Author Interview with David A. Koop

Contact Information:

Author’s Name: David A. Koop - pronounced “Cope”

Website Address: www.somedaygroup.com

Blog Address: www.somedaygroup.com/category/blog/

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What is the title of your book? Cancer It’s a Good Thing I Got It!
The Life Story of a Very Lucky Man

What is your book about?
My book is about my life… my childhood and
growing up, my adventures as a young man, my varied and successful business
careers, my love for my son and my family… all the things that made me
the kind of man who could successfully battle and survive a terminal cancer
diagnosis. The book tells of my duel with cancer from diagnosis, through surgery,
chemotherapy, and my ultimate recovery and ongoing war with chronic pain and
other side effects of having survived. Throughout the book, I share my personal
philosophies on life, success, and the one true thing that matters in this life… our
personal relationships. I also include tips for those going through cancer or other
serious illnesses and for those who care for them.



Why did you decide to write it? I looked death square in the face when my
doctors told me I had less than 9 months to live and should “get my affairs in
order.” I know, first hand, that the “someday” we all dream of doing this or that,
may never come. I wrote the book to encourage people who are fighting cancer
or other serious illnesses to be positive and focus on something to live for. For
those who have been fortunate enough not to face serious illness, I wrote the
book to encourage them to recognize that someday may never come. TODAY
is someday! Live your dreams, now. Tell your family you love them, now. Heal
old wounds, now. When our time is up, all we get to take with us is a heart full
of memories of those most dear to us. No one on their death bed looks up and
says, “GOD just one more day please, just one more day in the office and I can
finish that Thompson report.” No, they ask to have more time with their family
and friends.



How did you get your book published? I worked with an editor in Colorado. He
has worked for decades in the book industry, including writing books for Readers
Digest. The first draft I sent him came back lacking the praise I was sure I would
receive. He pointed out what were some flaws in my story line. The book had
holes in it based on me subconsciously assuming that the readers would know
what I know. They weren’t there… how could they? So, rule number one, tell the
whole story. It took the original draft and two more total rewrites to get to the
book I have today.

Getting the email from my publisher that my book had made it onto the Top 10
Bestseller list was a huge boost of encouragement and the royalty checks are nice
too. The biggest lift comes from the reader’s; people who don’t know me, people
who have read my book and feel compelled to share how it has helped them or
touched them... that is the best part of all. As a writer, I have no idea what people
are going to think, but when they share their true heartfelt feelings it is just
wonderful.



What types of readers will be interested in your book? My book is for more
than just someone suffering from a serious illness or adversity. It is of interest to
friends, family members, caregivers, and medical personnel (one reader actually
reads passages from my book to his staff at staff meetings!). It is also for anyone
who is looking for inspiration to transform their own life. I ran away at 15. Never
graduated from High School, yet I became a very successful business person and
even served as an adjunct professor of law at Denver University College of Law.
In this way, my story appeals to people in the business world as well.



What is special about your book? What differentiates it from other books
in the same category? My book is written in a conversational style. As if we
were sitting in my family room sharing a glass of wine. It is a deeply moving and
personal account of my life, my love for my son and my unfailing ability to believe
in something greater than myself. Readers will come away ready to create the life
they have been dreaming of.

Do you plan to publish more? Yes. I am working on the next book now, having
completed the first several chapters. It is based on the workshops that my wife
Carrie and I teach. With years of gender studies and as PAX licensees, we work
with men and women to help them create meaningful and lasting relationships at
work and home.

Author Interview & Giveaway with Jacqueline Gum, Confessions Of A Corporate Slut

Welcome Jacqueline and thank you for taking the time to answer some questions and this awesome giveaway (5 printed copies UK only, and 5 e-books international, see below the interview for the giveaway details).

How did you get started with writing?

[jacquelinegum] I started as a child with the good old fashioned lock and key diary. I felt like I had so many important things to say…. to myself! Laugh! Because I stuttered, writing was often was a way for me to “speak”. I wrote notes to my parents and my brother, and loved to correspond with letters to my cousins, too.



