Here Is Your Awesomegang Authors Newsletter
Published: Tue, 07/26/22
Please check out the authors below and share them if you like on social media and help them out.
Good karma goes a long way. If you belong to an Author group help spread the word about our free author interview series. We have started a new Facebook author group that focuses on author interviews and podcast interviews. Come Join us!
Alvin Hayes
Interview With Author Alvin Hayes
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired sales and marketing executive who enjoys
the challenge of writing Historical Fiction novels about the
African American “while-black” experience.
I have self published two novels.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “If The Elders Call.”
I wanted to tell a story about the whileBlack
experience beginning on the plantation because
that’s where most African Americans started. But it is not a book about slavery. It’s a story about heroes, villain’s and heroines.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a story in mind and simply start it and it kind of just flows. I don’t know if its unusual but it works for me.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Walter MosleyWhat are you working on now?
The third novel in the whileBlack Series is about the
next generation of the same family and their pursuit of a better life in the North.
The story of the great migration when 6 million African
Americans left the South. But before my family can leave
New Orleans they have to overcome some situations they were not expecting,What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Networking and handing out business cards. Promoting books is hard. Try different methods and see which works best for you.What are you reading now?
The Warmth of Other SunsAuthor Websites and Profiles
Laura Knapke
Interview With Author Laura Knapke
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Indianapolis, Indiana, with my husband, a Shih Tzu-Pomeranian mix dog named Chumly, a cat named Missy the Menace, and a brand new kitten, named Chloe. We have 6 kids and 14 grandkids. I have been writing from age 12. I write horror and erotica romance, and sometimes non-fiction. I draw inspiration for my stories from everyday life, the past, news, movies and music, and from my twisted since of humor. My latest book is Crossing The Dark Side 9 Twisted Tales. It is a compilation of 9 twisted stories that will sendmchills down your spine.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Crossing The Dark Side 9 Twisted Tales. I have always been a fan of horror. I love to write twisted tales that usually have a surprise in the end.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write with music playing. The music I listen too depends on what I am writing at the moment.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen KingWhat are you working on now?
I have an erotic romance, Dominating Kayla, that will be coming out very soon. It will be a series of 6 stand alone books. I am also working on a paranormal horror. I’m hoping it will be out in mid August.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter and FacebookDo you have any advice for new authors?
Being an author is a hard road to travel. Keep writing, publishing, and promoting… don’t give up.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up on your dreams.What are you reading now?
Finishing School, an erotic adventure, by Arabella MaghriWhat’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to continue writing and publishing my 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?
The Bible and any of Stephen Kings books.Author Websites and Profiles
Laura Knapke’s Social Media Links
Robert Bordas
Interview With Author Robert Bordas
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Just retired businessman now full time pursuing his dream of younger years: writing. I published a non-fiction book in 2012 about my experience as a corporate manager (Corporate Mission Possible) and in August 2022 I’ll publish my debut (historical) novel (The Hand We Are Dealt).What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘The Hand We Are Dealt’ is a WW2 era historical novel about a woman of courage. It is based on my own mother’s memoirs and reminds us all those who have lost their identity, homeland, language or more due to the war eighty years ago, or the war happening in front of our own eyes, today.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to work early in the morning when my mind is fresh. I also systematically plan my story, make a detailed outline and then try to follow it – however, the story and the characters sometimes start to live their own life.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ken Follet’s and Edward Rutherfurd’s historical novels, Jodi Picoult’s books, and of course the classics, from Dickens to Twain and Balzac to Steinback.What are you working on now?
This year I started a three-book novel series that follows the fate of European immigrants to the US in the late 19th century, connected to my own genealogical research.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Featured book promotions on well known book sites, like Awesome Gang and regular promotion from my own FB, Instagram and Twitter accounts.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for the joy of writing. Readers will find you.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up.What are you reading now?
Jodi Picoult: A spark of lightWhat’s next for you as a writer?
