Category Archives: Interviews

Sep8

Day 3 of the 2021 Back to School Blog Tour: Linda S. Gunther

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Welcome to Day 3 of the Back to School Blog Tour for 2021. I have another amazing, talented author to introduce you to today. Linda S. Gunther is an author that dabbles in many different genres. She writes romance, mystery and children’s books. I’ve met her through one of my writing groups, and I have been wanting to feature her for awhile on my blog.

Linda S. Gunther is the author of the children’s picture book, PANICKY POLLY.

Linda S. Gunther has been featured in numerous literary publications, and her passion for travel fuels her writing. She has six suspense novels with the most recent being DEATH IS A GREAT DISGUISER: A Santa Cruz Murder Mystery and three self-published illustrated children’s picture books. PANICKY POLLY is her most recent children’s book release that involves a girl dealing with anxiety as a child. I had the chance to talk to Linda about her inspirational authors, writing routine, advice for aspiring authors, and what future projects she has in store for us.

  1. Who is your favorite author from childhood? 

Linda S. Gunther: My fav children’s book author was Maurice Sendak. I loved Where The Wild Things Are ever since I can remember. When I was a primary school teacher in NYC, Santa Clara, California and in London, England, my “go to” children’s book was definitely this one, winner of the top honor – the Caldecott Award. I have to admit in London, I did also love reading The Berenstain Bears by Stan and Jan Berenstain. There is a series of these which was also made into an animated series.  

  1. Do you have a writing routine? Please explain your routine.

Linda S. Gunther: I’m going to be honest here. I’ve authored 6 suspense novels and 3 illustrated children’s books. I don’t have a writing routine. I write at odd times whenever I feel compelled to craft a character or build a story with twists and turns. It might take all day or be a few hours late at night. Like my adult fictional works, with my children’s stories I just get an idea, and go! 

I take a walk by the beach where I live and in my iPhone Notes app, I write notes and sometimes even dialogue related to what’s on my mind in terms of potential plot, action, or the underlying message that I think will help children grow and learn lessons about life.

For my latest children’s book, PANICKY POLLY, I imagined a little girl who panics about the little things that go wrong in her day to day life. She learns a little bit of yoga meditation which literally changed her life. I found a young artist in South Africa that crafted the illustrations that were in my head. I sent her photos of what could be made into art for each page.

When I wrote PANICKY POLLY, I had no idea that the pandemic was coming, but it turned out to be very apropos. Polly’s story can help children deal with little things and big things like the COVID pandemic. I published this book in February 2020. Unfortunately, my planned book events and signings were cancelled in schools and at bookshops.

  1. What advice would you give to aspiring authors? 

Linda S. Gunther: Write down the ideas swimming in your head that might make an interesting children’s story. Don’t let your ideas fade away. Wherever you are, whether waiting for a dental appointment, or in line at the grocery store, or sitting in a parking lot waiting for a friend – WRITE DOWN YOUR IDEA and a possible outline (bullet points work well) for the story (if it comes to you)! When you start doing this, like writing down your dreams in the morning, you will be amazed at the budding ideas you have for good stories. Also, pay attention to the news of the day because you may find something about an animal or child or a situation that is absolutely fascinating. DON’T LOSE IT! WRITE IT DOWN.

  1. What projects are you working on? 

Linda S. Gunther: Well, I have an idea for a story about a famous owl who is found in the Christmas tree that is being erected in Rockefeller Center in New York City. I’m thinking about writing that one, develop the character (Rocky) and give him a backstory and also feature an overall learning message, maybe: hopefulness no matter what the scenario. 

Also, I’ve been writing short stories (both fiction and personal essays), and lately, I’ve been getting my stories published in a variety of literary journals. It’s my new adventure. For example, I’m writing stories about growing up in the Bronx. I didn’t realize before that I really have a talent for writing stories about my real-life whether about my childhood or related to things that I experienced in my young 20’s or 30’s while traveling.

  1. What is writing to you in one sentence? 

Linda S. Gunther: I search for the soul in the story I’m aiming to tell and then write around it, fill it out. Some writers call it the “through line.”

