Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the worship coordinator (volunteer) for our church and am involved in church-related projects state-wide from time to time. I’ve been a speaker/leader for workshops, conventions, retreats, and special programs. I have four grown children and a husband who laughs with me. Usually. I still miss my dog who died two years ago.

HopeSprings, an imprint of Chalfont House Publishing, just launched my first book. I also have a children’s musical, A Light At Christmas, published by Meriwether Publishing. I wrote a short essay for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. It hangs in a frame in our cabin up north.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Mrs. Covington’s Sunday School Dropouts was inspired, at least a little, by my own experience. I’ve (along with my husband) taught Middle School Sunday School for just shy of 30, yes 30, years. I’ve followed up on occasion with former students with whom I’ve lost touch. For many years when the students were promoted from our class, I would tell them say hi when they saw us, to open the door for me, that we would be watching as they became adults, and that we would be expecting great things of them. It is what I had my character say to her students in the book. Of course most of the incidents in the book are just pure fun fiction.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am probably as ordinary as it gets when it comes to writing. I sit in my little study and type while I imagine. Then I edit.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like what Jan Karon did with her Mitford Series. Her fans have been a force in the publishing world, don’t you think? I like C.S. Lewis, Jane Austen, Vince Flynn, Mary Saums, John Grisham, and Richard Foster. When I’m worn out with the world, I also like to read a set of little-known old Seranade/Saga books written by various authors – just very frivolous love stories. My family doesn’t understand it. I’m not sure I do, either.

What are you working on now?
I have a few things in the works. I have four musicals that need to be converted to pdf so I can send them to a publisher, not quite as easy as I would hope considering the old program I use to compose music.

I am writing a YA story, The Trouble At The Bagel Café, about a couple of young adults whose friend stumbles onto a drug ring and ends up in the witness protection program – they think.

I’ve begun writing a sequel to Mrs. Covington’s Sunday School Dropouts.

And I’m getting my son to a college 500 miles away and trying to figure out college-related finances. I’m sure no one reading this will understand that stressor.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have my own blog, my own author page on Facebook, am on LinkedIn and Pinterest, and am writing for and interviewing with some bloggers. I am sharing my book with Facebook groups to which I belong.

I am donating my book to a few select libraries. I am making my book available at events where I am either in charge or have a large part to play.

I’m new to this, so I don’t know yet what the best method is.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. When you get a rejection, go ahead and cry, but then get back at it. Pray for God’s blessing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never Give Up. Also: Don’t burn your bridges. Also: People might forget if you attended their wedding or the funeral of a loved one, but they’ll remember it if you didn’t.

What are you reading now?
Dr. Sarah Sumner’s Men and Women in the Church: Building Consensus on Christian Leadership

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to think I’ll write until I’m 80 or older.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline, a book on survival if I had time to find one beforehand (or Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe), and Jane Austen’s Persuasion.

Author Websites and Profiles
Connie Miller Pease Website
Connie Miller Pease Amazon Profile
Connie Miller Pease’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account

Connie Miller Pease is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an author, artist, gamer and I love watching anime and other TV shows, reading and listening to music. I used to write on fictionpress and fanfiction sites, but am now trying to go into the world of self publishing.

I have only written one official book so far and I am working on continuing that book into a series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Tarot Cards: Major Arcana, was inspired by a deck of tarot cards my mom got for me. Every card has a story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t like people seeing me writing. I’ll just poke around the net or do something else, if someone is around.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Cassandra Clare, I love the world she created with ‘The Mortal Instruments,’ series.

What are you working on now?
The next book in my ‘The Tarot Cards’ series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still trying to figure that out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep trying.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A book with bad grammar, but a good story, is still a good book. A book with perfect grammar and a bad story, isn’t worth reading.

What are you reading now?
The Mortal Instruments: City of Heavenly Fire

What’s next for you as a writer?
Write book 2 in my series. Then hopefully 3-5.

Author Websites and Profiles
Christina Maharaj Website
Christina Maharaj Amazon Profile

Christina Maharaj’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Christina Maharaj is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Mathew John Hoffmann was born in Waltham, Massachusetts. While serving in the United States Marine Corp. he traveled to Australia, and found out about the Lyrebird. He was so intrigued with it’s special mimicking abilities, he wrote a book about it. The Lucky Little Lyrebird is his first book, and it takes on the huge task of saving our rain forest from deforestation. If you have children this is a must read! Your kids will fall in love with this fun yet educational picture book!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Mathew John Hoffmann was born in Waltham, Massachusetts. While serving in the United States Marine Corp. he traveled to Australia, and found out about the Lyrebird. He was so intrigued with it’s special mimicking abilities, he wrote a book about it. The Lucky Little Lyrebird is his first book, and it takes on the huge task of saving our rain forest from deforestation. If you have children this is a must read! Your kids will fall in love with this fun yet educational picture book!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual writing habits? Hmm… Well I like to take a room in the house and create a cave for myself. I can be alone for hours just writing. I really just like to write. I can write anywhere. If I see something inspiring, I write it down. My time spent in Australia inspired this book.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein

What are you working on now?
My current projects are working on the sequel for The Lucky Little Lyrebird (Volume 2) and the other one is a secret! Haha

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social Media (Twitter, FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr and YouTube)

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I wish all new authors the best in all of their endeavors. I know how hard it can be and taxing not only on yourself but your loved ones (especially your significant other haha) when we need to devote time to building a brand and promoting the book. I’m a Self-Published Author and I know how mentally strenuous it can be to work on a project you love day and night just to try to have others love it too! Good Luck and Congratulations to All. I salute you!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“If you work like a slave, you’ll eat like a King”.

What are you reading now?
1984

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have countless projects- both current and future.

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 Autobiography of Malcolm X

The Art of War

A Brave New World

Encyclopedia

Author Websites and Profiles
Mathew Hoffmann Amazon Profile

Mathew Hoffmann’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Mathew Hoffmann is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Wagner Wolf is the pen name for several great titles including “The Rich Must Die”, “Antoinette – Shattered Dreams”, and “The Nicest Guy In Hell”. Great creative thought and effort go into publishing each captivating and engrossing story that is made available specifically for you.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Nicest Guy In Hell is the latest book inspired by a need to tell the story of a family who once had it all figured out until unforeseen tragedy suddenly strikes them from their high horse and everything goes downhill from there.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I listen to classical music when I write and edit.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Da Vinci Code and the Holy Bible have influenced me.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on letting people know about The Nicest Guy In Hell so they can experience the same joy I received from writing it.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon.com because it gives me a platform and method to distribute the books to a very wide audience.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing a full-length book is hard work and takes personal motivation and dedication. If you want to see your project through, you have to keep chipping away at it almost daily or you’ll fall way behind.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Accept the free gift of grace and be born again so you don’t have to go to hell when this life in the body is over.

What are you reading now?
Now I’m reading The Rich Must Die and Antoinette Shattered Dreams.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing an 80,000 page novel takes a lot of creative juices out of you. I’m trying to promote The Nicest Guy In Hel now while my creative juices replenish.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Holy Bible, The Da Vinci Code, The Catcher In The Rye, and The Shack

Author Websites and Profiles
Wagner Wolf Website
Wagner Wolf Amazon Profile
Wagner Wolf Author Profile on Smashwords

Wagner Wolf’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Wagner Wolf is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a SoCal native who grew up down the street from Disneyland, fifteen minutes from the beach and forty-five minutes from the San Bernardino Mountains. I body-surfed, explored bear siting’s and survived long summer lines for the Matterhorn Ride. Now, I live in the north panhandle of Idaho. Its beautiful here which rests my mind and spirit to work on books. I launched my first book in April 2015 and reworking the second in the series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book in series is called The Visitor. My inspiration comes from childhood when reading stories and watching movies about other worlds and how to get there. As a believer in Jesus and so grateful for Him, my book is designed to take the reader millennia ahead in time. I believe that His sacrifice of love for mankind on this earth will be known forever. In saying that – yes, I believe there are other worlds and other peoples who will be told and they also will need to decide whether to follow His light.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
More like vices… I need a stash of chocolate and diet Dr Pepper at my desk for me to function. As far as writing, itself, I ramble and then go back to edit… some of it isn’t half bad…

What authors, or books have influenced you?
CS Lewis affected my heart and skill more than any. Even though he was famous before the great surge of POV, his character descripts and humor always kept me reading.

What are you working on now?
I’m reworking the sequel to The Visitor – storyline changes and adjusting characters by the growth of their journey.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far – Amazon and Facebook and visiting local book stores. Always helps to meet other authors.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up hope. If you’re one who’s passion is putting pen to the page (fingers on the keyboard) I would assume you’ve got the heart of a writer. Not everyone enjoys putting words together to create situations for readers to engage, learn from, and see themselves and the world a little different than they knew.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“If you’re not sure where to put that coma… then don’t.” … just kidding, though it’s good advice. “Just keep writing.” It’s true because the more you write, the better you get. If you can find a person trustworthy to give you solid feedback, that’s extremely helpful. Be humble and except and expect criticism. It’s for your benefit as well as praise

What are you reading now?
Strangely, I’m a history nut over 16th Century England and a total Bio junkie which I’ve been reading as of late. I had family in Los Angeles who were in movies so I attract to old stars of my mom’s generation. Just finished one on Lou Costello, Danny Kaye and Maureen O’Hara and now reading about Virginia Mayo. I do like fiction, but I make it a rule not to read it when I’m working on my own books. Things can really seep into one’s brain, so I want to make sure my work is my own.

