Sunshine Rodgers's Blog - Posts Tagged "answers"
Author Interview: Sunshine Rodgers
As part of the virtual book tour for Just Brooke, author Sunshine Rodgers has agreed to participate in an interview with Hazel’s Book Tours!
A bit more about Rodgers from her author bio (from Amazon):
Sunshine Rodgers has written 13 books that have landed on Amazon’s International Best Seller lists in 26 different categories, including #1 in the United Kingdom, #2 in the United States, and #25 in Canada. Her books have been translated into several languages (Spanish, English, and Portuguese). She has participated in 8 book tours and dozens of book signings. Her Creative Team of 38 Professionals include Artists, Narrators, and Photographers. When she is not writing, Sunshine is a guest and featured author for a total of 82 Media opportunities, such as radio, podcasts, and online magazines. Sunshine is a Brand Ambassador to 38 Fashion, Health, Food, and Skincare Companies. She is a Blogger and an Entrepreneur with 58,000 social media followers. Sunshine is married to the love of her life, Travis, and they reside in sunny Florida.
Read on below for the full interview with Sunshine Rodgers.
.
Q: Congratulations on the recent release of Just Brooke! What inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired by the storyline of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl and the TV Shows: Big Brother and American Idol.
The premise of Just Brooke: A popular singing competition, The Tune to the Top, has audiences raving and cheering each episode as performers show what they’ve got to a panel
of judges.
But one by one, each performer falters and consequently gets eliminated due to a clear and obvious flaw. Zeek The Man is obsessed with the fanfare on social media. Nolan Artemis Jones the Third only cares about the prize money. And Desiree Simon comes from a prestigious family and feels entitled to the win.
None of the contestants are there for the right reason.
Except…one.
Q: What kind of challenges did you come up against while you were writing this book?
I am not a singer/songwriter and I had to write lyrics and use musical terminology in the text which required a lot of research!
From the pages of Just Brooke:
“While the rest of my class was at lunch, I was with Ms. Garrison, learning
musicality, practicing inflection, and hitting those high notes.” (pg. 19)
“I see the lyrics forming as if illuminated in the vast darkness of my psyche.
I start to sing the words pounding in my spirit like winged creatures being
uncaged for the first time. Unexpected. Unfiltered. Raw.
♫ I am trapped. The struggle is real.
I cannot form the words – but I know the deal. Come here, they say. Follow the script.
But I am the one who is so over it! ♫ (pg. 84)
“The words are overlapping one another. It is such a great song to sing as
Ms. Isle plays the piano in the background. Dean’s deep voice is meshing
very well with my soprano.” (pg. 131)
Q: What was your favorite scene to write in Just Brooke?
My favorite scene – so insightful! – is when Giovanni challenges Brooke to a virtual racing game at the arcade and uses this free play experience to explain the importance of the long game.
An excerpt from Just Brooke:
“There’s a short game and a long game,” Gio tells me.
“Oh? I thought there was just one racing game….” I look confused.
“Let me explain it to you.” He is serious in his tone. “If you go too fast, you’ll crash and burn.”
“I saw that.” I agree.
“But if you take it easy and pace yourself…” The screen is loading, so Gio continues. “You’ll end up winning. Don’t look at the cars ahead or behind you, though you’ll be tempted to. Keep your eyes on your own race. Don’t get distracted. Stay focused. Concentrate on the path in front of you. Keep the long game in mind. It’s like life, you see.” (pg. 122 – 123)
Q: If this book was made into a movie, who would you like to see playing
the main character?
Ally Brooke! I just finished reading her personal memoir, Finding Your Harmony. In this inspirational book, singer Ally Brooke recalls her journey to fame, reveals how she has remained true to her beliefs through her most difficult moments. She pushed herself to achieve her dreams, no matter how impossible they seemed. While her rise to fame was rapid, it wasn’t always smooth, and Ally candidly discusses the challenges she faced along the way, sharing how she navigated tough moments by staying true to herself and her beliefs.
Ally credits her start in the music industry from being on a TV Show Competition, The X Factor.
I think Ally Brooke would make excellent and an authentic Brooke Evans!
Q: Now that this book is finished, what will you be working on next?
