Tears and Tales by Russell Vassallo

1. Tell us about your book title and your author name.

A: My first book is called Tears and Tales: Stories of Human and Animal Rescue and it is authored under the name Russell A Vassallo.

2. What Inspired the book?

A; At the time I conceived writing any book at all, I was undergoing chemotherapy for colon cancer. The surgery had been successful and they just wanted to make certain all the cancer was eradicated. As I watched other people coming in for their own treatments, I noted that all them seem defeated. They were like energy-less people sim0ply moving though the motions and most of them had simply given up hope.

I was never a person to sit still, so I pulled my little trolley of chemicals around the compound to the various rooms, entertaining them with animal stories or just plain stories of my illustrious and unnoted life. They seemed to respond to the kindness. Perhaps I removed some of the fear. A lot of them encouraged me to write my stories and send them to a publisher. (ha,ha.)

As I considered writing that first book - something I had always wanted to do - I thought about the way my own animals had impacted me. I'd lost two dogs to cancer and a little waif (Git) just showed up one summer evening, half-starved, ragged and pleading for just a little food. I didn't have the heart to send her away.

Not long after, I connected with a book shepherd who asked me to write a story for one of her own books. I submitted “The Horse That Cried” and she accepted it. So there I was in print and with an amiable desire to speak to others and see if people would actually buy a book that I wrote.

3. What makes this book special to you?

Writing Tears and Tales opened a lot of world for me, internal worlds. I had anger problems from an abusive childhood; I saw things only from my own perspective; my marriage was in deep trouble; my wife was wearing down from just trying to love me . . . and get me to accept her love. So when I wrote Tears and Tales, I was emoting all that anger, all the fury, all the self-disappointment. At the same time, I was also learning to let go of the past, to cling to whatever future I had left and to give eternal life to my animal friends for as long as anyone would read my books and articles.

I guess Tears is my baby. I still can't read some of the stories and not cry. But it was my groundbreaker to making a better life for those around me. But my hope for all my books is that they help others, give them hope that there is a way out of depression and anger, a way to a better life. And it gives animal-lovers hope that their little friends are waiting just beyond the pale.

4. What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Kids need to read it because they'll love the way animals speak and show emotion. Adults need to read it because it deals with a way out of depression and to a more fulfilling life. This is not just another animal book. Its not just a “me and my dog” book. What I love most about Tears is that it's a book with the meaning of life-- my life - written all over it. It shows me as I really am, a man with sensitivity, compassion, love, and an ability to pull myself up and start over again.

5. What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

That is a tough question. I think God gives us all a special gift. For me, He gave me two gifts: the ability to see a story in things around me; and the ability to work hard to develop that story. Sometimes a story is there jelling all the time and all of a sudden the opening line pops out at me and I am off and running.

I think it was Ray Bradbury that once said: “whatever I need to invent a story is right here in this room with me.” I know now what he meant. As I was writing this I looked up at the clock and thought: what if that clock suddenly started running backwards and I found myself going back in time.” So people call it the “what if” rule and that is what I call it.

6. What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

A: I think the biggest stumbling block is the advice of others already in the writing profession. They come up with a lot of general rules that seem sacrosanct. For example, write every day. If I write every day, my stuff stinks. I need to write from inspiration, feeling, emotion. I don't want to be a hack writer and I don't want to write what will necessarily sell to editors, magazines and publishers. My writing is me. It's the most personal thing you can do. So when someone tells me I should write every day, it creates a guilt problem when I don't. Or if they tell me that flashbacks should be avoided. There are just too many rules that do not apply to the unique writer.

Tips, you want tips to help others get past similar problems? Sure.

Write for yourself and someone you value. I write for my wife. If she gives me that pat on the head, every word I wrote is worthwhile. I'll edit, and rewrite again and again. I'll write again. If others reward me with praise, I am flattered and I want to please them again, but essentially, follow the rules that apply to you.