What’s next for you as a writer?
While I’m working on sequels to The Visitor, I also plan on doing freelance work. Looking into writing speeches for platform candidates. I think that would be fun.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, a book of Farside Cartoons, and an empty journal for writing what I have to say about my situation…

Author Websites and Profiles
Wendy Reese Amazon Profile

Wendy Reese’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Wendy Reese is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an East Tennessee native and a retiree from the U.S. Navy and from full-time pastoring. My wife Jane and I now live in Dalton, Georgia after years of travel and living in six states. She had a catastrophic auto accident in 2008, so I’ve limited myself to writing and spending more time with her. I still speak in churches and consult with young authors who are trying to learn the ropes. I have written a total of eight books at this point, but I have at least that many in the process of writing right now. I’ve written on personal finances, weight loss, spiritual growth, theological topics, and self-publishing topics.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My last book was PREPARE! PUBLISH! PROMOTE! Book 2: Publishing Books for Growing Sales. It is the middle of a three-part series that takes an author from forming the idea for a new book all the way through the process of writing, formatting, publishing, and promoting high sales on Amazon. I wrote it because of my own struggles during the preparation of my first few books. I hope that the books themselves, as well as course I will develop from the same issues will be helpful to those who are just beginning their writing careers.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I believe many writers use the same techniques that I do. I actually accumulate research for several books at once. When I feel I can provide high value to readers and fully understand their needs, that’s when it is time to bring the research together with my own experiences and give it structure to make it easier to put to use.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lise Cartwright, Chandler Bolt, Alan Woods, Tom Corson-Knowles, Shelley Hitz, Kirsten Joy, Jeff Goins. Actually, I’ve read so very many authors out there in the self-publishing arena that I feel like the list should never end. Even the newest authors in this field have ideas that are unique, at least to me. I spend a lot of time trying out some of these.

What are you working on now?
I’m primarily working on PREPARE! PUBLISH! PROMOTE! Book 3: Promoting Books for Growing Sales. I have several others going too. One is a Southern, delicious, but not good for you cookbook. Another is a political book to prepare voters for the coming elections. One more is coming along by itself! It is about building an author marketing system. That one may become a course instead of a book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Probably the best method is through my mailing list, through my book promotion website, through sites like this one, and through Facebook. I really hate using Facebook though.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Get busy writing. Start a blog. Write articles for the local paper or for magazines. Write letters to the editor in the paper or magazines. Write comments on blogs that you follow. Write lots of emails to promote your books. Write outlines and descriptions for possible books. Bottom line: Write!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Make lists. Author Ian Stables wrote a book that encourages authors to make lists to structure the content that they plan to write. Shelley Hitz also helped by referring me to using mindmaps, including free software like FreeMind or XMind.

What are you reading now?
Conscience of a Conservative by Barry Goldwater.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I intend to finish the series on self-publishing. Then,

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
First, of course, is the Bible. I’ve been reading it for 42 years. Second, a book on how to survive on a desert island, some kind of prepper book. Third, a book on how to build a boat from crude materials.

Author Websites and Profiles
Gary Webb Website
Gary Webb Amazon Profile
Gary Webb Author Profile on Smashwords

Gary Webb’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Gary Webb is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a wedding photographer turned author with two novels under my belt – a young adult novel, The Truth About Drew, and a contemporary romance, Goodbye, Magnolia. NaNoWriMo is what led me to write my first novel, but it took me about five years to decide to move forward to publish.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel, released in May 2015, is a contemporary romance called Goodbye, Magnolia. It’s about Maggie, a wedding photographer, who is surrounded by happy couples, but hasn’t been so lucky in love, and the rival photographer that comes to her small town and sets up a studio of his own. I was in the middle of a busy wedding photography season myself, so the thought of writing about a wedding photographer was not a foreign concept to me. Write what you know, right?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmmm. Nothing too crazy. I write in the evenings with a cup of coffee at hand. And maybe a little chocolate now and then.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jane Austen novels, for sure. I always loved Little Women and the Anne of Green Gables books.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the prequel/sequel to Goodbye, Magnolia, which follows Maggie’s college roommate and her story. I’m very excited to share her journey with my wonderful readers.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m active on social media. I share on my blog (bykrista.com), Facebook, Twitter, Instagram. I’m pretty much all over the place.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write! Get the stories you have in your head down on paper or on your computer. Don’t let them stay lost in your mind. Write them down. One of them just might turn out to be gold!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I heard this advice in regards to creative/crafty ventures, but it totally applies to book ideas as well. Take a notebook and write one idea at the top of each page. Set a timer for like fifteen minutes and write everything you can think of that goes along with the first idea, then do the same for the others. The one that you can’t stop writing about, the one that gets you pumped up, that’s the one! That’s the idea you should focus on.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading a few books at the same time, which I’m horrible at actually. The Count of Monte Cristo, On Writing Well, and Dragonfly in Amber.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish the next book, I’ve got a young adult dystopian novel in mind. Very excited for this one. It’s something different for me, but I love the idea and can’t wait to start 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?
Oh my. Great question. My Bible first and foremost, the entire Jane Austen collection printed in one book, and a blank journal so I could do some writing of my own.

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

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

Krista Noorman is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a born and bred M*sshole, working hard to make the relocation to Scotland – something I’ve dreamed about my whole life.

I’ve written four full length novels and multiple novellas and short stories.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
WILLING is being released on August 13th. (The paperback version will follow soon after.)

WILLING was inspired heavily by my love of macabre history and many trips to and around London, where I learned of the nefarious Jack the Ripper and his unfortunate dealings. I always wanted to know the name behind the deed, and understand how such crimes could happen, and go unsolved.

Much like the rest of the novels in The NAMESAKEN Series, WILLING centers around a woman with a virtue as her given name. I’d known many by names like Faith, or Hope, or even Joy, and I’d harbored this thought of ‘what about the women named something virtuous who go on to lead less than virtuous lives. Or what of the women named for such powerfully positive virtues who experience unspeakable darkness. I decided to throw just such women into some of the darkest and most powerful moments of history, and test their virtues – discover if they were worthy of their names.

I’m pretty sure not all will pass the test. (*smirks)

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I keep calligraphy pens. I only write in my journal with a medium, flat nibbed calligraphy pen. Just love the way it looks.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jennifer Egan, Andre Dubus III, Stephen King, Diana Gabaldon, Douglas Adams, Charlaine Harris. I’m a bit all over the place, clearly.

What are you working on now?
Currently working on HYSTERIA, the second novel in The NAMESAKEN Series. I’m also working on novels for a new pen name.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found myself enjoying The Naughty List, Shameless, and BargainBooksy, but in the end, I find the best promotion is to just keep writing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. If a book doesn’t hit or hook the way you wanted, the only way you’ll ever get better, both in success, but more importantly, as a writer – just keep writing.

Just. Keep. Writing. Can’t reiterate it enough. Be too distracted with the work to worry about what your previous releases are doing. Check in with the older babies, but throw yourself into the next project so deep, you couldn’t see over the edge if you wanted to.

You’ll get better, you’ll find your readers, and with time and dedication, you’ll find your niche.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stop using the word AS so much.

What are you reading now?
Currently reading Written In My Own Hearts Blood by Diana Gabaldon.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing my fourth, fifth and sixth novel. Recently signed with an agent as well, so who knows what the next stage of this adventure will bring. Very excited to see it unfold.

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 and Voyager. Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, just in case and “How to Survive On A Desert Island”

Author Websites and Profiles
Michaela Wright Website
Michaela Wright Amazon Profile

Michaela Wright’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Michaela Wright is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I first discovered writing at the age of 11, during a writer’s camp at my Christian School. I’d written numerous short stories as a hobby over the years, never considering writing professionally. This is my first published book ( a trilogy), and it has been a joy from start to finish.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’m an advocate and philanthropist who loves controversy. I love thought provoking and empowering literature. I have spent the last 10 years of my life fostering displaced youth, whose experiences have changed my life for the better. My latest book, xoxo, Madame Adele, was written with an intent to start a discussion that could lead to a solution. I like to think of it as education through entertainment.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love writing after I have brewed a fresh pot of coffee. I don’t necessarily need to drink it. Smelling it is comforting.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are far too many to name.

What are you working on now?
Children’s books. My goal is to write an age appropriate book for every child who enters my home, to embrace.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media is the most fun. I enjoy meeting other Authors along the way, discovering new titles to include in my library.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to take risks. That “thing” that you shy away from could change your life for the better.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To keep dreaming, and attempting to pursue them.

What are you reading now?
The Girl On The Train, by Paula Hawkins

What’s next for you as a writer?
Children’s books, more fiction, and cook books. I have quite a bit to share.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, a survival guide, and something humorous.

Author Websites and Profiles
Katherine Womack Website

Katherine Womack’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Katherine Womack is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As it says on my Twitter feed (@DeniseAAgnew) I’m the coffee-slurping, genre-hopping author of over 60 novels. I love writing in a variety of different genres including paranormal, romantic comedy, contemporary, fantasy, historical, erotic romance, and romantic suspense. Two of my passions are archaeology and archery, and I’ve been fortunate enough participate in both. I’ve lived in England, Hawaii, Colorado and Arizona. I’m also a paranormal investigator, Reiki Master and Certified Creativity Coach.  I’ve got a great life with my hubby and my Mini Schnauzer, and both of them keep me on my toes!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
This year the stars have aligned in a way that means I have multiple books out in a very short time. It’s been a super crazy year. In September I have a novella out in my Wasteland Trilogy which is a post apocalyptic romance trilogy.

In particular I’ve been working hard on a box set called Romancing The Military Man: Ten Hot Military Heroes. My contribution to the set is Saved By The Marine which is a combination of some suspense and hot romance. It’s also a story of new beginnings because the hero and heroine aren’t spring chickens. The heroine is forty and she isn’t eager to indulge girlish dreams of happily ever after. When she meets a hot marine who has just retired, she finds not only a man who is interested in putting down some roots after years of being in war, but he’s just the hero she needs when they’re caught up in a dangerous situation.

I have other stories out this year, such as Heat Wave which is now on preorder everywhere. It’s also a novella and features a quirky paranormal, erotic story line. Plus I’m writing three things now off and on when I can squeeze it in. It’s been a rollercoaster.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Wow, good question. I’d say I’m an unusual writer all the way around. I love to write what I want and when I want. A long time ago I learned the only way to keep my creativity intact was to write in a variety of subgenres within romance. I can’t stick to long series or race after trends. That cripples my creativity. I have to go where my inspiration demands.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
That’s also a great question because there have been many over the years. When I was a teenager I wrote gothic novels on pen and paper (in the dark ages before personal computers), so I was influenced by Victoria Holt and numerous other writers in that genre. Along came Kathleen Woodiwiss and writers who wrote the steamier stuff. I also read in many different genres and not just romance, so I loved Stephen King and in particular Dean Koontz. Later on came writers like Linda Howard and Barbara Samuels, and I thought, “I wanna be like those writers when I grow up.” I think I admire Dean Koontz not only for his sense of humor, but because he writes outside of the box like I do.

