The Table Read Magazine

Tag: authors life

  • Author Interview – Esme Finch – Through The Eyes Of A Tree

    Author Interview – Esme Finch – Through The Eyes Of A Tree

    JJ Barnes The Table Read

    Written by JJ Barnes

    www.jjbarnes.co.uk

    I interviewed author and environmental campaigner Esme Finch about her career, what inspired her to write her book, Through The Eyes Of A Tree, and the advice she has for others.

    Tell me a bit about who you are.

    Esme Finch, author of Through The Eyes Of A Tree, interview on The Table Read
    Esme Finch, author of Through The Eyes Of A Tree

    A graduate in Events Management from Arts University Bournemouth, an earth guardian and conservationist, a forest leader in training, a poet and now a CliFi author!

    A great hug is essential, dancing is part of my soul, a slice of spongey lemon drizzle cake (emphasis on the DRIZZLE), doggy kisses, wet moss rocks and spreading the love, is a little bit about me. 

    When did you first WANT to write a book?

    I never thought I would become a writer because at school I wasn’t the best at English but I always had an imagination to view the world a little more observantly. I began writing poetry only a few years ago and I got hooked. I was filling so many notebooks, scribbling down on old bits of paper in the middle of the night.

    I performed at  a few open mic nights before entering into the biggest writing competition I had ever submitted, for Eastside Trust charity, for the I know I wish I will poetry marathon. To my disbelief, my poem Irregular Patterns got chosen! Unfortunately due to the pandemic the poem was performed digitally. This is when I gained more confidence in my writing and due to everyone being in isolation, I had the time to write, and this is where the story of Through the Eyes of a Tree came to life.

    Last year, I would cycle to my grandma’s house, everyday I would go past the same gigantic willow tree that stood in a cove of grass, surrounded by cottages. As days went on I felt more and more connected to this tree that appeared to almost have changing faces within the bark. I noticed an old man shuffling along, staring at the magnificence, on other days I noticed children playing  or birds chirping from the dangling branches. I thought gosh you really have stood the test of time but I do worry about the future for the willow tree, with our ever changing weathers and deforestation. I wanted to write a book to view a tree as if a person, because we seem to forget that they are living species! To have more respect for these wonderful plants. 

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    When did you take a step to start writing?

    At the time when I took the step into writing, I was volunteering in an environmental education centre in Bali, Indonesia. I saw these two amphibians, a frog and a lizard, trapped in a swamp-like water container.  I thought perhaps they might quite like the water but surrounding this water container was the most beautiful pond bursting in luscious greens and filled with lily pads and  life. This water was just getting more and more stagnant and I noticed the lizard was floating on a piece of polystyrene, that looked like an iceberg, that must have blown in.

    I got a bucket and sieved them out, plopping them into their new homes, it was the equivalent of travel lodge vs The Savoy hotel.  I began writing all about this occurrence, with a metaphor of that skanky water becoming our home if we’re not careful. This is still in notebook form but it’s cool to think I have another book in the pipeline. 

    How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

    Wrote Through the Eyes of a Tree in March 2020, pretty much wrote the book in 2 days but got my first copy printed in September 29th August 2021. 

    What made you want to write Through The Eyes Of A Tree?

    A love for Trees and anything green! Environmental education is so important to younger years, so I definitely wanted to encourage young environmental activism in this book. 

    Siren Stories Banner 2.jpg

    What were your biggest challenges with writing Through The Eyes Of A Tree?

    I had no challenges actually writing it because it flowed so easily. However I found I started to have imposter syndrome afterwards thinking that I wasn’t a good writer and does it even make sense etc but then my mum told me that “it gets to a point in creativity where it isn’t about you anymore, it’s about sharing it with the world and letting the people reading feel the impact, because they’ll be at least someone who gets it”. I thought yeah she’s right, it’s not about me, it’s message is about saving our beautiful trees. 

    I have also found the marketing side a little tricky because I never know what to write but I’m receiving such great advice and help from Softwood Self Publishers who have a marketing guru, Nathan who helps with the twitter and Insta side of things. 

    Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?

    A willow tree on the way to my grandmas house near Shalford in Surrey 

    Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?

    Through The Eyes Of A Tree by Esme Finch, author interview on The Table Read
    Through The Eyes Of A Tree by Esme Finch

    All the people who don’t care about our planets health  

    Chelsea Green Publishing - the leading publisher of sustainable living books since 1985.

    What is the inciting incident of Through The Eyes Of A Tree?

    Well because it’s a series of short stories there’s more than one incident but I would say when willow tree and friends nearly get chopped down but a young girl, along with other activists come to protect their fellow tree friends 

    What is the main conflict of Through The Eyes Of A Tree?

    Metaphor for our climate crisis

    Did you plot Through The Eyes Of A Tree in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?

    Fly by the seat of my pants and wrote freely 

    Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Through The Eyes Of A Tree need?

    Yes softwood self publishers helped with the editing, I believe we did 3 rounds of edits

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    What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?

    Just keep writing even if it doesn’t make sense because that’s what editing is for. Also during the day or at night we can think of the most random ideas, which often get ignored but these are the ones to tune into and come back to, to potentially writing a story 

    Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

    Yes Lizard and the toad! 

    And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

    I can’t believe it really. I am so proud. I haven’t got it in the shops yet but I do see it on the shelves I’ll get tingles, I just want to start sharing it with the world now 

    Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

    Twitter @enviro_mmatters

    Insta:  enviro_mental_matters

    Linkree: https://linktr.ee/Enviro_Mental_Matters (this will have the amazon link to buy the book soon) 

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  • Author Interview – Sangeeta Waldron – Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations

    Author Interview – Sangeeta Waldron – Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations

    JJ Barnes The Table Read

    Written by JJ Barnes

    www.jjbarnes.co.uk

    I interviewed Sangeeta Waldron about her career, what motivates her, and what inspired her latest book, Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations.

    Tell me a bit about who you are.

    I am a published author of two business books. My latest book is Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations and my first business book The PR Knowledge Book was published in 2019.

    Otherwise, I am a multi-award winning Public Relations professional, where I was recently named in Commetric’s top ‘15 of Women Influencers in PR & Communications’ and in the ‘Top 100 of the PR Influencer Index.’ I run my own London based PR agency, Serendipity PR & Media.

    I enjoy writing and am contributing global editor for the India CSR Network, the largest news platform on sustainable business news in India. I also guest lecturer at Coventry University on journalism, social media and PR.

    Sangeeta Waldron, author of Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations, interview on The Table Read
    Sangeeta Waldron, author of Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations

    When did you first WANT to write a book?

    I have always loved books and have wanted to write a book since I was ten years old, and had always thought my first book would be fiction. I had never thought I would write business books.

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    When did you take a step to start writing?

    I have always enjoyed writing and believed it was one of my ‘superpowers’ and when I set-up my PR agency in 2009, I also wanted to write, so I managed to land a job writing for an influential US sustainability business news platform. Writing regularly for the platform, ensured that my writing skills were continuously well-oiled and helped my written word to keep evolving and growing.

    In 2018, a publisher called Business Expert Press (BEP) asked me if I would be interested to write my first business book about public relations. I said, “No!” at that time, because I had a lot going on with my company and did not feel that I had the time for such a big commitment.

    Then suddenly towards the end of 2018, I felt I wanted to write the book. I had this urge one night and I sat-up in bed, with my note book, woke my husband up and made him brainstorm with me! The next day, I approached (BEP), I remember it well, it was just before the Christmas of 2018 and BEP was going into the Christmas holiday period. They asked me to send in a book proposal before the end of 2018 with my ideas for the book, along with an outline of the chapters etc., which I did. I then heard from BEP in the January of 2019, with a yes.

    How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

    I wrote the first completed draft of my first book by April 2019, just in four months. My husband called me ‘paperback writer’ as I spent every moment writing the book, as I had a deadline set by the publisher and I had to get the first draft to them by the start of that April. After, which I worked with my book editor.

    Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations by Sangeeta Waldron, author interview on The Table Read
    Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations by Sangeeta Waldron

    How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

    Well true to my form, I had the idea for my second book at the start of January 2020 and sent my proposal to a publisher I know called LID Business Media who publishes business books. They considered my proposal and said they would like to publish my book and wanted to do so in October in 2020. So, I had to finish writing my book by the July.

    However, the pandemic delayed things and my book was pushed back by the publisher. Hence, my book published this February 2021.  

    What made you want to write Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations?

    For long as I remember, I have always been passionate about the planet and sustainability. I was watching the news about the devastating bush fires in Australia in January 2020 and it got me thinking about how could I help to make a difference. The answer I got was that I could help all types of businesses do better by the planet, if they understood how to create authentic brands and become more ‘conscious with their operations’, where they had corporate social responsibility (CSR) at the heart of their business strategies and brands, which would help to improve things for the planet.  

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    What were your biggest challenges with writing Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations?

    Hmm, there were a few…self-belief, that I could write a book like this and do it justice. I also wanted to use the power of stories in the book and include real-life global stories from businesses and business leaders who were successfully doing CSR.

    Finding the right stories (case studies) needed work and then approaching these people and convincing them to share their story with me for the book. Strangely, the pandemic worked to my advantage, as suddenly everyone around the world was in lockdown and people had time to be interviewed for the book. My next personal angst was then doing justice to their story.

    Also, during this time of writing the book, I should also mention that I had lost my mum and there were days, when it felt that I was writing through thick fog. I could not understand my own thoughts, I then realized it was grief and when I had this awareness, the writing process suddenly became a little easier. The book then kept me busy.

    Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations by Sangeeta Waldron, author interview on The Table Read
    Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations by Sangeeta Waldron

    What was your research process for Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations?

