Q&A with John DeSimone Author THE ROAD TO DELANO

John DeSimone is a published writer, novelist, and teacher. He’s been an adjunct professor and holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Spalding University. His recent co-authored books include Broken Circle: A Memoir of Escaping Afghanistan (Little A Publishers), and Courage to Say No by Dr. Raana Mahmood, about her struggles against sexual exploitation as a female physician in Karachi. His published novel Leonardo’s Chair published in 2005.

In 2012, he won a prestigious Norman Mailer Fellowship to complete his most recent historical novel, Road to Delano. His novels Leonardo’s Chair and No Ordinary Man have received critical recognition.

He works with select clients to write stories of inspiration and determination and with those who have a vital message to bring to the marketplace of ideas in well-written books.

Website  → https://www.johndesimone.com/

Twitter  → https://twitter.com/JRDeSimone

Facebook  → https://www.facebook.com/bookwriter718/

 

Tell us about your book! What is it about and what inspired you to write it?

I had read about Cesar Chavez and his fast for non-violence, and I was intrigued that so little had been written about that time period. That’s the genesis of the novel, but it matured through a lot of reading and research

Tell us about your publishing process. What was it like? Did you go indie or the

traditional way?

Rare Bird is a traditional publisher, but they are also an independent.

How did you choose the title for your book? Did it come to you right away, before you started writing it, or did it come later?

I waiting until the theme of the book was absolutely clear in my mind, and then the title became so strong in my thoughts, that I could not choose another one.

Tell us about the cover design process. Did you have a basic idea of what your book cover would be like?

The publisher’s distributor Publishers Group West is the largest distributor of books from independent publishers. They distribute nationally and internationally. They chose the art work based on testing they did select booksellers. I had so many other details to attend to, my editor assured me this cover had tested well. So my input for this cover was minimal.

Who is your cover designer and how did you find him/her?

Again, the publisher took care of this detail.

How was your experience working with the designer?

Well, honestly, it was brief. I made a comment about what I liked, and the response was it didn’t matter what I liked. It only mattered what would draw the highest reader response.

What has been the readers’ response to your cover?

Very positive. The publisher and distributor’s choice was correct.

What tips would you give to authors who are looking for a cover designer?

I’ve never had to look for one, but if I were, I’d choose one that had a reader focus.

Anything else you’d like to say about your book?

It took five years of research and writing, a year or two of editing and rewriting, and a year to sell. I’m glad it’s finally out. Writing about a historical significant time made me appreciate the rich tapestry of our nation’s heritage.

About the Book:

Jack Duncan is a high school senior whose dream is to play baseball in college and beyond―as far away from Delano as possible. He longs to escape the political turmoil surrounding the labor struggles of the striking fieldworkers that infests his small ag town. Ever since his father, a grape grower, died under suspicious circumstances ten years earlier, he’s had to be the sole emotional support of his mother, who has kept secrets from him about his father’s involvement in the ongoing labor strife.

With their property on the verge of a tax sale, Jack drives an old combine into town to sell it so he and his mother don’t become homeless. On the road, an old friend of his father’s shows up and hands him the police report indicating Jack’s father was murdered. Jack is compelled to dig deep to discover the entire truth, which throws him into the heart of the corruption endemic in the Central Valley. Everything he has dreamed of is at stake if he can’t control his impulse for revenge.

While Jack’s girlfriend, the intelligent and articulate Ella, warns him not to so anything to jeopardize their plans of moving to L.A., after graduation, Jack turns to his best friend, Adrian, a star player on the team, to help to save his mother’s land. When Jack’s efforts to rescue a stolen piece of farm equipment leaves Adrian―the son of a boycotting fieldworker who works closely with Cesar Chavez―in a catastrophic situation, Jack must bail his friend out of his dilemma before it ruins his future prospects. Jack uses his wits, his acumen at card playing, and his boldness to raise the money to spring his friend, who has been transformed by his jail experience.

The Road to Delano is the path Jack, Ella, and Adrian must take to find their strength, their duty, their destiny.

Amazon → https://amzn.to/2Rdrc0G

Barnes & Noble → https://bit.ly/381fQT9

Book Depository → https://bit.ly/2Ld0z82

IndieBound → https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781644280317

Q&A with Eric Meade Author REFRAMING POVERTY

Eric Meade is a futurist, speaker, and consultant serving nonprofits, foundations, and government agencies. He teaches graduate courses on strategic planning and social innovation at American University’s School of International Service in Washington, DC. He lives in Superior, CO.

