Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Charles Michael McCormick, I am a Vietnam war veteran. After the war I earned a B.A. and an M.A. in clinical psychology. My book is Across The Pond by Michael McCormick.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Across The Pond. My experience during the Vietnam war.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Hemingway, Steinbeck.

What are you working on now?
I’m retired.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
internet.org, obooko.com, free-ebooks.net, freebooksforkindle.net, digital libraries.com, gutenberg.org

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing and reading.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take care of your health.

What are you reading now?
The Battle For Hue.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Don’t 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?
For Whom The Bell Tolls, Across The River And Into The Trees, Cannery Row

Michael McCormick’s Social Media Links

Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Michael McCormick is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a bioengineer, currently on the tail-end of a PhD in Maryland. When I’m not research cardiovascular devices, I use my science background to aid me in writing my books. I’ve currently written and published one novel and a couple of short stories. However, I have two more novels with the editors right now that will be published around the late summer/early fall period.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘Enhancement: Black Market DNA.’ Inspired by biomedical technologies and research, I wanted to explore what happens when the technologies (like genetic engineering) that are supposed to be making human life better are abused and manipulated for selfish interests. I think that ‘Enhancement’ is able to do that while providing a fast-paced ride through the eyes of Chris Morgan, an ex-con illegal genetic enhancement manufacturer. It was a blast to write and I hope it’s just as enjoyable and interesting to read.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I like to blast Irish pub songs while I write. I’m not sure I can tell you why but it puts me in a productive mood.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Undoubtedly, Michael Crichton has been a tremendous influence. I loved to speckle in science with my thrillers and I doubt there are many in the technothriller genre who haven’t been inspired by him. David Brin’s ‘Earth’ also provided me a unique perspective to gauge the impact and consequences that human technology has upon our lives and, as the title implies, the rest of the world. And, James Rollins is a king of fast-paced thrill-ride novels. I really wanted to capture some of the twists and turns Rollins provides readers in my own work, especially in ‘Enhancement.’

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m finishing up two novels. In one, an artifical organ designed to provide its users virtual immortality ends up killing them instead. The organ’s inventor, an entrepreneur and researcher, must uncover why before he ends up as another victim of his own invention. In the second, a former special forces soldier is abducted and comes face-to-face with a biotechnological nightmare that sends him on a mad, twisted race to save his life.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I had a good answer for this question, but I think the best method to promoting your books is just to put out the best darn novel you can. Then, keep doing that.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
As a new author myself, my advice would be to make sure you’re professional in everything you do. Find good beta readers that will give you the critiques and advice necessary to make your work better. Identify editors who can ensure your voice comes across while polishing your book. Ensure you get a proofreader who knows their stuff.

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

What are you reading now?
I’m reading a book by another scientist called ‘Chimeras’ in the Track Presius series by E.E. Giorgi. Giorgi really provides a fantastic blend of science, police procedural, mystery, humor, and thrills into one beast of a good detective story.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan on extending the ‘Black Market DNA’ series. Chris’s adventures are far from over and the world of illegal genetic enhancements is going to have a hard time letting go of him.

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 think I’d first pick ‘The Dubliners’ by James Joyce. Each story in there is thoughtful in its own way, providing plenty to think about. That would be key to me, too. Make sure that whatever I’m reading can be reread over and over if I’m going to be sipping from coconuts and talking to a volleyball for who-knows-how-long. After that, I’ll go with another heavy novel like ‘War and Peace’ or ‘Anna Karenina’ by Tolstoy. Then, maybe ‘Hearts in Atlantis’ by Stephen King. Plenty of good, entertaining stories in there.

Author Websites and Profiles
Anthony Melchiorri Website
Anthony Melchiorri Amazon Profile

Anthony Melchiorri’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Anthony Melchiorri is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am passionate about writing and illustrating. I have been creating poems and stories for over thirty years and have several projects on the go at once. My first book to be published was Knickerbocker Glory…a fusion of poetry designed to stir the senses. This will be followed by its poetry sequel: ‘Candy Stripes and Tall Giraffes.’ The book will be following a similar theme and I am thoroughly enjoying putting the finishing touches to it.

Moving away from poetry, I have published a children’s counting story: Annie’s Buttons. The paperback is coming soon, however the iBook is already on sale. I am developing a series of children’s stories at the moment. Watch out for the Annie and Tom series; two cute little characters who enjoy lots of fun together. This series is aimed at 3-7 year olds and I hope it will be adored and shared. I am currently researching vital ingredients for my children’s books by liaising with schools, parents and carers, because I want to make sure that my books are useful for learning as well as enjoyable and fun. I am loving this phase. If you could see my work shed….yes…I work in my garden shed…you would smile at the concoction before your eyes. I have paintings hung up for this page and that, snippets of rhyme sitting waiting to be vetted for entry into my poetry books, and several scraps of writing which I always go back to. I believe in fine tuning and I always test myself. Can I make it better? I try! Indeed, I love trying, as I say…I am passionate about this vocation.

Aside of the projects already mentioned, I am writing a novel. You will need to check in at my website from time to time to track this, as I am deliberating over its title right now. The story is about Amber, a young girl who is given a gadget as a gift, which takes her on adventures with her friends Josh and Katie. Aimed at the age group 8-13. Today’s project is a story for young children about a square sprout. He’s two things : he is magic, but above all, he is sending out the message that it is ok to be different. I am really enjoying creating the illustrations. He is so cute! I sincerely want my books to be loved and shared and I do hope that my readers stay with me as I grow thorough this exciting journey. The readership I have developed so far are wonderful people who are asking encouraging questions about all of my forthcoming books. I want you to know that this genuinely inspires me to write and draw and I thank you all for it, after all, my books are for you!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Candy stripes and Tall Giraffes.

The sequel to Knickerbocker Glory. I have had such lovely comments about my first book of poetry, that I simply had to write another one, the poetry to be included is currently being crafted from hundreds of snippets I have been writing over the years. I may be new to publishing, but I am not new to writing…and this is why I am taking my tine. What to include and what to leave out is worth toying with. I get a great deal of enjoyment from working this out, hope you enjoy the next book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmmm…..I must admit that yes….I do!

I am a bit of a butterfly when it comes to writing. Because I write poetry and stories, my style and mood changes frequently, so I might sit and write a chapter for my next novel, and then pen a poem. I may pause in between and add colour to an illustration for one of the pages in my next ‘Annie and Tom’ book.

I write with passion and flourish. I love it! It is no accident that my website is called writtenwithasmile.com….it is really important to me that my books make you smile.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow. Now that is a question! How long have you got?

I am inspired by so many authors. For my childrens books, I love Roald Dahl, Julia Donaldson Beatrix Potter.

I love light hearted reading by authors like Sophie Kinsella, but I also like to dive into a meaningful story and have just read two great books by Victoria Hislop; the Island, followed by The Return. Gripping reads.

Others include JKRowling, Dan Brown, Enid Bluton, Catherine Cookson, Eleanor Hibbert.

What are you working on now?
My poetry book ‘Candy Stripes and Tall Giraffes’ and also my Annie and Tom Books, plus my novel. As you can see…I am a butterfly! I work best when I can get down on paper what is sitting in my head. I consume myself in the moment, so sometimes the thought determines which project I am working on right now. One thing you can be sure of with me, is that I will never solely work one one thing at a time. My style is to multi task and is embrace the passion that this creates.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My web site is www.writtenwithasmile.com.

I am only just embarking on book promotion, so this is in its infancy following the launch of my first two books. Revisit later to see how I progress, but I am taking inspiration from others and I am real enough to appreciate that taking advice from those who have been there before is definitely with it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Oodles!

Please be yourself. Be comfortable with who you are and what you want to portray in your books. Passion flows best when this is so. Having your own style is what makes you unique.

Don’t worry if some days, nothing springs to mind. If this happens to me, I think about my latest best writing day and what inspired it, and this usually works.

Moving away from a piece that you think is perfect and then revisiting it is so worthwhile too. When I was fine tuning Knickerbockrr Glory, I changed the content five times before taking it to print.

Above all my advice is that writing shouldn’t be a chore. Enjoy it. Let it consume you positively, and you’ll grow.

Involve family and friends. Don’t shut them out…let them in. They will encourage and inspire you too, and it’s great to bounce ideas around. Accept their honest critique, because those who know and love you want the best for you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none : William Shakespeare

What are you reading now?
The Thread by Victoria Hislop

What’s next for you as a writer?
To grow.

I am embarking on an exciting journey and I feel privileged to be a published author. Onto the marketing platforms now, and hoping for recognition. Above all I want my books to be loved and embraced.

Oh…and of course, I will be in my shed…writing …painting…creating!

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 island by Victoria Hislop

A Harry Potter book…any.

A dictionary because I love to examine new words and their meaning.

Any Roald Dahl book, because I love childhood memories.

The Da Vinci Code. Dan Brown

Author Websites and Profiles
Anita Williams Website

Anita Williams’s Social Media Links

Pinterest Account

Anita Williams is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My Higher Purpose and Definition of Success are helping people be happy and successful. I have 30 years of business experience, the last 10 as a C-Level executive. I have found that the way to make a company successful is to make the employees successful. I have spent many years teaching employees how to be leaders, how to be successful, and how balance life’s demands so they can reach most people’s ultimate goal which is to be happy. I wake up at 5 am every morning to write before my kids get up and my real work day starts. I have been married for 25 years and I have 3 wonderful teenagers.

Connecting Happiness and Success is my first book, but I have enjoyed the process so much I have 2 more in the works with co-authors and 2 others planned. Stay tuned.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called Connecting Happiness and Success because all the lessons I have learned about happiness and success through the years seem to be connected. There is not a single correct answer or single correct source, each of the ideas is connected to other ideas. Understanding those connections will give us lots of arrows in our quiver to attack each challenge. Religious texts, self-help gurus, and scientists are teaching similar concepts. They just spend so much time arguing the differences, they don’t focus on where they are all saying the same thing. In Connecting Happiness and Success I try to bring those lessons together in one comprehensive solution that anyone can implement.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get up every morning at 5 am and write until my kids get up. Often I have to force myself to stop writing and get the day started.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Shawn Achor and Sonja Lyubomirsky have written great books on happiness. Jack Canfield wrote a great book on how to be successful.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a book called 52 which provides companies with 52 opportunities to help their employees be happier and more successful so the company can be more profitable.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads seems to be a great place to get my book noticed.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It is about sharing a message rather than selling books. Share your message with enough people and the books will start selling.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Never, never, never give up.” – Winston Churchill

What are you reading now?
Arianna Huffington – Thrive

What’s next for you as a writer?
More books that help people learn how to be happy and successful. I am working with two co-authors on two books and then have 2 more in the planning stages.

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?
Michael Creighton, Clive Cussler, and Tom Clancy books.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ray White Website
Ray White Amazon Profile

Ray White’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Ray White is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a newly self published author from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The Black Van is the first published book that I have published, though I am currently working on my first novel also. I also wrote several short stories and a fantasy novella when I was younger. I hope to become a successful author some day but for now I will keep writing away until hopefully that day comes. My road to writing hasn’t been a easy one. Discovering my craft when I was a teenager, my first story was written on lined notebook paper and was about thirty pages long. I kept writing and wrote all the way till I was 21. Then, due to a bout of depression, I stopped writing. I decided to go off to college to try and get a better career and after several years in college, three degrees that didn’t get me anywhere, I pay my bills with the fruit of with menial labor but my true job is writing fiction. I have picked up the craft again after 12 long years and, now in my early thirties, I now feel a great need to get my work out to the world. I hope that people will derive as much pleasure from reading my work as I have had in writing it.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest and first published book is called The Black Van. It was inspired by a joke I had with my girlfriend concerning a spawn point. I originally intended to have it featured on a website I had gotten a job to write for (a job that never materialized) and the story was only supposed to be about a page long. However, as I kept writing it, it kept growing in length and one page turned into 8, then 10, then…well you get the idea. The most amazing thing about this book to me is how I didn’t even have a definite plan on how it was going to end. I mean, the ending changed on me several times while I was writing the book and it was really touch and go if Shelia was going to make it in the end.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a big procrastinator for one. Probably the biggest. I typically will watch as much Netflix as possible before being overcome with a huge feeling of guilt. Then, I’ll break down and write, sometimes writing for hours. I instantly feel better once I’ve written. I also do write brief outlines sometimes, but they’re more like suggestions if I do write them at all and the story may be completely different once I’m done with it. Other times, I have an idea on certain things I want to see in the story, or an idea on how I’d like the story to end, but no idea on how I’m going to get there, which makes for some pretty exciting writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Definitely, the late Michael Crichton. His book, Jurassic Park, really got me into reading books like never before and got me hooked on his books. I’ve read almost everything he’s written and I really like how all of his books are written in a different genre and style. I hope to write similarly to him. Dean Koontz, especially his Phantoms book, which scared the willies out of me and showed me how one could take a really imaginative concept and weave it into a supernatural mystery story. Also liked the writing style of S.D. Perry and Steven King.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a horror fantasy novel now called The Lance Walker Chronicles: The Terror of Savannah.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon’s promotional deals have helped me when they enable writers to promote their books for free or at a reduced rate. Also, just talking to other writers has granted me a list of places to go to promote my book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write. You’ll learn how to be a better writer by writing. Also, read as much as you can and soak up and observe the style of other writers. You know, how they construct their sentences, etc. Attending a writer’s group can also be a good idea, but do your research first so you end up in a group that is actively interested in building your talent up. Also, being around other writers, as long as they’re not putting your writing down, is good because it gives you someone you can talk to who does what you do. Most importantly, never give up. Even if it takes years to become successful, it will have been worth it. And even if you don’t become successful, at least you are doing something you love right? You know what makes you happy and that’s more than some people can say. But do remember that if you never try you’ll never know…so again…write, write, write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just write! Oh, and write what interests you.