PANICKY POLLY is an honest and forthright story to help children deal with their own anxiety. Polly is a young girl that panics at the little things in life. If something goes wrong, she goes into a panic. It gets so bad for her that she has trouble sleeping and eating. Her family, teachers and friends all try to warn her off of panicking, but it takes the kind words of Mr. Chang, the local vegetable store owner to give her the valuable advice to ease her panic attacks. His advice leads to the golden secret to end all her panicking. Share this story with children having similar anxiety to help them learn the golden rule and deal with anxiety. This is a book many parents may wish they had as a child.

PANICKY POLLY is available in print edition at Amazon.com.

For more information on Linda Gunther and her other books, please visit her website here.

Don’t forget to enter the $25 Amazon Gift Card giveaway going on right now during the blog tour.

Enter to Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card

You’re welcome to come back each day to enter the giveaway and find out about the new featured author of the day. I hope all the students, teachers and parents are enjoying this unusual and eventful return to school this year. Please stay safe and wear a mask. Until tomorrow, -Mrs. Turner

Sep6

Day 1 of the 2021 Back to School Blog Tour: Andreas Minnis

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Welcome to the first day of the 2021 Back to School Blog Tour hosted by the Indie Children’s Authors Connection blog. I’m excited to host this very different school year, as many children return from online or hybrid learning to in-person school. Along with diverse and inspirational titles and authors this year, I want to tank all of the readers and followers of the blog that have part of the several years of this blog tour. You’re behind the success of this event. So, up front, thank you for coming back year after year.

Plus, check back each day for a new featured author and enter the $25 Amazon Gift Card giveaway. Fill out your class or home library. Winner will be chosen Monday, September 13, 2021.

Andreas Minnis is an eleven-year-old children’s author that has written the featured book, “Joshua Holt and the Bully.”

And without a further adieu, here is our first author of the blog tour, Andreas Minnis. He is an eleven-year-old author that inspires many children his age to get involved and help others. He lives in New Orleans, but is originally from the Bahamas. He’s been featured on several international news sites, and shares his messages to kids at schools and conferences worldwide. Andreas and his mom work together to run their own publishing company called Universal Impact Press. His new book, “Joshua Holt and the Bully” is a book with a journey of resilience, courage, and forgiveness. I had the chance to talk with Andreas Minnis about his writing process, how he gets his ideas, and what kind of writing projects he has in store for the future.

1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Andreas Minnis: My favorite memory of reading as a young child is reading the book “Strega Nona” with my mom, it was her favorite book when she was a kid!

2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?
Andreas Minnis: My favorite author is my mom! Aisha Wonderfull. She has encouraged me to share my story to help other people. She always says: Your story is about you, but it’s not for you.

3) Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.
Andreas Minnis: I like to plan out my books, and then dedicate specific times to work on it. Usually the weekend! I work better when I block out time to get it all done.

4) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Andreas Minnis: I am going to keep writing about topics to help kids navigate being kids!

5) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Andreas Minnis: I love to write, and to share my experiences in stories that everyone else can relate to.

“Joshua Holt and the Bully” is the story of where bullying leads to friendship. Joshua is excited to be starting a new school year in the middle school. But his excitement disappears when he confronts his first enemy at school, a bully. Can Joshua learn that finding the courage to forgive can be the secret that saves everything?

“Joshua Holt and the Bully” is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

For more information on Andreas Minnis, please visit his publisher’s website, Universal Impact Press.

Thank you for stopping by on the first day of the Back to School Blog Tour 2021. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a $25 Amazon Gift Card below. Return for a new chance each day, and for a new featured Indie Children’s Author.

Enter for $25 Amazon Gift Card

(Note: Giveaway is powered by Rafflecopter. Give away starts at midnight, Pacific Daylight Time, Sept. 6, 2021.)

Aug10

Taking Author Submissions for the 2021 Back to School Blog Tour-Sept. 6-10, 2021

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The 8th Annual Back to School Blog Tour for 2021 is now taking sign-ups for the blog tour that will start on Labor Day, September 6, 2021.

Please sign up below to apply to be in the blog tour. I’m taking a limited amount of authors, so please sign-up ASAP. I will feature up to 2 authors a day. Last year, we had one per day, but I’d like to get a few more. This has been a special blog event that has been going on for several years now. And I think this year will be especially important to support teachers and students as they return to school during COVID. I want to be able to supply them with children’s literature that will be resourceful and relevant to the times.

