Author Interview of Courage Passion Wisdom and Grace by Jon Von Knight

Author Interview of Courage Passion Wisdom and Grace by Jon Von Knight

About the book:

A true story of friendship and the discovery of a powerful, spiritual gift.

Join Sharon and Jack on a soul-awakening journey that transcends our Earthly realm through an ever widening gap in the veil between worlds.

Sharon is an earthbound Angel working in this world and beyond to raise our collective vibration one soul at a time. She uses her gift to help people find their true purpose and fall in love with life again.

Fear has no place in a world that only knows love.

Jack is her best friend, confidant and tether to this world.

The happiness and heartache Sharon experiences are relatable to anyone’s life. But two things set her apart, the sensitive heart of an Empath and her ability to communicate with the other side.

She soon finds one thing is true on both sides. Light cannot exist without darkness. For someone with Sharon’s extra sensory abilities “darkness” can take a heavy emotional toll. As she comes to terms with this reality she is left to wonder if the pain she struggles with is worth all the good she can do in this world.

Jack’s constant support keeps Sharon grounded. His openness to this new reality transforms his life and he begins to see how truly limitless we all are.

Part One of Courage Passion Wisdom and Grace is an introduction to the remarkable true story of one woman's beginnings, and ultimate acceptance, of her role as an Angel on earth during a shifting of the ages. This transformative story will help every living being realize their capacity to do one simple thing – Love your Self.

About the Author:

Jon Von Knight is one of the billions of energetic beings who chose to be here on this beautiful planet earth during these unprecedented times. It took a little while – about 40 years – but now he now remembers why. Before he was born into this physical world, he must have agreed to be a messenger of sorts for what he learns he wishes to share. He is an artist and an author. His writings come from the heart and are inspired by the people he loves, the universe and Gaia, the soul of the planet of abundance we all call home. He believes that scarcity is a myth created by greed. When that myth is busted peace will prevail. He studies sacred geometry and is drawn to the hidden history and the ancient mysteries of this world and beyond. He is the author of Courage, Passion, Wisdom and Grace. A series based on the incredible true story of his lifelong friend Sharon’s struggle to come to terms with her powerful spiritual gift. The uplifting message she is here to deliver contains the keys to thriving during our shift to the new world. At the same time you'll see the author embark on a soul- awakening journey of his own. He is transformed by the story itself, a story that would not exist without the strong mutual love and trust between Jon and Sharon. For all of this he is forever grateful. And so, another glorious journey begins.

Author Website: Jon Von Knight

1. What inspired you to write the book?

Inspiration for this book came from many places. First and foremost from my best friend Sharon and her many spiritual gifts. She is an Angel on Earth with the ability to cross between worlds (not always an easy life). I have been her confidant from the very beginning of this remarkable journey.

I was also unknowingly inspired by my own spirit guides. It was through the telling of this story that I discovered their soft voice in my ear. It’s their voice that guides me and drives me to seek and share the truths of our world.

And that’s the final inspiration – sharing the truth of who we all are. Everyone has the answers inside of them. There is a great quote that says “The best teachers show you where to look but don’t tell you what to see.” Angels like Sharon are here to show us where to look. It’s up to us to see.

2. When did you realise that you want to write a book?

In 2010. I was working as an engineer for an international corporation. I had had enough of the politics that come with giant organizations and I knew I would be leaving soon. But the nature of the job gave me a lot of time to research everything from Angels and consciousness to sacred geometry and the truth about 2012 and the mayan calender.

One day a casual conversation with Sharon led to her consulting with her spirit guides and sealed the deal. They confirmed my direction and I started writing Courage Passion Wisdom and Grace a few days later.

3. Who helped you in writing the book and please say about their contributions?

Again, I have to give credit to Sharon for being the ultimate consultant in helping me give everyone a peek at what its like when an Angel crosses over. The experiences we discuss are so detailed, I almost feel as if I was there myself. I hope that feeling shines through for the readers as well.

In addition I had a great editor. She intuitively knew the story I was trying to tell and made some very insightful suggestions along the way. I am very grateful for all of her help.

4. How is your book going to inspire the readers?

A good story, whether it be a song, a book or a movie has multiple meanings. How it is percieved depends on who is perceiving it. It is my hope that this story inspires readers to love themselves first and watch how everything falls into place after that. However, there are other messages open to the individual souls interpretation. Like a movie you’ve watched more than once, you know the story well but the second or third time you watch it you may start to pick up some of the deeper meanings and messages.

5. If you are given the chance to change one thing in your book what would it be?

This is the first book I’ve ever written. So, other than the fact that I feel I am a better writer now I don’t think I would change anything. Don’t get me wrong, there were countless changes made in the process of writing the book. I think there were 3 major revisions during my back and forth with the editor. I recently found the original outline I wrote 5 years ago. It bares a vague resemblance to the final version but that’s it. It’s interesting to see how things evolved.