Improving my writing skills through learning and 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?
James Clavell: Noble House (long enough for a long time pleasure)
Daniel Defoe: Robinson Crusoe (trivial reason)
My new novel in work in progress (so that I can work on it)Author Websites and Profiles
Robert Bordas’s Social Media Links
Kalavathi Raj
Interview With Author Kalavathi Raj
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello everyone. I am Kalavathi Raj. Born in Calcutta, I have had the privilege of traversing across the Indian landscape. Since my first book is a non-fiction project, as in a memoir, I am very aware of the fact that my story may stand the chance of being seen or remain invisible forever. I would still say that my story is unique to my journey of 30 tough years battling with my crazy parents, imaginary friends and getting into compromising situations in the office. Actually I am working on my second book already, which is a kind of sequel to ’30 YEARS IN THE SEARING SUN’.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Thanks to the omnipotent to get asked this very niche ‘celeb’ type question. My first book is a non-fiction novel. A romance memoir is what it is ultimately. The reason I wrote this book is to make women believe in their inner child and break free from repressive societies. I especially intend to get my story to reach women from conservative communities. Am I saying that being conservative is wrong? Absolutely not. My argument is that clothes do not determine a woman’s value. She wears them hence they have value. What I’m essentially saying is getting to a point of freedom is absolutely necessary for us. Freedom from being told what is acceptable and what is not, freedom to pursue your dreams and the freedom to think and decide for yourself.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Very interesting question. I actually haven’t really observed my writing process. So obviously this question is a bit too early for me.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Okay. Here we go. ‘THE PORTTRAIT OF A LADY’ by Henry James, ‘MILK AND HONEY’ by Rupi Kaur, ‘THE SOULFUL SEEKER’ by Punam Chadha Joseph are just a few to begin with. English Classic novels is what I really love referring to like ‘Anne of the green gables’.What are you working on now?
I am writing a sequel to my memoir which is based on my unique struggles in marriage in my community, India.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
To be honest, every portal that offers access to writers like me to promote our books is great. I don’ rally have a favorite per say. But I’d recommend AMAZON to anybody who is out there wanting to reach out their book.Do you have any advice for new authors?
To new authors, I’d say nothing. According to me, the decision to sit down and write in the first place comes from a rare place within us that encourages us to explore the unknown. I’d like to imagine authors as new sailors who would venture into the sea back in the day. They had no sure path or plan, as they anchored where they found it good. I think we authors are pretty much the same. Its the act of incredible bravery to explore new territory with writing a new book to see what it tells about us as individuals. Vow! That’s great!What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Look no further, just keep moving.What are you reading now?
‘A RADICAL AWAKENING’ by Dr. Shefali.What’s next for you as a writer?
Poetry is one of my skills I wanna explore. I really want to see what the process will do to me as a creative person.If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
‘A RADICAL AWAKENING’ by Dr. Shefali, a FEW good old english classic novels. Something written by female writers at least.Author Websites and Profiles
Larry Bonorato
Interview With Author Larry Bonorato
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“WORK WITH ME NOT FOR ME” “Your Guide for Leadership & Team Building Skills to Generate the Exceptional Leader in You”
My mission is to share the most effective, long-term strategies and templates that have guided my success for 50+ years. The last 8-10 years it seems that quality people are promoted into leadership but not given the tools and training they need to succeed. This book was written to be a success guide for current and future leaders!Do you have any unusual writing habits?
1) My best writing times are 4am – 9am. No interruptions from spouse, phone, media, etc.
2) I write down all the general topics related to the subject, do the research, create an outline and/or mindmap to organize my work…then write without editing until I am finished.
3) I will read what I have written out loud to someone else to ensure that the thought or subject is clear in meaning and verbiage.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dale Carnegie, Jim Rohn, Dave Anderson, Dr. Charles Stanley, Grant Cardone, Jackie B. Cooper, Warren Greshes, Jeffrey Gitomer, Zig Ziglar, Frank Bettger, Mark Levin, Newt Gingrich, Ann Coulter, Donald Trump, and Rush Limbaugh.
