I hope you enjoyed today’s selections.

Please welcome Mr. Ron Brooks to my blog. Goof morning Ron! Happy to have you on my blog today. Shall we have some coffee and a chat about you and your book, Babblin Brooks?

Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

My background is working as a TV News and Sports broadcaster for 21 years. I’m also a retired Deputy Sheriff after 13 years.  I’m currently living in Arizona and a Minister. 

Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book?

As a Newscaster and Law Enforcement Officer I wrote many reports for over 30 years. When I retired in 2002, I decided to write a book.

How difficult was it writing your first book?

It was difficult writing about my personal life because of several obstacles, my professional life was easier.

Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?

I gave up several times but continued because of several people in my life and God.

Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer? 

A couple of authors and my wife, April.

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Don’t ever give up on your goals and dreams.

What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?

My Mother and Father. They always told me to keep my eyes on the prize.

What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?

My close friends and family. I hope to reach men of all ages, especially potential or current female abusers.

Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?

I did some of the cover work but mostly it came from my author friend, Mary Schmidt.

What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?

I’m not working on anything currently.  I just finished my first book.

Any last words before we wrap things up? I hope it will be read by many.

Book synopsis: Babblin Brooks is a story of a man who overcame several tough barriers in his personal and professional life to become suc-cessful. Despite making history and knocking down the Heav-yweight boxing champ of the world, he got knocked down by life, but kept getting up. I hope you enjoy reading about the Rollercoaster life of former Television Newscaster Ron “Bab-blin” Brooks. He wound up being a Broadcaster, Deputy Sher-iff, Corrections Officer, and Preacher before retiring.

BIO:

Author Ron “Babblin” Brooks resides in Arizona where he was born and raised in 1948.    The second of seven children, he rose from poverty to become the first black primetime TV news Sportscaster in Arizona history. He later added a second career as a Deputy Sheriff where some of his inmates became his biggest fans.  Brooks also became an ordained minister who has preached in churches of different denominations in several states.

He’s a father of four children, three girls and one boy.  His wife April and he reside in Prescott Valley, Arizona.  They are both involved in community doing Bible studies, healthy cooking videos, home visits, working out, and spending time with their grandchildren. Brooks often says, “If I had known having grandchildren was going to be so much fun, I would have had them first.” Brooks has a passion for saving souls, inspiring people, and sharing his life experiences which he hopes will be accomplished by writing this book.

Have you been stuck at the literary coalface for sometime? Are you in need of writer self-care? This fabulous guest post from author Abi Yardimci is for you. If you’ve not checked out Abi’s books than I strongly suggest you do. Her books are funny, enchanting and carry several inspirational life lessons. Over to you, […]

5 Self-Care Secrets That Make Me a Better Writer @AbigailYardimci #amwriting — Lucy Mitchell

on Just Publishing Advice: Understanding the difference between grammar and syntax can be a little confusing at first for new writers or students. But it’s easy once you understand how the two elements structure our language. Grammar is a set of rules governing word strings that are correct in a language or text. Syntax is the arrangement or order of words […]

Grammar And Syntax And How To Learn The Difference – by Derek Haines… — Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog

Castle Mine above and all art at this link here

Thank you for having a look at some of my newer artwork pieces in the last few months.

on Just Publishing Advice: You never stop learning how to improve your writing. The art of writing is a craft, and the more you write, the better it gets each day. Every writer wants to learn more and hone their writing skills. But there are so many facets to creative writing that it can be […]

Improve Your Writing With These 10 Quick And Easy Tips – by Derek Haines… — Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog

In a plastic bucket beside the counter sat a dozen roses, each one individually wrapped, slightly faded, but with their heads held firmly erect in the stiff plastic. Each one would doubtless be bought and, given their garage location probably as an afterthought, along with the milk and petrol, and taken home to a loved […]

Beheading the Rose – The Mystery of St Valentine — France & Vincent

on Just Publishing Advice: If you don’t have money to burn, can you get by with free things all writers need to publish today? There are lots of premium tools available now for writers. But how much do you need to spend to write better? Writing and publishing take time and energy. Yet, it is […]

Free Things All Writers Need And Want To Write Better – by Derek Haines… — Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog

From Amazon:

Charlene the Star was born into a family of famous racehorses. Unlike her big brother, Charlie, Charlene decides she doesn’t like racing. How will she explain this to her mom? How does she show her trainers she doesn’t like racing? Will she become a model instead? Will Charlene discover her natural gift? Her career path takes many twists and turns before she finds her place to shine.  She may surprise you with her unusual talent.

Charlene the Star is second in the series of  Charlie Charlene the Star books.  It is related to Charlie the Horse because Charlie is Charlene’s big brother.This tale demonstrates that it’s okay to have different skills than your friends. Every child is unique and their skills should be applauded.

My Review:

What a lovely story, by Deanie Humphrys-Dunne, teaching children that they first must try something before they will know if they like it and are good at it. The story encourages kids to try other things such as sports and to find out what they love to and that they can be the best at some of the time. Children are encouraged to remember what they learned with questions at the end followed by answers. Great way to get kids talking. Cute illustrations. Five stars.

on Writing Forward: A common piece of writing advice is write what you know. When I first heard this advice, I thought it was odd. I don’t remember where I first heard it, but I remember thinking that as far as writing tips went, it was absurd. What about writing from your imagination or your feelings? […]

Writing Tips: Write What You Know – by Melissa Donovan… — Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog