Missionary, Inspirational Speaker, International Radio Host, Author Là Tanyha Boyd

Lá Tanyha Boyd, is living her dream and walking in her calling to empower, and inspire others in“Living in the Now;” the abundant life. Author Lá Tanyha, has traveled around the world via the airwaves as an Inspirational Speaker delivering messages to jumpstart your day and vision, all the while infused with Faith, Hope, & Determination leaving you with a mindset of I CAN DO THIS! Challenging others to Take Action to go higher in their careers, fulfill their goals and walk in their purpose.

Lá Tanyha is the International Host of Spiritual Food for Thought Global Radio. Through this syndicated radio broadcast she empowers others across the globe to follow their dreams and to live life with purpose, passion, fire and determination.

Author Boyd often shares messages that; “Life is all about living and when we can have Spiritual Food, it nourishes us like nothing else.”

Answering the call to minister, Missionary Là Tanyha has been working in the vineyard for over ten years, and is a Licensed Missionary.

Là Tanyha is a mentor and a powerful Inspirational Speaker, facilitator with a heart and fire for God and His people. 

Please tell us about your latest book.

There are times when each one of us needs encouragement and inspiration; especially when you’re dealing with the challenges of life. 'Spiritual Food for Thought: 31 Inspirational Quotes to Jump-Start Your Day,' will not only offer daily words of inspiration but promote spiritual growth in one's day to day living. In this journey called, Life, I've learned that God never consults our past to determine our future. It is us, who determine our own future by our actions. As such, I have made sure that my book is full of powerful nuggets that are sure to equip and encourage each one of us to take life head-on, live it to the fullest and provide it with a meaningful direction.

'Spiritual Food for Thought:31 Inspirational Quotes to Jump-Start Your Day,' is touted to be a soul stirring read as it consists of deeply inspirational messages that offer daily words of empowerment and promote spiritual growth for its readers. The book is immensely thought provoking and takes its readers on an immeasurably inspiring journey towards self discovery while it also challenges them to pursue greatness and positivity in life.

What can we expect from you in the future?

With all that is going on in the world today, people are hungry for words of encouragement and inspiration to move and drive forward in this journey called LIFE, and with that said my passion and assignment is to engage, and equip the multitudes and in so doing win souls across the globe through the airways, my writings, and speaking engagements while empowering others to move forward in this journey called LIFE. 

I will be doing a “31 day challenge of Positive Thinking to Jump-Start Your Day.” I found that Self-talk has a huge influence on the overall direction of our thoughts. Negative self-talk is an easy habit to slip into, especially if you are surrounded by negative people. So, the first step toward a more positive thinking is to change the tone of our self-talk.

Like any other bad habit, before we can change it we need to become more consciously aware that we are doing it. And so the “31 day challenge of Positive Thinking to Jump-Start Your Day “will play a significant part in transforming that stinking thinking. 

How do we find out about you and your books?  How may readers contact you?

To stay connected with me subscribe to my mailing list by visiting my website: http://www.latboyd.com/

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/KtLUoMFlKs4

What truly motivates you in general?  In your writing?

To inspire is to take that fire within from a flicker, to a flame giving you the confidence to progress. All of us need inspiration to drive and move forward in this journey we call life, my personal quest and the various moments of learning during my very own journey in life have been the inspiration for this book, which is extremely dear to my heart. I sincerely pray that my book is able to reach out to the very hearts of my readers and inspire them to take that first step forward to do the things that they have never done before, to live the life they only dreamed of doing and enabling them to fulfill their purpose.

What are some of your favorite things to do?

During my down time you may find me in the kitchen cooking some down home meals or spending time with family and friends. You may even find me at the salon pampering myself, or shopping and giving back to myself. It’s so important to have balance and building relationships.

Do you have a favorite author?

There are so many great authors; I enjoy that it’s hard for me to narrow it down to one: Michele Andrea Bowen, Kimberla Lawson Roby, and Tyora Moody are just a few of the authors that I enjoy.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?

The first rewarding for me as a writer is the connection with my reader’s. The second most rewarding is knowing that my work can reach all parts of the world. My good friend and fellow Author; LaCricia A ̀ngelle said it best “My books can go where I may not be able to go physically.” To be able to give a word of inspiration of hope, love and faith for others to move and drive forward in this journey of LIFE…Is an awesome feeling.

Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

Yes! I would like to leave these words right from my book “Spiritual Food for Thought: 31 Inspirational Quotes to Jump Start Your Day,” that is this… JUST DO IT!! To move forward, you have to step out the boat. Moving out of complacency and comfort. If you want something you’ve never had you have to do something you’ve never done. Moving out of fear and removing all inhibitions being comfortable in WHO you are and WHO’S you are.  Let today be the first steps towards your goals, your calling, your deliverance….ultimately your purpose and destiny. 

~The Time is Now…Let’s Get It Done!!! 

Spiritual Food for Thought: 31 Inspirational Quotes to Jumpstart your Day, is a daily devotional to encourage and inspire you in your walk with Christ.

“In this journey called, “Life,” I've learned that God never consults our past to determine our future. The roads we take become learning experiences for growth and development, to bring us into our God given purpose.”

This is just a sample of inspiration you will receive from this book.
Spiritual Food for Thought: 31 Inspirational Quotes to Jumpstart your Day, consists of inspirational messages that offer daily words of empowerment, and promote spiritual growth and development in the Lord Jesus Christ for your day to day living.

Here's What Other's Are Saying!

“Spiritual Soul Food for Thought is the BEST way to start your day! I have used the quotes to kick off my mornings, motivate my afternoons, and empower my evenings!”~Tamika Hall, Editor-In-Chief of Gospel Insider News.com Magazine & Bestselling Author of Meet Me at the Altar, and Love Doesn’t Leave Bruises

“I have been a guest on Lá Tanyha Boyd's Spiritual Food for Thought Global Radio show numerous times. She is a warm, delightful woman walking in her gift of encouragement. If you need a spiritual word to lift your spirits, I recommend Spiritual Food for Thought. You're guaranteed to find words of wisdom that will jumpstart your day.”~ Tyora Moody, Award-Winning Author of the Victory Gospel Series and Eugeena Patterson Mysteries.

For More Information:

Visit the author online at:

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/1EPBp4T6uD0 http://youtu.be/KtLUoMFlKs4

Website: www.latboyd.com

Email: authorlatboyd@yahoo.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLaTBoyd

Follow on Twitter:@spiritualfoodra  Hashtag: #JumpStartURDay    

FAB Tours would like to thank you for sharing

Author Lá Tanyha Boyd’s gift with the world.

 

Interview with LaQuisha Hall and her new book Positively Bodyful.

Mrs. Essence 2013 | Author | 

Founder of iEAT | LaQuisha Hall

LaQuisha Hall is a woman with a purpose that goes far beyond what is expected of her. She is an award winning community service leader who has served as Mrs. International Beautiful 2012 and now reigning as Mrs. Essence 2013. As an overcomer of low self-esteem due to being naturally thin, a witness of domestic violence, a sexual abuse survivor and an international advocate, LaQuisha actively works to empower women and youth. LaQuisha spends hours locally and abroad mentoring via the Queendom T.E.A. (The Etiquette Academy) program encouraging and teaching teen girls about safety, feminine etiquette and positive self-esteem. LaQuisha is a doctoral candidate who has been educating youth for over a decade. LaQuisha recently launched a journal for young girls, Positively Bodyful.

Please tell us about your latest book.

I wrote a journal for teen girls, Positively Bodyful, to help promote a positive and healthy self-body image. This journal is written from my perspective of being naturally thin, but encourages all girls to be proud of their bodies and who they are as a person. I tried to find books like mine at bookstores to support the girls in my mentoring program whose self-esteem was low from being thin, but these books were non-existent. So, I decided to write it myself!  The girls who are comparing themselves to others or putting themselves down are not alone. As young ladies, they are going through a lot of changes in their bodies and as their bodies change, so does their image of themselves. It is not always easy for our youth to like every part of their looks, but when they get stuck on the negatives it can really bring down their self-esteem. I was teased for being "skinny" throughout my life and I understand their plight. I wrote this journal to encourage girls to use their creativity to keep their mind positive.

