Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am New Jersey born and bred. This has means that while I speak English as my first language, Sarcasm is a close second. I am a creative soul, that has interests in many things. Writing, is just one of my many loves, that also include, painting, crocheting, photography, singing, and of course, reading. As a mom to six children ranging from a newborn to teenagers, I am a master of multitasking. Parenting has help develop my sense of humor, and also the importance in my life for being prepared. I have always valued the variety of experiences that can be gained by pursuing different activities, and being unafraid of new experiences. I am or have been a certified massage therapist, reiki master, balloon decorator, gorilla gram, studio photographer, pizza delivery driver, stay at home mom. Life has so much to offer, and I am always looking for the next big adventure! So far I have only have 1 completed novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Aftershock: A Collection of Survivors Tales. A mixture of The Walking Dead, and Superstorm Sandy inspired this book. I am new to the zombie genre, but fell in love quickly. After Sandy flooded our home and displaced my family, disasters seemed less fiction and more reality.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write at night while the children sleep.

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

Book two in The Aftershock Zombie Series

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. You can always go back and edit later.

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

What are you reading now?
Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk

Author Websites and Profiles
Valerie Lioudis Amazon Profile
Valerie Lioudis Author Profile on Smashwords

Valerie Lioudis’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Valerie Lioudis is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been publishing since 2003 but it depends on how you count. This is my third solo book but my seventh book if you count anthologies I’ve edited.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Vixen Scream and Other Bible Stories is my first solo flash fiction collection. These stories are surreal, sensual, farcical, absurd, and deeply human, woven together by the mysterious and seductive presence of The Fox.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Daily walks are an important part of my practice–motion of any sort. Walking, bicycling, roller skating are favorites. I believe I write best when my body is in motion. Then later I come home and put it down into words.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a fan of the lyrical and the absurd. Off the top of my head I’ve been influenced lately by The Virgin Suicides, Lolita, anything by Hemingway, The Handmaid’s Tale, Blindness, anything by Kerouac

What are you working on now?
A novel built of flash fiction chapters

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Audacity. I think the talented successful and the talented unsuccessful are often only separated by their own audacity. And I think creativity is our biggest (and most often overlooked) asset.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Touch it everyday. Even if only for 10 minutes, but touch it every day.

What are you reading now?

The Blind Assassin and a nonfiction book called The Ruby Slippers of Oz

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m about to go on a national/international book tour beginning in August 2015 to promote flash fiction and The Vixen Scream and Other Bible Stories, including Berlin, NYC, Boston, Baltimore, San Fran and Seattle so far, and I’m going to be launching an Indiegogo campaign for the tour soon. Stay tuned!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
For Whom The Bell Tolls

Lolita

The Virgin Suicides

The Electric Kool Aid Acid Test

And as many empty notebooks as I could

Author Websites and Profiles
Nancy Stohlman Website
Nancy Stohlman Amazon Profile

Nancy Stohlman’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Nancy Stohlman is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a romance, erotic fiction writer and I’ve published four books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Any Time, Any Place (the Pleasure Principle Series) Book 2. The inspiration is to portray characters that the readers will love to love or love to hate. At times I can’t stand the characters and that’s what makes it beautiful.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I interview my characters and talk to me as if their living breathing souls.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jackie Collins

What are you working on now?
New Series (The Velvet Series) and the first book will be titled What’s Love Got To Do With it?

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. Push through the rejection letters and don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough. Believe in yourself. Believe in your story.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing. You never know when your next story will be your best seller.

What are you reading now?
When I write I try not to read.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To continue writing larger than life characters who succeed in bringing you into their world.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
James Patterson’s Honeymoon, Jackie Collins Chances and American Star and anything by J L Dillard.

