BookMarketingBuzzBlog

Saturday, April 5, 2025

Interview With Author Stephen Ford

1. What inspired you to write this book?

I was inspired by observing the political polarization we see in Western countries these days, where people retreat into echo chambers, communicating with those outside their particular belief system only with shouted insults rather than discussion. In particular, as a liberal-minded person myself, I wanted to examine what is was about fellow liberals that so repelled around half of the population that they resorted to vote for populist demagogues such as Donald Trump, or their equivalents in their particular country.

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

The setting for the book is a university in England a little into the future under a very left- wing government. The United Kingdom has broken up, the monarchy abolished and English society is dominated by the Universities, new centers of power in the land, a power as great as the medieval Church and suppressing heresy against the new woke creed as zealously as Stalin’s secret police, dissenters banished to gulags, to protect the public from dangerous hateful influences. The book is aimed at anyone who is interested in what our politics has become and where it might be going on current trends.

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

Although this is a book with a political theme, it has a strong story line with twists, turns and sub-plots, well developed characters, love interest and I like to think will be a good read for anyone irrespective of whether politics interests them. Conservatives will probably enjoy it because I lampoon and ridicule liberal excesses and they will probably like the mockery.

Liberals may not like it as much, but they should read it because I aim to hold up a mirror to show how they appear to others.

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

The book's title highlights the contradiction between an intolerant political creed and free speech, "hate" being the term used for anything that contradicts the current liberal ethos, assumed by the liberals concerned to be in all respects good and righteous. The cover design illustrates the setting, a university near Windsor, close to Runnymede where Magna Carta was signed, and the conflict between the liberal university insiders and the great unwashed outsiders excluded from a university education who rise up in rebellion led by a charismatic leader I have modelled on Nigel Farage, the UK's equivalent to Donald Trump.

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

Speaking for myself, I write because I have things I want to say and I enjoy weaving those ideas into stories. I enjoy the craft of formulating a plot and storytelling in a way that grabs and keeps people's attention. I principally aim to produce something good that I can be proud of. If people then choose to buy and read my books, that's great, but I do it for its own sake. If nobody reads them, that would be a shame, but I'm glad to have written them anyway regardless of that. I would say to other writers, write because you believe in what you are doing and are confident in the quality of it, only then worry about attracting readers.

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

I spent 40 years developing IT systems. Funny as it may sound, I found that designing and constructing a novel has a lot in common with designing an IT system. In both cases getting the detail right and consistent is critical, as is getting the continuity and sequence right and tying up all the loose ends neatly. Everyday life and the human interaction that goes with it provides for the characters and situations featured in my stories.

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

My books (I have written five so far) each have a theme I want to explore in the form of a story. Writers who have a similar inspiration to mine are George Orwell, HG Wells and CS Lewis, although I also aspire to emulate PG Wodehouse in getting my point across with comedy and humour.

8. How do you feel your book compares to others in your genre?

In the particular genre of this book, political commentary, the books have a tendency to be diatribes, which I very much hope mine is not. I use situations to illustrate, but I do not take sides, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions and I also aim to be even handed in my satire, mocking liberals and conservatives alike. I think I am probably unusual in this respect, I dare to say, possibly unique.

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

Getting it published. The subject matter is controversial and many liberals will find my portrayal of them uncomfortable. Many did not want to touch the book with a bargepole lest they get set upon by a social media mob.

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

Many must be asking, how did the Western world come to be swamped by a rising tide of right-wing populist leaders, Donald Trump in the USA, but also equivalents in almost every other country in the Western world, when of course liberal values as so self-evidently virtuous. I hope that my book goes some way towards providing an explanation.

Author Bio: Stephen Ford, retired from a career in Information Technology, is the son of a geologist, he had a varied and nomadic childhood in Africa and the Middle East. From childhood, Stephen has been inspired by wild places, mountains, rivers and forests, places where nature reigns, not people. Now, inspired to write, Stephen explores these themes: What forces shape human society? What is the future of humanity? Is human development driven by reason and logic, or are reason and logic mere tools used to justify people’s choices? For more information, please see: https://www.facebook.com/stephen.ford.1481/?locale=en_GB

By the way, the other books I have written are: Destiny of a Free Spirit; Walking Out of this World; The Glastonbury Triangle; and To Keep Us All Safe.

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

Friday, April 4, 2025

Interview With Mathematical Genius On His Book That Could Transform The World

Mathematical Genius Provides A Formula For Living In A Better World In A Provocative, New Book

1. What is your book, The Fourth Coming, about? - it describes how the mind should operate objectively v subjectively i.e. not creating perceptions and sets down a mathematical model together with set thinking which can gather all knowledge for any system or experience. It suggests that countries should adopt a mathematical approach rather than capitalism, communist religious or dictator. It also suggests countries share mathematical models to help one another. It also suggests that an instruction manual should be introduced which sets down what a child needs for adulthood rather than leave to chance. Education would act as a back stop. I contend some classes of debates should be replaced by creating mathematical models and including set thinking as it is a more efficient way of gathering knowledge

2. Where does the title come from? The title The Fourth Coming comes from Jesus is expected to come three times whose mission is like mine to save the world. God mathematics come from the conclusion that God is a mathematical being and He would put the world to rights by applying mathematics in the way people should think and society operates.

3. What inspired you to write it? The idea started when I left work. A psychiatrist analyzed the way I thought and found it different from normal and suggested I contacted a university. I was signed off mentally ill to promote my mission i.e. change the way people thought. God initially both help me and also sent encouraging signals.

4. Your book has been described as a groundbreaking introduction to saving humanity. Why do we need to be saved – from what? Apologies I should mention that we should be saved from conflict in politics e.g. right or left wing taking over e.g. in Germany or France rather than working together on mathematical models. Because of violence of some individuals e.g. towards women due to mental illness/ individuals and business relying on learning from mistakes / people including Putin having bad perceptions / increase mental health problems of humans e.g. criminals and adolescents some of whom commit antisocial behavior and carry out knife / gun crime / more having mental illness as reflected in increase of benefits as they are not taught how they should think. The most common way of death for under 35 is suicide / countries involving other countries rather concentrating on governing their own country. Increase in Dementia because people are not using their brains in the way He intended. It is estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (59.3 million in 2022; 23.1% of the U.S. adult population). Mental illnesses ... I suggest Neuro Linguistic Programming [NLP] may help people over 24 with mental illness.

5. Your solution is to reshape our thought process through mathematics. How can that happen? Parents should teach their children an objective thinking strategy which is they should not create perceptions i.e. paint a personal picture of the outside world as the information is unobtainable, unnecessary and can be based on false premises. They should allow it go over their head childlike. They should be taught set thinking and mathematical models to capture all knowledge for a system or experience. Education should act as a back stop They should be taught to concentrate on living their life and how to make the most of it.

6. How did you come to conclude that God introduced religion “because people were not using their brains the way He intended”? - people were not using in way God intended objectively v subjectively so I conclude God introduced religion to give them a framework. Religion practices are not necessary in an objective thinking world other than thanking God and the people who introduced their religion.

7. You say that many of us are cluttered by irrelevant and useless perceptions that distract us from living our lives. How so? They are not needed to live life as they are normally based on matters which are unobtainable, unnecessary and not based on the truth e.g. having a general view of the health system when a complete audit is required to establish the truth and knowledge is not needed or stereotyping e.g. all teenagers are X e,g. moody when you should take each teenage at a time. The only advantage of having perceptions is that they can be a conversation piece. They do not have any harm unless if some are acted upon without establishing the truth when you could make a mistake otherwise you should concentrate on living your life without these distractions. It should be noted I did not create perceptions as a youngster due to my hypersensitivity and hyperactive mind with the result on changing over to adulthood my consciousness and subconsciousness came in line.

Thus, my mind is not adulterated e.g. with perceptions which is how the brain should operate. People often seek to shut out the outside world by wearing headphones, using yoga, applying mindfulness exercises, concentrate on an activity e.g. painting or fishing etc. when instead they should have a policy of allowing such information go over their head childlike and concentrate on matters relevant to their life i.e. do not be distracted

8. Can we really establish an objective way of reasoning and thinking? Yes – by not creating perceptions / concentrating on living your life to the full and being aware of mathematical models and set thinking to capture all knowledge for a given system or experience.

9. What is “set thinking” and how can we apply it? Set thinking is based on the definition of a set which is fundamental to mathematics and is define as a group of objects with specific characteristics. A simple example is walking from A to B ‘classify’ [define the characteristics of the set] a way of getting from A to B ‘expand’ [seek other members] hire a car, take a taxi, take public transport etc. The classification can be refined e.g. a way of getting from A to B by public transport. Its purpose is a way of widening your knowledge base. Another important example is expanding knowledge set wise for solar panels classify a climate prevention change measure. The first set is the internal one i.e. screws, panels etc. [It should be noted that everyone can be represented by a unique set of knowledge i.e. feet ‘classify’ physical feature ‘expand’ eyes etc. raising the classification to anything associated with a human ‘expand’ personal history etc.] Another set is ‘classify’ measures to prevent climate change ‘expand’ wind turbines, seagrass, harness water etc.

