Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write romances — I’ve published three – and I have written a mystery, two creative non-fiction books (the latest will be published in 2015.) I live in France, I’m also a photographer and an amateur musician (I play baroque music.)

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Swan’s Sweet Song

Years ago, I worked in a local (French) radio station and had a country music program (something quite unusual in France at the time.) My job wasn’t just to play music: I had to talk about the origins of country music, present different musicians and talk about their musical styles. I had to do considerable research, and all that information has stayed with me. I did sometimes think about using it in a story, but I wasn’t quite sure how.

Around a year and a half ago, I decided to write a romance with a hero and heroine who were complete opposites. For some reason, I remembered those long ago days at the radio station, and how exciting it was to see new people walk through the door every day — some were very charming. I was single at the time, and I wondered if, one day, I’d fall madly in love with one of them… And remembering that, gave me the beginning of my book, A Swan’s Sweet Song.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I probably do, but I’d never think they were unusual.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I wouldn’t know where to begin. I’ve been reading all my life — history, travel, romance, mystery, mainstream novels, biographies — and I’ve re-read many books so many times, they’ve become part of me.

What are you working on now?
I’m finishing up the latest creative non-fiction book, but I’ve also started a romantic suspense that takes place in Turkey.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I suppose giving interviews is the best way of reaching new people.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
To polish every phrase. To never be discouraged. To strive for originality. To challenge yourself, never get too comfortable, and never be smug.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself. Don’t follow trends. Never, ever, watch television. Never eat junk food. And, most important: Be nice.

What are you reading now?
Patrick Leigh Fermor

What’s next for you as a writer?
If only I knew… I think I’ll be setting to to give book talks in the near future – and I love doing those. I love meeting people, travelling from place to place on buses and trains, hearing stories.

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 encyclopedia. That’ll keep me busy for a while.

Author Websites and Profiles
J. Arlene Culiner Website
J. Arlene Culiner Amazon Profile

J. Arlene Culiner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

J. Arlene Culiner is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in the UK but age 12 emigrated to France, and fiound myself in the perculiar position of learning English as a second language. I was to sit at the back and be quiet. and her mother suggested I practice my french.

So I found myself with the perfect excuse to spend 3 hours each week writing fiction. I have never looked back.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Guy Erma and the Son of Empire is a YA Science Fiction Thriller adventure. It was not inspired by any one incident, except there was the fascinating story of Mark Thatcher who while Mrs Thatcher was Prime Minister went missing while racing the Paris Dakkar car rally. There were rumours that MI5 was despatched to find him in the Sahara desert and at th same time terrorists from Algeria and other places were also looking for him. When he was found three days later any real danger was played down, and the actual facts never revealed. What is true is that during this brief period news journalists and politicians again and again whether Mrs Thatcher step down, that she could not rule while her only son was in so much danger.

The kidnapping of Prince Teodor leaving his mother with a tenuous grip on power is a retelling of sorts of that story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write all my textx long-hand and hate using a computer.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Passions: SF&F movies, all-time favourite movie: Armageddon.

Principle influences: Star Wars, Terminator, Game of Thrones and Dune.

Favourite UK authors: Iain M Banks and Peter Hamilton.

Favourite US Author: George RR Martin and Suzanne Collins

Soundtrack to novels: Supertramp, Meatloaf, Bonnie Tyler

What are you working on now?
Guy Erma and the Araneidae Dome the sequel to Guy Erma and the Son of Empire.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love Twitter. Follow me here: https://twitter.com/Sally_Ann_Melia

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t do it?

First write the very best book you can. And spend a long time making sure you are happy, and try not to hurt anyone…

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Matt Cutt’s 30 day challenge Ted Talks has helped me change my life in msall ways and my perspectve .

See it here:

Matt Cutts SEO advice is good as well.

What are you reading now?
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am going into a sudio this month to create my first audio book.

I have experience working as a Radio DJ and as a storyteler, but tis a new challenge I hope I can do a good job.

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?
Iain M Banks The Players of Games

Iain Banks The Business

Suzanne Collins The Hunger Games

JK Rowling Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Author Websites and Profiles
Sally Ann Melia Website
Sally Ann Melia Amazon Profile
Sally Ann Melia Author Profile on Smashwords

Sally Ann Melia’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Sally Ann Melia is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Nicki J Markus, and I was born in Kent, South-East England in 1982. In 2007 I went on a backpacking holiday, met my husband on a bus journey while visiting a pen pal in Adelaide, South Australia, and never went home! I married in 2011 and was granted Australian Citizenship in 2013, so here I am, a British-Australian. I currently work from home as a freelance editor and proofreader.

My background is languages, and I still try to pursue that as much as I can; although, now I live in Australia I no longer get my long weekends in Prague or Paris to practise like I used to. I am interested in all forms of the arts: theatre, cinema, music (I sing and play several instruments), sketching, photography etc. And I have a great love of history and folklore and mythology. Many of these hobbies find a way to seep through into my writing either through the storyline or characters.

I loved books from a very young age. When we were children, my mother would ask me and my sister what we wanted to do with her for the afternoon. Invariably, my sister would want to play with dolls and I would ask to read a book. So, you can see books and reading have been a lifelong habit—one I have no intention of trying to break (unlike my tendency to bite my nails, which I really should try to crack).

I said for many years I wanted to be a writer, but never did anything about it. It was only after my move to Australia that I decided enough was enough: if I wanted it, I should do it. My first publications were several short stories that were released through Wicked Nights Publishing. From there, I released two novellas with Silver Publishing in 2011 and 2012. When both those publishers closed their doors, I rather found myself back at square one.

