Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m a fifty something lover of blues, rock and jazz, who is lucky enough to live in the myth and mist (well, more like rain!) haunted country of Wales.

Originally I set out to write a traditional High Fantasy some years ago, and it didn’t work. In fact it was awful, as the characters kept getting into funny scrapes and telling the most awful jokes: so I gave up and let them get on with it. Now I have a collection of humour filled fantasy novels instead, under the series title of The Banned Underground. There’s six stand alone novels in the collection now, with two more under way for 2015.

But there’s more! I’ve a children’s series starting, about a girl who meets a new friend on her eighth birthday. As he’s a dragon, she can’t introduce him to her parents though…

And there’s a well received horror book which is begging for a sequel too. So little time, too many books to write.

I’ve recently started doing some stand up comedy and performance poetry as a way of attracting attention. And abuse, of course.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Have Frog, Will Travel is the latest in The Banned Underground collection and I think it shows a little of the direction I’m taking: not just about telling gags anymore, I’d like to be a bit more philosophical. After all, I’m sufficiently interested in that concept to make sure that I can spell it now.

In this book, a major series character is confronted with an ethical dilemma, when the servants of The Dark Lord try to convert her from the paths of Good, and she goes on a journey of discovery. Witches, Vampires, Frogs and Teenagers all offer their unique perspective on her dilemma to help her decide.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual for me, or unusual for writers? Who are, as a group, as mad as a box of frogs in my experience. Actually, yes, I have one odd habit for a writer: I don’t post cat meme pictures all over Facebook.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
How long is this to be? Well, not widely known enough now is Alan Garner’s The Weirdstone of Brisingamen, an absolutely brilliant YA fantasy written in the 1960s. That book sent me off to try and write myself, which I suppose makes him responsible… It also introduced me to the world of Celtic myth and legend, the wellspring of so many truly great fantasy books, so probably that book was the most critical in my development as a reader.

What are you working on now?
Oh lord, right now I have two part finished books in my fantasy collection, the second in my children’s series only awaits the cover artist’s work before it is released and a second dark fantasy/horror book called The Picture will be into first draft by the end of January 2015. I’m addicted to writing, and just cannot stop, you see.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m useless at promotion, to be honest. So my favourite method is to go to the Traders tables at fantasy/scifi/book conventions and actually meet people direct. During the summer I had the great experience of selling well at Worldcon in London, then at a later convention having a chap who had bought a couple of books from me at Worldcon turn up and buy one of everything else I’d released to date! Wow….

As I said, I’ve started doing some performance comedy (stand up) routines based on the gags and material I write, and it’s good fun: it also helps as a way of road testing new jokes!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write more. Then write some more again. And never ever listen to anyone who tells you that you can self edit. You cannot. When you have something you are happy with, hire an editor, whatever it costs, it will be worth it for you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The advice I’ve just given…

What are you reading now?
Currently I’m reading Ben Aaronovitch’s ‘Rivers Of London’ series. It’s urban fantasy with a twist, and if you liked The Dresden Files you’ll almost certainly enjoy this too. Highly recommended.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing more, of course! My publisher told me last year: keep on writing. One of your books will take off: and when it does all your catalogue will follow it, so better get a catalogue going before that happens!

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?
Lord of The Rings, of course. I can re read that and get a little more out of it each time. When I do some performance & spoken word gig, I sometimes do Durin’s song, and it always goes down well.

Then The Mabinogion: the collection of Welsh legends, and source material for more books than you could count.

Finally Roger Zelazny’s Lord Of Light, to remind me that writers can sometimes achieve something amazing and to inspire me to try harder!

Author Websites and Profiles
Will Macmillan Jones Website
Will Macmillan Jones Amazon Profile
Will Macmillan Jones Author Profile on Smashwords

Will Macmillan Jones’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Will Macmillan Jones is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a 42 year old Mother who enjoys reading and writing. I would never presume to imagine my work being anything than palatable – while simplistic and hopefully entertaining.

