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Hayden Sidun 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi guys! I’m 17 and a senior in high school. At the start of 2022, I’ll be starting community college and working toward the degrees I need to become a high school civics teacher.

Among my many passions are writing and storytelling, and after years of writing to get published, it’s so great to be able to call myself a published author. It has been my lifelong dream to publish a book, and having accomplished that (in high school, no less) is still unbelievable to me. That said, I have written one book with a couple more in the works.

I also love coffee. I have been a Starbucks barista for the past year and I love my job. I was hired at Starbucks because I wanted to work for the company, but I have learned to love coffee and am very passionate now about it. Ask me anything about coffee or Starbucks and I would be happy to answer!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first and latest book is a short story collection called Yet Another Frog Croaks. The theme of the collection is death and how people generally perceive and deal with it.

The tagline for the book is, “When frogs croak, they seek to create new life. When humans croak, that once-new life ceases. In both cases, no matter what happens, the world continues to turn.” I chose that for the tagline because it sums up the collection’s theme and explains the title. People often use “croak” in place of “die” as a lighter, perhaps more humorous way of approaching the subject; the title, therefore, is simple wordplay.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wrote sporadically and mostly late at night. I often find that I will become really interested in writing very randomly and then go on a “writing spree” that will last about a month or two. For example, I went to Barnes and Noble in mid-August, and that trip inspired a renewed interest in writing from which four short stories were born.

I also cannot let ideas go. If I think of something, I have to drop everything and write it out immediately or else I will forget the idea completely. This is kind of embarrassing, but one time I came up with an idea for a story while sitting on the toilet and ran to my laptop immediately after I finished; the first draft was finished a few hours later.

Oh, and I cannot for the life of me write in public. Starbucks, local library, bookstore cafe, school. I don’t care. I cannot write unless I’m sitting in my bedroom with the door closed.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Mitch Albom, John Steinbeck, and Kurt Vonnegut are probably my favorite authors.

If we’re talking about books, there’s a whole list. Ayn Rand’s Anthem, Albert Camus’ The Stranger, Emma Donoghue’s Room, George Orwell’s Animal Farm, Joe Biden’s Promise Me Dad, and Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 are my favorites.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a novel about a suicide cult and a second short story collection that juxtaposes natural conditions and human emotion.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m relatively new to book promotions, but I’ve found that searching book promotion sites and promoting your book through them seem to work just fine. That said, if marketing just isn’t your thing or if you’re not seeing the results you’d like to see, I would suggest finding some freelance marketers on Fiverr or Reedsy.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you want. Whether the elements of your story are completely unrealistic nonsense or meticulously based on real-world events, just write what you want. If you’re into worldbuilding, do that. If you’d prefer to sit on a bench and watch people, do that. But write what you want, and when you do, write it from the heart.

Also, perseverance is key. Writing is tough and publishing is even tougher. You will face your fair share of rejection and that’s okay. You will be told your writing just isn’t good enough and that’s okay. You will be ghosted and that’s okay. You just have to keep going, take all the advice you can get (while staying true to yourself and your stories), and at some point, you will be successful. There are 8 billion people on the planet, so don’t doubt that at least one of them would want to read your work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My dad told me to only present what I loved in my heart. That advice made me take a good look at my collection and take out the stories that I didn’t think were fit for it. It slimmed down the collection a lot, but I’m incredibly proud of the final product.

What are you reading now?
I’m working through Bob Woodward’s Peril, a journalistic account about the 2020 election.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m just going to keep writing. Maybe I’ll get my work published again, maybe not. But all I can do is keep writing.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Probably 3 or 4 books from the list I mentioned in another question. If we’re making a specific list, though, then probably Albert Camus’ The Stranger, George Orwell’s Animal Farm, Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie, and John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men.

Author Websites and Profiles
Hayden Sidun Website
Hayden Sidun Amazon Profile

Hayden Sidun’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Christian Lowe 

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled Revenant. It dives into the conflict within oneself—between who is true, and who hides behind the mask. If you ventured through the darkest corners of your mind, what would you find? The Revenant sees through you, feeds on your fear and doubt. The source of your indecision, the root of your pain. It is all within, a horror one can only inflict upon themself. Yet, he is the very essence of your identity. I drew from many inspirations when writing this book, namely Edgar Allen Poe, and the Poe inspired album titled Phantoms by Marianas Trench. I wanted to write something a bit different thematically than what I had done in the past, and I think it worked out very well in this book.

 

Author Websites and Profiles
Christian Lowe Amazon Profile

Photini Mina 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
It’s my debut poetry collection about appreciating the small pleasures and noticing the subtleties in our daily lives. It serves as a reminder to use poetry to uplift our souls and heal our minds, discover everyday inspiration, and let our light shine bright to inspire and empower others to do the same.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Feed me a poem is the title of my book and Nature’s colours and sounds, the smell and taste of your food, the history of the countries and places you’ve visited, the stories of your friends and people you’ve met, the buildings you see while strolling, and the pets you caress is my daily source of inspiration!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I usually write when I have spare time and daydream about travel, people I’ve met, and memories of odours or vivid pictures that occur to me at the moment.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Every author has something unique to offer and will magnificently inspire you.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a project that will incorporate both art and poetry.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I started promoting my book via my personal social media profiles.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is to trust in themselves and their skill, and if they want to publish a book, they should do it anyway!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Life is precious, and one should live in the present moment, enjoying every little pleasure of life.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading Poesie by Cesare Pavese

What’s next for you as a writer?
To be able to use my poetry to make art and to inspire others.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Libro de poemas, Federico García Lorca
Love in the time of cholera, Gabriel García Márquez
The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho

Author Websites and Profiles
Photini Mina Amazon Profile

Photini Mina’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Barbara Lennox 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing for more years than I care to remember, short stories and poetry to begin with. But I always wanted to write ‘the big novel’ and to explore the history and landscape of Scotland through my writing. I’ve self-published a short historical story set in dark-age Scotland (Song of a Red Morning), a collection of short stories (The Man who Loved Landscape and other stories) and a collection of poetry (The Ghost in the Machine). I’ve been researching, writing and re-writing my current Trilogy, The Trystan Trilogy for 21 years now.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Wolf in Winter is the first volume of The Trystan Trilogy, a retelling of the Arthurian story of Tristan and Isolde. I’ve always loved Arthurian tales and I was keen, not only to have a go at re-telling it myself, but relocating the setting to the country I know and love – Scotland.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Even in this technological age, I write my first drafts in pencil.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Rosemary Sutcliff, Bernard Cornwell, Guy Gavriel Kay, JRR Tolkien, Brenda Jagger

What are you working on now?
I’m editing Books 2 and 3 of The Trystan Trilogy, The Swan in Summer and The Serpent in Spring.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my books on Instagram. I have a lot to learn about promotion.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Research, research, research, and edit, edit, edit.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Set your writing aside for long enough that you can come back to it as a reader.

