Category: interviews - Mala Naidoo’s Book World

Author Spotlight: Mel Goven

As creatives, news about a debut author from the land of one’s birth is received with great joy. The creative landscape is a connected, supportive space that celebrates newcomers to the publishing fold.

Meet Mel Goven, South African debut author of the crime novel, Unfinished, launched in July, 2022 on Amazon. Please join me in welcoming Mel Goven to the blog this month.

Get to know South African Author : Mel Goven

1. Biography : Mel Goven

I hail from Johannesburg and have quite a demanding day job as a teacher in a primary school.

Unfinished is my first novel although I have written many short stories which have gained a place in short story competitions in local magazines and writing groups.

My short story, Scorned, a crime mystery, was placed 3^rd in Woman and Home, in 2014. Love Knots, another short story, was shortlisted in the annual short story competition run by The Writer’s Group. One of my favourite short stories, Lucky, featured on a few writing blogs and had quite a successful run in 2016. All these stories can be read on my blog site.

I have also published newspaper feature articles and opinion pieces during my stint as editor for the local newspapers: The Randburg Sun, Fourways Review and the Northcliff Melville Times.

My features were around education challenges in South Africa. Some of which were: Preparing for Future Career Opportunities, Effective use of Technology in the Classroom, Private versus Public Schools.

Having always been drawn to the romance genre, I imagined I would write romance novels, which I haven’t completely taken off the table yet. However, I found my voice in thrilling crime mysteries.

I have two more novels in the pipeline and have realised that with each new world I create, I am finding myself as a writer. I don’t like conforming to a specific trope and while I admire the writing styles of my favourite authors, I don’t think I am in the same league and so choose to write my way.

I have been blessed with four incredible children of whom I am super proud. In formally starting my writing career at this stage in my life, I hope to inspire them that dreams come true at any age, no matter what challenges and obstacles arise.

2.When did your passion for writing emerge?

I love reading. I believe you must be an avid reader to be a good writer. When I was a child, I would beg my parents to take me to the library.

I visited many libraries in the area I grew up in: from the little mobile libraries that would go around the community on Tuesdays and Thursdays; to the community libraries that were finally built when the demand increased, and then to the Durban City Hall library when I was old enough to travel to the city on my own.

I started writing after I read Anne of Green Gables. I felt such a deep connection to the main character, Anne. Although she was a lifetime removed from my world in terms of the era, race, and circumstances, she felt what I felt; messed up like I did; was the odd duckling — just like me.Anyway, the community library did not have the sequel to Anne of Green Gables and so I decided to continue the story in my imagination. Eventually, I wrote it at the back of a Maths book (I did not like Maths very much). That was how I began writing.

Every time I finished reading a book, and if I felt that I wanted more from it, I would continue the story to bring it to a satisfactory conclusion.

3. What inspired you to write your debut novel, Unfinished?

In 2012, I became fascinated by a story I heard from a patient in a doctor’s surgery. The patient had undergone a heart transplant a few months before and she had been excited to meet the family of her donor.

I found myself researching it and was surprised to find that some heart recipients experienced major personality changes which are sometimes connected to their donor. The idea of the heart, which we consider the seat and symbol of emotion, sparked a story and this epic drama unfolded.

Unfinished is set in Hout Bay, Cape Town, because the first human heart transplant occurred successfully at the nearby Groote Schuur Hospital. But, it is more than just a story about a heart transplant. It revivifies an unsolved murder committed almost 40-years before the story begins; those affected by that crime and how their lives have interwoven until a heart transplant finally exposes the truth. I wanted my characters to come to life on the page, and each one needed to have a voice, so I opted to write in each main character’s POV.

4. Who are your favourite authors?

I have so many. I have great respect for the classics, so Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy, Emily Bronte, L.M. Alcott, Charles Dickens, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and of course, L.M. Montgomery.

Contemporary authors: I would say, Khaled Hosseini, Kazuo Ishiguro and Eleanor Catton. But there are so many others. I have never restricted my reading to specific genres. I read all, except perhaps horror. Although I did spend a few sleepless nights reading Stephen King’s, The Dream Catcher.

I suppose I could say I have favourite books rather than authors. At present I am enjoying Barbara Kingsolver’s, The Lacuna. And, A Madness of Sunshine, by New Zealand author, Nalini Singh, and The Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah.

Oh, dear! There are so many more books I still have on my to-be-read list. My guilty pleasure is that I also enjoy a Harlequin romance novel now and again.

5. What advice would you offer to aspiring writers?

Write about what you experience. Write that story you wished could have had a different ending. Write about your dreams. Whatever takes seed in your imagination, write about it.

Grab your copy of Unfinished at these Amazon Book Links

Paperback

Kindle edition

Join Mel Goven on social media:

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I extend my gratitude to Mel Goven for sharing her author journey and wonderful advice to aspiring authors. Unfinished has certainly grabbed my attention!

Happy Reading, Happy Writing.