I have just started writing in the middle of last year, and hope to continue writing for as long as my muse allow me. I am by no means considering myself an Author – but I love writing and I love sharing what I’ve written.

I never gave up on my dream, and I write now for the pleasure of writing. The only validation I seek is that of my own peace of mind, I can say: I’ve done it.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Up to date, I have published one book “Hidden Carmina” which is part of a series: The Valley. I have finished both book 2 and book 3 in the series and is currently writing book 4. In the mean time, I’ve written three short stories [10k plus each] and published two of them.

The Valley series was meant to be FanFic after a marathon of reading all the Twilight books and watching all the movies – In ONE sitting. What it became… was a complete twisted romance story where the human, for a change, turned the entire immortal world upside down. It became a story of myth woven into history and laced up with reality. And dark.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual? I don’t know. Obsessive? Absolutely! I will get up in the middle of the night and write. Even if it is just a paragraph or a line – it must be written down, now. On the days when I am suppose to take care of the business side of publishing my work, I procrastinate… by writing! I think I may be an addict. Is there a word for that?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, I love Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, Mercedes Lakey… Wrappers and labels! If you give me a book I will read it – not all of them do I find fit my taste or style, but words are put down to be devoured, greedily, by the hungry. So I stuff myself. Often.
As for my writing – I think so many authors and books have influenced me, which makes it hard to stick to just one style. My novels on the Valley, are a crazy mix of them all.
The short stories – Living Human carries a taste of Sir Pratchett, and Miss Lamont along with Say my Name, perhaps a mix of Douglas Adams and Adams Douglas [yes, it is true! Both amazing authors!]

What are you working on now?
Book 4 in the Valley Series – I’ve just started that while Rosie Wilmott is working on Editing book 2 and 3. I wasn’t going to write a book 4, but SOME people wouldn’t let me get away without it. [laughs]. I am also putting together a poetry Anthology and writing short contest/challenges – stories just to keep the juices flowing.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Have I mentioned I procrastinate by writing instead of promoting? Fair be it to say I am immensely thankful for your site, and the opportunity to make a start.
I do use smashwords extensively, as it is really easy to keep track of things – all in one place. I find word of mouth to be a solid experience too. Since I am not writing to be famous or get rich [though wouldn’t that be nice?!] I talk to people about my book/s and share my poetry at every opportunity. At the end of the day, I guess I’d like other greedy folk to sit at the table and enjoy the literary buffet with me!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Well, I am new myself – so let me take a different approach. I have been given so much advice, and all of it very good. At the end of it all, take what works for you, grow a extra layer of protective happiness, surround yourself with positivity and just write, share and write. There are no hard and fast rules to writing – and while your work and style may not be for everyone – you will find your market and they will adore you for finding them!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Stop over thinking it, or I will slap you up the head until your ears ring, then you can write about that.” – Perhaps more of a threat?
I have come up with my own line, to myself, when I ever start doubting my work.
“Don’t write for perfection – that is what editing is for.”

What are you reading now?
With so many new self publishing authors out there, I am reading just about EVERYTHING. Though I’d like to mention my latest favourite by Veronica Robbins – Rookie Season. I am not big sporty fan, but this book made me look at sports, and romance, in a VERY good light!

What’s next for you as a writer?
My word, that is a big question! I am at that point in my life, where I want to write. I want to share what I write, I want to enjoy and be passionate about words. It sounds really daft, doesn’t it? Truth is, I want to inspire others to write – and that is what comes next for me. Sharing what I have learned, and creating excitement – And perhaps write a few more books this year… No, definitely write a few more books this year!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Blank ones, with pencils or pens… Would that be cheating?
If I HAVE to choose books, I’d take Four Terry Pratchett books – they should keep me in a good humour.