What are you reading now?
On Raven’s Wing, by Morgan Llywelyn, a retelling of the Irish legend of Cuchulain.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I’ve completed my Trilogy, I intend to write a novel set in 1st century Roman Scotland. Lots of lovely research!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Lord of the Rings, The Last Light of the Sun by Guy Gavriel Kay, Sword at Sunset by Rosemary Sutcliff and Shadow of the Moon by Brenda Jagger

Author Websites and Profiles
Barbara Lennox Website
Barbara Lennox Amazon Profile

Barbara Lennox’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Aelth Faye 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up loving to read and that transformed into a love of making up stories myself. I have written about eight books by now, but the first ones suck, so they are lost in the deep dark files on my computer, never to again see the light of day. So far I have one published novella and I’m working on putting out more in the series.

I have a fascination with random weapons and have a crossbow on the wall, a katana under the couch, a bullwhip, throwing knives, a few shuriken, and bunches of other random things. I try to claim that it’s for writing purposes, but so far my characters haven’t used much beyond embroidery scissors.

I like animals and own goats and chickens. My ongoing series on Kindle Vella “Healer to the Gods” has lots of goats in it and I look to mine for inspiration.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Small Feet” is my first novella to be published. The next in the series, “The Tower Steps” comes out in December of 2021. They were both inspired by the many fairytale retellings I’ve read over the years.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t do well with daily writing. Often I’ll write 5K words one day and none for three weeks and then I’ll have a day or two of getting a lot done. I work better with a mug of tea and a good internet connection to research the random details I don’t know off the top of my head. (Which metals are the most conductive? In what century were horses domesticated? What is the best all-natural remedy for asthma? Wikipedia and Google have all the answers!)

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, lots. Lois McMaster Bujold’s “Vorkosigan” series is one that I’ve read dozens of times. “Beauty” by Robin McKinley was re-read until the cover fell off, at which point I got an ebook version of it. The “Myth Adventure” series by Robert Asprin has provided hours of amusement. I’ve read thousands of fairytales and fairy tale retellings and still get excited when I find a good new one. I’ve also read a fair amount of mythology, both Greek/Roman and Asian, and I’m always happy to read more. There’s thousands more books that have influenced me in some way or another, but I can’t list them all here.

What are you working on now?
“Goldi-socks and the Three Hairs”. It’s going to be the 4th novella in the “Fairytale Hour” series and it has elements of both “Rumpelstiltskin” and “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” It was inspired by a friend’s torn meniscus and all the jokes made about his poor lonely single sock.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Uh…I’ll get back to you on that.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. Hide your first attempts in deep dark caves because you will probably hate them ten years down the road. But don’t stop writing, because I promise, you will get better!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep walking until you can’t take another step, then crawl.
Or
Your future is what you make of it.

What are you reading now?
“The Moving Toyshop” by Edmund Crispin, “Beauty” by Robin McKinley, and an ARC manuscript from an friend.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Learn how to promote efficiently and put out more books in my series.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Can I just take a fully loaded kindle? Please?

Author Websites and Profiles
Aelth Faye Website
Aelth Faye Amazon Profile

Aelth Faye’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Catherine Beck 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
While I have several novels that will not see the light of day, Leah’s Perfect Christmas is my first published novella. Previous work has appeared under the name R. Rozakis in Cast of Wonders, Daily Science Fiction, Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine, Allegory, Liquid Imagination, Bards & Sages, Weirdbook, Every Day Fiction, and the anthologies Substitution Cipher, Clockwork Chaos, and Baker Street Irregulars II. I was nominated for a Pushcart Prize and won LUMINA’s 2018 Speculative Fiction contest.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Leah’s Perfect Christmas came from irritation at “Hanukkah” themed holiday specials that end with the Jewish character learning to appreciate Christmas. I wanted a character who dealt with Christmas (and romance) on her own terms, and learned a very special lesson that sometimes, Christmas can kind of suck. And that there’s something to be said for your own traditions.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Like a lot of working parent writers, I cram in bits here and there wherever I can make them fit.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I actually usually write more fantasy, but I read a fair amount of romance. I love Courtney Milan and Alyssa Cole, and on the more fantastic side, Lois McMaster Bujold, Mercedes Lackey, and Gail Carriger are all huge influences.

What are you working on now?
I’ve got a fantasy farce my agent is shopping around at the moment. A guy wakes up in what’s very obviously an evil wizard’s lair, with no eyebrows and no memory. It only gradually dawns on him that he is, in fact, the evil wizard. He has a castle, minions, a kidnapped princess, and absolutely NO IDEA what his own evil plan used to be.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to this, so bring it on!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. Last book sucked? Keep writing. Story was rejected? Keep writing. Waiting to hear back from someone? Keep writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be kind.

What are you reading now?
Just finished Naomi Novik’s The Last Graduate. And now I have to wait for her to finish the trilogy!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve got another novel in progress I’m not ready to talk about. Remember the advice about keeping writing?

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d like to bring some cozy favorites, but I’m too practical. Flora and fauna guides, and a survival manual.

Author Websites and Profiles
Catherine Beck Website
Catherine Beck Amazon Profile

Catherine Beck’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Robert Sanborn 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m Rob. I’m a fan of all things paranormal and supernatural. So, naturally, that’s the kind of stories I like to tell. My debut novel, “In Your Dreams – League of the Moon, Book 1”, was released in July of 2020. It took a while to write it and would have probably taken a lot longer if my wife and sister hadn’t kicked my ass to get it done – for which I am eternally grateful.
The sequel to “In Your Dreams” is due out in January 2022 and is tentatively titled “The Red Witch – League of the Moon, Book 2.” The audiobook for “In Your Dreams” is scheduled to be released in November of 2021 and features Timothy Howard Jackson as the narrator. I don’t mind telling you the guy did a fantastic job!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Red Witch – League of the Moon, Book 2”
Due for release in January of 2022.
It was inspired by the absolute blast I had writing book one and the urgings of those who read “In Your Dreams” for the characters they love to continue on in a new story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I write, I have a second monitor screen open to YouTube and usually have a simulated writing area. Sometimes a cabin with a fire going and a raging snowstorm outside, sometimes a serene night setting with rain, frogs, and crickets. It keeps me from being distracted by things going on in the house.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, especially The Stand. It’s my all-time fave!
Jules Verne, Twenty-Thousand Leagues Under The Sea – first novel I ever read.
Dean Koontz – Odd Thomas Series. If you haven’t read these, you’re missing out. So much fun.
Jonathan Kellerman. Every book he writes is fantastic.

