Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi. This is my first ever book so I’m hoping it will be the beginning of many future books. I love reading and writing and spend a fortune on books. I’m a lawyer qualified in England. Since I married and moved to the States 9 years ago, I decided to work from home to spend quality time with my 2 daughters. My hobbies are reading, writing, painting, going to the theatre and travelling.

I hope you enjoy my book as much as I enjoyed creating it!

Happy reading!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is: “Paleo Quick & Easy: Brunches, Lunches & Dinners. What inspired me to write this book is that I love the Paleo diet and wanted to create dishes which were fun, healthy and easy to do for the busy moms like myself.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to be more creative after midnight so I work best very late at night to avoid any distractions.

What are you working on now?

I am working on a Paleo dessert cookbook. I love desserts and wanted to create another “Quick & Easy” Paleo book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There are hundreds of websites. However one of the best ones is www. Awesomegang.com as it provides readers with more information on the author as well as valuable newsletters.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just go for it! Start writing your book and put it onto action.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing a good book is not as important as marketing it. If people don’t know about your book, you won’t be able to sell it.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading” The Law Of Success” by Napoleons Hill.

What’s next for you as a writer?
This is the beginning of my new journey, so the sky is the limit.

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 my Kindle and hope to keep reading tons of books which I have downloaded.

If I had to pick actual physical books, I would pick:

1. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

2. The Power of the Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy

3. any book on Monet, my favourite artist of all time.

Layanne Taylor is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a high school English and Special Education teacher. Originally, I planned to follow the writing out of high school, but I talked myself out of it because I knew how hard that road could be. However, over the years the desire to publish a novel has been eating away at me, so here I am. The First is my debut novel, though I’ve been writing since I was very little. I began writing at a very young age and even considered a career in screenwriting or journalism. As a teacher, I enjoy educating high school students about writing. My favorite place to be (other than asleep in bed) is the beach. I also enjoy reading, cooking, traveling, hiking, and playing video games that girls aren’t supposed to like.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The First is a novel of mythic and paranormal fantasy with many elements of thriller and suspense contained within the pages. The inspiration came about slowly, then with a sudden rush as I realized the main crux of the story in one defining, yet random, moment. I’ve always been fascinated with mythology. Fantasy is my genre of choice for my own reading, so I tend to write what I read. Most of the elements in this story are shrouded in mystery. A young woman, determined not to fall prey to the consequences of inaction, must brave the nightmares beyond her known world in order to fight back against the nightmare within that is slowly killing her village and her people.

The First is available on 02.25.14.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a bit of a perfectionist, so I find it difficult not to correct myself as I type, even when the muse hits me. Other than that, I think I’m like most writers. I do tend to follow an outline, albeit a very shaky one. With my current book, I gave myself leeway to change anything along the way, but I needed to have an end in sight so that I could remain consistent with my character and plot development.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
C.S. Lewis, Ursula K. LeGuin, J.R.R. Tolkien, Douglas Adams, John Milton…and many more.

What are you working on now?
Marketing! Oh, you meant in terms of writing? Well, I’ve been keeping a notebook on what will be my next novel. I’m fairly certain this will be a series, with magical elements and some steampunk perhaps. I haven’t started writing a draft yet, but I plan to after the release of my book on Tuesday. I needed a little bit of a breather.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is http://lisamgreen.com. I have Facebook and Twitter, along with Goodreads and Google Plus, but word-of-mouth helps a lot. I have friends that help spread the word, and those people in turn help also. My Kickstarter project was a huge success! With a goal of $500, we ended up making $1400 to help fund the first print run. I have a good product with professionalism stamped all over it, so people were confident in supporting it. Forty-seven people to be exact! I am so thankful for their support.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just start. Then keep going until you are done. Once you have a polished product, make sure all the elements are done with professionalism. It takes many, many hours of work. But if you are willing to do it, it can be very rewarding. But don’t put it off. I did for twenty years, and I regretted it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never, EVER, respond to reviews!

What are you reading now?
The Royal Wizard by Alianne Donnelly

What’s next for you as a writer?
These ideas for the new series are itching to be written. I hope to delve into that in the next few weeks.

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?
You think I’m going to choose my favorites, but I would want to bring some fresh material. Probably a complete series of books that had recently received good reviews at that time. And then I’d pray they were as good as expected!

Author Websites and Profiles
Lisa Green Website
Lisa Green Amazon Profile
Lisa Green Author Profile on Smashwords

Lisa Green’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Lisa Green is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write mysteries and science fiction. I am working on a series called the Bequia Mysteries, set in the Grenadines, in the eastern Caribbean. I’ve already completed the first three novels in the series, a trilogy which introduces the series. Book #1 in the series, Dead Reckoning, has just been released in ebook and print formats, available at Smashwords, Amazon, and most other online ebook retailers.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book just released is Dead Reckoning, the first of the Bequia Mystery Series. It was inspired by the time I spent living and sailing in the Eastern Caribbean. Actually I’d developed the main character first, then decided to set him and the stories in the Grenadines.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Can’t say I have, but I guess it’s what you mean by unusual.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
If you check out my Pinterest page I’d done an image collection of the authors and books which inspired and influenced me. I cut my teeth on the old ‘hard boiled’ series by the founders of that genre, Dashiel Hammett, Raymond Chandler, Ross Macdonald and Mickey Spillane. I loved their style, their use of language, and the fantastic characters they created, Sam Spade, Lew Archer, Mike Hammer. But my all favorite character is Travis McGee, created by John D. MacDonald. As I mentioned, those are the guys I cut my teeth on, who inspired and influenced my own writing, and I enjoy reading authors and characters who are reminiscent of that era, like Robert B. Parker’s Spenser, and lately Lee Child’s Jack Reacher.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the book #4 of the Bequia Mystery Series. I’m about half way through the story.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to figure that out since I’m only now promoting my first published novel. I spend a few hours a day listing and visiting websites. When I find a site I think is a suitable fit for me, whether it’s a listing site or blog I’ll submit the book. I have to wait to see the results.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advice is already out there on the web from really knowledgeable and experienced people giving great advice. You just have to look for it, which isn’t difficult. My own advice is something I do everyday, write, anything, doesn’t matter what, just write. Practice, practice and keep practicing. Keep notes of the ideas popping into your head. And the other thing I’d advise, especially to novice authors, is learn the craft. Learn how to use words and language to convey the story the way you want to. Often what is going on in one’s imagination doesn’t get translated to the page. And it doesn’t happen by itself or by accident. Doesn’t mean you need to take writing courses or get a degree in creative writing, although those will teach you the craft. But I think one of the best ways to learn the craft is to read. Read, read and read, especially in the genre you enjoy and you want to create in. And while you’re reading pay attention to the language, how words are strung together to create a scene, or produce an emotion.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read. Though for me it wasn’t difficult advice to follow. I’m an avid reader. I devour books. I can’t tell you the last time I didn’t read a book in one sitting. I only put a book down if I’m losing interest, my eyes won’t remain open any longer, or there’s a family emergency.

What are you reading now?
I am rereading, for the umpteenth time, the Aubrey/Maturin naval adventures by Patrick O’Brian.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To continue writing. To develop more stories for the Bequia Mysteries. I want to make it a continuing series, until the characters tell me they’re heading off to do something else with their lives. And I want to develop more Science fiction stories. I’ve really only talked here about the mystery genre, but I’m a devout science fiction fan and I love writing science fiction as much as mystery.

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 specific book titles wouldn’t matter, I’d want to have the sort of books I can read over and over again and still enjoy. The type of books where using them to read, or using them as the only available kindling for a fire, is a tough choice. I’d want to have a mystery, an espionage suspense thriller, a science fiction novel, and perhaps something philosophical.

Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Smart Amazon Profile
Michael Smart Author Profile on Smashwords

Michael Smart’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Pinterest Account

Michael Smart is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Mexico City, but have lived in New York mostly since college. I’m fully bilingual in English and Spanish and have been emerged in both cultures equally since a young age. If I’m not writing, then I’m most likely reading. But if I’m not doing either of those, I spend my time goofing around with my husband, watching a good show or movie, or eating out at restaurants with friends. I used to be an avid tennis player growing up and occasionally play whenever I get the chance. I’m also really passionate about traveling and try to make an overseas trip at least once a year. So far I’ve written two contemporary romance novels and recently self-published the first one in the series, Teaching Mia.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I was inspired to write Teaching Mia after I graduated from business school in Spain. My experience during my time there was so rich and intense, it gave me plenty of source material to work with. Somehow I started imagining what it would be like for a girl to go through the same experience, but by herself and completely alone. That’s when the back story came to me of a wounded girl who was fleeing her past and trying to make a better life for herself in a foreign country. It just seemed like the perfect scenario for someone who had a lot of obstacles in front of them and presented a lot of challenges to struggle through. And of course, a romantic hero who would eventually save her from it all!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if this is unusual, but I usually first write a pivotal chapter from the middle of the book and then work my way backwards to the beginning.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Growing up in Mexico, my favorite authors are mostly from Latin America. Carlos Fuentes is a huge inspiration to me (Mia’s last name from Teaching Mia came from him) and I always looked up to the fact that he is one of the first few truly bilingual authors in Spanish and English and I absolutely loved reading his short stories growing up. Other authors include: Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Octavio Paz, Mario Vargas Llosa. In English, my favorite book is Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and also love Dumas’ Count of Monte Cristo.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on translating Teaching Mia into Spanish. I’m a native Spanish speaker, so I did the translation myself and now I’m in the process of editing with the help of my mom! It’s been a fun process so far as I also thoroughly enjoy writing in Spanish as much as in English, but at the same time it definitely requires much more proofing than English as there are so many accents and grammar details to look out for!

Besides this, I’m also in the process of finishing up Book 2 of the Nights in Madrid Series, Stealing Emma. This story features the story of Leo’s older brother Max, and his hot pursuit of a love interest who just so happens to be already taken. Although there’s a lot of drama due to the ensuing love triangle, I feel like I’ve also had a lot of fun writing this book so far and the characters keep on surprising me.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to figure this out, but probably a combination of Facebook and Twitter.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
No matter what happens, never give up!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You’re never as good as your best review, and never as bad as your worst.

What are you reading now?
J.A. Redmerski’s The Edge of Always

What’s next for you as a writer?
Besides spending most of my free time writing and editing, I’m trying to get the word out about my books as much as possible, which I’ve now realized is the other half of the journey. I can’t say for certain what’s next, but I’m hoping for an exciting road ahead!

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?
Catcher in the Rye

The Count of Monte Cristo

One Hundred Years of Solitude

Author Websites and Profiles
M.C. Roman Website
M.C. Roman Amazon Profile
M.C. Roman Author Profile on Smashwords

M.C. Roman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

M.C. Roman is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Dearheart, my wife of forty three years and I live in a little town of 8,200 in Southern California. In that time, I’ve built a successful remodeling /contracting business. But that’s just my day job… everyone that writes, everyone who tells you how to write, all say the same thing… Write about what you know and what I know is me.

Well, at least the me I see when I write… a protagonist frequently wedged between a rock and a hard place but manages to work things out at the last minute after all.

Like most of us when pushed into a corner it only brings out the best in us and we become the unstoppable force of a reluctant hero. If I have a signature style for creating a character then this is it.

I have written 8 novels and a good number of short stories.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest is called My Grandfather’s Pants carried by Tirgearr Publishing ! It’s a paranormal Fiction about a young man that learns who his Grandfather really was and all about the people who loved him and those that wanted to control him.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I guess it depends on what you consider unusual… I write nights and weekends as a rule. I have a very large, over feed cat named Auggie who personally inspects all my work and frequently tries to help me type. He’s not very good… I tell him ‘I’ before ‘e’ except after ‘c’ but he never listens. By the way… he thinks he’s a dog… does that count ?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve read a lot of Sci-Fi and Fantasy. I like humor and Dave Barry cracks me up. My all time favorite ? I would have to say EE ‘Doc’ Smith… The Lensmen series. Smith was a scientist in the 30’s and wrote The Lensmen Series in 1937 ! Very cool stuff. Way ahead of his time.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m writing 2 new books…. the first is The Cordovan Effect. It’s book 3 of my Eve Project due to be released September 2014 . The second is called Black Moon… book 2 in my Littlefield series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is the hardest… promotion is tough. I try everything available. How do you get people to read your work when they’ve never heard of you ?? I tell them I’m very good but then they ask… “Who are you ?

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you want to read. Nothing else will make you happy.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t take crap from anyone… write what you want”

What are you reading now?
I just finished 100 thousand Kingdoms.

What’s next for you as a writer?
At present my book ‘My Grandfather’s Pants’ is out… the first from my Sci-Fi Series The Eve Project called Machines of the Little People will be released in April 2014, Book 2… The Wishing Stone will be out July 2014 and book 3… The Cordovan Effect will be out September 2014

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?

Author Websites and Profiles
Tegon Maus Amazon Profile
Tegon Maus Author Profile on Smashwords

Tegon Maus’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tegon Maus is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have four middle grade (8-12 year old) books published with a fifth set to come out in February. Three of the books are historical fictions, one is a fantasy, and one a Native American ranching tale.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
WILDFIRE was written when I lived in the Black Hills of South Dakota and was a teacher, many whom were Lakota Sioux. There is a toughness which I admire to both the land and the people of The Hills. I have tried to depict the Native American contemporary culture and their marvelous humor.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I eat out of jars when I write. Bowls are too wide for my workspace.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oldies: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, George MacDonald

Newies (kids’ authors): Shannon Hale, Gary Paulsen, and hundreds of others.

What are you working on now?
A time travel for kids.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Why, Awesome Gang is the best website when it comes to promoting my books!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write and finish your story. Then revise it about a hundred times. Then let some people you’re not related to look at it. Wait a year and start work on another book. Then, take another look at that “sitting” book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up.

What are you reading now?
I multi-level read, different genres, age groups, etc. and always have 3-5 going at a time — kids books, adult SF, adult non-fiction, historical fiction, folk-fairy tales, research for my WIP.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More stories, naturally.

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 — chuck full of interesting stories, history, and thought provoking words.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy (Does that count as 3?)

Author Websites and Profiles
Sandy Carlson Website
Sandy Carlson Amazon Profile

Sandy Carlson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Sandy Carlson is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Nigerian writer, HR professional and lover of French language (I speak fluent French). I’ve always loved writing since I was a little girl, and becoming a published Author is fulfilling one of my childhood dreams — the other being to become a professional dancer (tic toc).

I’ve published two books (“The XIth Hour” and “Thirteen Suspects”) and six short stories (“Ziora’s Surprise” and five stories in the Angela Hunter Series). But I have written way more than that. My best friend/laptop has a lot of unfinished-business folders.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled “Thirteen Suspects.” It’s a Murder/Mystery book with a touch of suspense and erotica. What inspired it? Lips sealed.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write on anything I can find around me immediately I get a new idea – newspapers, calendars, envelopes etc., then I type it up later. Most times, I wake up in the middle of the night to write a page or two on my phone.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I recently started reading fiction books after I published my first book (Nov. 2013), so it’s too soon to say what Authors or books have influenced me. Before now, I only read non-fiction/true life. I’m hoping to read more books this year.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a new book titled “The Perfect Finish.” I’m only two chapters in, but so far, I’m happy with the way the story is progressing.

I’m also working on a short story series: “The Angela Hunter series.” It started off as just one short story titled “Closed Door.” Some readers asked for a second (The Confession) and third (The Pursuit) part, and ever since then, I’ve not been able to stop. The Fourth part is titled “The Informant” and the fifth part (to be released on 03/03/2014) is titled “The Deal.”

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads. I’m looking to explore other websites too.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Think long, think wrong! Don’t waste too much time thinking about if you should start writing your book, if you should publish that great idea you have, if people will like it, or if it’ll sell. You can’t please everyone, but someone out there wants to read your book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading:

-Murder Passes the Buck by Ted Baker

-Amulet 2 by S. Wolf

-Two Hundred Steps Home – Volume 3 by Amanda Martin

I’m about to start “The Future Kills” by Ron Knight and maybe “A Touch of Danger’ by Grant Fieldgrove

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?
How to power an ebook reading device on a desert island (if it exists), then I’ll take my reading device and read as many books as I want. Translation: I don’t know what books I’d bring along.

Author Websites and Profiles
C. M. Okonkwo Website
C. M. Okonkwo Author Profile on Smashwords

C. M. Okonkwo’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

C. M. Okonkwo is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I an an author/illustrator of children’s books. I have just published my second and third books, and have written my fourth, but haven’t begun the illustrations as yet.

You did post my first book, “It Stinks to be Pink!” Thank You.

My New Books are:

The Very Best You!

EZ As 1-2-3 Come Learn About Bugs A-Z

I felt compelled to write my first book to help children faced with some of the challenges I faced as a child. I especially wanted to reach children long before they hit puberty, which
can be painful for even the most perfect child. I wanted to give them the wisdom I did not have until I was in my early twenties. I believe if I had known then what I know now, I would have been a happier child. I wanted that opportunity for all children.

Writing my first book helped me to begin painting again, which has brought joy to my life, and inspired me to create other children’s books. My second book, The Very Best You! is also to help children. It is a rhyming picture book of positive affirmations, meant to boost children’s self-confidence and self-image.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
EZ As 1-2-3 Come Learn About Bugs A-Z

I was just finishing the covers on my second book, when I started thinking about a series of paintings I had created a few months before which were whimsical paintings of beautiful

insects on a simple image with a fabric patterned background. Everyone that saw those images thought they would be wonderful for children. Which made me think, “Wow, if I added a cute rhyme about each insect, and painted one for each letter of the alphabet what a beautiful little book that could be.

Believe it or not, I put down the book I was finishing, and began work on the third book. It was so much fun, I couldn’t put it down. Instead of just cute rhymes about each insect, I decided to add pertinent bug facts, including some that are not commonly known.

I couldn’t be happier with the result. It is an abc rhyming picture book about bugs, with bug facts in each rhyme. It exceeded my expectations.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Only the crazy habit of starting the minute I wake in the morning, and working late into the evening. When I am focused on a book or painting, I can think of nothing else.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I create what I am compelled to create, I can’t say any one author influenced me. But that said we are all influenced to a certain degree from all the books, art, and life experiences we have been exposed to.

As for children’s books, I like most people, adored Dr. Seuss. But my favorite book as a child was the Borrowers by Author Mary Norton

What are you working on now?
I have just finished writing another rhyming picture book, The working title is, “I’m No Baby!” This book is written from the perspective of a 2 or 3 year old, boasting of all their accomplishments proving that they can do loads of things that “babies” can’t do.

The rhymes are very cute, but I have not started the illustrations yet.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
KathrynLNovak.com is my website which has all of my links, as well as pages from all my books, contact info, etc.

I am also on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Shelfari, and Pinterest

I can always be found by my full name: Kathryn L Novak

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I believe the key to success is focus. Make your book a priority in your life. The first thing I do every single day is work on my current book or paint. I believe persistence more than natural talent is the key to success.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I remember a quote from Henry Ford, which I take to heart to this very day.

“Whether you believe you can, or you believe you can’t, you’re right.”

What are you reading now?
I just finished (again) To Kill a Mockingbird. I just purchased the kindle version of, The Borrowers, and read the first few chapters a few days ago. I haven’t read it since I was very young, but at that time, I read it many times.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to finish my newest children’s book, I’m No Baby! But I have been painting in my spare time. So, for now my focus is on fine art abstract painting. I have no current plans to write a fifth book. But, you never know.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
That’s a tough one…

1. A book by Judy Bloom, to keep me laughing.

2. A boy scouts manual, to help me survive alone on the island. (ha-ha)

3. Something romantic… for cold lonely nights, like Out of Africa, or Gone with the Wind.

4. War & Peace, because I will need lots of reading material.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kathryn L Novak Website
Kathryn L Novak Amazon Profile

Kathryn L Novak’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Kathryn L Novak is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a lawyer turned historical romance writer. I’ve written three novels, one novella and two short stories. The 3rdin my Agents of the Crown trilogy is due to be released in early March. All of my stories include real history and real historic figures. My latest, Wind Raven, is set on a schooner (and other places) in 1817 and features a real historic pirate.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Wind Raven was inspired by my love of the sea, ships and the idea of a strong willed American heroine, raised on her father’s ships with brothers, finding love with a man she would consider something of an enemy, an English sea captain. And the fact that piracy increased after the end of the War of 1812 and the Napoleonic Wars fascinated me.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Only that I’m buried in the past and my research as I write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The great classic romance authors who wrote the deep historicals: Virginia Henley, Kathleen Givens, Heather Graham, Jan Cox Speas, Teresa Denys, Penelope Williamson and many others. I have a blog dedicated to finding the “keepers” for other readers of the genre. It’s Regan’s Romance Reviews (http://reganromancereview.blogspot.com).

What are you working on now?
I’ve left Georgian England for a short detour into the 11th century for a medieval titled The Red Wolf’s Prize. It’s set in England in 1068, two years after the Conquest, and features a Norman knight rewarded by the Conqueror with lands formerly those of an English thegn. Along with the lands comes an English maiden who King William has betrothed to his knight. But the English maiden hates the Normans for taking her father from her at the Battle of Hastings and vows to defy the Norman king.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, I do have both a blog and a website (http://www.reganwalkerauthor.com) but I am very active on Facebook and Goodreads (since I am a top reviewer for both Goodreads and Amazon) and encourage my readers to find me there (https://www.facebook.com/regan.walker.104) and I also do Twitter (https://twitter.com/RegansReview). I feel more connected with folks on Facebook; it’s more personal.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Get that first book written. Write what you love to read. Once it’s written, get it critiqued and have it read by a few “beta readers” who will give you their candid impression of the story and the characters. Join a few author organizations and learn which publishers are likely to want your book. And if you decide to self-publish, make sure you get your book professionally edited with a good cover. It will make a difference. As you approach publication, get a domain name and set up a website. You can do your own free using Weebly (that is how I did mine).

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just keep writing.

What are you reading now?
I’m always reading historical romance. Each month on my Regan’s Romance Reviews blog features a different subgenre and I have a dozen “best lists” that I continuously update. February is pirate and privateer month on my blog so I’m reading tales set on the high seas.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will finish my medieval and then I’m on to the prequel for my Regency trilogy. It’s titled To Tame the Wind and it takes place in France and England in 1783. There will be ships and a French pirate, too!

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 book on surviving on a desert island, and a novel or two I like to re-read–the long ones.

Author Websites and Profiles
Regan Walker Website
Regan Walker Amazon Profile
Regan Walker Author Profile on Smashwords

Regan Walker’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Regan Walker is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’ve been writing stories for as long as I can remember but I only started to think about publishing a few years ago. I’ve written several romance short stories and four longer books. I love to write books about strong heroines and the sexy heroes who they fall for. I’m British and I mostly write books set here in the UK in the places that I know and love.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Flirting With The Camera.

