Author Interview of Wildly Human: Quirky And Empowering Stories For Women by Christina Barnes

Book Blurb

You have a story. It's uniquely yours. It's full of challenges, beliefs, loves, fears, successes and failures, among other things. There is no wrong story. At the present time, at the end of it, it says;

(to be continued...) today.

Are you the writer or do you feel more like the reader of your story? 
This is a collection of unlikely messengers bringing you 19 concepts about life, designed to awaken the writer within you. Your thoughts are your pen and paper.

The purpose is to encourage you to connect the dots of your own story. And to love your story no matter how crazy or dysfunctional it seems. It's what makes you so wildly human. Ultimately, you'll want to rise up like a mama bear in how you love yourself, and who and what you allow into your life. As long as you're on this earth, it's never too late to write a happy ending for yourself.

"In her disarming collection of short stories, Christina Barnes explores the strength and resilience of the human spirit. This book will resonate with anyone who has experienced trauma and found the courage to move past it to a place of healing."

Author Interview

1.                 What inspired you to write the book?

I wanted to write a book that combined the myriad of subjects I have been exploring over the last few years.  Spirituality, metaphysics, social attitudes and abusive relationships. Many don’t realize they are in unhealthy relationships but they know they feel bad and they aren’t sure why. I wanted to explore those feelings in a non-confrontational way. I also wanted to include some humour because there is always humour or irony in life. I do this with both the story lines and the art.

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

The inspiration of the Universe for the art and stories, my Editor in her talented way of making things more clear where they were not, and a very nice man in the UK, Fred Harding, who helped me to format it for Kindle with his software program.

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

The stories deal with the inner wisdom we all have in a very creative way. They encourage the reader to see her life, her talents, her burdens and all that happens as ultimately good, meant to teach lessons and lead her to her life purpose.  The stories are disarming and quirky. Quotes throughout the book show the same concepts have inspired others from Socrates and Rumi to Bette Midler and Oprah Winfrey.

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

I have been surprised to find out how many men really like it! If I changed one thing I would not have made it just for women.

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

I like to write early in the morning in my journal for about 2 hours, I’m talking REALLY early, to clear my mind.  I mostly write in the morning. I seem to solve problems I’m having as soon as I lay my head down to go to sleep at night.  I keep a pad and pen next to the bed or I will never go to sleep if I don’t write down the solutions that come to me.  Honestly, sometimes it’s like I am experiencing some kind of ‘download’ of information where it just pours to me, love it when that happens!

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

Oddly, I would have to go back to my childhood and Grimm’s Fairy Tales.  I’ve been told the stories are like fairy tales with a modern vibe.

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

Write every day, even if it isn’t for a book, write in a journal at least 4 pages by hand.  Say anything, be totally uninhibited, then shred it.  Also, read everything that interests you on any subject that interests you, daily.

8.                 What are your hobbies?

I like to fix things, do sculpture, jewellery design, play with my dogs, Banjo and Cleo, exercise and meditate. I enjoy meeting with friends for good appetizers and wine. Sometimes I will binge on Netflix shows, tortilla chips and salsa.

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

I just started my next book! I am keeping in the same non-existent genre of what humans do and how we do it, with spiritual influences, in a creative and imaginative way.  All for the betterment of the human condition, and this will be for everyone to enjoy.

10.             How important was creative thinking in creating the story plot?

Extremely important. I didn’t want to be confrontational or advice giving, yet wanted to get the point across in each story. If I was ridiculous in the story, the purpose and point seemed to resonate more clearly.  

11.            Dream is what makes you or are you because of your goals that you set for yourself? What defines and inspires you the most?

I believe we are all here for a purpose specific to us and our gifts and life experiences. If I am running with a thought that excites me I am probably going to act on that thought.  That is how I live my life. I love to create. I don’t worry about if I know how to do what I want to do, I just start and figure it out as I go.  But some things intimidate me, like the 3D printer that is still in the box after receiving it 3 years ago.  Maybe 2016 is the year I will unpack it and figure it out! 