    I knew what I wanted to write and how the chapters would unfold. This helped my research. I also wanted to prove what I was writing through relevant and up-to-date data and research. So, I researched using authentic sources such as Harvard Business Review and other similar platforms for data. I also spoke to my business network when I was looking for specific research and case stories. My business network was a good resource for me.

    How did you plan the structure of Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations?

    This is a good question, and it was down to my instincts. I had a clear idea about how I wanted the book to flow and unfold. I had clear intentions and also knew that I wanted someone relevant to write my book foreword.

    Importantly, I also talked my thinking through with my publisher and the editor for my book and they were fantastic. They helped me develop my ideas and helped create the structure. 

    Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations need?

    Yes, I did and I think all authors need a good editor to help shape your thinking. They bring a certain expertise and clarity of thought to an author.

    I had an editor to help me develop my thinking after my first draft of the book. I then went away and worked on those suggestions and completed my second draft.

    I sent my draft through and the publisher was happy and I was happy, and then it was sent through for the final process of editing, proofing and layout.

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    Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations by Sangeeta Waldron, author interview on The Table Read
    Corporate Social Responsibility Is Not Public Relations by Sangeeta Waldron

    What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

    Get into the practice of writing, it will help to find your voice and develop your own style. Start a daily journal, it helps getting into practice of writing. Always keep a notebook and pen by your bedside table and in your bag – so you can jot down ideas as they come to you. Ideas don’t have to be elaborate, they can be words, random thoughts. Write about the things that bring you joy and are a passion. Before you know it, you will have a book!

    Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

    I think I am ready for that fiction book that I always thought I would write when I was ten! I have ideas mulling around in my head.

    And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

    Absolutely! The book has been so well-received by the international media and readers. The book is timely and the global pandemic has accelerated the need and interest in the book.

    Plus, my biggest thrill is that an Indian publishing house called Jaico Publishing has bought the rights to my book, which will be published in India, 2022. It’s very special, because when I lived in India during my teens, we had Jaico books on our bookshelf. Who would have thought, I would one-day have a book with them?!   

    Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

    The can be found online at Amazon, Waterstones, WHSmith and all book shops.

    www.serendipitypr.co.uk
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Serendipity’s Facebook Page

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  • Author Interview – Amelia Marriette – Walking Into Alchemy

    Author Interview – Amelia Marriette – Walking Into Alchemy

    JJ Barnes The Table Read

    Written by JJ Barnes

    www.jjbarnes.co.uk

    I interviewed Amelia Marriette, author of Walking into Alchemy – a celebration of the restorative power of the nature and of walking in the great outdoors. An inspirational and uplifting book for anyone who has suffered heartache, depression or exhaustion …

    Tell me a bit about who you are.

    Amelia Marriette, author of Walking Into Alchemy, interview on The Table Read
    Amelia Mariette, author of Walking Into Alchemy

    I am British but I live in Southern Austria. I am a curator and Shakespeare Lecturer by profession. I also like to write plays and apparently, I am absolutely crazy about walking in the hills and mountains of Austria, and I also love gardening. However, these two pursuits are relatively new additions to my life.

    When did you first WANT to write a book?

    I think I have wanted to write a book since I was about 9 or 10. It was always something I thought that I would do.

    When did you take a step to start writing?

    I began writing for the stage in 2001 when I joined a playwrighting group, and I have been writing for the stage on and off since then. 

    How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

    It took me exactly a year to walk fifty-two walks in fifty-two weeks – which was the catalyst for my book Walking into Alchemy: The Transformative Power of Nature. I then spent a  further two years completing the writing of my book – much longer than I expected. I also completed one extra walk and included it at the end of the book to give the book a sense of closure, which delayed the publication, but I think the book is better for it.

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    What made you want to write Walking Into Alchemy?

    I was made redundant from my job as a Keeper of Art, but I was fortunate to meet my partner, Katie, and be able to relocate to Austria. I was surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Carinthian region, which was inspiring. However, I was still without work and my depression returned after the initial joy of moving to a new country. I needed a project and a purpose – a reason to be. I had no idea what to do, but my body seemed to know the answer and told me to “move”. So, I began to walk and as the weeks passed, I began to find my sense of place and find my new path in life.

    What were your biggest challenges with writing Walking Into Alchemy?

    Finding the time to write when other pressures of life are always present. Losing confidence. Losing my notes! Feeling afraid. 

    Amelia Mariette, author of Walking Into Alchemy, interview on The Table Read
    Walking Into Alchemy by Amelia Mariette

    What was your research process for Walking Into Alchemy?

    Walking, looking, looking and seeing (which is quite different). Reading other authors about walking, nature, and flora and fauna. Consulting reference books and using reputable internet sites, but always cross-referencing several sites to ensure accuracy. Checking local records. Asking local people for advice and including their knowledge in the book with permission. Making a proper note of references and providing endnotes – which helped me and hopefully helps my readers.

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    How did you plan the structure of Walking Into Alchemy?

    I made myself have a fairly long gestation period – a pregnancy if you like – by committing myself to a year-long period of weekly walks of 13 miles. This helped me in many ways: it is a sensible period of time for a project, and it is a structure but not a very rigid one. I also deliberately prevented myself from deciding what I would write before the year was complete. 

    Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Walking Into Alchemy need?

    In the first instance, my book was edited by a friend of mine who is a university professor and a writer. I know that this improved the book greatly – I was fortunate in this regard because she was firm but gentle. My publisher Mereo Books of Cirencester then worked on the manuscript and made small changes, picked up errors, suggested some alternative sentence construction and improved my punctuation. Again, this made the final version better and tighter.

    What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

    Take time – a gestation period is essential. Write, write, write. Wait. Then self-edit. Read it aloud. Print out the whole manuscript several times and read it with a pencil in hand. If you have a bad feeling about a sentence or a section, you probably need to cut it or rework it many times. Don’t be in too much of a hurry, but eventually, you must press the button and get it published too!

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    Amelia Mariette, author of Walking Into Alchemy, interview on The Table Read
    Amelia Mariette, author of Walking Into Alchemy

    Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

    My father was a professional, commercial artist, but he was called up and was stationed in Austria between 1946-1948. He lived in the region that I now call home – Carinthia at RAF Klagenfurt. Having visited me in Austria when he was 89 he gave me his diaries – 17 beautifully handwritten notebooks – from that period of his life. He also gave me the watercolours that he completed in Austria. I have a real desire the bring his story to life and have already begun my research and making field trips. 

    And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

    I am very proud of my book Walking into Alchemy: The Transformative Power of Nature, mainly because I receive messages fairly regularly from readers who have been inspired to walk more because of my book, and others who find it a comforting and calming read.  

    It was hard work writing the book and launching it just before a global pandemic was shall we say unfortunate. But on balance I believe that it was worth it, because it became a helpful lockdown book. I have started giving book readings again too. I ran a successful crowdfunding campaign with a team during the lockdown and raised 10,000 Euros to bring the book out in a German edition: Alchemie des Gehens: Selbstfindung in der Natur will be published in November 2021.

    “Walking into Alchemy: The Transformative Power of Nature” by Amelia Marriette is published by Mereo Books (paperback, £20) and available through the author, the publisher and bookshops.

    Connect with author, Amelia Marriette:

    www.ameliamarriette.com

    Instagram @ameliamarriette

    Facebook Amelia Marriette Online Shop | Facebook

    Twitter Amelia Marriette MA (@Writing_Austria) (@Writing_Austria) / Twitter

    Amelia also has a blog (new posts roughly once a month): www.ameliamarriette.com/blog

    See the walk described in the book: Here is the link to Amelia’s drone film – walk the walk with the author.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THLpE8rNf4c&t=11s

    Special offer! 10% discount on signed copies via the author’s website:

    The author is currently selling full-colour, signed copies of her book directly from her website with free P&P.

    Just use the promo code WIA to receive your 10% discount  www.ameliamarriette.com/shop

    (NB:  Currently, it is not possible to get the full-colour version via amazon)

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  • Author Interview – Devon Loftus – The Moon Cycle Cookbook

    Author Interview – Devon Loftus – The Moon Cycle Cookbook

    JJ Barnes The Table Read

    Written by JJ Barnes

    www.jjbarnes.co.uk

    Devon Loftus, author of The Moon Cycle Cookbook, interview on The Table Read
    Devon Loftus, author of The Moon Cycle Cookbook

    I interviewed co-author Devon Loftus about her career working in women’s health, what motivates her, and her latest book, The Mooncycle Cookbook.

    Tell me a bit about who you are.

    I’m a storyteller and author finding inspiration in the human experience. I’ve always been fascinated by the way we work as humans; what makes us tick, what triggers us, how our past affects our present (and our future).

    My dad was a social worker and I was a psychology major when I first started college, so I think having a true interest in others — who they are and why — can be seen greatly in my writing. I often joke that vulnerability and intimacy are my aphrodisiac, but it’s true. Spill your heart to me and I’m hanging on every last word.

    I also specialize in visceral pieces with a touch of whimsy and a dedication to sensory based descriptions. Seeing the world in this way has been a soothing technique since I was a child; paying attention to my senses grounds me and reconnects me with myself. I find the world to be a very magical place and have an appreciation for the fact that whimsy can be found in the most ordinary of places if we slow down long enough to notice.

    When did you first WANT to write a book?

    I started writing “books” when I was about 6 years old. I’d run downstairs in the early morning and write about fierce, independent women and the adventures they’d go on. I started reading early for my age and loved how it felt to feel alongside characters and into whole worlds. I’d always walk away feeling more grounded in myself — through writing and reading I learned about myself in a very intimate and safe way that nothing else really offered (besides my real life humans, of course).

    I decided to actually go after writing a book in 2019 when my husband and I spent two months traveling through Europe. Call it the whimsy or the space to get really clear on what made me feel like me, but something happened on that trip that pushed me to find a literary agent when I got home. And so I did.