Author Websites and Profiles
Adri Sinclair Website
Adri Sinclair Amazon Profile
Adri Sinclair Author Profile on Smashwords

Adri Sinclair’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Adri Sinclair is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a full time employee, full time mother, and full time writer. I know, that’s a lot of full times but somehow it all comes together. I am the proud author of Daughter of the Light. It’s my first published novel but I’m always working on something. It’s the first book in the series and I look forward to bringing out the rest of the series as soon as I’m able.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Daughter of the light is my latest book. It was inspired by a great love of sci fi, fantasy, and the idea of creating other worlds that no one has ever heard of before. My father was a great inspiration for my novel and a great support for it before he passed away.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have set up play lists I make up when I write as well as a set of movies or shows that I watch or listen to while I’m writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
J R R Tolken is probably a big inspiration to anyone writing in the genre, me included. I love Terry Brooks and have read most of his books. R A Salvatore is awesome and I love his books. I have to say all of them and more have been a huge inspiration to me.

What are you working on now?
Surprisingly to some I’m working on a horror novel called The Invited but I’m also editing book 2 of daughter of the light series to check for mistakes and doing a little tweaking here and there.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have an authors page on Amazon and am still working on setting up some things.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep trying, keep doing. Don’t listen to the nay-sayers, half of them are jealous and have of them are afraid that you’ll fail. Don’t worry about them, just follow your heart, take that leap and learn from it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t worry about what others say when they put your dreams down, most of the time they’re jealous- my father and husband.

What are you reading now?
the second book in the possession series by Nancy Holder

What’s next for you as a writer?
seeing where the series takes me (I’m already done 10 books but after edits we’ll see what I’m working with), seeing where the journey of The Invited takes me.

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?
*John Saul- The Blackstone Chronicles

*Terry Brooks- Magical Kingdom of Landover (the whole collection)

*Hilary Monahan- Mary the summoning

*Terry Brooks- First King of Shannara

Author Websites and Profiles
Morigaine Belvaine Amazon Profile

Morigaine Belvaine is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I’m Linda and to this date I have two published books, one to be published , sitting in edits right now and one I’m just starting to write. I am a former library clerk who has loved romance novels since I could walk.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Newest is called Angelea’s Dreams of Yesterday about a woman who wakes up in a nice modern hospital but swears she is married to a pirate and has just been lynched by an angry mob in her small village in the 1700’s.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know how odd it is but I hand write my books first, then transfer them to the computer. It’s a good thing because I just recently lost my first 10,000 words in my computer and have to retype everything from those notes. And yes I saved it all as I went, they just disappeared.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robin Carr, Nora Roberts and Victoria Laurie. All great female romance writers and a paranormal writer thrown in there for good measure and diversity.

What are you working on now?
The one I have to retype is about a woman who tries to help the environment by raising butterflies. The problem is her new boyfriend and next door neighbor is a large area farmer…using a lot of herbicides and pesticides.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word press or Facebook fan page. They both have the news as soon as I know it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stick to it. Even when you hate the site of your notebook or computer. You can do it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Ignore what your friends or relatives say about your writing. Do it because you love it and have to write.

What are you reading now?
Nothing…working hard at my own writing. But I am waiting for a new Victoria Laurie Ghost Hunters book to be released. Then I’ll take a break and read that.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Probably working on the edits from Angelea’s Dreams of Yesterday.

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?
Wow not sure, there’s too many…I’d have to bring a lot more than three…lol

Author Websites and Profiles
Linda L. Picl Website
Linda L. Picl Amazon Profile

Linda L. Picl’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Linda L. Picl is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written privately for many years but just recently published my first novel. It’s been a wonderful roller-coaster ride.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first novel is called The Opposite of Living. It’s the story of a girl who copes with traumatic events by becoming mute and descending into an almost feral state. I love my character, Carolina because, even though she seems to have many irrational phobias, she’s incredibly brave and kind at heart.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do drink lots of tea. I also like to binge-write if I can and then take lots of naps.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading brilliant authors like Ursula Le Guin, Jeanne DuPrau, Madeline L’Engle, and Helen Dewitt, and Tom Wolfe. I like quirky stories with many layers and strong, engaging characters.