J L Dillard’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

J L Dillard is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a journalist by profession, a novelist by choice, and as I love to say, a poet by chance. I am a member of the U.K. Chartered Institute of Journalists, formerly special desk editor at ThisDay newspapers, an authoritative third world daily, first published in collaboration with the Financial Times of London. My poems have been published in two international anthologies: The Sounds of Silence and Measures of the Heart. One of such poems, Anguish & Passion, was adjudged winner of the Editors’ Choice Award in the 1998 North America Open Poetry contest, sponsored by the National Library of Poetry, USA. So far, I have published two books – Take Back the Memory, a contemporary women’s fiction, awarded a 5-star seal by Readers’ Favorite and Flashes of Emotion, a collection of poems.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Flashes of Emotion, a book of poetry collection, is my last published book. While some poems in it were just creative explosions that occur as part of my constant mental process, others were directly inspired by events, people, and situations around me over a period of time.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if this constitutes a strange writing habit but I enjoy listening to radio news broadcasts while writing. Sometimes I prefer a little musical distraction, especially movie scores like Ennio Morricone’s. That said, my writing process is a actually a simple one; I sit in front of the pc and stare at the screen. I stare at it until I come up with a satisfactory opening line. I smile at the scene unfolding in my mind’s eye and begin to write. When I’m done I ‘walk away’ from it for a while (which could be days in some cases) so that when I eventually come back to it I can view it from a reader’s standpoint and spot any structural weakness.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have a strong admiration for authors with a unique writing style, and books of great insight. Some of the authors I admire, therefore, are Oscar Wilde, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Frank McCourt, author of Angela’s Ashes, Umberto Eco, author of The Name of the Rose, Arundhati Roy, author of the God of Small things, and Scott Turow, author of Presumed Innocent.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a mystery/thriller novel

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I had an answer to that. Actually, I’m still trying to find the right method and/or the best website for book promotions.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Invent your style. No one can outclass you as long as you are yourself because there’s only one you alive. And–this is what I tell myself too–aim at the sky so you might hit the tallest tree.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Keep your hopes high and your expectations low, you are not entitled to anything but there’s nothing that you can’t achieve” – Taylor Swift, quoted by Ashton Kutcher.

What are you reading now?
Not currently reading, will start soon though, with a book by a friend in a genre that’s all too new to me

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

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The collected Oscar Wilde, a Scott Turow thriller, and The Man Died by Wole Soyinka.

Author Websites and Profiles
Augustine Sam Website
Augustine Sam Amazon Profile
Augustine Sam Author Profile on Smashwords

Augustine Sam’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Augustine Sam is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in the UK in the East London suburb of Barking. I’ve lived in Israel, New York and North Carolina and somehow ended up in St. Louis, where I work as a writer and freelance puzzle constructor of word puzzles and logic problems. I live with her husband, two children, and a very opinionated feline. My first novel, P.A.W.S., was published in June 2013 and my second book in the series, Argentum, was released in October 2014. I’m currently working on number 3 in the series.

In addition I have stories in several anthologies including Fauxpocalypse, Shades of Fear, Darkly Never After, and Sins of The Past. In February 2015 I published a book of logic puzzles, Paws 4 Logic, with my son Joey. I believes that with enough tea and dark chocolate you can achieve anything!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent release – out this week is an ebook of 3 short stories entitled “Will There Be Watermelons on Mars?” It was inspired predominantly by my years living in Israel and although the stories are speculative they hold a lot of truth.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Just tea – it must be my British roots, but I cannot write without a mug of strong tea with milk by my side. I must get through gallons each week.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My biggest influence in my book series was JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books in particular book 3 when she introduces the concept of the animagi. I was particular fascinated by this, but wanted to go deeper. How in fact did the witches and wizards of Hogwarts study to become animagi. What does this involve. From these thoughts P.A.W.S. was born.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on several projects. Firstly there’s book 3 of the P.A.W.S. series which is currently called Maze of Shadows but might well change.

Then in the fall we plan to release the second installment of our Sins of Time horror anthologies of which I am both a contributor and the editor of the anthology. Our new anthology will be called Sins of the Future and I won’t say a lot about my story accept that it features an android and a very irksome chihuahua.

Lastly I am working with an illustrator to put out a children’s book with an eco theme, Adana the Earth Dragon. I’m really excited about this collaboration.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I mainly Facebook, Twitter and my blog. Plus I like to get out and about and do as many in person appearances as I can.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the book you would like to read . . . oh, and try NaNoWriMo – it really worked for me.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get yourself a copy of Stephen King’s On Writing. I don’t necessarily agree with everything he says, but it is definitely with a read.

What are you reading now?
Diane Gabaldon’s Outlander

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully I continue writing books, stories, and puzzles and building my readership.

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 Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams, Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere, Terry Pratchett’s Thief of Time, and Alice’s Adventure’s in Wonderland.

