June, Author at The Dishh

Don’t Turn a Blind Eye on Double Blind

By June on October 1, 2020

Listen, there is nothing better than a fall night in with a page-turning mystery. Double Blind: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders is a crime, whodunit, novel packed with forensic and genetic science. But, that’s not all, it also intertwines the history and geography of Iceland. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind book that cannot be missed. So we decided to chat with Sara Winokur, a Ph.D molecular geneticist, and get the inside story on her fantastic novel.

Here is the captivating book description:

A young boy disappears in the chill of North Iceland. Twenty years later, a mysterious poem lands on the desk of his twin sister Brynja, a forensic geneticist, and rekindles her hopes that her brother might be alive. As Brynja unravels the clues, more poems arrive, each bearing dire consequences for those who receive them: the guard of the medieval manuscript of Icelandic sagas that possibly has the answer to her burning question, the prime minister’s secretary, the local pastor.

Is the poet out to stop Brynja from finding her brother and shut down her access to the DNA database? Or is the verse maker simply a psychopath copycat killer?

Fighting the visual auras that have plagued her since childhood and now threaten everything she holds dear, Brynja must summon the strength to navigate the twisted labyrinth of the poet’s mind and confront the dark secret buried in her family’s past.

“DOUBLE BLIND: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders” is a wild ride through the cultural landscape of Iceland, from rural farmsteads to icy fjords to the high-tech world of DNA forensics. This crime thriller packed with twists and turns will keep you at the edge of your seat until the very end.

Q Tell us about your book in 5 bullet points or less

Mystery-thriller about young female forensic geneticist

Total immersion in all things Iceland (grab your sweater)!

Beware of seemingly harmless plant-based foods. . .

Q Can you tell us 3 fun facts about you?

I’ve explored every continent

I have a photographic memory

I have a morbid fear of elevators (that actually isn’t fun)

Q Can you tell us 3 fun facts about your main character?

She’s a DNA scientist
She has a perceptual disorder called Alice in Wonderland Syndrome
She never gives up

Q Where is your favorite place to write?

Have laptop, will travel (i.e., anywhere)

Q Which celebrity would most enjoy reading your book?

Reese Witherspoon (are you listening, Reese?)

Q What is your favorite passage of your book?

A colony of gulls soared high above, carrying with them the last traces of the Blue Hour, that time of day when the sky meets the sea and becomes not air and water, not wind and waves, not the path of the sun nor the road of the whale, but the light in which the two become one, the light in which the past fades into the future and gives way to the present.

Q What is your dream vacation?

Hiking in Patagonia and sleeping under the stars

Rapid Fire Questions and Answers:

Q Morning person or night owl?

Morning person

Q Netflix or Hulu?

Hulu

Q Winter or Summer?

Winter

Q 4^th of July or Halloween?

Halloween

Q The Library or a coffee shop?

Coffee shop

Q High heels or sneakers?

Sneakers

Q The ability to fly or invisibility?

Fly

Q Margarita’s or Wine?

Margaritas

Q Justin Timberlake or Justin Bieber?

Timberlake

Q Coffee or tea?

Coffee

Order your copy on Double Blind on Amazon today!

Life Isn’t Always “Fine”

By June on September 24, 2020September 24, 2020

Coming soon, November 17^th, we are so excited for Fine by AmyLea Murphy. A YA Mystery that follows the disappearance of the picture-perfect Anna Williams as her sister, Katie, tries to solve the mystery. The best thing about this book is the authentic visual documents readers see alongside Katie. This is THE HOT novel of 2020, so we had to get the inside scope from the author herself.

Q What makes your book unputdownable?

Fine is a mystery that keeps you guessing. I think what makes it hard to put down is the reader isn’t just guessing about what happened, but why.

Q Tell us something about you that no one else knows

I was in an a cappella group in college. It was kind of like Pitch Perfect, but completely different.

Q What book has made you cry, why?

The first book that made me cry was Where the Red Fern Grows. I bawled like a baby at my desk in the middle of class. Then years later, I sobbed while finishing Anna Karenina on the subway. Apparently, I can cry anywhere.

Q What is your dream vacation?

A wandering tour of beautiful places I’ve never seen – quaint villages, inspiring fjords, lush rainforests – with plenty of time to explore.