What are you reading now?
A Dreadful Deceit: The Myth of Race from the Colonial Era to Obama’s America by Jacqueline Jones, Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige, and the Orcs series by Stan Nicholls.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish my novel I’m working on.

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?
Anything by Rick Riodan. Also, any DC graphic novel such as Blackest Night. And The Great Train Robbery by Michael Crichton would be good too.

Author Websites and Profiles
Joseph Ezell Amazon Profile

Joseph Ezell’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Joseph Ezell is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a writer of horror for over forty-two years, published the last thirty of those with twenty, two novellas and twelve short stories. Some of them are murder mysteries, dark paranormal time-travel, thrillers; but most are horror. Horror with heart, I like to call my spooky tales. I consider myself a horror writer because most of my stories have a certain darkness to them, although they also deal with the human conditions of despair, hope, hate and love. And I’ve seen so much change in those years, especially since the advent of the Internet, Amazon and the eBook, that I still can’t believe how far it’s all come or how far I’ve come.
Forty-two years ago, when I was a young mother of just twenty-one, I started sending my books, typed on an electric typewriter with their hardcopy pages stuffed into a copy box and sent snail mail, to what was then the only places I could send them to, traditional publishers like Avon, Dell, Leisure, Kensington, and a mess of others now long gone listed in a fat hardcover book from the library titled Writer’s Market. It sometimes took years to get a book read and accepted, more years to see it edited, published and on the brick-and-mortar bookstore shelves. Then every six months or so (often they were months late) I’d get these weird royalty statements I never could figure out. They’d pay me pennies on each dollar the book earned (imagine, I used to get a measly 4%-7% for the paperbacks in the 1980’s) and take back large amounts I could never understand for what they called returns, whatever they were. In fact, the whole traditional publishing route was not very lucrative for most authors, who weren’t treated very well by them, unless you were a best-seller and made oodles of money for the publisher and then you were treated much better. Or so I’ve been told. I never knew for sure because I wasn’t considered a big writer, though whenever someone read my books, they raved about how good they were; wondered why I wasn’t famous. I just couldn’t get the publicity I needed to make that leap to the big name list. Besides, I was a woman, and look at how few women have ever been mega selling horror writers like Anne Rice. Very few.
So I don’t miss those awful days when the traditional publishers ruled the world at all. I love the Internet and, as I’m starting to do with all my books, self-publishing with Amazon Kindle…where I get a generous 70% of my total book sales and actually get a simple-to-understand readable royalty statement on my laptop every month. Total accountability. It’s heaven. But it’s taken some changes in my outlook and how I write and publish my stories. It’s taken some time to bring my career up to date.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My two latest novels, number 19 and 20, are also now my best-selling ones. They’re adventure/thrillers with a touch of horror/sf thrown in. Dinosaur Lake (which was a 2014 EPIC EBOOK AWARDS *FINALIST*) and its sequel Dinosaur lake II:Dinosaurs Arising. You can find them here along with all my other 20 novels: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Kathryn%20Meyer%20Griffith

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. When I was younger I used to work all day (as a graphic artist out in the real world) and then write every evening from about 7-10. Now days I’m retired and can write WHENEVER I WANT. I prefer to write in the mornings on my laptop on my sofa with my big TV on low, for company, and a cup of my famous chocolate coffee concoction beside me on my end table. Heaven. I don’t miss that old typewriter one bit!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, of course. I love him because, like me, he can write anything almost in a variety of genres. The vampire stories of Anne Rice. Dean Koontz, because he helped me get my first agent (long gone now like the traditional publishers…I agent myself and self-publish and make a LOT more money on Amazon Kindle KDP). I used to read a lot of SF and historical romances when I was younger and had favorites like Ray Bradbury Heinlein.

What are you working on now?
Hmm. The last year and a half I’ve been working hand-in-hand with ACX to produce all my 20 books in audio books. I pick my own narrator/producer and work with them as we record and edit the audio books. So much fun, but taking so much longer than I would have thought. I have 16 out now and four left to go! When done they’re released on Amazon.com, iTunes and along with the eBooks as Whisper Sync. It’s been…interesting. I’m working on my best-selling Dinosaur Lake II:Dinosaurs Arising now with Dan McKinney, a great narrator!
AND I’m writing the third dinosaur book, Dinosaur Lake III: Infestation. Should be done by Christmas 2014 or so. After that, for book 21, I have NO IDEA what I’ll be writing. Should I return to my horror roots or write something totally…different. Perhaps.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome Gang of course. And the list of all the ones they provide. Author marketing Club is GREAT. A whole bunch of places all in one location. Then I post on Facebook and Goodreads and all my writer/reader loops.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be patient. Write. Write. Write. Learn the craft. Hire an editor and a proofreader so you can self-publish (I spent 40 years making peanuts with legacy publishers and now make a living with Amazon Kindle KDP). Get a great cover by a great cover artist….and understand that you might never be famous or rich and that it could take a LOT OF TIME to become a real author. Write because you love to write and write what you love to read.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Learn the craft. Show not tell. Use dialogue whenever you can. NEVER GIVE UP.

What are you reading now?
Just finished Stephen King’s newest novel about a haunted carnival, more a mystery than a horror story.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Like I said…not sure what kind of story I’ll write next. When I finish these last 4 audio books and my third dinosaur novel I will write whatever pops into my head, be it romance, mystery, horror or thriller. I am never out of ideas. For awhile now, because I’m older and time is slipping past, I’ve been thinking of writing a fictionalized story of my big family (we were 7 siblings, mom, dad, grandma and grandpa…sheesh…like the Waltons…lived through the 1950′s-now) ; more a sort of biography. Lots of stories there.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Books by Stephen King, Anne Taylor, Ray Bradbury, Heinlein and the top murder mystery books. A really great ghost story (whatever is big at the time) and a science fiction. I’m looking for new authors to read everyday.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kathryn Meyer Griffith Website
Kathryn Meyer Griffith Amazon Profile

Kathryn Meyer Griffith’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Kathryn Meyer Griffith is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I wrote The Guardian’s Wildchild, published by Omnific Publishing. My second novel, Forbidden, is being polished and will be available to my eager fans within the year.

Fifteen years ago an extreme paranormal event triggered my overwhelming need to write. Who can deny a force that transcends logic? But then, I’ve been used to the paranormal since childhood. No witches or werewolves but I seem to have a gift of the bizarre, knowing stuff, time travel and such. Sometimes it’s a nuisance; sometimes it’s fascinating. As long I don’t grow hair on my chest, I’m okay with it. LOL.

These unique talents have led me down a path to study Reiki, meditation, and Shamanism. I’ve enjoyed testing my courage, character, and physical limits through recreation and my career. As a paramedic I’ve seen and experienced things most people would rather not. All of this has opened my eyes to the grand scheme of life and the profound depth of the human spirit. The result has also been a wealth of material for writing fast paced and intense novels.

Looking back I can see what drove me to be successful. It’s passion. You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to achieve great things. All you need is unrelenting passion.

I participate in writing groups to gain insight in the writing and marketing challenges; and to assist new authors to reach their goal of being published.

Send me a note, chat with me about writing or the bizarre. You won’t shock me. I believe every soul is unique and beautiful, including you.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Guardian’s Wildchild was inspired by a paranormal event. Initially I began to write about my experience of the ‘time/space travel’ as a way to defuse the energy. After about a hundred pages I realized I was writing a story that needed, or demanded, to be told. I had no choice. A disembodied narrator sat on my shoulder and dictated the dialogue, described the scenes, and pushed and pulled me through amazing plots and plot twists.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The most unusual aspect of my writing is that I will interact with my characters. I know my characters as if they are living, breathing and following me around while I get the groceries or weed the garden. I can see them, feel their presence. I know when they are pleased with the progression of the plot and their role. When they are dissatisfied, they can be quite rude, turning their back to me or giving me a dismissive shrug. In that case, I know I have to go back to where my ego got in the way and let them and the disembodied narrator take over.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a lot of different genres and I like both fiction and non-fiction. However, I think it was my mother who inspired me to write. As an introverted child I had difficulty expressing myself. She advised me to write what I was thinking and feeling. Those written passages turned into prose and poetry. This led me to discover the quiet voice within, then allowed my imagination to become a wild, exploding passionate adventure in creating something magical.

What are you working on now?
“Forbidden” is my current project. It started with an incredibly wild idea that I resisted. As the Borg say, resistance is futile. Once I realized that I was again a servant to my disembodied narrator, the research began. After two years of writing Forbidden and editing, I am at the polishing stage. Here is Forbidden’s synopsis:

Within hours of arrival in the Middle East city of Samarra, Eliza Leigh MacKay and fifteen Americans are plunged into a desperate struggle for survival. Eliza, alone, survives the massacre. A cover-up ensues.

Police captain Hashim Sharif, a devout Muslim, is forced to become the keeper of the impetuous MacKay woman. When she escapes and is cornered by madmen, Sharif discovers she is no shrinking violet and awakens to his deep affection for her.

Sharif and Eliza are immersed into the shadowy world of espionage, corruption, murder, and kidnapping. From shabby back alleys, a crumbling mosque, mountain caves, to the splendor of the marble columns in the federal building, Captain Sharif hunts for the American’s killers.

As Captain Sharif’s investigation progresses, he and Eliza become the hunted. Compelled to trust each other, they hold back feelings they’ve considered forbidden. When Sharif discovers who was behind the massacre, it hits him with deadly force – as if shot by his own AK47.

Feather Stone takes you on a richly textured epic adventure through stunning landscape and into the minds of desperate men. A strong cast of characters will grab and hurl you into a plot full of treachery, and passion that refuses to be silenced.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My favorite promotional options are reviews and interviews. Reviewers have been very pleased with The Guardian’s Wildchild. Currently, I’m a member of The Romance Reviews , TRR, http://www.theromancereviews.com/ .

At TRR I enjoy the opportunities to advertise my book along with the fun contests and activities for readers. It’s a great site to meet other authors and readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
New authors need to understand that today’s readers have high expectations. You can’t write a novel and throw it onto Amazon and hope to get great reviews without ensuring it has been perfectly edited. Readers are reluctant to spend their money on a new author. Many rely on their friend’s recommendations. If your novel is full of spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or confusing points of view, you’ll get passed over. Yes, hiring an editor will take a chunk of change from your budget or savings account. However, an experienced editor is worth his/her weight in gold.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up! I spent ten years writing and rewriting The Guardian’s Wildchild. I paid for university courses on writing. I listened to the criticism of my editors. Once the manuscript was ready for publication, I sent it to publishers but received three rejections.

My husband said, “Don’t give up!”

After some research I discovered I was sending my manuscript to publishers of the wrong genre. I discovered Omnific Publishing and, voila, The Guardian’s Wildchild was published September 2011.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading two books right now. One is Jennifer DeLucey’s exciting series, The Light Series.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3378915.Jennifer_DeLucy

The second is a writing manual by C.S. Lakin (winner of 2014 award for 100 best websites for writers). Website: http://www.livewritethrive.com/
Her book, Writing the Heart of Your Story, is filled with the best advice for making your novel sing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next? Finalizing Forbidden and getting it into the hands of my fans.

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?
First book: a humorous book by comedian Red Skelton
Second book: a book about courage by Alfred Lassing: “Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage”
Third Book: 500 blank pages so I could write.

Author Websites and Profiles
Feather Stone Website
Feather Stone Amazon Profile

Feather Stone’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Feather Stone is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing romances now since 2011. Seven (soon to be eight) book are in the Cruising to Love Series, one is in the Flavour of the Month Series, and |I’ve also written a book of short Stories.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Those Angstrom Men!, a collection of three short stories. I just sat down one day to work on another book, but the story of Ian and Maggie, popped into my head and just about wrote itself, and the other two stories followed soon after.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I decide to edit something ‘for half an hour’ about 10pm and find myself writing new material until 2am!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to list. I started to read Harlequin and Mills & Boone books when I was very young, and I think that one of those writers, Betty Neels was my favourite. I also like, at the other end of the spectrum, and although it isn’t fashionable to admit it, E L James — I’m sick of reading remarks putting her down. She wrote a good story!

