Your Awesomegang Authors Newsletter

Published: Sat, 05/30/15

AwesomeGang Authors
Bringing You Weekly Tips From Authors
 
 

Happy Saturday Awesome Authors 

Hope you have found some time to wind down after a hard week of writing, promoting, or editing. Seems like we are always doing one or the other.

I have started to open up for submissions on Bookreadermagazine.com and of course there is a coupon for you. Just enter coupon code kboards at checkout and save $10. 

While you are there fill out an author interview and get yourself some free exposure

Awesome Author Interviews

Awesomegang has an author interview section for authors to help get them more exposure. If you have not filled out the author interview form I strongly suggest you do. Unlike book submissions author interviews are a good long term way to get exposure and build your fan base. 

In these interviews you will discover what other authors are doing to write their books. The also share what they are doing to promote their books. Sit back and enjoy a cup of your favorite beverage and maybe you will learn a few things to help you with marketing your books. If you want to advertise on Awesomegang click here.

Vinny

 

Shari McGriff
 

IMG_0839Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve only published one at this point, but have several in the works.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Stolen Generation is the one I’ve published so far. I don’t know what inspired the story exactly. There is just so much injustice in the world that when I was thinking about all the children throughout history that have been stolen, either physically, spiritually, or emotionally it triggered something inside of me.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes! To write creatively I really need to be outside so I can hear the sounds of nature. I live in Florida, so cold weather isn’t really a factor very often, but the heat and the insects are! So a lot of times, you will find me writing inside of my van, which I have parked in a shady spot in some parking lot near my favorite coffee place. :)

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors like Hemingway, Jane Austen, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Wendy Alec have definitely influenced me. Hemingway has probably influenced me the most stylistically. He was very spare with his descriptions, and I internalized that in my writing at some point as a teenager. Even if I wanted to write a voluminous descriptive passage, I couldn’t do it. So, I abide by his style and the ever present iceberg whenever I can! The other writers mentioned have influenced the symbolic and supernatural elements in a lot of my writing, and I’m forever grateful for that.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I am working on several projects. I’m finishing up two more short books in the Culture Shaper Shorts series that Stolen Generation is a part of. One is Pure Love and the other one’s title is yet to be decided. I’m also about to start revising my book “Heart of Green,” which is a supernatural thriller set in Green Cove Springs Florida! And by far, it was the most fun to write. I can’t wait for people to see that one!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t think I’ve really hit my stride in promoting my books. But I am trying to connect more on my facebook page and really get to know my readers, so I can offer them lots of fun content and free goodies!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you have in your heart, and don’t self-edit. Editing needs to wait until the story is finished. Then join a critique group of some kind. I’m a member of Word Weavers International. Then send it to an editor, if you can, before you try to submit it to publishers or self-publish.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To ask yourself this everyday: “Have you created Art today?” by Joanna Penn.

If the answer is no, get your butt in the chair and write something!

What are you reading now?
I just finished “The Ingredients of Love” by Nicolas Barreau and “Aerendgast: The Lost History of Jane Austen” by Rachel Berman, which were absolutely riveting ! And I’m also listening to two great books right now: “The Daughter of Highland Hall” by Carrie Turansky and “The Mystery of Shemitah” by Jonathan Cahn.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I need to keep revising what I have so far, and continue writing the second book in the Heart of Green 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?
I would definitely bring the Bible, and probably “The Hobbit” and the “Chronicles of Narnia,” and maybe “Mansfield Park,” and “The Fall of Lucifer.” But I would also need some blank notebooks and pencils with me!

Author Websites and Profiles
Shari McGriff Website
Shari McGriff Amazon Profile

Shari McGriff’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Shari McGriff is a post from Awesome Gang


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Bronwyn Kienapple
 

bronwyn_sm_lgTell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Canadian writer who lives in Mexico City. A former publishing professional, I quit my job to travel the world and write full time. I started by ghostwriting romantic fiction and recently released the first two books in my Disappeared series (under my own name).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Imperfect and Broken are the first two books in my Disappeared series, a historical romance with a fantasy twist. Think Jane Austen meets Narnia! I was inspired by my love of regency-period movies and books plus childhood favorites such as The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Secret Garden, A Girl of the Limberlost, and The Phantom Tollbooth. I’ve always been obsessed with the idea of travelling to a different world. So this series is my way to explore that, but with some fun regency-period stuff thrown into the mix.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I will try just about anything to stay away from the Internet when writing. I will go to a cafe that doesn’t have wi-fi or I’ll disable my AirPort, turn off my smartphone, and put it in another room. Then I set a timer and force myself to write and stay offline for the entire period of time the timer’s running. Sometimes this works brilliantly and sometimes it is a complete failure that ends in a desperate social media binge. Depends on my mood. :)

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. I read it as a teen and it’s stayed a favorite ever since. The combination of romance, a strong female heroine, time travel, and lots of adventure had a strong impression on me. I also love L.M. Montgomery’s Anne series (I guess that makes me a good Canadian). I loved that Anne had a mind of her own and I really enjoy novels that are set in rural setting/small towns, since I grew up in a village of fifty people!

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the third book in the Disappeared series, Anew! There might be a fourth book. If not, I have an idea for a new series that’s also a historical romance and fantasy mash-up.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I reach out to existing friends and networks. I’m an avid Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads reader and I try to promote as often I can on all those networks while mixing the hard sell with personal anecdotes and other book recommendations.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Set aside writing time at least six days a week and put something on the page every one of those days. Eventually those small efforts will build into a finished book (or novella, or short story, or what have you). And read all the books about self-publishing and/or writing that you can get your hands on.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Ass in the chair.” — Nora Roberts. I try not to see writing as a precious activity. I don’t wait for the muse. I sit down and write no matter how I’m feeling. Sometimes I’m super happy with the result, sometimes I want to curl up and die. But no matter what, the work gets done.

