Here Is Your Awesomegang Authors Newsletter
Published: Sat, 04/23/22
Please check out the authors below and share them if you like on social media and help them out.
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C. D’Angelo
Interview With Author C. D’Angelo
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My debut novel, The Difference, was published last year and my next book is coming out on 6-1-22, named The Visitor. I write from a unique point of view in the genre of Women’s Fiction, where my niche is about the Italian American culture. All of my books integrate rich history of the culture that is relevant to the current times. My books also include themes of family history, particularly with immigration to the US, and generational influences and impact.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Both of my novels are inspired by each of my grandparents. They meant the world to me and I wanted to honor them in this way. The Difference was in honor of my grandpa, specifically about his immigration from Italy. The Visitor is my latest book and is in honor of my grandma, with her caring and kind spirit bursting from the pages.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
naWhat authors, or books have influenced you?
From the moment I read Curtis Sittenfeld’s Prep, I was touched by her writing. The way she was able to make the reader feel, as if they are in the head of the narrating character, was mind-blowing to me. I never thought about writing years ago, but when I decided to try it out, I knew I wanted my readers to feel the same way. When I received many reviews of The Difference stating that exact quality, I felt extremely proud.What are you working on now?
I have my third novel planned out and will begin writing it this year. This book will be about an identity dilemma, with wine and music themes, set in Italy and Los Angeles. I can’t wait to start!What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m extremely active on Instagram and have found success for finding readers there. The website where I get most sales is Amazon.Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s a long and tough road, but stay on your path and you will see results. Some days you will want to quit, but do not entertain that thought. You started this journey for a reason, so keep trying to reach the stars. I also encourage not to compare yourself to others. Everyone has a unique way of being in this business. Focus on you and you will shine.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep going. That’s it. Very simple. Just continue with what you are trying to succeed in and do not give up. Ever.What are you reading now?
I’m reading Best Wishes, Warmest Regards, the book about Schitt’s Creek. I’m between novels so have been reading pages from this fabulous book. I love that show! Anything about behind the scenes information has always been interesting to me. That’s why I have a Behind the Scenes Author blog I write monthly (on my website).What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll be promoting my two books and writing my third. Just as I would tell others, I won’t stop!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 Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald), Prep (Curtis Sittenfeld), and Confessions of a Shopaholic (Sophie Kinsella). I never tire of these books and they provide wonderful memories for me. Sophie Kinsella always makes me laugh as well!Author Websites and Profiles
C. D’Angelo’s Social Media Links
Cheryl Ilov
Interview With Author Cheryl Ilov
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! My name is Cheryl Ilov, and I am the author of two books, which still manages to surprise me. I never planned on becoming an author, nor did I consider myself a writer. However, I have always had a passion for storytelling. I suppose my writing career began by chronicling medical documents and progress reports for thousands of patients as a medical professional in both respiratory as well as physical therapy. Along the way, I discovered that weaving stories along with treatment modalities helped educate my patients and was a powerful tool in their recovery and ongoing progress.I reluctantly started a blog in 2011, when a marketing “expert” I was working with set one up for me even though I had no idea what a blog was or why I would possibly want one. Once I was able to figure it out, I began writing about health, fitness, and life in general. My open, friendly, and sometimes whimsical writing style captivated my followers, and several years later I began writing short stories, several of which have been published in “The Pueblo Chieftain,” a local newspaper, as well as “FINALLY! Magazine,” an international online publication for the over fifty population.
I wrote my first book, “Forever Fit and Flexible: Feeling Fabulous at Fifty and Beyond,” in an attempt to share my personal and professional experience as a physical therapist in private practice to help people in every stage of life enjoy a healthy, vibrant, active, and pain-free lifestyle. Although my intention in writing the book was to establish myself as an expert in my field, attract new clients, and reach a larger audience with my positive message of hope, the book made me an award-winning author and was a #1 Best Seller on Amazon.
My professional career as an author was launched, at the tender young age of sixty-one.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My recently released book, “The Reluctant Ninja: How A Middle-Aged Princess Became A Warrior Queen,” was inspired long before I even thought about writing a book. It is about my journey into the male dominated and testosterone infested world of men and martial arts, although I did not go willingly. I was literally dragged onto the mat, kicking and screaming, and not in a good way, because I just knew I was going to hate it. Then why, you might ask, did I start training in the first place?It was because I was carrying the burden of a deep, dark secret which was pulling me into the vortex of hell called PTSD, and my acupuncturist convinced me that training (with him), would help me heal from the trauma. Surprisingly enough, I didn’t hate it. I fell in love with the training, the art, and I really fell in love with the sense of strength, power, and confidence I gained through training. Ten years later I became my teacher’s first female black belt. In twenty years of teaching, he had never had a woman achieve such a high rank.