I love Katy Perry, Belle Andre, Red Phoenex, they’ve inspired me to be bolder.

What are you working on now?
I am busy editing the eighth book in the Cruising to Love Series, and working on two others, neither part of a series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Can I answer that one in August? During July, I’m running 8 promotions and figure that at the end of the month, I’ll have a pretty good handle on what works for me and what doesn’t.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Grammar and spelling are important. Edit. Put your book away for a few weeks or even months, then re read and re edit before you post it.

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

What are you reading now?
I`m working my way though Melody Anne`s books about the Anderson family/Storm family. Loving it!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to keeping writing and keep getting better

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?
Fifty Shades Trilogy (that counts as one, doesn’t it?)

Hot Money by Dick Francis

The Honey Badger by Robert Ruark

one of Betty Neel’s classics

Author Websites and Profiles
Edwina White Amazon Profile

Edwina White is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I love writing since picking up my first urban fictional book. I wanted to turn my love of reading into writing. In 2001 and 2002 I went the self-publishing route and published 3 books. I knew that self-publishing wasn’t the rout I wanted to take anymore, so I continued on to write more manuscripts until I was able to get signed with a major publishing company. Writing has become a way for me to be creative in telling compelling stories and memorable characters of lies and deceits. I am also a member of the Motown Writer Network and she currently resides in Detroit, Michigan with her two daughters.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Love On Death Row is my latest novel. and what inspired me to write this novel is an idea I got from working in a female institution as a correctional officer in Virginia, and also while watching an episode of Lifetime Movie Network.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write two hours before I got to work in the morning and two hours after I get off from work. I spent maybe 4 hours writing on my off day and of course with two to three cups of coffee next to me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have to say Nikki Turner, Nisa Santiago and Kiki Swinson

What are you working on now?
I just complete a novel with my fellow book mates called “Sorority Ties” also short stories and a new novel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I would have to say Facebook and other bloggers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up on your dream if you want to write, but it’s a lot of work. You have to promote yourself first by having a website and being active in reading groups. A must is to have your work professional edit. A bad review can really hurt your sales.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I had advice from some bestseller authors who told me the same advice that I would give to new authors. and that is promote yourself first then your book will follow. Make sure your book is properly edit and having a great book cover will also help.

What are you reading now?
South Beach Cartel by Nisha Santiago

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on Part 2 of the Sorority Ties, two short stories and another novel.

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?
Bad Girl Blvd by Erica Hilton, The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah, The Family Business part 1 and 2 by Carl Weber. These are awesome read.

Author Websites and Profiles
Melissa Love Website
Melissa Love Amazon Profile

Melissa Love’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Melissa Love is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
By August 2014, I will have eighteen novels published, and three non-fiction books. As for the novel, they span glam lit (True Hollywood Lies, Impossibly Tongue-Tied), mommy lit (the Totlandia Series, The Baby Planner) contemporary women’s fiction (Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives), a political thriller (The Candidate) and The Housewife Assassin’s Handbook series, which are nine humorous romantic suspense novels.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “The Housewife Assassin’s Deadly Dossier.” It’s a full length prequel to my seven-book Housewife Assassin series.

Whereas the series is written in the heroine, Donna’s, first-person voice, for the prequel I put it from the point-of-view of the hero, and in third person, so that the reader will live through the action that led up to Donna becoming an assassin.

I’ve been pleased with the reviews. They let me know I accomplished my goal: to dovetail the Donna her readers know with the woman whose husband’s death led to such deep despair that it changed the course of her life, and that of her young family’s.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t call my writing habits “unusual,” but “essential.” For example, I do a full outline before starting each book. That way, I won’t get stuck and miss my deadline. The outline breaks up the plot into actual chapters within the traditional three-act arc.

Also, I find it easier to write as night, as opposed during the morning. I’m working on that. It may help me have less vivid dreams, LOL!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love John Le Carre’s books on espionage, as well as Martin Cruz Smith’s Arkady Renko Russian crime mysteries. Both have great plots, know their subjects well, and wonderful literary phrasing that takes them beyond the realm of genre mysteries and thrillers. I’ve just discovered Neil Russell, and I’d put him in this category as well. His latest novel, “Beverly Hills Is Burning,” is a true tour de force, melding historical Hollywood with a thrilling present-day mystery.

As for the classics, I love Edith Wharton, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jane Austen, and of course Agatha Christie and Sir Author Conan Doyle.

What are you working on now?
I’m finishing up Book 8 of my series, “The Housewife Assassin’s Killer Ap,” Which is available in August 2014. I have a million stories for Donna. It makes me proud that the readers clamor for more.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Thanks for asking! You can find me…

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josiebrownauthor

On Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/JosieBrownCA

My Websites: http://www.josiebrown.com and http://www.housewifeassassinshandbook.com

My Blog: http://www.housewifeassassinshandbook.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to write the book YOU’D want to read.

You are the best judge of what you should be writing: not an editor, not an agent, not a trend, not your mother. Not even your best friend.

YOU.

During NaNoWriMo, I put up thirty-one tips, one for each day, for other authors, both aspiring and published. We all need to remember why we put in the hard hours–and our hearts on ours sleeves-as we scribble away. This way, I share my thoughts on the industry, now some seven years and eighteen novels later.

Readers will find them here: http://www.authorprovocateur.com/2013/11/my-nanowrimo-tips.html

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It came from author Stephanie Bond: “Keep writing, and publishing. It’s how readers find your, love your books, and spread the word about your books.”

What are you reading now?
It’s non-fiction: Garson Kanin’s “Hollywood,” which is chockfull of wonderful anecdotes about the golden age of Hollywood–a favorite time period of mine, and the subject of future novels.

I’m also reading Aimee Bender’s “The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake.” It came out the same year as my novel, “Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives,” but I was so wrapped up in my book tour that I never got around to reading it. So far, I love it for its lyrical phrasing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Research and outlining Books 9 and 10 of the Housewife Assassin 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?
Gone With the Wind (I’ve read it thirteen times); An F. Scott Fitzgerald anthology of his novels and stories. “The Night Porter” by John Le Carre, and an anthology of Raymond Chandler novels. All I can say is, “Thank goodness for eReaders” so that we never have to choose only four!

Author Websites and Profiles
Josie Brown Website
Josie Brown Amazon Profile

Josie Brown’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Josie Brown is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As a young girl who spent her allowance on Nancy Drew mysteries, I realized that one day, I might have a story of my own to tell. Maybe even more than one story. After years focused on raising my kids, I eventually reconnected with my passion for creative writing. I took and completed a series of courses in this field. Shortly thereafter, I crafted my first novel, Wishless, a contemporary YA, released in 2011.

At the moment I have several other novels currently in various stages of development. In addition, I have a two-book collection of short stories entitled PETIT FLEURS and VIGNETTES being released through Immortal Ink Publishers in September of 2014.

I enjoy reading outdoors on a warm spring day, spending time with my family, and finding the perfect new way to turn a familiar phrase.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called THE MAKING OF NEBRASKA BROWN, a contemporary mystery novel being referred to as Oz meets Tuscan Sun. I was inspired to create a tale of home and identity as seen through the eyes of one young woman at the start of adulthood.

The idea of this story came to me as a compilation of the themes of “finding oneself” and “the truth within the lies.”

These topics have always been of interest to me, and I had a great time fleshing them out in this fashion.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I find that I do my best work right after a morning shower. Yes, I have a Water Muse. Bless her heart. I also find that my creative juices typically get flowing while I am reading the work of some of my favorite authors.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As I mentioned above, I am deeply and creatively touched by the likes of Elizabeth Gilbert, Laurie Halse Anderson, Anne Lamott, Ann Brashares and John Green to name a few. I also adored reading THE HELP. This book really made me crush on the art of the novel.

What are you working on now?
My current work-in-progress is titled COUNTING SNOW DOVES and it is a contemporary murder mystery in the upper YA/NA market with literary fiction crossover appeal.

I’m extremely excited about this project. Please visit my website to learn more about this unique story.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have joined a large number of Facebook groups dedicated to authors and readers where I promote my work. In addition, I typically participate in a variety of paid promos once a month or thereabouts to help spread the word.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Allow me to rattle off a few pieces of advice that I find helpful and pertinent. They are – in no particular order:

Stay humble.

Continue to read in your genre.

Be polite.

This is an industry that changes on a dime. Be prepared to shift to accommodate these fluctuations.

Keep the faith and don’t give up. Even when you really want to.

Smile and breathe. Keep perspective.

Most of all, keep learning.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I have two favorite rules about writing that I’d like to share:

1) READ. You cannot write much more than a grocery list if you do not read.

2) If it SOUNDS like writing, delete it.

What are you reading now?
The Signature of All Things by the amazing Elizabeth Gilbert.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m very excited for the release of my short story collection. These tales were written over the course of seven years, dating back to 2007! Many of them have appeared in an online magazine but never before in print, so I am thrilled to be compiling these stories into two volumes available in both eBook and paperback. I invite you to join my mailing list to be notified of this release as well as other giveaways and fun. We will be offering all subscribers a FREE copy of one of the volumes just for being with us. Here is the link to the form: http://eepurl.com/UfER1. And we do not spam, so no worries!

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 Know Why The Caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou

To Kill A Mockingbird – Harper Lee

At Wit’s End – Erma Bombeck

Home – A Memoir of my Early Years by Julie Andrews

Author Websites and Profiles
Louise Caiola Website
Louise Caiola Amazon Profile

Louise Caiola’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Louise Caiola is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 27 years old. I was born and raised in the city of Detroit, MI. I love writing. I started writing poetry in my early teens and it become an escape and a release for me. As the years passed, my writing and love for words grew and I desired to be an English teacher/professor.

I have to published works: The Watchman and The Exposition of the Tabernacle: The Culture Exchange. Both of these books are written with spiritual principles and based upon the Holy Bible.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is entitled The Exposition of the Tabernacle: The Culture Exchange. This book was inspired by a class that I taught about the tabernacle given to Moses in the wilderness.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think any write has unusual writing habits, I believe they have habits that work for them.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love John Eckhardt, Cindy Trimm and Bill Hamon as authors. Their works have being a big influence in my life.

What are you working on now?
I am preparing for another book but I am focusing on a class I am offering from my latest release. As well, I am preparing for a double book signing on Monday, July 28 (the 2nd Book-Anniversary of the Watchman) at the Oak Park Public Library in Oak Park, MI.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Use social media. Write a blog. Do YouTube videos. You have to get in the trenches and make it happen. Do not only use one avenue, find the ones you can afford and go for it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do not lose yourself or your voice. Do not let the process of publishing change who you are. Your work is yours do not let another person or company define what you are producing. Do not devalue yourself or the value of the book while seeing others, you are just as valuable and never forget that.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just be you. Those words have helped me when the process got tough.

What are you reading now?
Born to Prophesy by Hakeem Collins

What’s next for you as a writer?
A world book tour with my multiple books.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Holy Bible, Hinds Feet on High Places, The Book According to James and Their Eyes Were Watching God

Author Websites and Profiles
Javon Rahman Bertrand Website
Javon Rahman Bertrand Amazon Profile

Javon Rahman Bertrand’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Javon Rahman Bertrand is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a former reporter for The Newark Star-Ledger and currently write for HBO’s boxing website. I have written four books in my Frank Boff Mystery Series, “The Hurting Game,” “The Punishing Game,” “The Killer Sex Game,” and “The Payback Game.” all available on Amazon.com. My agent is currently negotiating to have “The Hurting Game” made into a major motion picture. In my spare time I am an avid reader and film buff. I have a strong cinematic sense and that has showed up in my novels.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Payback Game.” The idea for the book came from a news story I read about how illegal guns in the South were being transported up East Coast on the I-95 corridor to New York City and were being used in several murders.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I write, for some reason I have to turn the wireless keyboard at a 45 degree angle. I have no idea why.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Raymond Chandler, Robert Crais, T. Jefferson Parker, Lee Child, Michael Connelly.

What are you working on now?
I am currently writing the fifth book in the series, tentatively titled “The Death Dealing Game,” which involves gunrunning, several murders, high stakes illegal poker games, and a bold, political corruption scheme by the Mob to seize control of a major city police department.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook and Twitter.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write every day, even if you don’t feel like it, even if it is only for one hour.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A writer is someone who writes. Period.

What are you reading now?
Lee Child’s “The Hard Way.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing, writing, and more writing.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“The Sun Also Rises,” “The Big Sleep,” “The Godfather,” and “Gravity’s Rainbow.”

Author Websites and Profiles
Nathan Gottlieb Website
Nathan Gottlieb Amazon Profile

Nathan Gottlieb is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m proud to say I’m an indie author. I self-published a novella, Pain’s Joke, in April 2012. I’m currently writing my next book, Towpath Jesus, and it should be out before Christmas 2014.

When I’m not writing, I’m a machinist by trade, and a husband and father by vocation. I enjoy fishing, hiking, backpacking, and growing irises.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My novella, Pain’s Joke, is about a twelve year old boy who was born with a facial disfigurement. He befriends an old, washed-up minister, only to find that he is the same man who inadvertently caused the boy’s grandparents to lose their life savings many years ago. While there is a lot of discussion about faith and miracles, it is NOT a “Christian” book. The characters simply happen to be deeply religious.

The inspiration from the book came from the question I had been asking myself: What if a miraculous healing was only temporary? I really thought about the implications it would have for the character, and the idea just grew from there.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say it’s all that unusual, but like many indie authors I have a day job, so I tend to write in spurts. I’ll write nearly everyday for a few weeks, then I’ll focus on family or work. Then I get back to writing. So it’s a lot of back and forth. It’s a challenge finding a balance among work, writing, family, and “me time”.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Paul Auster was the first author I really took an interest in. The funny thing is, I was only reading it because (at the time) a girl I was madly in love with was reading New York Trilogy, and I wanted an in, so to speak. The girl is long gone, but I still read Paul Auster. He’s absolutely brilliant.

There’s also the standards: Hemingway, Dickens, Thoreau, Whitman, Vonnegut, Orwell, Chesterton.

What are you working on now?
Towpath Jesus is about a seemingly homeless man I ran into while fishing one day a few years ago. He was a really cool guy, and he had a very unique outlook on life. He only worked odd jobs long enough to make his meager bills, then he quit and did whatever it was that pleased him. Biking, Hiking, Fishing. He was an avid freecycler and dumpster diver. It really made me wonder how he came to be who he was. So I made up a completely fictional backstory to this real life guy I met.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I would love to be able to say that I had some magic trick that let me sell tons and tons of books, but I don’t. And I think anyone who tells you they do is suspect at best. I prefer the good, old-fashioned word of mouth marketing. Reading a book, and enjoying it, is something that is personal and intimate. It’s between the writer and the reader. So when someone has a great experience as a reader, and it was so good that they’re willing to share it with people they know, that’s worth more than any marketing campaign or Amazon review. It’s the relationships that matter. Don’t get me wrong though, I still have an advertising budget. You have to get people to read it in the first place.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it. It took me almost ten years to finish Pain’s Joke, and it’s only a novella. It was mostly fear and self-doubt that kept distracting me from writing. You’ll have moments of self-doubt and times when you think you might not be able to hack it. But the worst thing you can ever do is stop writing. You’re only a writer if you write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I can tell you the worst advice I have ever heard: You can do anything you put your mind to. It’s nonsense. Believe me, I’ve put my mind to regrowing the bald spot on the top of my head, and nothing ever came of it.

What are you reading now?
I’m trying to avoid reading any fiction while I’m writing. After this book is done, I have a copy of Christopher Moore’s Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal, and I’m about halfway through it. It’s hilarious.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to just keep plugging away. Whether I sell one book or a million, I’m going to write until the day I die. As long as I still have something to say, I’m still going to be 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?
US Army Survival Guide

Meditations of John Muir

The Bible (It’s not that I’m overly religious, but I’d need SOMETHING to convince me that my being stranded was for some greater purpose. Otherwise I’d turn into those savage little boys from Lord of the Flies.)

Author Websites and Profiles
Chuck Hunter Website
Chuck Hunter Amazon Profile
Chuck Hunter Author Profile on Smashwords

Chuck Hunter’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Chuck Hunter is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! Let me start by saying that I LOVE WRITING!

I wasn’t always a person that loved writing or dreamed of being a writer. Instead, I was one of those people that was a fiendish reader. I’d read everything in sight–no genre was safe from my greedy little hands. I was never without a book clutched protectively to my chest to ward off boredom, and anybody who thought they may borrow my book before I was finished.

People said to me, “Wow, that’s a thick book. You should be a writer, you read so much.”

I’d stare blankly back at them like they were insane and to be pitied, which they were and I did.

First of all, like about most things in life, size DOES matter. To an avid reader, the thicker the book the better. Second of all, any of us obsessed readers worth our salt knew just because you loved to read books didn’t mean you could write them! I mean, come on! I love steak–should I go slaughter a cow?

Well, a couple of years ago when I received a kindle and discovered the world of self-published authors, and in a fit of pique over yet another formula romance by a formerly favorite author, I decided to sit my butt down and write my own romance.

Four books later, I am now the totally insane woman that is trying her darnedest to not write formula romances and give her readers something fun, smart, unique, and very, very hot to read. Please pity me!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled Acadia’s Law: Book One, Undying Love Series. I was inspired by my two loves in reading–witty, sexy, funny romance novels with strong, intelligent, snarky female leads and even smarter, stronger men that can be their equals AND adrenaline pumping, zombie apocalyptic tales. (Hey, don’t laugh! Zombie books are nothing like most of the B movies out there. Talk about thrillers–apocalyptic books are some of the most well-written action you will ever read!)

Anyway, as I was saying before your laughing so rudely distracted me, Acadia’s Law is a combination of fun, hot romance and nail-biting action that I think really works, and I hope you do, too! (Rom-Zom is a genre that desperately needs to be officially recognized.)

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. I think I am unusually stupid in my determination to make my self-published author life just that much harder by writing what I love to read. Despite severe warnings to myself and appropriate punishments, I still make conscious choices to mix genres. It is becoming a filthy habit that shows no signs of abating.

Otherwise, I can’t really think of any. Is spirit writing while channeling in a trance considered unusual?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Seriously? How much time do you have? Every single book I have ever read has influenced be in some way.

What are you working on now?
I am about to start my fifth book, which will be the fourth book in my ongoing series, “The Adventures of Anabel Axelrod”. (A contemporary romance/romantic-comedy/mystery/steamy romance/thriller. )

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My promotion method has evolved by probably making every mistake I possibly could along the way. I am a woman with goals, but tend to be a tad enthusiastically impatient. Now, I take my time self-publishing. I try to plan short term (one-two months out) and long term. I am open to all ideas for promotions and marketing, but I meticulously budget, track, and analyze the results of every campaign I run for every book, no matter how cheap or how expensive. If it got results, I will use them again.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Here is my email. Write to me with any specific questions. I would be happy to pass on any self-publishing/writing knowledge I have garnered, but I don’t do readings or critiques.

tracy.ellen@aol.com

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Love what you write. The rest is just details.

What are you reading now?
LOL, believe it or not, my first series to refresh my memory. Actually, I have never sat down and read the books just for fun. So, on my upcoming camping trip, they’re coming along for the ride!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Foremost, I hope to keep approving and learning the craft of writing. BUT, I’ve been told by those near and dear that I need to get myself out there publically and do a ton of self-promotion. (What the..?! I thought the whole purpose of being a writer was that I got to sway the direction of the universe without leaving home or getting dressed! Geez, if I wanted to be a public figure, I ‘d be running for Dictator of the World!)

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, man! I’d like to see the person and their army that would “allow me” to take only 3-4 books! Any reader worth their sea salt knows you’d bring your loaded eReader and a solar battery charger!

Author Websites and Profiles
Tracy Ellen Website
Tracy Ellen Amazon Profile
Tracy Ellen Author Profile on Smashwords

Tracy Ellen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tracy Ellen is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. My early years were influenced by the Texas culture and lore. I spent twelve years, following high school and two years of college, in the television field as a repairman. At the age of 29 I surrendered to the ministry and entered Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Following the time there I pastored five churches in Texas and one in Hawaii. I then moved to Virginia as a Director of Missions for a local association. After three years, the Virginia Baptist Mission Board called me to serve them as a field consultant. In 2005 I moved to Danville, Virginia to become their Director of Missions working with 46 churches.

I have completed 6 westerns. Prior to that, I had 12 articles published in a pastor/staff training magazine entitled Church Administration. While at the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, I wrote a training manual entitled “7 Strands of Church Health.” I used the material in seminars across the western part of Virginia. It was published by the VBMB.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Viejo and the Lost Ranger” is my latest completed book. It follows the ending of the previous book entitled “Viejo and the Lost Child.” The deep dark emotional circumstances of the Texas Ranger simply needed to follow its course.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
One habit I have is that I can start writing anywhere, stop, then pick up where I left off, even days later.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The most obvious is the Bible. The most influential western fiction writers are Louis L’Amore and Elmer Kelton. Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea” was a special read.

What are you working on now?
I am working on the next Viejo book entitled “Viejo and the Hunted Ranger.”

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own site is cliffhudgins.net. I promote on Facebook and keep an e-mail list of friends.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, then write some more, followed by writing even more.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“It is better to write from the soul and have no market, than to write for the market and have no soul.” I don’t remember who wrote this, so I can’t give credit.

What are you reading now?
Due to my day job schedule and my need for editing my current work, I am reading my own material now.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to retire from the ministry in a few years and devote more time to writing.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible and three books from L’Amore’s Sacket series.

Author Websites and Profiles
Cliff Hudgins Website
Cliff Hudgins Amazon Profile

Cliff Hudgins is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, let’s kick it off here. I’ve written one book so far. ONE. AND IT’S GREAT. “Nighthawks at the Mission”. Available at your finest Amazon.com website through GMTA Publishing.

So since I had no idea how to start off a free form interview and I like to rip shit off of people and myself at times, I’ll use this Fifty Good Questions To Ask Yourself And Others. I got it from the “Google”. Thank you The Fab Files of Fabiola Carletti whoever you are.

I’ll be using first though that James Lipton 10 Question Thing he borrowed from Bernard Pivot, someone I couldn’t pick out of a police lineup if my family’s life depended on it but James Lipton always acts like we all should. James Lipton I do know. Bernard Pivot is a fiction as far as I can tell. I will not use the “Google”.

So first, off, James Lipton bullshit.

What is your favorite word? Respect.

What is your least favorite word? Stupid.

What turns you on? Smart women. People enjoying my writing and laughing at the right parts or wanting to read more and more. Women.

What turns you off? People who follow trends like those fuckers who wait weeks in line for the next iPhone. People who make money just to make money and just sit on piles of cash and not do a single interesting thing with it or have any sort of life adventure or exposure to the outside world besides a safe touristy vacation (see: Zuckerberg, Mark and most of Wall Street).

What sound or noise do you love? Delicate sound of thunder coming from the Dark Side of the Moon (50 points if you catch the full reference.)

What sound or noise do you hate? Babies crying n’ shit.

What is your favorite curse word? Fucktard.

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Storm chasing in tornado alley with professional meteorologists. Deep sea fishing off the Florida Keys. Either one.

What profession would you not like to do?

I really wouldn’t want to be an orderly at some senior nursing center. People dying. Cleaning up shit and blood all the time. Bleach smell everywhere. Watching relatives that should be euthanized because they couldn’t give a flying fuck about their own older relatives.

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

Hemingway wanted me to tell you that he thought your writing was marginally okay. And that Grandpa’s coming by in a second to say hello. The one Grandpa. The other one is fishing and cursing at the moment. And your Grandmothers wanted to introduce themselves for the first time. And tell your cat Gump to get off my damn couch.

NOW I FILL OUT A RANDOM FIFTY QUESTION I MENTIONED EARLIER.

1. What are your nicknames? What do you prefer to be called?

Forbes. Some of you may have picked up that Forbes West is a nom de however you say that, most people including my own father call me Forbes. or Forbesy. Or Flobes because of that one time some Korean owner of a internet cafe butchered my name in a hilariously accented way. There is a reason why the name Forbes is used if you catch what I’m throwing out there. Yes, its not my real name, Detective. But it works.

2. What books on your shelf are begging to be read?

Frank Herbert’s Dune. Stephen King’s The Gunslinger (Plus its sequels). Nick Cole’s Wasteland Saga. Robert Hughes and his great book, The Fatal Shore. Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Whitley Strieber and James Kunetka’s WarDay. Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom The Bell Tolls. J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Revolution at the Gates: Selected Writings by V.I. Lenin and Slavoj Zizek. Ron Paul’s The Revolution: A Manifesto. Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell.

3. How often do you doodle? What do your doodles look like?

Mostly I doodle little robots that shoot fire at each other and UFOs. Odd many armed monsters with squiggly heads and teeth. Giant heads filled with teeth.

4. What do you do if you can’t sleep at night? Do you count sheep? Toss and Turn? Try to get up and do something productive?

I usually just stare at the ceiling and then write down something on my iPhone’s notepad about a book or movie idea. Then there’s always the warm embrace of free internet pornography. Waking my cat up and chasing him around the room until he hides ontop of the refrigerator and won’t come down without violence.

