I would love to introduce you to the awesome and wonderful Poetess Livia York all the way from down under in THE QUEENSLAND Australia…
What a joy it is to know this wonderful Author and her book.
“RISE, OF THE ABUSED CHILD OF THE PHOENIX” is world famous. It’s a true story. I advise everyone to get a copy of this wonderful book.
“Hi Livia, it is so nice to get to interview you. Your book is wonderful and it has been such a joy to get to know you. Livia, what are some of your favorite genres to read and to write?”
“Debbie, I really only enjoy to read true stories be it BIO or everyday true life stories and I love poetry. So far I have only written one non-fiction.”
“Livia and what a wonderful book it is, what is the inspiration with your writing?”
“Debbie, human emotions are what inspire me. Being of Italian blood I am very passionate.”
“Livia, are you a published Author? If not do you plan on being?”
“Yes Debbie, I published my very first book in October 2015.”
“Livia, what has been your greatest criticism?”
“Debbie, if you can call it criticism, I was told that my book of 141,501 words about my ancestors, my mother and me, was too long. Readers will not want to read a true story of an unknown family, but I have proven every agent and publisher wrong.”
“Good for you, Livia. What has been your greatest compliment?”
“Debbie, I receive my compliments from photos from around the world. I take my biggest compliment to be that of a Facebook friend living in Austria, Europe. This lovely lady received my book as a Christmas present from her family last year. A few days later she unfortunately ended up in the hospital for an operation. Once she had recovered sufficiently she had a photo taken of her sitting up in bed while reading my book and posting on Facebook with the capture saying, ‘Four days after the operation, feeling much better and enjoying reading “Rise, The Abused Child Of the Phoenix” by Livia York. The problem is I don’t want it to end!’ I could not think of a better compliment.”
“Livia what a wonderful story. When you sit down to write, do you do it the old-fashioned way with pen and paper or do you use a computer?”
“Debbie, I use a laptop and I write at night only, sitting up in bed. The dark of night is my most creative time.”
“Livia, what do you do when you are not writing?”
“Debbie, I love socializing with friends, going to dinners, a live show and musicals. If I can’t see them live then I will watch them on videos…and as Glenn and I are musicians/singers we still, just occasionally, entertain our friends with our music.”
“Wow Livia, I would love to come to your house. I love musicals and live shows myself. Livia, compared to when you first started writing, have you noticed any big changes in your writing style or how you write compared from then to now?”
“Yes Debbie, a great improvement in my diction and spelling, but my writing style is the same, narrative in the first person.”
“Livia, what do you look for in a book when you sit down to read for fun?”
“Debbie, fun to me is reading a true story that engages all my senses, one that also makes me question the story line and analyze it in my own way.”
“Livia, what has been your favorite part about being a Poetess and an Author?
“Debbie, I like the surprising result when I finish a paragraph. As an Author I write without thinking of what I will write. While I was writing my first book I never once read the last paragraph I had written the night before. It became a natural process for me to just pick up the story where I had left it the night before. In regard to the poetry, it is a joy to do as they are short stories and I usually write them first thing in the morning. I find I will wake up with one word in my mind and the poem flows from there.”
“Livia, I have to say your poetry is always so beautiful to read and your book is very good. It’s hard to put down and you have a way with telling a story. It is from the heart. Livia, when you walk into a bookstore, where do you head to first? Why?”
“Debbie, the non-fiction area with biographies of any one human being, not necessarily of a famous person, just human stories.”
“Livia, did you get to quit your day job and become a writer and or author or do you still have a day job and writing is something you do for fun? If you still have a day job, what is it?”
“Debbie, I am 74 years old but I don’t understand the word ‘retire’ with my soulmate husband of 44 years. I am still working at our joint business as ‘Risk Takers’ or for better words, we are ‘Life Insurance Advisors’ of the old school.”
“Livia, what has been the strangest thing a reader has asked you?”
“Debbie, I could not define it as strange. However, I am constantly asked to confirm my age.”
“I understand Livia. I am asked the same thing and I am not far behind you. Besides writing and reading, what is your most favorite thing to do?”
“Debbie, I love having family gatherings for Sunday lunches or any other time. Also, I love interacting with my local readers over coffee and chat which I am asked to do, on average, twice a week.”
“Livia, we all have our little things when it comes to reading. Is there anything that bugs you when you read a novel? What is it?”
“Debbie, sometimes the print is too small and the chapters are too long. I like to be able to read and stop reading with feeling complete that I sufficiently know about that particular chapter. I may then continue the story next time without having to read the previews paragraph.”
“Livia, what do you listen to when you write? Do you find one type of music over another that inspires you to write? Why?”
“Yes Debbie, I love listening to light jazz. I find it very soothing.”
“Livia, what genre are you looking forward to exploring during your writing career? Why?”
“Debbie, once I have completed my next three books, which are all non-fiction, I would like to try my hand at fiction.”
“Livia, what are you currently reading?”
“Debbie, I have a number of local Published Author friends’ ads that I do reviews on. At present I am reading about a true Australian family of a lady and her husband who pioneered a vast piece of farmland in the Outback of Australia. It’s titled ‘McAlister’ by my friend, Jenny Old, who also lives on the Gold Coast like I do. The other is a heart wrenching true story of a mother raising a mentally disabled 20 year old son.”
