author interviews

#Fairies, #Myths, & #Magic 2018 Author Spotlight Guest Post: “Annie’s Story, Blessed With a Gift,” by Deborah A. Bowman

Colleen M. Chesebro

fairies,myths& magic

My special guest today is Deborah Bowman, who I’ve just recently met. Our friendship is new, but already I feel a kinship. I’m sure it’s because of our love of the paranormal and YA fiction. Funny how magic always seems to find its way to me. So, before we begin, let me share a bit about Deborah.

Author, Deborah A. Bowman

I have been an avid reader and creative spirit since childhood, my first poem being published in a 4-H magazine when I was only 12 years old. My career has been involved in all aspects of the written word and its presentation. I am a fiction author with eight published books in the genre of historical fiction; psychological suspense; thriller YA paranormal crime series; time-travel YA series; poetry, short stories, and creative visualization meditation. I am an award-winning song writer and lyricist. I am a ghostwriter, nonfiction only, specializing in memoirs and spiritual/transformational books. I am a content and development editor, graphic designer, layout formatter, book coach, and publishing advisor.

My education is a Master’s in Technical Writing/Editing with a minor in Psychology from the Department of the Army Grad School. I was the youngest and first female civilian-support Authorization Publications Control Officer for DOD. Hence, my experience in cover-to-cover writing and producing all media, but my passion has always been fiction.

I was integral in establishing ebookstand.com, rated #3 on Oprah Winfrey’s printing-on-demand websites. I wrote hypnotherapy scripts for members of the National Guild of Hypnotists as an Advanced Certified Psychological Hypnotherapist (A.C.P.H). I was interviewed in the Washington Post Parenting Magazine for my hypnotherapy work with ADHD and ASD children and teenagers. I wrote a monthly column for the Medical News newspaper and have been featured in Army newspapers and public affairs media. As Editor-In-Chief of The Federal Women’s Newspaper, it was distributed for over a decade to all of DOD.

With fiction as my passion, I advise, edit, rewrite, and launch other authors, guiding them through the publishing process, explaining their options, and keeping my clients abreast of current trends in publishing, writing, and ever-changing technologies. This feeds my passion by reading, researching, and reviewing–both editorial and reader’s reviews–all genre of novels, novellas, anthologies, and promotional media to include book trailers, video, podcasts, and websites.

All of my fiction writing stems from personal crusades to aid others in need–victims of abuse, illness, birth defects, and the injustices of the world. I am a 28-year survivor of Systemic Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. My empathy for humankind fuels my passion for writing. My faith and belief in all things whimsical, spiritual, and magical creeps into my fiction and guides all my creative, artistic venues.

Now that you’ve met Deborah, you can hear about the magical inspiration that led her to write the story…

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“Annie’s Story, Blessed With A Gift” by Deborah A. Bowman is historical fiction based on fact from a past-life hypnotic regression. Was I Annie? Did she really live in the mid-1600s in Colonial America? Mayhap, ’tis true!

Annie says, “Granny told me I was a beautiful sprite like one of the faeries from our native Highlands. She described my eyes as filled with light and love for all creation. She said my special healing gift and ability to communicate with animals and ethereal spirits came from the auld country.”

Annie is so innocent and childlike. Surprisingly, from memory or perhaps precognition, she knows intricate rituals and formulae for medicines and potions using flowers, herbs, and roots, including the recognition, cultivation, and harvesting of the plants. She talks to the animals, creatures, and faeries of the forest, which she calls “her friends or little people” and communes with the gods and goddesses of the spirit world, especially the Mother Earth goddess.

Annie was born prematurely in 1630 and nursed back to health by her Granny, The Healer Blackbain. Alas, the wee lass was left mentally slow and dwarfed by the plague which took both of her parents’ lives. As she grows up, her whimsical, loving ways endear her to The Clan MacKinnon in the secreted Scottish village of Lynn, Massachusetts.

From an early age, Annie was given a gift by the Mother goddess from the Spiritual Universe. Annie, a shining savant who could heal with white-light and a loving touch.

I never found conclusive evidence that Annie lived, but I did find evidence that she could have lived and an explanation for her existence being cleansed from all church and legal records. I also suspect that I may have discovered factual information that ties her lineage to one of the most disturbing and inhuman times associated with the British Colonies in North America.

Nameless lonely graves are scattered throughout the empty fields and forests of New England. I believe I was once Annie, and she is in one of those unmarked burial plots. She lies hidden beneath the soil of an infamous hill. I shudder and will not pen its name.

This story of love and faith, coupled with the treatment of different people (now called “special” people) begs to be told. “Annie’s Story” is about an unusual girl coming-of-age in Colonial America, who is “Blessed With A Gift.”

Here is a Recent Review of “Annie’s Story, Blessed With a Gift”

4.0 out of 5 stars
A remarkable historical story with an unforgettable protagonist and topics that still apply

 

“This book leads you back in time, introducing you to Agnes Blackbain and her granddaughter Annie.

