Author Archives: Bee L. Kirk
Welcome to an Interview with Rip.
My Interview with a Gardner
I requested an interview with Kevin Gillard of Hetfordshire, England. We met through Facebook and he came across as someone who wanted to help others. So I wanted to find out more about him. Often times, we think that only the famous should be able to share their life. Well, I disagree. I believe that everyone has something to share, I believe everybody is gifted with a story. This…is part of Kevin Gillards. Please enjoy.
Bee:
Hello Kevin Gillard and thank you for agreeing to let me interview you.
Where are you from?
Kevin G: Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England.
Bee: I did a little research and this is one of the pictures that came up for Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England. I Think it’s beautiful.
Kevin G:
I have been here for five years, previously I lived wherever work took me. I’m originally from the county of Somerset.
Bee:
Are you married?
Kevin G:
I married when I was much younger but that did not last very long. I was far too young.
Bee:
You know what, I think a lot of people can relate. As young people, we made plenty of whoopsies.
Do you have children?
Kevin G:
Yes, two but I don’t see them.
Bee:
I won’t go into that any further but I hope that your relationship with your children will be better one day.
What is it that you currently title as your job?
Kevin G:
I’m a handyman gardener, previously I worked as a truck driver.
Bee:
I like gardens and even want one some time in the future but I just can’t deal with the insects. Speaking of gardens, what’s your favorite food?
Kevin G:
Thai curries are my favorite.
Bee:
I haven’t had the pleasure of trying any Thai Curry but am putting it on my bucket list. Do you recall your fondest childhood memory?
Kevin G:
Swimming, as a child we had a pool in our garden.
Bee:
That sounds like a bloody good time:) Learning to swim is also on my bucket list. Can you name a fear that you overcame?
Kevin G:
I’m not keen on flying but I’ve done it three times.
Bee:
Kudos to you. Have you ever ran across a famous personality?
Kevin G:
Not that I am aware of.
Bee:
If you had a Do-Over Button, what would be your top 3?
Kevin G:
Nothing, my past experiences make me the person I am today.
I am constantly trying to find ways to do things better.
Bee:
That’s noble…If you stumbleupon one, send it my way:)
Do you own any pets?
Kevin G:
No but I’d love to have another dog.
Bee:
Do you have any religious beliefs?
Kevin G:
I’m not religious but Karma seems to be real enough.
What goes around comes around.
Bee:
Yes, it does always comes back around.
Have you ever seen a ghost or anything paranormal?
Kevin G:
Paranormal, I don’t think so.
Bee:
I have but we won’t get into that. If someone asked you for the best Life Advice you could give, what would it be?
Kevin G:
Advice…if you have the chance to learn take it with both hands.
The world is changing and we need to keep up.
Bee:
Give me one event that changed your life?
Kevin G:
The current recession has changed my life drastically.
It has inspired me to create ‘Advertise for Free’
Bee:
I really appreciate you taking the time to share some of your life with me. I enjoy interviewing people from all different walks of life and parts of the world. We’re all alike in some way. There’s something that Universally connects us all. Let’s remember that the next time we start to think we’re, “The Special Ones.”
Bee L. Kirk, Author of City of the Guardians: Introducing Alex Honor
Dreaming of a Win
I’m taking a few moments of your time not to toot my own horn but to share and help as I learn.
I entered a book cover contest with Authorsdb back in August. Upon entering, I was confident that it would do well. I felt this way because I absolutely loved the cover myself. Not only because it was mine but because it told the story before even opening the book. And I think this is one of the key things to remember when designing a cover. I didn’t physically design it myself, I had a vision, and a few ideas. I knew what I wanted and didn’t want. After conveying this with the designer, they nailed it on the first try.
Without reading a blurb or a review, one can tell that the two characters depicted on the cover are inmorally different places. The character on the left is Stilo, he’s the voice of Strength, the Good guy. The character on the right is RIP and is the voice of Rage. He can be heard whispering, “Give up, orCommit Suicide.”
Rip is the Bad guy. I hope the impression of conflict & struggle emerge when someone sees the cover.
So, when I made it to the Semi Finals in the contest, I was very happy. I was excited that people were voting and showing support. ASMSG members played a huge part in that. And I’m truly thankful for the ever present support they show.
