Here Is Your Awesomegang Authors Newsletter
Published: Sat, 03/25/23
Please check out the authors below and share them if you like on social media and help them out.
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Sarah L. Carter
Interview With Author Sarah L. Carter
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
A long-time North Carolina resident with a passion for the city’s distinctive architecture and design, Sarah L. Carter brings more than 14 years of sales experience and a reputation for honesty, and trustworthiness, along with superior negotiating skills to the Airbnb agency.Originally from the South, Sarah moved to New York in 2008 and spent the next two decades as a director of sales and events for some of the most popular restaurants and nightlife around the city. Leveraging her extensive global network and mastering the city’s most desirable neighborhoods, she now serves as an invaluable resource to a diverse set of entrepreneurs and travelers across New York State in her Airbnb establishments.
With patience, genuineness, and commitment to her clients, Sarah has served the Airbnb agency as a sales representative for one of the city’s most-esteemed, luxury high-rise buildings. Having lived in some of NY’s most desirable enclaves from Manhattan to
Westchester Area, she offers her clients invaluable insight into the lifestyle afforded by each neighborhood, along with a keen eye for interior design, and a knack for seeing potential in every property.
Sarah is also a proud mom to her three- and two-year-old daughters. When she’s not hosting an Airbnb reservation or searching for the next opportunity to recreate an Airbnb property for clients, she enjoys relaxing at the café and devotes her time and resources to Care Rescue NY and Moses Children’s Hospital.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Building Lucrative Income with an Airbnb Business. What inspired this book is the freedom to take control my life and sharing my knowledge with others.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Writing with index cardsWhat authors, or books have influenced you?
Other related Airbnb books.What are you working on now?
I am working on a book to learning tips to create a business plan and a mission statement.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve become a walking billboard to promote my book.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just start now, everything else will work itself out.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Someone is sitting under a tree with shade before someone planted a seed years ago.What are you reading now?
The 48 Laws of Power, Robert Greene.What’s next for you as a writer?
Creating a bundle of my book, Building Lucrative Income with an Airbnb Business.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 48 Laws of Power, Money Master the Game, You’re a bad ass making money.
Abby Kingston
Interview With Author Abby Kingston
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Abby Kingston and I’m an emerging fantasy author from Australia. I’m currently working on my first series—the Everheart Dean Series—a young adult paranormal fantasy trilogy featuring demons, angels, shifters and vampires. Luminous is the first book in the series and it was published in January 2022. The second book, Familiar, is about to be released on the 23rd of November 2022. I love all things fantasy, especially epic fantasy, romantic fantasy and paranormal fantasy.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Familiar is my latest book and it was inspired by a passion for young adult paranormal fantasy and a desire to see more fantasy stories set in Australia. Australia is an incredibly vast and beautiful place with so many possibilities in terms of setting for great stories, so I decided to write one.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I walk back and forth talking to myself while I’m plotting my books. My boyfriend says I look like a mad professor. When I’m writing, I love drinking a large quantity of Thai iced tea—caffeine and sugar high here we come.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephenie Meyer, Lauren Kate, Justin Cronin, and Diana Gabaldon to name a few.What are you working on now?
Nocturne—the third book in the Everheart Dean Series.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love the Awesome Gang for book promotion. Bookstagram is also wonderful for promoting books. And I want to jump into TikTok, but I’m super shy when it comes to filming videos of myself so I keep putting that one off.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Follow your dreams. Don’t listen to the voice in your head that says you can’t do it. And FINISH your first draft. Without a finished first draft, you have no way forward. First drafts are always crappy but that doesn’t mean you can’t turn them into something wonderful.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
All first drafts are piles of horse shit. Finish them anyway.What are you reading now?
Midnight Sun by Stephenie MeyerWhat’s next for you as a writer?
Finish the Everheart Dean Series and jump into my next project—a magical academy series with witches and epic battles.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?
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
The Passage by Justin Cronin
Jane Eyre by Charlotte BronteAuthor Websites and Profiles
Abby Kingston’s Social Media Links
Daniel Opitz
Interview With Author Daniel Opitz
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m almost at the age where I have reached the answer to the universe, life, and everything (42), and have finally published something creative to the world, this year, after decades of trying! I’ve written 3 books so far, but only one is published. The rest (and hopefully one more) will come in the near future =)What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Breathe’ – it was inspired by an outpouring of poetry I wrote, and the philosphical outlooks I took over a number of years, after experiencing a long period of trauma. The book witnesses the journey of healing, and it was and is my hope that it will assist others going through hard times, or at least, provide companionship through them.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I suppose, I tend to ‘free-write’ a fair bit. When writing poetry, I must adopt an oppositional mindset to that of when editing and structuring; I find nature, and all things that encompass humanness, to be great muses for that. I would recommend looking at a leaf and considering it, for instance, to encourage a different perspective with which to experience and describe it.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Interestingly enough, as my current genre(s) don’t reflect it, I am inspired by classical and fantasy authors! Raymond E. Feist is probably my most-read author; his characters are now old friends.What are you working on now?
A book about the healing methods and mindsets I used to get from the beginning of ‘Breathe’ to the end of it, and beyond! It was hard work going from a very dark place to a balanced one, with a sunny outlook wherever it can be found, and I wish to help others to help themselves do the same. Thus, coming soon is a (yet-to-be-titled-pending-royal-rumbles-with-beta-readers-and-editor) self-help book on healing, with a deep focus on spirituality, and how it works upon our biology to assist our psychology.Honestly, the book makes more sense than that description. You should totally follow my AMZ Author page so you know when it’s out, and can read it. xD
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to this! So far, it has been word-of-mouth!Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. Don’t edit yourself before the words are on the screen, or paper. If it makes you feel better – plan your sections and characters, or plots. But don’t prevent yourself from trying for fear of failure, schedule time to work and honour it, and schedule time to NOT work, and similarly honour that.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
‘Defeat is a state of mind; no one is very defeated until defeat has been accepted as a reality.’ – Bruce LeeAnd perhaps, Michael Jordan – ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take’
What are you reading now?
Currently reading Alan Watts, ‘This Is It’ – A collection of essays on zen spirituality.What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing the final edits and design of the book on healing, creating some more poetry from observing nature and the state of ‘being’, and having some time off before heading back into more study early next 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?
Ooooh, that’s a hard one. One could be tempted to pick amazing or inspiring books. One could also be tempted to pick practical books, say, 3 or 4 about surviving being stranded on a desert island. I’d probably pick Raymond E. Feist’s original trilogy (Magician, Silverthorn, A Darkness at Sethanon), for escapism, then another book on how to survive on a desert island!Author Websites and Profiles
Daniel Opitz’s Social Media Links
Bentley Turner
Interview With Author Bentley Turner
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After years of writing nonfiction, I started writing mysteries and thrillers a few years ago. So far, I have written “The File on Thomas Marks,” a police procedural; “A Killing in Oklahoma,” a legal thriller; and “The Agency,” a thriller about the CIA and its investigation of UFOs. “The Prize Winners and Other Stories” is a collection that was published earlier this year.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Agency” was inspired by my earlier interest in UFOs as well as the federal government’s investigations of numerous sightings. I wanted to try writing a thriller that focused on the federal government’s investigations in the late 1970s and early 1980s.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. However, I had to do a lot of research for the novel mentioned above. I wanted to make sure I knew what the federal government had done and for how long. In short, I wanted to make certain that what I wrote was based on fact and realistic.What authors, or books have influenced you?
In my youth I read novels by Erle Stanley Gardner, John D. MacDonald, Donald Hamilton, John O’Hara, Ernest Hemingway, Erskine Caldwell, James M. Cain, and numerous others. Later, I read novels by Harold Robbins, Sidney Sheldon, Ira Levin, and numerous others. Although I enjoy reading novels by Linwood Barclay, Stuart Woods, and others from time to time, I prefer the earlier writers overall. Whether I’ve been influenced by any, well, to be honest, I don’t know.What are you working on now?
I just sent in another mystery to the publisher that publishes my mysteries. However, I have a nonfiction manuscript with another publisher. I hope to receive reviews about it in January or so.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to employ various blogs, facebook groups, and newspapers. I even contact librarians from time to time. I try to advertise my novels as much as I can. Of course, this takes time away from writing or editing. However, a writer has to invest a certain amount of time and effort in order to attract possible readers.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Most writers do not earn a living from what they write. So they shouldn’t quit their regular jobs. In fact, they should remember that their regular jobs pay most of their bills. Most writers have been advised to write about something they know. I agree. However, the Internet has enabled writers to learn new things easier and faster than they could just a few years ago. For me, this is immensely helpful. If a writer doesn’t have a computer and access to the Internet, then s/he should invest in one asap.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“If you want to be a writer, you have to write.” I don’t remember who said, but I remember the words. So I try to write or edit something almost every day.What are you reading now?
I am reading several books of nonfiction about religion, which I find extemely interesting.What’s next for you as a writer?
More than likely working on the nonfiction manuscript mentioned above.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 “Holy Bible,” a book about what one can eat if stranded on a desert island, and a book about how to build a raft if stranded on a desert island.Author Websites and Profiles
Bentley Turner Author Profile on Smashwords
Bentley Turner’s Social Media Links
Deanne Adams
Interview With Author Deanne Adams
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing for years and years… although this is the first manuscript I have taken all the way through to publication. I will be trawling old files and notebooks to see what gems are lurking there!What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My novel is called The Heretic’s Servant. It is a historical thriller set in the time of Queen Elizabeth I through a first-person narrator called Molly. I was inspired to write it by my fascination with old buildings, the secrets they contain, and the stories they have witnessed.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing that would seem unusual to another writer… an endless supply of tea, a cat prowling around, and time spent staring at the wall while imagining the awful things my characters will do to each other!What authors, or books have influenced you?
Within my genre, Philippa Gregory is an influence, as she is for so many historical fiction writers. My influences are much wider, however. I was very young when I realised that the reason I loved Roald Dahl’s stories so much was that he didn’t pull any punches when he was making his characters suffer. I also enjoy non-fiction history books and not only for the purpose of research and inspiration.What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a book to follow The Heretic’s Servant. It was originally intended to be a stand-alone novel. As so often happens, though, the story is both finished… and unfinished! I fear I may never leave my study again because I have ideas not only for book two but also books three and four.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m definitely a writer rather than a marketer or promoter, but actively seeking reviews seems to be the way forward for an independently published author, especially on Amazon and Goodreads. However, being active on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram seems wise so that readers can get to know the writer behind the book.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. When you’ve written, write some more. Don’t strive for perfection in a single piece. Keep moving forward. After a while, look back at your early pieces and you’ll see the difference.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have heard is KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid). This applies to everything in life, and most definitely to writing.What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading The Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks. It’s set in Eyam in Derbyshire during the Great Plague of 1666.What’s next for you as a writer?
More books in the series of The Heretic’s Servant. I’m also interested in pursuing a Young Adult story with fantasy/fairy tale themes.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; The Other Boleyn Girl; Room; Matilda.Author Websites and Profiles
Deanne Adams’s Social Media Links
Edward Parry
Interview With Author Edward Parry
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Only one book. I wrote a film script it was “well received”, as they say in the business, but I realised that with all the major changes and uncertainty in film world the chances of it getting made are south of zero. Meanwhile only a handful of people read it so I decided to write the next idea as a novel.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Fourth King”. I noticed a medieval painting of several magi surrounding the infant Christ. I was surprised there were so many. Soon after that, by coincidence, I read an article about how the idea there were only “Three Kings” had probably emerged because of the three symbolic gifts – gold, frankincense and myrrh. Whereas in the early church it was assumed several wise men attended the nativity.The idea of who the other kings might be led to this story of a young teenage boy’s rite of passage as he follows his grandfather, The Fourth King, a warrior, to the nativity.
It’s ended up as a short novel aimed at kids – aged nine to ninety.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. I don’t have a writing habitWell I do: I write when the mood takes me. Then force myself to rewrite what I wrote the day before.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
True Grit by Charles PortisWhat are you working on now?
Nuthin. Taking a break. I’m exhausted :))What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesomegang of course!Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read “On writing” by Stephen King. And anything by Lisa Cron. Plus the many free resources eg glimmertrain.Here’s my daily checklist that I scan before I start writing – swiped from various sources
– Use specifics. They add the ring of truth (even to fiction). Not tree, but oak. Not bird, but magpie.
-Avoid Passive voice Use Active Voice: Fact: active voice catches your readers’ interest. Add action to your story and have it going smoothly. Instead of writing “The banana is eaten by a girl”, you write “A girl eats a banana”. The thing isnt done to. Something does the thing
– “Show don’t tell. Turn every tell into a DESCRIBE DONT EXPLAIN … Chekhov “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” “You don’t write about the horrors of war. No. You write about a kid’s burnt socks lying in the road.” ― Richard Price
– Use specifics. They add the ring of truth (even to fiction). Not tree, but oak. Not bird, but magpie.
