Here Is Your Awesomegang Authors Newsletter
Published: Sat, 05/07/22
Please check out the authors below and share them if you like on social media and help them out.
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Rachel Dacus
Interview With Author Rachel Dacus
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write time travel and women’s fiction, as well as poetry. I’m interested in art, history, and a woman’s journey of self-discovery. My stories always have a touch of fantasy and romance.An unforgettable tour of Northern Italy inspired me to set many of my books in that graceful land. A charismatic, knowledgeable tour guide inspired the fictional time travel guide George St. James in my Timegathering Series. I’ve published four novels, four poetry collections, and I’m working on a fifth novel in my time travel series.Writing keeps me curious, interested in life and relationships, and connected to the world around me. I enjoy writing time travel in part for to meet people in history. As a former dancer, I believe practice and discipline makes you a better writer, and can be immense fun.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Undoing Time is my latest novel. It was inspired by reading about a remarkable woman artist who was a spy for the American Revolution. Patience Lovell Wright created wax figurines, portraits for people at a time when photography hadn’t been invented. She became successful and even famous, and wound up in London, but her sympathies were with the American Colonies and so she smuggled information about the British inside her figures. I had to invent someone to help her! So my character Liv Pomeroy agrees to go back in time and work for her.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to dictate in short bursts on my phone, especially dialogue. And I find it helpful to be doing something else (thus the need to dictate). I might be taking a walk, washing dishes, or showering, when an idea strikes. I’m thankful for a device I can simply talk into to capture ideas.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jane Austen has been a huge influence on my approach to women’s fiction. My favorite contemporary authors range from literary novelist Ann Patchett to comedic time travel writer Jodi Taylor. Other authors I enjoy: Sally Thorne, Kerry Lonsdale, Elin Hilderbrand, Louise Bay.What are you working on now?
I’m returning to a big literary influence, Jane Austen, and scooping her up into my time travel world. What would Jane do in our century? How would it affect her writing? Would she ever agree to go back?What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I advertise on Facebook and BookBub. Social media is fun and part of being an author in public, but doesn’t sell books. I enjoy using my background in public relations to craft ads and monitor results.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep reading good books, books like the ones you want to write, and keep writing! It’s a longterm commitment, so don’t be discouraged if your first book isn’t picked up by an agent or press. Write another. And another. Writing, like ballet, requires practice.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Persist!What are you reading now?
The Little Shop of Found Things by Paula BrackstonWhat’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll finish the current time travel book I’m working on and begin working on a sequel to my women’s fiction, The Invisibles. Readers asked, and I was inspired to create a new story involving the sisters Elinor and Saffron and their haunted villa in Italy.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 probably take Jodi Taylor’s time travel series. One Damned Thing After Another and The Time Police among them. They’re so funny they bear rereading.Author Websites and Profiles
Rachel Dacus’s Social Media Links
Jocie McKade
Interview With Author Jocie McKade
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Jocie has written over 15 books and numerous articles. Jocie worked at several jobs before landing her ideal one as a librarian, a perfect segue to becoming an author. Her fiction writing has received the Author / Ambassador at Library Journal Self-e Authors, Winner Queen of the West Reader Favorite Award, Amazon Bestseller in Historical, Double finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards in the Mystery and Humorous Categories. She has won several awards for her non-fiction writing on a multitude of subjects. Writing cozy mysteries and romantic comedy, Jocie can find humor in most everything. She lives in the Midwest on Dust Bunny Farm with her family.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It is The Line is Drawn, book number 5 in the Mayson-Dickson Mystery Series. The entire series was inspired by my mom. She was a true Southern lady and I was. Yankee kid! Having family on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line, I can go from ‘y’all’ to ‘you guys’ in the same sentence!Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can write anywhere, seriously, anywhere. I’ve freelance written for magazines for over twenty-years and because of having a family, a farm and a full-time ‘real world’ job I learned quickly to write whenever I had a break. I’ve written at kids sporting events, the doctor office, in the greenhouse, on a tractor (well, this was with a recorder!), in parking lots and while hiding from my kids in the woods! LOLWhat authors, or books have influenced you?
Way too many to name. I am a huge fan of many author for many different reasons. I do love thrillers so Vince Flynn, James Rollins, Sara Paretsky, Brad Thor. And I love some of the classics, Mark Twain, Isaac Asimov, Anne McCaffrey. Plus humor with Janet Evanovich, Kim Foster. I should probably stop now.What are you working on now?