I’m still very new at being a writer, I have much to learn. Often I’m learing these things by trial & error. I recently released my second publication only to pull it 2 days later because of a hastily mademistake. I’m going to release a Revised version of it soon but the whole experience really had myspirits low. The editor of my first book City of the Guardians wasn’t available during the Month of December and I’d planned to release the book December 25th. Well, instead of being patient and waiting, I decided to edit it to the best of my ability and release it. And that was a mistake. It wasn’t ready for the world to see and I should’ve just moved the release date up a few weeks. Any who, she’s editing it now and I’m excited about Re-Releasing it. Lesson learned:)
After that hard learned lesson, I desperately needed a little pick me up and received in the form of a tweet.
@beelkirk #author BOOK COVER FINALIST Congratulations! http://authorsdb.com/author-publicity/book-cover-contest … Download Badge #covercontest pls RT
And just like that, I knew I was doing something right. So I push on, I stay open to constructive criticism, I help people as much as I can, and I keep believing in my dream.
Bee
65 + Tips, Sites & Advice Articles! Use & Pass Along!
Greetings and Salutations!
My name is Bee L. Kirk and I recently released my first novel entitled City of the Guardians: Introducing Alex Honor. The journey of writing a book has been one of extreme highs as well as disappointing lows. I didn’t know half of what I know now and I still have tons to learn. Along the way, I’ve collected information that I think can be helpful to you. Although you may not be able to use all of it, I’m sure some of it will help.
I believe in helping and paying it forward. So, I ask you to do the same. Pass the information along to someone else who might me able to use it. Remember to always sow good seeds so that when it’s time to reap the harvest, it will be a good one. For those of you who may not be familiar with this saying, I’m speaking of Karma. What you put out is what will return to you. With that being said, enjoy and use the information below in your quest to make it to the top or simply touch someones life.
Black Caviar Book Club.com – They allow you do have a free book promotion on their site. *Free* They have 573 likes as well as a 144 shares. It’s very simple. You click on one of the genre’s listed to the right and then upload a book cover, blurb and a few other things. It took me all of 4 minutes to do this. Exposure! After submitting your book, you should stay and research the site because there’s a wealth of information there.
Molly Greene/Writer – This site offers advice from a fellow writer. Take and leave what works for you. It’s worth the read.
Different Ways to say Thank You! – As writers we are often asking for favors, asking for help or showing our appreciation for something. I don’t know about you but I get tired of saying, ‘Thank You’. It’s so plain and uneventful. This website gives you the opportunity to get creative with your appreciation. Try it:)
Calibe – eBook Conversion – We always need reviews and in 2013, everyone likes to read on their phone…at least I do. If you only have a PDF version to offer potential reviewers, you’re narrowing your opportunity to get more reviews. We want to make it as easy and simple as possible for our potential fan base and reviewers. This site offers you the ability to do this. I have not had the chance to actually use it yet but it is on my to do list for this week. And I’m excited about it.
100’s of Links to Publishers and Agent – This site has all the potential to really pay off for someone. I have looked around and queried some of the agents. Have I spent the necessary time there to ensure a call back or great lead? No. But you may have the time to do this. Give it a try.
Tweepi – We all know how important Twitter is. This app allows you to manage your followers, follower their followers and gain an exponential amount of followers. You have to play around a little bit but it’s worth every minute you spend there. This is a wonderful site and I hope you all take advantage of it.
65 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Blog – Here’s another site with a wealth of information. There’s bound to be something here that you haven’t heard or know.
Association of Independent Authors – This next site is a hit or miss. I believe they charge for some services, while others are free. It may be a fit or not.
BookPinning – Takes about 1:13 seconds to do this. *Free* Promotion.
Book Promotion Ideas – Are you stuck when it’s time to tell people about your book? This website will give you some pretty cool options. Check it!
I will do a part II soon because there’s a lot more I have to share. If the above links are helpful then I’ve done my job. Now, make sure you do the same and pay if forward. Feel free to follow me:)
An Interview with a Vampire…
Bee
When did you know writing was your passion?
Lucien
There’s a scratching at the window. Bee sees a ghostly face leering at her. At first she is scared, but then remembers I am a vampire come for an interview. She lets me in.
“Hello Bee, I am Count Lucien Dupont.”
Bee looks a little ruffled.
“I won’t bite if I have a glass of red wine.”
Bee fetches some wine.
Bee
Uhhh…Do you write full time?
Lucien
When I have the time I might pen a word or two, but being a vampire really presses me. There’s so much to do and so little time before night caresses my soul.
Bee
I’ve never interviewed a Vampire before and I’m a little nervous. Let’s try to stick to the area of books.