    When did you take a step to start writing?

    I was an English major in school and eventually graduated and began working with a newly acquired website in San Francisco, CA at the height of the Silicon Valley boom. After almost a year of working there, they laid off the entire editorial team and I stopped writing. I stopped writing for almost 5 years while I did everything else – hosted at a restaurant, went to design school and soaked up the bay area as much as I could.

    When I started writing again, it felt like coming home but was, simultaneously, a new voice. I leaned into it, curious at what I had to learn. I’m so grateful for that time spent living — it brought me back to writing but in reality, it brought me back to myself, which is the only place I can truly write from with integrity.

    How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

    From the time I signed with my literary agent to the time of the cookbook release, it will have been a 2.5 year journey.

    What were your biggest challenges with writing The Moon Cycle Cookbook?

    The Moon Cycle Cookbook by Devon Loftus, author interview on The Table Read
    The Moon Cycle Cookbook by Devon Loftus

    Because the cookbook is based around the menstrual cycle, the structure of the book felt easy and natural. What came as a challenge was creating rituals that felt realistic, relatable and accessible.

    In the wellness world, there is what I find to be a dangerous mentality that you are only as well as the products, supplements and wellness paraphernalia you can afford when SO much of it comes down to mindset, simple movements and every-day choices.

    The healthcare system and parts of the wellness world do not support most humans, especially minorities. We wanted to create rituals that felt like they were easy to integrate and possibly even things that people are already doing but don’t yet label as supportive.

    Once I was clear on my intention, it became easier to create ritual ideas that I thought would be most supportive for readers (and things that I have found helpful). This looks like ritual ideas where most of them are free, do not take up a lot of time or space and are scientifically shown to make a lasting impact when practiced.

    What was your research process for The Moon Cycle Cookbook?

    My research consisted of scientific studies around certain rituals such as deep breathing or how and why gardening helps to lower blood pressure. I also researched the different cycles of the moon and the different archetypes that lived there such as the crone, wild woman and more. It was fun learning about the history behind the moon cycle and the many different cultures that celebrate it.

    How did you plan the structure of The Moon Cycle Cookbook?

    The structure of the book was easy to plan. We knew from the beginning that it would focus around the menstrual cycle so we knew that we would break it down by the four phases. We also knew that we didn’t want a TON of scientific information in the beginning. Education is number one for us (and is prominent throughout the cookbook), but we wanted to make sure it was easy to understand and easy to integrate.

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    Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Moon Cycle Cookbook need?

    Yes! We are so grateful we had Storey Publishing as support. We could not have made this book without them (in many ways!). We went through 3 rounds of edits as a team.

    What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

    Get really clear on why you want to write a book. I think the “why” behind anything we do is important and throughout a process like publishing, it will come up over and over. When things feel scary and uncomfortable, vulnerable or hard, you’ll have your why to lean on. When you hear “no” or feel rejected, you’ll have your “why” to lean on.

    Having confidence and compassion with yourself and staying clear on why you feel this deep need to write will nourish you over and over again. It will also allow you to stay open to the publishing process, which is so critically important for both the success of your writing/book and the enjoyment of the process.

    Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

    Yes! I’m currently writing my second book with Tarcher Perigee due to release in fall 2022. This book is a collection of my personal writing, a creative and fictional memoir of sorts, that focuses on emotional well-being through personifying emotions. It’s my truest form of writing (for now! Evolution will only reveal more) in regards to creative writing and it’s an idea I’ve been working on slowly for almost 5 years. I am so excited about it and look so forward to sharing more.

    And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

    Every single bit of it. I have never felt so proud of myself for so many reasons. Writing is the truest thing I’ve ever done and to continue to see that through feels liberating.

    Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

    For The Moon Cycle Cookbook: https://www.mooncyclebakery.com/pages/moon-cycle-cookbook

    For more of my writing, courses and updates on future books: https://devonloftuswrites.com/

    Moon Cycle Bakery social media: https://www.instagram.com/mooncyclebakery/

    Personal writing social media: https://www.instagram.com/devonloftuswrites/

    Donate to support The Table Read
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  • Author Interview – Edoardo Binda Zane – Emotional Intelligence For Leaders

    Author Interview – Edoardo Binda Zane – Emotional Intelligence For Leaders

    JJ Barnes The Table Read

    Written by JJ Barnes

    www.jjbarnes.co.uk

    I interviewed Edoardo Binda Zane about his career in communication, what inspired him to write a book, and the creative process that went into writing Emotional Intelligence For Leaders.

    Tell me a bit about who you are.

    I’m a leadership and communication consultant, based in Berlin and working across several countries. I actually started as a consultant on public policy, spent a few years in the trenches and then realized it wasn’t the right path for me, so a few years later I made the switch to pursuing my own career and never looked back.

    Edoardo Zane
    Edoardo Binda Zane, author of Emotional Intelligence For Leaders

    When did you first WANT to write a book?

    I’ve written three books, but actually the first time I really had a burning need to write was only this last one. In hindsight, the previous ones are mostly a collection of knowledge that I had already built, so it was relatively immediate to put it down on paper. This last one was different – it’s about Emotional Intelligence for Leaders, which is an area I’ve developed and built while training others and that I do believe can cause a massive impact in managers and new managers especially. To get back to the question then, I’ve wanted to write a book for the first time when I noticed that I had developed something that could be of real impact for others.

    When did you take a step to start writing?

    Writing has always been a big part of my work. Having ben a consultant, writing reports was part of my daily job. It taught me to structure my thoughts, to develop a text, to be clear. From then, transitioning to writing a non-fiction book was quite immediate.

    How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

    I would say about three months. Given the fact that it was all content I already had, it was merely a matter of putting it in written form. Had I started with a different topic that I did not have at hand, things would have probably been different.

    How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

    All together I’d say about six months. My latest book is heavily research based, but at the same time I wanted to give it a practical and applicable angle. This meant not only writing up results of my research, but coming up with ideas, exercises, templates that readers could use right out of the box. Take the Emotional Intelligence Test for Leaders I’ve made available on my site in connection to the book for example.

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    Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Emotional Intelligence For Leaders?

    I was lucky enough to enter consulting at a fairly high level, i.e. working with the European Commission as main client. That allowed me to take a look at what you don’t see from the outside, what you only see if you’re in the trenches doing the work. What I’ve noticed is that there were extremely competent people, professionals with deep knowledge of their methods, structures and sectors that I could learn from at every step. What I also noticed though is that there was an almost complete and utter lack of emotional intelligence and any associated soft skill – and that even by doing some basic work on myself I could heavily outperform them in terms of key areas like persuasion, negotiation, public speaking, communication…

    That gave me evidence that there was more to work than mere technical execution, it was one of the aspects that prompted me to change career and that then I wanted to share with others via a book.

    Emotional Intelligence For Leaders by Edoado Binda Zane, author interview on The Table Read
    Emotional Intelligence For Leaders by Edoado Binda Zane

    What were your biggest challenges with writing Emotional Intelligence For Leaders?

    Making it not just relevant but applicable. Most non-fiction books have to do with theoretical explanations of valid content, but I wanted a different approach. I didn’t want to just talk about the “what” and “why” of emotional intelligence, I wanted to focus on the “how”: what steps to take, in what order, how to assess your progress.

    That’s where most of my energy went in the end!

    What was your research process for Emotional Intelligence For Leaders?

    90% of the sources I used were scientific papers. I wanted to go straight to the source and not simply repeat what other authors had already researched. I guess it would have been faster if I relied on other non-scientific books, but it would not have been as accurate or valid.

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    How did you plan the structure of Emotional Intelligence For Leaders?

    The only exception I’ve made to using only scientific papers was the original Emotional Intelligence book (Goleman). In that book the author outlines a few areas of Emotional Intelligence – I’ve taken those areas and used them as a basic structure of the book’s main content, the rest came almost automatically.

    Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Emotional Intelligence For Leaders need?

    No, I did everything by myself. It needed a few re-reads, separated by a few weeks of not looking at the text. All together I was done after the fourth one and was able to finalize the book quite rapidly.

    What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

    Build your structure first. Start from a few bullet points and little by little expand on them, until in the end you’d have enough of a guideline to start turning it into text.

    What you don’t want to end up with is realizing that some passage in the text doesn’t fit, is not really coherent with your message and you need to re-write a whole chapter or even worse change the whole book structure. It will cost time and energy, and you could save both if you work on the structure first, even if it takes much longer than you had anticipated.

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    Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

    Happily! My next one is going to be about Creative Leadership – i.e. how to have the confidence to generate valid ideas on command and how to enable your team to do the same. I have a structure ready and I’m planning to write it all up in 2022.

    And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

    I am insanely proud of my effort and accomplishment. Knowing the work that I’ve put in it and seeing it being actually appreciated by readers is the best possible reward I could have hoped for!

    Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/edoardobinda/

    https://www.instagram.com/ebz_coaching/

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  • Author Interview – Tayla Jean Grossberg – Bittersweet

    Author Interview – Tayla Jean Grossberg – Bittersweet

    JJ Barnes The Table Read

    Written by JJ Barnes

    www.jjbarnes.co.uk

    I interviewed author Tayla Jean Grossberg about her writing career, what inspires her, and the creative writing process behind her latest book, Bittersweet.

    Tell me a bit about who you are.

    I am a woman who has a huge passion for stories and being creative. I believe in living life to the fullest, seeing and experiencing as much as I can.

    Tayla Jean Grossberg, author of Bittersweet, interview on The Table Read
    Tayla Jean Grossberg, author of Bittersweet

    When did you first WANT to write a book?

    I wanted to write my first book when I was in kindergarten, after reading a children’s book that I really liked.

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    When did you take a step to start writing?

