Summer Reading

Q&A With Grant Leishman

Posted on June 27, 2018June 28, 2018 by Kristy Jo Volchko

Welcome to my blog! I’m so excited to introduce one of my favorite indie authors, the talented, brilliant, and (very) funny, Grant Leishman. I recently finished Leishman’s The Second Coming, which had me laughing, crying, and wanting to know more about the man behind the story, and creative force to be reckoned with. So, without further ado, let’s ask away!

Hello, Grant, thank you for sharing some time with us! Please tell us a little about yourself.

Hi Kristy, thanks for having me.

I’m not sure you have the space for me to tell you too much about myself, but if your readers want the full oil on my life, I strongly suggest they read: Just a Drop in the Ocean, which is a fictionalized (but essentially true) story of my life. The main character Nick’s story; is my story. I hasten to add that the other main character Teresa’s story is definitely not my darling wife Thess’ story.

So, what can I tell you about myself? I’m a fifty-nine-year-old New Zealander, who is now domiciled in the beautiful islands of the Philippines. After careers in finance and journalism, I decided to run away from real life to a tropical island and that’s exactly what I did. I live in Manila, with my lovely wife and two of my seven step-children. I am technically a full-time author now, but reality insists that I spend some time as an editor/proofreader to pay the bills. Let’s face it; it’s damn hard to make a living as an author.

That being said, I am doing exactly what I want to be doing – following my bliss and “living the dream”.

Reviewers have described your latest five-star book as, “fantastic, inspiring, original, comedic, thought-provoking, witty, a modern-day spin on an ancient story…” What inspired you to write The Second Coming?

The Second Coming was my first book, and originally I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to write about, but I did know I wanted to write a novel, so I looked at Amazon and asked myself; what’s selling right now? As it happened, the number one book at that time was a little book by Mitch Albom called; The First Phone Call From Heaven. Aha! I thought – God sells! That got me thinking and being a good Presbyterian boy brought up in Dunedin, New Zealand, I had gone to Sunday School and learnt all the bible stories about Jesus. What if? I thought; what if one day God looked down from Heaven and despaired at the mess mankind had made of Earth? He decided to destroy Earth and write it all off as a failed experiment – start again from scratch, so to speak. If Jesus intervened and asked for one more chance to turn us around, what would happen? Thus, The Second Coming was born. Of course, it then went on to become a trilogy, with Rise of the AntiChrist and Holy War, but that’s a whole ‘nother story.

What do you enjoy most about writing?

The freedom! I used to live vicariously through reading (still do – to a great extent) but with writing, I can not only live vicariously through my characters, but I can create them to be and do anything I damn well please. I am in control and if I want to use my characters to say something insightful, quirky, funny, or even downright controversial – I can, and for a naturally introverted person, that’s real freedom.

Who designs your book covers?

I’ve tried a few different ones, including someone I used from Fiverr, but the more books I’ve written, the more I’ve understood how important a professional cover really is to a book’s credibility. At the moment, I have two designers I use, depending on what I’m looking for. Rachel McGrath of McGrath House and Eeva Lancaster of The Book Khaleesi Both Rachel and Eeva are excellent at what they do.

What are you currently working on?

I wish I could say I’m writing, Kristy, but I’m not. At the moment, I’m busy editing and/or proofreading books for my clients. My editing business has certainly taken off this year, but sadly at the expense of my writing. Still, needs must come first and we gotta pay the bills – right?

I finished my latest novel; Love Beyond, about three months ago, but I have not even had time to edit it myself and get it out there. I will get there though. Love Beyond is a Historical Romance, set at the time of the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish Colonial rule – circa 1896. When a Spanish Officer falls in love with a Filipina maiden, who just also happens to be a member of the revolutionary army (the KKK), things are bound to be fraught with difficulty. I am really happy with the book and already have my cover made, so am excited to get it to market, since it is my first historical novel. I like to change things up when I write.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Who am I to give advice to anyone? I am an author who doesn’t sell, like so many of us.

My only advice is this; don’t listen to the naysayers, believe in yourself and always, always, follow your dreams. If you want to write – then write, but don’t write because you want to be a famous, best-selling author – write because it is your bliss.

What kinds of things do you like do for fun? Hobbies?

My only real hobby apart from spending time with my family is reading. I read exclusively “indie” books and read between 175 and 200 books a year. I also have a bit of fun every December with the annual “Grunter Awards for Excellence in Indie Publishing” where I give out awards for the best books I’ve read in a number of genres, over the past year, culminating in the Supreme Grunter Award, for my book of the year. I’ve been doing that for the past three years now and get a lot of fun from it.

If you could choose any destination in the world to spend six months writing, where would you go and why?

A Nipa Hut on the beach at Lagundian Bay, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro, the Philippines.
Why? Because it is “heaven on earth” and so incredibly beautiful, peaceful, and inspirational. Of course, I would need my darling wife there to inspire my writing and to kick me in the butt when I goofed off to go swimming in the pristine waters.

What would you like your readers to know?

The only thing I can say is; I write for you, so when you do choose to read one of my books, I am deeply humbled and pleased. It’s a bit like the tree that falls in the forest. If there’s nobody around; does it make a noise? If I write a book and nobody reads it – then did I really write it? Readers are everything.

Where can we find your books?

Almost all my books are exclusive to Amazon, except for The Second Coming and Rise of the AntiChrist, but all of them can be accessed from my Amazon author page.

I love interacting with readers and fellow authors. All of the many ways of getting in touch with me are here:

Website: Author Support Services Website:
Email Address:
Facebook Author Page (Please Like):
Facebook Personal Page (Happy to friend you):
Twitter:
Google +
Pinterest:
Goodreads Author Page
Instagram
LinkedIn

#FastFunFacts:

*Last movie you watched – Little Big League (A Soppy Family One)

*Favorite place to write – Staring at the Beach

*Three things you can’t live without – Laptop, Real Coffee, and my Kindle

*Last book you read – The Socratic Contract by D C Russell (Excellent!)

*Top three favorite bands of all time – This is so embarrassing to admit: Abba, The Beatles, and Queen

*Favorite colors – Pink and Blue

*A particular food you could eat every day for a one year and still love: Lumpiang Gulay (A Philippine Spring Roll, filled with fresh vegetables and deep-fried) OMG! SARAP!

Thank you so much for the candid Q&A, Grant! Wishing you much success on all your books and future projects~ Have a blessed, prosperous, and wonderful summer!

Summer Reading 2018

Posted on May 20, 2018January 11, 2021 by Kristy Jo Volchko

Summer vacation is almost here and that means lots of sunshine, campfires, baseball games, road trips, roller coasters, fireworks, barbecues, cannonballs into the pool, and Summer Reading 2018! Encouraging your child to stay on top of their reading maintains literacy, strengthens critical thinking skills, keeps them from falling behind, supports their reading development, builds vocabulary, and nurtures a lifelong love of books. All great stuff, right?

VISIT THE LIBRARY

Getting kids involved in their local library is important for many reasons. In addition to the various Summer Reading Programs, access to free books, magazines, audio books, music, and internet, there are opportunities to volunteer, find a reading buddy or tutor, and be in an environment where other kids are reading for fun. Most libraries have some sort of Summer Reading Program so stop on in and let the fun begin!

“A library card is the start of a lifelong adventure.” Lilian Jackson Braun

“I have found that the most valuable thing in my wallet is my library card.” Laura Bush

“The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” Albert Einstein

“Getting my library card was like citizenship: it was like American citizenship.” Oprah Winfrey

SUMMER READING GOALS

Whether kids are getting their books from libraries, bookstores, or online apps, setting aside 20 minutes or more for reading should be an essential part of their daily routine. Create a snazzy chart, graph, or poster to record daily, weekly, or monthly reading goals, use incentives, and reward progress. A promised shopping spree at Barnes&Noble or Half Price Books goes a long way!

