Here Is Your Awesomegang Authors Newsletter
Published: Tue, 03/28/23
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Joseph Di Lella
Interview With Author Joseph Di Lella
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have spent the majority of my life as an educator at the college level, and currently teach private students online.
Since Covid-19 hit, I spent a majority of my free time writing books – and currently have published SIX books on Kindle – with another two in the hopper that are almost completed!What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The last published non-fiction book is titled, Graduate School Blues, inspired by my time higher education pursuing my masters and doctoral degrees. It is hope that this book can help others navigate the social, emotional and intellectual storms all graduate students endure during their time after their undergraduate days.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing special – just trying to write something of importance each day, perhaps 1-3 pages?What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ray Bradbury, Harlan Ellison, Mark Twain, and Julia Cameron.What are you working on now?
A non-fiction basketball book titled, Roundball Memories, USA: Letters to a Fan.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Research and promote your book on websites, fan pages and Facebook!Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing and never, ever give up!!!What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“There’s always a way!”What are you reading now?
Self-help writing booksWhat’s next for you as a writer?
To complete the two books I currently have in-progress.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?
Something Wicked This Way Comes, Illustrated Man, and The Martian Chronicles – all by Ray Bradbury
Terri Dixon
Interview With Author Terri Dixon
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve self published seven full length novels; three of which are a trilogy. I’ve been writing my whole life and studied English and journalism in college. Most of my novels are action adventure. Most of them take place in several countries and normally end up spending a little time in Russia, because I’m a Russophile and have visited and studied their history for years. I like to write female leads, because I’m a girl and it makes sense to me. I also like to give my ladies a bit of snarky attitude to go along with their capable personalities. I’ve recently written a bit of humor and character driven stories, and I’m enjoying that. With age comes some knowledge that makes for great humor and stories that women in particular; although my husband likes the character driven stories a lot; can identify with.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Alice” is my latest novel. It’s available on Amazon and Kindle as are my others. Strangely, my husband inspired this book. He told me that my humor was amazing and I should write something funny. So, Alice came to be in her midlife crisis, time for a life change, awakening. She feels she’s the most boring woman in the world, and she discovers that maybe she’s wrong about that. I always look to the future and that had a lot to do with Alice.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes! I almost never plan a story to the end. I let it meander around and allow the characters to develop naturally. I almost always change my mind in the middle. I don’t use outlines often, and I just write from the heart. Whatever looks ridiculous gets worked out in editing.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by so many authors it’s difficult to narrow it down. Kurt Vonnegut immediately comes to mind. Louisa May Alcott made me want to be a writer in the first place. In my current phase of life, Janet Evanovich, Jennifer Weiner, Marie Benedict, Sharyn McCrumb, Susan Elizabeth Phillips are probably the culprits of my cynical humor and need to keep it light.What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on “Bourbon”. Yes, that’s a woman’s name. She’s a woman who’s spent a lot of time distancing herself from her family and being a loner, only to meet a man at the same time that her family lands right back in her lap. Once again, lots of humor and strong female characters.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It depends. I like Reedsy Discovery, because they cover most genres and do a good job. I love Book Adrenaline for mysteries and thrillers. Just running a free giveaway on Amazon normally puts my Kindle in a top 10 list for long enough to generate significant buzz.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. You will be rejected, ignored, criticized, overlooked and tested to the nines. Listen to your inner muse and your friends. Friends won’t tell you it’s good if it’s not. It’s hard out there, but it’s worth it.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up. The same advice I give others.What are you reading now?
Jennifer Weiner “In Her Shoes.” I love how she handles difficult subjects with humor.What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to some day go beyond self publishing. I still beat on doors, so to speak, for an agent or traditional publisher. A lot of people say my stories are so visual that they should be movies or TV series. I wouldn’t poo poo that.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?
“Breakfast of Champions” and “Slaughterhouse Five” of Kurt Vonnegut. “Two for the Dough” by Janet Evanovich and “The Hunt for Red October” by Tom Clancy.Author Websites and Profiles
Terri Dixon Author Profile on Smashwords
Terri Dixon’s Social Media Links
Dylan McFadyen
Interview With Author Dylan McFadyen
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Like most authors I’ve been writing since I was a kid, but I only started to seriously pursue writing as a career in the last few years. I studied history in school, focusing on international relations and conflict, and that academic experience remains very valuable in my fiction writing today. I’ve written five novels so far.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest (and first) release is Oblivion’s Cloak. In 2017, I was feeling very pessimistic about the future of humanity. I came up with the concept of a future in which we had destroyed ourselves, but the galaxy kept on turning without us. I tried to imagine what that might look like, and how the handful of humans that survived might navigate that bleak and hostile world. Oblivion’s Cloak was the result.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so; sometimes I enjoy going out to a bar to write and have a drink, but I don’t know if that qualifies. Nor do I get to do that so often anymore.What authors, or books have influenced you?
What’s the word limit on this question? I’ll try to narrow it down to a manageable list, although I could write a lengthy essay series on the topic.My favorite book (and film series) is The Lord of the Rings; I typically don’t write fantasy, but Tolkien is a huge inspiration regardless. One of my other favorite books is Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield; his book The War of Art also helped me transition from writing casually to writing professionally.
After that… I could go on way too long. I’ll just call it there.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a page 1 re-write of the first novel I ever completed. The final product was pretty amateurish, but the idea behind it is one I’ve been developing since I was a teenager and I think it deserves a second chance now that I’ve improved my craft through experience.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Having just started promoting my first book it’s hard to say; I’ll get back to you when I have more data!Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take writing seriously. Figure out what your writing style is, then build a schedule that suits it. Then STICK TO IT.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
See above.What are you reading now?
I’m reading The Silmarillion for the second time.What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing!If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Lord of the Rings, Gates of Fire, and Good Omens – after that it would get too hard to choose.Author Websites and Profiles
Roobert Scheck
Interview With Author Roobert Scheck
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a 24 year old author living in Utah with a love and passion for fantasy. I’ve been writing since I was seven but published my debut novel in 2020. I’ve written and published 1 book out of 5 total books planned in the next 5 years.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Shadowed Time” is the latest book I have published and was heavily inspired by adventures and intrigue of Tolkien and Martin in their respective fantasy accomplishments.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t outline so a lot of my work is spur of the moment thoughts. One of my most used apps is the Notes app on my phone. I’ll be in the middle of trying to go to sleep and bolt up and write down. I firmly believe, if you think it up, write it down. Doesn’t matter if you think it’s important. Let your future self decide that. All present self has to do is write it down. A lot of my work comes from moments expanded that I thought up at 2 in the morning or in the middle of work.What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many but among the top, J. R. R. Tolkien, Brandon Mull, Ridley Pearson, Martin, and Rick Riordan.What are you working on now?
I am working on book two of my trilogy “A Tale of Blood and Tears” with a hopeful publication date of latte 2023 or early 2024. It’s a 160,000 word count manuscript so it’s taking me a long time to work on. I’m also working on a murder mystery and poetry book.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I primarily use instagram at the moment since I do not have website set up.Instagram: @authorrobertscheck
Do you have any advice for new authors?
