Interview With Award-Winning Irish Historical Novelist Lacy Fewer

Literary Titan says: “Yankeeland is a sweeping tale of hope, resilience, and transformation that weaves through decades and continents. Centered on Brigid Kelly's journey from a stifling Irish village to the promise-filled shores of America, the novel explores family dynamics, societal expectations, and personal ambition. Brigid's dreams clash with her father's traditions and her stepmother's rigid control, culminating in her determined escape to the New World with her husband, Ben. What unfolds is a compelling narrative of immigrants grappling with love, identity, and survival in a land where opportunities are as abundant as the challenges.”

  

1.      What is your debut novel, Yankeeland, about? Yankeeland is a historical fiction novel following Brigid Kelly, an Irish immigrant seeking a new life in America in the early 20^th century. Leaving behind a restrictive life in Ireland, Brigid hopes for freedom and opportunity, but she soon faces harsh realities. As she navigates an unforgiving new world, she confronts the limits imposed on women and the sacrifices required to survive. Exploring themes of resilience, identity and the generational struggles of women in a society that often seeks to silence them. Rich in historical detail and emotional depth, Yankeeland is a compelling tale of hope, endurance, and the unbreakable spirit of a woman determined to define her own destiny.

 

2. What was life in America like, circa 1908, for a young female? Women were deeply constrained by a patriarchal system endemic in all aspects of society. Yankeeland gives a deep insight into the challenges faced by women in their roles and in the expectations that came with that. Not least the emphasis placed upon marriage and childbirth. Education for females was purposefully overlooked, if not forbidden, clearly to keep women docile and in the roles that society assigned to them. History shows us how damaging this societal belief has been for women and whilst respecting that it was of its time, it was an accepted and rarely challenged way of society. My objective in researching these stories is to bring into focus the importance of learning from our shared history.

 

3. Brigid, your main character, is married and fails to conceive a child. Why was her sense of self so wrapped up in the concept of being a mother? Brigid’s sense of self is deeply tied to motherhood because, in her time and culture, a woman’s worth was often measured by her ability to bear and raise children. Coming from a traditional Irish background she was raised with this expectation that marriage and motherhood were central to a woman’s identity. Beyond the societal pressures Brigid also longed for motherhood as a way to create a loving family of her own, something she had lost at a young age. Her inability to conceive is not just a personal heartbreak but also a challenge to her identity and purpose. When this role is taken from her it forces her to redefine herself, adding to her journey of resilience.

4.  It is also about mental unwellness. What message are you seeking to convey here? Lives marked by mental instability quite often do not allow for awareness. For the sufferer, mere existence can become an all-consuming struggle. It was important for me to explore this journey staying as close as I could to the truth of the experiences I was writing about. I had the ability to draw on lived experiences, which proved invaluable in detailing some of the more profound moments in this story, offering a thought-provoking insight into the perception and treatment of mental health and how not enough has changed in the intervening period. In my experience, few have been untouched by mental instability, either directly or indirectly. Yankeeland tells a story that I hope will resonate and spark honest public debate.

 

5. Your story centers around the keeping of family secrets. Do some secrets destroy people? Truth is fragile. Reading Brigid’s letters forever changed how I view secrets. I have no doubt that the secrets in this story were kept out of love—but isn’t truth the greatest act of love? Information is power and confronting secrets offers liberation from the shackles of the past, allowing humanity to move forward. Stigma, a mark of shame or discredit, has been wrongly attached to mental health for far too long. Yankeeland reveals how this unfolded through the hidden truths in the letters. Yet, I find myself asking—why have the letters endured? Why had those who knew held onto the darkest correspondence, with innermost thoughts laid bare? I believe that, on some level, the letters were cared for—preserved as if waiting for their destiny, waiting for me to tell this story and illuminate a dark time in our history.

6. What did you think — and how did you feel — when some 30 years ago you read some 200 letters and postcards sent across an ocean that were penned a century ago? When I first read those letters, sent across an ocean and penned a century ago, I was both humbled and ecstatic. It felt like an honor to be the first to read them in decades and some for the first time since then had been penned. I can still remember sitting on the floor, piecing together their journey with the excitement of an avid sentimentalist—until I began to uncover the depth of the tragedy and the secrets within. I realized how many lives had been affected, never to understand the truth in their lifetimes, and the agony of it consumed me.