Biographies and/or autobiographies on George Patton, Ronald Reagan, Ike Eisenhower, Abraham Lincoln, Harry Truman, Conrad Hilton, Napoleon Bonaparte, Robert E. Lee, Douglas MacArthur, Etc.What are you working on now?
1) Complete and release the AudioBook for WORK WITH ME NOT FOR ME
2) Translating WORK WITH ME NOT FOR ME into Spanish for release later this yearWhat is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use my email list for referrals, my launch team to jump start sales, social media sites Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, DealerElite, and any site that will promote my book at a reasonable cost.Do you have any advice for new authors?
1) Read your book or blog out loud with another person listening. If it doesn’t convey the message when you say it…it won’t when someone reads it.
2) Writing your book is hard. But even the best content is useless if no one finds and reads it. Promote the book everywhere like your success depends on it…because it does!
3) Don’t edit as you write. Editing as you write will break your train of thought and your concentration.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never stop learning…when you’re green you grow…when you’re ripe you rot!What are you reading now?
FORMED by R. Kent Smith
HOLY BIBLE NIV versionWhat’s next for you as a writer?
1) Launching LarryonLearning training courses and blog
2) Forming a LarryonLearning Leadership Facebook group
3) My next book will be on Salesmanship…projected launch in Q1, 2023.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) a survival guide suited for the adventure
2) the Bible
3) a great story like “HAWAII” by James MichenerAuthor Websites and Profiles
Larry Bonorato’s Social Media Links
Smita Talukdar
Interview With Author Smita Talukdar
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Born with a dream of becoming an advocate, I accidentally fell in love with writing. It was in 2008 when I first tried to scribble some poetic words on the bare sheets of her academy workbook.
With her first printed poem in 2010, I went on to write occasional articles for an infotainment magazine. Succeeding that, she was appointed as a content developer. I was later promoted to the position of a junior journalist for a pan-India techno-commercial magazine in 2016. I have a short film script, a few news articles, and now a book appended to my work portfolio.
Presently, working as a professional digital marketer these days, I help companies achieve success in the online space. I have so far written one novel and working on two more that are yet to be published.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Stop. No!
When I began writing, I had a simple concept in my mind — revealing the varied injustice that a woman undergoes even within the safe confines of their homes while being surrounded by their loved ones. As I began understanding my characters, they told me their stories. The stories that never got the ears they deserved, stories that needed a voice, tales that demanded attention.Throughout my writing of the book, I endeavoured to stay true to the story. I gave my best to portray each character in a light that justified their existence of these characters.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write when I’m emotionally charged or inspired by something that occurred on one of my regular days.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen and To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf must have been the books that influenced me greatly when I even thought of actually writing a book someday.What are you working on now?
I’m presently working on two novels. One of the two is about a personal topic whereas the other one is intended to be a political novel.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For me, the best method is to promote it on social media platforms and list it on sites like Awesome gang.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read as much as you can and stay true to the story rather than falling prey to the embellishments and technicalities that look attractive but might take the life out of your central story.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read like this is the end of the world and write like you are responsible for creating a world.What are you reading now?
Autobiography of Benjamin FranklinWhat’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing more books but traditionally now!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?
God of Small Things, To the lighthouse, Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility.Author Websites and Profiles
Smita Talukdar’s Social Media Links
Angie Bailey
Interview With Author Angie Bailey
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Angie and I am a British, forty-something mother of three. I have been writing in some form or another for most of my life. Starting out with poetry and funny odes and then, in later life, I turned to books.
I started my book writing journey during lockdown, where I penned and self-published the series, The Secret Diary of a Lockdown Mum. This is a very candid, unedited version of my life during the COVID pandemic. Written to make people laugh and show how imperfect it is ok to be. All the royalties from the sales of these books are split between the mental health charity MIND and the UK’s NHS service.