What can we expect from you in the future?

I am currently working on creating a Facilitator’s Manual, to accompany Positively Bodyful for those who have girl groups. I am also completing a young adult novel called “Unholy Communions” about a young girl who tries to escape the hands of a pastor who sexually abuses her. This novel is a reflection of my childhood. 

How do we find out about you and your books?  How may readers contact you?

Positively Bodyful can be purchased on Barnes and Noble, Amazon and other book retailers or it can be purchased via my website: laquishahall.com.

Book Trailer: http://animoto.com/play/iUleUhoxlT8KdStkNZ0xrQ

What truly motivates you in general?  In your writing?

I am motivated in general and in writing by all of the young girls I meet through serving as a teacher, beauty queen, mentor and inspirational speaker. This is the reason I created my business, iEAT (Empower. Aspire. Transform.). It pains me to hear my story told of past hurt told back to me by such beautiful, intelligent young girls. I want to inspire them to be victorious in spite of any obstacles they face.

What are some of your favorite things to do?

I love pageantry and I am the reigning Mrs. Essence 2013. I also love being a natural hair and fashion blogger via my blog, Corner Curl Girl. I spend a lot of time supporting my community and being a role model to girls through my mentoring program, Queendom T.E.A. Finally, I enjoy spending time with my super supportive husband of 8 years, Mardis Hall.

About the Book

Are you comparing yourself to others or putting yourself down? If so, you are not alone. As a young lady, you are going through a lot of changes in your body. And, as your body changes, so does your image of yourself. It is not always easy to like every part of your looks, but when you get stuck on the negatives it can really bring down your self-esteem. Written by a woman who was teased for being "skinny" throughout her life, this journal will encourage you to use your creativity to keep your mind positive. Prepare yourself to step into your Queendom!

Purchase the Book Online at:

Amazon.com

BarnesandNoble.com

www.laquishahall.com

For More Information:

Visit the author online at:

Website: laquishahall.com

Book Trailer: http://animoto.com/play/iUleUhoxlT8KdStkNZ0xrQ

Follow on Twitter: @laquisha_hall Hashtag: #PositivelyBodyful

Instagram: @laquishahall

Facebook: (iEAT) https://www.facebook.com/LaQuishaHallQTea?ref=hl

(Mrs. Essence) https://www.facebook.com/MrsEssence2013?fref=ts

FAB Tours would like to thank you for sharing Mrs. Essence 2013 | Author | Founder of iEAT | LaQuisha Hall gift with the world

Introducing a new author today: Colleen Green and her new release "Last Words" plus a Giveaway

Colleen Green

Author’s Interview Questions

“Are you famous?” Is the general question I get when family and friends introduce me to their friends. It always left me with a pause as quick comebacks filter through my mind but I end up saying something like ….”Oh gee thanks” and give a shy smile, silly I know but the idea unsettles me. (a)Does this happen to you and (b) what do you say?

No one has asked me if I was famous. Friends and family who hear that I wrote a book seem to want me to become famous. For example, my boyfriend’s stepmother recently said that it would be nice to have a Nicolas Sparks in the family. Although I just said I agreed and nodded, I wished I would have said, “Well then tell everyone you know who reads to buy my book and have them tell everyone they know who reads to buy the book then I might just have a chance at becoming famous.” As an author who is new to readers it is important to get word- of- mouth sales going. Ask people to review your book and post it on as many sites as possible. 

Here is a review of Last Words. My debut romance suspense novel Amber Milestone is a complicated character who really just wants what we all want...happiness. So what is so wrong with that? On the road to happiness, people (family members, even a true love) can be both helpful and disappointing. Reading what ultimately matters to Amber is an emotional, enjoyable journey from beginning to end.

Jay Worthen 

In general, do you like to talk about you writing and published books or are you very close-lip about it? If no, why?

I like to talk about my writing experience however, I feel as a newbie I have a lot to learn. In this age of self promotion there is lots of room to learn and grow as a writer. Try and try again until you succeed needs to become a slogan of all newbie’s. If something doesn’t bring you sales, then try another method, sooner or later you’ll figure out the path that is right for you. 

