Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! *waves* My name is L.E. Wilson and I’m an Indie author, so my readers are my marketing. I write Paranormal Romance (for adults only), about intense, alpha males and the women who are fierce enough to tame them…for the most part anyway. My books have high heat levels, loads of suspense, and characters whose personas range from playful and witty to dark and tormented. I’m about to release the third in my Deathless Night Series. I’m a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America) and I’m active in two of my local chapters.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Blood Obsession (Deathless Night Series #3). It’s the third book in my paranormal romance series.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to walk two miles to my local Starbucks to write. Caramel Macchiato Lattes are a crucial part of my writing process.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Omg, I LOVE J.R. Ward and Kresley Cole, along with Anne Rice and many, many others. But I have to say that they are the authors who’ve influenced me the most I think.

What are you working on now?
Besides the release of Blood Obsession, I’m working on a spin off series involving Scottish werewolves. They’ve only had small parts in the Deathless Night Series, and I’m really excited about giving them their own stories!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, I’ve mostly done promotions on Amazon, like Countdown deals and free days. Also, promoted posts on Facebook seem to work pretty well. Other than Amazon, I think Facebook and Pinterest have given me the most bang for my buck. BUT, the best promotion I have as an Indie author are my READERS. Every time they tell someone about my books or leave reviews online…that’s the best promotion I can get.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, keep writing! And write what you want to write, write what brings out something in you. Your passion and emotion for that subject will come out in your writing and will affect others. Don’t try to write “the next big thing” or to the latest fad.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best marketing for your books is more books!

What are you reading now?
I’m reading “Legend” by Jennifer Kohout and “Night Pleasures” by Sherrilyn Kenyon. (Yes, both of them. Yes, along with writing my own books.) I’m a voracious reader. Before I started writing, I would go through at least three books a week!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have, like, four more outlines going for four more Paranormal series. So, I think I’ll be busy for a while. lol.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
That’s a hard one. Hmm…yeah…I’ll have to get back to you on that.

Author Websites and Profiles
L.E. Wilson Website
L.E. Wilson Amazon Profile
L.E. Wilson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

L.E. Wilson is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m Kristen Ethridge, author of the Romance Writers of America-nominated Port Provident series. I have six inspirational romance books out (two with Harlequin, four with an independent press) and a non-fiction memoir about my time during Hurricane Ike, which inspired the Port Provident: Hurricane Hope series. I like to think of it as the story behind the stories.

I live in Texas with my husband and children and one self-important poodle. I’ve been writing since childhood and had my first piece published in our local newspaper when I was in third grade. I’ve been hooked ever since! I was nominated for an RWA Golden Heart award and was signed with Harlequin’s Love Inspired line through their So You Think You Can Write contest that same year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest series is the Port Provident: Hurricane Hope series. There are four books in it (Shelter from the Storm, The Doctor’s Unexpected Family, His Texas Princess, and Holiday of Hope.) This series was inspired by my time living in Galveston, Texas. While we were there, Hurricane Ike ripped through the island (and my home and business). I liked the idea of putting a fictional hurricane, Hurricane Hope, in my fictional town of Port Provident, Texas and showing how the residents of the town could grow and become stronger through life’s storms. I’ve had a lot of fun writing the series (certainly more fun than rebuilding my own home after Ike!) and have gotten some great reader feedback as well.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, I don’t think. I do still work a day job and I have small children, so my most unusual habit is probably how I schedule the hours in my day to get everything done. It’s a bit like being a pretzel.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Some of my favorite books are historicals with romantic elements like the Outlander series or Philippa Gregory’s books, which is funny because I don’t ever see myself writing a historical. I enjoy a lot of series romance as well, and really enjoy reading books by some of my favorite fellow Love Inspired authors.

What are you working on now?
I’m finishing up the Port Provident: Hurricane Hope series. The last book, Holiday of Hope, releases in about a month and so I’m in the mode of getting everything ready for that. Beginning early next year, I’m leaving the hurricane behind and launching the Port Provident: Holiday Hearts series, setting heartwarming inspirational romances in Port Provident around some of the best-loved holidays of the year.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Consistency is my best method. I think different sites are going to work better for different authors, depending on the genre you write and the audience you’re trying to reach. Especially as an indie, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, I’ve learned. But I think consistency is the key, no matter what. Do your research, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to evolve. But most importantly, keep working your plan.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice would be the same as above. Be consistent. Whether that’s meeting word count goals, marketing, reading non-fiction books on how to succeed in indie publishing, networking with other authors and readers…be consistent.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The steps to success are built on verbs: grow, move, do… You don’t have the option of remaining still and letting things come to you. You have to keep moving, keep doing, keep growing.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m focused on non-fiction as I close out the year and try to strategize and goal-plan for the year ahead, so I’m reading quite a few books on indie publishing and effective time management.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to keep growing the fictional community of Port Provident. I like to say that my stories are heartwarming inspirational romances set in a Texas beachside community you’ll want to call home. I want to continue to keep growing a community of diverse characters and telling their stories and engaging readers.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kristen Ethridge Website
Kristen Ethridge Amazon Profile

