The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road

Reasons why to Purchase the Award Winning, "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road"

2008-05-23T08:26:00.000-07:00

The Book Trailer, Part I

What Customers are saying:

I bumped it up to 5. The book is incredible.
I really love the song and want to read this book. I know that it is going to be a real good story because the song and photos are real.
Hi! See that the novel is almost ready for press ..... are you planning a launch somewhere along Loi Kroh Road ??? ... or maybe at the Writer's Club in CM ???liked the trailer. My thoughts entirely about the street "mystical" .... Hope I'll get a chance to stop by and see you there before the end of the year.Now I'm in Spain the next 10 days, and then heading out to Thailand about 16th July for a month.Take care, Best regards, PAUL
I can't wait to get hold of the book! Loved the song on the promo - Tom
Hey, this looks great! I will ask my bookshop for the novel
Taryn, the music is so good and the graphics are warm and inviting. Where do I line up for my ticket to take my walk onto Loi Kroh Road?
I see on the blog that one of the co-writers is a Kiwi! So am I...we are quite special eh/ Now answer me this, why is it that everytime I tune into youtube I am drawn to watching and listening to this promo...it has power!!
heck get this book into the shops ! Ihave this listed on my favorites!
Is this book available in Canada?I first visited Chiang Mai in 1992 and eventually ended up living there for about 5 years ,under trying circumstances,fund less,expired visa etc. These somewhat adverse conditions in which I found myself enabled me to see and know Chiang Mai as the average Falang never could.Many vivid memories and even through all of the adversity C.M still holds a special place in my heart.Cheers Chok Dee Kaap
Hi Writer4762I have read the book four times now, I have never read the same novel so many times as I have this one. It is great and new things are revealed on every read. I hope I see more from you two again. Wonderful story, full of real life, I think.
This video is exceptional and clearly depicts what you can expect from this read.

2008 Indie Book Awards

2008-05-16T07:40:00.000-07:00

Greetings everyone!
As promised, I stated in my last post that if "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road" won in any category at the Indie Book Awards, that I would let YOU know.

So, I am proud to announce that the novel has WON in the following category: Best Online Marketing. As a result, I will be receiving a gold medal and the book will be categorized as a winning novel, along with the info below:

Finalists and Winners will also receive:
A listing in the 2008 Next Generation Indie Book Awards Catalog which will be distributed to book buyers, media, and others!
Exposure for a full year at http://www.indiebookawards.com/ as a Winner or Finalist.
The opportunity to display Finalist or Winner gold award stickers on your book.
Other benefits of an award-winning book (such as potential increased revenue).
PLUS, the top 70 books will be reviewed by New York literary agent Marilyn Allen of Allen O'Shea Literary Agency or one of Ms. Allen's co-agents for possible representation in areas such as distribution, foreign rights, film rights, and other rights (unless an entrant prefers not to have the book forwarded to an agent). Ms. Allen has over 25 years of sales and marketing experience, including serving as Senior Vice President, Associate Publisher, and Director of Marketing for Harper Collins and directing sales and marketing teams for Simon & Schuster, Penguin Books and Avon Books. Ms. Allen has had the pleasure of working with many best-selling authors including Stephen King, Ken Follett, Barbara Kingsolver, John Gray, Mary Higgins Clark, and many more.

Alan and I wish to thank YOU for being an important part of this award!

The Pulitzer Prizes

2008-04-11T20:42:00.000-07:00

I promised I would update everyone when I learned the results of the Pulitzer Prizes. I was convinced that "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road" would be listed at #1. I was wrong. We have both walked Loi Kroh Road and now we must walk a new Road leading us to new experiences and a new novel.

I have to admit, I was devastated when I found out the book didn't win. This has been such an incredible experience for me and everyone and I do mean everyone stated that they LOVED this book. The Indie Book Awards are in May. I again, will post if the book wins in any category.

If it doesn't, Alan and I bid you a fond farewell and adieu. We ask that you continue to tell your friends, family and others about "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road." But, Alan and I are moving on to the next novel which we are in the process of writing.

