DR. MEL'S MESSAGE - From my novels to my other projects, no telling what you will read. This is the only place you will get to read about how I developed a screenplay into a novel and what is the driving force. I will talk about many things from films to books to acting to producing. It really will depend on where my mind takes me. I hope you will join me on this journey.
Who is ready for an adventure? Are we there yet? Wait!!! No need for that because my next author and book takes you on an adventure and you don't have to get in the car. Today's author, T. S. Edward, and her book "The Adventures of Hildie and Carlos," is a fun and creative read for all ages. I can't wait for you to learn about the book and to meet T. S. Edward. First, we had a little chat on Zoom. Take a look at the interview and then watch the trailer.
Meet Hildie and her cute
kitty Carlos! Hildie and Carlos are the best of friends, sharing an intangible
bond of love and joy. They enjoy wonderful adventures traveling the world,
exploring new places, and making valuable memories to cherish forever. Join
Hildie and Carlos as they take you to exciting new places, and teach you how to
have the most fun travel experience.
Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up,
where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the
personal you.
I was born in Atlanta, Ga. For people from Atlanta, I am a Grady
baby. When I was about six years old, my mom and I moved to Florida.We stayed in this tiny town in Florida until
I was about 12 years old.Then we moved
to Miami.We stayed in Miami until I
graduated from Miami Central Senior High School and then enlisted into the Air
Force.I did ten years on active duty in
the Air Force.I left active duty and
did the rest of my military time in the Guard and Reserve for a total of 21
years.At that time, I moved back to
Atlanta to reconnect with my father and his side of the family.But mostly to give my daughter some
stability.
I wanted my
daughter to have those childhood friends like myself.And at that time, I didn't think she would
have that experience if we continued to move to different places around the
world.I loved the military, but I don't
regret putting my daughter's growth and well-being first.And we have been here in Atlanta ever since.
Watching their interactions and my love
for both of them, I just wanted to share with the world.
I want to be a contributor to positive
images of young black girls with a mother and a father. I didn't see a lot of
young black girls, especially of a darker hue, growing up in books.
To inspire "the want" to know
someone that looks different from you. I believe part of racism is people
not taking the time to talk, to learn, to empathize with someone that
looks different. So maybe if we can start with the children, inspiring
them to want to travel and then to want to learn and see different people
and different cultures, there is hope for us all.
Where did you get the inspiration for your book's cover?
I always knew
I wanted to make it a series.So I
wanted it to show the love of Hildie and Carlos.And then the world to symbolize to travel and
not be afraid.
Who has been the most
significant influence on you personally and as a writer?
I
would say, my daughter. I started writing letters to her as a baby. These were
letters of my life and what was going on with me at different moments in my
life. My mother died when I was young. So if anything ever happened to me, I
wanted my daughter to know from me, who I was as her mother. I wrote her
several letters through-out my life. Now that I a grand-daughter, I'm
continuing the letters "sort of speak" and sharing it with the world.
What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get
this book written?
My
biggest struggle was having the money and the time. This book has always been
in my heart to write, but life and her busy schedules got in the way. And my
mind said I couldn't afford it or have the time to do it. But when the Corona pandemic
crisis hit, it forced me to look at life differently. If I get the virus and
don't survive, how do I want to be remembered? And what legacy do I have to
leave for my family? So I decided to go with my heart and share my dream with
the world.
Tell your readers about your book.
This
book is about the friendship between Hildie and Carlos as they travel to Paris,
learn a different culture, and have fun.
Who is your target audience, and why?
Parents
of small children and parents with small children with pets. As I mentioned
before, to inspire travel and to learn about different cultures. But also, the
love of our pets.Carlos is a huge part
of our family.His love is
irreplaceable.
If you were going to give one reason for anyone looking at your
book to read, why should they buy it?
I can't give
just one reason. It's cute.The
illustrations are AMAZING. It's fun to read. It's inspiring on several
different levels.Its created out of
love for the love of others.
What do you consider your greatest success in life?
The success
of my daughter.I had my daughter when I
was young.When I had her, I was
suffering from depression due to the recent loss of my mother.I still hadn't dealt with the pain of being
abused as a child.I was alone in the
military, thousands of miles away from anyone in my family.I felt like it was her and me against the
world.But because I had this innocent
child depending on me to the best that I can be, I pulled myself together to
provide the best possible life I could give her. Now, she is a Ph.D. candidate
at the University of Chicago.She speaks
fluent Mandarin and Russian.A black
belt in Taekwondo. She's a musician that plays the double bass.Married and a mother.
