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?

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

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?

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

The Quest For Book Marketing Happiness !

 

 

As an author, you want to write. You love writing and all that goes with it -- thinking, reflecting, analyzing, researching, and interviewing. You are driven not only to write about something specific, but to engage in the very act of creation. Writing gives you hope, power, and a voice. It allows you to recreate, improve, and change. Writing helps you become who you always were meant to be - and it could help others live their lives. What a beautiful skill and act. It’s your way of being, your expression, and fulfillment of who you are. But writing books does not end with the act of writing.  

Then comes editing, getting published, and the marketing of your works. But the book marketing can drain writers of their time, money, energy, and mindshare. It challenges, frustrates, and clutters the harmony of most writers. But it’s a necessary burden that all authors must grapple with.  

Some, perhaps the majority, will do little to nothing when it comes to marketing their books. That’s the equivalent of remaining in your bed when you smell smoke in the house. 

That never ends well. 

Some, if they are the fortunate 20% of authors to have a publisher (not the hybrids),  may get some assistance for a brief period of time, but without supplementing it, you too shall see your book perish without a trace.  

Some will take ownership of their marketing. They will outsource some or all of it -- and/or they will do some of it themselves. Results will be mixed for most, based on many factors – the length and depth of the campaign, quality of its execution, competing titles/price, timing, and the proclivities of the book-buying public.  

Ok, so that’s the landscape of book marketing. How does an author achieve book marketing happiness? Notice I didn’t say “book marketing success.” Presumably, one who has success will be happy but one who has happiness may not have had success.  

The happiness part derives from an author’s mental state -- how one feels about the marketing and how taxing it becomes for them. The goal here is how to feel good about your book marketing, regardless of the results. 

For instance, maybe you will achieve book marketing bliss by deciding to do nothing - and you proudly commit to it. Once you know and accept your limitations - and work within that framework - the easier it may be for you to function and go about your business.  

But, when fear, anxiety, regret, wants, desires, and unfulfilled dreams gnaw at you, that’s when you have a problem. Unless these feelings drive you to do something about them, you must accept your station in life and not look back. However, when you feel doubt or guilt about not marketing, a strategy of ignoring it does not lead to book marketing happiness. You are not content and need to do something about it.  

First, don’t make excuses, no matter what your life is like. I know you have little time or money to do anything, but exactly to what degree? You may not be able to put in two hours today to market your book, but can you spare 15 minutes? You may not have $10,000 to pay a promoter, but can you invest $3,000 over 100 days, for $30 a day, into your book’s marketing? 

Second, no whining. You may see marketing like going to the dentist, buying a used car, or filing your taxes - a negative experience -- but it is something you simply cannot choose to avoid without suffering the consequences. So, instead of building up resentment about the need to market your book, embrace it. 

Finally, in order to gain book marketing happiness, you need to be better informed of what to do, when, and how, as it relates to book promotions. Knowledge is power. Once you have a bigger-picture grasp of the book marketing world, the better you’ll be at making decisions and taking actions. No doubt, it feels better to act from an informed position, rather than one of ignorance or fear.  

You can achieve book marketing happiness- and maybe even success too - but they don’t necessarily have to go together.

 

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 Brendan Finbar Mooney

 

 

1. What inspired you to write this book?

I have always admired Percy Bysshe Shelley’s work Ozymandius, reading this piece inspired me to explore other works of romantic poetry. I have always had an

interest in poetry, but it wasn’t until 2022 when i was locked down in isolation because of COVID that I began to toy with the idea of writing poetry. I didn’t have

much that I could do, and isolating meant I could not go out and practice photography which is my other hobby. I loved reading poetry throughout my life and decided I would try my hand at writing some to pass the time at home.

 

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

The book is a foray into science fiction poetry, containing several pieces of science fiction related work in addition to other classically romantic works of poetry. Each piece is best consumed on its own and is unconnected to others in the book, making it accessible and able to be picked up whenever the reader has time.

It was written for lovers of classical romantic poetry, of space and science fiction, who are interested in an alternative viewpoint on the world.

 

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

I would hope that readers will enjoy an easy, lyrical read of my book. I created the book to offer readers interested in science fiction access to poetry in what is an

unrepresented niche. I hope that it offers the reader a chance to escape the doldrums of the modern world and take comfort and refuge in thoughts of space,

science fiction and mythology. I wrote each poem to spark the imagination with vivid imagery.

 

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

The original title of the work “Death to the Cybermen” was chosen as a striking title that firmly places it into the science fiction genre. The cover artwork is a rendition of a poem from a currently unpublished book of poetry which I felt captured the spirit of my book perfectly. Strikingly vivid imagery and mystery. The book is now published under a new title “The Illuminated Man” which was chosen based on my desire to maintain a science fiction theme for the book.

 

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

You never know what hidden talents you have until you discover them and give things a try, like myself discovering I was a poet aged 53, laying on the couch with COVID.

 

6. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy

when writing this book?

As a child, I loved physics and science and I used to go to warehouses and get discarded pieces of technology and take them apart and rebuild them. This experience meant that I have always been interested in science and science fiction which is very useful when writing a book of science fiction poetry.

 

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

writing similar to?

Some of my greatest inspirations have been poets such as Lord Byron, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Percy Bysshe Shelley and William Butler Yeats. I find myself

gravitating to the style of romantic and modern poetry. I am increasingly interested in pursuing more poetry that explores themes of space, science fiction and the cosmos.

 

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

My book occupies a niche in that it explores themes of science fiction, which is rare in the genre of romantic poetry. For this reason i feel that my book is unique

and offers a different insight that many fans of the genre will find interesting and engaging.

 

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

In composing the book I needed to find a balance between the science fiction nature of the work, aesthetics as well as the grand themes I wanted to explore.

When i had finally settled on a draft, it took me some time to find a publisher to help share my vision with the world.

 

It was a very long process with challenges along the way but I am very excited with how it has panned out. A more recent challenge was needing to change the

name of the work from “Death to the Cybermen” to the “The Illuminated Man” which took place after the publishing date due to potential copyright issues.

I am very grateful to my publisher and my family and friends for supporting me through each step of my writing journey.

 

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

yours?

I think that in today’s troubled world of noise, technology and troubles, that most people would benefit from finding an escape in poetry that is soft and lyrical and that encourages them to take their mind into a different world and time, away from the trials of their lives.

 

 

Biography: I was born in 1969 in Galway, Ireland. I come from a family of 6 people, being the eldest of 4 children. My father is Australian, and my mother is Irish. We emigrated to Australian in 1987 due to my father wanting to return home. We moved to Newcastle

in New South Wales before finally settling in Launceston, Tasmania 6 months later. My hobbies include science, music, photography and architecture. I am always looking at broadening my experiences and developing new skills in these areas. I started

writing poetry in 2022 as part of my isolation after having contracted COVID. I did not have much that I could do, and isolating meant I could not go out and practice photography. I loved reading poetry throughout my life and decided I would try my hand at writing some to pass the time at home. Some of my greatest inspirations have been poets such as Lord Byron, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Percy Bysshe

Shelley and William Butler Yeats. I find myself gravitating to the style of romantic and modern poetry. My first book, The Illuminated man was published on the 21/02/2025 by Austin Macauley publishing. I am currently refining a second book titled The

Forbidden City with aims to get that published next. My next aim, after having these works published, is to begin entering my works into publications and competitions to

have my work recognized and gain exposure for my poetry. For more info, please see:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brendan-Mooney/author/B0DTDDX634?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=69ace237-b8af-4e36-a834-a6a9d06f7aac

 

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