What are you working on now?
A Prequel to In Your Dreams that I will be giving away free to newsletter subscribers.
League of the Moon, Book 3. I’ve already finished 3 chapters and about 7k words at the writing of this.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve had good success with Bargain Booksy and Bookraid. Facebook ads and Amazon ads have helped a lot too.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Follow the same advice I follow. An interviewer asked Eddie Van Halen what the secret to success was. Eddie replied, “Don’t Stop.”

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
For writing, it’s a quote from Stephen King. Hopefully, this is accurate.
“Imagination starts in the writer’s mind and finishes in the reader’s.”

What are you reading now?
I read several books at once. Right now I’m reading:
Night Shift by Stephen King (again, it’s been years)
Real Magic by Dean Radin
NOS4A2 by Joe Hill

What’s next for you as a writer?
I just want to keep the League of the Moon Series going because people seem to love it and want more of it. I love the characters and it’s a blast to write!
I have another book started where a courier delivering drugs to a mental institution ends up trapped inside by accident (maybe).

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I was going to say The Stand, but I’ve read it three times.
I would take Odd Thomas: Brother Odd – loved the atmosphere and setting of that book.
I Know This Much Is True – Wally Lamb – unexpectedly loved this book.
Lord of the Rings. There is so much to rediscover in this book.

Author Websites and Profiles
Robert Sanborn Website
Robert Sanborn Amazon Profile

Robert Sanborn’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Remy Apepp 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
“Sand to Glass” is my first published book, however I have been writing fairly prolifically since high school. Writing is quite literally everything to me and I have written millions of words worth of stories.
For me writing is a choice the way breathing is a choice; if I go too long without doing it, I start to have some serious problems.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest/first published book is titled “Sand to Glass”. It’s actually the second novel I wrote in this universe, and it started out as the backstory of one of the characters who appears in the first novel I wrote (which will be published as the second book because it needed significantly more editing).
Usually I give my stories working titles and will change them later, but “Sand to Glass” was actually the working title of the book. I can no longer remember why it occurred to me to refer to it as that, but the story ended up growing into its title, so I ended up keeping it.
Mostly I just personalities and a family dynamic I wanted to explore, and this book was simply that. And also playing with matters of monsters and deities and all that fun dark fantasy stuff.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always listen to music. Always. Not playlists, but single songs on repeat. Also I don’t like chairs so I sit on the floor.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
What has influenced me and my writing the most is the manga series “Tokyo Ghoul” by Sui Ishida. Both in story and in aesthetic.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on editing what will be my second novel. And writing on what might be my third but might not be.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I honestly don’t know yet since I’m very new to all of this.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Write a sh**ton.
That is literally all I did. Millions of words. I just kept writing and haven’t stopped.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Sometimes you have to treat yourself like a child.
Voice 1: “But /why/ should I do it?”
Voice 2: “/Because I said so./”
Sometimes you just have to get through things like that.

What are you reading now?
“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Unfortunately my powers of precognition are subpar so I cannot give you a clear answer.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“Thus Spoke Zarathustra” by Friedrich Nietzsche; “No Longer Human” by Osamu Dazai; “The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge” by Rainer Maria Rilke. And then maybe a book about how to survive while stranded on a desert island.

Author Websites and Profiles
Remy Apepp Website
Remy Apepp Amazon Profile

Remy Apepp’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Cal Barnes 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi my name is Cal. I’m an actor, filmmaker, and author from LA. I’ve written two novels.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release is called ‘Son of Neverland.’ I’ve always loved J.M Barrie’s original novels. My chief aim was to do justice by the original works, while at the same time building, growing, and evolving the original ideas I saw planted there.

I was inspired by the eternal aspect to Neverland, with the main idea being that the greatest enemy to eternity would be time itself, a powerful, ancient force, and something far beyond anything Peter and Neverland had ever faced. An epic, spiritual battle of light versus darkness. For the first time ever, Peter would meet his match, and he would have to dig down deep within himself and evolve to become something greater to stand against it. Peter Pan would no longer just merely exist, he would have to choose to live…

I also wanted to add more dimension to my two favorite female protagonists in Neverland, Tinker Bell and Tiger Lily. They are both excellent characters, but I felt they were underdeveloped. Although they both love Peter dearly and traditionally support him on his journey, Tink has her own side journey of managing her affections for Peter with her own self-acceptance and self-worth, and Tiger Lily has to deal with weighing her desire for freedom against her sense of duty, while at the same time dealing with the pressures of representing an entire tribe and culture. They both have a lot to take on in the story, and they are both completely formidable warriors in their own right, really second only to Peter in their world. I think it’s awesome to watch them grow and excel as character alongside him.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m by nature a binge writer and a streaky writer, meaning ideas usually come in hot and fast and I’ll ride the inspiration day and night for 12-16 hours a day until the idea is written or until I run out of steam. On normal days, I write for 1-2 hours in the morning with a large French press of black coffee, and then depending on how much work I have to do I’ll write for 2-4 hours at night when the rest of the world is sleeping.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.M Barrie of course for his original inception of Peter Pan. The queen of fantasy, J.K. Rowling — that goes without saying — and F. Scott Fitzgerald for his prose and grasp of the American English language.

What are you working on now?
Aside from releasing a novel (the work never ends). I’m working on finishing my feature film directorial debut, ‘The Astrid Experience’, which I also wrote and star in, and I’ll be gearing up to produce and audiobook for ‘Son of Neverland’. My ultimate goal is to create enough demand for the story to turn ‘Son of Neverland’ in feature film. In terms story, size, and scope I believe it’s all there… we’ll see what readers have to say in the next few months.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
SonofNeverland.com, CalBarnes.com, IG: @CalBarnes

Do you have any advice for new authors?
This is tough because the landscape has changed so much in the last 5 years. With the democratization of technology, more people are doing it than ever before. I wish I could say just write a great book or make a great film, and that’s enough. I think that was true at one point in history, but not sure anymore — although that’s definitely the baseline requirement — learn marketing. See if there is any pre-existing source material in the public domain that has an audience that you can riff off and create a brand new story. Just make sure you read and re-read and really get to know that world before trying to write on another authors idea. This is where I see most writers go wrong who try and build off of pre-existing stories — there work fails to live up to the source material or do it justice. You must grow the original authors idea, not kill it. If you do that, you just might find yourself with an audience.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take the action, stay out of the result. Write regardless of the outcome. If you truly love it, the writing, storytelling, and world-building is the greatest reward in itself.

What are you reading now?
I’ve been reading some Harry Potter again while publishing. I also want to find time to read The Hobbit.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I need to rewrite the screenplay of ‘Son of Neverland’ to match the final novel, then I likely be moving on to the next installment in the series when the time comes.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
J.M. Barrie’s original Peter and Wendy, so I could become the Pan of the island and rule it, and remember that it would be up to me to make the most of it. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (probably my favorite HP book). I’d probably need a spiritual book as well to meditate on and keep my sanity, maybe The Alchemist or The Prophet.