6. How do you find time to write and which part of the day is best for writing for you?

When you are passionate about something you find the time to fit it into your life no matter how busy you are. In the beginning I was writing at night and revising during the day. It became a joke with my colleagues at work that I was using “company” time to write my book. I have since quit that job and I find I am most creative in the early morning.

7. Which books have inspired you the most, in the journey of writing this book?

There are many but the first one that comes to mind is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. A few others are Fallen Masters by John Edward and a couple of the Anastasia books by Vladimir Megre. I also enjoy reading Gregg Braden. Right now I am reading The Ancient Secret of the flower of Life Part II by Drunvalo Melchizedek.

8. What is the best advice, you would give for writers who are trying to write a book?

Write as often as you can and have a space that is dedicated to your work. Surround that space with inspiration. I keep crystals and a goose feather on my desk. The feather was “gifted” to me by a local flock of geese. It symbolizes writing. Authors used to use them as quills because they held a lot of ink. Most importantly, write from your heart and soul and the reader will feel it. That’s when you make a connection with them.

9. What are your hobbies?

I love the great outdoors. Spending time in nature is the best way to recharge. I like to hike, paddleboard and ride motorcycles. All of which I havent had much time to do since I quit my day job. But I’m working on that. We all need down time to fuel our creations.

10. What can we expect from you in the future?

Early on in the writing of Courage Passion Wisdom and Grace it became apparent that the story would have to continue. Just as the great shift in consciousness continues. We are living through a change in the ages. Poised for the next step in our evolution. These are exciting times and whether we know it or not we all chose to be here now to help each other and our beautiful Mother Earth ascend to a higher realm.

I have already started outlining Courage Passion Wisdom and Grace, Part II. I can’t wait to see how many changes I make to this one before it’s done. 

Author Interview of Forbidden Playground

Author Interview of Forbidden Playground

About the book

Part human. Part alien.

Being superhuman doesn't make them immune to love. Or to heartbreak.

Akeelah never asks to be different. She sure doesn't ask to be a hybrid. She doesn't want to be a psychic orbweaver like her people - able to create new worlds with only a thought.

She. Just. Wants. To. Be. A. Girl.

More precisely, Saffron's girl.

Saffron's her best friend, a hybrid like her - and hot. Being superhuman doesn't make him immune to love. Or heartbreak. His one focus - Akeelah.

Coming into their powers and against the wishes of their android guardians, Akeelah and Saffron practice their psychic skills. Because of the dangers of orbweaving, the guardians they trust take Akeelah away, zap her memory.

Saffron can't live without Akeelah. All he wants is her memory restored, so she knows she's in love with him. But trust is rare in a world full of deception, androids, and aliens - even when two people love each other.

About the Author:

New Adult and Adult Sci-Fi Romance Author S.B.K. Burns write about:

Heroines with Attitude
Heroes with Heart
Themes of Diversity
Blending Science and Spirituality.

A scientific generalist, graduate of more coursework than she wants to remember. The wife of the next Bill Gates of alternate energy. The mother of the smartest son on the planet.

Author Website: S.B.K. Burns

Author Interview

1. What inspired you to write the book?

If I recollect correctly, two events inspired the writing of Forbidden Playground, my first novel (and one of the novels in my Legends of The Goldens Series of sci-fi/fantasy romances).

First, there was a news item about African albinos being hunted down and murdered for their body parts. What if in a future world where skin color had been mostly averaged out, there was a practice similar to this, except albino space aliens (adapted to Arctic conditions) were mistaken for Earth albinos instead? I know. My imaginative logic sounds kind of convoluted, but later, after I wrote the book, an albino model, Shaun Ross (my Pinterest example of a psychic Golden) appeared as a space alien in Katy Perry’s E.T. video.

The second inspiration was for my first written scene in the book. While having coffee in a funky coffee bar in Hillcrest, a suburb of San Diego, I saw a skinny guy with orange hair come into the bar, flirting with its patrons. Then through the front glass window, I saw him going outside to dance with a burly black man in drag. In my novel, the crossdresser turned out to be an undercover government agent, formerly a Navy SEAL. The orange-haired guy, turned out to be Earth’s secret weapon. A human so laid back that no invading psychics, neither Goldens or vampires could withstand his negative vibes. (You can tell I had fun with this—definitely not formulaic.)

2. When did you realise that you wanted to write a book?

Though I’d thought of myself mostly as a scientist/mathematician, my parents had the hobby of acting in little theater, so there were always scripts around from which I read the dialogue.  But it wasn’t until I was considerably into my adult life that I found time to write when my husband and I returned from Russia with a little boy, from an orphanage. My six-year-old needed so much attention at school that I had to quit a lucrative engineering job to go to help his teachers discipline him.