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Author Spotlight: Keshni Washington

It is with great joy today that I travel on the blog from Sydney to Washington to feature the inspirational Keshni Washington who I met through an introduction from a respected and trusted mutual acquaintance. I have had the privilege of attending a virtual screening of ‘Immigrant Story Telling Night’ with Keshni Washington and speakers on the night who shared their honest, authentic, lived experiences as immigrants.

Regardless of where we reside in the world, the connection is palpable.

Author – Keshni Washington

My ten questions introduce Keshni’s life and work in Washington DC as a writer and compassionate person, living, working, and contributing to DC society with a strong connection to her South African roots.

1.What is your most vivid memory of South Africa?

I miss those perfect hot dry Joburg summer evenings, the smoke of a braai (bbq) with friends and the clear skies and stars. Along with this memory, I also miss the taste of Koo baked beans and South African mayo potato salad.

2. Did you move to Washington for work?

Yes, I was recruited from South Africa to work for an international non-profit that is based in Washington DC. I had never been to the USA before coming through for the interviews. I worked there for 8 years but have been trying my hand at being an entrepreneur for the past year.

3. When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

I can remember composing the opening to my first book when I was 11 on the walk to and from school in Chatsworth, Durban. But I was soon discouraged and advised to do something more financially rewarding that would secure my future – I grew up in an apartheid segregated neighborhood and so being able to support yourself and others financially was a natural priority. I put away the dream until decades later in life. Coming back to it about 5 years ago, reaffirmed the feeling inside me, that this is what I was meant to do, and I know I will be telling stories for the rest of my life. I have been learning and honing my skills and now have two draft novels.

4. Tell us about your ‘Signal Fire Series’ podcast and what motivated you to do it.

I wanted to fuel my own fires of inspiration by talking to some of the people that inspire me about their journeys and glean some of their wisdom. I realized quickly that these conversations could do the same for others out there, whatever their passion. Since I have deep roots in South Africa, I decided to host conversations with both Americans and people from my first home. It has been an expansive experience, in which I have found a new admiration for every single person’s journey, whether they pursue their passion in their spare time or full time. It’s my offering, and I hope the person who needs it will find their connection and inspiration.

5. Please share your recent publishing success and writing motivation.

Published in Yellow Arrow Literary Journal

I have recently had short pieces/essays published in American literary journals: Yellow Arrow Literary Journal, Mer Vox Quarterly and Pen-in-Hand Literary Journal. I have also been fortunate to attend two writing workshop intensives – VONA (Voices of Our Nations Arts Foundation) with author Daniel Jose Older and Tin House Writing Workshop with author Alaya Dawn Johnson.

Keshni Washington’s favorite writing spaces where a cup of South African Rooibos tea is served at the Jamaican Tea Shop in DC.

6. What genre do you enjoying reading the most?

This is hard to narrow down as I read just about everything. When I was young, I was obsessed with science fiction. When I got older, I gravitated to literary fiction and poetry. Over the past year, I have been reading a lot of YA as my latest novel is a YA novel, which has been a ton of fun.

7. Tell us about Tin House, and the experience you have gained/are gaining.

Tin House is an American publisher of award-winning books of literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry; home to a renowned workshop and seminar series; and partner of a critically acclaimed podcast, Tin House champions writing that is artful, dynamic, and original.

The writing workshop consists of a series of small classes of no more than eight writers per class, so spots are limited. I got to work with the amazing Alaya Dawn Johnson. As part of the selection process, I submitted the first three chapters of my book, and these chapters were critiqued during the workshop by both my classmates and my workshop leader. All my classmates were critiqued this way. It was an invaluable opportunity for feedback and discussion. I had one-on-one meetings with Alaya and a literary agent who gave me feedback on my query letter. There were many amazing craft lectures by the faculty, generative exercises, and discussions about the publishing industry. We had the opportunity to do a reading from our work and mingled with other amazing writers attending and teaching at the workshop. It was an intense but invaluable experience.

8. When did KAMA DC start and what is your role at KAMA DC?

I first found Kama DC when I signed up to participate in their Immigrant Story-Telling Night. (where immigrants share a five-minute story from their experience on the theme of the night.) I have since stayed with Kama DC as a volunteer – part of the Storytelling team. Kama DC is a nonprofit in the DC area, run by volunteers, whose mission is to build community through immigrant-led experiences, providing a platform for immigrants to teach classes, share stories and their skills and passions to foster awareness, understanding and community. I also inaugurated and now run the @immigrantsOftheDMV Instagram feed, which is similar to Humans of New York in that we invite immigrants on the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area to do a takeover – hold the handle and share a bit about their story, home country, and experiences in the USA. It is a wonderful group of people and I am immensely proud to be a part of this mission.

9. What has been most inspirational about your semester of Creative Writing at GW?

During this semester we get to learn from published author Cutter Wood. It is focused on creative non-fiction aka essays, and how to write our true stories. As my self-study has been focused on fiction and novel writing for many years it’s wonderful to develop this different writer muscle. It is a small class of 13 people. We write a new piece every week, so I have to dig around in my memories and experiences and create something on a schedule. And the best part is sharing in class and getting to grow through the experiences and creations of the wonderful writers in my class.