What are you working on now?
The sequel to The Opposite of Living is finishing up its first round of edits. I’m also working a few different YA Projects.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m very new to this process so it’s a bit trial and error. We shall see!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write that book now and get it published. The sooner you start, the sooner you can get your feet on that path to being the kind of quality writer you really want to be. There is never going to be a better time than now.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Luck is what happens when hard work and opportunity meet.

What are you reading now?
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. Love it!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have the three books in Carolina’s series to work on this year and then it’s time to decide which series to start on next. I have a back-log of half-written stories clamouring to be finished.

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 largest dictionary I could find, The Complete Works of Shakespeare, some sort of jumbo guide for surviving on a desert island, and The Complete Works on Charles Dickens. That should keep me busy.

Author Websites and Profiles
Genevieve Mckay Amazon Profile

Genevieve Mckay’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Genevieve Mckay is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a world traveler who has spent over 6yrs living overseas. I have written two finished books and currently working on my third. Aside from being a writer I am a proud mommy of two and wife to an amazing hubby. I am also a crafter, teaching sewing lessons to adults and children.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hybrid is a SciFi novel. I found inspiration for the book while traveling the world, visiting ancient sites and the alien theories which surround them.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Once I begin to write a story I do not stop until it is complete. I take two weeks for each novel and bang them out. I never know what my books will be about until I sit down to write them. I do not use a format or plot guidance. I allow the story to unfold before me as I escape into my own imagination. It’s quite exciting for me as I do not know where the story is going until I am at my computer typing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
H.G.Wells, The Time Machine

What are you working on now?
THE GMO PROJECT.

A post apocalyptic novel

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never stop writing. Each book you write is a gateway to your ultimate creation.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Go after what you want don’t wait for it to come to you.

What are you reading now?
The Maze Runner

What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to attend an indie autho expo and concentrate more on marketing.

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 Maze Runner

Lord of the Flies

World War Z

In The Forest Of Hands and Teeth

Author Websites and Profiles
R.L. HENRY Amazon Profile

R.L. HENRY’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

R.L. HENRY is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Newfoundland writer and artist, have long been active in the peace movement. My essays and poetry have been published in over fifty anthologies and journals in Canada, the United States, Italy, and India. My artwork has been exhibited in Toronto and New York, including a solo exhibition in New York and a presentation at the United Nations.

I am one of the founding members of the Off-Off-Broadway theatre movement in New york in the 1960’s, in particular Caffe Cino and La Mama. I curated “Caffe Cino – History of Off-Off Broadway” at Lincoln Centre in 1985 and donated papers, photographs and OOB memorabilia to the NYPL’ s Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center in 2011, establishing The Magie Dominic Caffé Cino Archives.

I have written two books, THE QUEEN OF PEACE ROOM and STREET ANGEL and co-authored “H.M. Koutoukas, 1937-2010″ .

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
STREET ANGEL is my newest book and is the the sequel to my first book, THE QUEEN OF PEACE ROOM which was shortlisted for the Canadian Women’s Studies Award, ForeWord magazine’s Book of the Year Award, and the Judy Grahn Award.

Flannery O’Connor said “Anybody who has survived his childhood has enough information about life to last him the rest of his days.”

My first memoir, THE QUEEN OF PEACE ROOM, was grounded in the 1990’s. I wanted to expand on that.

I grew up in Newfoundland and I wanted to write about the Newfoundland that I saw in the 1950’s, the people in small villages, the abusive nuns who got away with inflicting terrible damage on the children in their care, and I wanted to write about the people who were around me at that time. I wanted to write about the beauty of the island of Newfoundland.

STREET ANGEL opens to the voice of an eleven-year-old Dominic. She’s growing up in Newfoundland. Her mother suffers from terrifying nighttime hallucinations. Her father’s business is about to collapse. She layers the world she hears on radio and television onto her family, speaking in paratactic prose with a point-blank delivery. She finds relief only in the glamour of Hollywood films and the majesty of Newfoundland’s wilderness.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I drink a lot of tea but that may not be unusual. I often write while standing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Margaret Atwood, Mary Oliver, Frank McCourt, Rumi, many others.