3. Who helped you in writing the book, and please tell us about their contributions?

I joined a neighborhood creative writing group where I learned to read my evolving manuscript and critique those of others. And so it took about a year to write my first novel with the help of editors in this group of approximately forty writers.

4. How is your book going to inspire the readers?

The book is filled with those human attributes I admire: the power of holding hands in the innocence of love, the unexpected sacrifice of one person for another, and, especially, the humor evolving from our own idiosyncratic ways.

5. If you are given the chance to change one thing in your book what would it be?

A great question. I think I will always be willing to change anything in any of my books. As a writer, I’ve learned not really to have a thick skin to criticism, but to look at writing more as play (and in many instances collaborative play. Maybe, I’m just a playwright at heart).

Playwrights listen to their actors and the story evolves from there. I listen to my characters and critics. Maybe what motivates me more than doing it my way is entertaining the reader. So I need to listen to what my audience says about what they need and hope our needs coincide.

6. How do you find time to write and which part of the day is best for writing for you?

My best time to write is as soon as I get up in the morning, all the way through to lunch. However, now that I’m learning about promoting my books, more of my time is taken up with that.

7. Which books have inspired you the most, in the journey of writing this book?

I guess I’m an incurable romantic. That’s why I write romances. Much of the romance, besides being about the lovers, is about the a romantic look at human life. And, so, the books that continue to inspire me are those social science fictions I read as a child (Asimov, Simak, Brunner, and Heinlein) that besides being about science were about the best motives in the human spirit.

8. What is the best advice, you would give for writers who are trying to write a book?

Don’t get too wrapped up in the final product. Start with describing an interesting place, then put two characters in that place and decide what topic you’d like them to talk about. While you write, don’t worry about spelling, or grammar, or editing. Just write. You can always go back later and edit, preferably the next day.

I use this technique in order to be gentle with my creative being. Beings that get flogged stop producing.

9. What are your hobbies?

I love nature and the weather. For example, I get up early one morning each month (one day before the full moon) and photograph the moon as it gets distorted, setting through atmospheric layers over the Pacific Ocean (one of my images is on my Twitter page (@snrubnasus)).

10. What can we expect from you in the future?

I’ve completed two books in a steampunk series that are being shopped around to publishers. I call the series Ages of Invention since each book is from a time in science history where those inventions, we’ve come to know today, were first contemplated. Famous scientists make cameo appearances. Entangled suggests that the great overlooked women of science were the royals who convinced their husbands to fund the first royal societies of Europe (actually very close to the truth). Fly Like An Eagle suggests a secret laboratory during the establishment of the Franklin Institute of Science in Philadelphia, 1824, where a Native American first designs a da Vinci-inspired hangglider.

My WIP, Flat Spin, is a space-opera thriller romance, incorporating much of my experiences working in the aerospace industry.

Cover Reveal of Seeking Redemption

Book Blurb:

Story of a girl Meera, who is unwittingly drawn into a conflict from where she finds it difficult to emerge unscathed. It's her journey from being a simple, medical graduate belonging to a middle class family to the uncharted territories of corruption and caste based politics. Her path is crossed by the two men, both compelling yet completely contrasting characters, who are forever going to change her life. If it is Aman who can challenge her ideals and defy her resolves, and makes her the person she finally becomes, it is Abhay's sublime love which enables her to go through the vicissitudes of life. It's also the story of her loss as well as triumph against her own demons to find her true self.

Pre-order from Amazon

About the Author:

Dr.Madhu Vajpayee- the writer was born somewhere in those hospital corridors where she has spent the last two decades of her life. Witnessing life at such close quarters pushed her to capture its enigma in her words and slowly it became her passion. After writing several scientific papers and chapters in books, this book is her first step in literary world.  

Having done her graduation, MBBS from King Georges Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow she went ahead to pursue her post-graduation, MD from AIIMS, New Delhi. She was a consultant at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi having been associated with management of patients living with HIV/AIDS. She is now settled in Melbourne, Australia with her family, where she is devoting most of her time to writing, the passion that she couldn’t pursue earlier because of the demands of medical profession and commitment it requires.

When not creating stories, Madhu enjoys reading and travelling.

Contact the Author:

Blog * Facebook Page * Twitter * Goodreads 

Author Interview of Live your Truth.

Author Interview of Live your Truth by Sandy Cooper

About the Book

Sandy’s story is familiar, yet extraordinary. Her experience will resonate with many readers who will see themselves in her. They will recognize parts of their own life in Sandy’s struggles to find her in the midst of crushing family obligations, professional concerns, and personal obstacles. Sandy’s strong-willed and fiercely independent nature is the driving force behind her personal reinvention and serves as an inspiration for those who join her on this journey. You may not know Sandy personally but after reading her story, you’ll soon consider her a close and trusted friend. Live Your Truth is precisely that: honest and true.