I had done a lot of editing work in the M/M genre, and when Wayward Ink Publishing opened and I started to edit for them, I decided to try my hand at something new and submitted to one of their anthologies. That story, The Raider, was accepted and was published under my M/M alternate pen name, Asta Idonea. Since then I’ve had several more short stories accepted by them, and I just sent in a novella for their consideration, which I hope to hear back on later this month.

Meanwhile, I did not neglect my mainstream writing and commenced my first novel, as well as deciding to re-edit/rework my two older novellas for self-publication. One of those, Time-Keepers, came out in January, and the other, Day-Walker, will release in May. My novel, The Ragnarök Chronicles, has just come out this month. You can read a little more about my novel later in this interview.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Ragnarök Chronicles is really my baby. It’s the book I love most of everything I’ve written so far. I started work on this tale in late June/early July 2014, inspired by my rereading of the Norse myths. At first I planned the book as a trilogy, but when I decided to self-publish, I changed my mind and combined the three books into a single volume. The novel is around 220,000 words in length and took me six months to write and edit, and then a further two and a half months to prepare for publication. So it’s been a long journey. The story is very dear to me and I hope readers will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I couldn’t ask for anything more than that!

The Ragnarök Chronicles takes the figures from Norse mythology and places them in a modern setting. It will appeal to paranormal/fantasy readers, mythology buffs, and fans of re-imagined myths such as the Marvel Thor comics and films. It is a blend of fantasy action and paranormal romance, so it has a little something for everyone. Here is the blurb to give you a little hint:

For Ragnarök will be completed….

Nothing marks Cassandra out—except her visions. She’d only ever seen small, insignificant things. That is until the strange frost arrives.

With her normal life turned upside down, Cassandra is plunged into an extraordinary and terrifying world of Norse gods and rampaging giants, ancient feuds and broken prophecies.

A handsome stranger offers aid. But can Cassandra really trust him? More importantly, can she trust her own judgement when his slightest touch sets her heart and her body aflame?

You can also hear me read some excerpts from the book, and find out more via my blog:

http://www.nickijmarkus.com/p/the-ragnarok-chronicles.html

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t believe I have anything particularly per se, but I do have my little preferences. Although I normally love music, I prefer complete silence when I write, to the point where I prefer to work on my stories when I have the house to myself. I type in the study, but I always edit with a printed off copy in my library/music room. I also like to drink lots of tea—my British heritage coming through, I guess!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow, so many it’s always hard to decide who to list for these questions. I read widely (pretty much anything apart from true crime and chick lit) but my favourite genres are literary fiction and paranormal/fantasy. Some of my favourite authors include: Dante, Shakespeare, Pushkin, Jane Austen, Thomas Hardy, Victor Hugo, Milan Kundera, Haruki Murakami, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, Charlaine Harris, Anne Rice, Clay & Susan Griffith, Deborah Harkness… the list could go on and on!

My writing is inspired by anything and everything I read, but if I had to pick one author whom I hope I will write as well as one day it would be Chelsea Quinn Yarbro. Her vampire hero, Saint Germain, is an amazing character, and she manages to blend paranormal with meticulously-researched history and a wonderful prose style.

What are you working on now?
Well, I am just writing a couple more M/M short stories under my Asta Idonea pen name to submit for anthologies coming out later this year. I expect to finish those by the end of the month. After that, I will be concentrating on my next work writing as Nicki J Markus: a gothic tale set during the English Regency, featuring a haunted house, vampires and restless spirits. I am currently undertaking some period research and drafting character profiles etc. and I plan to start writing very soon. Look out for more news during the year as I progress with the first draft.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
To be honest, this is something I struggle with. I’m not good at putting myself out there. I have a blog and social media, but it’s been a matter of trial and error when it comes to how and when to promote. For The Ragnarök Chronicles I engaged the services of Eyes on Books to organise my cover reveal, release day blitz and blog tour, so I am hoping that will help me spread the word about this release… along with interviews and other features such as this one! With luck, I can gradually build up a fan base and tailor my promotion from there.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just to keep writing, and don’t be afraid to follow your dreams. I put it off for years, and I’m glad I finally plucked up the courage to submit my work. I adore writing, and it’s worth the rejection and disappointments to be able to get your work out there and share your stories and characters with readers.

Also, read… lots… all of the time. The more widely you read, the more you can improve you own writing by learning from the best.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Probably the ‘show don’t tell’ mantra. It seems a little clichéd, but it’s really great advice and adds vibrancy to your writing.

What are you reading now?
At present, I am reading a book of Icelandic Sagas, continuing my studies of Norse mythology and Viking culture. I’m really enjoying the tales, and it’s been a pleasant break from both heavy literary fiction and paranormal stories I’d been reading a far bit recently. I also like to practise my languages whenever I can, and my aim in 2015 was to always have a foreign-language book on the go at the same time as my English-language reading, so right now I am reading Krabat by Otfried Preußler in the original German.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Aside from continuing to write on my new projects, I would like to take time in 2015–2016 to try to connect more with readers, getting my books known and helping to establish my author ‘brand’. Also I’d like to connect more with other authors to help each other out, and, naturally, I’ll keep reading, reading, reading, always looking for ways I can continue to grow as a writer and share my stories with others.

