Interview with Human Behavior Consultant, Angel Tucker

Angel Tucker is a Certified Human Behavior Consultant, Expert Personality Profiler and the author of "Stop Squatting With Your Spurs On!". She has helped tens of thousands of people understand the benefits of personality profiling and is a highly sought after media resource and key note speaker. When she's not busy spending time with her family, or working her consulting/speaking business, she's writing children's books.

How did you get started writing professionally?
For the children's books, I wanted to give them resources to understand our different personality types. Kids really "get it" quicker than adults, but unfortunately there is so little available to teach them how we are all different and to explain to them that it is okay to be different.

The non-fiction book has always been in the back of my mind to do one day, but the real motivator for getting it done took place when I attended a Publicity Summit in the spring of 2010. I was meeting with about 100 different tv/radio/magazine contacts to get more exposure as an Expert Personality Profiler and what I found was that the "big names" don't consider you an expert in your field unless you have a non-fiction book published. I started on the book before I ever returned home from the Summit and it was completely written in less than 30 days.


What was your path towards publication like?
Better than most other people I imagine. I was blessed to meet my publisher at a Publicity Summit and after speaking over lunch, he agreed to publish my book. Since I had a well known publisher, they were very familiar with marketing strategies, cover design, and everything else involved. I just had to get the book edited and turn it over to them and they did the rest!

What was the first market you queried and why did you choose that market?
Primarily - the corporate world, simply because that is the world I am exposed to every day anyway through my speaking engagements across North America. It made the most sense to offer them for sale in my seminars as well as online.




What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to pitching yourself as a writer and what steps have you taken to overcome that obstacle?
The biggest challenge is counting on someone on the other end to actually look at what you send them.

Once you mail a book, it is out of your control whether it is actually read on the other end! I've learned that follow up is key. People are busy and you need to create "top of mind awareness". They need to be the one you are thinking of when they are looking for someone to interview. You can't count on them to follow up with you. It is necessary to follow up with them, sometimes multiple times. All too often, people just give up instead of follow up!


How do you balance your life as a writer with your duties as a parent or spouse?
I stay so busy as an International Speaker, author, mom of 4, and military spouse that I find life is all about doing the "next right thing".

We can't get overwhelmed with others expectations of us. What is the "next right thing" for me to do? That is what I should be doing! If you always do the "next right thing", then you will have a right day, and a right week, and a right life!


What is your best advice for getting past writer's block?
Just write! Whatever you are thinking, write it down. It doesn't matter if it makes sense at the time. Always have paper handy and whenever you get an idea or thought, write it down. You'll be surprised how coming back to these seemingly random thoughts and words later can actually spark some great information! If you are writing a non-fiction book, focus on what information you can provide that is going to help someone else. If you were having a conversation with someone about your topic, what would you tell them? Now, go write it down!


What was the best writing-related advice you ever received?
Schedule writing as an appointment to yourself. You can't cancel the appointment! Don't give the time to anyone or anything else. Set little writing goals as you go along and reward yourself if you meet them. For example: Today I am going to write for 30 minutes. or I am going to complete chapter 2.... etc.


What do you feel is the single most detrimental thing a writer could do to destroy his/her career as a writer?
Steal the work of others. Your writing should be yours!


Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?
My non-fiction book is titled: "Stop Squatting With Your Spurs On! The power to read people, get what you want, and communicate without pain."


It teaches the reader how to identify the personality types of others within 60 seconds and then take that information to become multi-lingual in personality types. This in turn creates win/win situations in every relationship in their lives. There is so much pain in the world today because of ineffective communication. We think we are sending one message, and the message received by the person on the other end turns out to be different. Much of this can be resolved by knowing HOW to say things to different personality types. We also tend to assume people are doing things against us when we don't understand why they act the way they do. The reality is that is probably has nothing to do with us. It is just the way they are wired! This book explains in an easy, entertaining, and effective way how to communicate effectively and start appreciating people that are different from us!


If you could choose just one thing for your book to accomplish, what would it be?
To save relationships! The divorce rate is astounding and other relationships in our lives aren't much better. We argue with those around us instead of understand those around us. I want to save relationships of all kinds and make it a better place for our kids.

What’s ahead for your writing?
My next step is to do another series of my children's books. My goal was to create at least 3 sets in the series. I need to get busy on set 2!

You can learn more about Angel Tucker at http://personalityprofiles.org

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards authors and writers, check out DM's Writing Center.

Interview with Marcia K. Washburn

Marcia K. Washburn, author of "Homemade Convenience Foods", is a teacher of teachers. She helps parents, homeschoolers, and musicians do their jobs more effectively and efficiently through books, articles, and live presentations.

What was your path towards publication like?
I have been blessed to have ready markets for all of my work. Our local newspapers and non-profits were glad to get well-edited ready-to-go content at no cost to them. Because my husband supports us, I did not have to seek paying markets, although I am now paid for some of my articles, either by cash or through free advertising. I have been careful to retain the rights so I can sell reprints of those articles when I speak.

Realizing that my first two books addressed very narrow markets that traditional publishers would not likely have interest in, I chose to self-publish. I have enjoyed the liberty that self-publishing permits in terms of deadlines, editing, etc., and it is doubtful that I will ever seek out a royalty publisher. I hire people to format the text, design the cover, and print the books. I sell some from my own website and others through a variety of distributors and in back-of-the-room sales when I speak. Recently I published my first e-book and learned how to make it downloadable from my website. I am a musician, not a technician, so that was an adventure!

Self-publishing is more work than turning your book over to a royalty publisher, just as home educating your children is more work than turning them over to the public schools. The marketing is all in the author’s lap, but that is increasingly the case even with traditional publishers. But I value the liberty of more control of the end product, not to mention increased profits and the freedom to set my own production schedule. The investment in time and money is more than worth it.


What was the first market you queried and why did you choose that market?
I queried home education magazines, realizing that I could reach a wider audience through magazine articles than through books. As a veteran of nineteen years of homeschooling our five sons, as well as serving in various leadership positions at the local and state level, I believed that I had some insights that might be of value to homeschooling parents.


What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to pitching yourself as a writer and what steps have you taken to overcome that obstacle?
Because I write part-time, I have had to become more disciplined in sending out pitches. Generally I have more work to do than time to do it, so I haven’t needed to send many queries. However, in preparing for the launch of my first general interest book, Homemade Convenience Foods, I have expanded my search for new markets in order to push the book. It has been an adventure to move beyond the homeschool and musician markets.


Aside from magazine articles and book contracts, how can someone earn money writing?
I earn honorariums when I speak to homeschool support groups and at conferences. Additionally, organizers have always been willing to allow me to sell my books and article reprints at these events. The speaking leads to article and book sales and the book and articles lead to speaking engagements.

I often include an offer for a free article or tip sheet on a related topic in my bio at the end of an article. Those who respond are sent a list of topics that I speak about and an invitation to sign up for my free newsletter on my website. I have built my mailing list doing this over the years.


