Award-winning Author Iris Bolling: Finding Success Writing from the Heart

by Cyrus Webb

I first became aware of award-winning author and Executive Producer Iris Bolling in 2013. She was on Conversations LIVE discussing her book The Pendleton Rule, and it was during that visit that she initially discussed The Heart series with me.

Fast forward to 2015 and now the books that make up the Heart Series are the basis for the television series The Heart that premiered on the CW in Richmond, VA in Feb. of 2014 and is now gearing up for an exciting second season.

Serving as the Creator and Executive Director of the television show, Iris Bolling has assembled a team that has not only helped bring her beloved books to life but are just as invested in its success.

When I announced I was traveling to Atlanta to tape episodes for my new show, Iris took time out of her busy schedule to drive to the city to be a part of the taping. It was special not just because she was so supportive of the event but because it was the first time we met face-to-face.

Ever gracious---even though she prefers to be behind the camera---we were able to talk about the journey that led her to where she is today.

"I still pinch myself," she told me when we began discussing the experience of the books being successful, followed by the response to the show. "First it's actually getting the books done, and they being so well received. Then doing the television series and  have it received very well...I still pinch just to make sure it's still happening."

From the first time I met her, it was obvious why Iris Bolling is so successful: she is genuine and takes a real interest in her fans and is admired by other authors as well. "I enjoy people," she told me. "I do think I give them good stories and they fall in love with the characters, and then they want to know who created them.  I'm very appreciative because readers have a choice.  I'm very fortunate for some reason they have chosen my work. I let them know how much I appreciate that."

The other thing about Iris that is appreciated by readers is that no matter what color the characters might be in her books, she is not penning stories that will relate to just one group of people. "I write stories about life," she says. "Everyone can relate to that, regardless of what status you are in life. I think they can see themselves in the characters or in the stories. I don't think stories are going to happen to this class of people or this race of people. I think stories happen to people. That's what I write about."

Whether you are just discovering the literary gift that is Iris Bolling or have been a fan for some time, she is one storyteller that proves when you work hard and give your all to the craft the audience will come.

Stay connected with Iris and what's coming up for Season Two of The Heart series at www.irisbolling.net.

*     photo courtesy of Dream Photography Group/ ConnectingYouto PR

Author Brian L. Thompson: Using the Power of Words to Inspire the World

by Cyrus Webb

I first interviewed author Brian L. Thompson back in 2011, and ever since I have been a fan of his work. Over the years he has been a regular guest on Conversations LIVE the radio show, and this year we got a chance to meet during my visit to Atlanta and tape a segment for Cyrus Webb Presents.

One of the great things about Brian is that he recognizes the power of words, and he has been able to write books for adults and younger audiences. sharing his skills and important messages along the way.

He told me this when I asked him about the journey of being both an educator and a storyteller: "It's been an amazing experience, especially when I have former students tell me how certain characters have touched them or moved them in a certain way. Some of the books that I've written I've actually used names that they have suggested or names giving tribute to that person. They really are able to connect with the experience a little bit better I think than if they were just reading about a character with a name that I made up." He then added: "That's a good way to connect with your audience."

Brian has also seen it to be an effective marketing tool as well, because those same students or other readers then feel invested in the book and want to tell others about it. I asked him if he has gotten used to being an author himself with books available for the world to read that others can relate to.

"To a degree I have," he says. "It's always something new, different and exciting when someone comes up and says a character reminds them of someone." He says one of the most thrilling things is when he gets a message from a reader that says something like "I really wanted you to know that this touched me in a certain way." Brian says "It let's me know I'm not off-based with the characters."

In the REJECT HIGH series which is really intended for a younger audience Brian has not shied away from tackling sensitive topics like death. "I think that it's important that when you're writitng you have to be realistic." he says, especially when dealing with moral decisions. "Death is a part of everyday life."

All of Brian's books are available through Amazon.com. You can stay connected with him through his website www.authorbrianthompson.com.

*    Photos by Shadow Play Entertainment