Q If you had 3 wishes, what would you wish for?

After wishing for an end to human suffering, I’d wish for…

A beautiful treehouse retreat in the woods,
To become friends with a grizzly bear who likes to hug me, and
Lifetime concert tickets to every band I love

Q Who/What is your biggest inspiration in your writing?

I’m inspired by the unsung heroes in life – the brave souls who show up with their whole heart. I think the most extraordinary people often go unnoticed because their accomplishments, like getting out of bed after a huge loss, don’t shine as brightly. That’s why I like writing about them.

Q If you could give your book to one person in the entire world to read, who would it be and why?

I’d give it to my teenage self because I would’ve loved to have read it back then.

Rapid Fire Questions and Answers

Q Legos or Barbies?

Barbies

Q Coffee or Energy Drink?

Coffee!

Q Cats or Dogs?

Dogs, but I like cats too

Q The Beach or The Woods?

The Beach

Q Swimming or Sunbathing?

Swimming

Q The Mall or Online Shopping?

The Mall

Q Books or Movies?

Both!

Q Night out on the town or cozy night in?

Pre-Covid: Cozy night in. Post-Covid: Night out please!!

Q Selfies or Group Pictures?

Group Pictures

Q Apple or Samsung?

Apple

Pre-order you copy of Fine on Amazon now!

The Perfect Revenge: The Next Hot Saga

By June on August 17, 2020August 17, 2020

Releasing October 20^th, The Perfect Revenge has us counting down the days until its big reveal. This contemporary women’s fiction is part one of The Dragonfly Rises saga. The reader follows main character, Zoey. We see her grow from a scared child to a serious tough cookie as she takes matters into her own hands. This book is thrilling to read and is jammed packed with romance, street justice, drama and more. So, here’s the inside scoop about The Perfect Revenge.

What makes your book series un-put-down-able?

The main character is highly relatable, and readers will be eager to find out how she’s overcome the tough challenges she’s faced—as well as discover ever-emerging secrets about her past.

What is something interesting/cool/unbelievable you discovered while researching your book?

I patterned most of the characters in this book after real people I’ve met down through the years. The book’s central villain is a textbook narcissist, as well as a complete obsessionist, alcoholic, and (sometimes) what’s known as a “dry drunk.” As I delved deeper into these particular textbooks, I also climbed into the mind, heart, and soul of this neurotic character, which was a frightening place to be.

If you could give your book to one singer/musician, who would it be and why?

I’d choose Pink. She’s powerful and ever-ready to take a stand for what she believes in—like Zoey. The lyrics to one of her newest songs, “Hurts 2B Human,” capture Zoey’s fierce bond with herself and with those she holds dear: “You know I’d have your back…”

If your book was turned into a film/TV show, who would you tap to play the lead(s)? Why?

Zoey:
Anna Kendrick, because she can be shy and hopeless but at the same time demonstrate incredible strength.
Amy Adams, or Karen Gillan, or Rachel McAdams—all have the ability to transform from the girl-next-door who’s completely unaware of her potential, to a badass who can defeat powerful enemies.
Max:
Ray Liotta, because he can act charming while completely slimy and vicious inside.
Bryan Cranston, because can deliver a dominating presence and be extreme in the characters weaknesses.

Tell us something about you that no one else knows.

I was once kicked out of a straight-laced writer’s group for my work being too “racy.”

What three books are on your To Be Read list this summer?

What Is a Girl Worth?: My Story of Breaking the Silence and Exposing the Truth about Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics by Rachel Denhollander

Devoted by Dean Koontz

The New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins

Recommend a book that is similar to yours. If people like X, then they’ll love your book because…

The late Steig Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo shares heat and color with The Perfect Revenge, bothreplete with intrigue and power and violence and abuse and global finances and eroticism. The Perfect Revenge takes the reader further inside, however, as it’s told from the first-person viewpoint of the female lead. It’s Zoey’s story told by Zoey.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Research regarding Zoey’s biggest secret, to be revealed in Book 2.

What was the most rewarding part of writing your book?

The opportunity to inspire women to find empowerment and take control of their lives, and then to use their influence to drive society in a more positive direction.

What book made you cry and why?

The Color Purple—so many women throughout history have suffered in heinous situations against which they were powerless. That list includes my own mother, which is the driving force behind this project.

