Complete this thought: “I wish an alarm would notify me whenever…”
I
wish an alarm would notify me whenever it was time to wake up and go to school.
I’m twelve years old and I haven’t been to school in almost two years.
I
miss it.
It’s
funny, when I was going to school every day, I hated it. Sure, I liked seeing
my friends and recess of course, but sitting in a class, listening to the
teacher talk all day… I can’t say I enjoyed that.
But
now, I miss it.
I
guess you always miss the things you can’t have; the things that are taken away
to early.
You
see, where I’m from, if they find out you have powers that can be useful to the
government, like mine, you’re carted away to the Operation Atlas headquarters. I’m one
of four watchmen with the power of telepathic perception. Basically, it is the ability to receive information from another mind. It’s more complicated
than that, but you get the picture.
I have alarms that wake me up, tell me when to eat, when to leave for work, when to sleep, and just about everything else. My movements are monitored and I can’t do anything out of order or without permission. For once, I’d love to sleep late, skip a meal, play outside, or just go to school.
There are times, first thing in the morning before I even open my eyes, that I forget where I’m at. I forget about the ten-foot by ten-foot whitewash room they keep me in. I forget that I’m not just another normal kid. Those first few seconds of the day are my favorite. But lately, they’ve been happening less and less. I think I’ve started to forget… forget my past, my friends, even my family.
Alright,
now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in
you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing.
Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with!
Complete this thought: “I wish an alarm would
notify me whenever…”
What books have made your August reading list? Check out the New York Times bestsellers for August 2019 by CLICKING HERE!
Are you an author who is looking for ways to stay organized and on track with all your writing goals? Check out my author workbooks below. They are full of all the tools I use in my writing process!
Are you working on a manuscript, but need a little help getting organized? Check out SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A BOOK ~ An Indie Author Guide to Outlining and Planning Your Next Novel
Jason Ranieri was often asked when
he would run for office. According to Ranieri, this was because of what he
called the “father factor”. “My father was a politician and if your father is a
blacksmith, chances are the boy will do the same,” said Ranieri.
Initially, Ranieri seemed destined
to follow in his father’s footsteps. In his freshman year at Worcester State
University, he was elected class president. After college, he became a member
of the political activist group M-power. During his tenure, Ranieri
successfully reinstated Massachusetts’ health coverage of eye and dental exams
for those in need through the state’s House and Senate.
Now Ranieri is devoting time to a
new passion: writing. So far, he has published two books and three short
stories on Booksie. However, the “father factor” still finds ways to influence
Ranieri’s writing. His latest novel is a political satire.
The Story of Polka Dots and Politics
Q: Where did you get the inspiration for Polka Dots and Politics? How did the story come to fruition?
A: The inspiration for Polka Dots and Politics came from political happenings in my younger days. My father was a politician and if your father is a blacksmith, chances are the boy will do the same. Many people would ask me when I would run? The story is the result of that “father factor”. A factor that can influence and upon doing so inspire.
Q: How did you come up with the title of the book?
A: I came up with the title Polka Dots and Politics by viewing the complex characters that surrounded me in this book as “polka dots”. Each person is a “polka dot”. Although a difficult pattern to wear, it is a style that is unique like the characters of this book, the “polka dots” were the chess pieces and politics was the game. The only game in town.
Q: Which characters, especially the fictional Ranieris, are most like you?
A: The characters most like me I would say would be Ernie Taft and Joseph Ranieri. Ernie had a laid-back attitude, political insight, loved History and had a sense of adventure. I graduated Cum Laude in my major, History, traveled America for a year and a half and am a born-again dude. Joseph would grab the bull by the horns and make friends with that bull. As he did all living things. He was a philosopher and artist much like myself. I am a vegetarian also. Animals are people too. Joseph loved all animals great and small.
Q: Have any of your relatives or friends read the book yet?
A: I gave most of my relatives and friends a copy. They enjoyed reading the character portrayals and laughed at the humor. The exaggerated plot put a larger than life twist to a satirical story that invites them to cast a ballot for the main character.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from your novel?
