Award-winning singer and songwriter Tiki Black blends her multicultural assets to create intricate lyrics and memorable music. Tiki now bares her soul with her first book, The Sound Of The Broken Wand, a beautifully written collection of poems and a unique accompaniment to her sophomore album. The artist weaves the wealth of her experience into each line, celebrating the magic of human emancipation, as it breaks the spell of survival and allows us to experience the infinite possibilities of life.
My review
‘My existence was in question Was I human? Automaton? To rise above this condition I needed emancipation. They set me free in tight borders Deemed me unique within the mould They said me safe in that terror And afraid of my own person.’
The Sound of Broken the Wand by Tiki Black is a collection of poems and one essay that reflects on every aspect of human life from birth to death and everything in between. The six themes that are used in the book are the blood, the cage, the mirror, the crown, the shoe, and the wand. The author meditates on each of these themes and the poems reflect those deep thoughts. They talk about life, death, love, refuge, power, debt, journeys, magic, reflection, and much more. The striking characteristics of these poems are they all carry pure raw emotions – the unadulterated, painful, and unacceptable part of our lives. These poems are sharp questions aimed at us. Why we are afraid to break the spell and get out of this survival mode? A single moment of bravery can grant us a lifetime of infinite possibilities.
To break this spell, we have to touch the uncomfortable side of our inner self. The one side that we hide from everyone. The one face you are afraid to show. The one side you don’t want to claim as yourself. But it is yours and you have to accept it. Deniability doesn’t serve you. Rather, accepting one’s dark side will result in liberation.
We all have moulded our faces to be in line with what is socially acceptable. But what if the true freedom lies in breaking this spell and embracing who we are? The world will be truly a better place if everyone accepts their uniqueness and encourages others the same. Tiki Black’s poems are a bold reminder of this fact.
What I loved most is the thoughtfulness of these poems. Each poem touches our minds in the deepest way possible. They present unique questions to us. Answering these questions opens new dimensions of our character and mind. At this stage, these poems are slowly transcended to the genre of self-improvement. I really loved the multidimensional facet of these poems. Really enjoyable and thought-provoking read!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
My traumatic life experiences prompted me to write my first book From Rubble To Champagne. It is about the many challenges I had to overcome growing up in the aftermath of Hitler‘s Nazi Germany.
How long have you been writing?
I am 79 years old and started writing fairly late at age 70. Writing always appealed to me, however, due to hardship, I dropped out of school in order to join the workforce. With only eight years of formal education and as a non-native English speaker, I had doubts about becoming a writer.
What inspired you to write Lessons Learned About Life and Love: Living with Intention and with Wisdom from Great Minds?
I hope that others will benefit from my message. I am a woman on a mission to help those that feel defeated and suppressed. In this book, I distilled my life lessons and how they have been impacted by the teachings of my distinguished mentors, philosophers and great minds. I take the reader on another journey as I meet new challenges, dealing with them with hope and positivity. I share how I stay upbeat and positive, while still finding joy and meaning when confronting adversity. It is a guide to living, loving, and thriving in old age. One need not look far to understand the secrets to live well.
You can now purchase Kindle and Hardcover versions of Lessons Learned About Life and Love: Living with Intention and with Wisdom from Great Minds from Amazon.com
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
I would say vulnerability. In order not to cheat the reader, one has to be open and reveal all. Vulnerability is about connection and builds bridges. By having the courage to face fear, I allow myself to be deeply seen.
What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book?
I found out that writing has a healing effect. When I write, there is a complete absence of discontent and helplessness and I feel empowered.
Who is your favorite author and why?
My favorite author would be Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. I consider him my mentor. His books are full of important teachings that push people to live, work hard, better themselves, and find beauty in adverse situations.
What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Wisdom of the Ages by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl. The Choice by Dr. Edith Eva Eger.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Grateful, positive, and empathetic. I would like my life to be a statement of love and compassion.
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
I do not find that writing is stressful or draining. I would advise aspiring writers to not force anything and allow ideas to find you.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?
I am presently working on getting my documentary out to the public. In addition, I work on my podcast “Lessons Learned About Life And Love” in which I interview fascinating guests and experts on human emotion. My podcast is a reminder that all of our lives encompass trying moments and difficult times. I want to show people that obstacles can be overcome and that there is light and hope.