The story, its ups and downs, highs and lows, is one of triumph over tragedy, and illustrates the strength and resilience of the human spirit. I hope it can inspire others to find their own confidence, strength, and inner power.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, although I often get inspiration for great ideas at the strangest times. Like when I’m driving or at the grocery store, which causes me to talk out loud and have vibrant conversations with myself. It’s not a problem when I’m alone in the car, but it seems to make the other shoppers uncomfortable, because they get out of my path in a hurry when they see me coming their way.What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Help, Fried Green Tomatoes, The Five People You Meet In Heaven, The Secret Life of Bees, and Bridges of Madison County. All of them make me laugh, cry, and marvel at the power of relationships and the magic of human nature.What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a follow up book to “The Reluctant Ninja,” which shares many of the secrets, philosophies, and life lessons I learned in my training which readers can use to apply to every aspect of their lives without spending twenty years in a smelly dojo like I did. I took the hits so you don’t have to. You’re welcome!What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Podcasts are a great way to promote my books as well as websites which connect readers with authors that resonate with them.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes! Focus on the process of writing rather than the end result. Enjoy the journey, and don’t second guess yourself along the way. If you need help, hire a reputable writing coach, and a good editor is a must. When you feel stuck, walk away from the project and go for a walk, get some exercise and fresh air, and you will come back with a renewed sense of creativity and energy. Finally, don’t give up and don’t doubt yourself. There is an audience out there just waiting to hear from you!What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Start moving and keep moving, in every aspect of your life.What are you reading now?
Verbal Judo, The Aware Athlete, and Mosaic Heart.What’s next for you as a writer?
Along with my follow up ninja book, I am working on publishing the story about my family history, which I think might be a series of three volumes.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 Help, Fried Green Tomatoes, The Five People You Meet In Heaven, The Secret Life of Bees, and Bridges of Madison County. What can I say….I love those books!Author Websites and Profiles
Cheryl Ilov’s Social Media Links
Lucy A. McLaren
Interview With Author Lucy A. McLaren
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a fantasy writer and counsellor with a passion for telling stories which explore some aspect of mental health in a realistic way. My debut YA dark fantasy, AWAKENING: THE COMMUNE’S CURSE BOOK 1, releases on 1st May from Santa Fe Writers Project.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
As mentioned, my latest (and first, in fact) novel is AWAKENING: THE COMMUNE’S CURSE BOOK 1. It was inspired when I started playing D&D and created the backstory for my character, Evelyn. I began to think about her story and experiences. This led to me linking Evelyn to Raif and Rose, a brother and sister from a short story I’d written some years before. From there, the Kingdom of Septima grew, the Commune’s authoritarian hold became clear and the story grew…Do you have any unusual writing habits?
At the moment, I’d say the most unusual is that I tend to write on the notes section of my mobile phone. This is because I had a baby in summer 2021 and am still trying to work out how to fit in writing around looking after him. Using my phone hasWhat authors, or books have influenced you?
Certainly Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy has been an influence. Those are my favourite books and I reread them regularly. Other authors whose works I love and have inspired my writing include Robin Hobb, Stephen Deas, Tamora Pierce, and J.V. Jones.What are you working on now?
I’m working on Book 2 in The Commune’s Curse series (which is written but requires serious editing), alongside some short stories to get me back into the swing of writing.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found social media to be helpful in promoting my writing, especially Instagram and Twitter. Alongside book promotion, I’ve met loads of other wonderful writers in the community.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t take rejections too personally. Writing is so subjective. Not everyone will like or love your story and that’s okay. Write what makes you happy, take on board constructive feedback, and your work will find a home.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That you don’t need to write every day to be a writer. This is so true. Some writers have the flexibility to do this, but for those who don’t it can leave a feeling of guilt or shame when they aren’t meeting this “writing rule”. Find a writing routine that works for you.What are you reading now?
