed the story, too. I hope to complete the story this summer.

    To find out more about E. A. Coe and ‘The Other Side of Good’ head on over to Amazon.

 

Categories
Growth Personal Development

Barry Swanson Discusses ‘Still Points’ with Michael Beas in an Exclusive Interview

 

An Exclusive Interview with Author, Barry Swanson:

Barry Swanson’s book ‘Still Points’ has been a hit with readers recently hitting the bestseller list, capturing the imaginations of readers and reviewers alike. Swanson has a gift for creating a compelling story, intriguing characters and keeping readers enthralled from beginning to end.  

In ‘Still Points’  Philip Zumwalt, a fantastic protagonist, is an accomplished musician, poet, and idealist—a dreamer. Fresh out of college in 1940, he takes a job as a music teacher in a small, rural Illinois town. His plan is to teach for a few years hoping to save enough money to finance his dreams: go to Chicago to become a professional musician and get his pilot’s license. These dreams dominate his thoughts until one summer night when he meets Elinor Robinson.

Philip and Elinor’s forbidden romance—and the specter of war hanging over the country—put Philip’s dreams on hold. When he enlists in the Army Air Force, the gifted artist goes on an unpredictable journey of lost innocence. Life and death hang in the balance as he overcomes his fears and spiritual doubts in a desperate effort to survive aerial combat in the maelstrom of the Southwest Pacific Theater. 

If you want to see what happens, and you know you do, pick up this epic read which is destined to be the book to read for seasons to come. Recently I had the chance to chat with Swanson to learn more about him, his work and what’s next. 

‘Still Points’ is based upon the World War II diaries of the real Philip Zumwalt, what was it about his story that you found so intriguing?  What was it like for you to bring this epic story to life?

As the Prelude of the novel states, my father-in-law, Homer Zumwalt gave me Philip’s (Homer’s eldest brother) diaries on a Christmas morning many years ago. After I opened the gift and realized what it was, he said, “Thought maybe you could do something with these things of Philip’s.” 

Thus, began the journey to tell Philip’s story. The inspiration came from Philip’s own words and the family legend that surrounded him. I found the history of the aerial war in the Southwest Pacific Theater particularly intriguing, as there was not much written about it. Without the support of the Army Air Force, it would have been nearly impossible to establish control of the islands that led to Japan’s eventual surrender.

 

Writing a novel is exhausting, physically and emotionally. The revisions are the most demanding. My original manuscript was over 600 pages. The novel ended up being 387 pages. It “takes a village” to complete such a project. My wife, editorial staff and publisher were all an integral part of the process.

Countless hours were spent reading historical books recounting WWII and researching the Army Air Force’s role in that war. I wanted to get a sense of what it was like serving in the Southwest Pacific Theater during the war, the intricacies of flying a B-17, and the perfection of the skip-bombing technique.

I also researched what being a teacher in a small, midwestern rural village during the school year 1940-41 entailed. I visited the town where Philip taught and spoke to some of the residents of that village. I was most fortunate to find a Payson-Seymour yearbook from 1941 that Homer had saved. I also interviewed a number of WWII veterans and family members. All of my research was essential in making the novel as true to the actual events as possible.

Like any research it was somewhat painstaking but also fascinating. To immerse one’s self in another era is almost like hopping aboard a time machine and being transported back into another place and time. Certainly, this era is one that had a profound influence on the world I grew up in. It gave me a renewed appreciation of what my parents and all the members of the Greatest Generation endured. 

How long did it take for you to write ‘Still Points’? What were one of the challenges you faced while writing it, and conversely one of your biggest successes?

Ten years of actual writing, plus a few more including the extensive research demanded to present the story as accurately as possible.

I list, for the most part, the challenges above. The success is finally holding the book in your hands and then hearing from readers that the book is one they will never forget and that it had a lasting impact on their lives.

While writing ‘Still Points’ did you learn anything new about yourself?

That I could overcome my propensity to procrastinate, and when highly motivated was able “land” a project of this magnitude. It was comparable to writing and completing my doctoral dissertation, but even more demanding.

