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mar's Desk

​This multi-topic blog publishes weekly on Wednesdays.
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mar's Desk: Sunshine in the Forecast

5/27/2015

27 Comments

 
Picturemarcoujor
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 sUNSHINE

I 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.

Maria: What is the title of your book? What's the story behind the 'author' name on your book?    


Linda: Haiku by Sunshine. Over the years I had envisioned my author name on my first published book and which name I would select. I decided on the obvious, Linda Kaywood. This is the name I came into the world with. This is the name I picked up my first pen with. Linda Kaywood is who I am. Hence, my author name.




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Linda Bilyeu, author & photographer
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CLICK HERE to get it from amazon.com
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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!

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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:

  • Violent Children: Can we help? via WarnerWords

  • The Power of His Pen via marcoujor's musings

  • The Rain and Everything by Prof. Maria C. Jordan via flashPress


Thanks for your visit!

Until next time, sending peace and hugs,


mar




27 Comments
Mary link
5/27/2015 01:56:25 am

Well, if this isnt a dynamic duo I don't know what is; Maria and Linda!
Linda is a font of inspiration. She never lets anything get her down and I have a feeling great success is around the corner for her! Maria, sharing about Linda and her book is just the right thing to do and we can always count on your to do the right thing!!!
Love you guys!
Mary

Reply
Maria link
5/27/2015 12:46:14 pm

Thanks, dear Mary...love you and this beautiful comment.

Hugs to you and Linda too, Maria

Reply
Shauna
5/27/2015 02:28:20 am

I need to jump on the bandwagon and buy Linda's book. It's absolutely awesome that her first book hit Amazon's top 10. Congratulations, Linda!

Linda, is that picture of you and Keith Urban real? Great shot!

Reply
Maria link
5/27/2015 12:48:10 pm

Dear Sha,

With your love and talent for poetry, I do believe you would greatly enjoy Linda's book as well. Thanks for stopping by. Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Gail Sobotkin
5/27/2015 02:44:39 am

Dear Maria & Linda,
You are amazing and talented writers and I was so thrilled to read this excellent review and learn the back story about "Haiku by Sunshine," a book which I have already purchased and love. It is, like Linda herself, a welcome burst of sunshine in the life of the person who is reading it and I'm excited to learn it is doing so well in sales!
Love & Hugs to Both of You,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
5/27/2015 12:49:59 pm

Dear Gail,
Thanks for your ongoing support and endorsement of Linda's book.
Your Amazon review was wonderful and from the heart, like you.
Love and hugs to you both, Maria

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kimmie
5/27/2015 03:02:00 am

What a great interview. :) I read Linda's book and I loved it...it was simple and true to life through the art of Haiku... Wishing Linda much success in all she pursues...
Big hugs
Kimmie

Reply
Maria link
5/27/2015 12:51:30 pm

Lovely comment, dear Kimmie and I am sure that your support means the world to Linda as well.
Love and hugs to you both, Maria

Reply
Theresa
5/27/2015 04:19:35 am

Linda spreads smiles and joy in all that she does, and her lovely book is sure to do the same, well, it already has it seems! Her sunshine is contagious and what is more important in this life than making others smile or tug at the heartstrings. I am with her on writing from the heart, as that is the only way to go in my mind too.

Maria you've spread the Sunshine beautifully here. Linda, you are already so successful. Thank you for being you.

Hugs,

Theresa

Reply
Maria link
5/27/2015 12:58:27 pm

Dear Theresa,
What a gracious and heartfelt comment. Thanks ever so much and I'm sure Linda will love seeing this as well.
Love and hugs to you both, Maria

Reply
Michelle Stoker
5/27/2015 05:26:28 am

Super proud of my momma!! Love the interview. :)

Reply
Maria link
5/27/2015 12:59:56 pm

Great to see you, Michelle...I'm super proud of your momma too :)

Reply
Sunshine
5/27/2015 06:06:27 am

Thank you MM for the interview! You really do rock the interviews...the questions were simple to answer, yet they made me think a bit too. I enjoyed the challenge and working with you once again. I am blessed! :)

Sha...I wish that photo of KU and were real. Docmo made me that photo for my 50th birthday! :)

Reply
Shauna
5/27/2015 07:06:12 am

Linda, Doc is quite talented. What an awesome 50th birthday gift!