What is your book about?

[jacquelinegum] The premise deals with a successful woman who sells her business and applies her business acumen in an effort to help her husband and his business. But being a professional woman, she tackles the duties of a corporate wife as she would any career…balls out and fully invested! Laugh! To her, it was a lateral move.



Who would you say the book is aimed at?

[jacquelinegum] Almost any age group of women. For younger women, I think it might be more a cautionary tale. For women who came into their own in the 70’s and 80’s and shared a lot of these experiences, it seems to provide some affirmation that they weren’t the only ones. I’ve had women approach me who said they were embarrassed after the demise of their marriage, and this book enlightened them in knowing there is a whole herd of us out here! There’s comfort in that, somehow. In my mind, you can only get to that peaceful place when you admit complicity and take responsibility for your part. After all, who built that world for him and became a part of it? I’ve had men attend a few of my book club meetings to tell me that they really liked the work, and even a VP of FedX said that he loved it!
What inspired this book?

[jacquelinegum] My own marriage and a few like marriages. The era of women and their role in marriage was confusing during the 70’s and 80’s.Most women had very traditional role models in their mothers and grandmothers, yet were being encouraged…baited, really, do get out there and do it without men at all! Roberta, like many, tried to piece together some hybrid of those philosophies. I wanted to highlight that difference, so it’s a retrospective view. Though, I think some women are still falling into that trap.



Did anyone inspire you for you characters?

[jacquelinegum] Hillary Clinton, Silva Spitzer, myself, and a few close women friends who shared their stories with me.



Do you have another novel on the go? (if not what would you write about next?)

[jacquelinegum] Yes, I am in the last editorial stages of a book, working title, Bull Justice. The first few chapters can be found on my website:www.jacquelinegum.com, as well as some published short stories, and the very beginnings of my third novel, The Flame Dame Chronicles



Where can your fans find you?[jacquelinegum] www.jacquelinegum.com. And, I’d love to be found!

My review of this book is here http://www.alwaysreading.net/2011/07/review-confessions-of-corporate-slut-by.html

Printed copies (for UK entries) Please use the contact form below, the author needs your name, address and telephone number as per Amazon delivery requiremets. For the e-books again please use the form below with you email address and name. The author will gift the cost of the book for download. Please respect the author and giveaway by getting the book gifted (I know we all respect the ARCs we get but some people have abused this gift service before, I know none of my readers would do this but must put it out there anyway, thanks).

This competition will run until Saturday the 17th of December when I will announce the winners, good luck.


Fill in this form with the above information and which copy you would like to win. Click here to contact me

Author Interview with Ron Wyn, Author Of Irregular Therapy

Ron was kind enough to send me a copy of his book to review (my review is here http://www.alwaysreading.net/2011/11/review-irregular-therapy-by-ron-wyn.html )

Ron has an interview already prepared for us, thanks again Ron

Who is Ron Wyn? Please tell us about yourself.

Having formally plunged into the depths of scientific and psychological abstractions, Ron Wyn has both sides of the brain covered. Primarily a man of thought, his systematic mind insisted on a skeptical approach to life, a because-I-have-seen-I-believe modus operandi, but his troubled relationships ended up leading him to a path of action that opened his heart to new and exciting inner experiences.

Ron has been working with teaching, coaching, translation, and writing for over 25 years. Since 1998 his interests have expanded to include alternative treatments and therapies such as rebirthing, Applied Kinesiology, Reiki, shamanism, Kabbalah, and meditation.

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Ron lives and works in Chicago with his wife and son.

What is the genre of your work?

The genre of my work is officially self-help / relationships / psychology.

I call my genre of work awareness. What this means is that my goals are to color the world with meaningful and inspirational words while effectively bringing out a wealth of down-to-earth knowledge in simple and understandable terms to promote practical solutions, and to demystify spirituality while guiding and supporting fellow humans on their journey to reconnect and realign with their true nature—awareness.

Why did you choose this genre?

