Here Is Your Awesomegang Authors Newsletter
Published: Tue, 03/07/23
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F.P. Spirit
Interview With Author F.P. Spirit
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an avid science fiction and fantasy fan. A Trekkie before it was cool, I became hooked on fantasy the moment I cracked open my first copy of Lord of the Rings. When I'm not lost roaming the multiverse of sci-fi and high-fantasy fiction, I am either creating adventures for my role-playing friends and family, walking Thor, our black Labrador, or connecting with my mind and body in an attempt to reach that inner spark of spirit.
I have currently written 9 books – 5 in the Heroes of Ravenford series, 1 Anthology, and 3 so far in the Rise of the Thrall Lord series – and working on number 10!What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Raiders of the Dark Coast. The book I am writing is Tomb of the Gods.
All of my books have been inspired by a tabletop role playing game that I played (and still play) with my sons and friends. I always thought the stories and characters were fun, and wanted to pay homage to them and the players behind them, so I started writing those stories down and turning them into books!Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do not stand on my head while I write. LOL. I can’t say that I really have any unusual habits. I typically try to keep to myself. While I write, I break things into scenes and try to write them up like a movie scene. I will sometimes grab a sword and act out a scene, to make sure that movements and flourishes feel realistic, so I can better describe them to the reader. I will also create a spreadsheet for the large battles, listing the characters and all the parts they are playing in the battle, so I don’t forget about anyone, and no one falls out of the storytelling.What authors, or books have influenced you?
As previously stated, I enjoy J.R.R. Tolkien’s work. I also really enjoy The Belgariad by David Eddings. It's very underrated. I especially enjoyed the character interactions in the Belgariad. I found them and their interactions with one another way more realistic than any of Tolkien’s characters. The Belgariad characters will bust each other's chops and have fun, and that felt more three dimensional than the serious, formal characters of Tolkien.What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the 4th book in the Rise of the Thrall Lord series, Tomb of the Gods. I am purposely trying to be quiet about it right now, due to a cliffhanger in one of the previous books, but if you’d like to be one of the first to learn the details about it, be sure to sign up for my newsletter and watch my blog posts!What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method is “going wide”. I recommend that to everybody. A friend introduced me to the “Wide for the Win” Facebook group, and I learned everything about publishing my books wide on there. It has taken my book sales to a new, better level.Do you have any advice for new authors?
When you’re writing, just put down to paper what comes to mind. Don’t worry about making it perfect. Don’t stop to edit. Just write it down. Take notes of things that need to change, and keep moving. Later, after you’ve finished writing the story, go over it about 5-6 times, and make it better.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not everybody’s going to like your stuff. That’s okay. Only look at bad reviews for constructive criticism. Otherwise, if there’s nothing helpful for you there, ignore it and move on.What are you reading now?
The Dragon’s Son, by Kathryn Fogleman. She is currently rewriting the book, and I have been reading her new chapters as she finishes them.
I used to read all sorts of SciFi and Fantasy, but now primarily read what my friends have written or am writing at the moment. It’s a pretty good deal, not going to lie.What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing out Rise of the Thrall Lord series. Beyond that, I will write one last series with these characters, though I’m not sure how many books that will be. Aside from that, I would like to co-author with Kathryn Fogleman another fantasy series that we have talked about for a long time. I have also toyed around with the idea of writing SciFi, but not sure where I would begin with that right 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?
