Your Author Bio (tell us about yourself)

I grew up in the small town of Bartow, Florida. Following marriage, the birth of two sons, and an eventual move to Atlanta, Georgia, I embarked on a successful 30-year real estate career.

In 2008, I helped my Rotary Club organize a program to fly WWII veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials. I wrote tributes for many of the honorees, including one about my father, Herman Allen. As I learned more about his experiences during the war and about my mother’s parallel journey in the intelligence service, the OSS, I began to research the story of the Liberty Lady.

Tell us about your book. What is it about?

LIBERTY LADY is the true story of a WWII bomber and its crew forced to land in neutral Sweden during the Eighth Air Force’s first large-scale daylight bombing raid on Berlin. 1st Lt. Herman Allen was interned and began working for his country’s espionage agency, the OSS, with instructions to befriend a businessman suspected of selling secrets to the Germans. Soon Herman fell in love with a beautiful Swedish-American secretary working for the OSS, their courtship unfolding amid the glamour and intrigue of wartime Stockholm. As Swedish newspapers trumpeted one of the biggest spy scandals of the war, two of the main protagonists walked down the aisle in a storybook wedding presided over by the nephew of the King of Sweden.

Who is your target audience suited for in this story?

When I began to write this book, my target audience was someone just like me … a person who was interested in WWII, specifically the air war, but didn’t know that much about it.

As I learned during my research, there was very little written in English about World War II in neutral Sweden. So my target audience became others who were interested in this important bit of history.

Recently, I was contacted by the Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm. They were developing a WWII Office of War Information outdoor exhibit and were using my book as a resource.

Do you have a favorite character in your story?

My favorite character would have to be Erica. She worked for German Intelligence doing a similar job as my mother did for the OSS. Erica hated the Nazis, however, and became a spy, known by her code name “Uncle.”

Do you find reviews helpful?  Or intimidating?

I have had heart-warming reviews, and I am grateful for every one of them. A favorite ends with “I loved reading this book.”

Why did you decide to self-publish?

While I was writing my book, people would ask, “Do you have a publisher?” My answer was always, “I’m not there yet.” The office for Jera Publishing was located in my city and hosted meet-ups of local authors.  They also had webinars for each aspect of self-publishing, and I took them all. When my book was ready, I knew I wanted to move quickly. It was an easy decision to work with Jera. Kimberly walked me through each step, very professionally.

Did you use IngramSpark, Amazon KDP, or another company to handle the printing and distribution of your book?

At Kimberly’s suggestion, I used both IngramSpark and Amazon KDP.

What parts did you do on your own, and what did you hire out to have done? (Editing, book design, cover design, eBook, marketing, etc.)

I had 2 friends who were professional editors and proofreaders, and they helped with editing. Jera’s professionals took care of the book design and the cover. I am very pleased with the results.

What was the most difficult part of writing this book?

People would ask, “Have you written before?” Yes, I wrote real estate marketing ads.  In 2009, my son Johnny suggested that I blog my research. At the time, I’m not sure I even understood what “blogging” meant. He designed my website, and I took off. Johnny was right. I connected with people from all over the world, and they found me.  www.LibertyLadyBook.com

I’ve said so many times that the research was fun. Some highlights:

1. I went to Sweden twice.

2. Attended 2 reunions of my Dad’s 8th Air Force bomber group, the 306th.

3. My initial research was at the library of the National Museum of the Mighty Eight Air Force Near Savannah, GA.

4. Rode in a B-17 bomber.

5. Interviewed many WWII veterans.

6. Spent 2 weeks at the National Archives near Washington, D.C.

7. Visited the Air University Library at Maxwell AFB in Montgomery, Alabama, twice.

8. Toured the OSS exhibit in the CIA headquarters at Langley.

9. Watched hundreds of WWII movies.

10. Read dozens of WWII books.

11. Blogged faithfully at www.LibertyLadyBook.com

So, the research was fun. Sitting down and putting it all together as a book was the hardest job I’ve ever done.

If you could tell yourself anything as a younger writer what would it be?

Don’t be intimidated. Do your research, and get it done.

What motivates you as a writer?

What motivated me for Liberty Lady was pulling together all the research I did to create a historical record of what was happening in Sweden during the war.

How old were you when you started writing?