What book/s are you currently writing and what is it about?

Right now I just finished my debut novel Last Words, a romance suspense novel that isn’t your typical love story. What makes mine different is the ending. My main character is swept away in a love affair that tests her boundaries and how she defines her self worth. I am currently working on the prequel and sequel to Last Words book one in the Amber Milestone series. 

Blurb about book

Jack Hale’s commanding presence and sultry eyes catch Amber’s attention the first time she sees him. She dreams of a future as an executive chef, but from the kitchen of stepfather’s restaurant, she is mesmerized by the dashing man in a stylish business suit. The day he orders dessert and asks her to share it with him, dreams of their life together take hold of her heart. She imagines those few bites of dessert to be the beginning of a storybook romance… little does she know what twisted secrets Jack Hale holds. 

Why this particular genre?

Romance has always intrigued me. Why some relationships work and other don’t is interesting. Fiction tends to be larger than life. We can have that perfect guy after all. Like I said, though my book is different, I believe that is what makes it stand out. I won’t give away the ending but you’ll be satisfied at the end in a surprising way. 

What inspires or motivates you to write?

Creating my own world through writing has been a pleasure. I wanted to do it because it is something I can truly call my own. You write for yourself first. Of course, you have to tweak it to please the masses if you want the fame too, but to go through the process of making a story has to come from a place of pure passion. 

What is the writing process like for you?

I tend to think in terms of plot first. As long as what motivates people to do something comes from a strong emotion then the reader will want to know what comes next. 

How did/do you teach yourself to write?

You study the genre you’re interested in by reading and noticing how the writers you like use words to make you care about someone as if they were real. Surround yourself with friends and editors who will be brutally honest and let you know when you’re onto something and when you need to go back and do revisions. Writing is easier than revising to me. But it is in the revising that your story will take its most true shape. 

What aspect of the craft do you think is most difficult to learn?

I think writing about sex is difficult. It’s more about the emotions than the physical aspects but it is easy to get caught up in positions instead of emotions. I still plan on reading more romance so I can study how this is done. 

What has been the most encouraging comment someone has made about your writing?

A friend said I was brave for writing and publishing. I never had thought of it that way before but she’s definitely right, you have to be brave to craft a story, and then put it out there for people to criticize or fall in love with. Even the most popular writers have their critics, so you have to recognize that not all people like every style of writing. 

What is the best and/ or worst part of being a writer?

The best part is creating a world that you can call your own. The worst part is trying to figure out how to get the book in the hands of thousand of readers. I’m still trying to figure that part out. Eventually I will and then that part won’t be the worst. 

Do you have any advice for struggling writers?

Surround yourself with people who encourage you to write. You need to learn how to juggle reading, writing, and promoting along with working and spending time with your family. Hopefully the working part will give way to writing full time for a living. 

What is your favorite genre to read or write?

Romance/suspense or family drama 

Favorite author?  V.C. Andrews 

What did you do before you became a writer?

I currently work in the printing industry. I haven’t been able to become a full time writer yet. I just published my debut novel so it could take a few books before I can become a full time writer. 

Was it a life long dream or triggered recently?

It’s always been a life long dream of mine.

Do you have a bucket/ to-do list and would you share at least two things on it?

Finish my sequel to my first book. Sell at least five hundred of my first book. 

Go to Italy. 

This or that questions:

Coffee or Tea - coffee 
Sweet or savory –sweet 
Homemade meal or takeouts – takeouts 
Winter or summer – winter 
Night-owl or Early-Bird – night owl 
 Telephone or visits – visits 
Which social network do you prefer? I don’t have a preference. 
Blogger or website? Both 
What does your family say about your career? Supportive or Clueless
When some of my family bought my book they acted like it was no big deal, that I just poured my heart and soul into this story. No congratulations, no ” I’m proud of you”. My father would have said it but he’s no longer with us. I was understandably hurt. On the other hand, some family and friends have been more willing to say how impressed they are. I think people react different to my accomplishment depending on how well they know me. The better the know me the more excited they are to read my story. 

