Wednesday, August 18, 2021

🎈Authors To Watch🎈Samantha Hart Author of BLIND PONY @samanthahart @pumpupyourbook #authorstowatch #interview

 



Samantha Hart’s career has spanned music, film, and advertising, earning her a reputation as an award-winning Creative Director. Early in her career, Hart worked with top artists at Geffen, including Cher, Aerosmith, Nirvana, and Guns N’ Roses. In the film industry, her marketing campaigns brought prominence and Academy Awards to FargoDead Man Walking, and Boys Don’t Cry while earning cult status for independent features Four Weddings and A FuneralPriscilla Queen of the Desert, and Dazed and Confused. With her partner, Samantha built a multi-million dollar company in the advertising industry, Foundation, with over forty employees and offices in Chicago and Los Angeles. Under her leadership, Foundation earned distinction as an early disrupter of the traditional production and post-production models, combining the two under one roof. Samantha currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband, director James Lipetzky, and their teenage sons. Her daughter and granddaughters reside in Massachusetts.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK





Title: BLIND PONY: AS TRUE A STORY AS I CAN TELL
Author: Samantha Hart
Publisher: Wild Bill Publishing
Pages: 359
Genre: Biography/Autobiography/Memoir

BOOK BLURB:

In her debut memoir, entrepreneur and Hollywood executive Samantha Hart reveals the abuses and traumas that she overcame to build a creative, successful, and love-filled life. BLIND PONY As True A Story As I Can Tell (Wild Bill Publishing) was released on March 15, 2021, and is a 2021 Los Angeles Book Festival award winner.

BLIND PONY As True A Story As I Can Tell illuminates Sam’s remarkable ability to be honest and vulnerable about horrific experiences while infusing her unique brand of humor and being relentlessly hopeful. Her story starts with a heart-wrenching childhood of abuse that she endured by her grandfather, which led to her life as a runaway teen and landed her in 1970s Los Angeles. She navigates various abusive relationships, toxic Hollywood characters, a search for her father, “Wild Bill,” and ultimately finds her North Star.

“Almost no one in my life, including long-time friends and colleagues, knew about the trauma I experienced as a young girl. I always managed to overcome adversity throughout my life, maintain a positive outlook, and do well for myself. But deep inside, I felt damaged. In telling my story now and hearing from readers, I realize there are a lot of “blind ponies” out there. If my story resonates for even one person and helps to provide some hope for healing, it was worth writing,” says Sam.

Sam is currently working on adapting BLIND PONY As True A Story As I Can Tell for TV/film while writing her next book, a novel entitled Starcrossed, and a collection of drawings and stories called When I Was A Muse.

PRAISE

“Unforgettable and raw, Hart’s deeply honest musings will ring true to those who want to understand what it’s like to walk through fire.” Book Life

“…a memoir about overcoming—about facing up to and learning from one’s past without being imprisoned by it.” IndieReader

“A powerful coming of age story about finding strength through rebellion, recovery, and forgiveness.”

Jill Watts, bestselling author/Professor of Graduate Studies at CSU

“Hart is a gifted storyteller….she became a backgammon hustler in Los Angeles, something readers likely won’t find in many memoirs.” Kirkus Reviews

“Excellent writing…I recommend this book to simply everyone.” Dog-Eared Publishing

ORDER YOUR COPY

Amazon → https://amzn.to/3gOCQKz



My Bookish Pleasures: Welcome to My Bookish Pleasures. We would love to get to know you and your book! When did you begin writing?

Samantha: Several years ago, I discovered a journal I wrote when I was twelve years old. The first line was, “This is a story about me —nobody special. When I read those words, I felt compelled to tell the tale my younger self wanted to write. I had a rough manuscript that I kept pushing aside as more pressing stuff got in the way of finishing it —like running my business and my kids. Then when the pandemic hit, and I finally had the luxury of a lot of time on my hands to complete it.

MBP: Describe your writing process. When and where do you write?

