BookMarketingBuzzBlog: May 2023

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Interview With Author Arthur Edward Sullivan, Jr.

1. What inspired you to write this book?

I thought that the world needed to understand that the rite of exorcism is not simply a Roman Catholic practice. Although I am a Catholic, I hold great respect for all the world’s religions and hope that the insights provided in this book will enlighten the reader to the practices of other faiths.

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

The book is a fictional account of an exorcism from a multi-theological perspective. Set in Alexandria, Virginia, in current time, a Rabbi, Iman, and Priest form an allegiance to cast out a demon who is affecting their respective houses of worship.

The book is written for those who are curious about the Islamic and Jewish rites of exorcism and for those who are particularly interested in this genre.

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

A better understanding that we are all similar in our devotions. The interactions and mutual respect among the three clerics is also an important element of the book.

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

The title was derived from my other two books: A Dispassionate Man and A Passionate Woman. I felt it was important to maintain the “passion” theme. The cover design was provided by the publishing company, Dorrance Publishing Company of Pittsburgh, PA.

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

At this stage of my life, I find writing a cathartic exercise. The process of research, examination, and analysis sharpens my mind and motivates me to continue the process to the next body of work. I am currently writing a fictional account of the life of Saint Paul, based on historical events. There is a book in everyone. I encourage everyone I meet to take the time to begin this amazing process. It is a fulfilling experience.

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

The book publishing industry is changing daily, for the better. It has never been easier to publish and place your novel in one of the many online venues. The market response to the emergence of Amazon and the proliferation of ‘e readers” has been tremendous. Also, contrary to popular belief, I see increases in international readership trends. Books fairs are well attended around the globe. People are reading and the demand for books of every genre is increasing.

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

I will never forget seeing the movie The Exorcist in 1973. It was truly frightening. I wondered, however, why were all the movies and books the involved the rite of exorcism Catholic-centric? After travelling the globe and engaging many business associates and friends who practiced other faiths, it occurred to me that a book needed to address the exorcism rite from the Islamic and Jewish perspective, as well as the Catholic.

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

I am a quick read and truly don’t like to add fluff simply to increase the page count. There are very few side stories or non-theme-oriented vignettes. I guess you might say I’m a “no BS” author. I am a very humble man and would never say that I was similar to a more well-read author.

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

My primary challenges were access to a Jewish and Islamic exorcist. Also gaining insight into the various rites of exorcism was an interesting research exercise. The story line was, for me, straightforward.

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

The Devil’s Passion will inform and enlighten the reader. It is a simple to read book. Most readers finish in two days, or less. People who travel tell me it is a “one ride read.” That is the book can usually be completed in one cross country airplane ride or a round trip.

About The Author: After the death of my wife, Victoria, in April 2020, I began to write short novels (“novellas) that focus on moral issues and personal concerns. This latest work, The Devil’s Passion, my third book, is perhaps the first book that presents the rite of exorcism from the Islamic, Judaic, and Christian perspectives. Prior to 2020, I was an international business consultant and supported clients in Bangkok, Abu Dhabi, London, Houston and Washington, DC. I have profound respect for people from different cultures who practice different religions. I am also a retired Naval Reserve Intelligence Officer.

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About Brian Feinblum

Brian Feinblum should be followed on Twitter @theprexpert. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2023. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent. This award-winning blog has generated over 3.3 million pageviews. With 4,400+ 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.” For the past three decades, including 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and two jobs 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. He recently hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America, and has spoken at ASJA, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. 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. He has been featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald. For more information, please consult: www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum.

Interview With Author Steve “Mr. Pineapple” Mathieu

1. What inspired you to write this book?

I realized that I felt crushed like a lemon by the culture washing of several corporate companies, by several emotional fishermen, and by how most of the society chooses to think-act-speak without owning them because the majority seeks around instead of within. The more extremes become slaves of their negative emotions. All become emotional illusions with life & time resulting in many losing themselves, forgetting themselves, from the mythology of their choosing resulting many forgetting that they are, in life, positively the solution. I pulled way back with the sling shot principle and realized that I was myself feeding what I identified to be a problem in the emotional illusions with life & time.

One of the most used lines we say in the face of difficulties is the proverbial phrase, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. The lemons in this phrase represent sourness or struggle while making lemonade means transforming lemons into something sweet or desirable. We have used this phrase so much that it has become a cliché, yet we still live in negativity.

When I saw life like an eagle, outside the emotional illusions with life & time, I sold my lemons and bought a pineapple! I progressively became me, Mr. Pineapple. My 3 faces became all connected to the same sweet roots; they became one. Life & leadership philosophies along with life principles were practiced and were acting like power tools to positively nourish my roots and redefine my inner foundation keeping myself sweet within & around. Life is positive & negative forces complementing each other when in balance. A philosophy trackable since the 14^th century B.C. My pineapple became stable on my inner foundation. It became my soul. A purpose took birth.