 

A good story is all about the setting, the descriptiveness, and the raw energy that captivates, all coming together to have the reader turning the pages effortlessly. Your book includes all of them, what are one of the keys that you find is critical when getting into the writing zone.

You have to completely immerse yourself in the characters. There were times I felt I was Philip. Reading his diaries, I was able to climb inside his persona and think the way I believe he thought.  Many of the characters were actual people in my life or representations of those individuals. My wife and I traveled to many of the locations where the story took place. I wanted to walk, eat and sleep where Philip had done the same so many years ago. We traveled to all locations including Australia, but our tour service advised that New Guinea was too dangerous a destination to explore.

 

Since ‘Still Points’ has been so popular with readers, we are wondering if you have another book in the works you can tell us about?

I am attempting to write a coming-of-age novel based upon the true story of my senior year in high school, playing on an integrated boys’ basketball team in pursuit of the 1965-66 Illinois boys’ basketball state championship, and falling in love with an All-American cheerleader, the girl of my dreams! I must admit re-living those “glory days” and moments of innocence has been quite amusing.  I hope to complete the novel by late summer or early fall. Stay tuned. Working title is In Winter’s Midst.

What is your favorite drink to celebrate with when you finish writing?

An Old-Fashioned. Homer’s drink of choice.

 

Download ‘Still Points’ Today! 

Categories
Growth Personal Development

In Conversation With Breakout Author Julie Scolnik

“Not every true story is like a good novel, but this one is. Not every memoir of first love has a satisfying ending, but this one does. The confluence of first love with becoming an artist makes this memoir special.” — Best-Selling Author John Irving

 

From acclaimed concert flutist and the founding artistic director of Mistral Music comes an inspirational and heartfelt debut memoir about young love, heartache, and the role of memory in our lives.  Set against a magical backdrop of classical music and Paris in the late seventies, Paris Blue: A Memoir of First Love (Koehler Books, October 5, 2021) is a true fairy-tale memoir (with a dark underbelly) about the tenacious grip of first love.

 

 

How long did it take you to write Paris Blue, and how were you able to remember entire conversations from 1977?

 

This story has been lingering in the corridors of my psyche for forty years, and I always knew that one day I would have to tell it. It begins in 1976, when I had just arrived in Paris at age twenty on a Junior Year Abroad program with my school. I also came to study the flute with a famous French flute teacher. At first I wandered around in a state of disbelief, but by November the sun stayed hidden behind opaque clouds day after day, and I began to feel lonely and lost. I needed to find a way to fill the void, so I joined a chorus. And not just any chorus –  one that sang with the Orchestre de Paris. From across a sea of faces, I was drawn forcefully to Luc, a married French lawyer in the bass section. And that is where this love-at-first-sight tale begins.

What happens during the next eighteen months is the structure of the first part of the book—our deliciously restrained courtship, the deep romance and then the shocking and sudden heart break when Luc comes to the US. But the memoir covers three decades, and follows me into my forties as a professional musician, and into a happy marriage with children, and yet, my search for answers and closure continued. The book follows this arc and although it doesn’t cover the forty-five years since then, it took me that long to figure out the best way to share this story with the world.

At twenty-two, I wrote down the saga in long hand up until that point in time, fall of 1978. I had not kept a journal during our romance, but when it was over a year and a half later, I wrote it all down, every verbatim conversation. I remembered it all in such detail, as if it had been indelibly imprinted in my memory.

 

What is the one thing in the story that you felt the most connected to, or what do you hope readers take away from your story? Why did you need to tell this story?

 

Such a big question, and such a good one.  I might start by quoting a line I came across from Maya Angelou who said, “There is no great agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” For some reason, I knew I had to share this story. I have heard from countless readers already that it brought back their own stories of first love.  I am fascinated by this phenomenon. When you share your story, you share your humanity, and how you triumphed over something, and a reader shares your stages of transcendence.  And I was driven to write it because I believe there is something to be learned from a story with a universal truth such as this one.

 

The “take-away” would be the following:

  1. That, when an intense, romantic and passionate “first love” ends suddenly without answers, it can take a lifetime to get over.
  2. That poetry, music, and Paris can drive love to madness.
  3. That our memories are not to be deleted and canceled, but treasured, whatever the outcome, and that they are our “life and food for future years.” (Wordsworth)

 

What were the specific processes that you went through during the last 4 decades to finally bring the book to where it is now?