Just think of most great men who succeeded at what they did. Most of them broke all the rules of conventional wisdom and did things exactly as they pleased.

Picasso comes to mind but there are dozens of others. Be yourself. Write for yourself. Do the very best work you can. A hundred years after you're dead someone will recognize your talent and you'll be famous. If you are really lucky, on your death-bed someone will tell you that you just hit the Best Seller's list and some big publisher sent a $50,000 advance for the rights. But even if they don't do any of that, you can always be content that you didn't sell yourself out to what others wanted you to do.

7. What do you think motivate people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

A: Part a) I need the approval of others who read my work and reaffirm my talent for creativity and hard work. Because I am a very insecure person, I needed to learn that praise is often sincere. People who tell me they loved my book and want to purchase the next one reaffirm an inner struggle that demands I be the very best at what I do. I call it the “short man” syndrome. (I'm five-feet-two-inches tall and I've heard all the short jokes).

Part b) What motivated me to get into the writing industry was sheer madness. I had this strange notion my books would sell in the thousands or my competition would be limited. I learned later there were something like 20,000 books a month being published. Did I stop? No. A sane man would have stopped. But I continued. I continue today. I'll probably continue tomorrow as well. It's the madness, you see. It runs in my family. Someone comes up to me on the very day I intend to quit writing my newsletters or more books and they say: “Mr. Vassallo you write with such sensitivity. I love your work.” And the madness surges to the fore, ready to drive me on. I even howl and there doesn't have to be a moon to do it.

8. Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote your books?

A: I once sent a copy of Tears to Governor Ernie Fletcher and met his lovely Administrative Secretary. We even got invited to her home for an open house.

We recently attended a gun show in Louisville and actually sold a fair number of books. I accost waiters in restaurants with the fact I am a writer and threaten them with a small tip if they don't purchase.(only kidding). I even left one in the men's section of a spa at the Greenbrier Inn (where all the Presidents go) and actually sold their gift shop my first book. They sold well, but they never purchase my second. At $600 per night I don't know if I can afford to keep selling to them.

There are some things I will not do. I will not go door-to-door. I will not lie to my newsletter public by pretending I am selling more books than I really am. I will not fib about the truth of what is in my stories.

NON-FICTION

1. Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What is your background or in yurt research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

A: My book is not a typical non-fiction book. The stories are true but when one thinks of non-fiction they either think of self-help books or memoirs. These are real life stories about my animals and my personal troubles and emotions. I'm the best person to write the book because I lived it. The next best person to write this book is my wife because she has put up a tremendous struggle to live with me. That kind of non-fiction would make the Best Seller's list.

2 If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy?

A: If I am selling Tears, I use a stopper? Do you know anyone who loves animals? Someone who might really enjoy reading a different kind of animal book? I usually take one of my strongest stories, “The Cardinal' because it's a story that offers hope from beyond the grave and who doesn't want to believe there is something after life?

I talk about the animals, show pictures of them, tell amusing stories about what they did recently. I also study the person. Are they a grandmother with grandchildren? I extol the virtue of my eight year old grandson and how he loves to have my stories read to him. (mostly to stay up a half hour later). If a teen-ager, I extol the virtues of all that pro-animal hype that is out there and how the big bad hunter killed Bambi's mother. Apparently someone didn't do their research because back in those days it was illegal to kill a doe, but it made good sentiment for the movie.

3. Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers?

The best example I can offer to answer this question is a quote from one of my newest stories going into a future book. The story is called “The Unloved.”

We meet at the bottom of the stairs, but her eyes avert from mine.

She will not face me when she is perturbed. She is smoting her

own anger because I am blind and do not see. I can be

perplexing to everyone except my animals. With them, I am different.

I feel their love and I sense their emotions. Conversations flows easily

with them and I do not feel unloved. I am comfortable with my

animals. They expect nothing from me. They hold me to no standard.

