TODAY'S AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

 Doug Simpson, author of THE SOUL OF JESUS 

Book Blurb:

As part of His preparations for the long-prophesied birth of our Savior, God selected a devout group of primarily Jewish Essenes to oversee this monumental undertaking. The Soul of Jesus delves into numerous details surrounding these readily-available but little-known preparations which preceded the birth of Jesus, and then carries on to share delightful snippets concerning the birth and life of Jesus before the commencing of His Ministry, Jesus’ Healings and other Miracles, His Apostles, relatives, friends and the group of seventy disciples, the Crucifixion and Resurrection, His activities after the Resurrection, and Jesus’ Ascension, that are not recorded in the Scriptures.
The surprises do not stop there. The Soul of Jesus saves the block-buster news until the very end.

Amazon links for The Soul of Jesus:

US link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HX003PW
UK link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00HX003PW


Amazon Author Page  http://www.amazon.com/Doug-Simpson/e/B006GDWTQI

Twitter link @1Doug Simpson

Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/doug.simpson.902
Facebook author page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Doug-Simpson/161378310622999

Any other social media link you have
Blog http://doug-simpson-author.blogspot.com/

Goodreads  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5822173.Doug_Simpson
LinkedIn   http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/doug-simpson/16/a77/404
Shelfari http://www.shelfari.com/dougsimpson
Google+ https://plus.google.com/u/0/100241296410266842552/posts
5 Prince Publishing Author Page http://www.5princebooks.com/dougsimpson.html
WriteMinds Authors - Author page http://www.wmauthors.com/author-simpson-doug.html

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I'd like to thank Doug for taking time out of what must be a busy schedule to answer a few questions about his work.

Describe yourself in one word: Curious

You have a new book out titled The Soul of Jesus. What compelled you to write this particular book? It was a story that the general public needed to read.

What did you want to be when you were a child? An NHL hockey player.

What was your favorite book when you were ten? I have no idea.

If you could go back in time to when you were seven years old, what wisdom or advice would you pass on to yourself? There is more going on out there than you can see with your eyes.

If you could have one wish, what would it be? The Soul of Jesus is read by millions of people.

What super power would you choose to have? The power to heal.

If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be and why? World peace! We were not created to kill each other.

What is the number one lie you tell yourself? There isn’t one.

When you have time for yourself, what do you like to read? Books about actual reincarnation experiences.
What is your all-time favorite movie? No idea.

 Are there any specific authors that you admire? Brian L. Weiss, M.D.

If there was one author you could meet with and learn from, who would that be? Brian L. Weiss, M.D.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers? Rejections and criticism create opportunities for
improvement. Never give up on your dream.

Are there any tips you could give that you learned along your path of picking up the pen to having a published novel? Write and edit to the best of your abilities, and then tuck your work away for a few months. Then take it out and have a fresh look at it.

What was the turning point in your life when you decided to start writing? Time on my hands after retirement.

How long have you been writing? Trying to write - forty-five years.

What do you write? Specific genres, ages groups, etc. My novels could be classified primarily as Christian/Mystery/Paranormal for adults. The Soul of Jesus is non-fiction Christian/Historical.

Do you prefer Ebook, paperback, or hardcover? I prefer to hold an actual book in my hands.
What are you currently working on? Abandoned Soul, Book V of The Dacque Chronicles.

Where does your inspiration come from? Reincarnation experiences related to me by people I trust, and I also have guides on “the other side”.

Do you write about your personal life experiences in your stories? Partially, but a lot of the incidents in my stories have been related to me by others.

What makes your writing unique? Belief in reincarnation.

Is there any part in the writing process you don’t like? Sales promotion.

Do you have any writing rituals? Treats you have to have, a good luck charm or places you have to be, etc.? No. I am not superstitious.

Do you have a set writing schedule or do you write when the fancy hits you? When inspiration strikes.

When you aren’t writing, what would we find you doing? Sales promotion.

Is music part of your writing process? If so, what do you listen to? No.

Is your glass half full or half empty? More than half full.

After a difficult day what do you do to recuperate? Does it work? Sleep. It works.

If you could have a dinner party with five people (living or dead) who would be invited? Jesus, The Virgin Mary, The Apostle Peter, Edgar Cayce and President John F. Kennedy.

What is one of the most unusual things you have done in your life? Discovered proof of reincarnation.

Why would someone like your book(s)? My books give readers something to contemplate on.

What is the ideal recipe for a good book? Give the reader a reason to read ‘just one more chapter’.

Give a one sentence synopsis of your novel: The Soul of Jesus includes facts that most people have never come across before.

Who is your favorite character or person from your book(s) and why? Jesus. Is it not obvious why?

You’ve been contacted by the Association of Libraries from the Alien Planet of Zaolia. They want to know the five most important novels in all of Earth’s history. Which five novels do you give them? I would send them to the closest librarian as I have no idea.