– Make it a living, breathing scene. Action, Include more visual description: …. set the scene for readers so we can envision ourselves there, not just in the head of the character. Place readers in the room.
– Have conflict on every page
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing is telepathy Stephen KingWhat are you reading now?
The White Giraffe by Lauren St John
Rossetti by Evelyn WaughWhat’s next for you as a writer?
I’m fortunate that I don’t need to write for money. I want to write for pleasure and have a couple of ideasIf 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 Sword of Honour Trilogy by Evelyn Waugh
Earthly Powers by Anthony Burgess
Grapes of Wrath by SteinbeckAuthor Websites and Profiles
Teresa Benitez
Interview With Author Teresa Benitez
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Teresa Benitez. I am from Puerto Rico and have lived in Gainesville, Florida for ten years. I have a BS, MS, and PhD in Mechanical Engineering. My first book “Unburdening” came out on October 2022, and it is the only book that I have published at this time.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The full title is “Unburdening: An Abortion and Generational Trauma Memoir”. My three abortions between 2004 and 2022 inspired this story. I wanted to share it, so others could learn from the procedures and/or feel less alone in their decisions.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Thoughts come to me in Spanish, and I have to translate to English in my head as I write (if I want to publish a book in English). It seems unusual, perhaps, and makes the process slower.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be brave!What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“This too shall pass” (the good and the bad)What are you reading now?
Don Quijote de la ManchaWhat’s next for you as a writer?
A fictional story with elements of mental health and mother-daughter relationships.Author Websites and Profiles
Teresa Benitez’s Social Media Links
Carol Guy
Interview With Author Carol Guy
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My desire to be a writer started when I was a teenager and read my first Agatha Christie novel. I was hooked on mysteries from that point on. Fast forward to the adult years, when I got married and started a family. The writing was put on hold for a while, but the creative urge was still there. Nineteen years later, I found myself divorced and decided to try my hand at writing again. I was fortunate enough to sell an article about sexual harassment to “The Ladies’ Home Journal.” Several months later I sold a short story to a small, independent magazine. Of course, I continued to work “day jobs” and wrote in my spare time. One of those jobs led me to Columbus, Ohio where I was the office manager of the home health department for a major hospital. My boss, a woman named Carol Lindley, was the department director. She and I became friends. When she left that job for a position at a hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the idea was for her husband to join her in a year when he retired. Accompanying her on the move was their seventeen-year-old grandson, Joshua, who they’d been raising since he was eight years old. Two days after the move, Joshua shot and killed his grandmother, Carol, and was quickly arrested for the crime. My first published book, “A Picture Perfect Kid” is the story of that murder. Since then, I’ve written, and had published, over 20 mystery novels.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel, “The Silent Victims”, is the fifth book in my Crescent Falls cozy mystery series. I created the series because I grew up in a small town and found using that as a backdrop was comfortable for me.
The other books in the series are: “Jolly Dead St. Nicholas”, “Be Mine, Dead Valentine”, Worth More Dead” and “Dig Two Graves.”Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if it’s an unusual habit, but I must have no distractions when I’m writing. No music playing in the background and no TV on. And, if something breaks my concentration, I sometimes find it hard to get back in the groove.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Agatha Christie had the biggest influence on me. I’ve read all of her books and also have a large collection of them. Reading one of her mysteries is like reading a tutorial on how to construct an intriguing plot and create memorable characters.What are you working on now?
Since “The Silent Victims” was just released by Extasy Books, I’m now working on a novel called “Unsettled Scores”, the third book in my Eden Harbor series, which I’ve published through Kindle Direct. This series takes place in a small, fictional town near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and involves a private detective named Sam Garrett and his partner, Kate Bradshaw. “Marked for Murder” and “Fatal Obsession” are the first two books in the series.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Facebook and many of the groups on there to post promos, as well as Twitter and LinkedIn. I also use a professional marketing service to promo a new book when it’s released. Of course, I have a website, which I use as a promotion tool, also.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read, read, read. Expose yourself to all kinds of books. Even though I’ve zeroed in on mysteries as my writing genre, I have, over the years, read all kinds of books, including science fiction, thrillers and romances. Also, don’t get discouraged by rejections. I had my fair share of those when I first started out. And if you decide to go the self-publishing route, such as Kindle Direct, hire an editor to give your book the polish it needs.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When I was in the process of writing “A Picture Perfect Kid” (after the trial was over and the case was closed) it was a tedious process because of all the material sent to me by the prosecutor on the case. When I reached a point where I felt comfortable making inquiries to publishers, I got a response from one who specialized in true crime books. He told me to send the first four chapters, which I did. His response was quite blunt. He said the direction I was going was too cut and dried. He told me that even though it’s nonfiction, readers still want to be entertained. His exact words were, “Write it like a novel.” After I put my pride aside, I realized he was right. I rewrote the book and Zumaya Publications accepted it within hours of my emailing them the manuscript.What are you reading now?
I’m reading “Out of the Shadows” by Tim Smith. It’s the eighth book in this author’s romantic spy thriller series about a retired CIA agent, Nick Seven, whose past continues to come back to haunt him. It takes place in the Florida Keys where Nick lives with his Barbadian lover Felicia, who was once his agency co-worker. This novel is published by Extasy Books and available at www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL6JSYDL if anyone is interested in taking a look. I highly recommend the series.What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll continue to write my two series as long as I can think of interesting plots. I hope that will be for a long time. I can’t imagine not writing. It’s not just what I do, it’s part of who I am.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?
That’s a tough one. But I guess I’d have to gather up my four favorite Christie novels…or maybe two Christie’s and a couple of those spy novels…. or maybe… Are you sure I’m only allowed four? That doesn’t seem like nearly enough, especially if I’m not rescued right away!Author Websites and Profiles
Carol Guy Author Profile on Smashwords
Carol Guy’s Social Media Links
Rowan Hutchinson
Interview With Author Rowan Hutchinson
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I enjoy writing and listening to music. I’ve written a few, but as of 2022 I’ve only published one.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called, “Revenge Is A Bitch”. I actually got my inspiration from a Tiktok.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a huge bookworm, so the list of authors is huge, but Robin Wasserman and John Green are a few. John Jackson Miller is also a huge influence, he’s actually the reason why I know about KDP, he introduced me to it.
In 10th grade, an assignment of ours was to shadow someone in the profession that we wanted to do, and Mr. Miller was kind enough to let me interview him and he introduced me to KDP. So, if he’s reading this, thank you.What are you working on now?
As of right now I’m working on a book called Demons vs Angels, I’m hoping to give it a Good Omens kind of vibe.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not very good when it comes to promoting anything, but I have found that having eye-catching graphics definitely helps. If you’re going to make a promotion I would recommend a video promotion.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Always double check your work before you publish it. Check for grammar, spelling mistakes, any errors.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never apologize for how you feel.What are you reading now?
As of right now I’m not reading anything.What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing more books. Someone I know has told me that my writing gives them chills, and people who know me personally have known me as a writer for years starting all the way from elementary school. So I’m gonna write, because writing is who I am, that’s what I do.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 the Frozen series by Robin Wasserman because it is my favorite series out there.Author Websites and Profiles
Rowan Hutchinson Amazon Profile
Chris Hollaway
Interview With Author Chris Hollaway
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing since 1991, but only seriously since about 2010. Since then, I’ve published five books in my first series, ‘The Blademage Saga’, and a short story set in a completely different universe, ‘Shattered Barrier’. It is a prelude to a book about three deep on my To-Be-Written list.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest book I like to characterize as two novellas ana a short story in a trench coat. It is my first foray into LitRPG, and I’m calling it ‘Shattered Might: Game of the Year Edition’. The first half was previously released on Kindle Vella, but is being reworked along with the second part, which skews more thriller/crime drama with the LitRPG base. Think ‘The Guild’ meets ‘Law and Order: SVU’. This book, especially the second half, got pushed to the forefront as I went through the process of applying for a 911 Dispatch, interviewing patrol officers and detectives on elements of the book and things that are often done wrong in crime novels.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I actually do a lot of my writing on my phone with a Bluetooth keyboard, while waiting for haircuts, tire rotations, or between tasks at work.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading Jack London, Louis L’amour, and Tolkien. My debut series is epic fantasy with a western vibe.What are you working on now?
I’m developing a board game set inside my series, getting ready to have artwork produced for that. Getting art for my new book, and working on a new Sci-fi/Fantasy crossover that could be the first in a series or shared universe.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have been really bad about promoting my own work and am looking to remedy that. I have a really supportive critique group and we’re starting up some group marketing days where we’re sharing best practices.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you want to read. Take constructive criticism to heart, but from QUALIFIED people. Pay for covers. Pay for editing. Take your time, do it right, or you’ll wind up making anti-fans.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Pretty much everything Mercedes Lackey says about writing on Quora.What are you reading now?
Anything by Jim Butcher. Re-reading, anxiously awaiting, whatever.What’s next for you as a writer?
Extralibrium. Riftstorm. Who knows?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 Game of Universe.
Glory Road.
Jumper.
Eon.Author Websites and Profiles
Chris Hollaway’s Social Media Links
Joseph Guy
Interview With Author Joseph Guy
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a writer by nature. There has never been a moment where I was not using words to express myself. The power of individual words coming to life through expression has always amazed me. Storytelling is an art that I have found solace in.Since a child I have been writing my thoughts down. These ramblings have in some cases become the foundation of my books. Using words to create a theme then a storyline is my passion.
Journey To Bethlehem, is my first widely published book. After years of hoping to get my break, I have been gifted with one. This book is the result of determination and grit that comes with pursuing your dreams.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Journey To Bethlehem – I wrote this book because the holiday season can be stressful and blurry. We run from one task to another. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle, we fail to truly enjoy the season. This book provides you with the space to step back and enjoy Christmas by cultivating a return to the basics. Christmas is a time to enjoy God’s gift to us, Jesus Christ.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I jump between writing projects. There is rarely a moment when I focus on one specific project, unless it is crunch time.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been positively influenced by Joel Osteen, Max Lucado, and Philip Yancey.What are you working on now?
I am beginning my Easter devotional and journal – “Back To Life.”What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use a variety of promotional blogs and email lists. The more outlets you use the better.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never Give Up – keep on pushing and working toward the goal of achieving your dreams.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write a little every day.What are you reading now?
Fresh Air by Chris Hodges.What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to begin a Biblical investigative series that focuses on the most obscure and often overlooked events in the Bible.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. The Bible, 2. The Jesus I Never Knew, and 3. A Slow Fire BurningJoseph Guy’s Social Media Links
Peter J. White
Interview With Author Peter J. White
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Colorado and raised in SE Alaska. I’ve wanted to write since I was little, but only got serious about it after I completed my MFA in Creative Writing. I discovered I LOVED writing screenplays and wrote about a dozen of them. I spent a while marketing these, and after getting a few bites that went nowhere, decided to go to what I’d always wanted to do: write books.My favorite screenplay became the genesis of the book series I’m currently working on Ghost Hunter.
I’ve written five novels in this series and am working on number six (I’ve published three, and will have four and five out within months). Additionally, I have about three other completed novels and about a dozen screenplays, mostly in the horror genre.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Ghost Hunter: Bangkok RedemptionThis was inspired by a screenplay I wrote as part of my MFA. I loved the screenplay and it did well in contests, consistently placing in the quarterfinals.
But the novel is a whole different baby. It combines my love of the paranormal with the vigilante fast-paced action of the screenplay. My love of Thailand is evident in all I write: I lived there from ’84 – ’90 and loved every minute of that.
Interestingly: my interest in ghosts spiked when two visited me in the last apartment I lived in in Bangkok.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I get up at 4:30 when I’m working (I teach high school English) and write for about an hour an half every morning. That’s when I’m most creative.I’ll spend afternoons and evenings revising and editing pieces getting them ready for publication and working on marketing.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lee Child. John Sandford. Thomas Harris. David Foster Wallace. John Connolley. Joan Didion. Neil Gaimon. Michael Connelly. Stephen King. Dean Koontz. Craig Johnson. James Lee Burke. Cormac McCarthy.What are you working on now?
Book six of the series, tentatively entitled A Dish Best Served Cold.Also looking back over some of my more typical genre work–in particular a novella entitled Moving In I wrote for a friend as a housewarming gift. I plan to tweak that a bit and get it to market–hopefully by the time you are reading this.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t had a lot of success marketing. I’m learning the hard lesson no one wants to learn: you have to write to market to prosper.So far, I’ve stuck to running Amazon Ads, but I’ve taken that as far as I can with this series, so I”m branching out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
As much as I hate to say it: Write to market.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep moving forward.
Pain is temporary, failure is forever.What are you reading now?
The Dark Net; The Dying Grass; No Plan B; Eloquence; Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic; The Violence Project.What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep moving forward. I have two more books written in the series and I will market them. I’ll finish book six and market that.Meanwhile, I’m going to publish Moving In and go back through my screenplays and turn several of those into novels (they are much more genre specific than Ghost Hunter).
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?
