Interview with writer Nino Gugunishvili

Writer Nino Gugunshvili joins me today to chat about her new collection of short essays, You Will Have a Black Labrador.

During her virtual book tour, Nino will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a luck randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit her other tour stops and enter there, too!

Bio:

Nino Gugunishvili’s is the author of a women’s fiction novel, Friday Evening, Eight O’Clock, published in English and Russian. She resides in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Please tell us a little about you new book of short essays.

Love, memories, family, enduring friendships, cooking, movies, dogs, travels, hairstyles, and saying Yes to many No’s in a witty, yet often sentimental, journey of self-discovery… 

You Will Have a Black Labrador is a collection of semiautobiographical essays forming a narrative about a modern Georgian woman. Her stories range from the search for a perfect romantic partner to exploring food as an integral part of the Georgian culture. Many of the vignettes center on childhood memories or weird family traditions, such as the way family members stay connected no matter if they’re deceased or alive. One essay reveals how making a simple omelette can change your life; and that No can be the most powerful word in any language. She shows us, too, that a haircut can be a tribute to the movies you love as well as a path to your freedom; and how owning a dog always brings unexpected experiences. In this poignantly humourous collection, reality mixes and interferes with an imaginative world in so many surprising ways.

Excerpt from You Will Have a Black Labrador:

Whenever my mother tells me she had a dream seeing my grandmother, or my grandfather, my grandmother’s sister, my father, or my nanny, then recounts in detail what they talked about, I don’t think that she’s out of her mind.

I only become slightly more cautious. Sometimes I’m even angry, at them, for appearing in our dreams, and only just checking on us, not saying anything expectedly wise, not telling us the stories from their otherworldly experiences. Isn’t their mission to guide us through, spreading titbits of wisdom or any life-affirming messages around?

We’ve always lived together: Mom, Dad, my brother, me, my grandmother, and my nanny. There were two grandfathers I never met, because, sadly, they passed away long before I was born, but who nevertheless were always most actively present in our lives. ‘Never met in person’ would actually be more appropriate here. Their presence was strong through many photographs we had and lots of personal belongings. I remember my grandfather’s compass and a stopwatch and a cigar case my father kept in his study, and brought out from time to time.

The ‘till death do us part’ concept never worked in our case, since it seemed we were not parted by death from our relatives. Those who passed away stayed with us, talked to us, came in our dreams, and occasionally gave advice. There were no ghostly stories, ghost whisperers, or psychic readings involved...

What do you enjoy most about writing short stories?

I love that writing a short story is challenging. You have to stick to certain limits. You can’t develop the characters or settings endlessly; short stories have a different arc and rhythm and a tempo of their own that you have to follow. You have to be more precise with words and action sequences, you have to set a dynamic so that the story is fully formed within a relatively short time frame. It’s difficult, but at the same time, it’s wonderfully satisfying.

Aren’t some of the best works in the world literature the short stories we so love? Think of Ernest Hemingway, or J.D. Salinger, or O.Henry. For me, short stories are like precious little gems.

Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?

I think the essence of this book revolves around the family and that’s why some of the essays like “Till Death Do Us Part” or “Make Me an Omelette” are a glimpse into family history inhabited with passionate, loyal, influential women characters unique on their own. I wanted these stories to be a tiny tribute to them too.   

What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?

Several years ago my answer would be fiction, but as of today, I’m more and more interested in the creative nonfiction, where you can mix reality and the fictionalized world, where you can take your personal experience, put some biographical details, or real-life events and blend them into the story, I think it’s definitely worth a try and a fantastic ride!  

What exciting story are you working on next?

Right now I’m making notes on some of the ideas I have. I’m not in the actual writing process, but then, the “writing process” is such an unpredictable, almost mysterious thing, that Bam! and you’re in the middle of typing those words on your computer. I hope that will happen soon, maybe tomorrow?!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When my then six-year-old nephew asked me wide-eyed, whether I really wrote that book he saw on my kindle. That’s probably the first time I thought I could say that yes, I’m a writer!   

How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?

From the very start, I knew I wanted to self-publish this book on Amazon. I read extensively, keeping in mind my previous experience with publishing my debut novel and deciding what I’d like to repeat, and what I’d prefer to leave behind. You have to get as much information as possible, and decide what route to choose: indie, or traditional? It’s not easy, it’s nerve-wracking but it’s definitely an experience you’ll never forget! 

