Plus One Plus None (HUGEOrange Publication Review)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VCGN7ZP/   

HUGEOrange Publication Review

Plus One Plus None, by Emica Mao

Plus One Plus None is filled with good advice with wit and humor to boot.  There is nothing better than finding a book that offers helpful practical advice and is fun to read in narrated story form. 

Author Emica Mao talks about her life with a focus on her introvert personality through a character named Zita. If you’re an introvert, you will instantly connect with her upstream swim through life and growing older. If you’re not an introvert, there will be insights and ah ha moments when you recognize how introverts you know must feel. Extroverts feel there’s something wrong with women who do not crave the spotlight, the married life, and kids underfoot. Many make it the focus of their friendship (or if family, relationship) to change anyone who can’t yet understand why these things are essential. Well, they’re not, really, are they?

One thing I learned about making decisions is sometimes deep within us, we have a secret answer already even before we seek advice (though we would probably never admit this).  

This is a must read for single women and a recommended read for everyone else. From dating tips to relatable and funny stories, Plus One Plus None will offer a juicy gem of something to remember on every page.

It’s empowering and motivates you to embrace the single life for all it has to offer.  After reading this book you will be happily content in your own cozy cocoon.

Maybe as the number of people who remain unmarried increases generation after generation, more people would realize that being single is as mainstream as being married.

Entertaining from front to back there isn’t a dull moment.  Zita is a fun character to follow, blunt and no holds barred.  The story, like it says from the start, is about breaking the linear path we all feel we are on as we grow up.  School, job, kids and happily ever after.  She writes about her attempts to find Mr. Right and get on the path she’s ‘supposed’ to be on. Many women get on that path knowing that’s not what they really want. Zita will not be one of them, she is true to herself and frank about what she wants and it’s not diapers and commitment. She’s happy with herself, her life, and her future. Anyone wondering how to get off the hamster wheel of expectations will find resolve and motivation with this wonderful book.

You are fully accountable for your life. How your life has turned out so far and how it is turning out to be, that is on you.  There is nothing or no one else to blame.   In as much as there are a lot of external factors in your life, the primary driver of your life is no one else but you.  

I found myself relating in some way, either directly or indirectly through a friend, to all of Zita’s ups and downs.  I think the main thing I got out of it was comradery.  I didn’t feel alone in being single or that I’ve made the wrong choice anymore. You have to be brave to make the right choice sometimes and this lady is as brave as they come. Introverts do not like to share information about themselves, but she shows the good and the bad, the ups and downs, successes and failures. She’s a success in my book!

Money Matters (Author Interview)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W62XLY6/ 

Money Matters looks like an intriguing mystery novel. Any plans to turn it into a series?  

Initially Money Matters was written as a novel that stood on its own. Since publishing it one or two friends have suggested ways it might be followed up, especially by complicating the lives of Jenny, the young protagonist and her new boyfriend, the director of an immigrant rights organization. Money Matters ends with them reaching an agreement to share their working and personal lives together, something that is fraught with dangers. There is an obvious opening for another novel that describes their fight to defend an immigrant threatened by the system while saving their relationship. But I remain open-minded and will write next whatever most catches my imagination.

When did you decide to become a writer?

In my early twenties I tried writing a couple of novels that adopted a pose of gloom and despair. As I was essentially an optimist the novels sounded posed and were miserable failures. I put them in an attic and they are still buried in my current attic. After I was employed by London University in my early thirties I started writing book reviews which led me to write my first book about the later work of Samuel Beckett, a writer whom I still admire enormously. After that I chose to write a biography of Christopher Isherwood (his Berlin stories were turned into Cabaret). Research for that book brought me to Southern California where I now live and won me the James Tait Black Memorial Award. After that there was no stopping me from writing nonfiction.

How did you come up with the story in Money Matters?  

           

This is really hard to say. I began with an outline, but the content of that outline seemed to rise up from my unconscious. Looking back on it I now realize that one of its major themes has to do with immigration in modern America. Well, I was myself an immigrant in modern America and spent a long time freelancing among various Southern California universities before obtaining a tenured position at California State University Long Beach where I am now a Professor Emeritus. So I felt a natural empathy for immigrants, although those in the book face more serious issues of not just employment but deportation, unlike me.

What will readers get out of your book?