When I began the research for this book, I was 64 years old.

What marketing have you done for your book? What worked and what did not work?

Most of my marketing has been via my website, email, and Facebook. I held several book launch events.

 

Recently, I’ve been invited to do an author talk at the Mighty 8th Museum in Savannah. This will be later this year or early next.

Did you start marketing before your book was launched? If not, do you regret that decision?

I suppose I could say I began marketing in 2009 when I began to blog my research. The book was published in 2016.

Any advice you want to pass on to other authors looking to self-publish their book?

Use professionals to help you, and do your research. Beware of the many “vanity” publishers who will charge a lot and do very little. Again, Jera did a great job for me and I can highly recommend.

Anything Else?

When I (thought I) was 90% finished writing my book, I had the opportunity to interview an author who had written one of my reference books. When I told him how many words I had written so far, he told me my manuscript was too long. I took his advice and cut, honed, and edited for several more months. This was great advice and I’ll pass it on.

Tell us about your book. What is it about?

Truly “Nothing Wasted” as Dr. Kama Thomas invites you into her life to experience her joys, her disappointments and her nurtured dreams. Adorned in resilience, bravery and tenacity all wrapped in God’s undeniable favor, she faces every obstacle with grace. Her divine destiny to serve as a pharmacist, a journey “speckled” with hills and valleys, was no childhood conception but a mere “nudge.” While she thought her calling to serve as a physician was simply a dream deferred, God’s hand was upon her rearranging the canvas of her life.

 

She takes readers from her anchor of origin, the tiny fishing village of Anse La Raye in St. Lucia to the United States where her countless testimonies take root and sprout. Arriving in America at 17 years old in pursuit of higher education, she is awakened by a jolt of disappointment. As readers travel cross country with her, they are wrapped in the story of an immigrant woman who displays nothing shy of fortitude. Her selflessness knew no boundaries with unforeseen responsibilities.

 

In her story, there are no villains as she believes that every event positive or negative happens for her and not to her. She is grateful for every “no” that has helped change the trajectory of her life. As you travel this intimate unpaved path with Dr. Kama Thomas, your soul will never be the same as she inspires you and even demands that you assume your responsibility of living a life of purpose regardless of your calling.

What motivated you to write this book?

I have often been told that my story of migrating to the US is an inspiring one. I wrote this book in hopes that someone somewhere would hear my own story and this challenge them to revisit a dream they may have forgotten.

Who is your target audience for this book? Why should they read your book, or how will it help them?

My target audience is middle school and beyond. Immigrant stories seldom get told. Many people will be able to see themselves in my story because it is one of resilience and triumph over life’s hurdles.

Are your books tied to a business you own or work for? If so, tell us about that business and how the book and the business work together.

Yes, as a speaker, I often tell my own story in order to connect with my audience. Whether I am giving a commencement speech or speaking on a podcast, by telling my own story, I am hopeful that my audience will understand the importance of telling their own stories in an authentic and empowering way.

Are you ever concerned that the language of your book is either too technically difficult or too elementary and potentially insulting for your target audience? How do you decide?

 No, I sought to write a short book that almost anyone could read. I wanted to highlight stories along my journey that readers would identify with. I centered my stories around common themes that bind us; family, education, disappointment and triumph.

How long did your book take to complete?

Roughly 9 months

Are you currently working on another book? Is it the same genre?

Not yet but I hope to write another book which would be a devotional/book of affirmations.

What is your goal as an author?

My goal as an author is to ensure that my readers feel seen and heard. That they identify something in my story that resonates with them on a personal level. That my readers leave inspired and encouraged after finishing my book.

Why did you decide to self-publish?

I chose self publishing because it afforded me the freedom to work on the book at my own pace and to make decisions that centered my own voice and ideas.

Did you use IngramSpark, Amazon KDP, or another company to handle the printing and distribution of your book?

Yes, both

Did you purchase your own ISBN or have one assigned to you by Amazon KDP or IngramSpark?

I purchased by own ISBNS on Bowker.com

Now that your book is in print, do you have any regrets?

No regrets, just a deep sense of accomplishment and joy.

What parts did you do on your own, and what did you hire out to have done? (Editing, book design, cover design, eBook, marketing, etc.)

