Monday, January 27, 2014

PLEASE WELCOME ANOTHER AMAZING AUTHOR - 
ONE WHO HAS TRAVELLED AND HAD SOME AMAZING EXPERIENCES - AND IS NOW WRITING ABOUT IT

AUTHOR SARAH JANE BUTFIELD


1         Please tell us a little bit about your background.

A:    I was born in Ipswich, Suffolk - in the south East of England. I have lived and worked in various counties of England during my adult life - however I am a born and bred country girl at heart. I love the outdoors, walking, gardening, camping with my family and friends and generally having adventures and discovering new places and experiences.


2                    Have you always wanted to be an author or what other career were you considering when younger?

A:    I have always enjoyed writing and I carry notebooks with me wherever I go. My journals over the years have been a combination of daily to do lists, brainstorming solutions to everyday issues and in challenging times, they are a self-help coaching tool to vent my feelings and frustrations in private. However, as a child I wanted to be a nurse, therefore I went straight from school to college, to gain the entry qualifications needed to complete my three year Registered General Nurse training in Essex in 1986. Since then I have worked in almost all fields of nursing, and healthcare, in both acute care and management positions. My nursing qualifications and experience have enabled me to travel to places in the world I never dreamt possible in my youth.




3                    You have certainly done your share of living internationally.  How did you feel, going from climate of the UK out to the extremes of the Australian outback?

A:       As a child I hated the cold weather - I longed for the summers, so it was no surprise that in adulthood I preferred to holiday in Spain, France, the Maldives, Caribbean, etc. However, no amount of foreign travel prepares you for living and working in the hot, dry climate of Alice Springs and the hot, humid weather in outback Queensland. Having said that, I am currently missing the heat, as we are in mid-winter here in France.


4                    You are currently living in France.  Are you working at all or concentrating on your writing?

A:         I feel very blessed at the moment to be writing full time. After writing and publishing my first book last year, I am now editing the sequel, whilst also writing for blogs, internet forums and expat magazines; I suppose writing now qualifies as my full time job, and I love it.



5                    While you were living and working in Alice Springs, did you visit any stations?

A:        We visited a station near to Alice Springs - and I was totally in awe of the huge expanse they cover and the complexities faced by people who work there. My youngest daughter Jaime however, lived and worked on an outback ranch for ten days during a work experience school project. She became competent in bare back riding of cows and horses, whilst taking part in ranch duties. In addition to this the team slept in the company of visiting dingoes under shade cloth at night, something that filled me with fear as she recounted the night-time adventures to me on her return.


6             Did you have anything to do with the RFDS through your nursing?

A:       Yes, the RFDS provide an essential service in Alice Springs and they retrieve and return many patients to the remote outback communities. As new overseas nurses, we were all offered the opportunity to spend a day as an observer with them, which was an awesome experience. I have the greatest respect for the depth of knowledge and expertise they require to operate in extremely testing environments.



7            What has the reaction to your book been like?

A:         I have been overwhelmed by the response to be honest. In part, writing the book was cathartic exercise for me and I did not intend to publish it. However, a friend of mine suggested that I put in onto a site called 'Authonomy' - the response was amazing. Many people read and commented on it and asked when it would be published. I never thought so many people would be interested in our experiences. This wave of interest from readers and authors alike, gave me the confidence to self-publish and made me believe that my writing dream could become a reality.


8             Have you done any media interviews?

A:       Yes, I have recently been featured in the Toowoomba Chronicle, due to the local interest and ongoing issues, which still affect the flood victims and the ongoing class action. I am also being featured in some Cornish newspapers over the next week after completing the interviews yesterday. I think because so many areas of UK and Australia are touched in some way by my story, it gives it a local interest edge from a variety of angles.


9            Have you ever been bullied?

A:         When I was at school, I was the token ‘fat’ child in the class and although at the time I never realised I was being bullied, I actually was. When my children went through their schooling, bullying was much more high profile and behaviours which I had accepted in my youth, were now construed as bullying and unacceptable, and rightly so. My youngest daughter Jaime has dyslexia and is dysnumeric, this led to her being bullied when she attended private school in Alice Springs. We were amazed and delighted at the proactive approach the school and support services took as they dealt with the short, medium and long-term issues associated with her experiences.



