An Interview with Sukhendu Mandal

Today I’ll be hosting Dr Sukhendu Mandal, author of Beyond Placebo: Harness the power of your words in my blog. Sukhendu began his writing journey in 2016. Inspired by the cultural mythologies and stories from the Indian yogic system he began studying the various forms of yogic discipline. His first book Beyond Placebo was inspired by various healing systems and techniques practised by people. It is available for purchase from books2read.com The author also had deep healing experiences in the process of writing this book series.

  • When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

During my graduation years, I was inspired by writing.

  • How long have you been writing?

I started the writing project in 2016.

  • What inspired you to write this book?

My own healing journey inspired me to interact with people around the country. This book is designed over multiple interactions with people. Rooted in the ancient yogic systems and refined with knowledge of human behavior, Beyond Placebo offers a powerful healing system with simple words. A tool that has the power to create and shift your reality as you read through.

With the 60+ self-healing codes in this book, you will discover how to:

★ Access the Power of Words

★ Healing by yourself with a simple sleep healing meditation

★ Transform your Mental and Emotional well-being

★ Release effects of Childhood Trauma

★ Erase scars of Narcissistic abuse

★ Break the curse of Inherited Generational trauma

★ Harmonize your Relationship with Self and Others

★ Unlock your path of Inner Transformation

★ Experience the State of Self Realization

★ Realize your Innate Healing Ability

★ Create your Healing Modalities

★ Master the ability to rewrite your Reality

You can purchase the book from here: books2read.com

  • What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

I write on the Indian yogic system and spirituality. The most difficult part is breaking past the cultural belief systems and spiritual metaphors. It sometimes takes years to refine certain topics.

  • What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book?

I discovered a special gift of storytelling and therapeutic communications in the process of writing this book.

  • Who is your favourite author and why?

Paulo Coelho

  • What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

Author: Chris Comish

  • Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Yes. I realize it closely. For weeks I stay in saturated space after writing a few creative pages. This happens especially in creative writing styles. After a peak of inspiration overnight, it would pause for weeks or even months.

The best thing to do is allow the flow. There is no use forcing self to write as the material ends up getting deleted in the editing phase.

  • Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

Yes. I am working on an ancient form of yogic practise that was known only to a few yogis. This form of practice creates intense spiritual transformation in the span of 21-42 days.

You can reach out to me to keep up-to-date with my upcoming projects here www.beyondplacebo.co.in

“Write what you like to read and enjoy” author Lia Ginno on writing and launching her latest book, Turmeric and Magic

Today I’ll be hosting author Lia Ginno in my blog. She is a seasoned author with 8 children’s books in credit. Her latest release, Turmeric and Magic is now available on Amazon.com.

Lia Ginno is a retired college lecturer in Child development and she has been writing for years, every time she has a moment.  At the beginning for children (pen name Lia Ginno).  Her published writing started with the first book in 2006 – The LEGENDS and the Inca Crystals the first of a trilogy of magical adventures. It was a semi-finalist in the Brit Awards. The publishing company amalgamated with another firm that stopped advertising it so she bought back the rights and self-published it. Then she followed up with the second book – The LEGENDS saving the Rainforest Orchid.  Then next, the third The LEGENDS and the Bible Code Quest. To date, she has published eight children’s books. Two of her books The Gallant Three, and the latest Turmeric and Magic are stories that show positive image escapades for children with disabilities. She wrote these because she never saw such books in her workplaces, years back!  And there are still very few books that show them being hero’s, not just as ‘token,’ characters in a story. However, she had a mountain of unfinished stories for adults fading away in note pads and in files on her laptop.  So, in 2012, she published her award-winning debut sexy novel Set my Soul on Fire (pen name Celia). Next, she wrote a romantic thriller, Flashback, that has not been as successful.  Her latest release, just launched, is a romantic mystery set in Spain, Spanish Roots, that is selling well so far.

It is my pleasure to welcome Ms Lia Ginno to this episode of the author interview.

  • When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

In school, I wanted to be a journalist.

  • How long have you been writing? 

Since childhood, however, I had my first book published in 2007 The LEGENDS and the INCA Crystals First of a trilogy.

  • What inspired you to write Turmeric and Magic?

I used to work with children who had disabilities and there were not, and still, there are very few stories that have them as the main character with dreams.

You can now purchase and kindle and paperback version of Turmeric and Magic from Amazon.com

  • What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

Finding the right illustrator that has the vision to go with my story. Tamsin has achieved this with beautiful interpretation.

  • Who is your favourite author and why?

Difficult. I like so many. Roald Dahl, I loved his humour. Jodi Picoult,  Khaled Hosseini.

  • What inspires you to get out of bed each day?

The sunshine peeps through the curtains.  I live in Spain for most of the year.

  • If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Creative, optimistic, nutty.

  • Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

As I do not find writing emotionally draining or stressful this is hard to answer.  I find to a certain extent that writing is calming and fun. I love my characters and they drive my story.  My tip would be to write what you like to read and enjoy. Don’t worry about what the latest ‘read’ might be just write what is in your imagination.

  • Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

I am considering writing a series of bilingual books for primary children. You can follow me on Instagram @liaginnobooks to keep up-to-date about my new projects.

“You need to love the writing craft and be highly driven to take your dream from conception to publication”

Today I’ll be hosting author Jennifer Dovey on my blog. Her debut children’s bookThe Clever Little Mouse will be available for purchase on Kickstarter.com

Jennifer Dovey is an English teacher, writer and author of children’s books. She is also a busy mum to three girls and one fur baby! She always loved to write and to share her ideas with the world. Crafty forms of expression constantly inspire her as well her writings which are so on point that you want to reach through the page, shake their hand and marvel at their genius.  She writes for the sheer joy of writing. For its own reward.

It is my pleasure to welcome Ms Dovey to this episode of the author interview.

  • When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Ever since I was young – perhaps around the age of 8, I realised I could write stories and make up rhymes easier than other children in my class. As time went on, I developed a love for the aesthetics of good writing and loved sharing my work with others. It didn’t matter if it was a play or a short story, I simply enjoyed writing and sharing my work with others.

  • How long have you been writing?

As an English teacher, I have done my fair share of writing. On the side, I have worked as a professional writer for a few years now – mainly writing content for others to put on their website. ‘The Clever Little Mouse’ is my first children’s fiction book.

  • What inspired you to write The Clever Little Mouse?

The story just came to me one day while I was hanging out washing. I literally stopped what I was doing, went inside and wrote it down. I had read somewhere that ‘children don’t want boring books’ (I believe Aaron Blabey said this) and being a fan of ‘Pig the Pug’ I knew I didn’t want to do a boring book either. My own children love funny stories and I guess I wanted to write something they would enjoy too.

You can now order a Hardcover copy of The Clever Little Mouse on Kickstarter.com

Are your characters created from scratch or are they based on people from your life?

All three characters are created from scratch and are not based on any animals I know.

  • What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

I think good stories should have a clever or unexpected ending. Once you have worked this out, the hard part is over.

  • What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book?

I learnt more about how rhyme should really be used to weave a story together whilst deploying a high standard of the writing craft. Rhyme shouldn’t be used with reckless abandon for the sake of it, but to embellish what is already a decent story. Sometimes, when authors try to rhyme, they go on a rudderless hunt for rhyming synonyms and end up choosing words that are out of reach for young children. Rhyming should be complimentary to the story with words that are not bent and contorted just to fit in.

  • Who is your favourite author and why?

My favourite children’s author would be Roald Dahl. His books never fail to capture my imagination and draw me into his stories. He once said, “Books shouldn’t be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful.” His books certainly are and he is truly inspiring.

  • What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

‘Pig the Pug’ by Aaron Blabey; ‘The Very Cranky Bear’ by Nick Bland; ‘Green Eggs and Ham.’ By Dr Seuss; ‘I Want My Hat Back’ by Jon Klassen; ‘The Wonderful Things You Will Be’ by Emily Winfield Martin and ‘Giraffes Can’t Dance’ by Giles Andreae.

  • What is the best piece of advice you received about writing?

Children’s books should be able to be read by the child and not just by an adult reading to a child. If there are some words that children can’t pronounce or understand, then they’ll end up disengaged and disinterested pretty quickly.

  • What inspires you to get out of bed each day?

My children are big motivators in my life but equally the belief and value in the work I do, motivates me to get out of bed in the morning. I like knowing that I’m appreciated for my skills and efforts and that the work I do is making a difference. I’m also motivated to provide for my family and afford them with the absolute best life possible.

  • If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Entrepreneurial, creative and positive.

  • Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

You need to love the writing craft and be highly driven to take your dream from conception to publication. Practice writing as much as you can in all forms and read great books with language choices that inspire you.

  • Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

My next book teaches grammar principles through amusing pictures and a narrative. As a teacher, I see a need for this, as there are common grammar mistakes that children make over and over again. I think it would be wonderful to have a book that illustrates the point to make it memorable for young readers.

You can follow me on Instagram @JenniferDoveybooks to keep up to date with my projects.

Reach out to me for more

“The more you listen to someone about their story the better it will make sense for you to understand” Curtis Abrams on writing and launching his debut book Curtstride

Today I’ll be hosting author Curtis Abrams. His debut book Curtstride: The Natural Instincts of Solitude for the S.E.L.F is now available on Amazon.com.

Curtis Abrams has worked in Media Psychology and Sales Management for over 15 years. A native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and currently resides in Tallahassee, Florida, Curtis has been a loner and an introvert most of his life. He is now a licensed professional home and commercial insurance inspector for the State of Florida. Additionally, Curtis is a licensed tutor who mentors and volunteers at public and private schools in Florida. A University of Alabama graduate with a Communications degree, Curtis also served in the U.S. Army for 10 years and has travelled throughout the world to learn about different social cultures. In addition, he’s an avid writer and is currently learning how to play the acoustic guitar and keyboard for his inner peace. 

Pleasure to welcome Mr Abrams to this episode of the author interview.