What are you working on now?
I’m thinking now about a time between 1960 – 1969. I touch on those years in Street Angel and The Queen of Peace Room but I’d like to expand on the dichotomy.

I write for a wonderful website called 2paragraphs.com and the pieces are exactly that – two paragraphs each. Two of my recent entries are titled – “The Caffe Cino: Lanford Wilson, Bette Midler and Everyone in Between” and “When The Bowery Was Skid Row”. Those essays

give a flavor of my next book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Talking with people – in person, on the radio, at readings and online. And my website, magiedominic.blogspot.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is to first get the manuscript as tight as possible. If it’s an especially long piece I’d ask two or three friends to read the complete manuscript and to be extremely honest with input. You want honest, constructive advice. Fine tune what they say and incorporate what seems applicable. The point is to make the manuscript as tight and seamless as possible before submitting it. And make sure the manuscript is formatted properly. There are guides to manuscript formatting available on line.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t talk about it – do it.” A friend told me that in the 1960’s and I’ve never forgotten it.

and

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

― Maya Angelou

What are you reading now?
I’ve just finished “Deep Down Dark” by Héctor Tobar and still digesting it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To start work on book three, about the 1960’s.

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?
“Angela’s Ashes”; a very large atlas; “Street Angel and The Queen of Peace Room” ; something by both Margaret Atwood and Mary Oliver. And since many writers , when asked this question, say they’d take the Bible, I probably should take that too.

Author Websites and Profiles
Magie Dominic Website

Magie Dominic’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Magie Dominic is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello everyone!

I live in the Midwest part of the United States on six acres of woodland. When I’m not writing or gardening I love to commune with nature. I adore animals and have made it my mission in life to help feed hungry children in the USA. Greatly disturbed by the statistic that one in every five children goes to bed hungry, I donate my time and support to local food and animal shelters.

I’m a multi-published author in both erotic romance and gay fiction. My erotica novel Decadent Deceptions was a finalist in the MOLLY contest sponsored by Romance Writers of America and was nominated for a Red Carpet Award in 2014. My paranormal novel Where the Rain Is Made has been nominated for a Bookie Award by Authors After Dark and my historical novel Sky Tinted Water has been nominated for a RONE Award by Ind’Tale Magazine. My books have received numerous Top Pick, Book of the Month, and Recommended Read awards from the top professional review sites.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have two brand new releases (on opposite ends of the genre spectrum)

Sky Dance is the sequel to the award-nominated novel Sky Tinted Water. This is a sweet western romance. My second new release is Scoundrel of Dreams, Book 3 in the Dream Series. This is erotic romance that is sure to make your heart beat fast! Scoundrel of Dreams can also be found in my new anthology titled DREAMS Anthology, a compilation of three erotic stories, Cradle of Dreams, Whisper of Dreams and Scoundrel of Dreams.

Visit my Amazon Author page here to learn more about all my books. Don’t forget to read the reviews!

www.amazon.com/Keta-Diablo/e/B002BODURI/

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
All writers have unusual writing habits – lol. I plan the story out in my head for weeks and weeks. By the time I finally sit down to write, I might have a sketchy outline on paper, but that’s it. I know the beginning, the middle and the ending by the time I plant my butt in the chair. From there, it’s putting the words down. If anyone ever told you writing a book is easy, they are soooo wrong. It’s hard work, some of the hardest work I’ve ever done.

But immensely enjoyable and rewarding. Especially when I hear from a reader that they enjoyed the book or that it inspired them in some way. I love to hear from readers so please follow my blog or drop me an email any time. ketadiablo@yahoo.com

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I really like JoAnna Bourne’s Spymaster Series. And, of course, my all-time favorite books are To Kill A Mockingbird and a romance/pirate book from the 1980s (?) called Windflower.

I read in a wide variety of genres, but mostly paranormal and historical. My mother always says I was born in the wrong era. I love, love everything historical.