What are you working on now?
As I mentioned before, three stories! One is a historical romance set during the Krakatoa volcano eruption in 1880’s Indonesia. One is a quirky paranormal romance with a heroine who can predict when people are going to die. The other is the first in what I think will be a short series. It’s a post apocalyptic, rather grim survival story which is also romance and there’s even a hint of zombies in there or something that “might” be zombies. Because I’m a pantser writer I don’t always know where the story is going to take me. I also have preliminary ideas for about three other stories that are just simmering in the dark dungeons of my mind.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Good question! I’m not sure honestly. I have a fabulous website I think, and I have a newsletter as well.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Please, please, please pay attention to what inspires you and hang on to that. If you chase trends you might have a lot of success or you might not. As a creativity coach I’ve worked with a lot of burned out and used up authors who were following the next big thing and allowed other people and society in general to say to them that “success is this.” But what they discovered is that if you don’t define for yourself what keeps you creative, motivated and genuinely happy, eventually you’ll run into a whole lot of disappointment, blocks and disillusion. It’s extremely important to define your reason for writing and keep that in mind. If your reason for doing this writing thing is about making gobs of money you’re most likely going to flame out big time at some point in your career. I’ve seen it happen over and over.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you want to write and don’t let anyone influence you to do otherwise.

What are you reading now?
I’m a bit ADD when it comes to reading. I’m usually reading upward of three things at a time. Hell or High Water by Julie Ann Walker, It by Stephen King (read it before but wanted to read it again), Close Encounters of the Fatal Kind by Nick Redfern.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Promoting Romancing The Military Man: Ten Hot Military Heroes, also promoting Heat Wave and Nightfall. There’s also the possibility this fall that I’ll be in yet another box set and there may be another novella coming out in December if I can squeeze myself into it. I’m sort of rolling with it as it comes. It’s the only way to stay sane. I have some rights back to certain books that will come out again in 2016.

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?
Probably a Dean Koontz book, a Linda Howard book, a Barbara Samuels book and a Stephen King book.

Author Websites and Profiles
Denise Agnew Website
Denise Agnew Amazon Profile
Denise Agnew Author Profile on Smashwords

Denise Agnew’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Denise Agnew is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m addicted to writing. I’ve written over forty erotic romances and can’t seem to stop writing them. lol I live in Ontario, Canada. I’m a part-time caregiver to my 84 year old mom and I write for a living. I have one sweetheart cat who brings me way too many presents – mice, rabbits, squirrels. *le sigh* She was half-feral when I got her. I enjoy hiking, gardening, kayaking, reading and writing.

Recently I’ve picked up embroidery and love it!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Jaxie’s Ménage is my latest release. I wanted to write a story about a woman who is a workaholic (like myself) and needs to have a close encounter with death in order to realize that it’s time to make her most intimate fantasy come true. In Jaxie’s case, a ménage is what she’s always wanted to try…enter her ex-flame and his friend…and they will make her wish come true.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I write anywhere. My first several books were written in a car…it was the only place where I could get peace and quiet at the time. LOL. Now I write outside, inside and anywhere that is quiet.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a writer I really enjoyed “Write. Publish. Repeat.” It steered me in the right direction for indie-publishing my own books. As an author, I think Lora Leigh’s books inspired me to write erotic romance. When I first read her books, I was hooked on the genre and began to write it.

What are you working on now?
Actually I am working on two stories. Cowboys In Her Pocket, a western contemporary ménage erotic romance is a sequel to Cowboys for Christmas, which continues JJ’s story about a woman who after spending ten years in prison is given a second chance at life by working for three hot cowboys as their cook and housekeeper at their secluded Northern Ontario, Canada ranch. She falls in love with all three men!! So, lot’s of hot love being passed around.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I advertise at various places such as Booksends, Pixel Ink etc…I find advertising helps get the word out to readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. You have to keep producing books. That is a great way to keep your readers happy.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing books no matter what other people say. Just keep writing.

What are you reading now?
I love reading the older Intimate Moments books (Harlequin). Currently I am reading Remember My Touch by Gayle Wilson.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m indie-publishing through Spunky Girl Publishing now. So I will continue with that and continue writing erotic romances. And many more erotic romances on the horizon. So keep your eyes peeled!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Oh wow…You Must Remember This (Clara Wimberly), Forbidden Pleasure (Lora Leigh), A Cry In The Night (Linda Castillo), A Little Bit Dangerous (Linda Castillo)

Author Websites and Profiles
Jan Springer Website
Jan Springer Amazon Profile
Jan Springer Author Profile on Smashwords

Jan Springer’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Jan Springer is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the mother of four kiddos, an ACT tutor, an English teacher as well as author. I’ve written two books with number three in the works.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’m currently working on “Stealing Cinderella” which features the fairy-tale favorite story with one exception, Cinderella is a thief. I thought it would be so much fun to watch Cinderella steal her way into the prince’s heart while she’s trying to purloin some shoes for the ball.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to have a mason jar full of water right next to me on the computer.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Orson Scott Card, Charles Dickens, JK Rowling, and Garth Nix.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on “Stealing Cinderella” which features the fairy-tale favorite story with one exception, Cinderella is a thief. I thought it would be so much fun to watch Cinderella steal her way into the prince’s heart while she’s trying to purloin some shoes for the ball.

I’ve also pre-writing “Keep Not the Dead,” the sequel to Lexi’s adventures in “Wake Not the Dead”.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Other readers! They are what keep the book going. It’s my readers that help my books to succeed.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you don’t like it, your readers won’t either. At least writing advice. I’d have to stick with Thumper’s words of wisdom, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” And don’t stick your finger in that socket.

What are you reading now?
Firefight by Brandon Sanderson. He’s brilliant. Gush.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Starting my fairytale series then finishing the Lexi Chronicles. Somewhere in there will be another anthology.

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?
Book of Mormon, Tale of Two Cities by Dickens, Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card, and Persuasion by Jane Austen.

Rebecca Gage’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Rebecca Gage is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is the first one but not the last…

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Logra Tu Dream: How 50 Successful Latinos & Latinas Turned Their Dreams Into Reality

This is what inspired my book:

My precious children to whom I am dedicating this book so that they can dream big and turn their dreams into reality.

The 54 million hardworking and brave Latinos & Latinas living in this country for inspiring me to start Logra Tu Dream and write this book.

The more than 50 inspiring Latinos, Latinas and Latin-inspired entrepreneurs and leaders for sharing your stories and mentorship on the Logra Tu Dream podcast, which made this book possible.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I actually voice recorded part of my book into my evernote with its transcription capabilities whenever I had ideas come to me. Aside from that I used this process:

1. Mindmap on notebook for all book and then per each chapter
2. Outline for all book and then per each chapter
3. Writing first draft at least 30 minutes a day or whole weekends if I missed time during the week.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
James Altucher”s Choose Yourself
Tony Robbins
Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich
Paulo Coehlo
Marcus Aurelius Meditations
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Jack Canfield

What are you working on now?
I just finished the Logra Tu Dream book and I am focused on having the most successful launch possible. Once this launch stage is over I will listen to my readers and listeners and then I will start to think about the next book in the series…

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am reaching out directly to all the great Latino leaders featured in the book, to my self publishing group, my podcast audience, my network, friends and family. I am asking them to support the launch by getting the book, leaving a review if they find it of value and inspiring and to share with their networks on social media. In terms of websites Awesomegang of course !

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just take massive action and don’t let fear stop you. If I could do it you can too.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The way to be successful is to break big goals into small manageable and viable ones. This advice I got from my dad before he died.

What are you reading now?
I just finished the Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer. It is a wonderful reminder that if you let the perfection of life flow you can achieve the highest levels of happiness and success.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to turn Logra Tu Dream into a book series that digs deeper into all aspects of how to achieve your dreams.

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?
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo
Poor Charlie’s Almanac by Charlie Munger
The Bible

Author Websites and Profiles
Arturo Nava Website
Arturo Nava Amazon Profile

Arturo Nava’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Arturo Nava is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! I am Hope Evans and I am the author of Dealing with Grief. Family is very important to me. I’m a mom to a one year old baby girl who really inspires me to work towards my dreams and accomplish my goals! This is my first novel and I decided to write about something that really hit home for me. Grief. This was something that everyone experiences but absolutely no one is prepared for. I wanted to share my experience so that my readers know that they are not alone in their thoughts, feelings, or emotions. By relating and sharing, maybe we both will be able to heal.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dealing with Grief: How to Deal with Grief and Loss through Grief Therapy and Bereavement

In 2008 my best friend passed away. She was only 19 years old. Grief overtook and engulfed me. I fell into depression and almost didn’t graduate from college. Thank God for support.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I can think of.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ted Dekker

How to Win Friends & Influence People

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
awesomegang.com! No brainer!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Follow your dreams and don’t take negative reviews personally. Use it to improve your writing and create more content! Never give up!

What are you reading now?
Heaven by Ted Dekker

What’s next for you as a writer?
I probably will write one more book dealing with Grief and Loss and then write a few books on Family and Happiness.

Hope Evans is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a romance author, business analyst, speaker, and model who’s appeared on national television—CBS, as well as “The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet”—plus national radio shows, including “Playboy Radio,” the “Hip-Hop Connection,” and the “Jordan Rich Show.”

I have nine published books/novellas. In all of them, I’ve tried to infuse my writing with sexual tension, which is why I was thrilled when an excerpt from “Out of Control,” a novella in SECRETS VOLUME 13, was used in ON WRITING ROMANCE, published by Writer’s Digest Books, to illustrate how to effectively heighten sexual tension in a romance book.

