Q & A with D.G. Kaye

Q & A with D.G. Kaye – Featuring Sally Cronin #Booklaunch – Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries

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Welcome to the last – but not least, edition of my Q & A for 2020. I’ve been saving this spot for quite some time now for one of our most starred bloggers and author of our community – Sally Cronin. Yes, Sally has worked diligently to get her #NewRelease out – Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries, before this year ended, and this spot was awaiting her visit. So without further ado, I’m beyond thrilled to be featuring one of my dearest friends and author who knows how to touch hearts with her words – Sally Cronin. Today we’re going to learn a little more about Sally in some Q & A, and get a glimpse into her new release, which I will be featuring my review for this Sunday on my Sunday Book Review, so stay tuned!

 

Sally Cronin Author

 

About Sally Cronin

I have been a storyteller most of my life (my mother called them fibs!). Poetry, song lyrics and short stories were left behind when work and life intruded, but that all changed in 1996. My first book Size Matters was a health and weight loss book based on my own experiences of losing 70kilo. I have written another thirteen books since then on health and also fiction, including five collections of short stories. My latest book is a collection of verse and speculative short stories titled Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries: Sometimes Bitter, Sometimes Sweet

I am an indie author and proud to be one. My greatest pleasure comes from those readers who enjoy my take on health, characters and twisted endings… and of course come back for more.

As a writer I know how important it is to have help in marketing books.. as important as my own promotion is, I believe it is important to support others. I offer a number of FREE promotional opportunities on my blog and linked to my social media. If you are an author who would like to be promoted to a new audience of dedicated readers, please contact me via my blog. All it will cost you is a few minutes of your time. Look forward to hearing from you.

 

Sally Cronin's Books

Visit Sally’s Amazon Page!

 

New Release Fresh Off the Presses!

 

Blurb:

Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries: Sometimes Bitter, Sometimes Sweet is a collection of short stories with scattered poetry, reflecting the complexities of life, love and loss.

The stories in the collection dip into the lives of men and women who are faced with an ‘event’ that is challenging and in some cases life changing.

Even something as straightforward as grocery shopping online can be frustrating, and a DNA test produces surprise results, the past reaches out to embrace the present, and a gardening assistant is an unlikely grief counsellor. Romance is not always for the faint-hearted and you are never too old for love. Random acts of kindness have far reaching consequences and some people discover they are on a lucky streak. There are those watching over us who wish us well, and those in our lives who wish us harm.

 

Review:

D. W. Peach
5.0 out of 5 stars Stories about kindness, grief, courage, and second chances

Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2020

 

Anyone who knows Sally’s writing knows how her stories and words tug at our heartstrings – that is of course, if she isn’t writing a health and wellness article which she is also known for her expert advice in the world of natural healing, among many other topics, as Sally is often quite the Jill of many trades! So let us dive into more wonders from the indelible Sally Cronin.

 

 

 

Thank you so much Debby for inviting me over today and some great questions.

 

Thank you Sal, let’s get this party started!

 

What is your favorite social media network as an author, and why do you find it effective?

I keep an eye on my blog stats regularly to identify where the traffic is coming from, and the biggest referrer by a huge margin is WordPress Reader. This is followed by Facebook and then Twitter. I also have a LinkedIn account but it is not in the running as far as referrals. I am not on Instagram or any other platform, as I don’t have the time to deal with any more. It already takes at least three hours throughout the day to respond and promote on the ones I do maintain (you know all about that and must spend longer), so I spend the time available on platforms that offer the best referral rate.

At the moment, I would be hard pressed to call any of my social media my favourite, as they have all undergone facelifts this year, and have the appearance of being injected with too much Botox, filler and have lost their character in the form of their functionality.

They are however necessary for bloggers and authors to get themselves out there. From that perspective I would say that Twitter has the biggest reach as far as potential readership is concerned. It can become very time consuming keeping up to date, but it has to be worked like a muscle to keep it functioning and effective when promoting your own books or other authors.

Despite my misgivings about the Disneyland format of Facebook, and its draconian Bots, who you have come across Debby, I would miss friends and family who I keep in touch there, some going back nearly ten years. I also find the groups very useful for specific posts, particularly when sharing book related links.

These days the majority of authors are also undertaking their own book marketing. It is tough enough as it is, without having some online presence. As a book promoter I notice the difference in the level of response to posts for authors who are not on Twitter in particular, and if I was to recommend one platform that would be it.

D.G. – I would certainly take that as expert advice Sal, because as you know, we tend to travel in same circles. Thanks for the kudos, and yes, sharing and promoting is time consuming, but something that comes naturally to both you and I. We learn the ins and outs and circumvent where appropriate, lol. You know I’m 1000% with you on the Facebook front – so not my fav, but where the writers hang out, and a place to keep connections with readers and the people in our lives.