What is the second line on the 42^nd page of your book?

“But any time he was gone was precious to that scared eleven-year-old.”

What is the core message you want to deliver to the world through your writing/books/stories?

No matter how bad your situation, or traumatic your past, you can turn your life around and achieve self-fulfillment. I know this firsthand and have witnessed such transformation by women with much worse childhoods than my own.

Rapid Fire Questions

James Bond or Laura Croft?
Laura Croft, of course

Meat or Veggies?
Both

Skinny dipping or mountain climbing?
Skinny dipping

Formal attire or yoga pants and a hoodie?
Neither

Horseback riding or ATV?
Horseback

Kanye West or Taylor Swift?
Taylor Swift

Kittens or puppies?
Baby tigers

Ninja or pirates?
Ninja

Reading or writing?
Writing

Alice in Wonderland or Lord of the Flies?
Lord of the Flies

Coachella or Broadway?
Broadway

Chess or Fortnight?
Chess

Invisibility or mind reading?
Mind reading

London or Istanbul?
London

Miley or Selena?
I take the fifth

E.L. James or J.K. Rowling?
A potent combination

Make sure to pre-order your copy of The Perfect Revenge now!

We are Falling in Love with David Ruggerio

By June on July 28, 2020July 28, 2020

Author and professional chef David Ruggerio is a man of many talents. He can cook and tell a love story like none other. What a dreamboat! We had to learn more about his newest novel Say Goodbye and Goodnight.

What makes your book a must-read?

With COVID, protest, and quarantine, God knows we need a little loving. This book, Say Goodbye and Goodnight, will transport you back to the 1977-disco baby! -and experience a romance that will make your summer.

If you could give your book to one celebrity, who would it be and why?

That’s easy, John Travolta. Saturday Night Fever came out the same year, 1977, and he would appreciate the music, the scenes, and the great dialogue!

If you could give your book to one singer/musician, who would it be and why?

Another easy one! I have to offer up two singers. First, Frankie Vali. His theme song for Grease came out in 1978, and I can tell you, Brooklyn, partied to that music late into the night! Second would be Barry Gibb. The lone Gibb brother left; his music created instant romance in the air. During those hot nights on the beaches of Coney Island, the Bee Gees music echoed over to the shores of New Jersey. His lyrics told us all how to love a woman; his music is timeless.

If your book was turned into a film/TV show, who would you tap to play the lead(s)? Why?

Thomas Barbusca, he’s an Italian-American actor who has the look! He’s born in New Jersey (we’ll forgive him), he fits the part perfectly.

Tell us something about you that no one else knows.

As a youth, I had been arrested six times by the time I was ten. My uncle, Eddie Gavin, a great fighter in his own right, grabbed me by the collar. “Do you think you’re a tough guy?” He dragged me down to the gym, and a marriage made in heaven was created. I became a fighter. The gym I depict in the book is taken from my memories of Izzy Zerling’s Youth Center on Church Avenue in Brooklyn. In fact, the inspiration for the trainer in the book was also based on my trainer/manager- Izzy Zerling. Between amateur and pro, I fought 116 fights in the ring. I loved every moment of it! What three books are on your To Be Read list this summer?

Full Count by David Cone (Huge Yankee fan)

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (love horror!)

SPQR by Mary Beard (Huge history buff!)

Recommend a book from another author. Why should people read this book?

Sea Stories by Admiral William H McRaven. If you think life is tough and it presents obstacles, his memoir will put everything in perspective.

Recommend a book that is similar to yours. If people like X, then they’ll love your book because…

Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín. It is also a romance based in the County of Kings. There is something about growing up in the streets of Brooklyn. Both my book and Tóibín’s has one thing in common. If you’re not from there, you will experience the fun, the excitement, and the tragedies of the kids and their families who lived there during the most tumultuous period of the twentieth century. When you have to fight each and every day, you come to appreciate what life offers, and when romance presents itself, it is epic!

What advice do you have for other writers?

Your memories are a treasure trove just waiting to be put onto paper. Write from the heart.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

I’m not going to give away the book, but there were tragic occurrences in my life that I base part of the book on,=. Those parts were tough for me to write; it was like reliving the event all over again.

What is the core message you want to deliver to the world through your writing/books/stories?