 

I did little with it for the first decade or so but I eventually did transcribe the notebooks into a typed manuscript on my computer. And every few years I would haul it out, dust it off, and work on it, adding, in fact, way too much material! I tried to send it out long before it was good enough, and one agent suggested I turn it into a novel which I did! But it was a very bad idea as it was still just a thinly-disguised memoir. It even had a different title —Lilies that Fester —from Shakespeare Sonnet #94. And I knew it hadn’t reached its final truest version although I knew it was in there somewhere. So I got discouraged and abandoned it again for years.

Then maybe twenty years ago, a new title and the point of the book hit me one day. And it was a revelation. Because as we all know, it’s not enough to have a good story –  it has to have a point.  First I titled it “A Certain Shade of Blue,” but then Fifty shades of Gray appeared, and I knew I couldn’t keep that title! So I changed it to Paris Blue (which is so much better anyway).  I don’t want to reveal here what the Blue in the title means, but it is not at all what one might assume!

Then I read a book on memoirs and learned that a memoir is a universal truth as illustrated by a personal story, and I had found my truth. So I turned it back into a memoir, cut 100 pages, and deleted anything that was tangential to the story. A manuscript consultant with fresh eyes helped me a bit with the timeline (as I was trying to cover many decades and multiple life events and flashbacks, all of which was complicating the story-telling.) And the book finally reached its truest, best version.

 

Now that Paris Blue is complete, is there another book that you have thought of writing and if not, what’s next for you as an Author? 

 

That’s a good question, and one that others have asked me during my interviews. I am flattered by it, because even though this memoir has been resonating deeply with people across boundaries, I would still never call myself a writer! I am still in shock when people comment on the beautiful writing and lyrical silken sentences. I feel that I wrote the story very simply and just told this story from the heart.  As for my future as a writer, I am not sure. I have to confess that I enjoyed the process very much, and even now miss the daily process of polishing sentences and finding the best way to say something. I know I could never write fiction, and I certainly have a lot more autobiographical material. And I like telling stories. So I will be thinking about this in the next few months. Another thing to mention is that the arc of the book ends about twenty years ago. So there is, in fact, another 25 years since then that I am tempted to recount. But I think also that this may be my one and only oeuvre

 

Julie Scolnik

www.JulieScolnik.com

Author of “Paris Blue”

Categories
Growth Personal Development

In Conversation with Bestselling, Award-Winning Author Blue Spruell

Award-winning author Blue Spruell is the mastermind behind the bestselling book ‘TARO: Legendary Boy Hero of Japan’. Taro takes readers deep into a magical and adventure-driven world full of warlords, swords & mythical beasts from old Japan.

In this book, Spruell brings the life of his protagonist Taro to life. Accompanied by Tanuki, his shape-shifting badger sidekick, young Taro embarks on a quest of self-discovery and revenge, falls for Kamehime, the teenage samurai daughter of a powerful warlord, and ultimately becomes embroiled in the political struggle for the imperial throne. Along the way, Taro and his allies face fearsome yokai, the ghosts, goblins, and ghouls of Japanese folklore.

Spruell is a trial lawyer who lived and worked in Japan for many years. This Indie B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree recently hit the bestseller list because of his ability to weave a breathtaking story and connect with readers of all ages.

‘TARO: Legendary Boy Hero of Japan is a must-read for all, and destined to be a classic for years to come. Spruell was gracious enough to take time from his busy schedule to have a chat with us and we wanted to share it with you.

Your book is written for readers of any age. Why was writing for readers of all ages important to you and is there a target demographic that you feel connects more with Taro than others?

I did intend the book for readers of almost any age and consider this a fairy tale for adults – young adults and old. Some people might feel some parts too violent for young readers, but fairy tales were originally intended as cautionary tales – Little Red Riding Hood was fairly violent and scary – and the violence in Taro is historically accurate as Japan was a war-torn country for hundreds of years.