    In kindergarten. I decided that I wanted to write my own book, so I stapled a stack of papers together, drew pictures on them and wrote a few words. This flimsy stack of papers was my first novel and the beginning of so much more. I think it was about horses.

    How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

    My first real book, not just papers stapled together written in a child’s handwriting, took me about three years. I wrote it in three months and then it took two years before sending it to publishers and finally getting published.

    How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

    +- six months.

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    Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Bittersweet?

    My latest release, Bittersweet (something like a Nicholas Sparks love story) was inspired by my first love, events that happened in my life and my crazy imagination. I decided to write this story, because it was so close to my heart, but turn it into a work of fiction instead of a true story. The book is filled with metaphors for things that really happened and which I experienced. I was also very inspired by Nicholas Sparks, one of my all-time-favorite authors, books.

    What were your biggest challenges with writing Bittersweet?

    Writing this book came easy and naturally – as most of my stories do. My biggest challenge was saving enough money to hire a professional editor who could review the completed manuscript.

    Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?

    Bittersweet by Tayla Jean Grossberg, author interview on The Table Read
    Bittersweet by Tayla Jean Grossberg

    My protagonist (Chelsea) was inspired by myself. She looks like me – blue eyes, brown hair, round face and short. We share similar characteristics like having a great sense of humor, being an empath and being witty. She loves reading, especially Nicholas Sparks books, like me, and strives to fall in love like his characters do.

    Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?

    The antagonists in my novel are mainly Jasper and Spencer. They were inspired by my first love’s internal demons. I look those bad emotions/things that got him down and turned them into characters. In other words; they represent things like self-doubt, anxiety and depression.

    What is the inciting incident of Bittersweet?

    Chelsea’s parents die in a car accident, which leaves her behind and alone. That’s when she and Peter connect and become friends.

    What is the main conflict of Bittersweet?

    Peter has an incredibly big secret that he has never told anyone. This secret has changed Chelsea’s life forever and he fears that if he tells her, she will hate him. Throughout the books he tries to build up the courage to be honest with her, but he fears the consequences with all his heart.

    Did you plot Bittersweet in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?

    I never plot a book in advance, because if I know what will happen, I will get bored when writing. And I figure that if I am bored when writing, the reader will be bored when reading. So, I make up my plots as I go along…

    Bittersweet by Tayla Jean Grossberg, author interview on The Table Read
    Bittersweet by Tayla Jean Grossberg

    Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Bittersweet need?

    I got support with line and copy editing. The story didn’t need any changing but sentence structure or the way I’d say and describe things did.

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    What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?

    If you believe that you can do it, do it!

    Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

    Oh yes! My next novel is currently being edited. It will be a part of my Silver Kingdom series. This book is called The Lone Wolf.

    And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

    Yes and yes! Writing is my passion and I plan on creating stories the rest of my life.

    Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

    The Silver Kingdom Trilogy:

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  • Author Interview – Sean Armstrong – The Green Girl And The Serum

    Author Interview – Sean Armstrong – The Green Girl And The Serum

    JJ Barnes The Table Read

    Written by JJ Barnes

    www.jjbarnes.co.uk

    I interviewed author Sean Armstrong about his debut novel, The Green Girl And The Serum, what inspired him to write, and his creative process.

    Tell me a bit about who you are.

    Sean Armstrong, author of The Green Girl And The Serum, on The Table Read
    Sean Armstrong, author of The Green Girl And The Serum

    My name is Sean Armstrong, I am thirty-Five years of age and I live in Stoke on Trent Staffordshire England I am a disabled author.

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    When did you first WANT to write a book?

    I first started this project in 2019 after a toxic relationship I wanted to write because I couldn’t seem to get work in my local area. I turned to writing as a way of building a career.

    When did you take a step to start writing?

    Before I started to write this book or the others in the series, I first started writing fan fiction this lasted only a few months and I quickly grew bored and wanted to work on stories of my own creation.

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    How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

    I started my first book back in April 2019, it took me it took me three months to write and complete but it wouldn’t be out until 2021 because I found it hard to find a decent editor as the ones that I found were frauds.

    How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

    As I mentioned in the previous question, I have written four other manuscripts and am working on my sixth and last one in the series in total this has taken me at least maybe four years to write these.

    Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write The Green Girl And The Serum?

    I wanted to come up with a story that young adult would like and be interested in.

    What were your biggest challenges with writing The Green Girl And The Serum?

    I think that the biggest challenges that I have faced when writing is coming up with ideas and using them effectively.

    Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?

    For me personally I like the idea of strong minded and willed women. My inspiration for my main character came in the form of 80’s female heroes, like She Ra a female role model that young women might look up to.

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    Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?

    The Green Girl And The Serum, by Sean Armstrong, author interview on The Table Read
    The Green Girl And The Serum, by Sean Armstrong

    I had the idea for the main villain of my book from a number of different sources like for example I based him off villains like Voldemort from the Harry Potter series

    What is the inciting incident of The Green Girl And The Serum?

    When Stacey discovers that her father was the creator of the Mega Human serum.

    What is the main conflict of The Green Girl And The Serum?

    The main conflict is between two Mega Human factors the Outcasts who are the bad guys and Haven, however there is a very personal conflict between Stacey who is torn between her powers and abilities as a Mega Human, and wanting to live a normal life as a human.

    Writers Work - Get Paid to Write

    Did you plot The Green Girl And The Serum in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?

    I maybe do a bit of both writing notes on your characters as well as writing whatever pops into my head.

    Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Green Girl And The Serum need?

    I did get the support from an editor by the name of Best Book Edits. My manuscript needed polishing both with grammar, spelling as well as story and plot.

    What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?

    Anyone can write a story as long as you have got an idea worth sharing.

    Don't get caught plagiarizing

    Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

    I have five more books that I am planning to write in this series.

    And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

    Very proud of what I have managed to do and yes it was worth the effort and the time.

    Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

    Amazon.com: The Green Girl and The Serum eBook : Armstrong, Sean: Kindle Store 

    The Green Girl and The Serum | Facebook

    Sean Armstrong – YouTube

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  • Author Interview – Lillian Brummet – From One Small Garden

    Author Interview – Lillian Brummet – From One Small Garden

    JJ Barnes The Table Read

    Written by JJ Barnes

    www.jjbarnes.co.uk

    I interviewed business woman, blogger and author Lillian Brummet about her writing partnership, her career, and what inspired her latest book, From One Small Garden.

    Lillian and Dave Brummet, authors of From One Small Garden, interview on The Table Read
    Lillian and Dave Brummet, authors of From One Small Garden

    Tell me a bit about who you are.

    Well, my age puts me in the early-50’s and I have had the honor of spending 30 of those years (so far) with my wonderful co-writing and business co-owner husband – Dave. My days are a delicate balance between home, family and work. During the days I manage household duties, caring for the fur-kids (3 dogs, 1 cat) and managing the office. I also do what I can to manage the gardens and yard – which involves anything from weeding, starting and caring for transplants, processing garden harvests or shoveling snow.

    On a personal level I describe myself as a “sensitive”, both physically and mentally. I protect my sensitivity by avoiding exposure to negatives including chemicals, toxins and fragrances, magazines, news programs, negative situations or people. My husband would say I am organized, often TOO nice, and generous. Other adjectives that might describe me are: tenacious, shy, anxious, friendly, kind, creative, motivated, thoughtful, an over-thinker and determined.

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    When did you first WANT to write a book?

    A column I was writing at the time – Trash Talk – was picked up internationally and I found that the word count limited the amount of information I could share about any one topic of waste management (reduce, rent, refuse, reconsider, recycle, return, rot, repurpose, reuse). At first, I viewed this as a good thing because it meant I could write many articles on one aspect and still have a lot of content to spare. As time went on I found this limitation a bit frustrating… and the idea struck that I had enough content already produced that could transfer to book format. Dave dove into this project with me and we created the first book in ’99. By 2012 it evolved into a 2-book series Trash Talk – It’s Easy To Be Green. I was seeing a great deal of apathy happening because people just did not realize the measurable, positive impact that small actions and conscious choices have.

    Once the book was published I was hearing from readers how excited they were to take the tips to heart, how it gave them hope and how our published work influenced them. It is so inspiring to hear that they saved a lot of money, began gardening or shopping local, or increased their enthusiasm for volunteering and making a difference.

    When did you take a step to start writing?

    In elementary school, I learned that writing impacts others in surprising ways. Even as a child I would observe and feel compassionate empathy for other people, and this was shown by a short story I wrote about an elderly woman, alone – perhaps widowed, who dressed in gaudy bright-colored clothing, had big silvery-hair and wore heavy, colorful make-up as a way to brighten her day. I wrote as if watching her get ready, having memories as she dressed and put on make up and then went out on the street, where people pointed and gestured and giggled. It made my teacher cry and that freaked me out! I didn’t know what to do with it and I became a little frightened of writing for a while.

    Books by Lillian Brummet, author interview on The Table Read
    Books by Lillian Brummet

    Later, in high school some of my poetry and writings were submitted to some school thing or other but I tried to ignore the whole situation because it was too much for me to process at the time. As a young adult, my poetry won a few contests, were published here and there… but it wasn’t until after I was in a car accident in my late 20’s, which led me to reevaluate my life, that I turned to writing in a serious way.

    How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

    The first book took about a year to compile the draft manuscript and subsequent publisher queries, and another 2 years before we were holding the published book in our hands.

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    How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

    The cookbook, From One Small Garden – Over 300 Delicious Nutritious Recipes, began in 2000 with the casual compiling of our favorite creations and later evolved to include a few family and friend recipes. It was worked on, then set aside dozens of times in our 2.5 decades in this writing career before we completed a draft manuscript a couple of years ago.

