Here Is Your Awesomegang Authors Newsletter
Published: Tue, 09/27/22
Please check out the authors below and share them if you like on social media and help them out.
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Dan Mcgrath
Interview With Author Dan Mcgrath
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a writer all my life, but mostly applied that skill to dull work-related papers until I decided to try my hand at a couple books and now I’m hooked on that!The Adventures of Dan and Tina was my first major book. From there, I went on to writing a totally unrelated fantasy novel, The Storm Tower. It's a creepy, fun adventure story.
I’m learning to fly airplanes and reconnecting with other creative pursuits like music and video production, as well.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Storm Tower is part murder mystery, part super natural thriller and a fair amount of old-fashioned sword and sorcery. It's inspired by decades of old-school fantasy role playing games, Doctor Who fandom and a desire to write something fun.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have poor writing habits. I’m a creature of inspiration, not routine. I write when the words come to me. Trying to force it sometimes yields results, but often not.What authors, or books have influenced you?
There's a wild number of books and authors that have made an impression on me. Probably everything I've read has had some impact on shaping my mind. A few come to the forefront, though.My mom first read me the Hobbit before I even started Kindergarten and that really grabbed me. It was the first "real" book I read on my own, once I mastered reading, too.
After that, I sought out fantasy fiction and fell in with Michael Moorcock's Eternal Champion multiverse (particularly the Elric Saga) and the Dragonlance books by Weiss and Hickman. More recently, Terry Goodkind, Brandon Sanderson and George RR Martin have been collecting royalties from my book purchases.
What are you working on now?
I'm in early stages of dreaming up a follow-up novel to the Storm Tower. It's just a rough idea at this point, but I like it.I'm working on finishing up flight school to get my private pilot certificate done.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
ricky. I’m still throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks as far as book promotion goes. I have found some success with social media. I have a decent facebook following and found their ads useful, because of how specific you can be in targeting an appropriate audience. Amazon ads are doing OK for me, now, but they take longer (and cost significantly) to get working.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Hire an editor (or two). Editing your own work is difficult at best and proofreading it is impossible.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t quit.What are you reading now?
Private Pilot FAA practical Test Study Guide (It's a real page-turner).What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing, I imagine.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 be looking for a 10,000-page omnibus of A Song of Ice and Fire, for one. Can I get a copy of the Winds of Winter to bring?Author Websites and Profiles
Dan Mcgrath’s Social Media Links
Rima Ray
Interview With Author Rima Ray
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m Rima Ray. I’m an Indian American professor of Indian from upstate New York. I live with my husband and two cats. I have lived in several countries across the globe—spanning Kuwait, where my family and I became refugees in the Jordan Azhraq camp in the first Gulf War; to Qatar; to the Philippines, where I completed high school; to Canada, where my family eventually migrated to; to the United States for my college education at Cornell; to Japan for my first research job and where I survived the 2011 triple disaster; back to Canada for my PhD; and finally now in upstate New York, where I’m an assistant professor.Despite the ups and downs, one thing that has been a constant in my life is my love affair with the mystery genre. I have loved mysteries since my fifth birthday, when my grandfather from India gave me a copy of The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes. So, when it came time for me to write my own mystery novel, it felt like a rite of passage: a natural progression from mystery reader to creator. And so far, I have enjoyed every moment of it.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel is “Ruby Roy and the Murder in the Falls.” I have had a long and colorful journey thus far. My experiences have shaped my unique multicultural perspective of how I see the world. Given the diversity of my background, I could have shaped my first novel on some of the more challenging experiences in my life. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic, I realized the importance of humor in our everyday life. And with my favorite genre being mystery, I decided to work on a humorous mystery novel.Crime and mystery novels are interesting and exciting, but they make you witness the darker side of human nature. And sometimes you come out of that experience seeing the world as a grim place. And while we know that evil exists in this world, I wanted my book to bring joy and happiness to people’s lives. There will be moments in my novel when readers will get emotional, but by and large, I want them to smile and enjoy the reading experience. Also, as I was thinking of my story, I realized that there were not as many female leads in the mystery genre and hardly any fictional detectives who were women of color. In that respect, I never found a detective or amateur sleuth I could relate to. That’s where the inspiration for my debut novel, “Ruby Roy and the Murder in the Falls” came about which is about a plus-size, mixed-race academic, came about. She is loosely based on me, but I would say a more funny, exciting, and exaggerated version of me.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
With respect to my writing process, it’s very spontaneous. I usually start by mapping out a story in my head, then writing down a loose outline of how I want my story and characters to progress. Then, I start writing. It’s an iterative process of trial and error. I’ll write a paragraph, then I’ll read it, revise it, and rewrite it until I’m satisfied with it. Then I’ll revisit it the next day. The important thing for me is to be disciplined while writing. So, back when I was working on my debut novel, I had a rule that I needed to write one page every day. I have a day job as a professor, so it was not always easy as I have academic research, teaching, and service obligations. But I pushed myself to keep that routine, and that’s largely how I was able to complete this book.One thing though that I have tried to maintain and hope to continue doing is having fun while I’m working on a book. So, little things make a difference—such as setting up my writing space and making it look aesthetically pleasing, getting some snacks that I enjoy, putting on music that I like, sitting on my favorite chair, and slowly relaxing into a rhythm as I write. I feel it’s very important that an author is enjoying the writing process, as that’s when true creativity emerges. If you are pushing yourself to meet a deadline or you’re stressed or unhappy, you’re not in the kind of mindset that will benefit a book—at least, I don’t think so.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite authors are the following: Judy Blume (her children and adult books), Agatha Christie (her entire collection), Satyajit Ray (in particular, The Adventures of Felu Da), Arthur Conan Doyle (The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes), Jhumpa Lahiri (I have loved all her books, in particular her Pulitzer winning debut novel The Namesake), Kazuo Ishiguro (The Remains of the Day and Never Let Me Go) and Mindy Kaling (Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?)What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the second book in the Ruby Roy mystery series titled “Ruby Roy and the Hawaiian Mystery” which should be ready for release by next year. I also have an idea ready for the third book which is tentatively titled “Ruby Roy and the Fishy Affair in Kolkata.” So, for those who enjoyed the first Ruby Roy mystery, there’s a lot more coming.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My book is on Amazon Kindle and in this day and age, I feel everyone is buying books on Amazon. So, that’s where I have promoted and published my book. Other than that, I have had a press release and some interviews, most recently I was interviewed by the BBC. And that’s another way of reaching out to my readers.Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to new authors is to keep writing and to not get discouraged by criticism. There are a lot of people who will weigh you down and tell you that you’re not good enough or how challenging it is to become a successful author. And while the literary world is not an easy place to be, if you don’t strive for your dreams and don’t believe in yourself, then no one else will either. So, be your own biggest champion.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I don’t have a best advice but I do have a favorite quote by Norman Vincent Peale:
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”What are you reading now?
I’m re-reading Agatha Christie’s “The Mysterious Mr. Quin” as part of my mystery book club on Instagram @rima_ray_author. I find the character of Mr. Quin to be the most enigmatic, magical and haunting of Christie’s creations.What’s next for you as a writer?
As I mentioned before, I’m already working on the next two books in the Ruby Roy mystery series, “Ruby Roy and the Hawaiian Mystery” and “Ruby Roy and the Fishy Affair in Kolkata.” I’m also doing some publicity for my debut novel. It’s been a wonderful journey thus far.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 along the following books:
The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes
The Complete Adventures of Poirot
The Complete Adventures of Miss MarpleAuthor Websites and Profiles
Rima Ray’s Social Media Links
Disha Dubey
Interview With Author Disha Dubey
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a passionate writer, author who first started writing short stories and poems in the year 2012. I believe in the power of ink over sword. I have published two of my books on Amazon kindle and also participated in anthologies.
There are numerous reasons to be a writer, mine is to make my stories reach an infinite number of readers. I want people to enjoy my writings and feel the magic I am trying to create.
I am currently working as an author at pocket novel app, an online platform for readers around the world. I am still in the middle of understanding my strengths as a writer and I want readers to bring that side of me out in the world.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A cup of coffee! I wanted to write something easy yet effective just like coffee.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Leo Tolstoy, Nicholas Sparks and Jon KrakauerWhat are you working on now?
Two new novels, Fiction and Non-fiction.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome gangs is perfect at the moment, and Pinterest.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, read more. Read different authors, understand their way of putting a story and find yours.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
God helps who help themselves.What are you reading now?
India of my dreams by MK Gandhi.What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on two books as of now. One is fiction and a bit inspired by GOT and another one is a non-fiction, my very first. It's about women.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?
Into thin Air, Safe haven, Geetanjali and Anna Karenina.Author Websites and Profiles
Casey Donatello
Interview With Author Casey Donatello
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I seem like your typical girl nextdoor but I am hiding a dirty secret… I have been in the swinger Lifestyle since my early 20s. I was having an affair with my older married boss and we discovered this taboo world on Craigslist.
When we broke up I became a highly sought after unicorn (single female) and now I am currently a Hotwife (my husband shares me with other men).I have written 3 books, all of them following a different part of my journey of sexual discovery and empowerment. I dealt with a lot of guilt, insecurities, shame and uncertainties because I did not live a traditional life and I did not want children. There is a constant double standard where women are degraded for being sexually free. I eventually learned to be brave, empowered and confident by pushing my limits and exploring new things. They are 100% true memoirs. IN BED WITH STRANGERS: SWINGING MY WAY TO SELF-DISCOVERY, SCARLET SWINGS HIGHER & SCARLET SURRENDERS
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My third book which is the last in this trilogy is titled SCARLET SURRENDERS. It was inspired by the events that led me to meet my future husband in a blind date threesome and how are relationship was affected by the Lifestyle. I really needed to learn to compromise and let down some of the walls I had built to protect my heart from previous partners. Nothing about our relationship has been "normal." We had to find the perfect balance in order to have a trusting relationship while opening our bedroom doors to other men.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes! I totally binge write! I do not write anything for a long time and then once I am inspired I become obsessed and write 24/7. Not the most healthy habit I admit.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love The Catcher in the Rye and anything by Chuck Palahniuk.What are you working on now?
I am just waiting to see where life takes me, since that is my inspiration.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Instagram: @inbedwithstrangers
Or linktree: https://linktr.ee/inbedwithstrangersTwitter: hotwifelife869
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I was not a trained writer, I just speak from the heart. I was always very nervous about not being a professional but in the end I got my first book published anyway! So just be committed and don't let your fears stop you.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be honest. Tell the truth when you write.What are you reading now?
Mostly a lot of blogs about how to market and promote!!!What’s next for you as a writer?
I would love to get a job writing erotica stories that are not based on 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?
I would take mine – but only because they are like my diaries. Sometimes I really enjoy randomly flipping through them to remember a specific moment in time that I want to relive. Either something I really enjoyed or a negative event that taught me a valuable lesson – plus the last book is the story of my husband and I falling in love so it is extra sentimental to me. I cherish it.Author Websites and Profiles
Author Vegastarchild584
Interview With Author Author Vegastarchild584
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I've published 3 books – 2 M/M romances in the Clash at Sea Series – "The Quartermaster & the Marquis' Son" and "Alain & the Duke" which is a novella both under my other pen name A.E. Kendall. "The Wild & Zany Galactic Adventures of Commander Zhang and Lieutenant Simon, Soul Mates who Incarnate on Earth and Save the World" will be available on 9/15/2022.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called "The Wild & Zany Galactic Adventures of Commander Zhang and Lieutenant Simon, Soul Mates who Incarnate on Earth and Save the World" and will be available on 9/15/2022. As you can tell from the title, it's a funny, lighthearted but spiritually loaded book and a fun read. I was inspired to write it after becoming a fan of the Netflix series Word of Honor staring actor/singer Zhang Zhehan and Actor/model Simon Gong Jun. Soon after, I learned that popular young actor Zhang Zhehan was "cancelled" overnight in China after a selfie he took back in 2018 mysteriously surfaced on the web in 2021 of him in front of a Japanese shrine dedicated to Japan's war "heroes". As a Chinese citizen, this was no small matter and lead immediately to his being backlisted by the Chinese government and the China Association of the Performing Arts (CAPA) which all performing artists answer to. In addition to becoming a pariah overnight, all of his social media accounts were cancelled, his commercial endorsements backed out, and he was banned from the industry indefinitely. This of course discouraged millions of fans worldwide and is still a big issue for Zhang Zhehan who has not been able to redeem his name. Thus, I was inspired to look at his situation from a deeper perspective and wrote the book as it came to me because I wanted to encourage Mr. Zhang, his costar Simon who is also impacted by the scandal and resulting fall out by netizens and the government, and the fans around the world by offering them a different, spiritual and humorous perspective.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don't typically have any unusual writing habits but this book came to me very differently.
It was actually "downloaded" to me for lack of a better word which isn't the usual way I write books. Thus the book was written in 30 days which for me is a world record. I wrote it on my iPhoneMax13 using the Note App as the scenes and dialogues came to me and when I got stuck, before I went to bed, I put it out there to the universe that I was a bit stuck and by the time I woke up, a new chapter was literally laid out in my head for me.
I have to say, it was a very fun, stress-free way to write!What authors, or books have influenced you?
For M/M Romance, Gordon Merrick and Kindle Alexander. For BL, there are so many but what comes to mind is Mo Xiang Tong Xu whose "The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation" became the hit Netflix series, "The Untamed". I also love Barbara Marciniak who channels the Pleiadeans and her monumental and really interesting books "Bringers of the Dawn", "Earth" and "Family of Light". Also I love Sheldon Nidle's "You are Becoming a Galactic Human", Dr. Suzanne Lie's "Preparing for First Contact" and Maureen St. Germain's "Waking Up in 5D".What are you working on now?