I hope readers will be intrigued by the book’s multiple genres that leave them guessing till the end how matters will unfold. The book is part amateur sleuth, part late coming-of-age, part social issues, especially those of immigration and wealth inequality, and towards the end part romance. So the book is simultaneously a page-turner while raising serious social issues. Incidentally it is a Finalist I. the 2019 American Fiction Awards.

What inspired you when writing Money Matters?   

Jenny, the narrator and protagonist of Money Matters, is a millennial and still uncertain of herself and what she wants to do with her life. As an older man I found entering the perspective of a character so different a challenge. However, once I found her voice, writing the novel seemed to come almost instinctually. Looking back I believe that for Jenny I drew on what Jung called the anima, the feminine side of a man’s self. Releasing that buried self is probably what helped make speaking through her voice so relatively easy, even inspirational.

The Million Dollar Alphabet for Life (Author Interview)

www.amazon.com/dp/1070681377/ 

The Million Dollar Alphabet for Life looks like a great guide.  Any plans to release similar self-help books?   

Yes! Actually, I am working on a similar guide for educators. Having been an educator since 1999, I’d like to be of help to fellow new and veteran teachers in an emotional way. There’s a secret pressure that educators face and colleges or trainings are not known for addressing the pressure.  Educators are tasked with ensuring that another human being wants to learn and do well. They know it going in. But until faced with various children and families at the different stages of learning all within one classroom, educators are often unprepared for the toll this task takes on them. It is rewarding, but not without much of themselves being given. Many times, an educator gives up on personal interests just to be of service to their students, who they are not guaranteed will do well or even want to do well. Add to that, the parents and the administrator’s expectations. Needless to say, a person should be in a truly healthy emotional state to feel happy while in service to children.

What will readers get out of your guide?    

Readers will understand that all of their feelings are normal- even negative feelings. They’ll learn that some feelings serve them better than others. That they can be in control of how they feel every day. Readers can even learn how to change their perspective and exit a negative feeling quicker than they’ve done in the past. Then back of the book includes a ‘Try This’ section. The activities are designed to spark the readers emotional barometers.

What inspired you when writing The Million Dollar Alphabet for Life?    

I am inspired by the knowledge that I am in control of how I feel. I always knew it. But sometimes I just went with my knee jerk reactions and stayed angry or sad for too long. I went from being a stay-at-home mother for three years, to an entrepreneur. I could feel myself being on an emotional roller coaster too often.  As a mother and business owner, I couldn’t be out of control emotionally because that would serve no one.  Then I said to myself, ‘If you know you’re in control, then be in control.’ So, I wrote The Million Dollar Alphabet as a list. A few years later, I added quotes. I went on to add poems or stories that could reflect what I was learning.

Dream Dimension (Author Interview)

www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007LP9RTC  

Dream Dimension looks like a great fantasy book.  Any plans to turn it into a series? 

Yes. I have plans for further books to explore the story behind the different characters in the story.

When writing Dream Dimension did anything stand out as particularly challenging?  

 Coming up with a storyline that would be believable and also be able to draw readers into this imaginary world.

How did you come up with the story in Dream Dimension?  

Several years ago, in the early 1980s, I remember watching an episode of Ripley’s “Believe it or not” in the United States. The story was told of a man who had a dream about an air disaster, and the air disaster happened exactly the way he saw it in his dream.

What will readers get out of your book?

A fantasy thriller of an unexplored paranormal universe.

What inspired you when writing Dream Dimension?   

I have had a couple of occasions where dreams I have had would come true. It was very uncanny, so I decided to explore that in fiction.

When did you decide to become a writer?

I have wanted to be a writer for a very long time. Since my childhood actually. I have just never been able to actualize this until now.

What do you like to do when not writing?

When I’m not creating fictional worlds, I enjoy writing software code, I play chess and I do watch movies, especially sci-fi.

Where can readers find out more about your work?

Amazon kindle bookstore.

A CRY FOR THE OCEAN (Author Interview)

www.bluejaypress.ca

A CRY FOR THE OCEAN looks like a great children’s book with a wonderful message.  Any plans to release similar books?  

Not yet. Although I think Sukara, the heroine in my story, could definitely go on more adventures, and help to save the world from some of the many other pressing environmental issues we are facing.

How did you come up with the story in A CRY FOR THE OCEAN?  

         

I read about the plastic gathering in the gyres 7 years ago and was shocked. Originally I planned to write a short story for adults, but as I did the research this children’s book idea took hold. The inspiration for the mermaid’s tears was when I read that it was a term beachcombers use to describe the small pieces of plastic you find on beaches after larger pieces of plastic have broken up. I loved the irony of something so beautiful and ugly at the same time.

