January 3, 2011

Blog Tour Day Three! Interview with Jeffrey Barbieri



1Q. What do you currently write, why do you love it, and what are you looking forward to
writing in the future?

1A.The world around us is full of real- life stories that can provide a basis for successful fiction.

There are stories that grip you and some that linger with you for a while. My latest book "Viola - Field Of Flowers" is one of those books I felt compelled to write. Based on real events, it allowed me the freedom to create and express all levels of emotions for each of the characters.

I enjoy finding creative ways in story telling in order to set an emotional stage. If I get the reader to feel for a particular character, whether through laughter or tears, then I have done my job.

I am currently moving in the mystery and romance genre. I've written short romance stories and believe in time that I can develop my skills in order to hopefully release a book in this genre.

2Q. As a member of a new writer’s group, Liberty States Fiction Writers, what have you taken away from the members and why do you think aspiring writers should join groups?

2A. For me, I have found Liberty State Fiction Writers to be a wealth of knowledge.

LSFW concept is to educate and support all fiction writers. So LSFW has given me the opportunity to attend classes in helping me in my craft as well as attend conferences where I can network and attend valuable workshops. If you’re interested in gaining knowledge in the publishing business this is certainly the place to do it. There is support for all fiction writers here.

3Q. Where do you find your motivation and inspiration to continue writing?

3A. My motivation comes from a simple desire to express and create. Words often shape our lives, emotions and thoughts. If I can stir and trigger a response within a reader, then I have done my job.

Jeffrey Barbieri was born in Dover, NJ. As a young teenager he fell in love with music and through music he discovered the power of words.

Experiencing life between NJ and PR became the product of his first book - Lets Find You - that shares this adventure.

After enlisting in the Army from 1985 – 1993 he attended Chubb Institute. He is a member of the Liberty State Fiction Writers Association and the American Legion.

He currently lives between NJ and PR and is an active member of two charity organizations: Save-a-Gato in Puerto Rico and Paper Houses Across The Border, Acuña, México.

Jeffrey is a musician and plays the guitar, piano and drums. He enjoys song writing and creating emotions through music. He has taught Sign Language for more than 13 years and enjoys meeting others who share the passion of changing lives through words.


Viola – Field Of Flowers:

In the heart of Savannah, Ga. Two girls come together to form the unlikeliest of friendships.

Separated by the color of their skin, Viola and Ruth tell a story of truth, love, and the power of family.

Walk with them as they find each other in "Field Of Flowers."

You can find Jeff online: www.JeffreyDBarbieri.com

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I read both of your books and I'm looking forward to reading this one. Sounds exciting!

Jeffrey said...

Thanks for inviting me Jenn. Happy New Year.

It's always thrilling for me personally to be able to connect to a reader. If they read the book(s) and "get it" especially with the Ben and Ink Series. It drained me emotionally but well worth writing.

Viola isn't part of this series. However, it is based on real events.

Jenn Nixon said...

Glad to have you Jeffrey! I'm probably going to do another later this year, so I'll let you know!

Anonymous said...

This author has a unique style of writing and a talent that allows almost seamless blending of fact and fiction. His passion is evident in his writing and his style captivates the reader throughout the story. I look forward to reading more of his work in the near future.

Anonymous said...

This author is truly one of a kind. His previous books, "Let's Find You" and "Frog" are books that touch your heart and make you feel a slew of emotion. Written in pro's and poetry, Jeffrey not only opens the door to an exciting new world...he blows it wide open!
Viola Field of Flowers is so exciting and I absolutely cannot wait to read all the other books he puts out.
This author is on fire! Keep it up!

Jeffrey said...

I very much appreciate the comments. The book "Lets Find You" was written in prose and poetry. The poetry was to bring the reader into a deeper level of emotion.
I have received emails from readers that enjoyed this unique style including the famous NY Yankees sports writer Maury Allen who sadly passed away on Oct 3rd, 2010.

Jeffrey said...

Thank you so much for your comments and I'm beyond thrilled that you took the time to read me.

The new book "Viola - Fields Of Flowers" is not part of the "Ben and Ink" series.

I took a small break to write about Viola because it captured my heart and wouldn't let me go until I had a chance to share it with others.

I'm currently writing "Secret Shadows" (romance mystery) but will return to the "Ben and Ink" series later this year.

Anonymous said...

Yes! The power of language, mighty words through signing, braille, voice, any method inspires me also. The idea of using real life situations adds depth because people's stories inspire, educate and evoke great healing potential. I look forward to reading 'Voila Field of Flowers.' Best wishes for continued success, Jeffrey.
And Jenn, thanks for providing me with yet another opportunity to add to my reading list!

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed the Ben and Ink series. Let's Find You pulled at my heart strings. As a mother I wanted to give Ben, the main character, the hugs and love that he didn't get as a child. I felt the peoms really helped to show what he was feeling at the time. I was excited to read Frog, the second book in the series. I feel that the author did a good job showing how Ben matured and learned more about the world around him and his own way of dealing with life.I thought the peoms, which I enjoyed even more in the second book, continued to show the emotional young man in the story. I look forward to reading the next book in the series and have become a fan of this writer.

C. Harrington said...

When reading one of your books, I felt as if I was part of the story, actually looking through a window, spying on a young boy and his family. Each compelling chapter of unforgettable events in his life brought some laughter and some tears. I look forward to the future writings of Jeffrey D. Barbieri.

Jeffrey Barbieri said...

From my heart, I do thank you for taking the time to read me. I am thrilled that readers made the "connecting" with Ben.

I'm also excited to know that the poems hit home for many readers. Writers tend to write what they know so these poems were close to my heart during the whole process.

I love the idea that someone felt as if they were looking through a window, spying on Ben and his family.

That shows me, they made that emotional connection with Ben.

Jeffrey Barbieri said...

Jenn,
Thank you so much for this opportunity. It was a lot of fun and it looks like you have yourself a successful blog tour ahead of you.
Regards,
Jeffrey Barbieri

Matt Giles said...

Having known Jeff for many years now after brief meeting through past employment, I'm truly excited and thrilled that he's found a means to give something that he loves to everyone so they can laugh, cry and enjoy through his creativity.
Living across the pond in the UK means I haven't had the chance to get hold of his works yet, but am looking forward to it as I know how sincere and varied his life has been, and how Jeff manages to always express himself in a way that draws you in as if you were there.
I wish him the very best for a long and successful writing career, and can honestly say it's not very often in life you meet someone as special as Jeff.
Matt Giles (Midlands, UK)

Jenn Nixon said...

What a great day! Thank you to everyone who stopped by! Jeffrey, very glad to have you here today!

Kelly C. said...

The "Ben and Ink" series was phenomenal!! I felt every emotion as though I was a part of the family! Jeff writes with such passion that the reader can almost feel exactly what's in his own heart. I can't wait for more!

Anonymous said...

I have read both books and I can't wait for the next one to come out!!!! "Let's Find You" was very emotional for me. I connected with Ben in so many ways! "Frog" was fun to read! I enjoyed all of the adventures that Ben and his brothers experienced! Jeffrey, you did an AMAZING job and I am so looking forward to Viola!!!