I have several projects underway at the moment. I am collaborating with a phenomenal Japanese artist on a set of Oracle Cards aimed at encouraging young adults and even children as young as 8 years old meant to empower and inspire them. I am also working on several audio short stories for Youtube in the M/M, BL genre as well as working on the Clash at Sea Series books "Into the Maelstrom" and the Prequel to "Alain & the Duke", organizing spiritually fun and grounding retreats and a whole lot more!What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think using your usual SM channels (FB, IG, Twitter, etc.) is a good start. Ideally you want to get your book out everywhere. I think platforms like Awesome Gang, Goodreads, and using Amazon, B&N, and Smashwords are also helpful.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing and don't be discouraged. Just keep working hard and honing your craft. Take classes and vet your work with fellow students as it is very helpful to have independent eyes review your work.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
"Next time, look before you leap!" Advice from my dad to my sister at her wedding reception. Haha!What are you reading now?
Volume 3 of the anime series, "The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation" and "The Scum Villain's Self-Serving System" Vol 3; Heaven's Official Blessings, Vol 3 all by Mo Xiang Tong Xu; also Vision for Life by an amazing author/healer out of San Francisco, Meir Schneider. I tend to read multiple books at once across multiple spectrums.What’s next for you as a writer?
Just to keep writing, and branching out to SM short stories on Youtube, collaborating with interesting and talented people.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?
Easy! "The Wild & Zany Galactic Adventures of Commander Zhang & Lieutenant Simon, Soul Mates who Incarnate on Earth and Save the World" for its deeply encouraging messages and humor, (ok the sex scenes are really good too!). Also Vol 1 of "The Scum Villain's Self-Serving System" by Mo Xiang Tong Xu, "Preparing for First Contact" by Sheldon Nidle and "Bringers of the Dawn" by Barbara Marciniak.Author Websites and Profiles
Author Vegastarchild584 Website
Author Vegastarchild584 Amazon Profile
Author Vegastarchild584 Author Profile on Smashwords
Author Vegastarchild584’s Social Media Links
Telma Sanchez
Interview With Author Telma Sanchez
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Telma and, the author of Own your Dance and a bilingual life coach. I help busy working professionals maximize time so they can feel productive, energized to fully embrace and enjoy their desired lifestyle. I specialize in self reflection and accountability with a splash of energy and time management. I’m committed to having the hard conversations so more of us can live a life without self imposed restrictions. A life where we prioritize self care and spend more quality time with loved ones. Because when you are fulfilled, you can fully show up for yourself and othersMy role is to be an accountability partner in creating a toolbox to help each and every one of my clients to stay committed to reaching their goal(s) and creating and/or maintaining a lifestyle they truly love, one decision at a time.
I like to think of my coaching relationship with clients just like 'dancing'; it takes two to tango, one leads, one follows and wears a great outfit. I would be the one wearing the great outfit, following YOUR lead to your success…
Now… I didn’t get here fast. I have always been passionate about self development but became ‘obsessed’ 6 years ago. I have over 18 years of work experience including being a caregiver, a pretrial services liaison, as well as working in the financial corporate world where I succeeded in various positions; customer service, sales, service management, underwriting, relationship management, and project management. My certifications range from CPR, College Grad in Business Management & Administration, to Life Coaching and High Performance Coaching.
I am an international work in progress and so are you!
Everyday is a gift in which you get to decide how you show up.
The choice is yours!
And Yes! You guessed right! I love dancing. I am unique, bilingual, and too direct to sugar coat my words. I am, as most of us, playing multiple roles. I am a Mom of two amazing girls, a wife, daughter, sister, and friend to some great people. I am a community builder and I love seeing others find their FULL potential. I am an avid hiker, love to travel, seek new adventures, and routinely push myself and my community outside of our comfort zone. I am as human as you are, I cry at the sweetest moments in life and lose sleep when I face my fears as I strive to live a life with no regrets.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Own Your Dance, it was inspired by my need to be the one to tell my kids my story. See, I had to beautiful girls, but I still enjoy adult only trips. So before I could go in one, my husband asked that we leave everything ready and put a will together. I did not think much of it, and it was not until I was sitting there, crying and imagining the worst that I realized i would leave a document full of instructions, and yet not any background of how I came to be and how I reached some decisions. I left that meeting knowing I had to do more, and my kids deserved more than just a set of instructions to live their life. Own you dance is a collection of stories in which I share my journey and invite you reflect on yours, in the journey you get to review your decision making, embrace yourself just as you are and empowered to create your dream life.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
well, I did not plan this, but I do live in a house with a puppy, a husband and two toddlers so there was times that I had to lock myself in the bathroom to get my writing in without any interruptions. When you have kids, the bathroom becomes your quiet peaceful place and before I knew it, I found myself giving my goodbyes and going to my new office. the only door that locks in the house! the bathroomWhat authors, or books have influenced you?
Glennon Doyle, Patrice Washington, Jamie Kern Lima, Rachel Luna, James Clear. Eckhart Tolle, Wayne Dyer, Jay Shetty etcWhat are you working on now?
I host retreats and group coaching programs so I am working on making those experiences even more epic!What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I would say my website or my IGDo you have any advice for new authors?
Keep Writing! no one gets to share your thoughts the way that you do!
Do not let perfectionism take over!What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be grateful for today, tomorrow is never promised.What are you reading now?
The power of one more and permission to offed.What’s next for you as a writer?
Possibly a more how to book.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?
Untamed, Atomic habits, and think like a monkAuthor Websites and Profiles
Telma Sanchez’s Social Media Links
Steven Mostyn
Interview With Author Steven Mostyn
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a leading expert in interviewing and recruiting, and I am a 3-time bestselling author, and have written for Forbes, HR.com, ERE Media, Recruiting Headlines, and other forms of media.For over 25 Years I have successfully coached thousands of Executives and professionals in their quest to find a new job through both my recruitment and executive career coaching firms Alpha Recruitment and Career Boost Group.
My clients have landed jobs with some of the most well-known companies, such as Amazon, IBM, Marriot, Deloitte, Microsoft, Wal-Mart, and many more.
I earned a bachelor’s degree from York University and an MBA with a focus in HR from Centenary University. In addition, I have recruitment and HR certifications from Seneca College, HireVue, and LinkedIn.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Interview Questions and Answers: How to Answer the Most Common Interview Questions. What inspired this book was the need I have seen I’m my career consulting practice that many people do not know how to answer the most common interview questions.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write at night 12 AM-2 AM when my 4 kids are asleep and I have stopped working for the day.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to list but I would say off the top of my head Dale Carnegie book How to win friends and Influence People.What are you working on now?
My next book will be about the economy.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Not putting your eggs into 1 basket!Do you have any advice for new authors?
The first step is to actually write a book! 99% of people who are interested in writing a book do not!What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Most people fail as they never tried in the first place!What are you reading now?
My wife’s manuscript coming out soonWhat’s next for you as a writer?
Continue to write and learnIf 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?
Hard-question lol Not sure I could only take only 4 lolAuthor Websites and Profiles
Steven Mostyn’s Social Media Links
Robert Cohen
Interview With Author Robert Cohen
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the founder and sole owner of a high-end custom cabinetry business in South Florida for almost 19 years. In addition to being an expert in the trade of Cabinetry, I enjoy teaching best business practices to other business owners as well.I have taught various business owners how to more efficiently and effectively manage their business for greater peace and profitability. I have dual Bachelor’s degrees in Exercise Physiology and Sports Psychology from Springfield College in MA. I have coached and taught at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, the University of Richmond as well as for the Department of Defense.
As a strength and condition coach, I taught athletes and special operators how to train, eat, process psychologically and even sleep effectively so as to maximize their performance. In February of 2021, I made the decision to take my hands off the tools and use my experience in training and coaching to make other business owners more efficient, effective and profitable. Recently, I returned to the classroom online; this time, as a Course Creator and Author. I published my first e-book “How to become someone your boss cannot live without”. Many more e books and courses are in the works.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My e-book is called “Rapid Workplace Advancement. How to be someone your employer can’t live without”.
Worldwide you will hear every employer complain about their ability to find enough “good employees”. Likewise, many people who are looking for a job or a promotion just don’t know what exactly they can do to stand out at work and get promoted. They spend years of their life not even realizing the full potential of their workplace and themselves. That made me create my e-book, which is step-by-step guide on how to become an ultimate employee without being a slave to the company. For the management and the business owners this book became a guide on how to find and train great employees.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ideal Team Player and 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni were couple of many books which inspired me to write my own book. As a business owner I managed the teams, hired, trained and unfortunately fired too many people. As a business coach I worked with many businesses to help them grow and scale. I decided to share all my experience and create the ultimate and fullest guide for employees which I’ve never seen in any book.What are you working on now?
I’m working on my big online course as well as on my second book which I will officially announce on my Instagram page @therobertcohen.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Advertisement on social media.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Try to connect with your audience and speak their language.What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading my new e-book while I’m writing it, so nothing distracts me from the process. I have a list of new books I will start reading after I finish mine. I’ll share the list in my Instagram.What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish my next e-book and to launch the online course so I help people not only advance on a workplace but to get any goal they set, following their own strategy.Author Websites and Profiles
Robert Cohen’s Social Media Links
Diane Langlois Stallings
Interview With Author Diane Langlois Stallings
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I wrote my first “book” at the age of seven – my harrowing story of getting stung by a jellyfish at the beach in Mexico. Haven’t stopped writing since.
I became a hospital nurse, but I went right on telling stories, mostly to myself, at my desk in the dark of the morning. (A few found their way into print.)At midlife I focused on psychology and spirituality for inner growth. I studied with an amazing spiritual master for nearly 15 years, and that led to my first five-book series, Walking the Bridge: Guidance from a Wisdom School.
Meanwhile I had studied with several healing masters, and learned how to do hands-on healing / energy medicine (many methods), which flabbergasted me at times. I still need to write more about that as it continues. Joystream.net is my site.
I’ve taught numerous ongoing meditation classes at different venues, including the local library. A participant urged me to write those meditations down, so she could use them at any time. Calm Comfort Meditations had humble beginnings but recently was named one of the best books of 2022 by the esteemed Next Generation Indie Awards for self-published books. (It was one of 6 finalists in the Mind-Body-Spirit category.)
My 7th book was absolutely the most fun, described below.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a collection of short stories broadcasting the non-existence of death.
What, No Death? – Sheer Fiction is an amusing romp of speculative stories. I totally enjoyed writing and reading it! The stories were inspired by my work as an ICU nurse, energy healer, and soul-explorer.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Decades ago I had that pre-dawn writing habit, but these days I simply tend to spend much of my day writing on different topics. I am running two blogs on WordPress – joystreamhealth and walkingthebridgewisdom.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Agatha Christie
Barbara Kingsolver
Sue Monk Kidd
Alice Hoffman
Annie Lamont
Elizabeth Gilbert
Peter S Beagle
Kate Atkinson
Brené Brown
I read a lot of nonfiction new age healing stuff, too.What are you working on now?
Now I want to work on another book of short stories regarding how the spirit infuses the body, affects the body, and how we can fly around without the body.I also want to do an audiobook of Calm Comfort Meditations. (My students keep asking for that.)
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am only recently learning to promote my books, but Awesome Gang has been quite helpful and reasonable!Do you have any advice for new authors?
write what you loveWhat is the best advice you have ever heard?
I could go on for pages, chapters, and books on that topic . . .What are you reading now?
Having tons of fun reading all of Caimh McDonnell’s novels.What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to revise my book covers and improve all my books for better promotion.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 a desert island I want to bring a bunch of goodies I haven’t had time to read yet – such as The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay and Northern Lights, but also Science and the Akashic Field.Author Websites and Profiles
Diane Langlois Stallings Website
Diane Langlois Stallings Amazon Profile
Diane Langlois Stallings’s Social Media Links
Betty Adams
Interview With Author Betty Adams
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a nomadic scientist who wanders the Pacific Northwest searching for mutant strawberries!
I have written two comedy anthologies “Humans are Weird: I Have the Data”, “Humans are Weird: We Took a Vote”, and one tragady in a different universe, “Dying Embers: Dragons, Aliens, and Things That go Boomp in the Night”.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Humans are Weird: We Took a Vote”So what happens after first contact? After second contact? What will our little green friends think of us when they have to live with the absurdity of human existance?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do my best mental work when performing hard, simple labor like diging holes or moving rocks.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Patrick McMannus, “Never Snif a Gift Fish”
George Macdonald “Phantastes”What are you working on now?
The third “Humans are Weird” book.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
http://www.authorbettyadams.com/bettys-blogDo you have any advice for new authors?
Write, just vomit those words onto that page however you can. Then you can edit, but you can’t edit what isn’t there.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writers write. If you want to be a writer, just write.What are you reading now?
C.S. Lewis’s “The Four Loves”What’s next for you as a writer?
More 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?
The Bible
A scattering of C.S. Lewis.
Something at least three inches thick that I haven’t read yet that was written more than 150 years ago.Author Websites and Profiles
Betty Adams’s Social Media Links
Isabelle Peterson
Interview With Author Isabelle Peterson
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an empty-nester, suburban Chicago gal living in Coastal Connecticut living with my husband of almost 30 years and a 13 year old, 10 pound shih-tzu. I’ve published 11+ high-heat romances and poised to release many more!What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
PENELOPE’S PATHS – It’s a Choose Your Own Romance in (sort of) the style of the middle school Choose Your Own Adventure books.
What inspired me was (1) when the main character would make a choice I wouldn’t have made… and (2) I think there’s more than one path to a “Happily Ever After.”Do you have any unusual writing habits?
um… no? My office. A bulletin board. A keyboard. A dog always begging for pets.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the descriptiveness of Alexis Hall and Sierra Simone, the humor and wit of Melanie Harlow and Emily Henry.What are you working on now?
Working on 3 projects
– A Second Chance MMF Romance spanning 14 years
– A Series of “Bucket List” Romances
– A Second Chance Romantic Suspense (MF)What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
With my ADHD – i don’t track these things, so – I really have no idea – LOLDo you have any advice for new authors?