“Livia, who are your favorite authors?”
“Debbie, I cannot lie. I have no preferences.”
“Livia, what seven words would you use to describe yourself?”
“Debbie, I am positive, self-assured, engaging, fun loving, strong willed, a good listener and most of all, I like myself.”
“Livia, thank you for the wonderful interview. Is there anything else that you would like to share or say to those who will read this interview?“
“Debbie, I don’t look at my past with no regrets. I have accepted whatever life has sent my way, in joy as well as in sadness. But if I was to have a regret it would be of not having my writing career earlier. However, even then there must have been a good reason why not. Now that I have discovered the joys of writing I am never going to stop. I am sure I will continue writing a long time after I’ve left this earth.”
Enjoy LIVIA’S POEMS:
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IN THE DARK OF NIGHTS
In the dark of nights, I swing in your balance,
in the glow of the Moon the despair in my heart deepens
with every beat of my heart.
I have seen the fear you bring and also your beauty,
I felt the agony, the despair, the joy and the love.
I’ve cried for my soul not to be dammed, and rejoiced in your compassion,
you’ve punished me and praised me, you’ve cut me deep and comforted me.
You loved me, but I’ve hated you and yet, I want to reach out and touch you.
But who are you to me? You are an illusion, a feeling of wonder
and your glow radiates like moon beams drenching me.
Just when I think you’ve deserted me
you re-appear to push me again for one more merry-go-round.
I know who you are now! and I will stay with you to my last breath…you are life.
Copyright © Livia York 2016®
No part of this story/poem may be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any way or form or by any means electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise without the written permission of the author.
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Poem by Livia York: 14th August 2016
TO CUDDLE A PUPPY
To cuddle a puppy for only a moment,
a fleeting sensation, was all that I asked!
To feel her soft paws, her warm little body,
for when it was done, it would settle my heart!
I cuddled a Puppy I could see she was empty
and gave her the love I knew she deserved,
my kind of love, of which I had plenty.
While running around to show me her skills,
she’d bump into things, but she’d never squeal.
She’d spin and she’d twirl with love and devotion
to show me she cared for my deep emotion.
The sweet little Puppy was starved for love,
I took her with me from that very day,
I could not believe her beautiful heart,
we formed a strong bond we never could part.
Her luscious coat I’d brush every day
with strokes to delight her in every way.
She’d slurp and she’d whinge, and she’d play the clown,
then roll herself again all over the ground.
Oh my, what I see, my work was not done!
I’d have to brush her all over again,
to brush her and hold her was what she was after!
For while she would kiss me all over my face
she’d show me she loved me, with her sweet embrace.
My sweet little Puppy would lie on my bed,
and all through the night she’d rest on my head.
Ears flopping and tongue hanging out,
with her little legs and warm chummy tummy,
while dreaming of running with me in the meadows,
she’d run after me chasing my shadows.
Her eyes were so bright, just like the stars,
she would follow me at times in the dark.
They shined so brightly to show me the way,
and walking beside me she would never stray.
But when it was time for me to hit the sack
she’d walk way behind me, protecting my back.
We were together, for some eighteen years,
I loved her, adored her, she was part of me.
Sharing with me, love, pain and sorrow, just like me
never surrendered, to things of tomorrow.
She left a big void deep down in my heart
that now I ask why, why, are we apart!
When it was time for her to leave me
she looked at me long, and gave me a smile,
Puppy was part of just being me,
I cried a long time, I trust you believe.
Tears are now bitter for my loneliness,
for missing you Puppy, I loved you the best.
The one who would never wanted for much,
just a kiss, a touch, a warm caress,
I yearn for you sweet Puppy, and your tenderness.
Copyright © Livia York 2016®
No part of this story/poem may be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any way or form or by any means electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise without the written permission of the author.
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Ode to the Phoenix
Written by Livia York
Music by Ted Cornell
Narrated and produced by Hank Beukema
A poem by the author of RISE – A true story
For more information refer to:
www.liviayork.com
www.facebook.com/liviayork.author
**Ode to the Phoenix, by Livia York.
We’ve never met but I know you, admire you and adore you, and,
in wonder of who you are while you follow me from afar,
I reach out to touch your gown and your gossamer silver crown.
You’re the one who soars the skies, past the sun, way up high,
turn and glide toward the earth, skim the waters like a bird,
whisper words in my ear, sweet and kind for me to hear.
But I wonder how you knew, when life threw me a dare
knowing well I did not care for the fate I was to bear!
I lost you once when I was blind, to find you again within my mind
I lost you twice but you came back, bright and new and stronger yet.
Did you see me in the dark? I was hiding like a lark!
Did you see me with my shame? Did you feel my tears and pain?
See my past, it’s filled with sorrow, I shall cry again tomorrow!
Was I really to be blamed and forever bear the scars
for the things that brought me shame?
If I want you in my life it’s because I know you’re wise,
in your arms I know I will, touch the sky and fly until
I can reach the highest star, travel with you near and far.