Samantha: I have an office on the second floor of my home, where I generally write in the mid-morning. I like to feel uncluttered when I write, so when I wake up, I most often enjoy going for a walk and working out before attending to emails or any business at hand. Once I have those things cleared off of my plate, I feel ready to focus my attention on the page.

MBP: Can you tell us about your most recent release?

Samantha: Blind Pony As True A Story As I Can Tell is my first book, and it’s a coming-of-age narrative intersecting themes of abuse, recovery, redemption, and forgiveness. I also regularly write essays and poetry, some of which I have published.

MBP: How did you get the idea for the book?

Samantha: My grandfather gave me a pony when I was six years old. She was a show pony whose eye got kicked in by another horse, making her blind in one eye. My pony became a metaphor for how I felt —damaged. I built the book around that theme.

MBP: What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book?

Samantha: The most challenging aspect of writing my memoir was reliving the events I cover in the book from my childhood through young adulthood. I overcame many challenges in my young life that were, at times, tough to revisit. But in the end, I found it quite cathartic, and I feel that I was able to reclaim a tiny piece of my childhood through writing my book.

MBP: Do you find it easier to write nonfiction?

Samantha: I think fiction is much easier to write than nonfiction. You can use your imagination to go anywhere with anyone, whereas you must remain truthful with a memoir, which can be limiting.

MBP: Do you have plans to write fiction?

Samantha: I am currently writing a novel with the working title “The Capricious Life of Charlie Lane.”

MBP: What projects are you currently working on?

Samantha: Besides the novel, I am working on a collection of drawings and prose called “When I Was A Muse.”

MBP: What advice would you offer to new or aspiring nonfiction authors?

Samantha: The best advice I can offer new or aspiring nonfiction authors —really, any author —is “just commence.” Don’t delay another day because the world is waiting for what you have to say.

 



🎈Authors To Watch🎈E.P. Bellows Author of BANDITS OF BASSWOOD @lizzypbellows @pumpupyourbook #authorstowatch #interview

 




A few random things about me…

Um, let’s see… when I was eight, I had a pet turkey. I used to take it with me on my very short lived paper route. Needless to say, I was terrible at delivering the paper. No one wanted a “Dollar Saver” with turkey poop splattered across the front page. Apparently that’s where the best coupons are.

Books… well, “Treasure Island” is a fantastic pirate tale. I love just about anything by Roald Dahl. I would also like to thank C.S Lewis for sending me on an unrelenting childhood quest for portals to amazing worlds (even in the most unpleasant locations, e.g… the older brother’s closet, etc…)

I write fantasy stories for children. Yep – I am a HUGE fantasy geek. I can’t help myself! It’s too darn awesome to escape to another realm with sorcerers and wizards. The underlying theme in my stories is empowerment, self love, and living purposefully.

When football is on I turn into a different person. I may even use a curse word or two… or three. I enjoy running; which is a good thing because I need to do it in order to fit into my jeans.

I love to cook and really, really love to eat. I have a theory that avocados actually contain super powers and have the amazing ability to make any snack epic. I also love garlic… which, according to my loved ones, also has an unfortunate super power … the pungent breath-inator… or something of that nature.

Few things make me smile more than chocolate, cheese… AND, if the Chargers would make it to the Super Bowl again – just once:)

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM


We welcome you to My Bookish Pleasures! Can you tell us how you got started writing fiction?

Thank you for having me! When my son (now 15 years old!) came into this world I started writing stories to read to him. I have been writing ever since! It has been an amazing journey that started with a young boy on an adventure in a magical world...  

Describe your writing process. Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants? When and where do you write?

 I like to think of myself as a healthy combo platter. The story, outline and even the cover are usually complete, or nearly complete beforehand. Of course, the characters tend to step in as the story develops and the adventure goes in several different directions before reaching that bitter sweet “The End”.

Can you tell us about your most recent release?

Bandits of Basswood is the prequal to Alexander Drake’s adventure. I had already written about Alexander (Alexander Drake’s Extraordinary Pursuit), Jonn William’s son. Bandits of Basswood builds out the back story for the guardians, Imperius and how the adventure really unfolded hundreds of years before. John William’s adventure begins with the mysterious disappearance of his father in Azra’s Pith. John William was determined to find him. He had no idea what dark forces he was up against... a wild adventure was about to begin and his life would forever change.