Write your story. Then get input.
It’s so hard to see the forest (your book) through the trees (the chapters).What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Only the mediocre are always at their best.”
Therefore – I’m always reading on ways to improve my craft.What are you reading now?
I read several books UNLIKE the one I’m currently reading so I don’t inadvertently adopt a writing style of someone else.
Reading Alexis Hall’s most recent (Husband Material), Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score, Highland Fling by Meghan Quinn, and 2 “writing craft” books.What’s next for you as a writer?
More than 1 release a year.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?
Ha! My book – Penelope’s Paths – where there’s more than one path to a Happily Every After, the Thornchapel Series by Sierra Simone because it makes you believe in the paranormal, and Life of Pi… because… yeah.Author Websites and Profiles
Isabelle Peterson Amazon Profile
Isabelle Peterson’s Social Media Links
Michael Grimes
Interview With Author Michael Grimes
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Michael is a student, teacher, and writer. A father of two angels and a lover of humanity and nature. He’s an energy worker and light sherpa. Playful and childish, wise and mature. A space holder and community builder. A philosopher and spiritual seeker who’s grounded in reality. He’s high vibrational vibes. He skis big mountains and rides big waves. A musician and gardener. A creator. He’s authentic and real, and works to improve himself and the world around him. He’s flawed. But growing every day.Michael became deeply committed to his personal journey after intense experiences led to his first awakening in his early 20’s. He solidified a foundation of self-development and spirituality that supported him in creating the life of his dreams. After a few years of travel, he landed in San Diego, where he started a family before co-founding and co-directing a revolutionary, self-discovery-based charter school. He now facilitates moments of revelation and joy while supporting people of all ages to remember who they truly are and live fully alive.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
High on Being: A Trail Guide to Living Fully AliveI was living the life of my dreams. I lived on the beach with my beautiful wife and two angels of daughters, and served as CEO of the revolutionary charter school I co-found. I was thriving, living fully alive.
Then, my dad was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, I walked away from the school, and my marriage started to fall apart.
My wife moved out on the same day as my dad’s funeral.
In a year’s span, I went from the highest peak I’d ever stood to the deepest valley I’d ever fallen.
I doubled down on my self work and spiritual practice and tried every healing modality I could find. I spend a lot of time in nature. Slowly I rebuilt.
I went from working 80 hours a week with the school to chilling with my daughters on the beach. The differences between doing and being became apparent. As did the work I needed to do in order to truly BE. It was an intense period with a lot of alone time exploring the depths of both my being and reality.
As I worked through these layers of life, I wrote.
“High on Being” is my trail guide from the valley back to the summit.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None of it’s unusual to me.What authors, or books have influenced you?
There’s so many but a few of the big ones are Kerouac, Thoreau, Tolle, Yogananda, and Krishnamurti.What are you working on now?
I’m editing my first book, America’s Awakening, preparing for it to be re-released.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing.What are you reading now?
The Keys of EnochWhat’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing and sharing. After re-releasing America’s Awakening I plan to publish my kids books, polish my novel, and finish writing “A Middle School Teachers Guide to Live”.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 bring a pen and paper and write a few books.Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Grimes’s Social Media Links
Angela Orams
Interview With Author Angela Orams
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written other children’s books, and I also have a background in nursing. Sneaky Sophie & The Token Fairy is about a little girl named Sophie who discovers that whenever she loses a tooth, she gets a token (a coin) from the Token Fairy. The problem is, she’s only lost one tooth but she wants more tokens. Sophie mischievously devises a plan to get more tokens.The book comes in a kit with a bag and tokens. One type of token is for giving to a child whenever they’ve lost a tooth. The other token is given to a child when they’ve done something thoughtful for someone else.
I think my wanting people to do good stems from my nursing background. The world seems so big, but any two people from different parts of the world can share the same feelings and respond in similar ways. I think that Sophie’s characteristics can be seen in children from all over the world. Although I have written books for children, I have also written for other age groups.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
What inspired Sneaky Sophie & The Token Fairy was my fascination with the concept of the tooth fairy. I liked the idea of getting money after losing a tooth. Although my Nigerian parents were loving and nurturing, we didn’t have a “tooth fairy.” Many times I would leave a tooth under the pillow before going to bed, and then wake up the next morning to see the tooth still there.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to jot story ideas on whatever is nearest me, be it scrap paper, a napkin or a used envelope. When I’m ready to compile my thoughts I’m jumping back and forth between all of these scraps of paper.What authors, or books have influenced you?
With regards to my inspiration in children’s writing, I would definitely say Dr. Seuss. I love his ability to bend and mold words in a way that keeps the reader engaged in the story.What are you working on now?
Along with Sneaky Sophie & The Token Fairy, I am also working on other children’s book series, as well as screenplays.Do you have any advice for new authors?
I think that studying the craft of writing is equally important as getting your thoughts on paper. Keep practicing and never give up.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That the editing process is more effective when you’ve stepped away from your work for a while (be it a couple of days or a couple of weeks). When you come back to it, you tend to see your work from a new lens. Sometimes the result is “WOW I can’t believe I wrote that!” For others, it’s “wow…I believe I WROTE that.”What are you reading now?
Right now I am writing so I’m not reading any books.What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue to write and create. I have stories that I have been working on for the past couple of years that just now I am able to go back to for development.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 Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.Author Websites and Profiles
Bob Gonzalez
Interview With Author Bob Gonzalez
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been a small business owner for 30 years who recently through the encouragement of friends published 2 books. One a book of poems my most recent a mostly non fiction collection of adventure sea & fishing stories.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“A FLICKER IN THE WATER” (Inside the Tales) it was inspired by my love of the oceans & it’s inhabitants. I have always enjoyed The Old Man and the Sea. Mariel Hemingway granddaughter of Ernest wrote the foreword for “A FLICKER IN THE WATER” (Inside the Tales)Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When the inspiration comes I get it down right away. Other times it brews like a good stew simmering to perfection.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ernest Hemingway
The BibleWhat are you working on now?
Promoting “A FLICKER IN THE WATER” (Inside the Tales).What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Flickerinthewater.comDo you have any advice for new authors?
Persist until you get it how you want it.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be a good listener.What are you reading now?
Awesome Gang.What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting “A FLICKER IN THE WATER” (Inside the Tales) well known.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?
Moby Dick
The Bible
Old Man and the SeaAuthor Websites and Profiles
Bob Gonzalez’s Social Media Links
Nonhlanhla Annah Thusi
Interview With Author Nonhlanhla Annah Thusi
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Nonhlanhla Annah Thusi, based in South Africa. I am a born again Christian, a very simple and friendly person who always have a smile, the best make up that suits any person. So far I have self published three books, two inspiration books and my latest title which falls under fiction.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Silent Tears, it is actually a true story. In this book I reflected to where I come from up until to where I am today to see if there’s any difference. I am still at my humbling beginnings and starting to question my journey if I am on the right track and this book is kinda like a comfort to me that, I am doing my best, so I am challenging readers that: “if you think you are a failure reflect back into your then you will realise that you’ve got it all right.”Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes… It always get me into trouble with my friends, they can’t keep up with my long unnecessary texts.What authors, or books have influenced you?
A poem written by Kerry Leigh Gibbings, a fourteen year old girl in Port St John- Transkei titled: “The wealthiest places on this planet are not the gold mines of our country, nor the diamond mines of Namibia.What are you working on now?
My fourth title Beyond the clouds there’s the sun which falls under non fiction, Inspiration and BiblesWhat is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am using different platforms on the internet and most of them are free, but I must admit that it is difficult to promote your own book unless if you are multitalented.Do you have any advice for new authors?
On your way up there would always be a force of gravity to pull you down and friction force to resist motion, but make it a mandate that you succeed at the end of the journey.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Trust in GodWhat are you reading now?
Mitch Albom, The next person you meet in heavenWhat’s next for you as a writer?
Marketing and advertising, it always the next step . How I long for a vacation.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?
Alchemist
Trust me
BloodlineAuthor Websites and Profiles
Nonhlanhla Annah Thusi Amazon Profile
Nonhlanhla Annah Thusi’s Social Media Links
Yann Opsitch
Interview With Author Yann Opsitch
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written seven books. Five in French and two more recently in English.
My most recent book in English “Dialogues on Revelation with John the Apostle” was published in the United States in July 2022 by Sulis International Press (Keledei Publications).
I am married to Rita, the father of three children and grandfather. d i coordinate an online Bible and Theological School for the French-speaking world (ecoledumaitre.com).What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dialogues on Revelation with John the apostle – ( What would the apostle John say about Jesus and our times in light of the Revelation?)
The book was inspired by
years of teaching Revelation.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write always early in the morning as part of meditation and study.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Victor Hugo (in French)
SolzhenitsynWhat is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
yannopsitchauthor.comDo you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you would enjoy reading and what has been important in your life and thinking.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t read only one type of literature and if possible read in other languages.What are you reading now?
The hundred year marathon.What’s next for you as a writer?
More reading, teaching while traveling.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
St Jean de la Croix
Les Misérables
A la recherche du temps perdu (Proust)Author Websites and Profiles
Yann Opsitch’s Social Media Links
Susanna Kanto
Interview With Author Susanna Kanto
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an indie author from Helsinki, Finland. I write in several genres, ranging from historical fiction to urban fantasy. Caytee is my debut novel, but I’ve been a writer ever since I can remember, and a storyteller even before I could write. So naturally, when I learned to write, I started writing down my stories. None of them were very good, but at least I got a lot of practice!What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Caytee is a modern YA retelling of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey. That should be enough to tell you that I’m a huge Jane Austen fan. Back in 2012, I started reading a lot of Young Adult novels. That got me thinking what would happen if the main character of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey was a modern-day teenager and obsessed with YA paranormal fantasy.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I spend a lot of time planning my stories—years, even decades. I have random piles of paper and notebooks everywhere. When I start writing the novel down, I don’t write in order but skip around, working on the scene that I feel inspired to write at that time.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Obviously, for Caytee Jane Austen was a huge influence. I think every author I’ve read has been at least a minor influence.What are you working on now?
My next novel is a coming-of-age story of a boy and girl living in a prehistorical matriarchal society.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m such a newbie at promoting books, but I’ve found some amazing free sites. I’m also active on Instagram and have a newsletter.Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you want to write, write. Make it your priority, but don’t listen to people who say that you have to write every day to be a writer. If you can’t write every day, write when you can.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Every first draft is perfect because all the first draft has to do is exist.” – Jane SmileyWhat are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Earth’s Children series by Jean M. Auel and The Golden Bough by James Frazer. I like to read both fiction and non-fiction and have several books in rotation at the same time.What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing the next book and publishing it! I hope to start working on the third draft of my prehistorical coming-of-age story soon.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 collected novels of Jane Austen (is that cheating?), War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (maybe I would finally have time to read it), and Survival Wisdom and Know-How (bought it for research, but it might come in handy when trying to get off the island).Author Websites and Profiles
Susanna Kanto’s Social Media Links
Joseph Di Lella
Interview With Author Joseph Di Lella
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As a creative writer and teacher, I love to educate others in and outside the classroom. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at UC San Diego; a master’s degree in Sociology from San Diego State University and a doctoral degree in Bilingual Education at Claremont Graduate University. I have published over 125 poems and short stories in addition to six non-fiction books. You may know me from my four volume series called, The Tao of Star Trek: Finding Your Inner self Through Outer Space, or another called, Star Trek Storytelling.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Graduate School Blues was inspired by my experience in graduate school. So many of my friends failed to complete their degree that I wanted to honor their efforts by helping others find a way to complete their advanced degrees. I hope this book will help countless others attain a M.A. or Ph.D.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing unusual in my writing habits except that I try to write 2-5 hours a day when I am in a good groove.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ray Bradbury is perhaps the most influential writer of my times. I saw him speak a half dozen times and never left the venue without a new way of looking at the writer’s life. Also, Dean Wesley Smith, an author who has published over 25 million copies is a dear friend who has mentored me over the years, too.What are you working on now?
I am currently working on non-fiction book on basketball, based on interviews and letters I have had with famous collegiate and professional coaches, players, announcers, et. al throughout the past 25 years. I am also writing one last Star Trek non-fiction book!!!What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Hard question – Kindlepreneur is a great place o find the best free or paid promotion sites on the internet.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write! Do not self-sensor – ever!!!What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Embrace your imagination and believe that the words your speak are important for others to listen to in life.What are you reading now?
The Right to Write by Julia CameronWhat’s next for you as a writer?
To continue writing . . . what else is there?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 question: The Prophet by Gibran, The Alchemist by Coelho, and any book by Mark Twain or Ray Bradbury.
Toby LeBlanc
Interview With Author Toby LeBlanc
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a mental health therapist in Austin, Texas. Writing is a way my own tales can have life alongside the countless stories of courage and strength of my clients. Dark Roux is my first traditionally published novel.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dark Roux came about after listening to an NPR interview with a Jewish author discussing his experience from inside of his culture. I realized we do not have something like this in Cajun culture. I wanted to show all sides of my culture: the good, the bad, and the ugly.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say I do anything too out of the ordinary. I have noticed that the muse is very fickle with me, though. Some days I will write for four hours straight. Other days I can maybe eek out four minutes.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Toni Morrison, Cormac McCarthy, Eudora Welty, Arundhati Roy, Larry BrownWhat are you working on now?
I have two different projects going on right now. One is a first draft novel of two neighbors who weather Hurricane Katrina and must escape its aftermath. Each have to overcome their racism to survive. I also just started another short story collection focused on a woman who is part of the first mission to colonize Antarctica after climate change.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I really love local events. Books are all about connection, thought usually those connections are felt in private. The shared space of local events allows me to see who is seeing my words, discuss what they like and what’s important to them, and learn from them. It may not be the most wide reaching connection, but it’s the deepest one. Word of mouth is a solid referral source.Do you have any advice for new authors?