With them, I do not have to do better and better each time

I attempt something. I know they love me because their love

is simplistic and demonstrative. They are not the feelingless

mother who raised me on criticism and derision.

This is the best reason I can give for why the animal topic interests me. Yet, I do not want to be tacked down as an animal writer. I just finished my memoirs of growing up in a neighborhood where mobsters outnumbered churchgoers by three-to- one. And, after twenty-five years as a practicing lawyer, I have sketched out another non-fiction book on divorce cases and their aftermath.

4. If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and the place.

A: Before you begin writing for publication, take a long hard look at how much of yourself you are willing to give to the industry. Are you willing to learn the industry standards? Are you willing to give up part of your personal life to pursue it? Are you willing to sometimes spend more money selling your books than you earn? Will you accept the criticism of a professional editor? How will you react to being scammed by the thousands out there who want the money your dreams are built on? Are you determined to succeed in spite of them? Do you know where to go to find the right answers?

I recall one organization we were using to conduct interviews and have reviews done for a specific price. They ran a contest and asked me to submit a story. Now I always thought that when you win a contest you get something of a reward. Maybe its money; maybe it's a sticker; a certificate. You know, something. Well, I did get something. I got the right to purchase the book my story was published in as a contest winner for twenty-five per cent off retail price.

Then there was the guy who took the winning story right into Hollywood for film and television rights and you were on your way. You simply could not miss. Just being in the contest assured you of notice of some kind. Guess what? He lied. And he lied very effectively for one-hundred and -eighty dollars contest entry fee. I still bang my head on the floor over that one.

Not everyone is a scam artist. I only met Nikki Leigh once, but she is hard-working and you get more than your money's worth from her. Maybe her efforts will never sell a single book (which I doubt because our Amazon sales are up) but even if nothing sells, she's done the honorable thing and that is worth the price of admission . . . anytime.

In Detail With Virginia Vassallo

Tell us the book title and your author name.

VGV: Unsung Patriot: Guy T. Viskniskki, How The Stars and Stripes Began by Virginia G. Vassallo

What inspired the book?

VGV: I grew up hearing stories about my grandfather, Guy T. Viskniskki. He was the founder of The Stars and Stripes, the newspaper of our armed forces. Guy was lost to history in that he was only mentioned in passing yet he was the motivating force behind The Stars and Stripes. His story needed to be told.

What makes this book special to you?

VGV: This book is special for a number of reasons. First of all, it describes how my grandfather got The Stars and Stripes up and running in wartime France, 1918. Not a small accomplishment. Second, the book gives some of my family history so that I know it will be passed down to my grandchildren. Third, it is probably the only book I will ever write. It was a long process and I am not sure I want to go through it again on another subject.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

VGV: I think people must read Unsung Patriot because it will help them to understand the true nature of The Stars and Stripes. Guy fought for the principles that the paper should be “By and for the soldiers”. There were many people who tried to intervene and get the army top brass to oversee the newspaper but Guy was successful in fighting them all. The newspaper today still follows those principles: By and for the soldiers. It is truly their newspaper.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

VGV: People who do not believe in what our armed forces are doing should read this book. That way they will learn that The Stars and Stripes is truly the soldiers' newspaper. And then they can go read the paper - it's available online - and see what the soldiers are actually thinking about their job in the Middle East.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

VGV: Actually, I don't think of myself as really being creative, in the sense that I cannot write fiction or tell good stories. That said, long walks in the woods with my dogs really seem to help. Many times something is kicking around in my head and getting out in the fresh air and walking seems to get things in place. Maybe it's just getting away from the typewriter.

I would suggest anything that makes a person feel refreshed and rejuvenated might help to spark creativity.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

VGV: The biggest stumbling block was making the decision to actually write Guy's story. And the second biggest was actually starting to do it.

I would suggest that anyone who wants to write just sit down and do. Don't worry about whether it's good or not. Just write to please yourself and maybe one other person. I think that makes the project less daunting.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual activity?