What are you working on now?
Oh, gosh, the list will make you tired. I’m writing book 1 in the WESTERN ROMANCE Bannister Brothers series. Three books are planned so far, but perhaps I’ll expand that. You can find out about this series by checking out the first book, Chasing the Dead. This is a paranormal western with an evil spirit (think ghost) on the loose.

I just love those alpha cowboys…don’t you?

Besides finishing up the Bannister Brother Series, I have the cover art all set for Comes An Outlaw, Comes A Drifter and an unnamed third book in this series.

The stories floating around in my head are too numerous to mention and literally make me dizzy at times. I think I’ll leave this earth before I get everything written.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
You can find me on Twitter every day. I use twitter often to share news about my books and also share interesting articles about what’s happening in the book and publishing industry. Follow me: @ketadiablo ! and I’ll follow you too.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The same advice every writer gives: Read, read a lot BEFORE you publish that first book. Study the craft of writing by reading MORE books. That doesn’t mean you can’t break rules, but at least know the basic rules of writing fiction so you know when and where you can break them.

Write every day, even if you can only grab 30 minutes here and there. Before you know it, those 30 minutes a day really add up.

Get a second pair of eyes to read your “baby” BEFORE you release it into the world. Hire an editor if possible or at least a beta reader. No one likes to read a book with a dozen typos.

Choose professional-looking cover art. The old saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover,” isn’t always true.

And lastly, write the book of your heart. You can second-guess the market until the cows come home but if you’re not loving what you write readers will know.

BE BOLD. BE DARING. And always be HUMBLE.

Good luck!

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

What are you reading now?
My Kindle and my Nook is so loaded right now, I can’t even begin to list the books. I try to read 30 minutes every night before I turn out the lights. But…sometimes I’m tired from writing and don’t always accomplish that goal.

As I said above, I am partial to historical romance (Not Regency or Victorian) and I seldom read contemporary books. I do enjoy dystopian but not usually YA. I’m quite selective in what I read because I have so little time to indulge in that wonderful past time.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just keep writing. We call it wash, rinse and repeat. Don’t worry about the book you just released. The best promotion out there is to write the next book…and the next. And hope readers like what you write.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I was stranded on a desert island, I’d be so scared and heartsick, I don’t think I’d read. I’d spend all my time drawing SOS! HELP! SAVE ME! in the sand. lol

Author Websites and Profiles
Keta Diablo Website
Keta Diablo Amazon Profile

Keta Diablo’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Keta Diablo is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a first time author and I’ve written two books. Both are part of The Aria Trilogy, a paranormal romance series set in modern day times. The second book is due for release in the next few weeks. I’m hoping to have the third done this summer. I’m a self-published author. I tried to go the traditional publishing route but it was wrought with dead ends and frustration. I decided to go it alone and it’s hard work, let me tell you. However, with perseverance, it’s a nice alternative and it’s working out. If I can do it, so can you.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is about to be released. It’s the second book in my trilogy and it’s called Rain. I never intended on writing a trilogy but once I started the first book, I quickly realized I could never finish the story as a standalone novel. Wasn’t gonna happen.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I listen to music to get into the mood. If I’m writing an action scene, I’ll blast some rock music. If I’m working on a romance scene, I’ll make the adjustment. Sometimes sad music is in order. Whatever gets me thinking about the characters will suffice. I also have to drink a boatload of coffee. I drink it continuously while I write. When I’m parched and feeling completely dehydrated, I know it’s time for a break. Maybe I need to ditch that last habit.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I don’t know where to start with that one. I’m not sure there’s an author that HASN’T influenced me. I find inspiration everywhere – in novels, in nonfiction, in magazine articles, in comments on social media even. I find inspiration in music lyrics, in poetry…beautiful writing can be found anywhere. My radar is always on.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the third book in my trilogy which is untitled at this point. I am hoping to have it published in summer 2015.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve recently discovered Twitter so you can often find me there. I hang by the bar. I also have a website (www.ariatrilogy.com) which you are all invited to. It’s a cozy place.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Keep writing. Sounds simple doesn’t it? Well, it’s not. You have to write even when you don’t have your entire story figured out. Write a scene, a conversation or anything that you’re picturing in your head. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know where to place it in your story. And don’t be afraid to write stuff you might discard later. Just write. It expands your thoughts and gets you thinking in different directions.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get to the airport two hours before your flight or you might miss it. Like I did. In August 2012. In regards to writing? Be a professional, no matter what. Sell yourself as if you already were successful. That’s what I try to do. Is it working?