OMG, this is hard. Okay, so probably The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, a book from the Belgariad… is it narcissistic of me to want to take one of my own? And probably one of the Harry Potter books. Despite the fact that they are basically fantasy junk food, I still like them.Author Websites and Profiles
F.P. Spirit Author Profile on Smashwords
F.P. Spirit’s Social Media Links
Celyn Kendrick
Interview With Author Celyn Kendrick
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
If I were to describe myself, it would be "a font of useless trivia." When I'm at the YMCA in the pool and people have a question (and can't look it up online) they'll ask me… I live in New England with an Australian Shepherd and English Shepherd, travel a lot, and enjoy learning about… anything. I've played and toured in bands internationally (fife and drum corps and competitive pipe bands), compete in canine sports (obedience, rally, agility, barn-hunt…), etc.I've written seven books, although only the first two are published at present, with the third in editing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Green Hills Series was inspired by a 166+ mile long thru-hike along the Offa's Dyke Path. It starts at the Irish Sea in Prestatyn, Wales, and ends in Chepstow at the Severn Estuary and follows along the English and Welsh border. Over 600 stiles and more elevation gains than Mt. Everest! Spending that much time walking in sheep pastures gets you thinking, and having pheasants fall out of trees on you at dusk make you wonder that the fairies perhaps aren't imagined! There's certainly something "magical" about Wales, and it sticks in your soul long after you've left. It's no wonder it's the land of bards and poets. Hiraeth is definitely a phenomenon that summarises Wales!Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Probably. I don't imagine you mean turns of phrase or grammar though. I'll often close my eyes, half asleep and just type on the keyboard to see what comes out, following the weird, obscure, shocking, or anything else that comes out through my fingertips—good or bad.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think I have to say Anne Rice, as she's the first author I read prolifically… I enjoyed the philosophical and theological debates, the art history and other aspects, but I think she also taught me the importance of not losing the reader when she'd get on a rambling tangent, and I'd set the book down for six months, and could only pick it up to "force myself" to finish it. Likewise, Nora Roberts, while I'm not sure she's what I'd call a "wordsmith", has excellent scene and sequel, and I snack on them like potato chips as a sort of guilty pleasure. Books like Lord of the Flies and Kafka's Metamorphosis really stick with me for the varying layers and meaning woven into every scene/word. I try to use a lot of metaphor, puns, and allegory in my work, as this was always taught in literature classes as "what makes a classic book." I'm finding, however, that in the age of genre-fiction there is sadly very little below the surface, which makes my writing/books a bit hard to categorise. My books are very character-driven, but they also have mysteries, dragons, and other little "flash-bang" elements one finds in contemporary/genre fiction.What are you working on now?
I'm currently editing Green Hills and Fairy Bells (book 3 of the Green Hills Series), reading a tonne of other author's books in round-robin reviews, and writing some new nebulous rambling thing that will hopefully show itself to me the way Green Hills did.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, it seems my audience has been friends and family—which makes it awkward as there's rather blue humour and spicy bits.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Spell and grammar check! The biggest takeaway I've gotten from round-robin author reviews is that very few have spell and grammar checked, much less hired a professional editor to help with development/flow before they release their "masterpiece" into the world. This tends to flood the market with unintelligible "stuff," making it hard for indie authors to legitimately stand out with professional publisher-grade work.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Whitespace matters. Whitespace is as much a part of the flow, dialogue and message as the words. If your eyes can't track the words on the page if you can't discern the end of one thought and the beginning of a new one, if you can't find natural places to put a bookmark that will leave you wanting more… you have a problem with your writing. Perhaps now your words, but words are meaningless unless they are received.What are you reading now?
I just finished a binge of reviews for other authors, so I'm taking a short break to regroup and get my own work done.What’s next for you as a writer?
Celyn Kendrick awoke from disturbing dreams one morning to find herself transformed into a monstrous bug. Although I suppose that's been done before. But it seems this is what being an author has resorted to these days—one cockroach among many. It feels like nobody reads anymore. Their eyes are filled with social media and nonsense, not something that makes them think or feel.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 Mists of Avalon, James Joyce/Ulysses, War and Peace, and something by Sarah Lark. Why? I only heard the audible version of Mists of Avalon and remember it being fantastic. Sarah Lark because she's a favourite and there's plenty there to chew on for a while, Ulysses and Tolstoy because they're bucket-list items but I can't get geared up to read them without being on a desert island.Author Websites and Profiles
Celyn Kendrick’s Social Media Links
Rachel Griffin
Interview With Author Rachel Griffin
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Rachel "Shy Wolf" Griffin, born and raised in Cleveland, OH, began her poetry writing journey at the age of thirteen. Starting with that, she soon branched into poetry reading and story writing in high school. Until Rachel entered into adulthood, a career in writing in general wasn't an additional option. Shy Wolf only wanted to be a Photographer. That decision to do both brought on a lot of moments of doubt. Griffin conquered those moments with determination and blocking out negative thoughts.Thus far, I have written 3 books. My first is Khyrus: Deity of Virtue and Strength. It is a Children's Fantasy novel. I wrote that as a way to show children that they, too, have the strength to stand up for what's just. They are fully capable of gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to change the world. My second is Who Iz You? That is my autobiography. I go into more detail about my life thus far. How it began and the paths I have taken that led me here. My third is Traumas Left Behind: Heartbreak. This is my poetry anthology that is set to re-release New Year's Day 2023. A compilation of poems that talk about the hardships I experienced in previous relationships. Currently working on my fourth, Deja Soul.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
"Who Iz You?" is my latest book. I was inspired to write it because I wish to be genuine about who I am. Be completely honest about my story and journey. Not always use fictional characters and scenarios to get the message across. Something that is not just geared towards children. I have asked myself "Who am I?" multiple times. Writing this book has gotten me closer to the answers I search for.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I will do a small outline of what I want to write about (including characters, locations, etc.). Then I would write the entire novel beginning to end. Lastly, I proofread in sections, highlighting where I stopped prior. Though most chapters are shorter than others, I will still take months to proofread but type the story fairly quickly. I like getting my ideas down before I forget them. If I'm away from my laptop, I'll jot something in my calendar to remind me later.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Maya Angelou has inspired me. She uses her powerful voice for her art and to speak on things she feels strongly about. Ms. Angelou was never afraid to say what was on her mind, and in a well thought out way. Maya was not afraid to stand up for herself when disrespected, intentional or otherwise. Her voice was powerful, and so is mine.What are you working on now?