How many books have you published?
Lucien
I have lived a thousand lifetimes and can only confess to three books thus far. I am more at home musing others to greatness such as De Sade and Poe.
Bee
What advice do you have for new authors?
Lucien
You can’t write and be a vampire. Try getting a day job to pay for all those pesky expenses, computers, editing, marketing, and do have an established following on social media. Big sigh. Oh and never give up – look at me, it took thousands of years to get where I am today.
Bee
Are you self published? Do you have a literary agent?
Lucien
My Gothic Luna Series is self published as I doubt a publisher would understand both books are basically my journals. No one believes I am real. But look, I do have a reflection. As for most agents, well it’s best I don’t get into bed with them – some are vampires and they’ve been sucking the blood from writers almost as long as I have.
Bee
Yes, I can see your reflection. According to all the movies, Vamps don’t have a relection. I can see you’re not the average Vampire. Let’s continue.
What genres do you read/write?
Lucien
I’ll read anything that takes my fancy, Bee. As I am a supernatural creature I tend to stick in that genre like fangs in a blood clot.
Bee
Oh my…Do you have any events coming up?
Lucien
Halloween is due and that’s my busiest time of year, especially this one as it’s my Lunatics Blog Tour kick off. Can’t wait to bite all my new blogging friends. Hiss.
Bee
How do you come up with your book ideas?
Lucien
My Luna Series is all about my life, scary as it may sound, that’s the gist of it. As for ideas, well they come from the realm of darkness where my dreams run rampant and unchecked.
Bee
I can only imagine. (nervous smile)
Is there a message you try to relate through your writing?
Lucien
Don’t do this at home.
Bee
Who is your favorite character from one of your novels and why?
Lucien
Mememememememe – Count Lucien Dupont is a ruthless savage vampire out to get his eternal blood. I failed back in 1925, but here I am for another shot.
Can’t keep a good vampire down.
Bee
Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Lucien
Back in Paris where I belong amongst the nightlife and a never-ending supply of blood vintage.
Bee
Do you think we will ever have a female president?
Lucien
Yeah, whoever has the highest twitter following, probably Lady Gaga.
Bee
Now, that was funny. I didn’t think Vampires has a sense of humor. What kind of music do you listen to?
Lucien
Gothic!
Bee
How old are you?
Lucien
I’m as old as the wind across the desert, when we could see the stars without pollution before the Pyramids were built in my honour.
Bee
Inspired more by Beyonce or Oprah?
Lucien
I am my own inspiration.
Bee
Steak or Hamburger? Why?
Lucien
When I’m on a date then raw steak will have to do until dessert.
Bee
Oh my (A chill goes down my spine but I shake it off, determined to finish this interview and not run out screaming)
What is your writing process like?
Lucien
Haphazard, confusing and disjointed.
Bee
Movies at home or at the theater? Why?
Lucien
Back in the good old days when talking movies were a thing of the future I loved to partake of a vintage in the back seat. These days I can’t abide the volume so I have to resort to a drop of blood or two back home in front of the boob tube. How sad.
Bee
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing?
Lucien
Drinking more blood.
Bee
(Okay, that’s it. Time to wrap this up.)
Do you believe in ghost? Why or Why not?
Lucien
I am a supernatural being and see those bloody things all the time. Very disconcerting I must say when driving.
Bee
What is your book about?
Lucien
Me and my tumultuous struggle we call life!
Bee
What should readers expect when they read your book?
Lucien
Something completely different, unusual, thought-provoking and not normal vampire musings.
Bee
What would you tell your younger self?
Lucien
How far back do you want me to go? Sleeping in a coffin isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. The times I’ve struggled to get out with stiff joints, well more times than I’ve had hot dinners – no that’s wrong, I haven’t had any hot dinners except that blonde last night.
Bee (I’m standing with purse in hand now. My palms are sweating and I’m eyeing the door of the night lounge we’ve chosen to meet at. Is he going to let me leave? Is he hungry right now! Calm down)
Lucien, it was…a pleasure speaking with you. I won’t be inviting you over to my home any time soon (I laugh nervously, as does Lucien) but I wish you all the best. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.
Bee L. Kirk, Author of City of the Guardians
Information for Count Lucien
Buy Links
us
uk
For reviews and more info:
Aeturnus Goodreads page.
***Book Review*** for A River Moves Forward by Selena Haskins
One of the things I love most about reviewing books is the opportunity it affords me in sharing the range of emotions I go through while reading a book. As I’m reading, I never think about the reviewing aspect until I’m completely finished because I don’t want to misjudge someones work or jump to conclusions.