To all new authors out there, don’t ever let someone tell you what you think is cool is not. One of the reasons writing is s fun, is because we’re able to dive into a world someone else can’t think up. That creative genius inside you is a value to the literary community. If you’re feeling like writing or wanting to, take this as a sign and do it!What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is: “when you write, realize that you’re including yourself in your characters whether you realize it or not. When you realize that, you can shape your characters and build their experience with your’s.”What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Star Wars novels as well as The Witcher series.What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next is finishing my trilogy as well as a murder mystery I’m working on on Kindle Vella.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 Return of the Rings
2) The Beyonder’s trilogy
3) The BibleAuthor Websites and Profiles
Roobert Scheck’s Social Media Links
Erik Patterson
Interview With Author Erik Patterson
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Pop Prompts: 200 Writing Prompts Inspired By Popular Music is my first book. I’m primarily a screenwriter, a playwright, and a teacher. I’ve written dozens of produced movies and TV shows, and I’ve been nominated for two Emmy Awards, the Humanitas Award (winner, Radio Rebel), the GLAAD Award, and the WGA Award (winner, Another Cinderella Story). I also teach and host writing sprints on Zoom to hold writers accountable and finish their projects.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called Pop Prompts: 200 Writing Prompts Inspired By Popular Music. During the pandemic, I started hosting these writing sprints on zoom. I don’t like a lot of the writing prompts that are out there — writing prompts are usually too specific and they don’t leave enough room for the writer’s creativity. So I would write my own prompts for these writing sprints…and at a certain point I realized I had accumulated THOUSANDS of original writing prompts. So I decided to assemble some of the best ones and make a book out of them.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if this is very unusual, but I like to migrate when I’m writing. I’ll write at one coffee shop and then after awhile I’ll need a new environment…so I’ll move to another coffee shop…and then a few hours later, yep, I’ll move to a third coffee shop. I think the movement helps awaken certain dormant parts of your brain!What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m obsessed with Ann Patchett. I love Rebecca Makkai. I think Hanya Yanagihara is incredible. My first favorite author was John Irving. And of course Tony Kushner.What are you working on now?
I’m working on a romcom that’s very personal and close to my heart. And putting together another book of writing prompts!What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to this, so I’m still figuring that out.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Let your writing be bad. Don’t be afraid of the blank page. Fill it up with messy writing that you can go back and finesse later. You can’t rewrite a blank page but you can always make bad writing better.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In her book “On Directing,” Anne Bogart talks about how she sometimes has no idea what she should say to actors, so she’ll just WALK towards them and start talking. That action, that movement, will wake up a different part of her brain and suddenly she’ll have something to say to them. I think there’s something interesting there, and it’s relevant to many parts of our lives. Don’t stand still. Always move forward.What are you reading now?
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett.What’s next for you as a writer?
Pop Prompts II! It’s coming soon, keep an eye out for it.If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, It by Stephen King, and Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. The first two because (1) I love them, but also (2) they’re long so I’ll have more to read on my desert island. And then Bel Canto because it’s beautiful and I’ll want to have some beauty with me.Author Websites and Profiles
Erik Patterson’s Social Media Links
Maria Votto
Interview With Author Maria Votto
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The Night the Reindeer Came to Play is my first book – one I wrote for my daughter when she was a toddler. I finally got thecourage to try to bring it to life while being home during 2020 and cleaning out and organizingthings (like I’m sure many people were doing). I came across the scribbled verses and thought“why not!” “By day” I am an HR Director with a company that I love and have been with forover 20 years and my love in life, besides my family, is being a musician.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My daughter Alyssa inspired The Night the Reindeer Came to Play! It actually started as a little song I wrote for her and we would sing it all during the holiday season – it was teaching her to count and rhyme and it was silly and she loved that!Do you have any unusual writing habits?
As far as writing children’s books, I love rhyming. I try to think of a theme or perhaps something kids would love and come up with rhymes around that!What authors, or books have influenced you?
As far as children’s books – Dr. Seuss and A.A. MilneWhat are you working on now?
I am working on, and just about finished with, my second book about the arrival of a sibling for a little girl! Another rhyming and fun story for kids who are about to become a big brother or sister!What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Anyone can visit our website at www.karmakidzbooks.com and we usually are easily accessible on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and WalmartDo you have any advice for new authors?
I feel like in the past few years there have been so many new authors making their debuts! There’s a lot of research and hard work and determination but there is NOTHING like seeing your name out there as a published author and getting your books in the hands of others! To know that my little story has been read worldwide, has been read by educators on YouTube with thousands of views, and even read by the former Duchess of York on her own channel is so amazing. Do not give up! Believe in yourself!What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think one of the best pieces of advice I have ever heard is to not dwell on the past – keep looking forward and don’t beat yourself up so much for something that happened yesterday or 10 years ago! Every day, find something that you’re grateful for and make the most of every day that you have!What are you reading now?
I’m actually reading The Storyteller by David Grohl. I love him!What’s next for you as a writer?
To get this next book out there and start working on the next (I
have some ideas scribbled on paper!)If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Oh boy… this is a tough one… There’s so many good ones! I
adored The Thornbirds, probably To Kill a Mockingbird and maybe a thriller by Gillian Flynn?Author Websites and Profiles
Brenda Shoshanna
Interview With Author Brenda Shoshanna
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a psychologist, author, speaker, Interfaith Counselor and long term Zen practitioner. My work focuses upon integrating the practices and principles of East and West and learning how to apply them in our everyday lives. I have written over nine non fiction books, published short stories, and award winning plays. I am also the author of a best selling mystery series published under a Pen Name, Jaden Skye. I live in Manhattan, where I continue to learn, grow and write.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Unshakeable Road to Love (Value Centered Relationships)This book is a culmination of years of study, practice and experience. It is based upon eternal values from all the world scriptures, including Zen. It’s a marriage of western psychology and spiritual teachings, which enable us to deal with the confusion, pain and loneliness going on these days. There are many practical exercises and interventions included so we can see how to make these teachings real in all our relationships. The book was inspired by the difficult times we are living through now, and the urgent need many have for direction and relief.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I write everyday and have all my life. It is natural to me, and also needed.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been greatly influenced by Zen and philosophical teachings, including Huang Po, Katirigi Roshi, The Stoics, Marcus Aurelius, etc. I also love the work of Wallace Stevens, (poet), Beckett, (theater), Pema Chodron and Katie Byron.What are you working on now?
My next book will be called Zen Wisdom for Your Everyday Life. It is based upon an award winning podcast I have been offering weekly for four years. I am taking the episodes and transcribing them into what will be several books.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The website for the book is www.totalrelationshipsnow.comMy best method of promotion has usually been radio or TV. Word of mouth is always wonderful. And I’ve always offered workshops based upon the books to get the word out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is all about re-writing and loving what you are doing. It’s best not to focus on the outcome, or whether others will want the book or not. Just focus on what it meaningful to you about the work, create a strong relationship with the book and the right readers will appear.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writers have no choice about it. They simply have to write. Don’t fight it. Just let the writing roll.What are you reading now?