    It was set aside a few times while we dealt with the estate management of a Dave’s Dad, and then we finally released the finished product in 2021. It was officially available to purchase March 18, but we waited to receive the proof copies (to make sure the book had as few errors as possible) before starting on the promotion campaign in Feb 2021. Employing our Purple Snowflake Marketing techniques, we’ve had excellent exposure in various media, support from local stores, non-profit collaboration for a fundraiser, working with the local farmer’s market and much more. It has been a very busy, exciting, crazy ride.

    Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write From One Small Garden?

    There were several reasons for making the cookbook available to the public. Both Dave and my parents, most of our aunts/uncles and some of our great friends are no longer with us. Their passing motivated us to include our versions of their recipes in our book… the special dishes we all enjoyed and reminds us of them whenever we serve it. It is our way of honoring them.

    This is more than just another cookbook filled with delicious recipes. It encourages readers to make the conscious choice to shop from local food producers, start gardening and find interesting ways to deal with all that harvest. This simple step helps people reduce the environmental impact of their menu plan (packaging, fossil fuels, etc.). The book offers nutritional information, shares stories and memories, includes historical and agricultural tid-bits, and lists numerous energy saving tips.

    Readers will find ways of reducing food waste and learn water-wise tips. It also addresses packaging waste… we show people they can make their own hair spray with natural products, mix their own chicken coating and taco seasoning and more – and never have to throw out all those bottles and envelopes and packaging again.

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    Brummet Media Group, on The Table Read
    Brummet Media Group

    What were your biggest challenges with writing From One Small Garden?

    Dave would probably agree that the formatting was a challenge. Each recipe having a different length, along with a huge amount of extra information for Dave to insert where he could. We decided to refrain from including photos inside the book, keeping the price affordable – and with the price set at $20 (US), I think we accomplished that. I think Dave had fun designing the cover though. I personally found the descriptive intro to a recipe sometimes challenging, but lucky me – I have a co-writer who picks up where I drop off.

    What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

    “Slow down“, I would say, “and enjoy the whole experience. Research every step of the journey. Learn different aspects of each step along the way so that you are not only better prepared next time, but so that you will be able to ease the process for the people you work with in the future.”

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    Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

    Oh yes! One might think that after releasing the cookbook and the revised edition of our Purple Snowflake Marketing guidebook for writers earlier this year that we would be too exhausted and ready to take a break. That is not the case! I’m super excited to begin work on a trilogy of Dave’s late-father’s lifetime of written and photographic works: Frank’s Tales (memoirs and short stories), Frank’s Ponderings (poetry and photos) and Franks Wanderings (photo collections: quirks he noticed, old churches, etc.). After this we have a backyard garden/small hobby farm advice book and then a collection of our short stories to work on.

    Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

    Brummet Media Group: www.BrummetMedia.ca

    https://linktr.ee/LillianBrummet

    Blogs:

    https://ConsciousDiscussions.blogspot.com

    https://DrumItWithBrummet.blogspot.com

    Social Media:

    http://facebook.com/lillian.brummet

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ldbrummet

    https://www.facebook.com/dave.brummet

    https://www.alignable.com/creston-bc/brummet-media-group

    Amazon’s Author Page

    https://amazon.com/author/lillianbrummet

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  • Author Interview – Erin Thorp – Inside Out Empathy

    Author Interview – Erin Thorp – Inside Out Empathy

    JJ Barnes The Table Read

    Written by JJ Barnes

    www.jjbarnes.co.uk

    I interviewed life coach and author Erin Thorp about her book, Inside Out Empathy. She tells me her creative process, what inspired her, and the advice she has for others.

    Tell me a bit about who you are.

    I’m an empathic speaker, writer and coach for leaders who struggle with conflict, communication, and performance during high-stress times. I love supporting leaders in navigating difficult conversations, building powerful teams, and communicating with empathy which builds their confidence.

    Erin Thorp PHOOTO CREDIT Dana Pugh Studios
    Erin Thorp, photo by Dana Pugh Studios

    I spent 20 years in the engineering and construction industries leading teams and delivering projects. Around the 15 year mark in my career a curiosity was sparked in me and leadership became a passion.  While supporting my daughter through a learning disability diagnosis, I started writing which resulted in my first book Inside Out Empathy which explores using the superpower of empathy to build effective teams.

    This book was the catalyst that ultimately resulted in the business I have today. 

    I believe that there is a leader in everyone and am committed to discovering your leader within and supporting you to lead with impact—from the inside out.

    When did you first WANT to write a book?

    I didn’t know I wanted to write a book until it was almost all written! Honestly, I started out writing speeches and articles on things I wanted to talk about, never with the intention of writing a book.  As the stories and insights poured out of me, I shared them with close friends and was encouraged to publish it as a book.  Once that first book was published, the stories and ideas flooded in – like someone had opened a gate – and now I can’t stop writing!

    When did you take a step to start writing?

    I booked a call with a writing coach from a Facebook ad that came across my timeline.  Sounds a bit strange to say that now, but FB Ads really do work! I didn’t know if I needed or wanted to write a book, but I knew I wanted to share my story and speak to audiences.  I had the call, connected immediately to the writing coach and we booked a follow-up 1-day intensive session where we mapped out the book concept and captured all of my thoughts and ideas. 

    A few months later my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD and learning disabilities in her 6th year of school.  It was a late diagnosis and while we were relieved to finally know what was going on and start treatment, there was a lot of remedial work to be done to get her caught up to her classmates. I ended up taking a leave of absence from my full time job, and  while she attended 4 hours of tutoring every day for 8 weeks, I sat in a coffee shop writing. 

    Writers Work - Get Paid to Write

    How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

    It took about 18 months from that 1-day intensive session to the publishing date, which surprised me!  While I love to read and consume books like most people eat chocolate, I never in a million years dreamed I would be a published author. 

    What were your biggest challenges with writing Inside Out Empathy?

    My biggest challenge in writing the book was getting out of my own way and actually writing.  I found that the stories and words would come bubbling up while I was walking so I started using my notes app on my phone and recorded the thoughts using the voice to text feature. Once I started using that method, getting words on paper (or into the word processor) was no longer an issue. 

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    What was your research process for Inside Out Empathy?

    The first book was an account of my own leadership journey and so there wasn’t much research to be done.  I did have to do a deep dive into the history of my life which definitely brought up all kinds of memories – unresolved grief, opportunities for forgiveness and joy – and that process was largely healing!

    Erin Thorp Book
    Inside Out Empathy by Erin Thorp

    How did you plan the structure of Inside Out Empathy ?

    Friends and family told me that the first ‘final’ manuscript I had produced was good to go – as is.  I realized that I have very high standards for the work I put out into the world and decided to hire an editing team before publishing.  I’m so thankful I did as it dramatically increased the value of the book and pushed me as an author. 

    I completed development editing which restructures the book and ensures that it flows from chapter to chapter, copy editing which looks at the structure of the copy and proof-reading which focuses on spelling and grammar.  I would 100% do all this level of editing with future books. 

    What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

    Start.  Just start writing.  I think most of us have this false belief that the final version of the book matches the first version of the book.  You need to write the sh&*y first draft.  It’s impossible to edit a blank page, so you have to get words on the page. 

    Try a few different ways to write.  Some authors I know use a ghostwriter, others have a particular coffee shop at a specific time of day that works and for me, I use my voice to text app to get the words out.  There is no ‘right way to write’.  Just start!

    Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

    Yes!  I have three books in various stages of completeness.  A non-fiction book about navigating new circumstances and two dramatic fiction novels about midlife women. 

    The #1 Writing Tool

    And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

    I’m extremely proud of myself.  It was hard to share the intimate stories from my childhood and career that have shaped the person I’ve become.  When I read a review or get a note from a reader about how the book has opened up something inside them, that’s when I know my effort was totally worth it! 

    Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

    www.insideoutempathy.com

    www.erinthorp.com

    Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/erinthorpcoaching

    Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/elthorp/?hl=en

    LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-thorp-speaker/

    Twitter – https://twitter.com/erin_thorp

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  • Writing In WoMen We Trust

    Writing In WoMen We Trust

    Naim Haroon Sakhia, on The Table Read

    Written by Naim Haroon Sakhia

    http://nhsakhia.com/

    The Gist Of The Story

    AA young woman is asked to accept punishment for a crime she did not commit. A poor and helpless family dragged through hell in an illegal court of elders so the vigilante justice can be dressed up as fair and proper.

    The Inspiration

    Miscarriage of justice may be rooted in the complete lack of a properly functioning justice system, crude interpretation of biblical commandments, innocent mistakes of any of the functionaries of such a system if it exists, prosecutorial misconduct, or may manifest itself due to outright bias & hate towards a people.  Regardless of its reasoning or ‘justification’, the pain it inflicts on the victims justifies that this profound wrong should be righted. And the responsibility is shared collectively by us all. 

    After all, we all claim our basic human rights. 

    For human rights to continue to exist, they need to be protected.  Humanity formally recognized this right on a universal level by adopting The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. If it was adopted by all and it belongs to all, then the responsibility of protecting such rights also falls on us all. 

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    Fiction Inspired By Reality

    While this book, In Women We Trust, is a work of fiction, it was inspired by real-life events which came to light only when a courageous woman took a stand and was supported by the lawyers, journalists, and society in general who stood with her in very testing times.

    Writing In WoMen We Trust, by NH Sakhia

    The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in its preamble states “whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world, whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind.”

    Unfortunately, the conscience of mankind is very selective in getting outraged.

    In human rights treaties, states bear the primary burden of responsibility for protecting and encouraging human rights. This doesn’t mean that members of civil society don’t also have a responsibility to prevent human rights violations. It is a shared responsibility of all to protect the rights of the entire humanity. Violations occur all the time, but they should always be called out.

