Friday, January 17, 2025

Interview With Children's Book Author Mansi Bhan!

 


 

1. What inspired you to write this book?

I have an amazing family who have always encouraged me to be myself, and whose unwavering support and love have given my life true meaning and shaped me into the person I am today. Growing up, I was extremely close to my grandparents, especially my grandfather. The best part of my childhood was spending time with them during the summer. When I saw the same connection between my father and son, I was so moved and inspired that I felt compelled to write about it. I wanted to share these happy-magical moments and their emotional connection with everyone so that they could see how being so close to someone can have a significant impact on your life. Hence, Molu and Naanu came to be.  

2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for?

Molu and Naanu is a children's picture book that presents a refreshing perspective on how to have fun with your family. It explores a unique bond between a baby and his grandfather, as the dynamic duo embark on an exciting adventure while spending the day together. Though the book is geared toward babies to 5 years, it is a story for anyone, adult or child, with a playful spirit and a beautiful smile. 

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?

Sheer enjoyment. I sincerely hope reading Molu and Naanu brings a smile to their faces and fills their hearts with immense joy. I would love for them to lie back and laugh as they read about the characters' hilarious antics. I genuinely hope that the book inspires readers to start their own family traditions by embarking on silly adventures with their little ones. Nothing is more heartwarming than forming lifelong bonds with your loved ones and cherishing those priceless memories forever. 

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?

Molu and Naanu is based on real characters, my son and dad. Therefore, the title bears their names. Molu is my son's nickname, while Naanu refers to his grandfather in Hindi, an Indian language. When I was writing the book, I had a mental image of my father and son connecting and having fun. My son loved piggyback riding on my father's shoulder; it always tickled him and made him laugh. And carrying his young grandson around made my dad very proud and happy. This is how I saw them; a cover photo that captured the true essence of their free spirit and emotional connection. The colors brought out the vibrancy of their special bond. 

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!?

Believe in your work and persevere. We authors come from all walks of life, bringing with us our very own unique perspectives, and narratives to tell. Some readers will like our work, some will not but that does not mean our stories are not good enough. To reach the right audience, we must voice those stories from our hearts, with all our conviction. Because if we have faith in ourselves, others will too.  

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading? 

The newest trend is the demand for a broader range of book genres, which includes an increase in multicultural/multilingual books and nonfiction books like self-help books. There was a time when only books with traditional publishing houses were successful. However, with the rise of numerous platforms such as Amazon and Apple, there is a sizable market for self-published books.  Despite the fact that competition has increased, this allows authors to connect directly with their audiences.  

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book? 

Being a parent has brought out many wonderful aspects of myself, storytelling being one of them. To entertain and engage an inquisitive mind like my adorable young son's, I found myself telling stories I didn't realize I knew. This really helped me come up with a plot for my story, thus strengthening my resolve to write this book. Plus, witnessing the bond between my son and dad firsthand really helped me craft a thorough description of their time together for the book. I was able to narrate the story vividly and convincingly.  

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to?

I'd like to say it's funny. I have added a comedic element to the story through its silly narration and cartoonish spot illustrations. I wanted to create a simple and relaxed atmosphere in which my readers could truly connect with the characters as well with each other while participating in the hilarious adventures. Though my writing style is my own, I have been greatly inspired by Robert McCloskey's "Make Way for Ducklings," Beverly Cleary's "Ramona series," and James Dean and Eric Litwin's "Pete the Cat series."  

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book?

The main challenge I faced was writing the story concisely. Given that it was a picture book, this was especially important. There were so many more things to talk about and adventures I wanted the two to go on that I couldn't decide what to leave out to keep the story short. I was eventually able to do so because the dynamic duo's adventures would continue in the next book in the series. I tried to keep it as concise as possible, but the book is still long by industry standards. However, I would like to think that good stories can be the exception rather than the rule, much like the classic novel Make Way for Ducklings by renowned author Robert McCloskey.  

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?

There are so many wonderful children's picture books to choose from and I would sincerely like to believe that my book is among those that will bring everyone absolute joy! Molu and Naanu is an easy-to-read book that teaches about unconditional love, friendship, and the importance of imagination and play. It's a book you can relate to. You will find yourself engrossed in this hilarious and endearing tale that puts a new spin on grandbaby-grandpa duo adventures, leaving you hooked and wanting to keep turning the page. It will inspire you to appreciate and enjoy the small things in life, spend quality time snuggling with your children, and building cherished bedtime or story time rituals. The charismatic duo's silly antics will captivate you so much that you'll be curious and itching to embark on more adventures with the pair. And perhaps one day it will encourage you to write a book about the time well-spent and journey well-travelled with your little ones, as I did.  Now that my son is twenty-four, it fills my heart with pure delight as I fondly reflect on the many moments I have shared with him and the relationship he shared with my father. 