At the moment I’m reading Gryphon’s Heir by D.R. Ranshaw and Legends of Andolin: Adella of the Campos by A.M. Portman, both lovely fellow fantasy authors I’ve met on social media whose works are fun fantasy adventures. I’m enjoying them both very much!What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue on in The Commune’s Curse series to complete the trilogy, work on another YA dark fantasy I started a while back that involved a serial killer and mysterious magical powers, and work on a joint project with friend and fellow fantasy author Cindy van Wilder.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?
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman (the all-in-one version so that counts as one book ha). The Lord of the Rings trilogy so I can *finally* reread it (it’s been many years and I certainly didn’t read it properly when I was a kid. What better excuse than being on a desert island?). The Inheritance by Robin Hobb, which is a series of short stories. And The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon.Author Websites and Profiles
Lucy A. McLaren Amazon Profile
Lucy A. McLaren’s Social Media Links
Revathi Raja Kumar
Interview With Author Revathi Raja Kumar
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started my real estate journey when I bought my dream home several years ago. I didn’t know a lot, but was very curious to learn more. This curiosity drove me to keep learning more. I refinanced the mortgage multiple times to take advantage of the lower interest rates. I refinanced to 15 year mortgage to lower interest rate even further.Had a mindset change to focus on expanding income instead of reducing expense. Explored further on this to understand the single family rental market. Spent several hours on BiggerPockets website to learn and then became a landlord. To expand my understanding further completed hundreds of hours of Pre-Licensure education, took the license tests on Mortgage Broker, Real Estate Agent, Insurance Agent, Notary Public and aced all.
Teaching and helping others has been a passion for me since my childhood. I am passionate and dedicated in whatever I do. I became a volunteer to teach Tamil to kids. To take a step further became a woman entrepreneur to help others in their real estate journey.
I am now a licensed Mortgage Broker in California & Texas, licensed Insurance agent providing services in California & Texas, Real Estate agent in California Bay area.
Come join me and Let’s make it happen!
What are you working on now?
Book on the following
Purchase and Refinance Mortgage Process : A Handbook and Guide for Real Estate Mortgage!
Property, Liability and Auto Insurance : A Handbook and Guide for Insurance Concepts and Coverage!
Rental Property Investing : A Handbook and Guide for Becoming a Landlord!What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/author/revathirajakumarAuthor Websites and Profiles
Revathi Raja Kumar Amazon Profile
Revathi Raja Kumar Author Profile on Smashwords
Revathi Raja Kumar’s Social Media Links
Brigid Finn
Interview With Author Brigid Finn
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a romance author currently working on my first series, Bloody Hearts. It’s a series of vampire romance novellas.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent release is the second book in my Bloody Hearts series, Her Defender. My inspiration is my love of paranormal smut, I suppose.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Procrastinating, eating the whole time, and drinking too much coffee- but I don’t think any of those habits are unusual.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I first decided that I wanted to be a writer when I read the Harry Potter series as a child. Charlotte Stein and Grace Draven are two authors who made me love the romance genre.What are you working on now?
The third book in my Bloody Hearts series.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I knew. I’m quite active on Twitter and Goodreads. Networking with other writers is helpful.Do you have any advice for new authors?
You won’t sell a book every day. Be patient, don’t get discouraged, and keep writing.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To write for yourself, not for other people.What are you reading now?
Forging Her Truest Self by Kay Yvonne. Also Sandy Hook: An American Tragedy and the Battle for Truth by Elizabeth Williamson. That last one is perhaps a little off-brand for my author persona, I realize.What’s next for you as a writer?
After my Bloody Hearts series is completed, I have no immediate plans. I like to surprise myself.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?
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman, Sweet Agony by Charlotte SteinAuthor Websites and Profiles
Brigid Finn’s Social Media Links
Sasscer Hill
Interview With Author Sasscer Hill
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi everyone! I’m Sasscer Hill. I was involved in horse racing as an amateur jockey and racehorse breeder for most of my life. My mystery-thrillers portray the world of horse racing, and the skullduggery that big money and gambling so often attract. I have written the five-book Nikki Latrelle mystery-thriller series. These novels, about a young female jockey, have received multiple award nominations for Agatha, Macavity, Claymore, and a Dr. Tony Ryan Award.One of my mystery-thrillers in the two-book Fia McKee series, “Flaming Road,” won the $10,000 Dr. Tony Ryan Award for Best Book in Racing Literature.