What are you reading now?
I just finished The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. It was published in 1860 and is considered one of the first suspense novels. Collins was mentored by Charles Dickens, another of my favorite authors. The Woman in White is meticulously plotted. A real page turner! It was a big book but I finished it in under a week and I already miss reading it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to write a cozy mystery series under a pen name. The books will be short and there will be a lot of them! I want to experiment in a new genre, have an extra income source, and have some fun in the meantime!

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 cry if I could only bring 3-4 book. :( I suppose I would bring an eReader with a solar power charger that was filled to the brim with books. Otherwise, I think I would bring The Woman in White, The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert, and Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.

Author Websites and Profiles
Bronwyn Kienapple Website
Bronwyn Kienapple Amazon Profile

Bronwyn Kienapple’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Bronwyn Kienapple is a post from Awesome Gang


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TL Clark
 

nov1aTell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a British self-published author of sexy romance novels.

I currently have four books out, and am slowly working on a fifth.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is Rekindled Love.

I think it’s just inspired by life in general really. I started out trying to write about middle aged love (so many romances feature young people). But as I started to write I spent longer than planned on the first love.

So, Rekindled Love ended up being a life story of a lady called Sophie. We start with her first love, and journey along through births, deaths and marriage with her.

A real rollercoaster of emotions, and a touching love story!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I use a lot of British slang. And I use the word ‘yep’ quite often.

Apart from that? I don’t know really. I just write.

It’s not like I do so whilst performing headstands or anything ;-P

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The book which most influenced my life was ‘Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway”.

It really taught me ‘whatever happens you can handle it’.

It even gave me courage to self-publish.

Other than that; Fifty Shades. Sorry!

it’s just when I read that I was really surprised at how bad it was. A rather arrogant inner voice rang in my head, “surely even I can write better than that!”, so I tried. I’m rather proud that someone has told me Dark Love (my BDSM romance novel) made EL James look like Enid Blyton!

What are you working on now?
A very tricky novel actually.

I’m writing about a girl who was sexually abused, and even a homosexual boy too.

But I’m writing to show how you can triumph trough adversity.

But it is a very sensitive subject and I’m trying to be very careful to get the balance right.

It is still a romance novel; just with a very troubled pair of people featured within it.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads adverts seem to have helped me.

And I love interacting on Facebook.

But I think it differs from author to author. We all have to find whichever method/site suits us best.

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

No, I’m kidding. Sorry – have I warned you of my warped sense of humour?

Best advice; write because you love it. It’s great if you can make money from it, but really don’t expect it.

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

That, or never eat yellow snow. ;-P

Oh; my favourite… don’t put your umbrella up until it rains.

(stop worrying about something that’s not happened yet)

What are you reading now?
Goodnight and Thanks for the Vodka! By Harpie.

A rather depressing diary tome, but entertaining nonetheless.

It’s written by a fellow indie; I do try to support others by reading and reviewing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Best seller?? ;-P

Who knows!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1) Jane Eyre – don’t know why; I think I know it off by heart.

2) How to Survive (type book) – I have no survival skills, so a whole book of them would be good

3) Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – maybe it could help attract a passing Vogon ship??

4) Something very large so I could use it for shade etc. too ;-P

Author Websites and Profiles
TL Clark Website
TL Clark Amazon Profile

TL Clark’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

TL Clark is a post from Awesome Gang


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K.L. Kreig
 

headshotTell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Most authors will tell you that writing is all they’ve ever wanted to do. I guess I’m one of the few that don’t fit in that bucket. Writing a book was never on my bucket list until three years ago. On my list was: Climb the Corporate ladder. Check. Go to Europe. Check. Complete a half marathon. Check. Eat chocolate daily. Double check. Isn’t this on everyone’s bucket list? Catch up on two seasons of Games of Thrones in one day. Painful, but check. And finally, devouring romance books at an alarming pace like the unashamed book addict I am…Over a thousand checks!

Living in Nebraska with my soul-mate hubby, I pen my magic world at night, while paying the bills with an actual paying job in the corporate world during the day. Writing is just an all-consuming passion for now, but boy, if I could dream…

My other loves include my simply amazing, incredible and talented children, a steamy novel, great friends and family, and a warm ocean breeze gliding over my sun drenched skin with a cocktail in hand.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In Regent Vampire Lords, Reawakening, ($2.99 K.L. Kreig Publishing, May 2015) author K.L. Kreig weaves a tale of romance, thrills and romance.

Book three highlights Romaric Dietrich, Regent Vampire Lord of the West and his pursuit of his one true love, Sarah Hill

o Regent Vampire Lord, Devon and his moira, Kate continue their story.

o Regent Vampire Lord, Damian and his moira, Analise continue their story.

o Other romantic storylines are developed in anticipation of their own novels.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Gosh..SO many authors. I’m a romance whore…I devour romance books at a rate of 1-2 per week even when I’m writing. If you follow me on Goodreads at all, you’ll see how many books I read. I’ve read that some authors who are writing don’t read or they don’t read in their genre, but I do. I think excellence breeds excellence, so if you read a talented author, they can help inspire you in different ways.

So if you want names, it would most definitely be the most notable PNR authors: J.R. Ward, Larissa Ione and Lara Adrian, but there are so many others I could also name.

I’ve also been very much into contemporary and dark romance books lately and one of my all-time favorite authors has to be Pepper Winters, hands down. That woman is brilliant with a pen (computer, whatever). I’ll buy any book of hers without even reading the description. To me, she is that good. Her subject matter is somewhat dark, but she has an incredible talent for drawing you into the story and making you feel like you’re actually living it alongside her characters.

But when we get lost in our books, that’s what we’re looking for, aren’t we?

A good author entertains you, but a brilliant author draws you in so thoroughly you don’t want to read those last few pages because you don’t want the story to come to an end.

Ultimately that’s my goal.