I love to START writing projects, which is why I have about forty works-in-progress that have yet to be finished.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, HOT DREAMS, is book one in a new series featuring hunky male dancers. I met a sexy male dancer years ago and the question flickered through my mind, “What’s he really like when he’s not performing?” That sparked the idea for HOT DREAMS where Tina, the heroine, wonders something similar about Johnny as she stares at the photos on his desk. That got the story started. But I needed another twist, something that would challenge me as a writer. So I gave both Tina and Johnny tortured pasts and threw them in a situation neither of them ever thought they would be in–a situation, without which, they never would have met each other or ended up together.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Since I decided to go with indie publishing this time around and thus there’s no editor setting a deadline, I now can’t seem to finish a book without a REAL deadline. I wrote a humorous memoir, KICKING THE BUCKET LIST (coming in 2016), about my move to South America in 2011. To motivate myself to finish it, I bet a good friend of mine that if I didn’t finish the final draft by a certain date, I would give her my next pay check. If that wasn’t motivation enough, the fact that she was planning to use the money for a trip to Europe without me, was. For HOT DREAMS, I booked a launch party before the book was finished. I’m trying to come up with something less severe and stressful for the current book. Any suggestions?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In erotic romance, Robin Schone. I just love the sexual tension she creates with just dialogue and the character’s reactions to each other, plus her interesting plots and characters and their tortured pasts. GABRIEL’S WOMAN is my all-time favorite. Suzanne Forster, Linda Howard, Karen Robards and Sandra Brown are others — I love their mastery of sexual tension in their earlier romances. I got my start writing romance by taking an online writing class taught by Leigh Michaels nearly 15 years ago. Leigh was–and continues to be–a mentor. I admire her skill as a writer–her characterization and the banter between her characters are simply delightful. Outside of romance, Dean Koontz is my favorite author. I love his characters and the incorporation of a lovable and intelligent dog along with monsters/the supernatural, to create original page-turners.

What are you working on now?
Brandon Evans, Johnny’s friend as well as one of his dancers and who provides comic relief in HOT DREAMS gets his own story in book two. He’s married and his problems, to me as a writer, are even more challenging than Johnny’s. I’m working on his book, currently untitled. I’m also working on A SINFUL FIANCÉ, which is the fourth book in the SIN CLUB series. In FIANCÉ, Caren Richardson’s psychic has told her she will meet the man of her dreams on the train, only she meets the one who isn’t The One, instead — or so she thinks. It’s more lighthearted than the HOT DREAMS series but equally entertaining (I hope), in a different way.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Due to various things that had happened in my life, I took a break from writing for a bit. My last book came out in 2010 so I’m kind of starting over, figuring out what works. My previous books were in bookstores, so most of my marketing was to create awareness and drive people to buy physical books. Even though I was relying on store sales, I did a TON of online marketing–fun reader contests, contests for writers with agents/editor judges, hosted two talk shows. But there was really no way to know what worked. So now, I’m looking at what I did in the past and what’s out here today and trying to figure out what I want to do. For SEX LOUNGE, I did an online contest where guys competed to be the hero of my book. That was a really fun contest. So I plan to do the same thing for HOT DREAMS–the HOT DREAMS Finding Johnny Contest. But I want to make this one bigger and even better and use social media more. All of this is to say I don’t have a definitive answer to this question. Yet.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn the craft. Take writing classes, get feedback on your work, attend writers conferences, continue to read authors you like, and of course, write. So many people seem to think writing is easy. That all they have to do is put words on paper and then find a publisher or self-publish and they will be instantly successful. While that may be true for some authors, that’s not the norm. The second bit of advice I have is, once you’re published, don’t take a long break between books and book promotion like I did. You may lose readers and the momentum you’ve established.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’m not sure about “ever heard” but the advice I keep hearing repeatedly is the need for authors to focus on writing–writing the best books they can and having a book out regularly. Like, every 3-4 months. Since it has been awhile since I’ve had a new book out, I’m going to try to do this. Then I can report back and let you know if it is, indeed, the best advice I’ve ever heard.

What are you reading now?
I just received an advance review copy of Calista Fox’s, WHAT LOLA WANTS, which is book one in her LEAVE YOUR SHOES ON series, which will be released in September. I’m looking forward to reading it. I recently re-read Jennifer Ashley’s THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE, a historical romance which features a hero with Aspbergers. Also, I discovered a new end-of-the-world series by Sam Sisvath and read book one, THE PURGE OF BABYLON, where nearly all of humankind has perished in a single night by a plague of blood-sucking creatures (the exact opposite of good-looking vampires) and a small group of survivors struggle to stay alive and search for others.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep challenging myself as a writer. In HOT DREAMS, I gave Johnny and Tina tough problems to overcome before they were able to love. Johnny is guilt-ridden over the belief that he caused the death of his wife and unborn child and the last thing he wants is a relationship or a child. Tina, who has a child she loves dearly that resulted from something painful in her past and has a port-wine stain birthmark covering the side of her face, hides from people (namely men) and has given up on any type of relationship. In book two, my characters have even tougher problems. Brandon is in a troubled marriage, tempted by temptations that go along with being a male dancer, and battling a physical problem that compounds his marital problems. Writing a romance about a married couple with problems, while keeping it romantic and filled with sexual tension is, indeed, challenging me.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Oh, goodness. I don’t know the answer to this one. If I were alone on this island, like Tom Hanks in CASTAWAY … believe it or not, I don’t think I would want fiction books or books by my favorite authors or genres. I think fiction would make me feel worse by missing what I couldn’t have. Romances would probably make me even lonelier. Dean Koontz/thrillers/horror would make me more scared. So I’d have to say, since I don’t even camp without major assistance and thus know nothing about living without electricity and grocery stores, I’d need books on how to survive on that island. And perhaps a blank book or two so I could write. Maybe sheer boredom would get me to finish a book or journal without a deadline.

Author Websites and Profiles
Rachelle Chase Website
Rachelle Chase Amazon Profile
Rachelle Chase Author Profile on Smashwords

Rachelle Chase’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Rachelle Chase is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Marine Biologist-turned-New York Times and USA Today international bestselling author who writes dark, gritty Romantic Suspense novels. I’ve published thirteen books so far, and won a few awards.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called COLD FEAR and I was inspired by serial killers and sand dunes. My hero is a recurring character from my earlier Cold Justice Series books and I had a lot of fun making him work for his happy ending.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a special mug I bought in Scotland. I use it for my tea whenever I’m writing. If the mug breaks it will require another trip to Scotland!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many Romantic Suspense authors influenced me–Suzanne Brockmann, Cindy Gerard, Sandra Brown, Nora Roberts, Linda Howard, Laura Griffin. I’m also in love with Susan Elizabeth Phillips because she drags her people through emotional hell. Love that!

What are you working on now?
I’m working on Cold In The Shadows, book #5 in the Cold Justice Series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Mailing list ads like ENT and Bookbub. It’s hard to find great places to advertise new releases though.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn your craft. Read lots. Find a group of writers who can give you honest feedback. Learn more craft. Read lots. Believe in yourself but don’t get an inflated opinion of yourself. Write every day and don’t give up!

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

What are you reading now?
Carolyn Crane’s INTO THE SHADOWS

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on my FBI Cold Justice Series, but I also have a couple of other book ideas in mind.

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?
OK–this is hard.
Linda Howard’s After The Night
Suzanne Brockmann’s The Reluctant Hero
Diana Gabaldon’s latest because I haven’t read it yet!

Author Websites and Profiles
Toni Anderson Website
Toni Anderson Amazon Profile

Toni Anderson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Toni Anderson is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve published one book, Royal Deception, the first book in my YA fantasy trilogy. The second book, Runaway Deception, is finished but not polished; it still needs a cover.

I’m a Bible-believing Christian living in Colorado, and I teach math (gasp!) at a high school. I love biking, cooking, reading, writing (obviously), solving puzzles, and petting kitties. Oh, and volunteering in the local church’s Children’s Ministry.

I promise I’m not weird, but I did get both a math degree and an English degree from CSU. I also was homeschooled, but, really, I’m totally normal otherwise. 88% normal.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Royal Deception was inspired by a game my sister and I played a couple times, where we pretended our arms and feet were swords. Thus came the blade shifters. Also, I had a land of shapeshifting, a retelling of The Lion King, and a couple other retellings I wanted to fit into the land. Out of this conglomeration came the Royal Deception trilogy. A couple of friends had to convince me to cut the story into three parts, however; I was rather reluctant for a few years.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I skip around from chapter to chapter and don’t write in chronological order. Kind of like I’m filling out this interview.

Whenever I wrote essays I had to trick myself into writing because I disliked it so much. Whenever I write stories, I’m reluctant because I know I won’t be able to stop for several hours. I sit at the computer . . . and then it’s four hours later.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Bible, for one. I wouldn’t be anyone or get anywhere without Jesus Christ my savior.

Also, Brandon Sanderson. His magic systems are so imaginative. I want to make my worlds and characters as rich as he makes his. Also, his dialogue is perfectly witty and snappy and so character driven. I haven’t read anything by him that I disliked.

Rachel Aaron. She has tight plotting, brilliant set ups and “WOW” moments, and super fast pacing. Her blog is great, too.

What are you working on now?
The third book in the Royal Deception trilogy, Rebel Deception. It’s tough to bring together these characters and nations I’ve been writing about for seven years, and it’s hard to know I’ll have to let them go.

It’s neat, though, because Lana gets to be more of a main character than she has, and I’m bringing her story line and threading it with the other character’s lines, and it’s just epic.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads or Facebook. Maybe I should be less old-fashioned and figure out how to use Twitter and Pintrest. I don’t plan on spending much money until the second book comes out in a few months.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read a lot. Write a lot. Get a cat to sit in your lap and give you an excuse to keep writing and not get up to do laundry.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read a lot. Write a lot.

What are you reading now?
Many things, always. Inkspell, Alcatraz vs the Evil Librarians, One Good Dragon Deserves Another, Heritage, and Jeremiah.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A quartet (Tamora Pierce made some awesome quartets) about a girl who is bitten by a dragon and grows dragon wings, joining an elite society of Govnia’s protectors, the green dragon people. What are they to do when attacked on all sides? How do they handle realizing that red dragons are not as extinct as they thought, and that the red dragon people have decided Govnia is their land.