5. How many days could you last in solitary confinement? How would you do it?

I could do a month easy. I’d just live in my head and my imagination which is what I do anyway for fun and games. I’d probably would just want to get out after a month because I want to do something else and not because I couldn’t stand the lock up and the walls closing in, blah blah. I’d be alright.

6. Do you save old greeting cards and letters? Throw them away?

I’m married so by law I keep them neatly stored for future non-reference and to be burned by absent minded caretakers.

7. Who is the biggest pack rat you know?

I work in property management in real life and the biggest pack rat I saw was this poor 40 year old Asian guy who was renting an apartment at one of the places I managed who moved out five years later. When he was moving I saw that he saved everything from VHS tapes to boxes upon boxes of Jenga and cut out pictures of Cub Scouts from magazines and little league trophies. He didn’t have any children. There’s probably a mass grave nearby of Cub Scouts waiting undiscovered.

8. When making an entrance in to a party, do you make your presence known? Do you slip in and look for someone you know? Do you sneak in quietly and find a safe spot to roost?

I always make an entrance like an asshole because I like making people laugh. I like seeing old friends so I want every first moment of a meeting with them to be special and fun. I like to mingle unless I’m a total unknown at some party where I know only the host by chance. Then I just head to the drink bar and make it fun for myself at least by getting plastered. After a while of being buzzed you always make friends somehow.

9. What is your strongest sense? If you had to give one up, which would it be?

My eyes are my best sense which doesn’t really mean much since I’m legally blind. If I had to give up a sense it’d be sight. I can’t live without music and people talking; that would fuck me up more than anything.

10. How many times a day do you look at yourself in the mirror?

Any chance there is a mirror in the general vicinity I’ll take a peak. My hair is wavy as shit and I always need to have a comb on hand because otherwise it’s just gonna become a fuckin’ afro in two minutes.

11. What is the strangest thing you believed as a child?

Socialism in one country.That adults knew what the fuck they were doing at all times and that authority figures got to be authority figures because they were just so fucking smart.

12. What is one guilty pleasure you enjoy too much to give up?

Sex with strangers. Cigars. I like that shit. Its a tasteful way of getting cancer.

13. Who performs the most random acts of kindness out of everyone you know?

My wife Junko. She’ll give her last ten dollars to some street urchin if they seem the least bit hungry. She’ll put down a hundred dollar plus donation for people she barely knows without a second thought.

14. How often do you read the newspaper? Which paper? Which sections?

I don’t read the newspaper anymore. If anything major happens I’ll find out. I might read the politics section of “Huffington Post” just to get pissed off for the day. I also don’t watch television that much, come to think of it. I mean, I watch TV shows and movies off of Netflix but its not exactly the most up to date material in the world now, is it?

15. Which animals scare you most? Why?

Japanese Hornets that apparently are genetically engineered to instill fear into mankind. One buzzed me when I was in Japan and I wasn’t scared at first because I THOUGHT IT WAS A GODDAMN HUMMING BIRD. Go look ‘em up I’m fucking serious. Or here for fuck’s sake:
And I for one welcome our Japanese Hornet Overlords.

16. Are you more likely to avoid conflict or engage it head-on?

Head on after a few beers, sure. I’m a coward at heart so I got to get some dutch courage. I take the Xanax Advantage (known before as the Zoloft Surge) as well. Its best to not feel feelings anymore when making a confrontation or conflict. It’s a jungle out there. Things must be said, words exchanged, masculinity indulged and I’m really too sensitive for this sort of hard business. I had a grandfather who was in the Battle of the Bulge killing Nazis at freezing temperatures and didn’t think it was “really that big of a deal to talk about” and here I am working up the courage to debate a bill with a waiter at the El Torito. As I look at my bill and its obvious error and feel the fear come on, I realize that the Blood of Númenor is all but spent, its pride and dignity forgotten.

17. What was the most recent compliment you’ve received and savoured?

The most recent compliment I got was from Nick Cole, author of The Wasteland Saga. I barely know the guy and he says on a national radio show that basically Forbes West has written some fine fiction- “Nighthawks at the Mission”. Now for a guy who has written some great stuff (Wasteland Saga) and has some recognition, this was a real treat to actually hear. I also was told that I write very well from another author I respect a lot, Michael Bunker and that I did some incredible world building in my book. My ego was incredibly stroked by that happening- two authors who have been in the game for a lot longer than me saying I do some good stuff.

18. What is something about yourself that you hope will change, but probably never will?

Being absolutely bi-polar about my writing. Either I think its shit and embarrassing one moment or the next greatest big thing to strike the planet Earth. Until reviews, positive reviews, come in at an overwhelming amount I won’t be satisfied. And even then I’ll probably be anxious.

19. Are you a creature of habit? Explain.

I work on writing on everyday so that’s my habit. I have to do something writing related. Drinking and doing *ahem* other things is a hobby but the reality of my day is sitting behind the laptop typing away at something to in order to get creative and get something together that I can use for writing (note, inspiring scenes from movies, pictures, whatever). So in that sense, yes, I’ll always be a creature of habit. Anything else though, I’m pretty well wide open and all over the place. As long as I get something writing related done. Doesn’t have to be much, but I had to always do it. Even on vacation. Even when people don’t see me openly do it. If it looks like I’m texting I’m not, I’m taking down notes on the notepad section.

20. Are you high maintenance? Explain.

Yes and no. Mostly I’m mellow and laid back. But I have a slew of personal demons that can rear up and every once in a while make my mood swing terribly. Mostly it has to do with future “what-if” scenarios and feelings of failure or that I’m not doing an good enough job. Those personal demons are sort of an odd crew to keep me up and running- I recognize without ‘em, I’m probably just content to sit back and let my life drift and not go out and try to achieve something, but at the same time there the ones that torture my emotions about what I do with my work and my marriage and friends and etc.

21. When was the last time you really pushed yourself to your physical limits?

The last time was writing a screenplay for a movie called “OK-ZERO” which is, shall we say, still in the pre-pre-production process. Anyway, I gave myself a six week limit to get the thing done and immediately spent those 6 weeks staying up until 3am and getting up at 6am for work. Needless to say sleep deprivation does some funny things to me- one, after a while I can’t keep my eyes open to save my life and two, when I am awake I am so wired I can’t shut up. The conversation from my end is a deluge not a collection of words to invoke communication with the other party. Its (hopefully) not rambling but its way too much for others to deal with. But I did it all because OK-ZERO has a shot at well, being something, and so if that means I’ll be extra weird and over-tired, so be it.

22. Do you have a whole lot of acquaintances or just a few very close friends? Why?

I have both. I have a few friends, the N[DELETED] brothers, [DELETED] and [DELETED] I grew up with and feel like they’re family to me. There are others one too out there (sorry not to be name dropping or making up a hierarchy of friendship here) but there the closest. Then there is the fact that I do know just a lot of people because i am open and I do interact. I like people really and I enjoy their quirks, viewpoints, whatever. It actually takes quite a good deal of time and effort to really hate someone but once I do I have a Sicilian feeling of prideful hate towards them. There’s only a few people I can say have made that list. The band Off-Spring, for instance.

23. Are you more inclined to “build your own empire” or unleash the potential of others?

I like helping others on their projects but right now since I’m starting out, and since I know I can only spread myself so thin with “real” work and other bullshit a capitalist economy makes me deal with, I’m in the single man empire building business.

24. What’s a strange occurrence you’ve experienced but have never (or rarely) shared with anyone?

About a year or two ago (I forget exactly), I, being in property management, got a frantic call from our a person co-signing an apartment home that I managed about his family. Now our community is about 296 apartment homes, so it’s basically a small town (2-4 people per apartment), just to give you an idea, and so no one really notices each other and keeps to themselves, so if something is amidst in an another apartment they won’t notice unless the proverbial bomb goes off. This co-signer was frantic, saying that he hadn’t been able to reach his father (who was in his 80s and a invalid) and his brother (in his fifties who was taking care of the father) for five days. The co-signer and I walked to the apartment as I had the key to the place and since he was only a co-signer and not a true tenant, I had to stick around when opening the place up since it wasn’t fully “his” place. I knocked on the door- no answer. I knocked again- no answer. At the moment I was thinking that maybe they had taken the old man to the hospital or something so I did the whole final knock, called out loudly “Management” and opened the door.

And well, inside was a complete and awful murder scene. Congealed blood all over the place, things knocked over. Two bodies, left for five days during a very hot and humid week, rotting inside. I couldn’t get the smell out of my mind for days afterwards and what I saw inside made me have a nervous breakdown later that night. Everything just seemed to smell like that apartment and I couldn’t get that vicious scene out of my mind for a month. I went out of my way not to go near that apartment for months. It was never fully explained to me the circumstances of what had happened, though it had been reported in the LA TIMES homicide section as a murder-suicide.

25. What do you think about more than anything else?

My future and better life. I don’t think anyone should drift in their lives and let things just run their course, I feel that if you want to really feel what life is all about you gotta take some charge and paddle against that soft current that leads you to just being, I don’t know, just another face in the crowd. You gotta paddle against the current. So I always think about what I want in the future and how to get there. I think about what new ideas for books or movies all the time as well but I think that can be wrapped under the same heading as just thinking about having a better life and being seen as a success. Those books and movie ideas are gonna bring me to a brighter future I want for myself and my family so I think about that always.

26. What’s something that amazes you?

The weather- storms, tornadoes, hurricanes. The great reminder of greater forces beyond our control. Humans have enslaved and controlled the environment so much that to see an honest to goodness storm or something worse come over the horizon reminds us of our tiny hold in an infinite universe.

27. Do you prefer that people shoot straight with you or temper their words? Why?

Depends on what mood I’m in. You shoot straight at me and I’m already not exactly in the most giving of moods I’ll lash out like a baboon poked with a stick. If I’m in a good mood, I’ll take the come to Jesus moment (probably). I’ll be honest, a lot of times “straight shooting” or “not mincing words” or “always telling it like it is” seems to me sometimes a bullshit cover for people to say whatever they want and given themselves a verbal clause not to get slammed back. Most of the people “who tell it like it is” are usually the first ones to get defensive as hell the moment you tell them “like it is.”

28. Where’s your favourite place to take an out-of-town guest?

Males, its The Library. Females its the Library. In all honesty, its Seal Beach, CA as a whole. The bars and restaurants are home away from home and I grew up there so I like to take them to my local haunts. Joe Jost’s in Long Beach, CA too. Old school once upon a time speak easy bar in Long Beach. Those who pay attention might remember it as the bar in “Gone in 60 Seconds” with Nicholas Cage. Ice cold beer, sandwiches, its something out of the 30′s. Neat place. Cop bar though- every other patron is in law enforcement some how.

29. What’s one thing you’d rather pay someone to do than do yourself? Why?

Public speaking. I can do it and I can do it well enough but I hate doing it. The anticipation makes me want to choke myself to death. I never screw it up but having a bunch of strangers or near strangers leering at me is annoying. I haven’t done it intoxicated yet so maybe that’ll help next time. I heard the story once that Hunter S. Thompson just used to sip Wild Turkey and take a Percocet before speaking and he said that was the easiest way to get through that bullshit. Seems reasonable.

30. Do you have a catchphrase?

“Like I fucking care.” First thing I could think of. I really don’t have one.

31. What’s your reaction towards people who are outspoken about their beliefs? What conditions cause you to dislike or, conversely, enjoy talking with them?

Depends. I like people having a different viewpoint (sometimes a very different viewpoint, I really do like hearing what they have to say and I don’t take offense unless its some out and out Nazi bullshit but that’s really hard to hear nowadays). I don’t like people who decide its time to convert me and keep pressuring me to buy what they are selling. That I don’t care for. We can have disagreements like gentlemen or gentleladies but the moment these people start getting emotionally upset because I’m not on board I hate it. But honest to goodness intellectuals believing in radically different things than I do? I love it actually. I hate the Republican Party as an organization but to talk to a intellectual from the party or a true blue Conservative with a ideological belief system who’s respectful? I can talk to them for hours. I love it. The weirder their outspoken beliefs, as long as they aren’t getting crazy and emotional, the more enjoyment I have talking to them.

32. How and where do you prefer to study?

Over the internet. At home. Slightly high. Pot isn’t there in that case for hysterical fun, but because it kicks up creativity a notch and makes your mind slink a little bit back into the subconscious so you can put together connections and create ideas.

33. What position do you sleep in?

On top of your mother as she lays on her stomach. That’s a weird fucking question. Next.

34. What’s your all-time favourite town or city? Why?

Key West, Florida. Its New Orleans without the creole, its on the beach, its America but it isn’t. There’s an odd redneck-hippie-Cuban-Bahamas vibe to the town, what with its frat boys and artists co-mingling. The history, the humidity, the odd people- its no wonder Hemingway, Thompson (for a small period of time), and Tennessee Williams called it home for a while. There’s an energy there that just helps any writer come up with ideas. I was there only once for three days and I could feel it.

