BOLD GOLD PEN WINNERS - GLOBAL LITERARY AWARDS

‎Written by Shiju H. Pallithazheth‎ of Motivational Strips

Bold Gold Pen Global Literary Awards, Sep 2018

Dear Authors,

It is with utmost pride that we all in the administration have chosen some of the world’s best writers during the season .
The contest had 138 applicants flooding in from all corners of the world spanning 102 countries, later it was shortlisted to 82/28/18/10 and finally the 5 winners as below.
The whole evaluation process was done in a very aggressive manner with Evaluators(Judges) from across the globe spanning from the west which was USA to the Far East of Philippines .
The advantage of participating in the Bold Gold Pen is the that, it gives you a clear indication as to, where you stand globally .
It’s great happiness to see that most applications this time had extremely high standards. Motivational Strips is today one of the greatest writer forum where all genre, languages,nationality and religion is tolerated as equals .
We recognise writing icons just with wisdom and acumen as the writer.
Nothing else matters to us nor will ever.
The admins have been selected on a global front to give all nation participation equally.
So this forum historically is far more precise ,qualitative and friendly than any other writer forums seen in the world.
It is a blessing for all writers, as you all have an unbiased research centre to evaluate your acumen and expertise as a writer.
Now to the winners of Bold Gold Pen Awards for September 2018 contest . It gives Motivational Strips extreme happiness to proclaim the winners for this season .
They are

📜 Poetry Category Winners

🏵 Anna Brasher
Country : Australia 🇦🇺

🏵 Aditi Raj Jamwal
Country : India 🇮🇳

🏵 Lilian Woo
Country : Malaysia 🇲🇾

📜 Non Poetry Category Winner

🏵 Tahera Fakhruddin Janoowala
Country : Tanzania 🇹🇿

📜 Journal Category Winner

🏵 Sahjahan Ali Ahmed
Country : India 🇮🇳

PN : Their winning certificates will be displayed on the Motivational Strips public wall sooner or later today..

These five winners can proudly today be declared as the world’s some of the best writers as they have gone through the most aggressive evaluations as poets and writers contesting with 102 countries.

We would like to give the wise evaluators for this contest a big applause for a micro check to derive the marks.The evaluators for the finals were:

🛎 External Evaluators

🎓 Brenda Mohammed
Country: Trinidad & Tobago 🇹🇹
Author of book -
How To Write For Success

🎓 Linda B. Scanlan
Country : USA 🇺🇸
Award winning Poet with in-depth expertise

🛎 Internal Evaluators

🎓 Livia York
Country : Australia 🇦🇺

🎓 Williamsji Maveli
Country : India 🇮🇳

🎓 Maggie Faure Vidot
Country : Seychelles 🇸🇨

🎓 Sabrina Young
Country : USA 🇺🇸

🎓 Sarah Northwood
Country : United Kingdom 🇬🇧

A special mention to the Co-Ordinators for this award

📋 Sabrina Young
📋 Kezang Dawa
📋 Williamsjii Maveli

Congrats once again to the five winners and Motivational Strips Administration thanks all the evaluators...

Happy Networking With Motivational Strips !

CC Admins
Sabrina Young 🇺🇸
Bose Eneduwe Adogah 🇳🇬
Faciol Maribel 🇵🇭
Kezang Dawa 🇧🇹
Poorvi AInspiraars 🇮🇳
Chrisoula Mitsaki 🇬🇷
Williamsji Maveli 🇮🇳
Sarah Northwood 🇬🇧
Livia York 🇦🇺
Matt Pollock 🇵🇭
Narendra Rajkumar 🇹🇹
Mazher Hussain Abdul Ghani 🇵🇰
Destinyy Lightt 🇮🇳
Houda Elfechtali 🇲🇦
Sakina Shabs 🇹🇿
Maggie Faure-Vidot 🇸🇨
Noe Basurto 🇲🇽
Waheed Musah 🇬🇭
Kairat Duissenov Parman 🇰🇿
Moderator Spokesperson :
Bhakti Sanghavi 🇮🇳

YOU CAN JOIN MOTIVATIONAL STRIPS FACEBOOK GROUP AT THIS LINK. Here is an Invitation.