Please visit the blog to accompany the book: http://www.heplayedthegame.blogspot.com/ .

If you have ever felt different in your life....you will love this book. And, that's a promise.

Thank you to all that bought the book and wrote in to tell us how much you loved it. It means more than you know.
Cheers-

Alan Solomon and Taryn Simpson

COMING SOON...

2008-03-13T15:53:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for a virtual book signing with one author in BEIJING, CHINA and the other in NASHVILLE, TN USA?

Alan Solomon in Beijing, China Taryn Simpson in Nashville, TN USA

STAY TUNED...

The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road is up for another award!

2008-03-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

Yep, our book is nominated for two categories in the 2008 Indie Book Awards!

First for "Best Fiction" and Second for "Most unique online marketing of a book"

1. What are the Indie Book Awards?
The Next Generation Indie Book Awards (the "Indie Book Awards") is the most rewarding and exciting book awards program for independent publishers and authors worldwide.The Indie Book Awards was established to recognize and honor the most exceptional independently published books in 70 different categories, for the year, and is presented by Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group (http://www.ibppg.com/) in cooperation with Marilyn Allen of Allen O'Shea Literary Agency.

2. Who can enter the 2008 Indie Book Awards?
The 2008 Indie Book Awards is open to all indie publishers including independent publishers (small, medium or otherwise), university presses, self-published authors, e-book authors, seasoned authors and even first time authors based in the U.S., Canada or internationally who have a book written in English and released in 2007 or 2008 or with a 2007 or 2008 copyright date.
3. What makes the Indie Book Awards so special?
The Indie Book Awards is the only awards program of its kind because cash prizes and/or awards and maximum exposure (even possible representation) with a leading New York literary agent are given to the top 70 books entered.

Be sure to keep reading our blog to see if we won! Winners will be announced May 15, 2008.

Did YOU have a beer with Alan Solomon in Beijing Last Night???

2008-01-29T20:31:00.000-08:00

If so, I want to hear from you! Shoot me an email by clicking HERE

From Alan:

I had a work meeting until 10pm last evening, when it finished my boss said 'lets go for a beer' we went to a small bar and I was standing there and this guy comes up to me and asks if I am Alan Solomon, I answered yes and he replied he had just finished reading the MTC and he said "It was outstandingly good"

He then said "i was wondering where it was going as the characters were introduced in the middle but then I read on and it all came to me" He said "i never thought I would ever bump into you and I only wish I had my copy here with me for an autograph!

PICK UP YOUR COPY TODAY....WHO KNOWS? YOU NEVER WHEN YOU'LL BE BELLIED UP TO THE BAR NEXT TO AN AUTHOR!

Comment Regarding The Mango Tree Cafe - Part II Trailer

2008-01-29T06:59:00.000-08:00

Hi,

I have read the book four times now, I have never read the same novel so many times as I have this one. It is great and new things are revealed on every read. I hope I see more from you two again. Wonderful story, full of real life, I think.

YouTube - The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road - Part 2

Co-Author Note: Alan and I are currently working on a second novel as we speak.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

2008-01-09T19:04:00.000-08:00

If you started reading this blog early in the year of 2007, it has all culminated into this announcement.

Are you ready?

The Pulitzer Prize Winners and Finalists will be announced

APRIL 7, 2008.

Alan Solomon & Taryn Simpson are proud to announce that

"The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road" is nominated for

BEST FICTION

Happy New Year! - Another Review

2008-01-09T18:59:00.000-08:00

This is from a fabulous editor/writer, Barbara Milbourn. She edits most all of my books and God love her, she definitely earns her money! Without further adieu,

The Mango Tree Café Loi Kroh RoadAuthor: Taryn Simpson & Alan Solomon
Author Web site: http://mangotreecafe-loikrohroad.blogspot.com/
Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQD0R5IXOhs
ISBN-13: 978-1430325222
Reviewer: Barbara Sharp Milbourn
Purchase at http://www.lulu.com/content/1019489 or Amazon.com

Alan Solomon and Taryn Simpson, in The Mango Tree Café Loi Kroh Road, present the life of Larry. We both meet and say goodbye to Larry as an old man sitting in his cane chair on the veranda of his Chiangmai home peering into the past and future. What’s in-between is an entertaining and sensitive story of a man’s awakening to find and serve the truth.

