Category Archives: Author Interview

Author Interview: Joe McCarthy

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We appreciate you stopping by today for an interview, Joe. Thank you for participating in the giveaway and agreeing to give away a copy of your book to (1) commenter of this post.
Wishing you all the best in your writing career!

-Virginia Wright

1. Give us a brief introduction to yourself as an author, i.e., where you are from, how long you have been writing, names of books you have published, etc., 

My name is Joseph McCarthy, I am the author of “Detective For The Innocent”
I am from the ocean state also known as Rhode Island. I’ve been writing stories since the 7th grade and fell in love with writing during my years in high school. I have self published two books.  Humphrey’s Way Home  is a picture book for 4-8 year old. Humphrey’s Way Home was published in September 2012.  Detective for the Innocent was published in February of this year.
Way to go, Joe! -VW

More About the Author …
Joseph McCarthy has been writing and illustrating since a very young age. He loves to write and draw a variety of story types. At the age of fourteen, Joseph took his writing to the next level; using his imagination and research skills to create exciting stories.  In 2005 Joseph’s sister gave him an idea for a character, and his first children’s book was written.   In 2011, Joseph self published his first book.  Joseph has written several short stories. After publishing his stories, he realized that if you truly believe in yourself anything can happen.
2. What inspires you to write?
What inspires me to write is my friends and family because they will always be there for me with my writing. Reading also inspires me to write.
I like to read too, Joe! -VW

3. Do you prefer to write in silence or while listening to music?
I definitely listen to music while I am writing.
So do I Joe, as long as it is soothing–and not too loud! -VW

4. What time of the day do you find yourself writing the most?

I usually write at night because that’s when I am least bothered.  Night is when  my imagination works the best.
Theses days,  for me,  it is whenever my mood strikes me!  -VW

5. Tell us a little bit about your next WIP?

The next book I am writing  is called Prince of the Full Moon which is a cross  between   Harry Potter and Twilight.
That sounds intriguing, I wish you all the best with that! -VW

I can be contacted at:

Web: Josephmccarthybooks.webs.com
YouTube: Youtube.comJ000094
email: Josephmccarthy7@rocketmaill.com
Thanks for having me on your blog.

My pleasure, Joe! I truly wish you all the best! -VW

Detective for the Innocent By Joseph McCarthy
A former New York detective and a loving father is gunned down and shot by a gang called the Speed Killers. While in the emergency room, the detective asks his son Jeff to bring down whoever shot him and bring him to justice. At the young age of seven, Jeff promises his father he would. Twenty three years later Jeff is now a detective, following in his father’s footsteps, and now is ready to avenge the unsolved murder of his father and bring the killer to justice.
Comments are now open!

Virginia Wright Interviewed at Tracy Campbell’s Blog

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Buzzzzzzzz

 

This week instead of posting an interview that I have done with another author,  I invite you to visit my interview that Writer and Illustrator Tracy Campbell conducted with me on her blog.  Don’t forget to comment at Tracy’s blog, as I’m giving away a copy of my nonfiction, educational book, Buzzzzzzzz What Honeybees Do–to (one) commenter that gets me buzzzing! Tracy will announce the winner next week on her blog.  Good Luck!

Now buzzzzzzzz on over to Tracy’s blog!

 


February 10, 2013 – Author Interview and Giveaway with Jodi Desautels

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Hi everyone, thanks for stopping by my blog! It is my pleasure to introduce to you my friend, and an awesome Author, Illustrator, and Educator,  Jodi Desautels. Jodi is giving away her newest book, Clarinda Cloud, to (1) commenter. Please enjoy this interview and don’t forget to comment for your chance to win Jodi’s book.

Judy is an educator, when you comment, enrich her brain! Enjoy the challenge. :-)

And on with the interview…

-Virginia Wright, Author, Illustrator, & Queen of Recipe Adaptation

 

Jodi Desautels is a wife and mother.  She is a life-long learner who has two rules to live by:  “The Golden Rule” and “Live. Laugh. Love.”  She loves family, friends, and nature.  Passions include caring for people, education, writing, illustrating, and photography.

Jodi’s latest release on eBook, Clarinda Cloud, can be found at Amazon.com.

Clarinda Cloud, Paperback. at Amazon.com. 

 

Please tell us the title of your latest release and give us a brief synopsis?

My newest title is a concept book of feelings and colors for young children called, “Clarinda Cloud.”

Clarinda Cloud sounds like a wonderful concept book!

