New Book & Author Press Release

Congrats To Our Author Candace Gish & Her New Anthology, Book 2 Has Been Awarded 5-Star Editorial Book Reviews By Reader’s Favorite.

Catherine Lyon - Literary Marketing Expert Author News, Book Review, Featured Guest, New Book & Author Press Release, News Around The Web, Posts, Updates and More , , , , , , , ,


Our Mothers, Our Daughters

Our Mothers, Our Daughters

Divas That Care Collection

by Candace Gish

Non-Fiction – Anthology – Contributing Authors

Kindle Edition – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BZ59BSBN

Reviewed on 04/25/2023

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite

Our Mothers, Our Daughters by Candace Gish reminds us that the relationship shared between mother and daughter is deep. It’s not always positive, but it defines the identity of both mother and daughter and the way that the world sees them. We grow together and learn together and, for better or worse, we create ourselves in the image of the other. It’s like a road trip, one that takes many dips and turns and leads us, hopefully, to a positive and pre-destined place. As Jacqueline Biollo writes in her story, Alethea, “Metaphorically, road trips, like relationships, can be expensive.

They take time and energy to foster. But with some planning, we can successfully navigate the road ahead and avoid some bumps along the way. Relationships can be adventurous and advantageous to exploring new things, building confidence, and making memories.” Simply put, life and relationships are journeys we must take that will lead us to places unknown.

Candace Gish’s book, Our Mothers, Our Daughters, is an anthology of stories honoring the mother-daughter dynamic. This book is part of the Divas That Care Collection, bringing together the positive and the negative (and the most loving and challenging) connections that define who we are. The stories feature three distinct themes: Connection, Inner Self, and Unconditional Love. The accounts are meant to inspire all of us mothers and daughters as we embark on the mission of bonding and love (or, sadly, the lack thereof). Some of the stories may spark a similar memory in the reader’s mother-daughter relationship. The narratives are accompanied by prompts and suggestions to further strengthen, or at least comprehend, the complexity that makes up our own stories.

Through the words of other mothers and daughters, this anthology will both inspire and encourage all of us to look deeper into our emotions as we make that poignant, sometimes difficult, journey.



Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite

Our Mothers, Our Daughters: The Stories That Make And Create Our Lives (Divas That Care Collection) is an anthology of non-fiction stories that revolve around maternal relationships and the ties that bind mothers and daughters. The collection has multiple individual authors who share a slice of their stories with the contributions having been pulled together into its present book format by Candace Gish.

The stories range from the inspiring My Daughter, My Valentine by Brenda Pearce in which the author, who thought she couldn’t have more kids, feels an overwhelming desire for a baby while admiring a newborn girl at work. Weeks later, she discovers she’s pregnant and gives birth to a healthy baby girl on Valentine’s Day, whom she considers a miracle and a gift from the Divine; to A Study in Golden Rule and Persistence by Rosanna Pittella, wherein Pittella recounts her decision to send her gifted daughter Jessica to school at 18 months old, despite opposition from others. Jessica thrived and went on to earn three degrees.

All told, Our Mothers, Our Daughters by Candace Gish contains over two dozen stories that each pack a huge heartwarming punch despite their compact sizes. I like that the stories are categorized into three distinct and interconnected parts: Connection, Inner-Self, and Unconditional Love. I was most touched by My Beautiful Miracle by Jennifer Herron who reflects on the joys and challenges of raising her daughter Lauren, who was born premature and faced health and developmental obstacles.

Through their journey together, Herron has learned the importance of embracing uniqueness and adapting to the unknown, and she feels truly blessed to have learned so much from her daughter. All of the stories are polished and wonderfully composed, and I loved that each section ends with action steps, journal prompts, and affirmations. I walked away from this collection feeling whole and happy and completely fulfilled.

Very highly recommended.


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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

“Candace is a best-selling Canadian Author from Alberta. She is a wife, homeschool mom, author, “Radio Host, Entrepreneur, and Change Maker. Living life to the fullest!“


Full Bio:

Candace Gish is a motivator and empowering change agent who understands the challenges women face while finding success in their everyday lives and businesses. She is an advocate for mentorship and strong, supportive networks.