Ever since I was a young child I have been entangled in my own thoughts, my own little world, trying to analyze the things I do and why I do them. I remember climbing up to the roof when I was 8 or 9 and thinking about life while gazing at the blue sky. Can you believe that? Having a psychiatrist father also meant that I spent much of my formative years around mentally ill individuals in mental institutions, and have thus become utterly interested in the functioning of the human mind and its practical development. Since that time I have been almost obsessed with answering questions we all ask ourselves, such as why are we the way we are? Why are we here? What’s this all about? Where are we going?

How is writing in the genre you write, different than any other genre?

I am pleased to say I have reached a stage in my personal development where I am able to see my life objectively, as if I were another person observing from the outside. Although this has been a recent achievement, I’m no stranger to logic or objectivity. In addition to psychology, I have a degree in mathematics! So the scientist in me contributes with a scientific-method approach in the way I write and in the way I observe and develop my own self, while the psychologist in me analyzes and guides me into the depths of my own being. And I have all the fun just watching the entire thing!

What are some of your books or stories that have been published?

Although I have been writing for quite a while, irregular therapy is my first published book. It is part of a series. The irregular therapy book series came to fruition in the aftermath of a storm—a storm I call the first four decades of my life. From wounded child to rebellious teenager and troubled adult, I eventually reached a point where I felt completely lost. I certainly knew what was best for me, but try as I might, I couldn’t overcome the old, repetitive patterns that ran my existence. Finally, I came to see I had to do something about my precarious situation. I had to do something to make things better. I decided to take quality time and really dig deep into my troubles and face my fears. Well, it so happens that I took notes as I went along. Hence comes Book One: the storytelling, the more subjective part, the emotional release. It’s a story about how my despair over broken affairs and damaging repetitive behaviors led me to look within and realize that by clearing my inner patterns, my relationships with other people improved as if by magic. Although it was written from a man’s point of view, I feel the book is beneficial to either gender—men will find structures and stories they can certainly relate to, and women will be able to better understand men and their issues, especially regarding relationships.

irregular therapy: one man’s struggle to find meaning, money and a soul mate can be purchased on my website www.irregulartherapy.com in several formats: paperback, ePub, Kindle, or PDF. It can also be found at major online outlets worldwide such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

ISBNs

Paperback: 978-0-9832810-4-7

ePub: 978-0-9832810-3-0

Kindle: 978-0-9832810-5-4

PDF: 978-0-9832810-2-3

I’m currently writing the second book in the series, which should be out by the end of 2011. The second book in the irregular therapy series reflects the results of my note-taking process. It is an attempt to organize the knowledge I have acquired throughout the years—translated not only into techniques, but also into first-hand knowledge of human behavior and functioning. And, as a teacher at heart, I do my best to convey this knowledge in simple, understandable, and practical terms.

Where do you get your ideas for writing?

My ideas come mainly from my personal life experience: the events I have witnessed, my travels, my relationships, my thoughts and interpretations. I have found that I am able to express myself well in writing and this also helps me in my catharsis—I am able to expunge old habits and patterns, leaving room for new and improved ideas.

What is your favorite thing about your book?

I think it is just the way the words came out. Direct, honest, but from a place of pity. I also enjoyed fully exposing myself. It gave me the sense that my entire life is nothing but a story. And it also feels good to have nothing to hide.

Why and when did you begin writing? Is there any one person who had a big influence on you or encouraged you to write?

I have been writing ever since I was a teenager. No one really influenced me then; I just found I felt good, I felt lighter, after writing. It gave me a sense of relief. I have always been able to expel things from my system this way. Later in life I think John Lennon was a great influence. Not in terms of writing, but as a role model on self-expression.

What is your writing schedule? What atmosphere do you need to write?

I mainly write in the late morning hours. I enjoy writing when I’m wide awake. And I need peace and quiet. No music, no one around. Writing is almost a mediunic experience to me. It just comes out. Once I start writing, inspiration keeps coming and coming and coming. I just jot down whatever comes through my system, and when it stops I feel exhausted, but great. A few days later I come back and edit the material. It’s like I’m reading it for the first time….