VGV: From my experience talking to various authors, it appears that many of them feel that they have a special story to tell. I certainly felt that way. Some authors also seem to need the praise and attention of being a writer. Others have always wanted to write and it just seems like a natural outgrowth of their personalities.

What motivated me? I knew that I was one of two people who could write the story of Guy T. Viskniskki and The Stars and Stripes because there were only two of us who had his memoirs. Since I have a love of history, it just seemed natural that I should gather the information and write Unsung Patriot. I also wanted to make sure that the family stories that are included in the book were passed down to my grandchildren.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

VGV: My first thought is that my husband, Russ, and I went to a two day gun show to sell our books. And surprisingly enough, we did sell quite a few. When we go out to dinner, very often I sell a book or two to our waitress. We just start talking and I start selling. Russ kids me that there is a Wanted Poster up in Lexington, KY, with my name on it: Beware this person will sell you a book.

Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

VGV: I am Guy T. Viskniskki's granddaughter. I inherited his 435 page memoirs of his year he spent in France trying to get The Stars and Stripes up and going. I grew up next door to his widow who told me many family stories. Those are the three top reasons why I am the best person to write this book.

I can do justice to how The Stars and Stripes began because I do have much of the research materials present in my home, having inherited all the family papers when my mom died. I was also a history major in college so I learned how to write extensive research papers and still make them interesting. And as an attorney I did a considerable amount of writing.

If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than “It's the greatest book ever.” Give me something more specific.

VGV: If you like history, this is a book that will interest you. If you are afraid that reading history is boring and technical, that is not true of Unsung Patriot. If you like genealogy, please read this book as you can learn how to write your own family history. If you want to understand the true concepts behind The Stars and Stripes, this is the book for you.

Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

VGV: Since Unsung Patriot is about my grandfather, I think it is pretty obvious why the topic interests me. The book should interest potential readers because it will help them understand what our troops today would be facing if they did not have a newspaper of their own - one they could count on to tell them the truth.

My lack of creativity is a problem when trying to come up with a hook. Help!

The Forgotten Man Who Started The Stars and Stripes. (Russ helped me with that!)

Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples of tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

VGV: Yes, there is. Since our troops are scattered about the globe, one of the means of creating unity among the units is The Stars and Stripes, the newspaper of our armed forces. Unsung Patriot tells the story of how the newspaper began. I think people would be interested to learn the details of how the paper almost didn't get started - all the problems entailed in starting a newspaper in a war torn country. I am very proud to be the granddaughter of the founder of the paper and I am extremely proud that his guiding principles are still guiding principles of The Stars and Stripes today, ninety years after my grandfather started the paper.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

VGV: Please visit our websites: www.krazyduck.com and www.unsungpatriot.com. Please feel free to contact us at Russ@krazyduck.com.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website.

In Detail with Dyan Garris

Tell us the book title and your author name.

Money and Manifesting by Dyan Garris

What inspired the book?

It’s a natural progression of my body of work which is mind, body, spirit transformation.

What makes this book special to you?

It’s at the top of the toolbox of spiritual tools that I’m building.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

There has been a lot of frustration around The Secret and the laws of attraction in general. People have come out of that feeling as if there is something missing and there is. A lot of people were left thinking that there was something wrong with them because they could not manifest. In fact the authors and teachers of The Secret have now come out with “The Missing Instruction Manual.” So, in my book I teach exactly why the Law of Attraction and the power of positive thinking on their own are not enough to manifest. I am teaching people the real secrets to manifesting.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Anyone that has tried to implement the laws of attraction and has gotten nowhere is a the perfect person to read my book. This book teaches exactly what to do to learn to manifest. This is not another book about the laws of attraction. In fact it’s really about everything but that. The laws of attraction and positive thinking are only one factor in learning to manifest.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

Creativity is a combination of factors. Mostly it’s an energy flow. When energy is flowing smoothly on a pathway, creativity abounds. My advice is to learn how to unblock your energy pathways. Then there is no limitation to creativity.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