A Catalogue of Books by Author Brenda Mohammed

Author of the award-winning science fiction futuristic thriller series 'Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka," Trinidad based Author Brenda Mohammed, a multi-genre and award-winning author, has written nineteen books.

a. Six fascinating memoirs.

b. A five book science fiction series.

c. Two children's books.

d. Four books of short stories.

e. One self-help book on How to Write for Success

f. One Crime Fiction

Brenda, a former Bank Manager was successful in her job.
After her retirement from banking, she ventured into Insurance Underwriting.
After six years, she was awarded Life membership in the Million Dollar Round Table, a Premier Association for Financial Professionals.
A diagnosis of cancer changed her career aspirations and in 2013 she became a writer.

Website/Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads
Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Apple Books | Google Plus | Youtube


NON FICTION

How to Write for Success – Nonfiction, Writing and Publishing
“Valuable nuggets of truth to use within their own writing career.”

I Am Cancer Free – Nonfiction, Memoir, Health and Fitness. Award-Winner in Readers Favorite International Awards 2018.
“It’s emotional, heartfelt, honest and transparent. The author has told the story with true authenticity.”

Travel Memoirs with Pictures – Nonfiction, Memoir, Travel
“This is a great travel memoir. The author has been so many amazing places!”

My Life as a Banker – Nonfiction, Memoir, Banking
“Real and intense. An unforgettable account of the crisis, choices and challenges she faced in her life.”

Retirement is Fun – Nonfiction, Memoir
“A journey of fun and adventure through many travels, work and family life.”

Your TIME is NOW: A Time to be born and a time to die – Nonfiction, Reference & Quotations
“She breaks down each of these verses, and explains them via her own life experiences. A book of reflection, and what is truly important. Simplifying what we have always complicated.”

Memoirs of Dr. Andrew Moonir Khan: Journey of an Educator – Nonfiction, Memoir
“The physical and emotional traumas shared in the book bring deep feelings of sympathy and empathy.”

FICTION

Revenge of Zeeka series

Zeeka and the Zombies (book 1) – Science Fiction
“These futuristic zombies are definitely unique and refreshing”

Zeeka’s Child (book 2) – Science Fiction
“I was caught off guard and my mind was twisted and turned a few times.”

Zeeka Returns (book 3) – Science Fiction
“The key characters remain strong with the secondary ones providing functional support to the narrative whilst not overloading the story with an unnecessary plot diversion.”

Zeeka’s Ghost (book 4) – Science Fiction
“Unresolved issues, regrets and love are all splendidly woven together with the right mix of startling plot twists the author is masterful at.”

Resurrection (book 5) – Science Fiction
“Once you start reading, you have to continue to the end. The author’s imagination is extremely wide and vivid and she really gives you an exciting glimpse of what the future could possibly turn out to be.”

Revenge of Zeeka: Horror Trilogy (books 1 – 3) – Science Fiction
“A one of a kind novella trilogy that delivers an incredible story guaranteed to give readers an absolute sci-fi treat.”

Zeeka Chronicles (books: 1 – 5) – Science Fiction. Award -Winner in Readers Favorite International Book Awards 2018.
“There are plot twists that will leave your head spinning and an exciting hunt for the clever mastermind, Zeeka.”


ROMANCE

Heart-Warming Tales – Romance, Short Stories
“These stories are uplifting in that they demonstrate the better part of human nature and show how fulfilling life is when people can forgive one another and live in harmony.”

Stories People Love – Romance, Short Stories
“This is a neat and extremely readable collection and shows an author who is able to write fiction and nonfiction elements seamlessly.”


CHILDREN'S

She Cried for Me: Autobiography of a Dog – Children’s, Animals
“A heart wrenching true story of a dog’s love for its mistress and vice versa.”

Adventures of Squeaky Doo – Children’s
“Children will surely fall in love with this likable teddy bear and will want to read about all of his adventures.”