I am working on Book #15 now, tentatively called Hashtag Family Photos at Work.
My new Fiction Novel is about Erin Melrose who experiences firsthand the benefits of coworker comradery, of team building exercises, of having fun on the job. And she is learning all of these invaluable lessons from the Department she is assigned to shut down. Will Erin keep her corporate status, or will she realize there is more to life than budget reports and the bottom line?
Set to be released Winter, 2024!
Q: What do you want your readers to know about you?
I am a Brand Ambassador to Fashion Retailers like Elevated Faith Apparel and The Pink Lily Boutique. I also represent Beauty and Cosmetics like Truly Beauty and Timeless Organics Skincare. I am paid by
Health and Food Companies as I promote their products like BHU Foods and Bare Life.
You can view the 38 Companies I represent on my website:
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/disco...
Q: The classic bookstagram question- what book are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Skipping Christmas by John Grisham (SUCH a great writer!)
I am really into MOVIE VS BOOK reviews, so I cannot wait to compare Skipping Christmas to its movie adaptation: Christmas with the Kranks.
I host a MOVIE VS BOOK Blog Series:
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/movie...
Thank you again to Sunshine Rodgers for the interview! Follow on Instagram and website to keep up with new books, writing updates and to help support an author.
https://hazelsbooktours.wordpress.com...
Sunshine Rodgers
A bit more about Rodgers from her author bio (from Amazon):
Sunshine Rodgers has written 13 books that have landed on Amazon’s International Best Seller lists in 26 different categories, including #1 in the United Kingdom, #2 in the United States, and #25 in Canada. Her books have been translated into several languages (Spanish, English, and Portuguese). She has participated in 8 book tours and dozens of book signings. Her Creative Team of 38 Professionals include Artists, Narrators, and Photographers. When she is not writing, Sunshine is a guest and featured author for a total of 82 Media opportunities, such as radio, podcasts, and online magazines. Sunshine is a Brand Ambassador to 38 Fashion, Health, Food, and Skincare Companies. She is a Blogger and an Entrepreneur with 58,000 social media followers. Sunshine is married to the love of her life, Travis, and they reside in sunny Florida.
Read on below for the full interview with Sunshine Rodgers.
.
Q: Congratulations on the recent release of Just Brooke! What inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired by the storyline of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl and the TV Shows: Big Brother and American Idol.
The premise of Just Brooke: A popular singing competition, The Tune to the Top, has audiences raving and cheering each episode as performers show what they’ve got to a panel
of judges.
But one by one, each performer falters and consequently gets eliminated due to a clear and obvious flaw. Zeek The Man is obsessed with the fanfare on social media. Nolan Artemis Jones the Third only cares about the prize money. And Desiree Simon comes from a prestigious family and feels entitled to the win.
None of the contestants are there for the right reason.
Except…one.
Q: What kind of challenges did you come up against while you were writing this book?
I am not a singer/songwriter and I had to write lyrics and use musical terminology in the text which required a lot of research!
From the pages of Just Brooke:
“While the rest of my class was at lunch, I was with Ms. Garrison, learning
musicality, practicing inflection, and hitting those high notes.” (pg. 19)
“I see the lyrics forming as if illuminated in the vast darkness of my psyche.
I start to sing the words pounding in my spirit like winged creatures being
uncaged for the first time. Unexpected. Unfiltered. Raw.
♫ I am trapped. The struggle is real.
I cannot form the words – but I know the deal. Come here, they say. Follow the script.
But I am the one who is so over it! ♫ (pg. 84)
“The words are overlapping one another. It is such a great song to sing as
Ms. Isle plays the piano in the background. Dean’s deep voice is meshing
very well with my soprano.” (pg. 131)
Q: What was your favorite scene to write in Just Brooke?
My favorite scene – so insightful! – is when Giovanni challenges Brooke to a virtual racing game at the arcade and uses this free play experience to explain the importance of the long game.
An excerpt from Just Brooke:
“There’s a short game and a long game,” Gio tells me.
“Oh? I thought there was just one racing game….” I look confused.
“Let me explain it to you.” He is serious in his tone. “If you go too fast, you’ll crash and burn.”
