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Interview with Brandi Heather, Book Reviewer

1) Please tell us a little about yourself. Share any websites or blogs you have. Also, how did you get into book reviewing?

My name is Brandi, and I'm a twenty something girl just living the dream. I'm an avid reader with a desk job, however I wish I could read for a living! Currently I live in Atlanta, GA with my amazing boyfriend of 7 years, and our sweet mini poodle, Molly. My family is my rock -- they are down in Florida, which saddens me, but it is truly only a hop, skip and jump away. I have always been obsessed with reading, as my mom read books to me every night as a child. My favorites were Mickey and the Beanstalk, Goodnight Moon and Mouse Soup. Recently, my mom was telling me about all the books on tape I used to have. She said that I would listen to them over and over again while I had the book in front of me. I guess this was how I taught myself to read, or at least this helped in my love of reading.

I started my blog, A Writer's Review back in January 2010. I wanted to use it as an outlet to keep track of the books that I read. I challenged myself to read 100 books this year, and thought a blog would be a good place to document it all. I had no idea that there was a whole cyber-world of book bloggers out there, but when I discovered this in September I couldn't get enough. I've been blogging and following people ever since. I've definitely found my niche!

2) I'm curious to know if you've ever written a story? If so, what kind of stories do you like to write?

I really love writing, hence the name of my blog, "A Writer's Review". I find that it is a great way to get out feelings and to create an alternate world that my daily troubles have no part in. I've started many, many stories, but never gotten around to completing any of them because halfway through I start to think that they might be boring and not something that others would really like to read. As I said before, I'm new to the world of blogging, and I found out a little late in the game about NaNoWriMo, which I definitely want to participate in next year. Maybe that will motivate me to actually finish writing a book. Most of what I've started are mysteries. I've been working on a sort of autobiography that is mostly fictitious, however extremely intense. It is very personal and loosely based on my life. I really think that it has brought up a lot of emotions that I had hidden away. Hopefully one day I will get around to finishing that and get it published!

3) As a reader and writer, I enjoy Christian author writers. Is there a particular genre you enjoy over another?

My very favorite novels are murder mystery novels. I've always secretly wanted to be in the FBI or the CIA and be some mastermind secret agent. Reading murder mysteries is the closest I think I will really get to it, but it suits me just fine! I love the adventure and enjoy trying to solve the mystery before the book ends. I'm also a lush for chick-lit. I love a happy ending, and swoon over all the wonderful, non-existent male characters.

4) Can you tell us a little about the book(s) you are reading for review right now, and who the author(s) are?

I just finished reading Hope Burned by Brent LaPorte and will be posting my review sometime later tonight. This is the synopsis from GoodReads.com:
A father sits down to write a letter to his son explaining why his hands are covered in blood. He journeys back through his childhood on the farm, through the captivity, torture, and brutality that he suffered from the men he just killed—his father and his grandfather. A reflection on a solitary landscape, this bleak yet moving family tragedy details three generations of abuse, where the birth of a newborn forces the question, Is it better to live or die?

This was a fantastic book that read like a memoir, even though it was fiction. This was Brent LaPorte's first novel and I'm quite eager to see what else he has in store for us. I received this book from NetGalley.com where I receive most of my ARC copies of books.

5) How do you rate a book review? What is good? What is bad?

I think that I am pretty hard on books. I really expect for a book to grab me from the beginning and hold me until the very last page. On my blog I use a five star rating system, with 1 star being a book that just didn't really peak my interest and 5 stars being a book that just blew me away. I really enjoy reading and reviewing books, but I find it so hard to rate a book using such a small scale of 1 - 5. I think that some books deserve a lot more, while others deserve less, but each book on its own can be something special too. I don't really believe that there can be a good review or a bad review, just an honest review. I think that books touch every person a little bit differently, so a book that really relates to me could be something completely meaningless to someone else.

6) What is your typical reading day like? Do you have a particular place you like to read?