The Blue Cliff Records (Zen Koans)(I also offer a workshop called Making Your Life Into A Zen Koan), based upon another book of mine.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Also working on new fiction now, and plays.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 Blue Cliff Records
Albert Camus The Stranger
Man’s Search for Meaning, (Viktor Frankel)Author Websites and Profiles
Kurt Jay Bertels
Interview With Author Kurt Jay Bertels
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I only started writing books after my first child was born, because I wanted to try teach him certain values and lessons, and I found a more effective way of imparting that knowledge was to use characters in a story. Having a background in nature conservation and having worked as a ranger for 8 years in South Arica’s Greater Kruger National Park, I naturally used animals in my stories. I now have 2 boys and have written 3 published books so far, with several more on the way.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is called ‘The story of Trunks Maloo’. The story was completely inspired by nature and tells the tale of a young elephant trying to figure out how to grow up. He is big and he strong, but that doesn’t mean he can do what he wants. This is a direct parallel to young male elephants in real life, who are extremely boisterous and can quite often run amok, doing some real damage. It is only when they get taught how to behave (in real life by older male elephants, and in my story by a helpful dung beetle) that they settle down and become productive members of their community.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nearly all of my ideas are drawn from nature. Each of my stories involves several species that all actually live together and have to negotiate life together. Their relationships are very real, and I have adapted them to tell a story, and to teach children some valuable lessons. A good example of this is in the book ‘Trunks helps Hippo’ where a grumpy hippo doesn’t want to share his water when a young baboon comes down to drink. This actually happens in real life and the hippos really do open their mouths wide and snort a warning to the animals at the water’s edge. I then take a little poetic licence and give voice to their situations.What authors, or books have influenced you?
You can’t think about children’s books without thinking about Julia Donaldson. Her stories are fanatic – she has an incredible imagination and way with words. I really enjoy the way she uses different rhyming schemes in her different books, and that the characters in her books are so unique in themselves and different from each of her other books.What are you working on now?
I have the base idea for the 5th Trunks Maloo story, so I need to get that written down before I forget! I also have 2 new books coming out soon for younger readers and their parents called ‘Who am I?’. This is a series of 4 books which teach children about the different types of animals found in our wild world. The stories have a small riddle where the animals describe themselves and then the children have to try to guess which animal is on the next page (helped by a cutout showing the mystery animals eyes). The books are loads of fun and the children love shouting out which animal they think it is!What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have focused mainly on promoting my books within the community I live in, largely through readings at schools and bookshops. As we are growing and selling more and more books, we now have several sites helping us promote the books, the main one being Mindstir Media.Do you have any advice for new authors?
I was always told to write about what you know, and I really think that still holds true. Find an area you are interested in, and adapt it create something new, something different.
As is always the case with any project or challenge; if you don’t start, you can’t finish.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never stop learning. The more you know, the better equipped you are to deal with any challenge that you come across, be it writing a new story, or a personal challenge in your life.What are you reading now?
For the last few months, I have been reading a lot of autobiographies of some fascinating people. Currently open is Johnny Clegg’s book. He was a singer songwriter who managed to cross cultural barriers with his music during Apartheid in South Africa. He was a real man of the people, and often risked his life and his career to say what needed to be said. A very inspiring man indeed.What’s next for you as a writer?
As my boys grow up, I want to try keep up with them, and change my stories and my story telling to match their levels. It is not going to be easy, as I have to figure out how to write in that style quite quickly so the books are not completed after they have changed to the next level – and they change so quickly!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?
This is an easy one for me: any 3 or 4 books by Wilbur Smith. Dealer’s choice.Author Websites and Profiles
Kurt Jay Bertels’s Social Media Links
James Peifer
Interview With Author James Peifer
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired businessman from Silicon Valley; a combat Veteran of the Vietnam War – Army Captain. I live in the wine country of the Napa Valley. I have written one novel. I am finishing a sequel to the novel. I’m also working on a third novel that is close to being finished.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is “Just Call Me Jim”.I was inspired to write my book after watching a program, led by Tucker Carlson, on the history of UFO sightings. Commercial pilots and military aircraft commanders have been reporting sightings of UFOs for decades. It has been recently announced, by the United States government, that they have created a special department to investigate and report on UFOs.
Carlson’s guest commentator was Lue Elizondo, the former director of the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program.Elizondo said: “Look I’m not telling you that it doesn’t sound wacky: I’m telling you it’s real…Imagine a technology that can evade radar and can fly through air and water and possible space, and oh, by the way, has no obvious signs of propulsion, no wings, no control surfaces and yet still defy the natural effects of Earth’s gravity. That’s precisely what we are seeing.”
At a news conference in July of 2021, Harvard University astronomer, Avi Loeb, announced: “Given recent research showing the prevalence of Earth-like planets throughout the galaxy, we no longer ignore the possibility that technological civilizations predated us.”
My book is a satire. The story begins with extraterrestrials visiting an old man in the Napa Valley. They have been monitoring him for some time. They have come to recruit him to help them address some of the evils on Earth. As opposed to many stories about visiting extraterrestrials – they have come in peace to help mankind.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love researching and debating – history and politics. I like to write fictional stories around historical events.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Some of my favorite authors are Winston Churchill, William Manchester, Leo Tolstoy, Jung Chang – Jon Halliday, Mario Puzo, James Clavell, Greg Gutfeld, John Sanford, and John Grisham.
Some of my favorite books: The Bible, The Koran, The Last Lion, War and Peace, Mao-The Unknown Story, King Rat, Taipan, The Godfather, The Firm, and The Gutfeld Monologues.What are you working on now?
I am finishing the sequel to “Just Call Me Jim”. I am working on a new novel called “The Vigilante”. It’s a portrayal of a global, “shadow government”, that influences events throughout the world. It’s a saga of crime and corruption, controlled and led by an Irish American – The Vigilante.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am using websites created by MK Marketing, Monica Kelly, to promote my books.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write your book. Try not to have any special expectations.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When it comes to writing: The best advice that I have heard is – expect to write and re-write your book many times.What are you reading now?
I have been reading, and sometimes re-reading, Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour westerns.What’s next for you as a writer?
After “The Vigilante”, I plan to write a fictional story about the global corruption and misinformation surrounding the topic of Climate Change.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 Last Lion, War and Peace, The Godfather
Frank J. Plateroti
Interview With Author Frank J. Plateroti
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My career started out in television production and public relations and marketing. I worked in NYC for about ten years for at that time the biggest international PR and Advertising companies: Hill and Knowlton and J. Walter Thomson. That experience gave me not only rare opportunities, such as working in Washington D.C. and broadcasting, but it also gave me an important understanding of corporate business and finance. This came in handy when I opened my own international production company years later. There were also opportunities that I was able to parlay when working directly in international broadcasting and news, for example, developing video news releases in the pharmaceutical and medical fields.I retired my business in 1997 and decided to take advantage of an opportunity to teach at the university I earned my master’s degree in communication and broadcasting; William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey. I taught at WPU for about twenty years, and while there I earned a doctorate degree in education research, with a concentration in psychology. It is at William Paterson where I developed the communication strategies that my book, Speak No Evil: In Search of Our Self-Esteem, Self-Empowerment, and Self-Worth, is based.
