Saturday 22 April 2017

Author Spotlight on Rich Israel


It was indeed a pleasure to interview Rich Israel of Colorado.
I must mention that the name Rich Israel is not a name you can easily forget.
Rich is one of the newest members of the Real Lives team, a sub-group of Books Go Social.
I visited Colorado some years ago and have very fond memories of that place.


Tell us a little about yourself

I grew up in Sacramento and attended the University of California, Davis, where I initially studied engineering, then transferred to biological sciences because of my love for nature.
After graduating, I worked for the entomology department at the university for a year, then dropped out and embarked on many of the adventures described in my writings.
In the early 1970s, I coauthored the first back-to-the-land book for my generation—Homesteaders Handbook—and went on to study natural medicine. In 1991, I released The Natural Pharmacy Product Guide, which remained on the Nutri-Books Top 10 List of Health Books for four months.
I’m currently working on Trippin’, the second book in my Hippie Adventurer series. I live with my wife, Doris, in Boulder, Colorado.


What inspired you to write your first book?

In the early 1970s, my girlfriend and I were living in the country.
We searched high and low for information on how to plant a garden, raise livestock, cure olives, make wine, and do a host of other tasks.
When we couldn’t find anything, I realized a guide was needed for the back-to-the-land movement, sparking my first book, Homesteaders Handbook.

I wrote my recently released book, Groovin because the ’60s were a free, exciting time for me.
I collected a number of unique, humorous stories and found that people enjoyed them.
You can find plenty of books on the history of that period, but I wanted to offer a sense of what it was like to live during those transformative years.
I also wanted my daughter to understand some of the events that had shaped me.


Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Follow your heart and do all you can to live your life to the fullest.
Honesty and integrity are your greatest assets.


Are your writings based on someone you know or events in your own life?

All my stories are based on my true experiences, though a few may be hard to believe.
I am fortunate to possess a remarkable memory of the late sixties.

What are your current projects?

I’m working on a sequel to Groovin’ called Trippin’: Road, Rails, and Mountain Trails, scheduled for release in the fall of 2017.
Here’s a synopsis:
In book 2 of his Hippie Adventurer Series, Rich takes us on another wild ride during the 1960s as he and Charlie, his faithful canine companion, hitchhike, hop freights, work in an Alaskan gold mining camp, and manage a Sacramento Valley cattle ranch.
Together with his off-the-wall friends, he explores altered states, sentiments, and perspectives while freestyling through life with passion and enthusiasm.
And, just like in his first book, Groovin’, Rich’s powerful, heart-on-his-sleeve thirst for love, propels him into one unexpected situation after another.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

My publisher and editor, Sandra Jonas, of SandraJonasPublishing.com.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

I love any author who has the ability to paint vivid pictures with their words, allowing their readers to immerse themselves in every scene and know fascinating characters on an emotional level.
There are countless great authors, but Raymond Chandler, Harper Lee, Mario Puzo, Nelson DeMille, and David Balducci come to mind.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

If you have an idea for a story, write it down.
If you think of details for that story, write them down.
You can always piece things together and refine your writing later.
Persistence and attention to detail can create works you can be proud to release.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

My readers are the reason I write.
If I can’t entertain them and hopefully give them more than a few belly laughs, then what’s the point?
Nothing is more fulfilling than having people tell me they’ve enjoyed my stories.
Also, if you appreciate an author’s work, put a review on Amazon and Goodreads because it helps get the word out.

What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I’ve always loved Westerns, having been raised on Roy Rogers, Bonanza, and Rawhide.
Their influence led to my pipe-dream-induced, month-long, hippie horse trip through the Rocky Mountain wilderness, documented in Groovin’.
I recently viewed the movie Unbranded, which reignited fond memories of my incredible adventure.

Do you have a specific writing style?

In the ’60s, I was a free-wheeling spirit with a firm moral compass.
When writing Groovin’, I found I needed to be in touch with my heart to accurately communicate my emotions and humor from that time of my life.


Contact Rich Israel at the following:

Website

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

Amazon Author Page

Amazing Memoirs by Real Lives Authors


Meet some Real Lives Authors and read their amazing stories.

Rich Israel is the author of Groovin': Horses, Hopes, and Slippery Slopes (Hippie Adventurer Book 1).

Here is an extract of a review of his book from Readers Favorite.