I have a Tea Leaf Reader mystery series of which I’ve written two short stories. I’m working on a full length novel for this fun series. It features Lilly Cunningham who drives a mobile tea truck and parks were the leaves tell her she’s needed to help solve a mystery.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My newsletter without a doubt. Social media can be fickle and several authors I know have had accounts canceled for no apparent reason. I only send it out monthly…with a small….tea drinker newsletter in between. I reach those who want to hear from me and have goodies, sneak peeks, and giveaways for those subscribers.Do you have any advice for new authors?
WRITE. That’s it. WRITE. Don’t wait for the perfect time, the perfect office, of the perfect frame of mind….just write. You can edit a sucky page, but you can’t edit a blank one.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Again, write….just write. Secondly, write the story YOU need to tell. Don’t try to follow what’s popular, because in 3-months it won’t be something else will grab readers attention, so write the story you need to tell.What are you reading now?
I just received some copies to review The Good Son by Jacquelyn, Strangers We Know by Elle Marr. If I’m in heavy writing mode, I don’t read fiction I find it distracting, but I do read a lot of non-fiction both for research and enjoyment. I live on a small farm, so right now I’m reading No-Dig-Gardening by Charles Dowding. I’ll let ya know if it works! LOLWhat’s next for you as a writer?
I have several books lined up (if the real-world would cooperate!). Book 6 in Mayson-Dickson Mysteries, Tea Leaf Reader mystery, and new series……I can’t say much about yet, because I’ve only just sparked the idea.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?
A desert island?
The Complete Survival Shelters Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Life-saving Structures for Every Climate and Wilderness Situation by Anthonio Akkermans.U.S. Army Survival Manual: Official Updated by the U.S. Army
Wilderness Ranger Cookbook by Forest Service Wilderness Rangers
I am a practical woman!!
Author Websites and Profiles
Jocie McKade’s Social Media Links
Jerry Furnell
Interview With Author Jerry Furnell
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Jerry Furnell is a ’56 model Englishman replanted in Australia in ’58. He lives on the magnificent Gold Coast in sunny Queensland. A business owner and self employed for the last thirty years, this avid reader is semi-retired and writes most days. He supports and is supported by a two beautiful women; his wife Anastasia and his teenage daughter Pei-Pei. Last year the Page Turner Book Awards shortlisted his debut novel Unleashing The Tiger. This year’s 2022 entry, The Naked Assassin, is book two of a three-part adult / suspense / thriller series. All three avenger novels contain hot, gritty, sex and violence aimed to appeal to a mature audience. Definitely not for the fainthearted or anyone who upsets easily.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Naked Assassin and it is inspired by movies that feature a kickass female lead. Stranded in Hong Kong. Chased by the Seven Dragons. Wanted for murder by the police. Camilla Lee faces her toughest challenge yet. As her world crumbles, she has no choice but to form a risky alliance with the enemy of her enemy, a seasoned mobster within the Dragons. But his protection comes at a price. This time, her Kung Fu and knife skills are not enough. She has no choice but to become his mistress if she is to survive his devious plot to become Dragon Master.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I need a break, I spend time with my dog, Tia, named after one of my characters. A walk with her often frees up ideas for my panster brain.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Anne Rice, Wilbur Smith, Bryce Courtenay.
Jack Reacher novels.
Ian Fleming’s James Bond and Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes.What are you working on now?
The Devil’s Daughter. Book three in the Camilla Lee series. First draft is just about done.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
You find me here: https://jerryfurnell.comDo you have any advice for new authors?
Bum glue. Write something – anything – then when the words come, let your fingers rip!What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you want to read.What are you reading now?
Two ebooks, a paperback, and two audiobooks.What’s next for you as a writer?
Already retired, so I hope to leave stories that will live long after I die. When this series is finished I will play around with something new. A who-dunnit perhaps?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?
Complete works of Shakespeare.
How to survive on a desert island.