I just don’t really have any trouble writing. But for those who do, I would again say, open up an energy flow. Nothing can flow through a clogged pipe.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I actually am not sure what motivates anyone to become an author. I think it is probably something they feel in their soul. I’ve just always written. It’s a natural way to communicate. I had the blessing of a really excellent Creative Writing teacher in high school. I think that teachers can have a great influence.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I really wish I had a great and funny story about selling books out of the trunk of a car or exchanging books for something else, but I just don’t. I’ve done two virtual book tours. This is the third and I think it’s an unusual way to promote books, but quickly becoming not so unusual. It’s a great vehicle.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.

NON FICTION - Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

I’m a psychic and energy healer. In order to manifest we need to understand how energy works. In order to manifest money we need to understand how the energy of money works.

NON FICTION - If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

I think the only reason someone would think this wouldn’t interest them would be because they thought it was just another book on the power of positive thinking and how to work with the Law of Attraction. I would tell them that this is completely different and there is information in the book that perhaps they’ve never heard before. I would tell them that this information would help them get unstuck from whatever endless cycle they feel they are in.

NON FICTION - Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

The topic interests me because I know it will help a lot of disillusioned people who were sold half a “secret.” It would interest potential readers because it’s fresh information and also because of the way that it’s written. There is fiction wrapped around information and there is a very specific purpose for that. It begins the process of left brain/right brain integration and that is one of the very first steps to manifesting. So, in simply reading the book, you’re going to have an automatic shift.

NON FICTION Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

There are no limitations. Learning to manifest doesn’t have to take years. And there are no real secrets. There is only the truth.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

www.voiceoftheangels.com and www.moneyandmanifesting.com

Nikki Leigh
www.nikkileigh.com/promo.htm

Spring House by David Bowles

Tell us the book title and your author name. Spring House: Book 1 in the Westward Sagas by David Bowles

What inspired the book? As a young boy, I loved to hear about my grandparents and great grandparents. My parents, aunts, and uncles told wonderful stories and painted vivid pictures of every event. Those stories intrigued me because they really happened -- and they happened to people that were connected to me. I wanted to know more about my ancestors and developed an early interest in history, the only subject I ever excelled in. I began researching my family history more than 30 years ago. After a close call with death in a motorcycle accident, I wanted to be sure this history was passed down to my son, daughter, and three grandchildren. My first attempts told the family stories but bored everyone who read them, so I decided to add dialogue and scenes to give the stories some true life drama. I have done extensive historical and genealogical research and have written nothing -- and will write nothing in future books in The Westward Sagas-- that contradicts known historical facts, characters, or events. The books are written as historical fiction rather than as nonfiction to allow me to imagine and create details of how events might have occurred when those details are not actually known.

What makes this book special to you? I love history and genealogy, and this book gives me the chance to share my research and entertain others at the same time.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY? Spring House tells little-known details about the Revolutionary War and shows the important roles of women and churches in the American Revolution through the eyes of one Patriot. Adam Mitchell, his compatriots, and his family were ordinary Americans in extraordinary circumstances, people who became heroes because of the way they responded to their situations. Not only will readers gain a new understanding of American history, they will be inspired by the courage and strength of the Mitchell family and their fellow revolutionaries.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY? Anyone interested in American history, especially the Revolution, will enjoy the history. Readers who like romance will appreciate Adam Mitchell's two love stories--his first wife who died bearing their son and his second wife who bore him twelve more children.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity? I'm inspired by history, which is my passion. I think passion sparks creativity.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems? It's difficult to find the time to write. I run a full-time business and write part-time. The only way I can get any writing done--and I'm struggling with finishing the second book now--is to set aside time and not let anything interfere with my writing. I've even gone away to write so I'm not distracted by the interruptions of life.