The author is a highly skilled storyteller--he describes each scene and person so well that the reader feels he was actually present. The book itself is inviting with meaningful quotes at the beginning of each part, some artwork, and a few photographs. The dialogue is crisp and well-
placed.
The reader is engaged from the first page to the last.
Mr. Israel notes that this book is the first of a series he is calling The Hippie Adventurer Series. Looking forward to the next one!" 5 STARS--Deborah Lloyd, Readers' Favorite
.
Buy the book at Amazon and read this fascinating story.

Kelly Artieri is the author of A Spot in my Heart: Loving a Special Needs Dog

This is what an Amazon Reviewer had to say about her book.

Reading this book is like having a heart to heart conversation with the author about the joys and heartaches of dog ownership.
My dogs are "normal", but, like people, none are perfect.
Communication in any and all forms is essential in all relationships, whether it's dog to dog, people to dog, or people to people.
I like books that entertain and teach at the same time; this book is one of the best in that regard. This is Ms. Artieri's first book, but I certainly hope it won't be her last.

Grab this amazing book at Amazon.

Jeffrey Von Glahn is the author of Jessica: The autobiography of an infant.

Here is one of the book's best reviews.

Who remembers accounts of their infancy? Of being born? Practically no one. But Jessica is an exception. She remembers before and after her birth. And it points out the fact that it’s so important to get a good start because it can profoundly affect the rest of your life either positively or negatively. Dr. Jeffrey takes you through the stages of Jessica’s life and paints a riveting portrayal of a damaged woman who somehow regains her sense of self. Good plot, good pace, excellent story! Good Job!
Get this at Amazon.

John U. Gunter is the author of My Schizophrenia: One Man's Struggles With Mental Illness.

This is what a doctor said about his book.

Your story helps us to be better clinicians and support you and others with recovery." ~ Dr. Celeste Johnson, DNP, ARPN, PMH-CNS.
Buy the book at this link.

Liz Norman and Tracey Samios have written Mum's the Word: Two Mums' Take on Life with Kids
'An exceptionally funny, helpful and wise take on life as a mum with kids.'

I read and reviewed this book.

Here is my review.

This is a book which brought back memories of motherhood.
It was filled with humour, love, and caring.
The authors are right.
Motherhood does not come with a rulebook.
It was well written and made me laugh.

Buy the book at Amazon.

Raquel Fletcher wrote The Year I Turned 25: A Memoir About Sex, Anxiety and a Dog Named She-Devil.

An Amazon Customer said this about the book.

Loved it! A very honest account of living with anxiety and helped make my own struggles feel more normal. I think it's important to open the dialogue about mental illness in order to break the stigma around it and the author does this in a serious but yet humourous way. I highly recommend to all! Thank you so much, Raquel!
Buy the Book at this link.


Mickey Thomas, an ex-marine wrote the book The Grass Swale: Living With Guilt, Depression, and PTSD

I read and reviewed this book also.
Here is my review.

The Grass Swale is a personal Memoir of the life of the author, Mickey Thomas.
He has shared a great deal of personal information with his readers.
Not many people are brave enough to do so.
He blames himself for the death of his brother, but perhaps if he had accompanied him that night, he too may have met his death in that fatal accident.
His experiences in boot camp and as a Marine were terrifying.
No wonder he suffered from PTSD.
His wife, Hope, and four children were stabilizing factors in his life.
He was even blessed with grandchildren.
Despite the many ups and downs in his life, Mickey has a lot for which to be thankful.
The book was interesting and lessons can be learned from it.


Buy the book at this link.


Jonathan Fryer, a British journalist, wrote Eccles Cakes: An Odd Tale of Survival.

Eccles Cakes is beautifully written, poignantly touching, disarmingly frank. Michael Bloch

Buy the book at this link.

Stephen Bentley is the author of Undercover: Operation Julie - The Inside Story.

Here is my review of the book.

This book is an intriguing depiction of drugs, crime, and passion and the arduous lives of police officers. In his memoir, the author relates his experiences as a young detective right up to Detective Sergeant, and then as an undercover agent. Operation Julie was the highlight of his career in undercover work, and it was also the cause of his illness that caused him to resign. The police service treated him shabbily, but he managed to move forward with his life in an admirable way. He pursued a degree in law, followed it up with post-graduate studies, and had a successful career as a criminal defense barrister until his retirement.
The book was a page-turner, and I enjoyed reading it.

Buy the book at this link.