What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on a new series entitled the Colloway Brothers. It is a series detailing the romance and angst of the brothers. Book one is Forsaking Gray and is set to release at the end of the summer.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promote daily and often.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t listen to critics.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t listen to critics.

Author Websites and Profiles
K.L. Kreig Website
K.L. Kreig Amazon Profile

K.L. Kreig’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

K.L. Kreig is a post from Awesome Gang


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Amy Lynch
 

Amy-in-gardenTell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Amy Lynch is an author of women’s commercial fiction and writing is her passion. She loves to write humorous romantic fiction, but not always with fairy tale endings! She has published fiction in magazines, and has worked in the charity sector for twelve years. She is married with two young children. When she is not writing, Amy can be found juggling school lunches and two Shetland pony-sized rescue dogs. Now, how’s that for multi-tasking? Amy is the author of two novels, Bride Without A Groom and Does My Bump Look Big In This? Her third novel is in progress. www.amylynchauthor.com Twitter: @amylynchauthor

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Bride Without a Groom is my debut novel – it’s a bridezilla comedy set here in Dublin, Ireland. I am often asked what inspired me. Confession time! I may have been a mini bridezilla myself back in the day. I didn’t take it as far as my main character Rebecca, who has the wedding dress and invites ready before the proposal!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m juggling a part-time job, two young children, a hubby, two rescue dogs and a massive laundry pile. I write whenever I can snatch the time – even if I’m on a laptop in a busy play café!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I adore Jojo Moyes, Sophie Kinsells and Claudia Carroll – light and fun.

What are you working on now?
I am editing the next book in the series, ‘Does My Bump Look Big In this?’, where we see Rebecca coming to terms with becoming a mother. There will be a third book in the series also.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am constantly on Twitter @AmyLynchauthor and Facebook www.facebook.com/AmyLynchauhtor

Do you have any advice for new authors?
you can see my TOP 10 TIPS for bagging a book deal on www.amylynchauthor.com
I have lots of advice for aspiring authors.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep knocking on doors until someone answers – in other words, persist until you are published. Determination gets results!

What are you reading now?
the Island Escape by fellow Harper Collins author Kerry Fisher

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m hoping that the next step for me as a writer will be to make writing my full-time job. I’d love to be able to drop the children to school, go home and write. One day!

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?
Matilda, roald Dahl – for old time’s sake!
Confessions of a shopaholic, Sophie Kinsella – for fun!
Me Before You, Jojo Moyes – for a good cry!

Author Websites and Profiles
Amy Lynch Website
Amy Lynch Amazon Profile

Amy Lynch’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Amy Lynch is a post from Awesome Gang


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Lily Luchesi
 

10435133_806069882771931_3156964187056233971_nTell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a new author who writes primarily paranormal/horror stories and poetry. I have planned on being an author since I was eight years old and recently have had my first novel, Stake-Out (Paranormal Detectives Book One) published by Vamptasy Publishing.

Previously, I have had a poem published in the anthology “The Struggle” and a short story in the anthology “Wishful Thinking”, both published by Fireside Press.

On June 13th, I will also have a short story published in the anthology “Love Sucks”, published by Crushing Hearts And Black Butterfly Publishing (parent company of Vamptasy).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “Stake-Out” and is the first book in the “Paranormal Detectives Series”. Below I’ll paste the official synopsis, but I decided to write it almost on a whim. I was watching a crime show on TV and wondered, what would happen if a cop found out his perp was actually a vampire? I am a vampire lover and always have been, so the thought really isn’t as unusual as it sounds!

I wrote the first draft in less than three months, and recently have seen some wonderful feedback.

In a city overrun with the undead, an ex-cop is given a chance to get revenge…

Danny Mancini is on a case, following a murder suspect. When he catches him, he finds out that the perp isn’t even human: he’s a 200 year old rogue vampire!

The department doesn’t believe him, and puts him on early retirement, despite his many years of service to the Chicago Police Department, which sends him into a downward spiral.

Two years later, Danny gets an invitation from the beautiful, young and very attractive Detective Angelica Cross to join a secret branch of the FBI to help her track down Vincent, the wayward vamp.

But renegade werewolves, meddling immortal witches and Danny’s strange visions of a life lived a century ago with Angelica make things more difficult than it should be.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t outline my stories. I never write anything down so I can remember it later. If it wasn’t good enough to be remembered, it wasn’t good enough to go into the story. I also only write late at night; I don’t feel very creative in the daytime.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been an avid reader all my life. My biggest influences are Charlotte Bronte, Edgar Allan Poe, J.R.R. Tolkien and, my absolute favorite, Stephen King.

Each author has taught me something different and I would not be the writer I am today without their influence in my life.

What are you working on now?
Right now I have a few short horror stories in the works, as well as the sequel to “Stake-Out”. I can’t say much about it right now, but know that it features (aside from vampires) immortal witches, cursed werewolves and possibly demons…

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a wonderful team behind me at CHBB/Vamptasy. Not only do they regularly promote me on Facebook and Twitter, I also have friends and family who pass my books along by word of mouth online.

I’ve experienced good things with Facebook groups, Twitter and contacting bloggers to feature “Stake-Out”. But consistency is key. It takes a lot of time to hit the 100+ groups on Facebook, Goodreads and keep tweeting, but the results are worth it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never. Give. Up. No matter how many rejection letters you get, or how hopeless you feel, or who says writing isn’t a real job. Keep going. Make your dreams come true.

Also, never, EVER write a book for someone else. First, write a story YOU want to read, and then market it to publishers who will accept your ideas as they are without major changes.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Well, it wasn’t said to me personally, but it was “the road to Hell is paved with adverbs”, said by Stephen King.