Author Websites and Profiles
Deborah Manber Kupfer Website
Deborah Manber Kupfer Amazon Profile

Deborah Manber Kupfer’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Deborah Manber Kupfer is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live on the stunning Isle of Wight and was Teacher of the Deaf. Now each morning I walk my dog on beaches or downs, whatever the weather. Then I write , eat, write , eat, check the internet and look after the family. I like to think of myself going to Pilates and swimming and in reality I like to watch films , read and eat.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my book is ‘Free to Be Tegan’. It was inspired by my upbringing in a strict religious sect and research into the effects of an upbringing in High Demand Groups. The setting is inspired by a holiday in the wonderful Cambrian Mountains in Wales.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Probably the most unusual habit I have is creeping out of bed in the middle of the night,( trying not to wake my husband) rummaging around for my glasses ,and then going into another room to write down ideas that have come to me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I enjoy to read books with strong characters such as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice ; a good detective such as a Wexford by Ruth Rendell ; one that can me into someone elses world and experience, like Sarah Dunant ‘Sacred Hearts ‘, The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult or The Island by Victoria Hislop,; or somtimes I just need a laugh and re read a P G Woodhouse. I guess , without me realising it, all these must influence me in dofferent ways!

What are you working on now?
I am writing my second novel set in Wales, in Rhossili Bay on the Gower Peninsula. The theme is secrets and lies.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am very new to this. So far the most effective methid has been word of mouth, this includes many, many e mails and distributing post cards about my book to anyone looking my way!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find time to read books in the genre you are writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think the best thing I was told was to write about characters and subject matter you really care about. This will sustain you through the long haul that is novel writing.

What are you reading now?
I am reading The Two of Us by Andy Jones

What’s next for you as a writer?
I think next will be book number three!

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 on a desert island I would want novels I could escape into like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin or The Rector’s Wife, by Joanna Trollop, the Miss Marple collection by Agatha Christie ( that might be cheating) and I think a book of poetry by Dylan Thomas.

Author Websites and Profiles
Mary Grand Amazon Profile

Mary Grand’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Mary Grand is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Kathy and Karen are twin sisters who live in Harrisville Mississippi with their Mother, and dog Molly. They both work in childcare and have worked with all ages. Growing up they always enjoyed making up stories. Kathy and Karen have written three children’s books and one cookbook. They not only enjoy writing, but they have a deep passion for cooking as well. Kathy and Karen would love to own their own food truck. They also would love to write a novel some day as well.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Wiggle Worm’s Shape Adventure. We were inspired to write this story for our kindergarten class. We are all the time needing stories for our kids at work. We were doing a unit on shapes, and that’s how Wiggle Worm’s Shape Adventure came about.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, we just believe a writer needs to write everyday, and read, read, and read some more.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Debbie Macomber, we love her Cedar Cove series.

What are you working on now?
We are working on Wiggle Worm’s Colorful Week series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook, this site, of course. Tweeting on twitter.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Not to ever give up on your dream of becoming a published author. It takes lots of time and hard work. Setbacks are just that, keep going and it will happen.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To never give up. To write often, and read a lot. We share that advice often.

What are you reading now?
Karen is reading Sisters of Holmes County series, and Kathy is reading Buried, a suspense novel.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just to keep writing, and maybe try out writing a novel together.

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?
Good Night Moon
Pokey Little Puppy
Palomino
Any Eternity Springs novel

Author Websites and Profiles
Karen and Kathy Sills Website
Karen and Kathy Sills Amazon Profile

Karen and Kathy Sills’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Karen and Kathy Sills is a post from Awesome Gang

About Essential Oils For Beginners: How To Use The Essential Oils To Maximize Your Health And Longevity:

Are you ready to improve your health and vitality with the use of nature’s greatest medicines? Allow me to introduce you to the world of essential oils and aromatherapy. In this book there is absolutely no prior knowledge required, and everything is explained in simple, easy to understand steps. There is simply nothing more important in life than good health. Health is either the facilitator or the limiting factor in doing and achieving what you want from our time on this gorgeous planet. What if I told you I could teach you a natural treatment that takes care of both your mental AND physical health at the same time? What if I could teach you how to cure your common cold without the use of drugs? What if I could teach you to start the day exploding with motivation and energy, whilst finishing the day calm, content and stress-free? All of this and SO much more is possible through the proper application of essential oils. Let me introduce you to the amazing world that is going to transform your life.

Learn more about the author, buy the book, or follow them on social media:
Buy the Book On Amazon.
Visit the Facebook Fan Page.