Author Websites and Profiles
Cal Barnes Website
Cal Barnes Amazon Profile

Cal Barnes’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Morgan Douglas 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written one book that I have published. I work as a clinical researcher and focus on studies that contribute to medical advancements. Music is another interest of mine and I am currently playing the ukulele and singing along with that. I spend time volunteering at a local farm that provides food for the homeless.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Distorted Purposes is the title of my novel. One day in college I was attending a final discussion in place of an exam. All of the students including myself were sitting at desks arranged in a circle around the room. I had stayed up all night leading up to this because I was at the hospital. I was so tired that either I fell asleep briefly in class or I had a daydream. The main focus of my book is around shapeshifted humans and I visualized a shapeshifter sitting at a desk. From there I developed a story based on that odd observation.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I will write on little sticky notes here and there at work in between projects. Then I place them in a bag I always bring with me or my purse. I don’t do this often anymore but I used to have a shot of whisky in a glass on a tray table next to where I was sitting and typing every once in a while. For the most part, now it is just tea or coffee. Sometimes I will get up early and write before I get ready for work.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite book is The Other Side of Dark and it has shown me how to write a compelling story. When it comes to stories that are bizarre as mine is I have found books by Stephen King to be influential.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a sequel for the novel I just self-published. In addition, I have been writing a novella but have put that on hold for the current series I am working on.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a blog where I post about my writing and progress. My Facebook page is where I promote my books the most and I use Instagram to post images related to writing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
To bring yourself to write as often as possible, even if it is just a paragraph. Start promoting your book early, that is something I made the mistake of not doing. Make a list of all of the information you need to publish and promote your book. Research everything pertaining to your book and websites that help you along the way with advice.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That you are more worthy than you think.

What are you reading now?
I just finished reading The Lost Apothecary.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep chugging along with writing my sequel and thinking about what other stories I want to explore.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would bring The Other Side of Dark by Sarah Smith, Rose Madder by Stephen King, and The Great Gatsby.

Author Websites and Profiles
Morgan Douglas Website

Morgan Douglas’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Aleksandra Tryniecka 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an Assistant Professor at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University and the author of “Bunky and the Walms: The Christmas Story” – my first novel dedicated to the youngest Readers aged 5-14, but also to the Readers of all ages who feel young at heart! I enjoy the nineteenth-century British literature, especially everything written by Anthony Trollope and Wilkie Collins. In my free time, I love reading, gardening and baking pizza and cakes (especially the chocolate cake from the recipe that always works)! I love little tea parties with my Dear Ones and, just like the protagonist of my novel, I adore autumn and I love Christmas and the atmosphere of a welcoming kitchen and a cosy living room. One of my favourite literary characters is the Cheshire Cat. Without a doubt, Bunky, the hero of “Bunky and the Walms”, is also my favourite literary character!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is entitled “Bunky and the Walms: The Christmas Story”. It is a magical tale inspired by… reality! I wanted to recreate in the novel the Christmas world which is so close to my heart: the world filled with colours, scents, peace, warmth, hot chocolate and the comforting presence of family and friends. The world which is safe and inviting and welcomes one with stunningly beautiful winter landscapes, the sky filled with a thousand glimmering stars and surprising yet friendly creatures hiding behind every snowdrift; the place where streets are covered with glistening snow and dreams come true if only one believes… At the heart of “Bunky and the Walms” my Readers will encounter Bunky – the protagonist of the novel inspired by my plush mascot – the blue hippo. When I saw the blue hippo for the first time, I realised that his face expression was quite unique: it was the expression balancing somewhere between joy and slight grumpiness. I immediately fell in love with the hippo because of his face expression. “How truthful and how natural – just like us!” I thought. After all, our emotions are a mixture of delight, love, happiness, grumpiness, disappointment and even anger – thankfully, there is no one who would be perfect! …And this is how Bunky Hippo came to live, with all his human-like imperfections and his noble and loving heart. While writing the novel about Bunky, I was also illustrating his adventures and when this wasn’t enough – I took a thread and a needle and sewed Bunky. You can meet him on my webpage: aleksandratryniecka.com While writing, at some point I realised that Bunky became very similar to me. Probably this is what happens to almost every writer… I would like to invite my Readers to meet the protagonist of my novel – Bunky, who is perfectly imperfect, yet always striving to be noble at heart and faithful to his values. After all, I believe that staying faithful to one’s values despite personal imperfections is what the true heroism is all about. I am worried that children and teenagers are often facing the world in which they are being told that the heroes are those who possess supernatural abilities or those who are perfectly beautiful or, even worse, those who never make any mistakes. I think that it is a very harmful theory and I decided to subvert it while creating Bunky Hippo – someone just like my Readers – someone who proves that the greatest heroes fight their biggest battles within themselves in daily life. Bunky will not only strive to save this year’s Christmas, but also he will transform himself during his travel and learn how to appreciate the little things in life which make it truly worth living. Sometimes we don’t notice these little things and Bunky will find them out at last, inviting the Readers to do the same. At the same time, Bunky is writing his own novel and, eventually, falls in love with the character from the novel, the Bunky Princess from Bunkyland. Thus, my Readers are also invited to find out whether it is possible to merge one’s reality with the literary world… Another very important inspiration for the novel originated during my trip to London. Chris and I travelled together for the conference and, while we were taking a walk around Brent, we discovered Walm Lane. We kept wondering about the meaning of “Walm Lane” and this is how the entire world of the Walms family came into existence!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Oh yes! I decided to become a writer at the age of 4 and immediately wrote my first novel entitled “The Fate of the Hedgehog” (it had a good ending!). I was writing this novel in many strange places: once sitting at the piano and once on a tree. These habits were to stay with me for a long time. It is still delightful to write poetry while sitting on a tree but, when it comes to my novel “Bunky and the Walms”, I sought a more comfortable environment and kept writing either in my room or outside, in the vicinity of my favourite flowers. A part of the novel was written during the summertime and I found it especially refreshing to write very early in the morning after a night in my tent. Mornings are wonderful for writers, since it is still possible to “have the world to oneself”: everyone is still asleep and there is no hurry, there are no worries… at last, the world is as it should have always been! One day in August, I began writing after a night spent in a lawn chair just underneath amazing, glimmering stars. I remember gazing in wonder at the stars and thinking that the universe is such a vast space which allows one to feel fearless and grateful at the same time. Looking at the stars felt like taking a deep breath. The profound beauty of the stars inspired me to write the chapter in which Bunky and his friends travel through the Milky Way. Whoever saw these glimmering stars must have seen the example of ultimate perfection and absolute beauty – something which Bunky experienced in the novel as well.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am influenced by the beloved authors from my childhood. Tove Jansson is definitely among them, but also A. A, Milne, C. S. Lewis and Lewis Carroll have a constant influence on my life as a reader and writer.