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I don’t like changing places while I write, I’m glued to my couch in the living room. I hate when someone disturbs me and that’s when I’m becoming really nasty! I have to write in silence. I’m also too superstitious while writing. 

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Everything from a postwoman to an actress!

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

Thank you for stopping by and reading the blog! I hope you had fun and I also hope that You Will Have a Black Labrador is on your reading list!

Links:

Amazon | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook author page | Goodreads

Thank you for being here today!

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Interview with writer/author Tracy Wainwright about "A Transformed Mind"

Author/Writer Tracy Wainwright is helping me wrap up the week by chatting about her non-fiction book, A Transformed Mind: Change Your Thoughts to Change Your Life.

Bio:

Tracy is a multi-published author, having self-published more than half a dozen books and is currently under contract for her first traditionally published novel. She has also been published in multiple local and national magazines over the last ten years.

Tracy enjoys writing in a variety of genres and has works in the categories of Bible Studies, adult fiction, young adult, children’s fiction and nonfiction. Her latest nonfiction book, A Transformed Mind, is the first in a series of twelve mini e-books devoted to life transformation.

Welcome, Tracy. Please tell us about your current release.

A Transformed Mind developed out of a period of personal trial, reflection, and prayer for ministry direction. It’s the first in a 12-part series of mini e-books geared towards reaching people who may not have a lot of time to read, but have a desire to read books that will change their lives. A Transformed Mind fits that bill perfectly, being called small but mighty. The book is written with clarity and authenticity that anyone can relate to and gives practical tools that anyone can implement. It is an important and initial step to help people live the abundant, victorious, transformed life we’re called to live.

What inspired you to write this book?

As I was spending time evaluating and reflecting on my personal ministry, my writing ministry, my family, and other things I’m involved in, I began to prayerfully seek out how to be most effective and efficient. My desire was to be faithful to the calling I’ve been given without taking away from my family or church ministries. As I went through this process, it was made clear that my focus in all areas of life and ministry are to be transformed. As I worked on drawing this theme into my writing, the Transformed Series was conceived. A Transformed Mind seemed like the most appropriate place to start, as our minds must be on board before we can make any other changes in our lives.

Excerpt from A Transformed Mind:

It was interesting as I searched scripture for evidence of God influencing our thoughts, I came up short on what I expected. There are multiple scriptures on God knowing our hearts and minds, exposing the vast schism between His thoughts and ours, of God revealing truths to us, and even God blinding people’s hearts and minds. What I didn’t find was extensive evidence of God implanting ideas in our minds.

As I thought about and prayed over this seeming anomaly, the Lord graciously provided me an answer. He has given us the gift of His Word to fill our minds. He is not a God who desires control over our minds and actions. He’s not a dictator deity pushing Himself on us and relinquishing us of our free will. No. On the contrary, He loves us enough to give us everything we need then let us come to Him through our own desire and will. He has revealed Himself through actions and Holy Spirit inspired writings, lovingly calling us to …set your mind and heart to seek the LORD your God. 1 Chronicles 22:19

It’s not that God doesn’t desire to influence our thoughts and hearts, it’s that He does not use His power and sovereignty to control us. God does not forcibly control our minds, but He offers through His Word to steer our thoughts to truth. He also offers, through His Spirit, to help us know and understand His Word.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I’m very much looking forward to the end of our year of homeschooling soon so I can get to work on the many projects I have waiting in the wings. A Transformed Mouth (book 2) has already been written and A Transformed Ministry (book 3) is in the works. I’m also working on a middle grade novel for my children that’s about a Girl named Broccoli. It’s fun and a nice break from the research and intensity of writing nonfiction. I’m also expecting to be working on edits on my upcoming mystery novel, which is currently contracted with Prism Book Group

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

I first considered myself a writer when I started pouring my heart out in black and white about ten years ago. While I’ve only been published a few years, I like most authors worked many, many moons towards that goal. When you wake up in the middle of the night, or leave dinner to burn, or forget to make dinner because you absolutely have to get the words flowing in your brain down on paper, then you know you’re a writer.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