“I saw that.” I agree.
“But if you take it easy and pace yourself…” The screen is loading, so Gio continues. “You’ll end up winning. Don’t look at the cars ahead or behind you, though you’ll be tempted to. Keep your eyes on your own race. Don’t get distracted. Stay focused. Concentrate on the path in front of you. Keep the long game in mind. It’s like life, you see.” (pg. 122 – 123)
Q: If this book was made into a movie, who would you like to see playing
the main character?
Ally Brooke! I just finished reading her personal memoir, Finding Your Harmony. In this inspirational book, singer Ally Brooke recalls her journey to fame, reveals how she has remained true to her beliefs through her most difficult moments. She pushed herself to achieve her dreams, no matter how impossible they seemed. While her rise to fame was rapid, it wasn’t always smooth, and Ally candidly discusses the challenges she faced along the way, sharing how she navigated tough moments by staying true to herself and her beliefs.
Ally credits her start in the music industry from being on a TV Show Competition, The X Factor.
I think Ally Brooke would make excellent and an authentic Brooke Evans!
Q: Now that this book is finished, what will you be working on next?
I am working on Book #15 now, tentatively called Hashtag Family Photos at Work.
My new Fiction Novel is about Erin Melrose who experiences firsthand the benefits of coworker comradery, of team building exercises, of having fun on the job. And she is learning all of these invaluable lessons from the Department she is assigned to shut down. Will Erin keep her corporate status, or will she realize there is more to life than budget reports and the bottom line?
Set to be released Winter, 2024!
Q: What do you want your readers to know about you?
I am a Brand Ambassador to Fashion Retailers like Elevated Faith Apparel and The Pink Lily Boutique. I also represent Beauty and Cosmetics like Truly Beauty and Timeless Organics Skincare. I am paid by
Health and Food Companies as I promote their products like BHU Foods and Bare Life.
You can view the 38 Companies I represent on my website:
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/disco...
Q: The classic bookstagram question- what book are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Skipping Christmas by John Grisham (SUCH a great writer!)
I am really into MOVIE VS BOOK reviews, so I cannot wait to compare Skipping Christmas to its movie adaptation: Christmas with the Kranks.
I host a MOVIE VS BOOK Blog Series:
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/movie...
Thank you again to Sunshine Rodgers for the interview! Follow on Instagram and website to keep up with new books, writing updates and to help support an author.
https://hazelsbooktours.wordpress.com...
Sunshine Rodgers
Author Interview: Angela Schmeling
I am here with Angela Schmeling. She is a writer with seven published books - including two award winning books, Magnolia Sky (2024 Book Fest: 2nd for Christian Romance) and Unveiled Memories (2024 Book Fest: 3rd for Christian Suspense). I want to open up the Q&A with this talented writer!
Me: You have written so many books! Let me ask you, what advice would you give to those who are aspiring authors?
Angela: Just start writing. Get your story out on paper! You never know who needs to read the story that's in your heart.
Me: Yes! And, tell me about your more recent book.
Angela: I finished the third book in my Unveiled Series, Alex Unveiled, and I am currently writing the final book, Julia Unveiled. This series has been a mystery, suspense series that has twists and turns and has been a blast to write!
Me: What do you hope your readers will gain from reading your books?
Angela: I hope that readers would gain a feeling of being wrapped up in the story like they are right there with the characters. I love books by Christy Barritt, Lori Wick, and Frank Peretti. I love how the books feel so real and that's what I want from my readers.
Me: I love that! So, what is next for you? Any upcoming events or new book releases?
Angela: Finishing the 4th book in the Unveiled Series and then I have another romance suspense book to write called, For The Kingdom (at least that's the current title). I have events coming up in October.
To purchase Angela Schmeling books:
Amazon
To connect with Angela Schmeling:
Website
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube
Angela Schmeling
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/featu...
Me: You have written so many books! Let me ask you, what advice would you give to those who are aspiring authors?
Angela: Just start writing. Get your story out on paper! You never know who needs to read the story that's in your heart.
Me: Yes! And, tell me about your more recent book.