Infinite Jest
2666
The Biology of CancerAuthor Websites and Profiles
Peter J. White’s Social Media Links
Graeme Clarke
Interview With Author Graeme Clarke
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
By day I’m a public speaker for a big technology company and have written tons of articles and blogs on Boring Work Subjects. I’m a big fan of fantasy and science fiction and even own every one of the Discworld books, (and also a massive bookshelf). I have 3 little children and started to write books to keep them amused and stop them fighting for more than five minutes (which seems to have worked).However, by night, I’m constantly getting into trouble by being involved in all sorts of bizarre and wonderful projects from writing mobile computer games to designing satellites that explore Outer Space. My favourite character is R2D2 and I’ve actually really got a signed photo from Kenny Baker himself!!
I started getting into writing books just over a year ago when on holiday. The TV had broken, the kids were bored and it was too wet to go to the beach. Since then I’ve written 3 books in my main series plus 2 supporting free giveaways.
Takes deep breath, …., I also dabble in poetry, there I’ve said it, but don’t worry I’m getting treatment.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My main series of books is called the ‘Tragedy of Charlie Bluster’. It’s about a little boy called Charlie who discovers he has magic powers but evil people like the mafia try and exploit him for ill-gotten gains! He is rescued by the gods of Olympus who have all seen Star Wars on TV and know what happens to good little boys with magic powers and how that turns out!The third book has just been released and is called Charlie Bluster becomes Prime Minister. Charlie returns home to Britain and decides to put his powers to good effect by running for public office on a ticket of providing free chips to the whole nation.
The story has of course been inspired by the UK swapping PMs a bit like the way you or I would swap pairs of underpants. I sent a copy to former British prime minister Boris Johnson in the hope he reads it and might send a nice comment back, (I’ve also barricaded the door to the toilet just in case he sends the bailiffs instead).
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write everywhere. As soon as the words arrive in my brain I need to get them onto paper as quickly as possible before my head melts. The shed, cloakrooms and all the bathrooms in my house are stocked with plenty of pens and paper in case I don’t have my phone or laptop to hand.The other essential ingredient for writing is Stroopwafels. If you don’t know what these are then finish reading this and go immediately buy some and find out for yourself!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
In fact, I’ve been heavily influenced by both print and TV. My entire youth was totally wasted over-binging on Blackadder, Red Dwarf and the New Statesman on the screen while I was never without my nose shoved into a Terry Pratchett or JRR Tolkien. Re-reading my work to my children I can see the great soup strainer of imagination has indeed filtered these influences into my own books.What are you working on now?
A new series of blogs in work on green computing is taking up a lot of my frontal lobe capacity however when I don my cape and cowl in the small hours I’m working on Charlie Bluster book 4.This incredible new addition to the saga will be the biggest yet with epic battles, the rise of a new super criminal that would make Darth Vader look wussier than Weasley Crusher, an incredible love story and enough side-splitting, snot-firing, belly-bouncing laughter to even get a snigger out of Scrooge McDuck.
Join the Charlie Bluster email list by downloading my free book and keep tabs on this amazing project. Over the next few months, I’ll be sending out teasers and polling everyone concerning their thoughts on characters, jokes and plot lines.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
In a fit of madness, I splashed out on a stall at ComicCon! I honestly expected to sell nothing and to be drummed out of the hall in humiliation by a platoon of lightsabre-wielding Jedi vampires.But what an incredible experience, I turned up with roller banners, fliers, signs, promo videos, free bookmarks and over a hundred books. Punters were queueing up to find out more and the compliments were out of this world. People who bought book 1 on the first day actually came back to buy books 2 and 3 the next day. By the end of the event, every Force User and Ghostbuster there had a copy of the Un-god of Fate and I even sold the ARC copies I’d stashed in the back of the car.
Check out the Charlie bluster Facebook page, (link below), if you’d like to see the photos!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t run with scissors! Those sorts of injuries will really cut your writing career short.Get something down on paper, it doesn’t matter what it is you can always improve it later. It also doesn’t matter if it’s just one sentence because it won’t be long before that turns into a paragraph, then a page and then a whole book.
Also read your books out loud, preferably to someone else, and get feedback early.
And if you get writer’s block I find that eating plenty of chocolate cake helps even if it does get crumbs all over the page.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up, never surrender!This critical advice comes from the captain and crew of the NSEA Protector from Galaxy Quest and is surely one of the most important nuggets of wisdom that anyone could have. Following this mantra, the intrepid crew were able to defeat evil, save the entire universe and get back in time for tea.
Oh, and before I get into trouble I understand that Winston Churchill might also have said this and to be fair he also helped save the universe too.
What are you reading now?
At least one of my books is owned by someone in Hollywood USA, (as opposed to Hollywood near Belfast where there are loads of copies), so I’m still waiting for them to call with the big-money movie rights deal. It’s therefore wise to keep current on popular films so I can take up that executive director post when the time comes.This is why I’m reading David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas right now. I was bowled over by the movie which uses all the magic of modern cinema to bring the story to a new level and I want to understand if the same depth and excitement is there in the book. Normally what happens is that the file stomps all over the book and re-writes half the plot but it doesn’t seem to have happened so far and the book is a gripping read.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Once Charlie Bluster is finished I’m planning to fall totally to the dark side, change my name to Darth Keats and move into poetry! I’ve been mucking around with these evil powers for some time now and I’ve been impressed listening to professional poets speaking and the way they can completely captivate a live audience through the magic of words. Move over Palpatine, this stuff is way more powerful than even you could possibly imagine!I’ve actually already written a couple of poems, (you can find an example on my personal website gc.charliebluster.com), and my next project will be to try and publish an entire 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?
My kid’s collection of large geography textbooks from school would be top of the list. They all have waterproof covers and could potentially be lashed together to form some sort of raft.A hardback copy of Pilgrim’s Progress could also be handy to beat wild animals to death and if I needed paper to burn for fuel then I would gladly have Tolstoy’s War and Peace which should keep the fire going all through the night!
But if I had to have something to read then it would be Tolkien’s Lost Tales, surely one of the greatest works in the English language or potentially Jack Vance’s Lyonnesse, both epic tales of unimaginable proportion and enough to keep reading until the rescue boat arrived.
Author Websites and Profiles
Graeme Clarke’s Social Media Links
Tarisai Mzwimbi
Interview With Author Tarisai Mzwimbi
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a blogger and premier league fan. I have been focusing on fulfilling my passion for writing ever since 2011. I have also worked in the film industry and screenwriting was something I really enjoyed. The book I submitted is my first one with the intention of turning it into a series.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The newly released book Make Money Selling Your Craft which is centred around motivating people to think creatively about generating income, was written out of my own passion for literary work, along with friends who make money with their own blogs.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I mix fun little posts with deep well researched ones. I tend to put out articles about interesting quotes from Twitter and later sink myself in productivity material so as to combine that with biblical principles and presto, the article is finished. No biggie, just 6hrs give or take.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I enjoy the works of John C Maxwell, Leadership 101 brought in different perspectives of leadership that I still admire and apply today.
There’s No Such Thing As Business Ethics and How Successful People Think undoubtedly influenced my outlook on life, especially at home, work and church.Robert Kiyosaki’s mini-series on Rich Dad, Poor Dad impacted my overall view of finances and have approached income generation from a business perspective mentally as a result.
Dale Carnegie’s How To Win Friends and Influence People transformed me from an Introvert to an Ambivert- a combination of introvert and extrovert.
What are you working on now?
I am focusing on a project that both informs and encourages the reader to explore multiple streams of income both from an online and offline perspective. Regardless of the pandemic, inflation and/or recession, building enough streams to cushion a person’s livelihood is a huge necessity in the Information Age.It will be book 2 in the Sell Your Skills series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Definitely promotion sites like you guys make the process more convenient. My main reference is Dave Chesson of Kindlepreneur because of the abundance of info and resources that authors benefit from.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, while it has been said before, it is worth emphasizing; marketing and promoting are just as important as writing if not more. My favourite inspirational quote is, “There are people less qualified than you, doing things you want to do because they believe in themselves and take action”What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write first and edit second. I was told to do this when writing my screenplay in film school and it helped tremendously. I managed to write my book in four days following that advice. If I had not, procrastination would have prevented the completion of the book as a whole.What are you reading now?
I’m reading Benjamin Graham’s The Intelligent Investor. Robert Kiyosaki greatly emphasizes the importance of investing in nearly every book he writes and Warren Buffet credits the majority-if not all-his investing skills and strategies to the principles he learned in that book. Naturally, I picked it up, since I also love the style of investing the book teaches.What’s next for you as a writer?
As I have alluded to before, getting more books out in the series is a key focus and it has enabled me to connect with different authors and people in general whose knowledge and experience have impacted the series in a huge way.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 Less is More Leadership by Dale Burke
7 Habits of Highly Succesful People by Steven Covey
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim FerrisIf I had to pick at least 1 fiction book it would be Danielle Steel’s Wanderlust
Author Websites and Profiles
Tarisai Mzwimbi Amazon Profile
Tarisai Mzwimbi’s Social Media Links
John Sauer
Interview With Author John Sauer
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a scifi/fantasy/post-apocalypse writer living in the Pacific Northwest. My fiction books center on indigenous mythologies and what would happen if they came to life. The Divided Man Book One and upcoming Divided Man Book Two are my first two fiction novel. I have several other books throughout my writing career including guided walkthroughs of popular PC and video games.I am a Washington State Guardsman and specialize in military emergency communications, which is helping all the people involved in managing an emergency to share information with each other.
I am also a traveling phone salesman, which is a good cover for other clandestine operations such as rock hunting and fishing. Which I do. A lot.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Divided Man Book One is my latest Kindle Select book. What inspired it was the Ghost Dance movement that swept Native American tribes like wildfire in the late 1890’s. The movement caused such white fear and panic that the government sought to end it. The result was the Wounded Knee Massacre.As I read the accounts of the rise of the Ghost Dance and Wounded Knee, I had to ask, what would have happened if the prayer of the Ghost Dance had been answered. I started to imagine and the Divided Man was born.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not unusual but I am an early bird. Most mornings I am up by 5:00 AM and writing by the time I am halfway through my first cup of coffee.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow, all of them and each new book I read. My fiction all-time favorites are Islands in the Stream by Hemmingway, The Stand by King, and Ghost Story by Straub.What are you working on now?
The Divided Man Book Two is almost done and I am drafting the next book in the Ghost Dance novels, and a new end-of-the-world novel outside the Ghost Dance universe.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesomegang for the world of readers and Amazon for source-based promotion. Then my personal website, www,johnmsauer.com, and Instagram.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t get caught up in promoting your book, until you actually have a book to promote. Worrying about the cover, where you are going to promote it, or the clever stuff you will put on social media just takes your eye off the prize, which is creating the book. Write it first. Then Edit. Then get a cover. Then make your promotional plan. But write the book first.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you really want to be a writer, then write. Every day.What are you reading now?
I am working through the 12-book Cradle series by Will Wight. I don’t know him personally but am a fan of his work.What’s next for you as a writer?
The Ghost Dance universe opens the door to so many future books that it would be doing it a dis-service not to explore more indigenous myths from around the world. Their living gods all have a place in the Ghost Dance. There there are the other realms…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?
Tai-Pan by James Clavell because it is so rich and long, and the complete set of The Foxfire Books because they contain every bit of knowledge you need to survive anywhere.Author Websites and Profiles
John Sauer’s Social Media Links
Adam Faigen
Interview With Author Adam Faigen
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello, my name’s Adam Faigen and I am an independent songwriter/producer who makes unique instrumentals using just a guitar and looper pedal. I have also written 3 ebooks about self-help and personal finance. I am a big advocate of helping others, peace, coexistance and egalitarianism, and I am an aspiring self-help and personal finance guru; I want to take my love of helping others and combine it with my knowledge about self-help and personal finance.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Success Equation: S=DPF” is the culmination of years of blood sweat and tears trying to find myself and happiness while working toward my goals. I determined through all my trials and tribulations that with the right state of mind along with some good habits, and preparation/practice, that anyone can achieve anything they can desire.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to use a lot more semicolons than necessary; like this…What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a fan of Robert Kiyosaki’s “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” that I read as a teen. I also like “Think and Grow Rich” by Napolean Hill.What are you working on now?
I am switching gears and working on my next music album, “Multiverse”Do you have any advice for new authors?
If this is your passion, never stop.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You can fail at what you don’t like, so you might as well try doing what you love! – Jim CarreyIf 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?
Space/Time by stephen baxtor, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams.Author Websites and Profiles
Adam Faigen Author Profile on Smashwords
Adam Faigen’s Social Media Links
D. Scott Smith
Interview With Author D. Scott Smith
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Scott is the author of the publications: “Influence: Creation of Credibility – Publish a Book, Course, and Webinar in 12 Weeks (or less), “Relationships: Grow Your Business. A Method and Process for Networking”, “Motivational Listener: Be Interesting by Being Interested. Practical Skills to Be Successful at Business Networking Events”, and most recently, “FREEZE: Inaction in the Face of Business Crisis, How to React When the Unexpected Happens”.He has created and published the “Independent Planner”. An analog calendar with a unique daily Goal Tracking system. This planner was created specifically for solo entrepreneurs, freelance professionals, and small business owners.