I then decided to try my hand at writing a novel and Believe was born.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Believe, was inspired by two things, my very best friend’s belief I could do and a crazy dream. A strange concoction, I know.
After I had written my first Secret Diary, my friend said to me, ‘Have you ever thought about writing a novel?’
In truth, I hadn’t. I mean, what would I even write about?
I remember sitting at my computer thinking and desperately trying to think of an idea for a story… and nothing, nada, nothing came to me. I was just about ready to give up.
Then, one night, I had the most amazing dream about a crazy holographic professor who ate sticky, sparkly-green, Christmas tree marshmallows! And before I knew it my fingers were on fire with the story of Believe.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure it’s unusual in the writing world, but I always have a pad and pencil in my bag for when random inspiration hits. And, I have at least three pads by my bed to note down all my crazy dreams.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Funnily enough, I don’t actually read the genre I write. I’m a big James Patterson fan and love Martina Cole, whose crimes cover the area where I am from. I hope I have been able to take how beautifully these authors lead you on a journey through the plot twists and turns and replicated it within a Middle-Grade novel.
I am a massive Disney fan also and loved JM Barrie’s Peter Pan, which is why you will see links to my favourite Disney films within, Believe. I am also a hopeless romantic and love Danielle Steel, so I love to add a little unrequited love into my stories.
When I was younger, I read almost all the Virginia Andrews books I could I find. I don’t think you can beat the Flowers in the Attic series.What are you working on now?
I have just finished the second book in the Believe series, which is just going through the rigors of editing. I am yet to settle on a title yet, I am torn between two ideas. These two titles fill my thoughts all day long.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m fairly new to book promotion. I’ve found the obvious social media sites, Twitter, Insta, and Facebook great platforms. But this takes up so much time in your day, that it sometimes leaves you no time for your writing.
Word of mouth is the best promotion, but this takes time. As does building up your reviews, but whenever I get a new review, I make sure I share it far and wide.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t trust friends to edit your book! While they mean well, and they are great sounding boards for plot and story, they tend to think they are being kind when they don’t point out mistakes or typos. This has been very costly for me and a massive learning curve. Save up and get a professional.
Oh, and never stop learning, learn everything you can from all the authors out there, it will always make you better.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always treat people how you wish to be treated yourself.What are you reading now?
James Patterson & James O.Born’s The RussianWhat’s next for you as a writer?
Published the next book in the Believe series and explore an idea I’ve had for an adult thriller whilst I think about whether to write the next in the Believe series or do the prequel.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?
Martina Cole’s, The Lady Killer.
Virginia Andrews, Flowers in the Attic
Danielle Steels, The Ring.Author Websites and Profiles
Angie Bailey’s Social Media Links
Sammie Marsalli
Interview With Author Sammie Marsalli
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As an author this is my first attempt to write. I am not an expert or an authority on Alzheimer’s. I never pretended to be. I am simply an ordinary “John Doe” caregiver, husband sharing my experiences living and caring for my wife with Alzheimer’s. We have been married 43 years and I am trying to not let go and avoid her shutdown.Preventing Her Shutdown is my desperate effort to keep my wife with Alzheimer’s “connected”. In Real Time there are very personal unloaded feelings, emotions and reactions expressed, never confided to anyone while slowly losing my wife.
There are really no fixed “do this” and “do that” rules, as there are no two profile behavioral changes alike. Consequently, no one has the “key” as to how to respond to a family member with Alzheimer’s radical behavioral changes . I describe these dramatic changes with my wife who is in the beginning of the advanced stages. My reactions have always been intuitive in my desperate attempts to keep her “connected” with me, family and her surroundings. Real time experiences and actions “racing against the Alzheimer’s clock” to keep her communicating and interacting every day, even though she no longer speaks are detailed in my never-ending battle to prevent her shutdown.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Preventing Her Shutdown started out as a daily diary of events, emotions, and decisions made in real time to keep my wife interacting with me and responding. I realized that perhaps this could be a book to help others living this very tortuous journey.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes my emotions take over my writing and I just let it all hangout.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Mary Moller, Alzheimer’s Through the Stages: A Caregiver’s GuideWhat are you working on now?