That said, I intended it to be an uplifting, heroic tale of betrayal, revenge, and honor. Of course, I would hope it appeals to anyone interested in Japan, especially since it is based on both classic Japanese folktales and Japanese history, but I also hope it introduces new generations to Japan’s rich legacy of history, culture, and myth through this historical fantasy adventure in old Japan.

Every book has a story behind it, a reason why it came into existence, what is the inspiration behind Taro?

I have always loved mythology, folklore, and history from any culture but especially Japan. I got the inspiration for Taro from three classic Japanese folktales about three different heroes all who were named Taro, which roughly means “Junior” or eldest son. Kin Taro (Golden Boy) is similar to Mowgli from the Jungle Book. Urashima Taro (Island Boy) and Rip Van Winkle share a similar plot twist. Momo Taro (Peach Boy) is a tall tale similar to Paul Bunyan or fairy tales such as Jack and the Beanstalk.

Some years ago I saw a parallel between Peach Boy’s animal companions, the dog, pheasant, and monkey, and the three great warlords from Japanese history, Tokugawa, Oda, and in particular Toyotomi whose face and small stature reputedly resembled a monkey’s. I thought it would be interesting to combine the 3 Taros into one hero who lived in 16th century Japan when warlords fought for ultimate control of the country. Another famous warlord of that time period was Takeda Shingen, whose death Akira Kurosawa dramatized in his excellent film, Kagemusha (The Shadow Warrior) and, coincidentally, before Takeda took his Buddhist name of Shingen, his family called him Taro so he appears as the hero of the tale, even if it’s mostly historical fiction.

Talk to us about the love you have for Japanese culture and the stories of the samurai that you relate to most?

I have always loved Japanese history and culture. In elementary school, the librarian scolded me for borrowing a book on Japanese arms and armor too often. I guess the check-out card, with nobody’s name but mine on it over and over, was a dead giveaway.

When I got the opportunity to live and work in Japan I jumped on it. A 1-year contract turned into 5 in the blink of an eye but I tried to make good use of that time. Of course, I studied Japanese and martial arts, but I dabbled in as much of the culture as I could – calligraphy, Japanese taiko drums, even flower arrangement. I suppose what I love most about Japan is how almost any endeavor can be elevated to an art form. When I returned to Atlanta, I opened a retail gallery of imported Japanese art and crafts twice voted Best of Atlanta for shopping by Atlanta Magazine. Ultimately, I moved into law practice, but I did enjoy sharing my passion for Japanese art and culture with our patrons who still fondly remember the gallery even 20 years later.

As for stories of the samurai that appeal to me most, I’ve mentioned one already. If you haven’t seen it, check out Kurosawa’s Kagemusha (The Shadow Warrior). On top of the brilliant direction and striking cinematography, it’s ironic in its dissection of the samurai code. No spoilers. Ultimately, it’s the history of 16th century Japan that truly captures my imagination. One piece of that history appears in Taro, the incident at Honno Temple, when the warlord Oda Nobunaga was betrayed by one of his disaffected samurai and met his end in the burning temple but not before he took his own life in the warrior way, chanting his death poem just before he committed ritual suicide by hara-kiri.

How has martial arts improved your connection with yourself and the art of writing?

Any discipline, meaning the branch of knowledge, whether martial arts or writing, requires discipline. Either pursuit and, for that matter, any challenging vocation or avocation takes time and diligence to see results, and even then you have to keep at it or lose it. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and you may ask yourself at every mile marker when you’re exhausted and wonder whether you can keep up the pace, “Why am I doing this?” But doing it, day in and day out, makes the difference. Muscle and endurance aren’t built – and novels aren’t written – overnight.

I’ve been doing martial arts and writing most of my life, and it’s gratifying to see some good results, but I can’t call myself a student unless I continue to study, and I can’t call myself a writer unless I continue to write. Otherwise, the muscles – brain or brawn – get flabby.

If you could put your book into the hands of anyone in the world, either alive or passed, who would it be and why would it be important to you?

Without question, it would be the great animator, Hayao Miyazaki. He is an artistic genius of animated story-telling, an international treasure. I realize his stories are his own fabulous creations, but I’d like to think Taro, as a re-telling of classic Japanese fairytales in historical context, might appeal to him.