Her four daughters and wonderful husband have inspired her to create a better world, thus the Divas That Care Network was born. Candace enjoys connecting with goal-oriented women and has a commitment to making a difference. She believes in the power of women converging to implement change and has ensured that the purpose of the Divas That Care movement quantifies just that.


Visit & Connect With The Author

 Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Pinterest, Linkedin,



On Sale Now for Mother’s Day! Both E-books in this collection are now on sale on Amazon Kindle and have HIT #1 on Amazon Canada in several categories>> https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QQP4DRJ/ …


HAPPY READING!






New In-Depth Interview With Best-Selling Novelist Pavane Ravel. The Backstory of How “The Other Shoes of Larry Martin” Novel Series Has Come To Life…

Catherine Lyon - Literary Marketing Expert A Writer's Thoughts, Author News, Featured Guest, New Book & Author Press Release, News Around The Web, Posts, Updates and More , , , , , , , , , ,




New Literary Fiction Novel Series By Pavane Ravel.

An In-depth Interview About The Backstory of How The Series Came To Be…

Newly Released on Amazon in Paperback and E-Books on Sale At Amazon Kindle for Just .99 cents! https://www.amazon.com/stores/Pavane-Ravel/author/B09QLNP5RN/



Interview with Author Pavane Ravel

How many books have you written and which is your favorite?

So far, I have written seven complete novels.

This includes my first book which I wrote as a teenager just for me. I have always wanted to be a fiction novelist. At a young age, the only way I could discover if my dream was feasible was to actively write a novel. I wrote at night when I was supposed to be in bed and rested for high school in the morning.

My first book was 300 handwritten pages and took me 5 years to write. When it was finished, I put it in a drawer and never looked back. But I had my answer.

I love all my books; they are my creation and like my children.

When I began the first book (Revelation of Lies) of my Larry Martin Novel Series — The Other Shoes of Larry Martin” — I had no clue the work would turn into a series. Prior to writing this book, I had just finished my second novel, “Hepplewhite.” I had planned to publish Hepplewhite, but then, Larry Martin got in the way.

Much to my family’s alarm, I was obsessed with “Revelation of Lies.” I could not stop writing, not even when we were on vacation at the beach. I hardly ate or slept. I came close to ruining our vacation. But still, I could not stop. I did not want to stop.

If I had to choose my favorite books of what I have written, they would be Book One, Revelation of Lies, and Book Five, Revenge Served Cold, of the Larry Martin series.    
    

If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?

The Other Shoes of Larry Martin will be a seven-book series. Currently, I am writing Book Six. I do have an idea for the title of this novel, but as I am not settled on it yet, I won’t mention it.

I am happy to say that the first two books of the series are now published. I plan for Book Three, The Board Extraction, to come out at the end of this year.

Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

Yes, I want each book to stand on its own. For readers who have not read the previous books in the series, I try to provide some background of what’s happening in the opening of each book.

All the books are connected though. They are one long story of Larry Martin’s life. His outlook. Why he does what he does. His metaphysical approach to life. Larry is a uniquely progressive character.  

How did you come up with the title for your book?

In Book One, Revelation of Lies, Larry starts off as an awful person. He is part of the Incel community and a misogynist. I never saw him as evil, just misguided.

He was raised by an abusive father who hated everyone … women, gays, and minorities. This was all Larry knew. Before graduating college, he got a job as a journalist with a cruel alt-right website. Larry’s job was to mock the poor and homeless. And after he got fired and became homeless himself — everything he despised — he had a revelation of all the lies that had brought him down this sad path. Hence, the title.

In Book Two, On Becoming Laurie Roberts, Larry has changed his life so radically by embracing kindness, he’s managed to become an entirely different person. And this is where his life alters in the best of ways. After beings adopted by a wealthy architect, his transformation becomes complete. Larry Martin becomes Laurie Roberts. The book is about this transformation. Hence, the title. But it is not an easy ride. Laurie does the best he can and he is brilliant. But the betrayal of the men he loves the most nearly destroys him. 

     

How long did it take you to write this book?

Ah. Well. Right now, we are talking about two different books. Revelation of Lies took me three months in a concerted effort to write. ‘On Becoming Laurie Roberts’ took me five months to accomplish.

