PLEASE WELCOME THE AMAZING

KELLIE STONE

Journey to Purpose Coach, Counsellor at Journey to Purpose Coaching, Author, Founder & Editor for 'Women's Lifelink' magazine - and much more

1                   Please tell us a little bit about your background?

              A:   I was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana - USA; a Midwest girl with aspirations of changing the world in some way - though…I had no idea how I would accomplish such a lofty goal.  I guess I just always felt like something important was lingering around the corner. 

Growing up in a broken home and with an alcoholic parent, I found identifying ideal family life difficult at times.  That challenge, however, did not stop me from wanting to marry and raise children.

I soon discovered at the young age of 18 one of those “important” dreams was, indeed, being a mom. I now have six beautiful children (three of whom have grown up and left the nest).

2                   What made you decide to launch ‘Women’s LifeLink’?

                A:  'Women's LifeLink' was originally a concept for a live women's group that held meetings and hosted wellness events.  Though I wanted this to come to pass, my plans stalled when I was diagnosed with Chronic Migraine and could not bear the physical demands of such a group. 

A couple of years later someone suggested I create a blog to earn extra income from home.  I only needed to come up with a theme and topics for online content.  I remembered the 'Women’s LifeLink' concept and still thought I could be a support to women even though I was ill.  This newbie blogger stumbled through the first year or so but found it extremely rewarding and worth every minute I put into it.  

Now in its 5^th year, WLL has established a treasure trove of quality content read by women (and men) all over the world.

3      Can you tell us a little about the process of setting up an online publication?

            A:  Firstly, make sure it’s something you can commit to…websites/blogs are like hungry babies.  They require your attention often, need quality content - and undying patience…not to mention thick skin to weather rude comments, spam and marketing companies, trying to buy ad space for Viagra, online poker, and adult toys. 

Seriously, building an online presence is hard work.  If you can get the advice of a webmaster or at least someone who has some experience, do it.  Also, don’t think that what you start with is what you will end up with.  WLL has gone through several theme and design changes over the years.  No regrets, in other words.

4                   Have you always been in the publishing business, either online or print?

              A:  No, but I had some experience in printing, writing, and editing.

5                   What did you aspire to in your childhood & youth?

            A:  I really wanted to be a veterinarian as a child…then a singer.  I always loved to write though.  After a college professor recognized my writing talent, I finally took it seriously enough to explore the field and take some creative writing courses.   And, then there was that brief flirtation with wanting to be a cop!

6                   Have you met and/or interviewed any celebrities through your magazine?

              A:   I haven’t met any celebs in person but have interviewed NYC singer, songwriter Kalen Lister, several authors and musicians, corporation CEOs and medical professionals.

7                 Who and/or what are your inspirations?

               A:   I am inspired by women who reach for their dreams and don’t give up until they have succeeded.  It’s incredible to see someone change her life, especially in adverse conditions.  Knowing we live in a world of infinite possibilities also gets my blood pumping! 

8                   What other positions/jobs have you held, prior to being editor of ‘Women’s LifeLink’?

              A:  I’m what you call a “Jane of all Trades”.  I’ve worked in printing, interior design, retail sales, skin care, owned a book store and a vintage collectible shop, and now, I am a writer, a passionate messenger to women and a life coach.

Kellie, her son Judah, aged 16 and daughter Kayla

9                  What do you enjoy doing in your ‘spare’ time?

             A:   Laughing out loud…come again?  Spare time?  Really?  No, seriously, I don’t have much of that right now.  But, if you must know, I do love reading, gardening and scouring thrift stores for vintage treasures.

10             You are also a mum.  How do you juggle it all?

            A:  Hence my answer to the “spare time” question…I drop the ball(s) a lot.  It’s tough sometimes, but I consider myself efficiently competent but sensibly only human; therefore, I try not to judge myself too badly for the bumps and bruises…or the train wrecks.

11             You are good at arm wrestling and you also meditate.  Please remind me to stay on your good side!  These are therapeutic tools for you?  What else do you do?