What are you reading now?
I read a lot at once! “Sunburn”, by Darren Dash. “Dead And Disorderly” by Alexis D. Craig. “Descendant” by LJ Amodeo. “Starblood” by Carmilla Voiez. By the time this goes live, I’ll also be reading “Finders Keepers” by Stephen King.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I can’t predict what will happen with my career. All I can hope is that I keep releasing books that people enjoy reading. I’d like to increase my fanbase, not for the money or fame, but to know that there are people out there enjoying my work like I enjoy the aforementioned authors’ work.

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?
“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte. “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien. “Complete Tales And Poems” of Edgar Allan Poe. “The Stand Uncut Edition” by Stephen King.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lily Luchesi Website
Lily Luchesi Amazon Profile

Lily Luchesi’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Lily Luchesi is a post from Awesome Gang


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Sara Brookes
 

meTell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Sara Brookes, and I’ve been writing professionally in various subgenres of romance (urban fantasy, sci-fi/fantasy & contemporary) since 2009. Since then, I’ve had 22 books released through various publishers. My 23rd book, and my first full foray into self publishing (previously I’ve only re-released books I’ve gotten rights back to), will release on June 9, 2015. I love writing strange, unusual, twisted and lost characters and am looking forward to doing just that for years to come!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Get Off Easy, a contemporary BDSM erotic romance, is the first book in the Noble House series and will release on June 9, 2015. In between fulfilling any contract obligations I had, I wanted to write something combining two things I’ve enjoyed sharing with my readers – geek and kink!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I still write a great deal of my work by hand.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The very first romance I read when I was around thirteen years old, was a Sandra Brown contemporary. Nora Roberts and Diana Gabaldon followed shortly as keepers on my bookshelves. Right alongside Stephen King, Timothy Zahn, Barbara Hambly and Piers Anthony. And odd mix to be sure, but my taste in books is extremely varied.

What are you working on now?
I’m always working on a few things at once. I’m in the process of putting together rough outlines for the second Noble House book, Bang It Out, and the third book in my Sinners & Saints series with Loose Id.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I get asked this one a lot and my answer is always the same: Write another book. Then do it again. And again. The best – and cheapest (free!) – advertising you can do for you, your author brand and your books is release another book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
This ties into my answer above, but take the time to develop your backlist because it is the thing that is going to generate your income. But don’t just spit out books for the sake of developing a backlist. You have to put out a quality product and continue to do so — you owe it to yourself, and your readers to be at your best with every single book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Stop whining and write. Stop fucking around and write. Stop making excuses and write.” ~~ Nora Roberts

What are you reading now?
Hammered by Kevin Hearne.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have no idea – and that’s a wonderful thing! I’m open to the possibility of so much, so I will just keep steadily working along and see where my path takes me.

Author Websites and Profiles
Sara Brookes Website
Sara Brookes Amazon Profile

Sara Brookes’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Sara Brookes is a post from Awesome Gang


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Angus Kennedy
 

002-gooTell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have three pen names:

Angus Kennedy for Action Adventure fiction like A TRILLION DOLLAR MAN, which is already up on Awesomegang. This is a series: The Trillion Dollar Man Series. The next book, Angel’s Gate will be out soon—keep your eyes peeled. The web site is atrilliondollarman.com and the non-profit is thetrilliondollarmanfoundation.org The Trillion Dollar Man and his partner—a Shaolin Priestess—are Robin Hood and Maid Marion for the 21st Century.

Terry Kennedy for Non-fiction – am published in New York with McGraw-Hill with books about construction. Some are out of print because I wanted to self publish. Some, like Fix it Before it Breaks are coming back up on Amazon both a Kindle and a Paperback as SAVE YOUR HOME EQUITY. It’s a terrific book for the busy homeowner with maintenance checklists so others can do the work—you CAN do it yourself—on a regular basis and keep you from loosing tons of equity from the slow destruction of your home by the elements and bugs like termites.

T.D. Kennedy for Literary Fiction – Some test runs for formatting are already published in Kindle. The stories from Love, Sex & Romance in Venice Beach will soon be published as a book by that same name. The book, Love, Sex & Romance in Venice Beach will also be on Amazon as a paperback.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Trillion Dollar Man — I wanted to be able to spread the word about the poaching of large mammals to people who might not read about it if it was a non-fiction book.

Most people are aware of the poachers killing of the big pachyderms in Africa for the ivory trade. This is truly gruesome: can you imagine telling your grand children: “. . . well yes, Billy and Betty Jo, we used to have these big animals called Elephant that lived out in the forests. Yes, they are all dead out there in the woods, but there are a few in the zoos . . .” What a disgusting thing to have to tell future generations.

So I wrote a red hot action book as a call to people who don’t even know that the same men who run the ivory trade slaughter bears right here in the U.S. and sell their gall bladders in Asia.

My hope is that people will get worked up, whether they like me or the book or not, that they will be angry and move into action against the money men that pay the actual people on the ground who perform the slaughter. Bears, tigers, rhinos, elephants, polar bears, they are all going to be gone in the wild in a blink of an eye—what a sad thing to tell the generations to come.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love to work in cafes like writers and artists and bankers and so forth do in Europe.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Louise Erdrich, William Faulkner, James Joyce, Charles Bukowski, Blaise Cendrars and on and on and on.

What are you working on now?
The next book for The Trillion Dollar Man Series—Angels Gate—is written and in the editing process. Jay Garon, the remarkable agent who discovered John Grisham loved Angels Gate, and it establishes The Trillion Dollar Man and his partner, a black sheep New England heiress and Shaolin Priestess as Maid Marion and Robin Hood for the 21st Century.

The bad guys are dumping toxic soil into the Pacific just off Huntington Beach, and the third story, On the Wings of a Dove will be out in 2015—Billy Clayton and Jenny Warren are the protagonists and the kick butt on a global ring who are selling children into slavery.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t know yet, because I’m a newbie.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You’ll know if you are actually a writer because your stories will be talking to you all the time; you will HAVE TO WRITE. You will feel driven, so go with your calling—it will make you feel wonderful.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Learn to remember what you sat out to do—it’s the hardest thing for a human to get a grip on.

