Writers4Higher features Michael Kinnett

Hi Michael. Thank you for joining us on Writers4Higher!

1.       

Tell me about yourself, your book, your life, your inspiration.

I would like to introduce myself; Michael Kinnett, I am a new author at Southern Yellow Pine Publishing. 

 After a working career and raising two daughters, my wife and I moved to the Florida Panhandle. It was in the historic town of Apalachicola that I began creating and caring for the Orman House State Park Museum. When I started, the house was an empty shell. Immersed in local history, I now enjoy sharing Apalachicola’s rich heritage with thousands of visitors from around the world. Apalachicola Pearl was born from my passion for the town’s history and its people. My sincere wish is for you to enjoy reading Apalachicola Pearl as much as I enjoyed writing her.

  Where do you see your writing taking you in the future?

When it comes to writing these days it’s not as though I have much choice. With the storyline for Apalachicola Pearl stuck in my head I didn’t sleep for four month until I had it all down on paper. There were times I questioned if a seven year old girl from the 1800s might have been channeling through me. I will continue writing just for pleasure, I love a well told story.

 How do you use your talents/time to help others?

I am a story teller and interpreter for the Florida State Park Service at Orman House State Park Museum. My passion is in sharing the rich heritage of Apalachicola, Florida, with all who would listen. I feel as though I have done my job when young people become inspired by history and want to learn more.

Please visit Michael Kinnett on Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011182111123&fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010935526253&fref=ts

And on Twitter: ApalachicolaPe1 

Michael's  first novel is being published and will be ready to ship on August 18^th.

Presales have already begun at http://www.syppublishing.com/apalachicola-pearl/  

Apalachicola Pearl will be available on Amazon after August 18^th.

Thank you again, sir. Best to you and your writing!

Rhett DeVane, southern fiction author and blogmaster

Visit Rhett DeVane's Website

Writers4Higher welcomes Becca Engelbrecht

Hi, Becca. Welcome to Writers4Higher!

1. Tell me about yourself. Your books, your life, your inspiration.

I was born in Tallahassee, Florida where I have lived my whole life, except for four years that I lived overseas in Scotland as a missionary. In Edinburgh and Bathgate Scotland, I helped with music and children’s ministries. My passions are music, writing, and working with children.

Although I have a serious side too, I enjoy being funny and making people laugh, feel comfortable, and feel like they belong and are valuable. If you ask nicely, I may even do my “famous” monkey sound for you ;0!

Relationships are important to me. I’d rather be with my friends and loved ones than alone. We can learn so much from each other. I had an awesome relationship with my two grandmothers (My two grandpas died in the same year when I was three, so I didn’t get to know them very well.). I believe that I am a better person today for spending such quality time and learning valuable lessons from both grandmothers. Now, I am watching my two boys build those wonderful relationships with my parents.

My first published book, Birthday Grandpa and Me, was written to celebrate those important inter-generational relationships. It is my hope that the book will celebrate life and bring people together.

I currently teach elementary school which I have done for a total of 12 years. In my free time, I enjoy making music, writing, and going on adventures with my husband and two boys (ages 7 and 3).

I started writing songs in my teens and my love for writing stories and books grew when I had the opportunity to teach writing in an elementary school. I earned a Master’s degree in Publishing from Napier Univeristy in Edinburgh, Scotland in hopes of gaining more knowledge for publishing my ideas. After graduating in 2007, I took some time off of writing to care for my husband (who was wounded in Iraq) and my two young boys. My husband is on the mend, the boys are growing, and I am now back in the swing of things and “making time” for my writing.

2. Where do you see your writing taking you in the future?

As a teacher, I have seen a decline in the love of reading due to competition with gaming and a resistance to rigorous standards. I want to help change that. The new educational standards don’t allow for as much imaginative and creative writing as there used to be. Kids want to have fun and enjoy reading fun things that make them laugh and feel good. I want kids and parents to know that they can still master the standards AND have fun loving to read and write at the same time.

I hope to continue publishing more children’s books that celebrate the joys of life, fun, relationships, love, and laughter that will give hope and bring people together. My second book, Goodnight, “I’m Not Charlie”, will be out later this year. It celebrates the joys of bedtime through a resistant little boy who comes up with all kinds of imaginative excuses as to why he can’t go to bed, until Mommy uses a trick of her own to get him into bed. I am actively seeking an agent to represent me so that I can publish traditionally. The company I used for my first two books is a hybrid (Tate Publishing) which I used in hopes of getting a start as a new author.