7. Yankeeland is a remarkable fictionalization of some key points in your family’s history. How challenging — or cathartic — was it for you to write this book? Yankeeland stems from a place of deep respect for those who suffer—directly or indirectly—from mental instability. As the youngest of six children, I grew up witnessing the impact of mental illness firsthand, with three of my siblings affected. When I read those letters that inspired this book, I realized our family’s struggles were not new; they stretched back generations. That discovery shaped my understanding of illness—not as something that defines a person, but as an intrinsic part of the human experience. How we manage it defines us. We must embrace our differences, for it is our shadows that cause the greatest of our conflicts—and our deepest truths reside.

8. Your book is heavily character driven. How did you go about drawing them? I wanted the characters in Yankeeland to feel authentic, so I approached them with deep emotional and historical grounding. Brigid, in particular is shaped by the real struggles of women of her time—resilience in the face of oppression. I drew from historical research, personal letters, and oral histories to ensure their experiences reflected the realities of the time. Each character carries a unique emotional arc shaped by their personal desires and societal limitations. By focusing on their inner lives—I aimed to create characters that feel as vivid and complex as real people.  Their voices lingered with me, guiding the narrative’s emotional depth and authenticity.

9. Why do you think many people are drawn to intergenerational stories like Yankeeland? It is important to understand the impact and the power of intergenerational stories, if we look closely enough quite often there is repetition. My words are lived, they are experiential in the ways of family trauma that is passed down through the generations. The debate rages on if mental health is genetic, environmental or a defect from birth. I believe it is all of those things and I believe that trauma is generational, carried through the lineage until it is healed. We cannot change the past, but we can influence future generations. I believe at some level as human beings we have an inherent knowing and by taking the time to connect into this sense of knowing we can bring light and healing.

10. One testimonial for your book said it “reflected the quiet strength of women who refuse to be erased.” Do you agree? Why? I loved this quote, it captures the essence of Brigid who faced systemic challenges, including societal expectations, patriarchal oppression and the rigid constraints placed on women of her time. Despite these hardships, she persists asserting her independence and resilience. Brigid’s journey highlights the struggles of many women in history who were often overlooked or dismissed, yet found ways to carve their own identities and destinies. Brigid’s ability to navigate these difficulties, maintain hope and push forward against adversity embodies the quiet strength the testimonial refers to. Her story, along with the novel’s exploration of generational struggles, underscores the lasting impact of women’s choices.  Through Brigid, Yankeeland captures the strength, sacrifice and determination of women who despite adversity, refused to disappear.

 “With a deft and delicate touch, floating on prose that rings as clearly as a morning church bell, Lacy Fewer traces bloodlines and heartlines that reach back generations, and, as she does so, shines a light on the commonalities that bind us. Her characters embody who we are through their aspirations and dreams, loss and resiliency, and that most precious of qualities, hope. This is a book of layers, part history, part exultation, and a quiet examination of the sorrows of the lost who cannot find help. As such, Yankeeland merits multiple readings. A brilliant first novel, and one that speaks of glories to come.” —Greg Fields, Author of The Bright Freight of Memory, PEN/Faulkner Award Nominee

 

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 Authors Tom Collins, J.D., and Michele Molitor, CPCC, CCHt

 

1. What inspired you to write this book? The short answer would be we were both suffering perfectionists who’d each found some hopeful tools or pathways toward what we now call flawsomism. And we both knew, as we say in the Conclusion, that The Way of the Flawsomist could help others “find greater peace of mind and satisfaction in [their] day-to-day life.”  We were inspired by individuals like Olympic gymnasts Aly Raisman and Simone Biles and by our research into the Japanese art and philosophies of Kintsugi (“golden repair”).  

2. What exactly is it about — and who is it written for? The book starts by building the case that perfectionism is a toxic mindset that causes a wide range of physical and mental health problems, with supporting research. We dismiss the notion that there is any such thing as “positive perfectionism.”  We then review the contrasting science, showing that embracing the inevitable imperfections in ourselves, others, our work, and the world around us leads to a healthier, happier life. We also show that this does not mean abandoning excellence but understanding that the only way to grow, is to do your best today — knowing it won’t be perfect and taking joy from the effort, not the result — and then strive to do better next time. Living in that paradox of striving for excellence while embracing imperfection is the way of the flawsomist. The rest of the book discusses how and why to apply these learnings in specific contexts: the workplace, the self-imposed and socially-prescribed perfectionist pressures on women; parenting; aging; and the implications of AI.  So, as to who it’s written for, we hope it will benefit anyone who recognizes that perfectionism is negatively affecting them or the people in their lives.  