Of all your characters, which one is your favorite? Why?

Gosh, it’s hard to choose one. I am quite fond of Julien the Empyrean Wizard and Ferdinand the hopper. Both have hearts of gold. They are wise and silly in their own ways. Their adventures are so much fun to write about!

What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book?

What projects are you currently working on?

I have written five additional books in the Azra’s Pith Series. After a wild publishing ride they are all waiting in line to be revised and re-released. Quest for Copia will be the next book to be released (again). It is the sequel to Bandits of Basswood. A lot of questions are answered in this book and the story takes a heavy turn so I’m taking my time on this one. I want to have the entire Azra’s pith series out by the end of 2022. That is my main focus at the moment.

What advice would you offer to new or aspiring fiction authors?

Persevere, have the patience of a jedi, grow a thick skin and learn from constructive criticism... did I mention persevere? I'm sure this goes without saying; but read and write as often as you can... even when you’re struggling and the writing looks like rotten bologna on a computer screen. If you hope to buy a latte or two with your royalties, the work begins when the writing is done... so be ready! Did I mention persevere?  




Title: BANDITS OF BASSWOOD
Author: E.P. Bellows
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 195
Genre: Children’s Fantasy

BOOK BLURB:

John William Drake was born an explorer; just like many, many Drakes before him. His adventure really began with the discovery of a book hidden in the ceiling, followed by the mysterious disappearance of his father. He lived every day in misery until his twelfth birthday. A new friend gave him an invitation he could not turn down… follow me and change your destiny.

He never imagined being captured by bandits and taken to a ship riddled with river rats was part of his fate. Not just any bandits – the Bandits of Basswood; known to be a ruthless and wild crew of thieves. Trying to escape would be a ridiculous idea. No one has ever escaped and lived to tell about it. Uncovering traces of his missing father gave him hope and upped the stakes. John William was determined to get off the ship alive and search for the missing pieces of the puzzle. The chase out of Basswood was on. He took a chance to change his destiny and ended up on a wild ride to solve the most important mystery of his life.

PRAISE

“The imaginative world created by the author is especially fun. Some animals can talk (with attitude!), magic is in the air and emu-like creatures provide fast transportation. Yes, I realize this series is for children- and they can certainly read it. Just as soon as I’m finished.” – Amazon Reviewer 5 stars

I enjoyed reading these books. Great for young adults, even though I’m an adult. I would recommend this series to those kids who like a good adventure…” – Amazon Reviewer 5 stars

“A simple walk into the world of furry and fairy alike. Enjoyed the character building, as the young boy finds himself in a world with furry pirates, and a feisty fairy princess. Even the villains (as a group,) were only bad because of the main villain of the piece. all in all a nice intro to a simply enchanted world. Hope to see more…” – Amazon Reviewer 4 stars

ORDER YOUR COPY

Amazon → https://amzn.to/3okMyYh

 



Wednesday, August 4, 2021

🎈Authors To Watch🎈Arabella Sheraton Author of THE LORD BLACKWOOD REGENCY ROMANCE SERIES @arabellsheraton @pumpupyourbook #authorstowatch

 







Arabella Sheraton
 grew up reading her mom’s collection of Georgette Heyer novels, the queen of modern-day Regency romance, and of course, Jane Austen’s iconic Regency novels. Although Arabella’s literary background was in publishing and editing, she had never written a fiction book. Her first novel started out in response to her mom’s complaint that she had nothing new to read. That first Regency novel was The Dangerous Duke! Since then, Arabella has penned six more authentic Regency novels and a romance self-help guide to finding the right partner, with useful quotes by none other than Jane Austen. Arabella has branched out with a mash-up of genre in her latest work in progress. A murder-mystery, time travel, Regency romance coming soon! Visit her website at Arabell Sheraton's Regency Romances (webs).






