Author Interview with Educational Children's Book Author Carole P. Roman

Please tell us a bit about your Countries books:

The If You Were Me books are an introduction to customs and culture around the world. It is a series designed to place children in the same shoes as a child in different parts of the world, letting them experience the things that are important in their lives. The idea of countries, borders, and customs is hard for young ones to grasp, so I broke it into various subjects that small children could identify with- what their name might be, where the country is located, what they would call their parents, what kind of food would they eat, what one thing identifies the country, like a landmark. They finish each book able to identify both similarities and differences. With the added benefit of having multiple books, they can compare how life is all over the world.

Have you always known you wanted to be a writer?

I am an avid reader. I will read everything. I don’t think I had the confidence to write until Createspace came along and said, you don’t need to worry about rejection- we will give you a platform. I have written my entire life, plays, stories, I did a vanity published romance years ago, but with Amazon, KDP and Createspace, I can now do it successfully.

How did you come up with the idea to write books about children from different countries?

I was in Vegas for a family vacation. My grandchildren and I were walking on the strip and when my oldest grandson saw the Eiffel Tower, he asked what it was. I tried to explain national identity and realized his four-year old mind couldn’t understand what I was talking about. I ruminated all night and at about dawn, both the format and  the name of the series came to me. I wrote Mexico, France, Norway, Turkey, and Kenya that first week, wanting to make sure I explored the “four corners of the earth.”

What do you enjoy most about writing for children?

I love their discovery. I enjoy hearing from parents that they are having fun reading the books and learning right along with their children. When I hear that I created an opening to further discussion or exploration to learn more, or somehow one of my books helped a child deal with peer pressure, problem-solving, or any other kind of distress, I feel completed.

What kinds of things do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I work in a family business, so I am pretty busy with my day job. I do yoga, play with my grandchildren, have lunch with my daughters-in-law, beta-read my son’s books (he is author Michael Phillip Cash). I promote all of our books on social media and keeping our names in the spotlight. I play a wicked game of craps and love Words with Friends.

Who are some of your favorite children’s book authors?

I love JK Rowling. I read Harry Potter when it first came out and was not impressed with it. However, my grandson was having a reading issue in school. I started reading with him on Facetime nightly and now a year and over twenty books later- we are reading for an hour together every night. I adored harry Potter after reading it with him, and will admit was teary when we finished the last book. We are reading the Percy Jackson series right  now. He enjoys the Hilo books by Judd Winnick. I loved Martha Doesn’t Like to Share by Samantha Berber, Knuffle Bunny by Mo Wiiems and No, David, by David Shannon are some of my favorites too.

What types of books do you like to read?

I am a big history reader, both fiction and nonfiction. My entire life was spent reading blocks of genres. My 20’s were filled with science fiction, my thirties were spy thrillers, my forties were all about historical romance, fifties were the years of historical fiction and now we are in a free-for all- I’ll read anything.

What would readers be surprised to know about you?

I can work on my books and have an entire conversation while being creative. I am the Queen of Multitasking.

How can readers connect with you?

Website

Facebook

AmazonAuthor Page

Twitter

Goodreads

What are you currently working on?

I have just completed If You Were Me and Lived in...Cuba, as well as If You Were Me and Lived in..the Ancient Mayan Empire. I am finishing up an early reader chapter book- my first called Oh Susannah: It’s in the Bag and I am starting another self-help with my social media partner called Self- Publishing- As Easy as ABC. I am also doing my own Blog radio show called Let’s Say Hello to our Neighbors highlighting children’s books. http://www.podfireradio.com/

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Don’t be afraid, join a good discussion group on Goodreads and ask questions. Write and when you are done, be prepared to wear multiple hats, otherwise no one will hear about all your hard work.