I hired out: editing, book design, cover design, eBook design and social media graphics

What would you do differently if you were to self-publish again?

I would give myself a longer deadline for publication.

What is the most difficult part of writing this book?

Because the book is a memoir, the most difficult would have to be having to re-live difficult moments of my life throughout the writing process.

If you could tell yourself anything as a younger writer what would it be?

Write often and write freely.

What motivates you as a writer?

Knowing that I have created a body of work that I can be proud of. If my work impacts one life then I would have done my job.

How old were you when you started writing?

9 years old

What marketing have you done for your book? What worked and what did not work?

Social media posts on Instagram, LinkedIn, Created an opt in landing page, Podcast interviews.

Did you start marketing before your book was launched? If not, do you regret that decision?

Yes, I started marketing on social media platforms a few months in advance.

How do you use social media as an author? Has it worked well for you, or is it something you want to do more or less of?

I used Instagram to engage my audience prior to my book’s release and to grow my waitlist prior to the book being published.

Which platform do you use the most?

Instagram, then LinkedIn

How are you handling marketing with COVID closing down many events authors often do, such as book signings and book clubs?

Virtual book signings and Zoom podcast interviews

Anything Else?

My advice to other authors would be to not rush the process, celebrate small wins and ask for help when needed.

Your Author Bio (tell us about yourself)

I am a Christian, wife and mother of two. I was born in the beautiful, hilly countryside of Kari, Muguga, in central Kenya. I enjoy reading poetry and stories, particularly those that explore the question of Utu (a swahili word for being human or acting in humane ways). I live in Mcdonough, Georgia, with my family.  I am also the author of Malkia Short Stories.

Tell us about your book. What is it about?

My book is about a man called, Mzee Hekima (Mzee is a Swahili word bestowed to the elderly as a sign of respect, and Hekima is also a Swahili word that means wisdom) and his Rooster called Kelele (a Swahili word meaning noise). Mzee Hekima and his rooster Kelele live in Jata village in a beautiful countryside in central Kenya. Kelele takes great pleasure in carrying out an important task which has earned him the title, “the village alarm clock”. Early one morning Mzee Hekima finds Kelele bleeding and in pain. Who would want to hurt Kelele the rooster? And why? Mzee Hekima will not rest until he finds the culprit/s who hurt Kelele.

 

 

 

This is a story that teaches us the importance of being humane, compassionate and kind with others.  In swahili this is referred to as ‘Utu’, the act of being humane.

What motivated you to write and publish a book for children? Is there a moral or message in your book, or is it just for fun?

 I love children. I was a Sunday school teacher for several years and I observed how well children responded to stories. Also, both my children are under 6 years old, stories have been amazingly effective in teaching them about moral values. Growing up in Africa, my mum told me a lot of fun stories with moral lessons, that were passed down from her mother.  I wrote this children’s book, not only for fun, but to share some values from my culture.

Who is your target audience suited for in this story? What age group of children do you suggest for your book?

This book is targeted for children 7 years and older.

Do you have a favorite character in your story?

I favor all of them, mainly because each character plays an important, and the story cannot be complete without them.

Are you currently working on another book? Is it the same genre?

Yes, same genre. A second series of Mzee Hekima and the Boys

Do you find reviews helpful?  Or intimidating?

I find them helpful. They have helped me grow.  The feedback I get from my reviews help me improve my stories.

Why did you decide to self-publish?

Because I wanted to be part of every step of the journey of bringing my story to the reader.

Did you use IngramSpark, Amazon KDP, or another company to handle the printing and distribution of your book?

I used Amazon KDP

Now that your book is in print, do you have any regrets?

Can’t think of any right now.

What would you do differently if you were to self-publish again?

I would involve an editor early in the process.

What is the most difficult part of writing this book?

Figuring out if children will relate with the story and characters.

If you could tell yourself anything as a younger writer, what would it be?

I would tell my young self to read more and to write more.

What marketing have you done for your book? What worked and what did not?

Social media and word of mouth worked best for me. I am learning how to market beyond my social media network.

Did you start marketing before your book was launched? If not, do you regret that decision?

I did not market before my book launch. In hindsight this is something I should have done.

How do you use social media as an author? Has it worked well for you, or is it something you want to do more or less of?