What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your
genre?
My characters
are based on real people and real experiences.
How do you overcome writer's block?
I step away
and let my mind breathe.It tells me
when it's ready to proceed.Plus, when I
get inspirations in the middle of the night, I grab my phone and do a voice
recording, so I don't forget.
What one piece of advice do you have for new authors.
Don't wait
for that "perfect" time, just do it.Keep some kind of recorder with you at all times.Record your ideas and come back and act on
them.
Tell your readers anything else you want to share.
"Life
is too short" and "You only have one life to live" are cheesy
clichés, but they are true.Live your
life exploring your passions.What you
don't want to leave behind are regrets.
I woke up this morning to the strangest dream ever. It is so bizarre, I can't wrap my head around it. When I say, that it was surreal, people changed into Bengal cats, goats and others as shapeshifters, that is putting it mildly. Umm. Is there a fantasy novel for me brewing in the dark recesses of my mind? Oh, of all people, guess who else was in it? The actor James Woods, he turned into a lion, Rob Patterson, not as a vampire, but as a goat, yep, and Lilly Tomlin, the comedian, who changed into a hummingbird. As for me, I changed into an eagle and soared anywhere I wanted to go with the hummingbird on my back telling me constant jokes. I must admit, it was pretty exhilarating to soar above oceans and mountains, even if it were only a dream. When I landed, I landed into my precious mother's backyard, along with the hummingbird. I quickly changed into my human form. My mother and I enjoyed a cup of coffee as the hummingbird entertained us. I told you this dream was weird.
Nothing is nothing weird about this next author from New Zealand, best known as the frontman of the alternative rock act IVY BLUE I am going to introduce you to. I hope you enjoy reading about him and his book. Meet James Brodie and learn about his autobiography book in his author interview below. Enjoy!
JAMES BRODIE
Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.
I am an entertainer from Te Aroha, New Zealand- best known as the face of alternative-rock act Ivy Blue. I am also an author, mental health advocate, speaker, and actor- having worked with the Future Te Aroha Trust on various projects, including participating in countless productions as a member of ACTA for close to 2 decades- having also produced a film with them called "One Day Soon" in 2012. Throughout my life, I have also battled mental health issues and neurological disabilities Autism and ADHD. Despite this, I have continued to be creatively active and defying my critics, having performed in countless seasons at Future Te Aroha (including some of the biggest musicals in the world) since 2001, releasing new music with Ivy Blue regularly since 2014, and performing live both in New Zealand and overseas with my music and continuing to share his stories both on and off stage.
What inspired you to author this book?
I've been asked a few times to work on a book like this and I've been working on this on and off since mid-2013 (before Ivy Blue was even formed). What made me really want to kick things into gear was a combination of people starting to wake up from the dream that "Everyone's doing OK all the time and the world is always filled with Roses." But I also had a close-call with death as a result of heart problems and that woke me up and got me to consider seriously writing things down and telling the stories that I wanted to tell in the hope that it can help people and I can introduce people to my shadows in a way that is positive and useful to the world.
Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?
I did a painting a couple of years ago where I imagined that my head was finding its place in a galaxy of color-filled stars and clouds. This painting proved very influential in my intentions for the front cover, so a digital version was created, and this is how the front cover came into existence. The guy who created it took my painting and made it better than any of my wildest dreams could have imagined.
Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?
As a writer- I would have to say that I look to musicians more than authors (just because I'm more used to writing songs than books), but I did read several autobiographies from a range of fields including "Big Blue Sky" by Peter Garrett, "What Does This Button Do?" by Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson, Chloe Lukasiak's "Girl En Pointe", "The Madde Diaries" by Maddie Ziegler, Kenzie Ziegler's "Rules For Life", and a few other bits and pieces as well. My writing tutor at Wintec is someone I really look up to and she's been really helpful too. But as for my personal life, my biggest influences are my friends and family (several of whom I've written about in this book and several of whom have gone on to be successful in their own rights). I view those people as brothers and sisters and there's no way I could have got here without them. I could never thank them enough and I'm always here for them if they need me.
What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?