About the Author

Christina Barnes is an artist living in Arizona. She is also a successful dog whisperer after years of study and practice. Her two dogs are very accomplished at sleeping on her bed, begging for whatever she is eating even if they don't want it, and dragging her behind them as they enjoy long walks. Acceptance and persistence, she feels, is the key to her success.

Book Review of Right or Almost All Right by John Haremza.

Book Blurb

Right or Almost Right is based on John Haremza’s 25 years of success in network marketing. It’s John’s answer to the questions so many ask such as, “Where’s the money? Why am I not seeing the success I expected?” As John says, “I meet so many intelligent, hard-working, dedicated network marketers who are struggling. They are not seeing the results they expected, and they always as, “Why?”

John believes that the small subtleties of how the network marketing business is done make the big difference between making a little money versus making a lot of money, between success and struggling. He addresses many of the basics of doing “the business,” from prospecting to leading your organization, and points out what is “right” as compared to what is “almost right.”

John has lived every example contained in his book. “Network marketing changed my life beyond my wildest imagination,” says John. His story is amazing, from living in a trailer park to a well-known network marketing leader. And his story can help you to make your dreams come true too!

Book Trailer 

My thoughts

Network Marketing is the business of the 21^st century. Personally speaking Network Marketing is the best thing that has happened to me. It took me out of my comfort zone and the advantage of moving out of your comfort zone means you expand your boundaries and explore the unknown under the guidance of experienced leaders. It will give you all the weapons to hunt down your inner fear and paves a path for personal development.

All you need to do is to be lucky enough to be approached by an ethical Network Marketer and when you have the opportunity never let it down.

When I started Network Marketing during my engineering days I always confronted with what is Right and what is almost right. Thanks to my mentors Ankit Sir, Rishi Sir and Samresh Sir who gave deep insights about what is right and how you should approach a prospect. They have always said it “Remember Kishan, your down lines are your lifelines”. Find the “Why?”, Why did you sign up for the business and your why will change everything and how eventually follows.

Right or Almost All Right isn’t just the name of the book. It is what a Network Marketer does face every single day.

The first paragraph of 52^nd page will describe you what the nature of business is and how Network Marketing gives you an upper hand over everything else. It will change the way you think Network Marketing works, which will be the first step for a glorious future ahead.

“Mouth to mouth publicity” is the respiratory system of Network Marketing which helps it grow and thrive to be the business of the 21^st century.

The book is an ultimate page turner and pages seem to turn by themself. So, when you reach the 60^th page its gives the most perfect concept about who will work with you and make your business spectacular and who won’t.

Remember “People buy because of emotional reasons and not because of logical 

reasons.”

This book is like good wine which tastes better and better as it grows old with every page.

The quotes in the book are incredible and the 68^th and 69^th page will send a thrill running through your spines as if you are riding a roller coaster, if you follow and implement what the author says.

I really have to compliment the idea and I have to say, “It is a great piece of idea that will keep you away from negativity and failures.”

In Network Marketing,

“The smallest of action is

Better than the noblest of intensions.”

It applies to all form of situations and circumstances, but Network Marketing is in debt of the idea.

I loved this quote which is,

“I was a Triple Diamond the day I signed up. It just took a while for the paperwork to catch up.”

That’s attitude of a person with winning mind-set. It is the emotion behind the motivation.

“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe it will achieve. You wouldn’t have had thought if you were not capable of its accomplishment.”

101th page says a lot about why you aren’t getting enough responses and feeds with the ideas about how you can make the most of your time that you invest in Network Marketing.

“When you meet people, you’re buying or selling. You are buying their story or selling your story”

In the final pages of the book you it just says what it feels like when you don’t do what you really wanted to do.

You will find this written on the grave stone of every distributor who failed:

“If only…”

If you don’t want that to happen, remember these three words

“I am responsible.”

Always remember “A bad day when following your dreams is better than a good day at work.”

One of the ideas that I learnt in Network Marketing is

“Accept no one’s definition of your life.” And

“Never ever, never ever and never pre-judge your prospect”

Buy the book:   Amazon,  Barnes & Noble, Book Depository

Author Interview

What was your inspiration behind the book?  