And Finally Motto/wisdom in life you live by.

If at first you don’t succeed then try, try, try again! 

Contact details and buy links of the newest books you would like the readers to know.

Buy Last Words Author House / Amazon 

I have book club questions on my website www.colleengreen.info
My blog http://activeamateurchef.wordpress.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/ColleenPGreen
Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/authorcolleengreen

My rafflecopter contest 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

My rafflecopter facebook link http://bit.ly/17P7oV8

About the Author
Colleen Green graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science in Technology. She lives in Ohio. She started the Dayton Book-n-Cook Club, where she shares her love of cooking and reading.
For more information, visit www.colleengreen.info.
Her recipes are on her blog at http://activeamateurchef.wordpress.com.

Her Cranberry Orange Stuffing & Cranberry Granola Stuffing recipe looks delicious. I will have to try it out. J

Thanks once again for your willingness to share with me and the readers. 

Until next time.

Wendy Siefken and Charles Siefken are visiting today.

Today I bring you two authors that works together that I have met on Master Koda on Facebook. A mother and son team that writes Young Adult stories. So far they have received good reviews on their books and I am glad to have them here today. Talented and full of life they love the path they are on.

I want to wish them the very best on this journey.

Author’s Interview Questions

      1.       Are you famous is the general question I get when family and friends introduces me to their friends. It always left me with a pause as quick comebacks filters through my mind but ending up saying something like ….”Oh gee thanks” and give a shy smile, silly I know but the idea unsettles me. (a)Does this happen to you and (b) what do you say?

To answer a, no we don’t get that question yet. J What would we say though? Probably that we are just plain old everyday people who just happen to write books!

      2.       In general do you like to talk about you writing and published books or are you very close-lip about it? If no why?

We love talking about our books, it really seems to be a great conversation starter as well as a way to spread the word. We don’t give the story line away we only want to get them curious about our book enough to read it.

      3.       What book/s are you currently writing and what is it about? 

      

      We just finished book 2 of Kai’s Journey and have started book three as well as The Chimera Effect and Fallen Angel. We like to bounce around a bit and give ourselves a break from one story to work on another once in a while.

"Kai's Journey" is a story about a young man, set ten years in the future. Kai has spent those years fighting for survival and trying to find a way rid the world of the disease his father created... His father was a military scientist charged with the task of perfecting a formula that would create a superior breed of soldiers. Kai's father accidentally created a race of zombies.  Like a virus, it soon spreads to the entire world, unleashing a period of unsurpassed chaos and conflict.

     In the midst of this turmoil, Kai comes across a young woman named Clover, who is part of a clan traveling across the United States to try to find what is left of humanity. Clover is a part of a clan of werewolves who can turn at will but aren't blood thirsty savages as depicted in general history. . 

     Along the way Kai and Clover come across stragglers who join with the group as they journey across the upper part of what used to be known as North America.

      One night while Kai and Clover were watching a meteor shower they meet a group totally out of this world. Kai and Clover begin a heroic journey, fueled by the increasingly dim hope that somehow, the human race will have a chance to start over.

      4.       Why this particular genre? 

       We love to write in Young Adult genre because mainly it’s a genre we are passionate about and love to see the stories come to life.

.         5.  What inspire or motivate you to write? 

      Everyday life inspires us to write. Anything from a movie, video game, character in a book can and often does inspire us.

      6.       What is the writing process like for you? 

      Charlie is the creator and we work together to flesh out the story and watch it come to life.

      7.       How did/do you teach yourself to write? 

     We are learning the old school way, the school of hard knocks. Neither of us have an education in literature but we both love stories we both knew we needed help with our writings. We found and editor who has been a real blessing and helped us to learn so much more then we could have ever learned on our own.

      8.       What aspect of the craft do you think is most difficult to learn? 

      The editing phase of it. We try really hard to keep our voice in the story and yet please the editor by producing a quality book.

      9.       What has been the most encouraging comment someone has made about your writing? 

      Any good review we get is always encouraging. Friends on Facebook who have encouraged us to keep learning and keep growing. Family members who have stood beside us through thick and thin.