Plus, I’d love to have some featured books that will help motivate children to read more. Basically, let’s help make this a great start to what has been a difficult period for many of us. Reading a good book can be comforting to a child when all else around them can seem out of sorts. Let’s bring the joy of reading to children at the start of this new, unique school year. 

Here is the form to fill out to apply for the blog tour:

Deadline to apply is Friday, September 3 unless all the author slots fill up. If they do, I will post on the Blog Tour page when all slots of filled. Please mention that you are applying for this year’s blog tour and what kind of children’s book you have.

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Jul23

Interview with A.C Morris

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I’m always on the alert for helpful books for the classroom or at home for parents. I think I’ve found a series that will be helpful for children suffering from different traumas life can throw at you. A.C Morris has written an amazing book that touches children and helps to heal them. “Beyond the Scars” is her first book in the series, and it models how friendship can help a child mend from within. I had a chance to talk to A.C Morris about childhood reading memories, favorite authors, writing and what she has in store for us.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

A.C Morris: There was a book named “Sam” by Ann Herbert Scott. It was about a young boy, the youngest of his siblings like myself, and Sam had a big age gap between his older siblings. So, he had no one to play with, as he kind of didn’t fit in. He was too young or too small or too, not enough, for everyone and couldn’t figure out what to do. I felt he was similar to me because I was the only girl with two older brothers. That book actually taught me how to have fun alone. I played and used my imagination. I was inspired by Sam. Ever since then, I loved reading.

  • Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

A.C Morris: My favorite author is Toni Cade Bambara. She wrote amazing short stories, which I love, short and sweet.

  • Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

A.C Morris: My writing routine is to write down a general idea. Then, rewrite it again as a concept/outline and rewrite again. After, I get someone’s opinion, and ask if I am clearly expressing myself with the concept. Then, I start writing and rewriting, following that outline, adding in details. I like to actually write at night or by the lake where I can hear and feel nature the best.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in the future?

A.C Morris: I like to write about anything that will inspire a child to be their best and to be fearless.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

A.C Morris: Writing is Magical. I say magical because, just before your eyes, you can have this tiny vision only you could see, and you turn it into something the rest of the world can feel, see and hear.

“Beyond the Scars” is a book to help a child begin healing from trauma with a friend. Modeled with the relationship of Celeste and Miguel, the reader goes on a journey of healing as the two talk over their past traumas and heal. Celeste is an amazing ballerina, and Miguel is talented pianist. Together, their friendship forms the way to healing and dealing with the past.

“Beyond the Scars” is available at Amazon.com. This book is a Kindle Unlimited title.

For more information on A.C Morris and her books, visit her soon to launch website on August 1.

Jul16

Interview with Dr. Terance Shipman

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Dr. Terance Shipman is the author of the new book, “Mr. Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles: ABC”.

Look no further, Dr. Terance Shipman has a winning smile that wins over parents, students and I’m sure, everyone he meets. Being a teacher for almost 28 years, he’s got a lot of stories. Some of the best are from his eleven years teaching Kindergarten, and he’s put them together in a book called “Mr. Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles: ABC”. Each book in his new Kindergarten Chronicles helps to celebrate and emphasis the African American male teacher as a role model. He presents a positive and strong black male image in his book that children need to see. I had the chance to talk with Dr. Shipman about future projects, memories of reading as a child, and his writing routine.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Dr. Terance Shipman: I would like to write a motivational book. I post daily motivational and inspirational quotes each day on social media. I think it would be great to have them in a book.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Dr. Terance Shipman: One of my favorite memories was having my mother read to me each day. We would start a book and read a little each day. I remember placing the bookmark in the book to make sure we started in the right place.

  • Do you have a writing routine? Share what works for you.

Dr. Terance Shipman: I think about a story in my head for days sometimes weeks at a time. I write an outline of the story. Afterwards I sit with pen and paper and write. I have to get the story out of my head and on paper.

Great for early readers and English language learners, “Mr. Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles: ABC”, is a delightful presentation of the alphabet. Your child will enjoy the pictures, learning and humorous introduction written by a real teacher.

“Mr. Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles: ABC” is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

For more information on Dr. Terance Shipman, please visit his author page here.

Jul14

Interview with Prudence Williams

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Prudence Williams is the author of the book “Ruby Smiles”.

I’ve got another fabulous summer read for your child. With school just around the corner, it’s a great idea to get some books lined up to get in the rhythm of reading again too.

