Interview With Award-Winning Inspirational Author Sieglinde C. Othmer PhD

 

1. What inspired you to write this book? One morning I woke up and I was 80. Eighty! How in the world did that happen? My children lived far way. And my husband of 55 years had just died. What was I going to do with the rest of my life? Then Covid hit and I went gray. Silver gray. I remembered my younger self, learning, traveling, exploring - enjoying my independence with gusto. So I sat down and did the research.  

2. What exactly is it about? Who is it written for? I am busting the myth that aging is shameful. Instead, it’s a badge of honor. My readers? That was the surprise. I intended to help my fellow octogenarians, but found out that my book appeals to ages 60 and up. Even younger folks. 

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book? Motivation, inspiration, enrichment of their lives. And more joy. 

4. How did you decide on your books’ title and cover design? Tremendous help from the Steve Harrison Group. Amazing people.   

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers? Write every day, at least ten minutes. Your subconscious will help you along. Even through the night. 

6. What trends in the book world do you see? Having experience from academic publishing in the 80’s and 90’s, I chose self-publishing because I was impatient to hold the book in my arms. Maybe self-publishing is the growing trend. 

7. Where there specific experiences in your personal life that came in handy when writing this book? Being a refugee from communist Germany and an immigrant to the US taught me to never, never give up.  

8. How would you describe your writing style? Brief. A bit funny. My book is the shortest book on longevity you’ll ever read. Which writers or books is your writing style similar to? Ginger Rothhaas: Being Human. 150 Practices to Make it Easier.  

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book? Language and grammar. I’m not a native speaker. Still working on it.   

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours? To practice joy as a choice for a long healthy life. At any age.  

About The Author: Sieglinde Othmer PhD earned her doctorate in Social Sciences at the University of Hamburg, Germany. A refugee, immigrant, academic, administrator, researcher, and gardener, she raised three children and three dogs, and has traveled to over 40 countries. In this book, she shares the wisdom she acquired in 80 years of living. She was a board member of the United Nations Greater Kansas City chapter. She resides in Parkville, Missouri, on a lake where Canada geese fly over, where Blue Herons fish, and where Great Horned Owls keep night watch. Her purpose is to help people feel good about their age. At any age. For ore information, please see: www.joyouslongevity.com 

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum 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 6,200,000 page views. With 5,600+ posts over the past 15 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 2026.

 

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) and (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/10-things-my-dog-taught-me-about-marketing-books). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, three times at BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, five times at Morgan James Publishing Red Carpet, 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 Award-Winning Motivational Author Barbara Stone

 

 

1. What inspired you to write this book?   During the pandemic, I needed something to read to get up and going in the morning.  I turned to Seth Godin, Big Panda and Tiny Dragon, etc. to be inspired and living with intention.  If they can do it!  So can I! 

2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for? Individuals that want to be motivated and inspired in life. 

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book?  After reading stories that are relatable (even though they are told through the eyes of my Great Danes), they will walk away with wisdom to look at situations in their lives differently.

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design?  The title was an evolution of different input from different people.  My illustrator came to visit us and our dogs.  She captured the essence of the dogs and created the cover picture. 

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!?  It is a journey.  A hard journey as you are always learning at every step and turn. 

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading? The book business is growing.  The stats on books publish within 3 months compared to years ago is astronomical.  Now the addition of AI, it will be compounded.  The book industry is a completely different animal – get trusted guidance along the way! 

7. Were there specific experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book? I have had 25 years as a senior leader in manufacturing; a widow in my 30s;a lot of life lessons have been learned.  I additionally am a leadership development coach helping individuals through life.  I wanted to write about the wisdom learned over the decades of my life. 

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to?  Simple.  To the point.  Short.  One book that is similar to my is Big Panda and Tiny Dragon.           

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book?  Hired a publisher that was horrible – I could go on and on about the bad experience, but I don’t want to waste the energy.  My illustrator’s husband got terminally ill in the last stretch of putting the book together.  Very sad as I almost did not have a book. 

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?  It just one the Independent Press Award for the category of Gift Book and the Bookfest – best animal book. 

About The Author: Barbara Stone, an award-winning author, earned her MBA from Syracuse University and built a successful 25-year career as a senior leader in manufacturing. Despite her corporate success, she sought deeper fulfillment, studying resiliency and positive psychology. This led her to become a leadership development coach, where she empowers others to create meaningful change. Barb is also deeply involved in non-profit work, supporting community missions. Certified as a Co-Active Coach CPCC. she holds the PCC and ORSCC credentials, enabling her to guide individuals and organizations toward achieving their goals and making a positive impact. Barb lives in Central NY and spends her free time loving her Great Danes and other animals that have big hearts. For more information, please see: https://barbstone.me/

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum 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 6,200,000 page views. With 5,600+ posts over the past 15 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 2026.

 

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) and (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/10-things-my-dog-taught-me-about-marketing-books). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, three times at BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, five times at Morgan James Publishing Red Carpet, 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 Entrepreneur & Author Michael Yang

  

1. What inspired you to write this book?  To share my story of motorcycle travels across North America and my journey from the war-torn country of South Korea to Silicon Valley as a 14-year-old teenager, culminating in becoming a successful Silicon Valley tech founder.  