  • When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

 When I knew in my heart that I could tell stories based on my early childhood at about 12 to 14 years old listening to people reading books to me. As I used my imagination of what narrative takes off into my own world, I knew Writing stories would take me on a great journey so many years later as an adult, I find myself in the same world of imagination, I can deliver the message to other people that can see within my vision. 

  • How long have you been writing?

I started writing when I was in college at and I wrote some short stories and a few screenplays and blogs for about 15 years. 

  • What inspired you to write Curtstride: The Natural Instincts of Solitude for the S.E.L.F.?

The idea of not understanding your true value based on events that have happened in your life and realizing you’re not finding the true meaning of your purpose due to distractions and noises made me want to write particularly about battling it alone in the cruel world. And since the pandemic has evolved around the globe I wanted to bring some sort of awareness and a constant reminder that you are going to be OK because you are courageous, smart and passionate and I decided to put it in a self-help related book that’s really cognizant of your physical, social, psychological and inner instincts and abilities to survive like an animal whether you feel lonely in self-isolation or you’re just alone and becoming acclimated to your environment, and that’s what solitude is about. 

You can now order Paperback and Kindle versions of Curtstride: The Natural Instincts of Solitude for the S.E.L.F. from Amazon.com
  • What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

 Is trying to find a total solution to any ambiguous dilemma that enters our thoughts and imagination because everyone thinks different and clarifies their meaning a lot less or more did anyone else. And I would like to try to stand on common ground for everyone when I write so everyone can get a profound resolution to whatever the narrative is. 

  • What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book?

What I discovered when I wrote my book is when I read after I did my writing I feel exhilarated because I can let it make sense based on my passion that it can deliver a message to someone out there if the intent is correct. And if my story can outlast throughout time and reach someone who may need to hear the message in which I believe it will. 

  • Who is your favourite author and why?

I will have to say I’m inspired by Agatha Christie simply because I used to read a lot of her novels when I was young and it always had a twisted plot in the end that got me captivated and more intrigued into the story in which we as readers wanted more of the story. It felt like I was actually in that setting based on her storytelling. 

  • What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?

I am a fan of Napoleon Hill, August Wilson, Rhonda Byrne, Stephen King, John Grisham, Earl Nightingale, William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Michael Eric Dyson and James Baldwin

  • What is the best piece of advice you received about writing?

I was always told that when a reader displays their story do you always listen to what they have to offer so you can digest and analyze whatever the story entails. The more you listen to someone about their story the better it will make sense for you to understand. Is one thing to look at the pages but it’s another thing to actually see it. 

  • What inspires you to get out of bed each day?

The profound discipline and passion to realize that I have a purpose and intent to live and to make a difference for myself. To keep answering to any challenges that I embrace, as long as I have breath in my body. And to have the ability to help others when in need.

  • If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Believe internally, always. 

  • Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

. If you want to write, remember it must entertain the audience as well as you must give a story and you must deliver a sort of information as to why the story is being told. If you know in your heart that you can leverage a story then it would not be hard to produce it, but don’t get yourself stuck because you’re overthinking and trying too hard to make a jigsaw puzzle come together, it takes time, patience, and the ability do you know where and what direction you’re following in order to get from here to there. Take your time, breathe when possible, no distractions, and finish the race.

  • Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?

I’m going to soon start an awareness program for people who are going through loneliness, anxiety, depression or social isolation issues, I would like to facilitate and reach out to whoever is going through these episodes. I’m going to continue to write more books and material in which it will pertain to mental health, human behaviour as well as social connections. I’m also training to become a certified life coach and if anyone wants to connect with me, I will be more than happy to assist you with anything you looking for. This book that I published, will quite possibly change the way you perceive this life as that you know it, of all ages. And if possible share this unique book throughout the world. That will make me very happy I am here for you, the people. Everyone. 

You can follow me on Instagram @curtstride to keep up-to-date on my new projects and initiatives.

Reach out to me http://www.CurtstrideAbrams.com

About the book

Curtstride is a story of an individual’s life journey as they view, learn, and explore as a loner or an outsider. The story centers on your individualistic views, behavior, irrational as you take on the immense challenges and obstacles that will face you being all by yourself. It gives you insight into how unique you are as a person and what concepts are needed for a better outlook of who you are, what you’re capable of, and what you can do to receive a better quality of life when alone. Done in 2nd person narrative, you will learn about your true self internally, your viewpoints dealing with society, and your physical attributes with your health. You will also be guided with an introspective of your inner strength. Each experience represents an animal instinct as you’re living vicariously through their mind and vision as you handle the pressures and rigorous ways of life. Throughout the story, you can incorporate and apply to your everyday activities as you walk through contemporary society as a Lone Wolf and appreciate what other people may perceive as different or unique. There are examples of subject matter and ideas, advice, and game plan approach to the individual to make their journey seemingly reliable and effortless. This applies to the young, teenager, adult, and elderly. Whatever job or business you obtain and what your true beliefs are surrounded by. This journey is for everyone.

Purchase here: Amazon