Mary Thorpe wrote a book about her grandmother - That's just how it was.

Here is a glowing review of the book.

Readers should enjoy this poignant read and be able to experience Bridget's woes and triumphs along with her.
Moreover, they will end by thanking God that women like Bridget existed as role models for women everywhere and that such strong, hardy and steadfast women contributed to forming that charming, quirky, determined Irish character which shines in Irish eyes all over the world." (Shayne Langstroth BEd Hons.Med)


Get the book at this link.


Louise Beaubrun Macaluso wrote Broken to Be Blessed: A Turning Point.

I reviewed this book myself and found it inspiring and motivational.

Here is my review.

Broken to be Blessed is an inspiring and motivational memoir.
The author left her native home to go to America for a better life.
While still getting used to a new country, her life changed dramatically eight months after she arrived there.
Her description of the raging fire, which took the lives of five family members and disfigured her, brought tears to my eyes.
Despite the many months turning into years, she spent in the Burn Unit of the hospital obtaining treatment, and the many trials she faced, she overcame all obstacles. She achieved all of her Education goals and found a wonderful husband.
Her strong faith in God and the Bible references she used reminded me of my own life challenges and God’s love, which I too experienced in my life.
Coincidentally, “Great is thy faithfulness,” is also my favorite hymn and theme song.
When I started reading this book it was hard to put down.
It is a page-turner.
I recommend this book very highly.

Get the book at Amazon.

Evelyn Mann wrote Miracle In My Living Room: The Story of a Little Mann.

This is another book that I had the privilege of reading and reviewing.

Here is my review.

This book was inspiring and evoked my emotions.
It is indeed a story of hope and faith in God for parents who were determined to see their baby survive despite the doctor's negative diagnosis.
They overcame many trials and obstacles through that eleven-year journey.
Miracles do happen and I believe in miracles because I have experienced many in my life.
I recommend the book to all who are faced with similar circumstances.
Never give up.


Get the book at Amazon.

Ann Marie Mershon wrote You must only to love them: Lessons Learned in Turkey.
This book is really popular and has received 55 reviews to date.

Read this wonderful review from one of her fans.

American author Ann Merson should be Turkey's ambassador for world peace. From the moment she first set foot in this fascinating country, she never wavered from her love of all things Turkish. I know because I lived these stories with her. Ann writes from the heart, with a keen eye for human interest, and with a fascination for the threads that bind humanity. "You must only to love them," states her Turkish friend, and love the Turks and Turkey Ann Mershon does, from the first page to the last. You will be spellbound by the adventures Ann jumps into head first, as well as struck by the kind nature of the Turks emanating from the book's pages, as well as its message of co-existing in and embracing new cultures. For me, the book was a walk down Memory Lane, but for you, it will perhaps be an eye-opener that shows, not a strange and unwelcoming Middle Eastern mindset, as is often portrayed in inaccurate reporting, but a loving and welcoming culture that embraces kindness to one another, helpfulness, and tolerance. Read and savor Ann’s account of her extended international teaching stay.

Get the book at Amazon.

Rebecca Long Howard wrote about a huge catastrophe in her life - The Day After the End of the World: A Tale of Catastrophe and Other Gifts.

One of Rebecca's fans wrote this review.

Habitually, I read with a book propped on something: desk, table, steering wheel (not while driving, I promise).
When I read this book, I had to hold it in my hands.
The author tells the story with her heart and soul, giving the reader the closest glimpse possible of the heartache and triumph she experienced. From fear and tragedy to hope and victory, she made sense of chaos.
Well done.

Get her book at this link.


Peter H. Green is another remarkable author who wrote Radio: One Woman's Family in War and Pieces (Voices of World War II Book 2).

An Amazon reviewer praised Peter's work in this review.

A heart-warming story of a loving and hard working family during World WAR II.
It brings back long forgotten memories of listening to the radio, Victory gardens, rationing books, women in new roles at home and work.
Well done - look back to another era in everyday life.
George Bohigian MD


Buy the book at Amazon


Liesbeth Heenk is a Dutch art historian, author, and publisher. She has written a series on Van Gogh. The books deal with various aspects of the artist's life and work: Van Gogh's Inner Struggle, Van Gogh and Money, Van Gogh in Love. Most of the volumes are available in English, French, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese. She also published the series Amsterdam Museum Books for tourists and visitors who want to get the most out of their trip to Amsterdam.