With that said, please tell us where the inspiration comes from when writing and illustrating.

I usually get my inspiration for writing from childhood experiences; either mine or those of someone I know.  I like to write stories that are relatable, fun, and often educational.  However, with “Clarinda Cloud,” it was a little different.  That inspiration came from the desire to try illustrating.  I have had difficulty getting illustrations for my other stories and I used to enjoy drawing as a child, so I started creating simple drawings and posting them on Facebook.  That is when a friend, you actually, suggested that I try writing a story that would fit my drawing skills.  So, I created “Clarinda Cloud.”  (Thank you for that by the way.  LOL!)

Awww! You are welcome. I remember when you started posting your illustrations on Facebook…and we discussed your desire to illustrate your own books—yes, I did suggest you write a story for early learners, as I felt your illustrations would be perfect for that age range.

How long have you been writing books? I have been writing them for quite some time–20 years maybe.  Although, it wasn’t until 6 or 7 months ago that I was first published.  It was right before then, that I found out Angie Harris was first published.  She and I became great friends and she encouraged me to get published.  We have sort of learned and progressed together since then… along with two other wonderful authors in our original group.

It is always wonderful to have other author friends to encourage us.

What makes writing and illustrating so enjoyable for you? Well… not only do I enjoy writing, illustrating, and creating… I also like that the writing and illustrating community seems so friendly.   Most authors and illustrators are happy to take a minute to share writing/illustrating tips, ideas, and resources… or to read over a quick piece and give some feedback.  Many authors and illustrators have shared ideas with me, helped me, asked me for help, encouraged me, and inspired me.

I am a huge believer in authors helping authors.

Tell us about your next book. I haven’t decided yet.  I have a few stories written that I may try to illustrate.  I also have a couple of activity book ideas in the works.  I hope you don’t mind if I elaborate for a minute.

No, I do not mind at all. Go ahead and elaborate on your book ideas.

One idea is an activity book based on “Clarinda Cloud.”  I already have some of the activity pages created.  The other is an informational word search book about authors and illustrators.  Each author/illustrator would have a page which includes… maybe a short bio, list of book/works, their websites/blogs, etc. and a word search.  I am hoping to get enough participants.  They would send me the info.  I would create the word search based upon the search words they send me and format the page with their information.  I think it would be a fun and unique way for us all to get more publicity for our work!  (Anyone interested can contact me through my Facebook page or my website.)

Sounds like a great idea! I would love to have an author page in your book.

When writing do you prefer silence or listening to music? I don’t think I have a preference.  I have done both.  It depends on the mood.

That is exactly how I feel!

Do you have a favorite time of day to write? No, I don’t think so.  I am not a morning person, so it isn’t morning.  But… other than that, I don’t think I have a favorite time.  LOL!

I am more alert in the morning, however I write whenever the mood strikes me.

Where can people purchase your books? I have two books out at the moment…. “Johnny’s Adventure Makes Reading Fun” and my newest one, “Clarinda Cloud.”  They are both available at Amazon.com and other online retailers.  They are also available in Kindle version.

That is wonderful!

Please let everyone know where they can find you online. I am on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest under Jodi Desautels.  You can be sure it is me from this author picture or a picture of me sitting on my husband’s Harley.  You can also find me at my websites/blogs at www.duolearning.weebly.com and www.smallreadsbookcorner.weebly.com.  Give me a little time and I will be elsewhere as well.  For example, I am setting up an Author Page at Amazon.com and creating a lens on Squidoo.com.  There will probably be more to come.

It is definitely important to be out there– to reach potential followers/readers of your blog. I might have to check out Squidoo.com, myself.

Is there anything else you would like to say about your writing and illustrating experience? I have found that writing/illustrating is a great release for me.  It has also helped me to grow and gain more self-confidence.  So many people have been so supportive… always starting and ending with my husband.  I have tried new things… pushed myself out of my comfort zone.  Even this interview is something that is usually out of my comfort zone.  (I don’t like to talk about myself publicly.)  Sometimes it still surprises me that I am a published author… I have written books, illustrated and formatted a book, created book trailers, and learned all kinds of other related skills!  I want to thank everyone who has encouraged me and helped me along the way!  I also want to thank you for this interview!