Never give up; no matter what life throws at you, keep moving forward. The presentence will overcome evil.

Meat or Veggies?

Meat

The beach or the mountains?

Ha! Love them both!

Horseback riding or ATV?

Horseback

Cats or dogs?

Dogs!

Ninjas or pirates?

Pirates

Zombies or aliens?

Neither

Alice in Wonderland or Lord of the Flies?

Lord of the Flies

Coachella or Broadway?

Broadway

Selfie or group photo?

Group photo

Hardcover book or Kindle?

Hardcover book!

Chess or Candy Crush?

Chess

Paris or New York?

Wow! Paris!

Stephen King or Shakespeare?

Stephen King, sacrilegious?

Alfredo or Bolognese?

Bolognese

Order your copy of Goodbye and Goodnight on Amazon now!

Author Ryan Southwick tells us ALL about his Fantasy Book

By June on July 27, 2020July 27, 2020

Angels in the Mist by author Ryan Southwick is unlike any Sci-Fi book you’ve read before. Southwick created a world of androids, cyborgs and ancient evil hellbent on distruction. We were captivated by this pageturner and wanted to learn more. Southwick gave us some insight into his personal thoughts:

Q What makes your book series a must-read?

It provides a unique spin on several fantasy / science fiction concepts, and blends them in a seamless, realistic manner, with unforgettable characters, lots of action, and a protagonist worth rooting for.

Q What is something interesting/cool/unbelievable you discovered while researching your book?

When researching the PTSD portion, the thing that surprised me the most was how many people stepped forward and told me they’d had similar experiences to the protagonist—some frighteningly so. It’s forged bonds I wouldn’t have had otherwise.

Q If you could give your book to one singer/musician, who would it be and why?

Weezer. Love his music, and he seems quirky enough to dig it (assuming he likes reading…)

Q Tell us something about you that no one else knows.

I love quiche. (There, I said it. I’m a quiche eater!)

Q Recommend a book that is similar to yours. If people like X, then they’ll love your book because…

That’s tough; I wrote this book because I couldn’t find one like it. =] I just asked my wife the same question, who’s a voracious reader. She just shrugged and told me, “That’s what you get for writing something unique.”

Q What advice do you have for other writers?

Don’t be afraid of small publishers. They can fill in a lot of the blanks that may otherwise take a long time to do yourself, especially if you’re not technical. But definitely do your research before signing the contract (mine is great).

Q Your genre of book is popular right now, why do you think that is?

Urban fantasy is easy to absorb and identify with because it happens in today’s world. It takes concepts and settings familiar to everyone, which makes it accessible, then adds a splash of something extraordinary to spice it up.

Q What book made you cry and why?

Ryan Southwick

Leah Braun’s Sex on Fire. She tells her tale without pulling many punches. Not only did I feel terrible for her, imagining my daughters in that same situation was enough to bring tears to my eyes. Wonderful book, can’t recommend it enough.

Q What is something you’ve always wanted to try but are afraid to.

Hang gliding. Some of the best hang gliding in the entire country is in Pacifica—like 2 miles from my house—but jumping off a cliff with just a flimsy piece of cloth and at the mercy of the wind… *shudder*

Rapid Fire Questions and Answers

Guardians of the Galaxy or XMen?

Guardians of the Galaxy

The beach or the mountains?

Mountains

Formal attire or yoga pants and a hoodie?

Formal attire

Kanye West or Taylor Swift?

Taylor Swift

Ninja or pirates?

Ninja

Marvel or DC?

Marvel

Zombies or aliens?

Aliens

Bugs Bunny or Micky Mouse?

Bugs!

The 1920s or the 2020s?

1920s

Chess or Candy Crush?

Chess

Invisibility or flying?

Flying

Hawaii or the Alps?

Hawaii

New York or Tokyo?

Tokyo

Hippies or hipsters?

Hippies

Thor or Hulk?

Thor

Stephen King or Shakespeare?

Stephen King

E.L. James or J.K. Rowling?

J.K. Rowling

Sparkling vampires or non-sparkling vampires?

Non-sparkling.

Saving the world or watching it burn?