With Annie’s Story, Blessed With A Gift, Deborah A. Bowman has written a story that will stay etched in your memory. It is a very unusual and captivating read, drawing you into Annie’s world. During a regression, Deborah A. Bowman encountered Annie – who then became a part of her. She carefully develops the story about Annie and the people around her, painting a clear picture of Annie and life in New England (1630 – 1648) while the story evolves. Annie is likable, complex, and hopeful. The story comprises historical elements (among others the Puritans, Salem, witches); it has a steady pace, comprises interesting turns, and has a really good flow. I have been keeping my fingers crossed – hoping the best for Annie – sometimes smiling, sometimes having to cry.

This is a book for you if you like historical fiction, the metaphysical, food for thought, and if you like intense female characters.

A sequel has been announced and – I am looking forward to reading it.”

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How to Connect with Deborah Bowman

blog: http://www.bowmanauthor.com

website: http://www.clasidconsultantspublishing.com

Twitter: @bowmanauthor

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bowmanbooks

Goodreads

LinkedIn: Deborah Bowman Stevens

Tumblr: Really Very Miracle

Amazon Author’s Page: Deborah A. Bowman

Amazon Reviewer’s Page: Deborah Bowman, author

email: livinginashadow@outlook.com

Image-1 (1)Would YOU enjoy being a featured published author in my Author Spotlight – Guest Posts? I’m looking for themed posts about fairies, myths, and magic. If you are an enthusiastic author please click HERE to learn more. ~Colleen~

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Come JOIN us! THE FELLOW ADMINISTRATORS OF THE AUTHORS BLOGGERS RAINBOW SUPPORT CLUB #ABRSC ON FACEBOOK EXTEND A WARM WELCOME TO YOU!

55 thoughts on “#Fairies, #Myths, & #Magic 2018 Author Spotlight Guest Post: “Annie’s Story, Blessed With a Gift,” by Deborah A. Bowman”

    2. Eugenia, lovely blog, “Brew and Spew”. I stumbled in recently. Love what you do with pertinent historical facts and poetry on Tuesdays. At soon to be 65 years young, at least between the ears, I lived most of these events. Lol 💖

      Liked by 2 people

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  6. Reblogged this on BowmanAuthor and Writer/Editor and commented:
    I hope everyone will enjoy and follow http://www.colleenchesebro.com. The wonderful work she is doing in the writing community is outstanding from guest promotional blogs, book reviews, poetry and flash fiction challenges to author and bloggers support groups. Colleen’s writing is outstanding, and her heart is as big as the sky. She calls herself “the fairy whisperer”. This is a beautifully designed blog to help you find your next great read. Be sure and pick up a copy or download her lovely book, The Heart Stone Chronicles, Book 1, The Swamp Fairy at https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Stone-Chronicles-Swamp-Fairy/dp/1541015967/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1515338664&sr=1-1-fkmr1&keywords=Heartstone+Chronicles%3A+Swamp+Fairy+by+Colleen+Chesebro

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    1. Thanks so much for stopping by, Robbie. I agree this book sounds fabulous. I’m intrigued by the regression therapy that prompted the writing of the book. You should contact her for a review. She was looking for reviewers in ABRSC. Hugs to you. ❤

      Liked by 1 person

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          1. I love historical novels. I always add a bit of history into my novels. For Abby it was her Native American roots in the swamps of Florida. Wait until you see where I’ve gone with the meadow fairy… 😀 ❤

            Liked by 1 person

          2. Annie’s best friend is an Algonquin Princess whom she named dancing feather. Researching the Indian Nation which once dominated north of the Hudson River Valley and into Canada was interesting and motivating. Can’t wait to read about Abby’s Indian background in Florida. This will be brand new for me!

            Liked by 1 person

          3. Most of that history is in the first book. The swamp fairy takes Abby back in time to meet her Native American ancestor who was the first human to act as a liaison between the humans and the fairy nymphs/gods. When the Spanish came they brought diseases to the native tribe. The swamp fairy taught the Native Americans to make a tea from the leaves of the pink sundew plants so they could survive the diseases. ❤

            Liked by 1 person

    3. Robbie, let me send you a PDF or a Kindle Gift. I know how busy you are, but I would love your opinion. Annie is born with birth defects. Even though written about the mid-1600s in Colonial America, Annie’s message is timeless. It is so sad how children are treated in school just because they are different. In fact, everyone with a disability is looked at askew or made fun of … at any age. Unfortunately, I see those looks myself, and it hurts.

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      1. Thank you, Deborah, for your kind offer. I prefer to buy my books so that they are verified purchases on Amazon. Apologies that I missed this comment earlier, I am having a bit of a mad few days at work at the moment. I know this book will interest me greatly. I have one son who suffers from PTSD and OCD and one that has a very compromised immunity and I am always interested in how other families cope with such difficulties.

        Liked by 1 person

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  8. How lovely to know yet more about one of the other ginger-haired Deborahs 😀
    I’m finding it fascinating that each time I read an interview, or a piece about a fellow author I already know (even if only virtually), I continue to discover new facets to add to my understanding of that person and their writing.
    Thank you ladies, for another interesting read.

    Liked by 2 people

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    2. Deborah Jay, part of the Debby/Deborahs redheaded triplets, so good to hear from you. I’ve been keeping my eye on your series as well. You must remember when I first wrote the “Introduction” and sent it to you in Scotland because I was using the Scottish dialect and describing some of the country. You were such a big help to me with all my American errors. You were a lifesaver!

      Liked by 2 people

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