I read A River Moves Forward about two weeks ago and I’m just now writing the review. This is due to several reasons. The most important being the fact that I wasn’t sure how to approach this review, I didn’t know where to start or how it would end.
I have a confession to make…no this has nothing to do with the FB confession epidemic, I really have a confession. I judge books by their cover. I’m trying to retrain my brain but it is so hard. The first thing I see often draws me in or turns me away. So when I saw the cover for A River Moves Forward, I really didn’t know what to expect. I love city skylines and the cover for A River Moves Forward has a beautiful one displayed in conjunction with a calm and unwinding waterfront. It all gave me a sense of ease.
Looking back on it now, the cover is very misleading. A River Moves Forward is anything but calm. I was on a roller coaster of emotions almost from the beginning. Author Selena Haskins gives the reader an inside view of life as most of us have never experienced it. It’s a time period piece, something else I am hesitant about. After reading this novel, I have changed my mind about that also. She made everything seem so relatable, you forget that it takes place in the 1970’s. I began reminiscing about the music that my parents would play around the house, which solidified my bond with the characters.
Cabrini Green Housing Projects is the location that most of the most heart wrenching events occur. I’ve never lived in, “The Projects” but Selena Haskins made me feel like I had. I’ve never had a sibling strung out on drugs, but Selena Haskins made me wonder what it would be like. I’ve never been beaten but Selena Haskins made me realize how blessed I have been.
A River Moves Forward is by far more than just a nice cover, it will take you on a journey of ups and downs. You’ll be sad and happy. Anger will cause your face to blush and teenage love will make you remember those innocent days.
I would definitely recommend this book!
The Bee Count: 9
1-3 Bee’s => Sorry I read it
4-5 Bee’s=> I found watching paint dry more exciting
6-7 Bee’s=> Congrats on Publishing a book
8 Bee’s => Very Good Book, Would Recommend it!
9 Bee’s=>Extremely Glad I read It!! Can’t wait to talk about it on my Internet Radio Show (City of the Guardians Blog Talk Radio.com)
10 Bee’s=> I can’t breath, I want more, RIGHT NOW!
Bee L. Kirk, Author of City of the Guardians: Introducing Alex Honor
Author Selena Haskins information:
Scandalicious!!!
Greetings and Salutations!!!
I just finished watching Scandal…and once again, they delivered. The writer, Mrs Shonda, is amazing. She has America’s pulse on speed dial!
I didn’t watch it Live because, I have to have peace and quiet in the house before I can fully appreciate the work the Gladiators do. So once I got Mr. Jaxon his blankey, pillow (it was in my bed, his second bed), and his ba ba, he was good to go and off to the races.
I poured me a glass of wine and settled down on my couch to witness history.
History, oh yeah, History baby. This is one of the most intriguing, tantalizing shows on right now. I mean, think about it, we have a powerful black woman in Love with the most powerful man in the world. And then we have a white man in love with one the most powerful women in the world. They can both hold their own, they are both passionate about what they do and with that you have a power couple. The drawback……HE’S MARRIED!
Wow,,how does that happen. But that’s the magical part, we all know that it’s wrong, so why are we rooting for Olivia and Fitch to make it?
Why do we want to see The President of the United States of America get a divorce from his wife and marry Olivia?
Hmmmm, is it because Millie is miserable and evil…Is it because we can see their love for each other or is it because we can relate to the Passion, Lust, Excitement they have for each other…..Does Marriage still hold the weight of importance that it used to? Do the vows mean anything anymore?
I’m not sure, but I love watching this show..I love seeing the poise that Olivia and her team display, I love the fact that they all know they are not perfect but have developed a craft that is now their passion. They are good at what they do because it is their passion to help, to save, to fix.
This show has the potential to be one of the best in history. The possibilities are endless. Now, the next question is how long before they request the “CONTRACT NEGOTIATION?
They deserve every penny, when the time comes.
Last but not least, is Scandal making it more acceptable for white men to now date and marry black women?
Just a Thought……………………………………….
My Interview with a Model, who likes the WWE, Reading and Football…oh yeah and Tattoos
Ms. Ang and I connected through Twitter when she asked if she could interview me. Of course I said yes, having never been asked before, I was thrilled. A few months later I decided to return the favor and she obliged. She’s a very interesting person, which is why I’m so excited to post her answers. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
Bee L. Kirk
What is your passion?