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

It is said that if your product or service is for everyone it means no one! To that, I kindly disagree because everyone deserves to live more happily. The Pineapple Theory books were first written to assist future, new, and more experienced leaders to always cultivate a fresh & sweet growth continuum. Looking at the big picture about life and society, everybody is the leader of their life – therefore – the books are for everyone because we cannot outgrow ourselves.

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

More positive thinking by adding to their life recipe, what I like to call The Pineapple Theory’s property blend, assisting readers seeking within instead of around with their emotions by moving with intelligence & reasoning what is negative to what is more positive.

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

The Theoretical idea that the pineapple can be a symbol of positivity and used as a fruitful metaphor to share with efficiency the property blend to readers to think for themselves is self-explanatory. Everything around the pineapple on the cover page is discover with ones’ reading. The infinite clock inside the pineapple in-reference of the emotional illusion with life & time along with philosophy, the Matrix coding in the background speaking more about the emotional illusions, but the pineapple remains a pineapple within that same illusion becomes a reminder to remain ourselves.

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

Before running, there is the walking phase and prior to that, there are baby steps. Truly work on the big picture and vision of your ideas to ensure the dots are all connected. Plan how you will build your brand, collect DATA to persuade the selling process of your work, and always improve your interpersonal skills set because you will become the image of your work.

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

I often share that in the book industry, there are likely more book titles than there are readers. Standing out becomes quite a challenge and many may share about your work: “There are already a lot about this type of topic.” Along with the challenges of influencing potential readers choosing your book, the reading offering such as paperback, eBook, and audiobook, adds to the challenge. I personally only sale the paperback to keep what is traditional as it is. At the end, Marketing and being properly supported is a big influencer in this industry.

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

Daily is an inspiration when I watch at society’s emotions with how they choose to think/act/speak from the tallest tree I can find. What is interesting is that I also complete this process with myself. The Pineapple Theory books are written in part from personal life & career experiences.

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

I must share, and this likely disturbs many critical readers inner peace, my writing is authentic because I don’t mind if there are spelling mistakes from time-to-time. The books are written to be understood by everyone but they have great wisdom, which follows a view form Aristotle (385-323BC).

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

Because daily is an inspiration, updates are a challenge because of new thoughts adding value to what is already written. At some point, once published, live with what is out there.

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

With The Pineapple Theory, it’s always pineapple season! If future readers enjoy the pineapple fruit, I encouraged them to push their positive curiosity by discovering how I authentically took the pineapple fruit to another level of positivity within.

About The Author: Many are calling him the new buddha for his positivity and wisdom, others refer to him as a modern Plato for his philosophy, but he is Mr. Pineapple! Steve “Mr. Pineapple” Mathieu is born and raised in Montreal, Canada. French is its native language, and he wrote The Pineapple Theory series in English. He supports businesses with his leadership for 20+ years. He is a firm ambassador of Culture and Core Values. When COVID-19 impacted life on Earth, he took full benefit of the forced leisure time sacrifice to reflect – make peace – and become prosperous which triggered his purpose. S. Mathieu is known for being passionate, for his determination, and for being like the fruit; positively authentic. The only thing you’ll be missing from your reading is Mr. Pineapple’s beautiful French-Canadian accent! For more info, please see: https://thepineappletheory.ca/

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About Brian Feinblum

Interview With Author Jaiden Baynes

1. What inspired you to write this book?

A general dissatisfaction with the kinds of minimal coverage that black history received, especially during black history month. Initially, I wrote daily articles to be shared with members of my family and friends about a different person or institution related to black history around the world. On weekdays, I wrote about an important black historical figure and the context of the world they lived in (as well as how it influenced the present). Those articles received some feedback; however, readers were much more captivated by the weekend special articles called “Enemies of Africa” which focussed on anti-black institutions and people more broadly. Seeing that there was an interest in these larger writeups I re-edited and fixed them up to be presentable to a general audience. The hope was that the readings could both entertain and educate people.

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

This book contains a collection of people, institutions and power structures that have opposed, oppressed, and enslaved Africans both in the continent and abroad. These are the Enemies of Africa. It is written for general audiences, specifically those that wouldn’t normally read academic papers or scholarly articles. The book hopes to remove the barrier to entry for everyone to access reliable historical information about African history. While the book is for everyone, it is obviously most marketed towards people who have an interest in learning more about African history. Hopefully, once people understand black history well enough, it can finally be regarded with the same clarity and accessibility as the rest of history.