My first book published in 2020 is East Clifton Avenue. This is the first book of a fiction/non-fiction trilogy based primarily on my mother’s family from the time they left Sicily and came to America at the beginning of the 1900’s. The trilogy will end with book three in the later part of the 1960’s. The book consists of the times, stories and history that might otherwise be lost, and will also serve as a legacy of my entire family’s history that I am sharing with my children and grandchildren. The second book of the trilogy is almost complete and will be ready for publication in the spring of 2023. I have also started the third book as well, which will be ready for publication sometime in 2024.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my latest book is, Speak No Evil: In Search of Our Self-Esteem, Self-Empowerment, and Self-Worth. The book is based on the intra/intercommunication course I developed, which included many communication strategies and concepts that I developed, as well as some concepts that are based on well-known communication research. I would have to say my inspiration for writing the book was primarily on the feedback I received my students. A few of the events that served as my inspiration are highlighted in the book. Although simple, the mantra of my course was, “Communication is Life and Life is Communication.” A simple term but on a day-to-day basis how many people are communicating on their cell phones. And if there is any doubt in the necessity for the need to communicate, how many of us have panic when we either misplace or forget our cell phones?Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it would be considered unusual, but I find myself constantly writing in my head. There have been times that I write an entire paragraph, or re-write a chapter, or further develop a character. There have been times when I thought I wrote down the chapter, or changed something and then I remember I never wrote it down. Before I fall asleep, I may find some inspiration and either follow it up in the morning, make a note on my phone, or just get up and start writing. I consider myself first a story teller and a writer or author second.For example, the evening I wrote this piece I went to bed and hundreds of thoughts went through my head and I made the additions and changes when I woke up. I am sure this is not unusual among authors and writers.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Since my undergraduate degree minor was in English Literature, I would have to say the classics. One reason is I don’t only focus on only the book but the author and the time the book was written and published. For example, when I took a course in Shakespeare, I became immersed in the Elizabethan era and plays like Macbeth and Hamlet. I won a class debate stating that Hamlet is really about the relationship of fathers and sons and I won because to supported my argument not only about the content, but how relationships were at that time that Hamlet was written in 1602.I also was very interested in F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda Fitzgerald who both are representatives of the “Roaring Twenties”, a transitional period in America. They both represent the post WWI prosperity, Prohibition era, and some would say the global moral decline. To fully appreciate his work it is vital to study the period it was written in.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I am working on the second and third book of my trilogy: East Clifton Avenue. I am also developing a play based on the relationship of a father and a son. There are also other communication concepts that I want to include in a follow-up book to Speak No Evil.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Developing a really good website, participating in social media, and doing local advertising and visiting book stores to see if they will market your book. Also, try to guest lecture, even if its gratis.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you are familiar with. Don’t be intimidated by thinking you have to be another Ernest Hemingway. Everyone has a story. As every person and family is unique, so is every story. Also, although it would be nice to have a best seller and earn a lot of money, that should not be the motivation. As I used to tell my children and my students, don’t make a career choice based on money; make it on the passion you feel for doing something you like and doing it really well, the money will follow. Even if you don’t become a millionaire, I know a lot of rich people who aren’t doing what they like and they found out too late that money should not have been their career goal.I would also recommend reading biographies of authors; past and present. The reason is that writing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. To fully appreciate a book we should study the author and the times and place the book was written. For example, Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby was written during the Roaring Twenty and Prohibition era. We can experience so much more from Fitzgerald’s work if we know the man, the times and his rise and premature downfall. I believe a good analogy is seeing a painting in a museum or a book. A good example is Caravagio’s work. If we study the time he painted, his style, his life and his influence on Baroque Painting we have a total different experience than just looking at his paintings. When we “study” the painter and his times we can have a fuller, more appreciative art experience. The same goes for authors who can then have an influence on our work. We see their struggles, self-doubts and a feeling, “if they can do it I can too.”
One of the important lessons I learned in studying past authors are the lessons from their “pitfalls.” For example, there is a destructive commonality of both Fitzgerald and Capote; part ego, part genius. Although from very different times and personalities, the commonality is their alcohol abuse and their genius and ego that destroyed them. The alcohol didn’t make them more creative and their lack of humility, combined with their individual substance abuse, destroyed them and any future work they could have shared with the world.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Something my father always told me: “We go around once, so make every day count and don’t take anything or anyone for granted.” Simple, but for me profound.What are you reading now?
Many books. I love biographies. I did a study on Truman Capote. A brilliant man who was “burnt out” and ended up wasting his talent. A good inspirational lesson of what “not to do”, especially when it comes to relationships. I dedicated a chapter in Speak No Evil entitled, Unanswered Prayers.There are some books that I just don’t only read but I also study. I like to see how the author constructed his work, the plot mechanisms and for me, most of all, how he develops the characters. I also spend a lot of attention (depending on the book) on dialogue, which forms the books characters and story.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am focusing on finishing the books I am currently writing – the second and third book of East Clifton Avenue — and I probably won’t stop 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?
In all honesty, I hope I would be able to bring a lot of paper and pens. I would also bring some Shakespeare, which takes a long time to read and study. Since I also love early cinema, I probably would re-read all the biographies of the great directors and writers.The transition from book to the screen and the stage is an art that fascinates me. I laugh when people say, “the book was so much better.” Two different mediums and two different experiences. Sometimes they cannot be transitioned either way.
Stephanie Cotta
Interview With Author Stephanie Cotta
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a lover of all things fantasy and a big fan of Lord of the Rings. I’m also a Star Wars geek–have been since the time I was 7 or 8. I am an artist, an avid reader, a gamer, and an archery enthusiast (it’s one of my favorite recreations). I started seriously writing back in 2013, and since then I have written 10 fantasy novels, one of which has just released!What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a YA Epic Fantasy called The Conjurer’s Curse. I was greatly inspired by my love of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and its adventure vibes. I started writing this novel back in January of 2021 (during Covid). I experienced a not-so-great encounter with an individual who treated me like I was carrying the plague–even though I wasn’t sick. It sparked something visceral in me, so much so that the wheels in my mind started turning. I thought, “What if a seventeen-year-old boy had a curse that killed everyone around him?” It was all the spark I needed for a compelling story with high stakes, and, of course, I had to turn it into an epic adventure!Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I don’t sit at a desk and write. I either lie in bed or recline on my chaise lounge. I found early on that sitting at a desk was too stiff of an environment. I also always have music playing when I write. Some people might need silence, but my brain requires artistic instrumental music. But if I’m writing an action sequence, then I usually put on more intense music, even rock music, something that gets my blood pumping.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have heavily been influenced by J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Brandon Sanderson, and a plethora of Star Wars authors. So much of my literary knowledge comes from reading books by these authors or in the case of Star Wars, having a wide array of characters and writing from multiple points of view. I learned from reading Star Wars that the possibility for stories is endless. It’s how I approach my own fantasy world. With my world firmly established, I can create new characters, and they can have their own adventure outside of the main storyline–this is how The Conjurer’s Curse came to be.What are you working on now?
I have finished writing the sequel to The Conjurer’s Curse, and I also just finished writing a YA steampunk fantasy novel. I am currently working on revisions for it, and I hope to have it ready for beta readers very soon. It is very different from my epic fantasy genre, but I love it so much for that reason. It’s been a blast creating something entirely new and fresh. I’m excited to share it with readers.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For me, it’s been Facebook and Instagram. The support I have on those platforms is fantastic. I have made wonderful friends in the author/writing community who help share and promote my book.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just start writing. Don’t worry if you don’t know what you’re doing. It doesn’t have to be perfect. I didn’t know what I was doing when I started, but I had an idea and characters whose stories I wanted to tell. That kept me going for years until I was brave enough to start letting people read my writing. Those early drafts were so rough, but it was a season of finding my voice and learning my craft. I encourage aspiring authors to take the time to do the same and read a lot! That is what helped me the most–reading books by authors I loved. I believe anyone can write, it just takes time, discipline, and a strong belief that you have a story to tell.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Have the courage to pursue your dreams.What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Wizards of the Apocalypse: The Forgotten Prophecy by X Zombie.What’s next for you as a writer?