How old were you when you wrote your first book? 65

How long did it take you to write it? It was the forerunner of the manuscript that has now become The Soul of Jesus. It took about three years because of all of the research that was necessary.

When did you publish your first book? 2011

What do you do to keep yourself going when you aren’t motivated? It does not make sense to me to write if one is not motivated, so I wait for motivation to resurface.

Which comes first the chicken or the egg… I mean the plot or the characters? I never think of it that way. I write a story that I want to write and the characters, and the story, develop along the way. I have not written a book yet that ended up where I thought it would at the beginning.

When you set your characters do you use character bios/ sketches or do your characters just land on the page? They develop themselves throughout the journey we take together. They know themselves better than I do.

Do you have any advice for the editing process? I have a wonderful editor at 5 Prince Publishing. We do not agree on everything but we are both good at compromising. I recommend all writers get at least a second opinion on their writing.

If you could do everything over (writing your book, or publishing, etc.) would you change anything? No. It took me a long time to get here, but I believe everything happens for a reason and my writing was apparently not good enough at an earlier age.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could go back in time? No. I am happy with the life I have lived.

What do you want to be remembered for? The author of The Soul of Jesus, a book still being read a hundred years from now.

What did life teach you yesterday? If you don’t get it right today, try tomorrow.

In your opinion, what is the one thing people can do to improve life? Be kind to others.

Where can people go to learn more about you and your work? My website at http://dousimp.msni.net.

AUTHOR
J. r. Barker

Children's author J. r. Barker agreed to stop in and tell us a little about her newest project: Krun the Barbrian.

"Whilst I am here I would like to introduce Krun the Barbarian.

Krun was born when I started writing little exercise pieces to improve my writing for my upcoming fantasy novel.

 Krun will not be a part of it, but the plucky blaggard burst out of my mind and onto paper before I could stop him.  I guess he didn’t like being left out of the actual story, so I’ve given him his own time and place to show off.

 For six weeks I’ll be sharing with you excerpts from his diary as he realises his dream to become a hero and fights not only the dreadful beasties, but his own naivety too.

Having decided it was cheap and easy, Krun sets out on the path of being a true hero, killing things and getting paid for it.

Yes, it’s cheap to live like a hero, you catch your own food, make your own clothes, but it’s not easy or cheap to start up.

Follow him as he discovers that he cannot do battle with a recycled sword, that yes he must wear armour and how not everyone wants their creatures slain.

It will be light hearted and battle laden.  Posts will be on Thursdays, but if you want to make sure that you catch them don’t forget to subscribe."

J. r. Barker can be found at www.jrbarker101.wordpress.com where you will not only find her latest creation but interviews, short stories, poetry and even her own photography.

Photo Courtesy of J. r. Barker

Today's Author Spotlight:

Brenda Perlin

Brenda is the author of the Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles, both of which are getting excellent reviews on Amazon. We can expect more exciting books from this talented writer.

Excerpt:

“He was also very jealous and had trust issues; traits I did not possess. In fact, I trusted to a fault” I have always been very trusting. Maybe trusting to a fault. I always believed that if someone wanted to be with me, then I could rest assured he would be with me, solely. In the past, I have always been someone you could trust. Sometimes I trusted when I shouldn’t have. I believe if you don’t trust someone, the results will come out in negative ways. Even though I never gave my husband reason not to trust me he always had fears and doubts. He saw me as naive and thought every guy I came in contact with had an ulterior motive. I always had to reassure him of my loyalty. Now that I have been caught as a Home Wrecker my reputation as a cheater follows me around. - Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles

Author Bio:

Brenda Perlin is an independent adult contemporary fiction author. 

Brenda evokes emotional responses in her readers by using a provocatively unique writing style. Her latest book in the Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles, captures the soul-wrenching conflicts of a personal struggle for emotional fulfillment.

Amazon

Shattered Reality (Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles: Book One) At Amazon 

Burnt Promises (Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles: Book Two) At Amazon  

Amazon Authors Page 

Facebook

Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles

Brenda Perlin 

Twitter

@BrooklynandBo 

Blog 

Website 

Book Trailer's Shattered Reality Brooklyn and Bo chronicles (Book One) 

Burnt Promises Brooklyn and Bo Chronicles (Book Two) 

“Read, read, read. Read everything -- trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You'll absorb it.
Then write. If it's good, you'll find out. If it's not, throw it out of the window.” 
― William Faulkner

“If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” 
― Stephen King

Artist Interview

Artist Interview:

Jay van Schelt

I'd like to thank Mr. van Schelt for taking a few minutes out of his day to sit down with us and tell us about his artwork.

Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

    I could but what fun would that be? One should discover another. Not just listen to their story about themselves don't you think? I guess that tells you a bit about me. I am all about the discovery.

Who or what inspires you? 

    Actually at this point, it is the fact that every moment is a brand new one that I have not yet been in and that leaves infinite possibilities for an outcome, which is very inspiring to me.