Saving the world

Interview with John A. Dracup, PhD, author of Clean Water for Developing Countries

By June on February 29, 2020February 29, 2020

When we first came upon this book we were drawn in by the smiling face of a little girl playing in fresh, clean water. We often forget that water is a resource that is needed for survival, but many countries continue to struggle with clean water. It’s not someone else’s job to fix this, anyone can help, and author Dracup tells us exactly how in his latest book, Clean Water for Developing Countries.

Q. If you could give your book to one celebrity/scientist/politician, who would it be and why?

Celebrity: Matt Damon, who is the Co-founder of Water.org. This organization funds clean water projects all over the world.

Q. What was your inspiration to write Clean Water for Developing Countries?

1. I spent my career as a professor at UCLA and at the University of California, Berkeley, doing research and teaching water resource engineering, environmental engineering and hydrology. This experience led me to appreciate the need for clean water throughout the world. I joined Rotary International, a humanitarian organization because of its commitment to providing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to those in need around the world. I have worked on Rotary International clean water projects in Kenya, Peru, Honduras and Guatemala, all of which are featured in my book.

2. I have been very fortunate and blessed throughout my life and working on clean water projects in developing countries and writing this book are a means of giving back to those who have not been as fortunate.

Q. Give us some key points that everyone must know when reading your book.

1. Anyone coming into a village or a community must work with the local populations to solve the problem of providing clean water. If it does not already exist, a local water committee must be formed, with representatives from all those concerned.

2. The problem of providing clean water to developing countries can be solved. We have the knowledge and the technology to turn the most polluted water into clean water. It only takes determination and funding for those who know how to do this.

3. By following the procedures laid out in this book, individuals with a wide range of backgrounds can work on and solve this problem in communities throughout all developing countries.

Q. Can you tell us three fun facts you discovered while writing your book?

1. A helicopter trip over much of Guatemala, looking for potential sites where clean water may be needed in a community, is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

2. A three hour boat ride to Remba Island, Lake Victoria, Kenya, can be a harrowing experience as the waves can be six feet in height.

3. Custom officers in Nairobi collect a 10% tariff on all gifts coming into the country. However, I found out that a single tee shirt with Barak Obama’s picture on it would suffice as the tax.

Q. You’re obviously passionate about clean water, what other issues do you wish to help solve?

Two issues come to mind:

Education in developing countries is an important issue. Clean water allows children to go to school more often as they are free from diseases. But the schools must be funded and supported by the local and federal governments.
Two million people throughout the world live on less than $2.00 per day. Economic equity is essential for peace and the elimination of conflicts in the world.

Q. Have you visited the developing countries in need of water, if so, what was that experience like?

I have worked on clean water projects in Kenya, Peru, Honduras and Guatemala. In Kenya, on Remba Island, which is in Lake Victoria, after three years of installation the clean water systems became operative. Women from all over the Island came to get clean water. They left with the water-filled jerrycans on top of their heads and smiles on their faces.

All of these projects were a marvelous experience and it was a pleasure to work on them.

Q. What is the core message you want to deliver to the world through your book?

Drinking polluted water causes over a million deaths worldwide each year due to water- borne diseases, such as typhoid and cholera. These deaths are easily avoided. We have the knowledge and the technology to clean the most polluted water. We just need the determination and the funding to do so.

Author J.M. Kelly has Published the Next Big Mystery Series For All Ages

By June on February 18, 2020February 18, 2020

After working with school aged kids for the last 35 years, J.M. Kelly wrote the next big book series for children and young adults. The Bobby Homes Mystery Series is the Harry Potter for the next generation. The first book, The Lost Treasure, and the second book, Monster on the Moors are available now. Readers can’t get enough and compare it to Sherlock Holmes meets Stranger Things.

As one reviewer says, ” “This book was creepy and thrilling and totally enthralling. I felt like I was there in person and shivered multiple times though out reading this book. Kelly does an amazing job setting the scene and making this world seem real. Couldn’t get enough.” — Erin Haggerty, NetGalley

Here’s more about J.M. Kelly in our exclusive interview:

Q. If you could give your book to one celebrity, who would it be and why?

A. An obvious choice would be Stephen King, for he is the master of the macabre. But, as I often see a strong correlation between books and film when I read, I’d like to provide a copy to Guillermo Del Toro, Sam Raimi, and Jordan Peale, all of whom bring horror to life in unique ways.