I know it’s a worn out saying, but do not give up. Persistence is the secret ingredient to getting books in the world.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Before you open your mouth to share an opinion, ask yourself 3 questions: Does this need to be said? Does this need to be said by me? Does this need to be said by me right now?What are you reading now?
Horizon by Barry Lopez. I’m so upset I only learned about him after he passed.What’s next for you as a writer?
I like writing about the intersection of climate change and culture. What constitutes our humanity is in flux as the world changes. I love being able to document it and speculate on it.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?
Horizon by Barry Lopez
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
The Prophet by Khalil GibranAuthor Websites and Profiles
Toby LeBlanc’s Social Media Links
Kimberly McKenzie-Klemm
Interview With Author Kimberly McKenzie-Klemm
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 52 years old and I have authored six published books. The Rest Room Trilogy is a set of three fiction books: “Rise Times Souls Love”, “The Rest Room” and “The Dream of Keriye”. I have one fiction short story collection “Growing Past” with an addendum of a few more stories in “Leaning Toward”. I also have two non-fiction books to my name “TEAMWORK (Together Everyone Achieves More)” and my most recent “The Quality 4P’s Model Handbook”.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is “The Quality 4P’s Model Handbook”. It is non-fiction and inspired by The Marketing 4P’s Model in the Manufacturing Industry use. The Quality 4P’s Model is not the same as The Marketing 4P’s Model, nor is it a knock-off. It fits the details of Quality coverage non-inclusive of tests and measurements where arguably Manufacturing protocol can be vague.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I make my own “notebank” for Characters, Settings, Themes, and Plot ideas before starting any book-length fiction. Then I choose from my own “notebank” per Chapter needs and assign the notes as used or not accordingly. I refuse to let a computer program supply me with the building blocks.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Margaret Atwood; Ayne Rand; Edgar Allen Poe; Mark Twain (Samuel Clemmons); Scott F. Fitzgerald; and so on…What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a new collection of short stories “Slipping Sideways” and adding notes for my next book length fiction effort “Twisted Rabbit”.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method or websites for promoting my books are tied between Amazon.com and lulu.comDo you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up; you are a writer.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I was told to keep my rejection slips from poetry and short story journals and magazine submissions in some sort of scrapbook. To this day, going back over the notes- every failure is just one more rejection before publication.What are you reading now?
I am currently reading a book by David Baldacci: “Redemption”What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer, I just intend to 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?
1. An empty notebook with a pen attached.
2. A thorough Collegiate Edition American English Language Dictionary
3. Bartlett’s Familiar QuotationsAuthor Websites and Profiles
Kimberly McKenzie-Klemm Website
Kimberly McKenzie-Klemm’s Social Media Links
Kelvin Ho
Interview With Author Kelvin Ho
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Certified Hypnotherapist, Master Hypnotist and an NLP Practitioner. I am also a Certified Human Behavior Analyst from The Institute of Leadership of America.I am author of a physical book “Wisdom from Space” and four ebooks:
• Everyone experiences hypnosis but not everyone can be hypnotized
• The beauty of words – How to use them to your benefit
• Know your brain – easy doing, easy using
• Know persuasion and influence – our daily life influencing forceWhat is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Recently I published my book “Know your brain: easy doing, easy using” as a free book via Draft2Digital.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write not based on forcing myself but on the inner urge to write. Sometimes I may write a small paragraph and at other times even a chapter or two.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like books written by Anthony Robbins, Robert Kiyosaki and Gundhi Gabriel.What are you working on now?
At the present moment, I am writing a book on the powerful words used in Persuasion and Influence.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am new to marketing my books and I cannot give advice at the present moment until I have seen the results of the marketing efforts.Do you have any advice for new authors?
It is more fruitful to write books you are passionate about.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take action.What are you reading now?
I am reading on Sam Walton – Made in America book.What’s next for you as a writer?
The next level could be to come up with my own course.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?
Anthony Robbins – Awaken The Giant Within
Robert Kiyosaki – Cashflow Quadrant
Gundhi Gabriel – Kindle PublishingAuthor Websites and Profiles
Kelvin Ho’s Social Media Links
A Victor
Interview With Author A Victor
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live on an idyllic island with my lovely wife and she’s also my best friend (that’s important isn’t it?). Over the years, we travelled internationally holding seminars and teaching the full range of real biblical living – knowing God, being guided and empowered, making a difference in the world around us. Now, we both write and sometimes write together as co-authoring books that teach a successful, spiritual life. I’ve been writing for over 35 years and counting. That’s a lot in courses and seminar materials – hundreds of articles, lectures, course material plus 6 books and many more to keep me happily writing for years to come.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s a real mouthful, ready? ‘You Are… Uplifting truths about YOU! Workbook: A Happy Walk Book’. In short, ‘You Are…’. The inspiration? We all need to have a good self-image and we need someone to tell us good things about ourselves. Who better to tell us than God? I set out to write who you are from God’s perspective, from the bible. There are over 31 “You are…” declarations in this book, so, reading it is an amazing and uplifting experience. It’s a genuinely feel-good read that you can return to over and over and one you’ll want to share.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I never get writer’s block. This is why… I have multiple writing, painting, creative projects and when I don’t know how I want to say something, I don’t force it. I go and cook, walk, chat, watch a show. I switch to something else. Then, bubble, bubble, I sense a theme or idea bubbling up and I don’t delay, I start to put it down. Sometimes, when I can feel there’s something there but it’s not ready to go down in writing, I leave it and allow my mind to work on it in the background.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Without reservation, the book that most influenced my writing is the bible – it’s any serious biblical writer’s primary source with an extraordinary range of information. Being a prolific reader and researcher I also have a library containing a wealth of bible-based and other subjects – histories, cultures, science, the mind. We also have all our theology text books from our university days. To add to that, I have masses of writing my partner and I have done over the years and I get surprised by what’s been written before.What are you working on now?
Lots of exciting works are in progression including books on success, how God communicates with you, dreams and sleep, and painting with a view to illustrating and making prints. Plus I’m writing for our monthly newsletters.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
You can’t go wrong inviting readers to receive email newsletters. How? We offer a free book in our books and follow up with monthly emails with free articles and books and news of special book releases. Plus our books contain extracts from other books we’ve written with links. And this site was highly recommended to me by a top publishing expert.
They said, ‘A Top Book Promotion Site.’Do you have any advice for new authors?
Give your best with a view to adding value to each reader’s life. Be positive and provide solutions. Ensure that it’s accurate and properly researched. Write, rewrite, condense, check for typos more than once. I always have an expert in my field read the draft and comment. People judge a book by its cover so make sure it’s done well and the content is well-formatted.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s something that comes through in all my writing – to gain true satisfaction in life, give your very best and make a positive difference in the world around you.What are you reading now?
‘Happy Money’ by Ken Honda. Ken presents a unique perspective on money and our relationship with it and how that affects our ability to receive and give in the right way.What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m illustrating and writing a children’s bible story colouring book for our monthly newsletters. It’s one of our free offerings.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?
Stranded on a desert island? It could be for life, then again, I might get rescued so my 4 books take that into account:
• How to Thrive on a Tropical Deserted Island: A Primer For the Shipwrecked Sailor by Mike Riley – to stay alive and thrive.
• The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies by Nicole Apelian – for safe eating and health.
• Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, Hardcover: New King James Version by Dr. Frank Charles Thompson – this is bible, concordance and multiple references ideal for research.
• A blank paged book for writing in (with a pencil) – to write memoirs, thoughts and those next books.Author Websites and Profiles
La Carmina
Interview With Author La Carmina
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m La Carmina – I’m a Gothic culture / fashion blogger, freelance journalist, and the author of four books. I’ve long been researching and writing about alternative subcultures worldwide (I’ve been to over 70 countries, and specialize in Japanese alt culture). My previous two books were published by Penguin Random House, and my upcoming one will be released by Simon & Schuster.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Little Book of Satanism: A Guide to Satanic History, Culture, and Wisdom will be published by Ulysses Press / Simon & Schuster on October 25, 2022. I spent a great deal of time in Japan since the mid-late 2000s, and was fascinated by the vibrant Japanese Satanic community that included an Osaka Satanic shop and ritualistic club nights. I also was intrigued by the development of The Satanic Temple in the mid 2010s. I’ve participated in and written about both for some time now, for publications like CNN, Fodor’s, and The Daily Beast. This led to a book deal about Satanism — I cover the history, culture, practices, pop culture, and more in my “Little Book of Satanism.”Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a night owl, so I love to work late into the night, and find I do my best writing then. I also emphasize the importance of sleep — I always get newly inspired after a good night’s rest.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m fond of works of literature that have impacted the way we think of The Devil. These include Paradise Lost by John Milton — his nuanced and compassionate characterization of Satan influenced the Romantic Satanists like Milton and Shelley. And Rosemary’s Baby by Ira Levin is a page-turner that influenced 20th century pop culture notions about the Devil and Satanism.What are you working on now?
I’m currently prepping for the release of The Little Book of Satanism, which comes out right before Halloween (worldwide on Oct 25, via Simon & Schuster).What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve been blogging since 2007 so I have a long-time following, and am active on social media @LaCarmina. I publish updates about my book at lacarmina.com, along with my travels and outfits worldwide.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Build up a portfolio of writing that showcases your niche and skills, whether on a blog, freelance publications, or other outlets.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Krishnamurti: “I don’t mind what happens. That is the essence of inner freedom.”
And it applies to writing and publishing books — let go of the reception and outcomes, and be present for each step of the process.What are you reading now?
I’m about to head to Japan for a job, so I’m brushing up on my Japanese language skills by reading books about kanji, idioms, and more!What’s next for you as a writer?
It was a dream come true to do this passion project about Satanism, and I’m keen to write more books in the future.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?
If I have to be pragmatic, I’d choose books about how to survive in the wilderness! I’m not an outdoor person, so I wouldn’t have a fighting chance otherwise.Author Websites and Profiles
La Carmina’s Social Media Links
Art Isaacs
Interview With Author Art Isaacs
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m relatively new to writing and maybe a bit older than the usual newbie. I have written four books so far.
I’m a father and grandfather and love being with my family, as we all take trips and vacations together. Over the years, though, my work has taken me away at times. I categorize myself as a ‘well-travelled’ engineer, having worked in over 50 countries so far. I’ve also lived overseas for several years during my career, as well as in several states and spent extended periods elsewhere. There are still a lot of places I have not been and would love to see and experience.
Along with growing up in NY City, this combined exposure has given me some (hopefully) different perspectives on life, people and cultures that I try to utilize in all my writings. I’m also a consummate car buff, having owned and rebuilt many over my life and still have (3) old convertibles of varied years, marques and countries of origin. Those, too, can find their way into my stories. As does music. I love and listen to music of all kinds and like to learn more about the song’s origins, as well as developing my own associations for them as a ‘soundtrack of life’.
My favorite reading and writing genre is Science Fiction and, of the four books that I’ve already written, three are Sci-Fi. The one that was recently (and the only one) published, is a family saga that covers a lot of ground – more than just the 60-year story of members of a fictional family based in a small town in the Florida Panhandle.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book’s title is ‘Morris’.
My main inspiration and influence for this book is my family. Not that any of the stories or characters are based on them, but with my relationship with my wife and children, the closeness of aunts, uncles, siblings and cousins. The support they afford each other and the interactions between us all of different generations and family branches was the basis of my life and ultimately, my writing.
On the title, Morris is actually a character in the book. While I initially did try to build some mystery around who Morris is, it is revealed early-on that he’s actually the main characters’ car. There’s no anthropomorphism, so Morris never speaks, but he’s not just an inanimate object. The point is that he’s passed between members of each successive generation and is part of and present at most key points in each of their very different lives and stories. He is the continuity between them all.
He’s also becomes the one they write to as the substitute for ‘dear diary’, which is really where the title comes from. The idea of Morris as a character was born out of my continuous ownership of an old British sportscar for over 30 years and counting.
The story itself gets its inspiration from many sources, but mainly from the headlines, both current and historical. From growing-up in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, etc. From working in the fashion industry with the interesting and diverse peoples I’ve met and places I’ve been. From the music I’ve listened to and the artist’s stories behind the origins of their songs.
As such, my book touches on many key points and subjects in history, as family members go off to war or are caught-up in the politics of their day with regard to prejudice about race, gender, interracial or same-sex romance and marriages; the changing views on alcoholism and depression, all showing how their attitudes and those of others around them evolve over time. And for each to show their resolve and ability to rise above it all to try to find love, success and happiness, as opposed to merely surviving.
The book is long at near 640 pages and covers over 4 generations. It starts in the early 1960’s with a school assignment to a then teenaged Jessie Peterson to chronicle his summer after complaining how backward and just plain boring life in his small town is. Jessie continues to write throughout his life, even after passing the task on to his daughter, Beth, which she in turn passes to her children Matt and Billie. Each successive generation changes the direction of the story somewhat, adding new situations and adventures with different perspectives that keep it all moving and, hopefully, interesting.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, much of my writing is done at 30,000 feet. That unusual enough? 20 hours each way on planes to Asia, 5-6 times a year gives you a lot of time alone to write and create. The pandemic has me grounded and less time to do this, but I’m finding it.
I also like reading stories that ‘work’, so I make a point to develop the back stories, side stories, look-up details, find inspiration pieces and photos for all my characters and locations as I write a book, even if they are never used. It takes more time, but makes me feel better that what I write can make sense. At least to me, of course. Maybe not everything does, but being new to this, I’m still learning.What authors, or books have influenced you?
By far, all the science fiction greats like Jules Verne, H.G Wells, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, Robert Heinlein, Larry Niven and Frank Herbert.What are you working on now?
I’m now in the middle of writing a science fiction trilogy.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still working on and learning that.