The biggest challenge I had faced during the writing of this book was having to revisit some of my dark moments and the lowest points of my struggle with mental health, anxiety, anger, and a few other issues. Looking back on some of those moments- I was a version of myself that I never wanted to be, and I am very thankful that I am not that person anymore. But to write about my journey- and to do so honestly; I had to revisit those shadows and write about them very honestly. I could not do this any other way.
Tell your readers about your book.
Within my book, I talk about my journey in detail for the first time with no holds barred and offering an insight into my life not previously available as I have continued to fight his demons and work in the creative fields. I have been notoriously private over the course of my life but to educate people about Autism and ADHD and mental health from my own perspective, I'm talking about his private life for the first time and opening up about the insanity, the regrets, the demons, and every subject that I can possibly cover in an effort to help others with their journeys by sharing my shadows along the mutual road of life.
My target audience for this book is anyone who's been through mental health issues and neurological disability (or maybe going through it right now), but it's suitable for ages 12 and up (and if you're under this age- you're going to learn a few new words that your parents won't like and I take no responsibility for any consequences that you may get into). This book is very raw a very open, so some parts may be disturbing to some readers, but I make no apology for the raw nature of the story as the only way to tell my story is to tell it honestly- warts and all.
What do you consider your greatest success in life?
It depends on what area of my life you're referring to. I've worked in so many areas of work that I can't just pick one. So if I may take your question in another direction, I'll give you a highlight from each of the areas I have worked in to give you an overview of the work I have done in my life:
Music: Releasing 8 Ivy Blue albums and performing a sold-out outdoor three nightstand in Munich, Germany at Stoke Travel's Stoketoberfest.
Acting: Working with the same 4 people for the better part of a decade doing some of the world's biggest shows together and somehow still maintaining some kind of friendship with them for 20 years while everyone has continued to work in their own ways.
Work In Mental Health: Consulting with several New Zealand politicans (including Prime Ministers and ministers of cabinet) to help put together a plan for addressing mental health in New Zealand and improving our services to meet world standards. There is still a lot of work to do and we're nowhere close to perfect, but the foundation has been laid and it's time to build the house on top of it.
Personal Life: Pulling myself out of hell and taking myself away from the 14-year-old nightmare that I had become because of not only my own neurological issues and mental health issues- but other outside factors that sent me to my lowest depths of what I could handle; and turning myself around to become a better friend, son, brother, workmate, castmate, and in general a human being that can not only exist in the world, but truly live.
What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?
I'm another person with a story to tell and there are a lot more popular things to talk about than mental health issues and such- but what sets this apart is that I'm talking about my journey with mental health issues as well as my neurological disabilities and the creative journey I have taken since I was a toddler (nearly 20 years) and I'm talking about it from my perspective. There are plenty of books out there for those who want to learn about Autism, ADHD, and mental health issues; but they don't really come from the perspective of someone with those issues- but more from people who have researched them over many years. My experiences are things you can't discover in a neurological study and I hop those experiences from my perspective will help your readers who may be in similar pairs of shoes. If you like a good read, then this book is also for you.
Meet Dr. Sandra Eve Bradford, an astrobiological researcher in charge of the A.D.A.M. Extraction Team who discovered a microbe which thrives off of arsenic on the bottom of Mono Lake in California. General Anbar, Chief in Charge of the U.S. National Defense, orders his team to confiscate the samples and her research. Dr. Bradford enlists her fellow researchers, Dr. Gregory Peterson, and her undergraduate assistant, Jessica Parker, to retrieve a new sample setting off a series of events and consequences. In a government research facility, the microbe transformed into something alien. Once it becomes apparent to General Anbar the life form presents a national security risk, he orders his men to kidnap Dr. Bradford and holds her captive in an underground facility to continue her research. The life form over a seven-day stretch morphs into a humanlike life form aging every moment toward death. His journey makes him question - What is life? What is love? What is hate? And, is there a God? This a story of possibilities and raises the questions - Are we alone in the universe?