Author Bio:
Hey there! I’m Amy Joyson, a lifelong student of holistic and alternative medicine. My journey began as far back as I can remember, my mother, a practicing aromatherapist, taught me value of natural remedies as a youngster. I don’t think I could imagine a life without the essential oils if I tried, they are just so important to me. I am passionate about sharing their value with as many people as possible, which led me to writing my books. If you have read any of my books I truly hope they have added value to your life and I thank you with all my heart for trusting in me. Outside of being an author, I work as a personal trainer. Employing my deep knowledge of alternative treatments has enabled me to provide outstanding results for all of my clients! In my spare time you will often find me lounging in my hammock reading the latest aromatherapy magazine or romantic fiction novel. I have a soft spot for true romance! I aim to meditate at least once a day, and practice yoga 5 times a week. My biggest hobby however is exploring the beautiful world that we live in. Next on my hit list is Iceland, there is something seriously alluring about that island.
You can find me here on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amy-Joyson/435155886642915
You can find me here on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Amy_Joyson

Essential Oils For Beginners: How To Use The Essential Oils To Maximize Your Health And Longevity is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi and thanks so much for this opportunity! My name is Amber I was born on the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago, where I grew up with my mother, father, and brother. I have a degree in Human Resource Management. I’m a bit of an introvert who tends to get along with the characters in my head better than real people but that’s something I’m working on fixing!

My father is Belgian so I’ve spent some time in Europe with my grandparents who lived in the Netherlands, and right now I live with my husband in Florida, USA, with five cats, three dogs and an assortment of birds (they’re not exactly my pets but they live in and around my house)

To date I’ve self-published five books:
Unnatural Encounters: Only in Trinidad and Tobago (Caribbean Folklore), Toby (thriller/suspense short stories), Thorns of the Tumbleweed (western), A Schizophrenic Rant (poetry/art), and The End of Things (poetry).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is entitled “Unnatural Encounters: Only in Trinidad and Tobago” and it’s based on the folkloric characters of my home island. I was always fascinated by thevibrant folkloric characters of the Craibbean, so in a sense, this book was my ode to Trinidad and Tobago!

The book itself consists of a series of short stories and real life encounters with the supernatural beings that have been known to exist on our island, but I think the true beauty of it is that it simultaneously highlights the rich and diverse Trinbagonian culture while enveloping you in a world of supernatural lore.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not really sure if this is unusual but I tend to just write without direction. I’ve never been able to plot out a story and then stick to the scripted plan. In the times I have tried that, I’ve found that in knowing the story’s progression and ending I tend to never finish it (or if I do the writing tends to be lacking in many senses). So for me, I sit down with a very vague notion for a story and from there, I write and I allow the story to grow and become what it wants to. Many times when I’ve reached the ending of a story I sit back in shock at where things ended up. Perhaps this is more common than I think but it’s the closes thing to an unusual writing habit that I can think of.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve found that I’m inspired by everything including the world around me. People I meet, things I see and experience, everything I do can inspire my writing to some extent. In terms of my favorite authors, the list really does go on and on—Stephen King, John Perkins, Dan Brown, Michael Crichton, Lewis Carroll, Jean Rhys, John Steinbeck, H.G. Wells, Dr Seuss, Roald Dahl, Joyce Carol Oates, Paulo Coelho, J.K. Rowling, Isabel Allende, Chuck Palahniuk, Janet Fitch , Friedrich Nietzsche, V.S. Naipaul, J.R.R. Tolkien, Edgar Allan Poe, Stephen Hawking, Jeff Lindsay, Vladimir Nabokov, just to name a few, are some of my favorite authors.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m all over the place since I’m trying my luck with various genres. Most of my life I’ve been writing thriller/ suspense/ horror stories but recently I’ve been trying to expand my genres (romance, drama, coming of age/young adult etc)

You can see all my upcoming stories and all the projects I’m currently working on here: http://amber.drappiertech.com/upcoming/

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m a new and self-published author so my marketing strategy isn’t that great or well-developed yet. I do have a website and my books can be found and purchased on Amazon. I also use CreateSpace to publish my physical books, and I can also be found on Goodreads.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Aside from “keep writing” and “get your work out there” I’m a new author myself and I really don’t think I’m in any position to give out advice at the moment. I’m actually in the position where I need advice more than anything! *laughs*

Hopefully in a few years when I’ve gained a bit more knowledge and experience I can pass it on to new authors.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Regarding life: Do the best you can and live without regrets. If something is meant to be, then things will work out, and even if it doesn’t you’ll always know that you tried your best and you did all you could ~ my mother.