A: I hope readers take away from my novel that politics is a learned behavior. The door begins to open when we focus on what’s working and what is not. Hopefully, we can become informed voters and not just rely on the influence of others to decide who we vote for. We must hold our politicians accountable. They weren’t born that way but somewhere along the line, they learned behavior that encourages democracy. Democracy is a form of government where the people decide. If a politician wants to win then please the people. Some politicians will say and do anything to this end. Those aren’t leaders they’re something else.
A Look Back at the Writing Process
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a writer?
A: I enjoy the process of writing. The actual writing and completion of the finished work is very rewarding. What we say is not as important as what we write because of the process that goes into writing. I like brainstorming also which forces me to become creative. Thoughts and ideas must be developed and I enjoy the method of procedure that results in a well-written story.
Q: What was the most challenging part of the writing process for you?
A: The most challenging part of the writing process was constructing original characters that would become the “polka dots” of the story. Each one of them had to be believable. The outlandish circumstances that they found themselves in prove that small-town politics can be fun, glorious, and exciting.
Q: What advice would you give to new writers?
A: Those who wish to travel on a path within the continuity of space and form as a truth-seeker begins to recognize purpose, will, and intention. Having a purpose is not as important as serving a purpose. Thinking and feeling our purpose enough when combined with will and intention.
Will you catch me a fish? The
intention is to feed myself. In Zen, the act of doing leads to a deeper understanding.
For example, I may explain how to write. I may show you a film about writing a
book, nothing will increase your understanding about writing then actually
writing so if you want to learn how to write then write… simple as that!
Q: How did you feel when you saw your e-book available on Barnes and Noble for the first time?
A: I was very thrilled and excited. I feel I can get my book into the hands of a lot more people and thus sell more copies. I believe the reviews of the book will be great. I would love for all of you lovers of political, comedic wisdom to purchase a copy for only $3.99 and write a few words about my unique style, original expressions and overall satirical glam.
More About Jason
Q: What was your childhood like? Were your parents into politics?
A: My childhood was a time of great learning. I was disciplined in the ways of Jesus of Nazareth and politics. Religion and politics, the two subjects you don’t mention in polite society, but my parents often did.
Q: Were you allowed to date anyone who shared opposing political views?
A: Dating someone with opposing political views is never easy. One summer I dated a girl with dreadlocks who practiced witchcraft. My parents thought I was becoming a pot smoking, communist, Satan worshiper. I just liked her smile.
Q: Out of all the genres out there, why political satire? How did you develop your passion for politics?
A: I chose to write a political satire because I like political cartoons. They capture the absurdity of bad public policy and politicians. The drawings reveal a lot but a story can reveal so much more. I developed my passion for politics by studying History, working on campaigns, becoming Freshman Class President, joining the Massachusetts Leadership Academy and lobbying for eye and dental exams for those in need through the Massachusetts House and Senate.
Q: Are you a fan of Lewis Black or Bill Maher?
A: They both have a good grasp on current events and use critical, comedic commentary. I am a really big fan of George Carlin. He was once quoted as saying, “Politicians claim they are serving the Nation. I am in public service. Yes, I like America. The food is great but the public service is terrible.”
Q: Who do you hope wins the 2020 presidential election?
A: I hope whoever wins the 2020 presidential election will be honest and trustworthy. I would like to see Bill Gates as president. He’s highly intelligent and a great philanthropist. He would focus on the environment, curing disease, education, poverty, and technology.
Q: Do you have any books planned in the future?
A: Yes. I wrote the poetry book, The Good Old World. It contains 33 original poems that are all songs I sing as I’m also a musician. Please YouTube (Jason Ranieri) you can hear some of the songs. Check out “Fixing to Die” an anti-war political protest song.
My third book will be a book of
essays which I have already begun. Essays like “Man of Peace” and “Industry of
Insanity” are hard-hitting, controversial reports exposing hypocrisy and
institutional fraud. The majority of works are thoughtful, provocative articles
which challenge the conventional wisdom concerning issues of importance. The
essays have something new and significant to say. For the quality of writing, I
make points clearly and in a way that holds the readers’ interest. A reader
should not have to struggle to guess an author’s meaning. The essays contain
social and ethical commentary in a broad sense, religious and ethical perspectives
on society, culture, medicine, music and more.
