Inside Scoop Live!

Becoming an Angel of Change - An Interview with Bineta Ngom

Bineta Ngom was born in Senegal, West Africa, in 1964. She grew up without her father, who died when she was a little over four years old, and was raised by her mother, who taught her how to appreciate life and serve people in need, even when the family was enduring hardship.
Bineta came to America in 1994 to pursuit her dream, to give her children the opportunity she never had as a child, and to empower the global community by sharing her stories and by working with parents to raise philanthropic children, which she believes is part of the solution for the problems we have in our school environments. Bineta thinks children value what their parents’ value. She never stops learning and always strive to be the best role model for her children.
She decided to write her book “Becoming an Angel of Change” to share her stories with the world to inspire parents, immigrants and women to make positive change within themselves, their homes, and their workplaces, as well as their communities. Bineta currently lives in Los Angeles with her four children.
For more information about Bineta Gom visit her website at binetangom.com
 
Topics of Conversation
 
-What is an Angel of Change?
-Early Experiences in Senegal, West Africa
-Immigrating to the U.S.
-Passion for Philanthropy
-The Family Bridge Foundation
-What's next for Bineta?
 
Becoming an Angel of Change
Part memoir, part inspiration and self-help, Becoming an Angel of Change is a collection of stories detailing the author’s journey of exploring her life’s purpose: helping others in need. From her beginnings as an eight-year-old philanthropist in Senegal, to her adult life establishing outreach programs in the United States, through Bineta’s journey readers will be inspired to discover their own strengths, uniqueness, and purpose.
Connect with Bineta Ngom
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Boston My Blissful Winter - An Interview with Translator Paulette Boudrot

Paulette Boudrot earned a BS in Education from Bridgewater State University, an MA in French Language and Literature from Middlebury College in Vermont, and a diploma in Twentieth-Century French Literature from the Sorbonne, University of Paris as a Fulbright Scholar. Paulette taught French and ESL in elementary schools, colleges, and universities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. During the 1980s, she transitioned from education to administration at the French Cultural Services at the French Consulate in Boston. In 1995, she founded PLJ Administrative & Business Solutions, outsourcing administration and project management for small to medium sized companies. The French government honored her as a Chevalier in the Order of Academic Palms in 2010. Paulette is an active member of Rotary International, the Boston/Strasbourg Sister City Association, the Sandwich Arts Alliance and the Société Francophone de Cape Cod. She currently resides on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Boston, My Blissful Winter is her debut literary translation.
For more information about Paulette Boudrot, visit her website at http://www.pauletteboudrot.com.
 
Topics of Conversation
Translating a Book
Working with the Author during the translation
Literal vs. Literary Translation
The publishing journey
What's next for Paulette Boudrot?
Read the Reader Views Review of Boston My Blissful Winter
 
A Note from the Author
"Dear friends,
The American-English translation of my book "Boston, un hiver si court" has just been released as "Boston My Blissful Winter, Memories of the 1980s", by PRA Publishing. We owe it to Paulette Boudrot, who did a remarkable job giving us an attentive, precise, elegant and faithful version. I thank her very sincerely. I would also like to thank the publisher, Lucinda Clark and editor, Ellen Albanese, who, despite the health crisis we are all experiencing, have managed to meet publication deadlines.
Over time, the 1980s emerged as happy and fruitful years. Peace and prosperity prevailed in Boston. The large number of students attending its universities brought enthusiasm and joy to this human-scaled city where it was a pleasure to live.
The centennial of the Statue of Liberty, the bicentennial of the Revolution of 1789, and the visit of the French President gave me many opportunities to celebrate the French and Franco-American friendship. These occasions also allowed me to discover the strength of the Bostonians, attached to their traditions, but tolerant, reasonable, and daring, always ready to protect Freedom and especially their own freedom. I have had the pleasure of meeting exceptional people, some noted in my book and to whom it is dedicated. "
Alain BriottetParisOctober 2020