Next year, I’ll start writing the third book to The Conjurer’s Curse and hopefully get started with the sequel to my steampunk fantasy.If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would bring The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien and the Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson.Author Websites and Profiles
Stephanie Cotta Amazon Profile
Stephanie Cotta’s Social Media Links
Derrick Noble
Interview With Author Derrick Noble
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Little Rock, AR. I have been helping leaders, speakers, business owners, CEOs, non-profit organizations, and government agencies take their leadership skills to higher heights for more than 20 years now. I am a jazz lover and a musician, I love watching classic Kung Fu movies, I regularly come in first place in Denzel Washington and Idris Elba look-alike contests, and I have a delightfully silly sense of humor.My career revolves around The Golden Triangle of professional speaking. I do these both virtually and –in-person:
1. Keynote Speaking, which is all about inspiration, information and motivation, while creating awareness for an audience about a particular subject or topic;
2. Corporate Training, which is all about skills transfer for a gathering of employees; and
3. One-On-One Coaching & Consulting, which is all about behavioral change.My most requested topics are, in order:
• Leadership/leadership development and all that it entails,
• Improving communication skills (both verbal and written), and
• Delivering 5-Star customer service.I endured years of speech therapy for a severe stutter and speech impediment to become an award winning TEDx speaker, speech coach, and trainer. Some of my clients over the years have included The FBI, The United States Air Force, The United States Navy, The United States Forestry Service, The United States Department of Energy, the City of Los Angeles, and many more. In 2021, I was featured in the Los Angeles Business Journal as an influential African American business leader.
“Leadership Launch” is my first major publication.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is entitled “Leadership Launch: Essential Skills for New Leaders.” I have been a professional speaker, corporate trainer, and consultant for more than 20 years now. The single most requested topic for me to speak or train on over the years has been leadership. In particular, I discovered that many who were new to leadership needed some type of blueprint to help them navigate that tricky transition from employee to manager, supervisor, or team leader.See, being a great employee got us noticed and made the powers-that-be select us for a leadership position. But, being a great employee and being a great leader of other employees are two different skill sets. So, new executives and leaders started asking me to mentor them one-on-one so that they could learn how to hit the ground running and produce results quickly. Over the years, the people with whom I have shared this info kept nudging me to put it into book form, since they knew so many others who could benefit from it. I blocked off a month on my calendar to devote to writing every day with as few distractions as possible, and now you have “Leadership Launch” in your hands!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmmmm, you mean other than not being able to write without a huge cup of cinnamon ginger tea? Naw, not really. Wait, does writing in Snoopy & Woodstock pajamas count as unusual?Seriously, I have to approach my daily writing routine as if I were going into an office to work. I wake up, shower, dress (albeit in Snoopy pjs, but I dress nonetheless), and sit down at the computer from 9:00 a.m. until noon – and then I stop. I can’t seem to focus if I write for long, long stretches at a time.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have such a love for reading that this question is nearly impossible to answer. But, I can begin by telling you where it all started. My parents were not wealthy by any means, but when I was very young (I think around the age of 5), my mother said yes to a traveling salesman who was hawking sets of “The World Book Encyclopedia.” Momma died when I was 7, but I was told years later by my big brother Willie that she had said she wanted to spend what little money she had so that I could have something to read at home and get a jump start on my education! I mean, it’s almost as if she knew her time wasn’t long, and she wanted to leave a legacy of some sort.So, my first love was that set of World Book Encyclopedias, and I read those from A-Z as I grew up. As I grew older, my 5th grade principal Mr. Ward (to whom “Leadership Launch” is dedicated) got me interested in Black history books; namely biographies of people like George Washington Carver and Benjamin Banneker. In fact, I remember that the Carver biography was the very first book I read from cover to cover, outside of the encyclopedia. To this day, I still love biographies.
If I had to compile a list of favorite authors, it would certainly include James Baldwin, Cheikh Anta Diop, William Shakespeare, and Howard Thurman – my “Mt. Rushmore” of authors. Other favorites are Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Carter G. Woodson, Melba Pattillo Beals (who wrote the foreword for “Leadership Launch”), and Aristotle.
What are you working on now?
I am now working on the sequel to “Leadership Launch”. The title is “Leadership Legacy”, and it will be geared toward seasoned leaders. It will focus on mentoring the next generation and passing the baton to the upcoming crop of leaders.Also, due to popular demand, I’m writing a book entitled “Why Derrick Is So Freakin’ Awesome, and How You Can Be Too!” Millions around the world have asked for it…okay, maybe just my little niece, but she loves her Uncle Derrick.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is a great question. I’m relatively new to the promotion side of things, so I have a great PR firm – Grapevine (based in Austin, TX and Los Angeles) taking the lead on that. However, a few sites that I really enjoy are Bargain Booksy, Awesome Gang, and The Fussy Librarian.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes – be willing to spend the money on a good, professional editor with years of experience. My bachelor’s degree is in English, I teach courses and seminars on writing and grammar, other people ask me to proofread their written works – and I STILL paid premium dollars for an outside editor. Trust me, they catch things you do not because you’re so close to the written material and may have a tendency to be less than completely objective. And remember, you get what you pay for, so don’t skimp. It will definitely be worth it in the long run.Oh, and my second piece of advice to new authors is don’t write about leadership. I mean ever. I have in my employ a team of goons who are prolific in all of the martial arts, and their one job is to neutralize all competition. I could tell you about Johnny No-Thumbs who tried to write about leadership. As you might imagine, his story didn’t end well. The world needs more books about butterflies and bunny rabbits. Write about those. Yeah, that sounds about right.
Seriously, write about whatever you are most passionate about. That passion will come through on the written page, and it will reach your audience in some very powerful ways. And, if you’re a leadership person, welcome to the family.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Look both ways before crossing the street.” My mother was quite the philosopher. Although, she was also the one who said, “I brought you into this world and I’ll take you out.” So, some of her advice may need to be taken with a grain of salt.What are you reading now?
“The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs” by Carmine Gallo, and “Perfect Phrases for Leadership Development” by Meryl Runion and Wendy Mack. BOTH are amazing and almost impossible to put down.What’s next for you as a writer?
Hmmmmm….good question. My immediate tasks are to get the word out about “Leadership Launch” to as many people as possible, to complete this major PR campaign I’m in the midst of for the book and for my business, and – perhaps most importantly – to remind myself to enjoy the journey. What good is it to travel the world and yet be too busy traveling the world to actually see it and enjoy it? So, part of my next step is remembering to breathe and be thankful. Oh…and to buy commemorative Starbucks cups and refrigerator magnets from every place I visit. I already have quite the collection!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?
And the award for “World’s Most Difficult Question” goes to…Awesome Gang! Let’s see –1) World Book Encyclopedia “W” – this was the one I started reading first, because Stevie Wonder was my favorite singer, and I wanted to know about him. So this one has sentimental value.
2) “Strength To Love” by Martin Luther King, Jr. – this book has been a constant source of inspiration over the years.
3) “The Measure of a Man” by Sidney Poitier. The depths of his insight are impossible to describe. Just read it.
*I would have said “The Bible”, but I have hidden THAT one in my heart. I don’t really need the physical copy. If you know, you know.