The Vampire LestatAuthor Websites and Profiles
Jerry Furnell’s Social Media Links
Lauryn Dyan
Interview With Author Lauryn Dyan
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an indie author, journalist, and freelance copywriter. I have one novel published, and another I am dragging through the trenches of editing to prep for publication. I have lots of articles and album reviews out for a Las Vegas music magazine as a way of sharing my unsolicited music advice with others.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release is Hollow Stars, a music-based thriller. It is my love letter to all the bands that influenced me during the latter half of my formative years. The majority of the characters in the book are inspired by or named after an artist, band, or song title from that time, which was the 2000s emo scene. It is my way of paying homage to their art and influence. I also gave a few nods to some 90s icons who I rocked out to when I was probably too young to know what they were really singing about.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing too out of the ordinary. I must have the right vibe to write, which includes the perfect playlist. I’ve got my go-to soundtrack on Spotify that I’ve been curating and swap songs on and off of for years.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Veronica Roth’s world building abilities, and Liana Moriarty’s talent for weaving a mystery in a non-traditional way.What are you working on now?
My next book is an urban fantasy. It is completely different in setting, plot, and tone than my last novel, but will still keep you guessing till the very end. I suppose that’s kind of my niche.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to figure that out! I’m constantly trying out new channels for promotion and seeing if they make an impact. It’s a constant hustle.Do you have any advice for new authors?
You are your own worst enemy. It is easy to be too critical or too confident in this industry. Take constructive feedback and use it, but know when to fight for your vision.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get yourself out there! You can edit something a thousand times and still find an error post-launch. There comes a point where you need to see if your work can stand on its own and start producing more content to back it up if it can.What are you reading now?
I just started reading the first Bridgerton book after binging the series. I find I enjoy a show or movie based on a book more if I read it after so I’m not saying ‘the book was better’ a thousand times a minute while it’s on.What’s next for you as a writer?
Another novel and more work as a journalist, I hope. I love to balance fiction with opinion pieces on the real world, particularly the music industry.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?
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Witching Hour by Anne Rice, Divergent by Veronica Roth, and Wayward Pines by Blake CrouchAuthor Websites and Profiles
Lauryn Dyan’s Social Media Links
Alan Hounshell
Interview With Author Alan Hounshell
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in the rural areas of Breathitt & Wolfe County, Kentucky. Before writing books, I wrote dinner theater plays, writing parodies of shows from the 50s and 60s. Saturday Night Live, the 70s and 80s movies, and living in a small community motivated me to channel my imagination into writing. I’ve been professionally writing and publishing novels since 2016.I enjoy writing fiction (science fiction and fantasy). I embrace being a Trekkie, attending comic cons, and watching superhero movies (DC and Marvel). This is my sixth novel, with more in the works. Previous books include:
In The End (writing under the pseudonym Cullen Kit Alexander)
Ancestry: Awakenings (writing under the pseudonym Cullen Kit Alexander)
The Witch Detective: The Fire And Brimstone Bourbon Trail Case
Bingo Baby
The Antique DealerI graduated with a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Morehead State University. I currently live in Lexington, Kentucky, with my wife Lenore and our critters. I am working toward retirement so I can have more time to write.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Paisley Hunter Detective Files: The Butcher, The Takers, And The Money Makers (Book 1) was published in April 2022. I was inspired by my love of a good mystery, strong female leads, and James Patterson’s Alex Cross series.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to work on several projects at once, often having two books going at the same time. I prefer only early morning writing with a cup of peppermint or Earl Grey tea.What authors, or books have influenced you?
James Patterson, J.K. Rowling, Alan Dean Foster, and Christopher Paolini.What are you working on now?
The second book in the Paisley Hunter Detective series and a book where the Grim Reaper falls in love with a woman who has the soul of the wife he once loved.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook ads, Google ads, word of mouth, and author-related groups on Facebook. I also send copies to local libraries to help promote my book.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Persistence will eventually pay off. Be yourself and write what you like to write.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never surrender.What are you reading now?
Dolly Parton and James Patterson – Run, Rose, Run and Julia’s Child’s Mastering the Art of French CookingWhat’s next for you as a writer?
Write more books and then write some 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?