How do you balance your life as a writer with your duties as a parent or spouse?
When my children were at home, I was only writing a few articles each year, so it was not difficult, although I did have to balance how many piano students I would accept related to the ages of our sons. Now that our sons are adults, I write most of the day on Mondays and mornings- only on Tuesdays Wednesdays, and Thursdays (I teach piano lessons from 12:00-6:00 those days). I avoid writing tasks on Friday-Sunday, since my husband is home those days; I just respond to book orders.


What is your best advice for getting past writer's block?
I seldom have writer’s block because I actively file items for future projects as I run across them. I just need to open my files for more ideas than I can use. I suspect if I ever tried to write fiction I would soon face writer’s block—my brain simply doesn’t move in that direction.


What was the best writing-related advice you ever received?
Write what God has laid on your heart to write. It may be a how-to piece, an inspirational story, or a concert review to encourage young musicians. Treat everything you write as a gift to God and produce it with the greatest degree of excellence you are able to offer. Seek to serve God by serving your readers.


What do you feel is the single most detrimental thing a writer could do to destroy his/her career as a writer?
A writer must live and write with integrity and transparency. If a writer is a hypocrite, it will soon be sensed by readers. A writer, especially a Christian writer, must be the real deal, sharing both victories and challenges to validate the message.


Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?
"Homemade Convenience Foods" details a method for getting homemade, nutritious food on the table in 15 minutes or less. It is not once-a-month cooking or frozen pizzas or carry-out Chinese, but a simple method that even never-cooked-much-before college kids and newlyweds can easily learn to implement. I developed it as a survival tactic when I was homeschooling five always-hungry sons and running three businesses. With this system, you will always have the ingredients on hand to prepare at least two dozen different menus—no more late afternoon time- and money-sucking grocery runs. Even drop-in guests won’t faze you.

"Homemade Convenience Foods" is available in both e-book and print editions from my website at www.marciawashburn.com.


If you could choose just one thing for your book to accomplish, what would it be?
Research shows that the average woman has spent 50,000 hours in her kitchen by the age of 45! I suspect that there are many women out there who are not interested in being the “average” of that statistic. My prayer is that Homemade Convenience Foods will give busy parents more time with their families and less time with their pots and pans.


What’s ahead for your writing?
This year I plan to publish several more e-books based on articles from my “Management for Life” columns. A longer parenting book is in the works for the future.

Learn more about Marcia K. Washburn at http://www.marciawashburn.com/

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards authors and writers, check out DM's Writing Center.

Interview with Novelist, Cas Peace

Up-and-coming novelist, Cas Peace, is the author of "King’s Envoy". When she's not busy writing, she spends her time as a qualified horse-riding instructor and advocate for disabled or post-operative pets.

In today's interview she shares openly about her road to publication, her new book, and her publisher. She even addresses a few taboo topics that I find quite refreshing. Enjoy!

What was your path towards publication like?
Once I realized that my fantasy books had potential, I bought a copy of the "Writers and Artists Yearbook" and began searching agents to submit to.

I didn’t know much about the process at first and probably made every mistake a newbie could make. I even got scammed into parting with £300 as a ‘reading fee’, only to have the ‘agent’ abscond with the money. My only consolation was that I wasn’t her only victim. After that incident, I trod more carefully.

I consider myself to be very fortunate in that most of the agents I contacted responded very favourably toward my writing. Although none offered to take me on, many of them sent me personalized letters or emails praising aspects of my work. They all encouraged me to continue, and some even suggested other agents who might be interested. This kept me going throughout years of unsuccessful submitting.

Over my desk I had pinned a motto which a writing guru sent round, it ends with the exhortation: NEVER GIVE UP.

I followed this advice until finally, in early 2010, I decided enough was enough. I knew that I could digitally self-publish my fantasy books with Can Write Will Write, and that’s what I resolved to do.

Then one day while I was updating my Facebook page, I noticed a reference to Rhemalda Publishing. This was a relatively new company in the US, and they were clearly accepting submissions from fantasy authors. I decided to give it one last try, and sent off an email. Rhemalda loved the story and offered me a contract! And now my debut novel, "King’s Envoy", will be published on 15th August 2011. It is currently available for pre-order from Rhemalda, Barnes and Noble, and other online retailers.


What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to pitching yourself as a writer and what steps have you taken to overcome that obstacle?
I suppose my biggest worry in the early days of submitting was not knowing how good (or otherwise!) my writing was. I knew my spelling and grammar skills were up to the job; I’d been fortunate at school not to have too much trouble in those areas, but I didn’t know whether my plot-line was tight enough, whether the dialogue was realistic, or whether the book was generally readable.

What I did to rectify this was to sign up for HarperCollins’ Authonomy website, a peer-critique site where writers comment on one another’s work. The top five most popular books each month are read by a HarperCollins editor with the hope (for the writer, anyway!) of finding the next bestseller.

I found the site to be most helpful and the comments and criticisms of other writers taught me much about my own book.

"King’s Envoy" did eventually make it to the Editor’s Desk and although HarperCollins didn’t offer me a contract, the editor gave the book a very favourable review. This gave me confidence when pitching my book to other publishers.


Aside from magazine articles and book contracts, how can someone earn money writing?
One of the best ways in which I think a writer can earn money is by helping others to learn or improve their craft. Being a writing coach is very fulfilling – it’s wonderful to share ideas with other writers and see their writing improve. I also do manuscript critiques, either full or partial, and can also advise on how to write synopses or query letters.


How do you balance your life as a writer with your duties as a parent or spouse?
My husband and I are both second marriers, so his children are all grown up. He is also self-employed and we both work from home. We structure our day so that we work whatever hours we need to, and then we forget work and do something together. We have similar tastes in our hobbies–he plays guitar and I sing, which we both love. We have two rescue dogs, and we love walking them in the countryside.

We try not to let work intrude into our weekends, but if it does, we support each other. As long as you ensure you make time for each other, and do things together you both enjoy doing, you will keep a good balance. It’s also important to respect each other’s chosen business, and to keep the other informed as to what’s happening within that business.


What is your best advice for getting past writer's block?
There’s only one way to get past writer’s block and that is to write. It doesn’t have to be the current project, it can be something completely unrelated. It’s best to clear the mind of whatever the problem is and go concentrate on writing something else.

I find that writing poetry can help me past a block–simply because it’s a different discipline. Also, the cadence of poetry can often unlock new ideas and scenarios. But it doesn’t have to be poetry. It can be a short story, or even something as simple as a letter or email to a friend.


What do you feel is the single most detrimental thing a writer could do to destroy his/her career as a writer?
Bad-mouthing other writers, or other industry professionals. Or anyone, really!

With social networking such a huge thing right now, it’s too easy to let everyone know what you’re thinking or saying. Writers often ask for reviews of their books, but what they’re really asking for are GOOD reviews. A writer who criticises another’s writing is not doing any favors.

If you can’t find anything good to say, don’t say anything!

And these days, agents and publishers can find out all sorts of things about writers before they even consider taking them on. I know for a fact that Rhemalda Publishing does a trawl of the Internet looking for information on any writer they’re interested in.