35. What are the top three qualities that draw you to someone new?

A sense of humor (usually dark), someone who’s a bit of rebel in some way, and someone who does something creative in life (writing, artistry, music) and who doesn’t buy this whole go to school, get married, get a house, get retired, die scheme that’s being foisted onto a lot of people.

36. How has your birth order/characteristics of siblings affected you?

I’m the youngest, so I’m the baby. So I always feel a little left out of things, which makes me feel a bit of an outsider in my own family. That is NO one’s fault, but just my own warped perception on things. When you have a small family of four with no extended family (and my sister is seven years older than me), of course you are going to feel a little bit on the outside of things just because of circumstances. I think that’s made me feel like an outsider (again there’s no blame about that) so I look at things differently because I never have felt really “part” of a group. (If you are reading this and thinking somehow my family left me out or doesn’t love me, that’s stupid. They do. I’m just talking reality here. I’m very lucky when it comes to my family. VERY lucky.)

37. If you could eliminate one weakness or limitation in your life, what would it be?

Social anxiety. I have to really work to overcome it but meeting people and hanging out doesn’t come naturally to me. Now, if you know me in person that’s probably a shock by the way I act but remember I’m using sheer force, alcohol, and illegally obtained prescription pills and medicinal marijuana to function and be fun to be around. Otherwise you’d be dealing with Milton from “Office Space” the whole time.

38. If you could restore one broken relationship, which would it be?

Can’t think of a one. If its broken its because they fucked it up, not me. Sorry, sometimes I’m gonna lay some blame on some people. Sometimes there isn’t a a mutual “oh we were both wrong moment”. Those other people fucked it up. I’m generally pretty nice and forgiving.

39. If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?

Bronson. Toughest name on the planet. But then I’d have to really work out and get some tats in order to back it up or else its just…odd. Is “Tex” a real first name? But then I’m not from Texas.

40. Do you believe ignorance is bliss? Why or why not?

Yes. If I have zero hope of fixing a situation or dealing with some information that’s just going to terrorize me and make me despondent, I’d rather not know (hypothetical: a comet is going to crash into the Earth erasing mankind. Don’t tell me about it unless you say Bruce Willis has a shot of fixing this thing). If, however, I’ve been given some bad news but there’s a small, even tiny possibility that maybe I can figure a way out of the situation, let me know. Don’t sugarcoat things. I can take it (most of the time. Otherwise I just end up buying a bottle of cheap port and sitting on my balcony crying for three hours before passing out).

41. What do you consider unforgivable?

Ending someone’s dream. Taking something that was something special to them and ruining it or ripping it off and calling it your own. I heard this one story- some ultra-Christian family, fundamentalists, who burnt three years of notebooks that their teen daughter had written about a fantasy world with characters and settings, etc that she wanted to have put onto a computer and typed up and sent to a publisher she had somehow connected with. The family made her burn the notebooks in their fireplace, because somehow it was “ungodly”. I could almost forgive murder before that. Molesting a child is unforgivable in my mind too but that’s sort of a “no shit” sort of answer.

42. Have you forgiven yourself for past personal failures? Why or why not?

Not really. I don’t mope around about it but I don’t forgive myself fully yet. I should have made better choices and been more active. I wasn’t perhaps in the best mental state for some of these events that happened, but I can’t get over my own mistakes. I’m learning but once in a while the sting hits me right in the back of the head reminding me of “what if”.

43. How difficult is it for you to forgive someone who refuses to apologize?

VERY difficult. A really strong person knows when they fucked up and they say they are sorry. Trying to weasel out of situations is the worse sort of shit to pull. Real men and women apologize. Children refuse to apologize.

44.Do you hold any convictions that you would be willing to die for?

If the USA’s ass was REALLY on the line, I mean a Civil War, World War Two type crisis, I’d die for it. I know its not perfect, I know its fucked in so many ways- I know that. Believe me. I can give you a laundry list of its problems and its corruption and its misuse of power. But I always thought that despite the corporate crap, the fundamentalist attacks, the petty Congressional lobbying bullshit, the flawed USA is still a pillar in keeping the world from really falling down to the dogs. Because who would replace us to lead the world? China? Russia? Sure there are other countries that are democracies with freedom of speech and perhaps even more liberty than we have here at home, but if we burn out those authoritarian states will pressure and pressure them and end their sunny days. The USA to me is like a mean old father who was once a hero- you may not like what he does, but you also realize that once the old man’s gone, there’s nothing keeping this whole thing together. Plus, the USA is home.

I should mention I love Japan and consider it a second home as well- if that fat faced little fascist in North Korea wants to take on Japan or the politburo in Beijing thinks they can get revenge on Japan, I’d die for Japan too. It’s a country of good people who have turned a corner in national life and despite all their flaws and bullshit don’t deserve annihilation or attack.They’re a peaceful people- they went 70 years without conflict with its neighbors. People who keep dredging up World War Two and Japan should remember that while you can’t forget what Japan did, just remember they’ve had two cities nuked, hundreds of cities hit with napalm raids, and millions of war casualties. They’ve done their penance for what their bullshit military pulled in the 30′s and 40′s.

I also do believe in social revolution that truly makes us all equal. If there’s a real chance that people can live their own lives free of direct government control and corporate bullying and working bullshit 9-5 jobs, I’d die for that. A lot of us spend 40 hours a week making others rich and losing out on time we could have with our loved ones and friends because of a forced necessity. There’s got to be a better way and if there’s a revolution that shows up that makes that happen, I’ll pick up a rifle and fight for that. And take a bullet.

45. To what extent do you trust people? Explain.

I trust people but verify whether or not they are full of shit. Reagan said that and the old man was right- put a hand out, be open, but make sure you aren’t being fed a line of horseshit and critically evaluate what people are telling you. Long story short, I’d rather take a chance to be stabbed in the back then to be locked in a closet not trusting anyone or anything.

46. In what area of your life are you immature?

I really do like playing with cats and dogs way too much so I get way too excited going to a Petco and seeing any new cats or dogs to adopt. Oh and I love drinking and *ahem* other recreational substances. Being out until dawn hammered always seems like the best of times. I’m a fratboy hiding as a liberal writer.

47. What was the best news you ever received?

That I successfully tricked my wife into marrying me and she said “Yes”, and that GMTA Publishing would put out “Nighthawks at the Mission”, my first novel that was originally self-published. GMTA is a small company but its exactly what I want in the long term.

48. How difficult is it for you to be honest, even when your words may be hurtful or unpopular?

It’s hard but I can do it. It takes a few false starts but I can do it. I hate doing it but I can suck it up and do it every time. Again, alcohol becomes a great friend in this time of strife so after I loosen up I can let the truth dribble out.

49. When did you immediately click with someone you just met? Why? What was the long term result? Conversely, are you close with anyone now that you really disliked at first?

In real life, a certain [DELETED] I consider him my personal anti-Forbes West because he likes a lot of the same stuff I do (*heh heh heh*) but he has a different world view that we disagree about. First time we met we argued over political philosophy over a round of beers (not this run of the mill contemporary everyday political shit but true to form we were arguing philosophy about society and government) and though we disagreed on almost every point, I respected what he had to say and we just became friends right there. Our meeting and argument was the mental equivalent of two Viking warriors dueling for hours in the frozen tundra who end up laughing and hugging because they found their exact equal in battle. It’s a rare but cool thing to have happened.

In the world of facebook, Michael Bunker. Great author, true rebel in society, pop culture aficionado like me and Neo-Amish. Can’t find more interesting mix of a personality outside the world of fiction.

As for anyone I really disliked at first, I can’t think of one. I usually don’t follow up with anyone I thought was a dick in the first place. Maybe Weird Al Yankovic.

50. When do you find yourself singing?

After drinking and only with a group of friends. Karaoke. Rarely any other time.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Nighthawks at the Mission. It’s been sort of a multilayered meaning- “Nighthawks”, because that’s the slang for people who salvage off-world in the dead alien cities at night, but that’s not my original “slang”. My characters are “Nighthawks” since they reap all the high tech salvage and magic found on this planet that was just discovered to be on the other side of this portal in the South Pacific.

The term “Nighthawks” comes from ‘Nighthawking’- which according to the Wikipedia “is a term used by Britain’s metal detecting community to describe the theft of archaeological artifacts under the cover of darkness from protected archaeological sites and areas.”

Nighthawks at the Mission, the full title, is also a play on “Nighthawks at the Diner”, the Tom Waits “live” album. When I saw the cover for “Nighthawks at the Diner”, it sort of set a mood for what I was writing. Same thing for the music from the album- both the album cover and the music invoke a vision of people staying up late at night, smoking cigarettes, as a dark world just passes along under the midnight sky.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I watch a lot of youtube clips from old movies I’ve seen to get inspiration or to set a mood to my writing. I listen to them in the background as I type away. I also listen to music to set the tone and mood at the same time. If there’s no music, there’s no youtube, there’s no writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King comes first to mind. His early work (say pre-90s). He’s the Jupiter that all my ideas orbit around. Other than him, movies more so than anything. Now that doesn’t answer the question properly, but I get a ton of energy and inspiration off of Kubrick, Sergio Leone, early Coppolla movies and Martin Scorsese films.

What are you working on now?
TK. It’s an episodic short story series based on the “Nighthawks at the Mission” universe. While “Nighthawks…” is to be the first in an epic science fiction/fantasy series, “TK” is more concerning the daily life of Americans living and colonizing this strange Lord of the Rings like world filled with dead high-tech cities.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook and Twitter are neck and neck in promotion. They’ve helped the most. I use twitter for quick bursts of info and since it can be linked to Facebook they go hand in glove it seems.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My best advice is to try something new (don’t try to copy and paste and rearrange what’s already out there) and to remember that writing isn’t a sprint or a hobby, its a second job that requires you to run a 26 mile marathon every day.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Have fun. It’s writing for entertainment, for fuck’s sake. The moment it stops being fun (and I’m not saying there’s not moments where it’s boring or tedious) but the moment its really like a 9-5 job, stop. Stop for a while. Stop for a month. Cool your brain off. And sometimes, its going to feel like you’re writing shit but just keep chugging forward. You may have to go back and re-write later but that’s later on down the line. Get the draft completed don’t just keep re-hashing the same paragraph in a trivial pursuit of perfection that can’t be attained.

What are you reading now?
The Fatal Shore. Robert Hughes. The Science fiction like idea the British Government did for real back in the 18th century of putting all their prisoners and poor people on the dark side of the moon which was Australia at the time. Fascinating to re-read again as you pick up more and more grim information about an insane idea and time.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next is a sequel for “Nighthawks at the Mission”, called “Lodger”. As I explained to someone, its something something “Treasure Island”, a cold frozen north that the characters travel through, and Singapore. And thats about all I have to say about that.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Dune, Nexus Confessions Volume Five, and The Stand.

Author Websites and Profiles
Forbes West Website
Forbes West Amazon Profile

Forbes West’s Social Media Links

Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Forbes West is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m 45 years old and have been writing and storytelling for as long as I can remember. This is the first time I’ve pursued actually publishing books. I’ve published one inspirational book about happiness and am about to release a free e-book about relationships.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Be Happy – The Foundation of a Happy Relationship: 12 Principles for Leading a Happy Life. Miranda (my Fiancee/Editor/Co-Author) is my inspiration. She outlines my ideas for me, she edits my work, she also makes sure I get my writing time in each day. She also does a lot of the promotional work and the behind the scenes stuff so I can focus on turning out words. She is my source of inspiration.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to create a quiet space and play epic soundtrack music like from LoTR, GoT, Dr. Who, etc..

What are you working on now?

A book about what communication is, how to do it with practical exercises and tools for when it goes wrong. No title yet.

I’ve also started outlining with Miranda a YA novel. No details yet

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Writing is production, your production is words. I track each day how many words I produce. This is how I set targets and I work towards them each day.

Don’t get caught up in editing while writing. During your writing time, write! I don’t use word or fancy editing software for a first draft, I use something like Notepad. Write and keep writing. There is plenty of time for editing later. All those squiggly lines distract you from creating and really getting your job done, which is to CREATE!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?

What are you reading now?
Emperor of Thorns by Mark Lawrence

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing as many books as I can. I have lots of advice to give and stories to tell!

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
James Horton Website
James Horton Amazon Profile

James Horton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

James Horton is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! I’m Zoey, a 37 year-old Brit from just outside Oxford. I’m married to an American, and have one young son, and two cats. I’m a full-time editor for several small press publishers, and I take on indie clients as often as time allows as well.