 

What can you tell us you’ve gained from blogging as an author?

I have never taken for granted the special nature of the blogging community, and the relationships I have formed over the last seven years. This includes you Debby and the level of support that you offer to so many of us, including today’s Q&A.

This last nine months it has become clear how special the connection and support the community provides is for us all. Especially for authors who have struggled to launch their books without doing book fairs, readings and other events. The blogging community has stepped up, and it has made an enormous difference.

WordPress is another platform that is determined to give us a futuristic interface, but whilst I don’t like the new block editor, as it does not fit my needs, I still believe it is the most effective blogging platform available. I doubt that I would have sold a quarter of the books I have without fellow bloggers who are also my readers. If every author who blogs did an analysis of where their sales came from, I am sure that like my statistics, they come from bloggers or their support in promoting our books to their own readership in combination with Twitter and Facebook.

D.G. – Thanks for the kudos Sal, but you are the rockstar! And as usual, I agree with you on all you said from Facebook interaction to our blogs. In fact, I’ve read quite a few bloggers posting on how their best audience comes from blogging. I have to agree. What would we be without community? Like the old saying goes – ‘It takes a village’. And our community is blessed to have you. ❤

 

What would you like to see change to make the world better?

Oh my Debby, how much time have you got lol? I would say that I have a long list of small changes in mind that taken as a whole might just make the world a better place. At the heart of it is the fundamental necessity to communicate. People are shouting, at each other, over each other and about each other. And nobody appears to be listening to anyone. It happens in families, in communities and in countries. The shouting needs to stop and we need to sit down calmly and agree that history cannot be changed, but the present and future can. Everyone has an agenda and we have become a ‘MeMe’ and ‘MeToo’ culture. All we are going to end up doing is going around in circles, and without the leadership at the top showing an example of how these changes can be accomplished, things will remain the same. There has to be a shift in the language we use with each other so that it becomes ingrained.

‘What changes do WE need to make?’

 ‘How can WE work together to make sure WE ALL have a better future?’

Going back to the question about how I have benefited as an author from blogging, there is no doubt I have also benefited as a person. I have met so many people from around the world who go out of their way to help, counsel and support their fellow bloggers, irrespective of culture, religion or race.  If we can do this and maintain positive communication, collaborations and courtesy, the surely those in the wider world can too.

The last nine months have been unbelievably tough for most sectors of the populations in our individual countries, and for many the isolation would have been unbearable without this blogging community, and I for one am very grateful to be a part of it.

D.G. – Amen to all you said Sal. Our online community and friends have definitely helped to maintain my sanity! And you have spoken the words I mumble to my hubby daily – the world has grown to greed by the higher ups and big corporations. Wherever they can take more from us they will – cost of living, food, taxes and more. It’s time THE WORLD relearns compassion! ❤

 

Sally is sharing an excerpt with us from one of my favorite stories:

 

The Date

 

Elsie Windsor was just about to sit down to eat her sausages, mash and baked beans for her supper, when the phone on the wall by the kitchen door rang. She counted to ten, but when the ringing didn’t stop, she pushed herself upright and crossed the tiled floor to grab the receiver off the hook, betting it was another scammer. ‘Who is it?’ she barked down the line. She counted to three as the silence was a sure sign it was some automated solicitation call.

‘Hello Mrs. Windsor.’ That stopped her in her tracks, and she decided against using her favourite swear word and slamming the phone down just yet.

‘It might be,’ she said hesitantly.

‘My name is Antonio Carlucci and I am your date for Saturday night.’

‘I beg your pardon, but you are no such thing young man,’ highly indignant Elsie firmly put the caller in his place.

‘I assure you Mrs Windsor I am, you won me in last Saturday’s tombola at the church fair.’ She had to admit this Antonio did have a rather pleasant voice.

‘Young man, I am 95 years old and have not dated since 1945 when I met my late husband Frank, and I certainly am not going to start again now.’ She tried to remember back to last weekend when she had gone to the church fete with Ethel, her best friend. . .