Q: Where can readers go to learn more about your upcoming projects?
A: I plan on making 3 compact discs of 11 songs each from the poetry book, The Good Old World. Furthermore, I’m currently in contact with Taleflick. They are a company that turns books into Hollywood movies. A future project is to turn Polka Dots and Politics into a film. Please follow me on Facebook to learn more about my upcoming projects. You may email me at jason.ranieri@mail.com for autographed, printed copies of each book for $10.
Jason D. Ranieri is a graduate of Worcester State University and was Freshman Class President. He graduated Cum Laude in his major, History. He passed the Massachusetts Educator’s Exam with a perfect score in Economics. He is a “Heroes Among Us” award recipient from the Boston Celtics organization for playing Santa Claus for physically and mentally handicapped at Wrentham Developmental Center for over 20 years. He graduated from the Massachusetts Leadership Academy and became a member of the political activist group, M-power. He successfully reinstated Mass. Health coverage of eye and dental exams for those in need through the Mass. House and Senate. He was nominated for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette’s Young Leader Award. He is the author of the poetry book, The Good Old World and Polka Dots and Politics. He is a vegetarian, Freemason and avid musician. Jason toured America for a year and a half.
Today’s
#MindfulnessMonday Tip: We can’t all meditate
at work, and that’s ok, but you can still take advantage of the benefits mindfulness
has to offer, like stress reduction and increased focus.
5 tips for bringing
mindfulness into your WORK life:
Be
Consciously Present – being consciously present means that you are aware not
only of what is going on around you, but also what’s going on within you. Mindfulness
can help you be consciously present in what you’re doing, while you’re doing
it, as well as managing your mental and emotional state.
Use
Short Mindful Exercises at Work – Finding time for a 30-minute mindfulness
exercise such as mediation can be hard a work, if not impossible. Does that
mean you can’t be mindful at work? Not at all. Mindfulness exercises can be as
short as just one minute, you don’t even need to close your eyes or be sitting down.
Be creative about finding time throughout your day to connect with your senses.
This process helps to tone down the fight-or-flight response we can feel when
stressed, engages your brain, and helps us focus on individual tasks to
increase productivity and reduce stress.
Be
a Single-Tasker – Multi-tasking is known to increase stress and reduce
productivity leaving us feeling more overwhelmed than necessary. Try focusing
on just one task at a time and keep a ‘to do’ list, adding items throughout the
day instead of moving from one task to another, so that you stay on track.
Use
Reminders to Stay Mindful – Until mindfulness becomes a habit in your daily
life, it might be helpful to set an alarm on your phone – even a vibrating
alarm that doesn’t disturb others while working – to remind you to take time to
practice mindfulness. One mindful reminder I really enjoy is the Breathe app on
my smart watch. It reminds me once every hour to take a minute and just
breathe.
Accept
What You Can’t Change – This one isn’t always easy at first. However,
acceptance lies at the heart of mindfulness. To be mindful means to accept this
present moment as it is. Once you are able to accept your current moment… your
current situation… you will be able to move past it and try and deal with the
situation. If there has been a mistake at work, accept that it happened… it can’t
be changed… Once you can accept the situation you can learn from the mistake and
move on. Acceptance leads to change where a lack of acceptance can lead to
avoidance and even aggression.
For the next thirty (30) minutes I want you to pick one
task – ONLY ONE TASK – and focus solely on that one task. When you find your
mind wandering to other things, jot down a quick note so you don’t forget then
move back to the original task.
Practicing single-tasking can help increase productivity,
improve focus, and reduce stress. You just might find this becomes your new preferred
working style.
Mindfulness Journaling:
How did you feel
completing your 30 minutes of single-tasking? Did you complete the task? How
many times did you find yourself becoming distracted with other tasks?
I’d love for you to
complete both the 30-minute single-tasking exercise and the mindfulness
journaling reflection once a day for two weeks. Studies show that with consistent
practice, your results will improve increasing your productivity and improving
your mental focus.
