It’s that time of year when we dream of the comfy chair, the cozy fire, and the good book! Books are wonderful escapes, essential learning tools and magical adventures, something so simple, made from paper and ink, can offer so much.
I recently met with 4 authors in The Woodlands area to learn about their stories, and their books!
Despite all having full time businesses and ventures, they write in the stolen moments before a family awakens, on vacation, in the backyard, and late at night when the house is asleep. Entwining the story and the words, until it is just right for the telling.
Actor and writer Terry Weaver also runs his own video production company, to date he has 5 books under his belt! 2 on leadership and self-help and 3 fictional books.
What is your background and what was your introduction to writing a book?
My wife kept telling me that I'll write a book someday. I finally listened to her. I'm working on listening to my wife sooner. She is wise.
What is your latest book called and what is it about?
A Long Night Cry
Set locally in Montgomery County, Detectives Eli Ridge and Thaddeus Preck are assigned to find three missing teenage girls, including the daughter of Ted Cronin, billionaire CEO and U.S. Senator. When the detectives are ordered to focus exclusively on the senator’s daughter, Eli’s choices place his career at risk and leave his loved ones teetering between life and death. As the young detective’s psyche fractures, he must race to find the girls and cover up what’s left in the wake of his dark side.
Your books have wonderful cover art, who is the designer?
The cover designs were created by my cousin, David Kennedy.
Why do you write?
Well-told stories endure, much longer than a human lifespan. My goal is to tell great stories and touch as many lives as possible.
Where can we purchase your book?
terryweaverbooks.com as well as Amazon
What or who inspires you?
Inspiration is a funny thing. When you are looking for it, you find it. I'm inspired daily because I hunt for it.
What’s next?
In 2024, the television series Breaking Strongholds Season 2 releases. Also, the movie, Parallel – The Triad releases. I'm an actor in both. I'm currently writing a feature-length film. I also write and release a podcast weekly here https://terryweaver.substack.com
Do you have any favorite inspirational quotes?
“Life shrinks and expands in proportion to one’s courage.” Anais Nin
Stacey Abella is CEO of Wind in Your Sails Consulting. Her book, “Secrets from A Travel Diary”, How One Burnt Out Executive Reignited the Adventurer Within” has been praised as being “life-changing” and “Immediately impactful”. The book was inspired after rediscovering a cache of her old diaries from simpler times and reading them led to a journey of self-discovery and looking forward.
Stacey, who is also a speaker and clarity coach, is inspired by those who have dared to live their dreams, she lives by the Albert Einstein quote – “Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler”
Tell me a little about yourself -
I’m Stacey Abella, CEO of Wind In Your Sails Consulting. I hold an MBA from Thunderbird School of Global Management (with honors, alumni board member) and a BA (Business, French, and German) from Wittenberg University. My multi-faceted career spans the spectrum from Innovation, Finance, and Human Resources to Business Development. This includes working with Fortune 500 companies (ExxonMobil and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co) and Not-For-Profits (Peace Corps, Habitat for Humanity, and United Way). The culmination of my diverse career has led me to where I am today.
I am a strong believer that ambiguity clouds your vision, compromises your results, and creates unnecessary stress and worry – in both Career and Life. Everything I share – from Coaching to Consulting to my new book, is all about helping you find passion, fulfillment, and freedom.
Clients recommend me to others because of my “smart, focused frameworks” which have given them tools to identify their “primary internal motivator,” “rise beyond the obstacles”, “identify priorities,” and “forge an entirely new path.”
How many books have you written and what genre?
This is my first book, but I don’t expect it to be my last! I worked in International Business for several years, and now is my time to realize the dream of publishing the book I’ve wanted to write for 25 years! (Published June 2023)
Where and when do you write?
All the time - when struck by inspiration, I dictate into the notes app of my phone. I particularly love writing early in the morning - it’s a magical time of energy and clarity.
Why do you write?
Writing has been a part of me since I was 7 years old. The words flow like water.
Where can we purchase your book?
It can be found via igniteyouradventurer.com, as well as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Alison Kartevold always thought she would write a nonfiction book but surprised herself when she wrote a children’s fantasy adventure. Publisher of The Conroe City Lifestyle Magazine, Alison has a degree in journalism and has made documentaries, worked as a reporter and producer for news outlets, and was formerly a radio presenter. “Kenkarta, battle of the Onoxmon” published by The Artists Orchard, focuses on the philosophy that we all have unique gifts and when we learn to use them, we find our personal power.
Where and when do you write?
I write late at night or early in the day when the world is quiet. I would write when my daughters, Sophie and Veronica, were asleep, then we would discuss my stories together when they were awake.
"Kenkarta" is beautifully illustrated, from the cover art to page illustrations, who is the artist?
The book was illustrated by award winning fantasy artist Les Polinko.
Why do you write?
I enjoy the art of the story, and writing something which will be passed down and enjoyed through future family generations.
Could you tell me about some of the characters in the book?
The narrator is called “Yorguide”, and there are lots of mythical creatures including dragons and fairies. Many of the names relate to people and their alter egos. The fun names and personalities were partly created and imagined by my daughters. A creature my daughter made in an art class at school became a character in the book!
What was your inspiration for writing Kenkarta?
It stemmed from one of my girls waking through the night, and I told her a story to settle her. The next day she asked again about the story, which grew and developed and eventually became the published book that it is today!
Where is the book set?
The story is set in the fantasy world of Kenkarta, the kids are there alone and the parents are out of the picture.
Where can we buy your book?
Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Marketing and technology business owner of Nieto Marketing, Melea Nieto has written over twelve books and has another two scheduled to be published in 2024. However, her latest book “The Lonely Little Fart”, is her debut children’s book and is a story about friendship. Her writing is inspired by her children, and her mother, Betsy, who inspired her to believe in herself. Now planning another children’s book, Melea writes because she feels that stories create great memories and tells me that “It's super fulfilling for me to deliver joy in this way!”
How many books have you written and what genre?
This will be my debut children’s book. While it’s the first to get published, I’ve written over a dozen and have two additional books scheduled to be published starting in 2024.
What is your latest book called and what is it about?
The Loney Little Fart is a story about persevering and finding a good friend when the odds are stacked against you. The main character (a fart) faces rejection by characters who dislike his traits of being smelly, dirty, and making strange noises when he “talks”. Finally, he finds just the right fit in a little boy who is equally smelly, dirty, and “talks” funny when no one is looking.
Why do you write?
I write because my stories have brought fun, levity, and good memories for my children and their peers.
Where can we purchase your book?
My book can be purchased through my website, https://meleanieto.com will be available on other platforms at the beginning of 2024
What’s next?
My next book to be published is called Sheep Number 57. The story is about a little girl who won’t go to sleep. Her mother suggests counting sheep which leads her on a perfect adventure with one of the flock.
Do you have any words of wisdom that you’d like to share?
Don’t miss a moment to bring and experience joy with kids. It will pay you back 10-fold!
You can find more information via the following links -
terryweaverbooks.com
terryweaver.substack.com
dlkennedy.com
igniteyouradventurer.com
amazon.com
barnesandnoble.com
lespolinko.com
meleanieto.com
tristantait.net