ABOUT CAROLE P. ROMAN

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of the Captain No Beard series. Both Captain No Beard-An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life and Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis have received the Kirkus Star of Exceptional Merit. The first book in the series was named to Kirkus Reviews Best 2012. Captain No Beard and the Aurora Borealis has been named to Kirkus Reviews Best of 2015. Each book in the series has won numerous awards including the NABE Pinnacle Award, IAN Award, Moonbeam Award 2014, National Indie Excellence Award Finalist, Shelf Media Outstanding Series Award, ForeWord Review Five Star and Finalist in the Book of the Year, and Reader's Views Children's Book of the Year 2013.

Carole P. Roman is also the author of the award-winning non-fiction culture series, "If You Were Me and Lived in...", that explores customs and cultures around the world. She has co-authored a self-help book, Navigating Indieworld A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing. She lives on Long Island with her husband and near her children and grandchildren. Carole invites readers to connect with her via her website.

ENTER THE BOOK SERIES GIVEAWAY HERE!

The Thoughts You Feed by Irene Weinberg Author of They Serve Bagels in Heaven Book Tour and Giveaway

DIY Mom is participating in the virtual book tour for the inspirational memoir "They Serve Bagels in Heaven" by Irene Weinberg. Irene wrote her very personal story after the tragic death of her husband, Saul. Irene has shared her author guest post with DIY Mom readers here:

“The Thoughts You Feed”

by Irene Weinberg

The thoughts you feed are the ones that grow.

What this brings to my mind is the time my husband died next to me in a horrific car accident.

We were driving on the NY State Thruway when our car suddenly went into a huge swerve.  “Saul!” I called out to my sleeping husband, waking him up. He saw what was happening and tried to pull the car out of the swerve, but instead, we started to flip the first of four times. 

When we finally stopped, we had slid into a ravine and were upside down. I looked over at what was now the shell of my husband and knew all through me that he was gone.  I felt the car being turned over and as the strong hands of an EMT began to pull me through the shattered window of my car, two amazing, disparate things happened to me:

An unemotional but authoritative male voice boomed into my head and told me to “be loving and kind to everyone.” A moment later, I said to myself, “I will get through this somehow, because I have to show my son that you can get hit by a grenade in life and somehow still survive.”

I certainly experienced my share of grief and despair during those dark days, but at the same time, the positive attitude I scripted for myself led me to two professionals: a wonderful, resourceful Life Transition Coach and a highly regarded spiritual healer.  And as the many drops of love I was receiving from friends and family began to collect in what I called my grief-filled bucket, that now overflowing bucket of love started lifting me from my despair. 

 At first, my positive attitude in spite of my tremendous tragedy was all about my son.  But as began to re-build my life and once again experienced JOY, it also became about me.

ABOUT IRENE WEINBERG:

They Serve Bagels in Heaven: One couple’s story of love, eternity, and the cosmic importance of everyday life begins with the amazing messages Irene Weinberg received from heaven during the tragic car accident that took her husband Saul’s life. Irene resides in Northern New Jersey, where she oversees business interests. She is a mother, a stepmother and a grandmother. The author invites readers to connect with her on her website. 

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY 

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Interview with Author Michael Phillip Cash - Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway

Author Michael Phillip Cash is taking his paranormal novel "The After House" on tour with My Book Tour and DIY Mom is sharing the awesome giveaway. Enter for a chance to win!

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Michael Phillip Cash Author Interview

Please tell us about The After House:

My version of a haunted house tale told from the ghost's point of view.

Where did the idea for the book come from?

I was watching Maleficent with my wife and I loved that the story was told from the “villain’s” point of view. I had an idea about a whale-hunting ghost named Eli for a while. After the movie was over, I started writing that night.

Many of your books have a paranormal vibe. Have you always been interested in the paranormal?

I love paranormal. You can write a good ghost story in a million different ways.  I’ve had ghosts in my life since as far back as I can remember.

You’ve written several books over the years. How do you find the time to write?

During the day, all I do is research and development about my subject. Once my kids are tucked in and my wife goes to sleep I write every night until my eyes go – generally from 8pm to midnight.