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    Working In The Law

    As a practicing attorney, I witness the power of a functioning judicial system.  Sometimes failures of the system are also witnessed.  But the strength of a function judicial system is its ability to correct itself, admit its mistakes, and provide a remedy to those who are wronged. 

    But what about societies where the justice system is either non-existent or is manipulated in the name of expediency.  Unfortunately, in many parts of the world there exist parallel justice systems which promise swift delivery but are easily corruptible and can easily become a tool to exact vengeance rather they deliver justice.

    A gang rape sanctioned by a tribal council that occurred in Pakistan in 2002 made headlines all over the world.  Unfortunately, it was not a unique event.  This novel is inspired, but not based on those events.  However, it does address the underlying issues of exploitation of the underdogs of the society, any society.

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    Blank Paper (Or Screen)

    With an issue to address firmly placed in a writer’s mind, details of the underlying problem in front of him, and the desire to highlight an important issue, one would imagine putting words on a blank paper (or a blank screen) would be easy.  Well, think again.

    Storytelling is an ancient craft.  It has also been very popular throughout history.  Case on point, all divine books use this craft to draw attention.  So, instead of writing a narrative article, I decided to highlight this issue in the form of a story.  Once that basic decision was made, the inner search for an interesting story began.  That led my imagination to come up with characters.  The characters had to have their traits, background, ideas to convey, feelings to share, interact with other characters, find a common purpose, play a part in the development of the story, speak to each other and most importantly keep the reader engaged.

    Naim Haroon Sakhia, author of In Women We Trust, on The Table Read
    Naim Haroon Sakhia

    The Mechanics Of Writing

    It took several weeks to write an outline, list all characters, explore their uniqueness, define their relationship with each other and come up with ideas to place them in the story in such a way that they appear relevant and keep the story moving. 

    Then the events of the story starting unfolding themselves to me.

    I wanted to present the story in such a way that a reader would feel the presence of the character and see them walking and talking in front of them.  The first draft, when presented to the editors elicited the kind of response which confirmed to me that at least on that level I was able to deliver, i.e. make the reader feel that they are not ‘reading’ but ‘watching’ the events on paper, with eyes open.  I was told that the focus on dialogues was well placed.  They felt that the book had characters who were relatable and were interacting with each other at a level that was very easy to grasp and appreciate.

    The manuscript went through multiple rounds of editing.  Developmental, substantive, structural, copy, line, mechanical.  All of it.  The result is a fast-paced, easy-to-read, engrossing, and impactful book that has received very positive editorial reviews.  Over 9000 people requested a copy of the book which was featured twice on Goodreads Giveaway.

    970 90

    Author’s Bio

    Naim Haroon Sakhia is a CA Attorney-at-Law with a long history of successfully representing the client’s interests under the law in various legal forums, administrative agencies, and courts. He published multiple Urdu language short stories in the early ’90s in Pakistan’s leading magazines, before moving to the USA. After a long hiatus from writing, he penned his debut English novel ‘In WoMen We Trust’ inspired by real & unfortunate events that keep occurring in the name of the informal and corrupt parallel justice system, serving the whims and interests of the powerful at the expense of their dominated subjects, in many places across the globe.

    More From Naim Haroon Sakhia

    http://nhsakhia.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/InWomenWeTrustBook

    https://www.instagram.com/inwomenwetrustbook/

    http://sakhialawgroup.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/naimsakhia/

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070216339767

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNqFUIwDBYnBrFk1Z9CU95g

    Donate to support The Table Read
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  • Author Interview – Marieke Lexmond – The Magical Tarot Deck

    Author Interview – Marieke Lexmond – The Magical Tarot Deck

    JJ Barnes The Table Read

    Written by JJ Barnes

    www.jjbarnes.co.uk

    I interviewed writer Marieke Lexmond about her work, what inspires her writing, and her latest book, The Magical Tarot Deck.

    Tell me a bit about who you are.

    I wish I knew! I am a bit of a goofy lady with three little dogs that I take everywhere and have their own Instagram account. They’re more popular than their mommy! I live part of the year in New Orleans and the other part on the West coast of rural Ireland. Two opposites, which suits me. New Orleans is full of life, with excellent food, music, and strange characters. Ireland feeds my soul with rugged landscapes and dramatic light.

    Marieke Lexmond, author of The Magical Tarot Deck, interview on The Table Read
    Marieke Lexmond, author of The Magical Tarot Deck

    I live close to the ocean there, so visiting the beach almost daily is an enormous treat.  Besides writing, I like to take photographs, cook, and make spells. I’m a big believer that creativity feeds other creativity.

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    When did you first WANT to write a book?

    Never in a million years had I thought to become an author. I’m not known for my patience, and it seemed you needed a lot of it to write a book. Writing a long-form sounded daunting. I went to film school in the Netherlands and have a degree in camera and lighting, so I’ve always been telling stories, only not in this form. The idea for this story started in 2006, and that’s when I first tried my hand at screenwriting, the stricter structure seemed to suit me. I started writing the novels for the Madigan Chronicles in 2018. I was in Ireland at that time and not working on another project, and I started ‘The Dagger’ book 1. It turns out; I absolutely LOVE it. To be able to jump between characters, be in their heads. It’s an adventure.

    When did you take a step to start writing?

    In 2006 we moved from the Netherlands to the US. I wasn’t allowed to work at that time and went from working full time to absolutely nothing. Quite a shock to the system. It forced me to reinvent my life. I came across a screenwriting program and just started writing. There were a lot of ideas swirling around my head that found an outlet. I did many writing courses, and it took me several years to find my process and my voice.

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    How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

    The Magical Tarot Deck by Marieke Lexmond, author interview on The Table Read
    The Magical Tarot Deck by Marieke Lexmond

    The Madigan Chronicles has been with me for a long time before it founds its current form. In 2006 I combined my love for tarot, witchcraft, and fantasy into an idea about a family that represents the major arcana in the tarot. Initially, I tried to write a screenplay for a movie. But with the number of characters and the story’s complexity, I could never make that work within a 2-hour film. At a certain point, tv-series became more popular; at that time, the idea came to me for a forty-episode series.  After reading the pilot, many people encouraged me to write a book about it. And as I mentioned earlier in 2018, I actually started! And finally, in 2020, it got published. It took me about two years from when I started writing the book.

    How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

    My second book ‘The Magical Tarot Deck’ took me about a year to complete. I do start on the next book while I still do re-writes on the previous one. Sometimes you must put it aside for a bit to look at it with fresh eyes. Currently, I’m on my second chapter of book 4, ‘The Cup,’ while I’m doing the finishing touches on book 3, ‘The Wand.’ The Madigan Chronicles is forty chapters long. Which will be six books in total.

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    Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write this The Magical Tarot Deck?

    I’m fascinated with family dynamics. I was a quiet child that loved reading and watching old romantic black and white movies on the television. I come from a family with five children. As the youngest and only girl, I followed my brothers’ comings and goings. Intrigued by their different way of interacting with our parents. Fast forward to our move to the US. I picked up my love for tarot cards. Joining a tarot group and started practicing reading them, my knowledge and amount of tarot decks grew fast! It’s recommended to write about something you love. Like this series, it will dominate my life for such a long time. You better love it! To combine my passion for fantasy books with tarot and family seemed like a perfect combination.

    What were your biggest challenges with writing The Magical Tarot Deck?

    The scope of it. I often question my sanity, starting to write a six-book series. It feels impossible. But as with most things, you just start and keep on going. Now I’ve finished the third book, it gives me a boost!

    Consistency; With so many characters and magical attributes, you must make sure you stay consistent. So endless re-reads and help from others who don’t hesitate to point out things are not right to you. I’m lucky with some wonderful people who help me along the way. Writing is a lonely business but getting your book out there is a whole different story. I couldn’t do it without help from others.

    The Magical Tarot Deck by Marieke Lexmond, author interview on The Table Read
    The Magical Tarot Deck by Marieke Lexmond

    Motivation is one. However, getting enthusiastic comments on the books helps enormously with pushing me forward. So exciting to share your story with your readers and to hear they enjoy it as much as you do yourself!

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    What was your research process for The Magical Tarot Deck?

    Life experience! As I mentioned, I’ve been looking at my own and other’s family dynamics all my life. Every family is unique, an endless inspiration. I’m a pagan myself, so I can intergrade my own practices with a healthy dose of fantasy. One of the perks of being a fantasy writer is the freedom to invent a world and run with it. What a joy!

    Each of my books starts with a tarot card from the minor arcana. These cards are specially designed by my friend and artist Nicole Ruijgrok. It’s a gift to be able to work with another creative. We have long discussions about the cards and what we both think should be on them. As she’s so familiar with the story, she’s also my brainstorm partner for the storylines in the book.

    Studying the tarot is a lifelong journey. I’m also reading a lot relating to witchcraft and nature. Currently, I’m reading ‘The Hidden Life of Trees’ by Peter Wholleben about the communication between trees through a network of fungi. Something that I might integrate into book 6. Another one is ‘Sigil Witchery’ by Laura Tempest Zakroff, useful for my spells and something all witches use, so it will probably show up somewhere in the books. Research is an ongoing thing.

    How did you plan the structure of The Magical Tarot Deck?

    I took the structure of the tarot to structure my story. The Madigan Family is twenty-two members, representing the major arcana in the tarot. They all have the characteristics of the cards reflected as their character traits. For example, one of my main characters, Bridget, has a strong, honest character that goes with her gut instinct. She represents the Strength card; confidence, self-control, wildness, and primal instinct. It has the opposite side naturally as well; self-doubt, too controlling.  Of course, I do take liberties!