Ms. Ang
Helping women with their self image. Growing up I struggled with my self image. This lead to multiple toxic relationships because I didn’t know my own worth. Over the last six years I have been working on me and have learned a lot in the process. I believe that every woman should know her self worth and embrace everything about her, including her flaws. I also believe that women should lift each other up instead of cutting each other down.
Bee L. Kirk
How long have you been blogging?
Ms. Ang
I’ve been blogging for almost two years. My original blog was for my modeling but I changed it to a personal blog after I launched my website.
Bee
Have you ever had a stalker?
Ms. Ang
I have had a couple of stalkers. One was a guy I dated in high school. He stalked me while I was a freshman in college. I went to college about two hours from home and he would just show up outside my dorm. I had to be extremely mean before he finally left me alone. The other one was an ex and it took a restraining order to get him to stop.
Bee
I notice that you are very comfortable with your body, how long have you felt this way?
Ms. Ang
I’ve only felt this way for about 4-5 years. I used to be self conscious about my body growing up. About six years ago, I started the process of working on my self esteem and learning how to empower myself. Part of this process included the modeling. I had my first photo shoot back in 2009 and it definitely boosted my self esteem. It’s been all up hill since then. Now I have no problem getting in a tiny bikini or wearing a tight dress.
Bee
What is your favorite Ice Cream?
Ms. Ang
I love ice cream! I guess my favorite would be Rocky Road.
Bee
What’s your #1 pet peeve?
Ms. Ang
My #1 pet peeve is being late. I’m rarely late and hate waiting on someone that is late.
Bee
Have you ever had a near death experience?
Ms. Ang
I actually haven’t had a near death experience and hope that I never do.
Bee
If you could go back and tell the younger Ms. Ang something, what would it be?
Ms. Ang
I was way too trusting when I was younger. Because of this, people would use and abuse me. So I would tell the younger me not to be so trusting. When you first meet someone they can pretty much be whoever they want to be. It takes time to actually get to know someone.
Bee
Do you love social media or tolerate it?
Ms. Ang
I used to love it but now it’s gotten a little old. I would say that now I tolerate it because it’s a vital marketing tool.
Bee
Pick… President Obama or The Rock?
Ms. Ang
Politics just aren’t for me so I would have to say The Rock. Plus, I have seen The Rock in person and he is FINE! lol
Bee
If you could ban one type of food, ie Hamburgers, Oysters, Lima Beans, what would it be?
Ms. Ang
Those big hamburgers from Hardees. Those things look like they would give you a heart attack after one bite.
Bee
12) Biggest Regret?
Ms. Ang
A year ago I had the chance of a lifetime and I let my fear the get best of me. I wish I could go back to that time and do things a little differently.
Bee
13) Best Choice?
Ms. Ang
I would say that one of the best choices I have ever made was moving from Alabama to North Carolina.
Bee
14) Advice to the youth?
Ms. Ang
1. You can’t make everyone happy so don’t try.
2. Don’t waste your time on people that don’t truly care about you.
3. It’s okay to be single. Don’t rush into a relationship until you are ready.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
5. Be happy being who you are. Your uniqueness makes you special. It makes you who you are. Don’t change yourself for others. If they don’t like you for you, they aren’t worth your time.
Bee L. Kirk, Author of City of the Guardians: Introducing Alex Honor
Ms. Ang’s Info
Facebook: www.facebook.com/msangnc
Twitter: @_MsAng_
Instagram: msangnc
Blog: mylittlesideshow.blogspot.com
Model Mayhem: modelmayhem.com/2133866
“You…wrote a book?”
To all my fellow writers (especially Indie)
Be Encouraged!
As I’ve come to find out, everyone won’t see your dream.
They’ll doubt your love for writing because you haven’t written 3 or 4 books.
They’ll doubt you because you may not have perfected the art/craft of writing.
They’ll doubt you because you don’t have a big agent/publisher backing you.
Be Encouraged!
Don’t let someone elses doubts stop your passion/dream.
Let the negative responses/reviews/thoughts drive your desire to succeed even more.
Prove them wrong by learning, sharing, and writing about your passion to be the best at what you do.
Be encouraged!
You’re more than a conqueror.
You were fearfully & wonderfully made.
Your creative ideas and thought provoking story lines were given to you to be shared.
Write, write, write and then write some more.
Be Encouraged!
~Bee
Bee's Buzzing Thoughts, Opinions & Reviews 