What are you working on now?
Currently I am working on Bunky’s new adventures and on the book about the Victorian female characters – quite different genres, yet both fascinating!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method is: “tell your Readers the truth”! This is what I was hoping to do and what I did in this interview. My author’s website (and Bunky’s website) is: aleksandratryniecka.com
Dear Readers, you are All invited to join us there on our special literary adventure during this winter and Christmas!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Immerse yourself in your story. Let it resonate within you and make your story and your writing an actual part of your life. Perhaps you don’t want the story to completely take over your life but, at the same time, don’t allow it to become a mere form of writing activity. Don’t remind yourself that you need to write because it’s a task. Writing is not a job – it’s a purely magical experience – you bring everything into existence by means of words. Just think about it- you have the power to change the world in a profound and meaningful way!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Try it and don’t be afraid to be judged” – if you believe deeply in something, you simply should not be afraid to try and you should not be afraid if you are judged. This is pefectly applicable in the conext of writing. Also, another great advice which I once heard is not to expect too much – on the surface, it might sound depressive but, actually, it is not! On the contrary, this advice points to the fact that the fruit of hard work are usually gathered after a very, very, very, very long time of persistent hard work and dedication. But, certainly, the fruit will be there – it is just all about patient, time and true dedication – doing everything in one’s life from the heart.

What are you reading now?
I am reading a variety of texts and it comes as a surprise to find them together: “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott (this is some of my Students’ favourite novel and I really wanted to reach for it too), Doris Lessing’s and Muriel Spark’s short stories and Johnny Cash’s autobiography, as well as the Kopp Sisters’ series by Amy Stewart. Once in a while, I am also reaching for the adventures of Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren and Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” – the last one is a must, because I really enjoy a good tea party!

What’s next for you as a writer?
This is the question for my characters, including Bunky. They always lead me somewhere where I can find them and where I can discover their new adventures and stories. I am sure that whatever is coming next, my characters already have it planned and it will be fascinating! To tell the truth, I would love to keep writing for the rest of my life!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Perhaps the correct answer should be: (1) “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe, so that I could learn how to construct my new abode, make wicker baskets and regret all my guilty behaviour from the happy times when my improvement was still possible (before being stranded on a desert island). Moreover, I cannot imagine going anywhere and staying there forever without (2) C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia” – it is a beloved novel from my childhood. (3) There is also a book by Lech Abłażej which is so adorable – “The Tales about Princesses” dedicated to the youngest Readers. I desperately need to take (4) a cookbook too and, if I would like to obtain some good life advice (it might be necessary on a desert island), I would reach for (5) Johnny Cash’s last biographical work which I absolutely love.

Author Websites and Profiles
Aleksandra Tryniecka Website
Aleksandra Tryniecka Amazon Profile

Aleksandra Tryniecka’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tucker Fahling 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 28 years old and recently moved to Saquarema, Brazil with my wife. I have written 7 children’s books but only published the one so far. I worked in real estate back in Seattle before moving to Brazil. I try to spend as much time outside as possible and surf at least 5 days a week. I love spreading positivity and want to be able to give kids books that they will remember for years to come.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Tales of Tiago & Tippy: Adventure in Gnomlandia. My inspiration for this book was my childhood dog Tippy. She was a chow, just like in the story, and was a part of my family from the time I was in diapers until I was 15. I was a pretty active kid and was always playing outside. Tippy went with me everywhere and was the best dog a boy could have. I had a vivid imagination as a child and this book was just me channeling my 6 year old self.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A lot of the writing that goes into my books comes right after I went on a new ‘adventure’. Whether it be a new trail I discovered or a fun beach that my wife and I found. I love getting home and putting those ideas down on paper. I generally write first thing in the morning right after brewing coffee and then when I get back from surfing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dr. Seuss, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe was the coolest book in the world when I was a kid.

What are you working on now?
Putting together the first five books for the series Tales of Tiago & Tippy. I plan on releasing more but at the moment I am just going back and editing and working with my illustrator to make these stories as fun and magical as possible.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a website in the works but have not yet published. I used bookbub to run one of my ads but amazon ads has been my most successful so far. I am only 6 days into being a published author so I am discovering new methods every day.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never let a great idea pass you by. No matter when or where if you have a great idea write it down. I use Notes on my phone all the time. I don’t carry around paper and pen but my phone is often by my side and I’ve had my best ideas come to me at the strangest times.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I actually got it from a book I recently read called Mastery by Robert Greene. He talks about how many of the ‘masters’ found their calling at a young age. He tells the reader to think back to our early years and think about what drove us or what gave us that awe-inspired feeling. For me it was always stories. I have always loved telling stories but it wasn’t until I read this book at 28 years old that I realized this.

What are you reading now?
The Simarillion and Nas Aguas De Desterro. I haven’t read a Tolkien book in a long while and my wife encouraged me to start with the Simarillion. Tolkien’s writing is phenomenal and I love it. The second is a book about Florianopolis, Brazil and my first book to read in Portuguese. I have to look up some words here and there but it has helped me a lot.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep on writing. I would like to put out at least a dozen children’s books every year. I started writing some short stories that I will try and put out in the next few months.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Wim Hof Method, The Lost City of Z, The Fear Project, and The Hero’s Journey

Author Websites and Profiles
Tucker Fahling Amazon Profile

 

Lea Cherry 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
All in all, with all my Pen names and those books that have been pulled from previous publishers, I would have to say 6 books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Hidden. It was inspired by my fascination with magic and witches. I am a major Charmed fan (the original though) and love anything that has to do with magic.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My life can be seen as unusual right now, trying to balance my writing with driving my kids everywhere, but I tend to write best when I’m sitting on the couch and a movie is playing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many. R.L Stine got me into reading as a kid, and after reading books (no names mentioned) that I thought how was these published, I thought to myself that I am sure I can do a better job than some of these ridiculously famous books that I can’t even read a chapter.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on two projects. Unveiled which is the second instalment of the Descendant Series, (Hidden is book 1), and a Fantasy story called Starlight that will be released as part of a Boxset in October 2022

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There are so many but I must say that I do love what Awesome Gang has to offer especially as an Indie Author.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never stop believing in yourself. There will be so many naysayers that will want to bring you down, some of them might even be friends and family, but being able to craft a story and bring it to life is something that they won’t be able to do, so always keep writing and never stop believing!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Anyone can die, but it takes courage to live! So live the life that you dream of!