Angela: I finished the third book in my Unveiled Series, Alex Unveiled, and I am currently writing the final book, Julia Unveiled. This series has been a mystery, suspense series that has twists and turns and has been a blast to write!
Me: What do you hope your readers will gain from reading your books?
Angela: I hope that readers would gain a feeling of being wrapped up in the story like they are right there with the characters. I love books by Christy Barritt, Lori Wick, and Frank Peretti. I love how the books feel so real and that's what I want from my readers.
Me: I love that! So, what is next for you? Any upcoming events or new book releases?
Angela: Finishing the 4th book in the Unveiled Series and then I have another romance suspense book to write called, For The Kingdom (at least that's the current title). I have events coming up in October.
To purchase Angela Schmeling books:
Amazon
To connect with Angela Schmeling:
Website
YouTube
Angela Schmeling
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/featu...
Author Interview: Elaine Kelly
Author Elaine Ricker Kelly brings healing and hope to the marginalized by writing stories showing how the Bible empowers women and minorities. In today's featured piece, I ask Elaine... "What's In Your Bag?"
Me: First off, I notice that you are using a bowl instead of a bag!
Elaine: In Forgotten Followers, from Broken to Bold, book 1, Mara loves to cook. As the story opens, preparing food is her only comfort. Mara overcomes anxiety in this CIPA-EVVY silver award winning story! The bookmaker beside this book says: "Be You; Live Boldly".
Me: Very nice! And tell me about the fish pendant on that silver bookmark and on that necklace on the front of your Forgotten Followers book?
Elaine: The letters in the Greek word for fish, ichthys, can stand for Jesus Christ Son of God Savior. In Forgotten Followers, Mara's son is a blacksmith and jeweler who makes fish pendants for new believers. In my novel, I show how God reaches out to us all, breaking walls of division among believers.
Me: Are your novels based on the Bible?
Elaine: Forgotten Followers is based on the Gospels, showing women disciples and patrons. Because She Was Called: A Novel of the Early Church is based on Acts and shows women as apostles and evangelists. The post-it notes below the bowl show Joanna, striding with determination to do what she is called to do, even though it may mean the loss of her son. This bookmaker says: "The Spirit gives us the power of boldness".
Me: Tell me about that book in the back with the sword design.
Elaine: As I researched diverse views on biblical passages, I put these into 104 flashcards in The Sword: A Fun Way to Engage in Healthy Debate on What the Bible Says About a Woman's Role.
Me: And what else are you working on?
Elaine: I am preparing to release Walk with Mara on Her Healing Journey: 21 Steps to Emotional Resilience on August 7th! I use examples from my life and my fictional character, Mara, to illustrate psychology and devotional concepts. I also write blogs about women in the Bible, church history, biblical interpretation, and gender equality.
To connect with Elaine Ricker Kelly:
Website
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Youtube
To purchase her books:
Amazon
FriesenPress
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/what-...
Elaine Ricker Kelly
Me: First off, I notice that you are using a bowl instead of a bag!
Elaine: In Forgotten Followers, from Broken to Bold, book 1, Mara loves to cook. As the story opens, preparing food is her only comfort. Mara overcomes anxiety in this CIPA-EVVY silver award winning story! The bookmaker beside this book says: "Be You; Live Boldly".
Me: Very nice! And tell me about the fish pendant on that silver bookmark and on that necklace on the front of your Forgotten Followers book?
Elaine: The letters in the Greek word for fish, ichthys, can stand for Jesus Christ Son of God Savior. In Forgotten Followers, Mara's son is a blacksmith and jeweler who makes fish pendants for new believers. In my novel, I show how God reaches out to us all, breaking walls of division among believers.
Me: Are your novels based on the Bible?
Elaine: Forgotten Followers is based on the Gospels, showing women disciples and patrons. Because She Was Called: A Novel of the Early Church is based on Acts and shows women as apostles and evangelists. The post-it notes below the bowl show Joanna, striding with determination to do what she is called to do, even though it may mean the loss of her son. This bookmaker says: "The Spirit gives us the power of boldness".
Me: Tell me about that book in the back with the sword design.
Elaine: As I researched diverse views on biblical passages, I put these into 104 flashcards in The Sword: A Fun Way to Engage in Healthy Debate on What the Bible Says About a Woman's Role.