“Travels of Quinn,” published in 2020, stepped away from horse racing. Instead, the mystery-thriller revolves around the gypsy con artists known as Irish American Travelers. Abandoned by her mother, Quinn is raised into a world of crime by her father and his clan of Irish American Travelers. Can she escape from this life alive?
“Travels of Quinn” was a finalist for a Silver Falchion Award for Best Mystery of 2020.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest novel, “Shooting Star,” July, 2021, is the Fifth in the award-winning Nikki Latrelle Horse Racing Mystery Series. This book was inspired by the ill-fated HBO Series, “Luck” starring Dustin Homan and Nick Nolte among others. It was filmed at Hollywood Park and canceled due to the death of too many racehorses. In “Shooting Star,” Nikki is charged with protecting the racehorses used in a racing movie filmed at Santa Anita Racecourse. Her mission is to see that these animals are not abused in any way. Unfortunately, evil is alive and well in Hollywood, and when she goes undercover as an exercise rider, she is faced with a suspicious producer who knows nothing about horses, a seductive movie star, and murder on the set. Terrified of an unknown killer, she must use every trick she’s ever learned to save her own life.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not a habit so much as a love of having my cat sit on the top of the back of my office chair keeping me company and acting as my muse while I write. She purrs, too.What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a child, I loved Walter Farley’s Black Stallion books. They formed the bases for my understanding of what glued me to a book and made me want to turn the next page. From there, I graduated to the wonderful Dick Francis novels and eventually became addicted to mystery-thriller writers like Sue Grafton, Michael Connelly, Robert Crais, and John D. McDonald.What are you working on now?
At the moment, I’m working on a novella, which will be my third short book or short story in my Janet Simpson series. The first two stories are “Pretty Fraudulent” and “Venomous.”As soon as that is completed, I will start on a sequel to “Travels of Quinn.” This novel will be a quest for Quinn to locate the mother who abandoned her eighteen years earlier. It will be a journey fraught with intrigue and danger.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook has been my most reliable method, but being able to refer Facebookers, Instagrammers, and other online groups to my website is a tremendous and necessary marketing tool.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Ever!What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A writing instructor years ago said, “Keep going!”What are you reading now?
“The Girl in the Plain Brown Wrapper,” by John D. Macdonald. It is one of his terrific “Travis McGee” novels. And if you think the name of my heroine “Fia McKee” sounds a lot like “Travis McGee,” you would be right.What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue on writing about “Nikki Latrelle,” “Fia McKee,” and “Quinn O’Neill.”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 Far Pavillions, For Kicks, The Deep Blue Goodbye, and The Black IceAuthor Websites and Profiles
Sasscer Hill’s Social Media Links
Leah spelt Ligia Montani
Interview With Author Leah spelt Ligia Montani
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve worn many hats over the years but the ones cling to are artist (painter), speaker, and writer. I’ve always had a thing for books, if I’m not creating I’m working out for an obstacle course with audiobooks always pumping in the background or hiking with my husband and 4 kids.This is my first book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Living with Dirty Glasses: How to clean those dirty glasses and gain a clearer perspective of your lifeIn my most challenging days struggling with mental health, a laundry list of “diagnoses”, medications, labels, hospitalizations, doctors, therapists nothing helped all I wanted to do was …die. It was a book that changed my life and set me off on a new trajectory from despair to connecting with myself.
Anytime I am asked that question it makes me tear up: I don’t want anyone to feel as alone as I once did. I want to share the profound power we don’t realize we have to heal within ourselves.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love writing on plain unruled paper. As the writing flow takes hold, the lines of the page feel suffocating as my letters bulge and swell. I love writing with emotional meaningful songs from my history in the background, but I pick one and put it on repeat to connect and stay with that particular emotion that is coming up. the repetition also silences the distraction of any lyrics.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love books by Brene Brown, I’ve learned so much about vulnerability and shame through her work. Seth Godin’s Icarus Deception is a book I continue to revisit. Jenny Lawson, Think again Adam Grant, David Gogins, Rick Mercer, Elizabeth Gilbert, Glennon Doyle, Susannah Canaway… I love books and getting lost in stories and learning how our minds work, the hero’s journey all of itWhat are you working on now?
