Gilbert Speaks on Suzanne Goldstein’s Story of Survival: To God, The Only Parent I Ever Knew

I am surrounded by amazing friends, and one of my friends just published a book that is a must read. Join me in my interview.

Gilbert: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Goldstein: All I can remember through most of my life is living in survival mode.  When no one is there to care for you it makes for a very difficult childhood and life.  When I found recovery I found myself and began to discover that I was a teacher and a writer.  The road to that awareness was not easy but I would not change the lessons I learned along the way.

Gilbert: What inspired you to write To God, The Only Parent I ever Knew?

Goldstein: I began writing as I was going through a very painful part of my own recovery from food addiction.  Thought it would be a helpful tool to help me process the information I was receiving from God to help me heal.  At one point I almost threw the book away.  Then I awoke one day and said to myself, this is a very informative book that can help someone deal with their own journey, and I began thinking of all the books I read that helped me through my early recovery.  That is the birth of my book as we see it today.

Gilbert: How has writing this book helped with your healing?

Goldstein: As mentioned above writing is a great tool when one is recovery from addiction.  It makes it real clear when you see your pain in black and white, and read it to someone.  Very powerful!  Also it is healing to me when folks read it and validate what I went through to get to where I am today.

Gilbert: Publishing this book must have been quite a painful journey. Do you feel that this book will help others?

Goldstein: I have no question in my mind that this book will help others go through their own journey.  It was painful to reexperience the abandonment and trauma that I lived through as I wrote the book but it was also very healing to me.

Gilbert: Are you working on a second book?

Goldstein: At this time, I am considering a second book but I am taking time to discover when that may be and what the book would be about, as there are several avenues to discover.

Gilbert: Thank you so very much for this interview, Suzanne. I wish you much success.

If you are interested in purchasing the book, you can find it on Amazon here.

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Gilbert Speaks on The Venus Mantrap

I have some amazing writer friends, and when one of them publishes a story or book, I want to celebrate their work. A very good friend of mine, Bruce Capoferri, has recently published a book called The Venus Mantrap. Here is Bruce telling us a little bit about himself and the book.

Gilbert: Hi Bruce. I am so very excited about your book. My first question is do you belong to a writers’ group and what are the benefits?

Bruce Capoferri:  I’m a member of South Jersey Writers’ Group and highly recommend anyone, especially a novice, to join. I have grown as a writer since becoming a member and got my first story titled THE MALOCCHIO published because of it.  The wonderful folks who run SJWG and all my fellow members are friendly, extremely helpful and supportive. The guest presenters are always top-notch professionals as well, and provide valuable insight and positivity. 

Gilbert: What is The Venus Mantrap about?

Bruce Capoferri: The Venus Mantrap is a story set in a dystopian future when humanity has begun mining and colonizing other planets in our solar system. During the course of terraforming Venus enough to reduce the temperature, indigenous plants are awakened, ultimately resulting in alien-human hybrids. Being intelligent, these creatures immigrate to Earth. The murder of one leads to a darkly humorous mystery full of twists and turns, involving a Detective who must solve the case in order to clear himself and win back his childhood sweetheart. 

Gilbert: What was your inspiration for the book?

Bruce Capoferri: Similar to the style of Ian Fleming, I love playing with names, words and phrases. I also enjoy writing science fiction/horror with humor. The name of my lead character is not only a prime example of this, but was the joke that also inspired the story.  If you don’t guess the joke immediately (which I hope you won’t), it is revealed at the end. This prompted Barbara, my wife, to ask if I had written the whole story just for the punchline?  And the answer is YES!

Gilbert: What are you working on now?

Bruce Capoferri: Although I have had a number of reality-based stories about my childhood published, it appears magazine and book publishers do not appreciate my slightly warped story telling style. This is why I’ve made my first foray into the world of self-publishing with THE VENUS MANTRAP on Amazon Kindle.  

