I started Book Professionals as a result of marketing inquiries generated at my other social network, thewritespot.ning.com which I encourage anyone that views here to stop by and join us. One of the most frustrating things for any author is to work very hard to develop a book and then not be able to create demand for that book. So Book Professionals is designed to help relieve some of that stress. Members support each others effort buy committing to making a purchase, post a review and give constructive support for author development. We're a new group but I am pleased with the progress that has begun.

Rising Star of the Week John Kelly

1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am 64 years of age, born in Melbourne, Australia, now semi-retired, occasionally driving a taxi to keep myself in touch with the public mood. I was employed for some years as Marketing manager of a seat belt manufacturing company. I am married with two adult children. My daughter is married with two children.

2. What are a few of your hobbies?
My main hobby is writing. Apart from that, I read a lot; my wife and I are keen daily walkers, and I follow Australian football religiously.

One on one - The Interview with author John Kelly


Rising Star of the Week Kim Robinson

Interview with Linda and Kim

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

I am a wife and mother of three residing in a suburb of Dallas. I was born and raised in Compton California.

I am a survivor of childhood sexual and religious abuse which lead to a life in the fast lane. I speak to survivors to reinforce and inspire their will to live, change and be grateful for the life they have been blessed with.  If you are still alive there is a plan for you. Find out what it is and be obedient.
One on one - The Interview with author Kim Robinson


Rising Star of the Week Allen Goldenthal

Interview with Linda and Allen

Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a veterinarian by profession but unlike James Herriott, I’ve never felt compelled to write about the misadventures of veterinary medicine. Born in Canada, I’m afraid that after four generations in that country, I got to the point where -40o and my body physiology were no longer compatible. Like Gauguin, I dreamt of South Pacific Islands with warm subtropical breezes and coconuts hanging from the boughs of palm trees.

One on one - The Interview with author Allen Goldenthal


Risng Star of the Week Mike Olive

Interview with Linda and Mike

1.      Tell us a little about yourself.  I’m a scientist with a doctorate in medical microbiology. For my day job, I’m Vice President of Science and Technology for a biotechnology company located in Lincoln, Nebraska. I’m a native of Chicago as is my wife. I spent six years working for the World Health Organization during which time I was stationed in Kuwait working on the global poliovirus eradication program. I left Kuwait on July 2nd, 1990—Saddam invaded on August 2nd, 1990. Just missed him. As a result, I’m fluent in Arabic(and several other languages), I can ride a camel, and can catch jerbua (kangaroo rats) bare-handed.

One on one - The Interview with author Mike Olive



Rising Star of the Week Darcy Bush

Interview with Linda and Darcy

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Darcy Busch. I am married and we have an 18 year old daughter.  I used to teach preschool, until in 2001 I was diagnosed with cancer.  On that same day one of my students was killed in a car accident.  I later realized that life it too short, so I quit my job and returned to college to make my dreams come true.  I am currently working on a degree in Biochemistry, after which I will go onto medical school.  I am trying to become a pediatrician; a dream that I had when I was a little girl.


What are some of your hobbies?
I love to spend time gardening and learning anything and everything about science.  I can’t get enough of it.  I also love spending time with my family; especially going on road trips.

One on one - The Interview with author Darcy Bush




Rising Star of the Week Darden North

Interview with Linda and Darden North

1. Tell us a little about yourself.
   
 I am a full-time practicing obstetrician/gynecologist in Jackson, MS --- by full-time I mean that I work put in a sixty to eighty-plus week as a board-certified physician --- and have written three mystery and suspense novels which fall into the medical thriller/fiction genre: HOUSE CALL (October 2005), POINTS OF ORIGIN (October 2006), and FRESH FROZEN (October 2008). All three have published in hardcover, while HOUSE CALL was released in paperback in October 2007 as well.
 
2. What are a few your hobbies.

     It seems that writing has become my major hobby -- whether or not this adventure becomes my major career is still in the wind. However, my interest in gardening is a fruitful diversion to my being an author, and after eight years in our present house that gardening has evolved into an occasional tweak of the maturing landscaping. I treat myself to a yard service for the heavy stuff. My wife and I take long walks, play in a croquet group, and enjoy our two children, our pets, and our friends.

One on one - The Interview with author Darden North





Rising Star of the Week - Rita Hestand

Rita Hestand is the star of the week. She's been in the writing business a long time and has wonderful insight. Let's take a look at her story.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I could start I suppose by telling you I'm a mother, and grandmother and soon to be great grandmother, yes, at 62 years of age.  I am recently widowed.  I'm from Texas although I've traveled extensively all over the United States as a child, my father was a pipeliner.  I've been writing for most of my life, but became very serious about it in the 80's.

I have eight romances published with Writers Exchange E-Publishing, and 2 contracted at Desert Breeze Publishing, 2 Published with Publish America.  I also have two children's illustrated books, five more on the way.  I dabble in poetry, short stories, and am tackling my second western as we speak.

One on one - The Interview with author Rita Hestand

Rising Star of the Week - Donna Solatario

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Donna Solitario. I have two wonderful grown children who mean the world to me. I have been blessed with four young grandchildren whom I adore, and are a blessing from God.

I am a teacher I teach GED programs to young adults, and adults through the courts and a substance abuse program.I have worked with children for twenty years and have been blessed to be a part of their lives and education.

I am a christian and live for Jesus to inspire others through my poetry. I thank him for the gift to touch the heart of children, youth, and adults. Many of the youths have inspired me to continue writing poetry. I have seen many positive changes in them. Many have begun to write poems as well. It has been such a blessing to touch their hearts they bring me much joy.


How did you begin writing?

One day I wrote a poem for one of my at risk kids when he was down. The next day beteween six and ten students asked me to write them poems. This inspired me to write my book:
Embrace the Light a Womans Story Through Poetry to Touch Your Heart
My website is:
http://outskirtspress.com/PoemsFromaWomansPointofView

One on one - The Interview with author Donna Solitario


Rising Star of the Week - Karina Fabian
Karina Fabian is our rising star of the week. Her journey is writing is so awesome and she generously talks about the benefits of social networking. She also specializes in book tours. Read her story in One on One.

Rising Star of the Week - Brian Porter
Brian is a member of my other network "The Write Spot". He has an excellent story about not only getting a book published but signing a movie deal from it. Hope this inspires all of you to keep going:

One on one - The Interview with author Brian Porter