Kristen Ethridge’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Kristen Ethridge is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an electronics engineer by trade, but my passion is and always has been science fiction and fantasy. I served in the Australian Defence Force for eleven years, and saw a large chunk of the world during that time.

I’ve designed several roleplaying games and sourcebooks, but this is my first time writing a novel (something all my friends have been telling me to do for years) and so far I love it!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called Dreaming of Atmosphere and its a tale about the first mate of the ship by the same name. The main character, Seth, was once a space marine who got left behind enemy lines during a botched military campaign against a traitorous race of aliens. He spent months trying to get back and suffered terrible injuries as a result, and to this day still suffers from post-traumatic stress.

Years later, when his crew is forced to return to the very star system that’s the source of his nightmares, Seth must come to grips with his demons and find a way to keep himself, and his crew, alive.

The story was inspired by my time in the Navy, and I draw heavily on my own experiences drifting across the sea stuck in a metal can for weeks at a time. This story shows what life would be like spending long periods of time in the confines of a ship, and how people cope with danger and stresses while relying on a team to survive.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Spotify, green tea, a bowl of mixed nuts and Pomeranian on my lap (I have six dogs).

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Arthur C Clarke, Peter F Hamilton, Kurt Vonnegut, Isaac Asimov, Alastair Reynolds, Joe Haldeman and countless other science fiction authors.

I love hard science fiction, especially 2001: A Space Odyssey and all the sequels, the Redemption Ark series by Alistair Reynolds, and…well I don’t think there’s enough space here to write all my influences. I’m always reading, always spending a couple hours a night reading regardless of what time it is.

What are you working on now?
The sequel to Dreaming of Atmosphere – so far it’s 50% written. I have several other projects, such as game design and publishing gaming books, but for now I’m focused on writing books.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still working all that out….hey you guys look pretty good!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Two things spring to mind. Ben Bova says that you just gotta write – sit down at the keyboard and write. This is what makes you a writer, the willingness to put thought to paper (or screen) and come up with a story.

The other thing is that you know yourself what style of writing suits you. You don’t need an elaborate spreadsheet of ideas linking characters to plot points and story arcs – it’s perfectly acceptable to write a story page by page and let it come to life this way.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be professional, be polite and have a plan to kill everybody that you meet. Just kidding – Find what you’re looking for rather than settle for what you’ve found.

What are you reading now?
The Lost Starship by Vaughn Veppner

What’s next for you as a writer?
More sequels for Dreaming of Atmosphere, regardless of how they’re selling the process was enjoyable and a great outlet for my creative 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?
How to Survive a Deserted Island (Prepare to Survive) by Tim O’Shei
SAS Survival Handbook by John Wiseman
Playboy Magazine

Author Websites and Profiles
Jim C Wilson Website
Jim C Wilson Amazon Profile

Jim C Wilson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Jim C Wilson is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am married to my wife, Charmine, and the father of three beautiful girls, Alexis, Cecilia, and Isabella. I am a fan of most genres of books from non-fiction historical and theological to fiction drama, action, fantasy, and comedy. I enjoy music and golf…Well…who really enjoys golf? I am currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University and intend to continue my education in a PhD program at Grand Canyon University beginning in the Spring of 2016. I was born and raised near Atlantic City, New Jersey, and currently make my home in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.

I have written three books which I self-published. I also have four more written and in various stages of editing and revision.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
All three of my published works are part of a Young Adult series: “A Quiver of Cobras”. My most recent is called “Worlds Collide” and is inspired by the world of pop music. The main character is a major female celebrity (think Taylor Swift) and she meets a nobody and falls for him. They come from two completely different worlds and the book is all about what happens when these two worlds collide.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to refrain from writing until I know the characters are real. By this, I mean they are real enough to me that I know them just as well as I know the people in my life.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love medieval literature and particularly enjoy Chaucer’s Canterbury tales for his lively characters.