Author Prudence Williams knows a thing or two about school. She’s a 25-year veteran teacher that uses her experience with children to inspire them in her writing. Her new release, “Ruby Smiles”, is about a big sassy dog that needed her own book. I loved the way that a child is brought into Ruby’s world from a dog’s point of view. I had the chance to talk with Prudence Williams about her favorite reading memory from childhood, subjects for future projects, and what writing means to her.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Prudence Williams: My favorite memory from reading as a child is reading “Down These Mean Streets” by Piri Thomas. It was the first novel I picked by myself, and it was good! I was about nine years old and the book was probably too mature for me, but I loved it. It introduced me to new cultures, languages, foods, and ideas, and since then I’ve been a strong reader.

  • What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Prudence Williams: I would like to write a book for teen girls about being an African American girl and enjoying life and being happy and falling in love. Most of the literature about young African American girls is very heavy and serious. I want young black girls to know they can be playful and just enjoy growing up. I want to represent a stable two parent home with loving and consistent parents and sibling. I want to show the black girl as the heroine and the popular girl who get the guy, grades, and joy.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Prudence Williams: Writing is an old friend that I always can depend on to help me understand the problem, share the news, and tell the story.

“Ruby Smiles” is a day-in-the-life of Ruby, a busy dog with responsibilities all day. But she has fun doing them, and you get to join her. Find out what a dog likes to do and how being responsible can be fun.

“Ruby Smiles” is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

For more information on Prudence Williams, please visit her author page here.

Jul14

Interview with Harvey L. Frierson Jr. Part 3

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I’m happy to present the third part of my interview series with Harvey L. Frierson Jr. He is a songwriter instilling family values as his message within his books. It all started as a way to entertain and teach his niece, but it is becoming a literary legacy that will help future generations. I got to ask Harvey about his book soundtrack, the coloring book edition of “My Big Sister is the Best”, and the other editions of the book.

  1. Why did you decide to write the single “Sleepy Time” and a sing-along soundtrack?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: I wrote all the songs for my (2) month old niece Juliet, my brother and my sister-in-law Kim, so they have songs to sing along to at night.

  • You have some other editions of the book, like audio and translations into other languages. Can you tell us a little about them?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: Children sing along with anything, so I gave my niece a sneaky language course. When Juliet grows up, she will be singing about her childhood memories in Mandarin, Spanish, French and English with ease.

  • Why did you decide to create a coloring book edition?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: As Juliet grows; hopefully it will keep her interest in coloring and learning months from now. (lol) The coloring books reinforce our family values by telling stories that support my brother and his wife’s interest in teaching family values to my niece. I am just trying to do my uncle part. To be the best of her uncles. I have good competition, but I have coloring books and animation to entertain my niece. I am sure to make her laugh the most.

“Sleepy Time”, the sing-along audio track that accompanies the book “My Big Sister is the Best”, is available at Spotify in Mandarin, Spanish and soon in French and English.

A video is also available on YouTube with several of the songs from the “My Big Sister is the Best” soundtrack in English and the book, “I Love to Wave” in English and Spanish.

For more information on Harvey L. Frierson Jr., please visit his website here.

To read part 1 of Harvey L. Frierson’s Jr. interview, link here.

To read part 2 of Harvey L. Frierson’s Jr. interview, link here.

Jul3

Interview with Andrea Witt

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Sometimes you come along and find a great book series you just have to share. “The Woes of a Ginger Named Red” series deals with problems children need to hear about from a diverse voice. Real world problems are all brought to light in this heart-felt series written by Andrea Witt. Ginger is dealing with a seizure disorder, the medications, moving, and adapting to a new home. I was lucky enough to interview Andrea Witt, and asked her about memories from reading as a kid, her favorite authors and how they influenced her, and what writing means to her.

1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Andrea Witt: I used to be “dragged” to flea markets. I couldn’t stand it until I realized flea markets were full of books. I started collecting change from around the house to use to buy books. I started looking forward to going so I could find new books to read. The books I bought were used and I could get 4 for $1! Other people’s discards were my treasures and I bought many books I would have never had the opportunity to read had I not been “dragged to” those flea markets every weekend!

2) Who was your favorite author and how did they influence you?

Andrea Witt: As a small child, my favorite author was Dr. Seuss. I loved the silliness he added to each story. The rhyming aspect made them fun to read and I used to challenge myself to read them really fast since many of them were like tongue twisters. As I grew a bit older, Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary were among my favorite authors.