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 hate being set a limit; it’s always so hard to narrow it down and have to make a choice, especially when my choice can change according to my mood. But my picks at this moment would be:

1) Les Misérables by Victor Hugo (I get something from it new every time I read it)

2) The Poetic Edda (I’d better take my main religious text with me)

3) Richard II by William Shakespeare (My favourite Shakespeare play—gorgeous verse!)

4) The Ragnarök Chronicles by… me (Perhaps it’s odd to choose my own book, but I love my characters so much, I just have to have them with me!)

Author Websites and Profiles
Nicki J Markus Website
Nicki J Markus Amazon Profile

Nicki J Markus’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Nicki J Markus is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I just released by debut novella Grey Areas a couple of weeks ago. It is the first of four in a serial of books.

I live in Kansas City, Missouri with my wife and daughter. I used to be in radio and I still do voiceover work. I also have a full time job that keeps me busy.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Grey Areas takes place in a small town in Iowa. I am from Iowa and have always appreciated the values of a small Midwest community. I don’t want to say much more about the inspiration due to possible “spoilers” from saying too much.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if they are unusual, but I do have some. I have found the best place for me to write is away from home. Because of this I end up in coffee shops a lot. For me, there are less distractions here than at my house, even when I’m alone. I also prefer to not write sitting up in a hard back chair or on a computer. I tend to write on my iPad (believe it or not) and fight other customers for one of the comfortable chairs at Starbucks.

Earphones and music are a necessity, too. What I listen to varies.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was young the first book series I got into was the Hardy Boys mysteries. I loved them so much that I started to “write” my own Hardy Boys books. Unfortunately, no one in my third grade class bought them.

My Side Of The Mountain by Jean Craighead George is another book I remember quite distinctly. It more than likely influenced the creation of Grey Areas.

When I was older I read Midnight In The Garden Of Good Evil by John Berendt for a taste of what a strong character-driven story reads like. Eventually I grew partial to books by John Grisham, David Baldacci, and Clive Cussler.

What are you working on now?
I am currently editing Grey Areas 2 (Spring 2015). In addition, I have already started writing Grey Areas 3 (TBD).

I also plan to release two books about classic pop and rock hit music in 2015. The first drafts of both have already been written.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m so new to this it’s not right for me to say much. I was skeptical at first about Goodreads but must say I have been pleasantly surprised by it so far. There are so many out there, though. I am more in the trial and error phase of marketing my book(s) right now.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Write. Write. I have had many friends and colleagues tell me they are “writing a book” over the years. But do you know how many of those books have been published? Zero. Writing a book is like losing weight. It takes a strong commitment to see results. But once you put in the time and begin to witness yourself succeeding it becomes addicting. Talk is cheap. Results are priceless. Do it!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get an editor. No matter how good of a writer you think you are, you’re not THAT good. A good editor will do wonders for your book. Keep in mind, there WILL be people out there who want you to fail. They will be combing your book for mistakes. Minimize the mistakes and you will sell more books.

Also love this Tom Clancy quote: “The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense.”

What are you reading now?
Stateline: A Dan Reno Novel by Dave Stanton

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to finish the Grey Areas serial and from there I am so excited because the possibilities are endless. I love writing fiction and constructing story lines, but I also enjoy the non-fiction side of writing. I have a few things to say there, too. So I’m guessing – regardless of it being somewhat taboo for authors – that I will be doing a little bit of both over the next couple of years.

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 Art Of War for the Sales Warrior

Rolling Stone Album Guide

Tasting Beer by Randy Mosher

A long fiction book I have not read

Author Websites and Profiles
Brad Carl Website
Brad Carl Amazon Profile
Brad Carl Author Profile on Smashwords

Brad Carl’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Brad Carl is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I actually began as an independent film maker, about 12 years ago. My first movie, Night of the Snakehead Fish, was very low budget, but has become something of a cult hit. I spent a number of years writing scripts that I couldn’t afford to film. I also had a few projects that fell apart halfway through. (It’s rough out there for us little guys!) When I got the idea that became The Check Out, I decided to try my hand at writing it as a novel. You need far fewer resources to release a book, and I thought it would be an interesting challenge. I had written some short stories before, so I thought “why not?”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Check Out is my latest book. It’s a crazy tale of a group of people who work at a failing grocery story. Each of them gets caught up in strange circumstances that put them deep in debt. When the store announces a $10,000 cash giveaway, each of the characters decide to steal it on the same night. As you can imagine, it doesn’t go so well for some of them.

I had worked at a grocery store before, and would keep myself entertained by imagining insane things that could happen. I kept a list of all these ideas, and one day, it all clicked together. Those flights of fancy became The Check Out.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so! When I’m actually working on a project, I try to schedule time several days a week to write. I spend a long time working out the details in my head before I write a word. Once I sit down to type, it’s pretty much gushes forth.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Carl Hiaasen has been a big influence. I just love how he takes outlandish scenarios and grounds them with human protagonists. I get excited and laugh at the same time.

What are you working on now?
I am putting the finishing touches on a short that I directed in December. It’s a film noir look at a man who owes a gambling debt he can’t afford to pay off.

I am also working on my second novel. I spent nearly two years piecing it all together. Now, it’s time for it to finally spill onto the page.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have had a lot of luck selling physical copies. I have a good relationship with a local bookstore, and they have helped me immensely. I have also looked for unconventional outlets. There is a store in an arts district that sells locally made goods. I talked to the owners and got my book in there. I was lucky to get in before Christmas and had some great results.

I think you have to constantly be on the lookout for opportunities. Sitting back and hoping Amazon does the work for you isn’t going to move any copies. There’s too many people doing the same thing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make sure your book is a complete package before trying to sell it. Hire an editor, a graphic artist, and, if you need one, a person to format your ebook.