Website  → http://www.ericmeade.com

Twitter  → http://www.twitter.com/reframingpvrty

Facebook  → http://www.facebook.com/reframingpovrty

 

Tell us about your book! What is it about and what inspired you to write it?

My book offers a significant reframing of the issue of poverty. We often talk about “eradicating” poverty, but poverty is an inherent part of the human experience, and if we ever eradicated poverty as it exists today, we would likely redefine the threshold at a higher level and start “eradicating” it all over again. So the question that guides Reframing Poverty is not, “How do we eradicate poverty?” but rather, “What am I, as a human being, to do, living as I do in a world where poverty exists?” This is a bigger and more complex question, and it requires us to look at the experience of poverty from several different angles.

Tell us about your publishing process. What was it like? Did you go indie or the traditional way?

I decided to self-publish the book. I was confident in the content and I did not want to wait. I had already spent a decade conceptualizing the book, so I was ready to see it published! I sought help from Polly Letofsky of My Word Publishing here in Denver. She provided overall project management and connected me to her network of editors, layout designers, cover designers, etc. She made things a lot easier than they otherwise would have been.

How did you choose the title for your book? Did it come to you right away, before you started writing it, or did it come later?

I was talking through my book with a friend and colleague, Jessica Hartung, who at the time was finalizing her book, The Conscious Professional. When I got done explaining a few of the key concepts, she said, “It sounds to me like you’re reframing poverty.” And I thought, well, OK, that’s the title. I like it since that’s a lot of what I do as a consultant - helping clients reframe the issues they’re facing so they can find new opportunities for action. Hopefully that’s what the book does for readers.

Tell us about the cover design process. Did you have a basic idea of what your book cover would be like? 

I was very involved in generating ideas for the cover design. I probably started out a little too left-brained, trying to represent both the “reframing” and the “poverty.” As the cover design evolved, it became a little less “on the nose,” which is a good thing. I have gotten positive comments about the cover, and I think the professional look of it is on the level of more traditional publishers’ titles.

Who is your cover designer and how did you find him/her?

Victoria Wolf of Red Wolf Marketing designed my cover. Polly Letofsky (mentioned above) introduced me to Victoria.

How was your experience working with the designer?

I had a good experience working with Victoria. She and I were able to exchange ideas, and then she would quickly send me some mock-ups of the options we had discussed so I could provide some feedback and we could move forward.

What has been the readers’ response to your cover?

Readers have said nice things about the cover. For example, some have said they like that the poor area in the front of the image is in color while the skyscrapers in the back are black and white. They see that as breathing life into the concept of poverty, which is something I had intended to do with both the cover and the text.

What tips would you give to authors who are looking for a cover designer?

Get started early on the cover. Of course the design cannot be finalized until you’re done with the layout, the ISBN, etc., but hopefully you can get pretty close with the overall concept.

Anything else you’d like to say about your book?

I thought the book would be more controversial than it has been. In fact, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the two awards the book has won. I think this is because even though some of the points I make are quite provocative, the sincerity with which I approach the issue comes across in the writing. And I think the blend of provocation and sincerity is key to the book’s success in creating a rewarding experience for the reader.

About the Book:

We typically view poverty as a technical problem we can solve with more money, more technology, and more volunteers. But there is an adaptive side to the problem of poverty as well. Reframing Poverty directs our attention to the emotional and often unconscious mindsets we bring to this issue. Meade’s approach is as unique as it is challenging. Rather than trite tips or tricks, he offers a series of nested insights from diverse fields like political science, physics, complexity theory, and psychology. Most importantly, he provides a path of self-exploration for those eager to become the kind of people who can successfully navigate the tensions of a world in need.

Order Your Copy

Amazon → https://amzn.to/2PryNan 

 

Book Blast: Chemo Muscles by Renee A. Exelbert, PhD & Giveaway

CHEMO MUSCLES: LESSONS LEARNED FROM BEING A PSYCHO-ONCOLOGIST AND CANCER PATIENT
By Renee A. Exelbert, PhD
Autobiography/Health/Fitness

In Chemo Muscles: Lessons Learned from Being a Psycho-Oncologist and Cancer Patient, Exelbert reflects on her experience of confronting her cancer diagnosis, as the doctor becomes the patient.