I have to finish the Royal Deception trilogy first, though.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Bible

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Legend of Eli Monpress series by Rachel Aaron

Dragonback Adventures by Timothy Zahn

Author Websites and Profiles
Denae Christine Website
Denae Christine Amazon Profile

Denae Christine’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Denae Christine is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Hawaii. I didn’t see real snow till I was twenty and I’ve never seen the leaves change. Some people may find that strange or even sad but I’m grateful every day to wake up to sunshine and misty rainbows. As much as my home inspires me though, I’m not an obnoxiously cheerful person. I like dramatic stories with heroes who have depth and dark secrets motivating them and I tend to write that way. My dark heroines always have a sassy comedic side and perhaps that’s where Hawaii shines through. No matter what situation my character gets herself into, she faces it with bravado and a bit of snark. I like that. I want to be like that. A brave woman who rescues herself and laughs at the obstacles thrown her way.

I’ve written twenty books now and will soon publish my twenty-first. Most of them are in my Godhunter Series I’m about to release book 16) which is about a witch who battles gods for the good of mankind. I’ve also just released a new series, called The Twilight Court Series. The first book in that is entitled Fairy-Struck and is on sale on Amazon with the rest of my books. Both of my series feature strong women but I don’t ignore the men. I like my men just as strong as my women. I think they need to be in order to deal with my characters. No wimps here and no submissive males. That doesn’t do it for me and basically I write what I fantasize about. You can’t please everyone so it’s best to just make yourself happy and hope that others will appreciate it too. So far, it’s worked out pretty well for me.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is the first in my new series (The Twilight Court) and it’s entitled; Fairy-Struck. I love the old fairy myths and I really wanted to put a modern twist to things while staying true to the stories. After a lot of research and a lot of daydreaming, I created a world in which fairies exist alongside us. That doesn’t sound all too original so far but I took it further. I wove a history of war between us and the fey, then a truce which would need to be policed by two military units; one of fairies (the Wild Hunt) and one of humans (the Extinguishers). My main character is an extinguisher, raised by other extinguishers to be the perfect psychic soldier. Of course things don’t remain perfect, they rarely do when fairies are involved.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I’m first coming up with a story, I spend a lot of time just lying around dreaming. I can’t push too hard or nothing will come. I have to just relax and allow the story to fill my head. When I actually begin to write, I’ll have an outline in my head but it’s the characters who determine what actually happens. Often, it feels like I’m a crazy person listening to voices in my head while I try to type fast enough to record everything they say.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was really influenced by Terry Pratchett and his Discworld series. I love the way he writes with humor, wit, and companionable candor, like he’s a friend telling you a story. He doesn’t write in first person but it ends up feeling that way and that’s why I write in first person. I want people to be able to put themselves into the story, to feel like you’re reading over your own diary and are remembering your past.

Laurell K. Hamilton’s earlier stuff influenced me too. I love the way she describes things in a way you can relate too. I’ve often read her books and proclaimed “Yes, I know exactly what you’re talking about!” I want people to read my words and get a similar clarity from them. I want them to be able to see what I see and I don’t want to come off as pretentious in my descriptions. It annoys me when writers get too caught up in grammar. I think they lose a lot of realism that way. People just don’t speak with proper grammar so when you read a first person story, it can’t be too correct or it feels wrong.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working on Book 16 in my Godhunter Series. My main character journeys through time and my readers will get a glimpse of a possible future for Vervain and her God Squad. Things have grown more and more complicated with the story but I enjoy the complications, the intricate weave of them, and I think my readers do too.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use tumblr, twitter, and facebook. The great social media super sites. But I also go through a lot of ebook websites which let people know about free books. My first book, Godhunter, is free on Amazon and that’s the main book I need to promote. One of my readers have said my series is like crack, you get the first taste free and then you’re addicted. That’s what I hope to do, addict people enough that they will continue the journey with me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Social media! Use the power of free promotion. Create a website, twitter account, and blog before you release your book. And never get discouraged by critiques. You will have negative reviews. You will. Just accept that now. Your book could be the best ever written but there will still be someone out there who doesn’t like it. We all have different tastes, it’s simple human nature. Instead of reacting badly, try to use their comments to enrich your writing. Look closely and see if there’s any helpful tips in the negativity. I actually got my cover artist through a negative comment and now I’m so glad that I reacted in a positive way instead of simply getting mad.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Before you publish, make sure you have a one to two sentence description of your book. You need to be able to tell a person what your book is about within five seconds. That’s all the time you’ll get. Five seconds. So think about what your story is and condense it until you’re able to confidently and concisely answer the question “What is your book about?” My answer: “A witch who kills god for the good of humanity.” Hopefully that one sentence will interest them enough to ask for more. Then you can go further.

What are you reading now?
Moonglow by Kristen Callihan. It’s a paranormal romance (my favorite) set in Victorian England. Ms. Callihan is very talented with building sexual tension and it fascinates me. It almost becomes too tense, like back in The X-Files when you’d scream at the screen “Damn you, Mulder, just kiss Scully already!”

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going through the arduous process of releasing an audio book. Arduous because I’ve done the recording myself and there was quite a bit of learning as I went sort of thing. I went through two mics, four studio set-ups, and dozens of recordings only to be told there was too much mouth sounds in my final piece. I had to redo the whole thing and have just resubmitted. Fingers crossed.

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?
Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman’s joint effort: Good Omens (I prefer the old title of; Good Omens: The Right and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, witch)

Neil Gaiman’s American Gods

and

Laurell K Hamilton’s A Kiss of Shadows

Author Websites and Profiles
Amy Sumida Website
Amy Sumida Amazon Profile
Amy Sumida Author Profile on Smashwords

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

Amy Sumida is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a twenty-two year veteran of law enforcement, twenty of which were spent with the NYPD. My introduction to writing came about in a highly unusual way, on a bet with my wife in 2000. We were both voracious readers and she remarked that she thought it would be hard to write a book. I disagreed and she challenged me to write a few chapters. She loved it, but then 9/11 happened and it changed our world. After years of badgering me to ‘finish it’, I decided to go back to it. Perfect Pawn was the first book, and since then I have written three others as well as a non-fiction work. I currently have two others in various stages of development.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is Bishop’s Gate, which is the 3rd book in the James Maguire series. Bishop’s Gate was interesting to write because when I created the outline, in 2014, the world was a much different place. Then it became almost a race to finish it, as events that appeared in the book seemed to begin to materialize in the real world. In fact, when I released the book I cautioned people that the books plot was created months before anything happened in the real world. I didn’t want folks to think that I had simply grabbed the headlines.

The truth is, the one thing that cops have, are stories. Some are funny, most are sad, and others you even keep to yourself, but in the middle of that is a whole host of ideas and characters.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I know some authors have specific habits when it comes to writing, but I don’t think that I do. I write as the mood hits me. Sometimes it will be every nights for weeks on end and then I might not write for several weeks. I have explained my writing process as ‘seeing’ a movie play out in my head and then writing what I watched. Other than that, I think the only other ‘habits’ I have are a specific chair and laptop that I use.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
This is always an interesting question to me, because it is such an eclectic group. I have basically read and learned from the best, but to pin down a few of what I have really enjoyed: Tom Clancy (Patriot Games), Frank Herbert (Dune), Robert Parker (Night Passage), Robert Daly (Man with a Gun), Joseph Wambaugh (The Choirboys), George Lucas (Star Wars)

What are you working on now?
Well, I just finished the rough draft of the 2nd Taylor novel and will be going back over it to tweak the story line a bit and add some additional dialog on some secondary character. I also began the 4th Maguire novel which I am very excited about. I have about 10k words into it so far. I have found that changing back and forth between the two different protagonists allows me to clear my mind between books and come back refreshed.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to maintain an active presence on social media, whether through my website, Twitter, FB or Goodreads. I think that is a key component these days. Readers are much more engaged and it is crucial for authors to provide them an opportunity to engage with them. Besides, that I also enjoy making appearances at book club readings and book signings. I enjoy hearing feedback from readers and getting their take on the characters.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write! I know that may sound overly simplistic, but so many people have great ideas for stories and yet never put pen to paper. Will everyone love your work? No, but you’ll find your niche if you persevere. I have a copy of a letter that was written to Paul Hewson back in 1979 from an executive at RSO Records. They informed him that the demo tape he sent was ‘not suitable’ for their company. I don’t know what the record executive over at RSO is doing these days, but I certainly know what Hewson, you may know him as Bono from the group U2, is doing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
‘Write what you know’……… It makes sense. As an author, you need to write about the things you know and love. I could try and jump on the ‘steampunk’ rage, or perhaps sink my teeth into a ‘vampire’ romance novel, but I know nothing about them and I think the reader would see that very quickly. I do know police work, global terrorism and behind the scenes political intrigue. So when my readers open the book, that is what they are going to get.

What are you reading now?
It’s funny, because I have heard other authors talk about how if you are not writing you should be reading and I wish I had the time. I have a stack of books, ranging from mystery / suspense to WWII historical books, waiting to be read. It seems as if I am always writing and at the end of the day, I want to do something ‘different’ to occupy my time. I guess I shouldn’t complain, as this process does seem to be working for me.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I just finished the rough draft of the 2nd Taylor novel and will be going back over it to tweak the story line a bit and add some additional dialog on some secondary character. I also began the 4th Maguire novel which I am very excited about. I have about 10k words into it so far. I have found that changing back and forth between the two different protagonists allows me to clear my mind between books and come back refreshed.

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?
Well, I guess that would finally allow me time to read…….. This is a really hard question, because it is like asking me to choose my favorite kid. I have a bookcase in front of me with hundreds of books and I’m struggling as to which I would grab first.

Couldn’t I just bring my Kindle ?

If forced, I would have to say: The Bible (God), Dune (Frank Herbert), Without Remorse (Tom Clancy), The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas).

Author Websites and Profiles
Andrew Nelson Website
Andrew Nelson Amazon Profile

Andrew Nelson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Andrew Nelson is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
‘Margot krijgt onverwacht bezoek’ (dutch, my mothertongue) and the french translation ‘Margot reçoit une visite inattendue’ was my very first book.
So first of all I want to appologize my english is not correct. But I hope you can understand me.

I was a documentair, journalist, social photographer, but once arrived in Quebec (in 2008), where I spent 4 a 5 months a year Nature there is so beautiful that my focus came on nature photograhie.