I use social media to share my projects. I appreciate social media because it has been a powerful tool to reach people of all walks of life. It is the place where I have gotten constructive criticism and grown.

I would like to do more; possibly turn likes and loves into sales.

Which platform do you use the most?

Facebook

Your Author Bio (tell us about yourself)

It was my new elementary school principal stating scornfully in front of the class that he could not understand my deep Southern speech that encouraged my lifelong love of the English language and reading. That morning I was embarrassed, the teacher who stood at the head of the class was embarrassed for me, but the principal seemed pleased at humiliating an eight-year-old girl who was just three weeks off her grandfather’s farm in rural Pittsylvania County, Virginia.

How was I to know that my Southern accent and speech was frown upon in the Northeastern city of Baltimore, Maryland? It was acceptable back home where I was a precocious child, the smartest in my age group, skipped from the third grade to the fourth grade because the third grade work was not challenging for me, and an extrovert—not afraid of anything.

Two weeks after entering my new city school, the cafeteria manager asked for a student to help by getting a tally first thing in the morning of the students who were buying lunch (no intercom system or computers in the 1960s. Being the extrovert that I was, I quickly volunteered. Each morning, I went to every classroom, read the menu for that day, and then took a tally of how many students were buying lunch.  One week later the principal put an end to my reading the menus. Thereafter, the teachers read the menus.

That incident hurt for a long time, but it forged a belief that I could change the way I speak to be clearly understood. And I did. The English language and reading became my safe havens.

My love of reading actually began at age two, my mother being my first teacher. During my elementary years, I read Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys. As I got older, I read Ellery Queen, Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, the Illustrated World Encyclopedia, Reader’s Digest and every mystery I could get my hands on. In Reader’s Digest, the “Word Power” section at the back of the book were the first pages I read first, quickly learning the new words and definitions. Thereafter, my taste for mysteries grew exponentially. Mysteries became my favorite reading choice, and my desire to write my own mystery stories began.

I hold a Ph.D. in Organization and Management (Leadership focus) from Capella University, Minneapolis, MN, a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from the University of Richmond, Richmond, VA.

I am a member of James River Writers. I am a past president and past director of the Richmond chapter of ISM (Institute for Supply Management). I have served for eleven years as the president of the 23^rd Investment Group, an investment group I founded, which is currently in its 21^th year of operation. I am still a partner in this group.

I have self-published six fiction murder mystery novels—Sundrenched Water, Secrets of Salmer Tawgg (So Now They Know), Sacks of Murder, Stolen Four Minutes, Six Good Ones, and Sequestered with the Murderers. My short story, Oh, My Dear God! won 3^rd place in WritersWeekly.com website contest and my short story Inconceivable was published on the website theravensperch.com.

I am currently working on a seventh murder mystery project with a working title of Sultry. I live with my husband in Richmond, Virginia, where when I am not writing or attending writing seminars, we travel to see the beauty of the world.

Tell us about your book. What is it about?

Sequestered with the Murderers- This is the chilling fourth novel in the Vett Brayborn adult whodunnit murder mysteries. After the driver of a tour bus is murdered at a Virginia interstate rest area, leaving thirty-six passengers stranded, one of the passengers—amateur detective Vett Brayborn—is asked to solve the murder before the police does. Vett uncovers the powerful and driving force behind the execution style murder of the driver.

Six Good Ones- This is the third novel in the Vett Brayborn adult whodunnit murder mysteries. It is a rich and epically tangled family saga, with secrets and a central mystery pulling at the characters like gravity. When amateur detective Vett Brayborn’s aunt is shot and dies two weeks after her millionaire boyfriend’s murder, clues to the shocking murders lead Vett to probe into the lives of six of her blended family members who are known as the six good ones. Could one of them be a murderer?

Stolen Four Minutes- This is the second novel in the Vett Brayborn whodunnit murder mysteries. Amateur detective Vett Brayborn’s gripping and propulsive hunt to solve the twenty-nine year old case of a kidnapped five-year-old girl leaves no stones unturned. And she only has thirteen days solve the crime.

Who is your target audience suited for in this story? –

My target audience is adult readers. Readers who enjoy Kinsey Millhone in Sue Grafton alphabet mysteries, Agatha Christie’s Ms. Marple, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories will enjoy my books. Vett Brayborn, the central character in my books has the keenest of Ms. Marple, is a master of deduction like Sherlock Holmes, and is no nonsense and independent like Kinsey Millhone.