            A:  Though I never thought of slamming someone’s arm down on the table in victory “therapy”, it is somewhat rewarding to win stuff every once in a while.  Meditation is breath to me.  If I slack off, it shows in my attitude, health and connection to people, God and the universe.

I love to cuddle with my pets.  One of my cats actually sucks on my earlobe daily…and I thought I was done nursing babies.

12             What is your ‘guilty pleasure’, if you have one?

            A:  Well, since I found out over a year ago that a gluten (wheat) intolerance was causing my chronic headache problem, I’m not supposed to eat it.  However, there are a few gluten-infused foods I do indulge in occasionally.  My faves are coconut cream pie, Chinese cuisine and Pecan Sandies. 

13             Have you ever been bullied?

            A:   I wasn’t bullied regularly but did experience occasional random taunting for various reasons.  I was pretty flat-chested until after I had my first child, so I frequently was accused of stuffing my bra. I’m a D-cup presently…no need for toilet paper anymore.

My older brother, on the other hand, was bullied…often.  We walked to school nearly every day and were frequently detained by several neighbourhood boys who found teasing him an uplifting event.  I stood up for him more often than he did for himself.  So, I’m definitely not ignorant to how bullying hurts and causes emotional scars.

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

              A:  It does seem there is more being done now than ever before in history.  The bullying events that happened in my childhood would hardly be tolerated in today’s schools.  I really believe awareness is the key to ending it.  Every brave girl, boy, man and woman who comes forward to speak about their experiences paves the way for legislature and those in authoritative positions in our communities to take effective action.

15             What more do you feel they could do to either decrease bullying hugely or eliminate it altogether?

           A:  There could by harsher penalties, maybe even legal ramifications, for the act of certain types of bullying.  I’m really not sure what the current laws state, but if kids knew they might be arrested or face criminal charges, they might think twice about engaging in senseless acts of cruelty.

16             What aspirations do you have for the magazine in ten years?

         A:  Wow, that’s a long way away!  I’d like to see it go the distance; however, who knows what technology will arise within that time frame.  Increasing readership and the strength of the community will always be a front-running goal.

17             Is ‘Women’s LifeLink’ in print as well as an ezine?

              A:    No, WLL has never been a print publication. 

Kellie's beautiful little women - (l-r) - Kori 29, Kayla 27, Abbey 21, McKenna 18, Lyric 5

18             What is next in the pipeline for Kellie Stone?

            A:  I am finishing my second non-fiction book called ‘The Butterfly Payoff: a women’s guide to discovering purpose, fulfilling dreams, and getting paid for it!’ This work is extremely important for my career as a life coach and messenger to women.  There is also some prods to create an internet radio program.  Of course, all of this is much more likely to manifest after my five-year-old daughter goes to school.  And, speaking of pipelines, I’m going to be a grandmother very soon!

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

            A:   My dream is that every woman would know and embrace her authentic self, engage her unique purpose, and fulfil every dream that brings joy and energy.  Don’t give up on yourself no matter how hard things get and how far you wander from your dreams.  The path you are on now is the one that leads to your purpose…or at least to the next path.

20             Is there anything else you would like to add?

            A:  I believe every woman has a story and message to tell the world.  I always look for courageous ladies to join our contributor and expert teams at Women’s LifeLink. Anyone interested in sharing written content to the community, please visit Submit Your Story/Article.

Links:

Women’s LifeLink

Facebook Page

Twitter

Kellie’s Book

Email: womenslifelink@gmail.com

'Women's LifeLink' cover

PLEASE  WELCOME  - SINGER/SONGWRITER

JOELEEN

1        Please tell us a little about your background.

          A:  I was born in London (UK) and grew up in (South Wales) and     when I was 16 I returned to London to study the arts.

2        Have you always enjoyed music?

         A:   Ever since I was a little girl, I was always singing around the    house and my Mother used to record me while I was singing. I        still remember those moments very clearly. My Mother would          have liked to have had a Singing Career, but unfortunately it          was not considered a real job in those days and her Mother did      not allow her to do so.

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

         A:   I have an uncle that was a dancer - he danced in a                  'BeeGee' video, he also did a very well known show in the UK          called the Royal Variety Show, where the Queen of England        was also present, He has danced in many projects that                  involved celebrities.