There are days I feel like a full time writer, but because I homeschool, most of my writing days are very split up. I usually have an hour during the school day where the kids are working independently, a couple of hours in the afternoon, and try to grab one or two after dinner several evenings a week. That’s why I look so forward to summer break, without teaching school 3-5 hours a day, I have a lot more time to “work.” Then there’s always the times I wake up at 3am and can’t sleep or am working on a project and don’t go to bed until 2. Basically, I squeeze writing in wherever I can. However, I’ve learned that when I’m writing, that’s my focus and when I’m with my family, they’re my focus. I have to completely shut off my writing side to really enjoy being with them and in addition to regular family times, I usually ban myself from the computer at least one day a week to be present for my family and friends. And just take a restful break!

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Good question. I think all writers are a little quirky, so not sure I have anything specifically unique. Maybe the fact that I edit Facebook posts and text messages before sending them.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

First, I wanted to be a veterinarian. Then I read a book about all that entails. I wanted to love on animals, not do surgery on them. After that I moved on to want to be a beautician, and then an interior designer. I’m so glad God brought me to where I am! I don’t think I’d have been exceptionally good at any of those jobs.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?

I just want to let the readers know how important and valuable they are to authors like me. I’m also an avid reader and had no idea what went into making a really good book until I started writing. I just loved the entertainment and educational factors. I didn’t know I was important to the author, but the truth is we can write thousands of books, but without readers the words have no power. It’s when they choose to pick up a book and honor me as an author with their time that my words reach their greatest value potential. And for that reason, I’m very grateful for every single reader out there.

Links:

Amazon | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube |

www.surrenderedliving.blogspot.com
www.momsforgod.blogspot.com

Thank you so much for having me! It’s been a blast and I hope to be able to return again someday soon.

You’re quite welcome! Thank you for being here.

Interview with advertising writing Don Spector

Writer Don Spector is helping me wrap up the week by chatting with me about his debut book, Memories of a Mad Man: Stories from the Golden-and-Sometimes Tin-Plated-Age of Advertising.

If you'd like 50% off the book through Smashwords, use coupon code SP97U. Don is making this offer for readers of this blog.

Bio:

Starting as a junior copywriter in a Madison Avenue ad agency in the ‘60s, Don Spector qualifies as a genuine Mad Man. Creating advertising for the agency’s high-profile accounts like Smirnoff Vodka and Tareyton cigarettes, he began his ascent up the creative ladder in several New York agencies. His commercials and print ads for advertisers like Xerox, the Yellow Pages and Jaguar ultimately led to an offer of a key position in Los Angeles-based BBDO/West where he was soon named Creative Director. After moving to a similar position at Foote Cone Belding/Los Angeles, he eventually started his own agency where he served until his retirement. The advertising he created for dozens of companies like ARCO, Absolut Vodka, Bristol-Myers and S.C. Johnson won numerous awards. But, more importantly, it generated millions of dollars in sales for them.

Welcome, Don. Please tell us about your current release.

Memories of a Mad Man is just that—stories told by a genuine Mad Man.

I started my advertising career on Madison Avenue at just about the time the television show’s plot line began. Rather than an autobiography, the book is a collection of true tales that capture the most fascinating facets of a fascinating profession.

He tells the truth about things like Alcohol (was there really a 3-martini lunch?), Casting (did a casting couch really help actresses get parts in commercials?), and Truth in Advertising (did ad people hew to the truth or did they occasionally bend it? Guess.)

In my decades of creating commercials and ads for clients like the Yellow Pages, Xerox, Absolut Vodka, Jaguar and Bristol Myers, I had unique adventures and met equally unique people — some famous and some infamous. This book offers a one-of-a-kind look at a one-of-a-kind profession.

What inspired you to write this book?

It all started over thirty years ago when, as creative director of a major ad agency, I was the guest on a radio talk show. We talked about advertising and when the host opened the show to phone calls, all the lines lit up instantly. During a commercial break the host told me it was the biggest response he ever had. People apparently loved to find out what the real behind-the-scenes advertising world was like. Years later, the success of the show Mad Men proved that. As a real-life Mad Man, I had worked for decades living and observing all sorts of interesting advertising stories that I was often asked to tell---and even retell—to family, friends and associates. Then one day it struck me — I had all these stories in me that people liked to hear and I was a writer. Why not write a book? And Memories of a Mad Man was born.

