Many realize they have a talent or skill when someone says so. But as we know, being good at something does not prevent rejection. Actor David Banks (who appears in the new season of the hit Netflix series Never Have I Ever) says in the beginning of his career, there was not much encouragement. “I was hearing more of the ‘What are you thinking? What are you doing? You’re … Read the rest
People will read for different reasons, but what does it mean to read well? Author María Amparo Escandòn of the instant New York Times bestselling and International Latino Book Award winning novel L.A. Weather (Flatiron Books, which is newly released in paperback) answers our question on the topic. “Most books have layers,” she tells So Booking Cool. “If you don’t read well, you stay on the top layer. But … Read the rest
In his gripping memoir The Anatomy of a Corporate Lynching (now updated and available as an audiobook), Charles Ford reveals the retaliation he faced from his job Con Edison after he went to the media and pursued legal action over them pirating his slogan. As one may imagine, things became rocky at work, so much so that he began tape-recording his exchanges. He writes that he felt dissed, disregarded, and … Read the rest
Western, swing, and bluegrass are styles of music that trail back to the 20th century. 12-year-old Phoebe White, also known as the Yodeling Cowgirl, is helping to introduce new generations to these sounds with her forthcoming debut album UnXpected (September 9, 2022 digitally; September 16 physically, PoetMan Records).
“It’s important to me because not everyone does cowboy music,” White tells So Booking Cool. “It’s more country pop. And … Read the rest
When it comes to manifestation, some prefer to keep their goals private while others believe in publicly claiming them. Mindfulness and meditation coach, Responding to Life: Talking Health, Fertility & Parenthood podcast host, and author Josephine Atluri remembers when she shared her desire to become a writer. Though the experience caught her off guard, it was life-changing.
“I was speaking to a life coach,” the self-proclaimed IVF Mama coach recalls … Read the rest
When you write a story, you not only hope it will resonate, you also hope that those involved in the creative process will do it justice. So, how did children’s book author John Bray feel when he could not communicate with illustrator Josh Cleland during the development of The End (Starry Forest Books, September 13, 2022)?
“It was nerve-wracking because you’re handing over–kind of a child–a thing that … Read the rest
There are two pivotal events that shaped how Robert Agis, president of the independent children’s publisher, Starry Forest Books, works with his team. One hails from the time he was frustrated that a then-colleague’s ideas were ignored during a meeting, the other from a teaching he learned from an improv class. “One of the great things they teach you is if you treat your teammates as though they are … Read the rest
When Absolution creator Rachelle Storm writes the supernatural series, is she exclusively writing for longtime fans of the genre or also hoping to attract new fans? The novelist, who released the second book Revelations earlier this month, reveals it has been tricky to even categorize it due to the books’ various elements. At times, the four-part story leans into fantasy and romance and at times it does not.
“It’s this … Read the rest
Hope Goins‘ mission is to make a difference in America whether through her role as a senior congressional staff member under Homeland Security or the new picture book series The Adventures of Chloe and Chris. The series, published by Priceless Publishing, debuted (and placed number one on Amazon’s New Releases, Children’s Government Books, and Children’s Politics and Government lists) this past spring with the first installment The Three … Read the rest
This past June marks ten years since the passing of the legendary Nora Ephron, whose pen game revolutionized journalism, books, and film. She is the woman behind the classic romantic comedies When Harry Met Sally (1989), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), You’ve Got Mail (1998), Bewitched (2005), and Julia & Julia (2009). For the first time, Ephron’s comprehensive life story is told by another woman who is making her mark: … Read the rest