Like anyone else, in all this, I still have other responsibilities. I am often distracted to please my family and clean the house. My family is settled with me writing now. That’s a good thing. They help me in every way. But I still must break from my writing to get other things done. I find myself slowing down now. Books Three, Four, and Five are written, so I can rest a bit too. 


What does the title mean?

I create my titles in direct correlation to something happening in my book. I often finish a book before I select a title.

For example, as I mentioned, I am writing Book Six of the series now. While I do have an idea, I would rather wait and see if there is something specific I can select for an even tighter title. I like specifics. 

‘Revelation of Lies’ and ‘Becoming Laurie Roberts were specific to what occurred in those books.

What did you learn when writing the book?

Ha! This question is like asking a brain surgeon, “What did you learn in medical school?”

Okay. Here’s how I feel. Or perhaps, the best way to say so is from a 5-star review from Kevin Terres M. on Barnes and Noble:

“Larry is some kind of odd study between cruelty v. kindness, laziness v. self-discipline, and internal strength v. fragility. There is something profound going on here.”

Or from Armando Rodriquez on Amazon, another 5-star review:

“Although fictitious, Pavane develops a character that symbolizes hope for humanity.”   

Hope for humanity? Did you ever? Yes, I did mean that, but to accomplish it in a reader’s eyes is a truly wonderful thing.

I believe that people are starved for kindness. I believe people can forget how powerful kindness can be.

Most of us in America live in a world of cruelty. Our rights are being stripped from voters, women, gay and trans communities as well as minorities. The costs of living are escalating out of control. Homelessness is growing. The billionaires are reaping it all while too many are hungry. The costs of healthcare remain frightening. Medical bankruptcy is on the rise and the expense of senior living has become astronomical.         

How do we live? How do we survive? How do we teach people what is happening in a simple way that can be understood?

Through a story. And that’s what Larry Martin is … just a story, not a dissertation or a lecture. I wanted to cover these societal issues in a way that’s easy to understand.     
   

What surprised you the most?

While I don’t plot my books from start to finish, I do make internal notes of details and directions to keep my story straight. So, most of the time, I think I know what’s going to happen. It always surprises me when I don’t see something coming, yet it’s far better than what I originally intended.

Have you ever killed off a character your readers loved?

Yes. This is a good example of a surprise. There is a character I love. I had plotted future scenes involving this character deeper into the series. I thought I knew where the story was headed, but none of it happened. Yes, my character died, even as I understood why. Book 5 emerged from that why. I have not offered this novel to readers yet, but the death caused my editor to cry. He was surprised and shocked. Since the loss was not predictable, he was truly saddened. If he had such a reaction, I know it will be the same for my readers. 

What do you do to get inside your character’s head?

When I am writing, I am watching a movie in my mind. That’s the best way I can describe it. I am transcribing a mental movie. I see things through Larry Martin’s eyes. I know what he thinks and what he feels. I understand how he sees the world around him and his approach to that world in response.  

It’s interesting to me that Larry is far more intelligent than I am. I don’t try to control him; he shows me what he wants. And he is very direct about it.

      

*    *  * * * *


ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Pavane Ravel is an acclaimed influential writer of political literary fiction and is the author of her introductory novel series, “The Other Shoes of Larry Martin” with book one released in Oct. 2021 titled “Revelation of Lies” and book two titled “On Becoming Laurie Roberts” in Feb. 2023. Ravel’s books are available for purchase on her official website (pavaneravel.com), Amazon Books, and Amazon Kindle while being featured in many fine online books and reader sites.

Ravel has always wanted to be a full-time writer and finally has reached the point in life where that dream is a reality. She traveled extensively over the years and has seen nearly the entire United States, much of Canada, Europe, and some of South and Central America. Pavane also studied political science and journalism at universities in the United States and Europe.

Pavane is happily married and has raised successful grown children. She enjoys discussing economics after working as a commodities broker. She and her family reside in New York, and she shares her time concentrating on family, close friends, and writing. She also continues to enjoy international traveling.

For Pavane, who is passionate about politics and societal issues, these books and series are an important story to tell. Larry Martin is also a truly complex and fascinating character as a unique progressive hero.

Pavane enjoys humor and loves to engage and connect with readers. She welcomes readers’ thoughts and comments through her website.

You may connect with her on social media!