If I beg you, please do stop! will you take me to your wing!
Will you take me to your heart? will you teach me how to sing?
Sing of glory from my heart crushed and bleeding, torn apart,
and if I can’t bear the strain, will you free me from my chain!
Will you help me find my way if I scream, scream in pain?
But it won’t have been in vain, if you just came back again!
I can see your fiery heart soaring high away from me
please came back, I need you here, help me free me from my fear.
In your arms I know I will, find the joy I lost and still
live my life again a new, if I can just be with you.
Bring me peace I long to hold,
I won’t ask another thing if you fold me in your wing!
If I say I know you well it’s because I’ve been to hell,
burned to cinders just like you, thrashed so vile, feeling blue!
Love me, love me, love me do, I just yearn to be with you
soaring high above the sky. I will love you ’till I die.
In your arms I long to stay, like a Phoenix, if I may.
http://www.liviayork.com
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MEDIA RELEASE
INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY
For immediate release: July 5, 2016
GOLD COAST AUTHOR WINS INTERNATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION
Published Author Livia York from Southport, Gold Coast, Australia, has been recognised once again for her amazing writing talents.
Mrs York who has achieved great success since publishing her first book “Rise: The Abused Child of the Phoenix” in October 2015, has now also turned her hand to writing poetry, for which she is receiving widespread acclaim in the USA, India, Philippines and England thanks to the power of social media.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be an equal winner in an international poetry contest,” Mrs York said.
“I am still pinching myself.”
Mrs York’s poem, titled “Ode to the Phoenix” – which relates to her book “Rise: The Abused Child of the Phoenix” was selected as the joint winner – along with a poetess from India – of a poetry contest run in Facebook group My World which is run by author and poetess Nitasu Laupp and author and poetess Deborah Langford who is located in the USA.
Mrs York will receive a copy of book “Women of Passion” as her prize. She is receiving worldwide recognition and has seen her book sales spike as a result of the exposure.
“I trust all my friends and readers will recognize the theme of my poem about the Phoenix.
If not, visit my website: ww.liviayork.com,” Mrs York said.
Amazingly, Mrs York’s writing career only began in the last three years. Her continued success is an inspiration to all and proof that age has no limit to creativity.
– ENDS –
Further information:
http://www.liviayork.com/
Buy the book:
https://www.amazon.com.au/RISE-Abused-Child-Phoenix-Story-ebook/dp/B01914ZWY4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462570565&sr=8-1&keywords=Livia+York
https://www.amazon.com/RISE-Abused-Child-Phoenix-Story/dp/1925388328?ie=UTF8&keywords=RISE%20livia&qid=1462227582&ref_=sr_1_2&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/276-5894904-3029459?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=rise+livia+york+&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Arise+livia+york+
Author interview video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da6VmzJWESI
Song:
‘RISE’ written By Livia York’s friends is the book signature. : https://soundcloud.com/dave-hinds/rise
Images attached. Livia is also available for interviews and photo opportunities.
About the Author:
Livia York was born in Rome, Italy and migrated to Australia in 1958. She now lives on the beautiful Gold Coast in Queensland Australia with Glenn, her second husband and soulmate of 43 years.
Livia was bitten by the writing bug late in life, without any training or intention. For the past two years she has been writing her first book (albeit using one finger to type the 140,000+ words) and is both anxious and exhilarated to finally be sharing it with the world.
Mrs York has bared her soul for her book, “RISE: The Abused Child of the Phoenix” – a true story that provides a very personal account of abuse and the rape she suffered as a teenager – that left her pregnant – just days before moving from Italy to Australia.
Mrs York, a remarkable woman with a desire to ensure that domestic violence and the cowards who engage in such activity are recognized. She has also come up with a quirky concept to help sell her self-published book.
Mrs York offers potential buyers/readers a packet of tissues for $35 – while the DVD, book and bookmark come for “free.”
Mrs York has been blown away with the success of her book and has been working hard to promote it.
“I’ve been doing book presentations/signing directly to the public – appearances have included Gold Coast Italian Festival, The Arts Centre Gold Coast, Southport Park Shopping Centre, Runaway Bay Shopping Centre, and REaD Café at Paradise Island Resort. Book Face, Pacific Fair. BIGB Book Burleigh.
In writing her story, Mrs York hopes to inspire anyone trapped in similar circumstances to learn from her experiences, to take courage and free themselves from domestic violence before it’s too late.
About the book:
“Rise” is an achingly true story about a girl who rose from the ashes much like the fabled Phoenix bird. Equal parts heart wrenching and inspirational, Livia bares her soul to the reader, shedding light on her own experience of domestic violence, recalled from a time when it was even more taboo.
As a baby, in 1943, Mrs York survived one of the biggest bombardments in Rome. The apartment she shared with her mother, was sliced in two. When her mother arrived at the scene, she was amazed to see that Livia had survived unscathed, wrapped in blankets in the basement.
“It was like the Phoenix rising from the ashes. The Phoenix was my mother and the Phoenix was me.”
Pease contact Livia York for interview opportunities: 0421 464 268 or 07 5528 0376