10                Whether you have been bullied or not, do you feel that the governments and schools around the world are doing enough to try to combat this problem?

A:      All of my children have completed their high schooling now and there is much more in place in the form of procedures for reporting and awareness in teaching staff for recognising bullying within school. However, I think the bigger issues now lay in bullying via social media, which is harder for schools, etc., to control. Zero tolerance of bullying in any environment, be it in work or school is needed and I believe the solutions will be ever evolving to meet the forms that bullying takes as our intolerance of it increases.


11                 What further do you feel the above could do to either try to decrease bullying hugely or eliminate it altogether?

A:       I think that making it socially unacceptable in any form, at any age and  in any environment is the way to go. How we achieve this I believe will be small steps and regular doses of education, not just in schools, but also in society in general.


12                On a personal level, is there anything you would like to do to help with this fight? 

A:        I belong to several parenting groups that listen - and talk to - people affected by this and other unacceptable practices. Giving people a voice, a way of attracting help, is one way we can all help on a grass roots level.




13                 You are in the middle of the sequel to ‘Glass Half-Full’?  Please tell us something about that.

A:        I am currently editing the sequel, which is called ‘Two Dogs, Our Bags and No Idea, Our Year in Charantes’  which follows our arrival in France. My readers can pick up with our escapades as we try to leave the aftermath of the floods behind us and start again from scratch. We have a new home, which needs a total renovation, learning a new language and integrating into a rural community.  As usual, it is an honest and gritty reflection of family life with laughter, tears and new memories being made.


14          Are you published traditionally or self?

A:      'Glass Half Full', our Australian adventure is self-published; like I said I never dreamt that I would have such a widespread, geographically and demographically diverse audience for this book, or that it would ever attract a traditional publisher. However I appear to wrong on a few levels there; I have had some interest regarding the sequel and a possible prequel package, for now I am enjoying the self-published freedom - but hey, watch this space.


15          What is on the agenda for 2014?

A:        I am also working on a series of self-help books based on a positive approach to dealing with life’s challenging situations.


16         Do you have a message you would like to share with the world?

A:        Never give up on your dreams; if you can conceive it, you can achieve it. I keep this on my desk and in my kitchen and it is the mantra by which I now live my life.





17          Is there anything further you would like to add?

A:         Thank you for inviting me to feature on your blog and many best wishes for 2014.

LINKS:


Sunday, January 26, 2014

PLEASE WELCOME THE MULTI-TALENTED INDIE ARTIST PROMOTER AND RADIO HOST 

TRACEY  CHANTEL

TRACEY CHANTEL:  aka 'QUEEN of Indie Artists & Promotions',
Radio Host, Talent Aquist., Author and Web Designer


            Please tell us a little bit about your background.
 
             A:  Tracey Chantel Marshall was born in Harlem and raised in the infamous                         Queensbridge Housing                           Projects by her single mother,                                     Ms. Marshall - her father passed away when she was 2 years old.  She is                                  the middle daughter of two sisters, Monique & Kelley. She has one daughter,                      Charmaine and four (4)                             bright & talented grandchildren  -                                Mhaki,  Naimah, Tariah & Zedekiah.


     Tracey Chantel - aka the "QUEEN of Indie Artist Promotions" - has been involved              in the entertainment industry for over 25 years, providing platforms for Indie Artists              to perform and developing a strong possession for the business. Being very                       familiar with the “business” side of handling and overseeing the music industry                   recording processes and other related business projects related within the industry             she has utilized and strengthened her creative skills in creating, managing,                           marketing, coordinating, directing, planning and promoting. Her experiences and               knowledge have enhanced her ability to operate her own entertainment businesses               independently for over 25 years. 