Do you have a favorite character in your story?

Both Vett Brayborn and her husband, Detective Gam Ellison, a Pittsylvania County Sheriff Detective, are favorites. She is a favorite because of her many strengths and he because he loves her and does not push her to conform to his conventional ways of investigating.

Are you currently working on another book? Is it the same genre?

Yes, I am working on another book. It is a murder mystery, but does not feature Vett Brayborn. It is a Southern murder mystery with new characters, dynamic twists and turns, and an exploding secret.

Do you find reviews helpful?  Or intimidating?

I find them helpful, if properly done. Properly done reviews are a big help to me in my writing journey and can provide new insight.

Why did you decide to self-publish?

I was unable to find a literary agent. Self-publishing has many facets to it, and I find it fascinating. It is hard work just like anything else you want to get a reward from.

Did you use IngramSpark, Amazon KDP, or another company to handle the printing and distribution of your book?

I am using Amazon KDP.

Now that your book is in print, do you have any regrets?

I have no regrets. It is very rewarding seeing your work in print. And it is very rewarding knowing that I accomplished what I set out to do.

What parts did you do on your own, and what did you hire out to have done? (Editing, book design, cover design, eBook, marketing, etc.)

I wrote all of my books. I hired an editor to fix things I could not see. I designed my book covers, but hired a cover designer to bring them to fruition. I hired a book designer to take my manuscripts and put them into book format and to create my e-book format. I use Amazon Advertising to market my books.

What would you do differently if you were to self-publish again?

As of today, I will use Amazon KDP. I used Xlibris on my first book in 2013. I am much happier with Amazon KDP.

What was the most difficult part of writing this book?

Discipline. You must carve out a portion of every day to write. A book will not write itself. Before I learned this was imperative for me, I wasted a lot of time rereading and rereading what I had written because I would write, then let a few days go by before I wrote again. I then had to catch up on what I had written a few days ago. A complete waste of time since I wanted to complete the book in 3 months.

If you could tell yourself anything as a younger writer what would it be?

It would be, don’t be afraid. There is a place for my type of writing. I wish I had started writing and publishing much early, but I let fear and other commitments keep me from pursuing my dream much earlier.

What motivates you as a writer?

My inside motivates me. I have this voice, this spirit, that tells me I must write, so I listen to it now.  Thomas Jefferson wrote “I cannot live without books.”  I feel the same about writing.

Do you try to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

I am original. I don’t know any other way to be. There is a place in this wide world of books for my kind of writing. With that said, I do my research to see what the top sellers are so that I am not totally oblivious. For example, if Southern mysteries have been hot for the last two to three years, I may include some element of the South in my story.

How old were you when you started writing? 

I first notice I could write well in high school. I always got As in my English, Literature, and Creative Writing classes. And I tended to sign up classes like these that involved a lot of writing. My future was being forged.

What marketing have you done for your book? What worked and what did not work?

I use Amazon Advertising. I’ve done book launches, created a book club, and promoted by book within the groups I belong too. These work for me.

Did you start marketing before your book was launched? If not, do you regret that decision?

No and I do not regret this.

How do you use social media as an author? Has it worked well for you, or is it something you want to do more or less of?

At present, I do not use social media. It is something I want to learn how to do.

Which platform do you use the most? 

I use Amazon KDP to publish my books and Amazon Advertising to advertise my books.

Any advice you want to pass on to other authors looking to self-publish their book?

Don’t put off what your heart, your spirit is telling you to do. Start publishing with Amazon KDP because it is free upfront. Amazon takes a portion of each book sale. So you don’t have to give Amazon money upfront for publishing. You’ll pay for other things like book cover design and design of the inside of your book. If you want to try other self-publishing companies with future books, be very carefully in who you select. Some of these self-publishing company charge you a lot of money upfront to publish your book and a lot of money to market your book, but you don’t make a return on your investment. Be very careful.

Anything Else?

To beginning authors I would say writing a book is very DIY in terms of publicity and marketing your book. Since you are not at the very top of the author pyramid, you have to be prepared to take charge in all endeavors. Writing a book is just the beginning of the endeavor.