What kinds of things do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Long walks on the beach.  KIDDING! I love being with my wife and kids. I love to cook. Nothing wrong with a good poker game every once in a while. I also started lifting heavy weights.

What kinds of books are on your bookshelf? What’s on your TBR list?

Every screenplay imaginable. Anything by Joseph Campbell. The Save the Cat Series. Every book on The Law of Attraction and The Universe. All Michael Crichton. My TBR List: The Flat Earth Conspiracy, Tools of the Titans, Eat Bacon & Don’t Jog, the Revenant screenplay.

What would readers be surprised to know about you?

I haven’t eaten bread, rice, pasta or potatoes in 6 years. I haven’t eaten fruit or vegetables in 3 years. I only eat meat, dairy and butter – and I’ve never been healthier.

How can readers connect with you?

@michaelpcash. I’m a Twitter fiend. Via my website. Also on Facebook.

Can readers expect any new books from you soon?

Oh yeah. I have an amazing agent who is planning on some very big things for my upcoming books.

As a successful author and scriptwriter, what advice can you give aspiring authors?

Write every day. Have a journal on hand wherever you go, so if you hear someone say something intriguing you can use it in your next work.

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ABOUT MICHAEL PHILLIP CASH

Michael Phillip Cash is an award-winning novelist and screenwriter. His novels are best-sellers on Amazon under their genres – Young Adult, Thriller, Suspense, Ghost, Action Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance and Horror. 

Michael writes full-time and lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wonderful wife and screaming children. You can follow him @michaelpcash.

Interview with Author Robert Germaux

Today, we're welcoming author Robert Germaux to the DIY Mom Blog. Robert is the author of four books, all available on Amazon. He's here to chat about his writing process and his newest book, Grammar Sex and Other Stuff, which is a short story collection. Welcome, Robert!

In your own words, please tell us about Grammar Sex and Other Stuff:

As I say in the blurb for the book, it’s one man’s take on life’s little moments, minor annoyances and unexpected delights.

This book is a change from your previous books. What made you change things up?

I’ve enjoyed reading a couple of local newspaper columnists for several years. At some point, my wife suggested I try writing some essays myself, with an eye towards having enough for a book. So to anyone who enjoys the book, you can thank Cynthia for planting the idea in my head.

So I have to ask…was including the word “sex” a deliberate attempt to grab the attention of potential readers? Oh, definitely, and the fact that you asked that question means it worked, right?

Actually a year or so ago, when I was writing my first guest post, a friend suggested I come up with a “catchy” title. Since I had used the expression “grammar sex” in “The Backup Husband,” I decided to use the term in the title of the post. Incidentally, that piece is one of the essays included in this book.

I love slice-of-life stories and Grammar Sex and Other Stuff certainly fits that category. How did you manage to recall all of your awesome stories? Do you keep a folder or do you just have an incredible memory?

I do have a good memory, but not that good. One thing that helped, especially with the essays related to vacations Cynthia and I have taken, is that I’m big on taking notes. When we’re on vacation, I take a few minutes every evening and jot down notes about what we did that day. After we get home, I use the notes to write what amounts to a daily diary of our trip. I put that diary with the photo album of the trip, and then we’ll get it out every few years and relieve all those wonderful moments. As for the essays that aren’t trip-related, anything I can’t remember on my own, I can usually get help from Cynthia or, in some cases, family members, especially my sister Barb, who’s become sort of our family historian.

Speaking of awesome stories, what do you think makes an interesting story?

For me, it has to be something that I can relate to in some way. It doesn’t necessarily have to be something I have personal experience with, as long as the author writes well enough to grab my attention. That pertains to fiction, but I also enjoy reading autobiographies.

What kinds of books are in your personal library?

I like detective novels, of course, but also other genres, anything that is well-written and captures my interest. I particularly enjoy stories that inform me about other countries and cultures.

Do you have a book genre/writing preference – fiction or non-fiction? Definitely fiction.