The set’s characteristics may be refined to what individuals can do to prevent climate change. Another set is the set of building with X characteristics e.g. new buildings, hospitals etc. which can have solar panels. The final set is one is where solar panels may be installed e.g. on buildings, on water, on land etc. It should be noted that the world that surrounds you can be represented by a set e.g. sky, carpet, computer. This includes the set of knowledge behind you when walking. This is a mathematical way of solving consciousness which involves awareness of surroundings. You can help to make the most of life investigating elements of the set e.g. notices on a railway platform while waiting for a train.

10. You recognize that you see the world differently than mostly people do. Why is that? Because as a youngster I had a policy of allowing information about the outside world go over my head childlike. This was due to my hyperactive mind and hypersensitivity. Thus, when I changed over to adulthood my consciousness and subconsciousness came in line i.e. it was not adulterated e.g. with perceptions. Actually, I live in a bubble without the troubles of the world resting on my shoulders as I do not create perceptions. I recognize that the world outside is not relevant in my philosophy as it is unobtainable, unnecessary and the information is not always the truth. Ironically, I am seeking to change it. NOTE for personal history my Mother commented that I had not had the usual problems of teenagers e.g. mood swings, which was true – a smooth transformation to adulthood.

About The Author: Francis Keith Robins, a philosophical mathematician from Merseyside, Northwest England, possesses a singular mind from which has emerged a radical solution to the existential threats facing the world today - changing the way we think and reason. His mathematical models of set thinking and the 15 classes of knowledge have provided a framework on which a new, more egalitarian, society can be created. Robins earned a BSc degree in Mathematics and Statistics at Bradford University. In his career, he was an executive officer in British civil service, auditing councils. He served for three decades as an external auditor for various councils, which included auditing final accounts and grant claims, for which he ended up securing more funds for the councils. Robins, 79, lives alone in the U.K. For more information, please consult: www.powerofobjectivethinking.com.

Do You Need Book Marketing & PR Help?

About Brian Feinblum

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).

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 Donna Voss

1. What inspired you to write this book?

Do you know the place right before one opens their eyes and is still dreaming? That is where I saw the funniest picture of a fairy caught in a magnifying glass. With big eyes holding on to the handle and I laughed out loud, which woke me up. Then I knew I had to do something with that and sketched out a short cartoon on scratch paper. The rest of it evolved from there.

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

Geared primarily for young children, these short stories are a great opportunity for adults to participate and engage with their kids while teaching them to read. In this book, Treasure Island is a place where Bee Fairies live who take care of the bees and flowers. Basically, they keep watch and protect the environment, and they don’t interfere as much as supervise to make sure all is right in their natural world. Guided by a benevolent Ice Queen and her side kick the Frog Prince. These identifiable characters allow us all to participate in their world.

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

Little superheroes are everywhere around us in the natural environment protecting our planet and helping us make better choices especially for the bees but they are also concerned with coral reefs and other ecological “canaries in the coal mine” like whales or Monarch Butterflies.

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

This Treasure Island is based on a real place where time has stood still for over 30 years since the floods of 1996 cut it off from civilization. Since then, nature has taken over with wildlife in abundance, including fish, birds and a unique memory of a lost history to time.

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

Patience because inspiration has its own sense of time and place. Observation, the details are important and reveal sometimes so slowly. Give yourselves the freedom to be creative and imagine all the endless possibilities.

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

Sure, in my career I learned perseverance and dedication are keys to reaching a goal along with a steady work ethic. This was my first book, and I didn’t know what I was doing, but I had a goal in mind. I made mistakes but I enjoyed the process, doing art and imagining another world was fun.

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

Fairy tales are “old world”, and Hans Christian Anderson reminds me of my childhood. In my memory I hear a song that goes along with the stories. The poetic rhythm or pulse of the stories come from a melody in my heart.

8. How do you feel your book compares to others in your genre?

Like a baby in an ancient land - hopefully my elders will accept me.

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

Communication seems to be the greatest challenge of all, in all worlds, fairyland, Treasure Island, among humans in general. The bridging of the gap, building understanding through common decency, adding perspective for solving problems, these nuances remain constant challenges and are crucial to conveying ideas.