Q. Who is your biggest writing inspiration?

A. My wife, hands down. For the sole reason of her unequivocal support.

Q. Give us the scoop about your book.

A. Monster on the Moors is a horror thriller that takes place in the eerie North York Moors of England. Clairvoyant Bobby Holmes, his American cousin Brenda Watson, and their friends, wise guy Stevie and Michael (who is challenged by Asperger Syndrome), are drawn into a deadly mystery. They are hunted by an ancient wolf creature controlled by evil witches of British lore. When one of their friends is captured, they must rely on the investigations of a librarian who is more than he seems, the mystical gifts of a gypsy king, a mysterious stranger at the center of it all, and their own wits in a desperate race to save their friend and come out alive.

Q. Can you tell us three fun facts about you?

A. I’m the second oldest of ten children. I spent 35 years in education as a middle school teacher and a school Principal. I started my writing career after my education career and have since written three novels and one professional book.

Q. If your book was turned into a film/TV show, who would you tap to play the lead(s)? Why?

A. Not my call and wouldn’t have a clue. I’d leave that to the professionals, although I’d have to say, Tom Cruise as Jack Reacher was a huge mistake.

Q. What’s one secret about you that you’ll share with the world?

A. I sustained a spinal cord injury at the age of 37 that left me an incomplete quad. Nonetheless, I received the NJ State Principal and Supervisor’s award for Principal of the Year for Inspirational Leadership in 2007, and have enjoyed my entire writing career since.

Q. What is the core message you want to deliver to the world through your writing/books/stories?

A. Never give up and respect and enjoy our differences. Another important message is to suffer the children…they know stuff adults long ago closed their eyes to.

Rapid Fire Questions and Answers

Q. Morning person or night owl?

A. Morning person, always.

Q. Reading or writing?

A. Reading, you need it to be a good writer.

Q. Kittens or puppies?

A. Dogs, dogs, dogs

Q. The city or the country?

A. Country.

Q. Road trip or Cruise ship?

A. Road trip, for the possibilities.

Q. Wine or beer?

A. Wine.

Q. Karaoke or bowling?

A. Neither.

Q. The ability to fly or invisibility?

A. Flying.

Q. Selfie or group photo?

A. Group, more fun.

Q. Love story or scary story?

A. Scary all the way.

Q. Bacon or Tofu?

A. Is that even a choice? Bacon.

Sheryl Benko – Everything You Need to Know

By June on January 29, 2020January 29, 2020

Author Sheryl Benko is well known in the media industry. She has worked on over thirty films amongst the titles are the Acedemy Award winning blockbusters, “TITANIC,” Quentin Tarantino’s “INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS,” Kenneth Branagh’s “THOR,” for Marvel Films, Oliver Stone’s “SAVAGES,” and the Jon Favreau hit, “CHEF.” Wow, impressive!

Sheryl is currently working on dual projects, serving as the Post Production Supervisor for the upcoming feature “UNCLE FRANK” which just premiered at Sundance. She is also working on “DON’T LOOK DEEPER”. We can’t wait to check them out!

Her love of movies is expressed through writing screenplays and producing and directing short films. Becoming an author has been an interesting transition for her with her first novel “The Last of Will”. We just HAD to learn more about this new book from this impressive media superstar!

Q. If you could give your book to one celebrity, who would it be and why?

Octavia Spencer. I had the pleasure of working with her on two movies years ago, and she is one of the kindest, warmest people I have ever met. When writing the character of Helen, it was Octavia’s voice that I always heard. She informed so much of that character. I ran into Octavia recently at the PGA Awards, and we are going to try to catch up soon – so, fingers crossed!

Q. Who is your biggest writing inspiration?

My grandma. She was always writing poems and short stories. She was so creative, and could come up with the most engaging rhymes and prose. She was always entering writing contests, and often won! Her dedication to craft always makes me want to work harder, and keep striving to find the most entertaining, eloquent way to tell a story. Whenever I “feel” my Grandma while I’m writing, I know she’ll point me in the right direction.

Q. If you could give your book to one singer/musician, who would it be and why?

Adele. I always remember her speech from an awards show, where she said that she and her friend were “pissing themselves laughing.” I hope that my book would do the same for her!