All of that takes time, but it gives you the opportunity to research the marketing aspect in the meantime. Find out what sites are worth advertising on and which ones to avoid. There’s no sense in spending money on places that offer little return.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There’s so much that I’ve heard. I think it’s important to pay attention to the fine details in setting up your book on Amazon. Keywords, categories, and all that can have a huge impact on your sales. I would also talk to other writers to see what’s worked for them.

What are you reading now?
I am in the middle of All The President’s Men. After that, I plan on reading a book on the Black Panthers. Somewhere in there, I want to read Stephen King’s IT.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on my next novel. It’s still in the early stages, so that’s about all I can say right now. I don’t even want to mention the title, yet!

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
Richard Lester Website
Richard Lester Amazon Profile
Richard Lester Author Profile on Smashwords

Richard Lester’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Richard Lester is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an author writing to support the expansion of human consciousness.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest release on Amazon is the award winning WE ARE ALL ONE in e-book format. It was originally published a few years ago in paperback only, but now in 2015, it has been released on Kindle.
It was inspired by a ‘mystical death experience’ and written in the six days which followed.
What is intended to be shared is the fundamental Reality which underlies all our lives, and the real benefits we receive from seeing this.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write from the Heart, so writing can be several thousand words a day – sometimes I will write all day and create 10,000 words – just learning to write when the creative impulse is present is key to this type of book.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ram Dass, Eckhart Tolle and Gary Zukav – and all pioneers of consciousness.

What are you working on now?
Presently working on several titles, and have just completed my first novel entitled THE SOUL WHISPERER, a spiritual thriller with something for everyone.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website: www.AuthorJMHarrison.com and Facebook.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write about something you know and love – in this way you will fully contribute to the world and those around you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up.
Be true to Yourself.

What are you reading now?
I don’t get much time to write, but I am presently trying to find time to read
ACTIVE HOPE by Joanna Macy & Chris Johnstone.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Meeting the deadlines for forthcoming publications, developing my website and enjoying life!

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 Gnostic Gospels.
A new Earth by Tolle.
Be As You Are – Ramana Maharshi.
The Little Prince.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jonathan Harrison Website
Jonathan Harrison Amazon Profile

Jonathan Harrison’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Jonathan Harrison is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Having found myself losing all my possessions in life, including the first auto I managed to purchase my first year enlisted in the U.S. army, I have taken to writing.

I now wonder why I took so long but the next question pretty much answers that.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest was written from the first book completed and loaded to Amazon for all to read – Chameleocophylis – The Unknown Species.

As I wrote that one, realization set in there was no projection to what a Chamelecophylis was or came to be. It turned out my first was actually a second in the series and my second ( The Creations ) became a novella that had I known could have been added to The Unknown Species, however it would have made for increased length of the book.

The Creations is the introduction to the Chameleocophylis and explains how they came into existence.

The inspiration for this story literally came from a dream – which was quite interesting and slightly different in it’s presentation during that dream.

I presently have four different book projects in the works that have all been provided as I attempted to sleep. Not completely letting me be and keeping me from sleep, it became necessary for me to begin writing them down to present to others.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do have some unusual writing habits in that I am unable to maintain thought where I may start to rehash what I have already started writing and I have to keep watch on that to be sure it is corrected prior to release.

One habit is being able to type at fifty-three words per minute while my mind is attempting to push my fingers at more around two hundred fifty words per minute so signal from my mind to my fingers is much faster than my fingers can keep up and well, words come out as if I have dyslexia – although I associate this to having dyslexic fingers.

Another habit is not being able to break the chapters well. If I attempt to think about what I write as I write it… not much gets placed. So when I write, my mind is pretty much blank. My thoughts are not my thoughts and it becomes more as if I’m literally watching a movie take place in my head as I work my fingers trying to write down all of what my mind is seeing.

It is not easy.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
First and foremost, I have to go with one many refer to but not simply for writing style or due to his works…. Samuel Clemens – Mark Twain.

I read a number of books prior but Tom Sawyer provided a lot interest when I was young.

I was more thrilled in Mr. Clemens way of telling stories – verbally – having watched some videos of him ( even though actors played his part ).

Treasure Island was one that I took to along the way and recently read it again which this time it inspired another book I am currently working on which will be in pirate sector of things.

I believe that one will offer two prints as I’m not all sure how the public will take to my method at ‘early English’ so my intention is completing the book using early English, then re-writing it using modern English offering the option to the public.

What are you working on now?
Working on is a tough question for me as my inability to sleep well without numerous stories forming and bombarding me as I sleep make it difficult to work on even just one book.

As it is, I have four in progress with a fifth screaming at me to begin. They come in bits and pieces when I try to sleep where my mind will not shut down to allow me to sleep – it just wants to keep thinking.

One night, one book slams me with ideas, the next night, a different slams ideas at me.. it’s as if they all want me to write them above the others, or I’m only getting them in pieces.

If I sit down to actually write a book – any book – I can not. I have to force my mind to shutdown, relax, let my ‘eye’s mind’ have the control and then do all I can with my fingers to keep up with what is playing in my mind.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Best method will always be – word of mouth.

There is no better means of advertising than that.

I really am unable to claim any best website for promoting my books as I have pushed to promote in all I can locate.

Amazon is great to allow one beginning to at least have a location for their books to receive a start – huge or little.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you know and can identify with – it comes easy to you. Don’t ignore the other opportunities but be sure you research if or when you need it.