‘Inheritance’ is my first novel, and I’m almost 1/3 way through the sequel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Inheritance’ is my current release. It’s inspired by, and driven by my main character, Dom, who’s basically a mix of two people I wish I knew. It’s also quite a ‘bookish’ book, with literature and fiction having its own part to play, which was a really important element for me.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a night-writer, out of necessity rather than choice, but, whatever works! I have a young son to take care of, and I work full-time editing from home, so my writing hours tend to be around 9pm-2am or thereabouts. I get through a lot of coffee.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In a way, Fifty Shades has influenced me the most. Because when I read it, I couldn’t help thinking how cool it would be if a story like that could be well-written. I wanted to write something sexy, and popular, but also something where no one would complain about the standard of writing. It also really let me see the kind of thing people want to be reading right now, which caused a huge turnaround from my usual genre and brought me into a whole new world. And when I entered this world, Andrea Andersson and her novel, ‘Unkindness’, was probably the one that persuaded me to seriously put pen to paper.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the sequel to ‘Inheritance’. It’s called ‘Indebted’ and sees Dom and Mel both going through their honeymoon period, and facing a whole heap of new obstacles to their relationship. It’s darker than the first novel, and more intricate. It’s involved a lot more research, and I’m hoping it’s going to have a whole lot to offer readers.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m genetically awful at promotion, honestly. I’m reliably informed by my publisher that mailing lists are the way to go. My favourite medium to use is Twitter, as it’s so laid back, but I think as a forum for selling books it’s not ideal. Right now I’m working on building up my subscriber list, and I’m also trying to spend more and more time on Goodreads. GR seems to be the best place to find like-minded readers to try out your books on, but with everyone having towering TBR piles it’s always going to be a challenge to get YOUR book under someone’s nose. I’m still trying to find my way.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I don’t really feel qualified to advise! But I’d just say, keep writing! For me, time is always the biggest obstacle to writing, but it really is true that if you just hammer out words for even an hour a day, they all add up and before you know it you have an MS to work with. I’m a big believer in fast-drafting, just write…like your life depends on it…and don’t self-edit. That can all come later. Get the words on the page first.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s a variation on “turn the internet off!” – I can’t think of a single, bigger time-waster when you do finally claw some writing time than twitter, or FB etc. STAY OFF THE NET AND WRITE! Twitter et al are wonderful support networks, but if you’re not careful you find you’ve posted 10,000 Tweets, and written 37 words. You really want to keep it the other way around.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading a crime novel called “Forward Slash”. I’m on a bit of a violent crime kick.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More words!
I want to get Indebted finished, and keep working hard at promoting Inheritance. There’ll be a third, and final novel in the series, but that’s going to be well into next year.
Once the Diamond Books series is complete, I want to look at a possible spin-off centred around Mel’s former best friend, Nate. I also have a quick n’ dirty standalone brewing

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?
Could I bring my Kindle? Is that cheating? Probably…

Ok, well, I’d go for a big, beefy fantasy epic that I could lose myself in, probably a Tad Williams or maybe Patrick Rothfuss. In fact, definitely Patrick Rothfuss. I’d take King’s The Stand, because I’ve never made it to the end before and a desert island would be handy for that. And I’d take a Dickens, because I bloody love Dickens. Dombey and Son would do it

Author Websites and Profiles
Zoey DuBois Website
Zoey DuBois Amazon Profile

Zoey DuBois’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Zoey DuBois is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, where I lived and studied until I graduated from St. Andrews University (aye, the one the prince went to…after me!) with a Masters in English. My thesis focused on Creative Writing but that was no surprise as I’ve been writing since I was a child and my dream was always to use English to become an author.

That path has not been easy and it has only been thanks to self-publishing that my début novel is now out there. Over the years I’ve written several books but I have only published two. My novel, “The One: The Tale of a Lost Romantic in Seoul” is my polished pride and joy. “Altered Egos”, my collection of short stories, almost feels like a work in progress as I keep adding new material to it.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The One: The Tale of a Lost Romantic in Seoul

The original idea came when I was lying in bed with a beautiful woman (yes, it does happen to writers sometimes) and I was thinking about the idea of when people say, “I would do anything for you”. Do they really mean that? If you loved someone, would you do anything to make them happy, or to save them? Would you hurt someone? Kill someone?

That then developed into the deeper idea that I believe all people, especially the most boring, drab people, are one incident away from descending into madness. It could be losing their job, losing their wife, losing their home – whatever it is, I think humanity’s sanity is a fragile thing.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Does drinking absurd amounts of whisky while writing count as unusual?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favourite author is Haruki Murakami and I believe he must have influenced me greatly. George Orwell is also a favourite and I admire his ability to engage serious issues in an entertaining manner. This also applies to Kurt Vonnegut, who is able to convey his message without losing the dark humour that makes his books so appealing. For me, these three authors idealise what I want to do: provide depth and thought while still entertaining.

As for books, for my first novel there is one book that clearly had an influence and that is “Lolita” by Vladimir Nabokov. I loved the idea of having a narrator that is not a particularly likeable character, but one that feels justified in what he is doing. In fact, the original title I wanted to use for my novel was “The Confession of a Justified Sinner” but James Hogg beat me to it by, oh, just about 200 years.

What are you working on now?
I’ve now started work on my second novel, which will be something completely different. It is sort of a dystopian novel, but as with my first novel, I’ll be trying to put a new spin on an old idea.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to work all that out. I’m quite terrible at marketing. There was a reason I chose to study English and not Business – I’m just not cut out for it. The day I have enough money to hire a publicist is the day I can relax again.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do not believe you can self-edit fully. I thought I could. I’ve worked in publishing companies as an editor, have edited countless theses and essays from university students, and I spent over a year editing my own novel. Nonetheless, I still missed a boatload of typos.

Paying for something before you even earn any money is a tough pill to swallow but it has to be done. Think of it as an investment. Get a professional editor to check over your manuscript before you publish. Then you know it is all good and you can move onto your next work without any worries.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever received was from John Burnside, a successful Scottish novelist who I was lucky enough to study under at St. Andrews. Upon receiving one of my less impressive pieces of writing, he left a note saying “Needs inspiration – try more cigarettes and alcohol!’.

I still got an A+ for that paper, but it was the advice that really stuck with me.

What are you reading now?
These days I try to read as many books by fellow indie authors as I can, so I can then leave an honest review. Knowing how important reviews are to indie authors, and being part of the community now, I find it hard to turn back to mainstream novels, unless it is something I am desperate to read, like Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell, the last mainstream published book I read.

Right now I’m reading a book called The Enchanted Castle by Marc Secchia, another indie writer. So far, so good! Uly

What’s next for you as a writer?
Get the first draft of my second novel out of my head and onto paper. Then comes the oh-so-fun editing part, though I will be making far greater use of professional editors this 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?
Is the Complete Works of Shakespeare allowed? I’m going to pretend it is.

In addition to that, I would bring:

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami – my favourite novel and I never tire of it.

Ulysses by James Joyce – I spent 6 months studying it at university and only scratched the surface. Something to keep my mind busy.

Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby – A little random but I love football (soccer) and no book better explains the passion of being a football fan. I’d miss the beautiful game on that island, so this book would remind me.

Author Websites and Profiles
Steve Justice Website
Steve Justice Amazon Profile

Steve Justice’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Steve Justice is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write stories that are often on the unusual side. The Filing Cabinet of Doom is my first book but my writing has appeared in several anthologies and websites including American Nightmare, Polluto Magazine (issue 10), Weird Year, Strange House Books, The Strange Edge (magazine and online) and Bizarro Central.

I also write erotica which is available on forbidden-fiction.com and anthologies The Darker Edge of Desire and The Big Book of Bizarro. I’ve written articles for Bizarre magazine and The Dark Side among others, and I love kittens.

My bio includes a lot of ‘bizarre,’ have you noticed?

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Filing Cabinet of Doom has just been published by Burning Bulb. It includes a novella of the same name and several short stories, which I hope show both the disturbing and jolly sides of my brain.

While the main novella is inspired by spooky, silent German films (it’s set in a black and white soundless world) I’ve tried to include my sense of humour as much as possible. The other stories range from magic realism to bizarro to horror to weird tale and were inspired by fairly mundane experiences which my brain took to a new place.

What authors, or books have influenced you?

I love Neil Gaiman, Kafka, Heather Fowler, Margaret Atwood, Haruki Murakami, Anais Nin, John Lawson, Daphne Du Maurier, Saki, Robert Aickman and Jeremy Dyson to name a few.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a YA novel and another collection of short stories.

Do you have any advice for new authors?

Roald Dahl once said he was always worried the reader would lose interest and wrote each sentence as if he had to grab their attention. That’s probably a good thing to aim for.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Probably from Neil Gaiman: “write stories people will want to read.”

What are you reading now?
I’m actually reading a book on the psychology of lying by Ian Leslie. I am! It’s not my usual thing but it’s very interesting.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hope people like my book, and move quickly onto the next project.

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 Sherlock Holmes collection, The Giant Book of Zombies (I can’t help it, I’ve loved that book for a very long time) and Man Ray pictures. Or Robin Ince’s Bad Book Club I haven’t decided yet.

Author Websites and Profiles
Madeleine Swann Website

Madeleine Swann’s Social Media Links

Twitter Account

Madeleine Swann is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Oh, where to start! Let’s see, I began writing when I was 8 years old. A woman I knew had written a one page story and thought it was the coolest thing to be able to make up your own characters, places, names and whatever so I wrote my own one page story and it grew from there. Of course, the older I got, the longer my stories were. It went from stories, to a novella, to full blown novels.
I’m not sure how many books I’ve written because I’ve started a lot and didn’t finish but I would say around 5 that were completed.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called The Kinetic Keeper. I remember the very day the concept came about. I was standing in line at a theater going to see Twilight (don’t make fun of me :)) for the 3rd time. (Again, don’t make fun of me) I was vaguely aware of everything that was going on around me and I began to think of a concept of a girl who constantly knew of everything going on around her and the fact that she could react so quickly to it.
Well the story started out like that but over the months, the concept changed quite a bit and I realized I wanted to have girl who discovered she had multiple abilities like telekinesis and such. Well, once I got hooked on that, I started spitting out page after page and six months later, The Kinetic Keeper was born.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I can think of. I’ve read so many different ways of how people need to write. Some need total silence, others need music. Some make themselves write a certain amount a day and others just wing it. I’d have to say I’m more of a wing it type person. I do try to set a timer sometimes and just do nonstop writing or editing in that time frame so I don’t have to focus on anything else. Otherwise, I’ll write a little, then clean my house a little, then write a little, then check facebook or a while. I’m bouncy like that.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I remember in my teenage years, my favorite author was Christopher Pike. I just loved his books. Then when I got older, Dean Koontz became my favorite author. And I always thought I like realistic stories but now that I look back, these authors both had supernatural elements to their stories and I realized mine was always a bit of the same. So I guess they unknowingly influenced me.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the second book in the Kinetic series, The Kinetic Kin.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, I’m learning a lot about promoting and google is my friends when it comes to that. Also, the typicals: Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads. And some sites I’ve paid a bit of money to help promote. Whatever I can find and do, I will.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you’re self publishing, be sure to take the time and make sure it looks good when it goes on the kindle or nook or whatever electronic device it may be going on. I read one book where the author just slapped her book on it and the formatting was all over the place. The story was good but it was definitely a turn off to see such a sloppy book because someone was a bit too eager to get their book out there. Have a little patience and make sure everything’s right. It’ll pay off in the end.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Probably to put my book on the kindle instead of continuously trying to go through agents and publishers. I would get rejection after rejection and every time, it would crush my spirit. But then someone convinced me to just put it on the kindle, not because it’s free (which is great) but because that way, it’s the readers who are the ones letting you know how great or not great your book is, not some agent. After all, the readers are the one’s who matter. That being said, I’m not putting down publishers and such, I think they’re great. But sometimes, you gotta do your own thing.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading the Divergent series a second time, currently on the second, Insurgent.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m planning on writing this series out and after that, who knows. I guess we’ll see where life takes me. I know I will never stop writing though.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. Dean Koontz- Life Expectancy
2. Judy Blume- Summer Sisters
3. The Kinetic Keeper – Angel Stage (had to do that one lol)

Author Websites and Profiles
Angel Stage Amazon Profile

Angel Stage’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Angel Stage is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a British author who lives in Bristol, UK. I write psychological suspense novels; so far I have published three, with the fourth one due later this year. I’m fascinated by the workings of the mind, and strong emotions provide fertile material for novelists!

The first draft of my first novel, entitled His Kidnapper’s Shoes, was written whilst travelling in Bolivia. I was inspired by an impending birthday along with a healthy dose of annoyance at having procrastinated for so long in writing a novel. His Kidnapper’s Shoes was published in both paperback and e-book format in 2013, followed by my second novel, entitled Sister, Psychopath. My third novel, Guilty Innocence, has now been published, and like my first two, features my home city of Bristol.