I fell in love with Hattie, the heroine of this book, from the moment she appeared on the page. She’s beautiful, brilliant, sexy, confident – and unashamedly plus-sized. She’s determined to go after her dreams, despite other people telling her she can’t. I wanted to write a book that would do her justice and show that dreams are there to be grasped.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Um, procrastination isn’t very unusual, is it? I mostly write on a little netbook with a no-frills word-processor and as few distractions as possible. If I’m really struggling to concentrate, I’ll use Write Or Die, which makes the screen flash red and plays awful music whenever you stop typing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, everything! But I especially admire and love authors like Kelly Hunter, Sarah Morgan, Jill Mansell and Sarah Mayberry.

What are you working on now?
I’m finishing up edits on a book about a gorgeous French footballer (soccer player!) which should be out in April just in time for the World Cup. And I’m writing the first draft of a really fun office romance story.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
LOL! I am the worst person to ask about promo tips. Be yourself and don’t bore people talking about your books all the time, I guess.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t settle for good enough. Work at your books until they are as good as you can possibly make them.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?

What are you reading now?
Robin Covington’s ‘A Night of Southern Comfort’ and I just finished Inara Scott’s new ‘Reforming the Playboy’.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m hoping to learn how to write faster and better! Every year I’ve been doing this, I’ve learned so much and I want to make 2014 the year where that pays off. I love writing the kind of books I am at the moment, but I’ve also had some ideas for historical romances, so maybe that’s where I’ll be heading next.

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, wow. This question is TOO HARD.

But okay, I’ll give it a shot.

1. Middlemarch, George Eliot. Because it is both awesome and VERY long and I haven’t read it for a while.

2. Venetia and Devil’s Cub, Georgette Heyer. Yes, I sneaked in two. They are my two absolute favourite Heyers and I couldn’t manage without either.

3. Rivals, Jilly Cooper. Really I want all of her books. They are so much fun and I couldn’t be lonely with them to keep me company.

4. Complete works of Jane Austen. I have a beautiful set of these in just two small volumes, printed on very thin paper, like Bibles. They are perfect for travelling, so I will just sneak them into my desert island packing and no one will notice that I may have brought more than 3 or 4 books.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ros Clarke Website
Ros Clarke Amazon Profile

Ros Clarke’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Ros Clarke is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I began writing at a very young age, penning the as yet unpublished George and the Giant Castle at age six. I grew up in Southern Idaho, and after many adventures including a short stint in the US Army I returned to Idaho, and currently reside in Boise.

I’ve written several books, including Broken Bones, a collection of short stories, Redemption the first in the Samuel Elijah Johnson Series, Temptation the sequel to Redemption, along with the horror Satanarium, co-authored with Poppet, a brilliant author from South Africa. My next novel, Stray Ally, will be published March 4th by Tirgearr Publishing. The final in the Samuel Elijah Johnson Series, Confession will be published May 1st.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest work, recently finishes, is titled Confession and will be out May 1st. It is the last in a series, and was inspired by a comment a friend made after reading the first in the series. I knew what he said would make it into the series somewhere, but was not sure where until I started this book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I stat very early in the morning, which some people find odd. My typical day starts between 4:30 and 5:00 am.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a ton when I was younger, whatever I could get my hands on. John Irving, Ken Follet, many of the sci-fi greats, Stephen King, and Dean Koontz have all been sources of inspiration.

What are you working on now?
I’m finishing up a romantic erotica novella this week. It’s still a thriller, in my own style, but heavy on the romance and the sex. It is targeted for a series, and then I will start on my next novel, Miner Inconveniences, a story about a hard rock miner.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Tough one. Facebook is huge, as well as Twitter, but there are increasing trends to other sites. Awesomegang is right up there.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My usual advice is to do something else. But if you discover, as I have, that you can’t do anything else, then resolve to do the best you can. Always refine your craft, accept criticism, surround yourself with others who hold you accountable, and write every day.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.

What are you reading now?
Bound to the Highlander, by Kate Robbins along with Buddhist Boot Camp and Caesar Messiah by Joseph Atwill.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have two books planned for the rest of this year: standalone novels. I am avoiding another series at least for now.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A Prayer for Owen Meany (Irving)

On Writing (King)

The Sun Also Rises (Hemingway)

A blank journal, so I could write.

Author Websites and Profiles
Troy Lambert Website
Troy Lambert Amazon Profile
Troy Lambert Author Profile on Smashwords

Troy Lambert’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Troy Lambert is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was raised pretty much the same as everyone else… devoted mother, strict father and all the imaginary friends I could conjure. Not that I wasn’t friendly, I just wasn’t “people orientated”. Maybe I lived in my head way more than I should have, maybe not. I liked machines more than people, at least I did until I met my wife.

The first thing I can remember writing was for her. For the life of me I can’t remember what it was about… something about dust bunnies under the bed and monsters in my closet. It must have been pretty good because she married me shortly after that. I spent a good number of years after inventing games and prototypes for a variety of ideas before I got back to writing.

It wasn’t a deliberate conscious thought, it was more of a stepping stone. My wife and I had joined a dream interpret group and we were encouraged to write down our dreams as they occurred. “Be as detailed as you can,” we were told.

I was thrilled. If there is one thing I enjoy it’s making people believe me and I like to exaggerate. Not a big exaggeration or an out right lie mine you, just a little step out of sync, just enough so you couldn’t be sure if it were true or not. If I can make people think “it could happen,” even for a moment, then I have them. When I write, I always write with the effort of “it could happen” very much in mind and nothing, I guarantee you, nothing, makes me happier.

I have written8 novels and agood number of short stories !

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called My Grandfather’s Pants… it’s a Paranormal Fiction/Romance. Both my mother and my wife are very firm believers in hand-me-downs…. Waste – not – want – not. I was gifted a tan pair of trousers that belonged to my father that he got from his. I’m just glad I’m the oldest of three and I have no sisters.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, not really. I just need the time to sit down and be left alone for a little while… well that and a package of chocolate chip cookies… oh and I’m very fond of M&Ms… brownies are good as well ! Any one of them are good impression ! I usually have a story in mind… kind of beginning, middle and end sort of a thing about what I want to say or point out… quirky things as a rule. I have never plotted or wrote 3×5 cards or anything that organized. I like to be surprised as the story goes along and flexible enough to work it into what I’m writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Almost everyone has something to offer… anyone who writes SCi-Fi or Fantasy is always a great source for inspiration. If I had to put a name to it I would have to say E E ‘Doc’ Smith. He was a scientist in the 30’s. He wrote the Lensmen series in 1937 and was decades ahead of his time. Really great stuff.

What are you working on now?
At present I’m writing the 3rd book in my Eve Project Series called The Cordovan effect. It’s about the life of a man who has died and has been brought back as a sentient android. When I run out of ideas for it I work on the 2nd book in my Littlefield series called Black Moon. It’s set in a world with magic, horrible creatures, and a people that make the creatures look tame. People are always the real monsters.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is a really hard question… I try anything and everything. I have no one “magic bullet” answer for marketing or promoting. No one thing appeals to everyone so short of giving away a free copy of my books with every pizza purchase I have to try anything and everything. It’s really tough all the way around, not to mention it’s the hardest thing about writing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what makes you happy… write only what you want to read. Nothing else will satisfy you!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Never buy a Beta-Max, a pinto or cowboy boots” As far as writing advice… I’ve read them all tried many of them and as it turns out the writing world is not a “One size fits all” kind of problem. You have to think about it alot and try what works for you.

What are you reading now?
I just finished 100 Thousand Kingdoms.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My book, My Grandfather’s pants was just released… I have another, the first in my Sci-Fi Series called Machines of the Little People comes out in April 2014. It’s about a quirky genius that thinks his home, car and life are filled with tiny creatures called Katoy. He sees them everywhere… right up until his second wife is murdered in their home and he disappears. In the search for him a conspiracy is uncovered casting doubt on his guilt.

Then in July, book 2 called The Wishing Stone is released. It’s a story of overcoming loss by any means possible and the sacrifices some will make to insure its success… turning flesh and memories into nuts and bolts… and beyond belief… a living machine.