VISIT AUTHOR: Website, Join Author’s Newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon,

Cat Welcome’s #1 Best-Selling Author Deb Morgan To The Reading Den & Her New Pre-Release Sale and E-Book Tilted “Graceful Agony,” & Her Memoir Hit #1 In Several Kindle Categories While On Pre-Release! Priceless. . .

Catherine Lyon - Literary Marketing Expert A Writer's Thoughts, Author News, Featured Guest, New Book & Author Press Release, News Around The Web, Posts, Updates and More , , , , , , , , ,



Graceful Agony: An Intimate Memoir of Living with Fibro & Chronic Fatigue

As per “National Fibromyalgia Association,” fibromyalgia is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases. In America, an average of ten million people yearly suffer from this disease.



Graceful Agony by – (Author)

An Intimate Memoir of Living with Fibro & Chronic Fatigue

Available on Amazon

Kindle https://www.amazon.com/Graceful-Agony-Intimate-Chronic-Fatigue-ebook/dp/B0BYYVWWY2/


Book Description:

“In the pages of ‘Graceful Agony’ is a beautifully written journey of deep and intimate memoirs soon after the authors’ diagnosis with Fibro, chronic pain, and fatigue. It is a memoir filled with pure perseverance and inspiration.”

As per “National Fibromyalgia Association,” fibromyalgia is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases. In America, an average of ten million people yearly suffer from this disease. It counts for 6-10% of our population with women making up 75% of this statistic. Deb Morgan aims to change this dynamic.

In what seemed like a blink of an eye, her life as she knew it was over. Reading this book, the author shows us the path through a relentless battle for some normalcy in a new life of illnesses. Just as her days turn into years of constant pain and grinding fatigue, the continuing challenges of living with an ever-evolving way of life. She shares that being diagnosed with Fibro, chronic pain, and fatigue is not a death sentence. Through her experiences living with Fibro since 2005, she shares many vital messages and her deepest thoughts and memoirs about living with this disease.

Readers, be inspired by her triumphs, perseverance, and advocacy, while her intentions and goals in writing this book are to help others with support, have a conversation to bring more awareness about fibro while sharing with others that you are not alone, you are not another statistic, and you no longer need to suffer in silence.

About the Author: Debra Morgan


Debra Morgan is an American author, advocate, and influential memoirist and writer whose books are real-life journeys through ‘Addiction, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, and Mental Health.’ Her knowledge is from personal experiences, and her goal is to support and help others through her new book titled Graceful Agony: An Intimate Memoir of Living with Fibro & Chronic Fatigue. It is available on Amazon Kindle and featured on fine book sites with several more books to follow.

For Deb, it was not just about being a survivor; it is about learning to thrive again while easing the path for others facing their fibro challenges. The author was born and raised in Colorado and lived in Arizona until 2012: when she moved to Oregon. Meanwhile, missing her grown children and grandchildren, she moved back to Arizona in 2021. She has been featured as a guest on many podcasts and radio shows, sharing her recovery journey while raising awareness about addiction. She has maintained sobriety since 1993.

With her diagnosis of Fibro in 2005 and other medical conditions, she is committed to her recovery of healing while helping others do the same as a tireless advocate and a woman who has come out the other side of addictions, trauma, and much more as a “Survivor and Warrior.” Today, Deb is focused on writing and sharing her experiences with Fibro and chronic fatigue/pain; as heart-tugging as the downside can be, it is one of pure perseverance.

Deb has been happily married to her soulmate and is a mother of two grown successful children. When the author is not advocating, speaking, or writing, she enjoys reading, painting, and traveling. Deb’s “#1 happy place” is spending loads of time with all her grandchildren she adores.
Deb and her husband continue to reside in Chandler, Arizona.


Connect with the author on:

Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Linkedin




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Author Pavane Ravel Shares A New Release, Author News, & PR With Cat’s Readers and Friends. Book 2 of ‘The Other Shoes of Larry Martin’ Novel Series On Pre-Order Titled, “On Becoming Laurie Roberts.”