AUDIOBOOK
She Cried for Me: Autobiography of a Dog Audible Audiobook
Brenda Mohammed (Author, Publisher), Shaina Summerville (Narrator)

NEW RELEASE - CRIME FICTION

The Gift of Love: Barry Holmes Investigates

What was The Gift of Love and who was the recipient?
The Book is the exciting prequel to a new mystery/detective series Barry Holmes Investigates.
You would not want to miss this.

Follow Brenda on Amazon. CLICK HERE

Meet Author Brenda Mohammed

Interview with multi-genre author Brenda Mohammed
Posted: October 10, 2018 | Author: kayelynnebooth | Filed under: Author Profile, Books, Fiction, Interview, Memoir, Nonfiction, Science Fiction, Travel, Writing | Tags: Author Interview, Brenda Mohammed, Memoir, Science Fiction, Travel Memoir

Brenda Mohammed Portfolio

I have the pleasure of interviewing independent author Brenda Mohammed today. She is not only a multi-genre author, but a multi-award winning author, who seems to dabble in a bit of everything. She comes from a background in finance, but became an author when she wrote a memoir about her battle with ovarian cancer. Since then, she’s written several other memoirs, as well as a science fiction series, a horror novel and a crime novel, as well as a wonderful self-help book for aspiring authors. She has done so much, and made so many travels, and I’m thrilled to have her share all that with us here, on Writing to be Read. Please give a warm welcome to Brenda Mohammed.

Kaye: When did you know you wanted to be an author?

Brenda: I never planned to be an author. I was a successful Bank Manager for many years. After I retired from the Bank at an early age, I became an Insurance Professional. I loved working in Finance and helping many people achieve their financial goals. In 2005 I was stricken with ovarian cancer. My doctor in Trinidad told me that she could not help me, and no other doctor in Trinidad at that time was qualified to do so. I sought treatment in Miami and gained a new lease on life. In 2013 I wrote a book about my cancer ordeal and recovery, I am Cancer Free. That was my first book and I have never stopped writing after that. To date I have written nineteen books.

Kaye: You’ve written 6 memoirs, 2 children’s books, a science fiction series, a crime novel, and a nonfiction book on writing. What’s the secret to tackling so many different genres?

Brenda: There really is no secret to writing in multiple genres. I have always loved a challenge and constantly seek out new opportunities. I write whatever I feel passionate about.

Kaye: You have written books in multiple genres: science fiction, memoir, self-help, etc… What are some of the differences you run into in writing different genres?

Brenda: When I am writing science fiction I maintain my focus on science fiction, and similarly with the other genres. The secret is to stay focused on the plot or the subject to achieve the end result. However, the problem I faced was in promoting my books.
I discovered a way around that and made Facebook Author pages for each genre. I have seven Facebook author pages. I also joined several Facebook groups that specialise in genres in which I write, to promote my books.

Kaye: Which genre is your favorite to write in? Why?

Brenda: I really enjoyed writing my science fiction series because it took me to another world for a while. When I wrote it I found myself becoming the hero or heroine and doing impossible things.

Kaye: You won a Readers’ Favorite Award in the 2018 International Book Awards for both your YA science fiction series Zeeka Chronicles,and your memoir I Am Cancer Free. What, if anything do these two books have in common besides both being Reader’s Favorite Book Award recipients? What makes them award winning books?

Brenda: Strange. I think I just answered that question above. The books have nothing in common yet there is a common thread. One is a futuristic thriller and the other is a survival story. As I said above when writing science fiction. i.e. Zeeka Chronicles, I found myself becoming the hero or heroine. In I am Cancer Free I am the heroine.
Seriously though, I quote from Readers Favorite: “Contest entries are judged all year long and are given a rating score based on key literary elements. The judges simply read the book and score it based on its merits.”

Kaye: Those are not the only award winning books you’ve written. Two other memoirs, My Life as a Banker received a second place award in memoirs in the Metamorph Publishing’s Summer Indie Book Awards in 2016 and Your Time is Now received IHIBRP 5 Star Recommended Read Award Badge. What can you tell us about those two books?