More recently, my favorite authors are Robert Ludlum, Eric van Lustbader, and Matthew Reilly.

What are you working on now?
I currently have four books in the process of editing and revision. I am writing the second in a Supernatural series. The series is called “The Nico Scarlatti Novels.”

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Nothing beats word of mouth. I have an author website, christophermerlino.net, and an author page on Facebook: Christopher Merlino. Just recently I began seeking out interviews as a means of promoting my work.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. That’s rule number one. Don’t let anything stop you from writing, including “writer’s block.” No matter what, you have to write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If at first you don’t succeed, deny you ever tried.

What are you reading now?
Lately, I have been reading a lot of self-published books in the young adult genre.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am continuing to write all the series I have started. I am also hoping to find a good publishing house to work with.

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 Matarese Circle – Robert Ludlum
Shibumi – Trevanian
Catch-22 – Joseph Heller
Seven Deadly Wonders – Matthew Reilly

Author Websites and Profiles
Christopher Merlino Website
Christopher Merlino Amazon Profile

Christopher Merlino’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Christopher Merlino is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Christopher Holley. By day I am a third grade teacher (going on 13 years). By night I am an aspiring author. I enjoy football, Martial Arts and Magic the Gathering.

I have written 5 children’s picture books and 1 adult education manual. I am currently working on a young adult novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest work is The Moustache Fairy. It was inspired because I noticed that recently society has embraced facial hair. I saw a lot of children’s products based around moustaches and thought that it would make an interesting story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I like to listen to the same song over and over (Jesse Ware-Say You Love Me). I feel that it helps me focus and its when I do my best writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I really like Roald Dahl. He is just a genius. That man can tell a story. I also admire Jeff Kinney. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is one of my favorites and I wish I could be more like him as an author.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a young adult novel Diary of a Teacher. It is based around my experiences as a teacher and lets non-teachers and children see the classroom through the eyes of a first year teacher. It is meant to be funny and I feel that it really captures the joy (and sometimes insanity) of working with five year olds.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus, but I don’t think those work that well. To be honest, this is an area that I need help in. So if anyone has any tips please email me at booksbyholley@gmail.com. Thanks.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Just write. It doesn’t matter if it stinks at first, because it will get better the more you do it. If you have an idea, put it down on paper and you would be surprised how fun the process is (and challenging).

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard is you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. I am a dreamer and I will never stop shooting for the moon (because one day I will get there).

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Built to Last. Its a book based on research about what makes companies successful. I have my undergrad in marketing, so I still like to read/follow the business world.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Im really just trying to share my books with the world. I feel that they have positive messages and are fun for all ages. Please check them out on my website www.BooksByHolley.com.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would probably bring 3-4 survival guides about being stranded on a desert island because I am not handy at all. The Harry Potter Series, Catcher in the Rye and the Game of Thrones series are my real picks.

Author Websites and Profiles
Christopher Holley Website
Christopher Holley Amazon Profile

Christopher Holley’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Christopher Holley is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
i am writer and have many bloggers . my books are three up till now and they are published at Kindle amazon and one at create space in paper. my books are”meeting with pharaoh” By (mohamad safan
ASIN: B013BV08YW ‘) & “(The thief challenges the impossible…
By mohamed safan
ASIN: B014YXGYA8
and ( the thief’s aim and the faith: the …
By mohamad safan
ASIN: B01640MSVS
i have several bloggers as “www.cocococoo.blogspot.com” &””www.loveforyouonly.blogspot.com”
i wrote for social and self improvement. i try to enhance the believe in God and his power.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
the thief’s aim and the faith: the …
By mohamad safan
ASIN: B01640MSVS
it is dealing with money getting suddenly at the land and found by dogs. they have great dreams to achieve. the wife of the hero’s dog refused take it especially when she knew the money for orphan children. they could disappear in human wear and imitate like him. they chased by the police. they knew how they hide. after the hero was caught and gone to by killed by the dogs’ hunters. his wife was courage and did impossible to save him.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
yes, i am mechanical engineering and work at site engineering in erection piping and steel structure. i am manager and have experience at that site. i love poems and write some of poems. i love traveling and see the nature. i love photo for nature. i love reading the the problems of the people and try to share to solve them.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Shakespeare and his novels. , Voltaire and some of his books. some books of Agatha Christie