Author Websites and Profiles
Derrick Noble’s Social Media Links
Nicholas Aragon
Interview With Author Nicholas Aragon
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Nicholas Aragon and I am the author of the Curly Crow children’s book series. I have written six books, three are published and three more are on the way. I live in New Mexico with my wife and two daughters, well one daughter now, my oldest recently moved to AZ to start a family of her own. The Curly Crow character was created by my mother Barb Keady (1959-2017) when she wrote the first Curly Crow book about a crow that lived behind a café and flew to the Rio Grande River to learn how other birds caught food. After I helped my mother publish her book I started writing books and stories of my own. Then I re-created the character and put an adventures spin on the educational learning topic and now Curly Crow is a cute crow character with curly hair who loves adventure and trying new things.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Curly Crow Goes to the Beach. In this story Curly Crow goes to the beach for the first time and meets a Seagull. This story was inspired by a trip I once had to the beach and I remember how the Seagull’s would swoop in and steal your food. Well I thought Curly Crow should experience the beach and you cant go to the beach without running into a Seagull.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have some unusual writing habits. My writing habits are unusual because I am unable to type my thoughts directly from my head to the keyboard. I have to write my thoughts down with a pen on lined paper first and then type everything into the computer. For some reason my ideas only flow if I am writing with a pen.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am inspired by all types of children’s books and all types of authors. I usually tell kids, keep tying new things until you find out what you are good at and then run with it. Most my ideas and stories that I write about come from my own experiences being a dad.What are you working on now?
I am working on book #4 called Curly Crow Goes to the Park. This is a fun adventure about a cute crow that wants to try the playground equipment. After much struggle she finds out that she is only good at one thing…
I am also working on book #5 and #6. These books will be out by April 2023.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is CurlyCrow.com and my instagram is @curlycrowbooks. Visit my website for fun things to do like enter our monthly coloring contest.Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is, keep going. I think a lot of the time people are looking for the quick fix or instant reward but being an successful author takes time. So don’t get discouraged and keep writing.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Treat others like you want to be treated and Reading is exercise for the brain.What are you reading now?
I am reading Dare to Lead by Brene Brown.What’s next for you as a writer?
After I have all six books published I would like to travel and do author readings at schools so I can share my journey as an author and encourage kids read.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?
Curly Crow Goes to the Beach by Nicholas Aragon (he he), The Color Purple by Alice Walker, and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Prisoner of AzkabanAuthor Websites and Profiles
Nicholas Aragon Amazon Profile
Nicholas Aragon’s Social Media Links
Khiana Wyatt-Locus
Interview With Author Khiana Wyatt-Locus
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an outpatient therapist. I have written one book that is self published using Amazon KDP.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Teatime With God” is my latest book. I was inspired to write it based off life circumstances. I was tired of my mental health not being where I needed to be. At the same time, I was tired of being told to just “pray about it” when it came to my mental health. So, I finally came to the conclusion that I should improve my mental health and pray about it. And that is how the book came about.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I do like to write the old-fashioned way, using pen and paper. And sometimes I like to lay on the floor to write. I don’t think that’s unusual though.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by Viola Davis, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and Valorie Burton. “Finding Me” by Viola Davis is really what pushed me even harder to go for my dreams. Because I knew that if she could make it, then so could I. I also have been influenced by some of my sorority sisters that have written books.What are you working on now?
Right now, I am working on promoting “Teatime With God” and building a social media presence.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method is paying for promotion from social media influencers that have a huge following.Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is to just write the book, even if you don’t think it’s good. There are a lot of poorly written books that are out there. And some of them are selling well. So, stop overthinking it and just do it.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is don’t take advice from people who aren’t where you want to be in life.What are you reading now?
Right now, I am reading “The Mothers” by Sarah J Naughton. It was a recommendation from the book club that I’m in, and it is pretty good.What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to write another addition to “Teatime With God.” This is just the first book in the 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, a crossword puzzle book, and the DSM-5Author Websites and Profiles
Khiana Wyatt-Locus Amazon Profile
Kamaya Tarpley
Interview With Author Kamaya Tarpley
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started out writing romance but evolved into dark fantasy/horror because that is where my true passion lies. I’m originally from the East but moved West and then back East again! I’ve experienced many cultures over time and that has applied to my writing! I am now up to 14 published books and they are on Amazon, Walmart.com, and Barnesandnoble.com.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Always & Forever: A Lesbian Ghost Story is my 14th release and it was inspired by wanting to challenge myself with creating a classic ghost story and putting my own special twist on it.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I make a playlist on Spotify for each of my books so the music playing while I write sets the perfect scene.What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Sultan’s Harem by Colin Falconer has been the biggest inspiration for me because it allowed me to see a woman, who though was flawed, slithered her way to the throne. Seeing women in power was new for me.What are you working on now?
I am now working on marketing Always & Forever: A Lesbian Ghost Story and introducing the world to this incredible yet dark love story.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like to use Twitter and Instagram the most because my reach is larger on both platforms.Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would tell any new author to always worry about themselves first. Make sure the story pleases you first because you cannot always please outside parties.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard came from my mother “Not everyone thinks like you” and she’s right. It keeps my mind open to other perspectives and has helped me become more sensitive to other communities.What are you reading now?
Right now I actually just finished Carmilla and Laura. It is a retelling of the original, Carmilla, which is a lesbian vampiric story and I loved it.What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan on working more conventions for the remainder of 2023 including the Rangerstop and Pop Con in June!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 Carmilla & Laura by SD Simper, Perfume by Peter Suskind, and Lilith by myself of course!Author Websites and Profiles
Kamaya Tarpley’s Social Media Links
A.W. Baldwin
Interview With Author A.W. Baldwin
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written six thrillers (with a touch of humor). Readers’ Favorite has awarded 5 Stars to each of them, calling Raptor Canyon “a hoot of an adventure novel… most highly recommended” and describing Wings Over Ghost Creek as “a beautifully written thriller.” Raptor Canyon received the 2019 Grand Master Adventure Writers’ Finalist Award, established by New York Times best selling author, Clive Cussler and was a finalist in the ScreenCraft Cinematic Book Contest 2019-2020. Wings Over Ghost Creek received the 2020 Grand Master Adventure Writers’ Finalist Award. Broken Inn received the 2021 Grand Master Adventure Writers’ Finalist Award and awards from Global Book Awards, New York City Big Book Awards, Books Shelf Writing Awards for Fiction, and Independent Press Awards.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest is The Antidote, inspired by the possibility that genetically modified plants could be part of the solution to climate change. Plants absorb CO2 and some plants might be modified to increase their rate of absorption to counteract all the CO2 put into the atmosphere by mankind. What would happen if such a plant was developed? What would it be worth? What would some people be willing to do to get their hands on it?Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if they are unusual; they’re just my habits! Everyone has their own ways to write and their own preferred environments, times of day to write, whether they outline heavily or not at all, and so forth.What authors, or books have influenced you?
I enjoy Clive Cussler, Edward Abbey, Craig Johnson, and many others, but outdoor adventures, thrillers, or mysteries are my favorite.What are you working on now?