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

Suspend belief and allow your imagination to visit Treasure Island where it’s not what it seems yet it isn’t what it is. On this field trip you will learn that some things are better shared and finding Treasure Island is one of them. Get ready to solve a whole series of mysteries buried here one inside of another; “Who Spilled the Honey?”, “How to catch a Fairy” and what you will need for a “Treasure Hunt”, remember “X” marks the spot.

Do You Need Book Marketing & PR Help?

About Brian Feinblum

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).

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, April 3, 2025

Why Will People Buy Your Book?

In order to sell your book, you need to know who your targeted buyer is and why they will buy it. This is not rocket science, but nevertheless may take some thinking.

Your likely reader is someone who already likes the genre that you write in, such as memoir, self-help, thriller, poetry, business, or health.

They are likely going to be in a certain demographic range, having preferences based on their geographic location, ethnicity, gender, age, wealth, career, relationship status, level of education, hobbies, religion, and politics.

We all have certain preferences, viewpoints, and a history of professional and personal experiences that shape our needs, desires, and preferences.

So, let’s say your book is a children’s book. Kids don’t buy books, but those who interact with and care for them do: parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians, nannies, child psychologists and social workers, ministers, day care centers, camps, foster care, sports leagues, and pediatricians. Find these people — they gather in places like schools, churches, libraries; they read certain magazines or blogs, they connect on certain corners if social media, and they belong to groups and associations, etc.

Okay, so you understand that:

* Your book has a targeted consumer — identify who that is

* Targeted consumers can be found in various places — locate them

* Each consumer makes a buying decision — know what will win them over

You will develop a short sales pitch that includes:

* What your book is about

* What is unique or interesting about your book

* Why you are qualified to write this book

* Share third-party recognition like an award or great review

* State what benefits one can gain from reading it

So, why do people buy anything?

I buy ice cream when it is a hot sunny day. People may have a desire for your type of book, under the right circumstance.

I buy umbrellas on rainy days. We buy out of an obvious need, so determine who needs your book.

I buy lemonade from kids on a street corner. We buy as a way to give back or pay it forward.

I buy things that tax the environment less than other things. We purchase based on our values.

I might buy products that I want or need from those who share my politics. Some may buy a Tesla because they support Elon Musk — or do the opposite.

I sometimes buy based on the identity demographics of the seller. Some women prefer to buy from a woman, or a white Jew buys from his people, while a Hispanic supports his own people.

I give to those who help others. We like it when a percentage of a product’s sales proceeds support a charity.

I buy from those whose founders/owners support a good cause in their personal life. We buy from those who express shared beliefs and where actions match their words.

I buy from attractive people. Yeah, admit it. We prefer, young, good-looking people to be our salesperson.

I buy from people I trust and who seem honest. Ethics matter.

I buy after getting paid or when I am on vacation. Opportunity.

I buy from people who make it easy to buy: nearby and short lines or online with few grids to fill out. Convenience.

I buy things that remind me of happiness. Emotional connection.

I buy what costs less. Price dictates.

I buy what looks good. Packaging and presentation count.

I buy what is trending. We gravitate to what is popular.

I buy out of envy of another — or to create envy in others. Image and ego matter.

I buy because I feel entitled/deserving. Psychological reasons.

I buy because trusted people referred me — or said something was a good choice. I buy based on what people in my peer, friend and family circle have bought. Referrals and testimonials can influence us.

I buy because of good book reviews, book awards, new media attention or book awards recognition. Third-party validation hells win consumers over.

I buy because I saw a commercial. Ads sell.

People will buy something because they are compromised. Some are dumb, mentally unstable, or too trusting of others and get sucked into purchasing something.

Some buy to insulate or protect themselves from something, perhaps out of an abundance of caution. Fear rules.

People buy what will prevent, treat, or cure pain and ills. Health.

People buy something that makes them feel will make them smarter, better looking, or better than others — or to keep up with the Joneses. Peer Pressure.

People will buy something that they feel makes a statement against a person, organization, thing, or ideology. Protest Vote.

Many buy out of nostalgia and to collect a familiar piece of history. We consume the past.

I tend to buy stuff simply because I am on vacation, relaxed and unrushed. Catch people in a good mood.

Some buy because someone famous or with a big following endorsed it. Influencer/Celebrity has juice.

The list can go on. Decide who your buyer is and know why they will buy your book. Just develop a strategy to find them and market to their situation. That’s it.

Do You Need Book Marketing & PR Help?

About Brian Feinblum

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).

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