Check out
my #MindfulnessMonday YouTube Series and don’t forget to click subscribe so you
never miss an episode!
I’m certified in Holistic Stress Management and Mind/Body Fitness. I’ve been practicing Mindfulness for 10+ years and am passionate about helping others in their pursuit of a more mindful existence.
The early 1970s. William Miller is
15-years old and an aspiring rock journalist. He gets a job writing for Rolling
Stone magazine. His first assignment: tour with the band Stillwater and write
about the experience. Miller will get to see what goes on behind the scenes in
a famous band, including the moments when things fall apart. Moreover, for him,
it will be a period of new experiences and finding himself. Written by grantss
MY 2 CENTS:
Let me start by saying that I’ve seen this film at
least a dozen times. It’s one of my all-time favorite films. This film is one
of the most thoughtful and emotional journeys that you can experience in a
film. When the movie was over, I felt like I had been on a rollercoaster of
emotions. I was connected to the characters and invested in their journey.
Writing/Story: ★★★★★ Almost Famous takes place back in
the year 1973 and is all about William miller a 15-year old aspiring rock
journalist as he travels across the country with a band called Stillwater. William
has been hired to write a feature story about Stillwater for an upcoming issue
of Rolling Stone magazine and has to interview the band. Eventually, William
forms a deep bond with the band members and the band-aides a group of women who
follow the band while on tour. The band-aides are led by Penny Lane (played by
Kate Hudson).
Character(s): ★★★★★
Character
development is usually something I talk about when reviewing books rather than
movies, but this film really shows you the truth in the lives of these characters.
They are so invested in living in the present moment… the here and now… something
I often talk about in my #MindfulnessMonday posts and videos, but something often
taken for granted living in 2019. I really enjoyed seeing these characters
living this amazing Rockstar life. They experienced highs and lows, but seemed
to take things more in stride than maybe we tend to do these days. While the
characters still dealt with stress and conflict, everything just seemed simpler.
I’m not saying simple as in unrealistic ether… as a movie viewer, you are
fulling invested in their lives and almost feel like you’re on tour with Stillwater
too.
Cinematography: ★★★★★
This film is so fun to watch and it isn’t just the acting and the writing – the
camera angles and lighting have a lot to do with it. One scene that really defines
this film for me, is when they are all on the tour bus and break into song
singing ‘Tiny Dancer’ by Elton John.
Acting: ★★★★★ AMAZING!!! Whenever you’re
watching extremely recognizable stars on the big screen, it can be hard to suspend
your disbelieve. However, even though this movie is packed with amazing actors
we already know and love, there wasn’t a single moment when actor recognition
pulled me out of the film. Each of the actors took on their role and became
their characters for the 122 minutes of this film. They were utterly believable
and profoundly realistic.
MY FAVORITE QUOTES:
“From
here on out, I am only interested in what is real. Real people, real feelings,
that’s it, that’s all I’m interested in.” ~ Russell Hammond
“I
always tell the girls, never take it seriously, if ya never take it seriously,
ya never get hurt, ya never get hurt, ya always have fun, and if you ever get
lonely, just go to the record store and visit your friends.” ~ Penny Lane
TO SUM IT UP:
Overall,
I really loved this film. It’s an amazing story about love, life, and the
pursuit of happiness. The cast is stock full of phenomenal actors with the acting
chops to pull off the story in a realistic, heart twisting way. The soundtrack
captures the 70s and makes you really feel like you’re there. Then, to top it
off, the cinematography pulls you in and paints a beautiful picture that even
if seen in still frames you’d be able to feel all of the emotions of the feature
film. There was NOTHING I didn’t like in this film.
Have
you seen Almost famous yet? If you have let me know, in the comments below,
what you thought of it!
Check out my YouTube channel and the video
review below… and make sure you hit subscribe so you never miss a video.
As an avid reader of fiction (and an author who one day hopes to make the list) I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE checking out the New York Times Best Seller list. So, here it is… The independently ranked top 10 Fiction selections for August 2019!