What are you reading now?
Journey to the End of Night

What’s next for you as a writer?
A Dreamwork Sonata and a slew of stories and other novels that are written or in development.

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?
Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich, Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey, The Fire in the Hearth by William Faulkner–it’s a story

Author Websites and Profiles
Angus Kennedy Website
Angus Kennedy Amazon Profile

Angus Kennedy’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Angus Kennedy is a post from Awesome Gang


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John Walters
 

JohnW_FinalTell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a graduate of Clarion West science fiction writing workshop and member of Science Fiction Writers of America. I write in many genres: mainstream, thrillers, science fiction, fantasies, and memoirs. I have published sixteen books and have another all but ready to publish. I have also published over fifty short stories, some self-published and some published in traditional magazines and anthologies. I’m what some people refer to as a hybrid writer – I like to explore all possible avenues of publishing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is “The Fantasy Book Murders.” It’s about a pair of unlikely investigators who uncover evidence suggesting a serial killer after a famous fantasy writer is murdered in his castle-like mansion. I had never written a murder mystery and wanted to give it a go, and a very unusual, very dark story came to me.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, nothing unusual. I simply keep at it day after day, week after week, month after month. To paraphrase Jack London, I don’t wait for inspiration, I go after it with a club. I try to get a certain amount of writing done each day. Since my day job is also writing nonfiction articles, I spend a lot of time writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The short story that changed my life and convinced me I had to be a writer was “I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream” by Harlan Ellison. Among my favorite science fiction writers are James Tiptree Jr. and Cordwainer Smith. Influential mainstream writers were Jack London, Jack Kerouac, and Henry Miller.

What are you working on now?
I just finished another novel, a dark fantasy novel that I am readying for publication. After that’s done, I plan to work on several short stories before doing another longer work.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I believe the best promotional method a writer can adopt is to write the next book. Keep working. Be prolific within the bounds of your time and abilities.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find your voice. Don’t be imitative. Get out and find out who you are and write from your experience and the core of your spirit. By that I don’t mean that you have to write realistically. I mean write books that only you can write, the books that you wish that you could discover as a reader but can never find.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Since the writer’s life is fraught with rejection and disappointment, the best advice I ever heard is an uncredited quote that says, “Never despair, but if you do, fight on in spite of despair.”

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading a thriller by Barry Eisler. It’s a very good read. I tend to alternate between fiction and nonfiction and between light and heavy reading. I post reviews of most of the books I read on my website because reading is such an important part of my life.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep writing. Always.

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 Lord of the Rings,” “Walden” by Thoreau, some sort of detailed survival guide.

Author Websites and Profiles
John Walters Website
John Walters Amazon Profile
John Walters Author Profile on Smashwords

John Walters is a post from Awesome Gang


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Dusty Grein
 

profile-2Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a father of five, and grandpa to 7. I have been writing most of my life, and started a blog in 2012. I just recently decided to unleash the story machine in my head, and I am only sorry that I didn’t decide to do it sooner. My first novel has been well received, and the books of poetry I have co-written and published with two of my grown children are starting to take off.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is titled THE SLEEPING GIANT, and it was inspired by a dream I had as a teenager. I grew up in the shadow of Mount Rainier, and as kids, we always joked about the “volcano” on the horizon. When Mt. St. Helens erupted in 1980, the threat of our ‘sleeping giant’ became very real, and I had a dream about it erupting. This idea sat in my brain and germinated for many, many years. When the time came to write it, the whole thing flew out my brain onto paper in 12 days of white hot writing fever.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really … other than I tend to get lost in my story as I write, which I think most good authors do. I do have a habit of becoming very emotionally invested in my character’s lives. More than once, I have found myself crying or laughing as I write down the scenes that are unfolding on my mental stage. My 14 year-old daughter tells me that I am strange, but I’ve seen her smile as she shakes her head and walks away from my tear-lined face, and I think she secretly loves that her dad is so “gushy”.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I learned to read and 4 and have not stopped in the 47 years since then. From Dr. Seuss to Dickens, and from Roald Dahl to Dean Koontz, I have devoured it all. The Horror/Thriller genre is where my heart lies, and I must say that Stephen King has probably been the most influential author in my writing life. His book, On Writing, was instrumental in making me stretch my imagination’s legs, and move from the occasional blog post to the novel form that I have always wanted to write. The other authors that have impacted my “style” of writing if you will, are J.A. Jance (her Beaumont series is still one of my favorites) and Piers Anthony (who I thank for letting me escape to Xanth whenever I needed a mental vacation).

What are you working on now?
I am currently deep in an epic tale of fantasy, which I am co-authoring with my oldest daughter. It is both exhilarating and a bit intimidating in it’s scope. Thankfully its female protagonist is not what we usually find in the typical fantasy story, and she is giving the story the catalyst that it needed to write itself, while we watch and take notes. It is threatening to become very long indeed, and may have to be broken into multiple volumes, to keep it from being too heavy to carry around.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still learning what works best. I have been actively promoting where I can amongst the “free” options, since I am still not making the kind of money writing that would allow me to really promote it the way it deserves. I know that in the world of indie publishing, there are so many authors writing so many books, that to sell them in a steady way, even in low numbers, is not an easy task, and my latest book is slowly but steadily still being purchased and enjoyed. I am using the new Amazon Author’s page and a free Wix website, along with Twitter and Facebook, to share my messages, and so far this small base has been working, albeit a little slowly. I am also going to be pursuing video presentations to build my fan base, and have started making strides in that direction now.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advice I can offer anyone who has a message they want to share via the written pages of a book, is to read more. All too often, I see authors who have not mastered the basics of language and style, nor the proper use of the tools of the trade (spelling, grammar and punctuation). They have these beautiful stories inside them, but they fail to transfer these ideas into other’s minds because of their inability to write cleanly and speak clearly. In the end, the creation of a novel is truly a work of telepathy, and it is one that transcends time and space. Just today William Shakespeare, dead for many years, successfully shared his vision of two young lovers in a tragic death’s embrace with my daughter. That is the power of writing, and a good author can become immortal through this gift of painting word pictures.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It is something that I read in a book called On Writing, by one of the most prolific authors of all time, Stephen King. He emphasizes tossing out the biggest portion of adverbs in your descriptions, and keeping the focus on the story. In the end, it is the story, and not the flowery text, that matters to the reader. That and keeping your “toolbox” full and all of the tools in it sharp and oiled.