In addition to writing and sharing books with others, I am interested in providing workshops that will help other up-and-coming writers to gain more knowledge in the writing field.

Other than children’s picture books, I have ideas for chapter books (fantasy) and adult nonfiction relating to being a missionary and an army wife.

3. How do you use your talents/time to help others?

As a teacher, I use my time and talents to help others learn and grow on a daily basis. I enjoy watching students and parents bond in rejoicing over progress. I use my music and writing talents to inspire the families to courageously take on new challenges and desire to better themselves through reading, music, and the arts. I am also involved in the music and children’s ministries at my local church, where I participated as a lead role in our Christmas musical last year as Alice in The Christmas Post. That was so much fun- my first musical ever! Why did I wait so long to participate in one? Another thing I do is write commissioned poetry gifts for friends, family, coworkers, students, and parents. They give me information about someone, and I put it all together in a fun rhyming poem as a gift. 

Where to find Becca:

Website:

beccaengelbrecht.com 

Blog:

https://beccaengelbrecht.wordpress.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/BeccaEngelbrechtBooks/

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/BeccaEngelbrec2

Amazon.com:

 Buy Birthday Grampa and Me on Amazon

Barnes and Noble.com:

Buy Birthday Grampa and Me on Barnes and Noble

National Press Release:

http://news.tatepublishing.com/?p=28997

Youtube trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iFCdf94L54

Thank you for joining us on Writers4Higher!

Rhett DeVane

southern fiction author and blogmaster

www.rhettdevane.com 

Writers4Higher features author Ellen Thomas

Hi, Ellen. Welcome to Writers4Higher!

1.  Tell me about yourself. Your book(s), your life, your inspiration.

Life is messy, unpredictable and full of mistakes. However, like the puzzle pieces on the autism flag, our happenings usually fit together. I met my husband during my senior year at college. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education. He was finishing up his Master’s degree in the same field. We had no idea our union of knowledge would be tested years later when we  adopted our daughter, Grace. Before Grace was two, she displayed behaviors we hadn’t seen with our boys. One day, she became angry, piled books on her floor, ripped off her diaper and wet all over the beloved stories. Other times, she screamed for hours. An enigma because Grace was extremely loving. Her behaviors intensified as her body grew. Raging hormones was an understatement. Impulsivity produced shoplifting behaviors. When her psychiatrist gave a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, my head pounded as if someone had hit me with a baseball bat. This was a life sentence for our beautiful, creative, fifth grader. Classmates put her into solitary confinement by bullying her. My husband and I were helpless to explain why no one wanted to attend her birthday parties. Our stress increased when Grace tried to commit suicide at high school. Good can come from bad because that led to her duel diagnosis of autism. She hadn’t seen suicide as permanent. 

I never thought about being an author. It was overwhelming frustration that led me to a keyboard. My fingers struck the keys, releasing feelings of loss, confusion, helplessness, loneliness and anger at God. If my child had cancer, I could yell it from the rooftop. People would have presented us with casseroles and offered prayers. They would have brought their children over to visit. “Mentally disabled," “bipolar disorder,” and “autism,”  scares people. Bewildered parents try to hide their special needs child under a blanket of secrecy. It might work if those pesky, odd behaviors didn’t pop out in public places. Glory to God for holding us in his hand. He chose my husband and I, our sons, and extended family to make a great team. Grace has grown into a successful young woman. 

2.  Where do you see your writing taking you in the future?

I’ve written two books about our life with Grace. THE BIPOLAR EXPRESS STOPS AT AUTISM STATION: One Christian Woman’s Life Journey In The Company Of A Child With Bipolar Disorder And Asperger’s Syndrome chronicles her adoption and life through her freshman year at high school. The Bipolar Express Stops At Autism Station is the sequel. Readers see Grace's idiosyncrasies of autism, her fight to control her range of emotions, and our struggle to get her a free and appropriate education. Our daughter is on the right track so I’m working on a children’s series. This series will be lighter on my heart but just as challenging.  Writing fiction is a huge leap of faith. 

3.    How do you use your talents/time to help others?

My daughter is my hero. She has allowed me to make her private life public in the hopes of inspiring others. It’s our family's desire to let parents of special needs kids know they are not alone. We hope to educate the public about mental disabilities. People shouldn’t be so quick to judge the parenting of a child throwing a tantrum in the grocery store. He or she might not be spoiled but is having a meltdown due to sensory overload. 

