REAL/VIRTUAL FRIENDS

If I'm feeling blue (which is rare for me), I find people who communicate their sentiments through the written word are far more sincere than someone verbally throwing a tired cliche my way. Those of you who responded to my last post about the ups and downs of being an author encouraged me so much and I wanted to thank you. Despite the fact that our tear ducts no longer produce as much fluid as they should for healthy eyesight, due to staring at our computer screens for most of the day, I must say that I enjoy being with all of you virtually and count you as friends, especially when you care enough to give me encouragement when I need it. I for one believe most of us try to put our best foot forward when we post and tweet, and I think it makes for a lovely world, albeit a virtual one. Do you have more friends online or off?

HURDLES AND HURRAHS

 

This picture expresses how I felt coming home from San Diego this afternoon. I was flying high meeting new readers, handing out cards and basking in the attention of being an author. Hurrah for me! Then I hit a hurdle. One that's been hounding me since I began publishing my books. I need more help with my writing, and I need to hire someone to help me. Big hurdle! But I can still jump over it and keep in the race. One doesn't come to a hurdle and just stop. No. One figures out a way to either jump over it or go around it and move on. That's what I intend to do. One day,  I'll look back and remember the hurdles and know I deserve the hurrahs. Have a positive and productive day, my friends, and keep jumping over your hurdles!

NICE WORK ENVIONMENT!

I love being a mystery author. Yes, the writing has to come from your imagination and it can mean long hours, but the rewards are worth all the hard work. Take a look at the room I'm staying in. Lovely, isn't it? Part of my job is doing research. I'm here at the Grand Hotel Del Mar in San Diego drinking in all the atmosphere of this AAA 5 star hotel, taking photos of things like the turn down service where the housekeeper puts rose petals and chocolate truffles on a tray, tidies up your room and turns down the bed for you. I talk to servers, housekeepers, concierges and valets getting a feel for characters and plots. I also have to eat in expensive restaurants to get a feel for the gourmet food I like to include in my stories. Lobster bisque anyone? I love my job. What do you love about yours?

Queen of Afternoon Tea Celebrity Author Interviews

"KING OF THE WEEK"

CELEBRITY AUTHOR

STANLEY POPOVICH

                  

Welcome! Thank you for stopping by today. It's lovely to have you join me for a cup of tea. Please have a tomato and ham sandwich and a scone. We'll be having a flour-less chocolate cake for dessert.

Where do you live? Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am from Pittsburgh, PA and I struggled with fear and anxiety for over 15 years. I published a book at www.managingfear.com  on how to deal with fear and stress based on my experiences and interviews with various professionals.

Are you a traditionally published or Indie author?

 I am  a regular published author. My publisher is Treble Heart Books.

What are your hobbies?

 I like sports, watching movies and hanging out with my family and friends.

Tell us about your current book. What was your inspiration?

-Well since 1990, I struggled with fear and anxiety. I talked to counselors and kept notes on my experiences. One day I realized I could get my notes published so I started to write my book and I found my publisher. Eventually I got my book published  and now I write articles to help promote my book.

How did you become a writer? When did you start? 

I was always a good writer and I took a lot of writing classes in school. So I was always a writer in a sense.

How long did it take you to finish your first book? 

I did the research since 1990 and started to get my notes published which took a year and a half.

Where do you like to write? 

I write using my computer at home.

Favorite author? 

I like Donald Trump and his books.

How many books have you written, so far? Do you plan to write more? 

I have written only one book and for now I just promote my current book. Maybe down the road I will write another book.

Would you like to share a link where we can purchase your books? 

My link is www.managingfear.com

What about a link to your website? 

It’s the same at www.managingfear.com

It's been a pleasure to have you today, Stanley. Thank you again for doing the interview. I wish you the best with your book. 

DAY OF REST AND A FREE BOOK TO GO WITH IT!

Enjoy your day of rest. See you on Monday with a new celebrity author interview. 
God bless you all!

P.S. If you'd like to relax and read a good book today, please accept a free Kindle version of Book 3

as my gift to you for visiting my blog. The offer ends tomorrow April 2nd, at midnight. A $3.99 value! Simply click Book 3 on the slideshow link to your right.

WHAT DOES HEE HAW HAVE TO DO WITH IT?

Roy Clark made a statement one time that has stayed with me over the years. He said that he was amazed that people paid him so much money just for having fun playing the guitar. Hee Haw was a top show which  entertained millions of people including myself for many years. As a writer, I've found the same to be true in my life. Writing mystery novels for me is fun! People buying my books is a lovely added bonus. I feel that when a person reads a story I've written, they are sharing my life's experiences. Somehow, with that connection I feel akin. This year I've had the pleasure of connecting with people reading my books globally in Germany, France, Italy and The United Kingdom. There are many other authors, far more successful than I am who have an even greater reach. What fun! I can't think of a more rewarding career. I'm grateful to all of you who help make this possible. If you haven't already, please help yourself to a Kindle copy of  FROM THE CLUTCHES OF EVIL as a thank you gift. This offer runs through Monday, April 2nd. Just click on Book 3 on the slideshow above. Have a lovely weekend!

HALF FULL OR HALF EMPTY?

As I scan posts and tweets all day long I notice two things: Either the poster or tweeter is happy about something, or they're venting about something. Sometimes the vents are warranted as a grief is shared or a is request made. But the posts and tweets I love to read are the ones that share victories, great or small, and noteworthy items such as encouraging quotes or inspirational videos. Uplifting words and photos make me feel like my glass is always at least half full, and many times filled to overflowing.  Keep them coming, dear friends. You know who you are!

P. S. If you haven't taken advantage of getting a free Kindle copy of my 3rd book FROM THE CLUTCHES OF EVIL, please click the link on the slideshow in the upper right hand corner and get the download. Book 3 is a free thank you gift (a $3.99 value) for all my mystery lover friends. I hope you enjoy the story.

A FREE GIFT FOR YOU!

 In anticipation of launching my new book PACIFIC BEACH in April, I'd like to give Kindle copies of FROM THE CLUTCHES OF EVIL free to all of you readers who would like to sample a Jillian Bradley Mystery. This book ( a $3.99 value) will be available to download for the next five days, Thursday, March 29 through Monday, April 2, 2012. Please enjoy the read with my compliments! Just click the link below.

 http://www.amazon.com/Clutches-Jillian-Bradley-Mystery-ebook/dp/B004TSCH8M/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332987515&sr=8-1-spell

ONE STEP AT A TIME

I almost lost it today over a very silly thing. And yes, it was technical, which I find challenging as usual. It wasn't that the steps I had to do were difficult; they were just boring and tedious. The poor service rep was doing his best to help me understand why I had to jump through all the hoops, but the more he tried explaining the reasons I had to do it a certain way, the more impatient I became. I must admit, even though I was frustrated, I managed to end the conversation gracefully, which is important if I am to set an example of how one is to live graciously. Oh Lord, give me patience...And give it to me now...

NO MATTER WHAT

The older I get, the more I understand how important it is to practice kindness. We all face issues that might cause us to react angrily. For instance, our gardener has failed to perform the services we agreed upon. Our yard looks shamefully unkempt and is a poor reflection on our duty to maintain the upkeep we should be doing in our neighborhood. But we shouldn't get angry about the situation. What if something has happened in his family, or what if he is simply unable to keep his commitment? One should just kindly explain concern for their well-being and employ another service. By doing so, our fellow human being feels someone is concerned about his welfare more than the service he provides and simply cannot take offense at being replaced. Practicing kindness also diffuses anger that is debilitating and fills us with love and peace instead. Get angry? Or try kindness? A wise person will chose the latter.