Let your imagination take you rather than attempt to force the situation. I hear about ‘writer’s block’ but to me that merely means they can no longer channel the flow as it does come and go, even for me.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Hmm.. I would have to say :

Never say never. When you do, not much happens and usually shortly after someone states the word – it happens.

What are you reading now?
Numerous information on Pirates. I am looking for a specific book I found others stated it to be the one authors of this category utilize in writing books on pirates.

I’ll say I’m already three quarters through what I am writing but, it is was is coming to me as the movie plays out and I’m not talking …. of the Caribbean.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Securing better living conditions to allow me proper surroundings to continue my writing.

Daily life is and can be difficult but when you are to rely on others not all appreciative of your given capabilities, it is more difficult.

It is especially difficult in having to walk away from everything I own for not being able to hold on to anything due to lack of income. Layoffs truly take their toll.

So, more books are in my near future. Chameleocophylis, the two now available, were written over a six month period ( both books ) with only two to three months between them.

My typing is quick, spelling not so great, but after a thousand times of re-read through … I probably still leave some misspelled words.

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 wonders of woodworking ( building your own boat ).

Natures Guide to Healthfood ( book on edible food found in nature )

History of the world ( one covering as much history as possible – what better time to learn more on what you haven’t been able to research yet? )

Author Websites and Profiles
HB K Amazon Profile

HB K is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
If we don’t count the novels I cranked out in college, “What Survives of Us” is my first book. (In fact, let’s just forget I mentioned those college efforts, shall we? Wince!) I’ve called myself a writer since I was 8 years old, but in the many years that have intervened since them, I’ve learned that there’s no greater writing teacher than life itself. I’m also a mom, and spent quite a few years as a high school English teacher, which I loved.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“What Survives of Us” is the name of my most recent novel. I know it sounds cliched, but I dreamed about the main character, then started asking questions about her. What could have happened to a plump, Martha-Stewart-ish housewife, to transform her into the edgy, broken, driven character I dreamed about? Those questions became the events in my book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a HUGE believer in the power of ritual to put you into a certain mindset, and I use that when I prep to write every day. I light my candle. I burn some incense (I used to smoke when I wrote, and this is my substitute). I chew gum compulsively – when I’m really in the zone, my family says I sound like a teenager on speed gnawing away on that piece of Trident Bubblegum.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve read Nora Roberts since she started out in category romance years ago – reading one of her books is like having a conversation with an old friend, her style is so familiar to me. I love Alice Hoffman’s “Practical Magic,” J.K. Rowling’s everything, Suzanne Collins, and Barbara Kingsolver, just to name a few. Linda Howard’s “Son of the Morning” is one of my all-time favorite books. I loved teaching “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and am anxiously awaiting Harper Lee’s new book. Laura Ingalls Wilder shaped my childhood. I deeply admire Stephen King, though the only books of his I’ve managed to finish are “The Stand” and his most excellent memoir on writing. He scares the bejeebers out of me.

What are you working on now?
I am nearly finished with the sequel to “What Survives of Us” – I took a break from writing it to complete this questionnaire, in fact! This series will have at least 3 books, maybe more – I have so many ideas!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook has had tremendous power for me. I’ve also come to appreciate the power of smaller newsletters and book blogs – word of mouth is VERY powerful!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I always get a groan when I give this advice, but I think it can’t be said enough: Study your craft! Good mechanics, proper grammar (and how stuffy does that make me sound??) and sound structure should be the very basis of ALL published writing. If you’re struggling with these elements, you’ve got two choices (IMHO) – either study and bring your skills up to snuff, or hire a really good editor. For me, I don’t care how compelling or interesting the story is – I won’t read on after I’ve found the second error. Mistakes pull me out of the story – my brain pauses to say, “Hey, wait…is that word used correctly? I don’t think that word is being used correctly…” If that happens more than once, I’m done.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stephen King: “If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” I was also told long ago to remember that my characters are not my children – I can’t shield them from trouble, nor should I. They must be allowed to suffer, terribly sometimes. “And they lived happily ever after” is a pretty boring story…

What are you reading now?
“A Sudden Light” by Garth Stein. Really moody and atmospheric – I’m enjoying it very much!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll be finishing the sequel to my first book, then moving on to the third in the series.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The collected works of Shakespeare (that’s not cheating, is it?); “The Tale of Despereaux” by Kate DiCamillo, so I could memorize long passages; and a blank journal so I could write my own stories!

Author Websites and Profiles
Kathy Miner Website
Kathy Miner Amazon Profile

Kathy Miner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Kathy Miner is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Bristol in the United Kingdom, where I still live with my wife of twenty one years, Sara. I enjoy reading science fiction and fantasy, and love getting up early and having a quiet morning to write, with a mug of Earl Grey tea beside me. I enjoy gardening, hiking and movies. I also enjoy travel, and finding new places to get lost. My favourite destination is Italy.