There are many fantastic teachers, schools, and school districts, however, parents need to understand their child’s educational rights. To effectively work with teachers and administrators, parents should familiarize themselves with their county's procedural safeguards, understand the laws pertaining to a 504 Plan and the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA).

It’s difficult to work on a relationship with your spouse when a battle rages inside your child’s brain. My husband and I began ballroom dancing. Working as partners on a dance floor has helped us be partners in life. It’s provided exercise, stress relief and new friends. I became a yogi a year ago. Yoga helps me to remember to breathe deeply and stay in the moment. When I’m tied up in knots, I tie knots with knitting needles. I’ve knitted a few scarves and hats and have become a Knitwit. Scrapbooking brings happy memories to the forefront. 

I try to remember the instruction given while flying on an airplane and apply it to everyday life; put the oxygen mask on yourself before helping others. Prayer continues to sustain me. 

You Are Not Alone,

Ellen Thomas

 

Would you like to find out more about Ellen Thomas?

Links:

Website: http://www.ellenthomasauthor.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EllenThomasBook

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ellenthomas

Thank you for visiting Writers4Higher.

Do come back! You are among friends.

Rhett DeVane

Southern Fiction author and blogmaster

www.rhettdevane.com

Writers4Higher features author Darlyn Finch Kuhn

Hi Darlyn. Welcome to Writers4Higher!

1.       Tell me about yourself. Your book(s), your life, your inspiration.

My seven-year-old brother taught me to read when I was three, and I remember writing anthropomorphic stories shortly after that. “Arthur the Antelope” was the first one, and, since my father was a visual artist, I remember sketching Arthur frolicking among some flowers as an illustration. I’m not sure how many letters of the alphabet I made it through before abandoning that project, but I’m sure I could count them on one hand.

Old Yeller was the first book that inspired me to write a novel, though that goal was not accomplished until I was in my mid-fifties. I remember thinking the people in that book sounded like the ones who surrounded me in my daily life growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, and being excited that people who talked “real,” like my family and friends did, could exist in a novel.

I wrote plays as a child (and saw them produced, both at school and at the Daughters of the American Revolution), moved into a passion for poetry, and wanted, with all my heart, to write for a newspaper, like Lois Lane. I got an AA in Journalism from Florida Junior College and sold a few freelance stories to the Florida Times Union/Jacksonville Journal before getting married and settling into a “real job” at a bank. Other jobs followed, some writing-related, some not, including a stint in the Sports department at the Orlando Sentinel.

I raised a wonderful daughter, finished my bachelor’s degree at Rollins College, got divorced, and then was selected as a writer-in-residence at the Jack Kerouac House Project of Orlando. Those three months of putting my writing first literally changed my entire life.

Shady Lane Press, affiliated with the Kerouac Project, published my first short story and poetry collection, Red Wax Rose. I met a man from the project’s board of directors in the dining room of the house at a party, and married him five years later on its front porch. We published (through our label, Scribbles) a collection of our love poems, called Three Houses.

I went to Spalding University for an MFA in creative nonfiction and poetry, and then workshopped my first novel, Sewing Holes, with Connie May Fowler’s Remembering Blue retreat group. Joan Leggitt of Twisted Road Publications made my dreams come true by publishing the novel in 2015. We came full circle by holding the launch party at the Kerouac House.

               

2.       Where do you see your writing taking you in the future?

My husband and I have a PR content firm called Brad Kuhn and Associates, where we keep the lights on by writing corporate pieces and making beautiful video book trailers. On the literary side, I am currently writing the screenplay for Sewing Holes, because I think it would make an excellent and inspiring movie, and I would also like to take it to the stage at some point.

What I want most for the future is for the book, movie, and play to encourage others with its message of love and resilience.

3.       How do you use your talents/time to help others?

I write a blog called Scribbles that serves to encourage writers and booklovers to gather together in support of one another around literary events. It has been called The Heartbeat of the Central Florida Writing Lifestyle. I believe it contributes to a sense of community for writers, in what can be a tremendously solitary pursuit.

Where to find out more about Darlyn: 

Links:

Scribbles: http://darlynfinchkuhn.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darlyn.finch

Twitter: @FinchKuhn

Sewing Holes: https://twistedroadpublications.com/sewing-holes/

Three Houses: http://darlynfinchkuhn.com/three-houses/

Thank you for visiting the Writers4Higher blog.

Please do, come again!