10. If there is one piece of advice that you would share with young aspiring writers, what would it be?

To just start. Just write. Whether you think it’s imperfect or feel you are not ready. Just write. Put your fingers to the keyboard, or your pen to paper today, start journaling today. You are not too young nor too old. Just write. You will get better by doing, I guarantee this. But you must start, the world needs your stories.

With gratitude and best wishes to the inspirational Keshni Washington for sharing her creative journey, life and work in Washington DC.

Connect with Keshni here:

Website

The Signal First Series Podcast

Instagram

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AllAuthor Interview

Where did you grow up? Do you think your background has colored your writing in any way?

I grew up in South Africa during the apartheid era. This horrendous annihilation of a sense of authentic self, visibility and acknowledgement, features in and through my novels in shaping the necessity for inclusivity.

What developed your interest in the suspense genre?

I have always enjoyed Crime Fiction and taught Crime Fiction as an Extension English Course which further developed my interest in suspense/mystery/thriller/crime fiction.

What was that one moment in your life when you realized that you wanted to write?

I was a closet writer for almost ten years and never thought of publishing my work until I read Stephen King’s On Writing and that pushed me over the threshold with my debut novel, Across Time and Space, followed by its sequel, Vindication Across Time.

How has been your experience of working as a teacher in South Africa and Australia in secular and non-secular institutions?

With the Group Areas racial segregation in South Africa, the schools I taught in were largely of my demography. My Australian teaching experience has been diverse, but regardless of the geographic location, the time and space, as it were, students are similar in their love of learning or in their need of motivation to learn. Socio-economic status does not make an iota of difference in a student’s capacity to learn or to soar to great heights.

When did you publish your website, Mala Naidoo’s Book World?

My website was published to coincide with my first book being published in 2017.

Who inspired the character of Viola Bardo in “Aurora Days”?

Viola Bardo is a music teacher and vigilante justice seeker — she is a figment of my imagination although her name was drawn from Shakespeare’s Viola in his play, Twelfth Night.

How was the idea for The Sisters Helping Sisters Organisation (SHSO) in “What Change May Come” developed?

The need for safe houses with the ever increasing global threat to women in toxic relationships spurred me to create such a fictional organisation to serve the diverse characters in Chosen Lives and What Change may Come.

Would you be friends with someone like Dr Grace Sharvin from “Souls of Her Daughters” in real life?

Absolutely! She has phenomenal strength and vulnerabilities that make her endearing as a compassionate being, both personally, and as head of ER at City Hospital. A wonderful friend indeed.

Which is your favorite story in “The Rain”?

This is a difficult question because I love them all. Every story was written during a week of torrential rain in Sydney so I feel I have lived through each one of the stories. The title story, The Rain is a favourite.

What was your favorite part, and your least favorite part, of the publishing journey?

Writing and seeing my book in hand is the favourite part, as is seeing the cover for the first time. Sending my manuscript to strangers in the publishing world and waiting for a response was a nail-biting experience.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I write a haiku on any topic that comes to mind and then dive into my novel writing.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I have to let the flow of the story guide the pen. It’s almost like being held hostage by the story when the characters dictate their actions.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

A dedicated group of readers will drop me a line about something they connected with in any one of my novels or respond to a blog post I might put out that holds appeal for them.

What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?

An online platform of authors through The Alliance of Independent Authors such as Orna Ross and Joanna Penn from The Creative Penn have been great mentors.

What is your takeaway based on your experiences with AllAuthor?

A very friendly highly active service that I felt a connection to almost immediately.

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Writing For Success

In my first post on the prolific and inspirational Trinidadian author and poet Brenda Mohammed, we got a glimpse into her writing journey. Brenda has written twenty-five publications — her passion and dedication to literature is phenomenal.

Today we chat to Brenda Mohammed to catch up on her rapidly growing and expanding writing life and the scoop on her latest writing venture!

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am a former Bank Manager of a leading bank in Trinidad and Tobago. Later in life, I moved into the Insurance field and excelled there also. I always loved dealing with finance, and never dreamed that I would fall in love with Literature.

When did you start writing?

Actually, I was always a very good writer in my school days and won the top English Language prize when I graduated from High school at sixteen years of age.

When I joined the bank my superiors at the bank were always impressed with my ability to learn quickly, my efficiency in every department I was assigned, and also my writing skills.

When I was promoted to the job of Assistant Manager Credit I had to prepare detailed financial proposals for the Manager’s signature to be sent to the bank’s Head Office for approval. The Manager rarely changed a word, and the Bank’s Head Office always approved the proposals without any questions.