Book 3 arrives in September and finishes the story arc with a book called The Cordovan Effect. It’s about the life of a man after he has died and now has been transformed into an android himself… his fears, and challenges in dealing with his new situation; fearful of being discovered… joyful in finding love that will last a life time… all 250 years of 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?
If I were to be deserted on an island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books I would have to say at least one of them would have to be “How to build a boat” Second would be “A hundred things to do with coconuts” and third would be “Sand is your friend”

Author Websites and Profiles
Tegon Maus Website
Tegon Maus Amazon Profile
Tegon Maus Author Profile on Smashwords

Tegon Maus’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tegon Maus is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My daughter Doris and I have written 8 books on the Inner Art of Dowsing

I was born in Germany. Went through the Second World War. Came to the USA in 1955. Married for 56 years to a very special supportive partner Rudy. Mother of two unique daughters. Sister to 2 brothers. Grandma to 4 beautiful individuals and 3 great- grandchildren and homemaker. Co-Author of many Dowsing and Inspirational Work- books, Educator, Teacher , Lecturer on Vibrational Energies.( the Inner Art of Dowsing). Consultant on all aspect of Life.

World Traveler: Most of the European Countries, India, Australia, Brazil, China, Russia, Peru, Canada, Mexico

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
To have Inner Peace means ” Getting Our Affairs in Order” For Our Journey Home. A did a consultation a few years ago with some one. I received a message to tell her ” To get her Affairs in Order” and that is how this came all about.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Love to write Poetry and Inspirational material

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Rev. Hanna Kroeger, any kind of Dowsing books, Self-help books

What are you working on now?
How to Detox Body, Mind, Spirit and Soul.

Bible for Dowsers / Diviners in which are many list and charts.

Also ” I Create and I also Take’ the story of spending 5 month with my dad’s illness and death, with it goes also my own Life Journey

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
www.3hdosing.com. Also giving talks on the Inner Art of Dowsing on the Discovering Dowsing.com , World Wide Dowsing Summit Site. Presenting at Dowsing Conferences. American Society of Dowsers

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be inspired by sharing with others your Knowledge and Passion. Do never give up on your dreams.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take care of your own backyard, do not go out there, each has their own journey. Honor and Respect each individual for who they are.

What are you reading now?
Inspirational books. Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing the books I am working on. Writing with my daughter Doris Teachers textbooks.

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?
Our TO OUR HEALTH self-help workbook which helps me with the Physical, emotional, mental spiritual and soul issues if they arise.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing by James F. Balch M>D. Phyllis A. Balch, CNC.

Webster Dictionary

Author Websites and Profiles
Anneliese Gabriel Hagemann Website

Anneliese Gabriel Hagemann is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Collin K. Francis is an internationally acclaimed Motivational Speaker, born in Grenada and now lives in Bronx, New York. He is a Radio Host, Personal Life Coach, Trainer, Politician, Former Classroom Teacher, a Re-Evaluation Co-Counselor, Nero Linguistic Programmer (NLP), Hypnotherapist, Bible Teacher, Union Activist, Sales Trainer (King Teleservices-Sprint Communications in New York City), and Managed/Owned, a Training and Employment Agency.

Collin holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Cameron University, Lawton, Oklahoma and has completed a Master’s Degree in International Business at St. George’s University. His work has been centered on helping young people prepare for the workplace, helping them find and keep jobs. He has shaped many lives and empowered young people to succeed.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Job seeker’s and worker’s guides:

Exceptional Customer Service

Professional sales

Job ready Guide

Front office management

Effective leadership

How to start your own business?

How to make money online

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write as I am moved by my inner being to impact the world.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
William Shakespeare

Charles Dickens

What are you working on now?
Empowering Women to Lead ” Creating the Relationship and Lifestyle you want

The Power to Break-free

The Secret to Infinite Wisdom

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

http://awesomegang.com/

Twitter

Facebook

Youtube

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be passionate , stick to what you love and write from your heart.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up, how would you want the world remember you, Les Brown.

What are you reading now?
Researching books

What’s next for you as a writer?
motivational speaking, workshops

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?
William Shakespeare

Charles Dickens

Author Websites and Profiles
Collins Francis Website
Collins Francis Amazon Profile

Collins Francis’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Collins Francis is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing books for fourteen years and have written eighteen books and am halfway through writing book nineteen. Ten of my books are mysteries (six cozy, four thriller), three are inspirational short stories, three are a humorous, Christian, romance series, one is an autobiography, and one is a Christian daily devotional. I’ve never moved from the place of my birth, Lexington, Kentucky, and my wife and I have been married forty-four years and have one grown daughter. I read about one hundred books a year, love sports (especially college basketball, pro football, and golf), and my wife and I are involved in our church.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Murder in the Dark and it was inspired by reading Agatha Christie’s Ten Little Indians and seeing the movie And Then There Were None.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do all my writing on a desktop, five days a week, three to four hours a day. I have to have quiet to write and seldom take notes. Each day I go over what I wrote the day before and then begin to write the next chapter or two.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Franklin W. Dixon (Hardy Boys books), Agatha Christie, a few cozy authors, Lee Child, and Linwood Barclay.

What are you working on now?
The book I’m working on now is called Smoky Mountain Terror. It’s a thriller that takes place when a couple takes a vacation to the Smoky Mountains and has a lot of twists and turns.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook regularly, Twitter some, BookBub and ebookbooster once every month or so.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read a lot. Write regularly. Write until you have finished, then put it away for two weeks to a month and then start to revise what you have written.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
What I listed above.

What are you reading now?
Nothing to Lose by Lee Child

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to write two more books this year, Murder in Gatlinburg, which will be the seventh in my cozy series, and Murder at the Book Fair, which will be my eight book in the same series. Next year I plan to write another book in this series, as well as the fourth book in my humorous Christian romance series.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, something I’ve written (probably my autobiography), and a book by Linwood Barclay, and one by Lee Child.

Steve Demaree is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
So far I’ve written three books, two of which are waiting to be published and the first – Tiberius Found – has been published as a paperback and as an ebook. The sequel to Tiberius Found – Tiberius Bound – has a planned publishing date of May/June this year, and the first book in my 1920s-set supernatural adventures – Oliver Drummond and the Four Horsemen – has a planned release date of September/October.

The third, and final, instalment of the Tiberius stories – Tiberius Crowned – has a planned release date of early 2015.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I always want to write stories that I would have liked to read as a young lad – good, old-fashioned action/adventures.

My latest book – Tiberius Found – is the story of a sixteen-year-old boy who discovers that he’s been genetically engineered – assigned the codename Tiberius – and the people responsible want him back to finish the job. He’s determined to find out the truth and eventually decides to face his nemesis head on but quickly realises that sacrifice may be his only solution to bringing an end to his experiments.

The origins for the story came from a short-story competition that had a genetics theme and which, in broad terms, ended up being the opening chapter. However, I wanted to find out what happened to Daniel from that point and was about three-quarters of the way through when I realised that trying to tie it all up within a short word count limit wouldn’t be practical. I knew then that there’d be a second book. But as I blocked out this novel I decided that it had enough legs to warrant a third book, with each of the books falling neatly into significant stages along Daniel’s road of discovery and challenge.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Taking the dog for a walk and making sure the voice-recording function on my phone is working. I quite often find that when I don’t have any distractions then my mind manages to find the answers to problems within the narrative or dialogue.

It’s just then a question of getting back fast enough to get it down before I lose the impetus.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Anthony Horowitz, without doubt – his Alex Rider stories have heavily influenced my Tiberius stories.

Charlie Higson’s young adult books are also superb – who would have thought a comedian would be such a talented writer?