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry? Unlike many authors, I never set out to be a writer. But I got so excited about my family history that I knew it was a story that needed to be told. When I couldn't get anyone else to write the story, I decided to do it. And am I glad I did! I've caught the writing bug.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books? Some of my best promotion was in writing the book itself. I made sure to include lots of people in the story--not only my own family but their friends, neighbors, and fellow citizen-soldiers. The book is in Google search and Amazon's Inside the Book so when people search for information about their own ancestors or historical characters, my book comes up. That has generated sales.

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers? Since the book is based on history, I didn't choose the setting--I set the book where it really happened. I did a lot of research to learn details of the place and period and incorporated those details into the story to make the setting vivid.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want. Adam Mitchell and his family just wanted to be left alone to farm their land, practice their faith, and raise their family. But life on the new frontier, politics, and war intervened. The way they responded to these circumstances made heroes of these ordinary citizens. I am in awe of their strength and courage in very difficult circumstances and proud to be descended by from such heroic ancestors.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know. The “villain” is the circumstances the characters face: the hardships of life on the new frontier, the political situation that motivated them to stand up for what they believed, and the dangers of war.

NON FICTION - Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic? Although Spring House is fiction, I will answer this question because the book is based on extensive historical and genealogical research. I heard stories about my family and their place in history from early childhood and developed a passion for history as a result. My 30+ years of research coupled with my passion make me the BEST person to write this story.

NON FICTION - If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

NON FICTION - Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

NON FICTION Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

Walking Man By Narciso Zamora

Walking Man: A Modern Missions Experience in Latin America by Narciso Zamora.

What inspired the book?

I've been working for many years in missions and my inspiration in life has always been spreading the word of Christ. This book chronicles all the adventures that I've had in hopes that it will inspire others to join in the work that our Lord asks us to do in his name.

What makes this book special to you?

This book allows me to open the door and let people into my life. It is obviously close to my heart because it recounts all my failures and successes and the way that Jesus has worked in my life. Opening up about it all has allowed me to reflect on the many blessings that the Lord has given me and the miracles that He has worked through the years.

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

There is so much work left to do and so many people that need to know more about the Lord. People need to let Him into their hearts and accept him as their personal savior. It is so important to inspire others to know Christ and to act upon that desire to let him be a part of their lives. So many are in need of Him and it is our duty to help others find the way to Him. That's why reading this book and choosing to take action is so important. Mine is just an example of the miracles that the Lord can perform if you let him in and work hard to serve him.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

EVERYONE! Jesus can work wonders in someone's life and everyone can work to spread his word. Children and teenagers can start early and know more about Jesus and become spiritually strong adults that can work wonders in their community and the world. Young adults can say "I can do that!" and find themselves in their own quest for inspiring others to serve Jesus. Adults can not only act but transform their own life and their family's.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

When something amazing happens - when God provides for my need in just the moment I need it, I feel inspired to share it with others, in some cases, in writing.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

I guess having enough time is the biggest stumbling block. For those of us that have full time pursuits and want to write as a sideline, it can be hard to convert those good intentions into printed words. The thing that has worked best for me is to block off a few hours on one day a week or one hour the same time each day, usually the early morning before the phone has started to ring - and just do it!

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

Writing is an excellent way of reaching others. It allows you to share your personality, your ideas and, in my personal case, a lifetime of experiences and lessons. I am always looking for ways to reach people and writing my autobiography only seemed appropriate after so many years of working in this field. I wanted others to know that it is never too late to accept Jesus, that as long as you straighten your life and live it fully in His word then your past is not a reflection of the wonders you can do through Him.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

I haven't gotten too crazy yet, as my book just came out. But if we still have a few thousand books sitting in my publisher's basement a year or two from now, you'll see me get crazy! My publisher suggested that I walk my entire author tour, since my book is called Walking Man. She actually wanted me to walk from Indiana to Texas to Florida in July heat!! I told her I was up for anything, but then she came to her senses (thank God).

NON FICTION - Why are you the BEST person to write this book? What in your background or in your research makes you qualified to do justice to this topic?