If I am lucky and have a whole day to myself, I can spend the whole day reading in my big comfy lounge chair. I love to get snuggled up tight underneath a blanket with my puppy on one side and a hot cup of coffee on the other.

7) You said you wanted to reach a goal of reading 100 books. Have you reached that goal?

I am getting closer and closer to the goal every day! So far I've read 76, I know I've only got a few weeks left, but I am participating in a few holiday readathons on my blog so hopefully setting aside specific time just for reading will be helpful to reaching the goal. I've actually decided that for next year I want to read 10 more books than I read this year, so if I only end up with 85 books I will set my 2011 goal to be 95 books. We will see, life is hectic and always finds some way to get in the way.

8) What was your favorite book you’ve read for review, and who is the author?

I don't have a favorite but I've reviewed some really fun, great books. I really enjoyed reading Francis, Not the Saint by Floriana Hall because it was the first book I'd been sent from a fellow blogger that was to be reviewed for the author. All of the other books I've read and reviewed were books that I picked out myself. It was a great experience, and I really enjoyed the book! I just finished reading and reviewing the ARC copy of Delirium by Lauren Oliver and I thought that was a great read as well.

9) Is there a book that stands out in your mind that you’d like to share with our readers?

My favorite book of all times is The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. I think this is a great coming of age book that everyone should read at least once. It has probably been over 5 years since I've read the book last but there are still scenes and quotes from the book that I think about all the time.

10) What advice would you give to anyone wanting to be a book reviewer?

I would definitely encourage all readers to review the books they read! I think this is a great way for other readers to find books that they would enjoy reading. I was a little nervous about it at first because I wasn't sure about how to get my name out there. I've found that using sites like Facebook and Twitter have really helped me to spread the word about my blog. I am still new to it all and am having a ball trying to figure out the ins and outs of blogging, but I think that I've found a great community of bloggers that are willing to help. I encourage others to always follow their dreams because you never know when your big break will happen.

11) Any last thoughts or comments?

I'm really enjoying all of the blogging that I am doing, and I hope in the future that I am able to get more and more books from authors to build up my already exploding TBR shelf. My dream is to read for a living...is that possible? I sure hope so!


I would like to thank Brandi for this interview. If anyone is interested in sending her your book for an honest reading, please visit her website and let her know. You can reach her here: A WRITER'S REVIEW I believe she has a great future ahead of her.

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Book Review - Francis, Not The Saint

If you want to find out more about the memoir, Francis, Not the Saint by Floriana Hall, please read the new review by Brandi Heather http://brandiheathersreviews.blogspot.com/

It's a must read for everyone, young and old.

Linda

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Interview With Author Floriana Hall

Q. Please tell us a little about yourself, your background and any important accomplishments. (If you have a website, book(s), etc., please list them and tell us about them.)

I was born in Pittsburgh, Pa. to a saintly mother and a father who I remember as loving the first seven years of my life. When I was five years old, he was hit by a streetcar and told us he had a tumor on the brain. There were other circumstances involved but he changed after that accident. Of course, the Great Depression had something to do with us moving eleven times to different cities and changing schools. We were all happy children regardless of the lack of food and the necessities of life when our father was gone for weeks at a time. Our mother baked homemade bread and even though there was not much else to eat, we never starved. She gave us her share of food when needed.
Throughout the years, she was our rock who taught us manners, morals, character and cleanliness. She taught us to forgive. And there were many things to forgive our father for, such as his lies about our Christmas gifts, his lies about his life and about us - the complex life of trying to juggle three families at the same time which he could not do. His letters of remorse to me in later years are very touching, but were they true? Or more lies? Only God knows!
One of my earlier accomplishments was that I was almost always the head of my classes and I always had many friends wherever we moved. I graduated from high school at the age of 17 and was ranked 11th in a class of 167 in June 1945. As a senior, I wrote articles for the high school newspaper. In later years, I was honored as a Distinguished Alumna of Cuyahoga Falls High School. I am recognized by several WHO'S WHO.