An Interview with Jennifer Yeates Camara - Author of Reduction Fired

Jennifer Yeates Camara is a poet living in Vancouver, Canada. She is the youngest of 13 children, born to an extremely poor family in Ontario, Canada.  She grew up in an old house that someone had paid her father to haul away, albeit without plumbing as the water was never hooked up! Jennifer's early life in the 70s included an outhouse, a well, and a wood-burning fireplace.
Jennifer's parents were both avid readers and often recited poems by memory. Reading was ingrained in her siblings, too, and Jennifer learned quickly.
At age 9, Jennifer's family still at home moved to the BC coast. Jennifer was encouraged to join a late French immersion program starting from grade 6. It was around that time that Jennifer also started writing her own poetry.
Although Jennifer continued excelling academically, the family's economic situation was still dire, and she turned to poetry to express herself. Once Jennifer started working, she eagerly frequented local bookstores, where the owners introduced her to poetry from many cultures, including Persia, China, Japan and India.
For more information about Jennifer, please visit yeatescamara.com.   
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
About Reduction Fired and her inspiration behind the collection
Architectural and West Coast Contemporary influences
Using Imagery from Nature
How to enjoy Poetry for those hesitant to jump in
Poetry Readings:LeavingWarmth
What's next for Jennifer Yeates Camara?
 
REDUCTION FIRED
Concise, quiet, and intense poems voiced over vibrant scenes of nature - reflections to ripple through the mind.
 
CONNECT WITH JENNIFER YEATES CAMARA
 
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Read the Reader Views review of Reduction Fired

An Interview with Marjorie Anderson - Author of La Clave

Marjorie Anderson is a native Virgin islander, retired bank executive, co-funder and former executive director of the GREATER Philadelphia Minority Business Strategic Alliance. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Morgan State University, a Master of Science in Management from La Salle University, and is a graduate of the Wharton’s School Management Program of the University of Pennsylvania. Her book “The Key” is a Reader Views Literary Awards Winner. Marjorie currently lives in Liberty Hill, Texas.
 
Topics of Conversation:
Inspiration behind writing a finance book for teens and the need for a Spanish translation
Why teens and young adults get into trouble financially
Including Charity in your budget
Using a simple system for saving and spending
 
La Clave
La Clave shares the author’s financial knowledge and experience to help teens get a head start in life. The book presents readers with basic financial knowledge and life changing know-how tips on how to manage money to make the most of their income to build a successful future. But Anderson does not stop there, she also teaches young people to invest in their communities by buying local products and donating to help others. La Clave is the Spanish translation of Marjorie L. Anderson’s Reader Views Award winner “The Key.”
 
Connect with Marjorie Anderson
Website: www.challenge4teens.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekeychallenge/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjorie-anderson-6372b788/

An Interview with Erik Steidl - Author of "Ayal the Arrow Boy"

Erik Steidl was born and raised in Medina, Ohio as the third of six children.  He wrote his first book, titled A City Slicker in Texas, for a Power of the Pen competition in fourth grade and never looked back.  He has always found joy in writing, both creatively and academically.  He attended Liberty University where he crammed a four year degree into six years, graduating in 2012 with a B.S. in Teaching English as a Second Language with minors in Spanish and Youth Ministry. 
Erik is married to his high school sweetheart, Shannon.  They live together in Medina, Ohio with their four children and yellow lab.  They are an active family and enjoy hiking, soccer, basketball, biking, and almost any other outdoor activity.  Erik is proud to be able to state that, like him, his children are all avid Star Wars fans.
For more information about Erik and his works visit his website at: https://steidlstories.com/
 
Topics of Conversation
Motivation behind writing the story
Filling the Middle Grade Christian void in literature
Writing for a young crowd from a teen perspective
Reading preferences and authors of influence
What’s next?
 
Ayal the Arrow Boy
Ayal the Arrow Boy tells the story of David and Jonathan from a never-before-seen perspective; that of Ayal, a servant in King Saul's palace.
Ayal finally has his life going in the right direction. After growing up an orphan on the streets of Jerusalem, he finally has a home in the palace and a good job as a runner for Prince Jonathan. Everything changes when he overhears two men planning to kill David, a commander in King Saul's army and Jonathan's best friend. Now the race is on to thwart the scheme, save David, and return peace to Israel. Will he be in time?
 