Exelbert was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 after working as a psychologist in a pediatric cancer center in Long Island, NY. A wife and mother of two young children, she struggled with vulnerability and identity. As a medical professional, she had both challenging and elevating experiences with healthcare professionals. And ultimately, she became a certified personal trainer and bodybuilding figure competitor to regain a sense of control over her body.

With unflinching candor and detail, Exelbert shares her story by pairing it with psychological theory, well-researched coping techniques for patients and families, and guidance to aid healthcare professionals in treating people with greater dignity, understanding, and respect.

“By sharing the inner-most thoughts and emotions she experienced throughout her breast cancer journey, Dr. Exelbert provides validation that “life-altering” doesn’t necessarily condemn a cancer patient to a life that is “less than” it once was. Her dual perspectives as both a patient and a psychologist provide a unique opportunity to merge the raw emotional impact of the diagnosis with clinical training, thereby allowing her to process and understand the experience in a way that is both reassuring and empowering.”
— Jane E. Austin, Ph.D., Professor, William Paterson University

“This is less a book about cancer and the healing effects of exercise and diet as much as it is about the power of resilience; about confronting the unimaginable and what it takes to come out the other side. By allowing the reader into her personal journey, Dr. Exelbert invites us to explore the human dimensions of illness, seamlessly weaving between best psychological practices and the simple needs that we all have as members of the human family. For those of us working in the cancer community – or in any other community for that matter – this book is a must-read. It summons us to remember our humanity – to not hide behind cold clinical jargon and artificial barriers – and reminds us of the power we each possess to not only ease our own fears and pain, but those of our fellow travelers.”
— Arnie Preminger, CEO/Founder, Sunrise Association International summer and year-round programs for children with cancer and their siblings

“In this important and inspiring book, Dr. Exelbert shares her personal and emotional journey through cancer, with the vulnerability of a patient, the expertise of a psycho-oncologist, and with a generosity of heart that makes this book an essential guide for cancer patients, their families and clinicians alike. Lessons gleaned from personal suffering and transformation, combined with valuable knowledge from psychological and medical research, nutrition, and exercise, will undoubtedly leave the reader not only better informed, but empowered with hope and courage amidst the struggle with serious illness.”
— Anthony P. Bossis, Ph.D., Psycho-oncologist, New York University School of Medicine

Amazon → https://amzn.to/2snRyTo

 Barnes & Noble → https://bit.ly/2tk9lvi

 

One Breast or Two?
I still had not decided if I was going to have the requisite single
mastectomy, or a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. There were some
studies that showed a miniscule chance of breast cancer spreading to
the other breast. My plastic surgeon had discussed that there would
also be a lack of symmetry between my breasts had I elected to have
the single mastectomy. He commented that they would be “sisters”
rather than “twins.” Two days prior to having surgery, I was sent for
a final scan of my breasts. My right breast was the one that had the
malignancies, however, there was some concern that the cancer might
be present in the left breast. The amount of terror I experienced about
the possibility of having more cancer was beyond measure. It turned
out to be nothing, merely dense breasts. However, my doctor notified
me that from this point forward, I would be checked much more
frequently in the existing breast. The prospect of experiencing more
scares due to dense or cystic breasts was something I could not handle.
I decided then and there that I would opt for the prophylactic bilateral
mastectomy. It was not an easy choice, as I could have kept one breast
and therefore preserved some sense of my existing identity, femininity,
and beauty. I had several people close to me as well as Dr. A, my old
boss from the pediatric cancer center, try to convince me that having the
bilateral mastectomy was a drastic and unnecessary measure. On
the other hand, I had been so freaked out by cancer and the possibility
of future trauma, that I felt it best to minimize any and all risks. When
I arrived for surgery, my surgeon, Dr. M, still had not been notified of
my final decision. She asked me in a perfunctory tone, “One breast or
two?” as this was her common vernacular, and illustrative of surgery
that she routinely performed. I couldn’t help but be struck by the metaphor
to coffee—would I like one lump of sugar or two? Additionally,
Dr. K and Dr. M had asked me if they would be removing a mole that
I had between my breasts, as surgery was the perfect time to get rid
of it. It was not attractive, but it had become a part of me. I told them
that I did not want to lose any more of me than I needed to, and that I
wanted to keep my mole. They both joked with me about how hideous
my mole was going to look with my brand-new boobs. They made me
laugh and brought levity to an agonizing experience. Nonetheless, I
am so glad that I kept my mole. We have been through a lot together.
I spent a few final minutes alone with Billy, who gently touched and
kissed my boobs. He then said “goodbye guys.” We cried and held each
other. His unconditional love and acceptance let me know that no
matter how this surgery altered my body, he would always love me and
find me beautiful. And with that, I was wheeled into surgery.
As the anesthesia was administered and I was lying down, terrified
for how this next chapter of my life was about to unfold, Dr. M held
my hand and supported me. It was such a small gesture, but meant the
world to me.