I’m often told by people “I’m not creative” and it feels like a lie. My next book is about the power of creativity and how everyone is creative but we need to redefine what the meaning of the word is. I believe many of us suffer because we deny or just don’t know we need a creative outlet. We are feeling, expressive beings that need that outlet to truly be whole.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a downloadable journal connect
https://mailchi.mp/409d6f40ddbc/living-with-dirty-glasses?fbclid=IwAR2_NjM4O2oYFqQuaSfwPZ4lvzR-qOZbDTtMfwLS62IERwhmy6LrzbVljnADo you have any advice for new authors?
Community is so vital when writing a book. It really helped me be surrounded by people at different stages of the process, it was encouraging and kept me on track. I was accountable for showing up and figuring out what the core message was behind the book. With a deadline in mind and an accountability partner, it pushed me to show up and meet the deadlines.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Throw out what you had and start over. As writers, we can get precious about our work, but I noticed the value in this advice when I started to read past journals and notes and noticed that the essential themes will always come up again, more mature and better formed as time goes on. We think if we let go we will have lost something, but its all already in you. When I read Victor Frankl’s Mans search for meaning and how he had lost his manuscript when he was imprisoned we rewrote it after his release and with far more insight.What are you reading now?
Stop Guessing: The nine behaviors of great problem solvers by Nat GreenWhat’s next for you as a writer?
It is developing a companion course that walks you through the process of cleaning your life glasses and rewriting your personal narrative.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?
Tough questions! Alice in Wonderland, An invisible thread, the Last Concubine, Big MagicAuthor Websites and Profiles
Leah spelt Ligia Montani Website
Leah spelt Ligia Montani Amazon Profile
Leah spelt Ligia Montani’s Social Media Links
Robert Herold
Interview With Author Robert Herold
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have two novels out out at the moment, with a novella due out on Friday the 13th in May of 2022, and a third novel due out on June 1st, 2022.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Witch Ever Way You Go–My editor approached me and asked if I’d like to be part of a project she was heading centering around Friday the 13th: 13 authors would write 13,000 word stories to be published independently on Friday the 13th. It sounded like fun!
Totem of Terror–This is my third book in the Eidola Project Series, about a team of 19th century ghost hunters who become ensnared in deadly supernatural investigations. The group is headed by William James, a real person and brother to Henry James, who was a famous psychology professor at Harvard and was really into investigating the supernatural.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
What? Like do I sit a tub full of peanut butter when writing? No. I’m just your average horror writer who has been in love with the genre ever since he was a pup and wanted nothing more than to be a werewolf.What authors, or books have influenced you?
What are your top 10 favorite books/authors?
Something Wicked This Way Comes – Ray Bradbury
The Maltese Falcon – Dashiell Hammett
The Big Sleep – Raymond Chandler
East of Eden – John Steinbeck
The Conjure Wife – Fritz Leiber
Pillars of the Earth – Ken Follett
The Exorcist – William Peter Blatty
The Judge Hunter – Christopher Buckley
Salem’s Lot – Stephen King
Devil in a Blue Dress – Walter Mosely
+ Almost everything Bernard Cornwell has writtenWhat are you working on now?
I am currently writing a sequel to Witch Ever Way You Go. After that I will probably write the next novel in the Eidola Project Series. I have ideas for both a prequel and a sequel.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Asking book bloggers to review my books.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Here are some thoughts that may help you on your journey.
• Most significant: KEEP WRITING! Writing is a learning process and it will probably take years before you are published &/or gain notoriety. Prepare the psyche for the long haul.
• Put the inner critic into a strong box and lock it tight until you’re done. (Let it out only when you’re in the editing process and only if it’s on good behavior!)
• Come up with an ending first. (If you are in the middle of something and don’t know where you’re going, stop and come up with an ending.) This gives your writing a direction and a purpose and you will avoid dead ends
• Don’t stop to do major revisions/edits until you’ve completed your first draft.
• Once your first draft is completed, let the critic out, but keep it on a tight chain. Do not let it drive you to despair and cause you to delete your work. In fact, save each draft. You may later find you want to use something from an earlier draft. Also, don’t let your inner critic cause you to get caught up in endless revisions.
• Join a writers’ group! Try to find one with published writers &/or members who are better writers than you. You’ll learn from them and their praises and encouragement will carry weight.
• Develop a thick skin. Handle criticism wisely. Do not engage in defensive remarks or in explaining what you meant. Note what they had to say, and after a day or two decide if you will give it credence.
• Take note if you hear the same criticism from more than one source.