If you’ve read any of the TOP 10 selections and recommend them, please comment below and let me know. If you see something you like and plan to pick up a copy, you can do so by clicking on the title or the [BUY IT HERE] button.
#1 ONE GOOD DEED
by David Baldacci
A World War II veteran on parole must find the real killer in a small town or face going back to jail.
What was the last thing you read or saw that really inspired you?
The
last thing that really inspired me wasn’t something that I read or saw… it was
a conversation I had while out in Los Angeles recently. I was visiting with an
old friend and we were talking, over coffee, about all the screenplays he has
written. He’s a struggling writer out in L.A. trying to make it in ‘the
industry’ and he was telling me how he reads 60+ scripts a week and has written
40, 50, 60+ scripts himself. I can’t remember the exact number. I just remember
thinking, WOW!
This
guy, in my opinion, is one of the most talented screenplay writers I’ve ever
met… yet he is struggling. It’s not easy to sell a script in Hollywood. It’s
not easy to pitch ideas and get turned down again and again. It’s not easy to
keep your spirits up and continue to be motivated to put pen to paper… or
rather fingers to keyboard. Yet, he does it. He does it every day, day after
day, week after week. He hasn’t given up and neither will I.
His
drive to keep going. His determination to continue pursuing his dream inspires
me to do the same.
Alright,
now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in
you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing.
Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with!
What was the last thing you read or saw that really inspired you?
Are you an author
looking for inspiration? Take some advice from these amazing authors:
Ransom Riggs, author of Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children says, Start a collection!
Cormac McCarthy, author of ‘The Road’ says to talk to people!
David Mitchell, author of ‘Cloud Atlas’ says to explore extended metaphors!
Are you an author who is looking for ways to stay organized and on track with all your writing goals? Check out my author workbooks below. They are full of all the tools I use in my writing process!
Are you working on a manuscript, but need a little help getting organized? Check out SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A BOOK ~ An Indie Author Guide to Outlining and Planning Your Next Novel
It isn’t just for indie-authors. I have filled it with all the tools I’ve learned over the years and use on a regular basis with each book I write.
Want help meeting your writing goals? Check out JUST WRITE: The Ultimate Author’s Bullet Journal
Would you prefer to watch the video tips rather than reading them?
Today’s
#MindfulnessMonday Tip: Becoming more mindful
of how you proceed through your day to day activities is the antidote to
feeling like you’re just running in circles. Think of it this way, it is so
easy to just go through life on auto-pilot. We procrastinate… fail to get
things done on time… don’t get enough sleep or exercise. So, when you become
more mindful, it’s about being more present and aware of your behavior in the
moment. Mindfulness helps you change the habits, like procrastination, that are
no longer serving you.
7 tips for bringing
mindfulness into your life:
Meditation – Taking just
5 minutes a day to sit quietly and focus on your breathing can help you feel
more conscious and connected for the rest of the day.
Focus on one thing at
a time – Studies show that tasks take 50% longer with 50 % more errors when
multi-tasking, so consider focusing on one task at a time, with breaks in
between tasks whenever possible.
Slow down – Enjoy the
process, no matter what you’re doing. Deliberate and thoughtful attention to
daily actions like writing a report at work, drinking your morning coffee, or
washing the dinner dishes, can promote healthy focus and keep you from feeling
overwhelmed.
Eat mindfully –
Eating without the distraction of a television, computer, or smart phone in front
of you allows you to truly taste and enjoy what you’re eating. Eating mindfully
is good, not only for your body, but for your mind and soul as well.
Keep phone and
computer time in check – It is so easy in today’s world to get overwhelmed by
all of the technology we have at our fingertips. Information overload is a real
thing. You need to set boundaries for screen time, not only for your children
but for yourself as well.
Move – It’s important
to move throughout the day. Your body needs it! So, whether it’s walking,
stretching, or just getting away from your desk for a few minutes to grab a
glass of water, be aware of your body’s sensations and move whenever needed.
Spend time in nature –
Take a walk through the park, the woods, mountain trails, or my personal
favorite – on the beach. Just get outside wherever you can. Getting outdoors is
good for your body, mind and spirit and it keeps you in the present moment.