My diary is continuing, perhaps this will turn into a second book. I can´t be sure as I hope this diary never ends.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am new in this field so I don´t fell qualified to give an opinion.Do you have any advice for new authors?
In non fiction write from your heart, from your gut, relax, be honest and let go.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
none yet.What are you reading now?
I have several books on my following list but as a 24/ 7 caregiver for my wife and writing I haven´t been able to read very much.What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue with my daily diary.If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Probably if it is the current situation I am living with my wife I would bring the following:
Caregiver Overwhelmed, When Only Love Remains, When reasoning No Longer WorksAuthor Websites and Profiles
Sammie Marsalli Amazon Profile
Sammie Marsalli’s Social Media Links
Carl Mainwaring
Interview With Author Carl Mainwaring
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Carl Mainwaring; is the husband of a rock star primary school teacher and the dedicated father of two beautiful young children. Born in 1966, Stoke-on-Trent, England, just after the historic 4-2 England world cup win! “Yes, he is still hanging onto past glory.” Carl is now a British/New Zealander living in the spectacular city of sails, Auckland.Carl has always had a thirst for knowledge, so it was no surprise that Carl became a dedicated high school teacher of twenty-plus years; as a lifelong learner, Carl aims to guide, nurture, and facilitate a sense of self-awareness, challenge all to explore and grow, and see problems as opportunities, to these ends it was a natural next step for Carl to put pen to paper.
Carl loves the solitude of New Zealand’s bush (forest) in his downtime, where he can be at one with nature, but his most precious times are spent with his whanau (family) on his sunny north Aukland property surrounded by ancient forest.
Carl has made his online home at www.carlmainwaring.com, or you can connect with Carl at Facebook www.facebook.com/carlmainwaringauthor, see you there
Thank you for visiting my author’s page.
Peace, Love
Carl
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
BIOHACKERBiohacker decodes scientific jargon to bring you the facts in plain English. It removes the western medical concept of placing the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. It follows the science, allowing you to identify and understand the upstream issues, thus fixing them before they reach the vastness of the ocean; you will not only understand the reasons behind the science but will be able to actively intervene, giving you the know-how to change your life, regain your healthspan, and put many more years on your clock, empowering you to know yourself, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Biohacker gives evidence-based guidance for living longer and better, preventing and even reversing disease; you’ll see rapid results in overall healthspan and maybe even age backward.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a part-time author, full-time teacher, and overtime dad and husband, so it’s pretty chaotic; however, I am hoping in the not to distance future go part-time teaching, giving more time for my writing.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love a large variety of fiction to non-fiction; it depends on my mood and my need, that is, whether I’m cleansing my body or mind. Authors, everyone from Lewis Carroll to David Sinclair P.hD.What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on BIOHACKER, which I am incredibly excited about, due to be released Dec 2022.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome Gang naturally.Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would love to say follow your dreams, and you should, but know that the writing counts for less than half of the workload; the rest is spent on admin, promotion, and lots of other stuff; it’s like any other job, the other gets in the way of what you actually love doing.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From one of my favorite authors, “It’s no use going back to yesterday because I was a different person then” -Lewis Carroll.What are you reading now?
The Cancer Code – Jason FungWhat’s next for you as a writer?
My goal “Dream” is to be a full-time writer; I have so many future books in my head.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?