We had many cute animals in the back yard, and for easy speaking I had given them all a first name:
Margot is the groundhog, who I saw wake up every springfor the last 8 years.
Eufrazie is a small American Red Squirrel. Small but brave, I saw one day how she, on her own, ove away four large crows from her garden (yes for her our garden really is “her” garden).
Philomene, a Grey Squirrel, is the lady of rank, who like walking as in Victorian times, with her tail umbrella in rain and sun, she is sure of royal blood.
Germaine is a black Gray Squirrel. She is the heroine of the working class, she is strong and determined.
And finally we have Fiston, the chipmunk, or ‘suisse’ as they say in Quebec.

During all these years I observed and photographed them for hours and hours, week after week.
And then about three years ago I saw Margot the groundhog waking up again after her wintersleep. Somehow she made clear to me that she wanted to be the main character in my first photo book. It would be a children’s book, edited with photos and an imaginary story about the journey of Lowieske and Marie to Quebec. About the friendship between a solitary woodchuck and two girls.

The book was born after many trials and errors, step by step. Fortunately I had good proofreaders and test readers who did not spare me their criticism. The original story was too confusing. I unraveled it in two parts. One is a children’s story of two little girls who become friends with a groundhog. The other is maybe for a bit elder children and will be a book with all the possible facts to know about the groundhog. The original tittle (dutch) is ‘Het Grote Weetjesboek over de bosmarmot’ and in French translation is it ‘Les Petits Savoirs sur la marmotte commune’. These will be published as ebook on September 14.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Het Grote Weetjesboek over de bosmarmot’ and in French translation is it ‘Les Petits Savoirs sur la marmotte commune’. These will be published as ebook on September 14.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I have made this book on a extra-ordinary way. As a photographer, I started with selecting my photos, watching them, living them… and then page by page, image by image, the girls (who are my gotchild’s daughters) inspired on the road.
So as normaly a writer start writing and then adding grafics, I started with the photos and the grafics came together with the story words, page by page…

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The absolute start of my book is the books of Rien Poortvliet ‘leven en werken van de KABOUTER’. His fantasy made me dream…

What are you working on now?
Now I’m still working of the second book, the ‘WEETJESBOEK’.
When this book also will be published in dutch and french, I hope to work on the english translation.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use facebook and twitter. For the first book I have sent many emails to all my friends and contacts.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am just new myself. The advice I can give is : don’t give up ! Use difficulties and critics to get better, keep going…

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advise for me on this book was when an 11 year old child told me after reading the original book: well it is a bit double, one part, whith the girls, that is more for children who are younger than me. But another part, about all the facts, about all you can know about a groundhog, well that interest me, but I’m sure it will interest my sister (who is 2 years older) also… She made on a simple way clear I had to unravel the book in two different books. A fiction (for younger children), and a non fiction for a bit older, till 99+

What are you reading now?
Now I am reading Griet Op De Beeck ‘Vele hemels boven de zevende’

What’s next for you as a writer?
the english translation…

And something is borreling on trees…
but also so many birds and animals in the Quebec backyard…

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) Leven en werken van de kabouter by Rien Poortvliet
2) de boekendief by Markus Zuzak
3) het geheim van de vreugde by Alice Walker
4) Zami by Audre Lorde

Author Websites and Profiles
Lieve Snellings Website
Lieve Snellings Amazon Profile

Lieve Snellings’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Lieve Snellings is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m BUSY! haha. Being a mom, wife, student, photographer and author keeps my schedule extremely full. I have written two novels. Both are apart of The Sapphire Star Saga. I am also working on a continuous story called Unity Commanded, on Wattpad.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Thy Daughter’s Enemies is currently available for FREE at most major ebook retailers. I am currently finishing up the second novel in The Sapphire Star Saga. Gilded Moon will be released on October 1st, 2015 and is currently available for pre-order at a special price.

I started Thy Daughter’s Enemies when I was sixteen. I liked the idea of creating strong female characters that I could relate to. The story changed and evolved over the years of course, but I would still like to think I created strong female character that young girls can relate to. Although the series is set in a fictional world, I believe that the character’s thoughts and emotions are transferable to everyday life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Haha I wouldn’t say unusual. I am the mother of two special needs children. They require a tremendous amount of time and care. So I don’t have set times or places that I write. Whenever and wherever I have a few moments to set down my computer, is when I get my time in. Occasionally I will have a whole day to myself. On those days I spend the majority of my time writing. I don’t really have a process either. There are pages and pages of handwritten backstory and character development strewn about my house. You could say i’m a tad unorganized ha. Creating a solid outline before starting a new project, to reference and ensure I am achieving the flow I originally envisioned, is about the only habit I stick to pretty regularly.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
This question, along with who is your favorite author or what is your favorite book, are my least favorite questions to answer. I have been an avid reader since a very young age. My reading list varies, much like my music playlist, depending on my mood. I gravitate toward fantasy novels, but I will read ANYTHING! I enjoy everything from biographies to classics to thrillers. And anything in between.

What are you working on now?
I am putting the final touches on Gilded Moon, then I will get to work right away on the third book in the series. Also I update Unity Commanded on Wattpad, with a new chapter each week.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Oh gosh, I have to admit I am horrible at marketing. I have had some good success with a few paid and unpaid sites. I feel like marketing is something you are either really great or really bad at. I try. And i’m getting there, but I hate being pushy. Even if I know someone will enjoy my book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be Patient! Success as an author doesn’t happen over night. There are very few exceptions, people who have had break out books that sky rocket up the charts. But they really are exceptions. It can take months, years even, to really start seeing results. Just keep at it and have faith in your work!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Let it go, Let it go! Haha. No, really. Before Disney ever coined the phrase, I heard it from someone close to me. Holding on to things that you have no control over, or that don’t really matter at the end of the day, can be toxic. To you and the people around you. Finding a way to communicate effectively, forgive someone and move past the issue will make you a more positive and happier person.

What are you reading now?
I just finished Witch Song by Amber Argyle. I found it incredibly unique and entertaining. I read it almost entirely in one sitting.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep promoting the books currently available in my series and writing new ones. It is my plan, if my characters cooperate, to complete the series with five books. I have several ideas for novels after The Sapphire Star Saga ends. But for now I am enjoying every moment!

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. Ideally I would have something titled How To Escape A Deserted Island, or How to Survive Being Stranded on a Deserted Island. But for the sake of the question, I would have to say The Stand by Stephen King, Little Women by Louisa M Alcott, To Kill A Mocking Bird by Harper Lee and Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling. Each of these books I can/have read over and over.

Author Websites and Profiles
A.L. Meinhold Website
A.L. Meinhold Author Profile on Smashwords

A.L. Meinhold’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

A.L. Meinhold is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, and thanks for having me!

One of my first memories is of sitting with a book in my hand and discovering I could read it by myself. It was Hop on Pop from Dr. Seuss (I’m still a fan of all things Seuss!) and I quickly progressed from the I Can Read books to vintage children’s books I found wandering the stacks of large used bookstores my parents took me to. Honey Bunch and norman, The Happy Hollisters and The Bobbsey Twins were quickly followed by Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, The Dana Girls, and Cherry Ames.

Then one day as I was browsing the stacks, I discovered The Phantom Tollbooth. That led me to a lifelong love of genre fiction as I began to explore further afield. Then one day a teacher spent the year reading from The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet. The entire class was enthralled and we began to make up scenarios as to what we thought would happen next, so she sat us down in class one day with something that changed my life. She told us to write our own story.

Wow! Kids could grow up to be real writers too! This was a huge revelation to my child self. Thirty years later, here I am. I’ve been a translator, an editor, a short story author, and now, a novelist. Under my Leona Windwalker pen name, I currently have two novels and a short story in The New Beginnings Series, a free short for the Goodreads MMRomance Group’s Love is an Open Road event, a short story in a charity anthology, and have three works in progress. My muse is relentless, I tell you.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest completed book is Ben’s Beginning, book 2 of the New Beginnings Series. I was inspired by the idea of redemption. In Book 1, Sol’s Solstice, Ben’s thoughtlessness led to dire consequences for his twin brother Sol. Readers hated him with a passion for what happened to Sol, even though he too suffered and eventually acted at great personal risk to save his brother and himself. Sol didn’t blame Ben though. Well, not entirely.

Ben blamed himself though, as much as the readers did, and I wanted to focus on how guilt can drive a person. Ben works hard to redeem himself, and I’m happy that fans not only forgave him, but fell in love with him as much as they have his brother Sol. I’m a sucker for happy ever afters, so Ben’s redemption kept me up late at nights until I had it all down. Until it was all written out, it hadn’t happened, and my characters feel quite real to me as I write them.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do playlists for each book and listen as I type away. the music actually spurs me on and I hear the Muse more loudly. For example, with my next upcoming book, the words simply refused to flow without Petula Clark and Motown hits from the ’60’s playing in the background. I also go through food phases. With Sol’s Solstice, I had to have sour dummies, raisins, salted peanuts to munch as I wrote, along with marshmallow mochacinos. With Ben, it was sesame seed bagels, Oreos, and hot milky Caro to drink.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow. That’s a LOOOOOOOONG list. I’d have to say my biggest influences would have to be Mary Calmes, Andrew Grey, Isaac Asimov, Ursula K. Le Guin, Robert Heinlein, Anne Rice, and Anne McCaffery.

What are you working on now?
I’m on the home stretch of finishing up a romance featuring humans shifters, fae, and vampires. It’s been a lot of fun to write. It’s also been one of the hardest as the words came in fits and starts. I’m also working on a sci fi. It’s pure space opera with a romantic subplot.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s tough. I’ve tried blog tours and those do fairly well, but to really do well, I’ve found nothing beats connecting with readers on a more personal level as a fellow reader. Being unafraid to talk about books I’ve loved and not hesitating to recommend the works of other authors I think they might like has actually led to readers checking my own work out. In return, I’ve not only gained new readers and social media followers, but gained recommendations in turn for books that would have otherwise flown under my radar. I think it’s a win/win.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do your research. Make sure you have your facts right, whether it’s current law or local customs, nothing is a substitute for quality research. But don’t let yourself get bogged down in it though. Above all, stop thinking about writing your story- you need to sit down and actually do it. Don’t worry about wether it is any good or not. Get your story written, then off to a few reputable beta readers. Don’t use friends or family for this as you need a completely biased eye. Do your revisions, then get it edited. Whatever you do, don’t skimp on using professionals for editing and cover design. Nothing sinks a book worse than poor editing and an awful cover, though a poorly written blurb comes a close third.