What will readers get out of your book?

I hope it will educate readers, both young and older, about how much the ocean is suffering, and call them to be more aware of their plastic use and reduce it as much as they can. I believe there is a sense of urgency right now in the world that we need to act, and I hope that this book helps to communicate that.

What inspired you when writing A CRY FOR THE OCEAN?   

I read everything I could find on plastic pollution including a Plastic Ocean, a book by Charles Moore, an environmentalist who in 1997, discovered the world's largest collection of floating trash—the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The more I read the more I realized what a problem it was.

I was inspired to publish this book seeing Greta Thunberg and the Fridays for Future strike for climate movement. My character Sukara is a fictional Greta, and I am so excited to see how much Greta has achieved in such a short time. I tell my kids she is the Martin Luther King for our climate crisis.

The Bachelor President

http://www.lulu.com/shop/fabian-borman/the-bachelor-president/paperback/product-23653563.html

The polictical arena in south africa was a tough one. He knew he would need an edge but even those are hard to come by. The challenge was convincing them to vote for him. But in the distance a danger was rising, one he could not avoid. It searched for a moment when it would destroy him. Only time would tell whether he survived them both.

Millionaire by Choice (Author Interview)

http://tiny.cc/ii87az

Millionaire by Choice looks like a great book on success.  Is it strictly an autobiography or does it touch on any Forex trading tips?  

Millionaire by Choice is a short success story about Abhijit Kulkarni. I would not say it is strictly an autobiography however it is his journey in forex industry till date and it does not touch base upon any forex trading tips, it just talks about few achievements and few insights about forex industry.

What will readers get out of your book? 

This book will work as a guiding force for the readers of all age groups. It will motivate you to explore forex industry as one of the career aspects and also no matter how new you are into any field with strong dedication, sincerity, consistency and hard work one can achieve success with flying colours. 

What inspired you when writing Millionaire by Choice?    

 I would say his entire journey inspired me. Belonging to such nation where forex is still not very well known still he managed to succeed and stand firmly on an international level,  this fact inspired me the most.

When did you decide to become a writer?

  I would not call myself a writer yet :) I used to write small fiction articles during college days but writing book is my first experience and I am glad I got this opportunity.

When writing Millionaire by Choicedid anything stand out as particularly challenging?  

 The most difficult and challenging task was writing about him as he is not only my colleague but he is my friend too. The thought of representing his journey in a composed manner was indeed difficult because when you know a person for this long you aught to know so many things and distinguishing them was a tough job.

What do you like to do when not writing?

  I do like to read when I am not writing and of course exploring multiple aspects of Forex trading

Where can readers find out more about your work?

This is my first worldwide published work till date. My other articles got published in some of the college magazines.

My Roller Coaster Ride to Motherhood (Author Interview)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SQ6RJ8Y/

My Roller Coaster Ride to Motherhood looks like a great look at the struggles of motherhood and pregnancy.  Is this a mix of fiction and your personal story?  

Yes. It is.  The story has been inspired by my own struggle with infertility followed by repeated pregnancy losses.  I would say 70% are facts and real events based and the rest is fiction.

How did you come up with the story in My Roller Coaster Ride to Motherhood?  

           

Things have been a whirlwind since I gave birth to my children.  Motherhood is busy.  Yet, deep in my heart I knew I had to have a closure and need to reflect on my journey getting there.  The story is not only about the struggle itself, but also on how the struggle has force Linda, the main character in the book, to face head-on to her childhood drama and embark on the path of healing.  That was what happened to myself.  It was the most spiritual experience in my life so far and I was never the same person, I am a much better and happy person now.

What will readers get out of your book?

Two things: for women or couples who are in the similar struggle, to seek comfort, strength and even humour in their journey.  For those who are lucky enough never have to, to understand what it’s like to have such challenges.

On the other hand, how your suffering can be a beautiful manifestation that will lead you to confront with the dark side in you and help you heal.

What inspired you when writing My Roller Coaster Ride to Motherhood?   

All the women I knew who have struggled and are still struggling with infertility and repeated miscarriages.

When did you decide to become a writer?