Currently proofreading my Fantasy novel Deja Soul. I've written and released the book before, but am doing a re-release in June 2023. There are some changes to how Deja's story is being told that needs to be made. This way, readers will be able to better understand Soul's journey and her struggles.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Currently promoting and selling my books on Amazon, which is linked through my website. Will also be selling them via OEP Sundries starting next year.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don't get discouraged if your first book doesn't do as well as expected. Don't allow your head to get too big if your first book does become successful. Stay humble and focused no matter which side of that fence you're on. That'll get you so much farther in your career and life.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stay true to who you are. Let nothing and no one change you.What are you reading now?
I'm currently re-reading "Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd.What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue to add to my recently debuted news series P&C: On the Streets. There, I meet with various business owners, authors, entrepreneurs, etc. We talk about their beginnings, inspirations, goals and what they accomplish with their business. We get to know why they chose their career/field and learn some of the difficulties they've faced.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 survival guide, a book on how to build a boat, a travel guide with a map and a book with language translations.Author Websites and Profiles
Rachel Griffin’s Social Media Links
Zofia Puszkarow
Interview With Author Zofia Puszkarow
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Polish, and I was born in Warsaw after the Second World War. I have written three books (two in English) and two in Polish. One of my books is a retro thriller, and the others are memoirs from the early childhood and the three decades after I completed my secondary school (with some important events in the background).What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest completed book is "Even the Bad Times are Good" and it is the second part of my memoirs. I am in my twenties, thirties, and forties in the book. It goes on to the moment I met my husband, and he proposed to me.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like writing with the radio on – it does not disturb me, especially if there is some great music on.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Agatha Christie for my first retro thriller, and some Polish writers who published their biographies, eg Emilia Krakowska. AktorzycaWhat are you working on now?
I am currently working on the third part of my biography.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven't done much to promote my books yet. I like your website – can I count on you to help me?Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be enthusiastic and never give up.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself.What are you reading now?
Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog) by Jerome K. Jerome. I have always liked this book, and it is my fifth go.What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing the third part of my memoirs.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?
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, Ulysses by James Joyce and On the Beach by Nevil Shute.Author Websites and Profiles
Zofia Puszkarow Amazon Profile
Zofia Puszkarow Author Profile on Smashwords
Zofia Puszkarow’s Social Media Links
Stefan Köbi
Interview With Author Stefan Köbi
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a physicist with long experience. I am also a dog lover, pilot and writer. I am married with children. In fact, the Viral Deceit dedication is: "To my wife and children, and a safer world for them and all." Please let that sink in.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Viral Deceit is a brief pre-dystopian novella that purposely can be read in 30 minutes to an hour. It covers possible events that could lead to a truly horrible outcome. I cast the story around the years leading up to the Covid pandemic, but the warning is to apply to any future low-lethality virion release. I wrote Viral Deceit because I do not see governments, organizations, even every-day people, taking the need to find the origin seriously enough. I am convinced of what I've expressed in my blog: bioweapons are the greatest threat humanity has ever faced.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When the sun comes up I know I'd better get some sleep.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Boring scientific texts and journal articlesWhat are you working on now?
Perhaps one day I will reveal my next project.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I've had a lot of Twitter users email me about Viral Deceit.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be stubborn and don't give up.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you don't like your life, change it.What are you reading now?
Boring scientific texts and journal articlesWhat’s next for you as a writer?
Shhh, it's a secret.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?
Boring scientific texts and journal articlesAuthor Websites and Profiles
Stefan Köbi Author Profile on Smashwords
Stefan Köbi’s Social Media Links
Vinny O'Hare Awesomegang.com, P.O. Box 940711 Rockaway Park NY 11694