The Banking term for that was “clean sanctions,” something other Managers wished they could achieve. Later on, when I was appointed as Manager I continued with that skill and moved on to Senior Managerial positions. Yet, writing books never crossed my mind and I moved into Insurance where I also excelled, qualifying for membership in the Million Dollar Round Table, The Premier Association for Financial Professionals, {the name pertains to sales achieved and not earnings}, until I was struck by cancer and told by my doctor in Trinidad that she could do nothing for me.

To make a long story short, I survived and wrote the book, I am Cancer Free, which became a bestseller, and gave me the encouragement to write twenty-four more books.

You wrote twenty-five books. Can you tell us the genre of those books?

I write both fiction and non-fiction. The genres include Memoirs, Romance, Mystery, Poetry, Children, Science Fiction and Self Help.

Tell us something about your multi-award-winning book Zeeka Chronicles.

Zeeka Chronicles is about a vengeful man who misuses science in the year 2036 to create havoc in a small exotic island named Gosh. He is angry for two reasons. After his former lover jilted him, he married another on the rebound. His wife contracted the zika virus when she was pregnant. His child was born deformed as a result, and she died. He blamed the hospital for her death and his deformed child. This vengeful man kidnapped the son of his former lover and the story evolves thereafter.

The story is set in the year 2036 when there is great advancement in medical and information technology. It is a high-tech world.

Skillful robots are used as home helpers, and police use high tech weaponry, electric cars, and smartphones. The hospitals are well equipped with state of the art equipment and doctors and scientists are making significant breakthroughs and inventing cures for patients with critical illnesses.

Yet, in this high-tech world, the minds of some human beings remain evil.

Can Mankind ever achieve a sinless state? Will human beings forever continue to foster greed, malice, anger, jealousy, and the desire to control and take revenge?

I wrote this book to highlight the fact that material things can never improve the minds of some individuals.

Today, in spite of all the new and advanced developments, crime has increased to unstoppable levels. What will change humanity?

The benefits to readers are the underlying lessons to be learnt from the content, especially in light of the situation the world is experiencing today with COVID 19.

Who are the primary readers of your books?

My books are for both mature audiences and young adults and the children books are, of course for children.

What are you working on now?

I am working on the third story in a Mystery series – Barry Holmes Mysteries

What happened to Mary Loo has elements of romance, mystery and suspense. It will be a short story and should be ready for publishing by the end of May.

The book cover was designed by Mary L Schmidt.

Can you leave us with a valuable quote on Writing?

Writing is a mysterious journey of thoughts that can unravel the strangest imaginary plots.

Writing for me was exploring a new milestone.

What are your social accounts if people want to connect with you?

I am on Linked In, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook, where I have nine author pages for each genre in which I write, and a personal page.

They are – Poetry to Enlighten, Zeeka Stories, Banker turns Writer, Romance Stories, Children’s Corner, Barry Holmes Mysteries, Brenda’s Video trailers, Fascinating Memoirs and Brenda’s Publications.

I am also available as the Founder of How to Write for Success Literary Forum.

Brenda Mohammed a former Bank Manager from Trinidad is a multi-award-winning author of 25 books, and Founder of the Literary Forums How to Write for Success, Poems for Suicide Prevention, Library of How to Write for Success, and Poems against Domestic Violence. Her award-winning book HOW TO WRITE FOR SUCCESS is popular amongst writers and University students.

She recently published three best-selling Anthologies – A Spark of Hope Volumes I and II, co-authored by 49 and 64 authors respectively, and Break the Silence: An Anthology against Domestic Violence by 87 authors. All three topped the charts on Amazon as Bestsellers No 1.

In November 2018 Brenda received two awards from Readers Favorite International at an award ceremony at the Regency Hotel in Miami for two of her books, ZEEKA CHRONICLES and I AM CANCER FREE.

She was inducted into the Indie Author’s Wall of Fame in January 2020.

Brenda was also honoured on 22nd February 2020 by the Peru Government for Excellence in Literature, and in August 2019 by the Seychelles Government for her Literary skills.

You can connect with Brenda Mohammed through the links above.

I wish Brenda everything of the very best in her writing success.

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From Sydney to Seychelles

Today we travel across the Indian Ocean to meet Magie Faure-Vidot. Magie is a French-language poet from beautiful Seychelles. She has published work in English and Seychelles Creole. She is the Chief Editor/Director of the Publication SIPAY and is an inspirational supporter of rising poets and writers. She is tireless in her dedication to upholding international close connections between writers of all genres and forms.

Recently she has travelled to India for the World Thinkers’ and Writer’s Peace Meet attending two international events in December 2019 in Vijayawada and Kolkata.

Meet the Poet

Magie Faure-Vidot was born in Victoria. She is a member of the Institut Académique de Paris and the Académie Internationale de Lutèce. She has won numerous prizes over the course of her career, including the Coupe de la Ville de Paris, a Lyre d’honneur, and six silver and numerous bronze medals in various international literary competitions, and she has represented her home country at many international poetry festivals and other initiatives. Her work has been discussed in critical studies of Seychellois literature. She has also achieved some fame as an oral performer.