I loved writing “Grammar Sex and Other Stuff,” but I prefer writing about my private detective, Jeremy Barnes, or my police detective, Daniel Hayes, both of whom work in Pittsburgh. As soon as I sit down and start a new chapter about either Jeremy or Daniel, I’m right back in the world that I created for that book. I just lose myself in it.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Yes, I do. I’ve completed “One by One,” the next book about Daniel Hayes. It will be available not too long from now. And I’ll also be releasing at least one more Jeremy Barnes novel later this year.

How can readers connect with you?

You can always reach me at my Amazon Author Page. I love interacting with my readers.

Since you have now had several published books completed, what advice would you give aspiring authors?

The most important thing is to keep writing (and rewriting). Equally important is to find at least one person whose opinion you trust. Ask that person to read everything you write and give you an honest take on it. In my case, that person is Cynthia. She knows my characters, my writing style and, well, me better than anyone else in the world. When she offers a suggestion, I end up taking it 99% of the time.

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ABOUT ROBERT GERMAUX

Robert Germaux and his wife Cynthia live outside of Pittsburgh. After three decades as a high school English teacher, and now a good many years into retirement, he is beginning to have serious doubts about his lifelong dream of pitching for the Pirates. Grammar Sex and Other Stuff is Bob’s first non-fiction book. You can find links to his first three novels (The Backup Husband, Small Talk and Hard Court) at his Amazon Author Page.

Interview with Children's Book Author Lee Ann Mancini

We're welcoming children's author Lee Ann Mancini to the DIY Mom Blog today. Lee Ann is the award-winning author of several faith-based kids books. She's currently on the virtual road with My Book Tour. Welcome, Lee Ann! 

In your own words, please tell us about your book:

The story starts on a lovely Easter day at Sunday school! God’s Easter Miracles highlights God’s love and provision to His children. The lessons learned are not only about Jesus’s resurrection, but also awareness of treating children with Autism with love and respect, taking care of God’s creations, and most importantly, accepting Jesus Christ as your savior.

Have you always known you wanted to be a writer?

No, this was an acquired desire later in my adult life. I saw the need for children’s material that taught children how to have a strong relationship with Jesus, not just hearing stories about Him. My writing path began when I started writing these stories for my children.

Do you remember the first thing you ever wrote?

I’ve been a volunteer most of my adult life and wrote several little articles for various volunteer associations. However, the first published book was Fast Freddy, which I wrote 20 years ago, when my children were little.

Where do your story ideas come from?

When my children were little, I observed different situations and conflicts among them and their friends, which motivated me to write stories that address these issues in a loving, compassionate way, according to connecting them with our Lord and Savior.

What do you think makes a good story?

For Christian children’s stories, it’s establishing characters the children can relate to that help to capture their imagination and touch their hearts in a loving way. Also, making the stories fun and endearing. They really like finding the hidden symbols that we placed upon each page.

What kinds of things do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I enjoy reading and walking. Also, preparing for my classes that I teach at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary in addition to volunteering at different venues and spending time with my lovely family!

Who would you say has been a major influence in your life?

 First of all, my mother, who taught me Godly morals at an early age. Also, Dr. Warren Gage, who has been a mentor in my Biblical studies and a source of guidance in my personal life as well. Both are examples of the Gospel.

What types of books do you like to read?

I love to read books that inspire, encourage and are uplifting. In addition to any books that educate me in the word of God.  

What would readers be surprised to know about you?

 I received my BA in Religious Studies, and my two Master’s in my 50’s!

What are you currently working on?

Our seventh book in our series, God’s Creation, deals with teaching children to be good stewards regarding God’s wonderful ocean creatures. Again, they are faced with a dilemma, but relying on Jesus and His guidance, they learn how to be loving and caring for not only God’s creatures, but also their friends and family. 

How can readers connect with you?

Readers can go to my website, GLMPublishing.net, our Facebook page is Adventures of the Sea Kids, and our Twitter is @GLMPublishing.