• Traditional AND self-published writers will need to engage in marketing. Cultivate those skills. (A great resource is Your Book, Your Brand by Dana Kaye. Another is Let’s Get Digital by David Gaughran)
• Read as well as write! Read broadly, as it will enrich your writing and help you learn by example.
• Start your next book, story, or article.
• Apply the lessons you’ve learned along the way. We learn by doing.
• BEST WISHES!What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be gentle with yourself. You’ve only got one of you.What are you reading now?
I just finished rereading The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle. I originally read it in high school and it was just as good as I recalled.What’s next for you as a writer?
My next piece. If you’re a writer, you write!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?
Collected works of Shakespeare
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
East of Eden by John SteinbeckAuthor Websites and Profiles
Robert Herold’s Social Media Links
Sara Wright
Interview With Author Sara Wright
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a young adult science fantasy writer. I like to blend science fiction and fantasy with clean or sweet romance. That goes along with my eclectic reading habits, because I enjoy reading science and fantasy fiction and romance genres.When I am not writing, I enjoy riding my bike or hiking. If you’ve seen any of my social media posts, you will notice I post pictures of trees and nature. I love trees and they fuel my imagination for book settings.
I have written one published novel and a short story within the same series, The Progenitor Chronicles. I am working to complete the next book in the series soon.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Progenitor is book of The Progenitor Chronicles. It started with an image of a solar system with six planets orbiting a binary star and blossomed from there. I think I was watching a lot of Star Trek at the time.The settings are inspired by my love of trees and nature. Some of the places I’ve been have been morphed into a futuristic sci-fi setting.
Xendara, the main character, deals with the death of a loved one. The grief she experiences was inspired by my own grief over my grandmother’s death. I started having ideas for this book around the time of her death.
The romance aspect of my main character was inspired by a few fairy tale retellings that I was reading at them time I was writing the book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes, I type with my eyes closed. It helps me watch the scene play out while I am writing.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Camille Peters and Melanie Cellier are my some of my favorite fairy tell retelling authors. The Belgariad and The Malloreon were my go to reads as a young adult. They refueled my interest in reading.
Of course, J. R. R. Tolkien.
Also The Jewel series by Amy Ewing. I read a lot of fantasy dystopia.
Then of course, Star Wars and other space fantasy books.What are you working on now?
The Equinox.It is book two in The Progenitor Chronicles and will continue the story of my main character, Xendara. This book will show case more alien worlds that were not seen in book one. Also, showcase a lot more time travel.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Find books similar to yours that are doing well and copy what they are doing.
Also find other authors in your genre and swap newsletters.
Create giveaway promotions.
Find promotional websites that push your genre.
Don’t be afraid to get creative. Sometimes, if you’re in a niche genre you have to try everything until you find your base group of fans.Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a new author myself so I can tell you how anxious it is to publish a book. Just remember to learn, find a great cover designer and editor.Then learn to market your book. It doesn’t mater if you have a great book, no one will read it if they don’t know who you are. Never be afraid to ask for help or take a class or two with other successful authors.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Your best work is always ahead of you.Whatever book I put out to the world, I know the next one will always be better. It motivates me to keep learning my craft.
What are you reading now?
Haesel, The Prophecy Witch by H.J. RobertsonIt will be published by a fellow indie author at the end of April.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am going to continue The Progenitor Chronicles until the story is finished.Then, I will be working on a high fantasy dystopian sci-fi.
I honestly can’t stop mashing up the categories.
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?
Oh boy! This is difficult because many of the books I read are by indie authors who write six books per series.If I could take one box set with me, I would take the Kerrigan Chronicles with me by W. J. May.
If I could only take four books total, I would either pick out my favorite retellings from Melanie Cellier and Camille Peters or take the Starfire Wars series by Jenetta Penner with me.
Author Websites and Profiles
Sara Wright’s Social Media Links
Brandy Robinson
Interview With Author Brandy Robinson
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing at a young age and my love for reading good books only increased that. I hope to create worlds with characters that people can escape to when needed. I currently only have one book written – it’s the first of a trilogy. In my spare time, I enjoy relaxing at home. I like playing video games, board games, and watching TV. I also enjoy traveling, but I hate flying so… worst combination ever.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Honesty is the first book in my trilogy. It was really just a fun daydream I had one day! I wondered how cool it would be to find out I was not only royalty, but from a completely different world – with magic and hot guys! Obviously I read a lot of fiction, because my brain wanders into fantasy-like daydreams very often!Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I can think of. I don’t get to write as often as I’d like because I’m a mom and I have a lot of things going on. So I usually write whenever I get the chance and it’s always so fun to be with the characters again.What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was a teenager I was a huge Twilight fan. I think that really made me understand that books can be an escape away from reality. That made me dig into more fantasy and paranormal stuff. Now that I’m an adult I can’t really say that I have a specific favorite book or author because I’m always finding new stories that I love. But I’m really loving Zodiac Academy right now!What are you working on now?