Me: And what else are you working on?
Elaine: I am preparing to release Walk with Mara on Her Healing Journey: 21 Steps to Emotional Resilience on August 7th! I use examples from my life and my fictional character, Mara, to illustrate psychology and devotional concepts. I also write blogs about women in the Bible, church history, biblical interpretation, and gender equality.
To connect with Elaine Ricker Kelly:
Website
Youtube
To purchase her books:
Amazon
FriesenPress
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/what-...
Elaine Ricker Kelly
Interview: Author Joanne Daggett
For the month of January, I wanted to feature Author Joanne Daggett, the writer of the book, Sing, Dance, Pray: A Collection of Prose and Poetry for Life's Journey. This island girl who lives on the east coast of Canada writes poetry, using images of sandy beaches, salty breezes, sunshine, and lighthouses. I asked this Author.... What's In Your Bag?
Me: I love your crocheted sunflower bag! So cute! I want to know about your published book!
Joanne: Sing Dance Pray is my story, which is really God’s story, written through prose, poetry and a few short stories. Years ago, I walked through a season of tragedy. I became a new mom and a widow on the same day... and that experience strengthened my faith and hope in my Saviour Jesus, my kind Shepherd. I didn’t know I was a poet until I started typing words into lyrical lines and conversational prose. I bravely decided to publish my writings into a book. It’s been called a book of relatable modern-day Psalms.
Me: Is that your current husband in the photo?
Joanne: The white frame has a picture of me and my hubby of 37 years, and I use it on my table when I present my books. Our love story is my favorite because we have weathered many storms together, yet we still stand strong in the faith.
Me: I see some journals on this table.
Joanne: The 'Be Brave' book (and God) invited me to be vulnerable to share my story with others. In recent years, I had been limping through a season of grief, crisis, and trauma, as our son struggled with addiction, mental health, and incarceration. As I walked daily with my Heavenly Father, I would hear words of hope, peace and love to keep walking in my faith. I would write them down poetry-style and share that piece of encouragement on Facebook and Instagram.
Me: Tell me about the acorns in a whale dish.
Joanne: The acorns in a whale dish sit on my windowsill as a reminder of God’s heart for me. A few years ago, He “rained acorns” down to remind me of His steady love and protection over my broken heart. I share this beautiful story in my book.
To connect with Author Joanne Daggett:
Instagram
Facebook
Email: joanne.daggett@gmail.com
To purchase Sing, Dance, Pray: Amazon
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/what-...
Joanne Daggett
Me: I love your crocheted sunflower bag! So cute! I want to know about your published book!
Joanne: Sing Dance Pray is my story, which is really God’s story, written through prose, poetry and a few short stories. Years ago, I walked through a season of tragedy. I became a new mom and a widow on the same day... and that experience strengthened my faith and hope in my Saviour Jesus, my kind Shepherd. I didn’t know I was a poet until I started typing words into lyrical lines and conversational prose. I bravely decided to publish my writings into a book. It’s been called a book of relatable modern-day Psalms.
Me: Is that your current husband in the photo?
Joanne: The white frame has a picture of me and my hubby of 37 years, and I use it on my table when I present my books. Our love story is my favorite because we have weathered many storms together, yet we still stand strong in the faith.
Me: I see some journals on this table.
Joanne: The 'Be Brave' book (and God) invited me to be vulnerable to share my story with others. In recent years, I had been limping through a season of grief, crisis, and trauma, as our son struggled with addiction, mental health, and incarceration. As I walked daily with my Heavenly Father, I would hear words of hope, peace and love to keep walking in my faith. I would write them down poetry-style and share that piece of encouragement on Facebook and Instagram.
Me: Tell me about the acorns in a whale dish.
Joanne: The acorns in a whale dish sit on my windowsill as a reminder of God’s heart for me. A few years ago, He “rained acorns” down to remind me of His steady love and protection over my broken heart. I share this beautiful story in my book.
To connect with Author Joanne Daggett:
Email: joanne.daggett@gmail.com
To purchase Sing, Dance, Pray: Amazon
https://www.sunshinerodgers.com/what-...
Joanne Daggett