What are you reading now?
There’s a few actually. I have some audiobooks running, one for me and one for my kids, and then I have the last two books of the Vampire Pirate Saga that I’m starting out now.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep on writing! I have so many stories to tell that I sometimes wish I could clone myself so that each version of me can write a story.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Now that’s just being mean!! How can we just choose 3-4?
If I had to choose, it would be Dead Poet Society, Vampire Academy, Anything Rebecca Hamilton and Joanne Macgregor.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lea Cherry Website
Lea Cherry Amazon Profile

Lea Cherry’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Stevie Turner 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a British author of 15 novels, 7 novellas, 20 short stories, and 1 memoir. I prefer to write Women’s Fiction (family dramas), Romantic Suspense, Humorous novels, and Paranormal tales. My latest LGBTQ family drama ‘His Ladyship’ reached the finals and Longlist of the 2021 Page Turner Awards.

I live in the East of England with my husband Sam. We have 2 sons and 5 grandchildren.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘His Ladyship’ is my latest book. Part of it was loosely based on a real life ‘Norman Wicks’ who hid his real persona for over 50 years.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can only write in complete silence. As soon as I can hear a radio or TV in the background, then my concentration flies out the window.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like reading Mark Edwards’ psychological thrillers, which inspired me to base my stories on the sometimes unusual lives of ordinary people, just like Mr. Edwards does.

What are you working on now?
‘Falling’, which is another family drama tinged with a little romance.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best websites I have found for book promotion are ‘Twitter’ and ‘Book Funnel’.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up when you receive a one-star review. This is merely one person’s opinion of your book. Carry on, take on any constructive criticism, and focus on improving your writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you know.

What are you reading now?
When Force Meets Fate, by Jamison Hill.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Carry on writing ‘Falling’ and promoting my other books.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My favourite… ‘The Go-Between’ by L P Hartley. Also ‘The Magpies’ by Mark Edwards, and anything by Cathy Glass. ‘Stand by Me’ by Stephen King is also a good one. I also like reading autobiographies.

Author Websites and Profiles
Stevie Turner Website
Stevie Turner Amazon Profile
Stevie Turner Author Profile on Smashwords

Stevie Turner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tilly Tiason 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Tilly and I love collecting tea pots. I am a part time author and a full time Technical Support Agent. I have 3 books published.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, Wrong Side of the Pack, released Nov 1, 2021. The inspiration behind the series was how much I admired the Mexican-American community and I wanted to write a super hero fantasy series about them.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t call it unusual, but I have a tendency to revise my first draft as I write it which makes finishing the book way longer then it needs to be. I think it takes me a year to finish a book.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Darren Shan, author of the Cirque Du Freak series is one.
Alana Ash, author of Lost Fate and Dormant Soul is the other.

What are you working on now?
I am currently doing revisions for Wrong Side of the Coven, book 2 of the Hunted Blood series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I found Voracious Reader is one and Facebook because of the groups you can create.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, do not force yourself to finish and do not let alpha readers make finale decisions for your book. You will end up hating your book, but also take their opinions into consideration.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If someone hates your book but 10 others love it, are you still going to quit writing because of one person?

What are you reading now?
Wild Sign by Patrica Briggs

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on giveaways and book boxes for my new release, Wrong Side of the Pack

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Mexican Gothic, Maze Runner, and Creepy Carrots because it’s my sons favorite Halloween book and if I was stranded, I would want to remember him

Author Websites and Profiles
Tilly Tiason Website
Tilly Tiason Amazon Profile

Tilly Tiason’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

 

Victoria Ravenwood 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m Victoria Ravenwood. I love all things fantasy – books, games, movies etc and I’m the author of a young adult fantasy series, the Water-Folk Saga. I live in the UK, and my other mega hobby alongside writing is birdwatching. I record all the birds I see, keep a life list and my lifetime goal is to see half the species of birds in the world! I’m currently only at 10% though. Some people say that is a bit dorky, but to them I say – get outside and find the joy in birdwatching!

I’ve written and published one book…so far! It’s called Jade and Tar. I am currently nearing the end of first draft of my second book, Copper and Smoke. Then it’s onto book three!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Jade and Tar is my first book, a young adult fantasy adventure that’s currently out on Amazon. In my non-author job, I’m the head of a primary school and in Jade and Tar, the main character (Cali) is stuck in ‘the Academy’, which she is desperate to escape. So I guess you could say that I took some inspiration from real life there!

I also adore the Monkey Island games and Guybrush Threepwood. I love how he is a bumbling fool at times but still ends up OK in the end. I took lots of inspiration from him for Dagwood, one of the key characters. It’s also set on a tropical island with pirates and sea voyages – escapism? Yes please!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
There are key scenes that I know I want to write that I play over and over in my head. Then when I get to the actual writing and finish the scene, I get really disappointed that it’s over and have to leave the book for about a week before I write the next chapter! I might be a tad too invested!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Robin Hobb’s books. I adored the Farseer Trilogy when I first read it when I was seventeen. There is a key moment in that book for me, which I won’t share here because of the massive spoiler, and I vividly remember reading it to this day. I would love for my writing to have that type of impact on someone.

The Liveship Traders trilogy is also a big influence for my current series.

What are you working on now?
I’m on Chapter 21 of Copper and Smoke – it’s a slog, because I’ve just written a scene that I had planned out for such a long time. However, I find when I come back to the chapter and re-read it, it’s not as bad as I thought, and it’s only the first draft still.

I am also slowly planning book 3, which doesn’t have a name yet. I have key scenes mapped out but the bits in-between aren’t quite there yet. I need to get thinking and invest in some ‘dream time’ as the great Michael Morpurgo calls it!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
If only I knew! I find social media like Instagram is great to connect with readers and other authors & bloggers. I’ve just got to remember that I am not a professional bookstagrammer and there’s a reason my book pictures don’t look like theirs!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, read books on the craft of writing. Everyone says to read a lot and in your genre, which is definitely true, but craft is also important. One of my favourites is Save the Cat by Jessica Brody. It helped me to see which parts of my novel worked (the bits that came naturally from reading a lot) and which parts could be tweaked.

I’d also say just go for it. If only one person in the entire world reads your story, it’s one more than if you hadn’t written it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’m not sure if this is a piece of advice or just something I’ve picked up from spending my working life in the education sector but the way we talk to people is so important. For example, a teacher would never (I hope!) tell a child in their class that their work is all wrong, they’ll never get any better and they’re rubbish, even if deep down they think it. So why does this stop when we become adults, both in the world of work and in our personal lives? It’s too easy to put others down and be negative. Find a way to say something constructively without crushing someone.

What are you reading now?
I am reading Sabriel by Garth Nix. I’ve only just started it but I am loving it so far!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Release Copper and Smoke in January, get Book 3 planned out and write, write, write!
Also, to escape that blasted Academy I mentioned earlier!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would take:
1. The Lord of the Rings – all 3 books in one (hopefully that’s not cheating!)
2. The NEW Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Expert Advice for Extreme Situations – I had to Google this one and figured it would help me last more than a few days.
3. Jade and Tar – I know that sounds cheesy but I think it’s good to celebrate achievements and plus it’s set on a tropical island, so the content should be relatable!
4. 1984 by George Orwell – it is an all-time favourite of mine!