Title: LORD BLACKWOOD’S VALENTINE BALL (Book 1)
Author: Arabella Sheraton
Publisher: Bublish
Pages: 90 (novella)
Genre: Regency Romance

BOOK BLURB:

In this romantic traditional Regency novella, Patience Cherwell is resigned to a life of spinsterhood. Therefore, when her young friend, the lovely Lorna Hartley, comes to stay for a London season, she decides the eligible, charming Lord Blackwood is the perfect match for Lorna. Granted, Lord Blackwood, at forty, is much older than the vivacious 20-year-old Lorna, but Patience is determined to help her young friend make a good match. So why isn’t she happy when his lordship and Lorna seem to like each other’s company? The problem is that Patience is already madly in love with his lordship! An unexpected invitation arrives for Lorna and Patience to attend Lord Blackwood’s Valentine Ball. This is the perfect moment for him to propose to Lorna. Mysteriously, a corsage arrives from an anonymous admirer. Who is it for? And what will be the outcome for the wearer at Lord Blackwood’s Valentine Ball? Patience and Lord Blackwood’s enchanting story continues in The Lady’s Revenge.

PRAISE

“Set in the era of grace and chivalry, Lord Blackwood’s Valentine Ball by Arabella Sheraton is the heart-warming novella prequel to the more adventurous novel, The Lady’s Revenge. Written with similar charm and panache of Jane Austen’s, Pride and Prejudice, this enchanting story captivates the reader and draws them into the vibrant life of Patience Cherwell. Patience’s loving and noble spirit is evident from the onset of the story; instantly capturing the reader. Despite the results that could lead to a lifetime of loveless solitude, Patience’s sacrifice of self for the love of a friend is gut-wrenching, yet profoundly noteworthy. This is a beautiful story of eternal love and redemption, and I highly recommend it to hopeless romantics.” – Amazon Reviewer 5 stars




Charles Edward Jasper, Lord Blackwood, was, in her opinion, the handsomest man she had ever met, possibly, the handsomest man in London. The first time he shook her hand had sent a shocking tingle radiating right through her body and caused her to blush so fierily that she was sure he must have noticed. He had held her hand for a few moments as he spoke to her, his touch producing such an alarming effect that her knees trembled as if they had turned to water. Patience had felt breathless and thought she might have gasped her greeting. He did not appear to have observed her awkwardness because by then he had turned to welcome Lorna and her ever-giggling friend, Miss Sophie Sutcliffe. Had he even really noticed her that first time? Perhaps the only reason he tried to engage her in social chat on subsequent occasions was out of politeness to her as Lorna’s hostess during her London sojourn.

 














Title: THE LADY’S REVENGE (Book 2)
Author: Arabella Sheraton
Publisher: Bublish
Pages: 186
Genre: Regency Romance

BOOK BLURB:

This engaging traditional Regency romance is the sequel to Lord Blackwood’s Valentine Ball. Miss Letitia DeVere decides that revenge is a dish best eaten cold when she returns to London after a two-year absence to find her former admirer Lord Charles Blackwood on the verge of proposing to Miss Patience Cherwell. Lord Blackwood’s Valentine Ball proved to be the turning point in his fledgling romance with Patience. Letitia is not the kind of woman who gives up easily, as Patience and Charles soon find out. She stops at nothing to achieve her aims. However, Letitia has a dark past, with secrets that threaten to return and destroy her newfound social success. When Charles proves less malleable than in the past, Letitia resorts to subterfuge, seduction, blackmail, and even violence to force him to propose. Will he see through her tricks and remain true to Patience, or will Letitia’s seductive wiles lure him back?

PRAISE

“The timing is one of the most wonderful things in this read, especially because of the various means of subterfuge and blackmail which are at play. Author Arabella Sheraton has a knack for timing her comedy and her suspense in just the right balance to keep that rompy pace going, just like authentic Regency novels should do. I can’t recommend this two-partner enough, or indeed the author herself and her other super-fun works. Readers with a modern mindset or a lack of historical knowledge might not fully ‘get’ the style, but if you’re someone that does, then you’re going to truly fall in love and want to keep stepping back into this world time and again, so give them a try!” – Amazon Reviewer 5 stars