My first book, Titan Fleet: The Invictus is available on Amazon and I am currently working on Book II of the Titan Fleet series, entitled Titan Fleet: The Robur.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is Titan Fleet: The Invictus. I began this book after the sad passing of my mother, Jean Black in 2013, which drove me to achieve my dream of having a published novel. My mother always encouraged me to do the best I could, and I promised her that one day I would finish something.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write early in the morning, and starting at around 5am on a Saturday and Sunday is when I tend to do my best writing. I have to have cup of Earl Grey tea to get me started. When I write, I see the story unfold in my mind as a film, and I write to describe what is happening. I do write single words down in my sparks book, and can remember whole chapters of work that I want to include from that one word.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favourite authors are Stephen King, Terry Pratchett, James Herbert, Jules Verne. My favourite books as child, which kept me interested in books were Swallows and Amazons, Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

What are you working on now?
I am working on the second in the Titan Fleet series, Titan Fleet: The Robur. I also have several projects in the planning stage, a horror book, a fantasy book and joint book with my wife, Sara.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find Twitter a good place to not only promote my book, but also to meet new friends and link with other authors.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t make excuses – just write it! It’s easier than you think, and such an awesome sense of achievement when you do finish.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t worry about your word count. You will get to the end when you get to the end. You when know this when it happens.

What are you reading now?
Hollowland by Amanda Hocking.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To continue to promote my first book, and try to get my name and work known, while writing my second and third books. Being able to connect with other people in the world through my words.

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 SAS Survival Guide
Lord of the Rings
Swallows and Amazons
Around the World in 80 Days

Author Websites and Profiles
Jason Black Amazon Profile

Jason Black’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Jason Black is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
BETHANY BULL WILL BE AT LONDON BOOK FAIR

We take a look at this emerging author, whose Children’s Books are now finding the limelight…
Like all overnight successes, Bethany Bull has worked hard to earn the plaudits that now surround her name.

With three books already on Amazon, a publisher at Wollywagon – and a fourth book about to be launched – Bethany has already given thousands of children a first glimpse of love of stories – not just a love of reading per se. it is this capturing of imagination, that is probably the unique aspect that children love, and who buy her books in their thousands. It is probably because the stories themselves, of animals that talk, or danger, of horror – but in a way that children can handle – treat children as equal partners, and the graphics are fanciful and inspirational.

Bethany herself was born and raised in South Africa. Her family did not have television until 1976, so her imagination was her main …source of entertainment. She had a love of animals and magical creatures and a vast country with big open spaces where she imagined they lived. She would make up stories for her siblings in the evenings.

This is the pedigree that Bethany brings to her market, and what she says about her work, displays an understanding of the minds of children that have no limits:

“They have no doubt an ant can talk. Their imaginations are free to believe.”

We interviewed Bethany at our offices, and her modest way of describing herself overlays a real passion for communicating with her market. She lives modestly in the West of Cornwall, and there is this “back to nature” understanding that resonates throughout her work.

Bethany will be at the London Book Fair, at the Greene Media stand and is available for meetings, which will be held though the auspices of her publisher, Robin Wolstenholm at WollyWagon. Contact; bethanybrooks75@hotmail.com. Her books can be ordered direct – or through amazon.com.

Advance copies of her new book – can be ordered direct to Bethany and her publisher, prior to general release. Educational discounts are available for recognised schools.

.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have just finished book four of my chapter books, but as yet it has no name!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not sure if it is unusual but I write from one word. I put pen to paper and the story will just flow, I do not think of a story or a plot beforehand.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I can’t really say influenced but I read from an early age, Nancy Drew, Robinson Crusoe and Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea, then teenage years until the present day I read Dean Koontz, (love his descriptive wording) Stephen King, Tess Gerritsen, Tami Hoag, James Patterson

What are you working on now?
I have started book five in the chapter books, and I am working on two teenage novellas and a mini series

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Truthfully?…… None but today social media is the way, so I am on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Pin interest, LinkedIn, Google+.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Follow your heart and write with love. Enjoy your work!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never say Never!

What are you reading now?
Private L.A by James Patterson

What’s next for you as a writer?
To carry on writing and have my mini series out and on CBBIEs TV for children

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?
Three books from my favourite authors, and one of ‘ how to survive on a desert island’, of course!!

Author Websites and Profiles
Bethany Bull Website
Bethany Bull Amazon Profile

Bethany Bull’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Bethany Bull is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Along with my writing partner Johnnie, I’ve written about a dozen short & sweet eBooks.

About me, I’m a writer’s writer – whatever that means.

I am the eBook Queen!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
HOW TO WRITE YOUR NONFICTION BOOK FAST

AND MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS CALLING CARD

WRITE YOUR BOOK IN 10 DAYS OR LESS

Grow your business

Teach people how to do something

Evangelize your cause

Position yourself as an authority

Land clients in any industry

Get leads and product sales

Be your best resume ever

Create wealth and fame

Write a Bestseller

I was inspired to write because I saw there was a need to show entrepreneurs and small business owners, how they could write a book and use it to crack open the door of opportunities to scale their business.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I hang upside like a bat and write. Kidding. I tend to keep a very low key when writing. Essentially, I pause and/or limit all leisure activities. Leisure activities aren’t the same as doing essential things. However, I limit social media, don’t do any chit chatting on the phone, no socializing with friends, not a big TV watcher, but no TV, limit Netflix, and limit podcast until bedtime.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m totally influenced by many internet authors. One person who stands out to me is author Steve Scott because he’s writing affordable and helpful eBooks for readers and making a killing while doing it.

The book I’m reading now and it’s having an influence on me is Who is Killing the great authors of Amazon. It’s freaking hilarious.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on an eBook about book marketing. In the book, I’ll share simple and inexpensive ways to market.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Start with a great book cover and book description and half of your marketing battle is won. If the first book cover and description does not get you the results, then it’s OK to change the cover and tinker with the book description until it’s a winning combination. As far as the best websites to promote books; I suggest that you start with sites like this one that let you promote for free or a small fee. Another thing to keep in mind is to do something to market your book each day, and at the very least, as often as you can. Marketing your book should be ongoing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Put just as much effort into your marketing strategies as you do writing. So many really outstanding books languish in no man’s land, while mediocre books rise like cream to the top, simply because the author is a master marketer or has paid someone for marketing services. Marketing is the key to Book success.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
This is the best advice I’ve heard lately and it comes from Bruce Lee.