Regarding work: If you do what you love you will never have to work a day in your life ~ my father.

Regarding writing: Never stop writing. Even if you don’t feel like it or you think you have “writer’s block” put pen to paper and write, write whatever comes to mind and write whatever you feel like writing in the moment. Even if it’s bad, that doesn’t matter, what matters is that you’ve written something. (I’m honestly not sure who gave me this advice or if it was something I told myself at one point but whichever it is, it’s always stuck with me!)

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m re-reading one of my favorite books – “White Oleander” by Janet Fitch. Before that, I read “Beach Music” by Pat Conroy.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I honestly have no idea. I really just write for the enjoyment of it. But whatever my next move is, I’m sure I’ll continue writing my 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?
Hmmm…. I’m tempted to give the smart Alec answer of “how to survive on a desert island” or something like “how to build a raft out of sand” but really I would take:
1. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
2. The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King
3. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
4. The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss

Now I know that #1-3 are all technically more than one book but that’s my answer and I’m sticking to it! *laughs*

Author Websites and Profiles
Amber Drappier Website
Amber Drappier Amazon Profile

Amber Drappier’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Amber Drappier is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an engineer by day, and just finished my first book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, Dreams of Eschaton, is sort of an homage/love letter to H.P. Lovecraft. I tried to play on a lot of his themes of cosmic horror, existential despair, and the unknowable and put a new spin on it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’ve found myself to be extremely neurotic about my writing. I guess it’s because I’m an engineer, but I can’t help but try to make the tiniest details as accurate as possible, to the point that I find myself pouring through history books to use an actual name for a throw-away line that no one will ever get. It’s pointless and exhausting, but I can’t help it – I hope that’s an unusual habit.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
H.P. Lovecraft, obviously, but also a lot of other modern horror writers – Stephen King, Dan Simmons (Carrion Comfort is one of my favorite books ever), Richard Matheson.

Recently I’ve also picked up Peter Watts. I’m currently working on Echopraxia after loving Blindsight.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a hard science fiction novel that’s really going to be a departure from Dreams of Eschaton. Its about these people building an interstellar travel system – the catch is they have to fly at sub-light speeds to the destination to build the exits, so they’re on a one-way trip.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook is certainly best for guilting your family into buying copies. As a new writer, I’m still exploring the promotional possibilities, and hope to find a good one soon. Let me get back to you on that one.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
As a new author myself, I’m actually looking for as much advice as I can get, so I have very little to spare.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
For aspiring writers? I think the best was from Stephen King, who just said something along the lines of “Write, write and then write some more.” It really does get easier the more you do it.

What are you reading now?
Echopraxia by Peter Watts. I read Blindsight a year or so ago while on vacation, and was blown away – just an incredible book. I can’t wait to really sink my teeth into the follow-up.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I anticipate continuing to churn out small bits that I self-publish on Amazon.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would take Hyperion, by Dan Simmons, because it almost functions as a collection of stories, with differing tones and characters. Hopefully that’d stay fresh through a couple of re-reads.

I think my other two or three books would have to be some sort of compendium of short stories by a variety of authors, that way I could keep from getting burned out of one.

Author Websites and Profiles
Josh Shiben Website
Josh Shiben Amazon Profile

Josh Shiben’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Josh Shiben is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the girl who was bullied in school, the girl people said would come to nothing. I have worked hard to get to where I am and now I am the author of five published books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is After Dark: Night Walkers. It is inspired by the works of many of my fellow writers as well as some of the brilliant movies I have watched over the last year.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write in the bath late at night. It is very peaceful and sometimes is the only thing that can overcome writer’s block.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am definitely highly influenced by writers like Erin Hunter, Cassandra Clare, George R. R. Martin and Tolkien.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a supernatural type medieval novel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like to use facebook a lot as it allows me to speak directly to my readers. I like to be able to reply to people.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Follow your heart. Write what you want to write. Listen to criticism but never let it stop you from doing what you want to do. Use it a fuel to write even better than you were before. Also make sure you read a lot. The more you read the broader your mind will become and the better you will write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading the 100 by Kass Morgan.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To write my next novel, keep on writing and hope my readers like my next piece.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would take the first four books of the Warrior Cats Series by Erin Hunter for the simple fact they are the books that encouraged me to enter a career as an author in the first place.