What are you working on now?
I’ve started making headway on Tiberius Crowned, and so far it’s going nicely. Don’t get me wrong, though; writing is still a tough gig especially when reader’s have expectations set by previous work. I’ve often read that a debut book can be the hardest but a writer may be able to spend years getting it polished but subsequent books need to be cranked out within a much shorter time. That’s tough.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
No one single method stands out at the moment. Websites like this are an invaluable source of getting the word out but social media plays a huge part. Always be active, always have something to say, always be positive. Help other writers, promote their work. I’m a great believer in Karma. And even if it doesn’t exist then at least you can say you’re a good person.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep going. Be open to criticism and don’t take it too personally. We’re all very precious about our writing and if, when, someone comments on it in a fashion we’re not happy with then it’s easy to have a knee-jerk reaction.

If you’re having someone read your work – and I suggest you never let anyone read a work-in-progress – then ask them, if they think it needs improving, what it is about those things that doesn’t work. Never just ask people whether they like it or not. Most people will be polite but politeness won’t make the work better.

Bite the bullet, take the hit and grow a thick skin.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The difference between an amateur and a professional writer is that the latter didn’t give up. It’s so easy to cry off when the rejections and harsh criticisms come in. Be open to learn and improve. The more you write, the more you should improve.

What are you reading now?
Charlie Higson’s ‘Silverfin’

What’s next for you as a writer?
More of the same. Keep going keeping on going.

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?
One of Bear Grylls’ survival books, one of Ray Mears’ survival books and Boat Building for Dummies.

Author Websites and Profiles
Andrew Goodman Website
Andrew Goodman Amazon Profile
Andrew Goodman Author Profile on Smashwords

Andrew Goodman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Andrew Goodman is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an Author, tourist, philanthropist, member of staff of Community Development and a social scientist. I have been awarded several times in my life. I was awarded first national prizes, three times; essay competition 2002, 2003 and Biology Olympiads 2004. I was also awarded the Nobel of Science at Southern Federal University in Russia in 2012. I have written two books. I am the author of the Elegance of Curiosity and ADAPT, my new book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is ADAPT: Pliable in the Storms of Change. The life of Nelson Mandela inspired me to write this book. In fact, there are many things that inspired me to write this book. The political revolutions, civil unrest, food riots, The sudden resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013, the rise and fall of Empires, the proverbial pump from the invisible hand in 1930 and 2008 financial crises. The theme of the book is social adaptation to change . President John Kennedy stated that Change is the law of Life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Whether I have an unusual writing ability is for the readers to say. All I know is that I enjoy writing books. I like what I do and I am proud of My work. I think the most important thing about writing is to enjoy every stage of writing a manuscript. How do you expect other people to enjoy your work if you don’t really like it, let alone enjoy it? I have an ability to concentrate for a long period.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been influenced by many authors. Henry Ford, MD Ben Carson, Malcolm Gladwell, Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Alice Roberts, Richard Feynman, Thomas Sowell, Christopher Hitchens and many others whom I have forgotten to mention. It is very true that what we are is a result of the cumulative contributions of mentors, books we have read, friends and choices we have made with what we have.

What are you working on now?
I published my second book on February 2, 2014. I am working on my next book which I plan to publish by the end of this year.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do free promotions on Amazon and other websites which take advantage of free promotions.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
New authors should write books because they enjoy it. They should not write books to get rich. The greatest reward in writing books is to help other people to live better and satisfying lives.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard is “Do your best in whatever you do”

What are you reading now?
I am reading the autobiography of Sir Alex Ferguson.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue writing on part-time basis because I have other responsibilities in public service.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My life and work by Henry Ford, George Washington, Applied Economics by Thomas Sowell and The Passions and The Interests.

Author Websites and Profiles
Enos Mutwale Website
Enos Mutwale Amazon Profile

Enos Mutwale’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Enos Mutwale is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write historical fiction set in Texas’s colorful past, and yet my books are really about identity—who we are and how we became who we are. I was well into a successful career as a writer and editor. Then one day, life “threw a craving” on me, as we say in Texas. My spirit wanted to do what my spirit wanted to do. I wanted to write historical fiction, because I love history and I love stories and I love Texas.

I had worked as a journalist for years, starting out as a newspaper reporter. I went on to be the editor of two newspapers and later was a publicist, communications director, and magazine editor. Through it all I had an abiding passion for the place of my heart and its history.

I left my career and found myself again through writing and studying that place. Lucky for me, Texas has an amazing history, full of characters and adventure and extremes of weather and landscape. How people dealt with the place—and how they still deal with it—that’s the interesting part.

My goal is to convey the complexity of Texas’ rich cultural past and suggest how it informs the present. I am Texan through and through and part of every person, battle, tall tale, and twist of history that led Texans to where they are.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Legend of Juan Miguel is my first published novel, but I have also written a sequel and a third book in the series. I plan on publishing those novels during 2014 and 2015. I wanted to write about a Texas hero who was different than the usual and Juan Miguel certainly is. For one thing, he is a Hispanic hero, and that is fairly rare in Texas fiction. Also, he is just sweet. Everybody who reads about him falls in love with him. But in addition to that, he has a special power that allows him to take on the persona of another personality. He uses this skill to right wrongs and deliver justice but also to recapture his good name, fortune, and lost love after powerful Anglo ranchers swindle him.

Deprived unjustly of his birthright by ambitious Anglo ranchers, the son of the wealthiest Tejano in Texas is spurred on by a forbidden passion for the woman who is married to one of those ranchers. Equal parts history and mystery, romance and hero’s journey, this is a good old-fashioned Texas tale with a twist. We revisit Texas in the late 19th century, when the West began and Texas was in a border conflict with Mexico.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write every day and I am very passionate about it. I seem to be obsessed with it. Some days I tell myself not to write and to get some other things done but I find myself back at my computer—writing. One thing that’s unusual, I am not able to read the fictional writing of anyone else when I’m writing fiction. The other person’s voice gets into my head and interferes with my own voice. But I read a great deal of non-fiction while I’m researching the background history of the era I’m writing about.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been greatly influenced by Larry McMurtry, the famous and prolific Texas novelist. Like everyone else, I loved his novel, Lonesome Dove. I also greatly admire the novels of Jim Harrison, especially Legends of the Fall. I love his ability to convey great amounts of meaning with few words.

What are you working on now?
I am putting the finishing touches on the third novel in the Juan Miguel series. Novel number two is named The Passion of Juan Miguel and is about to be edited. Novel number three in that series is named The Resurrection of Juan Miguel. When I am finished with that, I am going to write a sequel to my novel about an East Texas plantation named Portrait of Two Women in the Garden.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Luckily for me, I have a company, Violet Crown, that helps me with marketing and promotion. I rely on their advice for what sites are best for promotion. I think they plan to use a number of sites and test the waters of each one.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is write from the gut, not the intellect. I know I’ve taken a wrong turn and started to write from my brain when the space around my words becomes too expansive and the words are not focused. Then I know that what I’m writing is not specific enough to be what really happened. I know that I am reaching for generalities. You have to feel it. If you don’t, then maybe you’re not meant to write fiction. If it doesn’t come naturally, it will probably never come.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Learn all the rules and then forget them.

What are you reading now?
I just finished reading a book about a man who explored the Sierra Madres in Mexico in 1898, the same year I’m writing about. I love old, first-hand accounts by amateur historians. So much un-mined information in them.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing and publishing the other two novels in the Juan Miguel series and then publishing two novels in a series about an East Texas plantation.

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 take a huge compilation about history, a Jim Harrison novel, and maybe a Patrick Conroy novel.