New Orleans - 2058 - MATTHEW RAYMOND, a private detective, locked into a maze of deceit and deception uncovers the truth of Project Transcendence. A gripping page-turning thriller serial killer novel in the tradition of "The Silence of the Lambs," "Darkly Dreaming Dexter," and "Misery" that demands to be read. One part suspenseful thriller of 'who done it,' one part science fiction and one part sizzling erotica that makes "Fifty Shades of Grey" look PG, "The Keystroke Killer: Transcendence" is an impressive debut for Caudle as she weaves her characters into a dark and twisted journey to uncover a deranged and utterly immoral serial killer who controls a weapon of mass destruction. Set in the backdrops of political corruption and scandal in 2053 New Orleans, the novel follows Matthew a tortured private investigator as he tracks down a violent and dangerous serial killer who is destined to become one of the most genuinely chilling serial killers in fiction.For Matthew Raymond, his job as a private detective is personal. Very Personal. After the disturbing 2053 murder of his sister, Livia, rage filled him igniting a search for her killer and answers to the mysterious questions that lurked around her death. Now, three years later, Matthew realizes his problems just went from bad to worse as he discovers himself immersed in a city where the wealthy and corrupt politicians rule. With his sister's murder still his main focus, he plunges himself into a cunning game of cat-and-mouse when he stumbles across the Keystroke Killer exposing a secret device that makes him capable of sending people to the fourth dimension without a trace. Project Transcendence becomes Matthew's new fixation as he searches the Deep South for answers which uncovers dark family secrets, lies and corruption which makes him a target of the Keystroke Killer. Will Matthew be able to survive the threat of extinction? Will he untangle the mystery of Livia's death? Find out in this powerful twisted and dark tale. "The Keystroke Killer" is unforgettable and grisly disturbing you will not likely forget. This novel is not for the feint of heart, but it is a must read. Only if you dare!
AUDIBLE COMING OCTOBER 2019 NARRATED BY SCOTT ELLIS
From the #1 New Release Author, Dr. Melissa Caudle comes the secrets of launching and publishing a book as an independent author. Why waste hundreds of hours trying to find this information or spend hundreds of dollars on webinars? Have you been there and done that? This book is an essential resource for authors who desire to have their book reach the #1 New Release as it provides specific steps during the pre-launch of a book six months out to marketing it once it is released. The advice and steps supplied throughout the book are golden. If you are an author, you need this book.
I know what you may think. There are tons of books available on this topic; however, my strategy is tried and true. My books have consistently opened as the #1 New Release on Amazon and the reason is because of the method I present in this book. Oh, so have several other authors who have used my method. If you are serious about increasing your sales, then you need this book. It is available in paperback, eBook, and audible narrated by Timothy Burke. Listen to an excerpt now.
Get ready! For what? Tomorrow A.D.A.M. THE BEGINNING OF LIFE goes public and will be available on Amazon. The eBook will be .99 to open, but will gradually increase in price over a period of several days. Please show me some love and purchase the book. At this price, you can afford to purchase it for a Father's Day gift. Take a look at one of the book's trailers which features D. H. Lewis as Dr. Sandra Bradford, Jamie Alyson as Jessica Parker, and Stephen Beal as Dr. Petterson.
I also want to thank Ian Parker for the fantastic photograph that he graciously gave me permission to use for the book's cover. He is a talented photographer.
This may be a little strange, but today I am featuring a review of my book NEVER STOP RUNNING and an interview that Gina Mitchell did about me on her blog.
REVIEW OF NEVER STOP RUNNING BY GINA MITCHELL
I enjoyed writing my review of Never Stop Running by Dr. Melissa Caudle almost as much as I enjoyed reading the book. I was able to re-live it while writing. What an incredibly gripping psychological thriller.
This story grabbed me on the opening page and refused to let go. I was instantly caught up in Jackie's story and read the book in one sitting. "Never Stop Running" is based on true regression hypnosis sessions, but the author does an incredible job of creating the fictional story. Reincarnation is a topic that divides many people. If you are not a believer, you will still find this story fascinating for the entertainment factor. It is a psychological thriller in every sense of the genre. Without giving away too much information, the ending was the most stunning I’ve read in a while. I immediately wanted to reread the entire book with my new found knowledge. The premise of amnesia and how it changes interactions within the family is an essential aspect of Never Stop Running. The tragic results of living long term with an amnesiac are heart-wrenching.
I don’t believe you will be disappointed with Never Stop Running by Dr. Melissa Caudle. Please don’t pass up this 5-star bestselling fiction novel and be sure to let me know what you think when you are finished.
I first started writing while in elementary school. Short, short stories and poetry. When in the seventh grade, I co-authored a book called SUNSHINE MY LOVE with my best friend. Once I became an adult, I published my first book in 1986. The rest is history.
What inspired you to write in this genre?