What are you reading now?
I have three books going right now. I usually have at least three or more that I ma actively involved in. On my phone, I am deep into THE LONG WALK, by Stephen King (as Richard Bachman), and on my computer, I am reading SWAN SONG by Robert McCammon. I have the audiobook version of Dean Koontz’s ODD THOMAS in the car, and a copy of my own novel THE SLEEPING GIANT next to my bed, where I am currently studying my characters motivations and relationships, as the sequel is still brewing somewhere in my brain. And at the same time, I am spending a minimum of 3 hours a day writing down the scenes that are exploding onto paper in the new novel. (My daughter once asked me how I could be reading so many stories at once. I answered her with a question, and simply asked her how many television series she was currently watching in a week … she walked away with a better understanding of her dad than she had before asking.)

What’s next for you as a writer?
This current project is epic in it’s scope and will keep me occupied for a while, but once it is done, I have three more novels that are still gestating, and we’ll see which one begins the process of labor and delivery from my subconscious once this one is in the book, as it were. I am also working hard on learning how to use video to promote my stories, and hope to obtain some help in the marketing arena.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
That is probably the hardest question ever … I would say that I would have to bring, both THE STAND (Stephen King) and SWAN SONG (Robert McCammon) simply for their size and the ability to take me away for long periods of time, the largest short story collection I could grab (partial to those edited by DelRay) and just to keep myself humbled, I would take along the complete works of Shakespeare (you didn’t say it had to be a small book). In the end, I think that limited number of books would be harder for me to deal with than the isolation of being alone. That probably says something profound about me, but I have no idea if it’s a good thing, or a bad one.

Author Websites and Profiles
Dusty Grein Website
Dusty Grein Amazon Profile
Dusty Grein Author Profile on Smashwords

Dusty Grein’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Dusty Grein is a post from Awesome Gang


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Ricky Baxter
 

Author-profTell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a self-published author who loves to write fiction, based on real world issues and topics. So far, I have written three books and will continue to write many more!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is called: Mother Gaia. It was inspired by my frustration of how we as humans treat our planet. I wanted to create a story, told from the perspective of a Goddess, and what this being would think of our actions. It’s quite a challenging story for the reader, for it throws questions regarding faith, morals and power.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to only be able to write a night. I have no idea why this happens – however try as I might, I just can’t seem to think of a new world during the day. Perhaps I am some sort of vampire?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Yuya Aoki, the creator of a great trilogy called: Psycho Busters.
Hiroshi Sakurazaka , the writer of: All you need is Kill. The book went on to be made into a USA film called Edge of Tomorrow.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a series of Novellas – each portraying a strong element of ones humanity.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wouldn’t say there’s one website for this – however I would say that constantly finding new bloggers to promote my work has been quite effective (book spotlight, reviews etc…)

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes – There isn’t a one shoe fits all solution. Just be brave and do as much as you can!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“It’s not a race – it’s a marathon!” :-)

What are you reading now?
Finally nothing. If I keep reading, I’ll get nothing done – so I’ll use this time to work on my current projects.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Attend more speaking events and be seen – not heard.

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?
Psycho Busters
All you need is Kill
A girl called Cyclops

Author Websites and Profiles
Ricky Baxter Website
Ricky Baxter Amazon Profile

Ricky Baxter’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Ricky Baxter is a post from Awesome Gang


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Heather Hamel
 

choice-1Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Heather Hamel is an author, horse trainer, and teacher. While working her way through college to be a teacher, she discovered a passion for storytelling, and became a ghost tour guide in the historic and haunted town of St. Augustine, Florida.

After teaching for a few years, she felt something was missing from her life. That something was a horse. Growing up with horses made Heather feel confident she was up for the challenge that a wild mustang named Kobi would bring. She learned quickly that when you own horses you become a part-time vet, part-time nutritionist, and full-time equestrian.

As Heather continued to teach people and horses, she could not shake her love of storytelling. Today, she herds words, horses, students, and still finds time to tutor students with dyslexia.

Heather has written numerous on-line horse articles, and two middle grade novels. Murder of Crows focuses on her love of history, ghosts, and storytelling, while Kobi: Memoirs of a Mustang is all about her beloved horse, and his trials with trying to understand humans.

Her latest project is a four book cryptozoology series: Within Emerald Forests (3/10/15), Under Sapphire Skies (6/11/15), Beneath Diamond Waters (11/15), and Across Ruby Fields (1/16) which chronicle four children as they are trapped in their aunt and uncle’s cryptozoological vortex.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The last published book, Within Emerald Forests, is the first book of a four book cryptozoological series. It was inspired by my nieces and nephew when they come to visit for the summer. They live in Asheville, NC and coming to the swamps of Florida is typically an eye-opening experience for them.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wake up at 5:00 AM and write until 6:30 every morning before I go to work teaching at an elementary school. It’s not that unusual, but it sure is early!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been inspired by the book series Sisters Grimm as well as author, Ransom Riggs, for my middle grade stories. Other great books are Eat, Pray, Love; Water for Elephants, and The Thirteenth Tale for adult books.

