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.
Today's Zoom author interview is short of amazing. Author Hasan Ali Iman discusses with me his book, "United States of Anger," and what went into it. This is one interview you do not want to miss. In it, he issues a debate challenge with Linda Sarsour. I must say, that I had the honor of editing and publishing this book with Absolute Author Publishing House and it is a must-read before you vote. Not only does this book present an open and honest debate on democracy and American politics, but also discusses important issues surrounding both Trump and Biden. Nothin is left out including racism, bigotry, fake news, President Trump and COVID.
United States of Anger: Why Linda Sarsour's Rage and the Far Left's Anger Cannot Move Mountains. Thoughts of a British Muslim Conservative Kindle Edition
This timely book is detox for the mind through depolarization of conversation. Written by a British-Bangladeshi Muslim Conservative from the UK, he responds to Linda Sarsour, an American-Palestinian Muslim Socialist activist from the US. It addresses the toxic nature of debate in America and the need for better understanding between Conservatives (the Right) and Liberals/Socialists (the Left). Civil debate is the way forward, and this book should be viewed as a precursor to a continuous dialogue. The author and Linda Sarsour practice the same religion of Islam, but are poles apart politically. Hence, the ensuing discourse, dialogue and debate should be interesting.
Toxicity has also been observed in violent protests after the tragic murder of George Floyd. The peaceful movement of Black Lives Matter has been hijacked by thugs and Marxists who exploit Floyd's murder to promote their agenda of dismantling Capitalism through burning of buildings, violence and intimidation. This is addressed in detail and Sarsour's support of such violence is critiqued, as well as her and her comrades' deafening silence on other injustices.
This book is also a wake-up call for Muslims who have succumbed to the temptations of Socialist activism, which seeks to undermine traditional Judeo-Christian values, Muslim values and values espoused by other faiths. The reader may end up agreeing with most of the author's arguments and may be surprised to learn that they, too, are Conservatives.
Today's book of the day, "Deception" by Roxanne von Andrian is spine-chilling, adventurous, and filled with excitement. Inspired by true events, the book follows a team of European operatives and a female CIA agent, Ingrid, from diverting money out of the Miklos Fund's educational programs, to stealing enriched plutonium from the Russia-owned military base of Crimea's Sebastopol, with the purpose to kill an ex-KGB officer in London by poisoning him. This book has all the makings of a James Bond film and is worthy of reading.
Although writing fiction is her first love, Roxanne von Andrian has a Ph.D. in engineering. She’s an inventor with three patents. Roxanne served as an executive for high-level operations in the industrial sector. Roxanne is married, has two adult boys she’s proud of, and lives in Syracuse, NY.
I have a very special book and author for you to meet today -- R.F. Kristi and her book, THE CAT DETECTIVES IN
RUSSIA: THE CASE OF THE MISSING FABERGÉ EGG. When I tell you that this book is adorable and very creative, I mean it. Brilliantly written and with beautiful illustrations by Maaz Farzaan, this book is sure to captivate young readers.
I will warn you though, this is neither a short book or a quick read. In fact, the book is intended to be read over a series of days. This week, I am babysitting my two of my five-year-old grandchildren and one three year-old so the parents could go on a small vacation. I found this perfect to read to my they right before bed, a little at a time.
The only problem with this, is they are so enthralled with the adventurous plot and the characters they never want me to stop. My saving grace is that I tell them that we will read again tomorrow.
Now let me introduce you to R.F. Kristi and her book, THE CAT DETECTIVES IN
RUSSIA: THE CASE OF THE MISSING FABERGÉ EGG.
ABOUT THE BOOK
THE CAT DETECTIVES IN
RUSSIA: THE CASE OF THE MISSING FABERGÉ EGG
An amazing adventure in Russia. Can one cat
detective find the missing Fabergé Egg?Inca the Siberian Kitty can’t wait to visit
her homeland, Russia. The detective kitty learns that a local museum needs her
crime-solving skills to track down a valuable stolen Fabergé Egg. With her
trusty diary in tow, Inca leaps whisker-first down a trail of clues that leads
into the famous Peterhof Palace located in Peterhof close to Saint Petersburg,
Russia. She learns about the country’s rich history
and just how important it is to restore the famous Fabergé Egg to its rightful
place in the Fabergé Museum. With a little help from
her furry family and friends, particularly the marvelous little robot, Jibo,
Inca can feel she’s close to getting her claws on the valuable Egg… but it’ll
take teamwork to save a priceless piece of history.
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.
Kristi grew up in Sri
Lanka, a small gem of an island in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean. Shegraduated from universities in the United States of America and
the United Kingdom. She currently lives between Paris, France, Colombo, Sri
Lanka, and California, USA.