2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for? It's about a Korean American tech founder who discovers himself on the open road while traveling across America on a motorcycle. It is written for Korean Americans, motorcycle travelers, and anyone looking to get more out of life.  

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book? To step out of their comfort zone and embrace life's adventures.  

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design? An editor at Greenleaf Book Group (a hybrid publisher) suggested the title after reading my manuscript. I wanted to use the photo of me and my adventure motorcycle carrying the Korean and American flags in front of the Dead Horse sign at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, the northernmost motorable point in North America on the Arctic Ocean.  

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!?  Be very clear about why you want to publish a book and consider all factors—such as time requirements, financial resources, effort, and marketing—before deciding to publish. Publishing and selling a quality book requires significant time, money and effort to move more than a couple of thousand copies. 

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?   Book publishing industry seems stagnant or growing slowly.  

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?  I think my enjoyment of reading autobiographies helped when writing my memoir. Also, my experience as a dotcom founder and CEO helped me market and promote my book.   

8. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book? English is my second language because I was born and raised in Korea until I was 14 years old. I didn't know how to speak English when I came to America so I had to learn the new language, culture, and customs. Also, I majored in electrical engineering and computer science, and business administration in University and graduate school so I had no training in creative writing.   

9. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours? It's an intriguing story of a Korean American motorcycle traveler, entrepreneur, and adventurer who overcomes many failures and obstacles to succeed and discover his identity.  

About The Author: Michael Yang is a Korean American author, entrepreneur, investor, and adventure motorcycle traveler. He founded a Silicon Valley tech startup, which was successfully acquired by a large corporation. See more information here: https://prbythebook.com/experts/michael-yang/ 

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum 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 6,200,000 page views. With 5,600+ posts over the past 15 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 2026.

 

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) and (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/10-things-my-dog-taught-me-about-marketing-books). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, three times at BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, five times at Morgan James Publishing Red Carpet, 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

 

 

 

How Do Writers Really Celebrate?

 

Writers are so used to being rejected, criticized, or discouraged by others, from publishers, editors, and reviewers to teachers, family, and friends. From a young age, they are told they are not good enough. Some writers will start to believe it.

So how do authors celebrate their success? 

I was recently at the NYC Big Book Awards and Independent Press Awards dinner, and I saw how adults, many middle-aged or older, dressed up and partied like it was prom night back in high school. What a wonderful scene. 

When an author was announced as a winner of an award and they were called up to get their trophy or medal, music was played, just like baseball players have a song played as they step up to the plate to hit.  

The walk-up songs of these authors, all chosen by each author, are as different as each of the authors and their books. I was struck that out of about 100 songs played, not one was duplicated. I don’t even think the same artist was even used.  

These authors have their own stories to share, their own origin stories, and their own approach to writing. These song choices reflect their uniqueness but most of the songs are recognizable and say something that speaks to each writer.

Some ran up to the stage. Others slowly walked with a quiet step. On stage, some prolonged their two seconds of fame or made gestures of pride and excitement with their arms up in the air. A handful were allowed time to speak. Some thanked others for their support, but one thanked her childhood self, for making sure she had fulfilled that child’s passions and goals. I loved that. 

Most importantly, it was great to see so many terrific books and authors recognized for their accomplishments. Really, they were rewarded for their hard efforts to create and stick with it in the face of challenges, rejection, and a lack of support.  

All writers should celebrate their work, and play their walk-up songs even if they did not win an award. And if you are still struggling to find your way, just play the theme song from Rocky.

 

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum 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 6,200,000 page views. With 5,600+ posts over the past 15 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 2026.

 

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) and (https://pubspot.ibpa-online.org/article/10-things-my-dog-taught-me-about-marketing-books). He was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, three times at BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association, Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, five times at Morgan James Publishing Red Carpet, 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

Authors Should Talk This Way!

 

As an author, you wrote a book, and share tens of thousands of words to convey a story or information  But when you want to promote your book and talk about it, what do you want to say? How will you communicate its message or selling points?  

You might put pressure on yourself to say something so interesting, witty, or amazing, but rather than focusing on perfection, stick to coming across as authentic. Speak with candor and sincerity. Speak with passion and conviction.   

People want to know why they should read your book. What will benefit the reader. Do they get entertained or learn something or feel something? Will they want your book because they believe it’s worth sacrificing their time to read it and their money to buy it?  

Use the power of words. Your energy and body language, and your story-telling ability to convey something of value to your potential readers. Lead them to what you want them to see, think, feel, and do.   

“People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care,” says John Maxwell, author of The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication  

He says people want to feel empowered. Whether you are talking with one person or a large audience, he says you should do these five things: 

 

• Embrace people’s potential
• Give people permission to succeed 
• Invite collaboration
• Encourage ownership
• Ask them to hold themselves accountable  

Above all else, remember to speak to people at their level of needs, wants, or desires - and not out of your desperate need to sell a book. In other words, be focused on others and not yourself. Help others and they will then see your book as a solution. 

Do You Need Book Marketing Help?

Brian Feinblum 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 5,800,000 page views. With 5,500+ posts over the past 14 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 2026.

 

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 was recently interviewed by the IBPA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0BhO9m8jbs

 

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