Larry, a teenager, heeds the words of his father to leave the small New Zealand village so that his achievement will be greater than “. . . watching the grass grow and releasing the pressure from the udders of cows. . .” His travels take him to Thailand, “Land of a Thousand Smiles” and to the fertile beauty of the Mae Rim region where the solitude of the jungle stands in sharp contrast to the noise and bustle of Chiangmai’s Loi Kroh Road.

On this famous and hypnotic road, the powerful and the powerless come to wash bad luck away in drink, prostitution, and anonymity.In one of its bars, Larry has a vision (not his first) that points him to partake of the road and feed it a different food, to experience a different kind of love, and to acknowledge and embrace his purposefulness.

I’m convinced that roads like this and their seedy, gritty dynamic exist around the world. What I especially liked about The Mango Tree Café Loi Kroh Road is that it places us in the pocket of Larry’s shirt closest to his heart. We are standing with him in the press of his life, peering into and out of the café, seeing it for what it is, meeting its characters, smelling its smells, tasting its strange humor and barely disguised grief.

We move back and forth through time and reality to the accident scene, and eventually come to rest as the realization of who he is and why he is here presents itself. Through Larry we are reminded of how little we are really known and understood by others—and often ourselves—and how his seeking is hardly different from our own if we will but stare into its face.

Enjoy The Mango Tree Café Loi Kroh Road.

Hear author Taryn Simpson in an interview with Barbara Milbourn by clicking on Taryn’s name on the right side bar at http://yvonneperry.blogspot.com.

You Knew it was Coming....

2007-12-04T08:23:00.000-08:00

First of all, my apologies for not posting for awhile. You know how life is, you get caught up in it. Nonetheless, I'm posting now!

For those of you that have bought "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road", THANK YOU! As you read the book, you have to know that the book reads as a prelude to a film. I could feel it when I was writing with Alan on this project. Sooooooooo, I've been contacting movie producers to see if there was interest. There is.

I sent one producer this blog, the 2 book trailers, reviews of the book that each of you emailed to Alan or myself and a synopsis. I waited thinking Ok, she is going to come back with Thanks, but No Thanks...I was wrong.

Her email to me: Hi, I checked the links you kindly emailed me and I'mgoing to buy the book to get a sense of how the storyflows. I'm heading next week for Europe where I'll befor a few weeks so as soon as I have read the book,I'll come back to you.

So, friends it may turn out that "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi KRoh Road" may become a film. There's many a slip between the cup and the lip, but my fingers are crossed.

Now.....who should play the role of Larry?

And The Reviews Keep Rolling In!

2007-10-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Alan
I read the novel Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road and I am a harsh critic when it comes to what I enjoy, well I can tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed the novel and hope that you write another soon.

This novel should be pitched to some publishers worldwide as it has courage and real human moments of achievement and failings in life.

Thanks for a good read.

Ross Kilmister
****************************************
Incidentally, this book WAS pitched to publishers all over the world. It was passed over and now the book is nominated for numerous awards as well as a PULITZER PRIZE.

Special note to the publishers and agents that passed on this book: I bet you're just kicking yourself right about now, aren't ya?

End of October and Shopping for the Holidays

2007-10-05T04:23:00.000-07:00

Well, hopefully I will have great news to share with you all at the end of this month. That is when the USABooknews.com announces their winners for the year. As you may remember, "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road" is up for Best Fiction.

~~~

Also, is anyone having problems posting a review on Amazon.com for the book? If so, please drop me an email...for some reason, reviews aren't showing and I need to know specific names so that Amazon can investigate the problem.