Q. If your book was turned into a film/TV show, who would you tap to play the lead(s)? Why?

In terms of Greer, I’ve never had an exact actress in mind. For me, I feel Greer’s “essence,” and have an image of her in my head, but it doesn’t translate to a known actor – or, at least, not one that jumps to mind. For Greer’s father, Will, I’ve thought of many actors over the years, but the most recent has been Jason Bateman. Aside from being a very good actor, he has a self-deprecating quality that allows him to be funny without trying to be. Will has been beaten down by life when we meet him, and Greer has to partially pull him out of the abyss. An actor like Jason Bateman could be really fun and engaging in that dynamic.

Q. What’s one secret about you that you’ll share with the world?

I have a few stuffed animals. The soft, plushy kind – not taxidermy. And I occasionally talk to them. By the way, any adult who tells you they don’t have at least one stuffed animal is probably lying. And if they have more than one stuffed animal, they definitely talk to them.

Q. What is the core message you want to deliver to the world through your writing/books/stories?

That while we are all different and unique, we have more in common than we know. Finding that connection and that shared language is a fascinating journey. We just have to be open to the ride!

Q. Give us the scoop on your book.

I am outlining the screenplay, which will be the next venture. Greer and Will deserve a road trip movie.

Rapid Fire Questions and Answers

Q. Morning person or night owl?

A. Night owl.

Q. Reading or writing?

A. Writing.

Q. Kittens or puppies?

A. Both!

Q. The beach or the mountains?

A. Mountains.

Q. Road trip or Cruise ship?

A. Road trip.

Q. Tea or coffee?

A. Coffee.

Q. Karaoke or bowling?

A. Bowling.

Q. The ability to fly or mind reading?

A. Fly.

Q. Selfie or group photo?

A. Group photo.

Q. E.L. James or J.K. Rowling?

A. J.K. Rowling.

The Cheeky Bilal Alaji Tells All

By June on December 22, 2019December 22, 2019

The fun, inspirational and multi-talented Bilal Alaji has written his own memoir to share with the world. With it he hopes to help those struggling to find their path, give guidance and reassurance that any situation can be changed by declaring “This Ain’t My Life”. Bilal’s story keeps the page turning, find out how he manages all of life’s obstacles.

Q. If you could give your book to one celebrity, who would it be and why?

I would give my book to Iyanla Vanzant because she deals with therapeutic methods to heal people who have experienced trauma’s in their lives. My book This Ain’t My Life would be a great compliment to her show “Fix My Life”. It would be amazing for me to work with her helping people by sharing from a males perspective.

Q. Who is your biggest writing inspiration?

I have been moved by many books and authors throughout the years but I think the book that had the biggest impact on me in my impressionable years was the Autobiography of Malcolm X written by Alex Haley. This book was my introduction to a fascinating world of literary exposition. This book melted into the fiber of my being, giving me purpose to define my destiny.

Q. If could give your book to one singer/musician, who would it be and why?

I would give it to Alicia Keys. She has amazing vocal talent and the ability to see beyond the words. With her musical talent she would transform the book into a musical right away allowing me to see and understand my story in a completely different context.

Q. If your book was turned into a film/TV show, who would you tap to play the lead(s)? Why?

I’m not sure there is anyone who could play the lead as good as I can. So, I’m going to have to nominate myself for the lead on this role. Eminem played the lead in his movie debut Eight Mile, centered around his life. My religious and musical background makes me a unique character to play, a challenge I’d rather take on myself.

Q. What’s one secret about you that you’ll share with the world?

My left butt cheek is larger than my right— just kidding. I have a great sense of humor. Those closest to me state that I should have been a stand up comedian. My humor has been my saving grace throughout the years. It has also acted as a buffer when tensions are running high. I now know that the humorous side of me is a skill set that I don’t take for granted.

Q. What is the core message you want to deliver to the world through your writing/books/stories?

I want those who read my book to know that there is something great lying dormant inside of them. Never give up on yourself, never give up on your dreams, and never give up on your ambitions. It is through your darkest moments that you will find victory. Keep believing in YOU.