2             You are a woman of many talents.  Would you like to tell us about some these?

A:  For over 25 yrs I have worn and still wear many hats as Singer, Talent Director, Manager, Producer, Owner of my own Talent Agency (Tracey Chantel Talent Agency), Founder & Executive Director of an Educational/Entertainment Youth Awareness Program; ( Village of Inspired People, (V.I.P.) ), Radio Host & Show Programmer of my own show “The Access to Arising Artists Show” & Author/Publisher of  my first handbook; “How To Get Started As An Independent Recording Artist On Your Own”. 


3             Have you always wanted to be in “showbiz” or did you aspire to be something else in your childhood and youth?

A:  Yes, when I was a young girl at the age of 7 I was taking my little “record player” that I received for xmas and getting in a corner and play records to write the lyrics to.  I loved the Motown sound but I loved Doo Wop.  I would get in the mirror holding a brush and sing and as I got older in my teens I would be in the hallways with my friends, young guys who were about 2-3 years older than me and we would sing doo wop for fun.  I always visualized myself on the 'Soul Train Show' and sitting in the audience at the music awards.   I participated in talents shows at my schools and at my community center in Queensbridge as well as the 'Wheelchair Classic Talent Show which was founded by Mr. Hank Carter.




4             Is anyone else in your family in the entertainment industry at all?

A:   Not directly - I have one cousin, Reggie Wells, who is well known as a DJ and promoter.


5           How did you become all the things that you are?

A:    By determination, faith and belief.


6            Who and/or what are your inspirations?

A:      My Mother was my first inspiration - she is very artistically talented.  Watching her paint, draw, do sculpture, design jewelry and seeing that she was happy doing what she was doing; gave me the drive to set a goal, stay focussed and go for what made me feel good to do.   My other inspirations were watching the Jackson 5 as young children perform on TV, enjoying performing on stage and (as I became older)  to give back to the community  to those who inspire to become an artist and provide the various platforms for them to receive recognition and exposure. 


7         Are you represented by an agency or do you represent yourself?

A:  No I’m not represented by anyone  - I represent myself.


8        As a Radio Host, have you interviewed many celebrities?

         A:     Yes, I’ve interviewed several celebrities i.e;   Kurtis Blow (Rapper), Havoc (Rapper), Baby Sham (Rapper of group - Flip Mode Squad), Shazaam Conner (R&B Artist; Group - H-Town), Jaz O (He helped get Jay Z's career off the ground) -  that’s just to name a few.


9      Have you ever been bullied?

A:       Yes, I have.  When I was in elementary school - it wasn’t extreme but it happened.




10     If you have, would you be prepared to talk about it?

A:      Yes, of course.


11      Whether you have been bullied or not, do you feel that the governments and schools internationally are doing enough to combat this problem?  
 
A:  I feel the government has just recently started focussing directly on this issue due to the rise in “suicidal” incidents by children who were being bullied.  Parents are more involved in establishing various programs and groups to combat this issue which opt the government to get more involved. This has not always been the case - you never heard in the media or within the school system about the issue of bullying.


12       What more do you feel they could be doing to either decrease bullying hugely – or stop it completely?

A:  First, I think the school chancellors could implement some type of program within the schools that will work with the bullies to see why is that they feel they have to taunt another child.  See if they have issues that they are dealing with at home or within themselves.  I feel dealing directly with the bullies will help in decreasing the issue of bullying.



13         Do you have children?  If so, are they following your career path or what are they doing?

A:  Yes, I have one child, my daughter Charmaine.  She started at a younger age being more involved in dancing - modern, jazz, ballet & hip-hop.  However, as she became older she was interested in Cosmetology and now she’s in the medical field.  She has four (4) beautiful children who all excel in school.


14          You are also an Author.  Are you self published?

A:    Yes I am.


15        How many books do you have published and what are their titles?

A:      I published one (1) book and its title is How To Get Started As An Independent Recording Artist On Your Own.


16         What genre do you prefer to write in?

A:           This was a spontaneous act on my part.  I never even thought or had the desire to write a book but I attended a seminar and the speaker challenged everyone to write a book within 30 days - I did it in two (2) weeks.  I thought I would write about various types of resources and tools aspiring artists can use to jumpstart their music career.