~~~

Also, now is the time for shopping for the holidays! Why not buy a friend or family member a copy of the book? It's as easy as a click of a mouse! Take a look at Barnes & Noble's website, some of the reviews are showing up there and the site has been tweaked it appears.

~~~

I Got An Email Yesterday

2007-09-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Ms. Simpson:

We have received THE MANGO TREE CAFE for entry in the 2008 PulitzerPrize competition.

The entry is complete with books, entry form,entry fee, bio and photo.

Thank you for your entry.

Sincerely,Claudia Weissberg
-- Claudia Stone Weissberg
Website Manager
The Pulitzer Prizes
Columbia University
2950 BroadwayMail Code 3865
New York, NY 10027 USA
212-854-3841
www.pulitzer.org

***********************************
It was the best email of my life.

Readers are emailing Alan after reading the Book!

2007-09-17T18:42:00.001-07:00

I received your novel The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road, I thought I would glance at before getting into it as I am a regular to Chiangmai and know the Mae Rim region as well. I wish to tell you that my glance at the novel ended some 4 hours later when I finally got to the back cover I am going to re-read it, something I have never done with any novel before in my life. An easy read, a really very good yarn. The characters leapt out at me and somewhere inside me is Larry. Thanks to you and Taryn Simpson for such a good read.

Chris Collins
UK
__________________________________________________________________

Hi Alan your book arrived today! Read the first 8 chapters before I decided I really needed to do some work. I thoroughly enjoyed what I've read so far it is an easy read and made me think so much about my own life.

Cheers
Colin Leigh
__________________________________________________________________

Hi Alan, Taryn

I have just finished reading the mango tree cafe, well done it is a great book and I hope that you win the book of the year prize!

Ted Osborne
__________________________________________________________________

Hi

Are you guys aware or interested in the Kiwi guy living in China who has written a novel called The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road. I purchased it off Amazon and it is a really good read.The Promo number 2 on Youtube is good as well. Great to know Kiwis do fly!!
Rob.
__________________________________________________________________
Hi Alan and Taryn

Thanks for writing your novel. it's so exciting!
Nina
__________________________________________________________________
This video is exceptional and clearly depicts what you can expect from this read.
(Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road PART TWO)
_________________________________________________________________

Hi Alan.

I showed the novel to my family in Kansas and they are all well-read people. Their first response was its a good story.

Lyn.
_________________________________________________________________
wOW, WOW, WOW!!!!!!! How cool...I gotta get your book...The Nashville article was grest I will buy the book monday..you must be rapt..and wouldnt it be fab if you got even a nomination for the pulirzer...keep me in the loop!
Keep smiling and be positive!

Iain Taylor
_________________________________________________________________

Just read the review in the Tennessean - looks good. I'll definitely have to pick up a copy once I get back to the UK.

Erik Gaustad
_________________________________________________________________

The Mango Tree Cafe may very well be a fabulous hit. The book so far is very good..............in fact it is a bit hard to put down. I am only part way through and the movers are supposed to deliver our sea shipment tomorrow so I will probably be forced to take a break from the book. I will get back at it soonest to finish. It is totally imaginative..........and it reads as though it is being spoken to me. It is a fabulous read, that's for sure.
Let me know how it is going!
Take care,
Lynn
________________________________________________________________
HAVE YOU PURCHASED YOUR COPY OF THE BOOK YET? WHAT'S STOPPING YOU??

The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road - Part TWO

2007-09-07T18:36:00.000-07:00

More about the book:

LIVE! From the Beijing International Book Fair

2007-08-31T09:58:00.000-07:00

Alan Solomon reported back yesteday with loads of pictures and this brief comment. If you're in Beijing, stop by the fair and say hello to Alan!

Probably about 200,000 people in the place when I was there! I have some photos, did not even get near where ours was on display owing to crowds.

Alan

More news to come directly from Alan in Beijing, China!

The International Book Fair in Beijing!

2007-08-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