Vivianne Knebel
Two years ago, I published my memoir, From Rubble to Champagne: The Story of Vivianne Knebel. I was born in Berlin, Nazi Germany, in 1943. I endured intense physical, emotional, and political oppression in the most visceral ways starting from the day I was born. Many would say that I experienced more trauma before the age of fourteen than many will in a lifetime. My life has been one of both hardship and comfort, demoralization and fulfillment, searching and finding, and uncertainty and hope. It is amazing what the human spirit can accomplish through will and determination. All the obstacles I have faced and conquered are now valuable lessons. Having always been a seeker and a searcher, I am passionate about studying the works of great poets and philosophers. They have helped me make sense of the world, and their wisdom allows me to cope in flexible ways with the challenges that life throws my way. I have overcome many hurdles and achieved the peace of a truly loved and appreciated life. Many philosophers, poets, and scientists equate this state to beauty.
Jason A. Merchey’s Wisdom: A Very Valuable Virtue that Cannot Be Bought is an attempt to simplify a widely ignored and misunderstood concept. Wisdom is frequently dismissed as too philosophical and inaccessible to the average person. But isn’t it that difficult? Not at all. Jason Merchey is proving it to be otherwise. With devotion, it can be understood and internalized.
Wisdom is the skill that helps us to regulate our behaviors towards ourselves, others, and geopolitical issues in the world. The twenty-first-century generation particularly lacks this skill. They have made enormous improvements in terms of technology and science. But they are socially isolated, ignorant and unwise. This encourages the inherently destructive nature of humans and their toxic traits. Ignorant communities led by unwise leaders will surely lead to the misuse of power. Someone who doesn’t know when to show power and mercy will ultimately lead us to catastrophe. Hence, wisdom should be learnt and applied to our own existence.
What I liked most about this book is its clarity. The author used his rational and just views of the world to explain the concepts. This is a well-structured book that essentially shows the author’s knowledge of this subject. Because writing on a topic that is difficult to define but necessary for survival necessitates a high level of comprehension. For a better understanding of the concepts, we can divide the book into two parts. In the first part, the author talks about wise qualities such as generosity, kindness, love, emotional regulation, intelligence, empathy, compassion, and modesty. This part is a treasure of knowledge. It clearly draws the line between what is wrong and what is right. The next part is about the applicability of wisdom. Gaining knowledge is one part. But how can we apply these lessons to our lives and achieve the most from our mere 100 years of existence? Life cannot be lived without patience, delayed gratification, self-awareness, and self-discipline. All these qualities stem from wisdom. It can be nurtured and practiced. Only this can lead us to fulfilment in our lives.
Wisdom gives a realistic perspective on all the things happening around us. It helps to articulate our decisions and actions. It creates a sense of responsibility and humility towards our actions. With these qualities, one can anticipate problems and act accordingly. This book should be approached with an open mind to learn and an unbiased view for understanding. With this attitude, we can easily assimilate the wisdom of ancient Greek philosophers to 21st-century thinkers. This vast knowledge is intimidating. But disregarding this opportunity will be the greatest regret of one’s life.
Today I’ll be hosting Christopher Griffith author of Rick With A (Bipolar) View in my blog. He is an accomplished author with 8 novels in his credit other than Rick With A (Bipolar) View. Christopher loves television, electronic music, Matthew, poetry, rip-roaring conspiracies, supermarkets, fantasy fiction from The Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter, and anything Shakespeare. He writes upon these subjects that in the study of them he will hopefully interest others, and learn thereby himself!
It is my pleasure to welcome Mr Griffith to this episode of the author interview.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I was 21 years old and having a torrid time on a teacher training course at the University of Reading; I absolutely loved the friends I was making these but the experience of teaching was just dire, and although I didn’t know it at the time I was also suffering from undiagnosed mental illness, bipolar disorder. Fighting this sickness was taking up much of my energy, and in fact, my whole body and soul was crying out for a change of direction in my life. I’d flirted with creative writing in my second year as an undergraduate, starting to write the book previous to this one but eventually getting bogged back down in the academic study of the time, and so one day, when I was sitting in my accommodation at Reading the memory of that venture, presented itself to me again and I thought, ‘Let’s finish writing that book.’
How long have you been writing?
I’m 45 now, so 24 years. Wow, it doesn’t feel that long!
What inspired you to write Rick With A (Bipolar) View?
As mentioned above, I was struggling with the condition bipolar disorder and in fact, had only just recently been diagnosed in April 1998; I finished writing my first book, Temples of a Fantasy Revenge that winter and was determined to start a different subject than fantasy for my next book. I also wanted it to be a stream-of-consciousness effort in which the narrator ‘talks’ to the audience of the book. Once I’d made that decision, and then further decided I’d put much of my then present self into the main protagonist, it became an easy final decision to populate the rest of the book with versions of my good friends at the time, friends with whom I’d shared great experiences back at school. I wanted to keep on record that kind of easy, lazy even lifestyle you have as a student when the only worries are really who you’re dating and when is the next party. I hope I’ve captured that sense in my book.