Renee A. Exelbert, Ph.D., CFT, is both a licensed psychologist and certified personal trainer. She is the Founding Director of The Metamorphosis Center for Psychological and Physical Change, where she integrates psychotherapy and exercise with a focus on the mind/body connection. She maintains a private practice in New York City, Manhasset and Nyack, New York for the treatment of children, adolescents, adults and families. Dr. Exelbert is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Applied Psychology at the New York University Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development where she teaches Masters-level psychology courses. She previously served as Staff Psychologist at the Winthrop University Hospital Cancer Center for Kids, working with children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer.

WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:

Website:  https://drexelbert.com/
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/ReneeExelbert

 

Renee A. Exelbert is giving away an autographed copy of CHEMO MUSCLES!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one autographed paperback
• This giveaway ends midnight February 28.
• Winner will be contacted via email on March 1.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Book Feature: Failure to Protect by Pamela Samuels Young

Failure To Protect

Pamela Samuels Young

Mystery/Legal Thriller

When the classroom is no longer a safe space for her child, the outraged mother of a bullied nine-year-old is determined to seek justice for her daughter. An ambitious school principal, however, is far more concerned about protecting her career than getting to the truth. She flat out denies any knowledge of the bullying and prefers to sweep everything under the rug. But just how low will she go?

When the mother’s two hard-charging female attorneys enter the picture, they face more than an uphill battle. As the case enters the courtroom, the women fight hard to expose the truth. But will a massive coverup hinder their quest for justice?

Amazon → https://amzn.to/2PXwixo

Excerpt:

Chapter 1

 "Please, Uncle Dre, let me stay home with you today. Can you homeschool me? Please!"

 Dre stroked his goatee and laughed. "Unfortunately, I'm not smart enough to homeschool you or anybody else."

 "I'm serious," Bailey pleaded, her face twisted in terror. "Please don't make me go!"

 As his Jeep inched along behind the long line of cars dropping off kids in front of Parker Elementary School, Dre peered over his shoulder at the cute little girl sitting in his back seat. Bailey's stress level was way too high. She'd had a few run-ins with a bully at her old school, but he assumed the transfer to Parker had fixed everything.

 "What's going on? Why don't you want to go to school?"

 Bailey hugged her book bag to her chest as if it were a life raft. "I just don't."

 "C'mon, talk to me. Is somebody bothering you here too?"

 After a long beat, Bailey slowly bobbed her head.

 Dre had purposely used the word bothering, not bullying. He was tired of hearing all the hoopla about bullies. Kids getting picked on was nothing new. It happened in his day and would keep happening until the end of time.

 Truth be told, today's kids were too damn soft. People turned backflips to protect them from the realities of life. Like everybody getting a freakin' trophy just for participating. That was the stupidest crap he'd ever heard. Sometimes life is hard. Kids need to know that sooner rather than later.

 "Please don't tell my mom," Bailey begged, her brown eyes glassy with tears. "She'll fuss at me for not standing up for myself."

 Dre reached back and gave Bailey's foot a playful squeeze. "No, she won't. But you do have to start standing up for yourself. If somebody's being mean to you, you have my permission to be mean right back."

 He wasn't condoning violence, but if another kid started some mess, the only way to show 'em you weren't no punk was to clap back twice as hard. Most bullies were wimps. Once you got in their face, they backed off. That's what he'd taught his son to do and, to his knowledge, Little Dre had never had a problem. He would teach Bailey to do the same.

 "You don't get it," Bailey huffed, her shoulders drooping. "That won't help."

 They were almost at the drop-off point, when Dre steered his Jeep out of the line of cars and made a hasty U-turn in the middle of the street.

 Bailey's upper body sprang forward. "We're going home?"

 "Nope." Dre pulled to a stop along the curb. "I'm walking you inside. I want you to show me who's messing with you."

 Bailey slumped back against the seat, her lips protruding into a pout. "That'll just make it worse."

 Turning off the engine, Dre hopped out and jogged around to open the back door. "Let's go."