After living for some time in Lebanon, England, Italy, and France, Faure-Vidot returned to Seychelles. There she co-founded and continues to codirect, both the online literary review Vents Alizés and the online publishing house Edisyon Losean Endyen, both of which she runs in conjunction with Hungarian poet Károly Sándor Pallai. Her work is regularly published in Seychelles Nation and The People, and she is the Chief Editor/Director of SIPAY, the only Seychellois international literary magazine. Her poems were published in the international poetry anthology Amaravati Poetic Prism in India. In 2017, she received the prestigious Seychelles Arts Award in literature for her outstanding literary work and achievements. She writes for Spirit of Nature where she features amongst the 60 poets published in 2019.Opa Anthology of Poetry.

She is a member of the World Nations Writers Union Kazakhstan. She is the Regional Director – East Africa and Central Asia and on the Administration Council of MS.

Additional information on Magie Faure-Vidot is available on Wikipedia.

Getting to know Magie

When did your love for poetry begin?

The love for literature began when I was a kid. My parents worked on a vast agricultural property and had many animals. I loved them so much that I used to tell them small stories. We lived close to the beach and I had my private beach where I used to enjoy the sea, the birds, coconut trees, swimming with small fish, and playing with crabs. Being a loner, I had to keep myself busy. The sea carried me to faraway imaginary places. And I would always be asking my parents to buy me pencils and exercise-books.

What do you enjoy the most about living in Seychelles?

The island life, friendliness of the inhabitants, no snow but the sand.

The View From Magie Faure-Vidot’s Home in the Beautiful Island of Seychelles ~ A Creative Haven

Tell us about the International Literary Journal, SIPAY. When did it begin? What is its aim?

SIPAY saw birth in 2008 but registered in June 2009. At first, the aim was to promote the French language at 60% and 40% shared between our two other national languages, English and Creole. But now it has taken another turn. It is affiliated to Motivational Strips, and Spanish has been added to the three languages. SIPAY is now an International Literary Magazine and opportunities are given to various writers all over the globe. SIPAY is a non-political, non-religious magazine. SIPAY is distributed to the Ministry of Education for all the schools, Ministry of Culture, Creole Institute, the National Library, the National Journal (NISA), and some private individuals. One copy is posted to all contributors at no charge. SIPAY is a non-profit making publication. Money generated from the sale is reinvested in the next edition.

Describe your typical writing day.

I write when the urge tickles me. First, however, I take care of my home, family and animals – three dogs, and I feed some fifty birds every day. I then take to writing, attending to posts in MS, Lasosyasyon Lar san Frontyer, Congo Ecrit etc.

What are your future goals for literature both within Seychelles and internationally?

I’m planning my 7th book, assisting the Lasosyasyon Lar San Frontyer as a Chief Consultant and Congo Ecrit. I attended two international events in December 2019 in Vijayawada and Kolkata.

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I extend my gratitude to Magie Faure-Vidot for sharing her illustrious writing journey. You can connect with Magie Faure-Vidot for more information on her recent literary travels and works:

Website

Facebook

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Writer’s Connect: Spotlight: Author Vash Karuppa

Today I turn the spotlight on South African Author Vash Karuppa whose debut novel DESTINY FOR LOVE ARRANGED is a favourite among readers in South Africa and abroad. Her novel captures the cultural significance of life, and the command and necessity of love in a voice that connects the reader to place and culture and the understanding that the heart is not entirely self-directed.

Synopsis: Destiny for Love Arranged:

Destiny for Love Arranged is a contemporary, gripping and angsty, second chance Indian romance that reveals the love of family and friendship bonds during trying times. All protagonists are of South African Indian origin.

The story revolves around Aariyan Ranjan, a highly successful CEO of a Hotel Empire and Varini Iyengar, an Oncologist, both are forced into a temporary marriage of convenience to help them resolve personal dilemmas.

Not because it had anything to do with his heart he thought stoically…, but because it suited his purposes…

While Aariyan is determined to treat their marriage as he would any other business deal, love rarely listens to logic, and what follows is anything but business. On the other hand, Varini soon finds herself gravitating toward and rejoicing in the love she thought lost forever with a hidden hope that their marriage of convenience will end in a union of everlasting love. The story is embedded with cultural anecdotes familiar to any family of Indian origin. It takes their family, friends and a life-threatening situation to show them the love they lost is worth fighting for.

In short, this is a story about family, friendship, and starting over, as Aariyan and Varini embark on a journey toward a second chance at love. You will get to share in their moments as they discover that vulnerability can be their strength and the most perplexing problems can be overcome with the support and resourcefulness of a loving family and faithful friends. This is Book 1 of a trilogy.

About the Author

Vash is a South African author of Indian origin who has been a bookaholic from about the age of five. Her addiction for books grows exponentially daily, so after spending years concentrating on her role as a corporate executive and a short stint as an entrepreneur, she decided to unleash her number one desire i.e. a passion for writing. Whilst books of most genres interest her, it was romance that captured her soul. Her writing portrays the lives and drama of ordinary people who readers can easily relate to. The crux of her stories celebrates the power of true love coupled with the timeless bonds that exist between family and friends while capturing the true essence of diverse cultures.