I write in multiple genres because I love all. My last three novels could be considered part science fiction, but all of them are psychological thrillers too. My next novel, SECRET ROMANCES: A FORBIDDEN THIRST FOR LOVE is a romance novel.
I write as soon as I am finished with my first cup of coffee. Writing is my job, and I treat it as such working eight to twelve hours a day, either writing or editing. I take breaks often and do chores or swim now that it is summer.
Do you need silence to write, or can you work in any environment?
I do some of my best work in chaotic situations. I just finished editing A.D.A.M. – THE BEGINNING OF LIFE while on the Royal Princess Cruise to Mexico, and I loved sitting in one of the areas listening to the music or a game show and editing.
If you could set up your perfect writing scenario, what would it involve?
Sitting on a balcony overlooking the ocean.
Were you an avid reader growing up?
I constantly read as a child. I often would get into trouble with the school’s librarian because she wouldn’t let me read some books she felt were too difficult for me to understand. What she didn’t realize was when I was in the fourth grade, I could read and comprehend college textbooks. It was very frustrating, so my mother took me to a public library every week, and I was allowed to check out three books at a time.
If you could form the ultimate writers’ group, which authors past or present would you invite to join you?
I would ask Stephen Hawking, Shakespeare, and Leonard Nimoy.
What is your go-to snack food, and do you snack while writing?
I don’t have a go-to snack; I have a go-to cup of coffee always at my side.
Who has influenced your writing the most?
I wouldn’t say I have an influence as I have a unique style of writing – I don’t use dialogue tags. I believe they are cumbersome and not necessary if a writer composes action sentences and great dialogue. However, I had an English teacher that allowed me to be creative in my writing who encouraged me to become a writer.
Must you wear shoes to write?
Not at all. I find them binding.
Is there anything you would like my readers to know about you & your book?
I write both fiction and non-fiction books, but I research all of my material for authenticity. When I authored THE KEYSTROKE KILLER: TRANSCENDENCE, I interviewed several serial killers and survivors. For my book on past-lives and reincarnation, NEVER STOP RUNNING, I interviewed monks, priests, regression hypnotherapists and people who experienced past lives through regression hypnosis.
I want to thank everyone so far who have shown their support for the new book "Becoming Miss Izzy" which launches on June 17, 2019. I had the honor of editing and publishing this book with Absolute Author Publishing House. Please mark your calendars and save the date to purchase the paperback book. The eBook is available for purchase right now on Amazon.
“All parents would want their kids to handle life’s struggles in the way that Miss Izzy does. A charming story of a young girl’s challenges with being overweight, lacking confidence, and dealing with mean kids. Izzy is relatable and will inspire readers of all ages not to give up when things happen in life and can get you down. Becoming Miss Izzy is a great story for not only readers Izzy’s age, but parents and teachers as well.”Mary Urbanik
“What an amazing read! I couldn’t put it down, and I love books like that! I found so many similarities in this book to my life with my ten-year-old daughter who is going into fifth grade! I can’t wait to read this again with my daughter. She struggles with self-confidence and has the worry of an adult. So many great topics that are touched on in this book that resonate with my daughter and me. Raw and real emotions and great lessons along the way. Absolute must read for pre-teens!” Kelly R.
“Excellent book! What an amazing read; very well-written and difficult to put down! “Becoming Miss Izzy” was filled with such real and honest emotions when worrying about the future. I felt these emotions right alongside Izzy. That’s a difficult thing to do, and kudos to Sue Zook and Mary Lazarski for writing such an important, compelling and fun-to-read book. I would recommend this book to all girls getting ready to enter middle school.”Diane Philyaw
“This book was a fun read and easy to follow. I like that it addresses the issue of body image in girls and how important it is to break this taboo and talk openly about obesity and how girls are supposed to look and grow into. I enjoyed reading it as an adult and I'm sure it will be even more impactful on girls of Izzy's age. I also really like the front cover, it is so refreshing and makes me smile.”Dr. Jennifer Meyer UK
I have also taken on a new author, C. J. Kruse and his new book "A Guide on How to Calm Down" which will be published this summer. Kruse is a father, husband, musician, and an author of self-help books, relationship books, and Christian non-fiction books. Hold tight for the launch date as it has not been determined. However, I can say without a doubt, this book is effective. I can write this because after reading it, I used several of the techniques after the worker who installed our new camera security system fell through the ceiling. Until the book is published, Kruse has several other books available on his website or from his Goodreads page.