Author Websites and Profiles
Victoria Ravenwood Website
Victoria Ravenwood Amazon Profile

Victoria Ravenwood’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

alex utu 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written 4 books. 2 short horror stories, 1 sci-fi novella titled: Earth is under attack and 1 sci-fi novel titled: T- o ( humans new home)

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Jeep man and Scarecrow… My child hood inspired me to write my latest book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nope.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
mice and man

What are you working on now?
nothing just promoting my latest book and my new release Earth is under attack

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
im still looking for the best method to promote my book… but at the moment I promote online and word to mouth method works great.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
keep writting, keep writting, keep writting. you will get their.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
believe in your self and you can do anything.

What are you reading now?
not at the moment.

What’s next for you as a writer?
to write book, books and more books.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1.how to survive in a island.
2. any harry potter book
3. games of thrones
4. and Dc comic books.

Author Websites and Profiles
alex utu Amazon Profile

alex utu’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Ava Reese 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’ve been writing forever but decided to start publishing this year. I have published two books, Borrowed Magic, and Magic and Other Illusions.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Magic and Other Illusions. It is inspired by Greek mythology, and all the secondary characters follow story arcs of the Greek gods.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have many hobbies, and usually hit one intensely for 3-6 months and then move onto something else. My top two are writing and sewing, but I also garden.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many! I love Jane Austen, J.R.R. Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis.

What are you working on now?
A short story, and plotting my next book in the Retelling series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am a brand new baby author and am wondering blindly.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start viewing criticism as helpful. I’ve gotten a lot of advice that I didn’t like, some of it was worthless, and some of it made my writing better.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Nothing good happens after midnight. It’s definitely true with my writing.

What are you reading now?
“The Faithful Executioner,” by Joel F. Harrington

What’s next for you as a writer?
Building my backlog

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, The Lord of the Rings (it’s one book in six parts, really!), Pride and Prejudice, Kristen Lavransdatter.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ava Reese Website
Ava Reese Amazon Profile

Ava Reese’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Christelle Lujan 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a mom of four and I live on an Arizona homestead with my husband. I am currently working on my third novel. I have a pair of time travel novels out right now called The Luxury of Time Travel and its prequel The Origins of Time Travel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is called The Origins of Time Travel. It is the prequel to my first novel. Both books explore the relationship between psychic ability and the power to time travel using consciousness as the “vehicle.” My stories are chock full of complicated relationships, the power of choice and the infinite, boundless capabilities of the mind.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t write at a desk. I do better working on the couch with my kids screaming all around me than I do in peace and quiet.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have actually been working in publishing for nearly ten years so I have watched authors of all kinds go from “aspiring” to published and in some cases, mega successes. Some of my favorite authors that I haven’t worked with though include Blake Crouch, Charlie Jane Anders, Margaret Atwood and V.E. Schwab.

What are you working on now?
I am pivoting away from time travel (for the moment) and currently writing dystopian novel set in the relatively near future. The cast of characters centers around a set of siblings. Though this is a very different kind of story than my last two, elements of consciousness and controlling the human mind are still there… because I can’t help myself.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Instagram for a good amount of my promotions. I’m still trying to find a good rhythm for “getting my books out there.” I do quite a bit of blogging and have freebies on my website for both writers and readers at christellelujan.com so my own platform is my main hub.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
No one else’s process is going to look like yours. There are an infinite number of ways to write a book. Do what feels good for you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t expect it all to work on book one.” While most of us grind to make our first book “perfect” it’s easy to overlook the fact that if you plan to make a career, book one is only the beginning. So do your best, but don’t stress. You have many more books to write.

What are you reading now?
Dune by Frank Herbert… I’m loving it so much more than I expected to.

What’s next for you as a writer?
While I continue to work on producing fiction, I actually just finished out mapping out a course to help writers hit their word count goals (without a daily, rigid writing routine). I explore how breaking free from the traditional advice was my ticket to publication and how others can harness their own magic to do the same.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
All Our Wrong Todays by Elan Mastai because it makes me laugh.
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch because I just love it.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue because it makes me cry.

Author Websites and Profiles
Christelle Lujan Website
Christelle Lujan Amazon Profile

Christelle Lujan’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Madeleine S. Cargile 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m currently a student at Chelsea High School in Alabama. I’m an honors student and a member of the Hornet Pride Marching Band’s color guard. In my spare time, I like to read, write, draw, paint, and embroider. Currently, I have only written one book, End of Shattered Eminence, but I have had two short stories featured in Behind the Vision’s The CRWP Collection: The Story Behind the Stories, Vol 1 and three poems set to be included in The CRWP Collection: The Story Behind the Poems, Vol 2.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is End of Shattered Eminence. It’s my debut novel, and I’ve been working for the past 7 years to perfect it! I can no longer remember what initially inspired it, but throughout writing it, I’ve worked to incorporate themes of grey morality on both sides of the story, so that you can’t really tell who’s the hero or the villain at a glance (much like how it is in real life). I’m consistently inspired throughout the day by little moments I share with my friends and family that I like to incorporate bits and pieces of into my writing.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t really have any unusual writing habits. If anything, when I’m writing, I enjoy listening to music (primarily death metal), especially when I’m typing intense or dramatic scenes.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m mostly influenced by Victoria Aveyard and her Red Queen series. I first read and fell in love with it during my freshman year of high school. I love her writing style and the way she develops both her heroes and villains over the course of the series. I also find Leigh Barbugo’s Six of Crows series very inspiring. I enjoy how she’s able to blend a serious plot line with elements of comedy.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a sequel to my first novel. It will be the second of five books to be included in the Reigns End series. This series primarily follows Xenia and her friends as they work to conquer all four Dimensions of the known world. It also includes the perspectives of the enemies she faces along the way.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not currently sure what the best method or website to promoting my books would be. I’m incredibly new to this, having only published my first book 2 months ago. I have found it beneficial to have a social media account dedicated to posting content, and I will hopefully find other excellent methods in the near future!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is to not give up when you don’t sell as well as you hoped you would. Selling few copies doesn’t necessarily mean you have a bad book, you might just need time to build a steady base and get the word out.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve heard is to just keep writing, no matter what you do. Even if you don’t sell as well as you’d hoped, the more you publish and promote, the more likely it is that your book will sell. Every overnight success has years of practice and setbacks to back it up.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Realm Breaker by Victoria Aveyard.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I believe I will continue to work on the next installment of my series, the Reigns End series. I may possibly draw up a few new ideas for short stories as well as dabble in a few illustration projects.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Water Filtration for Beginners, How to Build a Boat for Dummies, and the Blackthorn Key by Kevin Sands

Author Websites and Profiles
Madeleine S. Cargile Amazon Profile

Madeleine S. Cargile’s Social Media Links
Pinterest Account

Lori Duffy Foster 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
For more than a decade, I chased cops, robbers and some killers, too, as a newspaper reporter in Central New York. Now, I chase kids in real life and criminals in her imagination. My debut novel, A DEAD MAN’S EYES, which released from Level Best Books in April 13, draws from my experience with the darker side of human nature. The first in a series, A DEAD MAN’S EYES will have readers wondering: How far might you go to protect the ones you love?