4       You have also danced.  Please tell us a little about that.

      A:   I started ballet when I was seven and modern jazz when  I     was thirteen, and studied up until I was nineteen.

5       You have won some prestigious scholarships – we would like to hear about this too, please.

  
A:  The academy that I auditioned for, is very well known in Great Britain, and not everyone gets chosen. Actually at the time if I remember correctly, only seventy got chosen out of seven thousand.  I was very lucky and I did not think I was going to get in, seeing as a week had passed before I got the good news - I was beginning to have doubts.  But thank God it went well and seeing as it was a prestigious school, the Council of Swansea (South Wales) kindly gave me a scholarship.

6        Have you ever been bullied?

           A:  Yes, I did get a few that bullied me at school and my Mother      taught me to defend for myself and then strangely enough the        bullying stopped.  But I do remember suffering alot - and I feel        very deeply for children and people that get bullied.

7        Whether you have been bullied or not, do you feel that the governments and schools worldwide are doing enough to try to combat this act?
   
    A:  Definitely not - otherwise all of this bullying would not be going on.

8        What more do you feel they could be doing?

A:    Well firstly the headmasters and teachers should be putting a stop to all of this.  At times I hear stories that they don’t even lift a finger to help stop these things from happening.

          There should be more discipline and severity in the schools             and generally in our society.

9        Do you write and sing your own lyrics?

         A:   Yes - I happily do. I started writing my first songs at the age           of twelve and I have been singing since the age of four.

10     Have you worked with many celebrities through any of your talents?

   A:   Well, at the moment I have just recorded a Christmas single that I wrote called “Get Close To You” and it is a duet with the legendary Chris James, also known at the time as Ollan C Bell. Former singer from the famous group, that were out in the 60’s - “The Natural Four”.

11    Who and/or what are your inspirations?

         A:  I have had quite a few inspirations throughout the years, ranging from Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Barbara Streisand.

12    What is next in the pipeline for Joeleen?

           A:  I think its a new CD.

13    What are your hopes for the future, both near and far, for your career?

          A:   I would like the opportunity for my music to get heard by a global audience.

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

     A:  Yes - that LOVE will always defeat HATE.


Links:

     Website
        FaceBook
        To Purchase CD:    'Welcome to My World'  - Itunes
                                                                                           Amazon
      MySpace
      Amazon                                                  
      iTunes       Christmas Single:  'Get Close to You'
      YouTube - Christmas Single:  'Get Close to You'

PLEASE WELCOME SINGER/SONGWRITER/PRODUCER AND PERFORMER

D NOVA

1    Please tell us a little bit about your background.

     A:  I started writing music when I was a kid. No one in my family is in music but I felt that was my cup of tea. Then I started travelling and travelling across Europe and the US. I kept on making music, actually acoustic & rock music, and finally got into the electro production. I'm a self-taught musician but so many are! I guess the right drive is what you need. I live in London and I love it. It's literally the European music hub. I'm building up my project and things are growing - brick by brick - but you always have to be focused. Which is hard! I released my first EP "Life Is My Videogame" in June and I went independent. I also have a really nice music video, you should check it out! I've started songwriting and producing for other artists as well, it's something different but 100% galvanizing. Well, music is what I want to do. It's my ground.

2     You are a music professional: a singer/songwriter, producer and performer.  Have you always aspired to a career in showbiz or what did you want to do as a child and teenager?

       A:  Yes. I've always wanted to handle music and make a living out of it. It's not just about the "showbiz". I mean, every artist has a high  ego level but it's not just about that. Living in a creative way is what I've always aimed to. Providing communication, emotions and fun, you deliver something special: some kind of food for the soul. When I find myself writing and producing in the middle of the night, I realize my passion is clean and honest.

3     Are any of your family in the entertainment industry?

       A:  Not at all. My family has a totally different background. They belong to the hard-working middle-class and there is no artsy ambition involved. Other than that, they have always supported me and I'm so thankful for that. I feel really blessed. My dad complains about the lack of certainty sometimes; but every dad does that, right?!