Catherine Lyon - Literary Marketing Expert A Writer's Thoughts, Author News, Book Review, Featured Guest, New Book & Author Press Release, News Around The Web, Posts, Updates and More , , , , , , , , , , ,




About the Author

Pavane Ravel is an acclaimed influential writer of political literary fiction and is the author of her introductory novel series, “The Other Shoes of Larry Martin” with book one released in Oct. 2021 titled “Revelation of Lies” and book two titled “On becoming Laurie Roberts” in Feb. 2023. Ravel’s books are available for purchase on her official website (pavaneravel.com), Amazon Books, and Amazon Kindle while being featured in many fine online books and reader sites.

Ravel has always wanted to be a full-time writer and finally has reached the point in life where that dream is a reality. She traveled extensively over the years and has seen nearly the entire United States, much of Canada, Europe, and some of South and Central America. Pavane also studied political science and journalism at universities in the United States and Europe.

Pavane is happily married and has raised successful grown children. She enjoys discussing economics after working as a commodities broker. She and her family reside in New York, and she shares her time concentrating on family, close friends, and writing. She also continues to enjoy international traveling.

For Pavane, who is passionate about politics and societal issues, these books and series are an important story to tell. Larry Martin is also a truly complex and fascinating character as a unique progressive hero. Pavane enjoys humor and loves to engage and connect with readers. She welcomes readers’ thoughts and comments through her website.



The E-Book Is Now On Pre-release Sale For Only $1.99 on Amazon Kindle >> https://www.amazon.com/Other-Shoes-Larry-Martin-Becoming-ebook/dp/B0BTWLDFH1/ This title will be auto-delivered to your Kindle on March 4, 2023.





Reader’s Favorite 5-Star Book Review & PR “On Becoming Laurie Roberts” Book 2 of the Larry Martin Series



For immediate release:

The author Pavane Ravel’s new book receives a warm literary welcome.

Readers’ Favorite announces the review of the Fiction – Drama book “The Other Shoes of Larry Martin: Book Two: On Becoming Laurie Roberts” by Pavane Ravel, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BTWLDFH1.



VISIT THE AUTHOR: Website, Join Author’s Newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon


Multi-Award-Winning Author Kim Carter Has Been Awarded Two Reader’s Favorite 5-Star Editorial Book Reviews For “A Clara & Iris Mystery” Novel Series For Books 1 and 2…

Catherine Lyon - Literary Marketing Expert A Writer's Thoughts, Author News, Book Review, Featured Guest, New Book & Author Press Release, News Around The Web, Posts, Updates and More , , , , , , ,




What a fantastic way to start out a New Year with not one, but two new 5-Star Editorial book reviews awarded by literary book influencers Reader’s Favorite, and this is exactly how Kim Carter is celebrating her new 2023!

Her two books, now a mystery series titled “A Clara and Iris Mystery” with Book One titled “Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle” and Book Two titled “Murder Among The Tombstones”… Book Three will be released SOON titled “The Root Of All Evil” of the novel series! Let’s learn more…



For immediate release:

Kim Carter’s books receive a warm literary welcome.

Readers’ Favorite announces the review of the Fiction – Mystery – Historical book “Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle: A Clara and Iris Mystery Series” by Kim Carter, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0742KNK86.



Book Review For Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle – Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers’ Favorite – Book One of ‘A Clara and Iris Mystery Series’

“Lizzy was a simple waitress who lived from one paycheck to the next.
Her life changed when the suave cardiac surgeon, Dr. Grant Chatsworth, came into the restaurant as a customer. The two fell in love, got married, and lived the fairytale. Unfortunately, things started going downhill six months after the wedding. Grant’s affection for Lizzie died, physical and emotional abuse stepped in, and she became a prisoner in her own home. The situation worsened when she discovered that the respectable yet arrogant doctor was involved in fraudulent drug research and would go to any lengths to achieve his dream. Grant imprisoned her in his gated estate, and she was in danger with no one to help her escape.

Follow the full story by reading Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle: A Clara and Iris Mystery Series by Kim Carter. Sweet Dreams, Baby Belle is a captivating story cloaked in mystery and intrigue. This is one of the most unpredictable stories I have read. I loved the plot, storyline, and development. The characters were outstanding, and there were lessons to be learned. For one, women should not let anyone strip them of their financial independence, no matter how little they earn. Also, any relationship that intentionally isolates you from your loved ones is an impending red flag. I love to see women step up to protect a sister, as we should. Mariana, Daisy, Clara, and Iris were heroines, and Lizzie was a courageous woman. I cannot get over the twist with Antoine Rayne. The enemy does indeed live within.