Author Bio:

Sandy Cooper holds a degree in Design and an MBA in Operations from Cornell University. Over the past twenty years, she has had a diversified career in the retail, apparel, consumer goods, and aesthetic industries. Sandy has learned that in the fast-paced world of brand innovation, reinvention is critical, and she has applied that ideal to herself with her own writing and exploration. Just as in business, Sandy believes that every day is a new opportunity to examine your life and to choose the best ways to be successful and happy and to live your truth. This is her first book.

Sandy states, "I wrote the book because I felt that if I didn’t tell my story, I wouldn’t make it out of the other side.  My best friend was my computer, where I sat and wrote every day, trying to make sense of things.  Writing was the way I deciphered the hopscotch of people and situations that crossed my path.  I didn’t write with the intention of publishing, I wrote because I needed to free my thoughts.  In the end, I ended up publishing, with the hope that it could help others." 

1. What inspired you to write the book? When did you realize that you wanted to write a book?

I can answer both of these questions at the same time since they go hand in hand.  What happened is that I was living a story that had energy.  The more the series of events unfolded, the more that the threads to the story appeared.  I starting writing bullet points on my iPhone and iPad while I was sitting in physician waiting rooms.  Distracting myself from the other patients and jotting down notes on my electronic devices was my way of insulating myself from everyone and everything.  I was basically “too busy”.  This invisible protective shield became self fulfilling.  The more I tuned out, the more I could stay in denial of what was occurring around me.  The greater the denial, the more my internal energy built up.  The greater the build up of energy, the greater the need for a release.  Momentum was building within each note that I wrote and the notes turned into sentences which turned into paragraphs which turned into 100 pages of content. 

When the real life story started to hit epic proportions, I amped up the writing.  One morning, someone asked me in a physician waiting room what I was doing.  Kiddingly I said that I was “writing a book”.  They asked me what it was about and I started to describe the story.  As I was speaking, I noticed that the story created a common bond between the two of us and hearing my story seemed to help them cope with their story.  During the story telling interaction, both of us actually laughed at the absurdity of the situation.  The interaction created a real common bond between us and I thought to myself, maybe I REALLY SHOULD write a book.

This thought gave me hope and a true distraction.  I had a project to work on to keep me occupied while sitting in medical offices.  One thing led to another and before you know it, I was researching “how to write a book”.  I found an agency on the internet that helped me with editing and self publishing, and before you know it, I had a book on Amazon. 

2. Who helped you in writing the book and please say about their contributions?

I worked with an agency called Kevin Anderson & Associates.  Kevin walked me through the logistics of the publishing process.  I signed a contract with him for grammatical editing, and for launching on Amazon.  I wrote the content of the book, found the cover picture (which is me as a kid) and Kevin and his team took care of the logistics. 

3. How is your book going to inspire the readers?

My hope is that the book will instill HOPE for readers.  I’m hoping that readers will see themselves in my situations and feel as through there is light at the end of the tunnel.  If I can make it, they can make it too. 

 4. If you are given he chance to change one thing in your book, what would it be?

I wouldn’t change anything.  I did my best.  It’s a very accurate description of what happened.  

5. How do you find time to write and which part of the day is best for writing?

Like anything, if you really want to do something, you will find the time. 

6. Which books have inspired you the most, in the journey of writing this book?

Eat, Pray, Love

7. What is the best advice you would give for writers who are trying to write a book?

Find a story that you are passionate about and just tell it.  Don’t worry about editing, punctuation or grammar, just tell the story.  When you are in the zone, you’ll know it because you won’t be able to stop writing.  Copywriters and editors can fix all the logistical things after.   Just focus on the emotion of the story. 

Also, plan on spending money.  Hire professional people to help you.  Don’t rely on your neighbor or old college teacher to help with editing.  Completing a book is expensive ($10K+) and it can be a money pit unless you are a famous author.  Don’t quit your day job, writing a book should be more of a hobby until a book deal comes along. 

8. What are your hobbies?

Writing, hiking and yard work

 9. What can we expect from you in the future? 

Book #2 is in the making.  Right now, it’s a series of notes.  It will be a continuation of book #1 where I move away from my caregiving role and get back into the working world.  I’m in the process of living the story before I can write about it.  

Release Day of "Coke" by Barun Chanda

About the Book:

“Can you help me, please?”

Pradipta wheeled around.

Standing behind was an unusually attractive lady. She wore a dark blue, chiffon saree which set off her fair complexion even more. Other than a thin gold chain with a tear-drop pearl pendant on her neck, she wore no jewelery. Her lips were pale pink, with no lipstick. Only the dark make-up on her eyes made her look even more unfathomable.

 “You’re talking to me?”

Thus begins Coke, with this chance encounter at Kathmandu airport. But the plot thickens when the lady requests him to include her suitcase as part of his checked in baggage and then does a vanishing act, once the aircraft lands in Calcutta. What follows is a riveting page-turner, replete with unexpected twists as you encounter gangs warring over narcotics, policemen, functionaries, and a sinister master-mind who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. The furiously paced narrative takes you from the sleepy airport of Kathmandu to the packed streets of Calcutta, a mysterious mansion on the outskirts of town and an unforgettable chase-sequence through New Market.