If you don’t have the ability to be outside, in nature, that’s
ok. You can do this exercise anywhere, but there are added benefits when you
walk in nature.
Step 1 – It doesn’t matter where you are, just start walking.
Step 2 – As you walk, pay attention to your breathing. How does
the air feel as you pull it into your lungs? How does it feel as it leaves your
body? Pay attention to what parts of your body move as you breathe in and out.
Spend a few minutes just focusing on the full experience of breathing.
Step 3 – Next, focus on the rest of your body. How do your feet
feel with each step? What are your arms doing? Do they hang at your sides or
swing back and forth? Notice all of the physical sensations associated with
walking.
Step 4 – What do you hear? Next I want you to listen, outside
of yourself. What do you hear around you as you walk? It might be the sound of
your shoes on the sidewalk, crunching leaves under your feet, the wind in the
trees, birds, or even a barking dog. Practice simply being open to all the
sounds around you. Don’t search for them, but listen to them when they come.
Step 5 – What do you see? Notice all of the images around you –
above, below, in front of, and to the sides of you. Notice the colors and the
textures. Don’t search for anything but be aware as new things come into view.
Step 6 – As you complete your walk, I want you to shift your
attention from one sensation to the next, taking in every experience in your
internal and external environment. But most importantly, breathe… nice slow
deep breathes as you allow your body to relax into the natural movement of
walking.
Mindfulness Journaling:
After you’ve
completed your mindfulness nature walk, I want you to take 5 minutes, in a
quiet place, to reflect on how the walk made you feel. With pen and paper – not
a computer, tablet, or smart phone – I want you to write down all the sensations
you can recall from the walk and how you felt both during the nature walk and how
you feel now after its over.
Mindfulness journaling can be very private. However, I would love to invite you to comment below and share your experiences with this short 60-Second Breathing Mediation.
Check out
my #MindfulnessMonday YouTube Series and don’t forget to click subscribe so you
never miss an episode!
I’m certified in Holistic Stress Management and Mind/Body Fitness. I’ve been practicing Mindfulness for 10+ years and am passionate about helping others in their pursuit of a more mindful existence.
Write about a souvenir you have bought or received!
Let
me start by saying I don’t journal and I think this is a waste of time. I work,
a lot. Usually seven days a week and a lot of double shifts. That doesn’t leave
a whole lot of time for souvenir shopping, as I’m sure you can imagine.
Although, I do camp. I suppose that’s something. There aren’t many shops out in the woods, or any for that matter, but there are people. I meet some interesting people out in the woods. One overly nice young lady I met, April was her name, gave me a lovely gold necklace with a solitary diamond hanging from it.
I
suppose that should count as a souvenir I received, although I didn’t keep it.
It was to delicate and pretty for me to wear. I ended up giving it to my
girlfriend, Sophie. I’m not sure she fully appreciated what I went through to
get it for her. I suppose I couldn’t really tell her all the gory details,
now could I?
Alright, now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt inspires in you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing. Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with!
Write about a souvenir you have bought or
received!
Are you an author looking for inspiration or even guidance? Click on the images below for some great writing tips and guides from authors who have been where you are!
Are you an author who is looking for ways to stay organized and on track with all your writing goals? Check out my author workbooks below. They are full of all the tools I use in my writing process!
Are you working on a manuscript, but need a little help getting organized? Check out SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A BOOK ~ An Indie Author Guide to Outlining and Planning Your Next Novel
It isn’t just for indie-authors. I have filled it with all the tools I’ve learned over the years and use on a regular basis with each book I write.
Want help meeting your writing goals? Check out JUST WRITE: The Ultimate Author’s Bullet Journal
I’d like to welcome Michael J. Sahno, author of Whizzers, to my blog.
Michael was born in Bristol, CT, where he began writing stories at an early age. He obtained a Master of Arts in English from Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY at the age of 24, then went on to become a full-time professional writer in 2001. Whizzers is his fifth full-length work of fiction.
Alright, lets get to the good stuff!
1. What is your name and do you write under a pen name?
Mike Sahno. No pen name, but I do use my full name, Michael J. Sahno, on my book covers. 2. Where do you call home?