 He took Bailey's hand as they stepped into the crosswalk. The closer they got to the school doors, the slower Bailey walked. By the time they reached the entrance, Dre felt like he was tugging a sixty-pound bag of potatoes.

 "Please, Uncle Dre," Bailey whispered, glancing all around. "Please don't make me go!" Her tiny hand clutched two of his fingers.

 Dre led Bailey off to the side, squatted until they were at eye level, and caressed her shoulders.

 "I don't know what's going on, but there's no reason for you to be this stressed out about going to school. If somebody's messing with you, I need to know about it. What's the kid's name?"

 Bailey hung her head as a tear slid down her right cheek. For a second, Dre thought she was about to come clean.

 "It doesn't matter," she mumbled, hoisting her book bag higher on her shoulder.

 "Yes, it—"

 Bailey jerked away from him and dashed inside the school.

 He was about to go after her when a woman stepped in front of him, blocking his path.

 "May I help you, sir?"

 The woman's chin jutted forward like an accusing finger pointing him out in a lineup. "And you are?"

 "I'm Bailey's"—he paused—"uh, I'm Bailey's godfather." He'd started to introduce himself as her uncle to make himself sound more legit but changed his mind.

 "Your name?" Her tone conveyed all the warmth of an icicle.

 "Andre Thomas."

 Dre pegged the woman to be in her early forties. Her thick, black hair fell a couple of inches below her ears in a blunt cut that matched her funky disposition. Her sleeveless, form-fitting, red dress hugged every inch of her curvy frame. Actually, she was kinda hot. Kerry Washington’s classy style with Cookie Lyon's bad attitude.

 "Bailey's mother didn't tell us someone else would be bringing her to school today."

 She looked him up and down like he was some pedophile on the prowl for a new victim.

 Dre couldn't seem to pull his eyes away. Despite an innate seductiveness, the woman still managed to carry herself with the spit-shine polish of a CEO. If professionalism had a smell, she would reek.

 "Erika had an early meeting in Irvine and asked me to drop her off."

 Dre ran a hand over his shaved head. Rarely did anybody—especially a female—make him feel this degree of uneasiness. "I'm sorry. I didn't get your name."

 "I'm the principal. Darcella Freeman."

 He should've guessed. A sister with a little power.

"I'll be dropping Bailey off and picking her up from time to time," Dre said, anxious for the chick to move out of his way so he could go after Bailey. "Erika got a big promotion. Her job's a lot more demanding now."

 "Is that right?"

 "Yep, that's right." What's up with this chick?

 "Please ask Bailey’s mother to email the office authorizing you to pick her up from school."

 Dre nodded. "Will do."

 He still wanted to go inside, but the woman stayed put like a queen guarding the gates of her castle.

 Without saying goodbye, Dre pivoted and headed back across the street. As he opened the door to his Jeep, he made a mental note to have a talk with Erika. She'd been thrilled about getting Bailey into Parker Elementary because of its stellar reputation. But the place might not be any better for Bailey than her old school.

 Dre also couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right. And not just with Bailey.

About the Author

Award-winning author and attorney Pamela Samuels Young writes mysteries that matter. Dubbed “John Grisham with a sister’s twist” by one reviewer, Pamela’s fast-paced novels often tackle important social issues.

Her most recent legal thriller, Failure to Protect, takes on the bullying epidemic and its devastating aftermath. Pamela won the prestigious NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Fiction for her thriller Anybody’s Daughter, which provides a realistic look inside the world of child sex trafficking. Her courtroom drama Abuse of Discretion centers around a troubling teen sexting case. #Anybody’s Daughter and #Abuse of Discretion are young adult editions of the two books. A young adult version of Failure to Protect goes on sale in December 2019.

Pamela also writes dangerously sassy romantic suspense under the pen name Sassy Sinclair. Her first foray into the romance genre, Unlawful Desires (2017), was awarded Best Erotic Romance by Romance Slam Jam. Her second book, Unlawful Seduction (2018), was honored as a finalist in Romance Writers of America/Passionate Ink’s Passionate Plume contest in the Best Contemporary Erotica category.

The prolific writer is a frequent speaker on the topics of sex trafficking, bullying, online safety, fiction writing, self-empowerment, and pursuing your passion. To invite Pamela to your book club meeting or to read excerpts of her books, visit www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com and www.sassysinclair.com .

Website: www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorpsy

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorpsy/