Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Thad Anton Crosbarn. I always had an inside passion to write. I use to write poems and songs. Did get the grade in School and College from English class and like how I can spot my own errors when I write. But some always seem to remain, or go without detection. I decided to write since I learned that we can do that no-a-days and publish on our own online. It is the same with music for that matter. I wrote a small number of books 10 to be exact. The books are all commentary on the Bible, until I decided to try some fiction.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I am releasing People in the Walls on February 21st 2014. I had some paranormal things happen to me in the past and it inspired me to create this weird and freaky story. I suppose some people will hate it and hammer it with ruthlessness like sophisticated readers with gigantic egos tend to do when a book is not to their academic expectations, but I think their will be a grand audience ultimately for this story. In fact I really think this would make a very cool movie.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes! I just write and who cares!! Of course that could cause you to not sell many books but at that same time it could very well work. Just being me and writing. It’s kind of like artistry, you can’t be concerned if you are accepted or not, just do it. And to the community that is unusual. Not conforming to the guild is so not cool. But I do sometimes

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would say some of the most popular well known authors. But I spent so much time reading time in religion that it hard for me to read secular sometimes. But I do get influence from screen writing. I love to follow along to the writing to certain situation comedies and movies. That kind of writer.

What are you working on now?
I am working on the concept of another fiction novel. I haven’t began writing it yet still working out plot. It may end up being a time travel type fantasy story.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
You know, we’re kind of at the mercy of social networks with the biggest names, and being engaged, but Goodreads is great place to get established.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t get discouraged and be open minded.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Well Solomon who wrote Proverbs has written the best advice I have ever heard, but for a quick answer…Look at what successful people have done and do that!

What are you reading now?
Rushed, by Brian Harmon.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Trying to create a concept that is not so done already. Learn how to be more like the pros and evolve into the craft.

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 probably read “Survival for Dummies” and “The Holy Bible” most of the time but then I would want to read: “How to Beacon a Ship without Technology” and “Wild Plants Healthy to Eat”.

Author Websites and Profiles
T.A. Crosbarn Website
T.A. Crosbarn Amazon Profile

T.A. Crosbarn’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

T.A. Crosbarn is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have the heart of a gypsy, the verve of a circus performer, and the style of a Manhattan socialite. The many parts of me include working as an actress, teacher, visual artist, baker, and workshop leader. Magikal Molly Day is my second novel and certainly it is my most personal. I am thrilled it was awarded 1st place from the DragonFly book award contest. Thank you awesomegang for having this generous and helpful site.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Magikal Molly Day is my latest book. The inspiration was actually a terrible heat wave one summer. (I know that is hardly riveting, but work with me here.) Tossing about in my sweat stained pajamas I awoke at 4:00 a.m. and sat at the computer, which sat in the coolest part of my apartment. The day before I had finished an unusual book about Wiccan studies and something started to piece together inside me for a story. A name came, an idea, and I was off typing my sweaty little fingers off till noon. I felt moved to write something uplifting and something that offered hope, but craft it in a way that was buoyant and lively, rather than clinical. How many ways can we talk about repairing broken self esteems? How many books already existed? Ah ha- but mine was fiction and in a magical setting and very different. I felt I had something worth writing.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, I have an unusual life. My mind never operates well with too much structure. Bravo to the author that has the discipline of writing from eight to eleven every day or following some preordained schedule. I write till it is done. Now, when there has been a deadline, such as a personal essay show, and I have to complete a ten minute piece and be performance ready, I absolutely work backwards and make sure I pace myself so the piece is finished at least a week early, giving me plenty of time to practice and polish. I do not do well with last minute anything.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Carolyn Myss, Mary Karr, Alice Sebold, Sue Monk Kidd, David Sedaris, Rainer Maria Rilke to name a few.

What are you working on now?
My second book, which is a sequel to Magikal Molly Day. Tough going, the ebb and flow of it all, but my mantra remains: show up at the page and the page shows up for me. Writing something, even a paragraph of crap ( “paracrap”)still works a muscle and coaxes my imagination to keep searching, keep conjuring for the story.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I may not be totally equipped to answer this question confidently as I am new to this promoting. I will say do research, see what other authors you like are doing, and take every advantage and opening that comes. I am so happy to see the large number of websites for authors to share their work.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Do not be swayed by what you think you should write. Write what you WANT to write. From the ocean of ideas inside you listen attentively to the one that sings the softest and presses the hardest on your heart. Write that story. For you. YOU. Please yourself first and the rest takes care of itself.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Elizabeth Gilbert ( Eat,Pray, Love) She spoke beautifully about the need to re-direct what propels you to write. Do not try to please the masses- you will fail. Write the book that please you, tell it as truthfully as you can, and the masses will see your story as their own. By exploring our own uniqueness we actually shine a light on our sameness.

What are you reading now?
Graham Greene- The Heart Of the Matter. It is for a fabulous book club here.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I co-wrote and co-acted in a webseries- “Sheila and Sherry save the World from Solar Flares.” It is a silly, irreverent piece that satisfies my comedy chops and certainly a departure from my book. It will be available on YouTube beginning of February. Please watch it.

I have lined up another short film project to be done, as well as continuing with the development of my sequel.

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?
e.e.cummings. ( a collection)

Bukowski -Pulp.

W.H. Auden ( collection)

The Lovely Bones- Sebold

Author Websites and Profiles
Amy Lloyd Website
Amy Lloyd Amazon Profile

Amy Lloyd’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Amy Lloyd is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
They call me Rachel Kelly…probably because that’s what my parents put on my birth certificate back in New Bern, NC back in the early ’80s. I grew up the child of two Marine Core parents in Eastern North Carolina. I went to College as FAR away from my hometown as I could get in a little known place called Cullowhee. It’s an unincorporated town…not even a real town. The “barber” is the unofficial mayor.

I fell in love with a guy while teaching how to count down his cash drawer at the end of the night while working at Walmart. After finally convincing him to ask me out, he tells me to choose between marriage and breaking up a week later. I say, “Sure, lets do it,” and we have made 4 really good looking children.

I was whisked away by my true love to California where I had two of my kids as he got a Masters of Divinity and started a Financial Services Company (exotic, I know). The stock market crashed and we left California about as broke as a family of 4 could be and moved back to North Carolina.

After 2 years in NC, the stock market crashed again. But we still had 2 more kids (Can’t stop true love).

Tired of being broke and having the stock market wreak havoc on our lives, Brad moved out to the Oil Mecca of Williston, ND. After nearly 3 months I decided being a single Mom of 4 was waaaaaay overrated and I packed up the family, threw 1/2 our stuff in storage, rented out the house, and headed for the Great White North.

With no one to call a great friend (just yet) I hunkered down to write my fingers off in ND. The scenery inspired me and I got VERY serious about Colorworld. I fell in love with the rolling plains, the bitter cold, and the amazing people coming from all over the world to change their fortunes forever.

So, as I mentioned, Colorworld is the name of the series and Book 1 is now out in print and ebook:

http://colorworldbooks.com/

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Colorworld Book 1: Colorworld is the 1st Book in the series.

The initial idea came to me in a dream. The rest of my inspiration comes out of philosophical texts and religious lore. Religious lore isn’t quite scripture, but it’s part of the tradition.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
If I have writers block I do one of two things:

1) Lock myself in the closet with the lights off.

OR

2) I trot myself upstairs to take a nap. I keep my notebook under my pillow and ponder whatever plot element is bugging me as I start to drift off. In the place between asleep and awake, my brain stops obsessing and starts testing ideas outside the box. I wake up to jot them down and repeat the same process. I pretty much get no sleep at all, but I am rewarded with fantastic scenarios and new directions.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
LOVE C.S. Lewis The Great Divorce. Love Albert Camus. I am a huge fan of post apocalyptic, dystopian, and paranormal stuff.

My style is influenced by non-fiction creative essays. I took a non-fiction class as part of some coursework for a Masters I was working on. Since then, when I want to get inspired, I read creative non-fiction. The Touchstone Anthology is my current go-to work at the moment.

What are you working on now?
Editing, editing, and more editing. Specifically, over-used words in Colorworld Book 2: Teleworld. It has an April release date so it’s game on right now to meet all my deadlines. Book 1 is also in audiobook production right now. Book 3 is up on the block right after Book 2 is done. All 3 will be out by the end of the year, as well as Audiobooks for Book 1 and 2.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads is probably the premier website for authors and readers. I have been impressed by how active our Colorworld Fans are on our Facebook page as well. I really like being able to target certain posts to demographics or geographies with Facebook.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for yourself, not for the audience. When you write to an audience, you write inauthentically. Write for yourself. Loyal fans will find you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write a lot. Read a lot. Publish lots of content to build a loyal fan-base. Having several works out there makes it so that authors have a greater chance being found by great fans and fans can trust that you will be consistent enough to meet their demands.

What are you reading now?
I am Malala

Touchstone Anthology

What’s next for you as a writer?
Books 2-7 of the Colorworld 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?
Considering I’d have a lot of time on my hands:

Critique of Pure Reason by Immanual Kant

Process and Reality by Alfred North Whitehead

(Because in order to fully-grasp these books I would need a LOT of time to re-read them)

And then to cool my brain down, I’d probably have a couple books by Kim Harrison. Because her stuff never fails to make me laugh.

Author Websites and Profiles
Rachel Kelly Website
Rachel Kelly Amazon Profile

Rachel Kelly’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Rachel Kelly is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am originally from England and have lived in the US for two-thirds of my life, mostly on the west coast. When not capitalizing on my immense imagination and writing it down, I enjoy parenthood, history, travelling and wine, besides cooking.

Frontiers is my first published novel and am working on my second novel to be published by Spring, 2014.

I’ve had many articles relating to English football, wine, aviation and business published in a few periodicals and websites.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Frontiers is my recently-published novel that takes place mostly in Russia.

It was inspired by my love of aviation, and life-long interest in the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Given my love of history, when I happen upon a key geographical setting or event in the novel-whether historical, topical, political or otherwise- I spend two-to-three paragraphs outlining the background or significance.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing a normal OCD, over-achieving writer wouldn’t partake.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tom Clancy’s early geo-political thrillers, Herman Wouk, as well as some of the autobiographies of Kim Philby (his second one following “My Silent War”), Yuri Modin and Mitrokhin given my interest in that period and subject.

What are you working on now?
I am trying my hand at a Sci-Fi thriller that is not as involved as Frontiers (717 pages), ergo my second novel will be half the page count as my first published novel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter for social media and am now researching and investing in more online book review sites.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up, finish your work (novel), and get it published. Your first work’s publishing will truly be a wonderful journey and learning experience. Mine was. And still is for the promotion aspect.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Get it (novel) out there!”

What are you reading now?
I digest alot of print daily and weekly. I enjoy reading autobiographies now, which was how I cheated when I had the mantra of “I will never read another’s work of fiction until mine is published.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing my second novel by mid-Spring, 2014 then working on a few other novel ideas I currently have orbiting my head.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Aviation, wine, foreign language and an autobiography book.

Author Websites and Profiles
R. Simon Anderson Author Profile on Smashwords

R. Simon Anderson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

R. Simon Anderson is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
First of all, I am a retired Lieutenant Colonel and aviator. Since leaving the service, I have worked at Dell, Inc. and also as a probation officer in Jefferson County, Texas. THE TERRORIST MIND is the third book that I have written and the second one that is published. I spend most of my time writing, researching and reading. I am an avid baseball fan and since Houston is my team, times have not been good for the last three years. Oh well, there’s aways next year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is entitled THE TERRORIST MIND. My inspiration for the book began when I was a probation officer and the department considered hiring a consultant who had a program that he claimed could change the recollection of childhood in our probationers. Since I have a cynical nature, I wondered if this could be used to implant false recollections that could provide the basis for violent behavior. For me, the interesting thing about this book is that I actually wrote it almost 20 years ago and could not let go of it through all that time. With the concern of homegrown terrorism in the United States today, I reworked the book and published it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it is unusual or not, but I seem to see the last scene in the book and then write to make the plot come out to that scene. I consider this very important because the last scene is what the reader will remember about the book and any feelings that stick with them. When I lay a book down, I feel like have left the environment of the hero and I want my readers to enjoy that environment and moment.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like a number of authors for different reasons. PRINCE OF TIDES by Pat Conroy because of the ease and fluidity of the description of the South Carolina coastal marshes; HARLOT’S GHOST by Norman Mailer because Mailer has the nerve to write and describe things that I can’t bring myself to write, yet. I love John LeCarre because of the setting and language he uses that brings out the little details of life in imperfect people. I appreciate Joel C. Rosenberg because he makes God and Jesus the basis for his work. I like BLOOD MERIDIAN by Cormac McCarthy because I could not put it down. Kind of like seeing a car wreak coming but you can’t look away. I loved RED SPARROW by Jason Matthews because he displayed a layered world of intrigue that almost leaves you helpless. I love everything by Daniel Silva. I want to grow up to be Gabriel Allon.

What are you working on now?
I am writing the sequel to THE BORISOV DILEMMA and I don’t have a title yet. I have a difficult time with titles but at the present time, it is entitled SLAVCHEV’S SECRET. I am not sure it will last past the editor. When I wrote BORISOV, I brought in Vasil Slavchev, a Russian assassin, for just a quick murder or two and basically became intrigued with the character he became and just couldn’t kill him off.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Marketing is hard. Marketing is very hard. My best results have probably come from my blog which features current world situations and different items that affect Christianity. The blog has been steadily growing and my readers seem to like it. If you are interested, it’s http//:www.tedstrahanauthor.blogspot.com.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am still a new author and my advice should be taken as such, but the only thing I would suggest, and this may be the scariest thing you do, but get someone to critique your writing who is not your friend or relative. After I wrote my first book, which did not get published, I innocently sent it off to Scott Meredith in New York. Mr. Meredith has since past away, but at the time he was among the biggest agents in New York (Norman Mailer’s agent). He sent me back a two page, single-spaced letter and told me my manuscript was not salable and exactly why. But the most important thing he told me was that I wrote well enough to get published. From that point on, I had the confidence to believe I could pen a story in a professional manner.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Other than “don’t get involved in a land war in Asia”, it has to be “don’t promise anything you can’t deliver”. It requires that you know yourself and your own capabilities.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading THE ENGLISH ASSASSIN by Daniel Silva and JERUSALEM: A BIOGRAPHY by Simon Sebag Montefiore.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am thinking about taking a break from the thriller side of the house to write a literary novel about a Texas family from the 1830′s through the present. But I’ve been thinking about this for three years. It kind of depends on the sales of my current books to be truthful about 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?
THE BIBLE, any book by Daniel Silva (probably THE ENGLISH GIRL), THE ULTIMATE SURVIVAL MANUAL from Outdoor Life, and a cookbook.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ted Strahan Website

Ted Strahan is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an American ghostwriter from New Brunswick, New Jersey. I graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelors in English. I has been a ghostwriter for over 15 years. This is my first book that I wrote under my own name.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Coolest Way To Kill Yourself is the name of my book. Love inspired my book. The love of my life, Lynn passed away the summer before Hurricane Sandy hit New Jersey. Lynn and I had a summer romance in the early 90′s. We were a part of the NYC rave scene and the NJ punk scene. We both wrote and I would get published. The poems and stories were all for other girls I liked. She would be upset. She would cry, “No one will ever write anything for me. Why doesn’t anyone write something beautiful for me?” Well, I wrote a book for the girl who thought no one would every write something for her.

No one actually commits suicide in the book. The book does not condone or promote suicide. The title refers to giving yourself over to love. We both fell into addiction and were victims of abuse. We wanted to kill off the people we were. Our relationship was the most honest and beautiful relationships I have ever experienced. We did not care what anyone else thought about us. We expressed ourselves through sex, kink, and fetish. We became empowered. We became enlightened.

When Hurricane Sandy hit New Jersey, I had to use a generator to power my laptop. Her story… our story had to be told. The story is filled with hard drugs, kinky sex, and many music references. It is an unconventional romance that few are fortunate enough to experience. This is a New Jersey love story that spans more than two decades. It is a story of redemption. Love and sexual expression helped us overcome addiction, abuse, poverty, and depression.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I have many.

I need music playing in the background. While writing this book, I listened to many records. Some of the bands included My Bloody Valentine, Roxy Music, Withered Hand, ex wife, The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, The House Of Love, Tiny Teeth, The Dandy Warhols, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Pale Saints, Elbow, Pixies, The Jesus & Mary Chain, The Beta Band, and many more.

I like to get into a zone. I have the music playing and the door locked. My dog, Mokey is usually by my side. The cover of my book is me in front of my laptop with my dog, Mokey in my lap. Lynn’s picture is looking at me. Melissa Blair (who also edited the book) did the cover that way because a major aspect of this book is me writing the book. That is why anyone who loves writing should appreciate this book. The power of writing and being creative is a major theme.

My main style is to get the ideas on the page. I get it out of my head and onto the page. Then, proofred, edit, proofread, edit, over and over again.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Hunter S. Thompson, Anais Nin, Henry Miller, Pauline Reage, Charles Bukowski, Kurt Vonnegut, Philip K. Dick, J.D. Salinger, Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, Steven King, Clive Barker, and many more.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a prequel to The Coolest Way To Kill Yourself. I originally met Lynn in 1992/1993. I had more confidence and was able to be romantic with girls while I was in high school. Before that, I met a very wild and mysterious punk rock girl in 1989. I was going to high school in the fall. This woman took me to my first punk rock and indie rock shows. She was a very wild woman who changed my life, opened my mind, and inspired me. Right now, the working title is Chipped Black Nail Polish. New Jersey had a very cool independent punk rock / hardcore / indie rock / ska scene in the late 80′s and early 90′s. This book captures that era.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?

http://thecoolestway.com

Facebook:

http://facebook.com/thecoolestway

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Coolest-Way-Kill-Yourself-ebook/dp/B00GUSAX7G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392222405&sr=8-1&keywords=the+coolest+way+to+kill+yourself

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18673607-the-coolest-way-to-kill-yourself

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write.

What are you reading now?
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

How to Talk Dirty and Influence People by Lenny Bruce

Zombie Spaceship Wasteland by Patton Oswalt

Attempting Normal by Marc Maron

A Bad Idea I’m About to Do: True Tales of Seriously Poor Judgment and Stunningly Awkward Adventure by Chris Gethard

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to promote my current book, The Coolest Way To Kill Yourself. Then, I want to help edit and produce a book that my editor wrote. Melissa Blair is writing a book titled Tell Me Everything. It is a fascinating true memoir about growing up in New Jersey with some emotional issues, surviving a horrible marriage, and find love. Tell Me Everything by Melissa Blair is a book that definitely gets kinky and explores some unique fetishes in a very heartfelt and non-exploitative way. Then, I want to publish Chipped Black Nail Polish, which is the prequel to The Coolest Way To Kill Yourself.

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?
Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson

Venus in Furs by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch

The Iliad & The Odyssey by Homer

and maybe… The Bible, but NOT for religious or spiritual reasons.

Author Websites and Profiles
Nicholas Tanek Website
Nicholas Tanek Amazon Profile

Nicholas Tanek’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Nicholas Tanek is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, romantic fiction. My very own military hero (also known as my hubby) and I live on the beautiful Florida coast with our adorable fur baby (also known as our dog). I actually graduated with a degree in education, but decided to pursue my passion and write books about hunky alpha males and the kickbutt heroines who fall in love with them. to date, I’ve written over fifty books, which you can find at Amazon, B&N, and ARe.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My recent release is a sexy romantic suspense called PROTECTIVE CUSTODY. If you’re familiar with my other books, it’s probably no surprise that I love to write about strong, sexy, alpha males, and Gray Beckham, the hero in the book, is about as strong, sexy and alpha as they come, which makes him the perfect romance book hunk to curl up with on those cold, winter nights!

If you love a guy who comes with his own handcuffs and knows how to use them, then you’re going to fall hard and fast for Police Inspector Gray Beckham.

Paisley McCoy is a sexy reporter who writes about the San Francisco club scene for a local magazine. Having a dad on the force has led to one hard and fast rule – she doesn’t date cops. She likes her men sensitive and intellectual, two qualities in short supply in any cop she’s ever met. But now she’s stuck with this standard-issue cop – aggressive, opinionated, and sure he’s always right. In short, the complete opposite of the kind of man she usually goes for.

Gray Beckham is a no-nonsense cop who’s peeved about being taken off a major burglary investigation to babysit the captain’s bratty daughter, even if she is gorgeous. To make it even more annoying, she acts like the whole thing is a joke and insists she doesn’t need his protection. And while she might be sexy as hell, there’s no way he’s going anywhere near the captain’s daughter.

Despite their differences, though, Paisley and Gray can’t deny the chemistry between them. But as that connection turns into romance, they find out the stalker is a far greater threat than they had originally thought. And that if he can’t have her, no one will.

http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com/BooksProtectiveCustody.html

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if I’d call it unusual, but I write best when I listen to my iPod. I have crazy eclectic tastes when it comes to music. I’ve got everything from Billy Idol and Three Dog Night to Justin Timberlake and Lady Gaga on there! Oh, and I love to have a piece of dark chocolate while I write.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on the third book in my paranormal/romantic-suspense/action-adventure X-OPS Series. It’s about a secret government organization who pair shifters with humans to take down terrorists…and worse. The first book, HER PERFECT MATE, comes out May 6, 2014 from Sourcebooks, and is already available for pre-order!

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading Just a Little Surprise, which is part of the Just a Little Series by Tracie Puckett. I absolutely LOVE this series and definitely recommend it!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I just signed a new book deal with Sourcebooks for my paranormal/romantic-suspense/action-adventure series about cops who are also wolf shifters that I’m totally excited about!

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 toughie! LOL! Hot Target from Suzanne Brockmann, Into the Sunset by Shelley Thacker, the Monster High Series by Lissi Harrison, and the Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling.

Author Websites and Profiles
Paige Tyler Website
Paige Tyler Amazon Profile

Paige Tyler’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Paige Tyler is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Anthony Whitt lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Cathy where they raised two children, and currently enjoy their Lhasa Apso, a perpetual puppy. He is a native Austinite that has spent a lifetime studying the rich historical heritage of the American West. He has traveled extensively in the Rocky Mountains with frequent visits to sites of historic interest and tragic conflict. The scene of Custer’s final stand has drawn him back to wander the enigmatic battlefield on numerous trips. Closer to Austin, he spends much of his time searching out and exploring sites from this fascinating era that defines who we are today.

An avid reader, he has always been a student learning from history and the interplay of dynamic personalities that shaped our diverse heritage. His writing style seeks to portray the inherent drama of difficult times with an authentic story telling depiction. Characters speak with a voice meant to convey an understanding of human nature as men and women struggle in their efforts to survive in a demanding environment. His goal is to weave a convincing narrative of unforgettable characters that come alive in the reader’s imagination and leave them regretting having reached the end of the trail.

He has published the first novel of a trilogy set in the Texas Hill Country after the Civil War. This work of fiction introduces a dynamic gathering of characters caught up in the struggle to survive in a demanding time period. It is story of faded love and forbidden temptations where adventure and death follow the characters attempting to cope in the unforgiving hills west of Austin. Rugged frontiersmen and pompous commanders are part of an unforgettable cast including jaded wives and an enticing seductress, Texas Rangers and Comanche warriors as they engage in deadly hostilities. Written in a rich, authentic voice, this story will keep you captivated from page to page and make you regret the long hard ride had to come to an end. The second edition in the trilogy is anticipated to be released in the summer of 2014.