Vash Karuppa is a member of the Romance Writers Organisation of South Africa (ROSA)

What inspired you to write Destiny for Love Arranged?

For many years I have read articles around the call for diverse romance novels that incorporate multi-cultural aspects into a traditional romance plot. In addition, I’m a hopeless romantic myself and always had a plot in my head around a story that integrates family and friendship bonds (which I have been blessed to have throughout my life) together with a typical romance story.

When I eventually decided to put pen to paper, it all just naturally came together, giving birth to Destiny for Love Arranged. Finally, I am aware there aren’t many novels written which share intricacies of the South Indian culture and I was determined to write about it. Looking at the feedback received thus far from readers, it was well-received.

Have you always wanted to be a writer? How long did it take you to write your novel?

Being a passionate romantic and voracious bookaholic, reading was a drug to which I had an instant addiction, one that only grew with time. While books in all genres interest me, it was romance that I was drawn to. From as early as my pre-teen years, I loved the ‘happily ever after (HEA)’ syndrome hence my love with any book in the romance genre, and later as a teenager with a dream of writing my own HEA story.

Writing a novel has always been part of my bucket list, so, after spending years concentrating on my role as a corporate executive, I eventually unleashed my number one desire and passion for writing with Destiny for Love Arranged

I didn’t really plan on publishing my work though, because I started writing for my own fulfilment. However, when a few of my friends read the script, they encouraged me to consider publication and so it happened….

The hardest part of completing the story was not knowing how to stop. I had so much more to tell but owing to publishing rules on limited word count and reader expectation of the length of books I had to cut out a lot from the original script.

What’s your typical writing day like?

Owing to a “day job”, I tend to confine my writing to nights for at least 2 hours a day in the week and whatever time I can hijack on the weekend.

My best writing is done in a quiet space in my little apartment directly next to a window where I can have the warmth of the sun and sounds of chirping birds to keep me company while writing.

Who is your greatest source of inspiration?

My 92-year-old maternal grandfather has undoubtedly been the inspiration behind my love for writing. He taught me how to read and then introduced me to the word of writing through the books he wrote and is still writing might I add.

What are your future writing plans?

Books 2 and 3 of the Keshavam Industries trilogy is almost complete and will be released between December 2019 and February 2020.

I have a new series planned for the rest of 2020.

Destiny for Love Arranged is on Amazon for your reading pleasure.

Connect with Vash Karuppa on:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Goodreads

Happy Reading! Happy Writing! Happy Publishing!

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Voices From Trinidad To Australia

As the New Year settles in, I’m following through on my creative intentions for 2019, to reach out, to connect in a global publishing landscape to learn and share ideas.

Through this shared landscape, I met and was inspired by prolific, Trinidadian author, Brenda Mohammed. She is the author of twenty-one publications, including the non-fiction book, How to Write For Success, a valuable advice book on achieving your personal best as a writer.

Brenda is also an award-winning author of Zeeka Chronicles, a Young Adult Thriller, and I am Cancer Free , a memoir, in the category Health and Fitness.
As a cancer survivor, banker, and writer, Brenda heads the rapidly growing How to Write for Success Group on Facebook for new and aspiring writers.

Getting To Know Brenda Mohammed

Biography:

Trinidadian Brenda Mohammed is a renowned, multi-genre, award-winning author and poet who has written twenty-one books to date.
She is a former Bank Manager of a leading International Bank in Trinidad and Tobago, and holds a Diploma in Banking from the Institute of Bankers in London.
When she branched off into Insurance she obtained a Diploma in Life Underwriting from the American College, USA.

Achievements

In November 2018 she received two book awards from Readers Favourite International, at an Awards Ceremony at the Regency Hotel in Miami. The awards were for I am Cancer Free in the category Health and Fitness, and Zeeka Chronicles, in the category Young Adult Thriller.

Brenda is the Founder of the group How to Write for Success.

From the Author

Becoming an author was not on my agenda.

My plans changed drastically when in 2005 I was faced with a life-changing situation. Diagnosed with cancer and living to tell my story inspired me to help others afflicted with the disease to cope. I documented my heart-wrenching experience of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer and my long and painful journey to overcoming the death sentence. In time, the essays transitioned into a book, I am Cancer Free: A Memoir, that tells my true story as a cancer survivor.

The book was published on June 3rd, 2013, and was available on digital stores worldwide. It had been read by so many people that it won the McGrath House Indie Book Awards 2016 in the non-fiction category. It also earned a five-star review and five-star seal in February 2017 from Readers’ Favorite and won an award in the Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards 2018 in the Health and Fitness category.

Encouraged by the rave reviews, I went on to write six fascinating memoirs, a five-book science fiction series, two children’s books, four books of short stories, one self-help book, How to Write for Success, two crime fiction books, and one book of poetry.