4     Have you performed on TV and with any other celebrities at all?

              A:  Not yet!

5   What do you enjoy doing when not working on your career?

     A:  I take advantage of all the awesome things my city has to offer. I see at least 3 gigs a week, I enjoy a pint with my friends in East London and I love special events (art parties, exhibitions etc.). Also, I love TV series!

6   Have you ever been bullied at all?

             A:  Yes, I have. I used to be bullied when I was a teenager. I         was a bit different from the other guys; I was kind of creative              with my look, I wrote music and was a bit mysterious. Some                people     around me got crazy about that. It seems like you                can't be different, you need to stick to the masses. Then I got              so many pranks and jokes, either at school or outside                        school. They were hurting me but      I admit I was actually                  cool with that. I knew things would change in the following                  years, and I knew kids can be really cruel. It's human. Most                importantly, I knew I was a dark horse.

7   Whether you have been bullied or not, do you feel that governments and schools w/w do enough to try to combat this problem?

     A:  I think the government should keep an eye on that. That said, it's really hard to cope with the issue. Kids should be protected from other kids as the adults are protected by stalkers and all of that.

Laws and sanctions might be a good solution, as not all the "victims" are strong enough to handle the burden.

8   What else do you feel they could do to either decrease or stop it completely?

  

             A:   Media promotion: TV, radio, press, web. That way, the             kids would know much more about rights and sanctions.

9  Who and/or what are your inspirations?

             A:  My inspiration is making a living out of my passion. I                 guess it's everyone's wish!

10  What do you see for your career in ten years time?

             A:  I can't make any prediction, but I see myself always                      connected to music.

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

     A:  You only have one life to live. Also, I'd love to quote             Gaga and fit the interview: "Baby, I was born this way".

LINKS:

     YouTube

     Soundcloud
     FaceBook

INTRODUCING OUR NEXT AUTHOR - 

MARIE LAVENDER

PUBLISHED AUTHOR OF SEVENTEEN BOOKS (TO DATE) AND COUNTING

1                  Please tell us a little about your background.

A:  I come from a small town in the Midwest.  It was just my parents and three kids.  I was the youngest.  

 

2                  You are an established author.  Have you always wanted to write or when did you discover this desire?

A:  Yes, it seems like I always wanted to write.  Pretty much from the time I was nine years old, I wanted to be an author.

RANSOM

3                  As a teenager, was there anything else you had considered as a career?

A:  At one point, I considered owning my own bookstore because I loved books so much.  I also thought about being a singer.  I was in choir practically all of my life and I considered singing professionally, but I was really too shy at the time for it.

4                  How old were you when you discovered the writer in you?

A:  Nine years old.

5                  What triggered your desire to write?

A:  I wish I knew what started it.  It just seemed like I always had an active imagination.  When other kids were playing outside, I had whole scenes and stories in my head.  Not that I didn’t have a couple of friends too.  I was just a little more of an introvert.

A TOUCH OF DAWN

6                  How many books have you published to date?

A:  I have published seventeen books.

7                 Who and/or what inspires you?

A:  I write romance so I am inspired by many things, mostly true love.  Reading about it or seeing it in films is inspiring to me.  I prefer to see it in real life though.  When I see two people who are simply made for each other in life, that is very inspiring.  My fiancé also inspires me every day, whether it is his encouragement of me or his own creative ambitions.  I am also inspired any time I can tell how much he loves me.  What is more inspiring to a romance writer than having her own love story?

8                  You are successfully self-published.  Did you consider  going through any of the mainstream publishing houses first?

A:  Of course I did.  And I had certainly planned to all along.  But, I watched how the self-publishing craze took on a life of its own and it made me curious.  I thought I’d try it myself.  I started out with my literary fiction, knowing it was hard to find a market for short stories, and compiled them into anthologies.  After that, I published various books, mostly contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance and mysteries. 

PERFECT GAME

9                  ‘Upon Your Return’ is published through traditional publishing.  How did that happen, when your other titles were self-published?

A:  I really always planned to publish 'Upon Your Return' traditionally.  It was a very long project for me, a nearly ten year project.  But, I worked hard and got it where I wanted it before I started sending queries to agents and publishers.