From the author of the acclaimed Bengali novels ‘Kidnap’, ‘Shaaper Jhaanpi’ and ‘Robibar’ comes a high-octane thriller that’s seriously addictive and keeps you hooked till the end.

Read and Excerpt:

At the first ring, Rustam picked up his mobile. It showed Bob’s number on the screen. He put the mobile to his ear and listened.

“I’m speaking from the loo…there’s news for you.”

“Why from the toilet?”

“Because no other place in the house is safe to talk to you,” Bob whispered back.

“When can we meet, then?”

“In the evening, after my duty’s over.”

“Didn’t you say you have day-night duties from now on?”

“They are letting me go for now in the evenings. But not at your place. It’s too risky.”

“Okay. So, where and when?”

“Hello, someone seems to be knocking at the door.”

The phone call ended with the roar of the flushing toilet.



At eight-thirty sharp, Rustam met Bob at Girish Park.

“Why didn’t you get in touch with me the last three days?”

Rustam looked sharply at Bob.

“There were problems.” Bob let out a thick cloud of cigarette smoke.

“It’s getting increasingly risky to come out and meet you like this.”

Though they stood in close proximity, their faces looked away in diametrically opposite directions. Unless you looked carefully, it was difficult to make out they were actually talking to each other.

Rustam idly looked at the snarling evening traffic, his hands on the railing of the park.

“So, what’s the news?”

On a bench inside the park, a young couple took advantage of the darkness to get cozy with each other. Bob simply couldn’t take his eyes off them.

“The red suitcase…”

Bob’s voice trailed off as his eyes were riveted on the frenetic activities of the couple on the bench, their bodies wrapped under a shawl.

“Yes, what about the red suitcase?”

Rustam cast one sharp glance at Bob, before looking away.

“I know where it is.”

Bob’s face got hidden in a cloud of smoke.

“Good.” Rustam’s voice sounded relieved. “In which room?”

“Upstairs, in boss’s bed room.”

“What makes you so sure?” Rustam’s eyes narrowed as he watched Bob’s face intently. For some inexplicable reason, he had never been able to fully trust Bob right from the beginning.

“One of the middle rooms on the first floor…was kept under lock and key all this while.”

Bob’s eyes were still very much on the couple on the bench.

“Bob…why aren’t you saying anything?”

Rustam’s voice sounded impatient.

The couple’s bodies were locked in a tight clinch under the shawl.

“Bob?”

“I saw one of the sentries take the suitcase away from the middle room to boss’s bedroom.”

Rustam kept his eyes on the Central Avenue. A traffic jam was forming near the crossing, adjacent to the park. An eccentric man, with a wooden stick in his hand, was trying to regulate the traffic, in the process, making things much worse for everyone.

“Did you get to see where he hid it inside the bed room?”

“No.”

Bob watched fascinated what the couple was doing on the bench, underneath the shawl.

“Niyogi shut the door after entering boss’s bed room.”

For a while both stood facing away from each other, in silence.

At long last, a cop appeared on the road and was seen trying to control the traffic. Inside the park, the couple was still locked in a tight embrace. Bob puffed at his cigarette and blew another cloud of smoke from his mouth. Rustam fanned with his hand irritably, trying hard to keep the smoke away from his face.

“Anything else?”

“Yes, there is.”

Bob looked directly at Rustam for the first time in the evening.

“I think Harry is going out of town very shortly.”

“Outside Calcutta, or outside India?”

“How should I know that?” Bob answered irritably.

“Somebody came from a travel agency with a sealed envelope. I signed and received it.”

The traffic at the crossing had eased by now. The couple on the bench sat still, exhausted.

Rustam noticed Bob smiling at them.

“What are you smiling at?”

“Nothing.”

 Bob took one last puff from the cigarette, flicked the butt end casually towards the footpath and walked away. After a while Rustam came and sat at the bench in the park.   The couple got up from the bench and walked away, each in a different direction. Rustam watched them leave, took out the mobile from his pocket and started speaking into it in a low voice.

About the Author:

In so far as the pursuit of any true vocation is a life in itself, Barun Chanda – advertising guru, actor and writer, may be said to have had three. Born in Dhaka, he did his Masters in English at Jadavpur University. Following a brief stint as a lecturer in English, he embarked upon a career in the creative department of advertising that spanned more than 30 years, won him numerous awards and culminated in his tenure as Creative Director at Clarion McCann.