Prior to becoming a full-on entrepreneur, Scott worked in large and small companies in leadership roles which include CEO, COO, and General Manager. He has lived and breathed financial services, agriculture, and manufacturing. Scott is involved with joint ventures because he believes in the power of networking.
Broadcasts hosted by Scott include:
– “Virtual Global Tea Break” with co-host Alan Hennessy
– “The EXPERIENCE Live with Russ and Scott” with co-host Russ Hedge
– “Empty Nest – Ultimate Guide” (Amazon Live) with co-host Christine A. Smith
– “Author and Inventor” Interviews (Amazon Live)
– “Publish Your Book” PodcastScott and his wife, Christine, celebrate their 39th wedding anniversary in 2023. You may see his bass or guitars on a video call. He plays music as often as he can.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
FREEZE: Inaction In The Face Of Business Crisis, How To Prepare & React When the Unexpected HappensI’ve worked with hundreds of small businesses during my career and been part of many business crises. Most small business owners are unprepared. During the pandemic we witnessed the loss of too many businesses. Yet some companies are able thrive and expand during the same situation. In this book we lay out a method to mitigate risk and capitalize on the opportunity each risk presents.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I create an outline, but the book will often arrive at an unexpected conclusionWhat authors, or books have influenced you?
C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Isaac Asimov, Charles Dickens, A Smaller History of Rome (Wm. Smith)What are you working on now?
Beyond promoting FREEZE, I am working on a concept which involves the perception of time. The basis being that when we are young time feels longer and as we age it feels like time is moving faster. I am exploring my theory to explain the concept and share practical applications.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Being a guest on podcasts.Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you want to be good at something, follow the Nike tagline: Just Do ItWhat is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t “wish your life away”. Too many people wish it was 5 o’clock, that it was Friday, that they were on vacation, or that they were retired. Today is enough.What are you reading now?
J.R.R. Tolkien (Lord of the Rings series), Great Cities of Ireland (pub. 1916)What’s next for you as a writer?
Promoting the current book jointly written with Veronica Jeans.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 Complete works of J.G. Holland (19th Century Poet), Space Trilogy by C. S. LewisAuthor Websites and Profiles
D. Scott Smith’s Social Media Links
Kennedy Lee
Interview With Author Kennedy Lee
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Before trying my hand at creative writing, I have written three large history volumes and two family genealogies and worked as a newspaper editor.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Always and Forever is my third work of fiction. It is freeing to write creative works after spending so long writing history volumes and news articles. Like my first book, it is a contemporary romance with a crime-stopping background. In addition to contemporary, I also write historical fiction set in the backdrop of coastal Georgia. My second book, No Doubt has been very well received. I hope my readers will enjoy Always and Forever and my first book You Leave Me No Choice.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to use my cell phone and dictate texts for whichever book I’m working on no matter where I am . . . when a thought strikes me. The text is sent to my email where it waits for me when I get home or when I get up in the morning. Then I cut and paste it into the body of my book.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Daphne DuMaurier and Edith Wharton. My historical fiction books most resemble the genre of DuMaurier. I love coastal settings with rivers and the ocean much like her books Frenchman’s Creek, Rebecca, and Jamaica Inn.What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a second historical fiction book which is in a sense a sequel to my book No Doubt. Both books recount the fight against the Atlantic slave trade in the southern colonies as fought by strong women who were willing to stand up for their belief that it was wrong.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is my first year of writing fiction, so I can’t say I have a best method. My books reach readers through the kindle unlimited option.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just start. Stop putting off sitting down and writing the first sentence.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
On participating in the November book challenge and putting 92,500 words on paper, I asked a successful author/friend what to do with it next. He said, “You’ve done far too much work to let it languish in a drawer. That thing needs wings.”What are you reading now?
Fern Michaels books and The Footman by S.M. LaViolette and Minerva SpencerWhat’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to keep writing fiction and spend a lot of time learning how to promote 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?
Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne DuMaurier, Persuasion by Jane Austen.Author Websites and Profiles
Kennedy Lee’s Social Media Links
Annie Dewell
Interview With Author Annie Dewell
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I published the first in my historical fantasy series in October. I will release the sequel in December, and the preorder for book three will be up in December as well.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It is called Avery’s Ghost. It is set in a mysterious circus in 1912, and has been the culmination of many hours of research into life in a Gilded Age circus. I even consulted with an expert in early twentieth century for accuracy- but it is certainly not all facts! It centers around the mystery of why my protagonist’s brother disappeared from Hart’s Traveling Circus before she was born. She is brought by her mother, who used to perform there, but there are many unusual and unnerving secrets that she must uncover. I am an illustrator, and the book features full color, hand drawn illustrations that resemble vintage circus posters.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Writing as a full time, stay at home mom. It’s certainly a challenge, and perhaps unusual that I can pull it off with a three and five year old! Also, I research heavily… I look up every detail for as much accuracy as I can manage, often times going so far as to read academic articles by historians. Many of my descriptions of settings are actually me describing a vintage photo that I found.What authors, or books have influenced you?
The His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman, Libba Bray’s Gemma Doyle series (starting with a Great and Terrible Beauty), Leigh Bardugo.What are you working on now?
My third book in The Shimmering Circus series, just finishing my first draft!What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Reddit and Instagram.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Look up writing videos from reedsy on youtube.com. It has really helped my craft. Also, study story structure.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just keep writing the next book.What are you reading now?
Emily of New Moon by Lucy Maude Montgomery- a classic! I love Anne of Green Gables to death, so its about time I gave Emily a try…What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing my series. So much writing- and drawing! Luckily I’m fairly quick.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?
Anne of Green Gables, The Golden Compass, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.Author Websites and Profiles
Annie Dewell’s Social Media Links
George Steve
Interview With Author George Steve
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m George Steve. I am the founder of Emenwa and we publish under the name Emenwa Global. I publish my personal storybook under the name George Steve. I’m a developer with a serious love of sharing my skills and knowledge with my fellow developers and beginners in the industry. I have spent my years as a lead instructor in computer programming and I have enjoyed most part of my life doing live training with over hundreds of students. I derive joy in building the next generation of software and hardware developers who do amazing things in the industry today. I led the team of developers who participated in Forbes’ “Under30 Change the World Challenge”, judged by a panel of professionals at Wharton school of the university of Pennsylvania in 2015.My love for computer programming in my early stage in life got me into Java, C, C#, C++, Python, MikroC, Arduino, and lots of other programming languages and embedded system designs. I began to think that I’m crazy until I started developing advanced projects for clients and getting amazing job offers from reputable companies across America, Asia and Africa.
The worst part of my life as a software developer is seeing myself coding always in my dreams.
The best part of my life as a software developer is NOT building advanced and complicated projects with different programming languages combined together. But, building the next generation of software developers and seeing them excel in the industry like myself and other senior developers around me. I am always happy each time my students get across to me to tell me how they successfully got employed by one reputable firm or the other, and how they pick up fast in their respective companies to become senior developers with mouth-watering salaries!
I write beautiful stories for my kids for fun. I have just one storybook now at the moment.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Take Me To The Rainbow: Love Story of Joe and Nora In The Beautiful City of Alazka.It is a picture storybook. I am a dad and I love telling my children stories. What inspired me was my children’s interest in listening to my stories. They always love it. Therefore, I thought it is time to share my story with the world.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes.What authors, or books have influenced you?
NoneWhat are you working on now?
I am writing a book on Artificial Intelligence now.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still learning promotion. I have no experience in marketing and I wish to learn.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Always write that which is in your mind.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If there is any book you wish to read which has not been written, write it yourself.What are you reading now?
A book on Artificial IntelligenceWhat’s next for you as a writer?
Publish my next book as soon as 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?
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Adichie.Author Websites and Profiles
George Steve’s Social Media Links
Liz Tuckwell
Interview With Author Liz Tuckwell
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Liz Tuckwell, I live in London England with my husband and far too many books. I love reading and writing fantasy, science fiction and horror especially urban fantasy,alternate history, and alternate historical fantasy stories.I’ve written six books so far. Three of them were stand alone short stories for Demain Publishing in their Short Sharp Shocks series (horror) and Weird Wonderful Other Worlds series. The other three are all short story collections although I’m writing a novel at the moment.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Moonsleep and Other Stories”. It’s a collection of quirky dark fantasy and horror stories I’ve written over the last few years. Most of the stories have been published in anthologies or separately so I thought it was a good idea to collect them together.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sadly, I’m rather boring and I don’t think I do.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jasper Fforde, Charlaine Harris, I love their books although they have very different styles. I also love Ursula K Le Guin.What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on an urban fantasy novel about a woman who turns into a dryad.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think ebook promotion sites are the best method for me for promoting my books.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it and don’t lose heart.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Finish your draft and don’t worry what it’s like. You can always edit afterwards.What are you reading now?
I’ve just finished reading “Widowland” by C J Carey about where Hitler successfully invaded Britain. I’d describe it as “The Handmaid’s Tale” meets ‘SS-GB” meets “1984”.What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m hoping to finish revising one novel and start a new one, set in an alternate fantastic Ancient Rome.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, Catch 22 and The Snow Queen (by Joan D Vinge).Author Websites and Profiles
Liz Tuckwell Author Profile on Smashwords
Liz Tuckwell’s Social Media Links
Alice McVeigh
Interview With Author Alice McVeigh
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I had my first writing “break” – and it was a biggie – in my 30s, when (feeling a little fed-up with playing cello in London orchestras) I sent off my first novel to several agents. To my amazement, an agent at Peter, Fraser and Dunlop accepted me, and two months later, I had a three-novel contract with Orion, a big-five publisher… Unfortunately, due to IVF fails, I dropped the ball on the third, and got dropped! This sent me back to my cello! – for a while, anyway. After my (IVF!) daughter went to Oxford, I got interested again, and published an action/adventure speculative novel under my middle names with Unbound. Discouraged by how few of my royalties got to me, I’m now about to publish the third of my prizewinning, self-published Jane Austenesque series.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest Austenesque novel (which won a publishers’ pick starred review on Publishers Weekly AND the Global Book Award for historical) was inspired by Austen’s EMMA. It occurred to me to wonder if it was possible for Emma’s dim-but-pretty little friend, Harriet, to have been only pretending to be stupid, in order to flatter her mentor. It’s called HARRIET: A JANE AUSTEN VARIATION, but it should have been called JANE AND HARRIET, really… Read it on Amazon to find out why!Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When it’s working I write all night. However, I always write all morning. Afternoon… not so much.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Well, Jane Austen! But the novels I sold to Orion were contemporary fiction, and were inspired by real London orchestras I was playing cello with. (One of these is now back in print, and on my website.) My fav. writers besides Austen include Tolkien, J.G. Ballard, P.G. Wodehouse, Carol Shields and Hilary Mantel.What are you working on now?
I’m finishing the third of my Austenesque series: DARCY, based of course on Pride and Prejudice.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website: http://www.alicemcveigh.comDo you have any advice for new authors?
Yes – don’t be like me and switch genres!!!! (Though Hilary Mantel did…) It’s best to build a platform in one style and nail it. Also, having a pen name is a hassle, especially with newsletters and BookBub. I wish I’d written my action/adventure as A.S. McVeigh instead of my two middle names.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up.What are you reading now?
For my book club, I’m re-reading Ballard’s Empire of the Sun. FANTASTIC writing!What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing this 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?
The complete Jane Austen, the complete P.G. Wodehouse, complete Shakespeare.Author Websites and Profiles
Alice McVeigh’s Social Media Links
N. Forbes Matheis
Interview With Author N. Forbes Matheis
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in the cool rural hills of Manchester, Jamaica. I went to an All-Girls school and spent many days rumbling and tumbling through my family’s corn fields and cattle pens until I went off to university in the city of Kingston. From there, I spread my wings and traveled to many countries, admiring different cultures, landscapes and life forms. Along the way, I studied law and theology and hold a Masters degree in both fields of studies. After being called to the Bar, I married my husband and moved to Germany (his hometown). We later lived in South Africa before moving to the USA where we currently reside with our 13 years old dog, Candy. I enjoy reading, writing, researching, cooking, gardening and empowering others.
I have published two fiction novels, three non-fiction/inspirational/self help books and three children’s book.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Woman Wise Up, Rise Up”. It is a call to women including myself to rise above the adversities, particularly those that reared their heads during the pandemic.Often as women we question our identity, purpose and ability to be good mothers, sisters, daughters, spouses and leaders in the work force. This book is a reminder to myself and other women that we can live into our fullest potentials and that we have access to everything we need to succeed and rise to the abundant lives that we were created to live.
The book includes scriptural meditations, stories from other women, journal prompts, affirmations and music and art therapy to help women connect with their inner strengths through the power of the Sacred Feminine and Divine Woman embodied in Yahweh.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to eat crushed ice while I write. The brain freeze really does something for me. YikesWhat authors, or books have influenced you?