10            The cover of ‘Upon Your Return’ is beautiful.  Who designed that?

A:  Kayden McLeod was the cover artist. 

11            How have you proceeding with your marketing?

A:  I have done what I can.  My marketing budget has been pretty limited so I have mainly used Google+, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.  I also try to have listings of my books wherever I can.  And I have a few book cover ads as well.

A MISPLACED LIFE

12            You enjoy reading.  Do you have any favourite authors?

A:  Definitely.  Some of my favourites are Catherine Coulter, Nora Roberts, J.R. Ward, P.C. Cast and Kerrelyn Sparks.

13            What other hobbies do you have?

A:  Besides reading and writing?  Hmm.  Well, I love music so I spend a lot of time listening to different types of music.  Sometimes I use music to set the mood for my writing.  And, of course, I sing along because for the moment, I still have the ability to sing.  LOL.  I also have some TV shows I follow.  And I see films when I can.

14            Have you ever read any titles more than once?

A:  Of course.  I do that now and then, revisit old titles to see if they are still just as good as the first time I read them.

14           What is your favourite genre?

A:  Romance is my favourite.  I have branched out and tried other types of books, but romance is my favourite.  I enjoy reading paranormal romance, contemporary and historical romance.

HAUNTED

16            Have you had much to do with the media and interviews?  How did you start that – please tell us all about it.

A:  I have never been on widespread media channels, but I have done interviews.  In August of 2012, 'Upon Your Return' was accepted by Solstice Publishing.  After that, I started to learn more about how to market my books.  I realized blogging was a big thing, and so were interviews.  My first online interview was with RC Bonitz on his site.  It posted in March of 2013, about a month after 'Upon Your Return' was released.  http://rcbonitz.com/2013/03/20/483/  From that point on, I did everything I could to find bloggers that might interview me or spotlight my book.  I also did guest articles.  But, I gave back too.  I launched my own blog that offered author interviews, guest posts and poetry spotlights.  You can subscribe or join the blog here.   http://marielavender.blogspot.com/  Writing in the Modern Age has really taken on a life of its own.  It’s been such a joy working with a bunch of different writers.

17            Whether a victim or not, how do you feel about bullying? 

A:  Of course, I don’t condone it.  No one should be put down or shamed for being different.  They shouldn’t be treated unfairly for any reason.  I’m not sure how we can enforce it, but if I had children, I would want to protect them.

18            Do you feel the governments and schools are doing enough to try to control or stop this act?

A:  There is clearly a public outcry against it.  But, I don’t know if much is being done about it.  I see some changes, but I think it will be awhile before we see enough done to stop it altogether.

19            What is next in the pipeline for Marie Lavender?

A:  Well, I just released a new book - 'Leather and Lace'.  It is a romantic suspense and was published under my pen name Erica Sutherhome.  I also plan to have an anthology out soon.  I am polishing the sequel to 'Upon Your Return' right now.  I am also working on another romantic suspense with a writing partner.  Additionally, I plan to re-release all my old titles under one name.  So, there’s quite a bit on my plate.  LOL.

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

          A:  I have always been fascinated with psychology                 and the human condition.  I have tried to make my                 characters human.  I hope my readers find something 

            they can relate with.



Links:  Website
                     Blog
            Blog
            FaceBook
            LinkedIn

Titles of Marie's Books include:
           'Unsettling Responsibility' (short story from 'Writing Out of the Margin' - 2005)
           'A Time to Fall' (short story from 'Writing Out of the Margin' - 2005)
           'Express Cafe & Other Ramblings'
           'Ramblings, Musings & Other Things'
           'Soulful Ramblings & Other Worldly Things'
           'Hard to Get'
           'Memories'
           'A Hint of Scandal'
           'Without You'
           'Strange Heat'
           'Terror in the Night'
           'Haunted'
           'Pursuit'
           'A Misplaced Life'
           'Perfect Game'
           'A Touch of Dawn'
           'Ransom'
           'Upon Your Return'
and the newly released:
          'Leather & Lace'