Well, the time is drawing near when "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road" will be on display at The International Book Fair in Beijing. The book is scheduled to be shown by the Jenkins Book Group to various book retailers that are looking for books to stock on their shelves.

I can tell you that from the looks of things, the novel has been practically flying off the virtual shelves at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com!

If you're in the area on Aug 30, 2007 - Sep 3, 2007, please feel free to meet Alan Solomon at this book fair.

For more details:CLICK HERE

Layout of the fair: CLICK HERE
Cheers!

Interview, Interviews, and MORE Interviews

2007-08-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't get to talk with Alan via phone, but I continued the interview anyway. The show must go on, right? Sigh.....One day, Alan....One day.

Had the most fun with Revvell on her radio program! It was like we were just chatting and having a great conversation instead of an "Interview".

Here's her review and listen to the show, it was a blast!

Having read Taryn Simpson's and Alan Solomon's book, "The Mango Tree Cafe"; Loi Kroh Road" I was anxious to interview them for my program. Lately it's been rare that I've picked up a book and not been able to put it down. "The Mango Tree Cafe" is just such a book. Set in Thailand it tells the story of Larry and the colorful characters he encounters on Loi Kroh Rd. I feel this story will HAVE to be made into a film for those whose imaginations don't do the book justice. It's a "must read" for those who love adventure and discovering new places while sitting comfortably in an easy chair accompanied by a warm cup of tea.

Revvell
http://podcast.thebookcrawler.com/

http://podcast.thebookcrawler.com/2007/08/15/revvell-interviews-taryn-simpson.aspx or: http://tinyurl.com/3y5usj.

HUGE NEWS!

2007-08-13T08:22:00.000-07:00

Not only is the book reading like a Who's Who, read below for the HUGE NEWS!

"The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road" is....

* Being shown at the Beijing, China International Book Fair at the end of this month

* Competing for Best Fiction Novel according to USABookNews.com

* Accumulating Interview Requests from

- Linda Della Donna (http://www.griefcase.blogspot.com/)
- Revvell (http://www.revvellations.com/)
- Virtual Book Review (http://www.virtualbookreview.com/)

* Selected as Book of the Month to read by an Australian book club

* Advertised heavily in "Ideas, Goals and Dreams" Magazine to premier in Sept 2007

* Scheduled to be translated into Chinese and Mandarin languages

AND THE HUGE NEWS

"The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road" will compete for

Best Fiction Novel for the Pulitzer Prize!!!!

All I can say to Alan Solomon is, "Cheers, Mate!"

An Interview with Revvell Promises to be MONUMENTAL

2007-08-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

I spoke to Revvell (www.Revvellations.com) yesterday morning to discuss when she would like to interview me regarding "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road" book.

While we chatted, I suddenly had a thought. "Do you think we could bring Alan into this interview as well?"

Revvell was game, so when I asked Alan about it (via email as always) he responded that he would be glad to.

This would be the FIRST time we would talk to each other regarding the book. Due to time differences, it will take some doing, but it should be a monumental occassion.

More details later on when the program will air.

The First Review Is IN!!!!!!

2007-08-08T17:53:00.000-07:00

An author who also conducts radio shows as well as review books:

..."If you get a chance to read this book, do so. It is MAHVELOUS!!! It's been awhile since I've not been able to put a book down. Going back to reading it now. We're doing an interview, right? HAVE to talk about THIS book!!!"

Revvell
http://www.revvellations.com/

You know what to do, right? Click here: The Mango Tree Cafe', Loi Kroh Road by Alan Solomon, Taryn Simpson (Book) in L

A Virtual Conversation with Solomon & Simpson by Linda Della Donna

2007-08-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome Readers! Have I got a treat for you. Recently, I caught up with authors, Alan Solomon and Taryn Simpson and asked for an email interview. Solomon and Simpson teamed up to write The Mango Tree Cafe' Loi Kroh Road. What is stunning about this union, is Solomon makes his home in Asia, and Simpson resides in the USA.

Here's what Taryn Simpson and Alan Solomon had to say:

How did you come across this project?

TS: A writer friend of mine got a lead from a gentleman that had written a rough draft of a book and needed someone to "punch it up". She forwarded the book to me because it was fiction and she knows that it's my speciality. I thought it was going to be 'just another writing job'. Enter Alan Solomon and The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road. I read the synopsis he wrote for the book and was immediately taken with it. Why did you write this book?