What are you working on now?
What am I not working on? I’m currently editing a novella: Sugar – to follow up with Kobi’s novel, as well as revising the sequel to Murder of Crows and my first adult novel – a historical romance.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
e-mail and facebook Call to Actions

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep your butt in the chair & no one can ever tell your story – you have to do it!

What are you reading now?
Writers Journey by Christopher Vogler

What’s next for you as a writer?
My two year plan involves finishing the current projects of sequels, writing another one in the Murder of Crows series, two more adult novels (all tying together with the characters), as well as several shorts about therapy horses.

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?
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Kobi by Heather Hamel

Author Websites and Profiles
Heather Hamel Website
Heather Hamel Amazon Profile

Heather Hamel’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Heather Hamel is a post from Awesome Gang


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Jo Robertson
 

Robertson-photoTell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Jo Robertson, a former high school English teacher, lives in northern California, near the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills. She enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and discussing the latest in books, movies, and television shows.

Her first completed manuscript, “The Watcher,” won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award for romantic suspense in 2006. The second book in the loosely-connected trilogy is “The Avenger,” which won the 2007 Daphne du Maurier Overall Award for Excellence. “The Traitor” is the third book in the series.

She recently released her first young adult novel, “Storm of Crimson.”

She’s also written two historical romantic thrillers (“Frail Blood” and “Weak Flesh,” both inspired by real murder cases) and recently released “The Perfect Gift” and “The Hitman Series.”

Jo’s romantic and historical thrillers straddle the line between mainstream thriller-suspense and romance. She feels that a strong relationship in a book makes the danger more intense. Readers have commented that they especially enjoy her complex, three-dimensional villains.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, “Without Malice” is the first in a romantic thriller-suspense series following the story of Santiago Cruz, a county parole officer, and prison doctor Frankie Jones. When Cruz discovers that homeless parolees in his county are being brutally murdered, he enlists Frankie’s help in solving the murders. But Frankie has past secrets connected to the cases and neither knows whom among the police and prison authorities they can trust.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I enjoy writing with lots of background or “white” noise, which is fortunate because I have seven children and seventeen grandchildren!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My first romantic novel was “Gone With the Wind,” which appealed to my love for romance stories set in broad and exciting stories.

Writers of mainstream mystery-suspense are among my favorites: Lee Child, Robert Parker, J.D. Robb, and C.S. Harris.

What are you working on now?
Recovering from knee replacement surgery, I’m taking a short break from writing the second in the WITHOUT SERIES, “Without Fear,” which continues the story of Santiago Cruz and Frankie Jones.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Follow me on Facebook or Twitter for announcement regarding my latest writings.

My website http://www.jorobertson.com gives details about all my books.

You can also find me on the Romance Bandits website: http://www.romancebandits.com.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Persistent and daily writing. Once you break the rhythm of your writing schedule, getting back into the groove is very hard.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing is both an art and a craft. You can perfect your craft by persistence and hard work. You can improve your art by reading and analyzing what well-respected writers do in their works.

What are you reading now?
Always, always Diana Gabaldon and George R.R. Martin, who do not write fast enough for me!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just trying to recover from this damned knee replacement surgery. No one warned me how difficult recovery would be. Afterward, I hope to complete the next two books in the WITHOUT series as quickly as possible, along with another Christmas novella in the vein of my “The Perfect Gift.”

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 complete works of William Shakespeare. He covers all the great themes of human existence.

3r2

Author Websites and Profiles
Jo Robertson Website
Jo Robertson Amazon Profile

Jo Robertson’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Jo Robertson is a post from Awesome Gang


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Devon Loos
 

devonTell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I turned eighteen a couple months ago and graduated high school last week. Writing has always been a passion. I began constructing characters for the Cartlidge series in forth grade. At sixteen, I set a goal to be published before graduating high school. With goal behind me, I plan to continue working on the remaining two books while I pursue a degree in English.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Cartlidge: Rise of the Imperfect Flame

I’ve always been a fan of science fiction so there are many different inspirations for the story, but the main source was a simple drawing of the main character I made with a friend back in fourth grade.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I cannot bring myself to describe a design, scene, or character without drawing it first. I’ve drawn hundreds of designs over the years, many of which I still have.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are many. From the Hunger Games to the Inheritance Cycle, I’ve bought and read dozens of books to help me improve my own literary and grammatical skills.

What are you working on now?
The second of three books in the Cartlidge Trilogy.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
One particularly helpful method is through bookmarks. They’re relatively cheap, easy to carry, and are convenient gifts for potential readers. Also, if someone is interested in the book, an author can give them a bookmark with information on where to find the book so that the reader is twice as likely to actually seek the book out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’ll give them the same advice a veteran writer gave to me. Don’t get discouraged, don’t ever quit, Keep writing and keep working.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing is a passion, marketing is a job.

What are you reading now?
The final book of the Hunger Games series. I refuse to watch the movies until I finish it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m currently working on Cartlidge- The Warlord’s Tomb. In the fall, I begin classes at Northern Kentucky University. I plan to major in English and possibly minor in business or marketing.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Inheritance Cycle. They’re thicker than the average novel and I’ve been wanting to reread the series.

Author Websites and Profiles
Devon Loos Website
Devon Loos Amazon Profile
Devon Loos Author Profile on Smashwords

Devon Loos’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Devon Loos is a post from Awesome Gang


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Kristyn Eudes
 

Kristyn-authorTell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was raised in a small town in Alabama, where I recently married my best friend and the love of my life. Together, we are raising our combined large family along with our newly adopted Tuxedo kitty, Fluffy.

When I’m not working on writing the next book in The Fated Keepers series, I obsess over The Vampire Diaries, enjoy reading books by my favorite authors (Jude Deveraux & PC Cast) and brainstorming for my next writing project.

I loves all kinds of music and art, believing that creativity opens the soul. My favorite hobbies are horseback riding and volleyball and I absolutely adore baseball (Go Red Sox) !!!