What are you reading now?
I’m not reading at the moment, I’m embarrassed to say. I just finished a James Patterson book called Honeymoon. I loved it. His stuff is fun, exciting and gets my heart pumping. I’m hoping to read some nonfiction next but I can’t decide on which title I’d enjoy most.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish the third book in my trilogy, I have some other projects in mind. I don’t want to give them away but one is a suspense novel set in the woods, the other is a post-apocalyptic romance/adventure.

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 take Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls since it’s my favorite book of all time. I’d also bring something suspenseful like a Patterson novel and then I’d bring something humorous too. Is it wrong that I enjoy my son’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series? A book on survival might be advantageous as well.

Author Websites and Profiles
MD Luis Website
MD Luis Amazon Profile

MD Luis’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

MD Luis is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired educator and adventurer who believes that people should follow their dreams. I have traveled extensively in the US with my husband Wayne in our motor home for more than 50 years and have done things most people only dream of doing. For example, I was a cross country trucker, appeared in a movie, spent time volunteering in Custer State Park, rode in a wild buffalo roundup and worked at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

I hold Bachelor and Master’s degrees and have taught in six states in all grades 6-12 and have also taught the blind, ESOL and at risk students.

Second Chance is my first ebook, but I hope to write more as time goes on.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Second Chance is the true story of what happened to me when my former husband and I decided to sell everything and start traveling in our RV and then he died unexpectedly. My initial goal was to write a book about living full time in an RV, but after his death, I just kept on writing. The result is a story of tragedy, struggle, survival and love that I feel will help other women who have been widowed or who enjoy reading a good, true romance.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No. However, I do spend a great deal of time writing as I produce online articles as Timetraveler2 and Dreamworker on Hubpages.com.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think Shakespeare has had the greatest influence on me due to the way he has been able to use wordage and poetry in his plays. I love reading any author who is able to maximize the way he manipulates his words, and I love reading authors who know how to spin a good tale.

What are you working on now?
At the moment I continue to work on my online articles and am thinking about writing another book about RV travel and lifestyle.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now, since I am new at this, I cannot answer this question. I simply want to get the word out about this book using a variety of online sites to see which one works best.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Proofread! You can write the best book in the world but if it is not structurally correct, nobody will want to read it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The only constant in life is change.

What are you reading now?
William Johnstone “The Family Jensen”. I am a big fan of authentically written western novels.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I cannot say at this point.

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?
Any Alex Cross book by James Patterson, any book by James Michener, any book by John Grisham and any book by David Baldacci. I have found the works of all of these authors to be excellent and enjoyable reads.

Sondra Biggart is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the author of nine books, including the award-winning Hetta Coffey series. Hetta is a sassy Texan with a snazzy yacht, and she’s not afraid to use it!

A ninth-generation Texan, I’ve lived and worked all over the globe, and much like the protagonist in her Hetta Coffey mystery series, I’m a woman with a yacht and not afraid to use it. I write humorous mystery laced with adventure.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Just Needs Killin’, book six in the Hetta Coffey series, finds Hetta still aboard her boat in Mexico’s hauntingly beautiful and remote Sea of Cortez. Hetta, a civil engineer with her own consulting firm, is finishing up her latest job at a Baja mining project when she and her best friend, Jan, become embroiled in a somewhat iffy treasure hunt, a murder, and then they run into an old nemesis who just needs killin’.