INCENTIVES

Reward them with the key to a locked treasure chest filled with surprise goodies. The wonder and anticipation of what’s inside is a huge motivator. Fill it with stickers, baseball cards, bookmarks, ear buds, sidewalk chalk, crayons, markers, UNO, Crazy Eights, Old Maid, or Go Fish cards, Jacks, a journal, shiny marbles, colored stones, beads…the possibilities are endless!

A magazine subscription for Highlights, National Geographic Kids, Story Monsters Ink, or any subject of particular interest (dance, science, sports, fashion, cars).
Tickets to an upcoming sporting event, concert, or movie they’ve been wanting to see.
A gift certificate to Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Half Price Books, or Record Exchange.
Something specific they’ve had their eye on (video game, skateboard, jewelry box).

SUMMER READING PROGRAMS

* Your public library
* Carnegie Library Summer Reading Extravaganza
* Barnes&Noble Summer Reading
* Half Price Books Summer Reading Program
* Scholastic Summer Challenge
* Sylvan Learning’s Book Adventure

FREE BOOKS/STORIES

Let’s face it, reading lots of books can get pretty pricey. Luckily, there are a ton of places to score some free ones. School, online apps, and the public library are always great places to start.

International Digital Children’s Library

Oxford Owl

The Library of Congress

Freechildrenstories.com

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Free Kindle Unlimited Amazon

REMEMBER:

Get them a library card.
Take them book shopping.
Take turns reading aloud, alternating pages.
Encourage them to donate/share used books.
Laugh! Reading should be fun.
Discuss the story and characters; encourage questions.
Prompt them to bring stories/books along for trips, car rides, waiting areas, and picnics.
Create decorative bookmarks together for every season.
Be an example! They need to see you reading too.
Do a Summer Reading Challenge with them.

HAPPY READING, HAPPY SUMMER!

FREE for Kindle Unlimited!

Operation Scrub-A-Dub Skunk

The Clubhouse Cabobble

Frogs Can Fly

KRISTY JO VOLCHKO is a multi-genre author and blogger. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she continues to share her love of storytelling.

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Q&A With Kathleen Harryman

Posted on April 20, 2018June 14, 2018 by Kristy Jo Volchko

Hello, and welcome to my blog! It’s my pleasure to present Kathleen Harryman, an author with an eclectic style and a flair for painting. I appreciate her taking the time to share a little about herself and her new release, Where Friendship is Made and Family Begins.

Kristy: Please tell us a little about yourself.

Kathleen: I live in the beautiful city of York, England, with my husband, two daughters, cat Leo, and dog Reilly. I’m a bit of a history buff, and York with its rich historical values, satisfies the historian within me. It is also a great source of inspiration, which is probably why both my first two books The Other Side of The Looking Glass and When Darkness Falls are set within the dark walls of York.

I’m a bit of a bookworm, and from a very young age I wanted to be an author. Life is a funny thing, and my writing came second when choosing a career and brining up my children. In 2015 I thought it was time to address my childhood dreams and began writing my first book. I have never looked back, and now cannot ever imagine not writing.

I’m still a mum, dog walker, cat looker-after-er, wife, and work full time, so things can be a bit of a jungle; however, I wouldn’t change them. I have so many ideas for new books that I feel very excited about my writing future.

Kristy: What inspired you to write When Darkness Falls?

Kathleen: When I wrote When Darkness Falls, I wanted to write a psychological thriller with a difference. Writing it from the killer’s perspective was an absolute must for me, as this gave me the chance to explore the criminal mind and test the boundaries of what we term as ‘normal’ behavior. Another twist to the normal psychological thrillers on the market today is that the killer is a woman. I’m not giving anything away here, as right from the first chapter the reader becomes aware that the killer is a woman, and her method of killing is not poison!