Some of this is to see whether that writer has a ‘platform’, an internet presence, to help them promote their book, but it can also show up what type of person that writer is. So every writer should consider their Inter-rep (Internet reputation) when leaving comments, or blogging, or writing reviews. You never know who might be reading what you write!


Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?
"King’s Envoy" is the first novel in my Artesans of Albia series.

Taran Elijah, the opening main character, is struggling to learn the craft he was born to. The Artesan gift is dying in Albia, and the death of his father has robbed Taran of a mentor. He’s desperate to achieve his potential and so takes a huge risk by traveling alone to Andaryon, the fifth realm, where Artesans are prized. Instead of finding a mentor, however, Taran stumbles straight into a three-way power struggle for the Andaryan throne, and soon finds himself fighting for his life. In the wake of his actions, Albia suffers intense raiding, and Taran is forced to turn to the Albian military for help.

A dark and treacherous presence is moving through the realms and both Taran and Major Sullyan of the High King’s forces will feel its power. Their lives, their craft, even the existence of the realms – all are under threat unless they expose and oppose this evil.


If you could choose just one thing for your book to accomplish, what would it be?
My books were written to entertain, for people to enjoy reading. So I guess I would choose that King’s Envoy becomes popular, widely acknowledged as a great read. What I’d really love is for the book to draw in people who maybe don’t read as much as they used to. I simply adore reading and would hate to see print books disappear.


What’s ahead for your writing?
Rhemalda Publishing has said they will publish the entire first trilogy of my Artesans series, with books two and three coming out over the next two years, so I will be editing for some time to come.

I also have an idea for a prequel to the series, which was partially started a few years ago and put aside until I had time. At the moment I’m experiencing the joys of blogging, which I haven’t done much of before. I also have some more short stories which have yet to see the light of day.


What are Rhemalda Publishing like as a publishing company?
I would absolutely recommend them to other writers. They are a young company (formed in January 2010) and their mission statement is to provide high-quality books through careful treatment of manuscripts by working hand-in-hand with authors so as not to take away, but enhance, the original vision for the written word.

I can verify that this is exactly what they do. Rhett Hoffmeister, the president and publisher, and his wife Emmaline, work incessantly to produce books that are true to the author’s original vision, yet also highly marketable.

My experience with them has been phenomenal. They are approachable, knowledgeable and helpful, whether the question be about cover design, marketing, or distribution. I am in the UK and Rhemalda is based in Wenatchee, WA, yet they always make themselves available.

I feel privileged and extremely fortunate to be a Rhemalda author, and I know my fellow authors feel the same way. We refer to ourselves as a ‘family’ because that’s exactly how it feels.

Visit Cas Peace at http://www.caspeace.com/

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards authors and writers, check out DM's Writing Center.

Find Me On Flickr

Did you know that I create handcrafted art jars?

Stop by my Flickr page to check out some of my work. Or stop by my etsy shop to purchase one of the latest jars....

Interview with Yogi Meera Patricia Kerr

Meera Patricia Kerr, author of "Big Yoga: A Simple Guide for Bigger Bodies", is spreading the notion that yoga isn’t just for the slim and flexible, but rather can be used by every-body as a powerful tool for stress management, improved mood, better body composition and health and vitality.

What was your path towards publication like?
Slow but steady. After several rejections, a couple of agents, a re-write and several more rejections, I finally found the perfect publisher in Rudy Shur at Square One. Then some more re-writes!


What was the first market you queried and why did you choose that market?
I had an agent who specialized in new-agey type books. I let her do all the legwork and deal with the rejections! I used the comments from the rejections as a guide for the re-writes.


What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to pitching yourself as a writer and what steps have you taken to overcome that obstacle?
Staying on top of things, not getting distracted by the mundane aspects of keeping afloat. Lots of emails, phone calls—I just wasn’t going away!


Aside from magazine articles and book contracts, how can someone earn money writing?
My advice is to carve out a niche that you are really passionately interested in. Educate yourself, become an expert. There will be someone out there that needs your particular expertise.


How do you balance your life as a writer with your duties as a parent or spouse?
First thing in the morning, I sit with my journal, or go to the computer.

The journal is for more personal writing, and is the basis for all my creative projects. Ideas come flowing to me when I sit quietly with my journal and write.

The computer is more for taking those flashes of inspiration and bringing them to fruition by the sheer grunt work of writing and editing, and more writing, and re-writing.


What is your best advice for getting past writer's block?
Meditate regularly. Purify you mind of all the clutter of right and wrong, good and bad, profit and loss—all the opposites. Live life from a place of equanimity and beautiful wisdom will come through.


What was the best writing-related advice you ever received?
Get out of your own way, and let “spirit” (or whatever—higher power, your heart, God, whatever you want to call it) guide you. Think of your writing as your service to humanity.


What do you feel is the single most detrimental thing a writer could do to destroy his/her career as a writer?
Self-doubt. I believe we all have something unique to say to the world, and it’s our job to figure out what that is, and make it an offering—not from our ego, but from a deeper place of connection with all.


Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?
"Big Yoga" offers a little history of yoga, some ways to trick yourself into doing it, info on what kind of equipment you need, and of course, lots of different yoga poses.

I show in the book how the poses can be adapted if you’re curvy. There are also several techniques for meditating, and also a resource section at the back of the book. It’s like a handbook for the plus-size yoga student.

My new book will demystify vocal technique for folks in the yoga community who would like to chant, and who want to use chanting as their spiritual practice. Chanting has become very popular in the last decade, because it makes you feel terrific! So far no one has offered simple basic techniques for this audience.


If you could choose just one thing for your book to accomplish, what would it be?
My first book, "Big Yoga", seeks to bring in the millions of people world-wide who have heard about yoga, thought about doing it, but were discouraged because of their size, their age, stiffness, injury or neglect of the body. You don’t have to be thin to enjoy the benefits of Yoga!


What’s ahead for your writing?
Beginning to resume writing lyrics and poetry. I’ve spent so much time writing and working on the "Big Yoga"—which is more like a textbook—that I’ve missed doing the more creative, expressive writing.

Also, my new album, "Lotus of Lotus", coming out in the summer of 2011, will offer uplifting songs and chants in a devotional practice called Bhakti Yoga.

Visit Meera Patricia Kerr at http://www.bigyogaonline.com

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards authors and writers, check out DM's Writing Center.

Artist Interview with Ayala Art

Martha, of Ayala Art and Dolls, discovered the ACEO movement before it was popular. In fact, she still remembers a time when there were less than 200 artists in her ACEO group. She loves the tiny format and finds buying ACEOs from other artists to be a fun experience… one that brightens her days.


Read the full interview on The Dabbling Mum.

Interview with Evan Rothman

Evan Rothman, author of, "The Boy Who Went to Bed Round and Woke Up Square", spent a decade of his career on staff at golf magazines, working his way up to executive editor of GOLF magazine. Today, he's a happily married man who's lucky enough to work from home, and truly enjoy is his family time.