Taro was partly inspired by Miyazaki’s Princess Mononoke, even if only because, as a fantasy adventure set in medieval Japan, it gave me hope that Taro could someday make it to the big screen. The screenplay Taro, adapted from the novel, has placed well in some screenwriting competitions, so who knows, maybe someday?

More information about Blue Spruell and ‘TARO: Legendary Boy Hero of Japan’ can be found on Amazon.

 

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Growth Personal Development

In Conversation with Bestselling, Award-Winning Author Kelly Oliver

Award-Winning and bestselling author Kelly Oliver’s latest book ‘Villainy in Vienna: A Fiona Figg Mystery’ went viral upon release hitting both the Best New Release list and the Bestseller list on Amazon. Oliver has a history of writing bestselling books that capture and keep readers attention with all her series, and that trend continued with ‘Villainy in Vienna: A Fiona Figg Mystery.’

Fiona Figg is a compelling and engaging character, who in the Fiona Figg series is a file clerk who becomes a British agent – yes a spy. In ‘Villainy in Vienna: A Fiona Figg Mystery’ when a royal ball ends with a royal body in the middle of the dance floor, Fiona trades her dancing slippers for practical oxfords and sets out to investigate. As she tracks her nemesis, Fredrick Fredricks, from Vienna to the Austrian countryside, a hunting accident makes her rethink her loyalties. Can Fiona prevent her nemesis from striking again, save her own skin, and find a decent cup of tea? 

To find out you will have to pick up a copy of this amazing read, and you should. With all its twists and turns, grand adventures and intrigue, ‘Villainy in Vienna: A Fiona Figg Mystery’ is a must-read this season and for seasons to come. 

Kelly Oliver was gracious enough to take some time for a chat, this is what she shared up with me during an exclusive interview:  

All your books have been exceedingly popular with readers, and your third book in the Fiona Figg series just hit Best New Release and Bestseller list. What was it like for you when ‘Villainy in Vienna: A Fiona Figg Mystery’ went viral upon release? 

A book launch is always exciting for an author. But to launch as the #1 New Release is cause for celebration! It’s a thrill to watch Fiona climb the charts. Go, Fiona, go!  

Writing a series is not for the faint of heart, what inspired you to write this third book, and will there be a fourth? 

I was inspired to bring Fiona to Vienna when I read about Emperor Charles and Empress Zita. Zita had brothers fighting on both sides in WWI. And Charles tried to broker a secret peace deal without the Kaiser’s knowledge. I just had to put Fiona in the middle of that intrigue! Another one of my favorite characters based on a real person is Frau Anna Sacher. She was widowed young and took over running her husband’s hotel, the Sacher Hotel, which was known for its private rooms and discrete liaisons… and, of course, the famous Sacher Torte. Frau Sacher was rarely ever seen without a cigar in one hand and a French Bulldog in the other. I just knew she and Fiona would hit it off. Yes, there will be a fourth: Chaos at Carnegie Hall. I’m working on it now.

What is one of your keys for writing bestselling books, and keeping readers so engaged in your work? 

All of my mystery novels are fast-paced and funny. Of course, they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. But I’m happy that so many people like them. I love writing them. And I hope to keep Fiona going for as long as folks want to follow her adventures. Handy for me, her nemesis, Fredrick Fredricks is based on a real-life spy in WWI AND WWII… so Fiona has many more years to chase Fredricks.

Fiona Figg is an extremely compelling and adventurous protagonist. If you could meet up with her in person what do you think the two of you world do for fun?

Put on our fake mustaches, have high tea, and then absolve a duchess accused of murdering her philandering husband… not that we’d blame her if she had killed the bounder.  

Which scene is your favorite scene in ‘Villainy in Vienna: A Fiona Figg Mystery’ and why?

I don’t know why, but writing dialogue comes naturally to me. I find it much easier than writing descriptions, which to me are agonizing. So most of my favorite scenes are dialogue driven.

I love the banter between Fiona and Clifford, and the scenes with Fredricks. Fiona and Fredricks are well-matched in terms of wits—although so far, she always seems just one step behind him. Maybe, when follows him across the Atlantic to New York in book four, she’ll finally catch him in the act!