About The Author: I am a yoga practitioner, enthusiastic storyteller, amateur baker, nature lover, and adventurer. Children's books have always inspired me, and I have wanted to write one myself as far as I can remember. Molu and Naanu is my first book, with many more to follow. As my dad and son are the true sources of inspiration for writing this book, it holds a very special place in my heart. I believe that childhood is a very magical time. You should let your imagination run wild, let your lovely mind wander and explore! You can find me having my fun adventures in a charming little town in Massachusetts, with my adorable family—my husband, son, and our golden retriever puppy, For more info, please see: www.tippybhan.com 

Do You Need Book Marketing & PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over four million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over four million pageviews. With 5,000+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum

 

Interview With Author Rachel Callaghan

 

1. What really inspired you to write your book, to force you from taking an idea or experience and conveying it into a book? The tale began banally enough with personal seething at a difficult situation, buying a pre-Revolutionary house over the web during the pandemic and finding myself cheated. But I realized that would only have gotten me a sardonic start and would have petered out. Over a year, the increasingly difficult and fragmented state of our country caused the story to grow into a tale of love and family from many different aspects, and of people working together to build community. 


2. What is it about and whom do you believe us your targeted reader? 
Under Water is a dual time-period novel that takes place in an antique house in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, during the recent covid pandemic and during the time of the Civil War. The stories of the two periods mirror each other. The couple in the present time have a faltering marriage full of unshared grief and untold secrets. When they move to a house across the country from their home in California, the body of a mixed-race baby is found on their property. The characters in the past are an Irish immigrant wife left to keep a farm running when her husband leaves to fight for the Union. She has only a Black fieldhand as help, a hardworking, honorable man who brings a disturbed but brilliant wife with him. It’s a tale of the timelessness of love, trauma and mental illness, and of mutual dependence. The readers would be those who love literary fiction, historical fiction, unusual love stories, tales exploring struggles with mental illness, true depictions of life in the past, rehabbing antique houses, and, most of all, stories of decency. Love, and morality winning the day.

 

3. What do you hope will be the everlasting thoughts for readers who finish your book? What should remain with them long after putting it down? I hope that readers will learn a lot of history, including the anti-immigrant and race riots in the North—even in the Quaker city of Philadelphia before the Civil War—and what life was like for our ancestors as they built and improved our nation. But most of all, I’d like them to think of the characters as real people who struggled, with both honor and intelligence, to love and build good lives despite often horrendous circumstances, and so learn to have hope for their own times. Readers have reported this has been the case even after they’ve put the book down—and even stirred them to read it again.


4. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers? 
Find a story that matters to you and that you feel has meaning. And then don’t stop writing. Revise and revise and revise. Find great beta readers who aren’t afraid to tell you something sucks.


5. What trends in the book world do you see and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading? 
I believe book publishing is in flux, in a very complex time. It’s said the reading public is shrinking and education is faltering many places, especially when it comes to teaching literature. Classics that have stood the judgment of time, great books that explore timeless issues between people, are discarded for current trends in culture. At the same time, publishing has never been easier and many books are coming out quickly and with little review or professional editing.


6. What great challenges did you have in writing your book? 
Challenges were certainly present in being older, being on medication that sapped my endurance, worrying about having the time left to finish and sell the book. But the biggest challenge was my perfectionist desire to write a great book.


7. If people can only buy one book this month, why should it be yours? 
It should be Under Water because, along with history, it illuminates the commonness of the human condition: wanting love, needing interdependency, suffering difficulties and trauma, learning to be open… but most of all, to find hope for getting through it all.  

About The Author: Rachel Callaghan, novelist, award-winning essayist, physician, author of Under Water and Grab the Groom, former editor of In Posse on WebDelSol, and recovered cancer patient, learned a thing or two about trauma and the damage it causes. Please see: rachelsfiction.com  

Do You Need Book Marketing & PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over four million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over four million pageviews. With 5,000+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum

 

Thursday, January 16, 2025

What Are Authors Really Selling?

 

Books get sold because readers need or want them. But what is it that will alert a reader to his or her needs and wants that the author’s book satisfies? 