AS: I received the power to write this novel from the moment I entered Loi Kroh Road and felt the mysterious magic of the street.

What was it like working with another author from a different part of the world? Were there barriers? Name one?

TS: Absolutely! Being an American, it's hard for me to fathom that people in other countries don't have the same freedoms that we do. Even when it comes to something minor such as the internet. If you have lived in the USA your entire life, you tend to adopt the mindset of "If I have a certain freedom, surely everyone else has it too". Although watching the news I know differently. It's just different when you become aware of how rich our freedoms are in this country when you hear people from different parts of the country talk about certain limitations they have. For example, when I created the blog for the book, Alan wasn't able to see it online for quite some time due to China's strict internet laws. TS (continues): Another barrier was I had a certain time frame where I could catch Alan on line. Remember, if the time in Nashville, TN USA is 8pm, it is 8am in Beijing. So, when I'm winding down from the day, Alan is beginning his. From 7:30pm my time until however late I could make myself stay up is when we had brief conversations about the book. Once I logged off for the night, Alan would leave me emails for the next morning (which is his night!). It was crazy!

AS: No barriers working with Taryn, Taryn was so enthusiastic and so helpful, for me it was like we were seated in the same bar side-by-side discussing our next move.

How long did it take you to write The Mango Tree Cafe'? Were friends, family members supportive?

TS: Well, that's hard to say. Although the book was written, I re-wrote roughly half of it and added/deleted sections of the book. Generally a novel takes 2-3 months or maybe more. That's not including editing. Yes, my partner endured many conversations about the book. When I become enthralled with a book, look out. I talk about it non-stop!

AS: The novel from start to finish took around 4 years, however the 'pull' to write was in my head for as long as I can remember, probably in High School. My family and friends never knew I was writing the Mango Tree Cafe, however if they had known they would have been supportive with a roar of laughter.

Without giving too much away, what is your favorite part of The Mango Tree Cafe? Do you have one?

TS: Oh, this is going to be difficult. Overall, I loved the fact that I got "lost" in this book as a reader. I've never been to Thailand and never had a yen to go. But, the events of the novel were so real to me that I felt like I have been there. It was a very strange feeling. And, meeting people in Nashville that had actually been there was just surreal. TS (continues): I love many sections of the book. The ones that stand out in my mind is the metamorphisis the main character goes through. It covers from the time he is a child to current age of around 50ish. He is able to gain a realization about himself and his father which is very melancholy at best. It's a sweet, sad, and all too painfully familiar feeling of knowing what it feels like to be so ultimately different from others and realizing that regardless of the lifestyle you lead, you can't run from what is inside yourself. I don't want to give too much away, but it is a very poignant story. I promise you will be in tears at the end. Not to mention that the setting includes visions of a lush jungle full of exotic fish, elephants and street dogs. I tried to put that feel in the You Tube video I did for it.

AS: In the novel there are many personal favorite parts I enjoy, however I guess if I had to identify just one part I would have to say it was when Larry realized he lost his only love Noo and to the end of the novel believed he was hearing her and seeing her and that someday she would return to him.

Did you accomplish everything you set out to do when writing this story?

TS: I think so. This question would probably be better served if answered by Alan Solomon. But, after he read the final draft I sent him. I could tell he was quite pleased.

AS: Yes I believe so.

What do you want readers to come away with after reading your story?

TS: I have to remind people that the story was created by Alan. But I want people to come away with whatever makes them think about the book. It has a lot of messages and there is one for everybody. I loved how the book describes the misfits of Loi Kroh Road as beautiful and exotic. Yet, the lives they lead were very gritty and difficult.