CONNECT WITH ERIK STEIDL!
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Walking in a Minefield - An Interview with Del Bates

Del Bates is an author, speaker, and an enthusiastic encouragement to many. She has been on leadership with Aglow International for numerous years. Her hope is to see the lost saved and healed through those meetings. She has self-published two books and has numerous stories in various publications. Crosslink publishers released her latest book on Spiritual Warfare, “Walking In A Minefield” in June 2021.
Del and her husband have the joy of being snowbirds between Florida and Michigan. Michigan is her heart-felt home where she spends quality time with her three-grown children, their families and finds plenty of time to spoil her five grandkids.
Her heart’s desire is to further the Kingdom of God through her Pen-4-the Lord and her gift of prophecy where she loves to equip others through words of wisdom from above.
You can learn more about Del Bates and her work at www.Delbates.com.
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
The inspiration behind Walking in a Minefield
What is spiritual warfare?
14 areas and action needed to fight the spiritual warfare we face daily
How to recognize the bombs before they go off
 
WALKING IN A MINEFIELD
Daily the war rages on.
We are in a battle like never before. But the most significant battle you face is for your soul.Within the pages of WALKING IN A MINEFIELD, learn to identify the bombs raging around you and how to disarm them before they explode.
• Discover Satan's tactics.• Learn how to pray amid each battle.• Know how to use your God-given weapons.• Understand the General of Intercession― the Holy Spirit• Claim your authority.
In this non-fiction scripture-based book along with true-to-life stories, you will see spiritual warfare in action resulting in battles won in the Spiritual realm.
 
CONNECT WITH DEL BATES!
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Read the Reader Views Review of Walking in a Minefield

The SwiftPad Trilogy - An Interview with S. Lee Barckmann

Lee Barckmann grew up in Barnegat NJ, and had a Huck Finn childhood, surrounded by woods, streams, and meadows. In the 1950s, 1200 people lived there. 
Later on, he studied Economics and History at the University of Kansas,  moved to Eugene, Oregon, and met his wife Mary. He did various jobs for a time, then the two of them packed it up and went to China where Lee taught English. After two-and-a-half years, they returned to the US, settled down and had a family and Lee spent the next 30 years in a career in the IT field, eventually retiring from IBM. During that time, he wrote intermittently, mostly on his first novel "Farewell the Dragon". 
Lee and his wife currently live outside of Portland Oregon where they enjoy backpacking, biking, and playing with their granddaughter.
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
About the Trilogy
Writing ALT-History
One of the most surprising things he learned writing his trilogy
Reading and Writing
What's Next?
 
 
THE SWIFTPAD TRILOGY
There’s a lot of punch packed into this trilogy which is at it’s core an alt history of the past decade.  There’s murder and mystery, the boom of social media, politics and an unstable leader. Our Reader Views reviewer said, “The satire that is offered in this tale is brutally honest, hysterical, and unforgettable. But, remember, this is not a dystopian world; this is a very real, bare bones, trash-talking world that all of us have lived through – and are still living through to this day. As a reader who loves reality as much as the gritty suspense that a book like this provides, there is also that underlying current that shows how much we’ve seen and survived over the past decades, and how much we’re most likely going to see before we say adieu to this life."
 
CONNECT WITH LEE BARCKMANN!
Visit the Author's Website
Read the Reader Views Reviews of the SwiftPad Trilogy:
Digging Up New Business: The SwiftPad Takeover
Digging the Golden Fungus: The SwiftPad Insurgency
Digging Around the Pandemic: The SwiftPad Extinction
 

Tomorrow's End - An Interview with G.R. Morris

Geoffrey Morris is a 10 time award-winning author. He has garnered much acclaim for his debut novel, Tomorrow’s End. He not only won a prestigious Dragonfly book award, but a Feathered quill and received multiple 5 star reviews from many websites. He was a philosopher and a graduate from seminary studies before taking writing courses in college.
 