When unshackled from the keyboard, Anthony enjoys the outdoor activities that abound in the wild lands of Texas. Hiking, fishing, camping, and hunting have been a lifetime passion he pursues whenever possible. He also spends his time engaged in photography whether he is out beating the trails in the Rocky Mountains or closer to home in the Hill Country of Central Texas.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Hard Land to Rule” is a short story that grew into a full-length novel. The story is based upon a real life incident that occurred on my great-great grandfather’s homestead. Indians had been stealing food from neighboring ranches and the settlers posted a night guard to protect their valuable food supply in the smokehouse. A conflict erupts in the early dark hours of the morning that sent several of my ancestors on a futile attempt to track down the raiders. The original short story was to be based upon a fictionalized version of this true account passed down in family oral history.

Positive feedback on the short story convinced me to work the tale into a full-length novel splitting off into several captivating story lines. The book has received many excellent reviews that have validated the long hours required to turn out a high quality and professionally edited book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I would not call my habits unusual, but my writing comes in spurts. Dealing with the demands of everyday life can frequently get in the way of time scheduled for writing. Distractions are a constant challenge to overcome. As a result, I must deal with the frustration of not writing when I thought the time would allow. Occasionally I have to leave the house to clear my head and get away from the always-present responsibilities. I will seek out a little visited park and sit at a table to pound out paragraphs. On a good day, I have been able to write two chapters before returning to the house. These days of high production bring a great sense of achievement making up for the difficulties of finding the time and creativity to write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tom Bodett influenced me with his book “The Big Garage on Clear Shot.” His ability to get the reader to engage with his characters produced a big influence. I felt sad to reach the end of the story. The characters had become my friends.

Elmer Kelton is a master storyteller. His book “The Day the Cowboys Quit” read like I was watching a movie. I had never read Kelton before and was shocked at how well he could suck the reader into his well-crafted story.

James Lee Burke is a prolific writer that has unequaled descriptive talents. Reading his books is like witnessing a painting forming with words. He writes fiction as if it were poetry.

These three writers are the biggest influence out of my lifetime of avid reading. I am happy to report that reviewers have made similar comparisons to my work on “Hard land to Rule.” I have been humbled by the positive response.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working to wrap up the second edition in the trilogy that opened up with “Hard Land to Rule.” I am about two chapters from the conclusion of the manuscript as of today. Editing and rewrites will follow the completion. I am anticipating a release date of summer 2014.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Being a self-published author is a daunting task. Getting the word out to enough people to make the process self supporting is a hard task. Facebook has connected me with a decent fan base that I can grow with time. It is a challenge to come up with material that will keep the interest of followers and I am lucky to have a nice collection of photographs that relate to my writing. The same conditions apply to Twitter and Goodreads. It is a time consuming endeavor, but the interaction with some interesting people has made it all worthwhile.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Try to write every day. Stay in the groove. Do not let the off days get you down. Get out and take a walk or do some physical exercise to keep you fresh. Stay engaged with your fans. They are why you are writing. Sharing your work with others provides the greatest reward for your efforts.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My father always said “Can’t never did anything.” I always thought it was hokey. He has been gone a long time and I wish he were still around to repeat his simple advice.

What are you reading now?
James Lee Burke’s “Light of the World.”

“Crazy Horse” by Bill Moeller.

“Historic Austin” by Mike Cox.

I usually have several new books around the house to read at one time.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish the trilogy and pick up as many fans as possible along the way. Keep the fans engaged and satisfied.

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?
Reading would be the last of my worries. I would need a bible for support.

Author Websites and Profiles
Anthony Whitt Website
Anthony Whitt Amazon Profile

Anthony Whitt’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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Anthony Whitt is a post from Awesome Gang