Also, don’t wait to engage readers, putting efforts of self promotion off until the book is published. nice you’re in the final third of your rough draft, start networking. Review blogs book promo up to month in advance, so have your cover and blurb ready before release and don’t be afraid to use a blog tour organiser.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The way to sell even more books is to write more books. It’s very, very true. With each release, I sold more as readers not only bought my newest release, or borrowed it on KU, but also my backlist. So, write, write, and write some more.

What are you reading now?
Against the Grain, Charlie Cochet’s fifth book in her THIRDS series. I’m a huge fan!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve got plans for another sci fi romance, a young adult contemporary novel, and the third book in the New Beginnings series. I’ve already got readers asking me for that one, so I best get my skates 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?
Nooooo! I can’t possibly choose only three or four! I’m afraid I’d have to go all professor and build a coconut radio to effect a rescue for myself, or build one of those boats like the ancient Polynesians sailed used to sail from Tahiti to Hawaii. I’d no doubt end up lost at sea. It’s not as horrible a prospect though as only having three or four books ever!

Author Websites and Profiles
Leona Windwalker Website
Leona Windwalker Amazon Profile

Leona Windwalker’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Leona Windwalker is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a trilingual author. I have published 9 books so far.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is ” An Encounter with Yeshua”. It is the true story of my Salvation that happened a year ago. Yeshua Himself inspired this book. He directed it from the beginning to the end.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually like having a coffee to be sitting in a Cafe that must be silent enough for inspiration. I have done that in London where I used to write in the wine cellar of a Cafe named Le Parc Delicatessen and I am still doing the same at a coffee and tea shop named Coffea in Paris. I need to sit close to people, but the place has to be clear of heavy noise, otherwise it kills my inspiration.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Marcel Pagnol is one French author who inspired me a lot. Balzac as well. I love German poets such as Friedrich Schiller and Goethe.

What are you working on now?
For the moment I am keeping my future projects secret. I will let you know in time.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do use all social media. Ask David.com is a nice place that offers free promotion.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in yourselves. Keep writing. Never ever give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
One becomes a writer by writing.

What are you reading now?
I am writing more than I am reading. I am not reading at the moment, I am too busy with book marketing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to become a full time writer.

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 Tanakh ( hebraic Ancient Testament), the Bible and Mika Waltari, The Secrets of the Kingdom (loved it)

Author Websites and Profiles
Isabelle Esling Website
Isabelle Esling Amazon Profile

Isabelle Esling’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Isabelle Esling is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve always loved writing and perhaps that comes from having an over active imagination. My first attempt at fiction was introducing a trilogy entitled, A Life Awakening. The first book under that title was Whispers From Within, which came out in August of 2014. The second book in the Ethan Elliot series, was entitled Moving On From Memories Past. I just released the last book in the series which is entitled, Living My Life On My Terms.

I’m currently completing a psychological thriller that takes place during the Great Depression and is brought into our current time period though a series of events that the reader will never see coming.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Living My Life On My Terms was inspired by a close friend’s struggle in recognizing and then accepting the fact that he is bisexual. I developed the character of Ethan Elliot to portray the obstacles one meets in learning to deal with such life situations, and having to make difficult decisions that will affect the rest of his life.

In the first book, Whispers From Within (12,380 words), Ethan is devastated over the breakup with a girl friend, Jennifer. Ethan’s spirit guide, William, tells the story in the fist book. William coaxes Ethan to change the scenery and leave his home in New York to take a job as a waiter in San Antonio, where Ethan meets new friends, and gains new insights. In the second book, Moving On from Memories Past (38,376 words), Ethan begins telling his own story in first person, and goes into his entire two-year relationship with Jennifer, trying to understand what went wrong. The third book, Living My Life on My Terms (136,736 words), begins at a turning point in Ethan’s life, when he is offered a job as a photographer for a new travel magazine being launched by his best friend, Mark, back in New York. Of course he takes the job, and the two friends set off on journeys to distant parts of the world, gathering stories and photos for the new magazine. Meanwhile, Ethan begins investigating the possibility that souls choose the lives they want to live before entering this world, and learns that one can find true happiness only when he follows the path his own soul has chosen. Ethan’s ego often has led him down a wrong path, but William is always present, speaking to him in quiet times and in dreams, nudging him back onto the path of true happiness. In the end, both Ethan and Mark begin to understand that their lives were meant to be lived together.

This trilogy, my first attempt at fiction, was written to offer a new perspective to people who are confused and striving to find happiness rather than molding themselves to the whims of society. I hope they will be inspired to ignore the opinions of others, and to listen to that still small voice inside us all, that knows the correct path our souls have chosen that will bring each of us true happiness.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The only one that comes to mind is writing a maximum of 5,000 words per day and I usually do my best thinking at night. I then spend the following day going over what was written the day before and make any changes that I feel will enhance the story line.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Far too many to name, but have always enjoyed reading John Grisham, Steven King as well as many authors of poetry.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently completing a psychological thriller that takes place during the Great Depression in the deep south during 1933. After a series of murders a young girl and her mother are thrown into a whirlwind after a local man they know is murdered. The story then advances to the current year 2015 where a psychiatrist tries aiding a patient who has developed a fear of singing and after a series of past life regressions, comes to understand just how interconnected our lives really are.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
sites like Awesomegang are excellent outlets, but there are also other options to explore. One such option is finding an agent and the second is working with a great P.R. firm that will create a killer press release for you. You can have the best product in the world, but if they don’t know about it, it simply doesn’t sell.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep at it. If you are as passionate about writing, be prepared for failure even though you believe your story is great. Never take no for an answer and keep writing until you find the right combination of promotional tools that work best for you. Above all, you’ll need a good professional editor working with you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up.

What are you reading now?
The only thing I’m concentrating on at the moment is completing the psychological thriller I’m currently working on.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After completing a current story I have half finished, I will be working on a book of poetry.

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 guess if I were stranded on a desert island, I might want to have a copy of How To Survive In The Wild by John Weisman.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ryan Stevenson Website
Ryan Stevenson Author Profile on Smashwords

Ryan Stevenson is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Derek Ailes and I am one half of the Ailes Brothers of Terror. I have written four horror anthologies: “Journey Into the Unknown: Deluxe Horror Edition” (with Mark Cusco Ailes), “Zombie Command: A Horror Anthology”, “Catfurnado, Zombies and One Killer Doll” (with Mark Cusco Ailes) and “Musings From A Demented Mind” (with James Coon). I am also a contributor for shortfictionbreak.com.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Musings From A Demented Mind will be released on September 7, 2015. It is a collection of horror and science fiction short stories written by James Coon and I. In March of this year my friend James Coon passed away leaving behind a stack of unpublished short stories. I finished several of the stories and also wrote several short stories based on the conversations I’ve had with him over the past fifteen years. Also included are several stories I wrote on little or no sleep along with all the stories I posted on shortfctionbreak.com since December 2014.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can sit and write 5,000 words or more a night and then go a couple of weeks without writing anything. When I do write, it is pure horror madness. I lay on my bed and write everything on my laptop. I haven’t used a desk in a few years now.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I know it is cliche to mention his name, but reading Stephen King as a young child inspired me to be a horror writer. Like most authors, I love to read and I enjoy reading books that give me that “I can’t believe that just happened” experience.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on “The Day It Rained Candy” a young adult fantasy based on a short story I wrote thirty years ago in elementary school. Since it is its thirtieth anniversary, I thought it was time to write a novel out of it. I’m hoping to have it out by February or sooner.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I embrace all forms of advertising from Facebook, twitter and book promoting sites. If the website is going to bring me readers, then I’ll use it. If there is something another author suggest doing to promote my work, then I will give it a try. Public appearances at horror conventions and bookfairs also are great for promoting my work.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write and don’t publish until you get it right.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write, write, write and don’t publish until you get it right. Also write what you are passionate about. If you are doing it just to become rich, then I suggest quitting and buying lottery tickets instead.

What are you reading now?
The After-Life Story of Pork Knuckles Malone by MP Johnson. He writes in the bizarro fiction genre. I met him a year ago at a horror convention and was impressed by how he described his work. I’ve been on a reading kick lately and have read multiple novels and his work in anthologies recently. I stopped by and visited him yesterday at the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention in Chicago yesterday.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Besides “The Day It Rained Candy”, I’m working on a Conan style fantasy novel “Beast Within” and Mark Cusco Ailes and I are working on a new horror project. 2016 is going to be a big year for us.

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 (I can barely lift the book)
Idiots Guide to Being Stranded on A Desert Island
Cattle Cult Kill! Kill! by MP Johnson
Under The Dome by Stephen King (I would finally have time to read it)

Author Websites and Profiles
Derek Ailes Website
Derek Ailes Amazon Profile

Derek Ailes’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Derek Ailes is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Munmun Gupta is presently working as an English Language Lecturer in Binus International University in Indonesia. She has also worked as a Kindergarten Teacher in India and Indonesia. She holds a Master’s Degree in English Literature and has always been fascinated by the world of Literature.

She loves to write and deliberately tries to encourage young readers through her work. Her books ‘More Carrots for me’ and ‘The Mighty Banana’ were loved by both mothers and children as they beautifully describe the benefits of eating healthy foods.Her current book ‘The Boy who loved his Caterpillar ‘makes for an excellent read .When not writing, she spends a lot of time running after her boys Dev and Neil who inspire her to write . She continues to write more Picture Books and hopes to uplift and bring smiles to her readers through her joyful stories.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Boy who loved his Caterpillar is a true story and my elder son was the inspiration behind it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I would call myself an impulse writer.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dr.Seuss is my hero.

What are you working on now?
I have just published The Boy who loved his Caterpillar.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Follow your writing impulse.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You can always forgive yourself for mistakes you make,but you can’t ever work through things you wish you had done and you didn’t.

