2 Lion Hearted Groomers, an interview with Allbooks Review

Shirley Roe
From the first page to the well timed and well crafted closure, as well as the quaint poem that follows the story, 2 Lion Hearted Groomers is a well written story that doesn´t need gimmicks and twists, but relies on its strong heart and truth to captivate the reader and hold their interest. An excellent achievement, which was well worth reading.

Highly recommended by Anthony Lund, Allbooks Review www.allbookreviews.com

Title – Two Lion-Hearted Groomers

Author – Donna Smith C.A.H., Virginia Woodmancy C.A.H., Michael P Doto, M.S.W.

Publisher – Publish America, LLLP

ISBN : 1-60610-287-7

Price : TBC

Allbooks Reviews INTERVIEW:

Please state your name and location. (city and State or Province, Country)

Donna Smith, C. A. H., Glendora, California

Tell us the title and publisher of your book:

Publish America

Tell us about yourself:

I am a Certified Companion Animal Hygienist and I've been a professional pet groomer since 1985. I own and operate my own mobile pet grooming business since 1991. I am single, an avid equestrian and I have two adult children, his wife, her fiance' and two grandsons. My life revolves around my business, my elderly mother, family, friends, my horse and my dog. Did I mention writing too?

When was the book released?

My book is currently available through the publisher, but the official release date is scheduled for May 09, 2009.

Give us an overview of your book.

2 Lion-Hearted Groomers ... is a creative non-fiction that depicts the lives and parallels the courage and strengths of the the two main characters; Leigh & Eileen, their friendship and their formidable plight for normacy againist overwhelming odds.

Through their twenty-year friendship, Leigh and Eileen re-examines their individual adversities, personal fortitudes and emotional healing that was experienced by forgiveness, gratitude, acceptance and from their careers as professional pet groomers. Inspired by these events, they decide to write about their memories and combine them together. But not all is well with either woman, as Leigh must ponder an uncertain future and Eileen must confront her own worst enemy and quell her antagonist's influence once and for all.

2 Lion-Hearted Groomers ... will take you into the realm of professional pet grooming that's seldom witnessed by mainstream. For sensitive readers, please be aware that there are some situations in the story where there is extreme animal neglect. However, it should be noted that it's the commendable dedication of these two characters, who are compelled to improve quality of life and provide hope for some of these unfortunte animals they are privileged to serve.

What inspired you to write this book?

I was inspired by my career, the people and the animals that I hold dear to my heart as my co-writers do. I wanted to honor and cherish those for their memories, whether they were living or dead.

How is your book different from other books in this genre?

As one reviewer so eloquently described: "The lines between fictional and real are usually well defined very well, but in 2 Lion-Hearted Groomers, there are no lines drawn and the purpose of the book seems to simply etertain and inform without dfining where the reality ends and the fictions takes over. I think this in itself is something that will stand the book apart from those in similar genres."


Where can people buy your book?

People desiring to purchase a copy of our book, can now buy it online through www.publishamerica.com at their On-Line Bookstore. After May 09, 2009, it can then be purchased through major bookstore outlets such as Barnes and Noble, Borders, Books-A-Million and Amazon.com.

Are you working on another book? If so when do you expect it to be published?

My co-writer Michael and I are considering the idea of another book, but we are currently not pursuing it at this time.

If you self published, what advice can you give to fellow writers?

Since I have not self-published, I don't have an answer for this.

If published traditionally, tell us how you benefited:

I found Publish America on the internet. I didn't know who they were, but took the chance and they accepted my manuscript with congratulations. I of course, accepted their offer to publish my book with a grateful heart. They abided by all of their terms and conditions of the contract, provided me with plenty of information regarding the publishing process, a message board, my own website and a support staff that attended to and answered all of my questions. They did a fantastic job with the cover art and a wonderful job during all of the phases of publishing process concerning my book. I'd say it was a "job well done!" and would recommend them highly.

Can you share one of your marketing successes with us?

I believe this would be through Publish America. It's been through their message board that I was able to learn and discover who and how to market appropriately by and through other authors' experiences. It is there that I learned about Allbooksreview and their promotional programs. In addition to PA, my own industry, business contacts and the old tried and true "grass roots" approach has also contributed significantly.

How did you find Allbooks Reviews and what are you hoping for in your relationship with us?

Through Publish America's published authors. After researching some of the works of these distinquished and respected authors', I noted that Allbooksreview did their book's review with integrity and outstanding articulation with regards to their reviews. ABR immediately earned my trust.

Was the low cost a surprise? What other things would you like Allbooks Reviews to offer writers?

Yes it was and a VERY pleasant surprise too. Thank You! I think the one thing that I would like ABR to offer is the increased advantage of having my book's title selected by the New York Times and notable people such as Oprah Winfrey for their review and possible promotion. These possibilities I believe, would excel and enhance the book's overall success. But, it's just a thought and I thank you for asking.

Thank you for this interview and best of luck with your book.

Thank you for this opportunity!

Donna Smith, C. A. H.

Author of 2 Lion-Hearted Groomers ... Leigh & Eileen's Journey
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Shirley Roe

Author and managing editor of Allbooks Reviews, Shirley Roe is also an award winning poet. Shirley's first novel, Of Dreams and Nightmares was released in 2004, followed by her second historical fiction, A Call to Faith and Freedom in 2005. The Whittaker Family Reunion was released in 2008. Shirley has been guest speaker at several schools and literary groups and strives to encourage and support new authors. She spends time between her home in Canada and North Florida and travels extensively. Watch for 3 more historical fiction novels soon.