A reviewer had this to say about Liesbeth's Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam: Highlights of the Collection.

I bought this as a series of ebooks to prepare me for my upcoming trip to Amsterdam. This one is my favorite, since I feel a special connection to Van Gogh. While this book is definitely a great resource for the museum, I was pleasantly surprised at all the history and context included as well. For instance, this book discusses the Japanese influence on some of Van Gogh's work--something I have not read in other books on this artist. In addition, Van Gogh's contemporaries are also discussed. Even the smallest interesting facts--such as the meaning of almond blossoms as it relates to a painting Van Gogh did--are included. Along with maps and resources, the detailed information on Van Gogh in this book is invaluable. A definite must-have for those planning to visit this museum!

Get her books at this link on Amazon.

Cheryl Evans wrote the book I Promised Not to Tell: Raising a transgender child.

Here is an extract of a review from Readers Favorite.

In the closing pages of I Promised Not to Tell by Cheryl B. Evans, the author says she wonders if she has made a mistake in publishing this book. Let me begin by assuring her the only mistake would have been to not publish it. I Promised Not to Tell is quite possibly one of the most important books to date on a very controversial and little understood social issue: transgenderism. I Promised Not to Tell will open a few more minds, clarify the myths and falsehoods, and get more people talking openly about what being transgender really means. I loved I Promised Not to Tell. Couldn't put it down. Highly recommended reading." - Viga Boland for Readers Favorite 5 Stars!

Get the book at this link.

Ann Richardson wrote Life in a Hospice: Reflections on caring for the dying.

Here is the latest review of the book.

Ann Richardson did an excellent job with this book. For some, hearing the word "hospice" may seem intimidating. However, this book is about living; it depicts the lives of individuals who are devoted to selflessly aid fellow human beings who are facing their darkest time. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Life In A Hospice, because it teaches poignant life lessons we all should be aware of in order to be our best selves. I highly recommend it!

Get the book at this link.

Last, but not least, is my story, My Life as a Banker: A Life Worth Living

This story is not only about banking, but it is about my personal life and how and where I met my husband.
I also wrote about my very first trip abroad which took me to New York, Canada, London, Germany, and Holland.
My Life as a Banker: A Life Worth Living was voted second in Bio/Memoirs in Metamorph's Publishing Summer Indie Book Awards 2016.

Here is one review of the book which I like very much.
Inspiring and eminently interesting story
Kato's Revenge on June 26, 2016
Format: Paperback
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
For those of us who are not in the banking industry, and for me, especially living in a country where the capital is the financial hub of the country (perhaps the world) you might think a story called My Life As A Banker would be too dry to enjoy.

Author Brenda Mohammed has written quite a few books across different genres.
This book is a relatively quick read but readers can be taken along her life's journey as they turn the pages.

I found myself more interested in the 'Life Worth Living' elements of the book. I congratulate her hard work which allowed her to work in the banking industry and get promoted. But I was more interested in the personal side of things, for example how she met her husband (that's an excellent segment of the book) and also attaining her strict father's support for the marriage.

The author's approach to writing this memoir is direct and therefore one imagines this is how she would speak in real life. But the tale is told with such verve and energy, it is an enjoyable book that people will find much to like.

The real-life stories contained within are things we can all relate to.
Things such as ending up in a great city like Toronto, but being sick at the time and told 'you shouldn't go out then'.
But this is not the author's approach to life.
If you have read her Travel Memoir With Pictures, you will understand what an accomplished traveller this lady is.

There are some surprisingly gory scenes in the book, tempered by some poignant sadness around certain family members, as well as the central theme of how the author made her living in the banking sector.

It's an interesting and very readable memoir from one of the more creative authors out there.


Get the book at my Amazon Universal link.

There you have it-----Real lives stories by Real Lives Authors,writing books for you to enjoy.





Thursday 20 April 2017

Michelangelo's Masterpiece



In the year 2009, my husband and I accompanied my sister and her family on a trip to Italy.
Included in our trip was a visit to the Vatican in Rome.
There was a long line-up to get in but when we did, it was worth the wait.
We went through the Gallery of the Tapestries and saw the breath-taking masterpieces of Michelangelo’s Dome, Belvedere Courtyard, and many other fabulous rooms with rare paintings.
We sat quietly in the Sistine Chapel and gazed at the magnificent fresco of The Last Judgement by Michelangelo.