I write the Hetta Coffey series based on my past thirty years of boating, with twenty-five of them in the Sea of Cortez, where it is hard NOT to get new ideas; after all, many are based on true events.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love writing on the boat, and doing my research on dry land. A lot of that has to do with the lack of Internet in many of my favorite anchorage.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love anything written by Larry McMurtry and Nelson DeMille. They combine humor and adventure to tell a good tale. Maybe I should change my name to Jinx DeSchwartz or McSchwartz?

What are you working on now?
I am writing Hetta #7, no title yet. Hetta is still in the Sea of Cortez and, as usual, getting mixed up in stuff that is none of her business. Of course, she is.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook and Twitter have be very good for getting my name out, and sites like this one take it another step.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it. I have been self-published, small press published, and now I am an indie. I am finally, after years of getting my books out there in various forms, actually making a success of it.

One thing I have to make very clear; edit. Oh, and then edit. And edit again. The competion is fierce, and readers can be unforgiving. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Fire your publisher.

What are you reading now?
I am reading Wayne Stinnett’s latest in his Fallen series.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue with Hetta until I can no longer keep the adventures fresh. Then? Danged if I know.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Lonesome Dove, and two really long, boring classics. That way I will finally have to read them to the end.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jinx Schwartz Website
Jinx Schwartz Amazon Profile

Jinx Schwartz’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account

Jinx Schwartz is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Riding Coach, Horse Trainer, Clinician and Certified Professional Coach I focus on the mental and physical aspects of both the rider and the horse so they can develop trust and respect while building confidence in each other. I created my business, Confident Horsemanship, because I am passionate about helping horses and the people who love them achieve confidence, enjoyment, and a willing partnership.

I am the author of the books “Confident Rider Confident Horse: Build Your Confidence and Improve Your Partnership with Your Horse from the Ground to the Saddle” (available in paperback) and “Guide to Buying Your First Horse: 92 Tips to Help You Find and Buy Your Dream Horse” (available in Kindle).

I also write articles for Horse Canada magazine, The Rider, and In the Stirrups.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?

What authors, or books have influenced you?

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a second Kindle book with the working title “Beginner’s Quick Guide to Keeping Your Horse at Home”.

My business is working with people who have lost their confidence or are struggling with behavioural and/or training issues with their horses. Often these people are first time horse owners who just need help understanding why the horse is behaving the way he is and what they can do to help him.

A Beginner’s Quick Guide to Keeping Your Horse at Home will provide tips and strategies to help the new horse owner not only look after their horse’s mental and physical needs, but also to create a strong partnership.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My books are all available on Amazon. I do most of my promoting through article writing which I post on my website and on social media – mostly Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Work on your project every day even if that is just writing for 10 minutes. Keep a notebook or index cards handy so you can jot down ideas whenever they pop into your head. Index cards are great because you can move them around to organize the flow of your book.

When you sit down to write, use the ideas you’ve written down as a starting point. Avoid editing yourself as you write. Just start typing and writing. You can go back and edit later.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Good things happen slowly. Bad things happen fast. My veterinarian told me this many years ago when one of my horses was sick. I tell my clients the same thing about their horses’ training and their own riding.

Applying this advice to writing, it takes a long time to write a good book. But if there is a glitch in your computer – like a virus or your laptop just dies – you can lose all your hard work very quickly.

Save your work as you go and keep a back-up. It’s devastating to lose all the work you’ve spent hours on because your computer dies.

What are you reading now?
“The Power of Habit” by Charles Duhigg

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m building a series of Kindle books that will be quick guides for horse owners which will include buying the right horse, keeping and caring for the horse, riding and horsemanship tips and confidence building.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Something inspiration – Marianne Williamson’s “A Return to Love”

A couple of mystery novels – Louise Penny’s 3 pines books; Peter Robinson’s Inspector Banks books; Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus books

Finally, a book about how to survive and get off a desert island.

Author Websites and Profiles
Anne Gage Website
Anne Gage Amazon Profile

Anne Gage’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Anne Gage is a post from Awesome Gang