D.G. Says: Get this book and find out how ‘the date’ went – I think it’s my favorite story! 💕

~ ~ ~

 

Thanks so much Debby for being such a wonderful friend to us all and for such a lovely boost to get the new collection of stories on its way… 💜💜

 

It was my absolute pleasure to have you and your lovely new book over here today Sally. You never disappoint and I loved, loved your book! ❣

 

Visit Sally on Social Links:

You can connect to me on the blog: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine 

Twitter: @sgc58 – 

Facebook: Sally Cronin –

LinkedIn: Sally Cronin

 

©DGKaye2020

bitmo live laugh love

 

87 thoughts on “Q & A with D.G. Kaye – Featuring Sally Cronin #Booklaunch – Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries”

  1. Thank you so much Debby you have done a such a wonderful post for me and I am so grateful…It has been a great year and your support for me personally and the blog is something I appreciate enormously.. here’s to 2021 and more shenanigans…♥♥

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    1. My absolute pleasure to feature you here today Sal. You deserve the attention, just a small gesture compared to what you give to others. This is your turn Sally so take it all in! ❤ ❤

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  2. A great review of this book, Debby. I have my copy and will be reading it over the festive period. A very interesting Q&A, great answers from Sally, her thoughts are not unexpected to me and are well expressed.

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    1. Hi Robbie. Thanks so much for your kind comment, and I agree, this is a lovely book to read during the festive season. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did. Visit my review for Sal’s book here on Sunday. Hugs ❤

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    2. Thanks very much Robbie and I do hope you enjoy whe you have time to put your feet up over Christmas (I am sure you will be very busy as always).. Have a wonderful time and I will think of you with your sunshine as we huddle by the fire lol…hugsxx♥

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  3. Always nice to discover more about Sally. In my opinion you ladies are both superstars and do more for indie auhtors than anyone I know. It’s a treat and a privilege to know you. Thanks for all you do. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (2021 will be much, much better – I hope!)

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    1. Hi Allan. Thanks so much for visiting us, and for leaving your very kind words. I’m humbled at your comment Allan, and no doubt Sally is blushing. Wishing you and yours a Happy and safe Holiday season. Yes, cheers to ringing in the new one!!! ❤

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  4. Pingback: Q & A with D.G. Kaye, featuring Sally Cronin #BookLaunch- #Recommended | Welcome to Harmony Kent Online

  5. This was a wonderful interview. It was fascinating to hear Sally’s thoughts on social media and being an indie author. What a great review and excerpt – I’ve started reading Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries, and loving it just as much as Debby.

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    1. Thanks so much for your uplifting words Toni. So glad you enjoyed reading, and no doubts you’ll enjoy Sally’s book. I will be reviewing the book here this Sunday so stay tuned! Hugs ❤ xx

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    1. Lol, the fibs. So glad you enjoyed Harmony, thanks so much for visiting us. And wishing you a safe and happy holiday season. And thank you so much for sharing on your blog ❤

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  7. I loved this interview and post with you both. An absolute delight and full of love, respect and wisdom. I am going to read ‘Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries’ now. ❤ To you both. ❤ To Debby for a delightful interview, and to Sally for your wisdom and experience, which you so generously share. Congratulations Sally, on creating a new book and for getting it launched for us all to share. ❤ xXx

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    1. Thank you my Lovely. So glad you enjoyed us and thrilled you enjoyed and will also enjoy Sally’s beautiful book. I’ve just finished it myself, and I know you will certainly enjoy too. Hugs ❤ xxx

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    2. Thank you very much Jane and delighted you enjoyed… Debby asks such great questions and always enjoy being her guest… have a wonderful Christmas and look forward to sharing 2021 with you..♥♥

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      1. Thank you, Sally and I really enjoyed reading your new book. Wishing you and David and all your loved ones a Merry Christmas and yes, I am looking forward to sharing 2021 with you. ❤ ❤ xxx

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  8. Realy interesting and enjoyable post from Sally, as usual. How life has changed this year. How selling books has changed too. I wish you great success with your fab book Sally, the extract was really intriguing and I shall be over to Amazon to get my copy. Thanks, Debby. Wishing you both a very happy and safe Christmas/festive season and a safe, happy, and successful 2021. Thanks to both of you for all your help and support. I really appreciate it more than you know. xxx

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    1. Thank you so much Jane, your comment is lovely. So glad you enjoyed reading about Sally and her book. And thanks for the lovely wishes. I wish the same for you, happy and safe holiday wishes and may 2021 be a better year for all of us. Hugs xox

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    2. Thank you Jane and do hope you enjoy when you have the chance to read.. I know this has been a particular tough year and I am only sorry that we can only share our thoughts at a distance rather than more practical support.. I wish you an amazing 2021 and looking forward to sharing it with you…♥♥

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  9. I enjoyed that immensely. Sometimes these blog interviews can be far too long without increasing the knowledge they impart to the reader. They are more about the interviewer than the interviewee.
    This was a lovely balance except I wanted more of the sample from the’ Date’ which only goes to prove that I’m talking rubbish and you can’t please everyone all the time. Thank you, Debby. That was a good start to my ‘computer day.’