Reply
Maria link
5/27/2015 12:56:15 pm

Dear Linda,
You are a pleasure to interview and in general as well... I'm thrilled that you enjoyed this interview as much as I did.
Thanks for solving the KU mystery for Sha and me...gorgeous anyway.
Love you, MM

Mike
5/27/2015 06:34:17 am

Hello Maria - Great interview. Linda did such a great job with her book. Step by step the book came together until we were both happy with each page.

As for Amazon, I just do not know what to say. Why they would disapprove of an honest review is beyond me. They kick my reviews off all the time.

Looks like two more books on the horizon for Linda.

Congratulations Linda on the book, and Maria two thumbs up for this nice interview highlighting a courageous lady.

Reply
Maria link
5/27/2015 01:05:35 pm

While I don't know what to say about Amazon, I do know what to say about you, Mike Friedman...

When it comes to assist, you are the master at 'step by step' patience - whether editing, illustrating or formatting our written words. Between Linda and I, YOU get a 'four thumbs up' for your performance, kind sir... :)

Reply
suzettenapkes
5/27/2015 07:24:22 am

Great interview and support of Sunshine's book. Her haiku are wonderful!

Reply
Maria link
5/27/2015 01:01:26 pm

Thanks, Suzette - I couldn't agree more. Great to see you... :)

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Deb
5/27/2015 08:14:12 am

I just ordered a hard copy today for my mom. Now I'm gonna go back and buy the Kindle version for me! Great interview.

Reply
Sunshine
5/27/2015 12:27:44 pm

Thank you, Deb! I hope both you and your mom enjoy the "sunshine!" :)

Reply
Maria link
5/27/2015 12:44:35 pm

Awesome, Deb and I believe you and your mom will both LOVE the "sunshine".

Amazon will need to hire more help to keep up with these orders and your reviews, dear Sunshine. Awesome work... :)

femmeflashpoint link
5/28/2015 11:58:11 am

Dear Linda and Maria,

What an excellent introduction of Linda's newest work and congratulations on the awesome rank it's achieved in both ebook and hardcopy on amazon!

I'm so impressed that Linda manages to write even with the large responsibilities she shoulders. That in itself should inspire others to keep after their dreams of accomplishing the goals dear to their heart.

My very best wishes for your book to continue riding the wave of success and for it to be another catalyst in bringing new fans to your other work as well.

femme


Reply
Vicki link
5/29/2015 04:44:42 am

Hi Maria and Linda,
Wow! What a lot to read and happily digest.! Sorry I'm using the wrong comment box, but the right one just refused to appear!
Linda, it's wonderful that you're doing so well, and still spreading the sunshine around with your thoughtful, lovely writing.
I have to say the same for you, dear Maria. This is really a 'twofer' situation you've given all of us.
Great work, and all the best!
Love and hugs

Reply
Maria link
6/4/2015 01:20:54 am

Dear femme,

I am also impressed at how Linda juggles her writing with her life responsibilities. Like you, she is an incredible role model for time management, dedication and courage.

Dear Vicki,

I am using a "twofer" in responding to this lovely comment - as I'm convinced that Weebly is "currently wacky"...LOL! Thanks for your dedication and support to both Linda and me - you are a good friend.

Love you all and hugs, Maria

Reply
Angie
6/1/2015 02:12:00 pm

Nice to get to meet another of the wonderful writers here. I will have to look up her haikus...I like the style of them - short and profound...

~Angie

Reply
Maria link
6/4/2015 01:24:23 am

Lovely to see you, Angie...I think you'll enjoy Linda's work greatly!

Reply



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    The Web Only Your Site

    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

    Thank you,

    mar  



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