Q. Give us the scoop on your book.

The book chronicles my life as a Black Muslim who was lead down an arduous path by my father. I had aspirations of being a recording artist that was shattered by life altering events. I remained diligent in my passion to pursue my dreams, however, I became a husband and parent at a young age. This would lead me through a web of drama, betrayal, depression, and confusion. As I try to shake to web to find some sort of normalcy, I was too deep entangled, losing myself, my dreams, and my ambition. I found hope through my faith. I began the process of transformation for the life that I’ve always dreamed of. I continued to remind myself that, This Ain’t My Life. It was because of this mantra that I was able to redefine who I was and find my divine purpose.

Rapid Fire Questions and Answers

Q. Morning person or night owl?

A. Most definitely a night owl. I have no problem burning the midnight oil. During late hours are when I receive the most inspiration

Q. Reading or writing?

A. Both. This is a tie. I love to read just as much as I love writing.

Q. Kittens or puppies?

A. I’m a cat lover. Actually, I’m an animal lover, so tie again.

Q. The beach or the mountains?

A. I love the beach. I do mountains too but beach wins this one.

Q. Road trip or Cruise ship?

A. Cruise ship. I have done several cruises as well as road trips. I think I enjoy being pampered and not having to work at all.

Q. Tea or coffee?

A. I’m a tea man. Tea all the way baby!

Q. Karaoke or bowling?

A. Both. I love being active and I’m also extremely competitive.

Q. The ability to fly or mind reading?

A. Mind reading. This will make for such a powerful weapon— I mean skill set.

Q. Selfie or group photo?

A. Group photo. I guess I have all the time in the world to take pics of myself.

Q. E.L. James or J.K. Rowling?

A. J.K. Rowling. She is an absolute beast with her imagination.

Chef and Author, David Ruggerio Discusses His Best Recipe for a Horror Novel

By June on October 24, 2019

David Ruggerio is a well-known chef and New York restaurant owner. He mastered his culinary skills in France at its leading restaurants. At the age of twenty five, David rose to fame. He received raved reviews as he worked as a chef at the legendary New York eatery, La Caravels. In 1995, he was recognized as one of the thirteen best young chefs in America.

David Ruggerio is also the author of two cook books. His third book, A Wistful Tale of Gods, Men, and Monsters will be releasing soon. He gives us the best recipe for the makings of a horror novel and more.

What made you want to become a horror author?

Though I did not attend college, and my education was limited, throughout my life, I sought refuge from a horrific childhood through reading. In the worst of times, I escaped my surroundings by leaping into the story I was reading at the time. Now, that I’m no longer working behind the stove, I returned to books, but this time, I became the storyteller instead of the reader. I don’t consider myself a true writer, instead, I’m a storyteller in its truest sense.

Did being a famous chef influence your writing?

My fame as a chef took me on a tour of the world. I saw cultures, people and food that I never knew existed. I learned things that later had a great influence on my storytelling. In addition, hosting a television show hones your ability as a storyteller, these were great advantages for me when I decided to trade in my knife for a pen.

What is the best recipe for a horror novel? What are some of the twists and turns, scary things, or elements that you added to yours?

I wish I had a secret recipe, but my books begin with either a real place, an actual event, or a nonfictional person. Though fiction, I think using these realities adds a special flavor to my books.

When I decided to pick up the pen, I first read Stephen King’s book on writing. I adopted his formula, I began my first book and allowed the characters within to take me on a journey. I never planned or anticipated any twist or turn within it, and because of that, I have great joy writing about them when they occur!

What is your favorite part of this time of year?

Without a doubt, autumn. With the change of the leaves, the chill in the air, this season reminds me of a saying—“Ghost and Goblins come out to play in October’s final day.”

Where did you come up with the idea to write A Wistful Tale? What inspired you?

I am a true horror aficionado and living in New York, one of my favorite places to visit is Sleepy Hollow. I adored Washington Irvings’ novel and it inspired me. On a trip upstate, I found the village of Brunswick, and I came upon the towns’ abandoned cemetery that some say is the most haunted place in America. It didn’t take much more after that!

What books are you reading this Halloween?

My grandmother left me an original copy of Dracula from 1897. I’m going to enjoy Bram Stocker’s words in its most wonderful original text!

Stay tuned for the release of David Ruggerio’s award-winning horror novel—A Wistful Tale of Gods, Men, and Monsters. It is now available for pre-order on Amazon, Target, and Barnes and Noble, and will be released on October 31, 2019. You can find and read more about David on his website.