Linda Rae Blair's Blog & Author Interviews

I'm pleased as Punch to be featured on Linda Rae Blair's  blog today. She is an author of the highest caliber with almost two dozen books in her name. Just look at her impressive list of novels! Here's an excerpt. I'm sure you can contact her too !

Linda Rae Blair, Author

AUTHOR INTERVIEW – SIGGY BUCKLEY (Creative Non-Fiction)

Welcome to Siggy Buckley!

 

Tell us about yourself—you know, all that stuff that makes you interesting!

 I was a college adjunct professor for teaching English (being a German native speaker) for years. Then my life took an unexpected turn. My then husband had opted out of the rat race for health and environmental reasons. He was a CPA, and made us emigrate to Ireland from a professional German background to become organic farmers in the sticks of Ireland: for THE GOOD LIFE. It was a challenge and a culture shock for me. This created a crop of misgivings and, unfortunately, our marriage broke up over it.

Where and how to find a new partner in a country where divorce wasn’t even legal yet? I started my own dating agency ‘to skim off the cream’ ─ as a journalist put it in an interview. I became the “Dating Guru” or “Chief Cupid” of Ireland. Enough to write a book about! When the Internet took over the dating scene even in backward little Ireland, I jumped on the cyber highway myself to find that elusive soul-mate. The book is called “Next Time Lucky: How to Find Your Mr. Right”. It is a sassy, sometimes naughty read. Its new edition has an additional chapter with practical dating advice.

 I’m now happily married and live in the USA. Unfortunately, due to chronic pain, I no longer have a day job but a loving husband who brings home the bacon.

 I love getting sucked into a gripping book. I used to golf and garden. Now I prefer to have a nice garden and sit and enjoy it. Dancing has also been one of my passions: Disco music, Bee Gees, Motown—I’m giving away my age here! So instead of sweating in the gym, I prefer to have music take me back to the best times in my life- in my own house dancing!

I wrote extensively for American Chronicles and Opednews on political and environmental topics. Having several blogs and books going in addition at the same time, my writing now concentrates on our travels – home swapping- as well as maintaining a writer’s blog. It gives writers a platform to get noticed.

 I’m a proud International member of the National League of American Pen Women. 

What is your genre?

 Creative non-fiction. I figure if I called it memoirs, I’d be in trouble. Not being a celebrity, who knows Siggy Buckley and would be interested in her memories? And I lived through enough material for another book!

What other writer inspires you? Your work?  

 I met an elderly lady on the oncology ward of the Mayo Clinic, where I volunteered at the time. We quickly connected over the writing, and she was very influential in my approach, learning process and she also edited my book. Thanks to her I’m now a member of the National League of American Pen Women –though I’m not even American but still German.

I like a strong female voice. After a long love affair with Joanne Harris’ books (author of “Chocolat”), I now favor Tana French, an Irish whodunit writer.  I know the Irish settings of her so far 4 books well and love the Irishisms she uses. They make me feel like being back home.......

My hub called Siggy’s Omnibus comprises 5 other sites. Unfortunately, it’s not supported by Apple products because it contains flash links.

My new book trailer is fun! .....For more, please go to Linda Rae Blair's website!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Never Ending Story

Dating and finding love is a merry-go-round. Lucky the ones who are in the saddle already, installed in a loving relationship or marriage! Unfortunately, people fall out of love and break up all the time.

As a former matchmaker and dating consultant I’ve often been asked “Why has it become so difficult to find the right person? Where are the good men? What can I do to find that elusive mate?” The list goes on and on. In spite of our ever increasing connections, networking, and socializing possibilities the problem seems to grow. And it's not just older, divorced people who say they lack opportunities but also the younger generation that wants to settle down-- what I call the first timers.

At the beginning of a new year, after a boring or lonely New Year’s Eve, many singles make a resolution that they want to find love now; the sooner the better. Definitely in time for Valentine’s Day that is looming on the horizon. Many websites catering to singles and their needs offer dating advice. I like Adventures in Delicious Dating for over 40s.

Sites that care about your personal well-being and happiness like Positively Positive, or Dr. Tranquility and her dating protocols are a quintessential step in getting help—if singles want it. Some of them advertize on my Facebook page Singles & Dating Advice. Check it out as well as my blog www.NextTimelucky.blogspot.com.

There's also a gazillion books on the topic, self-help books and novels. Take  a peek at the category of Best Relationship Non-Fiction on Good reads. 74 books are listed and my book Next Time Lucky: Lessons of a Matchmaker  is #1.  I'm doing a book giveaway there till 12 Jan. YOu can still put your name in the hat to win a copy!
The need is there; and the audience is there looking for answers.

That’s why I'm  relaunching my book Next Time Lucky: How to Find Your Mr. Right with an added  new chapter of practical dating tips. After all, I was a pro….I’ll be interviewed about my book again on Thursday between 6.30 – 7.00 P.M/EST by Dr. Tranquility’s on her blog talk radio show. Listeners and callers are welcome!

I’ll see you on the radio.

Siggy Buckley