If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading like 10 eBooks, seriously. I have this habit of buying or downloading eBooks every single day. Then I start reading all of them and usually some of them can’t hold my attention for one reason or another. However, one or two usually stand out from the pack.

Today, that book is The Art of Book Marketing by Harshajyoti Das. He’s better known as Harsh.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on an eBook about book marketing in which I bring the readers along on my marketing journey and share what is and is not working and why. I’m also gearing up to teach my writing boot camp in the summer of 2015.

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?
James Baldwin’s Go tell it on the mountain (I love all things Baldwin). Jeff Walker’s Launch (probably because I really need to read a book like that at this point in my life). Soulful Vagina (just to mix things up, I’d bring that book for the humor and erotica, hell if I’m stranded, I’m going to need a good reason to laugh).

Author Websites and Profiles
Frankie Johnnie Website
Frankie Johnnie Amazon Profile

Frankie Johnnie’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Frankie Johnnie is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, thanks for having me! My first romance novel was accepted for publication three months after my first son was born. And from then on, it’s been a mad crazy ride writing while he (and now his brother) are asleep or when I should be sleeping! I have five romance books out in the world, and another couple of literary titles under another name. I love female characters who have a sense of humor and usually don’t mince words – girls can do anything right? I think so. And dont worry, I’m never afraid to kiss and tell

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Caught with the Captain’s Daughter is the last in my three book Love on Deck Series. I started this series after I had been a guest writer on a cruise ship. Yes. Really. That is a dream job right?! The characters all just wanted to be written, and I couldn’t turn them down!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sometimes move about when I’m writing. Walking is a fairly common theme for helping to get the words flowing, but I mean sitting in my chair flailing my hands about – somehow I can squeeze the words that way, or find the one I was looking for in the air just above the keyboard!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Nalini Singh – her early contemporary stuff and the stuff she’s been putting out lately (as well as her paranormal writing of course). I love Sarah Mayberry, and Ruthie Knox. Women who aren’t afraid to call a shade a shovel…

What are you working on now?
I have a Hot Hotel series coming out next – the first chapter is a freebie with my latest release. The Burning To Ride series has hot heroes, heroines with dirty mouths and is a bit darker than my previous work, but its till loads of fun and has plenty of steam as well as smirk worthy dialogue.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I usually have a facebook party with a bunch of fellow authors – and I have one this time too – https://www.facebook.com/events/1392708497709562
And then I make sure there is plenty of word of mouth getting the books out there! This is my first time using Awesomgang and I’m looking forward to seeing the response.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read. Write. Revise. Repeat. Seriously. The more you read, the more you hone your craft and then you gotta just write. Too many people tell me all about the books they are GOING to write. Write it! Now. You can do it

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Dont take yourself too seriously.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading Talia Hunter’s How to Master a Millionaire – and it’s fab.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More! I have so many category romance series on the go and I really want to start on a full length two book series I’ve had in my head for ages. Fingers crossed I get to it now the boys are starting to get a little older!

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 Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood), The Poisonwood Bible (Barbara Kingsolver, Polo (by Jilly Cooper) and Pastures of Heavan (John Steinbeck)

Author Websites and Profiles
Michele De Winton Website
Michele De Winton Amazon Profile

Michele De Winton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Michele De Winton is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a full-time self-published author and business owner with 5 titles in my publishing company, 4 of them I wrote. I’m married, have a cat and enjoy reading, wrestling and working out.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest publication is “Your Goals & Your Dreams: 108 Inspirational Quotes to Uplift, Motivate & Empower You.” I’m a huge fan of self-help books and motivational speakers. When I find a great quote, I will clip it and save it. While I’m reading or researching or even in conversation, I get hundreds of awesome quotes that make me think, get inspired and want to learn more about becoming a more successful person. I felt it was high time I provided some of my absolute favorite quotes and put some of my personal insight to them.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to stand up and type, because otherwise my writing becomes boring and formulaic. When I’m sitting down, I tend to get sleepy and distracted easily. Typically, I’ll put on my head phones, crank some music and type away.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King was an early influence for me and the man that made me want to become a writer. Wayne Dyer was the author that really turned me onto self-help books. He has such a basic way of sharing inspiration and motivation.

What are you working on now?
I’m still compiling 3 other books to be complement my latest publication. “Your Motivation & Your Purpose”, “Your Courage & Your Strength”, and “Your Failure & Your Success” are the subsequent titles. I have work that I’m doing under a pen name that is a completely different niche of humor/satire, but I only focus on that a few hours per week.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook, Twitter and Google+ seem to be helping me with promoting right now, but I’m relatively new to publishing and it would be to early to tell what has been successful. I’ll better answer this in one year.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get a good editor. I thought my work was solid until I obtained an editor and that made a HUGE difference.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Chase your dreams.

What are you reading now?
Wow! What am I not reading right now? Since jumping into this career, I have found a ton of good self-published authors. In the process I get a ton of free ebooks to read for review swaps. I’m trying my best to read the hard copy to “8,789 Words of Wisdom” by Barbara Ann Kipfer.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m looking to wrap up the process on the 3 follow up books to my latest release and my pen name’s book on farts by the end of March.