SAS Survival Guide, Harry Potter Series, and any James Patterson book.Author Websites and Profiles
Alan Hounshell’s Social Media Links
Tricia Lynne
Interview With Author Tricia Lynne
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m from Nebraska and for my entire life I’ve wanted to live in England. I started writing in high school, and I’ve completed a total of 7 books, and that took a half a lifetime to achieve. I started out as a YA author and ended up writing historical romance set in the Restoration era. The 1660’s in England mirrored our 1960’s here because those years were a time of excess and war. Society was changing and I wanted to capture that in my books.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called When Angels Fall. I think the inspiration for that was a love for Pirates of the Caribbean. I’ve always wanted to go sail on a ship and see the sun sink into the sea. Unfortunately for my hero, he’s in London on a quest for revenge, so he’s missing the sea terribly.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My house has to be clean before I write. It’s like I can clear my head and think when everything’s tidy.What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was a kid I wanted to write like Jo March, or Laura Ingalls Wilder. When I started writing, I was influenced by Janet Daily and Susan Fromberg Schaeffer, and Alice Hoffman. Then I discovered Romance and loved Connie Brockway, Laura Kinsale, and Marsha Canham. Lately after devouring everything J.R Ward has ever written, I started to read Alyssa Turner, KJ Charles, and Sierra Simone. Now I’m reading Alexis Hall and Kris Ripper.What are you working on now?
Beautifully Captured. I started writing Contemporary LBGTQIA books three years ago, because of the need to serve that community. This is a series with three people who popped into my head one July night and their universe expanded from there. As for what inspired it, like all my characters they come to me and demand that I tell their story. I’m a pantzer, so I write what happens as the story flashes in front of me.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m learning to promote, so I use my Website Https://TriciaLynne.net for that. Or I’m everywhere trying to figure stuff out. I’m always forever on Facebook.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yeah, sit butt in chair and find something that you love to write. When writing becomes tedious and not fun, switch genres. Learn the craft. Find two or three people you trust to work with and encourage you. Writers groups are awesome, but you can’t beat two or three people in your corner that believe in you and love what you write, and always, always, give back. You learn from critiquing others. Plus, it’s fun.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Last weekend at a conference. Write what you love. Take a year and learn some element of the craft and promotion and use it on one book. Develop characterization for one. Body language for another. POV for another, and so on. And you don’t need to be everywhere on social media. Pick one that you re comfortable with and run with it.What are you reading now?
Pinterest for Business-nonfiction, and Glitterland By Alexis HallWhat’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to finish my contemporary series this year, and then next year, I’ll head back to the 17th Century. I’m also putting up a magnet on Kindle Vella and an American Historical to see if I can finish the thing.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 Shadow and the Star By Laura Kinsale, and her Flowers from the Storm. Sally Watson’s Linnet, and a book on how to forage for food on a deserted desert island.Author Websites and Profiles
Tricia Lynne’s Social Media Links
Nikita Harris
Interview With Author Nikita Harris
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I consider myself a new writer even though I have been writing for over five years. I am now at the point where I want to share my writing with the world. I have written three books and created one JournalWhat is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a three-book series called The Missed Lesson- Healing The Teenage Mother- The Missed Lesson- A Young Mom’s Handbook and The Missed Lesson- Inspirational Journal For Mothers. These books were inspired by my journey as a teenage mother and understanding how it played a big part in my life. I wanted other mothers to know that you are not alone and you are not the only one who has traveled the journey as a single mother or teenage mother.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a habit of putting on headphones and blasting music in my ear to write but the room has to be completely quiet. This might seem unusual to others but it’s normal to me.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love fantasy and supernatural books, I’m a huge Harry Potter Fan.What are you working on now?
I am working on my First Fantasy book now. It will be finished at the end of May this year. The title is still up in the air but I look forward to sharing it with the world when it’s done.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method when it comes to promoting your books is Consistency. There are so many avenues you just have to find what works for you.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do not get upset when your friends and family do not support you. Always keep writing every day. understand how your writing gift works. Keep pushing no matter what.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always show up for yourself and invest in yourself.What are you reading now?
I am reading Greek Myths by Robin Waterfield and Children of Blood and Bone By Tomi Adeyemi.What’s next for you as a writer?
As soon as I finish my current fantasy project, I have another novel that I am immediately starting. Also a fantasy novel.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?