Kim Carter is a fantastic storyteller, and this is a great introductory novel.
Thank you for such a gripping but refreshing read.”



Readers’ Favorite announces the review of the Fiction – Mystery – Murder book “Murder Among The Tombstones (Book 2)” by Kim Carter, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1947140035.


Second Book Review of ‘Murder Among The Tombstones’ – Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers’ Favorite – Book Two of ‘A Clara and Iris Mystery Series’

“After I finished reading Murder Among the Tombstones, the second of the Clara and Iris Mystery Series, I found myself briefly thinking more about the incredible skill of the author, Kim Carter, than the story itself. How cleverly she hooked me in that exciting opening chapter about a young woman running from a predator in a dense forest! Then, she further reeled me in as police puzzled over why the corpse of a beautiful young woman was found gently wrapped in a pink blanket in a cemetery. All ready for what I anticipated would be a thrilling mystery murder, suddenly everything changed! A pair of delightful old biddies, Clara and Iris, whisked me into their newly acquired Private Eye office and had me in stitches with their humorous banter.

Well, what just happened was a novel approach to murder mystery writing by easing mounting tension with comic relief, not unlike what Shakespeare did in some of his tragedies. Initially, I wasn’t sure I liked this break in the plot, but these two lively seniors, with their chalk-and-cheese personalities, grew on me so much that I looked forward to their intrusions. The reserved, refined Clara was forever embarrassed by that outspoken, colorful flirt, Iris, who delighted in proving she was far from over the hill.

While Clara and Iris are trying to figure out how to run their agency and use their new iPhones, how does Carter manage to bring these two senior sleuths bang smack into the middle of the primary plot, where cops are being shot by drug-addicted felons and yet another young woman is running for her life from a serial killer? That, dear readers, is due to the remarkable writing skills of Kim Carter. It’s delightful to experience Carter bringing together such diverse characters for a unique spin on a murder mystery. Murder Among the Tombstones is an easy read, with the plot and sub-plots moving quickly thanks to the constant use of clever dialogue.

There’s an abundance of colorful characters, dramatic settings, a delightful amount of humor, and enough unexpected twists to keep the most ardent mystery fans guessing. But it’s the personalities of Clara and Iris that will have readers looking forward to the next book in this series.
Enjoy!”

Connect With Kim on Social Media & Website >>  Website,
 Join Author’s Newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon


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Now For a Special Sneak Peek of the Book Cover of Book Three “A Clara and Iris Mystery Series,” which is on this new book banner made and courtesy of Keith Marion Photography.

Kim’s new book will release in late Feb 2023 and is titled “The Root Of All Evil: Book 3 “A Clara and Iris Mystery!” Look at the very bottom right and you’ll see the COVER!


This Cat can hardly contain my literary excitement!!







Our Fine Novelist Richard E. La Motte Is Making His Books Buzz Through Media Outlets With This Special Author Spotlight and Featured Article Seen On CNBC, Newsbreak, & Many Others. . .

Catherine Lyon - Literary Marketing Expert Author News, Featured Guest, New Book & Author Press Release, News Around The Web, Posts, Updates and More , , , , , , , , , ,



Author Spotlight & Interview with California
Author Richard E. LaMotte

Author Richard E. LaMotte With His Book The Song of Ramon and MariaPhoto byBookBuzz


Richard E. LaMotte is an accomplished author and writer. Now retired from the film and motion picture industry, Richard is devoting his time to his love of stories and spending time with his wife Patricia in Valencia, California. His newest novel, “The Song of Ramon and Maria” was released in September 2022.

Tell readers a little about yourself and what you do today other than writing.

Aside from writing, I enjoy being retired and doing retired people stuff, reading, working in the garden, going to the gym, and having fun and traveling with my wife. I used to draw and paint more and have some work online at some gallery sites (FASO, Fine Art America), but I don’t do that as much anymore. Maybe this Spring, I will get re-inspired.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I love telling stories. I’ve always enjoyed stories that communicated something, some emotion, or moments of experience from someone’s past that offered insight into something I could never know otherwise. I love imagination also, the world of imagination. Combining events and characters from experience and imagination into a new story that communicates something to others became irresistible.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I think it’s connected to being very young and listening to my father tell me stories about his experiences in the First World War as a flyer or my mother and her sisters talking about the Mexican Revolution. I think those moments, being young and hearing the grown-ups talk about past events, history, about a world gone into the past, conjured-up images that I wanted to write down. Not knowing, years later, I would write a novel about those memories.