Author Websites and Profiles
Katherine A. Nevitt Website
Katherine A. Nevitt Amazon Profile

Katherine A. Nevitt’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Katherine A. Nevitt is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a middle school Spanish teacher by day and novelist by night. I live in a small town in North Carolina with my two daughters and my rescue Australian shepherd dog, O’Neill. I’m a quiet and geeky girl, who loves to read, watch old movies, and travel. The only shoes I ever wear are Converse sneakers as they are the only things my feet like.

I’ve now written five books, though only one of them is available for purchase so far.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Going Through the Change: A Menopausal Superhero Novel was inspired by a conversation with my husband about the relationship between hormones and superpowers. I told him that if hormones caused superpowers, then menopausal women would be the most powerful people on the planet. And a book was born.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’ve developed the ability to write anywhere, surrounded by noise and distraction. It was probably just a survival mechanism.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Louisa May Alcott was probably the first author to truly win my heart, but these days I read more speculative fiction. I’m a Neil Gaiman fan, and am so happy that Margaret Atwood continues to blur the lines of speculative and literary fiction. I like books that surprise me and subvert my expectations.

What are you working on now?
The sequel to Going Through the Change, working title: Change of Life. Wait until you see my new villain!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It’s always hard to know which of the things you did actually led to sales, but I think that it’s the personal connections I’ve made with people. I just put my best self out there on social media and respond graciously to any invitation I receive, and hope for the best!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Whether you go traditional or indie, there’s a lot more to marketing a book than you might expect. Be careful not to become “that guy” as you try to call attention to your work. No one likes spam.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be the best version of you, especially when you’re in the public eye.

What are you reading now?
1984, by George Orwell for a book club discussion; the Danny Dragonbreath series with my eight-year-old daughter; a collection of short stories called The End is Now; and two beta-reads (unpublished drafts of novels I’m providing feedback on for other writers).

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish Change of Life, I’m hoping to get back to the middle grades novel I wrote a draft of for NaNoWriMo. I’ve also been invited to submit a novella for a superhero anthology and have the second book of my historical fiction trilogy to work on.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Emily Dickinson’s poetry, Oscar Wilde’s plays, Jane-Emily by Patricia Clapp, and the collected Shakespeare. That way I can have beauty, comedy, fright, and drama. Plus, I could stand to read all of these over and over.

Author Websites and Profiles
Samantha Bryant Website
Samantha Bryant Amazon Profile

Samantha Bryant’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Samantha Bryant is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Maryland native and could never imagine living anywhere else. I married my high school sweetheart for time and all eternity in the Washington D.C. Temple after I fell in love with his endless sense of humor. I enjoyed a short stint as a labor and delivery nurse before becoming a stay-at-home mom for my two beautiful daughters. In addition to my new-found love of writing, my passions are: my faith in Jesus Christ, gardening, and yoga. My favorite delights are decadent homemade cakes, cookies, or brownies—never store-bought.

I started in February of 2013 and have one completed novel published on Createspace and two manuscripts in the revisions stages for a chronicle of three books. It is about immortal beings, dragons, and the fight between light and dark inside each of us and around us.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is Master of Lies (Chronicles of the Half-Emrys, #1).

I started writing this book back when I was doing a Lord of the Rings movie marathon. I even based some of my characters off of Tolkien’s. I imagined the rolling hills of Middle Earth for my realm of Terrin and the murky swamps of the Dead Marshes for Rolant. The torturous snow peaks of the Misty Mountains could be my Eirwen Mountains, where the entrance to Gorlassar is hidden. And when you enter Gorlassar and fly to the capital Emryn city called Mared, I imagined the majestic music from when the Fellowship entered the great hall in the Mines of Moria.

But scenes and characters aside, I think that is where the similarities stop. My writing is nothing like Tolkien’s.