Where The sidewalk ends, The first three books in the Harry Potter CollectionNikita Harris’s Social Media Links
E.R. River
Interview With Author E.R. River
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a very creative Aquarius. I always loved to read and write and I’ve dreamed of publishing my stories for the world to read. Fortunately, the indie industry has developed and now I’m living my dream. Currently, I’ve published seven erotica novelettes, a collection of four erotica novelettes and I have two books on preorder. But my laptop holds many stories that will eventually see the light of day.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is an erotic novelette. Taken is the seventh erotica novelette in the series. The story burrowed into my mind and refused to leave. The inspiration for the plot is just my dirty imagination.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I do. I write in long, tiresome sprints that last a week or two. During that time I spend about 18 hours a day writing. I don’t clean or cook and I barely sleep. My husband brings me food and I eat it because it keeps me alive :). At that time, I am totally focused on the story. After the inspiration leaves me, or I finish the book, it takes about a month to start the editing process.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love reading The Masters of the Shadowlands by Cherise Sinclair. The world she created is amazing. Her Doms are very well trained and the subs are naughty enough to make the stories fun. The backstories bring that touch of drama that every story needs, but it’s not overdone. Lora Leigh, J.R. Ward, and Nalini Singh are some of the authors that inspire me to write Paranormal Romance stories. Since I’m an avid reader, the list of inspiring authors is long and keeps getting longer.What are you working on now?
Currently, I have four stories I work on: Taken is the 7th erotica novelette in the series. Pleasure School is a stand-alone erotic-romance story. Panther’s Heart is a paranormal romance featuring all kinds of sexy shifters. Wolven Age is a fantasy story where a human must survive living with the beasts.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my books through my newsletter, my website, and on promotion sites like Awesome Gang. The first book in a series is always free and when I drop the price, I usually promote it with over 50% off.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing and engage with your readers. Be kind to yourself. Writing a book takes time and dedication. Just keep writing and give your readers the best product you can create.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing.What are you reading now?
Hour of the Lion by Cherise Sinclair – one of my favorites!What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing more books. That is the goal. I plan to write, edit, publish and perfect my craft.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?
Slave to Sensation and Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh
Lover Mine by J.R. Ward
Cross Breed by Lora LeighAuthor Websites and Profiles
E.R. River’s Social Media Links
Ivan Tu
Interview With Author Ivan Tu
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written one bookWhat is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Daydream a Day. Not having a purpose is what inspired me to draw.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to draw more than I write. Which is why my books have illustrationsWhat authors, or books have influenced you?
Calvin and Hobbes, The Giving Tree, Harry Potter, Jeff Kinney, Various MangaWhat are you working on now?
My 2nd bookWhat is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Reaching out to websites like awesomegang.comDo you have any advice for new authors?
Authoring is a long-term relationship, not an overnight success.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t take criticism personally.What are you reading now?
How to Draw People (art book)What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing my 2nd book and sustaining self-publishing as a careerIf 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?
Holy Bible, Calvin and Hobbes, any art booksAuthor Websites and Profiles
Ivan Tu’s Social Media Links
Starr Z. Davies
Interview With Author Starr Z. Davies
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Wisconsin and have been writing for as long as I can remember. My first book was a short story I wrote in 4th Grade titled “Mariah and the Haunted House.” I cannot seem to find a copy of it. I suspect my mother of hording it! In high school I carried around a different notebook for a different story, and pulled one out to write during class based on my mood. None of those were worthwhile, but I did see a movie that was strikingly similar to one of them a few years ago.I got serious about writing in 2007, but didn’t really think about publishing until I started writing Ordinary in 2015. I published it five years later.
Once the final Fractured Empire Saga book is out, I will have seven books and one novella, as well as two prequels to my two series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My last release is “Mother of the Blue Wolf,” inspired by the non-fiction book by Jack Weatherford, “The Secret History of the Mongol Queens.” Mandukhai’s true story was so cinematic I knew I would have to write it as fiction one day. The last book in her series, “Empress of the Jade Realm” comes out in July and draws her sweeping tale to an epic conclusion.Mandukhai the Wise was an amazing woman who lived in 15th century Mongolia, but schools do not teach us her history. I wanted to shed some light on her story. She was an inspiration and a credit to her sex in a time of patriarchal rule.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I’m a creature of habit. I wait until my house is empty, go to my office with a cup of coffee, turn on my Pandora writing mix, and just write. Sometimes I raise my desk so I can stand instead of sitting all day. It has one of those vertical lifts.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series was a HUGE influence on me. When my husband introduced me to the series in 2002, I started reading it. I learned a lot from him about world-building, character arcs, strife … and how to control my details so they don’t get too out of hand. I will admit, as much as I loved his series, the length he would go to just to describe one thing could be daunting for the best of us.Some of Brandon Sanderson’s early work had an effect on me as well. Particularly the end of the Mistborn series. He showed me what epic truly looked like.