3) What is writing to you in one sentence?


Andrea Witt: Writing is the compilation of my thoughts, feelings, memories and imagination combined into a foundation that breeds new thoughts, feelings, memories, and imagination for its readers.

“The Woes of a Ginger Named Red–Book 1: The Move” is told from the perspective of nine-year-old Ginger. She has a mild seizure disorder. Although her seizures don’t happen very often, they are huge to her. Because of the seizures, Ginger is on medications that stunt her growth and make her feel like an outsider. When her mom announces that they’re going to move to a new home in the country, Ginger starts to panic about encountering bullies at her new school. Will Ginger crumble under the pressure of the move, or will she be able to learn to love her new home?

“The Woes of a Ginger Named Red–Book 1: The Move” is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Powell’s Books, Books a Million, Target, and many other retailers.

For more information on Andrea Witt, please visit her Amazon Author page here.

Jun27

Interview with Harvey L. Frierson Jr. Part 2

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The Coloring Book edition for “My Big Sister is the Best” is releasing Summer 2021.

I’m happy to announce more of an exclusive interview with Harvey L. Frierson Junior. I’m featuring him in a three part interview to talk more about his upcoming projects, and the coloring book edition of his book, “My Big Sister is the Best”. He has experience as a songwriter, and is putting his talent into these darling books to impress his niece as she gets older. She is lucky to have an uncle such as Harvey.

Here is part two of my interview with Harvey L. Frierson Jr:

  • What books influenced you as a child?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: I had a huge collection of Black History comic books that told stories of Black educators and heroes in action.

  • What future projects do you have in the mix currently?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: In the future I plan to write Si-Fi adventures that my niece Juliet and her big sister Olivia will like and learn family values. There is also an upcoming coloring book for “My Big Sister is the Best” and a sing along soundtrack. The single, “Sleepy Time” is available now on Spotify.

  • Why have you decided to change from songwriting to writing books?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: Writing books is not as a commercial concern as when I first started my songwriting career. So, I am having nothing but fun, and hopefully steering my nieces into enjoyable reading and family values.

“My Big Sister is the Best” is a book of a little sister telling the story about her big sister, Olivia. Told through the adventure of making cupcakes, it shows the love and bonding between two sisters growing up.

“My Big Sister is the Best” is available at Barnes and Noble.com.

The coloring book edition of this book will release during the summer of 2021.

Check out an example of the song “Sleepy Time” in Mandarin on YouTube.

For more information on Harvey L. Frierson Jr., please visit his website link here.

For part 1 in this interview series, link here.

For part 3 in this interview series, link here.

Jun22

Interview with Harvey L. Frierson Jr. Part 1

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You might be looking for books to read this summer that reinforce family values. I’ve found a great author that has a collection of picture books that touches on this subject.

Harvey L. Frierson. Jr. has been a hit songwriter for musical icons such as Mary J. Blige and New Edition. Now, he finds his most current audience could be his most rewarding yet, his three-month-old niece and the next generation. With books like “My Big Sister is the Best” and “I Love to Wave”, Harvey L. Frierson Jr. is using his talent to bring social skills and values to children. I had the chance to ask him about his childhood reading memories, writing routine, and what writing means to him.

  • What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr: When I was a child, I had a collection of Batman stories that you read along with a 45” inch “action” recording. LOL

  • Do you have a writing routine?  Share what works for you.

Harvey L. Frierson Jr:  My writing routine is talking to my brother about what my niece JJ is doing, and then writing a story hoping she will be impressed.

  • What is writing to you in one sentence?

Harvey L. Frierson Jr:  Writings are messages for my children, nieces and nephews to appeal to their family values.

“I Love to Wave” is a story about a girl coping with the new pandemic social norms. Hunter loves to wave, but finds it difficult in this new world of mask wearing, social distancing and virtual school. Through the help of her parents and school teachers, they model how Hunter can stay safe and continue to be kind to people.

“I Love to Wave” is available at Barnes and Noble.com.

Audiobook Spanish edition link here.

Audiobook English edition will be available on July 4th.

For more information on Harvey L. Frierson Jr., please visit his website here.

Part 2 in this interview series is available on June 27th.

Part 3 in this interview series is available on July 14th.