An excerpt from Memories of a Mad Man:

I don’t know if it was like that before I entered advertising but by the time I did, the days of the fabled three-martini lunch were beginning to fade. And that was just as well because, frankly, I wasn't very good at handling my liquor. Even one glass of wine at lunch made me sleepy and, besides being unable to write much, I didn't relish the idea of someone coming into my office at three in the afternoon to see me snoozing at my desk. But I did occasionally make an exception. And once when I did, I learned a valuable lesson.

I went to lunch in a Madison Avenue restaurant with an agency producer I did a lot of work with. I don't remember what the occasion was but Ed suggested we have a drink and I agreed. I ordered a Bloody Mary while Ed ordered a scotch and soda. I was surprised.

“Ed,” I exclaimed. “When we get back to the office they’ll smell that booze on your breath. That's why I'm having a vodka drink.”

“Yes,” Ed said, “but you know that we're not going to stop at just one drink. And when we get back to the office, at least they'll know I'm drunk. They’ll just think you're stupid.”

I thought about his wisdom for a moment and called the waiter over. “Make that a scotch and soda.”

  And from that day on when I did have a drink at lunch I made sure it wasn't vodka. I’d rather be thought of as drunk, not stupid.

What exciting story are you working on next?

I have no idea but at the suggestion of a friend, a successful author, I might try my hand at writing fiction. Maybe writing advertising trained me to write fiction……just kidding!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

Even after writing for newspapers at my high school, college and graduate school (interestingly, all of the papers were named The Spectator) I didn’t think of myself as a writer. It was only when advertising caught my interest as a career that my writing experience kicked in and I wanted to become a copywriter. But I had to pay my dues first and I got a job in the mailroom of a Madison Avenue agency. I took a night school class in copywriting and one day while delivering mail to the agency creative director I got the courage to leave a sample of my homework in his inbox. Not long after, he called me in the mailroom and asked me to come to his office. I knew I was going to be fired. Instead, he said he thought I had some promise as a writer and the following week I sat in my own office facing a blank piece of paper in an electric typewriter with an assignment to write a radio commercial. I was officially a writer.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?

I’m retired so finding time to write isn’t a problem. Deciding what to write is. Memories of a Mad Man is my first and only book. As mentioned above, I’m considering writing a novel.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I dictate about a quarter of my writing. In writing my book I had hit a creative wall, the dreaded writer’s block. I mentioned it to a fellow author who suggested I try dictating the portion I was stuck in. I got a dictation program for my Mac, held up a microphone and started talking. I was amazed…he was right. The words flowed. Dictating works especially well for me because my writing style has always been conversational. Several people have told me that when they’re reading my book they have the feeling that I’m in the room talking to them. That’s a great compliment to me and I owe some of it to my dictation-creation.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

As a tot, I wanted to be a doctor like my daddy. But as I grew older and heard him answer a phone call at 3 in the morning and then dress and rush out to make a house call, the doctor business didn’t seem as appealing to me as it had been.

Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iTunes

If you'd like 50% off the book through Smashwords, use coupon code SP97U. Don is making this offer for readers of this blog.

Interview with memoirists Deborah Serra and Nancy Serra Greene

Today I’m featuring and interview with co-authors Deborah Serra and Nancy Serra Greene. We’re chatting about their travel motherhood memoir, 2 Broads Abroad: Moms Fly the Coop.

During their virtual book tour, Deborah and Nancy will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble (winner’s choice) gift card to a lucky randomly drawn winner. To be entered for a chance to win, use the form below. To increase your chances of winning, feel free to visit their other tour stops and enter there, too!

A little bit about the book:

When sisters, Deborah & Nancy, discovered that motherhood was a temp job they decided to run away from home. After packing up that last kid for college, and facing the sad stillness of their suddenly quiet homes, they decided to leave the country. 2 Broads Abroad: Moms Fly the Coop is a funny, irreverent, occasionally poignant travel tale of their impulsive road trip around Ireland.