My personal experience as a nonbeliever who struggled to live in the right path and was still able to find Jesus and, for more than thirty years, reach the most isolated areas of Peru and Chile to start churches and spread the word have given me the knowledge to counsel others. God works wonders through those who accept him and I've been privileged enough to know him for many years now.

NON FICTION - If a potential reader thinks that your book wouldn't interest them, what would you say to convince them to buy? I'm thinking something better than "Its the greatest book ever." Give me something more specific :)

Many have a need to fill that spiritual void that people carry these days and reading this book may be the answer to finding a sense of purpose in life. Even if they think their life is perfectly fine, reading this book may let them discover a whole other side of life they hadn't considered before. There are so many that need help and reading my testimony can give them inspiration and Jesus can start finding His way into their hearts.

NON FICTION - Why does the topic of your book interest you? Why would it interest potential readers? Give us a hook to reel in new readers.

Well, the topic of this book is basically the passion of my life; it describes the love of Jesus and his wonders. I am certain that readers can go through this book and find the story of a real man who has worked hard to accomplish an important goal in life. That is a struggle that all human beings can relate to and reading somebody else's way of getting through the difficulties with the help of God is an inspiration that can help them find motivation to accomplish their personal goals.

NON FICTION Is there a way to tie your book topic to current events? If so, tell us about how you could do that. I have a blog to feature information and examples about tying books into current events that might be a good place for you to promote your book.

My book shows in great detail the poor conditions that so many people have to live in because of the underdeveloped areas that they have been born into. It is difficult for them to get by and poverty is a pandemic that haunts them throughout their entire lives. I have made an effort to reach those isolated areas because I come from a small rural town myself, and I know how limited the opportunities are for these people. I am one of them, and the Lord has helped me overcome many issues they deal with on a daily basis. There is a need for many others to come and provide them with the tools for a better life both materially and spiritually.

In Detail With Patricia Guthrie

Tell us the book title and your author name.

In the Arms of the Enemy

Patricia A. Guthrie

What inspired the book

About a decade ago a horse mob in the Chicago suburban area were murdering horses for insurance money. Quite a few horsemen were indicted, some jailed. That seed stayed planted in my head until about three years ago when I wrote this book.

What makes this book special to you?

In the Arms of the Enemy is dedicated to those horses lost to man’s greed and inhumanity and to those humanitarians whose mission is to save and protect them. The love I have for my characters and their horses have made this special. (It’s also my first published book)

What makes this a book that other people MUST read and WHY?

First off, this is a ‘durn good mystery. Outside of that, it educates the public on what happens when money, animals and greed come together. It also shows what can happen when you deceive the people you love.

What people NEED to read this book and WHY?

Probably the same answers as the last question, but this is for horse lovers

And shows them another side of the horse industry.

What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?

I take my ideas from topical events, mix it with things in my life I love (Romanian castles, horses, collies, women who have to run from dangerous relationships) I like to point out the evils in life balanced with the good.

What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?

I think marketing has been my biggest stumbling block. I don’t mix writing and marketing well together, so when I market I don’t write and when I write I don’t market. I’m trying to over come that. I’m sure others have much going on in their lives, trying to juggle all that is hard. Writers block? I do, but I usually talk or walk it off. Music helps too, although I can’t write and listen to music. Being a musician I have a tendency to listen and stare at the walls, picking out the cello and violin sections. LOL

What do you think motivates people to become authors? What motivated you to get into this unusual industry?

I think people write when they have a good story to tell and it must come out. I think reading and talking to other writers can “egg-on” that feeling to write.

I think those people have a natural interest in the craft of writing and aren’t afraid to write bad drafts, then start rewriting. It’s just in you.

Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote any books?

FICTION - If there is a setting, tell us how you decided on that setting and what you did to create a complete and vivid setting for your readers?

