 marcoujor You may remember meeting Linda Bilyeu (aka Sunshine625) in my Fine Art America and A Few of My Favorite Things posts. I first interviewed Sunshine a couple years back and learned many interesting things about her...you may want to check that out when you have a chance: Getting to Know Linda Bilyeu. Since I'm a minute older than Linda, I wrote her a tribute in the form of Haiga poetry when she turned "The Big 50" - with Martie Coetser, who helped me with photography and formatting. It's titled, Spreading a Little Sunshine. Linda is an amazing lady - accomplished with photography as you can see, and a talented writer...in her own right...! I asked her to write a post for me on the word COURAGE for a series I was working on several months ago... Funny, when I asked her about today's interview, I had the same thought: "I was reluctant ... knowing how many hats Linda is wearing. In fact, I don't know any other chick who wears her chique-chapeaux with such style, grace and courage." With energy, enthusiasm and passion, Sunshine is making her creative dreams come true while being an inspirational, supportive and loving partner to Captain Dave. I was thrilled to get notice just this week that Linda has published her first book - in both kindle and hard copy. As impatient as I am, I immediately ordered a copy of the kindle book. YEAH, for me..., because Linda, with the able and 'patient' assistance of Mike Friedman (Mockingbird Books) has included some of the coolest pictures in this version (keep reading, you'll see what I mean...!) It's great to have the option of a hard copy to gift for those friends who still like to hold a book in their hands...and I prefer that I do. Sunshine's book is worth buying both ways in my opinion...speaking of which, I am going to have to jump on the virtual soap box for a moment. Thanks for being understanding. I try not to 'take advantage of the box'. I wrote a heartfelt review for Linda's book, as I would have for a stranger who had written the book. Having revised to the point of 'bare bones', I bristle at my third rejection from Amazon of my review, even after appealing. So, because I need to have the last word 'at least' in my house, dear Linda, here goes... 5- STAR Out of the Gate - Great for hAIKU bY sUNSHINEI was pulled one by one into the 29 haikus created by Linda Kaywood - of things she likes (purple, rain, tea); loves (mothers, heroes, nurses); or dislikes (cancer, anxiety, grief). My face hurts from smiling and crying at the same time. This is a relatable and lovable book that I will reach for time after time. I'm obviously not alone in my opinions--as Linda's book was named in Amazon's Top Ten Hot New Releases in both formats -- I would say that's pretty impressive 'out of the gate'...! OK, enough of me, let's hear from Sunshine herself... and thanks, Linda, for giving us this exclusive hot off the press.
 CLICK HERE to get it from amazon.com  Maria: What genre does your book fall under? Linda: I don't write for any specific genre. I get bored too easily and to be stuck in a certain genre would not be my cuppa tea. But this specific book would fall under, Poetry: Non-traditional Haiku. I write haiku my way. While I do use the 5-7-5 syllable rule, I do not write most of my haiku for nature. I write shout-out haiku to show my appreciation to people, places and things. I also write haiku to express feelings about certain topics. Maria: Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? Linda: Since I do not have characters in my book, but I would need some one to read my haiku in a movie...I would select Johnny Depp. His flare for drama such as with his character Captain Jack Sparrow would be perfection!  I'd also have Keith Urban music for my sound track, but knowing me, that's a no brainer... ☺
Maria: What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book? Linda: I like to Haiku. Do you? Maria: Is your book self-published or represented by an agency? Linda: My book is self-published with the assistance of Mockingbird Books. When I first approached Mike Friedman, my publisher, asking if he would be interested in assisting me with my first book, he agreed and we went to work. It is all about teamwork! Maria: How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? Linda: It took me just a week to get my draft together, but the haiku were written over a period of time. When the mood strikes I haiku! Maria: Who or what inspired you to write this book? Linda: I was inspired by my fellow writers and friends. I would purchase and read their books and enjoy the celebration of their work of art with them. Their hard work and dedication to their craft inspired me to just get 'er done and find the time to publish a book because I was long over due. Maria: Do you have any advice or wisdom for someone who is in the beginning phases of wanting to write a book? Linda: If your intentions to write a book are to become rich and famous, don't waste your time. If your intentions to write a book are coming from your heart to make a difference, by all means go forth and prosper with how you will be able to help others. If your intentions to write a book are to share your story, do not allow any more time to be wasted, just get it done! Lastly, if your to write a book are to share a story you created then do not allow fear to stop you. Your story should be heard. You might not become rich and famous but seeing your name on a published book is worth more than you realize until it happens to you. Don't allow lack of time to halt your progress. I encountered many hiccups during my writing/publishing journey, but I forged ahead with my multitude of responsibilities because that is how I roll. Roll with it and shine on. Maria: What's next? Working on any new books / ideas you can share with us...? Linda: I have two more books in the works, but I prefer to surprise y'all. Don't we all like surprises? Thank you for the fun interview! Thank you, dear Linda. I love a surprise...but you already know that! I know it will be wonderful if it comes from your direction. Just like these posts from the Weeblyhood that have arrived over the last few days: Thanks for your visit! Until next time, sending peace and hugs, mar
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