My Roller Coaster Ride to Motherhood is the second book I wrote.  Before that, I wrote “Luxe is in the Air” https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VLVC5PG/ which was loosely based on my work experience in the luxury travel retail business.  I have always loved writing as I grew up not having my voice heard or my opinion valued, I liked diving into the world of words, either from reading or writing.  I finally managed to steal moments while my baby was taking long naps and I wrote just like that bit by bit everyday.  And of course, my children are my biggest inspiration to start the first page!

When writing My Roller Coaster Ride to Motherhood did anything stand out as particularly challenging?  

I cried a lot throughout the writing as going through the whole journey.  It was truly therapeutic!

What do you like to do when not writing?

Spending time with my family and creating.  I am a lifestyle product designer.  Besides, I love yoga and meditation.  I am doing lots of studies currently on different schools of meditation.

Where can readers find out more about your work?

My books are listed HERE.  And please subscribe to www.orchildbloombooks.com as I have a new book coming out soon!

A Seat at the Table or Part of the Meal (Author Interview)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1096197219/

A Seat at the Table or Part of the Meal, looks like a great business book.  Any plans to release similar books?   

Yes, I plan to write aworkbook on the same subject matter of diversity, equity and inclusion.

What will readers get out of your book?    

I’ve condensed data from national studies and included personal stories detailing my workplace experiences as well as others that I have interviewed for the book.  Readers will also get tips on what they can do to recruit diverse talent to their organizations at both the staff and board of director levels.

What inspired you when writing A Seat at the Table or Part of the Meal?   

I was inspired to write this book after years of mentoring people of color and answering the same questions that so many people have – Why are there so few women and so few people of color in top management positions?

When did you decide to become a writer?

I have always love to read and I have been writing stories since I was a child.  I began my career as a newspaper journalist and published my first book in 2013, entitled “The Fourth Generation.”  It is a historical novel.

When writing A Seat at the Table or Part of the Meal, did anything stand out as particularly challenging?  

The challenge was to get people to be open and use this book as a platform to speak to the prejudicial issues that they have faced during their careers.  I found it liberating, but I certainly understand that from some it’s a risk, especially if they are working for the same company that they are speaking about.

MA'SITTER (Author Interview)

www.amazon.com/dp/B07RFKGSKD

   

Ma’Sitter looks like a great mystery thriller.  Any plans to release similar books or turn it into a series?   

Yes, MA’SITTER is a four-part series. So, we are just warming up with the first book.

What will readers get out of your book?    

I hope entertainment! It’s a fiction book yet my main character Victoria Lewis is relatable to anyone who has struggled to make ends meet. While working for privileged individuals or super rich snobby corporate bosses. Every night millions of people dream and pray for a fruitful life. Or to sing and dance like Beyoncé, act like Hallie Berry, produce movies like Steven Spielberg or have an all-time best-selling book, movie and so much more like J.K. Rowling.

What inspired you when writing Ma’Sitter?    

I started writing MA’SITTER in 2011 and I buried it not long after. My motorcycle accident on March 9, 2018 made me immobile, depressed, hopeless and bored. Therefore, my love DeLeón and sister-cousin Toroda encouraged me to complete MA’SITTER. Once, I started back writing I couldn’t stop. Writing and creating people (LOL) truly makes me happy. I love it!!!!!!

 I also kept hearing my 8^th grade teacher Mr. Lewis telling me you’re going to be a writer one day.

Side note too teachers: MOLD AND ENCOURGAE OUR CHILDREN.

The words of my 8^th grade teacher Mr. Lewis at Chastain Middle School in Jackson, MS have stuck with me all these years!!

When did you decide to become a writer?

I was ordained at the young age of 13. Summoned into an imaginary world where I could be whoever I wanted. And speak my mind to whom ever I felt. It wasn’t until my motorcycle accident that I pursued this career.

When writing Ma’Sitter did anything stand out as particularly challenging?   

I cried as I wrote about the character Zaka.

How did you come up with story for Ma’Sitter?   

Well, since you asked! LOL 

At the age of 23 I started my own private care sitting service. Therefore, I have seen and heard many things. Some of the people who signed my checks became the best inspiration and motivation. And not because they personally encouraged me but more so because they looked down on me. Therefore, I emptied my rage, feelings, thoughts, dreams and crazy ideas into MA’SITTER.

Prepping For Success (Author Interview)

http://www.preppingforsuccess.com/    

Prepping for Success looks like a great book self-help guide.  Any plans to release similar themed books?  

