This International Women's Month I'm super excited to have as my guest, author Sandy Bazinet! She has penned several series and short stories that often deal with heartbreaking, sometimes bittersweet, yet uplifting moments experienced in life. I've found in reading Sandy's books I often reflect on my own, similar situations and am filled with gratitude to know I am not alone. I love her compassion, humor, and insights she shares in her stories. This week we're celebrating her latest release, A Mother's Love! Let's chat with Sandy:
Q1: Sandy, the stories and series I have read of yours have been heartwarming reads, often dealing with tragic, bittersweet situations your characters have had, or are experiencing. You handle these events masterfully in your stories, usually ending with an uplifting message of inspiration and hope. What led you to this writing path?
First of all, Iâd like to thank you for inviting me to your blog, Veronica! Iâm honored. In regard to your question about my writing path, it probably began when I was still a youngster. I was very sensitive to the feelings of others in my family. I remember always wanting people to find a happy ending when problems arose. That idea of finding ways for the lives of others to be better stayed with me throughout my adult years. As I was raising my family, I frequented the library, looking for books that could help me do a better job as a mother. That desire finally expressed itself in my stories. Even if my characters start out feeling like down-trodden victims, Iâm always in tune with how their lives could turn around.
However, I never plan out how that will happen. I sit back and type on my keyboard as solutions eventually present themselves. In my series, The Vampire Reclamation Project, a devoted, incarnate angel helps my main character, Arel, find a way through his tormented thoughts about himself and life. In each book in the series, Arel faces lots of challenges, but his faith in himself grows stronger. He learns who he truly is. Heâs not a vampire. Heâs a loving, caring human being with tremendous abilities he never knew he had.
Q2: Tell us about your latest release, A Mother's Love! Congratulations too, BTW!
The idea of a different race of people who live on a distant planet, first presented itself many, many years ago. However, the book, A Motherâs Love, finally became a reality only recently. The story revolves around two mothers and their sons. The first mother has a son who embodies love itself. However, heâs rejected because heâs so different than the rest of the planetâs people. But no matter what anyone thinks, his mother never stops letting him know how much she cares for him. The second motherâs son is filled with hate, arrogance and bitterness. Still, his motherâs love is so unconditional that it becomes a transformative agent. What happens next is amazing, but I donât want to give away any spoilers.
Q3: The past two years of the pandemic and now the world on the verge of war have taken a toll on everyone's creative spirit to say the least. Any advice you'd offer to the writers out there who are struggling to find their words?
Perhaps one approach I could offer is to turn inward when the world becomes too difficult. A writer has the freedom to write about whatever inspires them. They can deal with difficult circumstances of their characters from a distance instead of listening to the news and feeling overwhelmed. In their stories, they can observe and allow for their characters to change their circumstances and have a better life. If they publish that story, and it uplifts their readers, even for a short time, theyâre affecting the outer world in a positive way.
Q4: You're an avid reader and supporter of the writing community--what books are on your TBR list? Any marketing tips you'd offer to writers? What gets your attention?
I donât have a list. I wait for a book to grab my curiosity. Hopefully, that book will have a positive ending. Sometimes, I just want a book thatâs entertaining. I really enjoy stories that include a bit of humor.
My marketing tip is one I feel is most important. Make sure that you market to the right audience. I didnât know how to do that when I first started publishing my âvampire reclamationâ books. And unfortunately, I think a number of readers felt like they didnât get what they were looking for. That kind of mis-marketing can result in poor reviews. So, I repeat, find the right audience for your book!
Q5: Enquiring minds want to know, what's next on the writing horizon for you in 2022/2023?
Iâve recently finished book seven in my series, The Vampire Reclamation Project. This book is called NEW BLOOD, and it has a much lighter vibe than some of the previous books. In book seven, my main characters, Arel and William, are long past thinking that theyâre vampires. Theyâre family men with children. They even buy a farm house to remodel.
However, their desire to be normal and ignore their powers goes too far. Hidden fears come to the surface, including the fear of aging. Without meaning to, their powers cause them to age at a rapid rate. Their only hope is to reverse the process before they end up in the grave. Iâm hoping to release NEW BLOOD sometime in June of 2022.
Sandy, thank you so much for being my guest today! Your books are an inspiration. I cannot wait to read you latest release, A Mother's Love, congratulations! If you'd like to learn more about Sandy's terrific books, check out these sites:
Website: http://www.ssbazinet.com/
Author Page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Jg5XUU
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SSBazinet
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SSBazinet/
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Thank goodness authors are still creating books! It's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
Who loves a #Mystery? Join us next Sunday for the #MurdersWeWrite chat!
This week Cynthia Raleigh, Amy Reade, Bibiana Krall and I are discussing Intriguing Puzzles: Mystery as Escapism! I do love all things mystery--they are my escape hatch most definitely. See you at 4 PM EDT, March 27th!
A humorous look back at the world of lockdown this week from the writers of Twitter...
Author Sheila Patel, The Vaccine Strikes Back, 5â
Author Patel once again charms us with her latest take on lockdown memories in The Vaccine Strikes Back. We're given a bittersweet summary of the world events and decisions that forever changed our lives, infused with a huge dose of humor. You'll laugh, you'll smile, and perhaps give a cringe or two as the diary days roll out.
The memories of this unique moment in time are captured for eternity, or at least until the next plague hits. A fun read sure to make you chuckle and scratch your head. Thank goodness for the writers who manage to make us smile in the direst of times!
Next up in the #reading queue:
Spring has Officially Sprung!
Despite the world in the throes of chaos, Mother Earth once again blessed us with the joy of spring. The days are longer, birds are singing, building their nests, unaware of the human angst around the planet. We're planning out our herb garden for the back patio area, wondering if we should attempt to grow tomatoes and peppers. We've not had much luck in the past--the ants are vicious when it comes to these veggies, daring us to try and stop them from devouring the blooms. I think we'll stick to our herbs and go on the hunt for farmers markets in our area for veggies and fruits. We'll opt for a peace zone in effect with the ants, a lesson I hope the world adopts. Wishing you a bountiful spring! đ·đŒđșđ»đźđ
Welcome to my world. Have a fabulous week and weekend friends!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. So honored to be on Dr. Summer Watson's Kore Women podcast yesterday! If you get a chance, have a listen! Gemma and Rikkhe approve! đđ