What projects are you working on now, or planning for the future?

I have much more material planned for the irregular therapy project. In addition to the book series, I have been developing a website, www.irregulartherapy.com, and blog, blog.irregulartherapy.com, where I have placed much of my writing and intend to develop other areas of interest such as music, guided visualizations, and subliminal messaging, among other things. I have been exposed to many teachings and techniques on my journey, and now it is time to show others the tools that have assisted me. I’m positive they will help many people as they have helped me. Finally, I am also available for speaking engagements and life coaching.

What kind of advice or tips do you have for someone who wants to write and be published? Are there any other comments, advice or tips that you would give to beginning writers?

My advice is simple. Just do it. Don’t let your mind get in the way and sabotage you by saying your work is not good enough, the market is saturated, things of that sort. Other people will also say these things to you, you know. Don’t pay attention to them. But be realistic. Gather your energy and persevere. Make an inner resolve and go for it. Set aside some time every day for your most important work and stick to your schedule. Self-publishing requires a lot of planning, but it need not be daunting. You can publish your own work, but that does not mean you’ll have to do it alone. Establish your budget; be smart and honest about the stages you can complete yourself. For example, you might be enthusiastic about design, but unless you are a professional designer, I suggest you outsource your cover. You don’t want to look amateurish. In my case, I wrote and edited the book, then sent it out to an expert for his opinion (I was not going to commit my time and effort to something that was not good, or something that reflected some delirium of grandeur). I had a couple of people copyedit it. Then I invested most of my money in the cover design and text. The rest was technicalities. Setting up a website, finding a distributor, joining associations, submitting articles, marketing. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. If you’re committed, you can do it. Or maybe your budget allows you to hire a book shepherd, who will do it all for you. I know I didn’t have the money for that. But the book is out, nevertheless.

What do you do when you are not writing?

I make music, sing and play the guitar, read a lot, meditate, and work out. I also enjoy computer programming. But these are all weekly activities. On weekends, I do as little as possible and just hang out with my wife and teenaged son (whenever he allows us to be around him). After all, as Bill Watterson so truthfully put it, “Weekends don't count unless you spend them doing something completely pointless.”

What “Made It” moments have you experienced in life?

This is certainly one of them. Seeing my book published, holding it in my hands, seeing my website ready and people’s reaction to it. There have also been many other moments, which I consider stepping stones in my development process. Such as when I lost my last job and went on my own. That was a scary, but great feeling. And when I met my wife. That was the end of a lifelong search. Truly amazing. Well, no use elaborating here. You can check out these stories (and much more) in detail by reading irregular therapy: one man’s struggle to find meaning, money and a soul mate!

Author Interview with Patti Roberts, author of Paradox: The Angels Are Here

Thank you so much Patti for doing this author interview and giving us a copy (ebook) of your book to giveaway to one of our lucky bloggers. Btw great picture :D

This is So Many Books, So Little Times first author interview & giveaway (may more to come).

Gorgeous graphics on the front cover - something I forgot to mention in my review!

So lets get the ball rolling with some pre-ready questions and some new ones:



Where were you born and where do you call home? I was born in Brisbane, Queensland Australia. However, I consider 2 places home. Darwin in the Northern Territory, where I grew up. My heart will always think of Darwin as home. And Cairns, Queensland, where I have now lived for over 20. Cairns really is a beautiful part of the World. Where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say? Book 2 in the Paradox Series (Progeny Of Innocence) is just about to be released. It continues on from where book 1 (The Angels Are Here) ended off. It is a story being Narrated by Juliette, a soul that died 900 years ago when a battle raged, and Angels fell.

If your book became a movie who would you like to play the main characters (from book 1)? I don't want to say for Grace, I would like everyone to form their own opinion about that character.

For Angela (teenager) Ksenia Solo from Lost Girl.