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book? A clear understanding that perfectionism is toxic and that living in that paradox of embracing imperfection while working to improve is the antidote. There are also journal prompts at the end of each chapter to encourage readers to pause and reflect:

- How is toxic perfectionism showing up in their life?

- What’s the impact of it in different areas of their life?

- What might be some new flawsome perspectives to embrace instead to support their growth? 

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design? Tom had started writing the book and had a working title of “perfectly flawsome.” In Michele’s work she often asks her clients to reframe their limiting beliefs using the “I am…” phrase in her work as an empowering statement of truth. So bringing them together as “I Am Perfectly Flawsome” seemed to be the perfect fit (and a great mantra as well)! The kintsugi bowl is beautiful and eye-catching and, of course, the golden repair captures our core message.  The subtitle encapsulates the paradox with the phrase “how embracing imperfection makes us better” carrying multiple nuances. We feel the overall design grabs attention and arouses curiosity, the essential goals of an effective book cover design.  

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!? Wow, we could go on all day. If you want a shorter answer, in one word, write! Then, of course, you get into how to get from writing to a published book. Tom’s longer answers come in his blog posts, like The Indie Advantage that compares traditional, hybrid, and indie publishing and talks about the need for authors to take charge of marketing themselves and their books. And the full-length version in his previous book, The How to Write a Book Book, co-authored with his wife and partner, Yvonne DiVita. One big piece of advice is to have an accountability person or team, whether that comes from having a co-author, joining a writer’s group, or working with a developmental editor, designer, marketing professional. It’s vastly more difficult to do it alone. We both say all the time that this book may never have happened if Tom hadn’t asked Michele whether she’d like to co-author it with him and then brought in our developmental editor, Yvonne.  

6. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book?  Oh, yes! And we recount several in the book. One example would be Tom’s experience in his lawyer days, of having to cover a vacationing partner’s hearing in an unfamiliar venue and feeling like a failure for flubbing a few of the specialized acronyms being thrown around the room, despite getting a favorable decision for the client. Another is Michele’s story of the negative impact of being bullied in her high-tech career that left her filled with self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and her self-imposed high expectations that led to burnout, and eventually to being laid off. 

7. How would you describe your writing style?  Hmm, conversational? We strive for a style that is friendly and accessible to readers. Reading what you’ve written aloud helps a lot and we often did so together on our weekly Zoom calls. We hope readers hear our “voices” in their heads as they’re reading. It also helps that Michele recorded the audio version of the book as well, so you literally will! 

8. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book? Ironically, a big one was lurking perfectionism. We spent more than a year working together on it, though Tom had been writing in an earlier draft off-and-on and we both had written a number of blog posts and articles that were reworked into the book. We kidded each other repeatedly about needing to “declare good enough” and “let the baby be born!” The obvious challenges of working as co-authors on opposite coasts were relatively easy to overcome by scheduling bi-weekly and then weekly meetings with our editor to go over our work in between and lay out the goals for the next meeting. Being responsible to each other to make the progress we’d promised was a huge factor in getting the book out, even when we weren’t always able to complete everything in a given week.  

9. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours? Our survey showed that 83% of adults feel pressure to be perfect. And we cover a lot of research showing the benefits of overcoming perfectionism to lead a healthier, happier life. And as one reviewer put it, “From Japanese philosophy to parenting to AI, this book is full of valuable ideas, important calls to action, and useful tips for eliminating perfectionism and adopting a new way of thinking.” Whether the toxic effects are showing up in your work, your self-talk, your relationships with others, or your overall outlook on the world, our book can help.

Author Bios

Tom Collins: Since retiring from practicing law, Tom’s been a serial entrepreneur helping others find their way in publishing, both online and print, currently as “Book Artisan” at Master Book Builders. His curiosity frequently takes him on research and writing journeys into the science behind topics like reading, happiness, and healthy aging – here, the benefits of embracing imperfection; i.e., he’s a practicing flawsomist. 