      10.   What is the best and/ or worst part of being a writer? 

      The best part is all of it, the people that we get to meet and the ideas we always seem to come up with. The worst part can sometimes be when someone gives you that look like, “If you are a writer, why haven’t I heard of you?”

      11.   Any advice for struggling writers? Keep learning, keep improving and never ever give up.

      12.   What is your favorite genre to read or write? We both love YA, and pretty any fantasy that lands in our hands.

      13.   Favorite author? For Charlie it is Christopher Paolini and for me it is Terry Brooks

       

     14.   Do you have a favorite spot to read and write? 

     Charlie likes to write pretty much where ever an idea strikes him. I like to write in our recliner that we have in front of the computer.

      15.   What did you do before you became a writer? Charlie was still in school and I was a mom who worked many different jobs outside the home.

      16.   Was it a life long dream or triggered recently?

      I have always loved to tell stories and Charlie has always liked listening to me tell stories about him and his brother and sister fighting dragons and ogres and any other evil forces out there.

      17.   What do you like to do when not writing? 

      

      I like to visit with friends, garden and sit by a camp fire. Charlie likes to spend time with his girlfriend, his friends and online gaming.

      

      

      18.   Do you have a bucket/ to-do list and would you share at least two things on it? For Charlie and I both we would like to take a trip up across Canada and take the route that Kai took in our book. We would both also like to take the family to Hawaii and spend 2 weeks there.

       

      19.   Most daring thing or experience you have done you would like to share? 

      Most daring thing I have done was snorkeling in Hawaii and for Charlie he has enrolled in College. He never liked school and always swore he would never go back. He is really enjoying it.

  

     20.   This or that questions:

            ·         Coffee or Tea –Me, tea, Charlie, water

            ·         Sweet or savory – both, savory

            ·         Home make meal or takeouts –  Home make meal for both of us

            ·         Winter or summer – we both like winter

            ·         Night-owl or Early-Bird –  I am an early bird, Charlie is a night owl

            ·         Telephone or visits –  visits

            ·         Which social network do you prefer? Me I prefer Facebook, Charlie prefers online gaming.

            ·         Blogger or website? Blogger for me, Charlie doesn’t do either.

            ·         What does your family say about your career? Supportive or Clueless Our whole family is very supportive of our career. They love that we are taking a chance on our dreams of becoming a writer.

And Finally

Moto/wisdom in life you live by. 

We definitely live by the simple rule of Never Give Up.

Buy Links for the Books on Amazon

Kai's Journey / Curse Red Eyed Witch / Hiding in Plain Sight 

Contact details for the authors.

http://siefkenpublications.info/

https://twitter.com/WendyandCharles

https://www.facebook.com/WendySiefken66

https://www.facebook.com/#!/SiefkenPublications

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5815018.Wendy_Siefken

http://www.pinterest.com/wendyandcharles/boards/

http://www.amazon.com/Charles-Siefken/e/B0069DFA34/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

http://www.amazon.com/Wendy-Siefken/e/B0069CYGBW/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_2

Thanks once again for your willingness to share with me and the readers.

Interview with Douglas Davis author of Dreams Adrift

It is my great pleasure to welcome Douglas to my blog. 

We are both members at Master Koda on Face book.

A group where support is of the utmost importance and a group that really do just that, SUPPORT.

In this business you need all that and more, a great group under the leadership of Kim Mutch Emerson.

It is a great honor to have him here.

1. Are you famous is the general question I get when family and friends introduces me to their friends. It always left me with a pause as quick comebacks filters through my mind but ending up saying something like ….”Oh gee thanks” and give a shy smile, silly I know but the idea unsettles me.

(a)Does this happen to you and (b) what do you say?

This does happen to me now-and-then when folks find out I’ve written a few books. I usually smile and tell them I’m locally famous depending on where you’re standing.

2. In general do you like to talk about your writing and published books or are you very close-lip about it? If no why?

I do enjoy talking about my writing and the books I’ve published. I find that most people seem genuinely interested in hearing about what it was like to write and publish a book. Often, the story of how I came to write my first book fascinates them more than the actual story in the book.