I would have to say music is what carried the feeling in my book. I mentioned the music from the mines of Moria scene. I did listen to the LOTR’s sound track quite a bit in the early phases of my free writing. But I took any music that uplifted or motivated me, from Evanescence’s Fallen CD to the Piano Guys. I think Twilight’s various sound tracks for all of their movies was a major inspiration for me. Evenstar (LOTR) was my inspiration for the final scene before the epilogue in my book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Every hour I jump up and dance to a song in my kitchen. I read somewhere that exercising five minutes per hour can prevent the detrimental effects of sitting. Plus it revs me up, and I enjoy my day more. You’d be surprised how fast an hour flies by when you are elbow deep in a novel.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite childhood author was Lois Duncan. But more recently, The Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi showed me that writing is an art. The way she even used her formatting to evoke the character’s emotion opened my eyes. I was blown away. Brandon Mull is my ultimate favorite author. He speaks to the kid in me.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on Book Two in my half-Emrys Chronicles. The Two Masters is in the revision stages, and I hope to release it in the summer of 2015. The Chronicle picks up after my first book, The Master of Lies, when Ahnalyn’s son, Einion, is about to be crowned king of Terrin.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still learning this. I just stuck my foot in the door. I have been looking into free sites to list my book and filling out author interviews.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get a support group. Join a critique group. Free write without stopping until the book is done. Forget the grammar at first. Just get it down. Find people to critique, beta-read, and proofread. But have fun. And don’t let anyone tell you how to write your book. Take the advice and use what works for you.
And remember, only write the parts people want to read!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The protagonist should have a terrifically hard time getting what she wants. The more obstacles thrown in the way of her progress, the better, but the best obstacles are ones that come from her trying one thing or another that goes terribly wrong, despite her best efforts. The reader wants her to triumph in the end (or else fail miserably if she’s actually evil, and her goals are simply self-serving).

What are you reading now?
Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I complete my Half-Emrys series, I have several spin-offs planned. Lost Emrys. Fallen Emrys. I’m stuck in this world. It’s become my 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 Book of Mormon. The Shatter Me Series. The Fablehaven Series. Okay, I cheated. So that’s more like ten books.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lisa Rector Website
Lisa Rector Amazon Profile

Lisa Rector’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account

Lisa Rector is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Somehow my writing career got sidetracked into journalism and I’ve worked as a reporter and editor at newspapers for about 15 years. The upside is I’ve got wicked discipline for daily writing. The downside is the news grind is a killer for creative work. Despite this detour, as it were, I’ve managed to write a bunch of novels, five or six that are pretty well done and a few others that are definitely only WIP status.
However, I’ve only just now put my debut novel out to the public via Amazon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My fascination with genetic engineering is the biggest factor guiding my book,”True Age”. Science is right on the verge of being able to extend life beyond what we now think of as a normal lifespan. Some geneticists say 150 year life spans are quite possible. Some say life can go on and on, with a little help.
But how will we use all those extra years if we get them — say an extra 100 or 200? That’s what the characters in True Age struggle to figure out.
My being diagnosed, in 2012, with a life-threatening condition, really got me thinking about quality versus quantity of years. And also that I better get off the stick and get my damn books in order while I could.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I live in a little log cabin in the woods, by a lake, in Connecticut. It was built, back in the 1930s, from the trees that were on this lot. That kind of low-tech environment is critical to my being able to think.
But when that’s not feeling quite remote enough, I go to the family camp way the heck up in northern Maine. That’s another log cabin, even more rustic than my primary abode. I like to go there for two or three weeks a year without another soul around, just stars, wind, sky and lake, plus whatever wildlife might come by.
This really clears my head and gets rid of all the noise of civilization.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the story of Grace Metalious and the writing of Peyton Place. Her life was a mess, out of control, alcohol, kids, relationship troubles, a lot of other disasterous stuff. She never cleaned house. All the goodie two-shoes in town were appalled by her daring to write about the underbelly of their fair community. She was shunned. But still she wrote and she became a most unlikely person to experience success.
The success and writing kind of fell apart later, no surprise there, but she had her great moment in the literary sun.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a bunch of titles – right after I take a bit of a rest from True Age.
The priority will likely be, “Jolly Boys”, a middle grade novel about two young amature scientists who find their work leads to more adventure than they’d expected.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ll have to get back to you on that — have a big learning curve ahead.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You have to be brave and find a writing group appropriate to (or understanding of) your level of development. If you can’t find one, start one. It’s a lot easier today with avenues such as Meet-ups. Love your writers’ group, be generous and help everyone you can.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t sweat the small stuff … and it’s all small stuff.

What are you reading now?
Jonathan’s Franzen’s “Freedom.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
Right now I plan to take a breath and recover from getting True Age ready for publication. After that, it’s revisions and editing on my next book. But tomorrow, I could have a different plan.

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?
Dan Simmon’s Terror. A Boy Scout’s Guide to Camping. A notebook. Another notebook.

Author Websites and Profiles
Liv Byron Website

Liv Byron’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Liv Byron is a post from Awesome Gang