Acting occupies the second of his three worlds. In 1971, he scorched the big screen as a high-flying executive, playing the protagonist in Satyajit Ray’s ‘Seemabaddha’, and winning a special President of India Award for his performance. After a hiatus that lasted over two decades, he returned to the screen during the 90’s, and has since then acted in numerous TV series and more than 35 movies. Tackling Bollywood and Tollywood roles with equal aplomb, he has distinguished himself in films such as Lootera, Roy, Chotushkone, Aborto, MIshor Rohoshyo, Nayanchampa-r Dinraatri , Bela Sheshe and Jogajog. Chorabaali, where where once again he plays the protagonist, is his latest venture.

Barun’s third passion is writing. A regular film reviewer and contributor of articles to major dailies, in the last eight years he has published four highly acclaimed and successful novels in Bengali. His work has played a major role in establishing the adult thriller genre in Bengali literature.

Coke is his first novel in English.

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Cover Reveal of "Coke" by Barun Chanda

“Can you help me, please?”

Pradipta wheeled around.

Standing behind was an unusually attractive lady. She wore a dark blue, chiffon saree which set off her fair complexion even more. Other than a thin gold chain with a tear-drop pearl pendant on her neck, she wore no jewelery. Her lips were pale pink, with no lipstick. Only the dark make-up on her eyes made her look even more unfathomable.

 “You’re talking to me?”

Thus begins Coke, with this chance encounter at Kathmandu airport. But the plot thickens when the lady requests him to include her suitcase as part of his checked in baggage and then does a vanishing act, once the aircraft lands in Calcutta. What follows is a riveting page-turner, replete with unexpected twists as you encounter gangs warring over narcotics, policemen, functionaries, and a sinister master-mind who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. The furiously paced narrative takes you from the sleepy airport of Kathmandu to the packed streets of Calcutta, a mysterious mansion on the outskirts of town and an unforgettable chase-sequence through New Market.

From the author of the acclaimed Bengali novels ‘Kidnap’, ‘Shaaper Jhaanpi’ and ‘Robibar’ comes a high-octane thriller that’s seriously addictive and keeps you hooked till the end.

About the Author:

In so far as the pursuit of any true vocation is a life in itself, Barun Chanda – advertising guru, actor and writer, may be said to have had three. Born in Dhaka, he did his Masters in English at Jadavpur University. Following a brief stint as a lecturer in English, he embarked upon a career in the creative department of advertising that spanned more than 30 years, won him numerous awards and culminated in his tenure as Creative Director at Clarion McCann.

Acting occupies the second of his three worlds. In 1971, he scorched the big screen as a high-flying executive, playing the protagonist in Satyajit Ray’s ‘Seemabaddha’, and winning a special President of India Award for his performance. After a hiatus that lasted over two decades, he returned to the screen during the 90’s, and has since then acted in numerous TV series and more than 35 movies. Tackling Bollywood and Tollywood roles with equal aplomb, he has distinguished himself in films such as Lootera, Roy, Chotushkone, Aborto, MIshor Rohoshyo, Nayanchampa-r Dinraatri , Bela Sheshe and Jogajog. Chorabaali, where where once again he plays the protagonist, is his latest venture.

Barun’s third passion is writing. A regular film reviewer and contributor of articles to major dailies, in the last eight years he has published four highly acclaimed and successful novels in Bengali. His work has played a major role in establishing the adult thriller genre in Bengali literature.

Coke is his first novel in English.

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Book Blitz of First Brush on the Canvas

About the Book:

Graham, Daniel, their friendship, life and death.

Vampires, guardians' adventures at night. Coffee, love and a new couple. Imli and her mother in a complex web of darkness. A small town girl confused about virginity. Michael Jaikishen and his writing endeavours. Child adoption by a gay couple. Mahabharat - a modern tale in an epic form. The spine-chilling tale of Tina and Uncle Joe. A juicy love story by our guest author Sujata Parashar. These and many other unputdownable stories in this book.


First Brush on the Canvas is an anthology comprising selected stories from Melonade (2014), a nationwide writing marathon organized by Writersmelon.com.


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Melonade Authors’ Intro:

Uttiya Roy – Nourished with Bangla literature, he aspires to change the world someday writing in English. His days pass blending Life Science textbooks with poetry. 

Upasana Bhattacharjee – We catch ‘em as young as they get! Our youngest writer is still a student, but that doesn’t reflect in the matured story she’s written dealing with inconclusive logics and paradoxes. 

Stuti Chandra – She writes because she’s alive. This lovely lady is from Patna and has dipped her nose in English Literature at Delhi. 

Shaily Bhargava – A photographer, a logophile and an Equity Technical Analyst – all in one. She reads and writes in Noida, accompanied by beautiful clicks through her lens and lots of Coffee. 

Arunav Chowdhury – Have you met this Proletariat Axomiya before? He’s a movie buff and a news junkie rolled into one, who writes wonderful modern takes on the age old Mahabharat. 

Rafaa Dalvi – A Mumbaikar, an engineer, a blogger and a prolific writer. He’s already made his presence in three anthologies and likes to experiment with different genre. 