I meet so many dedicated, sincere, hardworking distributors who are not seeing the results they expected and they all ask “Why?  Why am I not seeing the results I hear so much about”?  Those questions inspired me to get my thoughts down on paper.

What did you learn in the process of writing your book?

The book was actually a very good reminder to me of so many things I do automatically without thinking.  I wanted to get them into a book to help others.

What advice would you give to someone just starting?  

Your company will have a system that has worked for their distributors.  Follow that system as carefully as you can.  Do not reinvent the wheel.

Mindset ties into everything.  It affects all we do.  I could get into great detail but it’s as simple as, “If you think you can, then you can”.  Ask yourself constantly, What am I thinking about?”

If you were to sum up your advice in 3 words what would they be?

Those 3 words are  …..  consistency  ….. focus  ……   faith.  

Consistency:  If you are not consistent you are starting over all the time.

Focus:  So many times life or our inability to resist that next hot deal get us off focus.  To be a success you must stay focused.

Faith:  Without faith you will never have the persistence to keep on keeping on.

 If you asked for a fourth it would be belief.  Always remember that people buy people.  It’s your belief that will shine through.

About the Author

John Haremza is a network-marketing veteran with 25 years in the business and earnings in excess of $14 million. He has averaged over $1 million a year for the last 10 years. But his all-time proudest accomplishment has been leading his people to earnings of over $250 million and changing countless lives.

John’s story is a true American rags-to-riches tale, with his journey going from the humblest of beginnings in Perham, Minnesota, to a world-class network marketing leader. His message is simple:

“If I can do it with my challenges and background, then you can do it.” He is living proof that you can be successful in this business regardless of your education, background or finances. John has an uncanny ability to communicate the fundamentals, philosophies and principles of success so that they’re easy to understand and implement. He has been referred to by many of his peers as the “Jim Rohn of network marketing.”

Prior to being introduced to network marketing, John worked as a maintenance manager in a small potato chip factory. He had never sold anything in his life, and had no business experience. He also had dyslexia, a severe learning disability. Back then, he had one objective—to be invisible. He felt fortunate to get a

high school diploma. Now, John has been featured in multiple publications, such as

Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective Networkers, Network

Marketing Times and Your Business at Home Magazine (on the cover). He has also been named one of the top twenty-one marketing leaders in the world in John Milton Fogg’s recent book, The Greatest Networkers in the World. John’s leadership has transformed countless lives. He has friends and business associates around the world, and his wisdom will help you to make your dream a reality. Network marketing is an amazing industry with wonderful products, and incredible

opportunities.

As John says, “Network marketing changed my life in ways that were far beyond my imagination.”

“You will see me at the top of the mountain or dead along the side, but never at the bottom.”

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Author Interview of Almost Mortal by Christopher Leibig

Book Blurb:

Young criminal defense attorney Sam Young has always known he had a gift. Or a curse. A minor psychic ability, he sometimes thinks. When he is hired by attractive young nun Camille Paradisi to help discover the identity of a serial killer before a local Priest is exposed for not having turned the man after a confession – thereby allowing another killing – his abilities seemingly enhance. He quickly learns that the enigmatic Camille is not telling him everything.

Sam reads a section of an old journal anonymously mailed to the Church, which purports to tell the life story of a man with mind control and other special powers who claims to be the descendant of the fallen angels cast out of heaven by God. He ponders its relation to the case while using his legal and investigative skills to establish the identity of the killer. As he learns more about the mystery author, and Camille, he realizes that the journal has less to do with the serial killer than an age-old battle for entry into heaven. As things become even more clear, he sees that Camille’s own history and purpose in hiring him are different than he ever could have believed. In the end, the question is not only whether Sam can find one killer and save one priest, but whether he will take part in the trial of the ages.

Author Interview

What inspired you to write the book?