I write from the hills of Northern Pennsylvania, where I live with my husband and four children (teens and college students). I was born and raised in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State, where a part of my heart remains. My short fiction has appeared in the journal Aethlon, and in the anthologies Short Story America and Childhood Regained. My nonfiction has appeared in Healthy Living, Running Times, Literary Mama, Crimespree and Mountain Home magazines. A DEAD MAN’S EYES is the first in the Lisa Jamison mystery/suspense series. Look for book two in the series, NEVER BROKEN in April of 2022 and my first standalone thriller, NEVER LET GO, in December of 2022. I am also author of Raising Identical Twins: The Unique Challenges and Joys of the Early Years. I am a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, The Historical Novel Society, International Thriller Writers and Pennwriters I also sits on the board of the Knoxville (PA) Public Library.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is A DEAD MAN’S EYES, which was released in April of 2021. The inspiration had been within me for years, going back to my journalism days. I was covering a house fire one night on a city street in Syracuse when an obviously pregnant 15-year-old began talking with me. She was in foster care, but she was determined to keep the baby and make something of herself. She struck me as extraordinary—smart and capable—and her name seemed familiar. I looker her up in my old notes when I returned to the newsroom. She shared a name and age with a girl who had witnessed a fatal game of Russian roulette. I forgot her name over time, but I never forgot her. She is the main inspiration for the novel along with a couple of colleagues who were single moms and successful, one with a toddler-in-tow and no father in the picture. That is not easy in journalism.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Many authors will tell aspiring writers that they absolutely must write every day. I don’t do that and I don’t believe that. I also think it can be destructive advice. I had so much going on when I left journalism that there was no way I could write every day. During those years, I always worked part time and I gave birth to four kids, including twins, with no family around to help. My husband traveled frequently and my parents were aging and often needed help. I would have given up if I believed I had to write every day and there were many times when I almost did. Instead, I hired sitters now and then so I could write in a cafe or library. I wrote at night and during naps. I wrote 800 words of one novel on napkins in a McDonald’s play area. By the time I signed my first contract, I have completed five novels and one nonfiction book. You do have to prioritize if you want to make it in this business, but what works for one person might not work for you. Writers are always writing in their heads. When I sit to write I am very productive because I know where I am going with the story.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many! Like many mystery writers, I grew up on Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, but I have always been pulled toward great novels, regardless of genre. I have an historical courtroom drama, SPRING MELT, releasing in December of 2023. It is the first novel I wrote and my favorite (though I know I shouldn’t have one. ). The greatest influences on that novel (besides my former-prosecutor father) were David Guterson and Anita Shreve. In general though, I have been most influenced by John Irving, Margaret Atwood, Michael Ondaatje (Have you read COMING THROUGH SLAUGHTER?), Toni Morrison, Shirley Jackson, Flannery O’Connor … I could go on and on. In the mystery/thriller world, Lisa Unger, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Chevy Stevens, William Landay, Mark Pryor, Steve Hamilton, Patricia Cornwell, Laura Lippman, Attica Locke and Joshilyn Jackson are among my greatest influences.

What are you working on now?
I am finishing book three in the series, NO TIME TO BREATHE, while also working on edits of NEVER BROKEN.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love this site, of course! I do a lot of promotion on Facebook and Instagram because it is more personal and doesn’t really feel like promotion. I enjoy getting to know readers and other writers and I feel like I can do that there. I also promote on Book Bub. But my favorite method of promotion is in-person events. I attend book festivals, but I also hold book discussions at libraries and attend all kinds of festivals as a vendor. I have met so many great people this way. Even if I sell just a book or two, it is worth it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be open to criticism. Timing, luck and the quality of your query letter have a lot to do with rejection, but the inability to see what needs fixing can also be a big part of that. If you keep getting rejections, don’t get mad. Get creative. Defensiveness is your enemy. Criticism is your friend. Look for common themes among the rejections and consider whether those are issues you might need to address. You might even want to shelve that novel for a while and start another. You will see things in that novel years later that you missed before, I promise.

What are you reading now?
I usually have three books going at once — one physical book, one Audible book and one Kindle book. I am almost done reading the physical novel John Woman by Walter Mosely (Awesome!); I am listening to The Bounty by Janet Evanovich and Steve Hamilton (Sometimes, I don’t want to leave the car!); and I am reading Murder in the Master by fellow Level Best author Judy Murray on my Kindle (Loving it!). I have a HUGE to-be-read pile. I wish I had even more time to read.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to write at least three more books in the Lisa Jamison mystery/suspense series, but I also want to write more historical crime novels set in the Adirondacks. I grew up on Adirondack Lore and of my own relatives and their involvement in rum-running across the Canadian border during Prohibition.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
On the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford; Galapagos by Kurt Vonnegut (That makes perfect sense if I am stranded on a desert island!); and any Margaret Atwood novel. I know. None of them are crime novels, but I can always develop stories in my head using the characters and settings from those book. By the time I am rescued, I’ll have tons of fodder for some awesome mysteries and thrillers!

Author Websites and Profiles
Lori Duffy Foster Website
Lori Duffy Foster Amazon Profile

Lori Duffy Foster’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Sol Win 

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first book, but there are already 14 ideas.
I’m inspired.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Polar Bear, Mandarin Duck discover the secrets to becoming a superhero.

Most of our thoughts are formed from our memory. A child has a clear memory from birth, and it is vital to read practical, positive information often. This practice helps maintain a good psyche, both for children and adults.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A lot a lot to wish for good, when you meet. Instead of the usual hello.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lots of spiritual literature.

What are you working on now?
Promotion of my first book. The next book will be about the power of words and the positive outlook on the world.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Create yourself, your life.
Know that thoughts come – for a reason.
Be like the creator of all that exists!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There is no fear, everything is just an illusion.

What are you reading now?
Conversations with God – Neale Donald Walsch

What’s next for you as a writer?
Implementation of ideas that come to me, implementation!
I just do it! I create! And creating the one who was supposed to be created.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Those that are thicker!

Author Websites and Profiles
Sol Win Website
Sol Win Amazon Profile