My family of five children, nine grandchildren and two great-granddaughters are my most important accomplishment. My husband and I have been married for 61 years.

I founded and coordinate THE POET'S NOOK each month at Cuyahoga Falls Library. I have edited and published four books for my nonprofit group of 23 talented poets. We hold a Children's Poetry Contest each April and have a donor for the monetary prizes which will help continue the art of poetry in the future.

God, family, friends and service are very important to me. You might call me a philanthropist. Because I did not have much, I want others to have more and I love to help people, sometimes anonymously.

Here are the books I have written:
THE SANDS OF RHYME - Inspirational Poetry, out of print
SMALL CHANGE - True story of my life as a child during THE GREAT DEPRESSION, out of print
DADDY WAS A BAD BOY - My Memoir (to be bought from me)
OUT OF THE ORDINARY SHORT STORIES - Inspirational stories about Angels and God-Incidences. I had an out of body experience as a child or seven. www.Authorhouse.com
HEARTS ON THE MEND - 12 different stories about heart disease and the aftermath. www.PublishAmerica.com
FRANCIS, NOT THE SAINT - Memoir with a surprise ending, www.Amazon.com, www.CreateSpace.com, www.BooksofExcellence.com
THE ADVENTURES OF FLOSSIE, ROBBIE, AND JUNEY During the Great Depression www.Amazon.com, www.CreateSpace.com
FRANCISO, NO EL SANTO - Spanish translation of FRANCIS, NOT THE SAINT, CCB Publishing, Canada, www.Amazon.com
GATHERING GRACES - Winning poetry - www.Cyberwit.net
SELECT SANDS OF RHYME AND REASON, Poetry and Short Stories - www.Cyberwit.net
SIMPLE PLEASURES - a young children's book - www.Cyberwit.net

Websites: http://alongstoryshort.net/FlorianaHall.html
www.LSSWritingSchool.com under YOU, ME, AND POETRY
www.BooksofExcellence.com

Q. How long have you been writing? What made you put those first words down on paper?

I have been writing since I was a child of seven, but the poems were lost in our many moves during The Great Depression. I always loved nursery rhymes as a child and tried to write my own.

Q. Do you write in a particular genre? If so, what genre is it?

Mostly family and poetry

Q. Have you been published?

Yes, all twelve books, and in many magazines and poetry books. Special is my story THE ROCKING CHAIR in CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL - Living Catholic Faith.

Q. How long did it take to write and publish?

Each book took about a year to write.

Q. What was the process?

When my daughter, Cindy, who teaches fifth grade in another state, asked me to write SMALL CHANGE, my life flashed before me like a TV screen. I wrote it down, typed it and edited the true story, found a printer, and typed it myself on the printing machine. The printer passed away a long time ago and that is why I published THE ADVENTURES OF FLOSSIE, ROBBIE, AND JUNEY During The Great Depression.

Q. Who’s your favorite author and why?

One of my favorite authors is Maeve Binchy because she writes in a wholesome manner, which I always try to do.

Q. How did you deal with rejection letters, if you received any?

Actually, I have never had a rejection letter except some poetry websites have not accepted my rhyming poetry because I presume they like free verse. I also write free verse but prefer rhyme.

Q. What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

In my opinion, writing in an easy to understand manner is important because the 75% of people who do read do not comprehend beyond the eighth grade level.

Q. How do you develop your plots/characters, ideas/concepts ? Do you use any set formula?

It seems that most of what I write has happened. Of course, I change names and add some fiction to the nonfiction. However, I have found that truth is stranger than fiction.

Q. What do you do to unwind and relax?

I do water exercise at the local Natatorium at least three times every week. I sit in the sun and meditate. I love to attend church and find it spiritually inspiring.

Q. What do you like to read?

Mostly, I like to read the Bible, the newspapers and biographies.

Q. What does your family feel about your writing? Are they supportive?

Some of them are very supportive, and a few do not read books.