Diptee Raut – A quilter, a blogger, a quirky mom, an amazing writer and our co-winner of Melonade’4. She’s one bundle of positive energy who can spin stories and weave quilts simultaneously. 

Abhishek Mukherjee – Have you read his blog posts yet? Though he likes to believe he’s only a Cricket Historian, you have to read his humorous takes on Mythology to believe he’s the best. 

Anwesha Ray – An amazingly sensitive writer, she lives and works in Bangalore with her family. 

Avishek Basu Mallick – He’s the winner of Melonade’4. If you wish to laud him for more, he’s an engineer and an MBA, working in Bangalore and a featured writer on Sportskeeda.

Arijit Ghose – Blend Carnatic music with exceptional satire and the result is Arijit Ghose. Cheeky, expressive and vocal – we hope he becomes a great writer someday. 

Amit Nangia – For those working in MNCs for years, he’s your inspiration. Amit’s first novel has just released after facing many rejections but that didn’t deter him from writing. Climbing the rocks, gliding in a parachute, bungee jumping or making cocktails; nothing could elevate his spirits as much as writing did.

Tnahsin Garg - Tnahsin often exercises his freedom by convincing other folks that ‘free will’ does not exist. His first novel ‘The Prophecy of Trivine’ is a science-fiction based in India.

Sujata Parashar – Author of the immensely popular ‘In Pursuit Of’ trilogy, and a wonderful poet. She contributes articles to various websites and magazines, and is a social activist. She’s a guest author in the book. 

Cover Reveal of Shanti and the Magic Mandala

Shanti and the Magic Mandala is an adventure in which fantasy and reality are mingled. The book tells the story of six teenagers, from different religious and cultural origins and different parts of the world, who are mystically recruited to form two groups - one in the Northern Hemisphere, and one in the Southern. They eventually gather in Peru, and through a single alliance, begin a frantic chase for the sacred object that can stop the black magician's final plan.

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Awards & Recognition for the Book

- Winner of 2014 London Book Festival in the category “Young Adult”.

- 2014 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards: Bronze Medal at “Young Adult Fiction – Spirituality” category

- 2014 New England Book Festival in Boston:  Honorable Mention in the category “Young Adult”.

- Winner of 2015 Paris Book Festival in the category “Young Adult”.

- Winner of 2015 International Book Awards in the category “Fiction / Young Adult”.

- Winner of 2015 New York Book Festival in the category “Young Adult”.

- 2015 Los Angeles Book Festival – Runner-up in the category “Young Adult”.

- 2015 San Francisco Book Festival – Runner-up in the category “Young Adult”.

- 2015 DIY Book Festival in Los Angeles: Honorable Mention in the category “Young Adult”.

About the Author

F. T. Camargo is an Italian Brazilian living in Sao Paulo, Brazil. An award winning architect and author, he also studied Arts and Media and has a post degree in Economics and MBA in e-commerce. He is a vegetarian because of his love for all animals and has been deeply involved in causes for their protection and freedom. He is a world traveler adventurer, outdoor sports lover, speaks 4 languages and has published a travel book “Rio, Maravilha!”

For many years he has been practicing yoga and meditation and studying the Kabbalah. His exploration of spiritual teachings motivated a commitment to self-development which in turn created a new path and goal in life. Shanti and the Magic Mandala was born from his inner journey.

Contact the Author

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Author Interview of "Harmony Run Series"

Author Interview of "Harmony Run Series"  by Sarah Elle

Author’s Bio:

Sarah Elle Emm is the author of the HARMONY RUN SERIES, a young-adult fantasy and dystopian series, released in May 2012 by Winter Goose Publishing. (PRISMATIC, May 2012, OPALESCENT, February 2013, CHATOYANT, September 2014, NACREOUS, August 2015) Her debut fiction novel, MARRYING MISSY, was published by Bird Brain Publishing in October 2011. Sarah is a graduate of The University of Evansville, she has lived and worked in Mexico, Germany, England, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and has traveled extensively beyond. Sarah lives in Naples, Florida with her family. When she’s not walking the plank of her daughters’ imaginary pirate ship or snapping photos of Southwest Florida scenery, she is writing.

1. What inspired you to write the book?

I think the seed was planted when I was twelve-years-old and touring Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany. Seeing the replica bunk beds where the prisoners slept, the replica gas chambers, crematorium, and the real video footage and photographs right there, in the spot where so many innocent people were murdered, it shook me to the core. I never forgot that trip or the next two I took there. I couldn’t stop asking myself how the kids my age coped with being sent there. Later, I visited Check Point Charlie and learned a lot about the post war oppression of East Germany and was intrigued by the stories I heard about people escaping. Years later, I had a dream about the characters, the setting, and the plot for the Harmony Run Series, and it felt linked to that long ago experiecne I had in Germany. So, I went with it and used some history as parallels in the dystopian socitey I created.