Maeve Binchy is one of my all-time favorites. I love how she captures the culture of Ireland in her books.I read in German and French as well and also love the German author, Charlotte Link. She has a unique way of building tension and keeping her reader’s attention that I find admirable.
Authors that have stuck with me from my youth include Jamaica Kincaid and Michael Anthony. They both tell stories of going up, coming of age and young romance in a way that sucks you right out of your chair and into the scene.
What are you working on now?
I am working on the last book in the Pitayta Gully Trilogy.When Tracks Fade and A Great House for Mary are the first two books in the Trilogy.
When Tracks Fade introduces the young protagonist (Millicent) in her rural hometown. It shows her family challenges and secrets as well as her own demons. The readers get to see as she falls in love for the first time, gets hurt and witnesses a horrifying crime.
The second book, A Great house for Mary, zooms out and reintroduces the protagonist in her late twenties. The scene expands beyond her local hometown to foreign countries and the world of crime and violence becomes more palpable. Love amidst economic hardships and moral trials is the compelling force that drives the protagonists.
The third book comes full circle and takes it all back to Millicent’s home town where it all began. The protagonist is in the later stage of life but is still energetic, full of passion and determination. She returns home to help solve the mystery of her murdered brother and must face the demons that she left unleashed while she was living abroad.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best place to access my books is on Amazon.com. Readers can follow me at my author page:
Readers can also visit my website and read about my travel, spiritual and culinary experiences on my blog page.
https://nforbesmatheis.wixsite.com/mysite/booksFor those interested to see what and how I cook and keep my garden, they can visit my YouTube channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/@NATForIslandLivingDo you have any advice for new authors?
Write from your heart.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Tap into your own unique voice.What are you reading now?
Rogue Force by Jack MarsWhat’s next for you as a writer?
I continue to hone my skills as a writer; writing more, reading more and researching about how to become a better writer. And of course, learning better marketing skills is something I have to continue learning. I love to write but I also want to know that people have access to my work. Especially as it regards my inspirational and self help books, I want to know that they are getting into the hands of people who will benefit from them. All my books have inspirational undertones and I hope that the readers will in some way be empowered.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?
Green Days by the River- Michael Anthony
A Year in San Fernando- Michael Anthony
Das andere Kind- Charlotte Link
Circle of Friends/ Light a Penny Candle- Maeve BinchyAuthor Websites and Profiles
N. Forbes Matheis Amazon Profile
Christopher Campbell
Interview With Author Christopher Campbell
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a writer for a long time, but this is my first book. I’ve mostly written privately, or for a small groups of people, because I wasn’t really doing it for anything other than self expression. Now that I see I have a chance at professional writing, I wanted to try to do what I’ve always done, just in a bigger presentation. That doesn’t mean I threw everything I ever wrote in this book, by any stretch of the imagination. I selected a few things while writing new things, and then I threw it all together into organized chaos. And so my book was born.As far as who I am as a person, I like to remain a little mysterious, but I’ve always been drawn to self expression, and I’ve always been drawn to the strange and unusual. I try to be an understanding person, and I think that my ability to empathize and sympathize with people helps me to be a better writer. If I know what I’m going through is what other people are going through, then when i write about it I know people can relate. At the same time, i try not to get so hung up about my feelings that I don’t write about anything else. If I’m writing about aliens, or ghosts, or even history, that can make people think. If i get people thinking, that can tap inti other levels of emotion that often get neglected in poetry. I want to be diverse. I want people to get interested in things I’m interested in. To me thats refreshing. I like the strange and unusual. Where I’m from, being a writer is strange and unusual!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is titled A Web of Ghosts. I came up with the title first because as I looked through my older stuff, I realized that a lot of the people I was inspired by in the past aren’t even a part of my life anymore. It wasn’t even an intentional thing, people just go off in different directions, get new jobs, move away, any number of things. Some people have died, and perhaps become real ghosts. If so I hope they watched over me writing about them for my book…Also while considering that as a title, a friend of mine swore she seen a person walk down my hallway. I’ll admit, something passed by my door and dimmed the light from the hall, and I looked up and caught what looked like the tail end of something. When I got up and rushed to see what it was, there was nothing. Perhaps it was ghost. Perhaps it made an appearance because it liked my title… and maybe not, but I think that left an impression on me too, and it got me think about some of the strange things I’ve seen in the past. With that, I knew I wanted to keep the title. Since I do love strangeness, I wanted that to be reflected in my title too. It’s part of who I am.
As for the web, that’s kind of a metaphor for my ambition that was created by the people who’ve passed through my life. Also it serves as an explanation as to why I put such a variety of topics in a book that is based around a central theme. The people who passed through my life are the ghosts who strung up my ambitions to write, and the inspirations that got caught in that web are the other topics, but if there were no people to inspire me, to be that Web, then there wouldn’t be poems about anything else either.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Being a writer is an unusual habit!What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite poet and author of all time will probably always be Edgar Alan Poe, not to sound cliché. I love H.p. Lovecraft almost as much, but he’s not really known for poetry. As far as other poets, Emily Dickinson was surprisingly relatable and thought provoking. I feel like if we were alive at the same time, she might have been my soul mate! Plus, with her, I admire the fact that she never wrote for fame. Most of her poetry was only published after she died. I like a lot of the older poets really, because they’ve withstood the test of time. That’s the kind of poetry I want to be known for.What are you working on now?
For my next project I want to incorporate some short stories and poetry together. I want it to come out like something close to a book I had when I was a teenager. It was a book that had short stories and poetry by Edgar Alan Poe. I left my first book strictly poetry, because it was my first book, I was at a point where I was ready to get stuff out there, and I just figured it would be easier to format while I was getting the hang of everything. I knew I could put out a great poetry book, and that would help me become known as a writer. So that way as I move into more difficult things, I will have the eyes on me to make it worth it.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I hate to sound like an amateur, but I’m still learning about all that stuff. As far as the format, so far, this one. It’s really giving me a chance to dive deeper into things I want to say about my book. I hope I get equally powerful results.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stick with it. Don’t get discouraged. Do it for yourself and keep zero expectations. My book hasn’t become a bestseller in a couple of days. People don’t even know who I am. Right now I’m putting myself out there, and trying to build a following. Hopefully I can circle back around in a few months and say see, it works. I really believe it will though. If there’s one thing I finally realized, it’s that no one is going to make my dreams come true but me. I mean, I might get lucky and get my stuff published after I die by some mourning friend, much like Emily Dickinson… or the clean up crew might mistake all my old notebooks for trash and through them all away! So to be sure, I just keep telling myself no one will do it but me. I would advise others to keep that same mindset.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just be yourself was great advice for me, but it might not work for everyone!What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading a book with the stories of H.P. Lovecraft in it. I read a lot of different poetry too, I just finished a book that had a bunch of poems by Emily Dickinson in it.What’s next for you as a writer?
That almost feels like the same question about what am I working on now. Which I do want to make progress with my next book, but I also want to spend some time getting this first one out there, so I’m working on getting it promoted and hopefully the people that read it will like it and want to see what else I can do.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 want to bring something that featured h.p. Lovecraft, and something that featured h.p. Lovecraft, for sure. I’d love to bring some Stephen King with me. If I could add another it would be a book on how to survive on a desert island, but let’s make sure we have some classics first!Author Websites and Profiles
Christopher Campbell Amazon Profile
Christopher Campbell’s Social Media Links
L.N. Hunter
Interview With Author L.N. Hunter
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an ex-software engineer who took far too long to realise that writing fiction for humans is much more satisfying than making up stuff for computers. My short stories have appeared in places such as Short Édition’s ‘Short Circuit’ and the ‘Horrifying Tales of Wonder’ podcast, as well as a number of anthologies, and ‘The Feather and the Lamp’ is my first novel. There have also been papers in the IEEE ‘Transactions on Neural Networks,’ which are probably somewhat less relevant and definitely less fun. When not writing, I unwind in a disorganised home in rural Cambridgeshire, UK, along with two cats and a soulmate.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘The Feather and the Lamp’ was less an inspiration from but a reaction to so many serious YA fantasy novels, and is a light-hearted romp through a humorous fantasy world, where the main character isn’t battling evil, but merely trying to get on with her life, and – if I say more, I might be guilty of giving spoilers.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
We all work differently, so I wonder what’s ‘unusual.’ One thing I do do is read my material on a different device than the one I use to write (it used to be on paper, but I treated myself to a nice e-ink tablet recently). That way, I approach the story as more a reader and I’m not tempted to edit as I read.What authors, or books have influenced you?
My absolute favourite authors are Terry Pratchett and Douglas Adams, and the influences they’ve had in ‘The Feather and the Lamp’ are definitely evident. I’m also a fan of British comedy such as Monty Python, and that probably shows throughout my writing.What are you working on now?
Right at the moment, I’m concentrating on getting the word out about ‘The Feather and the Lamp,’ but I’m also gestating a couple of short stories, and I’ll soon be getting stuck into a sequel to the novel.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
If only I knew…Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find some people to critique your work, since it’s too easy to read the words you have in your mind and not the ones on the paper.Persevere! Be prepared for rejection – heck, even in the face of rejection, keep writing and keep submitting. An awful lot of luck is involved in finding a home for your stories, whether novels or short stories, so a rejection doesn’t mean the work’s bad.
Oh, and do check grammar and spelling before submitting. Even when people say they don’t care, obvious errors are still distracting.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t stare at the page, waiting for the perfect words before starting. Just write *something* – anything!What are you reading now?
I’ve just finished ‘A Decade in Tory’ by Russell Jones – a shocking but hilarious look at recent British politics, which should be essential reading for all potential voters before the next UK general election!The next books on my heap are Stephen King’ ‘Fairy Tale’ and T. Kingfisher’s ‘The Twisted Ones.’
What’s next for you as a writer?
Book 2 of Imperceptibility’s adventures!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?
Huge waterproof ones that I could make a raft from.Author Websites and Profiles
L.N. Hunter’s Social Media Links
April White
Interview With Author April White
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a film producer, private investigator, bouncer, teacher and screenwriter. I climbed in the Himalayas, survived a shipwreck, and lived on a gold mine in the Yukon. My husband and I share our home in Southern California with two extraordinary kids and a lifetime collection of books.My first novel, Marking Time was the 2016 winner of the Library Journal Indie E-Book Award for YA Literature, and all six books in the Immortal Descendants series have been on the Amazon Top 100 lists in Time Travel Romance and Historical Fantasy. I’ve written twelve books, including Code of Conduct, an RWA Vivian Award finalist for romantic suspense, a Next Generation Award finalist for romance, and RONE Award finalist for suspense, and Death’s Door, a Grand Prize winner of the Next Generation Award, an Edgar Allen Poe Saturday Visiter Award winner, and a Foreword Reviews Award finalist. More information and my blog can be found at www.aprilwhitebooks.com.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’ve just updated my Immortal Descendants series for the 10th anniversary editions, including new epilogues and a sixth book. It bridges the gap between the end of Cheating Death, and the beginning of An Urchin of Means – a historical mystery series starring a 19th century street urchin who became the unintentional inspiration for Sherlock Holmes.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t write without access to the internet because of the sheer quantity of research I do for every book. I love historical mysteries, and I’m a fantatic about getting the details right. The browser tabs open on my computer right now include a University of Edinburgh maps department overlay of Victorian London, a Google book about the Lord Leighton artwork displayed at the Winter Exhibition, floorplans of both Cragside House and Whitehall Palace, and a New Yorker article about the Peacock Room.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Author Penny Reid writes wonderful romantic comedy, is a marketing genius, and an amazing friend and mentor. Amy Harmon can’t write a bad book (and she writes in ALL the genres), Laini Taylor’s creative instincts are as fascinating as her stories, and Patrick Rothfuss’s insistence that “it’ll only be late once, but it’ll suck forever,” is a cautionary tale for the ages.What are you working on now?
I’m finishing A Lady in Waiting, book two of the Baker Street Mysteries. It’s why all the tabs are open, and will jump between Victorian and Elizabethan London. Ringo, my 19th century former street urchin who time-traveled to both future and past in the Immortal Descendants series, is my absolute favorite character to write, and being in his head is like playing chess with a master, inventing electricity, and channeling Sherlock Holmes with every person he meets.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a wonderful, private Facebook reader group called Kick-Ass Heroines, where we recommend books, tell dad jokes, and post things about extraordinary women doing fascinating things. But I’ve come to realize that my best promotion happens in person – in conversation with readers – so big book events are actually a marketing investment for me, as well as a chance to travel and spend time with other authors.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you want to read, because I promise, you’ll read it 1,682 times. If you find yourself skipping over a sentence, a paragraph, or a part, cut it. If your eyes are glazing, you can be very sure your reader’s eyes will too. And be generous with your book recommendations – when readers like the books you like, they find common ground with you and might take a chance on your book too.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Again, from Patrick Rothfuss: “It’ll only be late once, but it’ll suck forever.” And from Neil Gaiman: “I hope in this year to come you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re Doing Something.”What are you reading now?