I’m mostly focusing on school at the moment. But when I have the time, I’m sneaking some words into the second book, after Honesty.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I simply look for promotional websites on Google. I also have an Instagram (@brandyrobinsonbooks) and I’ll sometimes promote ads on there. I try not to stress too much about it though. Writing is more of a hobby for me and while I want to find new readers I’m more concerned with having a good story more than anything else. I think if you can have that then over time people will find you through word of mouth.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Go to a place like book sirens or an alternative before you publish so you can have some reviews beforehand. I’ve gotten thousands of downloads, but very few leave reviews or ratings. Edit, edit, and edit again. If you think you’re done editing, you’re probably not. Edit more. Find a few good beta readers to get an overall opinion on your story and don’t get upset if you don’t like their opinions or advice. You want your book to be the best version it can be right? I self published and this was what I went through. Traditional publishing is probably different so I don’t have any comments on that.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Oh gosh. I don’t know! I think we often hear great advice, but we rarely listen to it. I try to live life knowing that I don’t know everything and that I’m always changing and growing. Five years from now I’ll be completely different and who knows where I’ll be? And that’s okay. Try not to get scared of change.What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading the Zodiac Academy series. It’s so good!What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to finish the second book and eventually the third in my trilogy. Then I’m not quite sure!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 the Zodiac Academy series because I’m not done reading it! Also the Daevabad Trilogy. This is way more than 3 – 4 books though!Author Websites and Profiles
Brandy Robinson Amazon Profile
Tiffany Andrea
Interview With Author Tiffany Andrea
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve published five women’s fiction books, one comedy, one romantic comedy, and have many more in progress. I’ve also published an Author’s Toolkit writer’s resource.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Total Bull is my most recent novel. It’s a romantic comedy which was inspired by two of my favourite things: dogs and puns. It’s the first book in a series of sixteen interconnected standalone novels that each feature a new furry friend. I’m a dog lover and adore everything about them, so it only made sense for me to include them in my other love, writing.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get tunnel vision. I finish first drafts alarmingly fast. People always ask me how I manage, but I only have one gear, so I can’t imagine doing it another way.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many of my indie author friends keep me motivated and inspired. I can’t say one in particular encouraged me to start writing.What are you working on now?
Books 2 through 6 of my new series. Since the stories are all interconnected, I’m piecing them together several at a time so I can get a feel for each main character as they appear in the other stories.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have yet to figure that out. To be honest, promoting my books is not a comfortable thing for me. I’m proud of them and I’ve gotten great feedback, but imposter syndrome and self doubt are formidable foes. Actively marketing is a new thing. I’ll report back.Do you have any advice for new authors?
As cliche as it might be, write the story you want to tell. Yes, if sales are your goal, it’s important to write something that other people will love too, but chances are, if you are passionate about it, that will resonate in your writing.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The issue is always further back than you think.
If you run into an issue where you feel stuck in your story, go back a few chapters. Change something there and try again. (But do that in a separate document, so if it doesn’t work, you don’t lose the original.) And on that note, always back up your work in multiple places.What are you reading now?
Another indie author’s debut novel, Follow the Hummingbird.What’s next for you as a writer?
This new series will likely take up the next two years of my writing time. Beyond that I have a few more ideas for other series. All of my books, even as they span different places and genres, always have an interconnected element. So characters from one series pop into another, etc. Being able to revisit and develop characters keeps me inspired because everyone has a story to tell. I’m happy to give them all that chance.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 one about survival methods because I’m practical. Beyond that, I’d take A River in Darkness by Masaji Ishikawa because that book highlights how humans can live in horrific circumstances and still never lose hope. Also, Morning Man by my friend and author, Barbara Kellyn because it made me laugh more than any book ever.Author Websites and Profiles
Tiffany Andrea’s Social Media Links