Authors should develop a profile of their potential reader, and look to see how their book matches up. Eventually, one or more of the following 15 things should connect with your potential reader:

 

  1. Money and wealth
  2. Beauty and sex
  3. Time and convenience
  4. Health and wellness
  5. Nature and place
  6. Sports
  7. Spirituality and religion
  8. Hope/ optimism
  9. Relationships/love
  10. Fantasy
  11. Freedom
  12. Future
  13. Travel
  14. Fun and entertainment
  15. Family and friends 

There are other things that could connect someone to your book, such as hobbies, pets, death, war, pain, and many other things. You get the idea.  

Start to see your potential readers as having needs or wants that your book can fulfill for them. Do not just see your book as great and hoping a need or want for it will simply develop.  

Selling a book is not far off from a company trying to sell a service or product, or a politician seeking to secure votes. They’ll all look at demographics such as age, class, race, gender, religion, location, and education, and seek to match what they have with existing profiles.  

Your book is not for everyone. Not even 10% of a room. It’s likely going to be purchased by far fewer than 1% of the country. But if you did sell a copy to one percent of the 340 million Americans alive today, you’d be the top best-seller of the year with 3.4 million sales! No, you are looking to find who your reader really is and sell it to them. You don’t need to approach everyone out there- just you core readership, the people most likely to buy your book if they just knew it existed.  

Know what you are selling - and to whom should actually care. 

Do You Need Book Marketing & PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over four million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over four million pageviews. With 5,000+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2024.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Interview with Author A.S.R. Gelpi


 


1. What inspired you to write this book?

This book emerged from an exploration of a character in another story. Several beta readers had expressed curiosity about Kharis's "lost years." In the original The Dandelion Tree, the narrative begins with Kharis at 14 during the inciting incident, then skips ahead to her at 20. The feedback I received often asked, "Who was Kharis as a child, and what shaped the events that followed?" This book aims to delve into those formative years and provide the answers readers sought.

 

2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for?

Twelve-year-old Princess Kharis is the latest Djinnshirukh, a human vessel for a fearsome fire demon’s soul. But unlike those before her, who were adults choosing this role, Kharis was born into it. Her only joy is her adopted sister, Saya, the Sorukhipa, whose power keeps Kharis’ wild magic in check—until the day when even that may not be enough.

As her brother and uncle vie for control of Kharis’s immense power, Kharis must battle her terrifying fate: madness or execution. When Prince Rawiri becomes their tutor, the sisters dare to dream of a life on their terms. Still, fate is cruel, threatening Kharis, who now must survive by picking up the pieces of her broken life.


This coming-of-age dark epic combines intricate world-building with heart-stopping magic, palace intrigue, and the fierce bond between two sisters fighting for their freedom in a fantastical world where fate weaves a dangerous web.

This is a Frozen meets Game of Thrones story, “A Land of Shadows and Moss” invites readers into an exotic world of a powerful heroine, treacherous foes, and a love that transcends fate.

 

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?

I want readers to be taken by this story and enjoy an epic fantasy that is not like other epic fantasy or romantasy. Here are a few things that I hope readers get out of this book:

·  A Complex Protagonist: I want them to see how Kharis navigates the immense pressure of being the Djinnshirukh, especially as a child forced into this role. Her emotional journey—balancing vulnerability and resilience—should intrigue them. I want them eager to witness her growth and how she defines herself beyond her terrifying fate.

·  The Sisterly Bond: The dynamic between Kharis and Saya promises to be powerful and heartwarming. Readers would want to see how their relationship evolves, especially under the strain of external threats and their intertwined magical roles. Sisterly love is a rare focus in fantasy, and I hope readers are up for it.

·  Palace Intrigue and Tension: The premise hints at a tangled web of power struggles involving Kharis’s brother and uncle. Readers would want to unravel their schemes, witness the political maneuvering, and feel the suspense of Kharis being a pawn in this dangerous game.

·  Unique Magic System: The idea of the Djinnshirukh and Sorukhipa is fascinating. I want readers interested in learning about the history and mechanics of this magic and how Kharis and Saya use it.

·  World-Building: Readers should be transported into this fantastical world, vividly experiencing its landscapes, cultures, and histories. I hope they find it lush and detailed, with a sense of wonder balanced by the dark, gritty elements.

·  Themes of Fate vs. Freedom: The struggle against destiny is a theme they would be drawn to, and they would be eager to see how Kharis fights for autonomy in a world determined to control her. Stories that explore moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices should resonate deeply with these readers.

·  Emotional Impact: I want readers to laugh, cry, and hold their breath. A story like this can potentially leave a lasting impression.

 

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?

Deciding on my title is based on important themes and imagery in the books. “Moss” is connected to the Iluna Forest and their caretakers, the Forest Kin, which will play an important role in all the books. “Shadows” refer to the past but also the curse, which, like a shadow, haunts Kharis.

 

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!?