The science-fiction futuristic thriller series Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka also won an award for Best Science Fiction in September 2017 from Metamorph Publishing Summer Indie Book Awards, a five-star rating and five-star seal from Readers’ Favourite, the gold award in the category of science fiction in Emagazine Readers’ Choice Awards 2018 and placed in the top ten in the Author Academy Awards. It also won the Young Adult Thriller category in the Readers’ Favourite International Book Awards 2018.

Of my other books, My Life as a Banker was awarded for Best Bio/Memoir in Metamorph Publishing Summer Indie Awards 2016 and Your Time is Now, which contains a section of inspirational poems, received the IHIBRP 5 Star Recommended Read Award Badge.

Motivation

Words from my brother David V. Khan before he died:

‘Your book makes very pleasant reading, and your literary expression is superb and easy to follow. You have excellent talent, and you should follow up on a leisurely basis with perhaps publishing a book of short stories. With fiction, you will have a greater opportunity to use your imagination and your undoubted descriptive ability.
You used the word “fantasize” to create a situation. This is an outstanding quality, which you should continue to use because it is imagination, which disposes of everything, coming from within you. It creates beauty, justice, and happiness, which are everything in this world.’

It creates beauty, justice, and happiness, which are everything in this world.

Influencers

My Father, Dr Andrew M. Khan [ Deceased] – A great Educator in Trinidad and Tobago.
My Brother, Justice Addison M. Khan [Deceased] – Former President of the Industrial Court in Trinidad and Tobago. He wrote several law books which are being used in schools and Universities. He won a National Award from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for meritorious service.
My Brother, David V. Khan [ Deceased]– Acting Comptroller of Customs and Excise in Trinidad and Tobago. He loved Literature and encouraged me to write.
My Husband Rashiff Mohammed, a former Bank Manager and Executive in a car firm – Although he has only read one book I wrote on my father’s memoirs, he has been very supportive of all my careers – Banking, Insurance, and Writing. He was my rock when Cancer struck.

Favourite books

The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
Unlimited Power by Anthony Robbins

Where to Next?

Wherever my writing takes me.

How to Write for Success has valuable nuggets of truth for new and aspiring authors.

Follow Brenda on her Amazon Universal Link and check out all 21 of her books.

Brenda is selfless in inspiring, aspiring, and new authors in that anything is possible with commitment and humility in accepting that as writers, we too, are a work in progress.

I offer my gratitude to Brenda Mohammed for sharing her amazing journey as a prolific multi-genre, multi-award-winning author.

Please start the conversation today by adding your thoughts in the comment box below on sharing, supporting and learning from a global community of writers.

Happy Reading! Happy Writing!

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Thank you for your response. ✨

Australian Voices

So many voices, so many stories in a country as diverse as Australia, each sharing a connection to people and place.

Today on the blog we have Rhonda Forrest, a high school teacher, from beautiful, sunny Queensland. Rhonda began writing under the pen name ‘Lea Davey’. Her first two novels, Silkworm Secrets and The Shack by the Bay were published under the pen name, Lea Davey, however her latest novel, Two Heartbeats, published October 2018 has been published under her real name, Rhonda Forrest. Having always lived in Queensland, the vast Australian Outback and the pristine Whitsundays feature strongly in her stories. Rhonda Forrest shares her story and tells us more about her writing journey.

Meet the Author

Biography – I was born in Brisbane and grew up in Rochedale, which at the time was a rural farming area. It was a fabulous place to grow up and as kids, we spent our time playing in the bush, riding horses and living in a community where everyone knew each other. I married at the age of 21 and my husband and I moved to acreage at Bannockburn where we lived for thirty years. Along with a menagerie of animals it was here that we brought up our three daughters and made life-long friends with many of our neighbours. At the age of 40, after a multitude of different jobs and running my own business, I decided to study. After 4 years of full-time study, I graduated as a high school teacher of History and English. Recently we have moved to Tamborine Mountain and live between the mountain and a 100-year-old cottage with a rambling garden up in the Whitsundays. Both places are quiet and idyllic places to live and write.

Writing Journey – As a child, I loved reading and was surrounded by books. My mother who is 90, still to this day reads every day and as a teenager, she always handed me her books after she had finished them. Nothing was off-limits and I vividly remember being enthralled by books written by Harold Robbins, James Michener, Wilbur Smith and Jackie Collins. I used to always think that one day I would write a book, however, it wasn’t until about five years ago that I had time to seriously think about pursuing my writing. Long hours spent out on a tinnie in the middle of the ocean fishing, allowed plenty of time for daydreaming and the story of, The Shack by the Bay began rolling around in my head. Once I started writing the words flowed easily and I knew that I had found a new passion in my life – writing!

Genre – All of my books are different. The Shack by the Bay is contemporary historical fiction, Silkworm Secrets is contemporary fiction and Two Heartbeats is Romance. My favourite genre is historical fiction although I also love to read true-life stories.

