Yvonne Perry, author of RIGHT TO RECOVER: WINNING THE POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS WARS OVER STEM CELL RESEARCH IN AMERICA (Nightengale Press, October 2007), , is here with us today at AUTHOR TALKS!Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer, author and keynote speaker who enjoys assisting people on a spiritual path. She is a graduate of American Institute of Holistic Theology where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Metaphysics.
As a writer, Yvonne enjoys helping people get their message into a well-written book or article that is ready to publish. She is the owner of Write On! Creative Writing Services—a team of freelance writers located in Nashville, Tennessee. Yvonne publishes a monthly newsletter about writing, publishing and marketing books.
In 2005, Yvonne released More Than Meets the Eye: True Stories about Death, Dying and Afterlife, a book that address topics many people are not comfortable discussing such as suicide, the near-death experience, end of life decisions, and euthanasia. She has collected true stories designed to help people release their fear of death, learn to communicate with those on the other side and comfort someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one. The book is available at Amazon.com.
Yvonne is involved with Toastmasters International and has held several officer roles within the club and at Division level. She has completed the program requirements for Distinguished Toastmaster and puts her skills to good use through Writers in the Sky Podcast a weekly show about the craft and business of writing in which Yvonne interviews guest authors, publishers, and book marketing experts.
As a networker, Yvonne loves to share her knowledge and connect people with one another. One way she does this is through Writers in the Sky, her free monthly subscriber-based newsletter. The ezine is filled with articles and great information about writing, editing, publishing and book publicity.
Yvonne is the mother of two adult children, three step-children and six grandchildren. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, Randy.
You can visit her website at http://www.right2recover.com/ and her blog at http://right2recover.blogspot.com/!
Welcome to Author Talks, Yvonne! Can you give us a little bit about your background?
I am a freelance ghostwriter and editor. I have been writing all my life, but it wasn’t until 2003 that I seriously decided to do something with my talent. That’s when I founded Write On! Creative Writing Services and left my corporate job as an executive assistant to make my living as a freelance writer. The decision started with the writing of my first book, Email Episodes. This humorous book was an online journal I kept during a dark night of the soul. I used my writing and wit as a vehicle for releasing the stress of raising teenagers, going through divorce and encountering midlife crisis. Since self-publishing that book, I have been writing for clients and growing the business. I developed a team of writers and editors to assist me and that is working out well.
How long have you been writing?
Since I could hold a crayon. I drew my stories then. Once I learned to write, I couldn’t stop.
Has it been a bumpy ride to becoming a published author or has it been pretty well smooth sailing? Would you like to tell us how you became published for the first time?
Life is a roller coaster ride of joy and greater joy! The publishing part of the journey has been easy. Doing the research was time-consuming, but marketing the book is the uphill part especially while having a business to run and other clients to write for. I’m ready for the downhill “Wheeee!”
Do you have an agent and, if so, would you mind sharing who he/is is? If not, have you ever had an agent or do you even feel it’s necessary to have one?
I did not have an agent. I connected with Valerie Connelly of Nightengale Press after listening to a radio show in which Francine Silverman interviewed her. I picked up the phone after the show and let Fran know how much I appreciated her having Valerie on the show. She recommended I call Valerie, so I did. She was coming to Nashville the next week to visit Lightning Source and we arranged a lunch meeting to get to know one another. During our chat, I pitched my book idea to her. She thought it would sell so she took on the project then and there.
Can you please tell us about your book?
RIGHT TO RECOVER Winning the Political and Religious Wars over Stem Cell Research in America is an educational book that sheds light on the way Americans view blastocystic (embryonic) stem cell biology. The book contains well-researched facts about all types of stem cell (bone marrow, amniotic and cord blood) treatments presently being used and their restorative effects. It also explores the research being done using stem cells derived from in-vitro fertilized eggs on laboratory animals and presents findings to support its curative potential on humans. The book contains a spiritual component and gives historical information about the influence religion has upon science and politics. I hope this will appeal to those who use their religious beliefs to oppose blastocystic stem cell research.
The information in this book was derived from intensive research, personal interviews, emails and other correspondence with national and international medical doctors, research scientists, religious leaders and elected officials as well as stories from patients, who hope to transform their lives through stem cell technology.
Do you plan subsequent books?
Not on this topic, but I’m sure there will be more books with my own name on the cover. I have a blog on which I post the latest news about stem cell research. I plan to keep up with up with the field of stem cell research and offer public education forums to get the information into the hands of those who want to know more about stem cell research.
Are you a morning writer or a night writer?
All day. I’m usually writing or networking using my writing from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. If I’m on a roll or have a deadline to meet, I may stay up until midnight working on a project.
Any final words of wisdom for those of us who would like to be published?
The law of attraction and saying affirmations really works. I don’t think it was a coincidence that I met my publisher face to face when I did. I had put that request out there and the universe responded. This is a common thing for me.
Thank you for coming, Yvonne! Good luck to you and happy sales!
Thank you for allowing me to share with you and your reader. Blessings to all.
Thank you for coming, Yvonne! If you would like a chance to win a copy of RIGHT TO RECOVER, leave a comment below. All winners will be announced at http://www.virtualbooktoursforauthors.blogspot.com/ on Sept. 30. Good luck!
Tags: Author Talks, author interviews, online book promotion, free book publicity, author interview, public relations, virtual book tour, Yvonne Perry