Michele Molitor, is a transformational coach and clinical hypnotherapist, and co-author of multiple books. For over 20 years, she has worked with high achieving professionals assisting them in reducing their fears and overwhelm to reclaim their self-confidence, calm, and clarity to create a thriving life and career. Please see: https://michelemolitor.com/i-am-perfectly-flawsome/

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

Tu Hable Ingles?

 

  

English was recently declared the official language for the United States by President Donald Trump. One may ask: Isn’t that already the case? Surprisingly, no, but the nation runs on English. 

Though the United States, since its inception in 1776, has not had any legislation or executive orders to state English, the mother tongue of the British who ran Colonial America, as our country's language, we have acted as if that’s the case.  

However, what did change was about 30 years ago President Bill Clinton said all government  forms had to supply alternate languages, such as our next, most popularly spoken, one, Spanish.. President Trump has also rescinded that requirement.  

On the one hand, all Americans need to be able to communicate with each other, and that comes with the use of one language, which in this case is English. Those who speak other languages are at a disadvantage if they can’t navigate basic situations and we all lose out if we are walled off from each other due to language.  

On the other hand, knowing a second language is so cool and allows one to keep their cultural heritage while adopting English. We just don’t want so many people relegating English to second class, and instead relying on another language.  

If we placate people, they will never feel the urge or need to learn English - but if we dismiss them by not putting things in their language, they will feel isolated and ignored. 

What are we to do? 

English should be our official language and we should support others to help them learn it. There will always be a clear advantage to English-speaking people but we don’t want to leave others behind. We want everyone to bring diverse backgrounds and views to America, but if we can lessen the degree that they rely on their foreign language, and increase their use and understanding of English, the better. 

Bi-lingulism is not a bad thing at all. We need it for travel, international trade and global political affairs. There’s scientific evidence that bi-lingual speakers use more of their brain. We can continue to speak multiple languages, as a choice, but as an act of necessity, everyone needs to have a command of the English language.  

Further, the residents of this country, many of whom trace back to being immigrant descendants or themselves are immigrants, need to improve their literacy skills. We need people who can write, and speak our language with some proficiency. Some Americans who think they are red-blooded owners of this nation are the ones who are ignorant, both with their English-speaking skills, and in their modes of thinking.  

Language plays a role in uniting the country, and making English the official language is just a symbolic gesture. We need to help others to learn the language and not to be nasty or judgmental about it. We all win when we are all on the same page - and can understand the words on it without needing Google Translate. 

 

 

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

Writers Must Not Fall For AI

 

 

Writers are falling into the AI trap. They are deferring their thinking to a machine, one without authentic experiences, feelings, or original ideas. AI just cultivates data and words and regurgitates what’s already out there. Yet, authors are turning to AI to write, edit, and market their books. 

You can’t subcontract the thinking, creative, and curious side of you to a machine any more than you can ask AI to mend a broken marriage, cure cancer, or raise your children. 

AI to be clear, is not your trusted friend. It’s a product of corperations and governments seeking to learn how you think and act so that it can be better at manipulating, suppressing, or distracting you. It’s like asking your enemy for advice or a competing athlete for strategic tips on your playing ability. 

The more we feed AI, the stronger it gets, and the more real and trustworthy it seems. The opposites are true. AI is like a cop during an interrogation of someone who was arrested. The more you say to the cop, the more ammunition he or she has to use against you. It learns from you - what you say, how you say it, how you respond to things, what you are silent on, and your overall demeanor.  

Ok, I must sound like a lunatic who distrusts priests, athletic coaches, and home tutors, when it comes to how they interact with kids, but yes, I’m more cautious, suspicious, and protective because the reality is there are bad people in trusted positions, and there’s technology out there created or managed by people with ill intentions.  

We already give too much of ourselves to technology. Our life is online, from medical, employment, and school records, to what we search for, buy, or state on social media. Our phones are liabilities. Snitch-bitches like Alexa at home are the enemy. The government, big corporations, and anyone who pays for information- or simply hacks into it -- are listening, watching, stealing from us, and using us to indict ourselves.  

