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A Q&A With Marcel Gomes Balla, Author of "The Importance of Cabo Verde in a Global Context"

Author Marcel Gomes Balla has written an extraordinary book on the history, culture and people of Cabo Verde, a country consisting of 10 islands in the central Atlantic Ocean located off the coast of West Africa.  The Importance of Cabo Verde in a Global Context  provides information that has long been ignored by traditional historians. In a Q&A with MANA, Mr. Balla gives us background information on his book. 

Q. How long did it take for you to do research on the subject of Cabo Verde?
A. 3 years.

Q. What prompted you to write this book?
A. decided to write this book because as a Cape Verdean American, I found it impossible to learn about this history in school, therefore it was virtually impossible to find my true identity as a human being. I received a Euro-centric education and had no idea about the contributions of Cape Verdeans or others to the development of American society. This problem has plagued Cape Verdeans throughout history and has caused a lot of insecurity because Cape Verdeans are unable to properly identify themselves. A major problem was the fact that Cape Verdeans evolved as a new ethnic and cultural group that did not exist before 1460 and now there is a strong need to properly identify ourselves so that we can maintain our historical uniqueness and bring dignity to our worldwide community.

Q. Why is Cabo Verde also called Cape Verde?
A. Cabo Verde was discovered in 1460 by Portugal and thus, it has a Portuguese name given by the Portuguese.  Cape Verde is the English translation; however, the government of Cabo Verde has recently requested all nations to respect the name as being Cabo Verde because the English spelling has created a lot of confusion. On 24 October 2013, it was announced at the United Nations that the official name should no longer be translated into other languages. Instead of "Cape Verde," the designation "Republic of Cabo Verde" is to be used (or simply Cabo Verde).*  In a diplomatic note sent on November 27, 2013, the Embassy of Cape Verde requested that the United States Government change the name of the country from "Cape Verde" to "Cabo Verde." The U.S. Board on Geographic Names approved the change on December 9, 2013. *Ref: http://www.state.gov/p/af/ci/cv/

Q. Is this your first book?
A. No. I have completed about a dozen books about Cabo Verde and they will be promoted once a good marketing plan is ready.

Q. Are you working on another book? If so, what is it about?
A. Yes. It is a book about Columbus that I believe is the most detailed book ever written about him in Portugal and Cabo Verde before he departs Portugal for Spain with his discovery project. Based on my analysis of historical documents and events, I am convinced that Cape Verdeans could have sailed on the discovery voyage of 1492 and strongly believe that at least one Cape Verdean made that voyage. The book is about 400 pages and will have many documents and references to explain the history of Columbus in Cabo Verde and Africa that should be essential to anyone who truly wants to learn the truth about Columbus before he discovered the New World.  I believe that this phase of history is the most important as regards to the Discovery Age, but it is has been extremely difficult to research this history. I have had to travel to several countries and consult with several key historians in order to develop my conclusions.

Q. What do you want readers to learn after reading your book, The Importance of Cabo Verde in a Global Context?
A. I want people to fully understand the role that Cabo Verde played in the discovery and subsequent development of America and the Western Hemisphere, especially the contributions that made a major impact on the emergence of the United States as the most powerful nation on earth. It is essential to understand that the Americas were developed by a multi-ethnic society that developed a new culture and civilization that is linked directly to Cabo Verde. This story must be told if we expect to bring dignity and respect to millions of Americans who have become marginalized due to a lack of information about their past contributions to American society. One of the key issues is the direct connection between Hispanics and Afro-Americans that definitely represents the missing pages of history for both groups. However, this story also represents the missing pages of history for the Portuguese, the Italians and virtually all Americans including Native Americans and anyone who arrived after 1492 in the Americas.



For more information about The Importance of Cabo Verde in a Global Context, click HERE.


MANA Author Places Cabo Verde Islands In The Global Spotlight

In most history textbooks, particularly those used in schools in the United States, little is written – if anything at all – about the Cabo Verde Islands. 

The Cape Verdeans who hailed from this democratic country have made significant contributions to world history, yet the feats of Cape Verdeans, who are of European and African heritage, have seldom been told. Author Marcel Gomes Balla is rectifying this oversight in his new book, The Importance of Cabo Verde in a Global Context.  