Childhood dreams, let’s be young again: Alice In Wonderland, Stig of the Dump and The Thirty-Nine Step.Author Websites and Profiles
Carl Mainwaring Amazon Profile
Carl Mainwaring’s Social Media Links
Anthony Ordille
Interview With Author Anthony Ordille
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in southern New Jersey, surrounded by agricultural farms in the beautiful town of Hammonton. There are many cultures with a good number of people and different types of fruit, berries, and vegetables. Hammonton has the largest single-grower blueberry farm, where I spent many summers working and even worked full-time after graduating high school. They also have Jersey tomatoes, which are the best I have tasted.As I grew up, I had difficulty coping with the lack of friends and the emptiness I felt inside, which led me on the wrong path of drugs and a destructive lifestyle that almost cost me my life. Because I found hope through my relationship with Jesus after a sixteen-year battle, I have been given the opportunity to share my story through my writings and speaker platform.
My story as a writer is unique because I did not do so well in English class back in school. If I were standing in front of you, you would see a massive smile on my face. I never imagined myself as a writer, so to be an author of now four books, I am blown away with what one can do when God calls. In 2010, I woke up from a dream that I was to write a book telling my story. I dismissed it, thinking that there was no way that was for me. Then a few nights later, I woke up again with the same impression, but this time I believed it was from God telling me to write. I picked up a pen and a pad and started writing the chapters’ titles. After working on the manuscript for three years, it made it to print in the spring of 2013. That work changed my life forever and has given me a whole new outlook on life.
To date, I have five published books and plan on rewriting my autobiography.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Over the twenty-some-odd years of being a Christian, I have heard many say they did not know how to read the Bible entirely in a year. That got me wondering if there were a way to rectify the problem. I started researching and planning to develop something that would give folks a step-by-step, book-by-book way to read the Bible cover-to-cover in 365 days. Sitting with the Bible, I started calculating the number of books, chapters, and verses to break them down into a daily reading plan.I took the Book of Psalms as a daily song and the Book of Proverbs as daily wisdom from the Old Testament to include each as part of the reading plan. Then I took the remaining books of the Old Testament (will be seen as OT}) and divided them into 365 days. Lastly, I took the New Testament (will be seen as NT}) and divided it into 365 days. Some of the chapters will be read whole, and some will be read over multiple days. You will see scriptures on each day starting from January 1 to December 31 in four parts: Old Testament, Psalms, Proverbs, and New Testament.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Because I am a Christian I have to put the Bible at the top of the list. There are a number of authors over the years that have influenced me as a writer so it is hard to name them. I will say Robert Morris has the most books on my shelve.What are you working on now?
I am just finishing up an eBook to introduce the 12-step program called Addictive Free Life, AFL for short. It lists the types of addictions in three areas: Substance, Impulse Control Disorders, and Behavioral. It answers some of the questions about addiction and some of the myths about addiction and recovery. I also give a comparison between the 12-steps that are found in most of the programs and the Bible. In short, it helps guide someone struggling with any addiction to a life of freedom. I have followed the same plan for over twenty-three years with great success. Outside of the drugs and alcohol, I no longer smoke or desire caffeine.After completing this with the marketing and all that comes with it, I will rewrite my autobiography to have a complete story of my life, not just about addiction. Over the years, I have received responses to An Injection of Faith that I should expand on some of the stories found in the book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
When it comes to writing, the main thing that I have learned is to never give up. It is hard to be an author today with the type of marketing that is required, and if you throw your hands up too early it can affect the outcome of the writing.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep going, my friend!Author Websites and Profiles
Anthony Ordille Amazon Profile
Anthony Ordille Author Profile on Smashwords
Anthony Ordille’s Social Media Links
David Culp
Interview With Author David Culp
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I used to have a day job in Washington, D.C. where I wrote a lot about reality, in the nebulous intersection of government, public policy, and corporate consulting.I grew up in suburban Long Island. My wife and I raised two daughters in Northern Virginia. I attended schools in Ohio and North Carolina, and have travelled as far Southwest as the Galapagos and as far Northeast as Katmandu. And Further. These days, when I’m not writing, I spend my time playing the cello, enjoying jazz and blues, fighting climate change, and filling the numerous bird feeders in our back yard.