What are you working on now?
I am in the planning stages for my next series, Powers Legacy. I don’t want to share too many details just yet, but it will take place roughly 20 years after the Powers Series. Meanwhile, I am putting the finishing touches on the Fractured Empire Saga. It’s a four-book epic historical fiction featuring over 80% real-life people who fought to reunite the broken Mongol Empire. I put a lot of work into my research to make the series realistic, but also a bit fantastic as well. The characters are some of the best I have ever written. I wish I could take credit for that, but when they are based on real people, I think they deserve the credit as well.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have to admit I’m still sorting this out. I use BookFunnel to share my prequels, new releases, and feature the first books in each series. Most of my marketing goes into Amazon Ads. They work really well for me so far. I might branch out to try a few new things in the future.In all honesty, word of mouth is the best! Whether it’s my books or someone else’s, sharing a book you love with others goes a long way to helping authors.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Finish your novel. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. We all suffer from Imposter Syndrome to some degree. Just know you are not alone. There are a lot of great support groups out there that will help with everything from beta reading to marketing – and everything between. Reach out to others.But finish the book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Life-changing advice for me was to take the indie plunge. Most publishers still require authors to do their own marketing, and going the indie route gives me more royalties and creative control. Again, the support from other indies is outstanding.What are you reading now?
I have just finished the Guardian Program series by Herman Streuenagel, and I am getting ready to start reading The Wall series by Alison Ingleby.What’s next for you as a writer?
Onward! More books, of course. As I finished the Fractured Empire Saga, I am preparing to move into a sci-fi/post-apocalyptic/fantasy crossover 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?
Ebooks don’t count, I suppose. Surviving on a Desert Island. I don’t know if it exists, but it seems like a smart choice. Then, probably the Mistborn series (since Wheel of Time is 14 books long).Author Websites and Profiles
Starr Z. Davies Amazon Profile
Starr Z. Davies’s Social Media Links
Rebecca Bryn
Interview With Author Rebecca Bryn
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live with my husband and dog in West Wales, and have grown-up children and a good scattering of grandchildren and grand-dogs. I love painting in watercolour and have written two ‘how-to’ books with demos about painting seascapes and animal portraits.
I am presently researching for my thirteenth novel, which is about the Merthyr Riot which took place in South Wales in 1831. I write mystery and fantasy novels, but my favourite genre is historical fiction based firmly in fact. I’ve written two historical trilogies and four stand-alones, one mystery tale, and one fantasy. I like to write about the under-dog, the oppressed, the common working man and woman, and have found that the subject of women’s rights has forced itself into my historical stories. I find the research into my topics fascinating, and I hope I impart some of that wonder and understanding of where we came from into my books.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest publication is ‘Revenge’. I was looking for an historical miscarriage of justice to explore and came across the heinous treachery and disastrous events that led to the union of England and Scotland in 1707. How little I knew about this particular period of British history!Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always make a book cover before I begin writing a novel. It helps me see the characters and the setting. It sets the tone of the story in my mind.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tolkien, Douglas Adams’ Hitchhikers, Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth, Catherine Cookson to name but a few.What are you working on now?
An historical novel called ‘Give Us This Day’. It’s about the ironmaster and ironworkers of the Welsh Valleys and the riots that took place in Merthyr Tydfil in 1831 which was caused by extreme poverty during a recession and the cut in workers’ wages proposed by ironmaster, William Crawshay. The workers demanded their ‘daily bread’.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promoting is the bane of all independent authors. I use social media daily and book promotion sites several times a year.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Put your work out there and thicken your skin. Take criticism seriously and be prepared listen, digest and consider. Rewrite if the critique suggests a way to improve your work, and bear in mind that you can’t please everyone, so don’t take negativity too much to heart. Easier said than done. Authors are their own worst enemies.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do your research.What are you reading now?
The Merthyr Rising by Gwyn A Williams – doing my research!What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a couple of mystery ideas I’d like to follow up if another historical theme doesn’t beat me to them.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, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, the Sword of Truth series (is that cheating as there are at least eleven books in the series?)Author Websites and Profiles
Rebecca Bryn’s Social Media Links