I really do not have any plans for another book just yet. Even this book was never planned. It just came out of my desire to help others better their lives but also out of frustration watching people go from book to book, seminar to seminar, constantly reading and learning but never improving their lives, never taking action

What will readers get out of your book?

Prepping for success is a guided journey that equips you with the principles you need in order to take advantage of your innate inner talents to achieve true success.

The 10 keys allow you to not just understand yourself, but they also teach you how to express your best self to others. This enables you to be the best version of yourself.

This book is an inspirational, light-hearted guide to help you put your plans into action. It offers an understandable and relatable step by step approach to discovering yourself and achieving your own personal true success.

In a world where there are so many choices and distractions, this book is dedicated to helping you find a balance through it all.

What inspired you when writing Prepping for Success?

This book was inspired by my own life. I was stuck in a constant loop like most people out there that go from book to book, seminar to seminar and get stuck in this contant learning cycle but never actually take any action on what they learn. People got addicted to self help and personal development, which gives them an impression that they are improving their lives but in reality they were not taking any concrete steps towards it but rather just reading another book or taking another seminar, This was false hope. So with this book my aim was to end every chapter with concrete steps and actions people should take before they move on to the next chapter which guarantees they are actually improving their lives.

How did you come up with the concepts and ideas in Prepping for Success?  

I made my name as a High paid consultant in the Trading and Investing Industry. I launched LiveTraders in 2015 which is now voted the #1 Trading Education Firm for three years in a row. I have coached and Trained over 1000+ Traders and Investors. Some of whom have now gone on to run their Own Hedge funds.

I am  considered the leading expert in the Trading Psychology space having helped thousands of traders all over the world dealing with Psychological and Behavioural issues that arise when high stakes on are on the line.  I bring a unique view on Success and show how the same concepts that I have used to Help Million dollar traders are applicable to our day to day lives, irrespective of the industry or career they are in. This is not a business book and this sure isn't a trading book. This book is about achieving Success in Each and EVERY area of your Life.

"With this book, I hope to bring to the readers the main key concept that's have helped me in my life and have made me a better and a more productive person; as I too Prep for Success. I am writing a book that I wish someone gave me 10 years ago, Would have made life so much easier"

Forever People

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P929XCF/

"High concept, thought-inducing sci-fi." –TaleFlick, April 2019 Top Pick

Welcome to Zeta City, where the whole world goes to die. Here, the Node System uploads the minds of the dying so they can spend eternity in a digital Promised Land. But, this cyber heaven is causing hell on earth for the living because the System forces them to earn Points to buy data in the afterlife.

Camille is a salty mercenary out to hoard as many Points as possible by exploiting the dying with illegal technology. She's on the hunt for Toy, a rebel leader who uploaded lethal technology to her own brain in an attempt to wipe out everyone’s Node Points.

Camille goes to increasingly dangerous lengths in pursuit of Toy. She soon finds that the Node is full of warm reunions with loved ones and otherworldly creations. It’s also full of lies.

Rhapsody in Dreams (Author Interview)

www.amazon.com/dp/B07V9PBRB8/   

Rhapsody in Dreams looks like a complex and interesting story.  Any plans to turn it into a series?  

No. This story is complete.

How did you come up with the story in Rhapsody in Dreams? 

This story is a result of my fascination with the subject of human memory and dreams. Being a musician and a history buff, I knew that my story could be set only is my favorite city of St. Augustine, the Oldest City, and that one of my heroes must be a pianist.

What will readers get out of your book?

That love is eternal, that each of us has a very unique and special purpose on this planet, and that family is everything 

What inspired you when writing Rhapsody in Dreams?   

Music and my family

When did you decide to become a writer?

I always wanted to write. I wrote short stories, plays and poetry since I was in elementary school.

But I didn’t consciously decided to become a writer: it kind of happened quite naturally after I dreamed about red-haired girl with a baby in a middle of the airport. She was scared and lost; behind her was a banner “Welcome to the United States of America.” And I knew her name, and her story, and I wanted to write it down. That’s how my first story, my Rostoff trilogy “Once & Forever” was ‘born’.

The rest is history.

When writing Rhapsody in Dreams did anything stand out as particularly challenging?  

Nothing comes to mind. I enjoyed writing this story.

What do you like to do when not writing?

Reading and listening to music. Literature and music are my two great passions in life.

Where can readers find out more about your work?

My website www.StellaMayAuthor.com,

And my Facebook page- https://www.facebook.com/stellamaywriter/?modal=admin_todo_tour