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    1. Hi Danny. Thanks so much for dropping by and leaving your kind words for us. So glad you enjoyed and that you found it a good balance from both of us. Hugs ❤

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    2. Thank you very much Danny and delighted you enjoyed… sorry about the brevity of The Date…just a teaser lol..Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and I will be over to your FB for another Open Mic night in 2021…hugsx

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      1. What a wonderful interview:) I agree people need to listen more, instead of the me culture that is popular now. I loved the excerpt and the character.

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  11. What a wonderfully delightful interview! Thank you, Debbie, and congratulations, Sally. I’m thoroughly enjoying Life Is Like A Bowl Of Cherries. It’s perfect for this season, this year, and my state of mind. Your approach through stories and poetry is just what is needed right now. Blessings to you both! ✨💗✨

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  13. I read your interview with great interest, Debby. I’ve been blogging for less than two years (That’s all, really?), but Sally’s blog is the place where I spend the most time each day. I like many of her columns, including yours, but what I like most is the blogging community’s supportive nature. That isn’t some independent force that happens on its own. It’s created by people like Sally, who set the tone. I’d buy her new book for that reason alone, but also because I have to find out what happens to Elsie on her date.

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    1. Lol Pete. And wow, only 2 years, you feel like ‘ cozy old furniture’ around blogtown LOL. Thanks for your lovely comment Pete. I think collectively, we all agree that Sally Cronin rocks! Oh, and loved ‘The Date’ 🙂

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    2. Thanks Pete and like Debby I can’t believe you have only been blogging for two years… I am touched by your comment on the blog.. thank you and I hope you enjoy the rest of Elsie’s story at some point… wishing you a lovely Christmas and New Year… xx

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      1. A lovely interview and extract Debby and Sally. And that title is just so perfect! Looking forward to reading soon. Wishing Sally great success with her new book.

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  16. What a fantastic interview ladies. I had kind of given up on Twitter but after reading Sally’s comments I’m going to give my twitter another go and a facelift. ❤

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  17. Pingback: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Weekly Round Up – 13th – 19th December – Christmas Party, Aretha, New Music Show 2021,Book Fair, | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

  18. What a great interview, Debby. I loved Sally’s latest book as you can see from the review – thank’s for sharing that. And I’m always fascinated by how Sally does all that she does. It doesn’t surprise me that it requires hours out of her day. Her recommendation regarding Twitter was interesting. I often feel overwhelmed by social media, but perhaps should give Twitter more of a chance. As always, Sally’s generosity stands out in blogland. Merry Christmas to you both. 🙂 (Tweeting! Lol).

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    1. Thanks so much for your lovely words and well deserved praise for Sally. I’ve been friends with her for almost 6 years and still don’t know her magical do-all secrets, lol. Wishing you and yours a safe and happy Christmas too Diana. Hugs ❤ xx

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  19. What a fabulous interview with Sally! I loved all the questions you asked, Debby, and Sally’s answers reveal so much about the amazing person she is inside and out! Loved the excerpts and have this book on my TBR list!!

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    2. Thank you Jan and Debby makes it very easy.. a great place to get noticed.. thanks for your kind comment and I hope you enjoy the book when you have the chance to read.. Merry Christmas.. ♥

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  21. Sally is a great blogger, author, expert on almost everything, and a great promoter of all artists and bloggers. Of course funny and with common sense. What else could one ask for? Congratulations to Sally on her new book (I love her stories) and to you, Debby, for a fantastic post. 🙂

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  22. Pingback: Smorgasbord Reblog – Q & A with D.G. Kaye – Featuring Sally Cronin #Booklaunch – Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

  23. Two of my favorite people in one place! Yay! Loved the Q & A. I agree with everything Sally said about how to make the world a better place. I enjoyed the snippet, and now I can’t wait to learn how the date went. Thanks for hosting this fun post, Debby! ❤ xo

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    1. Hi Vashti. So glad you enjoyed the post and learning more nuggets about our Sally. How thrilled am I to be lumped in the same kudos up there with Sally? Thank you my friend. I look forward to featuring you in the new year with your newest book too. Hugs ❤ xxx

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  24. Great interview, and presentation, Debby! Thank you also for the great review! Now, i should begin to read it myself, from beginning to the end, with a great pleasure over the next days! Michael

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  27. A wonderful interview, ladies, and I loved the excerpt, Sally. You are always so full of wise advice as well, so I read your answers to the questions with interest. One day, I’ll start focusing on Twitter (I still have your Twitter blog post open in a tab on my computer for whenever I can dig into this) and, whenever I have time to read outside my “to be read and reviewed” list again, I’ll grab a copy of Life is Like a Bowl of Cherries!

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    1. Thanks so much Liesbet. There’s lots of help around when you’re ready to absorb. In the meantime, enjoy your holidays and I hope you get to enjoy Sally’s book too. Holiday hugs 🙂 xx

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