Author Websites and Profiles
Anna K. Sargent Website
Anna K. Sargent Amazon Profile

Anna K. Sargent’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Anna K. Sargent is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been a freelance writer for many years, but I just recently started writing children’s books. I have written five children’s books, but “Good day, Broncos” is the first one to be published. I started writing children’s books to entertain my son, and he is still my favorite audience.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Good day, Broncos” was inspired by the Denver Broncos’ AFC Championship win in January 2014. I live in Denver, and my husband is a huge Broncos fan. He even proposed to me after a Denver Broncos game we went to together. I wrote the book as homage to “Goodnight Moon.” It was originally titled “Goodnight, Broncos” but the images that went with the book were during the daytime. The energy of the game also seemed better suited to a daytime story than a bedtime story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if this is unusual, but I usually begin writing at 6 a.m. before my son wakes up in the morning. Although I don’t consider myself a morning person, it helps me to start the day fresh and focused. As long as I have a few cups of coffee, of course! Sometimes, if I’m feeling stuck, I also take out a few sheets of paper and start writing longhand. Sitting in front of the computer facing a blank screen is often more intimidating than scribbling on a sheet of paper.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a child, I loved “Flower Fairies of the Garden” by Cicely Mary Barker. The charming illustrations and text even helped me learn the names of flowers. More recent inspirations include “Do Princesess Wear Hiking Boots?” by Carmela LaVigna Coyle and “A Troop is a Group of Monkeys” by Julie Hedlund. Both picture books are by Colorado authors, which inspired me to focus on the local market.

What are you working on now?
I am working on “The ABCs of Balls,” an ABC book with photos of balls in all different shapes and sizes. I plan to publish both an e-book and a print edition for this title after getting my feet wet with “Good day, Broncos.” Due to the differences in British and American English over the word “football,” I plan to release different editions for the two markets.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have promoted my book on my blog, and also through the tools that Kindle offers for free books. Social media has helped me get the word out to my friends and family. I also write a blog about Denver, which helps me to reach the Denver market.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up, but be open to constructive criticism. Writers need to develop a thick skin due to the sheer amount of rejection involved. However, accept criticism that is helpful when it comes to your work. Although children’s books look like they are easy to write, I have revised my work much more than I thought I would.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“To thine own self be true” — William Shakespeare . Writers especially need to be true to themselves and find their unique voice. I think it’s difficult to remember that everyone has a story to tell, and to not worry about an audience until you’ve find your voice.

What are you reading now?
I am reading a murder mystery, “Spiced to Death” by British author Peter King, which features the adventures of the Gourmet Detective. The intrepid detective travels around the world investigating cases related to gourmet food. The latest adventure involves the discovery of Ko Feng, an ancient spice thought to have died out thousands of years ago. I love the series, although I admit it usually makes me hungry.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on two picture book manuscripts that require illustrations. I hope to either submit them to a traditional publishing house, or contract with freelance illustrators to complete the work. One picture book is nonfiction, and the other book is fiction, so I have to switch gears a little bit when working on both of them at the same time.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would bring “The Life of Pi” to keep me occupied, and also for survival tips! I would also bring “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” by Carson McCullers and “Tender is the Night” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Author Websites and Profiles
Nina Snyder Website

Nina Snyder’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Nina Snyder is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am married, and the mom of two beautiful teen daughters. I work full-time as a Day Program Coordinator for the Disabilities Board of my county; an agency that trains adults with Mental Retardation for Residential and Community living skills. I have a career diploma as a freelance writer from Penn Foster (www.pennfoster.com) and a Green Living Certificate from Expert Rating.

I am member and co-leader of a both the local spiritual group (Gatherers of the Sacred Circle) and the paranormal investigation group RPAS (Researchers of the Paranormal And Supernatural) and the local group SCAL (Sumter County Active Lifestyles). In my spare time, when there is any, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, gardening, hiking, reading, and spending time outdoors. I enjoy meeting all of my fans and look forward to the time when I can write full-time.

I write regularly for “Lakeside Magazine” (a local venue) and “Circle Sanctuary Magazine” (a national venue). I own the group “South Carolina Wildflowers” on Facebook and the group “South Carolina Pagans” and have several articles at Yahoo! Voices (http://voices.yahoo.com/) and Helium (www.helium.com).

~Email: seakla@yahoo.com

~Twitter: @deannanderson

~Good Reads Profile: http://www.goodreads.com/ author/show/3087113.Deanna_L_Anderson

~Amazon: amazon.com/author/deannaanderson

~Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ groups/DeannaAnderson

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“365 Tarot Activities.” I started studying how to use Tarot card a few years ago and since then they have become an invaluable tool for me to use for words of wisdom, advice, putting things in perspective and a source of comfort. I wanted to teach other the value of Tarot cards and to help them gain the confidence to read the cards. I had created a Tarot group offline several years ago and many of the activities or studying tips we did in the group were the inspiration for this book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I can think of, I am pretty standard when I write and don’t have any special music, “lucky” clothes or anything of the sort and no superstitions about writing that I can think of.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
For fiction, VC Andrews, Stephen King, Poe, and O’Henry. For Metaphysical topics the authors are Scott Cunningham, Raymond Buckland, and Patricia Telesco.

What are you working on now?
Re-releasing a short story anthology titled “Of the Seven: Sinner or Saint.” It is a collection of short stories all written by me and each one involves a character who is ‘guilty’ of either sin or a virtue.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My regular website http://andersondeanna.weebly.com or my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/ groups/DeannaAnderson

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep working on it, don’t ever give up…there are so many venues for authors these days with online publishing that there is no reason someone can’t see their book in print. However, edit, edit, edit, and edit again as these print-on-demand publishers don’t edit (some will for an exorbitant fee) and promote, promote, promote! If you don’t promote your own work, no one else will. As for trying to get with a commercial press, keep trying. Dr. Suess’s “The Cat in the Hat” was rejected 17 times before it was accepted.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If there is a book that you want to read, and it hasn’t been written then you must write it yourself (or something like that).

What are you reading now?
I am re-reading “Flowers in the Attic” by VC Andrews. Read it when I was 15, and with the new movie release on Lifetime I decided it was time to re-read it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Planning more signings, re-releasing my short story collection as well as my two non-fiction titles, and then working on new titles.

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 Secret (Highlands’ Lairds #1) by Julie Garwood

A book about wilderness survival

A blank journal to record my adventures on the island

Author Websites and Profiles
Deanna Anderson Amazon Profile

Deanna Anderson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Deanna Anderson is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired NYC police officer living on Long Island with my wife and two daughters. My daughter’s love of fantasy fiction lead my to write Destiny Revealed. I am currently working on the next two books in the trilogy.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Destiny Revealed is the first in the destiny trilogy. This is a story I told my girls and they encouraged me to write it down. The story took on a life of its own and has evolved into a trilogy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Even in this technical age we live in I still lie to write a first draft in a notebook. I find the flow is better that way. later, as I edit and re-write it gets put into the computer where I can fine tune it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Of course, J.K. Rowling is a big influence. I believe the Harry Potter series is brilliant. I also like the Percy Jackson books, and of cours, Lord of The Rings

What are you working on now?
Currently working on the next two books in the destiny trilogy and I have an idea for a series that has a teenage detective who has psychic abilities.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like FB and all of the newsletters, Awesome gang is one of my favorites. Good reads is also a very good site. I’ve connected with a lot of good authors there.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing and read everything you can get your hands on. Promotion is a big part of what we do but never forget that we are writers and writers write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write everyday. even if it’s just a few words. Practicing the craft is very important. use it or lose it.

What are you reading now?
I am currently re-reading the Harry Potter series and the short stories of Edgar Allan Poe

What’s next for you as a writer?
Completion of the destiny trilogy of course, and then, whatever pops into my head. I would love to do a poitcal thriller someday.

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?
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, The Godfather, and any of James Patterson’s Alex Cross books.

Author Websites and Profiles
Cris Pasqueralle Website

Cris Pasqueralle’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Cris Pasqueralle is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written two books: Wild Nights and Spring Moon, with the third and last in the trilogy due out in November 2014. They are fiction, perhaps best described as Literary Fiction. However, they’re not stuffy! I don’t hold back on humor, sex, or goring sacred cows.