Mr. Balla is a Cape Verdean who has spent much of his adult life researching and spreading the word about the people of Cabo Verde. The Importance of Cabo Verde in a Global Context provides information that has long been ignored by traditional historians. 

Mr. Balla said he wrote the book especially for people who want to learn more about the important role of Cabo Verde in world history but have no idea where to find it. (Click HERE to read a Q&A with Marcel Gomes Balla on our blog) 

To start, Cabo Verde is a group of 10 volcanic islands in the central Atlantic Ocean located off the coast of West Africa. The archipelago (a group of islands), discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century, was heavily involved in the Atlantic slave trade. The country gained independence from Portugal on July 5, 1975.

In his book, Mr. Balla reveals many facts about the Cape Verdeans and their impact on North America, including:

A Q&A With Russ Grimes, Author of "The Continuing Adventures of a Middle-Aged Man: Unsung Hero"

Move over Captain America and Man of Steel, there's a new superhero in town: A middle-aged man. Rus Grimes is the author of The Adventures of a Middle-Aged Man followed by the sequel, The Continuing Adventures of a Middle-Aged Man: Unsung Hero. 

Both books revolve around Randy Grames, a 41-year-old electrical design engineer married for 17 years and has two children. Although he loves his family, Randy desperately wants more excitement in his life. One day, after a long week of work, Randy came home depressed, due in part, to his mundane life. With prompting from his wife, Randy went outside to plant a flower garden. While digging in the soil, Randy unearths a silver box with ancient-look designs and language. He opens the box and saw a silver coin, which he later discovered contained magic from Grigard the Wise. 

Russ self-published both books with MarketingNewAuthors.com (MANA) and spoke with MANA about his publishing journey: 

Q: Russ, What prompted you to write Adventures of a Middle-Aged Man

A: I enjoy writing short stories. Publishing a larger story as a book seemed like a nice challenge.

Q. How did you originally come up with the character, Randy Grames? 
A. As funny as it sounds it started as a dream I had one night and I started thinking about it more and worked it into a book.

Q. Who are your writing influences (writers, books, teachers, family, friends)? 
A. I enjoy reading and watching all types of action adventure books and movies. I enjoy watching the vast quantity of superhero movies and TV shows that are currently out now. My favorite author to read is R.A. Salvatore and his character series featuring Drizzt Do'Urden, the dark elf.

Q. What type of adventures does Randy Grames embark upon? 
A. Multiple secret agent-style action adventures.

Q. What type of person is Randy Grames?
A. Randy would do anything for his family and friends. He always tries to take the high road and do the right thing. He doesn’t use his powers in a bad way, whatsoever, so everyone that works with him always knows they can count on him and trust him.

Q. Why the subtitle: “Unsung Hero” on the sequel? What does it mean? 

A. The main character, Randy, goes on adventures to protect the country and his friends and wants nothing in return, no fame or recognition for the great things he does, just the satisfaction that he helped other people.

Q. How much of Randy Grames is a part of Russ Grimes? 
A. Randy is an alter ego of me. He is what I wish I could become and not just having his special powers but to be a totally honest and trustworthy person.

Q: What was the most challenging aspect of getting your work completed and ready for the publisher? 
A: The initial comments from the reviewer. Even though there are many similarities to my family in this book, it is ultimately fictional. I had to remember not to take the comments and suggestions personally as the reviewer was trying to understand my writing and the concepts I was trying to convey to the reader.

Russ Grimes at a book signing 

Q. What are you working on now? Another book in the series or a manuscript with new characters? 
A. I am currently mulling around the scope for the third book of the trilogy, but basically a continuation of Book 2 with a few new twists.

Q. What do you want readers to take away from your books? 
A. I want readers to be able to take a break from reality and enjoy a good fantasy. I want them to be able to use their imagination to picture Randy in his adventures.

To preview The Continuing Adventures of a Middle Aged Man: Unsung Hero, go HERE to MarketingNewAuthors.com. Go HERE to find out more about The Adventures of a Middle-Aged Man.