What was your path towards publication like?
Don Brown, my friend and partner on "The Boy Who Went to Bed Round and Woke Up Square", and I have been friends for two decades. We've always read each other's work. This book began as a third birthday present for my son. I'd never written a children's book before—that's Don's territory. He was kind enough to agree to do the artwork for it. We both loved the end product when we printed it via the Mac photo-book program so much that we decided we should sell it ourselves as an e-book. That process proved frustrating at times, but in the grand scheme of things it was relatively cheap and painless—at least for me! Don is the tech-savvy one, and that's where most of the trouble bubbled up.


What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to pitching yourself as an author and what steps have you taken to overcome that obstacle?
After a decade or more writing mostly about golf, it's easy to be pigeon-holed. I've always tried to write about other things for exactly that reason, and that's proven a good thing as many outlets for golf writing have dried up.

I think you pretty much have to be a generalist these days, or else make writing an avocation rather than a vocation.


How do you balance your life as an entrepreneur with your duties as a parent or spouse?
They go together, in my case. Working from home allows me more time with my wife and son. Yes, there are times when they get in each other's way, as I'm not especially uptight about setting up distinct times for work versus family. I do the best I can on a day-to-day basis and try to enjoy the freedom my work offers rather than dwell on the anxieties--and, at times, there are plenty of anxieties.


What is your best advice for getting past writer's block?
Do more reporting, for one. The more information you have at hand, the less worried you'll be about what to say. Then it comes down to just writing. It sounds simple, but just get something down. You can always change it, and probably should. There's no sense in waiting for the perfect opening sentence to magically appear.


What was the best writing-related advice you ever received?
"Show, don't tell" is an oldie-but-goodie. A great editor once told me to be wary of every adverb. I've become less "writerly" as I've gotten older, to my benefit. Ten-cent words, fancy sentences, passive constructions: They're usually vanity in writing form.


What do you feel is the single most detrimental thing an entrepreneur could do to destroy his/her career?
Behave unethically, I suppose. As a writer, you need to develop a lot of trusting relationships. Once your reputation is gone, it's almost impossible to win back—or so I've been told!


Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?
"The Boy Who Went to Bed Round and Woke Up Square" tells the story of, well, a boy who goes to bed round and wakes up square. It's not about learning shapes but about learning how you need to adapt to change—and that, for kids, change is a constant.

And, maybe, too that not everyone sees the world the same way, which is a good message for kids, too, I think. Above all, it's a fun story with charming illustration that's meant to produce a few good laughs for parent and child alike.

How did you come up with the idea for your book?
I was watching ESPN's "Friday Night Fights". Teddy Atlas, Mike Tyson's old trainer, said of a defensive boxer who couldn't make himself go for a knockout, "You don't go to bed round and wake up square." I thought that was insightful and pithy—and so visual. It got the gears turning. I'm pretty sure mine is the only children's book with a Mike Tyson connection.


What was the most difficult aspect of writing this book?
As I said, I'd never written a children's book before, though I'd read plenty of them. A lot of people say, "Oh, I'm going to write a children's book one day." I wasn't naive. I knew it would be hard to produce simple but compelling language and a story that holds interest. Thankfully, Don is an old pro at this and did a fair amount of massaging of the text. We're comfortable pointing out each other's flaws—maybe too comfortable—so that wasn't an issue.


Did you have to do any special research for your book?
I didn't have to do any research for the book but I have done a lot of interviews in my life. My best advice there is: Ask simple, open-ended questions. Don't try to show how smart you are with your questions. It's not about you. It's about the person being interviewed. And don't assume you know what they're going to say—and go with their answers. Don't try to steer things back on course....unless things get REALLY off course. That's been known to happen.


If you could choose just one thing for your book to accomplish, what would it be?
I'd love to sell a million copies, or even just 1,000. But if it entertains those that buy it, and makes a few of those parents and kids think for a minute or two, I'll be more than happy. Working with Don on the project was a big reward in and of itself, and having a copy for my son, too.


What’s ahead for your writing?
It's back to my everyday job—some magazine work and some custom-publishing work. I'm proud to make a living as a writer, in part because it's getting harder and harder to do. I don't think too far ahead; whether that's a good thing or a bad thing is tough to say.

Learn more about Evan Rothman at http://boyroundsquare.blogspot.com

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards authors and writers, check out DM's Writing Center.

Interview with Dr. John Duffy, The Available Parent

Dr. John Duffy, author of “The Available Parent: Radical Optimism in Raising Teens and Tweens", is a clinical psychologist who has been working with teens, tweens, and families for the past 15 years. He is passionate about helping parents connect with their children in a healthy, enjoyable, meaningful way. He feels there is a lot of unnecessary suffering in families based on the fears relating to raising and guiding a teenager, and he feels it is a personal mission to help replace that suffering with understanding, availability and joy.

What was your path towards publication like?
It was surprisingly enjoyable and painless for me. I was fortunate enough to find a wonderful, caring, deeply invested publisher early in the process. The team at Viva Editions has worked so hard on behalf of this book, and have challenged me to do the same. I feel as if we are a team working to help families.

The toughest part for me has been the wait for publication, but there is so much work to do beforehand, and that makes the time pass more quickly. My clinical practice continues, of course, and every day I’m reminded of the message of my writing.


What was the first market you queried and why did you choose that market?
I always queried the self-help and parenting market, as it best reflected my interests and expertise.

What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to pitching yourself as a writer and what steps have you taken to overcome that obstacle?
Because my writing is based on experience with hundreds of families, I feel very confident that I "know my stuff". My client families have taught me well!

Pitching myself, on the other hand, is tough for me. It always feels to me as if there’s a lot of ego involved in self-promotion, and I find that part of the process a bit off-putting. I overcame this obstacle by convincing myself that I am a pretty capable steward of the message that availability is critical to enjoyable, effective parenting.






How do you balance your life as a writer with your duties as a parent or
spouse?
Great question.

This is actually critical for me. Being the parent of a teenager myself, and having written a book about parenting teens, I have to practice what I preach. So, I make time during the week to write, protecting time every day to spend with my son and my wife. And I have to say, we have a great time together. After a while, being an AVAILABLE parent becomes a lot less work, and a lot more fun. And I know this for a fact, because I practice it in my own life.


What is your best advice for getting past writer's block?
I think different writers manage writer’s block in different ways. My two best friends are writers, and they both take breaks from the keyboard.

I tend to stay right there, at the computer, and I make myself write. I press on, and force myself to write something relevant to the topic, even if I feel it is inane or foolish. To my surprise, I often find some useful nuggets there that remain a part of the final product.


What was the best writing-related advice you ever received?
I remember one day when I was pretty discouraged in the middle of the process. I felt uninspired, I was writing a lot of pat material that seemed repetitive, and I considered giving up the process. My wife encouraged me to press on, showing faith in my ability as a writer and a communicator. With just that little bit of support, she refueled my desire to get back to work. I really haven’t stopped writing since!


What do you feel is the single most detrimental thing a writer could do to
destroy his/her career as a writer?
I think a writer loses his way when he writes anything other than his truth. I think that’s true regardless of the nature of the writing. If you feel disingenuous in the process, readers will pick up on it readily, and abandon your work. I encourage writers to stick with their truth. We all have great stories to tell, and lessons to teach.

Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?
“The Available Parent” is an enjoyable, highly readable guide for parents of teens and tweens. Availability as defined in my book is defined as parenting outside the toxic elements of fear, judgment and ego. Through real-life stories, anecdotes, and quotes form teens themselves. I show in this book that parenting works best through a trusting, open, enjoyable relationship. Best of all, I guide parents through the difficult process of change toward Availability.



If you could choose just one thing for your book to accomplish, what would
it be?
Honestly, corny as it may seem,. I hope my book changes the way parents relate to their teenagers in a positive way, free of fear and full of hope.

What’s ahead for your writing?
I plan to continue to write about the concept of AVAILABILITY in parenting. I have a novel or two bouncing around in my head. I’m a true late bloomer. I was in my forties when I started writing. But I think once you catch the writing bug, it is such a joyful process of discovery that you never, ever want to stop!


To learn more about Dr. John Duffy, stop by his site at http://drjohnduffy.com/

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards authors and writers, check out DM's Writing Center.

Interview with Musician and Songwriter, Tom Tomoser

Tom Tomoser is known as " The Consummate Gentlemen whose songs and voice reflect the lost art of chivalry". He has been in the music industry for thirty years and believes people need the classics more today than ever before. Over the years Tom's music has nurtured many hearts, healed many souls, and entertained thousands. Today, Tom continues to build his career as a musician by keeping up-to-date with the latest happenings while staying true to his renaissance nature.


When did you realize you wanted to be a professional musician?
It goes back to 1976 when I had a very strong religious experience. It was also America's 200th birthday. I'm an 11th generation American and until 1976 I was just partying my way through life, till I crashed and burned.

Easter morning of 1976 I had been up all night contemplating suicide and Robert Schueller came on the television talking about two way prayer; You talk God listens. You listen God Talks.

Behind his speaking Norma Zimmer, from the Welk show, was singing a beautiful piece and the combination moved me to get down on my knees and ask God if I should pull the trigger or not. A voice came to me just as clear as if he was in the room with me and said, "Rise up and walk… come follow me for my yoke is light and my burden easy, and I will give you rest".

I did just that and I began to see everything in a different light. My whole outlook changed and I began my search for truth, which I found in the Bible.

By July 4th I was attending church regularly and enjoying singing every Sunday. As I watched the celebration from NYC my home state I wrote a lyric for my first song, "Thank You Lord For Loving Me".

Between 1976 and 1981 God heaped blessings on me to the max, among them a wonderful wife of my faith and the successful opening and running of a new business that had sales of 2.5 million by the 4th year. These financial successes allowed me to find and study both composition and voice for 10 years simultaneously while learning to produce master quality recordings.





How long was it from the time you decided to be a professional musician to the time you got your first paid gig as a musician?
As a vocalist it took 28 years, but in 1997 when I founded Lone Eagle Records I released my first CD, “Cool Smooth & Sassy” featuring Tenor Sax man Joe Genovesi and produced a concert to promote and kick off the sales of the CD. Back then Internet sales were just getting started and I sold to record stores. It did well… selling over 1000 units and is still selling today with more downloads than CDs.

However what launched my career as a vocalist, was this… I had a Talk radio show in 2009 that ran in KC and Omaha. Tor Memorial Day of 2009 the KC station asked me to sing my arrangement of "America The Beautiful". I did and a lady in KC who owned a restaurant franchise called the station and asked if I did live shows. I replied in the affirmative and she asked me to do a “Ladies Nite Out” at her restaurant. We sold several CDs and it is a fond memory.


What was the most difficult aspect of getting started as a paid musician?
To answer the second part first I am still over coming lots of difficult aspects of getting to a position in the music business where I can quit my day job and devote my entire energy to my passion, making beautiful music.

The most difficult aspect or obstacle for an independent artist to overcome is fighting for air play on major market radio stations which are locked up by the major labels. Hits come from what is heard on the radio, if you can't get played on major radio it is unlikely you'll have a hit.

However, hope springs eternal and we are making more and more strides on Internet radio and sales to get people to major sites to buy music. My music is on 18 sites including Amazon MP3, Napster, and iTunes, but progress is still slow.

After the KC gig launched me vocally, and as an entertainer, I realized I had a whole new aspect of my career to develop and manage, something I have been yearning for every bit of the 30 years I have been working in the music business and I work at it night and day… every minute I don't have to devote bringing home the bacon.


What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to pitching yourself as a musician and what steps have you taken to overcome that obstacle?
I needed to get some experience and some credits to show people, so I decided to hit as many Karaoke bars as I could to build up a following and get some publicity. It was a good move!

I used the songs from the KC show as a basis and hit my first karaoke bar in Feb 2010. I decided I was going to be a lounge singer in the style of Frank and Tony. I have a closet full of expensive suits, shirts, ties, and shoes and a Rollex watch. I finished it off with a black Sinatra style Stetson hat. This image and persona that is my act has garnered me a nomination as Omaha's Best Dressed Man of 2011.

The first night I sang karaoke they were on their feet as I was hitting the high note and stayed there through the resolution and then some. I was on such a high after that I couldn't sleep until the next afternoon. That made my mind up that I had something that people wanted to hear and I needed to figure out how to market it and to build a show with more blockbuster tunes.


Can you tell us a little bit about your latest album?
Glad you asked. I started working with Chuck Pennington last fall and had him do a string arrangement for me on my existing Wind Beneath My Wings track.

Chuck has played on Quincy Jones records and is a super guy to work with and he is advancing my career with every track we make together. One of the most important keys to success is being unique and with my persona working my next step was to pick material from the classics and from my originals to assemble CDs of beautiful love songs.





If someone were listening to you for the first time, what song, on your album, would you recommend they listen to?
I think there are four on "Love Passionately" that I would suggest: My Way, Wind Beneath My Wings, Coming In And Out Of Your Life, and Lady.

The first 3 because those are the ones I get standing Ovations on and Lady because I got a fantastic review on it.


What are you hoping to accomplish with this album?
There are some of the most beautiful classic love song ever written on this CD and between Chuck and I… I think we have the start of a very unique sound in love songs. Love Songs Is Me, that's what I feel that's pours out of my soul when I open my mouth to sing. I don't do very many up tempo songs because I feel the deep love songs better.


What influences the type of music you write?
Love, emotions, people, relationships, I want to give people an uplifting warm message that makes them feel good all over.


What do you feel is the single most detrimental thing a musician could do to destroy his/her career?
Don't wing anything! As my Career progresses I won't wing anything, I don't work with people I haven't worked with before except in a studio where we can erase mistakes and split it if doesn't work.


What do you think music offers to the world, as a whole?
Music is a language that touches hearts and souls, without the lyrics. That's why I wanted to just write instrumentals. Music is universal worldwide.


What’s ahead for your music?
Once I get "I Dreamed Of You" released I may do another instrumental with my number one seller "Richie Love His Silky and Sensuous". Great tracks just waiting to have Richie decorate them up.