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?
Mick Foley’s “Have a Nice Day”
A family picture book
A Survival Guide
A Notebook to write in (however crude a fashion I’d have to do it)

Author Websites and Profiles
Dale L. Roberts Website
Dale L. Roberts Amazon Profile
Dale L. Roberts Author Profile on Smashwords

Dale L. Roberts’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Dale L. Roberts is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Selah and I’m a writoholic! I love writing epic fantasy and reading it, although I do read and write other things occasionally too. I’ve written three books. Dream of a Vast Blue Cavern is my first book, available now, Dream of a City of Ruin is my second book and will release on March 20th, and Shattered Dreams is my third book, still in draft stage. All are part of the Dreams of QaiMaj Series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dream of a City of Ruin is my latest book, and it is largely inspired by the state of the world today. I see how divided people are by ideology, and how so many problems could be solved if people could overcome their differences and work together. This is a strong theme in DCR. Of course, the characters are facing unbelievable odds, so they have no choice–it’s cooperate and survive or be divided and die.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
You mean, other than spending most of my time in fantasy worlds as an adult? Probably my weirdest writing thing is that I write better when I walk. I have a treadmill desk for this purpose, so I can walk and write at the same time! The oxygen flow to my brain seems to help, although it could all be an illusion : )

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to count! I love so many books in all genres. Probably my very biggest influence has been epic fantasy author Robin Hobb. I gobble up everything she’s ever written. Reading her taught me that epic fantasy can be character driven but still transport the reader to another world and sweep them up in adventure. I strive to write as well as she does.

What are you working on now?
Right now I am tying together some loose plot ends in my draft of Shattered Dreams, Dreams of QaiMaj Book II. I drafted the whole thing in one month during Nanowrimo, so it’s very different from books I’ve drafted over the course of years. It is fun and challenging. My worst fear is that I will mess it up while trying to improve it!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads giveaways, by far. Nothing else has gotten me as much visibility, reviews, and loyal fans for as low a price (the cost of books plus shipping).

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t compromise your ideals. Remember why you started doing this in the first place. Was it because you love writing with a passion? Yes. Was it to torture yourself with self-hatred when you don’t sell as many copies as you wanted to? No. Don’t panic, keep writing, and be patient!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. This has turned out to be true every single time.

What are you reading now?
Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, Dreams of QaiMaj will be four books, so I’m a little over half-way there. After I finish this series, I’ll be exploring some other projects that have been in the back of my mind for awhile. Still epic fantasy, but a new cast of characters and a whole different storyworld.

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?
Can all of Robin Hobbs books count as one? No? Darn. Well, I just read The Dragonbone Chair by Tad Williams, so I would probably take Stone of Farewell and To Green Angel Tower. That should keep me busy for awhile. For my other two, I’d bring Kushiel’s Dart (I can’t die not knowing what will happen to Phedre) and a blank journal–plenty of time to write on a desert island!

Author Websites and Profiles
Selah J Tay-Song Website
Selah J Tay-Song Amazon Profile
Selah J Tay-Song Author Profile on Smashwords

Selah J Tay-Song’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Selah J Tay-Song is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written two novels, “The Neurology of Angels” and “Uncertainty Principles”, and an illustrated book of short stories, “Reflections and Tails”. Just to be clear, the illustrations were done by artist Clint Sattler, not by me. The only book I could illustrate would be something entitled “Stick Figures and Pointy Heads R Us”.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Uncertainty Principles” is my latest book. It was originally inspired by thinking about the thankless jobs of people who prevent catastrophes that no one else wanted to acknowledge or even had the capability to envision. Then a group of characters appeared who wanted to save the day but spent five years developing themselves and their relationships with each other inside my head until I found them a story they wanted to tell.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I type with a cat draped over my right arm. Of course, that’s not so much my habit as it is Spunk’s preferred sleeping arrangement.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Madeleine L’Engle — Her books had scientists in them and girl characters who had deep and interesting thoughts at the same time as they liked boys and hung out with their friends. They weren’t stereotypes, but they also weren’t intentionally counter-culture; they were just real in the way that they needed to be to star in their story.

Ayn Rand — I just loved that her books were challenging and concept-driven but contained a people so memorable and plots so compelling that I couldn’t put them down and wanted to read them again five years later and again five years after that.

What are you working on now?
I don’t like to talk about what I’m working on, because when I say it out loud before it’s ready, I pick apart how it sounds and want to throw it out the window before it ever has a chance.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I knew! For me, Goodreads giveaways were measurably great for reaching readers and getting reviews in 2008 and 2009, but it seems that fewer people have been following through on their commitment to post reviews in the past few years. IndiesUnlimited.com is a great resource and has current promotion opportunities and ideas. I suspect in the end that it’s a confluence of sites and not just one that makes the difference (unless it’s Oprah’s). What is the adage? People have to hear about you 7 different times before they start to pay attention…

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take frequent breaks from reading advice.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
For the season of Lent, try giving up discouragement.

What are you reading now?
11/23/63 by Stephen King

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a book idea that I’m excited about and I’m going to just let it go where it wants to when it wants to and try not to push it. On the logistical side, I’m also going to finally figure out how to have a day job and write and promote and have a life all at the same time. At least until the million-seller comes to fruition!

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 You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence, and Spirit by Brenda Ueland
A blank notebook
The last book of the Harry Potter series

Author Websites and Profiles
Krista Tibbs Website
Krista Tibbs Amazon Profile
Krista Tibbs Author Profile on Smashwords

Krista Tibbs’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Krista Tibbs is a post from Awesome Gang