In this witty warm-hearted adventure, they experienced some of Ireland’s quirkier history while sharing universally relatable stories of maniacal school coaches, neurotic neighbors, and tiger moms. Having kicked that empty nest into their rearview mirror, the sisters took off careening down the wrong side of the road, making questionable choices, getting trapped in a medieval tower, sneaking Chinese take-out into a famous cooking school, drinking way too much, and gaining a changed perspective on their lives ahead.

Who designed the book cover for the book you are touring?

We had a lot of ideas for the book cover. We loved the colors from the cover from Where’d you go Bernadette. We discussed this with our publisher and then left it up to his graphic artist. We were really pleased with the way it turned out.

Excerpt from 2 Broads Abroad: Moms Fly the Coop:

When we thought about the phases of our lives at each juncture of change: our own departure from home, our first real job, our marriages, the birth of our children, all of the big phases of change held out something new for us. This change was shaping up very differently. This change was loss – complete dissolution of the fundamental family structure forever and that was all. We had to plan. We needed to be proactive. The alternative was to be left standing frozen in time, in a life that had moved on without us, and to become observers and visitors in our kids' lives. Not acceptable. So, we set our imaginations loose.

We considered our location. Now that we knew we were leaving – where could we go?

“Angkor Wat,” I said.

“Wat what?” Nancy asked.

“It’s the largest temple in the world, built in 1125.”

“Where is it?”

 “Cambodia.”

“Uh, huh. Deborah, I was thinking more along the lines of a bucolic vineyard in Tuscany. You know, stroll along the hills, sample the fruit of the vine, nectar of the gods?”

“Oh. Okay, how would you feel about a camel trek in Morocco?”

“Probably sore, smelly, and hot. And I understand camels are mean and they spit. They spit, Deborah. What about a civilized boat ride down the Rhine River in Germany? They have castles and I know how you like castles.”

“I do like castles, but don’t you think we should go more exotic?”

“This is our first trip together. I’d like to steer clear of nations at war, places we’d need to wear a burka, or can’t speak the language, or ride on an angry animal. Surely we can agree on somewhere.”

“I’ve always wanted to see where grandma’s family came from.”

“Me, too!”

“With a little research and a rental car we can see the entire island in a couple of weeks.”

“Perfect. Ireland it is!”

Can you describe your dream home?

My dream home would be in the mountains surrounded by trees. This mountain contemporary home would have lots of large windows, giving you the feeling of living in a tree house. The décor would be warm with a stone fireplace and a large dinning room for family dinners.

If we were to come to your house for a meal, what would you give us to eat?

I love making Mexican food. We live in Southern California and so we’re close to the international border with Mexico and our two cultures have blended in a lot of very positive ways. My Go To dinner would be Tortilla soup, and chicken & steak street tacos, with lots of toppings: sour cream , several salsa’s, and definitely lots of homemade guacamole. (Okay, now I’m hungry.)

Tell us about the absolute BEST fan letter you have received.

In this digital age we haven’t received any fan letters although that would be really nice. We have had readers post online. This was our favorite:

“I loved this book! It was funny, poignant and inspiring, all rolled into one joyful adventure. For me, it perfectly matched the conflicting emotions I felt when my child moved out and realization of the new normal moved in. And when the authors decided to run away from home, I couldn't wait to join them.”

Say your publisher has offered to fly you anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go?

This has been an ongoing discussion between my sister and me. We have drastically different tastes and travel desires. I’m more of a lovely Tuscan wine and cheese tour, and she’s more of a camel ride through Morocco…so. We are taking suggestions on our Facebook page. If all else fails we’ll draw straws.

Author bios:

Deborah Serra has been a sought-after screenwriter for twenty-five years having written for NBC, CBS, Sony, Lifetime, Fox, and others. She was a recipient of the 2012 Hawthornden Literary Fellowship. Her first novel was a semi-finalist for the William Faulkner-William Wisdom Creative Writing Award given by the Faulkner Society in New Orleans, LA.

Nancy Serra Greene is a graduate of San Diego State University. She worked in medical sales before stepping away to raise her two children, at which point she became: Team Mom, Snack Mom, PTA member, Assistance League Volunteer, and the list is never-ending. Nancy was the editor and publisher of the Buffalo Hills Echo newsletter with a circulation of 1400. She also designed and managed her community website.

Links:

Website | Amazon | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter 

Thanks for being here today, ladies! 

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