I have a novel titled CHILDREN OF GOD AND MEN that I may publish on Kindle depending on the response I receive. I am also a singer/songwriter and have recently been accepted to BMI and am a member of the Nashville Songwriters Association, International.  

Currently I am researching the business of SYNC, which is the placement of songs and background music in commercials, TV, movies and other audio-video platforms.  In fact, I already have a few of my songs appearing on websites.  For an example, please visit: www.friendsofpumphouse.org.

Gilbert: Thank you, Bruce, I am excited to read your book which can be found on Amazon Kindle, and also to learn more about your songs at a future date.

Gilbert Speaks on Grandfatherly Advice with Author James Knipp

I am blessed to belong to one of the best writers’ groups on the East coast. This is where I had originally met James Knipp. James is a talented writer and blogger, and if you want to keep up with the series finale of Game of Thrones, then jump over to Biff Bam Pop for his weekly review. I enjoyed reading Stuff Every Grandfather Should Know. It’s a great book filled with humorous advice, now join me for my interview with the author.

Gilbert Speaks: An Interview with Author Justin Bamforth on The Spectrum

I met Justin a year ago while attending a function at a little metaphysical shop (On Angel’s Wings) in Bordentown, New Jersey. Justin Bamforth, who is a designer, writer, and marketer, is also interested in Spirits and UFO’s. As a psychic/medium, I was interested to learn that Justin had written a book about the paranormal. Meet me after the jump for the book review and my interview with the author.

Gilbert Speaks On: The Burning of Arbor with Author J.L. Brown

I think the most important thing an author should do is promote other authors. I met J.L. Brown last year at the Mount Holly N.J. Horror & Writers’ Conference. We chatted about my ghost investigation at the Mount Holly Library. When Jennifer’s book came out, I contacted her for the promised interview. Here goes!

Gilbert Speaks on Jack Flacco’s Book On Forgiveness

I’ve know Jack Flacco for several years, and I’ve even interviewed him for my Gilbert Curiosities Blog. We are authors. We both loved writing about zombies, but recently, we’ve journeyed from the domain of the apocalypse and into the spiritual realm. Where I use my psychic/medium gifts to lead people back to GOD, Jack is using his blogs, his ministry and his latest book to reconnect to a loving Creator. Join me now as I ask Jack about his new book, When Forgiveness is Enough: Making Sense of God’s Calling.

Gilbert Speaks on “The Oneness of It All” with Author Maryann Pino Miller

I first met Maryann Pino Miller when I attended a few classes at The Center, Life in Balance. After getting to know more about Maryann, we spoke about her book. Maryann was kind enough to give me her book as a gift. I truly enjoyed reading The Oneness of It All. There is power and beauty in our words. Join me now as I chat with the author.

Gilbert Speaks with Michael O’Brien Herold & His View of Deathly Hallows

There’s a new, exciting voice on the literary scene and it belongs to Michael O’Brien Herold, a 26-year-old writer and lifetime fan of the Harry Potter series. Disappointed with the final book and all its loose ends, Mike decided to write an alternate ending, one that is sure to delight fans around the globe. He even wrote it in Rowling’s style, which he knows so well. It’s a different and satisfying journey through the world of wizarding filled with magic, mystery, love and answers to some of the questions you may have also had as the series ended. Are you ready to learn more? Then meet me after the jump for the interview, and Dobby, a lot more Dobby!

Gilbert Speaks to L.C. Bennett Stern On Her Book, Mae’s Revenge

As a writer, I get to meet the most amazing and talented people when attending book signing events. A few years ago I had the pleasure of meeting L.C. Bennett Stern at the Collingswood Book Fair and, we’ve been friends ever since. I did an interview on Linda about her novel, Bosses and Blackjacks, and you can read about it here. This year, Linda published another book, and like the first one, this story takes place in Philadelphia. Join me now as I learn more about Mae’s Revenge.

Steampunk Granny’s Upcoming Events

Where in the world is Steampunk Granny? I am all over the place, but you’ll need a map to find me. Here is a list of events that are coming up. Hopefully I’ll get to see all my friends.