Some are cliché-ish. (1) Never give up. (2) Write, write, write to hone on the art of writing. (3) Read in your genre and read outside your genre. Reading is one of the best ways to learn about the art of writing. Read great books. Read awful books. (4) Find actual beta readers (family members and friends don’t count, sorry!) who will give you objective feedback to improve your story. I also recommend finding individuals who read in the genre you write.

 

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading? 

One of my biggest concerns is the trad publishers’ cookie-cutter approach to epic fantasy to sell books. I understand the need to provide readers with what they want, but when everyone writes the same thing, it’s hard for readers to ascertain what they want. This is where indie authors come in. We break the status quo to create unique stories that meet the conditions for epic fantasy.

 

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book? 

 I’ve traveled extensively and met a diverse community. These experiences, as well as the individuals I met, have fueled my world-building and character development. My career has also exposed me to a variety of individuals from all runs of life.

 

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to?

I’ve been told that my writing is immersive and vivid, that my characters are complex (3D, I guess), and that my storytelling is unique and refreshing. I don’t know what writers would be similar to me, but here are some of the authors who influenced my writing: Ursula Le Guin, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Mark Twain, Pio Baroja, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Jorge Luis Borges, Tolkien, Robin Hobb, Terry Pratchett, Robert Jordan, Neil Gaiman, and the list goes on.

 

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book?

There is so much I had to learn that I don’t even know where to start. I have to learn everything from pacing and background setting to emulating emotions on the page and formatting books to meet US publishing standards. My writing was amateurish when I started, but I didn’t give up. I got great mentors to direct my writing and took classes to learn how to write.

 

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?

If people could choose just one book, A Land of Shadows and Moss should be that book because it offers something rare and unforgettable: a deeply immersive story that balances epic stakes with profoundly human emotions.

A Unique Protagonist: Kharis is not your typical heroine. Her role as the Djinnshirukh—a child burdened with immense, destructive power—sets her apart. Her struggle for freedom and identity in a world determined to define her will resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped by expectations or circumstances.

Powerful Relationships: At its heart, this is a story about the fierce bond between two sisters, Kharis and Saya. Their love, loyalty, and sacrifices are deeply moving, providing the emotional anchor in a narrative full of danger and intrigue.

Intricate World-Building: The richly imagined setting, filled with breathtaking magic, palace politics, and otherworldly beings, transports readers to a realm that feels both fantastical and grounded. Every detail invites readers to lose themselves in this exotic and dangerous world.

Themes That Matter: The book delves into universal themes like fate versus free will, the cost of power, and the resilience of the human spirit. These themes are not just entertaining—they’re thought-provoking and deeply relatable.

An Emotional Rollercoaster: With heart-pounding magic, gut-wrenching betrayals, and moments of quiet hope, this book delivers an emotional experience that lingers long after the final page. It’s the story that will make readers laugh, cry, and cheer for the characters’ victories.

For Fans of Frozen Meets Game of Thrones: Combining the familial love and self-discovery of Frozen with the intrigue, complexity, and danger of Game of Thrones, this story appeals to a broad range of readers. It’s both accessible and sophisticated—a rare balance.

A Heroine Worth Rooting For: Readers will connect deeply with Kharis’s courage and vulnerability as she navigates impossible odds. She’s an inspiring figure for anyone who has ever struggled to take control of their own destiny.

A Love That Transcends Fate: Amid the darkness, the story hints at a powerful, heartbreaking romance. This element adds depth and hope, making the story feel as vast as it is intimate.

Perfect Blend of Magic, Intrigue, and Emotion: Few books manage to weave action, political scheming, and heartfelt character moments so seamlessly. A Land of Shadows and Moss delivers on all fronts, making it a must-read for epic fantasy fans.

 

Do You Need Book Marketing & PR Help?

Brian Feinblum, the founder of this award-winning blog, with over four million page views, can be reached at brianfeinblum@gmail.com  He is available to help authors like you to promote your story, sell your book, and grow your brand. He has over 30 years of experience in successfully helping thousands of authors in all genres. Let him be your advocate, teacher, and motivator!

 

About Brian Feinblum

This award-winning blog has generated over four million pageviews. With 5,000+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.”  Copyright 2025.

 

For the past three decades, Brian Feinblum has helped thousands of authors. He formed his own book publicity firm in 2020. Prior to that, for 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and as the director of publicity at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler.

 

His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/whats-needed-to-promote-a-book-successfully).

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. He served as a judge for the 2024 IBPA Book Awards.

 

His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.

 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog.

 

You can connect with him at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum/ or https://www.facebook.com/brian.feinblum