Maybe I’ll have a better answer after I gain more experience and advice.
I can say that I have recently found great people through the Goodreads site that are collaborative and sharing.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. You have something you find interesting subject in your head, put it on paper (or on a screen, as I date myself) and play with it. Walk away and do something else before coming back to it again. Lose it and rewrite it from memory (yeah, I had lost my manuscript file in writing Morris – bad idea).What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Immerse Yourself
It was the mantra of a professor teaching language, but I’ve adopted it for just being part of the way to experience and enjoy the world. There’s a big difference between tourism and immersion, for example. One is being a spectator and the other is being involved with the experience. Same for writing. And reading.What are you reading now?
I’ve just finished E.K. Frances’ ‘The Dark’, the third book in her ‘Hybrid’ series. The next and final volume will release soon.I’ll now be starting the third of Scott Kimak’s ‘HIM’ trilogy.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As I said, I’m currently in the middle of working on a sci-fi trilogy.
I’m also starting to play with a supernatural mystery about some strange goings-on over several decades around an abandoned refinery complex.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?
Author Websites and Profiles
Art Isaacs’s Social Media Links
D.M. Holland
Interview With Author D.M. Holland
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve loved reading romance for as long as I can remember. It is my escapism from the world. Writing a book has always been a dream of mine, but one I thought I would never be able to accomplish. And then the pandemic hit, and well, life is just too short to not follow your dreams. I began writing and have no plans of stopping! There is something special about doing what you love and sharing your creativity with the world-even a small portion of it.
I’ve written three books, four novellas, and have several more in the works.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Given”. I was in the mood for something a little dark and a whole lot of steamy.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a night owl; evening is when I’m most creative. As soon as the sun starts going down, that is when my ideas start flowing. My ritual is to grab my laptop, shut myself in my room, toss my phone to the other side of the room, and get to work.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, there’s too many to name! Romance will always be my first love, and I read just about every sub-genre. One of the books that really got me into romance is Fire by Kristin Cashore. It was the first time that I truly fell for a character and the angst just drew me in. The tension and the journey of two characters falling in love will never get old for me, and I will never, ever get enough.What are you working on now?
I’ve just finished something steamy, so I’m countering it with something a little more sweet. But that isn’t to say it still won’t be hot! “Dream Love” will be released soon, so keep an eye out!What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is something I’m still very much working on-but I think we have all seen the power of social media, especially through BookTok.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing! You are going to get rejections-it is part of the business. Even the most successful authors-some of your favorites-have faced this. You just have to keep working and honing your craft. What sets published authors apart from unpublished is perseverance-not talent. It is easy to become discouraged, but have faith in your work and abilities and keep moving forward.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write and then write some more! Keep your head down and focus on your own work-don’t compare yourself to others. You have no idea where someone is in their journey, and everyone has their own path to follow.What are you reading now?
I always am in the middle of several books at once. To name a few, I am rereading The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black, Into the Dreaming by Karen Marie Moning, and An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green.What’s next for you as a writer?
I would love to branch out to some of the other sub-genres that I love so much. I have some ideas brewing for historical romances, both long and short. I also have plans to play around with the classic tropes-but with a modern spin.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?
Only thee or four?? The world can’t be so cruel! But if I really had to pick, I would chose The Winter King by C.L. Wilson, Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Sea of Ruin by Pam Godwin, and Duke of Sin by Elizabeth Hoyt.D.M. Holland’s Social Media Links
Kelly Knowles
Interview With Author Kelly Knowles
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Chin Hairs and Other Things Mama Didn’t Tell You: From Surviving to Thriving in Your 20s and 30s is my first published book. I started it 25 years ago and determined to finish! It began as a result of discussions with my friends about all of the life changes in our 20s and we ended up with some great stories – some which made it to the book!What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Chin Hairs and Other Things Mama Didn’t Tell You: From Surviving to Thriving in Your 20s and 30s – if you read the first pages you know exactly what inspired it: the gory appearance of chin hairs on my face! And the process to manage, hide, discuss, figure out all of those crazy things happening in our 20s and 30s – while trying to move from survival mode to thrive!Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I dump ideas constantly into Evernote and occasionally wear out my husband with my “verbal processing”! Thankfully, he is very patient and knew what he was getting into (I think :)) when we married. I also try not to over-edit. I learned that with speech writing. Over-editing can lead to analysis paralysis and nothing gets done.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Jon Gordon and Jim Rohn. I also grew up reading Judy Blume who addressed issues that no one else was discussing for girls my age. Things that many parents were too embarrassed to even consider…What are you working on now?
Over the years, I’ve created and developed two small weekend conferences just for girls and their female caregiver. This event is especially for girls 9-12 and we cover all the things that girls that age truly need in a safe and respectful manner. I am working to do my third conference next spring with some mom’s who have daughters in that age range. I’m also thinking about how to start my next book and what the topic will be. I’m considering a sequel to “Chin Hairs” about your 40s and 50s or digging into something that is also very personal: First Generation Professional: Navigating the Transition from Working Class to Laptop Class (CC – that’s my title).What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m brand new to this! Sooo green! I work full-time as a lead trainer for a law firm. So, figuring it out as I go, asking lots of questions and realizing that mistakes will be made! And truly, I’m proud of this book. It has a message that I believe every woman can connect with and be inspired by.Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you have a message, put it out there. Not everyone will love it, but if it’s part of your mission and purpose – you owe it to the world to get started. And don’t be afraid to ask questions, get help etc. Give up your membership in the “I have to figure it all out by myself club”What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’m not sure yet!What are you reading now?
Just finished reading Brave New World after 30 years for book club. I’m also leading a women’s faith study based on Fervent. We all need more prayer. I picked up the original Girl Scout guidebook in Savannah GA recently and it’s been a fun look back but also some amazing common sense for today!What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting started again! I hope to get out there and continue to speak the message that we are all here for a purpose. We all have value.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?
Cliche, but the Bible for sure. I would also take a Jim Rohn book for inspiration and probably something by Brenda Rickman VanTrease or Ruta Sepatys. Amazing authors!Author Websites and Profiles
Kelly Knowles’s Social Media Links
Mia Vasquez
Interview With Author Mia Vasquez
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?
Forgotten Babylon, Babylon myths as well as the fact true love can withstand so many trails.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I dare to research before I write something is that considered unusual.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Twilight, Susan Colleen’s, and of course George MartinWhat are you working on now?
Deaths Deal another fantasyWhat is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find sharing it on an many platforms is the best way as well as allowing others to let people know of it.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Someone out there wants to here your story and a block and wall is only temporaryWhat is the best advice you have ever heard?
There are doers and there are dreamers only you can decided which you are or if your both.What are you reading now?
Fire and BloodWhat’s next for you as a writer?
To write more books and maybe pitch it to be a show.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 Host, Animal Farm, Mockingjay, and lastly one from my child hood The Last UnicornAuthor Websites and Profiles
Moshe Segal
Interview With Author Moshe Segal
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired Electronics Engineer and a Physics fan. I published a book on Amazon which is the summary of endeavors to resolve unanswered questions, peculiarities and paradoxes, relating to Electromagnetism, which result in revolutionary and astonishing conclusions.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book name is:
“What Humans Perceive as Time and Space are just Facets of Energy”
It is a result of endeavors to explain unanswered questions, peculiarities and paradoxes, relating to Electromagnetism.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
noWhat authors, or books have influenced you?
Science and Physics booksWhat is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon KDP
Harper Dakota
Interview With Author Harper Dakota
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a long-time avid reader. I have written short stories, poems, and novellas for as long as I can remember. I never did anything with them though, they sat in a box. When I had my children, I moved to more blogging than long stories. My children are now older and I have more time to dedicate to writing. I decided this year to finally pursue my dream of being published. I have a new paranormal series that I am working on.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I am currently writing Pointed Love, which is book 3 in my Nightwood Clan series. Bite Me Again (Book 1), the book that started this journey, is releasing on 9/1/22. A Hairy Situation (Book 2) releasing in December 2022.I love paranormal/fantasy romance books; I like having a fantasy book to escape to when the world is being a pain. I tend to stick with books that have a happy-ever-after type of ending, so those are also the types of books I write.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like writing at home. My desk currently has a mini hedgehog stuffed animal and a candy car full of Tootsie Pops on it. My stories usually start based on a vague outline and I write it as I go. I am not the best at creating a detailed outline before writing a book.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have a wide range of books I enjoy, so my favorite author list is rather large.What are you working on now?
I am currently writing book 3 of my Nightwood Clan series, Pointed Love. I am about halfway through.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still learning about promoting and do not have a lot of experience yet. So far, my biggest success has been to be part of a Facebook reader group takeover. It got the word out and a few people joined my readers group and I had several preorders that happened because of it.Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am pretty new myself! I would say keep plugging along. Some days I don’t get very many words down, other days I get a lot. It all counts towards the final goal of finishing your book.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
All word counts are important, big and small. Take breaks and reward yourself.What are you reading now?
I just finished a reread of Jon’s Mysteries series by AJ Sherwood. I have a long list of TBR, but Jon’s books always make me happy, so I did reread to decompress and overcome a little writer’s block.What’s next for you as a writer?
I am still going to focus on the Nightwood Clan. As of this moment, I am envisioning at least six books in the series.Author Websites and Profiles
Harper Dakota’s Social Media Links
Jatoria Crews
Interview With Author Jatoria Crews
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hey, my name is Jatoria Crews. I am the author of “Raven and Her Magical Friends”. I am the mother of three amazing boys. I am also in school for psychology. I spend my days being a mother, doing school work, and marketing my children’s book. I love to help others and I believe life is full of magical moments.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Raven and Her Magical Friend” is the title of my first book. It was expired by my childhood. I wanted to write a book that had a positive message in a fun way. I believe it is very important for kids to learn self-love and positivity at an early age.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I use my notes app a lot in my writing process. I randomly get ideas and sentences pop up in my mind throughout the day. I will rush to my notes to write them down so I won’t forget them.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow. I have read so many books. I read a lot so this question is a bit difficult to answer. My favorite authors are Lucy score, K. Renee, E L James, and Beverly Barton.What are you working on now?
I am working on book two of my first book. I plan to make it into a series.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have had the most success from Social Media. Facebook is full of great advice and opportunities.Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is to begin marketing early. I didn’t have a solid market plan on the beginning and wasted a galore of money.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever received is to let it flow. Life is full of happy and sad moments. I have learned to go with the flow. As long as I know I did my best, I am content.What are you reading now?
I am reading fifty shades of grey again. I reread it every few months.What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to continue releasing children’s book and maybe a few romance 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. Lucy Score- By a thread
2. E L James- Fifty Shades Freed
3. K. Renee- The Billionaires daughter
4. Beverly Barton- Killing Her SoftlyAuthor Websites and Profiles
Jatoria Crews’s Social Media Links
Moshe Segal
Interview With Author Moshe Segal
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired Electronics Engineer and a Physics fan. I published a book on Amazon which is the summary of endeavors to resolve unanswered questions, peculiarities and paradoxes, relating to Electromagnetism, which result in revolutionary and astonishing conclusions.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book name is:
“What Humans Perceive as Time and Space are just Facets of Energy”
It is a result of endeavors to explain unanswered questions, peculiarities and paradoxes, relating to Electromagnetism.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
noWhat authors, or books have influenced you?
Science and Physics booksWhat is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon KDP
Lauren Bronner
Interview With Author Lauren Bronner
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a wife, and a mother. I have dealt with anxiety off and on for many years, and have been a writer for a long time. I’ve written many short stories and have self published two devotionals.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Freedom from Anxiety. So many people developed anxiety during the pandemic and even when the effects of the pandemic slowed down anxiety was left for many people. I wrote this devotional to encourage those who struggle with anxiety and to share the hope that we can have in God.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jerry Bridges, and Wayne Mack are some of my favorite authors.What are you working on now?
A devotional towards teenagers who deal with anxiety.Author Websites and Profiles
Christopher Miller
Interview With Author Christopher Miller
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is the first book I have written but I have a second underway following the same learnings from the Joy of Finding FISH but in a CliftonStrengths Method.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s tempting in life, to be driven by the pursuit of a permanent state of being, one that says you’ve made it, one that gives your life meaning. For some, this aspired state is happiness. For others, success alone is their benchmark. Yet, such a narrow goal doesn’t usually survive the ups and downs that we all experience through a lifetime. Are you really going to be happy all the time? Can you guarantee success in every endeavour? And, in not meeting your desired state of being, it’s easy to become disillusioned and give up all together.
Over many years of exploration, I realised that instead, we should be focusing on a variety of states. Ones that support and complement each other but can equally exist when the others are not present. From this realisation came FISH – fulfilment, inspiration, success, happiness – and an everlasting journey to finding them in each moment.
I initially felt compelled to study wisdom literature explaining the process of achieving each of these states. Like many people before me, studying fulfilment, inspiration, success, and happiness felt like a continuous pursuit of a better me, a striving that might have been never-ending.“However, a few profound personal crises disrupted my studying and led me to realise that just being was enough. This is what I should have been measuring – my ability to be fulfilled, be inspired, be successful, and be happy – in any given moment. In time, I have realised that as much as you can study these states, nothing compares to experiencing them personally, and offering your example to the world.
Author Websites and Profiles
Christopher Miller’s Social Media Links
Ian Adler
Interview With Author Ian Adler
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Ian E.S. Adler, the son of librarians and born and bred in Cambridge Massachusetts (despite many people thinking I have an accent). I got into Fantasy when my Dad read J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings to me and became perpetually hooked after reading Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle, Garth Nix’s Abhorsen series, and Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea Cycle. It is to Le Guin whom I owe my debut world and series, the Cynnahu Saga, for her Archipelago inspired me to create my own.As I have been a Fantasy reader (and gamer) all my life, and a blogger since 2016 (see http://www.starsuncounted.com/), I know the common (and uncommon but still recognizable) tropes and tricks of the genre and so do my best in my own work to either move past them or give them a new coat of paint so as to make them fresh, enjoyable, and unpredictable. Cynnahu is an Archipelago because I noted while reading Earthsea that few other Fantasies feature them, and none in the way Ursula K. Le Guin did. I write Epic Fantasy, yes, but not with the Tolkienesque approach seeing as Middle-earth is perfect.