Brenda: My Life as a Banker is a memoir about my life in Banking. Banking was my first love. I always wanted to work in a bank. I love serving and helping people and seeing them prosper. Banking gave me the opportunity to do so and especially when I climbed the ranks to Commercial Area Credit Manager and was able to help business people with startups and expansion. Banking allowed me to play my part in building the economy of my native country, Trinidad.
Your Time is Now is intended to help people understand their own lives and to realize that we are all here on earth for a purpose.
The reviews for both these books speak a lot for them.

Kaye: What is it like to receive notification that your book is the recipient of a prestigious award?

Brenda: I have won many awards before in both Banking and Insurance.in my home country.
However, as this was an International Award it was a most joyous feeling to tell my friends and family that I won two prestigious awards with Readers Favorite International and will be attending the Awards Ceremony in Miami. In November.

Kaye: What’s something most readers would never guess about you?

Brenda: I dabble in art, poetry, and graphics in my spare time. Some of my art work hang on the walls of my home.

Kaye: What time of day do you prefer to do your writing? Why?

Brenda: I prefer to write in the still of the night. When everyone is asleep I find peace to think and write.

Kaye: What is the biggest challenge of being a writer?

Brenda: Only a few days ago I penned this poem about writing:

Writing takes me into a fantasy world.

Sometimes I find myself in a black hole.

I edit and fight to come out of it

But not before I get into a fit.



My books have gathered great reviews

Won awards and made the news.

Is it worth it, I sometimes ask?

Writing a book is a great task.



A writer’s life is a rather lonely one.

All day behind a computer is no fun.

An author must make the time

Read others’ books and go out and lime.



Do not sit at your computer all day.

Join the family in travel and play

Love of a family is life’s greatest gift

When you need to relax they give you a lift.

Kaye: Is there anything unique or unusual about your writing process?

Brenda: Before writing a story I write an outline of the entire plot in a couple of pages. I then use that to build my story. It sounds simple, but it is not.

Kaye: Your book on writing is titled How to Write for Success: Best Writing Advice I Received. Can you briefly share what the best writing advice you ever received really was? What is the main message of this book?

Brenda: The Best Writing Advice I Received was “Keep the Reader in mind when writing. In other words write for the reader and your books will sell.”
To answer the second part of the question I will quote one of the five-star reviews. The one from Readers Favorite is too long so I will share this one from an Amazon Reviewer:
“Having read a couple of Mohammed’s books, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed in this self-help book, and I was not. The book covers not only the gamut on the art of writing, but the formulation of an idea for a book, to proofreading, and eventual marketing of his/her book. This is an excellent book for anyone who finds him/herself contemplating becoming a writer. With Mohammed’s book in hand, there should be little, if any, room for error. I highly recommend.”

Kaye: You like to travel. Do the places you travel end up in your books?

Brenda: Yes they do and they did. I wrote Travel Memoirs with Pictures: Exploring the world. It is an illustrated picture book filled with reflections of my travels around the world.

In this pictorial travel book of my priceless memories, I describe places visited and the wonderful times I and my family had in our tourist trips. The book is great to read while on a vacation or for some travel inspiration.

I want to thank Brenda Mohammed for joining us here today and sharing a little about her lovely books. You can learn more about Brenda and her books on Amazon at: http://Author.to/BCM786. I love how she turned her own life experiences into books to be shared by all.

Like this post? Follow Brenda on Amazon.

A wise man once said there are no perfect readers and there are no perfect writers

I was checking through my book reviews for my science fiction novel Zeeka Chronicles: Revenge of Zeeka on Amazon UK and US.
Admittedly, not all Amazon reviewers gave the book five stars.
A wise man once said 'there are no perfect readers and there are no perfect writers.' [Shiju H. Pallithazheth]

One reviewer said,” Fans of Twilight Zone and Outer Limits TV series episodes should find these shorts right up their alley.”
Another said.” I raced through this book - or more correctly I should say series of five books, bargain, as the story was so fast-moving and exciting.
On the odd occasions I did put it down to do other things, I found it had inspired my imagination.
It takes a special kind of author to invent the future-
I loved the shrinkenator idea.
There is so much going on in these books that this writer’s work will stick in your mind for a very long time.”
She gave the book 5 stars.