From what I have seen, you are doing wonderful thus far!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jodi’s other book, Johnny’s Adventure Makes Reading Fun

Week 4 Nov. 25, 2012 Guest Author | Eric VanRaepenbusch Interview & Giveaway

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Week 4 November 25, 2012 Guest Author | Eric VanRaepenbusch

Welcome! Eric, I’m so happy that you are joining this event “The Seven Weeks to Christmas Author Interviews & Giveaways.” Thank you so much for taking the time to come talk to us about your books.

I also wanted to thank you for your generous offer to give away a couple copies of  your books to commenter’s of this blog. What a wonderful Christmas gift to our winners!

Eric and I met online about two years ago, another author told me about his blog: http://www.happybirthdayauthor.com/ where authors are celebrated on their birthday. BTW, awesome idea Eric. I contacted Eric, and he scheduled an interview with me.  So, I felt it was only fitting, to reciprocate, and interview Eric as he has been super busy and turned out a book or two of his own. Please join me in welcoming author and illustrator of  four books titled Three Ghost Friends series, Eric VanRaepenbusch.

With that said, I will let Eric tell you more…

-Virginia

 

Author Bio:

Eric VanRaepenbusch is a stay-at-home dad, blogger, and read aloud extraordinaire. He creates memorable reading experiences by celebrating children’s author and illustrator birthdays. His blog, Happy Birthday Author, shares his family’s reading experiences to encourage other families to read together. A speech pathologist and mother of three boys described his Three Ghost Friends series as, ”This series is a must-have for a child’s library! Learn About Colors is the perfect length and uses predictable text, which keeps little ones engaged. The subject of mixing colors is now ingrained in my kids’ heads as a result of Three Ghost Friends!”

1. When did you publish your first book?

I published Three Ghost Friends: Learn About Colors as an eBook at the Apple iBookstore for iPad, iPhone, and iPodTouch in January 2012. It became available for Kindle in August 2012.  Then, in September 2012, I was so pleased to have a print version of the book available on Amazon!

 

2. Could you give us a description of what the book is about?

Three Ghost Friends: Learn About Colors begins with the Three Ghost Friends eating a strawberry, banana, and a blueberry. One ghost friend turns red, another turns yellow, and the third ghost friend turns blue.  Initially, they are quite shocked to be primary colors, but quickly realize it is quite fun! The Three Ghost Friends have fun until something unexpected happens while the ghosts are playing (I’ll give you a hint. It has something to do with color mixing and secondary colors). The Three Ghost Friends learn that mixing colors can be fun too, but all the playing makes them very tired! In the end, the Three Ghost Friends think of a way to change back to white and keep smiles on their faces.

 

3. What was the feeling like when you held your published book in your hand for the first time?

It was a big accomplishment.  For years, I had been celebrating and admiring children’s authors and illustrators on my blog, Happy Birthday Author. I saw how each author’s books made an impact on my children as I read to them before bedtime.  I made it my goal to publish a children’s book that families could experience together. To be honest, I was nervous when I published my books. Lots of questions went through my head – Would parents buy my book? Would they like it? I will never forget when parents sent me videos on Facebook of them reading my books with their children. It felt so awesome to know that a child enjoyed something that I created.

 

4. Please tell us about your latest book? Where can viewers purchase it?

There are now four Three Ghost Friends books available as eBooks and print books. In addition to the Three Ghost Friends: Learn About Colors there is Three Ghost Friends: Learn About Opposites, Three Ghost Friends: Learn About Shapes, and a Halloween book that did quite well, Three Ghost Friends: Learn About the ABCs – Halloween Edition.

 

All of these books can be purchased on Amazon in print or as eBooks for the Kindle. The print books qualify for Amazon’s 4-for-3 promotion which allows you to get the whole series at a significant discount!

 

Three Ghost Friends eBooks are also available at the Apple iBookstore for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch.

5. Where online can people find you?

You can find out more about the Three Ghost Friends series at www.threeghostfriends.com.  Available on the website are over 50 activities and printables for toddlers and preschoolers. The materials can be used before, during, and after reading all the Three Ghost Friends books and they are all FREE of charge!

 

Three Ghost Friends is also on Facebook and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/ThreeGhostFriends

https://twitter.com/3ghostfriends

I also have a very popular Three Ghost Friends Pinterest Board that is loaded with tons of Ghost related food, crafts, and fun!

http://pinterest.com/evanraepenbusch/three-ghost-friends/

 

Virginia, thank you so much for the interview! I am so excited for your latest book too!

Thank you , Eric! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I enjoyed having you here. I wish you much success with your books. Happy Sales!

-Virginia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments are now open!