I don’t know what the solution will be. Staying off the grid can be disadvantageous as well. We collectively hope that good prevails, but we should know better. Our privacy is compromised, and we are getting to be so dependent on our online world that we’ve become less human, even engaging in what are robots and those who are friends for our entertainment, socializing, or business.  

AI will expedite the corruption of humanity. In 20 or 30 years from now, a time when I will be old and in physical and mental decline, I have no doubt AI will not be my friend or asset. It will be the chief tool used to subdue, obfuscate, and manipulate the world. 

Remember what AI is: artificial intelligence. It’s bullshit right now. It could be a monster that will destroy us.  

AI is good for those who want an edge at any cost, who lack morals, courage, discipline, or a soul. Yes, some good can come from AI, but the downside potential is much, much greater.  

Authors, resist asking AI to help you write your book. Humans write for humans. Speak from experience, curiosity, imagination, feelings, and knowledge. Don’t just throw random digits and letters together in hopes of an AI book soup coming out. 

Maybe it’s human nature to resist all change and to question an invention that could help or hurt us, but my point is this: AI, is not your friend. It has an ulterior purpose and can take on a life of its own. It might be time to rewatch The Terminator. It’s our prophecy if you allow it.

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 Yaeko Koizumi Knaus

 

 

1.      What inspired you to write this book?          

It was the series of many things. As the results, it eventually emerged as a picture book.  The original poem was written having the students in mind when I traveled on the east coast of the United States by a sailboat.  I had retired on that year and I kept thinking about my students while I enjoyed my trip on the water. I emailed my poem to my former principal who read my poem to the students in an entire school during the morning announcement. I received very nice feedback which encouraged me to hold on to my poem thinking I would like to publish it someday. But, how was my question. Should I publish a collection of my poems? A few years ago, something made me to draw the scenery from my poem. Surprisingly several people gave me the positive comments on it.  Thus, these two events gave me an idea to publish a children’s picture book.    

 

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

My book tells the readers my amazing journey along the east coast of the United States,  how fun to travel by a sailboat,  how beautiful our world is, what animals one will see along the coast as well as how sad to see the pollutions along the way. It reminds the readers how important it is to take our individual responsibilities seriously as a gatekeeper of our environment free of pollutions.

 

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

I hope the young readers will be inspired to learn how to sail, and want to travel on the boat. I also hope my book will remind them that we need to be vigilant to keep the environment clean and pollution free. I like to see my book will generate the discussion among the young readers how they will keep away the trashes and pollutions from their environment.

 

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

Paros was the actual name of my husband’s beloved boat. It was named after the Greek island of Paros. It gave me much pleasure and joy over the years when I traveled on it. So, it was a tribute to it to name the book after it.

 

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

Talk with other authors?

 

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

I understand the area of e-book and audible are growing. I am sure the book industry is responding to this trend and the reader’s needs.

 

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

This book is totally based on my real experience.

 

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

I really do not have the model. I love reading some of the poems of Shel Silverstein or Maurice Sendak. I also love reading Roald Dahl ‘s books. I love the humors in their writing.

I would like to write like Hemingway someday.

 

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

Because English is not my mother tongue, writing anything in English is always challenging for me. It often needs to double and triple-check various parts of writing such as the expressions as well as the grammar in order to make sure they are correct. The use of “a” and “the” are most challenging for me in addition to the plural forms. On the other hand, despite the fact that I had no formal training in the area of art, surprisingly the illustration for my book was also done by myself. So, it took some courage to publish it. However, I found the drawing and coloring are completely   creative and I enjoyed it most.

 

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

My book gives the readers not only the joy of reading a story but also the pleasure from the visual art. The poem I wrote will share the experiences on a sailboat with the readers while each page helps them to appreciate the art work. The feedback I often receive for my illustration is how colorful each page is and no two pages are alike.

 

About The Author: Born and raised in Japan, I studied the English language in a college in Kyoto, Japan. A few years after that, I had an opportunity to come to US and to continue my education.   While in school, I was able to obtain several teaching certificates which included teaching ESL/Japanese Bilingual, Elementary school, Reading Specialist, as well as Japanese Language. These certificates made it possible for me to teach at a public school in New Jersey. I have retired in 2015 after teaching young students for 25 years.

 

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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.

 

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