You can now purchase Kindle and Paperback versions of Rick With A (Bipolar) View fromAmazon.co.uk
What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?
Getting it right! I mean that and what I mean is that there are so many permutations needed to make a book work – you’ve got to get the characters right, the story, plot lines, dialogue, description, style, tone, rhythm, pace, spelling(!), and at the end of the day it’s really simple, the best books you read are the ones where all these things come together harmoniously, in equal measure. Have I achieved it? Well of course I hope so but you must be the judge of that! All I can say is that I bring my best effort to every composition I undertake and I really try to respect that bond between author and reader. There’s one last thing of course to the artistic process – inspiration. Mine doesn’t come from the clouds or a Muse but from everyday life in which an item on the news or an experience I have that day can inspire me to examine that situation, that story, in more detail. Once I’ve found inspiration, all those elements I’ve mentioned above then come to bear on the subsequent output; blending them together is the difficult part.
What is the most surprising thing you discovered while writing your book?
The most surprising thing is that I was able to find any humour in the situation of having bipolar disorder. For all those who suffer from the condition, or know someone who does, the thought that you might be able to laugh at/with it is simply untenable. This is a horrid mental illness that invades the sufferer and tries to turn them against themselves. It can be stopped by medication of course, but also by the affection and love of those closest to us. When we’re in late adolescence and early adulthood that kind of support can come to us as much from friends as family, and so I went for an examination of the former realising along the way, particularly in the central chapter when Jimmy takes on Rick’s illness, that actually likes everything evil in the world, and bipolar disorder is that insidious, laughing at it can diminish and even expel its horror. Evil has no sense of humour, neither understanding it nor comprehending the power it has over darkness, decay and death. Sorry for getting a bit deep here, but along with suffering the tragedy of mental illness, try also to laugh at it too.
Who is your favourite author and why?
My favourite author is Willard Price; I have favourite books of course but I have rarely read through an author’s entire output as I did with Willard’s books when I was in childhood. For those not in the know, these were a series of adventure stories in which two brothers found themselves tackling a variety of what could loosely be called ‘dangers’. The thing is, I learnt so much from these tales, that a person who is in a starving state can’t just be fed lots of food to fill them up and get their weight back, it has to be a much longer, drawn-out process. Much like when the brothers dive deep underwater and have to come up slowly or they get what can be called ‘the bends’. What I took on board the most here was the patience you have to have with life, surely a tremendous lesson given our society’s current infatuation with immediacy and having every craving satisfied straightaway. Favourite authors teach us life lessons, and I have never forgotten the importance of waiting patiently for the desired outcome.
What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
All of them. Every author I have read has had an impact on me and my writing, but if I had to be more determined it would be the great minds that have put pen to paper, Shakespeare, Chaucer, Milton right at the top. Then there were novels by authors like Henry Fielding, William Godwin, Mary Shelley whose style was a revelation for me, but then getting back down to earth there have also been a tremendous science fiction and fantasy authors, Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Philip K Dick, Tolkien, Robert Jordan, Terry Brooks whose work has developed and expanded my mind in entirely different ways to the Classics I’ve mentioned. I’ll also spare a word for all ‘normal’ reading material too, newspapers, magazines, anything in print or on-screen really which contains words. The English Language isn’t my forte, and I have no skills in that department, but I love words in any shape or form, always seeking to learn more about how to fit them together to make more effect.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Inquisitive, Ireful, Indefatigable
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Yes, I completely agree, and it can actually be dangerous to your health; I wrote a now-lost novel once which made me a thousand times more ill mentally than I had been before. The problem was, I lost control of the narrative. Sometimes that can be good when for example character takes on greater life than you thought and alters the plot accordingly, but you as the author still need to be in overall control of the story. If you feel it is running away from you, stop, read back and more often than not you’ll realise that at some point in the past you’ve let the plot slide into areas that don’t gel with where the story was going until that point. And that’s the most important tip I can give you because the writer’s hunch, just like the detective’s, must be acute at all times, and more importantly must be listened to and thereby acted upon. If you’re emotionally drained and stressed with your pursuit, recognise it early and put stop to it by recollecting your thoughts. Stop, go back, see where you turned left in your narrative rather than right, and then off you go again. Writing should never be laboursome, sometimes intense, yes, sometimes hard going, but not a chore, enjoyable.
Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers about?
Yes, I’ve posted all the poetry I’ve written over twenty or so years on a blog which can be found at https://christophergriffith50.blogspot.com/ and whose last few poems I have only just been working on very recently. I’m also determined to write a thriller like the Da Vinci Code and have started planning that; lastly, I still keep my hand into the literature I first studied as an undergraduate and am working on a translation of a medieval poem called Piers Plowman by William Langland. This amazing writer worked on this single poem throughout his entire life and it really does offer the most amazing insight into the fourteenth century, a century often likened to our recent twentieth for how dreadful it was for the human race to sometimes live through and suffer. But we’re resilient, humankind, and we tend to get back to our feet when we’ve been cast on our behinds! Resilience, there’s my final word for being a writer. Don’t let anyone tell you how to or you can’t or what are you doing etc. if you want to write then sit down, take a piece of paper and cast your thoughts upon it…
Make Your Own Job by W M Hovey Smith is a comprehensive guide to reinvent new opportunities in life. The gig economy is the new normal. Covid-19 crisis and subsequent massive layoffs have clearly taught us one thing- our jobs are impermanent. Job security is a myth in the fast-growing technological world. The best career advice in this era is to Make Your Own Job. In the author’s words, stay and lose your job or move.
Make Your Own Job is a wholesome guide to kick-start our entrepreneurial career. The author details how to start a one-person business from scratch. From raising the capital to marketing and legalizing the business, everything is covered in this guide. The possible challenges and their solutions along with ideas to scale the business are explained very skillfully in this book. This includes a comprehensive guide to finding a work-life balance and taking care of mental and physical health in these turbulent times. Overall, Make Your Job is an A-Z guide to build a scalable business that serves our own advantages.
Rick is wracked by the ravages of mental illness. Bipolar disorder, to be exact, although being just a twentysomething he still has enough optimism to see himself through the vagaries of depression and anxiety. His friendships help him, and his love for Lucy, and then there’s his passion for electronic music: Rick doesn’t want a job behind some desk, he wants to be a superstar DJ.
In this coming of age novel, we follow Rick through a week of his life, a week in which he must as ever work through and with his mental illness, treading the tightrope between sanity and bipolar disorder, stability and depression, peace and anxiety, and all whilst he’s dealing with the fluctuating love of friendships for his mates, his sister and his girlfriend.
As the climax of the week approaches, two paths lie open for Rick – an interview on Thursday with the possibility of seeing his twentysomething years morph into mundane, calamitous thirties, or a DJ gig on Friday when electronic music could win the day and see his coming of age crowned by a possible cure for his mental illness, the melody of the music overcoming bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety alike.
What an amazing story this was! This is a slice of life served with the very taste and spice.
Rick With a (Bipolar) View by Christopher Griffith is a heartwarming story of a person with mental illness. Rick has been suffering from depression and bipolar disease. He has to row past his overwhelming thoughts to find the thin line between sanity and instability. We get a glimpse of his life in a week. How he tries to overcome each day through the help of his sister, girlfriend and mates.
What makes this book a unique work is its realistic take on life. The author never attempts to exaggerate Rick’s life. He is an ordinary guy with a normal life and aspirations. Through the ever-changing thoughts of Rick, the author tries to incorporate the daily struggles everyone has to bear. Life is a race for the next big thing. You can’t sit ideal. It is all about decisions. Life is hard for even a sane human being. It will be too hard for someone with a mental illness. To find the meaning of life amidst all the restlessness and instability is the hardest part.
I loved the central theme of this story. Author Christopher Griffith deserves a huge applause for bringing this theme into his work. Bipolar and depression are often two less talked topics in literature. You can rarely find a protagonist struggling with mental illness in stories. Representation matters and this should snowball to a much greater discussion on this subject. It is already too late to normalize these conversations. The community support system is a major factor for the survival of persons with mental illnesses. They have the same right to live a life like us.
A story will not be complete without a good climax. I loved how Rick managed to find his passion and a breakthrough in life at the end. Hope cures most of our problems. Without hope, we are truly helpless. Rick’s story is an example of this. Overall, this was a well written and skillfully narrated story.
Today I’ll be hosting DrSukhendu 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 bookBeyond Placebowas 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
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
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 Magicare 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 @liaginnobooksto keep up-to-date about my new projects.
Today I’ll be hosting author Jennifer Dovey on my blog. Her debut children’s book “The 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.
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.
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.
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