    The chapters represent the minor arcana, the four suits from 1 to 10. At first, I thought to follow each suit from 1 to 10, starting with the swords representing Air and the things of the mind. But I found that way too restrictive. I’ve mixed them up, so they’re not in order anymore. Each chapter embodies the meaning of the card. Currently, the chapter I’m working on is about Joy. Lots of happy things happen, and in the balance of things, not so happy things… I’ve learned from this to never be afraid to change something that doesn’t work. Don’t hold on to an idea that doesn’t work.

    Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Magical Tarot Deck need?

    The Dagger by Marieke Lexmond, author interview on The Table Read
    The Dagger by Marieke Lexmond

    Absolutely! Gosh, I couldn’t do without that. English is not my native language, so I need support. I have a friend that goes first over language and smooths things out. Another friend gives me story notes. Several test readers give me notes. I do multiple re-writes! Finally, I have someone at BookBaby, my self-publishing company, who does the final line editing. Make sure to check all the tiny little details. Editing is a vital part of the writing process. Learning to get critique and channel that into improving your work is an important lesson to learn along the way. Find people that are honest but inspiring in giving you notes. It took me several years to find the right balance and people for things.

    What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

    Start writing and get your story out. It doesn’t matter if it’s right. Keep going. Don’t get lost in endless re-writes before your story is finished. You might end up throwing significant parts away, but by getting the complete story on-page, you can make better decisions on what works and what doesn’t.

    Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

    I have three more books to write in this series. Currently working on Book 4, which is called ‘The Cup.’ We will publish a complete tarot deck ‘Tara’s Tarot’ of the cards featured in the books after book 6, the final book in the series, is published. I do already have another series in mind which will also be a fantasy series playing mainly in the Fairy world featured in the Madigan series. So, I better go back to work, haha.

    And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

    It’s a thrill to see your work out in print and hear back from your readers. It’s quite the journey, but definitely worth it!!

    Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

    Social media;

    https://www.underthewitcheshat.com/books

    https://www.facebook.com/marieke.lexmond

    https://www.facebook.com/underthewitcheshat

    https://www.instagram.com/mariekelex/?hl=en

    https://www.instagram.com/underthewitcheshat/

    https://www.instagram.com/urbandogsquad/?hl=en

    These are the links to the books eBook and paperback, but they’re available on major retailers like Amazon, Barns and Noble, iBooks, etc.

    https://store.bookbaby.com/book/The-Magical-Tarot-Deck

    https://store.bookbaby.com/book/The-Dagger

    https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B08NWB515P?_encoding=UTF8&node=283155&offset=0&pageSize=12&searchAlias=stripbooks&sort=author-sidecar-rank&page=1&langFilter=default#formatSelectorHeader

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  • Author Interview – William Jack Sibley – Here We Go Loop De Loop

    Author Interview – William Jack Sibley – Here We Go Loop De Loop

    JJ Barnes The Table Read

    Written by JJ Barnes

    www.jjbarnes.co.uk

    I interviewed author William Jack Sibley about writing his new book, Here We Go Loop De Loop, A Texas Myth Unpacked. He talks about what inspired him, his creative process, and the advice he has for other writers.

    Tell me a bit about who you are.

    “I’m just a man whose intentions are good, Oh Lord please  don’t let me be misunderstood.”

    When did you first WANT to write a book?

    William Jack Sibley, author of Here We Go, interview on The Table Read
    William Jack Sibley, author of Here We Go

    When I graduated college with a degree in film, and I  wanted to be Alfred Hitchcock or Ingmar Bergman but  quickly realized I was only qualified to hang lights.

    When did you take a step to start writing?

    Wrote a play right after college that won a Southwest  Regional Playwrighting Award and got produced in Austin, TX. Then endured years of New York and Hollywood abuse  and decided (much too late) the least amount they can  mess with your work is by simply writing a novel. All my  editors have basically told me the same thing since, “Don’t  change a thing – tell me more.”

    How long did it take you to complete your first book from the  first idea to release?

    I seem to write a novel every 5 to 7 years. Stephen King and  Joyce Carol Oates I’m not. But I do intend to step it up.

    How long did it take you to complete your latest book from  the first idea to release?

    5 years. (Wish I could say I’m able to toss these treasures  off in a couple of fortnights, but alas, not the case.)

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    Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to  write Here We Go?

    I have lots of stories to tell. We all do. Some are more gifted  than others in achieving this task. I’m somewhere in the  gifted middle. Writing is hard work. I love “having written” – not so much the onerous middle part.

    What were your biggest challenges with writing Here We Go?

    Shutting the world out. Keeping my mind focused. Stop staring at my dog who needs a walk.

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    Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?

    I hadn’t written a female protagonist in a while. I’m a big fan of Nobel literature winner Nadine Gordimer who said,  “Recognize yourself in others.” If you’re smart, honest and  fair you can write decently about anyone or anything you  specifically are not. (Ask a Science Fiction writer that  question!)

    Here We Go, by William Jack Sibley, author interview on The Table Read
    Here We Go, by William Jack Sibley

    Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?

    I don’t write Simon Legree characters. I write real people  who are just as good, bad, ridiculous, noble, anxious and  unruffled as you and I. We’re all antagonist/protagonist in  our own lives. We’re all our own worst enemy. And at a minimum, each other’s salvation. The basis of all great  literature.

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    What is the inciting incident of Here We Go?

    A woman nearly runs over her drunk father crawling on a  deserted gravel road at 1:30 in the morning? As good a  place to begin a novel as I know.

    What is the main conflict of Here We Go?

    Realizing almost too late in life that you can’t have what  you feel you deserve but finding there are new roads to  attainment that can be equally sustaining if you dare to just  let it … be.

    Did you plot Here We Go in advance, or fly by the seat of your  pants and write freely?

    Total fly by the seat. I need room to find my way out of  freshly painted corners.

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    Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Here We Go need?

    (See above) All my editors have basically said the same  thing to me, “Don’t change a thing – just tell me more.”

    What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to  anyone inspired to write a story?

    The good news – you’re the only one on planet earth that  can tell it YOUR way. The hard part – are you any good?  Listen to praise from everyone but take criticism from only  the smartest, most honest, caring people you know. Defend  your points but also be open to valid, constructive  appraisal. Quickly learn the difference between friends who  snipe for the kick it gives them and those who truly “get  you.”

    Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re  planning to write?

    Novel # 4 underway – and that’s all I’ll say!

    And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

    It’s ALWAYS worth the effort. Everything in life requires  effort. The degree to which one applies oneself is definitely  part of the payoff. If writing were easy and painless, we’d  be drowning in “letters home from camp” literature. To  write something that reads easy, unforced, witty and  insightful is like scrubbing the gymnasium floor with a  toothbrush. (Hemingway said “Kill your darlings.” My  advice is kill the Hemingway-fixation in your brain and find  your OWN fascinating, unique and distinctive voice!)

    Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

    www.williamjacksibley.com

    Facebook: William Sibley

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  • Rashford Abuse Inspires Manchester Mum To Publish Black History Month Book

    Rashford Abuse Inspires Manchester Mum To Publish Black History Month Book

    Sally Penni on The Table Read

    Written by Sally Penni

    Where Are You From?

    A Manchester mum was so disappointed with the racist abuse directed at three young England players after the team’s July European Championship loss that she decided to publish a children’s book and dedicate it to the trio.

    Barrister Sally Penni, who has previously authored a picture book with a diversity theme called Rosie and the Unicorn, has launched a black history book for children in response to the hatred directed at Rashford, Sancho and Saka.

    Sally lives with husband Rob and three dual heritage children less than a mile from the Marcus Rashford mural in Withington, south Manchester, which this summer became a focus for an outpouring of love for the three young black players.

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    Where Are You From?

    Called Where Are You From?, the fully illustrated work introduces 31 figures from black British history, one for each day of October, which is celebrated each year as Black History Month.

    Where Are You From by Sally Penni, on The Table Read

    Rashford himself is featured alongside less well known people of colour from throughout history, including 16th century royal trumpeter John Blanke, Britain’s first black policewoman Sislin Fay Allen and Claudia Jones, anti-racism activist and the founder of the Notting Hill Carnival.

    The majority of the people included in the book have a connection to the UK, and figures from the world of law are particularly well represented, reflecting Sally’s legal background.

    These include Jamaican barrister and magistrate Ena Collymore-Woodstock, John Anthony Roberts, the first QC of African origin, I. Stephanie Boyce, the current president of the Law Society and Dame Linda Dobbs DBE who was born in Sierra Leone and became the UK’s first black high court judge.

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    Who You Can Find In The Book

    Not all the figures included in the book are black. Sally cites the plucky white female workers in the mills of nearby Rochdale, who steadfastly refused to handle slave grown cotton in the mid-19th century, amongst her own personal black history heroes.

    Sally said: “The idea behind the book is that parents can use it to expand on what their children learn in school during Black History Month, reading about one historical figure each night of October. The book also gives schools a helping hand with widening the scope of their teaching.

    “I have three children, aged from 7-11, and their lessons never seem to have moved on beyond introductions to Nelson Mandela and Rosa Parks, year after year.

    “Whilst both are important figures, I want my children and others to have a better understanding of what black people have contributed to society here in the UK.

    Where Are You From by Sally Penni, on The Table Read
    Sally Penni, author of Where Are You From?

    “The book is aimed at all children and explains why black history is everyone’s history. It also explains how children can become an anti-racist ally.

    “I want children to realise that racism and prejudice are not just historical features of America’s and South Africa’s pasts. I hope the book will be a catalyst to talking about how racism still plays a significant part in black people’s experiences of living in the UK today.”

    Sally makes no apology that her book does not have a happy ending.

    “I can’t give children a ‘happily ever after’ postscript,” she said,” as we are not there yet. Racism cannot be consigned to the history books, with the overt racism suffered recently by Rashford, Sancho, and Saka as just one high profile example”.