What advice would you give aspiring authors?

I wrote these stories 20 years ago, with hopes of publishing them one day. After receiving rejection upon rejection, it wasn’t until the Holy Spirit prompted me many years after, to bring these stories out and work diligently to get them published. It was all God’s perfect timing. So, never give up, if it’s God’s will, it will be done!

God's Easter Miracles by Lee Ann Mancini - Character Interview with Jimmy and Giveaway

DIY Mom is participating in the My Book Tour virtual book tour for God's Easter Miracles by Lee Ann Mancini. Lee Ann's interview with one of the book's main characters, Jimmy, is an adorable way to show the true essence of this uplifting and inspirational book! You can read the DIY Mom book review here. 

• Publisher: GLM PUBLISHING (February 1, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0997332514
• ISBN-13: 978-0997332513 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Paul, Jimmy, Brian and the whole town witness God's Easter miracles in this unique story. God’s Easter Miracles highlights God’s love and provision to His children. The lessons learned are not only about Jesus’s resurrection, but also awareness of treating children with Autism with love and respect, and taking care of God’s creations.

As in previous books, God’s Easter Miracles establishes characters that children can relate to, while capturing their imagination and touching their hearts in a loving way. Written in a fun and endearing way, God’s Easter Miracles also provides interactive entertainment by including hidden symbols for children to locate throughout the book.

PURCHASE GOD'S EASTER MIRACLES ON AMAZON.COM

ABOUT LEE ANN MANCINI

Lee Ann Mancini’s desire is for children to begin to know and love Jesus from an early age. This passion led her to seek out books for her own children that portrayed an active relationship with Jesus in a relatable way. She knew communicating God’s truth through captivating words and compelling illustrations is a crucial part of establishing that foundation.

An adjunct professor at South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary, Mancini holds a master’s degree in Christian studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School as well as Knox Theological Seminary. She holds a board position with the Florida Authors and Publishers Association and the Alexandrian Forum and maintains memberships with organizations such as the Christian Small Publishers Association and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

Mancini is an active member in her local community, visiting schools to share the Adventures of the Sea Kids series with children, as well as speaking to women’s groups about the redemptive power of the Gospel represented through the types of brides of the church. Learn more about Mancini and the Adventures of the Sea Kids at glmpublishing.net.

God’s Easter Miracles Character Interview with Jimmy

Background: In God’s Easter Miracles, Jimmy’s character accepts Christ in his heart.

Q: I understand you have accepted Christ in your heart! How wonderful! What did you think of Jesus before you accepted him into your heart?

A: I knew Jesus was special because my mommy and daddy prayed to him. And every Sunday we went to his house and it’s called a Church. But, I really didn’t know Jesus. But He gave me a new heart!!

Q: How did Jesus give you a new heart?

A: Well, I went to Sunday school, and Miss Linda hid some Easter Eggs. I found the two special eggs!! So I got two prizes. Paul wanted one, and Miss Linda asked me to share. I didn’t think it was fair that I had to share with Paul when I found them not him! Miss Linda said it wasn’t fair that Jesus died for my sins. I went home and I felt bad. I didn’t know Jesus did that! So I asked Jesus to help me to be a good boy and be like him. The next morning, I woke up and I felt happy to give one of my eggs to Paul. It made me feel good to share it with him. Jesus changed my heart. He made it nicer! And because I believe in Jesus, I will live in heaven, forever! Mommy said heaven is so beautiful and her and daddy will be there too!

Q: Do you pray to him now that you believe in him?

A: Well, at night, I used to pray to him, but I didn’t really feel anything. But NOW when I pray to Him I feel He is listening to me and I love Him.

Q: Why do you love him?

A: Because he loves me, silly!

Q: Do you tell other kids about Him?

A: I told my baby brother and my friend, Bobby, who lives next door. I told them that Jesus was a real man who is God. They didn’t know, so they were surprised. I like surprising people, it’s fun!