17       What do you envisage for your career in ten years time?

A:  I vision my future to be involved in the entertainment industry on a different level - providing more opportunities for aspiring artists and at the same time being able to help others (more so kids) in need by providing funding, a hand or any other type of assistance that would make their lives a better one.


18      What is next in the pipeline for Tracey Chantel?

A:  I’m working on re-launching my Educational/Entertainment Youth Awareness Program, continuance building of my promotional service, expanding my radio show and being involved in a first time ever launching of a Independent Artist League.


19    Do you have a message you would like to impart to the world?

A:  Yes, I would like to say if you have a dream don’t ever give up on it no matter how long it takes to make it a reality.  Also, remember always to give a hand to those who are need and not as fortunate.


20    Is there anything else you would like to add?

A:    I would like to say I love what I do within the entertainment industry.  I have always financed my own projects, not that I really had it to give, but once I feel strongly in my heart to do something that I feel will have a positive impact on others I just do it.  That makes me feel good.


                                                          
My Website Links:
                                                                                                                                         
Primary Website:

Promotional Service:
www.AccessToArisingArtists.com                                                       

Edu./Ent. Youth Awareness Prog.:

Book Website:

Radio Show:
www.blogtalkradio.com/TheAccessToArisingArtistsShow                          

Facebook:

Twitter:

@arisingartists & @northeastiacs






Thursday, January 23, 2014

PLEASE  WELCOME  NORWEGIAN  ACTOR  AND  MODEL

PATRIK  AUGOSTINO





 1         Please tell us a little bit about your background.

A:    Half Italian/Norwegian guy at the age of 21! Born in Oslo, Norway - grew up with my mom 2 hours outside of Oslo. Always been dreaming big – always wanted something bigger than a normal life. My dreams has brought me trough life and told me to “get up!”


2         Have you always wanted to be a model and actor or did you aspire for a different career when younger?

     A:        I wanted to be an actor as a kid but because of the society I was more into soccer . So in 2012 I decided to change my life - I wasn´t happy about how my life was about to be and I had to do something. I was thinking for myself:   “When was I ever happy with my life this far..” - and that was when I was acting as a kid. So I decided to sacrifice the comfort and got it to the world championships of performing arts In 2013. When I was there I had a great time and got some contacts, made new friends and that was 11 days of.. “happiness.. so I just fell in love with the art and I'm now ready for more “sacrifices”..


3         Is anyone else in your family or your relations in the entertainment industry?

   A:          Yes my father is a director in Italy. For the most into documentary.He also did some acting earlier in his life. 



4         Have you done any acting in any well known programmes?

  A:          No.


5         Have you ever been bullied?

  A:          Yes.  I wasn't one of the cool guys as a kid and my mother didn't have much money.. so I was at soccer training in jeans some times. My life wasn't miserable, but I´ve been affected by it all my life.. long story.


6         Whether you have been bullied or not, do you feel that the governments and schools worldwide are doing enough to try to combat this problem?

 A:       NO! We need more Lannahs in the world!



7         What more do you feel the above could do to either decrease this act hugely or eliminate it altogether?

            A:  -        This will always be a problem in the world. We need more                       voluntary!!


  8      What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

A:         Training, all kinds of sport. Be with friends and laugh a lot ! And of course work on my acting. 


9         Do you have a managing agent or do you represent yourself?

             A:   I don't have a manager. Represent myself.


10      What is next in the pipeline for Patrik Augostino?

  A:      Next is to get into the New York Film Academy in LA to improve my skills - hopefully get an agent and a manager and have reason to get back. 


11     Do you have a message you would like to impart to the world?

  A:         Don't aim to be better than everybody else.  Aim to be better than you ever thought YOU could be. Be yourself.


12     Is there anything further that you would like to add?

              A:   I want to recognize your work.  Truly a big inspiration for a lot of the people in the world. As I said earlier... “We need more Lannahs in the world”.