AS: Questioning life and how things happen to us as we travel through life which we can miss unless we are alert and seize the moment.

Are you working on anything at this time? Can you share what it is?

TS: I'm having to FORCE myself to move on from this book! LOL. I'm marketing the heck out of it as we speak. But, I have a couple of ideas for books that I am working on. The Mango Tree book has created a real desire in me to start writing "literary fiction" much in the same vein as "The Color Purple", or "A River Runs Through it". This book is pivotal in my career. My next book is tentatively entitled "Invisible Fences". Although it can change.

AS: I am thinking all the time, I watch and listen and keep a notebook. Something may happen. I am not too sure.

Any advice to a writer in the process of writing her own book?

TS: Some writers will say write at any cost. I say write when you have alone time and if you don't have it, make time to write. Even if it is for 10 or 20 minutes a day. Don't be discouraged. Get it down. Worry about deleting or editing later. Listen to music or do an activity such as people watching that will help you get in the mood for what you are writing because I think it bleeds through.

AS: Place a mirror on your writing desk and as you write occasionally look up and you will see what your next line is to be, because looking right back at you will be the lines, the eyes sending you the message and experience of life.

Thank you, Taryn, Thank you, Alan, for your time. Much success with The Mango Tree Cafe Loi Kroh Road. I'm off to do get a mirror and do the 10-20 minute-a-day writing thing!

You have permission to contact Linda Della Donna to do an interview at littleredmailbox@aol.com

******

Interviews, Interviews and More Interviews!

2007-08-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

As I am putting the finishing touches on the novel, I'm getting more requests for interviews. Normally, I don't care for doing numerous interviews about a book but that was before I did an interview with Linda Della Donna.

Linda is a talented writer that specializes in conducting thoughtful interviews with people she finds interesting. Alan Solomon and I are her next subjects. I've done my part of the interview and now we wait for Alan to return to Beijing after traveling to Singpore on business for his portion of the interview. In the meantime, check out Linda's FANTASTIC blog, Griefcase.

www.Griefcase.blogspot.com and look for www.Griefcase.net coming soon.

I'll post it as soon as she is complete right here. By the way, if you would like our book to be featured in your local newspaper, ezine, blog etc. Drop me a line.

Don't forget to purchase the book. Then drop by the mangotreecafe yahoo group and leave a message! I look forward to hearing your comments.

An Interview with One of the Co-Authors, Taryn Simpson

2007-08-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

Thought I would include an interview the Freelance Union did with me recently regarding my writing career. I knew I would be talking about "The Mango Tree Cafe" book quite a bit, so in 'keeping with our theme!' here's the interview: CLICK HERE

I can't seem to quit talking about it. It's a very special book, and I thank Alan for allowing me to be a part of it.

Feel free to leave a comment, I've learned several since I've known Mr. Solomon! He's quite the amusing fellow!

Taryn

Buying Books while Bellied up to the Bar

2007-07-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

Paid a visit to one of my favorite watering holes this past weekend. Bellied up to the bar and plopped 5 copies of "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road" next to me as the bartender slid a cool one in front of me.

Of course, my friends bought them eagerly and began reading excerpts of it. "Hey, this really looks good! Can't wait to read it!" each of them said. I smiled and thanked them. I know they are going to LOVE it. More than they know.

Then, a guy catches my eye at the corner of the bar. He's staring at the book and has a haircut that indicates he might be in the military. He asks me, "Is that book sort of philosophical?" I nod yes. "Why do you ask?" He nods and says that he went to Chiang Mai to find himself.

"The countryside is gorgeous. Very primitive in sections. But it gives you such a sense of being able to look within." I smile and know he'll enjoy the book.

"I began every morning by jogging on Loi Kroh Road. The bars were closing down from the previous night, there were still some party revelers stumbling home and there were some like me listening for answers. I even saw The Mango Tree Cafe. It's true what you said in that book."

"What do you mean?" I ask. "The legend is true. You're changed forever when you go on that street. Scary stuff...." He shakes his head and buys me a beer.

I get the impression he still searches for answers.