I’m listening to book three of Naomi Novik’s Scholomance series – The Golden Enclaves. I’m reading book two in T.L. Huch’s Edinburgh Nights series – Our Lady of Mysterious Ailments, and I’m writing book two of the Baker Street Mysteries – A Lady in Waiting.What’s next for you as a writer?
After A Lady in Waiting, I have a short story / novella due to an LGBTQ+ anthology called Pride Not Prejudice, publishing in June 2023, book three in the Baker Street Mysteries, and a paranormal romantic suspense series for Smartypants Romance.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 Sherlock Holmes anthology, because it’s long enough to keep me entertained and supply me with toilet paper, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, because I could spend years figuring out how he’ll end it, anything by Penny Reid, because laughter really is the best medicine, and an encyclopedia / recipe book for edible and medicinal herbs just in case the desert island has any.Author Websites and Profiles
April White Author Profile on Smashwords
April White’s Social Media Links
Lewis Ritter
Interview With Author Lewis Ritter
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired teacher from Bergen County NJ. I started writing in the late 1980’s. I have written several screenplays that have done well in screenwriting competitions. I worked with Crossroads Entertainment in L.A on several projects including a sci-fi series and book adaptations, I’ve just published my first novel.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Turbulence: Dispatches from the Student Protest Movement Rutgers 1970. I was a student at the time and witnessed many events of the era. I used it to create a television script for a series in 2013. It has evolved and is now published in the first of a series of historical fiction novels.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try and write every day.What authors, or books have influenced you?
R.L. Tecklenberg, Harlan Coben, Erica Spindler for mystery fiction. Erica Spindler wrote a book called Justice for Sarah that I could not put down. I was a member of the Mystery Writers of America .What are you working on now?
Book 2 & 3 of the Turbulence series of novelsWhat is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Going to local libraries and bookstores to set up book events.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Its a process and a craft that must be developed over time.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Treat it as a hobby at first and do a little bit every day and within a short period of time, it will be written.What are you reading now?
An old mystery thriller by Bill O’Reilly about murders in the Cable News business. Its old, but gripping and very visual.What’s next for you as a writer?
Book 2 & 3 of the Turbulence seriesIf 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?
Sci-Fi by Robert Silverberg, Mysteries by Agatha Christie and C,J Box
Rachel Rafferty
Interview With Author Rachel Rafferty
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I hail from Ireland and live in Dublin with my husband and three little girls. I work part-time as a primary school teacher and write in the evenings and on my days off. I’m a member of two writing groups, one in a local library and the other in the Irish Writer’s Centre in Dublin city. I’ve self-published three novels on Amazon. Each one is about the trials and tribulations of turning forty and the new life choices that come our way in midlife. Each story follows the journey of an Irish woman flitting in and out of relationships and juggling family life. Drama, intense emotion and light-hearted humour combine to make each story a jaw-dropping page-turner.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Somewhat Satisfactory. It was inspired by an Irish charity single released by thirty-nine female singers from Ireland. Watching the video made by the group inspired me to create the characters of Claire and Anita and the story grew from there.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am lucky that I never suffer from writer’s block. My only obstacle is finding the time to write and fitting it into my hectic schedule. This means I keep my mini laptop in the kitchen within reach and whenever I have a second such as the last few sips of my morning coffee or waiting for potatoes to boil, I reach for it and tap away for that golden few minutes between the demands of kids, dinner, school work and house-work.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the quirky characters that Liane Moriarty creates and how most of her books are laced with humour. She never fails to make me laugh. I also took huge inspiration from the writing style of Kelly Harms in her book, The Overdue Life of Amy Byler. I found the character of Amy very relatable and lovable and again, the story made me chuckle.What are you working on now?
I’m working on the book cover of my fourth book which I am hoping to release at the end of January 2023. It’s about a librarian with a difficult relationship with her mother. She also feels like she’s getting left behind on the dating scene as her friends seem to meet guys with ease. It is only when she meets Mark that her life changes immensely and she realises who her true allies are.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still learning about book promotion techniques and I haven’t nailed it yet.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Share your work and talk to other writers. Consider investing in an author coach if funds allow. Take advice from trusted, successful people only and stay positive.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Trust yourself. Only YOU know what right for you.What are you reading now?
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie GarmusWhat’s next for you as a writer?
To release the final two books in my Midlife Secrets series. Book Four at end January and hopefully Book Five in spring/summer 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?
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes
What I know for sure by Oprah WinfreyAuthor Websites and Profiles
Rachel Rafferty Amazon Profile
Rachel Rafferty’s Social Media Links
Zoe Mayen
Interview With Author Zoe Mayen
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing full-time for a little over a year, since leaving my job as a litigation lawyer in central London to pursue my dreams of being an author. In that time, I’ve written two self-published mystery thrillers, the second of which was released last week:‘Enter the Forest: Murder in Taman Negara’ – a light-hearted whodunnit centred around a group of people who meet on an organised holiday in the Malaysian jungle (one of the world’s oldest rainforests). The splendour of their surroundings soon turns menacing as people inexplicably start to disappear.
‘Wicked Games’ – a twisty psychological thriller told from a multi-character perspective, centred around a group of friends staying in the English countryside, at a mysterious house with a dark past. The fun and games take a sinister turn and anonymous messages become threatening…then friend turns murderer.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Wicked Games. The name was inspired by a theme of the book, which is a sequence of various games played throughout the story that soon bring out darker aspects of the characters and their pasts. The narrative is interspersed with an anonymous voice who appears to be one of the characters with a deadly purpose, unknown to the rest of them. All of these things lead to strange incidents and bad things happening to various characters, culminating in a murder in the house – hence the ‘wickedness’.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure how unusual it is, but I like to eat/snack whilst writing, which helps me think! As well as listening to music, which helps me focus and can inspire me (that one’s not unusual!).What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is one of my favourite books. I just love the passion with which she wrote, the dark edge and the humour in her writing (I know WH isn’t a comedy!). I’m aiming to work up to that level of writing.Also Agatha Christie with her classic whodunnits, JK Rowling with Harry Potter (the entertaining, easy way in which she writes and the humour) and George RR Martin with his epic Game of Thrones books. In the thriller genre, I loved Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and Shiver by Allie Reynolds – both brilliant books.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on my third novel, another psychological thriller which I’m really excited about. The plot is still in the making but the idea so far revolves around a troubled woman who is forced to recount conversations from a virtual relationship with a lover, to a mysterious psychotherapist. As she struggles to come to terms with what she is being told was never real, the relevance of the information starts to become clearer (and more ominous) and she strives to decipher fragments of vital memories that are the key to all of it.At some point, I’m also planning to write a romantic mystery inspired by Wuthering Heights and my great grandmother’s memoirs about fleeing Russia through Europe in 1904 as a child, by the Trans-Siberian Railway, after the Japanese invasion of her hometown, Port Arthur, and the Russian Revolution.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still very much in the learning process when it comes to promotion. So far I’ve found Booksprout to be brilliant for getting readers to review my books and BookSirens seems very good too. I need to up my game a lot when it comes to social media and promoting myself as an author on there!!Kindlepreneur is absolutely brilliant with the wealth of information about self-publishing and promotion, and I’m still making my way through all the information and resources available there. Your First 10000 Readers also seems to have a lot of very helpful marketing information and resources, which I need to take a good look at.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a new author and I’m still on a steep learning curve, but I would say: Don’t be afraid to get things down onto the page, however good or bad you feel it is. It’s more important to get things out and get the creativity process flowing – no one has to ever read what you’ve written if you don’t like it, you can come back and edit and refine as many times as you like until you’re happy with it! But just get the flow going and it’ll help the momentum to kick in.Also, complete something without seeking absolute perfection – done is better than perfect. You’ll get a lot more experience that way, once you start inviting feedback and learning more about the publishing process through doing. That’s not to say not to pay attention to quality, of course – that’s very important – but there’s a balance to be struck.
One thing that I’ve recently been learning to deal with better is negative critique. Negative feedback is scary, and can hurt, but it’s good to think of it as free advice on how to improve and get better as a writer. In some ways, that’s better than someone just telling you you’re doing all the right things. There is always room for improvement. And it’s all part of the fun!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Ooh, this is tricky as I’ve received so much good advice and wisdom over the years, and I’m probably forgetting something really good.Someone once said to me, ‘Wouldn’t it be so much easier if you just dropped it?’ Meaning the harsh self-criticism that is pointless and self-destructive, and wastes so much thought and energy that could be used somewhere else more usefully. It could apply to many things – worry, fear, replaying negative past events or worrying repeatedly over things to come. Caring about what other people think so much. All the ‘noise’ that is always going to be around us and in our heads that we need to learn to let stay in the background and not let it assume more importance than it deserves.
‘Don’t dread it, experience it’ is another one.
What are you reading now?
It’s been a habit of mine since I was little to have a whole pile of books on the go at the same time – now a virtual pile on my Kindle. So I’ll pick one non-fiction and one fiction for now! The Silva Mind Control Method by Jose Silva. And I’ve started re-reading Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier (first read when I was at school).What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I’ve done some promotion for my second book, Wicked Games, which I released last week, I’ll be writing my third book, another psychological thriller. I’m really looking forward to getting started on that one!I have so many ideas for future books and various drafts on the go, so it’s a matter of getting through the writing as quickly as I can and getting lots of books out there, hopefully!!
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?
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, one of the Harry Potter books, The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and one of my books on natural vision improvement.…Just wanted to say thanks for all these questions, they’ve been really interesting to answer!
Author Websites and Profiles
Zoe Mayen’s Social Media Links
Rich Nelson
Interview With Author Rich Nelson
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have self-published one previous book – With Fresh Eyes – a collection of columns from my two-year stint (2018-2020) at the Norton/Lakeshore Examiner newspaper, which serves West Michigan. I have recently contributed essays to the American Humanist Association and the “Damfinos” (the Buster Keaton International Fan Club) online magazine. By the way, my hometown – Muskegon, Michigan – hosts the Damfinos every October for their annual convention, celebrating Keaton’s great film career. He got his start in vaudeville, with his family act “The 3 Keatons.” Buster considered Muskegon his hometown, as his family, along with many vaudevillians, spent their summers here in Muskegon during the early 1900s – a welcomed break from traveling the country performing their vaudeville acts. I am a retired college instructor and social worker, and writing has blossomed since my retirement seven years ago. I also dabble in photography, kayak Michigan rivers, and spend time on the nearby beaches of Lake Michigan on leisurely summer afternoons. Favorite travel destinations over the years have included New York, London, and Paris. From my travels, I have run the Chicago and New York City marathons, backpacked the Grand Canyon, and parasailed and snorkeled on Maui.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
This Tender Man – My Father’s Story. Only after my father’s death in 1993 did I learn of my father’s near-fatal bout with malaria, stationed with the Army on the Pacific island of New Guinea during WWII. I reached out to the surviving members of his company and found out about his journey into war and the conditions the soldiers faced – the malarial mosquitoes, the relentless rains, the nearly impenetrable jungles, and the heat and humidity. My father, like so many other soldiers thrown into war, revealed little about his tour of duty. Along the way, I discovered more about his family (his parents emigrated from Sweden, settling in Muskegon in the early 1900s), his boyhood, his coming of age during the Great Depression, and his war years. Researching and writing this book was a therapeutic journey for me, coming to terms with an amiable yet tentative relationship with my father.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing out of the ordinary. I do need to force myself from time to time to sit down in front of the computer to write, particularly on days that beckon me outside.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Recently, I have returned to books that I read in my youth, gaining new perspective and appreciation of great writing. John Steinbeck has been such an inspiration. This year, I came back to Travels with Charley, The Pearl, and The Grapes of Wrath. I also have gone back to some Hemingway and John Knowles’ A Separate Peace. Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird remains an enduring influence.What are you working on now?
Several short essays on various topics. I don’t have another book in me right at the moment.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since the focus of my book is Dad’s service in WWII and his fight with malaria, several WWII websites and the WWII Museum in New Orleans are good sources of information and promotional ideas.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Read. Repeat.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t remember the source of this quote, but I have it on my desk: “Writing can simply be about incorporating the mundane, the daily existence, and the commonality of man (and woman) into a story that can resonate with the many.”What are you reading now?
Re-reading Bewilderment by Richard Powers, a 2021 novel about a widowed astrobiologist father raising his brilliant yet troubled 9-year-old son. A masterfully written work by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Overstory. Bewilderment is my favorite book of recent past.What’s next for you as a writer?
Again, short essays on various topics. And, coming up with an idea for another 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?
