Book Feature: New Normal New Beginnings + Exclusive Author Interview with Mae Gomez

Mother's Day is just around the corner and with the new month starting, it is just right that we feature a book about Moms. 

New Normal New Beginnings is a compilation of inspiring stories from 23 moms as they journey through different phases of motherhood in this pandemic: giving birth, coping with fear, dealing with grief, homeschooling, and many more. 

This book was curated by Mae Gomez, a mom of three boys, an authority member of the Non-Fiction Authors Association, founder of Thrive&Grow Book Publishing, and author of The Joyful Stay-at-Home Mom, a book for moms of toddlers coping with depression. 

Now, we are lucky to have the opportunity to interview this remarkable woman as she shares more about her latest book, New Normal New Beginnings. 

1. Can you share with us something about the book that isn't in the blurb?

Most of the moms who wrote the book are first-time authors. The book is written by moms, for moms, with a mission to help mothers in need. It supports the Grace to be born Foundation in the Philippines. It is a perfect book to give to moms this mother's day.

2. What inspired the idea for your latest book?

I was inspired by a post I saw on social media, "Despite all that is happening, is there something that you are thankful for today?"

3. How long did it take you to complete the book?

It took me 2 months to complete the book. 

4. What part of the book was most challenging to write and why?

The most challenging part is not the writing itself, but the curation and coordination process - bringing together moms of different backgrounds and belief systems, encouraging them despite their self-doubts, and meeting timelines (As moms, we always have our family duties to juggle with writing.)

5. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

I hope that readers will be able to realize that as a mother, you can thrive, grow, and be resilient amidst the pandemic.

6. If you’re planning a sequel or write the next book, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?

I am writing a book for work-at-home moms.

7. Where can they buy your books or find out more about you? 

If you want a copy of the book, you may reach me through my social media accounts:

Facebook: New Normal New Beginnings Book

The Joyful Stay-at-Home Mom

Instagram: New Normal New Beginnings Book

                    The Joyful Stay-at-Home Mom

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Thank you, Author Mae, for agreeing to this interview. We are inspired by your new book project and we truly believe that this message is very important to share with others (especially moms) as we are facing the biggest crisis of our lifetime. Thank you for encouraging us to continue to thrive and grow.

For those who are looking for Mother's Day gift, this book is a great idea! 

Book Feature: Where Silence Ends: A Memoir + Exclusive Author Interview with Angela Ruiz

Where Silence Ends is the captivating memoir of a Mexican-American, mother-daughter duo and their chillingly beautiful family journey of generational trauma and healing was published last March 2021 in time for the celebration of Women's month. 

Now, we have the privilege to interview the author, Angela Ruiz as she shares with us more about this beautiful memoir. 

1. Can you share with us something about the book that is not included in the blurb?

I wrote the book at 32 years old, but in reality, this journey was in the works for over a decade. My mother first approached me when I was 16 years old and voiced that one day, she’d like to write the story of her twisted and yet triumphant life with me. Alas, Where Silence Ends is the result of a tiny seed growing roots and shooting up towards the sun.

2. What inspired the idea for your latest book?

As I mentioned, this book was a long time coming — but the final inspiration to dive all in was an ayahuasca ceremony I participated in. Ayahuasca is a powerful mixture of nature that helped awaken my consciousness to my purpose at that moment. The message came through lovingly, and yet somewhat forcefully: “My Dear Beloved, write the book!” And so, I did.

3. How long did it take you to finish writing this book?

It took me two and a half years to interview over 15 people, transcribe the audio, and write the book to begin rounds and rounds of editing with my trusty editor. My team also transcribed the entire book into Spanish during this time. I love the process of creating through writing, and though this is my debut novel, I hope to write another book soon.

4. What part of the book was most challenging to write and why?

What a great question. Honestly, I remember my chest feeling heaviest as I wrote the last 3 chapters. This was a combination of coming towards the end of writing my first book, and more so than anything, processing all the emotions and stories I was holding throughout the 2 years of writing the book. It’s an intense read, there is no way around that, but I also try and stay true to who I am and who my mother is — and we are women filled with love and happiness. My hope is that the lightness in such a dark story shines through.

5. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

I believe every reader will take away what serves them most. There is so much to learn from a raw story of a Mexican American family dealing with generational sexual abuse, and unfortunately, so many people in this world can relate. My hope is that it helps readers find even more strength than already exists within them and inspires others to use their voice.

6. If you’re planning a sequel or write the next book, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?

Absolutely! I’m thrilled to share this. My next book is somewhere between a sequel and a parallel partner of Where Silence Ends. This next book will be all about my dad’s life, although I think I’ll make it fiction rather than non-fiction — yet largely inspired by true events. His life story is fascinating and brings to life so many aspects of my beloved Mexico, the intricacies of immigration, and what so many people refer to as the American dream. There are several characters that will appear in my dad’s story that is also in my mom’s story, so I’ll be using the same names for those characters — keeping the two books connected with special little details as such. I feel a rush of excitement when I think about starting this next book.

7. Where can we buy your books?

Where Silence Ends is my debut novel and can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, and almost any other online platform that sells books. Simply search “Where Silence Ends, Angela Ruiz.” I hope that all readers or someone in their lives will benefit from this story.

8. Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

I invite you to visit my website: WhereSilenceEnds.com

Here you’ll find some gems in the form of author photos, featuring me and my mom together. You can also contact me through my website. I love hearing from readers and connect.

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Thank you, Angela, for agreeing to this interview. We are thrilled to learn more about you and your book and we are excited for the sequel as well. 

For those who are interested to order the book, you'd be happy to know that a portion of every purchase will be donated to providing therapy for survivors of childhood sexual trauma. Just go to WhereSilenceEnds.com

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Best Practices in Managing Credit Card Debts in the New Normal

The health crisis has been ongoing for over 12 months and with the recurring wave of infections happening across the globe, it seems that there is no end-in-sight available anytime soon. 

Due to the crisis, many aspects of our lives have suddenly become different. We experienced major changes in the way we work, our children's educational system, even our dining, and shopping habits. On a larger note, the crisis has greatly impacted the economy, job security, and personal finance. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the current US unemployment rate is at 6%, or 9.7 million are unemployed as of March 2021. While in the Philippines, the most recent report by the Philippine Statistics Authority states that as of February 2021, unemployment worsens in the country as we now have 8.8% or 4.2 million Filipinos reported jobless compared to the 5.3% unemployment rate in January 2020. 

What does the current unemployment rate have to do with credit card debts?

This simply means with all the uncertainties happening right now, having a credit card debt or other outstanding loans may not be a good idea. There is a huge possibility that further lockdowns might take place and unemployment (whether permanent or temporary) or reduced income will continue to rise in the next few months. 

What can we do about it? 

If you are currently employed and still continue to have a source of income right now, first you need to do is stop borrowing. If you have some outstanding credit card debts, prioritize paying them off as well. It will help you save money since it means that you don't have to pay more interest (which is just money down the drain) 

Don't you think it is better to keep or hold on to my money? 

Though having cash on hand is good especially during emergencies, paying off your credit card debts will give you peace of mind. Remember that when the unexpected comes (like unemployment or loss of income), it won't be an excuse to miss out on your obligations. You will continue to incur more penalties and charges which just makes the situation worse. 

Instead, you can use your credit card as a lifeline during emergencies. 

I am not really sure if I have to capacity to pay it in full. I have limited resources. 

If you have limited resources, it is best to come up with a plan on how you can pay your credit card debts. Find out how much is your income and how much funds you can allocate for payments. Compute what portion of your actual payments go to the interest and the principal. If you are not sure how to do it, you can use a free credit card payment calculator. It will also give you insights into how monthly payments are left if you are just paying the minimum or a certain amount.  

Once you have this information about your payment capacity, you can contact your bank and ask for a payment arrangement. Usually, they can offer lower interest rates or lower minimum payments. All you need to do is ask. 

I am already in trouble and have missed some payments. 

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, amnesty and relief programs are available to help delinquent cardholders pay off their outstanding payments and restructure their credit card debt. 

Thus, do not lose hope when you are in this situation. If you have already incurred some late fees and penalties, don't be scared to reach out to your bank. Instead, let them know your situation and the hardships that you are facing. Many companies are able to waive or refund fees to help their clients during this time of need.

Book Review: Woman of Faith by Karen Agreda – Cabunilas

It was an ordinary Wednesday night and I have a new book in the mail. Being the typical me, I excitedly opened the package to check. I planned to just browse through the pages quickly however, I really had no intention to read that night as I was so busy with tasks.

Little did I know I couldn't put down the book and finished reading it in one sitting. 

Woman of Faith is not your typical inspirational book but rather it is a genuine testimony of a strong and faithful woman who went through a lot of challenges and hardships, how she and her family were able to hold on to their faith to withstand all the trials and enjoy the blessings they have received today. 

One thing that is unique about this book is that it has a lot of bible verses. The author responded to their life's trials with prayer and unwavering faith. She generously shared her favorite bible verses and how God's words have given them strength all throughout the years. 

What I love about the book? It is such an easy read as if you are just talking to a friend. Her story is not something that is too good to be true but rather it is something genuine. Many of the author's life experiences are relatable one way or another. As a reader, you will laugh and cry as you read. 

Through this book, Author Karen Agreda - Cabunilas shared the gift of hope to the world. The book also celebrates family, friendship, love, and God's miracles -- everything that makes life worth living for. 

Thus, if you are someone who’s going through a difficult time right now, this book is for you. 

If you are someone who has big dreams but thinks that it is impossible, this book is for you.

About the Author

Karen Agreda - Cabunilas is a woman who strived hard to achieve her dreams. She started from scratch and all she had in hand was her faith. From being an online seller, she is now the owner and CEO of her own company, JKAR Realty, and Consultancy. Her husband, on the other hand, owns and manages his growing construction company and handles several branches of their hardware supplies store. To date, they own several businesses and properties that they did not even imagine having. From nothing, they are now enjoying all their answered prayers with faith in their hearts. 

Through this book, the author wants to share what our faith can do. 

She is also the author behind the blog, Karenspirations. 

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Title: Woman of Faith
Author: Karen Agreda-Cabunilas
Publisher: Central Book Supply, Inc.
ISBN: 978-621-02-1208-2
No. of Pages: 119
Size: 6 x 9 inches
Edition: 2020
Binding: Softbound

You may order your copy through Central Books