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Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

Let's get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. 

Marshie Morgan

Fiona: Where are you from?

5^th generation Austinite.  I live in a small hill country town with one traffic light.

Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

I graduated from the University of North Texas.  I have cat named Zeus and a Koi pond out back.

Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

I recently created two certification courses for the hospitality industry. The courses are about workplace safety and meeting OSHA compliance in restaurants and hotels. I teach the courses live or they are available online in all 50 states by going here.

Course 1: Hotel and Restaurant Safety for Employees: Don’t Slip! Be OSHA Compliant.

Course 2: Hotel and Restaurant Safety for Managers: Don’t Slip! Be OSHA Compliant.

I have also created workbooks where restaurant and hotel managers will be able to train their own staff and get them certified at one time.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

I started writing articles for my church bulletins about budgeting and work newsletters for Marriott Conference Centers.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I published my first book, 13 Interactive Challenges to Self-Discovery. Then it really hit home when I was asked to write Grandparent Memories from the Heart for the Ritzy Texan and got paid to do it.  Let me tell you I was scared and excited all at the same time.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

I have a strong desire to help people who are suffering and need healing thus why I became a Certified Life Coach. 13 Interactive Challenges to Self-Discovery is designed for counselors and therapists to recommend to their patients as homework. Anyone would find this book helpful to assist them on this journey called life.  The book allows someone to tell their side of the story and then leave it as a legacy to someone special.  Chapter 13 talks about the different ways to leave a legacy. The book brings about healing, increases self-esteem by trying new things, and looking inside to question why we react the way we do.

Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

I had 13 different topics or challenges which needed a chapter of their own.  I did debate putting Health and Fitness together, however, I felt they are two different subjects entirely thus it came out to 13. 

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

I write nonfiction.  I believe my style is all about helping and educating people.  My hope is everyone who picks up one of my books will have learned something and feel encouraged.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

13 Interactive Challenges to Self-Discovery is based on my own life experience.  I even include some of my life experiences of going through the exercises in the book to give a sense of anyone can push through and step out of their comfort zone.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

I have to have silence and hang out in nature. 

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

Amanda Marie Ramirez

A. Rami Graphix Design & Illustration

Amanda did 13 Interactive Challenges to Self-Discovery and Grandparent Memories from the Heart. She is quite talented.  I did the OSHA workbooks.

Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

One has to continue to grow and learn. Next is to share what you have learned to others.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?  Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

Sarah J. Maas

American author

She is so talented.

Napoleon Hill

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

Two of my writer friends:  Shelley Bland and Angela Meek, Author

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

No, I see my books as a way to enhance my training courses and speaking engagements.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

No.

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

Yes, give myself more time for editing.

Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

I would see my book as different segments of actors who show what they learned from the exercises from start to finish.

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

Follow your own voice.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

If I can do it, you can do it.

Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

One that I read and reread was Treasure Island as a child.  However, even as a child I had a toy type writer which I would type the pages of Clifford. I guess it was destiny-- I would become an author.

Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

The simple things.

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

My Koi pond

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

To many to count.

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

As a Chef I love food.  Favorite colors are purple, green and blue.  Music is all over the spectrum.

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

Teach and do Speaking Engagements

Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?

Traveling

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?

Rara Avis

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

www.mmbizsolutions.com