I began the book on New Years Eve of 2011 when I was on vacation in Buenos Aires. A few days later we were in what is basically now the resort town of Bariloche, in Patagonia. We drove outside town and through this small village with an old, wooden cross sitting sort of at a dirt cross roads. Later that day I wrote the first draft of what is now Chapter 4 of Almost Mortal. That part is about the kids living in the poor part of Bariloche in the fifties. Something about the cross made me think about the mystical side of a village like that – especially how it would have been sixty years ago. So these kids, and their magical, if you will, heritage, blended with the modern day legal thriller I had been trying to start two days before. If you read Almost Mortal, you’ll see what I mean. 

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

I first realized I wanted to write a novel (or a TV show) a long time ago. It took me a lot of practice since them. I hope it was enough to have  a chance.

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

Lots and lots of people helped me with this and other books. Ten years ago I started working with an editor in New York named Peter Gelfan. It would not be an exaggeration to say that over time he taught me how to write a novel. Whether any novel I write is any good is a different question, though. Friends and family, my mother in particular, have helped me by reading things for years. Now that I have begun to meet more people in the business, in know other writers and screenwriters that help each other.

How is your book going to inspire the readers?

Not sure on this one. It’s not literature. This book is meant to entertain. I think it would be a good pilot for a cable show or a movie. But I think the book could get someone thinking about whether there is really good and evil and whether some of our religious outlooks are clearly not quite right. Of course, a lot of people already think this, but this could be an interesting twist on it.

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

Maybe I should have made it longer instead of made it a book one, book two kind of thing, but I think it will work out.

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

I am a full time criminal defence lawyer so I have to work in streaks and take long breaks. When it is on, I always do it at night and on weekend stays. When really on, I do it constantly for a few days in a row even when at work.

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

Too many to write down really. Almost Mortal has a front story and a back story. The front story is inspired by things like “The Lincoln Lawyer”, the backstory is more like “Morality Play”. Its two totally different styles.

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

Read a lot. Take notes when you see or hear something interesting, and always look for odd things to notice. Most importantly though, just keep doing it for fun because it sucks when you get your feedback and realize you have to scrap a lot of what you thought was good. You were wrong.

What are your hobbies?

Exercise, reading, marathon watching of cable shows. Drinking.

What can we expect from you in the future?

Hopefully a sequel to Almost Mortal. Also have another novel, finished years ago, that I will try to launch if Almost Mortal does well.

About the Author:

Christopher Leibig is a novelist and criminal defence lawyer who lives and works in Alexandria, Virginia. His first two published books, Saving Saddam (a 2008 novel about the trial of Saddam Hussein) and Montanamo (a 2010 novel about Guantanamo Bay detainees being housed in a small Montana town’s prison) were published by Artnik Books in London.

 Saving Saddam was re-released in 2014 under its original American title, The Black Rabbit. Chris also has several published short stories – Secret Admirer (The Cynic on-line magazine 2004) Coldcocked(Skyline magazine 2004), Fly (The Cynic on-line magazine 2009), Intervention (Traveller’s Playground Press 2014), and Paradise City (Traveller’s Playground Press 2014). The Black Rabbit, Montanamo, Intervention, and Paradise City are also available on audio book by Audible. Chris has also published numerous articles on criminal defence and related politics – including in the Huffington Post and The Examiner – and appeared as a legal expert regularly since 2009 in print and television media – including Fox News, CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Sports Illustrated. In recent years Chris has regularly handled high profile criminal cases in the DC area and travelled abroad to speak to law schools. Since 2012, Chris and his colleagues have lectured on criminal defence throughout Virginia, and in Scotland, Ireland, Trinidad, The Bahamas, and Jamaica. Chris’ new novel, Almost Mortal, is due to be released by Koehler Books by mid-2016.