With an M.Ed and bachelor’s degree in History, my writing reflects an optimism regarding the human potential for peace and goodness despite of and acknowledging history’s grimmest, bloodiest moments. The pen is mightier the sword, but swords guided by pens have the power to win the world from the clenched fists of war. Notice the plural for swords and pens, as I avoid the by now over-used Chosen One archetype. Being Chosen is fine, but the One leaves little authorial room to maneuver.
As it stands I have only published one book, The Last War: Book One of The Cynnahu Saga. But I have written and am editing the book two, Dragon Guardians, with the rough draft of book three on the way.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Last War: Book One of The Cynnahu Saga. As said and explained above (and below), I owe the series to the late Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea Cycle.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I am aware of.What authors, or books have influenced you?
My morality, manner of speech, style of writing, and building blocks of thought may all be traced to Middle-earth (and other subsequent worlds I have visited, but Tolkien had and has the greater influence over me). And before somebody asks, yes, I was part of the Harry Potter generation – growing up as the books came out. Part and not a part, for I actually did not read Harry Potter until after the last book came out (technically I did read the Sorcerer’s Stone and loved it, but was put off from reading further after the Chamber of Secrets movie scared me half to death twice over). As such, I am a child of Fantasy at large, my love for the genre balanced by my passion for history and mythology & folklore.Yet while Tolkien is the nexus of my reading, I owe my Fantasy writing to another. To the late Ursula K. Le Guin, whose Archipelago inspired me to create my own. This statement probably surprises many of friends, and for good reason as I have always been a vocal disciple of J.R.R. Tolkien; for example, on re-reading The Lord of the Rings for likely the tenth time, I wrote both on my Stars Uncounted blog and Facebook page what I wrote above: “Imagine being able to read your DNA as a piece of literature. Imagine being able to read the root out of which grew many of your basic interests as well as patterns of speech and thought and writing style. Luckily, I do not have to imagine. I can do it.” I do not retract these words at all, but the impact that Le Guin’s Earthsea Cycle had on me was no less great even if it was so subtle that I hardly thought of it. She was one of the best. I remember first reading The Earthsea Cycle in elementary school, hearing the mage Ogion of Re Albi say “To hear, one must be silent.” And I still remembered those words when I took the series up for a second and third time, years later. While the rest of my generation went to Hogwarts with Harry, I traveled by ship to the School of Roke with Ged. Isn’t that interesting? I openly and sincerely adored Middle-earth and idolized the wizard Gandalf, but it was Ogion the Silent who I related to: “He spoke seldom, ate little, slept less. His eyes and ears were very keen, and often there was a listening look on his face.” I also remember being struck with the fact that Earthsea was an Archipelago, the first I had ever encountered in a Fantasy, with no true main continent to journey across; rather the journeying was done by ship, in the soul, and on different Isles each of which had a special distinction. I was so struck that even at so young an age I decided that if I were ever to write a Fantasy book then it would take place upon an Archipelago. Interesting is it not? I idolize The Lord of the Rings, yet never felt the need to create my own Middle-earth. Why? Because I know the common (and uncommon but still recognizable) tropes and tricks of Fantasy literature and so do my best in my own work to either move past them or give them a new coat of paint so as to make them fresh, enjoyable, and unpredictable.
Beyond that, insofar as influencing my writing goes, I would say that Diana Wynne Jones and Patricia A. McKillip have influenced my writing most.
What are you working on now?
A sequel of sorts to the Cynnahu Saga. Of sorts because it takes place 1300 years later and in… well, no, I cannot tell because that would be a spoiler.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Never give up, but do not let the pressures of publishing interfere with your writing or love of writing.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.” – Sherlock HolmesWhat are you reading now?
At the time of writing, Quintana of Charyn by Melina Marchetta – book #3 of her Lumatere Chronicles.What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing more. What else? I have several series in mind, but would like to finish Cynnahu first if possible.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 Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
War and Peace by Leo TolstoyAuthor Websites and Profiles
Ian Adler’s Social Media Links
Aaron James
Interview With Author Aaron James
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve put many of my ideas to paper, it has just never been for a book. As this is the first book I’ve written, I’m not sure how good my writing style is. Im just gonna do my best to paint a picture.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called Can We Keep it. It was inspired by animal cruelty.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not a professional writer, so sometimes it may sound like Im telling a story through text message or face to faceWhat authors, or books have influenced you?
Lord of the rings all the wayWhat are you working on now?
Can we keep it is a Vella, so I upload chapters Bi-daily if that’s a wordWhat is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Not sure just trying things outDo you have any advice for new authors?
No. I am as new as they comeWhat is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just be you unapologeticallyWhat are you reading now?
Lots of mangaWhat’s next for you as a writer?
Who knows maybe nothing. Maybe a TV showIf 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 of he lord of the rings. And the silmarillion
Stephanie Hanson
Interview With Author Stephanie Hanson
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a writer since I could form letters on a page. My dad was a writer, so I copied him quite a bit growing up and books were a major part of our family culture. My first book, a book about ancient history, was published last year. I’ve published three more easy readers this year along with my upcoming cookbook.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Ancient Eats: An Edible Exploration of the World was inspired by my lifelong love of cooking and history. My dad and I spent a lot of time in the kitchen together, and people constantly encouraged him to open a restaurant. When I grew up, I worked in living history and learned about historical cooking. I participated in cooking competitions and won awards for taste and historical accuracy. I wanted to bring some of that experience into the kitchens of curious families.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think anything unusual–most writers have a pile of abandoned drafts, drink boatloads of tea and coffee, and are picky about notebooks, right?What authors, or books have influenced you?
Diana Gabaldon and Madeline Miller both write so beautifully. Their use of language inspires my (as yet unpublished) fiction writing for adults. Joy of Cooking is the cookbook that taught me how to cook. I have a scorched volume that I absolutely treasure because it has my dad’s handwritten notes in it. For children’s books, I admire Jane Yolen for her versatility and poetic language.What are you working on now?
I’m working on a story about an ancient Greek mermaid, an alphabet book about Alexander the Great, and a book of boardgames in ancient times.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth! My books are extremely visual, so Instagram has been a great marketing tool.Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s cliche, but don’t give up. Every writer hits a point where they think their work is terrible and no one will care. It doesn’t mean it’s true. AWhat is the best advice you have ever heard?
Have a writing routine! It looks different for every writer. For me, a daily walk does wonders for getting my creative juices flowing.What are you reading now?
My current fiction ebook is Gideon the Ninth. My current print fiction book is The Eyre Affair. My current nonfiction print book is The Crusades by Thomas Asbridge. My most recent nonfiction ebook was 52 Ways to Walk.What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to join the writing club at my local independent bookstore and hopefully meet people to start a writing group. I’m also attending a writers’ conference in Las Vegas in November. I’m giving my first author talk at an elementary school this fall.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?
Survival books seem obvious so I’m going to leave them out of consideration and just think about books I could read over and over again. Outlander and Harry Potter (probably Prisoner of Azkaban) are two that I have read and reread. The Princess Bride. Station Eleven. And I’m out of spots!Author Websites and Profiles
Stephanie Hanson Amazon Profile
Stephanie Hanson’s Social Media Links
MaryAnn Clarke
Interview With Author MaryAnn Clarke
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
USA Today Bestselling author MaryAnn Clarke is a Chatelaine Grand Prize winner and Next Generation Indie Book Award finalist for The Art of Enchantment, first in the Life is a Journey series about young women on journeys abroad who discover themselves and fall in love while getting embroiled in someone else’s problems. Her Having it All series is about professional women struggling to balance the challenge and fulfillment of their careers with their search for identity, love, family and home. Her newest series, the Most UNLIKELY To series, centres on a group of close high school friends ten years later, beginning with their ten year reunion.As of September, 2022 MaryAnn Clarke has nine published titles. She’s also planning travel research for the next three books in her Life is a Journey series. Books one and two are out soon in a box set.
Always eager to fill blank pages and empty canvases with ideas swirling in her head, MaryAnn set out to write emotionally engaging stories that walk a tight rope between intelligent Women’s Fiction and heart-warming Romance.
A socially awkward polymath with ASD who studied Fine Arts, Urbanism, Architecture and Gerontology at university on both coasts of Canada, she turned to her first love, writing stories, when she realized she could have more fun with fewer rules to follow. When not writing, she meditates while hiking wooded mountain trails, does yoga and Pilates to fend off decrepitude, reads eclectically, contemplates wormholes, experiments with painting abstract expressionism, kills plants and tries not to burn dinner while solving her next plot problem. Now that her chick has flown the coop, Clarke lives on beautiful Vancouver Island, Canada with her husband and cats. Although she knows she lives in Paradise, she still loves traveling the world in search of romance, art, good food and new story ideas.
Get MaryAnn’s newsletter and never miss a new release! Receive Single Dad in Studio 7D FREE by signing up at www.maryannclarkescott.com. Download today! Stay in touch to hear about special deals and her next release. https://www.subscribepage.com/MAClarkeScottAuthor
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The newest release is The Phoenix’s UNLIKELY Prodigy and is book 2 in the UNLIKELY series. This was once planned as book one but the prior book, the high school reunion, was a better way to introduce this new ensemble cast of friends. Several popular tv shows about groups of friends were the inspiration behind writing this series, along with the challenge of including as many popular romance tropes and diverse characters as possible. This series is designed to be inclusive and varied in every possible way while still providing the warmth, comfort and familiarity of a supportive group of friends and a small home town setting – all the best romance experiences that readers seek in these troubling and stressful times.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m what has been called a “bread machine” writer, though I also love high level series and story planning. Character is my favourite part of stories and figuring out what happened to them and motivates them is my candy. But despite my best plans, a good deal of the story is worked out in my subconscious brain while I’m doing things that, on the surface, might look like procrastination. I have an insatiable appetite for ingesting content, so love to read, binge watch great shows, and fall down deep research rabbit holes.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Different authors at different stages of my reading and writing life. I have literary authors whom I greatly admire, such as Ann Patchet, Lisa See, E. Annie Proulx, Barbara Gowdy and many others. I also deeply admire authors of complex speculative fiction such as William Gibson and Neil Stevenson. But I still always gravitate to my favourite romance authors, such as Christina Lauren, Sarina Bowen, Penny Reid, Chloe Liese, Mhairi Macfarlane, Lindsey Kelk, Portia MacIntosh and a few other British writers I’ve been discovering.What are you working on now?
Once The Phoenix’s UNLIKELY Prodigy is released, I’ll be working on a new novella in the shared world Cataluma California small town main street motorcycle club series, book two in her Off The Grid Christmas trilogy, and the next book in the UNLIKELY series.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s too complex a question to answer concisely. But I follow an approach that involves newsletters, book swaps, stacked promotion sites, price drops and targeted advertising. I also try to ensure my titles are listed and up to date on as many reader sites as possible, such as Goodreads, Bookbub, AllAuthor, Bublish, LibraryThing, and others.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get ready for a long haul. If you think you want to publish independently, you must be prepared to immerse yourself in the publishing industry and get ready to promote yourself as well as your books for a long time. It’s a business, and maybe not what you though you were getting into when you sat down to write your first story.What are you reading now?
I have a few titles on the go or lined up. Wilder by CL. Something by Claire Kingsley and Lucy Score. And I’m in the middle of It Happened One Summer on audio by Tessa Baily.What’s next for you as a writer?
Trying to catch up with my ideas. I always have more ideas than time, energy or brainpower to write the books. My focus for the next while will be to add to and complete the series that I have started, with the UNLIKELY series as my top priority.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
My Favorite Half-Night Stand
Mariana
The Lion The Witch and the WardrobeAuthor Websites and Profiles
MaryAnn Clarke’s Social Media Links
Nobel Publishing
Interview With Author Nobel Publishing
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Are you looking for an aesthetic and cute composition notebook?Welcome to Nobel Publishing, where you will get beautiful composition notebooks of all sizes and for everyone. We create wide ruled, marble, primary, k-2, school and college composition notebooks in all colors such as red, yellow, pink, golden and black, etc.
We are proud to serve you with our stylish notebooks and journals, valid from kindergarten to college and the office.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
From Strength to StrengthDo you have any unusual writing habits?
I am very hardworking and yes I am workaholic so I do publish so much.Author Websites and Profiles
Nobel Publishing Amazon Profile
Nobel Publishing’s Social Media Links
J.J. Matthews
Interview With Author J.J. Matthews
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a British writer of numerous genres but mainly horror and fantasy. Though I’m more partial to dark fantasy, the best blend of fantasy and horror in one genre. So far, my published work only consists of one horror short story collection, one poetry collection and my debut novel. So, technically, I’ve only written one book.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is the first instalment of my aspiring dark/high fantasy series, Maleos: Rise of the Old Gods. It is a gory, suspenseful and sometimes creepy fantasy set in a completely fictional world that only slightly acknowledges the existence of our Earth. The beginning of the book came to me in the form of a dream. I dreamt I was in a giant stone arena, holding a staff with a giant purple jewel on it, with smaller jewels rotating around it. In front of me was this fascinating but grotesque creature, like a devil but minus the goat legs. I didn’t know exactly what I was doing but I knew I needed to use magic. I put my hand on the jewel and it glowed, making me feel a brilliant yet excruciating surge of energy through my body and into my free hand, allowing me to cast a giant ball of fire from my hand. I woke up immediately after and that scene soon became the basis of my entire book.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think there’s anything I do that I haven’t seen or heard other people doing as well. One thing I know I do to keep my mood going whilst writing is to play music that matches the overall mood of the chapter I’m writing or the scene I’m on. If the music mood fits, I can write the scene in a much more immersive manner.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think much of my style is influenced from the Artemis Fowl books I read as a child as well as the Fighting Fantasy books I “played” at a young age as well. My father always supplied me with a new RPG book on my birthday or at Christmas and supplied me with plenty of Artemis Fowl once he found out I really liked those. I remember that my love of horror stems from constantly reading the Goosebumps books at the same young age, perhaps younger even.What are you working on now?