Tampa, Florida, USA 3. Obviously, we know you are an author, but some writers have other jobs as well. Do you have another occupation? Do you believe you’re any good at it? Do you like what you do?
I have been a full-time professional writer since 2001, so I’m rapidly approaching the point where I can’t imagine doing anything else ever again. I like what I do, and I’m very, very good at it. Lucky for me, as I’m not good at much of anything else! 4. What is your family like?
I’ve often referred to them as “my lovely dysfunctional family.” That’s accurate. They are dysfunctional, yet they are lovely. 5. If it doesn’t bother you, can you let us know what your childhood home looked like?
Middle class. 6. Do you have any hobbies, other than writing? What do you enjoy doing?
Running, collecting music, attending concerts. Pretty boring. 7. What is your greatest dream?
Would it be too beauty pageant-ish to say “World peace?” How about just world tolerance and politeness? 8. What kind of person do you wish you could be? What is stopping you?
I’ve reached the age where I don’t wish to be any other kind of person than the one I am. 9. Not to pry too much, but do you remember your first love?
Oh dear, I’m afraid so. One of many minor errors in judgment, which were followed by many major ones. Thank God for my current wife. 10. What is the most terrible thing that ever happened to you?
In 2011, I developed tinnitus; broke my ankle; my first wife left me; and I had to have a parotidectomy surgery (don’t Google it; it’s gross). So, it wasn’t one thing, it was nearly an entire year of garbage. 11. What or who inspired you to start writing? And how long have you been writing?
Been writing since I was in high school. Inspired by so many: Kurt Vonnegut, William Faulkner, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Balzac, Dickens…a slew of classics. 12. What was your dream growing up? Did you achieve that dream? If so, in what ways was it not what you expected? If you never achieved the dream, why not?
My dream was to be a writer, and I’ve achieved it. I didn’t expect to have to work so hard on finding readers and making sales, but that’s evolved in a positive direction over time. 13. Who is your role model?
No one anybody reading this would know. 14. What is your greatest fear?
Being buried alive. 15. Do you prefer e-books, paperbacks, hard-covers or audio-books?
I prefer paperbacks, but I’ll take an e-book. I don’t listen to audiobooks at all, and hardcovers are too hard to handle for me. 16. Have you ever read a book more than once? And if so, what was it?
Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas. 17. What is your opinion of novellas?
I think they’re fine. People have such short attention spans these days, and a novella is not as much of a commitment as a door stop book. My latest novel is just slightly longer than a novella. 18. Have you ever read a book just based on its cover?
Probably not. 19. What is your favorite film based on a book?
Sophie’s Choice 20. What is your favorite book genre at the moment?
Metaphysical & Visionary Fiction 21. What books have made it onto your wish list recently? And why?
The Hook by Kathleen Doler is at the top of the list—because I just bought it! 22. What book are you reading at the moment? And in what format?
Just about to start the above mentioned ebook. 23. If you could invite any four (4) celebrities (alive or dead) to your dinner party, who would you invite and why?
Frank Zappa, Jerry Garcia, Gandhi & Martin Luther King, Jr. Come on, who wouldn’t want to be here that conversation?
Let’s shift somewhat and talk about your latest story.
1. What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 20 or fewer words, what would you say?
Whizzers. A recovering alcoholic, Mike, discovers his six-year-old nephew, David, travels through time as a whizzer to bring comfort to those in need. 2. Is the above book part of a series?
No. 3. How did you come up with the cover? Who designed the cover of your book(s)?
My designer, Robin Vuchnich came up with a variety of concepts, and this one spoke to me. 4. Did you listen to any particular songs while writing your book(s)?
A lot of classic jazz, ECM label stuff, ambient. Mostly instrumental so I’m not distracted by lyrics while writing. 5. How did you come up with the title for your book(s)?
The subject matter of each is relevant to the titles. Nothing really weird or mysterious here. 6. Do you have a book trailer? If so, where can we watch it?
Not yet. 7. In your latest novel, who is the lead character and can you tell us a little about him/her?