Rhett DeVane

Southern fiction author and blogmaster

www.rhettdevane.com

Writers4Higher features author Kathy A. Bradley

Welcome to Writers4Higher

This issue, Writers4Higher features

Kathy A. Bradley

Hi, Kathy. Welcome to the Writers4Higher family!

ABOUT ME, MY BOOKS, MY LIFE, MY INSPIRATION:

  

When I turned in the manuscript for my first book, Breathing and Walking Around, I called it creative nonfiction because that was the label Mercer University Press had given to the literary prize for which I was submitting it.  Of course, I had to Google creative nonfiction first.  I have since seen the term “place-based creative writing” and I think that is probably a better description of what I write.

I live on a farm.  The outdoors is both classroom and church to me, the places where I take my deepest questions.  Those questions are answered when my senses become engaged in some way – noticing a newly-bloomed wildflower or the way sunlight strikes a tree – and from that image a metaphor materializes. The metaphor becomes something like a decoder ring or a map key.  My job as a writer, from that point, is to tell the story, to bear witness to the experience in such a way that it will enable the reader, the listener to bring that same focus to his or her thoughts. 

My writing is also deeply informed by what Southerners call “my people.”  The stories they have told and the language they use have trained me to the cadence and melody of Southern voices, alerted me to the layered meanings of colloquialisms, made me tender to the weightiness of words like “home” and “place”, and helped me create a voice that sounds, to me at least, true. 

I anguish over every word.  Every word.  But it is good anguish because I love words.  I really do.  I’m also really particular about cadence and flow.  I’ll read a sentence over five or six times to makes sure the rhythm is right.  That’s probably from my early training in and love for poetry.  I love using poetic devices like alliteration in my prose.  

WHERE I SEE MY WRITING TAKING ME IN THE FUTURE:  I want my writing to continue to take me into conversation with other people who are curious -- curious about how the natural world acts as a template for our emotional lives, curious about the paradox that it is only by diving deep within ourselves that we can explore the universe, curious about the connectedness of all things.

HOW DO I USE MY TALENTS/TIME TO HELP OTHERS:  I have felt a deep responsibility for service since my elementary school Girl Scout days.  As an adult I've filled a resume' coaching youth sports teams, serving on non-profit boards, and being an active member of my church.  As I have become more committed to my writing, I have tried to find way to serve through my talent.  I am currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Georgia Southern University Department of Writing and Linguistics and a volunteer with The Write Place, an annual celebration of authors and books that takes place in my hometown.  I am a frequent speaker at civic clubs, schools, and leadership training events for women and girls.  

Would you like to find Kathy?

Check out the links to this talented author:

WEBSITE:  http://www.kathyabradley.com/

FACEBOOK:  https://www.facebook.com/breathingandwalkingaround/

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:  http://smile.amazon.com/Kathy-A.-Bradley/e/B006UN2W4S/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1457461290&sr=8-1

GOODREADS AUTHOR PAGE:

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5841809.Kathy_A_Bradley

Be sure to visit the Writers4Higher Market! We have gear for the writer in you.

The Writers4Higher Market

Rhett DeVane

Fiction with a Southern Twist

Writers4Higher blog

Rhett's Website

Rhett's funny Southern Blog

Writers4Higher revisits author Ann Marie Bryan

Writers4Higher revisits a member of 

the Writers4Higher family of talented authors

Ann Marie Bryan

Ann Marie Bryan is a dedicated, graceful, multi-talented leader with a
passion for excellence. She is the CEO and Founder of Victorious By
Design, an organization dedicated to providing top quality professional
writing services, comprehensive personal and professional development
programs and exceptional performing arts services to meet the unique
needs of individuals and organizations. Ann Marie’s greatest passion is
to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God given potential.
She enjoys dancing, teaching, writing, meeting people and traveling.

NEW RELEASE

Mirrored Hearts: Sealed by Fire
Book 2 - Encounters of the Heart series

Two hearts. Mirrored secrets. The ultimate solution – A marriage sealed 
by fire.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1VOrbZM (FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED)

From #1 Amazon Bestselling author Ann Marie Bryan comes this stirring 
and deeply satisfying new addition in the Encounters of the Heart 
series, about the struggles of two broken hearts, mended by enduring 
love and sealed by fire.

When life takes unexpected twists and secrets are laid bare - remember 
to breathe.

Larry Kanate and his wife, Rozene, would be considered a modern day 
power couple. Years in the making, they have managed to keep love alive 
while supporting each other’s dreams.