Q: How did Paul feel when you gave him your egg?

A: He was SO happy! He was crying before when he didn’t get one. You know what He did?

Q: What did Paul do?

A: He gave his egg to Lenny who was in the hospital. Lenny was hurt. I prayed to Jesus for Lenny to get better. You know what happened then?

Q: What happened then?

A: Jesus gave Lenny a miracle! He was all better and could go home. Jesus gave me a miracle of a new heart and Lenny a miracle of being all better!

Q: Did you have a fun Easter?

A: It was the best Easter of all! I got lots of candy in my eggs and a chocolate Easter bunny, but the best gift was getting a new best friend. You want to know his name?

Q: What is his name?

A: Jesus, silly! 

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

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Spotlight on Accidental Arrangements Romance Novel by Alexandra Warren

Publication Date: December 20, 2016

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
Language: English

ASIN: B01N4GE312

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Not all arrangements are truly by design. Some happen by chance, by fate, by… accident.

Jules Tyler is in desperate need of a roommate. Levi Graham is in desperate need of a room. And while it may seem like the perfect match from the outside, it doesn’t take long for egos, expectations, and experiences to say otherwise.

But what happens when the proximity builds a chemistry between them that neither is prepared to handle? Will living as roommates become too much to bear? Or will it be the perfect jumpstart to a happily ever after?

*Note: While it can be read as a standalone, this book does contain major spoilers for the Spite Series.

PURCHASE ACCIDENTAL ARRANGEMENTS ON AMAZON.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Alexandra Warren is a twenty-something year old Nebraska girl who enjoys teaching, blogging, traveling, and of course, writing. Contemporary Romance novellas are her absolute favorite to write as well as to read. With thirteen books under her belt, and more on the way, she is excited to see what 2017 will bring!

Readers can learn more about Alexandra on her website.

Book Tour Spotlight: Cry for the Mercenary by Gabriel Wright

Today, DIY Mom is sharing indie author Gabriel Wright's self-published crime novel "Cry for the Mercenary". Gabe is a hard-working family man, who runs his Harlem, NY business by day and writes novels by night. Gabe invites readers to check out the book sample on Amazon! 

·       
   Print Length: 332 pages
   Publication Date: November 12, 2015
   Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
   Language: English
   ASIN: B017X442DQ

ABOUT THE BOOK:

He was all they had . . .

In the face of a monster of a man, they were powerless. They couldn’t run, they couldn’t hide, they couldn’t fight. Every aspect of their lives were under his control. It was obedience or oblivion. When that monster of a man went down into a death spiral, he expected them to follow.

To break free they needed an outsider, a stranger, a mercenary. They found him.

With all his troubles, and all his flaws, they found him. With all his baggage, and even his reluctance, they cried for him. It wasn’t only a question of would he do it, but could he. It wasn’t only a matter of saving them, but of saving himself.

PURCHASE CRY FOR THE MERCENARY ON AMAZON.COM

ABOUT GABRIEL WRIGHT

Gabriel Wright was born, and raised in NYC.  Originally from the borough of the Bronx, Gabriel attended college at the City University of New York (CUNY). Afterwards, he spent 20 years in a career as an IT Professional.  Gabe admits it wasn't exactly his dream job but he liked the work enough that he would've happily toiled away at it until mandatory (or forced) retirement.

Gabriel’s true dream job was being a writer.  It was always in the back of his mind, but it was always something that he thought he’d get around to eventually. Then a not so funny thing happened in Gabe’s IT career – he was laid off.  Although, sadly, it wasn't the first time, this time he took it as a sign that eventually had finally come.  Gabriel began to write and ultimately producing his first novel Cry for the Mercenary.

Gabriel Wright still lives in NYC with his family.  Along with writing, he’s also trying to make a success of his family-owned bagel shop in Harlem.

Gabe encourages readers to connect with him on Twitter and Facebook.