Topics of Conversation
Philosophical Fiction
A Sixteen-Year-Old Savior
How Tomorrow's End evolved over 20 years
Thoughts on reading and horror movies!
The story behind the cover art.
What's next?
 
Tomorrow's End
Do you have free will?
He never asked to be a hero, but the universe didn't give him a choice.
Kevin Knight never wanted to be the one to save the galaxy. But when tragedy upends his life and demonic forces steal his soul, the fate of time and space are sealed. Until a scaly, trench-coat-clad alien appears and gives him a glimpse into the true nature of all things.
Astounded, Kevin learns the world he knows is merely an illusion created by alien beings who control humanity's every move. With an invasion imminent, he must defeat the blackness and perfect his powers before the bloody battle begins.
Which prophecy will Kevin fulfill... the one of darkness or the one of light?
 
CONNECT WITH G.R. MORRIS!
WEBSITE: https://grmorrisbooks.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/grmorrisbooks/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Tomorrows-END-107630997775307/
Read our Review of Tomorrow’s End

The World We Choose - An Interview with Kevin Kunkel

Kevin Kunkel believes people are fundamentally good and altruistic. He writes books to reflect that belief. Kevin fully intends to fix the screen door this spring or by fall at the latest.  Kevin writes bios in the 3rd person because it comes off as more professional and writing in the 5th person gets confusing. Kevin lives in Minnesota with his wife and 2 sons. He complains that Hollywood movies don't understand real cold.
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
How the world is getting better and  inspiration behind the storyline.
Writing for children
Rhyming and the perfect meter
On being a standup comedian
More children's books coming soon!
 
THE WORLD WE CHOOSE
This book teaches children that the world is mostly improving, and that the way to make sure it continues is to pay attention to the good all around us.
Cable news often reports on the bad things that happen every day, but we can choose a positive story and make it a reality. In this book, the rhyming story and light-filled illustrations focus on positive things like renewable energy, improved literacy, and better technology to stay close to the ones we love.
The World We Choose focuses on the good things about our planet and encourages—and empowers!—kids to make our future even brighter. This uplifting children’s book reminds us all that we can choose a better world.
 
CONNECT WITH KEVIN KUNKEL!
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Facebook
Instagram Author Account
Parenting Account
 
READ THE READER VIEWS KIDS REVIEW OF "THE WORLD WE CHOOSE"
 

Isle of Dragons - An Interview with Author L.A. Thompson

Author L.A. Thompson knew she wanted to be a writer at a young age. She longed to create worlds and characters that would draw people in and transport them to another time and place, which she achieves in her novel Isle of Dragons.
L.A. loves fantasy and witchcraft and by combining those elements in her stories with different historical periods, she creates a world that's in an industrial era caught between technology and magic, exploring the two's unique interplay.
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
Writing Fantasy
Creating characters from a place of want vs. need
Adding elements of innovation 
Plotting vs. letting the characters take the lead
What's next?
 
ISLE OF DRAGONS
Watch steampunk technology and high fantasy witchcraft clash in this heroine’s fast-paced, epic journey to rescue her father from dragons and reveal the evil secrets of the noble court.On the run from the royal army in a giant mechanical centipede, sixteen-year-old Jade Sol embarks on a dangerous adventure to help her father escape from the Isle of Dragons—a land of untamed magic that some believe only exists in myth.When Jade is cornered by soldiers, a mysterious witch named Miria Atkins rescues her, calling on spirits from a magical realm to channel their mystical energy into light and matter. Jade begs Miria and the sorceress’s mechanist brother, Dan, to join her quest.The siblings resist at first, but their hearts soften when they hear of her father’s fate. Their own parents had attempted an expedition from Vansh to the Isle of Dragons years ago and never returned. Together, the trio of young heroes journey across the feudal countryside trek across the sea to become the first humans to reach the elusive Isle of Dragons.
 
CONNECT WITH L.A. THOMPSON!
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Facebook
Instagram
 
READ THE READER VIEWS REVIEW OF ISLE OF DRAGONS!