To get more information on Kelly Oliver and her new book ‘Villainy in Vienna: A Fiona Figg Mystery’ head over to amazon. 

For More on Kelly Oliver Visit: https://kellyoliverbooks.com 

Categories
Growth Personal Development

Bestselling Author J.L. Caban Opens Up About His Newest Work

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JL Caban, is a brilliant writer, who has always been reaching for the stars in one way or another, and that is obvious in the trajectory of his life and career. His first book ‘Moving On’ became a bestseller out of the gate, and this month his new book ‘Butterflies in Production; Five Short Stories’ also hit the bestseller list. Caban has become a powerhouse in the literary world and rightfully so with his riveting plotlines, intriguing characters, and captivating style. 

‘Butterflies in Production’ builds upon his first book ‘Moving On’, a powerful coming-of-age story of a young man who is attempting to escape a world of drugs and alcohol.  In ‘Butterflies in Production; Five Short Stories’ he pulls characters from ‘Moving On,’ and draws attention to some of the moral and social issues in which these new characters are dealing, including everything from biracial relationships and the prejudices that come with them to having no choice but to deal in narcotics to put food on the table.

Readers and reviewers alike are raving about the emotional adventure Caban took them on in this phenomenal read. ‘Butterflies in Production; Five Short Stories’ is the read of this season and beyond. We can’t wait to see what comes next from this talented thought leader, and recently we caught up with him to learn more about him and his work. 

 “Butterflies in Production: Five Short Stories,” which is an amazing read, recently became a bestseller, what was that like for you?

I am truly humbled by it; I never imagined myself, in a proverbial million years, to be a bestselling author… not even remotely close to it. I merely wished to share with all of my readers the stark raving mad thoughts running around in my brain. Seriously, though, it is always an honor – for anyone I imagine, to receive any accolade, especially one for something in which you poured your heart and soul into; it’s a kind of reward, of sorts, for all the sleepless nights and cramped finger joints caused by beating away at the keyboard, as a warrior beats on the drum before an impending charge on the enemy.

This is actually the second time you have hit the bestseller list, which is a phenomenal feat. Your work clearly resonates with readers. What is one of your keys to success?

Honestly, I haven’t a single, solitary clue! My only goal, when writing, is to create something in which people will be interested. As I’m working, the room filled with plumes of cigar smoke, a glass of whisky within my lunge-able area at the ready, I have the reader in mind; and, if I think he or she would absolutely detest what I’m typing, I, with the speed rivaling that of Hermes, delete the entire confounded thing… I try to imagine what the reader is feeling or thinking, and I refuse to continue with the project if I believe they’re even remotely unhappy.

 

“Butterflies in Production: Five Short Stories” is chock full of compelling characters, which one is your favorite and why?

Choosing a favorite character is like choosing a favorite child! I could never bring myself to make such an onerous choice as that. Each character – for better or for worse – becomes a part of me, and I give them all the attention that a sow gives her pups; equally nursing, grooming, and caring for them all.

How long did it take for you to write “Butterflies in Production: Five Short Stories” and what was one of the challenges you faced while writing it? Also, what was one of the successes you achieved while writing it?

Writing “Butterflies” took me about six months to complete. The main challenge, I believe, was that it – unlike my first book, “Moving On (a first person account)” – was written, mostly, in the third person; which can be a demanding task because, in the case of the latter, an author is not just responsible for the thoughts and feelings of one character alone; instead, he or she is charged with expressing to the readers the inner workings of everyone in the story. That, in and of itself, was the success I achieved while writing “Butterflies;” I proved to myself that I could take on that particular challenge.

You have been prolific in your writing over the last few years. Do you have another book you are working on that you can tell us about?

I am, incidentally, currently working on another project… another collection of short stories because, at this point, I’m not yet prepared to tackle an entire diegesis; although I hope, one day, to create the coveted “Great American Novel.” There’s also the matter of my wife, Cecilia, wanting me to write a children’s book for our son, Julian Lincoln Caban, which I have been seriously considering; so, we shall see.

What is your favorite way to celebrate a win, like hitting the bestseller list?