A sixth “Relic” novel, featuring a moonshining hermit of Canyonlands National Park.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Competing in an over-crowded marketplace is tough. Write because you love it, not because you expect fame or fortune! If you have some financial success at it, great; if not, no sweat. And always work to improve your craft because that’s a major source of satisfaction in what you do!What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That’s a tough question. My answer might change over time, but one of my favorites is from Ghandi, who said (roughly) “A long life may or may not be good enough, but a good life is always long enough.”What are you reading now?
Wait for Signs by Craig Johnson.What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve started on my sixth “Relic” novel and I have ideas for other non-Relic novels (like The Antidote).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?
Another tough question. A book about Ghandi’s life and philosophy. The Monkey Wrench Gang by Abbey. Any one of Clive Cussler’s books.Author Websites and Profiles
A.W. Baldwin’s Social Media Links
Georgia Saunders
Interview With Author Georgia Saunders
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written three books. They have been unpublished for a few years. I recently republished one of them with an updated title.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Home Street Home: Virginia Beach Nightmare. This is the updated, republished version of Home Street Home: Virginia Beach Chronicles. I felt compelled to show the jeopardy journey of a middle class “proper” lady who fell into homelessness during the economic crash of 2008. Because we now have another crash looming, I felt the time was right to make this novel available again. I feel that it is a timeless historical record in novel form of the impacts of homelessness on those who fall into it suddenly from a comfortable life. Such unfortunate souls must learn the primal laws of the streets pretty quickly – if they want to survive, that is.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. Coffee, notebook and pen, computer to type in the text. Pretty standard stuff. But can’t leave out the coffee. Would be no more books without coffee.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
The People of the Abyss by Jack London
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Scarlet by Alexandra RipleyAnything by Kenneth Roberts, a wonderful historical novelist dealing with colonial and early America
What are you working on now?
I am polishing the updates of Volumes II and III of the original Home Street Home series published in 2011, having turned them into Books 2 and 3 of the updated series.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I originally sent copies of my first novel, Home Street Home: Virginia Beach Chronicles, to the book review department of the Virginia Pilot, several area churches and the local library at the Oceanfront and in Norfolk, where I had written the novels on library computers. Dr. Reuhlmann of the Virginia Pilot (back in 2011) published a good review, saying (paraphrase) it was a uniformly rugged but redeeming novel about life among the homeless of Hampton Roads.The local libraries added my gifted books to their shelves. One church in particular responded with great interest and set up book buying and book discussions for me. It was reviewed by Anne Meek, then board secretary for the Cultural Alliance of Greater Hampton Roads, who said “The book is realistic. It’s not amateurish, nor does it seek sympathy. There is definitely a market for this.”
As far as online promotion, I was involved with a group that helped authors review each others works. That was very helpful with getting reviews up on Amazon. Unfortunately, I don’t think they are still operating and the name was something like “Orange Tree Books”. I plan to look them up again to see what the situation is now. Maybe they are under a new name.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Edit and rewrite as many times as needed to get a polished product. Clean up the little spelling, formatting and punctuation errors.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To read good literature in abundance. I was encouraged in my (olden days) Massachusetts education to distinguish literature from pulp writing churned out to make a buck. As a writer, I aim to contribute to the body of literature.Jack London’s “People of the Abyss” (1903) was not popular though he was already a recognized literary talent. Perhaps readers of the day did not like being shown the misery of the harried and harassed underclass of their great cities. But the work endures as a fine addition to literature.
What are you reading now?
I’m busy writing right now. But I hope to get some good histories read next year.What’s next for you as a writer?
Promoting the updated Home Street Home series. Perhaps some side trips to get the real updated ambience of life in the streets today in the cities I am including as backgrounds to the dramatic stories of the novels.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?
Histories, I’m sure. I’m fascinated with history and historical fiction. That’s what I consider Home Street Home: The Virginia Beach Nightmare to be.Author Websites and Profiles
Georgia Saunders Amazon Profile
Philip Shadowfire
Interview With Author Philip Shadowfire
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello everyone and thanks for the opportunity to share my life with you it certainly is an honor. I am a full solitary practicing Christian, Wiccan, Shaman Witch and because of my background I have been so fortunate and blessed to meet people from all backgrounds of life I consider part of my extended family. The most pleasant thing I discovered in life is that religious differences aside, we really aren’t that different from each-other.In addition to my religious life, I am a very active individual that never grew up. I am an avid cyclist with over 120,000 miles logged in my lifetime, I love kayaking, mountain climbing, spelunking, and participating in bike races and charity events for so many worthwhile causes. I am a 58 year old individual but I never aged! I think my fountain of youth came from a promise I made to myself that I would never grow up and see the world as a child would until it is time for me to leave here.
I don’t know why my life is so strange in the religious sense and regular in the secular world, but I wouldn’t have it any other way because it taught me to appreciate life and how precious it truly is!
I wish someone would make a movie out of my life because I lived it so fully even though it was so bizarre and wonderful at the same time. I have no regrets. At the age of 18, I decided to save enough money to go to Guam and live there for a year on my own. I really have no fear, if I were to see a tornado approaching me, I would probably pick up a stick to beat it up. My family and friends naturally were concerned about this and pleaded me not to do this because the tornado would win. I said don’t be so sure, and bet in my favor, because what if I win the fight with that tornado!
Naturally people think I have a death wish, but I’m enjoying life too much. I just live each day as if it is my last and I savor every drop it has to offer! The last thing I always say to my family before I leave them for the day is that “I love you” because that is the last thing I want them to remember about me, if I don’t make it back to them.
I have a very unfair advantage about life and death because of my background. I have always seen spiritual entities my entire life, crossed 3 billion years of time zones from the living and non-living worlds, and briefly died twice in my lifetime. Once when I was 6 years old and again when I was 21. When I was 6 years old and died the first time, I didn’t want to leave the Earth and was sent back to live my life, but when I turned 21, I wanted to cross over to Heaven/Summerland, but it wasn’t my time, so in all essence a very beautiful and Divine figure I believe was Jesus? Said He had to bring me back to the world of living. So, in essence, I was kicked out of Heaven which I joke to my Christian friends I wasn’t kicked out because I was a witch, I was kicked out because it wasn’t my time to be there!
I’m glad I came back to life because I met a beautiful woman, my soul mate for eternity that I am happily married to for 32 years now as of this writing, and I’m going to be with her forevermore!
Getting back to My life being so strange, I am a walking contradiction in everything I do, I absolutely hated reading and writing in English classes at school, but all that changed when I went to Guam and started writing a diary of my adventures there. I didn’t realize how beautiful and eloquent words were when they are expressed in writing from authors who are so passionate about life and want to express it in stories for people to read. It’s their zest for life, for the stories they share, that is what gives me inspiration to live my life the best I can while I’m here.
As a result of this revelation, I wanted to write and share my life and stories with anyone who is kind enough to hear them and hope my stories inspire them to be the best versions of themselves as well. That is why I went on a quest to write as much as I could and hope my writing makes a difference in people’s lives. I have written 5 books and over 10,000 articles concentrating on the higher meanings of Life and Spirituality and I’m so thankful to be on this writing adventure of mine in addition to my active physical life.