Her career as an
international civil servant started at UNICEF headquarters in New York. As a
UNICEF staff member, she worked and lived in New York-USA, Hanoi-Vietnam,
Monrovia-Liberia. She has traveled to a host of other countries.
Children’s issues have
always been at the forefront of her mind. She is passionate about protecting
and promoting the well-being of animals. Her love of animals and educating
young minds to protect and respect animals was a natural milieu when she
started writing children’s books.
What inspired you to
write this book?
The series is based on Kristi’s
beloved pet cats, Inca and Cara. Kristi works with destitute and abandoned dogs
and cats in sunny Sri Lanka. She wanted to inspire children to love and respect
animals. A former UNICEF professional, she wishes to encourage reading amongst
children.What better way to do so than
by encouraging children to read about some fun animal characters who are
detectives?
She says, “The
intelligence of cats has always fascinated me. Especially Inca, a Siberian
kitten I had the good fortune to acquire while in Paris. Cats are independent
and intelligent. Watching Inca and Cara, a blue-eyed Siamese I had brought in
as a companion for Inca made me imagine the cat detective series.Not to neglect dogs, there are some smart and
brave detective dogs also participating in the series.”
Where did you get the
inspiration for your book’s cover?
Kristi’s stories are written
from following her extensive travels. For example, the ‘Cats in Russia: The
Case of the Missing Fabergé Egg” was written after a cultural visit to Moscow
and Saint Petersburg.
Who has been the biggest influence on you personally and as a
writer?
Kristi is an avid reader.
One could say that all authors inspired her to read and also write. One author,
in particular, stands out: She enjoyed
very much the books of the English author Gerald Durrell, a popular naturalist,
conservationist, television host, and author, credited with redefining the
modern zoo.
What were your struggles
or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?
Kristi is frank on this
subject. She says, “to be honest, there were no struggles or obstacles to writing
this particular book. Following my first visit to Russia, I definitely wanted
young readers to enrich themselves by understanding more about Russia and its
rich cultural heritage.”
Tell your readers about
your book.
THE CAT DETECTIVES IN
RUSSIA: THE CASE OF THE MISSING FABERGÉ EGG is the 9th standalone children’s
book in the Diary of a Snoopy Cat series, which is purrfect for kids
ages 5-12 and also animal lovers. For those folks who have not traveled or
visited Russia, it would prove a pleasant mental walk-about of this fascinating
country. If you and your children like new cultural experiences, animal
detectives, and tales of teamwork, then you’ll love R.F. Kristi’s globetrotting
adventures.
Kristi believes that all
children would enjoy reading this particular book in the Inca Cat Detective
series. So would their parents.She
says, “Animal lovers, particularly cats, and dog lovers would also surely enjoy
the antics of these furry animals. Also, the reader will be introduced to a
magnificent little robot named Jibo.
If you were going to give
one reason for anyone looking at your book to read, why should they buy it?
Kristi believes that
readers will discover Russia through the eyes of a furry detective team and
have a laugh while learning about its culture.
What do you consider your
greatest success in life?
Kristi’s considers her career
with the United Nations Specialized Agencies, particularly in UNICEF, where she
was able to contribute to the welfare and rights of children a major success in
her life.
Everyone has life lessons
to learn, tell your readers one or two of yours and how they make you the person
you are today.
Having grown up with and loved animal companions all her life,
Kristi realized that animals do play a major role in the lives of many
children. Several scientific reviews have remarked that pets are linked to the
psychological well-being of children. Kristi attempts to promote the concept of
teaching children to love and respect animals as growing up with pets is linked
to higher self-esteem, cognitive development, and social skills. In her 2008
book The Powerful Bond Between People and Pets, psychologist Elizabeth Anderson
wrote, “Nothing less than alchemy is involved when animals and children get
together, and the resulting magic has healing properties that work well.”
What one unique thing
sets you apart from other writers in your genre?
Kristi writes for
pleasure.She also writes to contribute
proceeds from the sale of her books to animal rescue efforts. She has established
a refuge in Sri Lanka where sick and abandoned street dogs and cats are rescued
and natured.
Tell your readers
anything else you want to share.
Kristi says, “I have
always enjoyed reading.Even as a child,
my favorite pastime was reading. In addition, animals have always been a part
of my life. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t own a cat or a dog. While
working for UNESCO Paris, I had the urge to write for children, mainly to
encourage them to appreciate animals and to consider animals as living
breathing beings with thoughts and feelings. I also learned about the benefits
reaped by children growing up with animals. So, what better way to encourage
children to love and appreciate animals than by reading adventure stories about
animals.”