What are you reading now?
The Boys in the Boat-by Daniel James

What’s next for you as a writer?
More books for children.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
What Pet should I get- Dr.Seuss
Blasphemy-Jhumpa Lahiri
The Kite Runner- Khaled Hosseini

Author Websites and Profiles
Munmun Gupta Amazon Profile
Munmun Gupta Author Profile on Smashwords

Munmun Gupta’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Munmun Gupta is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After attending the Rhode Island School of Design and Art Center College of Design, Mary Ogle emerged with a solid grounding in the traditional techniques of oil painting. Not satisfied with the inherent limitations of brush and canvas, she stumbled upon the fascinating world of computer graphics. Working as a professional artist in the digital medium, Mary’s commissions have included everything from fine art to fan art, book layout and cover design, event posters and magazine illustration. Mary’s love for writing is more recent but no less heart-felt. She is the author of “Orangeroof Zoo” a story based in fantasy / magical realism combined with intricately drawn coloring book pages. Her tv show reviews and articles on geek culture can be found at esopodcast.com and whataculture.com. Mary currently finds inspiration in the Ojai Valley, residing in a snug little cottage with a recalcitrant cat.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Orangeroof Zoo is a hybrid fantasy. That’s my made-up term for an adult coloring book that is also a fantasy story. I was looking for information about self publishing and read an article about how popular adult coloring books were. Which surprised me but when I thought about it for a while it made sense. Coloring is the best part of making art at least for me. It’s soothing and liberating and puts you into a whole other headspace. I liked the collaborative aspect of other people taking my drawings and creating something else from them. I did the illustrations first but the story was born as I worked on the pictures. These two characters came to life and started talking to each other. So I wrote down what they said.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I have writer’s block I take a walk. For some reason just getting out of the house and changing my environment gives me the freedom to think past the barriers. I sometimes go sit in the local cemetery. It’s a good walk to get there and I like steeping in the history of the old stones and making up stories in my head about the lives people may have led.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Octavia Butler and Alice Walker are two of my heroines. I know that my love of complicated characters comes from the many hours I spent mesmerized by their novels. Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five introduced me to non-linear story telling. Lewis Carroll gave me my love for the absurd. Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale showed me how important world building is.

What are you working on now?
I’m always working on many things – podcasts, web and merchandise designs, book design and covers, fine art and illustrations for various projects. I’m in the planning stages for the sequel to Orangeroof Zoo. I recently wrote my first flash fiction (about 300 words) which turned out to be a valuable exercise in cutting out everything in a story that isn’t absolutely necessary. There is a character in my head right now who is begging to be born. He will probably end up in a short story I’m submitting to an anthology but I’m still working out the details of his life at the moment.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve had some success with posting on social media and with press releases. I tailor the release to the specific outlet I’m pursuing. I approach media that I have some kind of connection with – college alumni magazine, local weekly and daily papers, or anything that ties in with the subject of my book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Perseverance is key. Everything else can be learned but only by doing. And then doing again and again.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Make good art. – Neil Gaiman

What are you reading now?
Trigger Warning by Neil Gaiman.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have several short stories in the works. My next book will most likely be the sequel to Orangeroof Zoo. I keep my mind and options open in case any new opportunities arise.

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?
A Wrinkle in Time – Madeleine L’Engle

Neverwhere – Neil Gaiman

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis

Alice Through the Looking Glass – Lewis Carroll

Author Websites and Profiles
Mary Ogle Website
Mary Ogle Amazon Profile

Mary Ogle’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Mary Ogle is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a first-time author. I used to be a reporter for a small-town weekly newspaper. More recently, I spent about three and a half years writing book reviews and other content for a website called Examiner. Online content writing was good practice because it forced me to write and edit a lot of copy while I tried to earn enough to cover my credit card bills each month. It was also cool because it helped me connect with some really cool authors who helped me in various ways ranging from hooking me up with free advance review copies, to helping me earn a little extra money, to showing me how to format the paperback edition of my book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called Crosses and Runes. It is kind of a science fiction/fantasy mash up in the tradition of Roger Zelazny and Charles Stross. The inspiration for my book was actually an episode of a Spike TV series called Deadliest Warrior. Their vampire vs. zombies Halloween special made me really angry, so I wrote the original version of the first chapter. I have read more than my fair share of urban fantasy novels, so it really annoyed me that the vampires were unarmed. They easily could have had Glock handguns and katanas like every cliched monster hunter/detective I read about around the time the episode aired. So, I started with vampires who had guns. Then I thought it would be more fun if the good guys were elves. That got me thinking about what elves who use current technology (such as submachine guns and cell phones) might be like. Along the way, Charles Stross made a big impression on me with his Laundry Files novels, so I kind of wanted to do an American version of his stories where British spies have to deal with Lovecraftian horrors and stuff. Then I had a big heist sequence I wanted to do, but Jim Butcher wrote a book that was a lot like my original plan (and obviously much better than mine would have been) and that forced me to come up with something else.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wrote a lot of my book while watching reruns of Leverage on cable. That series had great characters, great dialogue, and some great crime fiction plots. My book is nothing like the show, but for some reason watching my favorite episodes for the eighteenth time got me in the right head space to think of new ways to kill vampires.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As I mentioned already, I am heavily influenced by Roger Zelazny, Charles Stross, and Jim Butcher. Zelazny’s Chronicles of Amber probably explains all the mythological references. Stross definitely inspired the spy gadgets. Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files novels and Kevin Hearne’s Iron Druid Chronicles influenced my first-person narration. Michael Moorcock, Poul Anderson, Charles de Lint, Ursula K. LeGuin, and Martha Wells are just a few of my other influences.

What are you working on now?
I’m about 36,000 into the second book in my series. I also have a novella I need to finish some day.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Hopefully, it will be Awesomegang. I promote a lot on Twitter and a couple of sites are tweeting about my book for me, but so far that hasn’t made me able to quit my day job. Twitter is great for connecting with other authors and letting people know you’re doing a giveaway. It isn’t so wonderful if you want your new friends to actually pay for the book. I have sold a few copies of my book by basically begging people I know to buy it while killing time at work. My new blog gets a surprising amount of traffic considering that I don’t update it enough. I can’t tell if it helps with sales, but it’s kind of neat to know people from Slovakia are reading my posts for some reason.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Finish a draft. I wasted years of my life never finishing anything because I would read a book that was kind of like my premise, or I got behind on my college homework, or fear of failure would sap my confidence, or I would realize I didn’t know enough about medieval knights or whatever. The people who said you just need to keep going are right. Eventually, you’ll finish something really cool and you’ll learn a lot in the process.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing.

What are you reading now?
I was reading Neil Gaiman’s American Gods again, but I need to get back to it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing my sequel.

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?
Roadmarks by Roger Zelazny, The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss, The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester, and Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente.

Author Websites and Profiles
Brian Triplett Website
Brian Triplett Amazon Profile

Brian Triplett’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Brian Triplett is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m in grad school, I work at my alma mater, I have a dog named Rebel, I have a cat named Mr. Creepy and I live in the mountains. I’ve written several books and have four published on Amazon. Two are with my publisher Beau Coup and two are self-published. I also have horror shorts up on Amazon and other platforms.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a novella called The Shift, it is going to be coming out in September in an anthology called Shifted with ten other amazing authors. I watch a lot of police type shows, think NCIS and The Killing, so I thought it would be fun to write a police type story with shifters and humors. It’s been a lot of fun to write.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write a lot of different things at once, and I get most of my ideas in the shower.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robert Heinlein is a huge influence on me. I love science fiction and I am finally venturing into writing it myself with my series Spacetress.

What are you working on now?
I am working on the Prequel to Julie’s Ascent called The Reluctant Succubus and The Shift for the anthology.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook has been the best way to promo, just interacting with people.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you want, it’s the only way to do what you love and say what you want to say.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t write for anyone else but yourself.

What are you reading now?
Eve The Awakening by Jenna Moreci

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just keep going, it’s all I can do.

Author Websites and Profiles
Emily Walker Website
Emily Walker Amazon Profile

Emily Walker’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Emily Walker is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
“Books” would be a bit misleading in my case. I’ve published four books of fiction (novelettes), one graphic novel, about 30 short stories (in magazines around the world), a couple of textbooks, a dozen academic papers, and I’ve worked on around 30 published video games in one capacity or another. I also wrote the script for a movie which is currently in pre-production.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I recently launched The Elephant and Macaw Banner novelettes, a series which has been making waves around the world. The first story in the series was a finalist for the Nebula Award and winner of the Realms of Fantasy Award in 2011.

I moved from the U.S. to Brazil in 2001, and became very interested in the history and culture here. This series is based on sixteenth-century Brazil and mixes folkloric creatures as a fantastic element. It was inspired by stories of adventurers who visited the country at that time.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing unusual, although my research is sometimes a bit extreme. I have over 200 books on Brazilian history and folklore that I refer to while writing The Elephant and Macaw Banner stories.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Fritz Leiber, Kurt Vonnegut, Jorge Luis Borges, John Kennedy Toole, Arthur Conan Doyle, James Clavell, Alexandre Dumas

What are you working on now?
Here in Brazil, The Elephant and Macaw Banner stories are doing extremely well, so I’ve had the opportunity to work on several spin-off products in partnership with Devir Livraria, a comic book and gaming company. A graphic novel came out last year, and this year we’ll be launching a board game. I’m currently writing a pen-and-paper RPG for 2016 and working with a production company on a pitch for an animated series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Go to events, meet people, get on panels, have fun.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read a lot. Write a lot. Publish a lot. I’ve been publishing for ten years, and it’s taken me that long to really develop my style and gather a following. These days, I teach 20 hours at a university and spend the rest of my time writing, and earn about the same between the two.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Have patience. I’ve never found any shortcuts. The “overnight success” stories almost always take about ten years of hard work to get there.

What are you reading now?
Two books in Portuguese: “Go” by Nick Farewell and a scriptwriting book by Doc Comparato. Both are excellent.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep learning and keep writing. I hope to get some children’s picture books out next year, and the first book in a YA series based on one of my published short stories, but for the moment, I need to wrap up the projects I have going.

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?
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

Shogun by James Clavell

Tom Brown’s Field Guide to Wilderness Survival – I used to be a boy scout and later an avid backpacker, and this book came in handy many times. It would be useful on a desert island, right?

Author Websites and Profiles
Christopher Kastensmidt Website
Christopher Kastensmidt Amazon Profile

Christopher Kastensmidt’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Christopher Kastensmidt is a post from Awesome Gang