My favorite way to celebrate a best seller win is to spend a quiet evening with my wife and son, with a glass of wine in hand, after hours of being lost in my work, hoping that all my readers are somewhat content with my creation.

To get more information on JL Caban and his work head over to his website.

 

Categories
Growth Health and Wellness

Talking about Manifesting Dreams with Bestselling Author Robert V. Joseph

Robert V. Joseph’s book ‘Words From The Spirit’ recently soared on to the bestseller list. This award winning books message of personal development, spiritual connection, and the power to manifest dreams into reality in order to create success clearly resonated with both readers and reviewers. 

 

This phenomenal read includes a series of messages which can help readers find their way on their journey of personal development, as well as help them find a greater spiritual connection. Robert V. Joseph used the messages in this book to change his own life, and help him make his dreams a reality. With ‘Words From The Spirit’ he wants to help others discover the force of their spiritual energy, and become empowered in their lives.

 

Robert V. Joseph is not only a talented writer, but a successful speaker, carrying his message in venues across the United States. Recently he took some time out of his busy schedule to talk to us about his book, and what’s next. 

 

‘Words From The Spirit’ is based on the spiritual messages you received while living in NYC.  What was it like for you when you started getting these messages?  How did they change your life?  

 

For a period of approximately a year, these messages were coming to me from a spiritual place at random moments in various places.  Some messages would come to me while I was at work, some messages would come to me while I was sitting in a coffee house, some messages would come to me while I was riding on a subway train, etc.  It was interesting to live in New York City at this time because NYC has an energy like no other place I know.  And, this energy provided me with powerful stimulus for thought.  So, as this was happening, I made sure that I had something to write with and something to write on at all times.  After about a year of this process, I had a large collection of notes with these messages.  How did they change my life?  It was clear to me that God shared these messages with me to help me to improve myself and my life in various ways.  However, before I could share the words of these messages with anyone else, I had to make sure that I was walking the walk and not just talking the talk.  It was not enough for me to write these words and speak these words.  I had to live these words as well.   

 

‘Words From The Spirit’ gives readers a new way to look at the world.  It’s one thing to have a spiritual awakening and another one to write about it.  What made you want to put your story down on paper?

 

In my belief system, God is the source of all of the messages in this book.  It was simply my hand that was chosen to put the pen to the paper and share these messages in the form of a book.  I don’t consider ‘Words From The Spirit’ to be a book that tells my story.  It’s a collection of original messages that are universal in nature.  And, every reader of the book is empowered to claim any or all of these messages and apply them to her or his own life.  While the book certainly shares my beliefs with respect to spiritual connection and personal development, it does not really share my story.  I think it is true to say that there was a spiritual awakening within me as I received the messages that God intended for this book.  And, along with this spiritual awakening came a sense of purpose that compelled me to write down each of these messages, assemble them into a manuscript, edit them, publish them, and make it possible for other people to have a similar spiritual awakening.   

 

These days, people have a lot on their minds and a lot of stress.  If they want to jump-start their connection with spirituality, what can they do now to get started?

 

Connection with spirituality requires us to first acknowledge that it exists and then become aware of the ways that spirituality functions and manifests in our lives.  I don’t believe that connection with spirituality is something we can jump-start because spirituality is a part of us from the origin of life.  I believe that many people have an awareness of spirituality on a subconscious level but not on a conscious level.  And, the key to connection with spirituality is to become as conscious as possible of the ways in which spirituality functions and manifests in life.  Some examples of ways that spirituality functions and manifests in a person’s life include prayer to a Higher Power, meditation, spiritual messages from conversations with other people, faith practice or religion, spiritual messages from books, spiritual messages from songs, and experiences in the natural world.  A way for a person to take some level of control of this process is to establish a daily routine to facilitate spiritual connection on a conscious level.  For example, I facilitate this kind of spiritual connection on a daily basis with a routine that I refer to as my “Spiritual Connection Session” which includes a combination of prayer, affirmations, incantations, and specific images for active visualization.

 

I’ve heard that you are working on another book, which is very exciting.  Can you tell our readers a bit about it?