By the way, thanks for asking this question, I hope it helps give people a chance to peek into a very normal and yet wonderfully bizarre life I live while I’m blessed to be here!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I just finished my Book of Life Trilogy series involving myself and the 3 main characters of Astraea, Isis, and Aphrodite who are the kindest, sweetest, girl witches you would ever meet that saved families, communities and the world with their love in my stories, but after I finished the final book, I realized that there was one more story I needed to tell involving the real witches I was blessed to meet in my life.In life there is a spectrum of light from complete darkness to blinding light and most of us fit somewhere in the middle of light and darkness. My character girl witches were off the scale, beyond the blindness of light, since they have no darkness in them, and their love is so beautiful to see, but in my haste, I didn’t get to write about all the wonderful stories I had about the real witches I met in my lifetime. I wanted to have a book to honor their life, their perfections and flaws too. I also wanted to have a spinoff book that is related to my Trilogy but different, because I wanted to separate myself from the teen girl witches so they can hopefully become an inspirational urban legend of girls that never age so that they can help young adults long after I’m gone. that is why I wrote this final addition to the story that means so much to me.
I’m stalling in telling you the title of my final book because it caused some concern and discomfort to my readers for which I sincerely apologize, but I wanted a title to catch people’s attention how our society stereotype’s people they don’t understand, or think is weird. That is why I came up with the title of “Don’t Talk to Evil Witches especially Her!” My story is a delightful roller coaster of humor and drama that I hope people can relate to. Life isn’t as perfect as my teen girl witches are, it’s difficult, and it’s filled with challenges we have to face every day of our life, but when you have a quirky sense of humor and are brave enough to get up every morning knowing you are going to fail miserably at this thing called life, I salute you! Because you are a hero in my book!
https://www.booksie.com/664712-dont-talk-to-evil-witches-especially-her
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I developed a technique to make you part of my story! Believe it or not you are my main character I write about in my 2nd book of life series Return to Earth.https://www.booksie.com/652159-the-book-of-life-return-to-earth
Another thing about my writing is that all my books are on free websites, I don’t want money, I just want to share my stories with anyone and everyone that wants to read a free story and wonder what my motives are hee hee. I know I’m strange, that is why most of my characters also have a quirky sense of humor that I hope people get!
Anyway, getting back to you being my main character I had to come up with specific rules to make it seem like I am talking to you while reading “our” book. I couldn’t mention your age, your gender, your race, in my story because if I did, that could leave you out of “our” story, but I had to give you a name. That is why I came up with a nickname to call you Sunshine, because of your beautiful smile and ability to brighten up my day! I hope it worked and made you part of my story, because you mean so much to me!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dennis J reader “Coming Back Alive!”
I loved his simplistic writing style because it really helped me understand and feel for the characters in his book!Tom Brown “The Tracker” I absolutely love his writing style too because I could relate to his Shamanistic story. He wrote so eloquently and effortlessly that really made me feel like part of the story!
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m taking a break, I’m not sure what my next project will be next, but I would like to continue the Book of Life franchise I started back in 2006.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Booksie.com Because it is a totally free site that people can read my work without having to register or pay to read.YouTube because it is also a free site for people to enjoy and I recently converted one of my book to an audiobook movie that I am shamelessly posting for people to see if they want to see what my teen girl witches look and sound like.
I don’t understand why my marketing is so difficult that is why I also have a personal word of mouth to anyone I meet, that loves reading books. All I ask is for people to give my girls a chance to change their life, because I believe in them, I believe in the stories I made and I’m proud and honored to have the courage to write for people to enjoy the stories that mean so much to me! Thanks!
Finally, I sincerely hope this interview helps promote my stories too, and I want to thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to have a platform to get my stories out!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes! As you are writing your story, try to think how much it means to you and how you can’t wait to share it with your readers! Let your enthusiasm, your passion, your creative juices flow in every word you write down and don’t self-doubt yourself. Believe in your story, believe in yourself and pretend you are writing one of the most exciting things you want to tell your family, because in a way, our readers our are family and that’s what motivates us to be our best as we share our thoughts with our readers.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you believe in your story, don’t give up! Have the tenacity to overcome your fears and get your story out for people to read!What are you reading now?
Actually, I’m mostly watching movies and hoping there are more positive stories about Witches. I hope and pray that the stories I wrote are not going to be the only ones out there to show the human side of Witchcraft. Help me find a book that shows the beauty of witches and I promise to read it!What’s next for you as a writer?
Rest. Right now, after writing 3 books in less than a year, it has physically drained me, so I’m going to rest for now, but I will be back because writing is too addicting and fun to leave!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 probably wouldn’t bring any books with me, just give me lots of pens and paper, a solar rechargeable laptop and lots of time to write books, because that is what I love and do!Author Websites and Profiles
Philip Shadowfire’s Social Media Links
Derrick Credito
Interview With Author Derrick Credito
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve recently self-published my first book, a literary fiction novel set in three different parts of the world. It took over four years to finish. Spending that long on one project was a big commitment of time and energy.What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Year of the Tsunami” is my latest book. It used to be titled “The Wandering Scribe,” and before that “Big Smoke” and “Red Light Go.” Initially the novel was inspired by Amsterdam, a city I visit regularly. The idea of “Big Smoke” came about when I decided to go multi-national and include New Zealand in the plot. My own personal connections to Jewish communities in both my native Baltimore and Amsterdam shine through in the plot.Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I was working on the manuscript, I’d take medical marijuana edibles and wear headphones to listen to hypnotic, instrumental trance music. In my deep, relaxed state, I’d sometimes have unique ideas that may have never come to me otherwise. I don’t do that sort of thing anymore—I mean, I still take the edibles but am now taking a long break from writing. Since finishing “Tsunami,” I took off the headphones, strapped on my bass and now play in an EDM band called Let Go Echo.What authors, or books have influenced you?
Richard Lange, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Philip Roth are my three biggest influences. From a early age, I came to admire Stephen King. While writing “Tsunami,” I devoured all of the Jewish literature I could find. But beyond fiction, I enjoy reading music memoirs, politics, and current events.What are you working on now?
My main focus at the moment is making my novel accessible to readers. Let Go Echo is recording a new album this winter, aptly titled “Hibernate.” I’m studying Dutch again because next year I’ll be going back to the Netherlands for the first time since pre-Covid. It will be a great honor to share my novel in the country where most of the chapters are set.What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media is a writer’s best friend. I have a blog on WordPress, “The Bohemian Years,” where I write longer magazine-style pieces about music’s role in my life, as well as the artists that inspire me. But after a while, I feel the need to go out and talk to people about my book.Do you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in yourself. Write everyday, and always try to do it from a place of joy. That energy transfers to the reader. Through your writing, you have the power to create the kind of world you wish to see. Use that power wisely.What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Now the real work begins.”This always hits me right between the eyes because it’s always so accurate. Whether you’re writing, revising, publishing or promoting, the challenges never stop mounting. As writers, we must adapt and grow.
What are you reading now?
Lilly Singh “How To Be A Bawse” is a map for living one’s best life. Vice President Kamala Harris’s memoir “We Hold These Truths” is a heartfelt story of perseverance and compassion.What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m planning to spend most of 2023 promoting and speaking about my new novel. Hopefully I’ll get inspiration to begin working on the sequel, but there’s a chance that I’ll finish my own music memoir before then.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?
Lilly Singh’s “Be A Triangle” would keep me filled with gratitude. Throw in a couple vegan cookbooks, and I should be good to go!Author Websites and Profiles
Derrick Credito Amazon Profile
Derrick Credito’s Social Media Links
Vinny O'Hare Awesomegang.com, P.O. Box 940711 Rockaway Park NY 11694