The lead character is a thinly-disguised fictional version of yours truly. I’m really, really nice. 8. What is your character’s greatest strengths?
Empathy. 9. And what are his/her greatest weaknesses?
Empathy. 10. What are some of his/her favorite foods?
I don’t think Mike ever eats anything in the book. Probably Thai curry. 11. What’s a positive quality that your character is unaware that he or she has?
Courage. 12. Will readers like or dislike this character, and why?
They will absolutely love him, because he’s so much me. If they don’t like him, they can buzz off. 13. What first gave you the idea for your latest book?
A very interesting conversation with someone else in recovery.
Let’s talk now about your writing process.
1. What is your writing style like? Are you a pantster or a plotter?
I am a plantser. First, I let the characters lead me down all sorts of dark alleyways. When I no longer have any choice, I do some planning. 2. Have you come across any specific challenges in writing or publishing? What would you do differently the next time?
Platform building and finding the right audience. I did this time all the things I wish I’d done initially. 3. Are you a self-published/Indie author or did you publish through a traditional publishing company?
Self-published/indie with my own publishing company (not Amazon-only). 4. If you’re a self-published/Indie author what made you go that route instead of the traditional publishing route?
I wanted to have complete creative control, and I don’t have any desire to give 15% of what I make to an agent. 5. What’s the best advice that you have been given when it comes to writing? “Want to be writer?You’d better learn to dig ditches, too.” 6. Where can your readers follow you?
Please list links to any applicable websites and/or social media accounts.
Whizzers Book Blurb: A recovering alcoholic, Mike, discovers his six-year-old nephew, David, travels through time as a whizzer to bring comfort to those in need. Mike soon finds himself along for the ride, and while he gets the opportunity to bring solace to some of his greatest heroes, he must also confront his own greatest demons.
Small town upstate New Yorker Jerome Brothers loses his hand in a tragic fall, then falls even harder for his physical therapist, Maria Santisia. Can even the most romantic one-armed man get the girl…if she doesn’t get his full cooperation in therapy?
If you like character-driven fiction written with humor, heart, and compassion, then you’ll love Sahno’s work. Discover the fictional world of Carverville, New York today.
*Mature audience. Contains scenes of violence, sexuality.
– “Sahno writes with humor, heart, compassion, and a radiant energy all his own.” – Liz Rosenberg, Beauty and Compassion
– “A deeply felt tale and one entirely worth the telling.” – Jay Lemming, Billy Maddox Takes His His Shot
– “Not only an engaging story, but a masterful piece of writing.” – Amazon review
“Riveting.” “Fascinating.” “Hilarious!”
In Miles of Files, the main character, Paul Panepinto, an employee at Flambet Insurance, learns that his manager Graham Woodcock is stealing from the company. Paul struggles with whether or not to report the boss at the risk of losing his position. Eventually, Graham fires Paul anyway and Paul is forced to pursue justice, but the story doesn’t end as expected. Readers move through a fast-paced adventure with many twists and turns, including high points, drama, comedy, and an edge that Sahno captures through his writing.
*Mature audience. Contains adult language and situations.
“This is great writing.” – Quill Ink and Parchment
“When it comes to prose, I recommend every writer read his work.” – Amazon Review
“A great author. You definitely don’t want to miss out on reading this one!” – Long and Short Reviews
“This novel is so well written, I was blown away.” – Amazon Review
“Lyrical.” “Evocative.” “Totally captivating.”
Because of her sexual orientation, Jana Odessi loses her child care job. It’s not until she is halfway across the country on a road trip with her partner that Jana realizes she must decide whether she has the strength to return home and fight for her right to be herself.
Jana appeals to the LGBT audience because it depicts the struggles of young gay people in the mid-1990s with humor and heart. Sahno’s second novel leads to a dramatic courtroom showdown that will leave you breathless.
If you like character-driven fiction written with humor, heart, and compassion, then you’ll love Sahno’s work. Discover Jana’s world today.
*Mature audience. Contains scenes of discrimination, homophobia.
“This book kept me turning pages.” – Amazon Review
“A journey of discovery.” – Amazon Review
Nina Soden 