To Kill A Mockingbird
Grapes of Wrath
A collection of stories by Shirley JacksonAuthor Websites and Profiles
Tanupriya Kalita
Interview With Author Tanupriya Kalita
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Tanupriya Kalita, born and brought up in bongaigaon district of Assam, India.I was born on 12th Oct, 1988. I did my BA from same city where I was born. I also did B.Music from Bhatkhande and Kalabid from Nikhil Bharat. I am lucky to be daughter of Subhash Chandra Kalita and Mamata Choudhury.I have published 1 book as of now.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my first book is Emuthi Sagar, which is collection of my best poems. It has been published in 2021.Well, I was inclined to writing and reciting poems from my childhood. I got a prize for recitation in my childhood when I was only 3 years old
To be more specific to question, I was inspired by my mother Smt. Mamata Choudhury.I get inspired to write when any incident touch my heart. My pen transforms the memories and images of those incidents into letters.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, that is a pretty tough question to answer. To be honest, I do not follow any process, I write whenever I get emotional. Whenever some feelings, thoughts come to my mind, i just note down on a piece of paper. The main uniqueness about my writing can better be described by my readers. I just express my emotions and thoughts, in the form of poem. Ofcourse, I write more on real things, irony about human life.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Yes, Infact I have many favorite books which inspired my writing apptitude and some of them are – “Mrityunjoy” written by Gyanpeeth Award Winner Birendra Kumar Battacharya, “Dotal Hatir Ui E Khoa Hawda” by Dr. Mamoni Roysom Goswami and all books of Homen Borgohain and Partha Chattopadhyay are my favourite book.What are you working on now?
I am working on another poetry book.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
To be very frank, I have never planned for any book promotion other than some of my author interviews published in various online and offline international magazines and web portals.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Always write from your heart and note down even if a single line comes to your mind, just note it down. Every single drop makes an ocean, similary every words, every line makes a book.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I get regular advices from my well wishers and my elders. The best advice comes from my parents, especially my mother Mamata Choudhury.What are you reading now?
Right now, I am reading an assamese novel, maharathi written by Chandra Prasad SaikiaWhat’s next for you as a writer?
I want to continue to write. What ever comes next will be decides by my destiny. I am just focussing on my writings. Rest I leave in the hand of almighty.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. Mrityunjoy” written by Gyanpeeth Award Winner Birendra Kumar Battacharya.2. “Dotal Hatir Ui E Khoa Hawda” by Dr. Mamoni Roysom Goswami.
3. Assamese novel, maharathi written by Chandra Prasad Saikia
Madison Taylor
Interview With Author Madison Taylor
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi there,I’m a self-publishing author who has always written short stories. My lifelong dream is to be an author, but with my day (and night) job being a Ph.D. student, I haven’t had much time to dedicate to it. I’ve been able to write more recently and wrote my first novel, which is out now! I plan to write for as long as I breathe, knowing my ultimate happy place is in my office, typing away at whatever fictional story I cook up.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called The Thief of Stormwell. I was inspired by medieval and royalty stories, coming up with my own and adding a few different twists that make it unique. I wanted a main character that would empower readers, showing them that having flaws and making mistakes doesn’t make you the villain. She goes through her trials (a few of them unfair) and comes out the other side, although not unscathed, but better. I look up to my main character, knowing if I was ever thrown into an unknown world, I would want to act like her.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have ADHD, so in the first few months of writing my novel, I would hyper-fixate, then leave it alone for a few weeks. I’ve since been put on medication which has helped me greatly! I also use writing sprints, where you write as much as you can in a given time period (I go for 20 minutes) and you worry about the editing later. It helps get the content out, which is often hard to do.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Kerry Maniscalco has been one of my favorite authors for years. I’ve torn through each of her books and have used her as a role model in my writing!What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the sequel to The Thief of Stormwell, but I also have a secret pet project that I’m working on when I can.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found using email lists and promoting through others’ lists very helpful. It’s helpful to have other authors read and review your books, so growing a community is key.Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s a daunting challenge. Sometimes stories flow and sometimes they don’t. The best thing I ever did was let the story flow. It’s okay to write chapters that suck and you know are going to get cut later. Sometimes that’s what it takes to get where you need to go. Don’t force anyone to do anything. Characters do grow a sense of independence, so try to let them figure out where they’re going next.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My favorite saying is “a first draft’s only purpose is to exist”. This has helped me immensely in overcoming my imposter syndrome. Just get it on the paper. You can rewrite, edit, tear it apart, or whatever you need you to do later.What are you reading now?
I’m listening to Love at First Spite by Anna. E Collins.What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m currently taking courses to help refine my writing skill. I’m always looking to learn so I see myself doing that forever.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 one!A Secret History by Donna Tartt, Survive the Night by Riley Sager, and The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren.
Author Websites and Profiles
Fr. John Bullock, LC
Interview With Author Fr. John Bullock, LC
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Catholic priest in the Congregation of the Legionaries of Christ. I was ordained in 2002 and have worked in youth work, campus ministry, and adult ministry with our lay Movement, Regnum Christi. Since ordained, I have lived 10 years in California, 9 in Cincinnati, Ohio, and now one in Houston – my hometown.
I have only written 2 small books.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘A Cyclist’s Spirituality: Spiritual Lessons Learned from Riding a Bike.’
When younger I aspired to be a professional cyclist, and while that didn’t get very far, the passion for riding, road riding, remained. For the last several years I’ve begun riding again.
This book is a union of my two loves: Jesus Christ and cycling. I actually believe there are many parallels between cycling and the spiritual life. This book is a short reflection on that connection.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
As a priest I often have to preach – much more than write. However, I do write out my homilies – although I don’t read them while preaching. I’ve been told I write as I speak. I guess I see the two as very connected. Writing is preaching that remains.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a big fan of Pope Benedict XVI, C. S. Lewis, G. K. Chesterton, Peter Kreeft – principally their work in apologetics. I love contemplating the reasonableness of the Catholic faith.
I also enjoy reading conversion stories – seeing the experience of faith from the author’s perspective such as Jennifer Fulwiler’s
‘Something Other than God’ and Holly Ordway’s ‘Not God’s Type.’
However, I have begun reading, or listening to, many classical authors in the last few years. I’m most impressed with Dostoyevsky’s ‘Crime and Punishment.’ However, I’ve also appreciated works like – Dumas’ ‘The Count of Monte Cristo,’ Melville’s irony in ‘Moby Dick,’ and Hemmingway’s ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls.’
I love the poetry of St. Cardinal John Henry Newman.
I enjoy James Patterson novels, like the Michael Bennett series, for a fun romp.What are you working on now?
I’m actually giving a series of talks on St. Paul, which I hope to convert into a small book. The talks are covering his conversion, discipleship, ministry, and personal transformation.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not particularly good at it, and to some degree pretty new at the process.
One of my books, ‘A Heart Like Jesus’ is on the ‘RC Spirituality’ website. My most recent book, ‘A Cyclist’s Spirituality’ is simply self-published on Amazon.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Let your message resonate with the human soul. The timeless values of truth, goodness, justice, and love will speak to all people – regardless of their experience or religious persuasion.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Find your voice. Write.What are you reading now?
I’m reading ‘Kristin Lavransdatter’ by Sigrid Undset.
I’m listening to St. Augustine’s ‘City of God,’ and ‘The Fall of Crazy House’ by Patterson and Charbonnet.What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to finish the St. Paul book by the Fall of 2023.Someday I would like to try my hand at fiction.
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. The Summa Theologica by Aquinas. The Collected Works of G. K. Chesterton. The Collected works of Dostoyevsky.Author Websites and Profiles
Fr. John Bullock, LC Amazon Profile
Jennifer J. Coldwater
Interview With Author Jennifer J. Coldwater
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing stories since elementary school—this is the first time I’ve taken on something as ambitious as this.I teach journalism and creative nonfiction, so this journey has been a joy I hope you can feel in my first novel. Loosely based on the Bible book of Ruth (but with f-bombs, drunken confessions of adoration, and a spicy sex scene), “Holland, My Heart” is the first in a collection of biblical women’s stories retold as contemporary romances.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
When the world shut down in March 2020, I was living in Tulsa, Oklahoma with a plethora of rescue dogs. (In case you’re wondering, a plethora is two dogs more than a pack. This is not science, but it is nonetheless a fact.) In the absence of anyone but my roommate and our canines, I started writing a novel based on one of my favorite stories: the book of Ruth.For as long as I can remember, the story of Ruth and Naomi has resonated with me.
Something about Ruth’s devotion to her mother-in-law grabbed my heart and would not let go. As I spent twenty months with this text, I realized my own mother is the reason I am so connected to this story. As a military brat raised by a military brat, I can say with certainty wherever my mom goes, I will go. And yet, she also taught me that anywhere I am, she is with me. When you regularly have to pick up everything to move thousands of miles away, you learn to keep the important people in your heart.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a pantser in many ways. But I do like to do a lot of research before I start (and as I go along, really). My research starts with the Bible. I use Sefaria.org: A Living Library of Jewish Texts Online. After writing “Holland, My Heart”, I added listening to the chapters read in Hebrew at Mechon-Mamre.org. (I wish I’d thought to look for it when I was writing my first novel.)
Anyway, after I am very comfortable with the Bible story and the storytelling, I research the other aspects of the contemporary romance novel. I find that my journalism training is useful in this part of the writing process. For example, for “Holland, My Heart”, I read several Forbes and Fortune magazine articles about the paths and successes of young, female CEOs so my descriptions of Holland would be relatable. For my second book, I’m currently researching how world-famous bands like Coldplay and Radiohead—as well as solo artists like Camila Cabello and Alessia Cara—craft songs, plan and execute extensive tours, and live with fame.What authors, or books have influenced you?
A.J. Hackwith’s “The Library of the Unwritten” inspired me to complete my first novel–her version of Hell quickly became my worst nightmare. I owe her for lighting fire and brimstone under my writerly buns!
My other favorites include Lev Grossman’s The Magicians trilogy, all of Penny Reid’s series, and anything my friends recommend.What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing “Hannah’s Song” based on 1 Samuel 2 with an eye toward Deborah (both a prophet and a judge), Eve (yes, *that* Eve!), and the five daughters of Zelophehad (who raised the case of a woman’s right to inherit property).What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still figuring this part out, but so far I’ve had good luck with author interviews like this one.Do you have any advice for new authors?
My first recommendation is that you read A.J. Hackwith’s “The Library of the Unwritten”. I don’t know A.J. I’m not getting a cut of her sales. I just know this book inspired me to complete my first novel–her version of Hell quickly became my worst nightmare. I owe her big time for lighting fire and brimstone under my writerly buns!What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Live by the Platinum Rule. Do unto others as they would want done to them. I think the Golden Rule only gets us so far. We have to meet the people we love where they are. It’s about learning each other’s love languages, Enneagram type, Zodiac sign, whatever–and then behaving accordingly.What are you reading now?
I am reading Avery Flynn’s Last Man Standing series and they are cracking me up! Very funny and super spicy. 10/10 would recommendWhat’s next for you as a writer?
I’m revising my first draft of “Hannah’s Song: An emotional, problems-in-paradise, witty, sexy romance with a love triangle twist” which is based on 1 Samuel 1-2. Once I turn her over to beta readers and editors, I’ll probably start work on the sequel to “Holland, My Heart”. I find I miss those characters and would like to get back into their heads for a while. My friends and family really want to know what happens for Holland’s sister-in-law Ximena; so I will start 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?
I’d have to take The Magicians trilogy by Lev Grossman: “The Magicians”, “The Magician King”, and “The Magician’s Land”. Maybe the fourth should be “Ten Trends to Seduce Your Best Friend” by Penny Reid — I read it recently and it was an instant favorite.Author Websites and Profiles
Jennifer J. Coldwater Amazon Profile
Jennifer J. Coldwater’s Social Media Links
Sandra Del Cid
Interview With Author Sandra Del Cid
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, thank you for the interview. I am an actress, film producer and writer. I written several short books and they are on amazon. I am currently completing one book that is 800 pages, the longest one ever.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Use the Law of Attraction to create the Life of your dreams. This is my last book and I was inspired because I am a witness that the law of attraction really works. I learned about it back in 1995 and have practiced it. I manifested my TV show Hollywood to Houston with Sandra Del Cid. My feature film ” Raquel’s Legacy” and my world travel all over Europe. I am not rich and I was able to achieve this with the law of attraction which I speak of in this book.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I only write when I feel inspired. I write my own scripts for my films as well.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wayne Dyer has inspired me so much. I read his books back in the 90’s. I also love ” The Secret” and of course my favorite “The Bible”. ” And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. ( Matthew 17:20) in addition, Jesus also said: ” Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit there.” (Proverbs 18: 21)What are you working on now?
I am currently completing a film that was filmed in the mountains of Utah. Great views. I am also completing a drama book that is 800 pages. Raquel’s Legacy my feature film is being submitted to film festivals.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I only put my books on amazon but not my films.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is therapy. Write when you are happy, when you are sad, when you are angry, let your imagination run wild!What is the best advice you have ever heard?
” Everything happens for a reason”What are you reading now?
I am reading the Bible right now. Everyday for about 15 min a dayWhat’s next for you as a writer?