For Brian Connors Eric Banner

For Wade Alex O'Loughlin

For Kate Connors Radha Mitchell


How is book 2 and 3 coming along and when can we expect them to be out? Book 2 – Progeny Of Innocence is due out 30th November…..

What or who inspired you to write? A broken heart. It was either go shopping for a new wardrobe or….. buy a new laptop. I chose the laptop, started writing, and here I am. The best decision I ever made!

And how long have you been writing? I have been writing since 2009

How did you come up with the title and cover design? I really liked the word Paradox, and the meaning. It makes you think, see things from other perspectives. And the cover I ended up choosing for book 1 is kind of dark and mystic, Gothic I thought. Little bit EMO. I liked it, it really suited the story. It is by the talented artist Hazel Brown from Overland Park, United States.

Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life? Yes…real events. And there are lots of bits of trivia throughout the book that mostly only I know about. Like the little friend of Grace’s Patrick Wheat, that dies in the book. I used the name Patrick to honor the life & death of Patrick Swayze. And the boys surname “Wheat” was the surname of the character that Patrick Swayze plays in the movie “Ghost”. That is just one example.

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet? George RR Martin. Author of the Game of Thrones.

Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover? Ebooks, I love my kindle. And paperbacks. Have never liked hardcovers.

Have you ever read a book more than once? Not really. There are so many books out there waiting to be read….

Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version? PS I Love You. And TV's shows. The Vampire Diaries. The TV show is way better than the books.



Do you have a book trailer? Sure do - http://theangelsarehere.wordpress.com/book-trailer-book-1/

What are your thoughts on book trailers? I really like them. I had fun making mine.

Do you have any advice for other writers? Read, read, read and write, write, write as much as you can

What are 4 things you never leave home with out? Phone, bag, lipstick, money.

Computer or pen and paper for writing? Laptop and a notepad for keeping notes and ideas.

Where and when do you prefer to do your writing? At the desk In my room, usually in the middle of the night.


One of your favorite quotes – you meet people for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

List 3 of your all time favorite books? Kane and Able was very good. I'm really enjoying the Game of Thrones series right now. And a ton of new books from Indie Authors that I have met on goodreads. Awesome bunch of people.

Where can your readers stalk you?

Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/PattiRoberts7
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Paradox-Series/150822348341990
Blog - http://theangelsarehere.wordpress.com/
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/980856.Patti_Roberts

After reading my review on your book was it deliberate to have so many questions raised and unanswered in your first book and why? (I do personally think it has peeked ((for me)) huge interest in the second book.

Most certainly it was deliberate. And I'm glad that it left you asking questions and wanting to know more. I like to read a book and watch a movie where it isn't all spelled out for me. I like to have to really work at searching for clues and try to work out what's happening. I like the uncertainty of it all. Life is like that…. There are always more questions than answers. That is what keeps life so interesting. I understand that some people like and easy read, not a lot of thinking. I'm just not one of them. 

Great Patti thank you so much for your time and your thoughts and again for the giveaway.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

You don't have to be a follower here or of Pattis blog.

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Paradox: The Angels Are Here by Patti Roberts please leave a comment with your email and or you blog address and a winner will be picked through the usual method (names in a hat) and we will get the book to you.

Synopsis for Paradox:The Angels Are Here by Patti Roberts (From Goodreads)

Nine hundred years ago, I died...

A little girl's world is turned upside down by a visitor,the Angel of Death. She finds herself trapped in a nightmare, consumed by her paralyzing loss and overwhelming grief. The haunting visions and untimely deaths of others are a constant reminder that life and death are only a heartbeat away.

A journey crossing Two Worlds. One Ancient - One New.

How do the heartbreaking visions experienced by a little girl fit into this Ancient World of Angels, Myth & Legend?

Where lives are bound by blood - and nothing is as it seems. In a World where there are more questions than answers. This journey will leave you wanting and have you asking... Who, When, Where?

Is your Guardian Angel From Heaven or Hell...?

Paradox - Progeny Of Innocence (#2 in the
Paradox Series) Available November 2011