Author Website: Christopher Leibig

Inspirational Medalist Roberta M Roy Talks about Her Novel Jolt: A Rural Noir

Book Blurb:

Poignant, extremely well-researched science fiction. Dirty bombs, arson, and a nuclear meltdown cause residents of the village of Locklee to seek informed and creative answers as they struggle to respond to the needs of forced emigrants for decontamination, clothing, food, water, shelter, and medical care. Estranged lovers Natalie and Thaw find their passion matured but rekindled. Winter is coming. Radiation sickness, decontamination, lack of food, housing, and proper sanitation threaten Newees and Townies who come together resolved to survive. The passionate and thrilling story of a small mountain village's fight for survival. 

Author Interview

Roberta, could you tell us what inspired you to write your book, Jolt: a rural noir?

Well, when the Twin Towers were brought down on 9/11/2001 I realized that while I understood the difference between an act of terrorism and war, I had no notion as to how I or my community might best respond in the event of a mass attack. My concern for my family, in particular the children, overwhelmed me. I had to do something to lessen my ignorance.

At the time I had been involved in an online list serve as the only speech language pathologist among an international group of neurologists. Among them, one mentioned he was going to present as part of a panel on how to respond in the event of a nuclear meltdown. It would be beamed down so I arranged to attend it at Castle Point, a veteran’s hospital near me. And therein began my one hundred and more hours of study with the military, usually as the only civilian in each class. My studies took me to weeklong intensive courses with the military in Bethesda, MD, and Washington, D.C.

It was in Washington, D.C., that it became clear to me that most civilians had little idea as to what to do to help themselves survive in the event of a mass disaster. And as about thirty miles from us we have one of the most severely degraded nuclear power plants in the nation, I took the point of view of a resident living thirty to forty miles from such a plant and imagined a poorly described meltdown at a nuclear power plant which I coupled with the use of dirty bombs and arson and wrote Jolt: a rural noir. The story that evolved from those imaginary mass events is one of uninformed residents accepting the leadership of informed residents as they carve out a means for community survival and healing using unlabelled what is in fact the military POD or Point of Distribution organization in response to disaster.

The key characters in Jolt: a rural noir are Thaw, the artist, lover, and former military man; Natalie, his estranged lover; Lem, a retired military man; Martha, a retired NYC librarian; and the Matters brothers, a teen and preteen informed by their father as to how to respond in the event of a nuclear meltdown should they find themselves within fallout distance from the Plant. I set the story in an imaginary northern state in the USA. I have yet to write what could become either one or two sequels.

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

I had always written and I recall arguing in college with a professor who stated, “If there were a Milton in this class, he would out!” It enraged me. The professor, a woman herself, had offended me on two counts. One, I could write and I was not a he. Secondly I was a poor student working many hours to put myself through school, effectively for one and a half of my undergraduate years, too busy surviving to even have time for friends. So for me, even then, the lack of time to write was a sore point. But then, having just finished the two intensive courses I mentioned above, my Airedale . . . a real horse of a dog in size . . . pulled me down and I broke and dislocated my right ankle. It was then, despite the pain and discomfort, that I used my three months at home healing, to outline and begin the writing of Jolt: a rural noir. Yes. Finally, I had not only the time but an idea.

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

My teachers in the courses with the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute in Bethesda, MD, had given me hard information on nuclear survival which I integrated into the book. Also, in high school I had learned to outline. As for the actual writing, I believe one only learns by doing it and if one is as lucky as I to have had effective criticism along the way. And finally someone to proof the final manuscript for the their/there/they’re errors, awkwardly made statements, and missing commas.

Jolt: a rural noir went through five rewrites. I recall there being one to remove the preface and integrate the information previously found there into the text; one to ensure I had maintained the past tense throughout; one to add and weave into the story the Matters family; and the final one, to cut Jolt: a rural noir from what was 315 pages to 215. Every word in Jolt: a rural noir is mine, however Joan Schweighardt was my editor and helped me through the five rewrites with kind suggestions and criticisms and corrections in the text as necessary. Joan was wonderful . . . although we never did come to agreement on the need for the story to be written without flashbacks and in sequential order. I felt I simply could not do that or as it does in Zeitoun by Dave Eggers, I feared the story would break in two . . . pre-disaster . . . post disaster.

How is your book going to inspire the readers?