Visit Tom Tomoser at loneeaglerecords.com or http://introducingmrcool.blogspot.com

You can listen to Tom here: http://www.omahamorningblend.com/videos/115308599.html

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards business owners, check out DM's Business Center.

Interview with teen educator, Jennie Withers

Jennie Withers, author of "Hey, Back Off!", writes books because it allows her to combine her two passions: writing and teaching. She is a firm believer in talking straight with young people about what it takes to become a successful person in a crazy world. And if her interview is any indication as to the type of educator she is, her children are truly blessed.


What was your path towards publication like?
Like many authors, it has been one with many ups and downs. I have actually worked on a memoir, a young adult novel as well as the ‘Hey’ books, and I have sent queries on all of them. And after more rejections than I care to count, I saw an opportunity to gain a needed platform through self-publishing.

I decided publishing "Hey, Get a Job!" on my own would allow me to build on the education platform I already had through my teaching career. I self-published and worked my butt off querying magazines and freelance authors in order to get it out there. I sent materials to schools about the book and at one point, I emailed just about every library in this country. Although I’ve only had a handful of articles published and have sold approximately 2,000 books, I would consider it a success because without that experience, I wouldn’t have attracted a publisher for "Hey, Back Off!"

Today, I continue to self-promote shamelessly by doing things like this and whatever else I can dig up to get me and my work out there. And, my memoir and other works are still being rejected on a daily basis, but writing is what I want to do so I’ll keep trying.


What was the first market you queried and why did you choose that market?
The first market I actually queried was for young adult fiction. I wrote a book titled, "Morgan’s Legacy". I was so excited at having completed a full length novel that I began querying way too early with a manuscript that didn’t even begin to be ready. After a lot of rejection, I realized that it just wasn’t good. That’s when I left it and focused on "Hey, Get a Job!" I did query it and made some valuable connections in the publishing world.


What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to pitching yourself as a writer and what steps have you taken to overcome that obstacle?
I am actually quite an introverted person, and I am definitely not big on patience. The whole pitching myself process was uncomfortable for me at first. I finally had to come to the realization that writing wasn’t going to happen if I didn’t put myself out there in a big way. I guess I was another author who thought that being a writer meant sitting at a computer doing your thing and then sending it off so somebody else could sell it for you.

When I realized that wasn’t the case, I called in every connection I could possibly think of from a graphic artist friend to a business consultant who could teach me about marketing. I created a web page and started doing workshops for teens and adults on teen jobs and harassment issues. The teen workshops were fun, the adult workshops were terrifying.

Last, I’ve had to learn patience. Well, I’m still working on this. Everything in this business works incredibly slow and you definitely build platform a tiny bit at a time.


How do you balance your life as a writer with your duties as a parent or spouse?
Right now you have to add a full-time teaching job to that list. Anyway, it’s about balance. When I first started writing again, I lost this sense of balance and was obsessed with working on writing all the time. My family didn’t like me much and I don’t blame them.

Since, I have learned that there is time for everything and I no longer compromise my family time or my exercise time. I have a schedule.

For example I have work, the gym and then a couple hours to write before I start dinner and then family time. Sometimes I can write while I help my kids with their homework. On Saturdays I get up early to write, but when the family gets up and dressed, that’s family time. My husband works on Sundays so those are my days to write. I find that when I’m happy and my body is healthy, I get a lot more done and it’s done well.


What is your best advice for getting past writer's block?
Exercise or play with my kids. The brain is an amazing thing and I find that even if I’m not thinking about writing consciously, when I sit down at the computer after being away, my brain will have worked through it while I was away and I’m no longer suffering from writers block.


What was the best writing-related advice you ever received?
I have received so much advice from writer’s conferences, magazines and friends so this question is tough. But despite all the writing advice I’ve received, perhaps the best related advice came from a non-writer.

My business consultant friend gave me a wood cube. She had gone to a conference and had been given this cube, but she thought I needed it more. She asked me how many sides of this cube you could see completely at once. The answer is one. Balancing your life is like that, you can only be complete at one thing at time and all your sides need equal time.

When I’m a mom I’m completely in that moment, when I’m a writer that’s where I am, and I try to keep my cube solid by giving all my sides equal importance.


What do you feel is the single most detrimental thing a writer could do to destroy his/her career as a writer?
Depend on their talent alone. There are a myriad of talented writers out there, but if you want to begin to be successful it takes hard work as a writer, a promoter, a business person and a salesman. There is no such thing as a successful writing diva.


Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?
The purpose of "Hey, Back Off! Tips for Stopping Teen Harassment" is to educate teens in a straight forward, level appropriate manor about: bullying, sexual harassment, stalking, hazing, cyber-bullying, harassment law, passive, aggressive and assertive personality types, and how to deal with harassers and their behaviors.

My co-author, Phyllis Hendrickson, and I have a combined 40+ years working with kids and their parents. We have experienced firsthand the struggles teens face with harassment. We have also witnessed how harassment issues have escalated and become more dangerous in recent years. One only has to watch the evening news to know harassment among teens is epidemic across the country.

As the problem worsened so did the availability of practical, effective information for teens. Many times, adults trying to remedy issues involving teens want to talk about them or try to fix it for them. This is never an effective way to problem solve for this age group. We believed we could use our experience and knowledge to help teens with harassment issues. We would speak to them, provide age appropriate advice, and most importantly, empower them to become assertive, harassment free individuals.

There are also sections for parents in "Hey, Back Off!" because they should be aware that teens need to be empowered to solve harassment issues independently. Parents cannot solve these problems for their teen, nor can they expect schools or law enforcement agencies to take care of harassment issues. However, parents can support their teen, demonstrate empathy, guide them in assertive decision making, make positive changes in their parenting skills and advocate for their teen. Phyllis and I show parents how to help and protect their teen while also allowing their teen to be independent.


If you could choose just one thing for your book to accomplish, what would it be?
Our goal for this book is to educate teens and their parents in a straight forward, level appropriate manor about what constitutes harassment, harassment law, personality types in relation to harassment issues, and how to deal with harassment effectively. "Hey, Back Off!" provides information and hopefully a call to action in the important fight against harassment.



What’s ahead for your writing?
More time and commitment to making it work. I’m leaving my teaching position at the end of the school year. I hope to get my teaching fix through the writing I do and also the workshops. I will continue to work extremely hard at my endeavors, but the difference will be I will have more time. I want to continue to work on my memoir, my young adult novel and write ‘Hey’ books.

Jennie Withers can be reached at: http://jennie.books.officelive.com/default.aspx

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards authors and writers, check out DM's Writing Center.

Artist Interview with Casey McGovern

Casey McGovern entered college as a Communication's Major but found it so boring that she spent most lectures doodling. One day, annoyed with her constant doodling, her professor suggested she switch majors and take up art instead. It was the push Casey needed to take hold of her future and follow her dreams. Today, Casey believes art is a wonderful gift.

Read the full interview on The Dabbling Mum.