My first published book is “The Book of Mathew L.” But it won’t be my last.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first published book, “The Book of Mathew L.” grew out my experiences attending college and university in Ohio and North Carolina, and my friendships with many past and present grad students who often stumbled (and usually got back up) on the long path to a degree. I’ve also built on the many challenges of living a responsible, rewarding life while seeking family contentment and professional success, while being true to hopes for social justice and a fair and equitable society.
In the writing I’m doing these days, I really enjoy building upon the idea of strong people emerging out of small towns and facing the social and cultural changes in America over the last half-Century, many of which I was an active participant in.What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Updike, for sure. Anne Tyler, for her many unique characters who have trouble finding their place in their families and communities. Pat Conroy, for his ability to give a rich narrative to the people in the part of America he knew best. E.L.Doctorow, Mark Twain, Aldous Huxley, Vladimir Nabokov, and many others.What are you working on now?
The Book of Mathew L. features a young man who grew up in a large family in small-town Ohio in the 1950s. I’m working on several other books that focus on his siblings, and members of his extended family, and the different directions they head. My next planned book, Carrie: An American Classic, explores what happens to his youngest sister after she spends several years exploring the great American West in the mid-1960s and comes back to town when she needs a break. The Larsen family will be a rich source of some interesting writing.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, and rewrite, and don’t be impatient if you rewrite again. Read it out loud, to find out where the prose gets awkward. Share your work, and ask for advice, and be humble in taking the advice.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take things patiently. When you think you’re there, double check.What are you reading now?
At the moment, I’m re-reading Philip Roth’s “The Ghost Writer.” I’m planning to take Colson Whitehead’s latest novel, “Harlem Shuffle,” as a beach read in a few weeks. I re-read “Lolita” recently.What’s next for you as a writer?
Besides working through the in-process stories about Mathew L’s family, I would like to plot out a book about a struggling musician — probably a jazz musician. A common undertheme in my books about the Larsen family is how they were affected by their mother’s training as a classical pianist, and the piano lessons they took as children. Music is a large part of my psychological makeup.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?
John Updike: The Early Stories: 103 stories he wrote 1954 – 1975. Something to give me a better appreciation of Greek Mythology — Maybe Bullfinch? Some Nabokov that I haven’t read before. I’ve never read any Jane Austen. I’m definitely open to suggestions.Author Websites and Profiles
Linda Pullman
Interview With Author Linda Pullman
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired teacher. I run a small author group called ‘Aylesbury Writers’ in Buckinghamshire, England. I have just published my first collection of poems.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Roses in December. I’ve been writing poems all my life but this is my first published collection – completed 2022. I had a brush with cancer in 2020. That and the COVID lockdowns inspired me to get my work over many years, published.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t write every day, just when the mood takes me. I don’t need silence to write; in fact, I find it easier with low-level background noise.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been influenced by Sylvia Plath, Carol Ann Duffy and also Robert Frost.What are you working on now?
I’m working on a novel, a who-dun-it psychological story.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use social media, particularly Facebook, word-of-mouth and thirdly, my own website.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Finish that novel or non-fiction book you started years ago. Retrieve it from the bottom drawer and get writing!What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be willing to listen to advice given on your writing-in-progress. You don’t need to take it necessarily but bear it in mind.What are you reading now?
The Creative Writing Handbook by Singleton and LuckhurstWhat’s next for you as a writer?
Keep adding to my poetry stash, perhaps publishing a second collection. Oh and finishing the novel.If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Skellig by D. Almond
Any poetry collection by Sylvia Plath or Robert Frost
Middlemarch by Thomas HardyAuthor Websites and Profiles
Vinny O'Hare Awesomegang.com, P.O. Box 940711 Rockaway Park NY 11694