I’ve found it really interesting how readers have interpreted When Darkness Falls, and I simply love the fact that while the reader cannot condone what the killer has done, they do find themselves understanding her reasons for killing, which I think has created a seesaw of emotions for the reader, because you don’t want to like or understand someone like the Yorkshire Slasher!

There is a certain amount of freedom, when writing from the killers’ perspective that I find fun. It’s like the bad guy in a movie that you don’t want to like, but do.

Kristy: I absolutely loved reading the psychological thriller that has been described by reviewers as “ghoulishly fascinating” and “intense and gory”. Will there be a sequel?

Kathleen: I haven’t discounted a sequel to When Darkness Falls, and I do think it would be fun and interesting to write one, though at the moment I’m not thinking of doing so. My editor asked me the same question, as she found the complexity of the killer’s character to be additive, until she asked me about a sequel, I hadn’t really considered writing one, but now that the idea has formed I’m not prepared to never, just not right now.

Kristy: What do you enjoy most about writing?

Kathleen: The best thing about writing, is everything that I learn during the writing process, whether it’s all the research that gives credibility to the story, or the characters themselves as they develop. Even when I’m not writing, I’m still thinking about the story, and things continue to play around my head as new ideas form. I’ve even found myself laughing as I walk down the street as a scene in my book plays out in my head; I’ve had some odd looks, but it doesn’t bother me.

Kristy: Who designed your book covers?

Kathleen: I have always had a clear view of how I wanted my book covers to look. When I wrote my first book, I put forward the ideas I had in mind to the publisher. By the time my second book When Darkness Falls was due to be published I’d decided that I wanted to fully design the cover, I enjoyed this so much that for now I will continue to do so.

I actually painted the picture for the front cover of my latest book, Where Friendship is Made and Family Begins, which is a collection of poems and is on sale from the 7^th May 2018. The poetry book is very personal to me, as it is dedicated to my dad and therefore it was important for me that every bit of the book meant something special to me.

Kristy: What are you currently working on?

Kathleen: With my poetry book ‘Where Friendship is Made and Family Begins’ due to be released very shortly, I am working on a 1940’s book called ‘Forgotten Love’ with an actress friend of mine Lucy Marshall, who played the Yorkshire Slasher in my promotional film for When Darkness Falls. My grandfather fought in WW2 and died on D-Day and it is with immense pride that I am writing this book with Lucy, which will be based around the 5^th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, which is the regiment that my grandfather fought under.

I am also in the final stages of writing another thriller The Gas Man, which I am hoping will be out later this year. I have so many ideas, which have been outlined for future books. I can’t ever imagine never having a story on the go.

Kristy: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?

Kathleen: I would say write, don’t look at other authors and compare your work. You are original, and so should your work be. I could never imagine adapting my writing style to try and be someone else. Each author writes different and we all go through different stages. I tend to know how I want a story to start and finish, the in-between bit is where all the fun happens. Writing should allow you to feel free, free to imagine, inspire, and to be you as the story forms. Each book is a reflection of the author, it was born in their mind and brought to life within a book, to be anybody but you, would stop the book from being an extension of you.

Kristy: What kinds of things do you like do for fun? Hobbies?

Kathleen: I love walking, having a dog that’s a good thing because he’s always ready to out and about. I also like to sketch and paint. I’m terrible because if you were to ask me about a TV program I would probably look at you blankly as I hardly ever watch TV. I would rather be sketching or reading a book.

Kristy: If you could choose any destination in the world to spend six months writing, where would you go and why?

Kathleen: I once went on holiday to the Isle of Sky in Scotland. I absolutely loved it. I could see myself in a small white stone-built house near the sea, with mountains as neighbors. The peace and tranquility would be blissful.

Kristy: Where can readers find your books?

Readers can find my books at:

Amazon: http://author.to/KH-AUTHOR-PAGE

Or at my website: www.kathleenharryman.com

Readers can also find out more about me at:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathleenHarrym1

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/httpstcoyo1g8QEBAq

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WriterKH