What are you working on now?
some books for adventures and hope catching

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
by announcing and review it.by making the book known by the browser.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
patient and make books for several publishers not at one publish. read and knew the several culture.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
do not loose your hope. try and you will success

What are you reading now?
Voltaire his book Zadig

What’s next for you as a writer?
publish books one ‘the funny ghosts” the other ” the free ant”

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 َََQuraan, Hamlet, Le Mondain of Voltaire, the silent witness of Agatha Christie

Author Websites and Profiles
mohamad safan Amazon Profile

mohamad safan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

mohamad safan is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a daydreamer, and that is why I write. OCD runs in my family, rather than a handicap, for me it is a writing tool. I immerse myself in a subject, a location or time and then do my best to tell a good yarn from the place.
I have written eleven books, five of which take place in the 1920s and six that take place during the Roman Empire.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Murder Most Haunting: A Mrs. Xavier Stayton Mystery
I had a desire to tell a story of what appears to be a murder from beyond the grave. The plot twist came to me as I worked out how to tell a story with an eerie atmosphere without the an actual supernatural element. I think a good old fashion whodunit requires a flesh and blood killer at the end; as Mrs. Stayton said: “I have never met a ghost, but I have met a few murderers.”

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if this is unusual or not, but to start a book I first write out different occurrences that must happen on to note cards. Sometimes it is a clue, sometimes it is a statement that needs to be said, or a bit of physical action. Then I can arrange all of my plot points before I start to write, and I don’t miss some factor that moves the story forward.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robert Graves, Daphne du Maurier and Agatha Christie have all shape my writing style and interests. Graves is a great story teller, using little description he gets right to the point. Mrs. du Maurier’s novel Rebecca is just a marvel. I only wish I could match her talent. Agatha Christie was a master of her craft, she knew how to write a page turner!

What are you working on now?
Murder Most Plagiaristic: A Mrs. Xavier Stayton Mystery
Mrs. Stayton finally gets a book publisher, and then finds herself nearly sued for plagiarism. Of course, matters get worse when her publisher is killed. It is up to her to find out just whodunit.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think you have to mix it up, what worked last year, or last month may not work today. Product recognition is important. Someone needs to see the cover of your book multiple times before it becomes familiar to them and they think, oh, I should check this out. I think people tend to prefer what they know, what they recognize, so they need to notice your book cover in different places.
Find the people who like the subject and genera you write about, thanks to social media they are out there waving at you. Don’t spam them, get to know them, interact. I enjoy the relationships I have made by becoming part of the people who read the subject I write. It makes it all more worthwhile.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stop rewriting and rewriting your book and hire an author coach or some similar professional to critique your manuscript. I know I wasted a lot of time because I didn’t know what to do after I wrote my first story. Luckily, I made the next jump and stopped asking my friends to read it, because of course they all said it was a masterpiece, and I hired someone. He told me it was a good start, and then he told me everything wrong with the pacing and the conclusion. I listened, I rewrote, and rewrote and it was the best thing I could have done. Less than a year later, I was no longer saying that my hobby was writing, I was saying “I’m an author.”

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
More of a statement, “Life is short.” I love a particular episode of Green Acres, where Lisa Douglas makes a head gasket out of pancakes. I turned on the TV countless times when the reruns were on to see if that was the episode playing, and even if it wasn’t, I watched the show. Don’t waste your time watching reruns, write – or whatever it is you love doing, do that because life is short.

What are you reading now?
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, by Agatha Christie
I have been on a kick of rereading all of the Queen of Crimes books.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am just going to keep writing. I have a lot of stories to tell.

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, Claudius by Robert Graves; Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier, Murder on the Orient Express, by Agatha Christie and Murder Most Posh -by me!

Author Websites and Profiles
Robert Colton Website
Robert Colton Amazon Profile

Robert Colton’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Robert Colton is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Writer has always been my dream job. It hasn’t been until recently that it makes sense to go after that dream.

I’ve written two novels so far, and have two more in the Guardians of Espen series planned. All the novels are stand alone, although they do feature some shared characters.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ‘His Ghost to Bear’ and it was inspired by a challenge to write a Halloween romance. I really had a blast writing this book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write very late at night, when the house is quiet and everyone is sleeping. The story just flows better in the wee hours of the night.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve read and loved every genre from horror to non-fiction. The authors that have influenced me the most have been the ones that write bold worlds that dare to challenge our social conventions and still tell a grand adventure story.