Motivation – If you want to do something you should just have a go at it. I don’t think I ever considered failing, actually I don’t think about the end result that much, I just go for it. Really you have nothing to lose and once I start writing it’s hard to stop until the story is finished. The editing and parts that come after the actual writing for me are the hardest parts and I would love just to be able to write and to have someone else do the rest for me. But when this is not possible I stay motivated, buoyed along by the lovely reviews and comments I get from readers. With writing, it is not about the money that you make (because that is limited) but rather the motivation that comes from readers who love your books. One of the most exciting things is to look on the Brisbane library website and see that all 5 copies of your book are being borrowed!

Influencers – Probably the biggest influence for me in relation to my writing was the Australian author Coleen McCulloch. It was after I read her book, The Thorn Birds, in 1977, that I decided I would write a book. It took 40 years to have time to do that, but eventually, it happened.

Favourite Books – Just recently I read Boy Swallows Universe which is set in Brisbane so lots of familiar places and just a fabulous entertaining read. My Instagram page has a countdown of my top 50 books and these range from Mao’s Last Dancer to All the Light We Cannot See as well as, The Old Man and the Sea and Australian classics, The Cattle King and My Place. I have so many favourite books, but I do love historical fiction. The Garden of Evening Mists, A Good Muslim Boy and The Space Between Us are also some of my favourites.

If you want to do something you should just have a go at it

Favourite part of the Australian Landscape
That’s a difficult question as there are so many parts I love. I have travelled throughout Australia and it is often the coastlines that take my breath away. Crashing waves on rugged cliffs in South Australia, white sandy beaches with turquoise waters in Western Australia, red boulders with soaring waves in Tassie and of course the familiar pristine waters of the Whitsundays, rich with turtles, whales and dolphins. Equally beautiful though is the scrubby bush with the sun searing down on it and soaring gum trees, the bark dappled and ghostly against our vivid blue sky. We really do live in the most beautiful country and I always appreciate the beauty that surrounds me, be it the rolling hills around Tamborine Mountain, the thick rainforests just down the road from my house or the hazy valley views from the lookouts up here on the mountain. I love it all and much of that love of the landscape comes through in my books.

Book Covers – Designing book covers has been a journey in itself. The cover for The Shack by the Bay comes from part of a photo that I took of a shack down in Tasmania while Silkworm Secrets cover was a painting a friend did for me. For Two Heartbeats I engaged the help of a graphic artist, Ethel Beckett, also from Brisbane, who did a fabulous job giving me exactly what I wanted.

Rhonda Forrest’s/Lea Davey’s Books Are Available on Amazon
The Shack by the Bay (2016) – by Lea Davey
Silkworm Secrets (2017) – by Lea Davey
Two Heartbeats (2018) – by Rhonda Forrest

Book Descriptions

The Shack by the Bay (Lea Davey) An isolated fishing shack on a beautiful bay in the Whitsundays provides Luke with a retreat where he can find peace and solitude. However, the discovery of family war relics and a developing relationship with the beautiful Lily connects family histories and reveals a story that threatens to destroy his chance at real happiness.
Will the wartime secrets prove to be the breaking point for a beautiful romance? Or can two families put the deeds of the past behind them?
Romantic and purely Australian, The Shack by the Bay captures the pristine beauty of the Whitsundays and the wartime memories of older Australians while introducing an eclectic blend of friends and family.
Silkworm Secrets (Lea Davey) Ruby and Bobby are best friends who spend their spare time together in a tree house where they retreat from the adult world and share their secrets. To Ruby’s dismay, Bobby’s family life is far different from her own and when he is forced to leave home at a young age it seems that the two may never see each other again. But after many years the events of the past resurface, and as an adult, Ruby is unexpectedly faced with the gravity of their secrets and the seeking of justice. A court case forces her to search for Bobby who has not been seen since he left home as a child. Will she find him amidst the vastness of the Australian outback and if she does, will he want to return to what he has spent his entire life running away from.
This is a story about the secrets that children keep, the strength that comes from a childhood friendship and a special family love that overcomes the hardships of the past.

Two Heartbeats (Rhonda Forrest)
When Jess heads west for a fresh start in a small mining town, the dusty outback is a far cry from her former life in the city. Despite having no knowledge of country life, she finds herself loving the isolation and local people. All she has to do is keep her head down and work hard to create a better life for herself and Johnno, the only person she has ever truly cared about.
The caring warmth of a new circle of friends allows Jess to feel that maybe, for once, her life is heading in the right direction. However, problems arise when her temper and stubborn nature collide with her new boss, Daniel, who is suspicious of her background story. Has Jess been honest, or is there a hidden secret to justify his distrust of her?
Set amidst the rugged outback of Australia, with a cast of eclectic characters, Two Heartbeats is a story of friendship, resilience and the hope that ultimately loving relationships may triumph over obstacles defined by the past.

With gratitude to Rhonda for sharing her writing journey, and books with us today. Please add your thoughts in the box below:

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Happy Writing, Happy Reading!

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