Do you have a specific writing style?

No. I studied screenwriting at UCLA and SC extension classes and took a summer of Film-Making at Art Center Pasadena, CA, and I’ve had the opportunity to read dozens of Movie Scripts, so the three-act format is pretty well ingrained in my approach to writing. But my reading ranges from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Elmore Leonard and includes Oscar Wild and even Frederic Remington, so I like to assume the style that I think best fits the material.

I used to outline the story on 3×5 cards; now, I start with an Idea (Theme) and a Character, research a setting (story world) and just start. I know act one will run about fifty to a hundred pages and so on.

How did you come up with the title?  

‘The Song of Ramon and Maria.’ During the Mexican revolution, a music style was created in Mexico that reflected the troubled times. It’s called a ‘Corrida.’ A Corrida is a kind of poetic ballad, sometimes a cautionary, heart-breaking story of star-crossed lovers. That’s what I wanted to try and write – a heart-breaking story of star-crossed lovers in the context of Mexico’s revolution, but universal in its humanity. Most people won’t relate to the title as I do, but I tried to reinforce the idea with the illustration I did for the book cover.

What has influenced you the most as a writer?

Probably my background in filmmaking. I worked for years helping to bring other people’s ideas to the movie screen, and I love the magic of that kind of idea transmission, but I want to create some stories of my own through writing.

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

I get story material daily from everywhere, including my memories and past life experiences.

What books have influenced your life the most?

Early on, probably the Bible. Later I read pulp fiction, Private Detective stories like “Shell Scott” and others, sometimes big historical fiction works. They all impressed me with the enjoyment I received, enabling me to experience worlds outside my own.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Staying off of ‘YouTube.’ (Lol)… Actually, I like the challenge. A good challenge pulls things out of you, strengths you didn’t know you had or reveals weaknesses or areas to work on. Keeps you on edge, awake, and alive.  

Who designed the covers?

My wife and I do. I painted the cover for “Ramon and Maria.” The photos used for “Crime Story” and “The Treasure” were pulled, purchased, and manipulated by my wife (who is also my reader, editor, formats, and publisher.) As for my film costume book, “Costume Design 101,” I painted the cover for the first edition (Actually a costume sketch from “The Wind and the Lion.”) and the publisher did the cover for the second edition.

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

Honestly, I don’t have a favorite. I like Oscar Wilde’s humor and word choices, Elmore Leonard’s easy story-telling ability and dialogue, Joseph Wambaugh’s throw-away grittiness, and Stephen King’s slyness. So many others. I can’t pick, but I do love reading!

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

Sure. When I do, I try and find the source of the block. Is it, ‘I’m out of ideas?’, I’m just ‘tired’, ‘I don’t like this story anymore.’

From there, I fall back until I rediscover my reason for starting and what I found interesting about the original idea, then try and re-focus my energy on a solution. I have about five or six stories open on my computer, so I can switch back and forth and don’t have to stop writing altogether. Actually, working like that means that a story situation I initially thought worked in one story I sometimes find works better in another.

Did you learn anything from writing your book, and what was it? 

Don’t ever give up. If it’s a solid idea, it’s waiting there to be uncovered. Just write everything you know about the idea and keep rewriting, honing, researching, and shaping until it’s what you want. It’s like any art project, it can lead you if you let it.

Where would you choose if you could live anywhere in the world for a year while writing your next book? 

A condo in Waikiki, or a riad in Marrakech, and a place overlooking the sea in the south of Spain.

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

I hope you enjoy reading my novels as I wrote them for you, the reader. I sure hope more readers will hear or learn that my novels are available. I am fascinated by reading their book reviews and comments. It helps me know if they like what I am writing. Even what they experience as they escape into a new world through my novels and through written words, if only for a few hours. 

Find out more about Richard and his books on his website at https://richardlamotte.com/ and you can connect with the author on social media!
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