Q. What inspires you? Who inspires you?
I have been inspired in church and at five AM some mornings. Poetry literally pops into my head upon waking. I have to type it up on the computer immediately just so I do not forget it. It is sometimes said that angels come at five AM. Credit for my poetry belongs to God.

Q. Are you working on any projects right now?

Yes, I am starting to write a sequel to my small children's book, a SIMPLE PLEASURES 2.

Q. How do you handle Writer’s Block?

Take it with a grain of salt because it does not last long. I am so busy trying to fulfill my mission of making a difference in the world with my stories and poetry that I never dwell on negatives. I have been that way since my childhood. It is a waste of time to dwell on anything in the past or to worry about anything, especially writer's block. Today is what counts.

Q. What is most frustrating about writing? Most rewarding?

The most frustrating thing about writing is when my computer freezes or acts up. The most rewarding thing about writing is when I receive letters from fifth grade students telling me they learned to appreciate what they have after they or their teachers read my book THE ADVENTURES OF FLOSSIE, ROBBIE, AND JUNEY During The Great Depression. I love speaking at schools and answering the student's questions.

Q. Do you have any kind of writing schedule?

I tend to write in the morning before I go to water exercise. I spend about one and one half hours a day on the computer.

Q. What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given as a writer? What’s the worst?

Best advice - to write with feeling and use some metaphor, but not too much.
Worst advice - to change one of my winning poems into free verse.

Q. If I were sitting down to write my very first story, what would your advice be?

Perhaps the best way is to make a draft and/or outline and decide which tense works best for the particular book. Start with an eye catching first sentence.

Q. What is your best advice for getting published?

For a first book, my personal opinion is to self publish and get your name out there. If you are young, perhaps it is a good idea to send out manuscripts. At my age, time is an important element.

Q. What has been the single most important part of your success?

If I am successful, it has been at living my life in the best way possible, to be of service to others, smile and always be kind. My motto is 'The secret of life is not to take it personally.'

MEASURE OF SUCCESS

Success can mean so many things,
Diplomas high school or college bring.
A job obtained, a job well done
Means satisfaction for everyone.
A chance meeting, the person of your dreams
A happy ending to any schemes,
A perfect party without any glitches,
A singing voice without stray pitches.
Putting puzzles together with all the pieces,
Solving a problem, war that ceases,
Listening to others with empathy,
Saying right words of sympathy,
Smiles as warm as the sun above,
Hugs and kisses to show true love.
A pleasant greeting, a pleasant time
Though there are many mountains to climb.
Success is meeting opportunity half way,
Doing your best, with dues to pay.
A prayer answered, return to health,
Making ends meet, spiritual wealth.
Success is coping despite adversity,
Making the most of diversity.
Success can come to everyone
Like sleep refreshes when day is done.

Floriana Hall – June 18, 2006

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Varolo Village

Hello friends,

I would love for you to join me on Varolo Village. Watch the short video and then sign up, it's free. You have a good chance of making some money with me. Check it out and see what you think.

Have a great day,

Linda Barnett-Johnson
Editor/Virtual Assistant
www.lindabarnett-johnson.com

Author and Writer Interviews

Hello,

I will be doing author and writer interviews on this blog page. Anyone that joins, will be asked to be interviewed. Of course, you can decline. But it's a place where you can share with your friends and link to your websites.

You will be asked individually and the interviews will stay in the archives for at least, one year, if not more. I will make that decision.

I will send you an email asking - "I would like to interview you."

Thank you all.

Linda Barnett-Johnson
Editor/Virtual Assistant
www.lindabarnett-johnson.com

PS I will probably link that to my own website too. www.lindabarnett-johnson.com
I will also ping it and get the word out about the interview. Hopefully it will draw others here to read about your writing and book(s).

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I will share more with you as I go about my research. I am also looking for social networks to join. I'll share those at a later date.

Have a great day.

Linda

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OFF THE SHELF INTERVIEW on Floriana Hall, author of Francis, Not the Saint:
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