This story takes place a horse locations. My prototype for Kalian Downs Racetrack was Arlington Park Racetrack in Illinois and most of the race took place a the barn where I board my horse. When I walk through there and smell the hay and horses, watch the horses movements, the sounds they make when they’re eating dinner, it makes it easier to write it into a chapter.

FICTION - What inspires you about the hero or heroine in your book? What makes them memorable for the reader? What motivates the hero and/or heroine? You can include information about both if you want.

I had to write in Adam. He was so intent in finding a killer of his father’s horse and its trainer and was convinced the trainer’s partner was guilty. He was a man on a mission. Maggie was motivated by the need for peace, having had a stressful and bad experience with her fiancée and the owner of the barn where she trained. The rest of the novel she must learn to protect herself from deliberate accidents and learn to trust Adam, although she believes he’s not what he appears.

FICTION - Is there a villain or something that causes friction in your story? Tell us about what or who it is and how that contributes to the story. Any details about conflict and friction is good information to know.

Well, this is a mystery, so I won’t tell you who, but there are several conflicts here. First Adam being not the naïve, suave and rich entrepreneur he claimed to be. Evidence is pointing toward Maggie being part of the gang who kills horses for insurance money for horse owners. Even as Maggie has no idea she’s even being under suspicion.

If there's anything else you would like to share, this is the time and place.

I hope you enjoy the book. It’s not long, but does get intense. A book where good intentions lead to deception and lies and misunderstanding leads to kidnapping.

Thank you for visiting with me and in closing, give us your website address and a link to order your book.

You’re welcome. I hope your readers enjoy this incite into the characters in the story. My website: www.patriciaanneguthrie.com, www.paguthrie.blogspot.com and www.myspace.com/paguthrie.

You can purchase the book at the publisher’s website www.lightswordpublishing.com,

www. Amazon.com, Borders, Waldenbooks, Barnes and Noble and most of the online independents. You can also order the book at the actual book stores and some stores carry it on their shelves.

These were great questions. I really enjoyed talking to all of you. Any questions:

Patguth@aol.com Please email me.

For more information about Patricia's virtual book tour - visit her tour home page http://inspiredauthor.com/promotion/Patricia+Guthrie

To order your copy, visit http://www.amazon.com/Arms-Enemy-Patricia-Guthrie/dp/0979203082

In the Arms of the Enemy by Patricia A. Guthrie

I will be posting the "In Detail" answers soon, in the mean time here is some "inside info" about the cover of the book.

The cover story of the covers of In the Arms of the Enemy:

Front:

Cody, (Cajuns Cayenne Kid) is the horse on the front cover of "In the Arms of the Enemy." Although he's not a thoroughbred race-horse, we decided to acknowledge this beautiful horse on the cover as a tribute. Cody was a champion cutting horse and produced magnificent foals who have gone on to become champions in their own right in many disciplines.

According to his owner, Bonny Kirby "He was an AQHA, ICHR and FQHR registered. He is a Gold Champagne and is 92.19% Foundation. His bloodlines are Champions and will produce the same. He was lost to colon cancer on October 13, 2007"

The back cover is a tribute the author's gray quarter horse Shotgun Socks who won classes in pleasure and halter at American Quarter Horse Association horse shows. He was owned by Ms. Guthrie until last year, when he died at twenty-five from complications due to colic.

I've acknowledged these two horses in the same manner as Adam Blakely might acknowledge his beautiful thoroughbred Black Autumn.

Patricia A. Guthrie
"In the Arms of the Enemy." (Light Sword Publishing)
Dedicated to those horses lost to man's inhumanity and greed
and to those humanitarians who's mission is to save and protect them.
www.paguthrie.blogspot.com,
www.patriciaanneguthrie.com

Patricia A. Guthrie
"In the Arms of the Enemy." (Light Sword Publishing)
Dedicated to those horses lost to man's inhumanity and greed
and to those humanitarians who's mission is to save and protect them.
www.paguthrie.blogspot.com,
www.patriciaanneguthrie.com