2. When did you realise that you want to write a book?

I was seven-years-old. I saw my mom typing at her typewriter, working on short fiction stories, and I wanted to do that. I wanted to write…anything. I just knew I wanted to write a book eventually, and the feeling never left me.

3. Who helped you in writing the book and please say about their contributions?

Well, I write each book by myself, but sometimes I run ideas by my mother, to see if I’m onto something. After I revise and edit my book the first time, I usually have my mother read it to give me her editing tips. Then, I tune it up more, based on her suggestions, and I pass it to the “real” editing team. They work for the publisher, Winter Goose Publishing, who publishes my series.

4. How is your book going to inspire the readers?

I hope it inspires them to have hope, even when things aren’t going very well in their own lives. And I hope it inspires them to accept that regardless of our differences or where we come from in the world, we’re all just humans and should live in harmony.

5. If you are given the chance to change one thing in your book what would it be?

I don’t think I’d change anything with Nacreous, but if I could change anything in the entire series, I’d probably make Prismatic, the first book, just a little bit longer.

6. How do you find time to write and which part of the day is best for writing for you?

When I first started writing seriously, I would write when my first child was taking naps. Since then, I’ve had to adapt to writing in between my kids’ busy schedules. Mornings are the best for me. I feel more together at that time of day and can really write.

7. Which books have inspired you the most, in the journey of writing this book?

I think looking back at true stories from the Holocaust I found inspiration. I’ve have books my entire life, like The Upstairs Room, to name one, that are still on my book shelf.

8. What is the best advice, you would give for writers who are trying to write a book?

I would tell them to follow it through all the way until they reach the end, before they start trying to edit and revise. Just finish the first draft, and then you can go back and clean it up.

9. What are your hobbies?

I love going for walks to the beach. I do it for exercise, but I have fun on those walks, too. I typically see a variety of birds near the sea shore and often dolphins, too. I also love to read, garden, and make healthy food. Mostly, when I have a spare moment to do anything I want, I write. I might just write a poem or take notes on story ideas, but I always gravitate to writing in some sort of form. I enjoy it more than anything else.

    10. What can we expect from you in the future?

I am plotting a new YA dystopian series as we speak. So, stay tuned…

About the Books:

Rare glimpses of birds are the only reminder of the freedoms Rain Hawkins once had. Now segregated into a mixed-race zone within the United Zones of the Authority, under tyrannical rule of President Nicks, Rain is forced to endure the bleak conditions set upon her. The possibility of a way out arises when Rain discovers an organized resistance called The Freedom Front, and learns that she, along with many other multi-racial people, has special abilities. Determined to overcome her situation, Rain sets out on a mission with the resistance that will fill her life with wonder, romance, and the undying hope for a better world.

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Still enslaved in a mixed-race zone within the United Zones of the Authority, Rain Hawkins is part of a secret resistance preparing to take on the tyrannical President Nicks before plans to kill the mixed zones across UZTA are executed. When unsettling dreams and a mysterious voice begin to haunt the dark nights, Rain fears someone more powerful than she has discovered the resistance and their secret abilities. With a known Authority spy on her heels, and her boyfriend, Jabari, suddenly acting strange, Rain doesn't know who to trust and if the voices calling to her are friend or foe. As conditions across all of the zones get worse and the stakes rise, Rain embarks on a quest for answers that will put the people she cares about most in more danger or take them one step closer to the truth and their eventual freedom.

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In the wake of an interrogation led by the UZTA's dictator, President Nicks, Rain Hawkins and her friends must deal with the consequences of their defiance as the countdown continues towards the execution of the mixed-zone citizens across the United Zones of The Authority. The Freedom Front faces new challenges as Rain's cousin, Calista, prepares for her impending relocation to the pure zone, and Rain sets out to solve the mystery surrounding her mother's torment while being followed by an officer of the Elizabeth Guard. As she uses her abilities to dodge The Authority and follows the strange clues from her dreams, Rain is determined to persevere, to secure the future she and Jabari have been fighting for, and to earn The Freedom Front's ultimate goal of liberation.

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After two members of The Freedom Front are arrested and interrogated by the UZTA’s tyrannical President Nicks, Rain Hawkins and her friends face the alarming reality that their plans to liberate the mixed zones across the United Zones of The Authority might not come to fruition. While the resistance movement is growing outside the walls of the zones, the president’s forces are strengthening and putting citizens everywhere in more peril than ever. When Rain receives warnings that her cousin, Calista, has agreed to support plans to kill the mixed zones, and that her life could be on the line at the upcoming pure zone initiation ceremony, she must decide where her loyalties lie and if all of her allies can be trusted. As The Freedom Front use their abilities to unravel the mystery of the ceremony, The Authority captures some of their friends, forcing TFF to either go into hiding, or plan a rescue mission that could jeopardize everything they’ve been fighting for.

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