Their undeniable love connection is unshakeable… seemingly unbreakable, 
until Larry discovers his wife’s crushing secret. As their 
picture-perfect world falls apart, she does everything in her power to 
get away from her past sin, but he is bent on never letting her forget 
it, all the while keeping his “little secret” close to his heart.

When Larry’s day of reckoning comes, will fear hold him hostage or will 
he be completely honest with himself and God? Will their marriage be 
strong enough to survive mirrored secrets? Will their faith help them to 
handle the ultimate solution – a marriage sealed by fire?


Shades of the Heart
Book 1 - Encounters of the Heart series

A shocking turn of events. Past and present secrets revealed. Things 
will never be the same. Will they find the courage to forgive and create 
a love for all times?

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1I94esM

B&N: http://bit.ly/1U6ynAj

Kobo: http://bit.ly/1LXWiRn

Smashword: http://bit.ly/1KzmCOp

iBooks: http://apple.co/1I1uiIe


NEW PROJECTS

Book 3 - Encounters of the Heart series

Connect with Ann Marie Bryan:

Website: www.victoriousbydesign.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/victoriousbydes

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/victoriousbydes/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6448888.Ann_Marie_Bryan

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

Google+: https://plus.google.com/106686897896390365782/posts

Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1SpMmUn

Newsletter: (Sign up using this link) http://eepurl.com/bOw6sr

Thank you, Ann Marie!

Continued success to you!

Rhett DeVane

author and blogmaster

www.rhettdevane.com

Writers4Higher features author Terry Lewis

Welcome to Writers4Higher

The purpose of the Writers4Higher blog: to feature authors in a new light, a fresh look at the way writers use their talents and life energies to uplift humankind. Writers4Higher doesn’t promote religious or political views. Authors are asked to answer three simple questions: simple, yet complex.

This issue, Writers4Higher features

Terry Lewis

Hi, Terry. Welcome to the Writers4Higher family!

Tell me about yourself. Your book(s), your life, your inspiration.

I grew up in Perry, Fla., a small town about 50 miles south of Tallahassee. My mother was a school teacher and my father had his own tile and carpet business. As a kid, one of my favorite tv shows was Perry Mason, and I thought Atticus Finch was a true hero. Not too surprising, then, that I eventually decided to pursue a career in the law—that and I had no real talent for anything else. I very much enjoyed my time as a lawyer, but I love my work as a judge. I’ve been doing this for nearly 30 years and it is something I look forward to every day.

Probably no surprise, either, that when I decided to take a stab at writing, it was a legal thriller. I credit Scott Turow with the inspiration to start. His Presumed Innocent was terrific, with an authenticity I found lacking in other novels. Could I do something like that? I didn’t know but I decided to give it a try.  

When I am not working or writing, I like to stay active, playing tennis and basketball. I know what you’re thinking--this guy’s too old for basketball. Perhaps, but I will do it till I can’t do it anymore. Having been side-lined for a while with a broken foot, I have a glimpse of what that might look like. I’ll just have to make that adjustment. I guess more time for learning the guitar.

My wife, Fran, is my best friend. We have been together since college and we now share our house with our sweet dog, Pepper. Our daughter and son-in-law live close by, which allows us to spoil our only grandchild, Ian, as much as we want.

Where do you see your writing taking you in the future?

What was once a challenge, a one-time project, has become a sustained effort to develop as a writer and to produce the best work I can. At some point I think I will try my hand at some creative non-fiction—probably after I retire from my day job.

How do you use your talents/time to help others?

I have been involved in many civic organizations over the years as officer or board member, such as YMCA and Rotary, which have offered me many opportunities for community service, e.g., Habitat for Humanity builds, back-packing for Second Harvest and Kids Voting Project. A great deal of my volunteer time is spent in educational activities with students, lawyers and judges—probably the best use of the knowledge and skills I have learned along the way. Had I not gone into the law, I probably would have been a teacher. I have been heavily involved with judicial education for many years as faculty and administration. I am currently the dean of Florida’s College of Advanced Judicial Studies. I teach as an adjunct at FSU’s law school, make presentations at CLE courses and at local schools, and preside over moot court and mock trial competitions for high schools and law schools.

    

Would you like to find Terry?

Visit Terry's website for information about his books:

 www.terrylewis.com

Be sure to visit the Writers4Higher Market! We have gear for the writer in you.

The Writers4Higher Market

Rhett DeVane

Fiction with a Southern Twist

Writers4Higher blog

Rhett's Website

Rhett's funny Southern Blog