In book club discussions I remain struck by the lack of common knowledge readers have expressed in relation to having a survival plan in the event of a nuclear meltdown. And in Vergennes, VT, where a book club read Jolt: a rural noir before the contamination of the Connecticut River prior to the seepage at the Vermont Yankee Nuclear Plant, in discussing the book with them they were mostly interested in the characters, plot, and book structure. However after the nuclear contamination of the surrounding area around the Vermont Yankee, many of them reported returning to read Jolt: a rural noir for the hard information on post nuclear meltdown survival that in their first reading they had attended to less than the characters and action in the story.

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

I might have given the Matters family a larger part in it. But as it is, my plan is to feature them in Jolt’s sequel, Too Close.

How did you find time to write and which part of the day was best for writing for you?

As I mentioned before, the first half of the first draft of the book I wrote while recuperating from a broken ankle. Thereafter, however, I had the privilege of taking a year off from my usual professional responsibilities as a speech language pathologist and during that time I did the bulk of the rewrites, including the final one. During that year I wrote and edited the book. Generally I wrote Monday through Thursday from nine in the morning until one in the afternoon. Less than that seemed to achieve too little. More than that was not possible.

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

It was not any particular books. Possibly it was the high esteem in which my mother held all great writers that inspired me first and still does. But for me, personally, the writings of William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Saul Bellow, William Roth, and Jane Austen stand out as most influential. And then I suppose, as I love acting, some of the great playwrights have surely helped me have some sense of what is effective dialogue.

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

Write. Keep writing. Hear what others have to say about your writing. And when you know you have a large enough sense as to what exactly encompasses the content of a book and sense of a plan or better yet, a plan, write the book and find an excellent editor . . . not so much to rewrite it for you, rather more to suggest areas of strength and areas for possible improvement and then work some more and continue in this fashion until you know you have the book you sought to write . . . or as close to it as you can manage.

What are your hobbies?

I’m not sure I have or ever have had any hobbies, however my weeks fly. I provide speech language evaluations and therapy to children with emotional disturbances, most of who live in a residential setting. I run ALVA Press Inc and work with my writers, all of whom I love and with whom I feel quite close. And then, of course, there is my family, in particular my sisters and two of my grandsons, Sebastian and Cameron, whom I visit with and care for at least a couple of times a week to eat with and help out with their homework. And, I suppose, the sudden passing of their dad, my son, a year and a half ago continues to absorb a space my life.

What can we expect from you in the future?

If I knew I would tell you. My last two books, Straight from the Robin’s Nest and The ALVA Axiom Anthology of Author Interviews, came somewhat as a surprise even to me when at a point I recall saying to myself that I no longer did much writing. But then it occurred to me that essays and written interviews are also writing so I pulled a bunch I had written of each of them into anthology form and, voila!, there were two more books.

Currently I have a number of books in the early development stages: Too Close, the sequel to Jolt: a rural noir; Yell’n’Tell, a children’s picture book; Life’s a Dance, a fictionalized memoire; and Grace, a play. And some place, if I can find it again, is a children’s book I wrote called Wedding Ready. Meantime I keep my hand in the trade by writing for the ALVA Press Inc weekly newsletter, ALVA Axiom, distributed free online with sign up on our homepage at http://alvapressinc.com

In closing, I’d like to thank LevyingKishan for so generously inviting me to share with you here on his website. Thank you so much. It has been truly a pleasure!

About the Author

ROBERTA M ROY, medalist in Inspirational Fiction in the Jenkins 2011 Living Now Awards, holds a B.A. in English from the State University at Albany, NY; an M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Nebraska; a Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language Association (ASHA); and a license as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the State of New York. Roy's degree in English and her experience as an allied health profession particularly qualify her to write humanistic sci-fi with literary quality. Other titles by Roy include The ALVA Anthology of Author Interviews of which she is the interviewer and editor and Straight from the Robin’s Nest, a collection of essays previously published in the ALVA Axiom.  Currently Roy serves emotionally challenged children in a mixed day and residential setting in Rhinebeck, NY.

Author Contact Links:

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