Interview with Patti Kerr

Patti Kerr, author of "I Love You, Who Are You? Loving and Caring for a Parent with Alzheimer’s", began writing professionally in the early 80s and later became an assistant editor for a local newspaper, but in 2001 her entire world changed. It was the year her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and the year she left the career she spent years building to care for her ailing mother. Over the next six years she would discover just how challenging the disease could be, and just how important it was to hold onto love.

In today's interview we not only discover why her book is important to those dealing with
Alzheimer's, but she's going to share a few writing secrets to help those of you with a passion for writing.

What was your path towards publication like?
For several years, I took writing classes while I worked on a VERY different book—a book about my Dad's experience in WWII. Then my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and I stopped working and I stopped writing (except for in my journal) so that I could help my Dad care for her.

After my mother's death in December of 2007, I decided I wanted to turn "pain into purpose" so I spent several years interviewing over 100 other sons, daughters, and grandchildren who had a loved one with Alzheimer's.


What was the first market you queried and why did you choose that market?
Because I had done publicity for several authors (Jonathan Maberry, LA Banks, Gregory Frost, etc.) I knew that if I were to go the "traditional" publishing route I wouldn't have a final say in the look or content of the book and that I would knew have to do my own public relations work. Because of that, and the fact that I'd built a strong bond and relationship with those I'd interviewed, it was important to me that the contents of the book be as accurate as humanly possible. Therefore, I chose to self (independently) publish my book.


What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to pitching yourself as a writer and what steps have you taken to overcome that obstacle?
Initially, my biggest obstacle was ME….believing in myself… believing I could actually finish the book and get it out there… and believing it would help others.

Now that the book is out and I'm out there speaking and seeing the impact it is having on caregivers, that doubt (obstacle) is being replaced with gratitude for those I've met and it makes me incredibly eager to reach more and more individuals who have been impacted by this disease. A disease that currently hits someone in the United States every 69 seconds and a number that is expected to drop to every 33 seconds by mid-century!


How do you balance your life as a writer with your duties as a parent or spouse?
My sons are grown and my 88 year old dad lives near us. That being said, I learned a lot on my journey of caring for my mother. The number 1 rule of care giving is to take care of yourself.

I take time for my family... for my friends... for myself and, gratefully, I LOVE what I'm doing so when I'm speaking or meeting with caregivers, it's always a blessing that leaves me feeling energized and grateful. I feel that I am finally doing what I'm meant to do in my life and that helps keep things in balance.


What is your best advice for getting past writer's block?
Find something your passionate about and the words will pour out of you.


What was the best writing-related advice you ever received?
"Stop re-writing the first chapter". I wrote the first chapter and then kept going back and editing and re-writing it.

The other was when I decided to participate in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). The goal is to write 50,000 words between November 1 and November 30th. I wanted so badly to "hit the mark" and, to do so, I knew I had to I sit at my computer every day and keep writing. I started on November 1, 2009 and kept pushing forward. On November 28, 2009, I hit the mark and I had a first draft of my book.


What do you feel is the single most detrimental thing a writer could do to destroy his/her career as a writer?
To compare yourself to other writers. You are unique. You have a unique story to tell. Just be yourself and keep writing.


Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?
My book is entitled "I LOVE YOU, WHO ARE YOU? Loving & Caring for a Parent with Alzheimer's".

Because I'd watched my mother care for my grandmother (who had Alzheimer's), after my mother was diagnosed I thought I was prepared. I thought I knew what it meant to care for a parent with the disease. But NOTHING can prepare you for the day your parent looks you in the eyes and says, "I love you....who are you?"

My book is a roadmap—a guidebook—for anyone on a journey with someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

It begins at diagnosis and goes to the end of the journey and is based on my own experience as well as the experience, insight, advice, and encouragement of others who have cared for someone with the disease.


If you could choose just one thing for your book to accomplish, what would it be?
To support those who are caring for someone with Alzheimer's while also raising awareness and removing some of the stigma around the disease.


What’s ahead for your writing?
I want to do a nationwide tour with my book—to continue to reach others so I can continue raising awareness about Alzheimer's while also supporting the individuals and caregivers impacted by the disease.

Visit Patti Kerr at http://www.pattikerr.com/

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards authors and writers, check out DM's Writing Center.

Have A Laugh! Volumes 3 and 4

When I was a little girl, I looked forward to watching a full-length Disney film in the theatre because a Disney animated short was always the prelude. It was like getting a two-for-one deal. And what little girl wouldn't like that?

For Disney die-hards, Have A Laugh! Volumes 3 and 4 has the fully restored and remastered long versions of the original animated classic. But for today's attention deficit kids, you get an edited, shorter version of the same classics…set to new music arrangements and voice recordings.

Personally, I prefer the original classics because the storyline is clearer, and there are just some antics that set up better when you have the full scoop. That being said, if you'd have never seen the original classics, you wouldn't feel as though you're missing much with the edited versions.

Aside from the fact that it's fantastic to watch Disney's leading characters without old film flaws, it was also just as fun to see the new mash-ups of Disney's older, flawed films in the "I Gotta Feeling!" and "Play My Music" music videos. In fact, it was so much fun, I could honestly say that I'd watch the videos over and over again just to enjoy the mash-ups!

In Volume 3, you get to view: Mickey's Delayed Date, The Whalers, Chef Donald, How To Play Baseball, Pluto and the Gopher, a few BLAM!s, and the mash-up of "I Gotta Feeling" by Black Eyed Pease.

In Volume 4, you get to view: Mickey Down Under, Hawaiian Holiday, Trailer Horn, How to Swim, Pluto's Surprise Package, a few BLAM!s, and the mash-up of "Play My Music" from Camp Rock.

Each volume runs about an hour long, and the best part is they cost just $15.99 each!

Still I have to say that the best part about viewing these digitally remastered shorts was being able to view them the way they were meant to be seen, full of vibrant color and clarity!

Order Have A Laugh! Volume 3 or Have A Laugh Volume 4 today!

Disclosure: The reviewer received a complimentary copy of this DVD to review.

Interview with Picture Book Author, Lois V. Harris

Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, Lois V. Harris spent her Saturday afternoons fascinated by the artwork that hung in the Brooklyn Museum of Art. As a young mother, she knew the importance of teaching her children to be creative individuals. Through her children's books, she now shares her love of art and writing with the children of the world.

When did you start writing?
When my children were preschoolers, I took them to the library and introduced them to the world of books. As I read to them, the idea popped into my head of creating a story myself, so I wrote a short magazine story.


How did you get started writing professionally?
Highlights Magazine published my first story.


What was your path towards publication like?
L-o-n-g. I'm a late bloomer. I was first published when my children were in school. After a couple of acceptances, I wanted to learn more and went back to college. I earned my B.A. in English in Creative Writing from the University of Washington. After graduation, unexpected events kept me from writing as I had to return to work.

Then I joined the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators in Seattle where I attended meetings and conferences. I soaked the information up like a sponge and knew some day I would use what I learned when there was more time to write.

Ten years ago I took early retirement, spent more time writing, and good things started happening.


What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to pitching yourself as a writer and what steps have you taken to overcome that obstacle?
In these troubled times, writers have to work harder to publicize themselves. I view every event as an opportunity. You never know…you might meet someone that leads to another prospect.