But the five-star review that really stunned me was this one.
“This was a strange read. Brenda Mohammed writes unlike anybody else I've read. She is such an incredible gift to this genre and is a great introduction if this isn't your usual brand of reading.
The characterization is spot on, even though the material is very futuristic, I still found myself recognising the flaws.
There were moments that reminded me of the work of M Night Shyamalan and that's what Mohammed does well - she creates stories that are easy to visualize. Fantastic. Definitely recommended."

I wondered who M Night Shyamalan was and I looked him up on the Internet.

Here is what I found: Manoj Nelliyattu Shyamalan born 6 August 1970) is an American film director, screenwriter, author, producer and actor known for making movies with contemporary supernatural plots and surprise endings. He was born in Puducherry, India and raised in Penn Valley, Pennsylvania.
His most well-received films include the supernatural horror thriller The Sixth Sense (1999), the superhero thriller Unbreakable (2000), the science fiction horror Signs (2002), and the historical drama-horror film The Village (2004).
For The Sixth Sense, Shyamalan received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Director.
He was a producer for Devil (2010) and was instrumental in the creation of the Fox science fiction series Wayward Pines.
Shyamalan is also known for filming and setting his films in and around Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he was raised.
Most of his commercially successful films were co-produced and released by the Walt Disney Studios' Touchstone and Hollywood film imprints.
In 2008, Shyamalan was awarded the Padma Shri by the government of India.
I feel honoured to be compared with such a person.

In The Readers Favorite Book Award Contest, the book received an award in the category young adult thriller, and I quote from Readers Favorite: “The judges simply read the book and score it based on its merits.”

Follow Brenda Mohammed on AMAZON.CLICK HERE.

Excerpt from the book My Life as a Banker- Dealing with an Irate Customer

Today i want to share a short excerpt from my book My Life as a Banker: A Life Worth Living.

DEALING WITH AN IRATE CUSTOMER

"Every time I faced a difficult situation on the job, I prayed to God for the wisdom of King Solomon to deal with it.
One day I heard an irate customer quarreling loudly with a male staff member and asking to see the Manager.
He was cursing, using obscene language, and carrying on because his employers did not send his salary to the bank.
I heard the staff member trying to explain to him it was not the fault of the bank and that he should check with his employer, but to no avail.
The staff member was scared and he asked me if I would speak to him.
I must admit that I was scared too but I agreed.
After all, I was the manager and it was my responsibility to ensure that customers were satisfied
When the customer entered my office he seemed shocked to see me.
He covered his mouth with his hands, then apologized profusely for the disturbance he caused.
He repeated a few times, “Miss, I am so sorry. If I knew such a young girl was the manager I would have behaved myself. Please accept my apology. I will do anything you say.”
After offering him a seat, I chatted with him and explained that sometimes there were delays in receipt of salaries from Government agencies. He said he was a teacher and he once worked with one of the best headmasters at the Penal Presbyterian School.
He was unaware that he was speaking of my father.
When I told him that Dr. Khan was my father he was even more apologetic.
He was happy with our conversation and left the bank in a good mood."

Follow Brenda on Amazon. CLICK ON THIS LINK.

Benefits of becoming an Award Winning Author

LISTEN TO A FREE SAMPLE OF SHE CRIED FOR ME IN AUDIOBOOK

She Cried for Me: Autobiography of a Dog Brenda Mohammed is now available in an Audiobook.
You will love to hear Shaina Summerville of Findaway Voices narrate this story.
She did an amazing job.
Check out the sample at this link.
CLICK HERE

It is also available on Barnes and Nobles Nook Audio Books
Other places available are as follows:
24symbols / Audible, Amazon, Apple / Audiobooks.com / Beek / Downpour / eStories / Google Play / hibooks / Hummingbird / Instaread / Kobo, Walmart / Libro.FM / Nextory / NOOK Audiobooks / Playster / Scribd / 3Leaf Group / Baker & Taylor / Bibliotheca / EBSCO / Follett / hoopla / Mackin / Odilo / Overdrive / Perma-Bound / Wheelers