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

I hope readers will gain a greater understanding of the historical trends that led us to today. Specifically, I want to highlight the parts of black history that are either overlooked or not sufficiently understood. People know what the KKK are but seldom understand their influence on suppressing black political power. Ideally readers will go from merely seeing history as a collection of people, institutions and dates to rather see it as an interplay of competing forces with different interests. Once that is understood, the descendants of past trends can be identified and fought against. My biggest hope is that by understanding the past and seeing the successes and failures of black people and black allies, modern people can improve upon successes and avoid common mistakes. The book is not merely to edify but also to empower and motivate people to push society forward.

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

The book’s title was decided on a whim. Originally, I wanted an attention-grabbing name to increase readership for the weekend editions of my daily articles in order to maximize readership on those days when people would have more free time. Basically, as a joke, I chose Enemies of Africa, and nobody stopped me.

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

Write what you care about. I was able to churn out a full-length article every day for a month, specifically because it was on this topic of black history that is near and dear to me. I probably still would have gotten burnout if I went for too long, but I will note that this important topic kept me motivated and writing much more effectively than a lot of my other projects. It wasn’t even what I normally write, but this side project motivated me either way. Additionally, the knowledge I gained and the facts I learned did ultimately contribute to improving my other writing projects later on. So, if you find it difficult to include your topic of interest in what you normally write maybe give a side project about it a try. Who knows what could come out of it? Never be afraid to experiment or try something new and write about what you care about.

6. What trends in the book world do you see?

I haven’t really been keeping up with trends in the book world. From what I’ve seen there’s been an uptick in topics about AI. More specific to this book, many more books have a lot to do with topics of race. So, while it isn’t the most pronounced next to AI books, hopefully this book can join in that trend.

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

As a black person myself, I’ve long considered a lot of the unseen factors involved in the history of racism. An interesting thing I noticed were the internal explanations and historiographies of racism a lot of other members in the community had, no matter which parts of the world they are from. The common cultural trauma produced (sometimes) shockingly accurate understandings of institutional problems without needing a historical background. But occasionally, the community understanding would be completely wrong about some aspects or follow certain trends. Discussions and fact checking people on black history revealed several blind spots that I felt needed addressing. My goal was highlighting topics many members of the community feel strongly about but did not have evidence-based explanations for. My hope is that the factual ammunition will bolster confidence and ability to argue against racist narratives. I like to sneak in counterpoints to some pet peeve misinformation with the community so I can win arguments with relatives. Also, educating people about misinformation is important, I guess.

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to?
I write how I talk. It’s very casual laced with unfunny quips and sarcasm to try and liven up all the raw data readers sift through. It isn’t very academic, but my hope is that the content itself is factual enough that my more emotive and casual tone makes it more approachable rather than reduces the content’s quality. I don’t know if I’ve read any writers with an exactly similar style. Rather than writers, people that use a more casual diction to make academic papers more approachable is more at home with the style of Youtube video essayists such as Shaun, Hbomberguy or Three Arrows. I doubt my skills are anywhere near their skills, but they were huge inspirations that I strive to approach in quality some day.

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

The final book’s writing was easy to do because most of the content was written long previously. The daily articles were difficult because they were daily. But more than that, the most difficult part of the process was editing. On account of the originals being written on a daily basis, they had ATROCIOUS spelling and grammar errors. Additionally, there were frequent references to other articles not in the book that had to be removed. Reading and re-reading it over and over to edit was a nightmare. Even after pro-editors looked at it, I was way too nervous about errors and so continued combing it for errors past the point that any sane person should. I greatly appreciate the glowing reviews that claim that readers have read the book over and over again. I suppose reading for the intended purpose is different than reading to edit though. Either way, the editing process was agony. Writers beware!

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

Enemies of Africa is both entertaining and important because while its messages are about the past, it really highlights how the past affects our present. There has been a society wide uptick in awareness on racial politics and the haunting presence of systemic racism. For people who want to know more, this book gives that kind of information. For those who aren’t interested, maybe knowing the scope and horror of the problem will motivate them to care. I’m unaware of every individual reader’s morals, but society’s ethics at the very least point towards desiring a more aware and progressive population. This book is an excellent and accessible start for people hoping to be a part of that.

Jaiden Baynes is an award-winning author from Canada, known for his thought-provoking writing that challenges the status quo. He won the Literary Titan Gold Book Award in November 2022 for his debut title, “Enemies of Africa: Second Edition,” a non-fiction work that challenges conventional narratives about the continent’s past and present struggles. In his free time, when he is not busy writing, Jaiden enjoys exploring new ideas and interests, including drawing and programming. For more info, please see: https://baymarpublishing.com/books/enemies-of-africa-second-edition/

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