 

Yes, I am working on my next book at the present time. This book places emphasis on personal development, and in particular, the various forms of personal power that are available to all of us. In addition to in-depth discussion on the concepts and principles of personal power, this book will provide instruction on how to apply these concepts and principles in daily life in order to have success with the process of self-improvement and the accomplishment of life goals. This book will also include a number of inspirational stories which help to illustrate these forms of personal power in the context of real-life human experience.  And, in case anyone might be wondering, I plan to share a few stories from my personal life experience as well.  So, this book is where readers will be able to learn about my story.

 

Let’s change things up a bit and have some fun.  What is one of your favorite wineries in California to go to when you are looking to relax?

 

The Robert Mondavi Winery in the Napa Valley of California. It has a long-standing tradition of excellence and a relaxing atmosphere with some of the most scenic vineyards in California.  And, of course, it has great wine!

 

To find out more about Robert V. Joseph and his book ‘Words From The Spirit’ head over to Amazon.

 

Categories
Growth Personal Development

Talking Superpowers, Drumming and More with Bestselling Author E. Alan Fleischauer

Alan Fleischauer’s book ‘Just Die’ is a thrilling adventure that has readers and reviewers raving about it. In the past Fleischauer was best known for his epic award-winning westerns, but recently he turned his attention to a new genre that fans are grateful for. Recently, Fleischauer’s new book ‘Just Die’ soared to the top of the bestseller list. ‘Just Die’ is clearly a “must read” this season, sweeping readers into an enthralling story, loaded with intriguing characters and taking them deep into a story that will keep them guessing from beginning to end.

Here’s a teaser to give you a taste of what the excitement is all about. “Shortly after Jake Silver, a successful young financial advisor sells his business, he suffers a mild stroke and ends up in the hospital. Thanks to some clot-busting drugs, he recovers rapidly, only to find he’s not the man he used to be. When he discovers that he can point his finger at anything — red squirrels, marauding coyotes, drug lords, dictators — and make it die on the spot, Jake has to decide whether to use his powers for the good of the country.”

This book will have you on the edge of your seat, and leave you wanting to read more of E. Alan Fleischauer’s books. Recently he took some time out of his hectic schedule to talk to us about writing successful books, his process, and of course what’s coming next.

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

Original for sure. I write for myself and my enjoyment of the process. I think it would be impossible for me to guess what the readers want. There are too many genres to address and so little time.

Did you ever envision ‘Just Die’ would be turned into a featured film and if so who in your opinion would you like to play the lead characters in the film?

Oh, yes. I would say half the people that read the book commented on how it would be a great movie. My wife thinks Matt Damon would be perfect for the part. I wonder if he is available? LOL.

How do you select the names of your characters?

That is an excellent question. The question could be expanded to names for cities, saloons, etc. In ‘Just Die’ it was easy as I just used real cities. As to names, I must confess I used my dogs’ name, Jake, for my protagonist. He was a big lovable golden retriever, may he rest in peace. The others were sometimes selected by the roles they played, a detective would not be named Geronimo, but a native American, yes. I pulled some names from my friends that wanted to be in the book, also I used names of some people I’m not fond of as antagonists. I did however change the last name! I also write Westerns and I’m always looking for interesting saloon names. The Swine Trough is one of my favorites.

‘Just Die’ is different from your books, did you find it difficult to write in a different genre of book?

No, not at all. I have done a collection of short stories, Just ‘Another Morning’, that covers many genres. From a detective novella called’ Sherlock and the Tiger’ to a story on 9-11. I’ve also written an illustrated children’s book called ‘Charlie Lou Goes to the Rodeo’.

And of course my many Westerns – ‘Rescued’, (First Place in the Laramie Award contest.) Then ‘Hunted’, ‘Kidnapped’ and ‘Tommies’, all in the JT Thomas series.

When you are not writing what do you enjoy doing for fun?

Writing is part-time. My day job is being a financial advisor and I’ve been in the industry for well over 35 years. I have about one hundred clients and I managed nearly ninety million dollars for them. My financial website is Reconfigurement.com and it focuses on reconfiguring one’s life after the age of fifty. Also, I’m a singer and drummer in a classic rock band.

All of E. Alan Fleischauer’s novels are available on his website.