While sitting there we were told the meaning the painting conveyed.
It is the belief of Christians that Our Lord will judge us at his Second Coming.
Those who have accepted him are automatically qualified to join him in his kingdom.
Those who have rejected Him in this life, who have no remorse for sins they committed and do not seek forgiveness, will have condemned themselves to hell for all eternity.
The Lord rejects no one.
However, by rejecting God’s grace in this life, one already judges oneself, and receives according to one’s works and can even condemn oneself for all eternity.
When the door separating Good and Evil is closed at The Last Judgment there is no turning back.
We do not know when the Second Coming will occur.
Jesus said, “As to the exact day or hour, no one knows it, neither the angels in heaven nor even the Son, but only the Father.”

Other places in Italy visited



Details of our trip to Italy are documented in "Travel Memoirs with Pictures: Exploring the World.




The Book is available at Amazon Universal Link in Kindle and Paperback.

Book Description

Travel Memoirs with Pictures: Exploring the World is a book filled with reflections of the author's travels around the world.
She relates the family adventures and treats readers to a pictorial story of priceless memories. She.describes places visited and the wonderful times she and her family had in their tourist trips. The book is great to read while on a vacation or for some travel inspiration.
Get the Book HERE













Monday 17 April 2017

Zeeka Chronicles has been nominated for SIBA Awards 2017



Book Description

Zeeka Chronicles is a series of five spine - chilling stories about Revenge of Zeeka.
How can one man misuse Medical science for Revenge?
This medical thriller is about betrayal, kidnapping, revenge, secrets, lies, killer zombies, murder, and evil.
To what end is Zeeka willing to go to unleash terror on the small exotic island of Gosh?
Will he and his zombies escape the law?
Is he angry because his former lover jilted him?
Or is it because his child was born deformed and his wife died in childbirth?
Why did this vengeful man kidnap the son of his former lover?
One man knows his secrets.
Can he stop him before more blood is shed and save the islanders?
Will good triumph over evil?
Find out the answers to these provocative questions.
Get the book at Amazon Universal Link.

And here is one of the best five-star reviews

"This series is about the havoc the sinister Zeeka and his Zombies unleashed on a little island in the Caribbean and the impact on people who live there. The darker side of humanity is explored with unforeseeable plot twists taking the reader down a sometimes grisly path. Thankfully, there is light at the end of the tunnel and I eventually emerged with feelings of redemption and satisfaction. Future tech is highlighted throughout the series making me desire one of the book's robot helpers who does dishes and kicks butt too."




To Celebrate here is a Special Offer

I am giving away ten EBooks of ZEEKA CHRONICLES to ten lucky readers of my blog.

So go ahead and click the link below to see if you are one of the lucky winners.

AMAZON GIVEAWAY

N.B.

Brenda Mohammed has paid for all prizes, sales tax, and shipping.
Entry requires an Amazon.com account. Amazon will ship prizes to winners. Winners' names may be made public.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. 10 winners will be randomly selected after the giveaway ends.
All winners will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond.
This giveaway started April 6, 2017 6:28 AM PDT and ends May 6, 2017 11:59 PM PDT.
Winner: Randomly selected after Giveaway has ended, up to 10 winners.

Requirements for participation:
Resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia
18+ years of age (or legal age)
Follow Brenda Mohammed on Amazon
Have a nice Day.





Sunday 16 April 2017

Author Spotlight on Hannah Howe, Best-Selling Author of the Sam Smith Mystery Series.


It was a pleasure for me to interview Hannah Howe,international and best-selling author of the Sam Smith Mystery Series.
Sam's Song, book one in the series, reached number one on the amazon.com private detective chart and the top twenty in ten other countries).
Stardust, the story of one woman's dream and hopes for the future. is the tenth book in the Sam Smith Mystery Series.


Tell us a little about yourself

My name is Hannah Howe.
I live in Glamorgan, Wales with my long-term partner and our two children.

When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing at school when my teacher asked me to write the school play.
I was around nine or ten at the time and I've been writing ever since.
I write because it comes naturally to me. For as long as I can remember, writing has been an essential part of my day.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I actually wrote six novels before I published Sam's Song.
Those novels remain unpublished and I regard them as my apprenticeship.
The inspiration for Sam's Song arrived when I decided to write about a female private detective.
I love mystery fiction so it seemed natural to write about my own detective.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I do.
My natural writing style is similar to Robert B Parker's, by that I mean I'm a minimalist writer - I don't go in for long, descriptive passages. Instead, I prefer short sentences.
I think this style suits the private detective novel in general.