How do you balance your life as a writer with your duties as a parent or spouse?
I enjoy writing but believe in family breaks, especially with my two grandsons. We have a boat and live in the San Juan Islands so we take breaks relaxing on the water, surrounded by nature, and searching for whales. It recharges my creative batteries.


What was the best writing-related advice you ever received?
My first college writing professor read my children's story and said, "Submit it. What do you have to lose but the price of a stamp?"

I followed his advice, and what do you know, my story was accepted. For all those want-to-be-published writers out there, submit your manuscript.

Your work will never get published if it hides in your drawer.


What do you feel is the single most detrimental thing a writer could do to destroy his/her career as a writer?
Failure to keep learning about your craft.


Can you tell us a little bit about your latest book?
Pelican Publishing Company released "Charlie Russell: Tale-Telling Cowboy Artist" last year.

My inspiring picture book biography tells the story of the greatest artist of the old American West. As a teenager, Charlie moved to Montana, worked as a cowboy, and became known internationally as The Cowboy Artist. Besides illustrating, painting, sculpturing, and writing, Charlie was a down-to-earth colorful character who told great stories.


If you could choose just one thing for your book to accomplish, what would it be?
To inspire children to follow their dreams.


What’s ahead for your writing?
I'm busy collecting material for my third picture book biography, "Maxfield Parrish: Painter of Magical Make-Believe." (yes, another inspiring colorful character). I acquire all the art images and photos for my books, and this involves paperwork, permissions, etc. Pelican Publishing Company plans a fall release…it's exciting!

Visit Lois V. Harris at http://www.loisharris.net

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This post was sponsored by The Dabbling Mum.

For more articles geared towards authors and writers, check out DM's Writing Center.

Interview with Musician, Winston Apple

Winston Apple began his music career playing in local rock bands, but as his interest in music continued to grow, he found new interests in songwriting. He and his band, "The Winston Apple Band", have received rave reviews for their continued work in the music industry… work dating as far back as the late 70s. Today, Winston continues to change the world through music and his non-profit organization, Workfare Incorporated.

When did you realize you wanted to be a professional musician?
My favorite uncle bought me an Elvis Presley record for Christmas when I was five years old. I have had an on-going love affair with music and recording ever since. When I was sixteen, two of my friends started taking guitar lessons. They wanted to form a band, but couldn't find a drummer. They knew how much I loved music and asked me if I would like to get some drums and learn to play them. Within six months we were playing every week-end as the house band at a dance club for teens that had recently opened. So I guess the answer to your question is that I was a "professional" musician before I fully realized that was something I wanted to be.


What type of music do you write or perform?
My music is basically pop-rock, with a wide variety of influences. (Country, blues, folk, reggae.)






Can you tell us a little bit about your latest album?
My most recent album was a "children's album" that was released last October. It was a "command performance" of sorts. I had written a song for my daughters when they were toddlers ("The Frog Song") and my younger daughter asked me to play it for my grandson (her son) a few years ago. He seemed to love it as much as they did and my daughter suggested I should do an album of children's music. It seemed like a good idea and over the next couple of years I wrote a few more songs aimed at a (much) younger demographic. The album ultimately came together almost effortlessly. It was a lot of fun to write and record.


If someone were listening to you for the first time, what song, on your album, would you recommend they listen to?
I tend to not be a very good judge of my own songs. In 1977 I wrote a song called "Shoot 'em Up, Cowboy." It was a political song and I almost set it aside without playing it for anyone. Fortunately, I did play it for Ric Gordon, who had put together a group of investors for my production company. He loved it and the demo we did of that song got me a recording contract with Monument Records.

Fortunately for me, iTunes and other digital download sites make it easy for me to see what the public thinks are my best songs, so I don't have to rely on my own, highly subjective, opinion.

So I would pick "Tired of Toeing the Line" from the album "The Toadstool Madonna Is Free" as the song to listen to.

My most popular recording over the past six months has been a digital single of the Leonard Cohen song "Hallelujah" that I released as a digital single last November. It will be included on my next album, which should be released in August of this year.







What are you hoping to accomplish with this album?
I have released a total of ten albums. My hope is always that people who will enjoy the music discover it. (Not an easy task with so much great music being released these days.)


How do you balance your life as a musician with your duties as a parent or spouse?
I put my wife and family (and friends) first and have a full and very satisfying social life as a result. As a full-time musician, I find that leaves a lot of time (when they are all at work or at school or otherwise engaged) to write and record. I also have a habit of being awake for a two or three hours in the middle of the night. I find that to be the most creative time of the day and get a lot of writing and recording done while the world slumbers.


What was the best writing-related advice you ever received when it comes to writing lyrics?
In an interview with Bob Dylan that I read a long time ago, he offered some advice to songwriters: find a song that you like and change it enough that they can't sue you. When I am in the mood to write a song, but not feeling particularly inspired, that approach often primes the pump..


What was the most difficult aspect of getting started as a paid musician?
Getting paid (a little) is not that hard, but to earn a living as a musician, as I have been fortunate enough to do most of my life, is very difficult. There are so many great bands and songwriters out there and not a lot of venues that draw enough customers to pay very well.






How did you get started recording music professionally?
Not long after I joined my friends in a band, I started writing songs. I wanted to record the songs I wrote and discovered very early on that you could simply book time in a recording studio and record (as long as you had the money to pay for the time). I recorded and self-released an album of my songs just a few years after I started writing.


What is your biggest obstacle when it comes to pitching yourself as a musician and what steps have you taken to overcome that obstacle?
I am not comfortable marketing myself. The phrase "shameless self-promotion" keeps popping into my brain. And marketing and promotion is not nearly as much fun as writing songs and recording them. On-line outlets like CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon, etc. make it fairly easy to release product. The biggest obstacle is standing out from the crowd in terms of all of the great music (and not so great music) that's available these days. Beyond taking advantage of the opportunities that present themselves, I haven't taken any steps to overcome that obstacle.


What influences the type of music you write?
The music that I love is my major influence. Lately, I have been writing a lot of political songs. I feel that there is a lot going on in our country and the world these days and that music can play an important role in helping motivate people to try to make the world a better place.


What do you feel is the single most detrimental thing a musician could do to destroy his/her career?
I don't really know how to answer this question. If you love music enough to write and/or perform, you will have a career (if you are talented enough) With less talent, you can still have a very enjoyable hobby.


What do you think music offers to the world, as a whole?
I believe that music makes life a lot more enjoyable. I know that it has brought a tremendous amount of joy to my life and the satisfaction I get when I see people responding positively to my music brings me immeasurable satisfaction.


What’s ahead for your music?
In addition to the songs I have been writing, I have been recording a lot of cover songs lately. I find that taking a song I love and giving it my own unique arrangement is very enjoyable. I am also beginning to incorporate video in my live act. My love of music continues to grow. It seems to know no bounds. It seems incredible to me, but even after a lifetime of making music, I truly believe the best is yet to come.

Learn more about Winston Apple at www.winstonapple.com

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