Who is you favorite artist? 

    I am not sure I have a favorite one. I look at art and mostly I love it but am very bad at working to remember the peoples names thanks god for bookmarks on the internet browser. I did get to meet Alex Grey the founder of COSM and his work is very inspiring. I also get a lot of inspiration from my grandchildren I love the fresh way they look at things. A long time ago an art teacher told me that every stroke is an emotional response to what you are seeing, and I have to say that no matter what, when I see any art I see emotion. sometimes the emotion is sublime and other times it is not so sublime but there is always an emotion that comes through. I think that the great artists could evoke the emotion they wanted to from their art. 

Do you have a favorite time or place to paint? 

    I have a workshop for the acrylic painting and glass art that I do on my back yard. But for digital it is just my desk top IMAC and me. If I had my way I would never get up, but a guy's gotta eat.  

Do you have a favorite food or drink while you create your art? 

    Coffee, coffee and more coffee 

As artists, we all have times when we get stuck. What do you do when that happens? 

    I guess I get up and do some movement like tai chi or just go and play with my grandchildren. That helps to distract me from the block. Sometimes it works, other times I just have to set that one aside and try something else for a while and come back to it. 

If you could ask one question of any person, who would it be and what would you ask? 

    I would ask Leonardo Da Vinchi and  the questions would be how do you know its done. So many times, it's do I need to do more? Will that be too much or just enough? I guess that is the burning question of my current art spaces.   

Now that we’ve got the easy stuff out of the way, let’s talk about your art. 

Would you like to share something from you latest project with us? 

    I would but it is still in my head and I am working on things that will allow it to be created. It is the idea of expressing the moment you discover that the entry in to the present moment, is a brand new experience. Even if you have done something before, it is new because you are new. Kind of like an interview you have done it before but there is more that you have experienced from the last time you did it. That new stuff influences the outcome in ways that you cannot predetermine. It is exciting to always do new things.

What style is it? 

    The style of this will be a digital composite. I will be using items created from several different programs. Then I will over lay them in gimp which is a digital manipulation program for the final output. 

Where do you draw your artistic inspiration from? 

    I guess it comes from my long involvement with the oriental healing and fighting arts in a way. Although when I started I was an oil painter from the Bill Alexander vain. I saw him paint and he just was having so much fun at it that I thought I could do that. He also wanted to share that with others.  And that feeling of wanting to enrich lives has been a big part of mine for years. My wife Kat and I have a vision of a program called The Colored Canvas that shares art with the young, the old or really anyone with an interest. That is why we are working hard at our art so that one day we can share it. 

Of all your works, what’s your favorite? 

    Like all of my children I don't have a favorite. They are all great in their own way.

What artists have had the strongest influence on you as a artist? 

    As I isaid earlier Bill Alexander was a big influence. He made it real that I could do it. The art of Mars1 is really great as well I had met him at a workshop once and he helped me to see some things that I did not see before. And that is the greatest gift you can share as an artist I think the sight to see some thing in a new way. 

Do you plan your projects out or do you let your artwork guide you as it goes along? 

    Most of my projects are not planned unless there is some kind of commission piece that some one wants some thing specific. I Just start with a blank canvas and see where it goes from there. There may be a specific idea in mind to start but that is all and I usually forget that and later say, oh yea I was going to do that. 

What is your favorite medium? 

By far the digital medium is the best with so many choices and ways to be creative. But I love to work with glass as well and then painting with acrylics is great fun. but I think at this point the digital is the best for me. 

What has been your biggest challenge? 

                              

    Finding balance between work family and my art. Art takes time and that is time you cannot get back. Family is very important to me now so I have to remember that I can come back to the work later and let go of it so I a can take the time to be involved with the family. 

What has been your greatest reward? 

    I am not sure how to answer this question. Life has given me plenty of success and plenty of low points, so I learned not to judge things as I did in the past on reward or loss. I guess the greatest reward I get is that I get to do it again today rather then not be able to. 

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned? 

    This question is linked to the above. the greatest lesson is that you don't have any "have to's" in life. only things that you choose to do. Many people will say no I don't I have to do X, Y and Z or else. While this is right it is also an incorrect perception of the situation. The situation is that you have the choice to do X, Y and Z or not. Not doing them has benefits and/or consequences just like doing them. The difference is that once I decide to do something (based on the benefits and consequences)  I am left with the feeling I get to do this. Which is different from I have to do this.  It may seem simple yet it is one of the most profound lessons I have learned in life. 

If you had one professional wish, what would it be? 

    I guess I would have to say to find myself doing this in the years after I retire so that I can have an interest that effects the world around me for my whole life.

                                      

But before we go, do you have any last words of wisdom to offer those reading this? 

    Remember that no matter what you have inside yourself, the greatest artwork ever created "Yourself" let if be created. 

A sample of Jay‘s work can be found at Deviantart