Currently I am working on the sequel to Rise of the Old Gods and the second instalment in the Maleos series. This book will continue the adventures of Mortius Maleos and his friends, this time tackling all the angst and drama of a young adult novel, all the gore, terror and nightmare fuel of a horror novel and all the wonder, excitement and magic of a high fantasy book.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve always found TikTok to be the best tool for advertising. There is an enormous audience there that is being regularly added to and is by far the most accessible without expending money. Second to TikTok, I use Twitter, Goodreads and Instagram for promotion of my material.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be consistent, don’t be afraid to put your books in people’s faces (but don’t be too obnoxious with it), use every platform at your disposal and don’t expect wild success on the first go. My first book only sold around 20 copies and I know exactly who purchased them, all friends and family. Since then, it has been quiet and nobody outside my social circle has read it. Still, that doesn’t mean you should give up. At the very least, you are writing for yourself and for your enjoyment first and foremost.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Listen to the critics. Even the really harsh ones. Granted, there’s always going to be people that are just out to get you and many times, it’ll feel like any negative or critical reviewer is doing so. Despite how the criticism may feel, there is almost always truth within the words, so make sure to self-evaluate on all the points they touch upon in the review. You may just make yourself a better author for it.What are you reading now?
Right now I’m in the middle of reading Stuart MacBride’s Dying Light. I bought a load of MacBride on sale at a small bookstore in England and I have been really taken in by the crime thriller genre, especially since finishing a load of Kathy Reichs novels.What’s next for you as a writer?
For now, I’ll continue on my Maleos series, hopefully reaching the four book mark that I have in mind. After that, perhaps I’ll dip back into a historical fiction novel I started writing a few years ago.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?
As many of my fighting fantasy books as I could. I would choose The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, Citadel of Chaos, House of Hell and Creature of Havoc.Author Websites and Profiles
J.J. Matthews’s Social Media Links
Deb Cushman
Interview With Author Deb Cushman
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As an author of fantasy adventure tales for children and teens, living in the Pacific Northwest means that the formidable forests, majestic mountains, and blustery beaches provide ample inspiration for fantasy settings. I’ve written several “practice” novels, but my debut middle-grade novel is about to be published.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Frigg’s Journey to Anasgar is the first book of an exciting new middle-grade fantasy series Chronicles of Nadavir. I hadn’t read many fantasy novels about the lives of female dwarves. Frigg popped into my mind and refused to leave until I told her story of finding adventure and saving her world. I also wanted to write a book about friendship, so a budding friendship between characters with varied backgrounds was natural for this story. What could be more fun than a dwarf, a faery, an elf, and a unicorn sharing a quest?Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The general rule of writing is to write every day. I don’t do that. Over the years, I’ve tried to sit down to write daily, but until I have a clear idea of where I’m headed, I just sit there. I tend to write in binge sessions with great enthusiasm. I have to know how the story ends before I can begin. Then I write a very rough outline. I don’t always know how the character will manage to get to that end, but I plunge in and see what happens.What authors, or books have influenced you?
My first insight into the fact that real people wrote books was reading Beverly Cleary’s Henry Huggins books. Agatha Christie’s mysteries have always fascinated me. But it was when I discovered Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern series that I became totally immersed in science fiction and fantasy. Those books combine the two genres with amazing settings and adventurous characters. I knew I wanted to write like her someday.What are you working on now?
I’m revising the second book in the Nadavir series. Each book in the series will follow a different character on an adventure of discovery with the other characters supporting the quest. The next book explores Ping’s challenge. We learn a lot about Ping in the first book, but we don’t know much about her background. She’s a mystery, even to herself. As the only faery in the dwarf colony of Nadavir, she has no memories of where she came from. We’ll find out in book two with a mysterious plot involving large black birds and a missing pixie queen.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My author website https://debcushman.com is filled with information about me and my books. I have a lot of fun developing the Nadavir Kids Club, filled with games, puzzles, activities, stories, etc. related to my Chronicles of Nadavir fantasy series. Readers can sign up for the Kids Club for free by subscribing to my newsletter on my website.I’m also sharing a lot of information about my writing and talking with readers on my Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/debcushmanwriter
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read, read, read, write, write, write. Be curious.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you want to read. I love this advice because I’ve tried writing a lot of things that just didn’t interest me. While it’s great practice to write in varying styles and on different subjects, you won’t feel that inner enthusiasm and love of story, that fire that ignites your passion, until you’re writing what you enjoy.What are you reading now?
Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. I love reading a long series so that when I finish one book, I know I have more books to explore. I’m enjoying the complexity of the plot and the uniqueness of the characters.What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m revising the second book in the Nadavir series. Each book in the series will follow a different character on an adventure of discovery with the other characters supporting the quest. The next book explores Ping’s challenge. We learn a lot about Ping in the first book, but we don’t know much about her background. She’s a mystery, even to herself. As the only faery in the dwarf colony of Nadavir, she has no memories of where she came from. We’ll find that out in book two with a mysterious plot involving large black birds and a missing pixie queen.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 Complete Works of William Shakespeare, a large dictionary, The Dragonriders of Pern (containing 1st 3 books of the series), and The Hobbit.Author Websites and Profiles
Deb Cushman’s Social Media Links
Mark Aquino
Interview With Author Mark Aquino
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a registered nurse in California. I have written two books so far and counting, coming out with more. I just want to share more wisdom with the world through my experiences and knowledge.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
EMPATHIC Ninja: How to Deal With Difficult People With Tips From a Nurse is my latest book and it is inspired by my experience in home health and hospice care. As nurses, we interact with people face to face on a daily basis, and it can be a challenge sometimes. And with with the general public, most of the challenges of life is in dealing with people, and if you have this skill mastered, then you are able to respond to a lot of life’s problems. I hope this book will help you with your people skills better.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write in passive tone a lot because of my habit with writing nursing notes.What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Bible especially the book of Proverbs. This book really sells you on the value of wisdom. You can read each chapter in one day for each day of the month because Proverbs has 31 chapters. In months where there is only 30 days or less, you can compress the 31st chapter into day 30.What are you working on now?
More books.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
OASISNinja.com has my collection of books I have published and it is a growing list so check it out.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Knowledge is power. Share your knowledge with the world through books and make money doing it.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Life is serious but at the same time it is also not that serious.What are you reading now?
The BibleWhat’s next for you as a writer?
More books. More marketing.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, my first book, my second book, and the book I am currently working on now.Author Websites and Profiles
Mark Aquino’s Social Media Links
JB McDonald
Interview With Author JB McDonald
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in the Southern California desert (not somewhere cool like San Diego or LA), moved to Toronto for college, moved back to SoCal to get out of the snow, and then hopped slightly north to the San Francisco Bay Area, where I now live.I started creating stories when I was knee high to a grasshopper, long before I could actually read fluently. (That didn’t happen until my mom bought me a slew of comic books for my 13th birthday.) Now I’m in my 40s, and totally excited to be writing full time.
I wrote and published two m/f romance novels through Samhain before switching to m/m romances. By 2013 I had 6 novels, 1 novella, and 10 short stories (8 of them all in the same series) published, all but two initial books in the m/m romance genre. Then writing came to a screeching halt for crazy life reasons.
Happily, in the beginning of 2022 I started life as a full time author amid much personal fanfare! The publishers I’d been with before had gone under or been absorbed, so I started editing and re-publishing my older works while working on new things. I also wrote and published my first fantasy novella, Warded. It’s been great.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book was my dark fantasy, Warded. Honestly, I heard about a writing contest; does that count as inspiration? *laughs*I have this incredibly detailed world for another fantasy novel I’ve been working on, and decided to explore a little of the history and how some of the demon hybrids came to be. See, I had this crazy idea of how demons (nearly immortal predators who live in isolation) could procreate with other species. It needed to be proven.
Warded was born, although the story is less about demons procreating and more about saving people while killing off a demon. But the central character is this great, mostly amoral woman. Trying to figure out how inhuman I could make her without losing my audience’s support was a blast. Luckily, there are two other main characters, so that as readers realize that the warder’s Just Not Right In The Head, they have someone else to cheer for. *laughs* Heck, they have someone else to realize it right along with them!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
*laughs* Well, they’re all mine, so they don’t seem too unusual to me! I’ve been told that the way I write is unusual. Some scene (or feeling or scenario or banter) pops into my head, and I really want to write it down. But before I can (because, in the way of the world, I’m never at my computer), I start wondering why that scene happened or what could have created that emotion. I work backward from there without quite meaning to (“But what caused that? Okay, why would they react that way? But…”), until I get to the beginning.By then I’m in love with the characters, so I go back to the initial scene (in my head) and imagine forward until the end of the book.
I’ve never actually told anyone that, so I don’t know if it’s unusual. This next bit, that’s the part where I get some squinty looks.
I sit down to write, usually still with big chunks missing, but that’s okay, I know they’ll come. The big trick is not writing ANYTHING out of order. I learned long ago that if I write that scene in the middle that I first imagined, then I’ll never get around to writing the rest of it! Everything has to go linearly no matter how badly I want to write something that happens later. It’s the prod that keeps me going.
Once started, it usually takes me a few weeks to write a novel. I get a little manic. And obsessed. *grins sheepishly*
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ha! Probably lots that I’m totally unaware of!I can’t say that there’s any author that I read and think, “I want to try and emulate that,” although there are plenty that make me think, “I wish I wrote like that,” or, “I need to remember this awesome creative description/world building/timeline skipping/etc.”
Although… comic books influenced me, A LOT. (I named the two male characters in my first m/m romance after a couple of my favorites!) They’re the reason I started writing with any kind of real effort. I spent a lot of time after reading my comics thinking, “How would it feel to have no memory of your past but to be certain it wasn’t good?” or, “If you have super strength you must have some level of invulnerability, because otherwise your joints would tear and your bones would shatter when you lifted a car in the air with one hand or punched a hole in the cement wall. OMG I want to write that story! Mwahahaha, that’s HORRIBLE,” or, “If you had color vision but then had to wear a ruby visor all the time, would that screw with your brain? Would things seem more violent, since red is a violent color? Would your depth perception be flattened?”
In fact, the first shorty story I ever published came from wondering about a villain’s parents. Here was a character who liked hurting people, with razor-sharp claws and a healing factor that makes him basically unkillable. I got to thinking, what would it be like to be his parents? To have a kid you could see getting more and more unhinged, starting to be nasty to their classmates, maybe family members, and watch it get worse? Maybe even know he had these weird abilities? It was a great little horror story. Mwahahahaa.
BACK to the topic. Bad writer. Ahem. My dad introduced me to Anne McCaffery’s Dragon Rider books when I was a teenager, so I’m sure those went hand in hand with my comics in influencing me. Those and Walter Farley’s Black Stallion series which was, at heart, a series about adventure and growing up and embracing who you are. (…I kind of want to go re-read them now.)
Martha Wells is one of my favorite authors for her broken-not-angsty characters and amazing world building. Greg Bear and Ben Bova were my go-to for sci-fi early on. Well, them and Star Wars movies.
This funny little book of fairy tales, Fractured Fairy Tales, maybe? There were a bunch of them that came into my life at the same time. Jane Yolen’s Sleeping Ugly was one. The musical “Into the Woods” was another. They helped me look at things we think we know in a new way.
Kim Robison’s Sword Dancer series and Carol Berg’s everything are delightful for mental and emotional anguish. I think that’s what I like about Anne Bishop, too!
The Dies The Fire series made my brain start noting and focusing on odd little details that can make something real, with the whole bit about big cats escaping the zoos and sanctuaries when civilization fails. (I actually fact checked that, and there are more big cats in the US than in most of their native countries. So, if civilization falls, we might have to worry about being eaten by tigers!) Tanya Huff’s earlier works ranged from slightly dark to very twisted, and I still love them.
More recently, Rebecca Roanhorse re-ignited my fascination for myths, religions, cultures and stories that didn’t come out of western Europe and/or Christianity.
I’m always being influenced, even if I’m unaware of it. I think we all are, for good or ill.
What are you working on now?
I’M SO GLAD YOU ASKED! Most immediate (but less exciting) (don’t worry, it’s only less exciting to me because I already wrote it and editing is UGH) I’m revising my newest m/m romance, an urban fantasy titled “Incubus.” It should be out late this year, unless my editor or marketer tell me to wait until next year, and then it’ll be out early next year. I’m a child of instant gratification, so I won’t wait longer than that. *laughs*What I’m REALLY excited about is re-writing that fantasy book I mentioned, the one set in the same world as Warded! I wrote it over those ten years when I was MIA from publishing and… well, it shows that it took ten years. Not in a good way. >.> I looked at it with an eye for revising, and after doing that for a couple of months (with limited success; even the stuff I revised wasn’t entirely working, and I only got through the first 9000 words or so) I realized that it would be SO MUCH FASTER (and a lot more fun) to just re-write it, now that I’m writing full time. So that’s my project for the end of this year, and I’m completely over the moon! I’ve been working on this world and some of these characters for 15 years, fine tuning and adding complexity in the back of my head. This story is so over-ready to come out. Heck, I have ideas for a series! I’ve been posting sketches and things to my blog.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Ohhh, way to take the wind out of my sails. *laughs* I’m still figuring that out. When I published before I let the publishers handle it. Now things have changed, and the small press (including the m/m romance) publishers let their authors mostly handle it. Since I have a private editor of awesomeness and a cover artist of amazingness and those are really the only other reasons I would publish with a publisher, I decided to self pub.So I’m getting a crash course in marketing. (Oh god, someone help.)