What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?

A turning point for me was reading Robert B Parker's Promised Land.
As I read the story I realized several things: that the story was similar to ideas I'd been developing, that my writing style was similar to Mr. Parker's and that this was the moment to take my writing seriously.

What are your current projects?

At the moment, I'm editing Mind Games, book eleven in the Sam Smith Mystery Series, while collaborating with my narrator on Secrets and Lies, book six, for our audio book.

I'm also researching the background for Digging in the Dirt, book twelve in my series.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Write about what you know and what you believe in.
Be true to yourself.

Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

I love music, especially the music of the 1960s and 1970s, playing chess and researching my family history.

What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I love the classic movies and TV shows of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, especially the mystery and detective shows.
My favourites include a movie called Laura, Dog Day Afternoon and The Third Man.
With TV my favourites include The Rockford Files, Colombo and MASH.

Favorite foods

Like Sam, my narrator, I'm a vegetarian, so I love salads and potato-based meals.
One of my characters, Faye, is a domestic goddess when it comes to preparing cakes and trifles.
When I was pregnant with my eldest I had a craving for trifle and it is still one of my favourite sweets.

Please visit and feel free to contact Hannah about her books at her Website
and on Facebook

Revenge of Zeeka Series Book 1 to 5 at Bargain Prices



Friends, the first book in the Revenge of Zeeka Series is a best seller and the Kindle version is FREE.

Get it now.Amazon Universal Link

THe other four books are all 0.99 cents each in Kindle.

Watch the Video Trailers for each one below.












Saturday 15 April 2017

Author Spotlight on Kelly Artieri


Today I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the newest members of the Real Lives Team, a sub-group of Books Go Social.
Kelly Artieri lives with her family in western New York.
Pets have always been an important part of her life.
Though not a dog professional, she welcomes them into her home as family members, most recently with her deaf Dalmatian.



Bio

Hi! I am Kelly Artieri.
I think the first paragraph of the book is as much my biography as any other words I could offer.
My name is Kelly.
I own a Dalmatian named Vinnie.
Vinnie is deaf.
Vinnie has made a spot in my heart and changed my life forever.
I am not a veterinarian, nor a dog trainer or any kind of animal professional.
I am just a normal, using that term loosely, just an average Joe who loves dogs and welcomes them into my life.
When faced with the decision to accept a special needs dog into my home, I made the statement, “how hard can it be if you love them lots.”

Tell us about your book


My book shares the heartwarming true story of my life with a bilaterally deaf Dalmatian.
Learning to communicate without hearing can be a challenge.
While learning to navigate the soundless world around him, Vinnie's responses to his training were alternatively heartwarming and hilarious.
A Spot in My Heart is a story of overcoming obstacles and never giving up.


Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Everyone deserves a chance to live a life filled with love and acceptance.


When and why did you begin writing?

I wrote this book quite by accident, but now embrace it as an amazing legacy for the dog who taught me to live and love in his world.
After losing Vinnie, all the people who helped us along our path asked that I find a way to share our experiences and research, to tell Vinnie’s story.
I began journaling my notes as a therapeutic exercise, and before I realized it, I had created a manuscript.


Do you have a specific writing style?

I am a story teller.
I write like I talk, directly to the reader, and I speak from the heart with a tad of smart ass all mixed in.
Take that and mix in a topic that I am passionate about and you have A Spot In My Heart.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

The people who motivated me are just folks like me who love animals.
They helped us a great deal and continue to help others.
My message along with theirs is that these not so perfect animals are not “throw-away” animals to be disposed of because of their imperfections. They are meant to be loved and I found that I learned as much as I taught.

Other than writing do you have any hobbies?

I am a medical illustrator by degree, but currently, am working in IT.
I live on beautiful Lake Ontario with my husband and daughter.
I enjoy boating and spending time with family and friends.
I have been blessed with amazing people in my life both with two legs and four.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I now enjoy sharing my family’s story at book signings meeting new people who enjoy listening and discussing.
One of the most humbling things I have experienced through all of this is being called an author!
What an amazing experience it has been and I am finding that I have a written voice that I want people to hear.


NB

This is Kelly's first book, but she has a creative voice and an amazing story to tell.


Connect with Kelly at:


Facebook Author Page

Twitter

Buy her Book at Amazon