3. What book/s are you currently writing and what is it about? 

I currently have three projects underway at the same time. The first is another young adult novel titled: A BOY, A BEACH, AND A COFFEE BEAN. The manuscript is complete and I am currently seeking representation for this title. No cover yet, I’m afraid, but I can tell you a little about the story.

The novel opens on the first day of summer vacation on Buzby Island. Instead of sleeping late and spending the rest of the day on the beach, Jacques O’Larrity (yes, his mother knew how that would sound) is up at the crack of dawn to go to work in his mother’s coffee shop, The Parisian Bean. A single-mom since Jacques’s father walked out when the boy was three, Marie has decided that at fifteen Jacques is old enough to start taking some real responsibility in the family business. Opening the store for the early morning bakery delivery and getting the coffee brewing for the first customers of the day fits that bill quite nicely.

Jacques’s fifteenth summer will bring many firsts for the boy: first kiss, first love, first heartbreak, first time he’s seen his father in twelve years, and his first serious girlfriend. Events will challenge his image of himself, how he sees others, and force him to make decisions that could affect the rest of his life. All this against a background of sun, sand, salt air, and the aroma of baking cakes and fresh brewed coffee.

I’m also working on drafts for a follow-up series to my RIVER DREAM books. The new series picks up with the same family a generation later.

The third project is a departure from the young adult genre as it addresses how a man in his fifties adjusts to the sudden loss of his wife just as they reach the empty nest stage.

4. Why this particular genre?

I chose to write for young adults so my students - I teach middle school - could read my books.

5. What inspired or motivated you to write?

I have enjoyed writing since I was in junior high and a fabulous English teacher by the name of {fill in name of 8^th grade English teacher here} encouraged me to write, write, write. More recently, I was inspired to write the River Dream series after attending an adult sailing camp at the camp my sons had attended for many summers and where I finally learned how to sail. That experience set the stage for the River Dream books and the camp actually features prominently in the story.

6. What is the writing process like for you?

I get an idea and I may write it down or sometimes I mull it over in my mind for a while. If the idea sticks around, I’ll sit down at the computer and start typing the story line down. If the story seems to be working, I’ll start to flesh it out with dialog and begin creating backstories for my characters. When it’s all really flowing, I’ll lose my sense of time and place and become immersed in the story as I write it.

7. How did/do you teach yourself to write?

I think the most important thing I did to teach myself to write was to be a voracious reader. I believe my writing style has been influenced by a host of my favorite authors.

8. What aspect of the craft do you think is most difficult to learn?

The most difficult aspect of the craft of writing for me has been learning what to leave out, whether it be words, scenes, or whole chapters. Sometimes a paragraph that I just loved writing doesn’t, in the end, move the story along and has to be cut.

9. What has been the most encouraging comment someone has made about your writing?

There have been so many, but one stands out in my mind. A reader who was also a mother of teenage daughters told me the two things she liked best about my books were, one – she truly enjoyed the writing and getting to know the characters and, two – she knew she could leave the book on the table and not worry if her daughters picked it up and started reading it as the stories were equally appropriate for them as for her.

10. What is the best and/or worst part of being a writer?

The best part of being a writer is giving life to my characters. Around my house, my characters become part of the household to the point where we speak of them as if they were real people we know.

The worst part of being a writer, I guess, is that the little editor inside my head is always working even when I’m reading other writers’ work and I notice little things most readers probably overlook.

11. Any advice for struggling writers?

I know it’s cliché, but clichés are around for a reason – Write! Write! Write! And find someone who will give you an honest, constructive critique of what you write. But most important, WRITE!

12. What is your favorite genre to read or write?

My favorite genre has changed over the years but the two I have read most consistently are Science Fiction and Military Adventure.

13. Favorite author?

Based on the sheer number of his books I’ve read, I would have to name W.E.B. Griffin as my favorite author. Isaac Asimov would give Mr. Griffin a run for his money with me though.

14. Do you have a favorite spot to read and write?

My favorite spot to read would be on the beach somewhere along the North Carolina coast, most often Kure Beach.