I have currently completed two novels, both part of The Fated Keepers Series, A young adult Paranormal Romance. My third and forth books are both in the works right now.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Mark of Truth is the most recent book I have started. I am seriously in love with this story so far. I don’t know what inspired it really. It was a random thought that sparked a conversation with my husband about whether we really were alone in this world. Do supernatural creatures really exist? How do we KNOW? I’ve never been to Scotland, but I believe it exist. I read about it, people have been there and tell stories of it. Right? Whats the difference?

Maybe a magical Fae is whispering her story into my dreams at night while I sleep and that is how these ideas, or stories develop… I honestly don’t know.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to sit wherever I am with a pillow under my knees and the laptop in my lap. Sometimes I’ll have music playing and then other times I wont. Depends on my mood and how many kids are here.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
PC Cast was definitely an influence on me. I love her writing style and the humor in her work. I honestly love so many books… so many. I cant even begin to name them.

What are you working on now?
I am working on Mark of Truth which is a Paranormal Romance/ Erotic novel about Fae and Witches as well as Fated Illusions, the third book in my Fated Keepers Series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I guess Facebook. And I hate to say that, because I am not suppose to be on there at all. I am suppose to be writing, but I have met and reached so many amazing people on Facebook who help me with promoting and helping selling my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
DONT QUIT! No matter what obstacles stand in your way, no matter how much you want to throw in the towel and say “I QUIT!” Do not do it. You are stronger than that. It is hard. I will not lie. But it is so, so, so worth it!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Turn off your internet!!!!!

What are you reading now?
5 Stages of Falling in Love by Rachel Higginson

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have no idea. I guess I will see when I get there! Its sure to be a blast no matter what it is!

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?
Divine by Mistake by PC Cast

Goddess of The Rose by PC Cast

Knight in Shining Armour by Jude Deveraux

Author Websites and Profiles
Kristyn Eudes Website
Kristyn Eudes Amazon Profile

Kristyn Eudes’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Kristyn Eudes is a post from Awesome Gang


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Edward G. Talbot
 

HeadshotJasonEdTell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Edward G. Talbot is actually the pen name for two authors, Ed Parrot and Jason Derrig. We’ve written three novels, a novella and a variety of short stories, plus co-written two novellas with other authors using their characters.

The whole author thing started back in 2002 when Jason and Ed had the idea for a conspiracy thriller based on climate change. This became our first novel, New World Orders. After a long road to self-publishing, we followed it up with 2012: The Fifth World in 2011.

Both of us are extraoverts, the opposite of the stereotype of writers. We’ve been friends since college and we met running at a cross country championship race. We still ride our mountain bikes together every chance we get.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is Liberty. The inspiration for this one is simple. Author David Wood asked us to write a novella using his popular characters Dane Maddock and Bones Bonebrake. The book is really almost as long as short novel. We came up with the idea of a lost document associated with the Constitution, and a chase through history to find it. Sort of like the movie National Treasure, complete with one-liners. If you want to find out more, you’ll have to read the book!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Almost certainly, because we write as a duo. This is unusual. It’s even more unusual in that Jason comes up with most of the plots and does a lot of the early editing, and Ed does most of the writing. We outline, then Ed writes a chapter or two and then Jason gives immediate critical feedback. Because Jason hasn’t actually written it (usually), he can give a fairly objective analysis early on. This has meant that when we complete the book and submit it to our beta readers and editor, we get very few necessary revisions. And we catch plot holes quickly!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Clive Cussler is the thriller author who inspired us the most. Cussler proved that you can write a thriller in simple language with outlandish plots and create something special. That’s what we try to do. Early Tom Clancy influenced us as well. Ed is partial to Robert Ludlum, who definitely had a big influence on the writing.

These days, Lee Child is one of our favorites, along with indie author Mark Dawson. BUt I wouldn’t say they really “influenced” us the way those earlier authors did.

What are you working on now?
We’re working on several things. Front burner is another book with David Wood. When that’s done, we probably will write Book Three in the James Robb/Terrorist Chronicles series. But we also have two in progress works that we will complete at some point – a mountain bike murder mystery and a humorous end times thriller that is a cross between Carl Hiaasen and the John Corey books by Nelson DeMille.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s easy: co-write books with more successful authors. We sold thousands of our own books in 2011 due to a collaboration with Jeremy Robinson. Certainly a lot of other promotion tools are important. But the organic success of a collaboration can’t be duplicated any other way.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Our advice is not to take our advice!

Seriously, the main thing is decide what your goals are. Then hang around places like kboards.com and learn how people are going about fulfilling them. A lot of folks have learned things the hard way and you would be a fool not to use that knowledge. But it all starts with knowing your goals. That sounds easy, but I find most authors don’t actually act in ways that are consistent with their goals.

Here’s an example. A lot of new authors feel they can only produce one quality book a year. They say they want to eventually try to make a living writing. When told that they vastly increase their chances by writing at least four books a year, they say they don’t want to do this and sacrifice quality. What they don’t realize is that this is an additional goal which at least to some extent conflicts with the goal to make a living. They sort of see it as just a variable. You have to be brutally honest with yourself about things like this.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
from Stephen King and others: (paraphrasing) – use adverbs sparingly 😉

What are you reading now?
Quantum lens by indie author Douglas Richards.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After a couple years where Ed’s job was so stressful that writing was difficult, Edward G. Talbot is finally cranking up again. We’d like to have the novella with David Wood and three more novels done by end of 2016. And get back into promotion.

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?
Sick Puppy by Carl Hiaasen
At least one Lee Child novel, can’t decide which one
The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo
The Eight by Katherine Neville – this thriller is the favorite book of both Jason and Ed. So it’s great!

Author Websites and Profiles
Edward G. Talbot Website
Edward G. Talbot Amazon Profile

Edward G. Talbot’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Edward G. Talbot is a post from Awesome Gang


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