I’m finding that my best method is, like bathing my dog or cleaning the house, hiring out. (Too bad I can’t hire my stepkids for marketing, like I do for everything else!) I found a woman who does marketing for novels, someone I can afford, and she’s been amazing. She takes care of a lot of it, and sends me links with a, “Here, go do this” message.
I’m practically a hermit, even online. I don’t tend to read reviews or blogs or participate in FB or Good Reads groups, so I’m very clueless as to where I might find, say, people to review my books. Consequently, my marketer has opened up my world and now I’m aware of sites, well, like this one.
(My marketer of fantasticability, even if you do most of your own marketing, can be found on fiverr.com under the handle akerr8787)
(My cover artist of amazingness, who branched from romance into fantasy and dark fantasy when I asked, is LC Chase, and can be found at LCChase.com)
(My editor of awesomeness is mine to keep, as she mostly retired but kept me on. Mwahahaha!)Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you’re so new that you haven’t started writing original stuff yet, write fanfic. It doesn’t matter what your favorite thing is; just write. Find some fan groups and ask where to post it (or post it there). Put it up on An Archive of Our Own (aka Ao3). Cut your teeth, get some feedback, try different things, get more feedback. Build a little fanfic clique.One of the most common things I hear from other authors is that it’s incredibly difficult to write in a void (and a good editor will mostly just critique you). I haven’t ever felt like I was writing in a void. I think the years of fanfic, the feedback from fellow comic book lovers and the glee with which we’d throw around ideas, created a buffer for me.
AM I writing in a void? Oh, yeah. I spend months on something, posting about it on my blog (which, at best, gets some likes) but with no one to actually read it, then I send it to my editor or a publisher. My editor sends it back saying, “I like this!” and that’s the last positive thing I hear. By the time I’ve read through the comments I’m moaning, “I’m a hack and this is a piece of crap!” If I’ve sent it to a publisher, I’m probably going to collect rejection letters before someone likes it.
I amend my statement. Writing in a void might be better. *laughs*
But the thing is, I never FEEL like I’m writing in a void. I feel like my fans are just outside my reach, giggling and chortling and bouncing, waiting for me to hand over the next thing. I’m certain that has to do with fandom.
Fandom might also gently point out some spots where your story could be even better amid the squealing, which is also good!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Wow, I have two! I thought I didn’t have any. Ha!1. The advice from my Dad: When you get those rejection letters, remember that it’s just one person’s opinion. It isn’t the whole publishing house, it isn’t that your work is terrible, it might just be that that one person who read it wasn’t in the mood for your epic steampunk m/m noir novel set among Russian politics circa 1706.
…Okay, that last bit is mine. My dad stuck with the first sentence. *grins*
2. I have this quote up by Thomas Edison: “I haven’t failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”
It’s not about writing, but when I see it, I smile. Or I gird my loins and get back to work. Or I nod and know I’ll come back tomorrow to find another way that might work. It reminds me that writers can collect hundreds of rejection letters before getting… a rejection letter with a personal one liner attached.
3. (I know I said 2. This one isn’t mine.) The usual advice is good: don’t stop, find a community of like-minded people to support and be supported by, keep going.
There’s a lot of advice I’ve bucked: “remember you’re writing for yourself.” (I’m NOT writing for myself, let’s be real. Yes, I write the stories I want to tell, but I want to TELL them. I’m writing to get a reaction from my audience, because that brings me glee.) “Write x words every day, even if they suck.” (Sometimes this helps. Sometimes it backfires.) “Write for x amount of time every day, even if writing means “staring at your computer.””(Again, it can help or backfire.) “Don’t get discouraged.” (HA! Everyone gets discouraged sometimes. It’s okay. It’s life, it’s human. If you decide to keep writing, give yourself some discouraged wallowing time, as much as you need. Then get up and start again when you’re ready.) Oh, my most hated advice: MAKE THE TIME. I’m sorry, but there are only so many hours in the day, and staying mentally healthy is more important. That may or may not include writing.
Maybe I’m the black sheep, though. I do look at things from a vantage point of ADHD, clinical (but managed!) depression, anxiety, and a panic disorder. So maybe for people who are more neurotypical, the above advice is good.
But let me tell you, that Edison quote? It helps me every time.
What are you reading now?
Ooh! I started a new book last night and I’m in love with it. Gideon The Ninth, a science fantasy novel by Tamsyn Muir. She’s a new author for me, and I’m totally hooked.What’s next for you as a writer?
…Writing is next? Yeah. Writing. *grins* Seriously, my goal is to be paying my bills via writing by 2027. Not romantic, I know, but important. Some of those books will be my re-releases, but most of them will be new. Now that I’m learning about marketing, I think I have a solid shot at succeeding.My other “next” is to find an agent for my fantasy novels. I’ll probably keep self-publishing my m/m romances, but for the other stuff… definitely an agent!
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… that’s just mean. Can I assume I’ll only be stranded for a little while?
No?
Damn.Nobody’s Son by Sean Stewart, for the days I want to think.
The first 2/3s of Dangerously Happy by Varian Krylov, for when I need some romantic escapism (or fuzzy feelings… or smut…) (Sure, the last 1/3 is the climactic end of a major plotline, but now I know how it ends, so I just want the character and relationship building parts.) (And the smut.)
The First Days by Rhiannon Frater, to get me fired up.
and
How To Escape A Desert Island For Dummies. I don’t know who it’s by, but I’m sure it exists!
Author Websites and Profiles
JB McDonald’s Social Media Links
Charles K. Jordan
Interview With Author Charles K. Jordan
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This question is a bit loaded for me because I have written eight books thus far. The six books for my series are finished, along with two novellas in the same universe, but as of today, only two books have been fully edited and published. But later this year, 2022, book 3 of the Five Kingdoms of Cordizal series will be available. So be on the lookout for it.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book in my ongoing series is Dogma of the Five Kingdoms. The series deals with themes like various religions and deities in Cordizal and how they affect the world. I thought the title was very fitting and unique.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write exclusively on an iPad, which means I am super productive anywhere but in my living room. Writing started as a way to take back the time I lost during my commute to work, and I learned how to work standing up or sitting on a packed train. I view the train as my away office.What authors, or books have influenced you?
After Deborah and James Howe introduced me to the world of literature, the biggest single influence in my writing life was Robert Jordan. The Wheel of Time helped me deal with many hard times and showed me that you could become fully invested in a fantasy world. Other writers who have influenced me include George R.R. Martin, Robin Hobb, Glen Cook, and Joe Abercrombie.What are you working on now?
I am currently putting the finishing touches on book 3, Heretics of the Five Kingdoms, and two novellas, Fragments of the Wildlands and Bone, Sweat, and Tears. Heretics and Fragments will be released in 2022 while Bone, Sweat and Tears is looking like early 2023. I still have books 4, Folly of the Five Kingdoms, 5, False Idols of the Five Kingdoms, and 6, Rise of an Empire to gussy up for release, I have also been starting to plot out the following series to the Five Kingdoms Cordizal tentatively called the Old Moons. Also, I have a sci-fi series in the pipeline that I can hopefully start talking about soon.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to use all methods available, such as KCP, online ads, and amazing sites like Awesome Gang, Twitter, and Reddit. Obviously, word of mouth is the most effective promotion tool, and as for the rest, your mileage may vary,Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep working. I know it sounds cliché, and it is, but when you start, 300 words seems like a daunting task, but after a while, it starts to become easier to accomplish your goals.Also, keep striving to better yourself. Keep learning and expanding, don’t rely on editors to fix your writing when you can learn and better your craft.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To temper my expectations.I know from experience that when an author, especially an independent author, releases a book, they believe it is a great product, and it might be. But there is so much entertainment these days, and just because you did sell thousands of copies your first month does not mean you have failed as an author. Keep plugging away, and results will come.
What are you reading now?
I feel guilty if I read too much fiction instead of writing, so how I get by that mental block is by reading history books. Now I am reading The Crusades: The Authoritative History of the War for the Holy Land by Thomas Asbridge.What’s next for you as a writer?
Besides finishing the Five Kingdoms of Cordizal series, I plan on writing another six-book series in the same world and sci-fi that I hope to be able to give more details about soon.I am also planning on being involved with some other projects in other facets of entertainment, but until things become more solid, I really cannot go into the details.
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 Hunt by Robert Jordan.
Emperor of Japan: Meiji and his world by Donald Keene.
A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
And
A Dummies Guide to Surviving on a Desert IslandAuthor Websites and Profiles
Charles K. Jordan Author Profile on Smashwords
Charles K. Jordan’s Social Media Links
Mark Sheehan
Interview With Author Mark Sheehan
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Firstly, thank you to the Awesome Gang for the opportunity to share with you a little about me. I’ve written two books but published only one. The book I’ve published was the second book I wrote, with the first still languishing on my computer.My previous occupations include electrician and lawyer, but writing is my alarm clock. I live in Perth, Australia, which, as we know, is the coolest city in the World. When I’m not writing, I’m reading, cycling, or Netflixing (it’s a thing).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first, latest, and only book is The Smallest War. It was inspired by a fascination in all things Cold War and a love for the action genre.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
If having noise cancelling headphones blasting music while I write is unusual, then yes. I favour rock but will listen to anything.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King has influenced me greatly. I read his book “On Writing” three times. Animal Farm is my favourite read. If only I could write as beautifully as George Orwell!What are you working on now?
I’m resuscitating my unpublished novel. The re-drafting process has started but is a long way off finished.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning the skills of self-promotion. If only it was as easy as writing. I’m Twittering whenever I feel the need to. There’s a huge writing community on there. I’ve just commenced my first promotion using (drum roll) Awesome Gang.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start small: short stories. Win a couple of competitions in your favoured genre before writing that novel, and don’t be like me. Start marketing when you start writing.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t eat yellow snow.What are you reading now?
A collection of short stories. “Without Expiration” by William R Hincy.What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d settle for moderate success as an indie writer.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’m a sucker for facts, so there would have to be an encyclopaedia of some kind in the library. A book on how to survive on a desert island would be in the stack as well. And, of course, Animal Farm by George Orwell.Author Websites and Profiles
Mark Sheehan’s Social Media Links
Scott Allen Benkie
Interview With Author Scott Allen Benkie
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Scott Allen Benkie is a graduate of the Indiana University McKinney School of Law and a practicing trial lawyer (Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, martindale.com) for 35 years in Indianapolis, where he lives with his daughter and fiance. He has coached high school basketball (Bishop Chatard State Champions 2003) and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. He is a frequent speaker for lawyers in litigation seminars and has written several articles and manuals to assist lawyers in their cases. This is my first book, and I am halfway through the second book in the series.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my book is The Lawyer’s Angel. Many of the characters share personality traits of people I know or knew. The Lawyer’s Angel took me over 10 years to write because of my law practice. I tried to write a book that would resonate with readers and give them a reason not to give up if they were facing their own trial of some sort.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I read my book aloud to one critique partner reader. One local book club read it and provided feedback. Award-winning Crime writer Charles Salzberg(Canary in the Coal Mine) read and gave his feedback and positive recommendations. I think reading the book aloud to someone helps with edits. I also had my book professionally edited by Robbie Tucker, in NYC with experience in the movie industry.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Charles Dickens, Victor Hugo, Earnest Hemingway, J.R. Tolkein, William Faulkner, James Joyce.What are you working on now?
I have started a sequel with Crosson as the protagonist and with a continuation of some aspects of the first book.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My Author Website really is a great tool https://scottallenbenkiebooks.com/.
Social media is a great tool you can follow me on my different platforms
Social media
Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/scottallenbenkie/
Twitter = https://twitter.com/ScottABenkie
Pinterest = https://www.pinterest.com/scottallenbenkie/
Linkedin = https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottallenbenkie/
Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/scottallenbenkie/Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do your research and due diligence, use a professional editor and read your manuscript aloud. Write what you know and think about your writing like a movie, show the action, don’t just tell it.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Hemingway said what was necessary to be a good writer was to sit before a typewriter and bleed. I paraphrased this but I think it’s true. You have to put into words visceral emotion and action.What are you reading now?
Michael Connelly, The Dark Hours.What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on a second book with the same protagonist attorney, James Crossen, and I am about one-third of the way through that book.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?
Bible, The Old Man and the Sea, A Tale of Two Cities, The Good Earth.Author Websites and Profiles
Scott Allen Benkie Amazon Profile
Scott Allen Benkie’s Social Media Links
Robert Kono
Interview With Author Robert Kono
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Born in 1932, I grew up in LA and its environs and was dumped into America’s concentration camps during WWII and repatriated to wartorn Japan in 1946 where I grew up in lonely exile until 1959 when I was able to return to the United States to get married and finish my college education. I have written ten books, six of which have been published by me.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title is Westward Lies The Sun. I’ve written a Christian-themed novel about a Japanese American attorney’s search for God.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I used to spend four to six hours writing years ago but now I limit myself to about three hours at a time.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ernest Hemingway and Fydor Dostoevsky and their works greatly influenced me and determined the direction that my writing was to take.What are you working on now?
I’m at work on yet another novel.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is rhkohno.com.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stick to your guns, keep the faith and fight the good fight, come hell or high water…and be bold.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do what is right for yourself and for those that love you.What are you reading now?
Dark Night of the SoulWhat’s next for you as a writer?
I’m at work on yet another novel under my pen name. R. H. Kohno. I’ve set aside the third book of a trilogy I’ve been working on under my regular name to let it gestate.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?
Farewell to Arms, Red Badge of Courage, Moby Dick and The Brothers KaramazovAuthor Websites and Profiles
Robert Kono’s Social Media Links
Vinny O'Hare Awesomegang.com, P.O. Box 940711 Rockaway Park NY 11694