My favorite place to write is at a corner table of a coffee shop, aware of the hubbub around me yet apart from it, lost in the story I’m creating.

15. What did you do before you became a writer?

Counting from when I began work on the story that became my first book, RIVER DREAM, I was an accountant turned middle school teacher before I became a writer and my day job is still teaching.

16. Was it a life long dream or triggered recently?

Writing is something I’ve dreamed of doing since junior high school. In all the years between then and writing RIVER DREAM I’ve filled notebooks and boxes with poems, short-stories, essays, and the beginnings of novels. But writing was always something to be done in the background of getting on with real life.

Attending the Adult Sailing Camp and learning to sail inspired me to write the RIVER DREAM series.

17. What do you like to do when not writing?

When I’m not writing I like to spend time with my wife and sons to the beach, going fishing, going camping, or sailing.

18. Do you have a bucket/ to-do list and would you share at least two things on it?

Two of the main things on my bucket list have recently been accomplished, learning to sail and publishing a book. One of the other things, becoming a grandfather, is outside of my control. (Boys, are you paying attention?) I would also like to learn to SCUBA Dive someday soon.

19. Most daring thing or experience you have done you would like to share?

One of the most daring experiences I would like to share happened the winter after I got out of the Army. I was living in New England at the time and went to work at a ski area managing night snowmaking operations. Night-after-night my crew and I went out onto the mountain in the cold to operate the equipment to make man-made snow so there would be enough cover on the mountain for the skiers to ski. That winter there was almost no snow before Christmas and the resort was able to open for the holiday because of the work of my crew. The job itself was a daring adventure every night.

20. This or that questions:

Drinks Coffee, Sweet tooth, Like Homemade meals, Favorite season is Summer, Early-Bird, Like to Visit.

Which social network do you prefer? Facebook, it’s where all my friends are.

Blogger or website? 

My website is www.riversailorliterary.com and there is a sort of blog on there where I occasionally post excerpts from stories I’m working on.

What does your family say about your career? 

My family has been very supportive of my writing. My wife has taken on the role of proof-reader and pre-editor. My sons are both beta readers and aren’t afraid to tell me which characters they like and don’t like and why.

And Finally Moto/wisdom in life you live by.

Great words of wisdom, hmm. Remember that most of the people you meet in life are doing the best they can. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Freely offer courtesy and kindness. It costs you nothing and might just make someone’s day a little better.

Contact details and buy links of the newest books you would like the readers to know.

Readers can find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RiverSailorLiterary, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/DWDavisRSL and can visit my website at http://www.riversailorliterary.com/.

My latest book, DREAMS ADRIFT, the third in the RIVER DREAM series, 

is available on Amazon 

Synopsis:

DREAMS ADRIFT is the much anticipated third book of the River Dream series. It begins immediately after the end of DREAMS CHANGE. In DREAMS ADRIFT, Michael and Maeve are about to renew their vows in the big, beach side wedding Maeve had always dreamed of when Rhiannon’s unexpected arrival threatens to derail their plans. Will Rhiannon be able to win Mike back, or will his new love for Maeve be stronger than his old feelings for his high school sweetheart? The fates once conspired to change Michael’s dreams. Are they now conspiring to set his DREAMS ADRIFT?

Thank you for your interest in DREAMS ADRIFT, and may all your River Dreams come true.

About the author

DW Davis is an independent author of young adult romance novels told from the guy's perspective. RIVER DREAM was his first novel. DREAMS CHANGE and DREAMS ADRIFT continue the story begun in RIVER DREAM.

DW’s writing reflects his memories growing up along the North Carolina coast near Wrightsville and Carolina Beaches. DW left that area when he graduated high school and traveled half-way around the world and back collecting memories and experiences which help shape his characters. Now back in eastern North Carolina, DW enjoys bringing to life characters whose adventures take place in his favorite part of the world.

Contact:                      DW Davis, Author/Publisher

                       

                                    dwdavis@riversailorliterary.com

                                    www.facebook.com/RiverSailorLiterary

www.riversailorliterary.com

Amazon

Amazon