    Siren Stories Books

    More From Sally Penni:

    Where Are You From?, a book celebrating black history for children by Sally Penni is available from Amazon for £12.99

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  • Author Interview – Alec Marsh – Ghosts Of The West

    Author Interview – Alec Marsh – Ghosts Of The West

    JJ Barnes The Table Read

    Written by JJ Barnes

    www.jjbarnes.co.uk

    I interviewed thriller writer Alec Marsh about his latest Drabble and Harris novel, Ghosts Of The West, his career so far, and what inspires him.

    Tell me a bit about who you are.

    Alec Marsh, author of Ghosts Of The West, a Drabble and Harris Thriller, on The Table Read
    Alec Marsh, author of Ghosts Of The West, a Drabble and Harris Thriller

    I’m a novelist and journalist. History has been a life-long passion, as well as telling stories, and so a few years ago I began writing the first of what would become my Drabble and Harris series of historic thrillers, presently set in the late 1930s.

    When did you first WANT to write a book?

    I must have been about 20. That’s when I began writing novels. Before that I’d written several plays when I was university. I’m now 46 and I haven’t stopped since.

    When did you take a step to start writing?

    I was working as a reporter on the Western Morning News in Cornwall. I was just out of university, in my first job as a journalist, and began writing a novel about – you guessed it – a young journalist in his first job in Cornwall. The book was very good. I then moved to London to work for the Daily Telegraph and started writing a book about a young journalist working in London… it wasn’t very good either.

    How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

    I came up with the idea for my protagonists Drabble and Harris in about 2003. Ernest Drabble – a historian and amateur mountaineer – and his rather untrustworthy old school friend Percy Harris, who is a gossip columnist in London, emerged at around the same time as the central idea for what would become Rule Britannia – my first novel, which was published in 2018. So it took a long time to get published but it’s been well worth the wait.

    How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

    About 15 months. The idea for Ghosts of the West came to me on a boat trip down the Thames in late summer 2019 – we passed the Mayflower pub in Rotherhithe where some of the earliest pilgrims who travelled to America in the early 1600s departed… and the idea for the first scene popped into my head. I then threw myself into the research, knowing the third book had to be delivered for January 2021. It’s amazing how a deadline focuses the mind!

    Siren Stories Books

    Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Ghosts Of The West?

    I don’t know about you, but I’ve always had a soft spot for Westerns – call it a guilty pleasure. Perhaps it was all that time I spent watching VHS recordings of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood films as a boy. It was also discovering that an Indian chief named Flying Hawk – who had fought at Custer’s Last Stand, or the Battle of Little Bighorn as it’s known in 1876 – was travelling the world in 1930 with a Wild West Show.

    That made me realise that my protagonists, Drabble and Harris, could plausibly meet him and thereby we could have a direct link to the old West and Custer.

    What were your biggest challenges with writing Ghosts Of The West?

    The research. I have to admit to knowing very little – Westerns notwithstanding – about this period of history so I really had to start at the beginning. And that was a massive process. I really pray that I’ve not got anything really important wrong, because actually, I believe it’s essential that writers of historical fiction are historically accurate.

    Ghosts Of The West, a Drabble and Harris Thriller, by Alec Marsh
    Ghosts Of The West, a Drabble and Harris Thriller, by Alec Marsh

    Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?

    That’s difficult. Drabble and Harris are composites. Some of their traits are mine – not the good ones, of course – and some belong to people I know…. Ultimately they are also a sort of mash-up of Indiana Jones and Jeeves and Wooster. If that makes sense.

    AudiobooksNow - Digital Audiobooks for Less

    Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?

    Now that would be telling.

    What is the inciting incident of Ghosts Of The West?

    A suspected grave robbery in Gravesend in Kent. It’s September 1937. Then something happens at the British Museum…

    What is the main conflict of Ghosts Of The West?

    As usual Harris is fighting his limitations; Drabble is saving the world.

    Did you plot Ghosts Of The West in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?

    A bit of both: I can’t begin without first knowing what the essential plot or mystery is, but the path to, the detail of what it is, and the resolution all emerge as a I go along.

    Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Ghosts Of The West need?

    As the writer I’m the first editor and I’ll keep reading the book and fixing any speedbumps I meet until I’ve fixed all the speedbumps. That’ll usually take four or five attempts. Then it goes to my editor, who I should say is wonderful, and then the book bounces back and forth four or five times between us as he spots things that don’t make sense – new speedbumps if you will – and asks me to fix them.

    What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?

    Martin Amis once told me simply: ‘Keep writing.’ It’s good advice and I’ve followed it. I would add: ‘Keep reading.’

    Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

    Yes —I’ve already begun the fourth Drabble and Harris book which will be set in Turkey. I’ll say no more, other than I’m incredibly excited about it.

    And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

    Absolutely. ‘Ghosts of the West’ came out today and I’ve been smiling all day. It’s like a birthday. But of course, the real pleasure was in the writing of it.

    Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

    Twitter: @AlecMarsh

    Insta: @marsh_alec

    Web: www.alecmarsh.co.uk

    Facebook: AlecMarshAuthor

    Amazon:

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  • Is It A Book Or An Album?

    Is It A Book Or An Album?

    Tom 2

    Written by Tom Evans

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/soulwaves/

    In January 2020, I finally published my first full novel called Soulwaves : A Future History. It had taken over 15 years since I wrote the first draft, and the publication of 15 other books, before it saw the light of day. Perhaps prophetically, the action starts in Beijing and swings by Wuhan before ending up on the other side of the galaxy.

    The book is my attempt to understand and explain some aspects of the cosmos that are quite frankly too wild and whacky to encapsulate in any of my non-fiction. So I used the vehicle of a novel to map out a possible future history, for both planet Earth and humanity.

    Tom Evans on The Table Read
    Tom Evans

    It’s one thing actually writing and publishing a book but then us authors have the next, and perhaps more daunting task, of marketing it.

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    Creating Music

    Now I am fortunate to have amassed a loyal following for my meditations on an app called Insight Timer. I’ve just had over 4 million listens so have kind of arrived. So it occurred to me to publish some Soulwaves-related materials to accompany and augment the book.

    I have always loved Camel’s Snowgoose album which, in turn, was inspired by the book of the same name by Paul Gallico. So I set my stall out to learn musical composition theory from a teacher, who just showed up at the right time and also knew how to drive this phenomenal MIDI software called Abelton.

    A plan quickly emerged to create a track a month inspired by certain elements of the book so that I’d have an album of 12 tracks by the end of the year. Each time I published one, it would promote the book.

    By way of example, have a listen to this track called Siren’s Call. It tells of our Chinese hero, Shen, being called across the ocean by his wife-to-be, Frejya, who is in Iceland. At the same time, Shen is also being called by dolphins some 50,000 light years away on the other side of the galaxy.

    Siren Stories Music

    Music and Lockdown

    Soulwaves by Tom Evans on The Table Read
    Soulwaves by Tom Evans

    Well the Universe had other plans for me and by the time the year was out, I’d composed and created 22 tracks and a soundscape that played for 6 hours 20 minutes. Lockdown probably helped here. People were reading the book and playing the music in the background. Other meditation guides were also using the ambient layers as backgrounds to their meditations.

    So the person who became an author by accident, and then a meditation guide by accident, had fallen into the role of ambient music composer.

    In lockdown #1, I also wrote 12 short stories which are both prequels and sequels to the novel. So Soulwaves : Insertions was published in January 2021. This year, I’ve started composing an album of 12 tracks and a series of meditations, all inspired by the numbers 1 to 12 and each of the short stories.

    These are being serialised exclusively to subscribers on an app called Soundwise which allows me to bundle all my audio output in one place.

    F2C02D98EABA0C168D50F9A49690A95D

    Music and Story

    At the time of writing, I’ve created 8 of the 12 tracks, with each one getting more and more complex as I master more techniques. Have a listen to this one by way of example which the fourth track from the album. The more observant listener may spot samples of The Planets Suite by Gustav Holtz. Such sampling of materials is the backbone of the music industry these days and this example honours the composer, as did Manfred Mann with their track Joybringer.

    So what’s next on this musical adventure? In Spring of 2021, I started serialising the third book in the Soulwaves Anthology called The Duadex. It is telegraphed in the 12th short story in Insertions. I am using existing background ambience in the audiobook to enhance each chapter in what I call a series of MediTales. This combines storytelling and music for an entrancing experience for the listener.

    There will of course be a third album.

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    More From Tom Evans:

    Tom is a UK-based writer who, after a 25 years as a techie in the broadcasting industry, became an author, an author’s mentor and meditation guide, all kind of by accident. He is now one of the most popular meditation guides on the free Insight Timer app. People like his British accent, his left-field approach, the practicality in his guidance and, not least, his sense of humour. His view is that meditation doesn’t have to be dull and worthy but can be fun and edutaining.

    These days the revenue from his eclectic portfolio has given him freedom to devote 100% of his time to generating his creative output. He has latterly morphed into a novelist and ambient music composer. He is currently creating his 18th book called Soulwaves : The Duadex. He is serialising it in the Charles Dickens tradition but as an audiobook in interlinked set of what he calls MediTales : a synthesis of his meditations, out-of-this-world storytelling and ambient music.

    He lives in Wiltshire in the UK with his life partner and a writer’s best friend, a labradoodle who takes him out for walks if he ever hits a creative block, or needs a pint.

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/soulwaves/

    https://twitter.com/thebookwright

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebookwright/

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLX29VZXaqjWigPoelN6Hkg

    Donate to support The Table Read
    We strive to keep The Table Read free for both our readers and our contributors. If you have enjoyed our work, please consider donating to help keep The Table Read going!

    By clicking submit, you agree to share your e-mail address with the site owner and MailChimp to receive marketing, updates, and other e-mails from the site owner. Use the unsubscribe link in those e-mails to opt out at any time.

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