I am completing a drama book that is about 800 pages and needs lots of proofreading.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 was stranded on an island and I could only bring four books , wow
I bring
a book about 1. How to Survive in the wild
2. herbs and natural cures book
3. The Bible
4. The Book of MormonAuthor Websites and Profiles
Sandra Del Cid’s Social Media Links
Sofia Essen
Interview With Author Sofia Essen
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Scandinavia but I spent 30 years of my life bouncing around Asia. Now I live in Athens, Greece. I’ve written 3 books set in some of my favourite locations – Singapore, Paris, and the Greek islands.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
From Paris With Love is my latest book. It was inspired by the idea of wanting to break out of regular routines, experiencing new things, and stepping out of my comfort zone.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to start writing at about 2 AM. I’m a bit of an insomniac. So instead of tossing and turning, I write.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tamera by Noel Barber is my all-time favourite book. But in terms of authors who have influenced my writing, I would say Sophie Kinsella, Marian Keyes, Jane Green, and Maeve Binchy.What are you working on now?
I’m working on trying to turn my 2 AM Insomia-induced scribblings into a novel that I can hopefully publish one day.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I just self-published 3 books simultaneously on Amazon. To be honest, I might have put the cart before the horse considering I have no idea how or where to promote my novels. What can I say? I’m a work-in-progress, much like my next book.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, don’t do what I did… Do your research about publishing and promoting your books before hitting the publish button.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Your life is your story. Don’t let anyone else write it for you.What are you reading now?
I’m rereading Tanamera by Noel Barber for the umpteenth time.What’s next for you as a writer?
Currently, I am working on my fourth novel while trying to figure out how to get the word out about my first three.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?
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough
Wings by Danielle Steel
Tanamera by Noel BarberAuthor Websites and Profiles
Sofia Essen’s Social Media Links
Lorna Bycroft
Interview With Author Lorna Bycroft
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi there,
I’m new to writing and excited to have my book, Meeting Along the Garden Path, 1st in a 6 book romance series, published. Book 2, Dreams Come True with Flowers, will be published on January 10, 2023 and is on pre-order now.
My passion is gardening and growing flowers, herbs and vegetables as well as reusing and recycling to help lessen the impact of climate change. I also have an interest in social issues such as how people are integrated into different cultures when they emigrate, social housing so people have warm, dry, healthy homes and intergenerational trauma and how it can be addressed.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book is called Meeting Along the Garden Path – Hannah and Matthew, a Second Chance Romance. It is book 1 in a romance series set in the Eugene Veran Community Garden where people come together to find peace and grow food and flowers. The series was inspired by my passion for gardening and interest in how women and children integrate into new communities and new relationships when they flee an abusive partner.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I know about.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was taught to read at 4 years old and have always had my nose in a book since then. Barbara Cartland was my first introduction to the romance genre in my late teens I think. Jilly Cooper’s romance stories were a popular go-to for me later on. More recently I’ve been reading a number of Australian authors such as Liz Byrski and Fiona McIntosh.What are you working on now?
I’m working on Book 3 at the moment. It’s a romance between Bella and Buford. Bella is an author who suffers from anxiety and is working hard with a therapist to overcome it, supported by her family. Buford is a shy, giant of a man who grew up in an orphanage. They meet at the Community Garden and ………well, I’ll let the readers find out how their story unfolds when the book is published in April 2023.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome Gang is top of my list as well as some of the other promotion sites.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep on keeping on. The journey is like a roller coaster, sometimes you want to get off but have to stay on the ride. I’ve found joining an author community to be valuable for support when times get tough.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s ok to stop, take a breath and refill my tank. Take a break a re-charge the batteries to be able to keep going.What are you reading now?
Liz Byrski’s latest book ‘At the End of the Day. It’s about an older couple who meet when they are stranded together on a disrupted flight from Doha to Perth. They are surprised to learn they have much in common.What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing writing the Romance in the Community Garden Series is top of my list. I’ve still to decide on where the next series will be based, it will also be a clean and wholesome romance series.If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, Wordsworth’s poems, Meeting Along the Garden Path and Dreams Come True with Flowers.
Lorna Bycroft’s Social Media Links
Lillian Archer
Interview With Author Lillian Archer
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, my name is Lillian Archer, and I am an 18-year-old author. I like to write fiction/fantasy books. I started writing in my junior year of high school during the pandemic and I kept writing ever since. I am currently working, and I am enrolled in college with a major in biochemistry. I am hoping to become a Forensic Scientist when I am done with my schooling. However, I hope I can make something out of this one of these days. I hope I can make my family proud of me for doing something important.
So far I have written 2 books. The first book is a short story called Julie and the Case of the Missing Mother. The second book is called The Portal in the woods.
Thank you for reading this and I hope you have a good day!What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is The Portal in the Woods. It got published on December 1st, 2022 on Amazon. I guess the thing that inspired it is a thought that popped into my head after writing my first book and I really liked it. After writing more of that idea, I liked it even more, so I wrote the book.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I believe I do have some unusual writing habits. However, it’s more of trying to figure out what writing process I like the best. I started writing my recent book with paper and pencil. I felt like I wrote more down on paper than on my laptop. I discovered a couple of chapters in, my wrist would get cramped up often. Then I wrote the book on my mother’s old typewriter. I did that for a while. I loved the little click-clacks that it made. There was one major downside, I had to copy it all down on my laptop afterward. So after that, I just moved to my laptop, so I could finish my book and get onto editing. Sometimes I do get bored with one writing method, so I might just switch between these methods when writing a book.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I don’t think any authors or books really influenced me. I just have a great imagination and I’d often find myself daydreaming, captured by the story my brain has made. Eventually, I just decided to make a book because I was bored during the pandemic, having nothing to do. I am happy that I have decided to do that and I am hoping to write more in the future.What are you working on now?
I am currently extremely busy at college, but I am hoping to write more in my free time and breaks. I do have some ideas on what to write. I just need to have some time to storyboard them and start writing. I am trying to not burn out and I don’t want to write in that condition because I believe that the quality of the book will suffer. Plus, I need to focus on my grades and everything else that is going on in my life.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media is a huge thing that helps to promote books. I post often to try to reach as many people as possible. I am also trying to promote my book on Amazon, I am not sure how well it is going to work, but I will just have to wait and see. I also submit my books to websites like this one, hoping that someone will come across them and will find them interesting.Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to new authors is to keep doing what you are doing. Be patient and try not to push yourself too hard. Writing takes time and if you rush through it, you going to be very frustrated and will go through many writing blocks. It is best to take your time and make sure that this is the best book you can make.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard was to keep doing what you are doing as long as it makes you happy.What are you reading now?
I wish I had more time to read books. The most recent one I tried to read was Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer. I don’t really have too much time to read with everything else I have to do in my life. I mainly read college textbooks for my classes.What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not really sure what comes next for me as a writer, but I hope to keep writing in the future. I am going to go with the flow. I think I am going to keep on writing in hopes that people will like it. Even if one person likes it, I am happy.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 was stranded on a desert island, I would take a Diary of a Wimpy Kid Book or Two (These books are my childhoodAuthor Websites and Profiles
Lillian Archer’s Social Media Links
Natalie Jobity
Interview With Author Natalie Jobity
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Natalie Jobity’s experiences as a market researcher, entrepreneur, image consultant, and business consultant have all positioned her to become the Brilliance Unveiler. In her women’s leadership company, The Unveiled Way, she empowers high-achieving purpose-driven women at career crossroads to unveil their distinctive brilliance, see the possibilities in their purpose, and have ripple-making impact in their leadership arena.Natalie left her successful 15-year career as a market researcher and founded Elan Image Management, her image consulting firm, building a nationally recognized business and brand in a few years. Natalie worked individually with hundreds of women, helping them understand how to dress intentionally and authentically using her “Presence with A Purpose” framework. She also facilitated workshops and led seminars on professional presence and personal branding for women-focused organizations, companies, and ministries.
In 2011, Natalie wrote and self-published an image empowerment book, Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style, that quickly became a #1 Amazon best-seller in the self-esteem and beauty categories.
In her 15 years empowering women as an image consultant and now as a leadership coach and personal brand strategist, Natalie brings an authentic, customized, intuitive approach to help purpose-driven women unveil their brilliance, so it becomes potent, powerful, and purposeful with ripple-making effects for years to come.
Natalie’s second book titled, It’s Your Time to Shine, Girl: Own Your Brilliance, Step into Your Influence, and Lead Like a Trailblazer, is a leadership and empowerment book that will not only inspire women worldwide to step into their purpose, but also give them the tips, tools, and techniques needed to succeed and thrive as women of influence.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s Your Time to Shine, Girl: Own Your Brilliance, Step into Your Influence, and Lead Like a Trailblazer. Inspired by my own journey to own MY brilliance and my work with women as an image consultant and leadership coach.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love writing! I blog and many of my blogs transform to books over time.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Brene Brown–love her books and how she shares her expertise with her stories too.What are you working on now?
Just published this second book so chilling for a while :0What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Book Promos worked really well for Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting ItDo you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in your brilliance. And write from your heart/voice.What are you reading now?
Believe Bigger by Marshawn Evans DanielWhat’s next for you as a writer?
Not sure yet? Thinkin of doing videos of each chapterAuthor Websites and Profiles
Natalie Jobity’s Social Media Links
Dee Rose
Interview With Author Dee Rose
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Dee Rose and reside in Denver, Colorado, by way of Gary, Indiana. I’ve been a professional writer for ten years, but I started writing in high school. I’ve written romance novels, science fiction novels, and thrillers. However, my true love is fantasy/supernatural. Characters with powers and special abilities have always fascinated me.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Forbidden Love is the title of my latest book and my sister, who was gay and died of cancer, was my inspiration for writing the book. I hate a deep and liberal connection with LGBTQ issues and denounce any bigotry of towards towards it and the POC communities.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write as much as I can and worry about editing much later in the process. The story is the most important thing to meWhat authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King is the main author that has influenced me.What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on a spinoff for one of the main characters in my series, The Hangman called Jericho Caine, Vampire Slayer: Love, Lust, and Blood.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use mostly social media like facebook, intagram, and twitter.Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice new authors is to just write until your hands start to hurt. Get the story out of your head first and worry about everything else later.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard was, “Don’t sweat the small stuff”.What are you reading now?
I am not currently reading anything as I am working other projects.What’s next for you as a writer?
The next thing for me as a writer is to get involved in another series. I like long stories with a great ending.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 my books The Hangman, The Hangman Returns, The Hangman Vengeance, Cujo, and Bill Clinton’s autobiography.Author Websites and Profiles
Dee Rose’s Social Media Links
Emilia Ramos Samper
Interview With Author Emilia Ramos Samper
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello, my name is Emilia Ramos and I am one of the youngest people to ever publish a book. I published my debut novel, “Crown of Scales and Wonder” on Amazon when I was ten, and my second book, “Heir of Time” is coming out next year. I love sharing my work with the world and supporting young authors!What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Crown of Scales and Wonder” is my debut novel, inspired by various trips to exotic locations, as well as the stories of real-life people. The idea that people can be so blinded by their own corrupted world that they can’t see through the lies around them… It really made a difference in my characters’ journeys.Here is a quick description:
In a kingdom torn apart by dark magic and a million year war, Princess Naomi Elistaire searches for answers amidst the facade of her palace imprisonment. With an irreversible gift ready to destroy her and a martyred father buried in a web of lies, who’s to say which way fate will turn?
Deep underground, Agent Ez Shores trains everyday at the dragon base, waiting for the revolution, the day to kill the Queen. But as dangerous bloodlines reveal themselves and a seemingly suicidal mission is handed to him, Ez finds himself locked in the palace dungeons, facing the daughter of his worst enemy.
Lies.
Love.
Revolution.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I often wake up in the middle of the night with a burning story idea and can’t go to bed until it is on paper. I love the rush of writing, the pure joy of creating a world no one else knows exists yet.What authors, or books have influenced you?
As far as books that have influenced me, I’d say that “Six of Crows” and “Eragon” were big sources of inspiration for me because of their brilliant worlds and characters.What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on the editing of the second novel (Heir of Time) in my trilogy.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When it comes to promoting my book, I’d say that in-person marketing has been the best for me. I love organizing book readings at schools and attending artisan fairs. Really, interacting with readers makes the promotion process so much more rewarding than staring at a screen.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Even though I’m a bit of a new author myself, I’d say that you’re never too young to pursue your dreams, despite what anyone says. Also, whenever you are worried about the promotion of your book, remember who you want to connect with and why you love writing.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard probably came from Abbie Emmons. Her philosophy that internal conflict and character goals drive a story was a big revelation for me when writing. It helped me approach my plot and story in a new and unconventional manner that I wouldn’t have before.What are you reading now?
Now, I am reading “Girls at the Edge of the World” by Laura Brooke Robson.What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer, the next thing for me is publishing my second book: “Heir of Time”.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. “Six of Crows” – Leigh Bardugo
2. “Heartless” – Marissa Meyer
3. “Scythe” – Neil ShustermanAuthor Websites and Profiles
Emilia Ramos Samper Amazon Profile
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