I love to write! I grew up in Southern California, but now live on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest. It’s very rural, reached only by boat or by plane. We don’t have a stoplight in our entire County. As a result of our isolation, I learned to fly, which I love. I have been married for many years to a man who is very low-maintenance, and who knows how to cook a limited number of things for those nights when I’m glued to my work. I worked for many years in the film business and in design. I still do architectural design work.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, Spring Moon, is the sequel to Wild Nights. It was inspired by watching and listening to all the people around me, myself included, who struggle with marriage, remarriage, and blended families. Also, so many people told me that “Wild Nights” had them revisiting and reevaluating their pasts, that I thought it would be interesting to see how our pasts influence our presents. It is a different book. Like Wild Nights, the story is told by Hannah Spring, but she is at a very different place in her life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. Sometimes I write all day. Sometimes not at all. I don’t read fiction when I’m writing.

I take a daily long walk/hike with our dog, during which I mull and solve issues in the story.

If I’m very stuck on a place, I put the story aside and wait for input from life to help me see the way through. Kinda of like I do in life. Though I don’t stop breathing, of course….

What authors, or books have influenced you?
All of them. Good and bad. I was asked this question the other day and I went on to list a ton of books and authors. I devour any humor that has a love of zany humans at its core. Nasty humor doesn’t appeal to me. Though very different, Nora Ephron and Carl Hiaasen come to mind.

I like the surrealism of Isabel Allende’s House of the Spirits, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The full blast strangeness of D.M. Thomas’s White Hotel. It took me three tries, but I finally engaged with Wolf Hall, and loved it. Salinger, Irving, Vonnegut. Barbara Kingsolver.

I come from a family of readers. My older sister introduced me to Salinger, and “An American Tragedy” when I was in 6th grade. Not sure I understood it all, but most of it. I also read “The Snake Pit” and “And Then There Were None” that year. They stuck with me.

I read all over the place for fun: Sanford, Connelly, Highsmith.

What are you working on now?
The last in the trilogy, “Meggie Moon.” It is told from the point-of-view of Hannah’s teenage daughter. A much less painful age to visit, at this distance.

I’m percolating a new project about a lonely and long-suffering (he thinks) Sheriffs Deputy in a rural community.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t hit on it yet. Promoting straight fiction is much more difficult that a specific genre or non-fiction.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read Stephen King’s “On Writing.” It is by far the best and only advice a writer needs.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep going.

What are you reading now?
“Eyewitness to History” an anthology of first-person accounts of historical events spanning decades.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Books 3 & 4. Dig in and get my website done. Promotion promotion promotion. Friend me on Facebook!

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?
They would all come from Nevil Shute. Hard to say which ones. I’d be happy with any 3 or 4 of those.

Author Websites and Profiles
Mary Ellen Courtney Amazon Profile

Mary Ellen Courtney’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Mary Ellen Courtney is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After graduating from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications in 2008, I was a little lost as to where I wanted to go in life. But I’d always been curious about my Czech roots, so in October of that year I packed up my things and bought a one-way plane ticket to Prague in the heart of Europe. Inspired by the romantic city filled with winding cobblestone streets and aromatic crepe cafes, I wrote my first novel over a three-year period, publishing it about a year ago.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Found in Prague” was most definitely inspired by my real life adventure in Prague. (See my blog if you are interested in more details: www.WantedAnAdventure.com)

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing I’m brave enough to admit to…

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read Judy Blume as a kid and young adult. All of her books inspired my writing today, but “Forever” and “Summer Sisters” especially left a mark on me.

What are you working on now?
I’m about 75% done with the first draft of book number two. Just today, in fact, I had a Eureka Moment and finally figured out HOW the book should end! So that was exciting. While “Found in Prague” is a sweet romance, Book Number 2 will be something a little racier, but not too wild. Let’s put it like this…it’s something I’d let my mom read, but probably not my dad…

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The support of my friends, family, and the indie writing community as a whole to help get the word out about “Found in Prague” using all social media.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t chase after perfection. If it’s perfection you’re seeking, go into math where calculations return precise, perfect sums. Your writing will never be “perfect,” because perfection in prose does not exist. There will always be something you could tweak here or change there. But at some point you must content yourself with the work as it is or else you will spend your whole life working on one piece and die still unsatisfied.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Laugh about it.

What are you reading now?
I just finished reading “Snobs” by Julian Fellowes.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing my second book, I hope. I’ve been toying with a blog idea in the back of my head as well. We’ll see…You’ll know when I know!

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 Count of Monte Cristo,” “Winnie the Pooh,” and something like “Desalination for Idiots” (I cheated, I know…)

Author Websites and Profiles
Dana Newman Website
Dana Newman Amazon Profile

Dana Newman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Dana Newman is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an award-winning young adult author with a passion for the paranormal. Now with over fifty books in happy publication, I live in beautiful Prince Edward Island, Canada, with my patient husband and six massive cats.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Foresight, based on a group of female oracles descended from the Delphic tradition. It’s the first in a spinoff series based on my popular Hayle Coven Universe. I’ve always been fascinated with the ability to see the future. I learned to read Tarot at a young age and still do on occasion. The opportunity to explore foreseeing was too good to pass up.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I tend to be pretty boring. My days start with marketing and answering emails in the morning, followed by an afternoon of either writing or outlining. I tend to work pretty much 24/7, with the odd day off in between. One of the benefits of loving what I do, it never feels like work!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
David Eddings, The Belgariad, Anne McCaffery, The Dragonriders of Pern… I’m a huge sci-fi and fantasy nerd and grew up on The Lord of the Rings and other books of that nature. It was only when I reached my thirties I discovered young adult books and fell in love.

What are you working on now?
I’m right now working on The Outcast, book one of the Hayle Coven Destinies. It’s an adult series, a continuation of my twenty volume Hayle Coven Novels. I’ve been hearing the lead character’s voice in my head for about four years now, and she loves to tell me stories.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I tend to use a variety of methods, including my own mailing list, my Facebook fanpage and Twitter, as well as outside sites like Awesomegang. Anything I can do to share my work with readers, I’m all for it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Several pieces, actually. One, be a professional, always. I know it’s hard when you receive a bad review or someone is mean or cruel to you. But if you want to survive in this industry, it’s less about having a thick skin and more about treating everything outside of writing as a business.

Two, research all of your options. Maybe you want a traditional deal, or would like to be an independent. Unless you ask around and examine all of your choices, you won’t know for sure which route works for you. And ask other writers who are further along the road than you! Most are open and kind about sharing knowledge.

And third–have fun! Please don’t ever forget in the heat of the moment, in the agony of waiting for sales that this job we do is the most fun ever. Ever. If you catch yourself losing sight of that, find a reminder. Because in the end, if you’re having fun, so are your readers.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Go independent. For me, it’s worked out incredibly well. While it might not for others, being my own boss has given me the freedom to publish professionally but at the speed I work, instead of waiting on someone else’s timetable.

What are you reading now?
I’m in the middle of Lumiere, by Jacqueline Garlick. I love steampunk!

What’s next for you as a writer?
As always, more writing. I have twenty books scheduled to write and publish this year, and I’m right on target. I’m hoping to attend a few conferences this year, and take some time off in the summer, but I find it hard to step away. I truly feel I’m doing what I’m meant to be doing and I couldn’t be happier.

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 Stand, Stephen King. I’ll never get tired of that book.

Game of Thrones, George R.R. Martin. The man makes me so angry, but I love his books!

The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins. I’m a massive fan.

A journal, so I can write my own while I wait to be rescued.

Author Websites and Profiles
Patti Larsen Website
Patti Larsen Amazon Profile
Patti Larsen Author Profile on Smashwords

Patti Larsen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Patti Larsen is a post from Awesome Gang