Before turning my hand to writing, I worked mainly as an accountant, with a diversion into practising as a nutritional therapist. Diet and health remain high on my list of interests, along with travel. Accountancy does not, but then it never did. The urge to pack a bag and go off travelling is always lurking in the background! When not writing, going to the gym, practising yoga or travelling, I can be found seeking new four-legged friends to pet; animals are a lifelong love!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My last published book is called ‘Guilty Innocence’. I was inspired by the idea of how it must feel to find out someone you love has a secret criminal past. Not only that, but you discover they’ve been convicted of one of the most serious of all crimes – child murder. Then I decided to add a twist – what if the man concerned was innocent? This laid the foundations for the characters of Natalie Richards and Mark Slater.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, I don’t think so, although that may change as I slide further into my role as eccentric author! I’ll have to report back on this one in a year or two…

What authors, or books have influenced you?
If I had to choose three influential authors, I’d go with George Orwell, George Gissing and Iris Murdoch. Amazing talent, incredible novels. As for books, I doubt I could choose from the zillions that I’ve read. They’ve all helped me in some way. If a novel is good, I can learn from it. If it’s bad, there are still lessons lurking in the pages. I read voraciously, and I believe it’s an important part of being a novelist.

What are you working on now?
I’ve just finished writing my fourth novel, provisionally entitled ‘Training Room’. I’ve put that to one side for a while so I can tackle it with a fresh eye when it comes to the editing/revision process. Meanwhile, I’m writing extra blog posts and planning a novella, which I’ll give away on my website in exchange for sign-ups for my newsletter.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found joining Amazon Select the best method by far, using their free and Countdown promotions. Select delivers visibility to authors like nothing else, which makes sense given Amazon’s clout in the marketplace. I use Amazon in conjunction with various newsletters and blogs to spread the word about when I’m doing a promotion.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Remember the well-worn analogy of eating an elephant – one bite at a time. To those who’ve not yet done it, the idea of writing a novel can seem overwhelming. A hundred thousand words, or even more? No way! It’s less hard than you imagine, though. Remember the elephant. Keep writing, day after day, and before long, you’ll have the first draft done. Fifteen hundred or so words a day is very achievable, meaning you’ll be finished in a little over two months for an average length offering. Also, plan your novel; make notes for the structure, plot, characters, everything. You’ll find it keeps the dreaded writer’s block at bay like nothing else! Finally, believe in yourself. You’ll always get doubters, negative Nellies who’ll tell you you’re chasing rainbows by wanting to write a book. Ignore them and do it anyway. Who are they to crush your dreams?

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
For writers? Let’s see – probably to prune excess words ruthlessly. Less is more when it comes to writing, I believe. Readers don’t appreciate pointless padding.

What are you reading now?
I’m in between books. I’ve just finished ‘Night Dancer’ by Chika Unigwe, and am about to start ‘Prophecy’ by J.F. Penn. Two very different books, but then my reading tastes are quite wide.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The next milestone will be publishing my fourth novel later this year. Besides that, I’m keen to keep up my blogging schedule, as creating new posts for my blog is something I really enjoy. I get lots of kind comments about my blog, so I’m hoping I’m doing something right!

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?
Hmm, let’s think. ’1984′ by George Orwell is a long-time favourite of mine, although possibly a little bleak for a desert island! I enjoyed ‘The Sea, The Sea’ by Iris Murdoch very much when I first read it, along with ‘Mirage’ by Andrea Newman’ so I’d probably take those two in order to re-read them. Finally, for light relief I’d pick anything by Lee Child. I love his thrillers!

Author Websites and Profiles
Maggie James Website
Maggie James Amazon Profile
Maggie James Author Profile on Smashwords

Maggie James’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Maggie James is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the author of “Angeli – The Pirate, the Angel & the Irishman” – a contemporary fantasy/mystery/adventure/romance and the editor/co-author of the “Moms are Nuts” humor anthology. Years ago I also published “The Surfer’s Guide to Florida” – a wave finding guide to the sunshine state. I also have 3 or 4 novels stuffed in drawers around here somewhere…

I’m a Labradoodle mommy and never turn down a cocktail. Or three.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Angeli – The Pirate, the Angel & the Irishman” is a super-fun urban fantasy/adventure with a good dose of humor and romance. It’s a little Sookie Stackhouse, a little Buffy the Vampire Slayer… but no vampires. Bottom line is it is a fun read. And hopefully infectious, though not in a skin rash sort of way.

I had always been a writer, I was the East Coast Editor of Surfer Magazine for years and a freelancer, but I started to do web design for added income. Then the web took off and I put writing aside for years. About four years ago I had a dream that was the nugget for Angeli, and suddenly realized I hadn’t been doing what I love for over a decade! I started working on Angeli and started my humor blog (http://www.AmyVansant.com) to help me get back into the swing of writing again.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Only that I prefer to do it very early in the morning, like 3 or 4 am, when my husband and dog are asleep and I don’t have to fear distractions. My husband and I both work from home and it’s like having a permanently 2 year old wandering around. Gordon, the Labradoodle, is much more mature.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors I love the most are much more serious than I am – Vonnegut, Douglas Coupland – much more literary. They inspire me simply because I love them and I want to write as beautifully as they do and touch people the way they do, even if my approach is lighter. Also, I think I probably started Angeli after reading the first two books of the Sookie Stackhouse (True Blood) series. They were light and fun and I thought “This is just like how I write! Hey… how come I don’t write anymore…”

Then I guess my mind started writing via my dream world before the rest of me caught up.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a chick-lit humor novel called “Slightly Stalky,” which is the semi-fictional tale of how I stalked and bagged my husband (Spoler alert: I got him). I put so much humor into Angeli and my blog is pure humor, so I thought I’d just write a straight-forward romantic comedy next. Angeli has been well received, so I’m hoping to wrap up “Slightly Stalky” in time for Christmas and start working on the next Angeli book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve put an embarrassing large number of hours into building my Twitter following, so that helps get the word out. My next best is begging… a lot of begging for reviews. Begging friends, web design clients, people on GoodReads, people on the street… I try to send 1-3 requests for reviews out a day.

Speaking of which, would you like to write me a review on Amazon? Let me get you the link here… just a sec…

In all seriousness though, I’ll gladly give a free Kindle download to… say… 50 of your readers willing to do reviews? I only ask that they A. not hate books with some fantasy/supernatural elements/romance and B. are very very kind people who would never dream of breaking my heart.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing! You’ll never sell what you haven’t written. That’s the only knowable. Get a good proofreader. One that will not only check your grammar and spelling but who will tell you if your chapters are really in a bad order or your plot has more holes than a gopher field. Nobody is going to give reviews to a book riddled with mistakes. I used Nicole at http://www.ncdediting.com/ – she was AMAZING. Also, if your self publishing get a good cover! It makes a difference. I used Donna Murillo: http://dhm-designs.com/ She was also amazing with which to work. I REALLY lucked out finding both of these women.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That much of success is perception. You can’t forget the marketing. You could write the best book in the world, but if you or your editor/publisher isn’t out there flogging it, the odds of it selling are very slim. There is a ton of competition and you have to do everything you can. You have to get the reviews. People don’t even take your book seriously on Amazon until you have over 50 reviews. And getting reviews is BRUTAL.

Did I mention I’d love some reviews?

What are you reading now?
Stiff by Mary Roach. Love it. I love fascinating non-fiction. I wish had the patience to research and write it myself. I also just finished two short books by Nick Tory – Johnny 12 Steps and Johnny Vegas. Very funny, quirky little gems.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The goal is to keep selling books and hopefully someday quit the day job. I suppose you’ve never heard that before, huh? I also want to try and write a book every 6 months… but between marketing of the books I already have and work, that might be a tad optimistic.

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 yikes. Oddly, the first thing that came to mind was an old book called “The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy.” I think they publish updated versions now. They basically have everything you should know to be a well rounded person in them. That would kill some serious time.

Probably Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle too.

Maybe my own books so I could really agonize over corrections I’d like to make….

And then I would insist that I’d be allowed to take all these books with me on a satellite phone, which I would then use to call for help!

Author Websites and Profiles
Amy Vansant Website
Amy Vansant Amazon Profile

Amy Vansant’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Amy Vansant is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As it says in my bio, I’ve always wanted to be a superhero or a magician. But none of the spiders that have bitten me are radioactive, and my wand seems to be nothing more than an ordinary stick of wood.

I compensate by writing stories about the kinds of adventures I dream about. (Although, frankly, I’m kind of glad to just be a middle-aged author from Ohio. The monster my heroes have to fight are pretty nasty.)

I’ve been publishing independently since 2011. In almost three years, I’ve published three novels in my Wolf Dasher series (the fourth is due out this fall), a novella retelling “Beauty & the Beast” in a modern high school, a traditional fantasy novel (THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER), and three short stories.

Prior to writing fiction, I spent eight years writing role-playing games in the hobby games industry. That was pretty educational. Not only did I learn a lot about world-building, I also learned how poorly it pays and how to compensate by churning out a LOT of words per week. That’s one of the ways I’ve been able to write so prolifically as an indie author, so there was a real benefit there.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ROSES ARE WHITE, the third book in the Wolf Dasher series. Those novels marry James Bond-style action to a traditional fantasy world with elves and majic.

In RAW, Wolf has been on the ground in the elf nation of Alfar for about a year-and-a-half. Alfar’s political situation mirrors the basics of our own Middle East. He’s become a liability, and his controllers intend to bring him home,. But he becomes engaged to the captain of Alfar’s Elite Guard and refuses the order. At that point, the world’s greatest assassin, Dexter Rose, a magician who can disguise himself as anyone, threatens to murder key officials of Alfar’s coalition government. Naturally, Wolf is the only who can stop him.

I like the idea of an undetectable assassin. I wanted to pit my hero against someone who can’t be seen coming, who has never failed, and then make the stakes incredibly high.

I also play a lot with sub-themes of racism in the book. A religious schism in Elfin culture has two sects hating each other over issues of faith, and elves in general take a dim view of the humans they perceive as occupying their land. ROSES ARE WHITE is a nail-biting detective story, but it has a lot to say about how we treat each other based on the color of our skin and what faith we are.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say my habits are unusual. I outline five to ten chapters at a time to give myself a structure to write from. I try to write one chapter a day, five days a week. Once I’ve finished the manuscript, it goes through five drafts before publication. I have a great editor, who really makes sure I publish clean, taut novels.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Well, as a guy who writes, Bond-style action novels, I count Ian Fleming among my influences. I also like Byron, Albert Camus, Ernest Hemingway, Stephen King, and Stephen R. Donaldson. They all taught me something important about how to craft an enjoyable read.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the fourth book in the Wolf Dasher series, GHOST OF A CHANCE. Unlike the others, it’s a direct sequel to ROSES ARE WHITE, and I want to get it out as soon as possible, so all the questions in RAW get answered. I’ve got two more books in the series planned for the coming years.

After GHOST OF A CHANCE, I’ll be turning my attention to another novella, THE SECRET THIEF. It’s part of my modern fairy tales work. It’s an original story, but it follows a 10-year-old boy who has become haunted by a monster that steals all his secrets and then tells them to the person who will do the most damage with them. It’s very much a fable in the classic sense.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not sure what the best method is. I don’t sell enough books yet for me to think any one way works best. I have a Facebook page, I blog, I tweet links to the blog, and participate in authors’ groups. I try to run sales on a regular basis, and I spend money to advertise. I’ve found advertising with the right sites to be the most effective means of pushing my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. the only way to get the book finished is to write it. Fight through the doubt and the procrastination. If you believe in your dream, make it happen.

Edit. You need an editor. It doesn’t matter how good your work is. You’ll make mistakes. Typos, grammar errors, etc. You need someone to catch them. A good editor will also ask you hard questions about your story structure, your characters, etc. Make sure you can answer them effectively. Be willing to make changes. It’ll make you a stronger writer.

Read. Publishing is a hard business, whether you do it the traditional route or self-publish. Join some writers’ groups. Read some books on the business. Ask questions. Get the answers you need to be effective. That’ll give you a much better chance for success. Writers write to be read. Give yourself every chance to be read.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t settle. Make your work the best it can be. Don’t accept shoddy or mediocre work from anyone — including you.

What are you reading now?
ANGST by David Pearson. It’s a pretty good fantasy novel, but I’ve been so busy moving from Kansas to Ohio and trying to get GHOST OF A CHANCE finished I’ve been going through it very slowly. I don’t read enough. It’s hard to find time.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I don’t like to be satisfied for too long. I’m constantly pushing my boundaries. I like writing the Wolf Dasher books, but I don’t want them to be all I write. I’m exploring different territory with the modern fairy tales, and next year, I plan to publish a memoir about my childhood. I’d get bored if I just wrote the same kind of book.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d definitely take the complete works of Shakespeare. That would give me a wide variety of reading material. After that, I’m not sure I could choose. There is so much I’d want. I like variety. I’m not sure I could pick only a few books.

Author Websites and Profiles
John Phythyon Website
John Phythyon Amazon Profile

John Phythyon’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

John Phythyon is a post from Awesome Gang