My favorite authors include, Marjorie M. Liu, Mercedes Lackey, Johanna Lindsey, Deborah Geary, David Weber. I read pretty widely though. It’s rare I meet a story I don’t like.

What are you working on now?
The follow up story to His Ghost to Bear.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth. Well, that, and Facebook.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Dare to write. Just put words on the page, even if you think they aren’t the best words. Get to the end, fix what you can and move on. The best way to learn is to do.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The only way you can fail at writing is to quit writing. Pretty sure it was Dean Wesley Smith who wrote that and it made sense to me.

What are you reading now?
Research material on Roman Gods. Sometimes I take a break and read a light novel for fun. Last novel I read was a week ago, and it was ‘I See You’ by Holly Lisle, but that was a ‘read it again’ just because book.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After the Guardians of Espen? I’ve got plans in work for future collaboration with Tia Moon. Also, looking forward to working with Alana after this series is done. The details still need to be hashed out as far as what’s after Guardians.

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 longest books I could find by one of my favorite authors. Wouldn’t matter which one. But one would have to be a survival guide, because desert island.

Author Websites and Profiles
Sophia Barron Website
Sophia Barron Amazon Profile

Sophia Barron is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am proud to say that I grew up in Memphis, TN, yet now divide my time between Malibu and Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA. I have written three books: two that were published by Vinspire Publishing and the third is a book I am putting the final touches to. My first book is a paranormal mystery written in two time periods, which fit together like pieces of a puzzle and take the reader on a suspenseful journey, and my second book is fiction set on the western coast of Ireland titled, “Dancing to an Irish Reel.”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Dancing to an Irish Reel” was inspired from the year I spent living in rural Ireland. It was a pivotal, eye-opening year for me, and although I worked in Galway City, I lived in the region of Connemara, which is where Irish is spoken as a first language and the old ways are still kept. It was so vastly different from everything I knew in America, and I was so spell-bound by Ireland and its social mores and subtle culture, that I wanted to write about it, so that readers would gather a sense of the wonder of the place. Ireland’s people are their most salient characteristic. I found them humorous, soulful, respectful of nature and each other; they are a culture well worth writing about and hopefully readers will feel the same.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always write first thing in the morning, coffee in hand, which I keep coming. I treat it as a full-time job when I am immersed in the writing of a book. I also contribute to magazines and my trick is to follow the thread of inspiration when an idea comes to me, by this I mean I drop whatever else is going on and commit to sitting at my desk until the job is done. I’ve found if I don’t move when the inspiration to tell a story hits, then it’s hard to get it back.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
All the books that have inspired me are fiction. “The Prince of Tides” and “South if Broad” by Pat Conroy come to mind because they are incredibly well crafted stories with lyrical language at their core. And both have a strong sense of place, which the story seems to revolve around the setting. I like the idea of culture and social mores as a defining characteristic of the characters. They explain much of a characters mind frame and motivation.

What are you working on now?
I’ve almost lost count, but I have just completed another run-through of my third novel, which is a Southern family saga set in 1970’s Memphis. It is a cause and effect story about how tragedy can play out in a dysfunctional family and effect everyone differently according to who they are. And it is about keeping up appearances along with a good dose of denial, although all that glitters is definitely not gold.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I rely heavily on Twitter, Facebook and Google+. I also like to keep writing and posting on magazine sites online. I like a site called Books go Social, and I am thrilled to come across you!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I think it’s very important to continuously read, and if you are brave enough to go outside of the comfort zone of your favorite genre, more’s the better. Aiming to broaden your vocabulary is an endless pursuit, but one that gives you the keys to the kingdom. And when you tell a story, remember it is best told in your own voice according to who you are and how you see things. Readers love to learn of a different vantage point than their own, so it is an authors job to give it to them.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A writer’s career is a marathon, not a sprint. Dawn Carrington of Vinspire Publishing was the first to tell me this.

What are you reading now?
“Untying the Moon” by Ellen Malphrus. She is a poet and it shows in this, her first novel.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I think I’ll continue setting books in the American South for a while because there is so much to divulge about the region and its people. Many say the South is the last romantic place in America.

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 Secret History” by Donna Tarrt, “Pat Conroy’s “The Prince of Tides” and “A Separate Peace” by John Knowles.

Author Websites and Profiles
Claire Fullerton Website
Claire Fullerton Amazon Profile
Claire Fullerton Author Profile on Smashwords

Claire Fullerton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Claire Fullerton is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Brenda Thornlow is an author from Brooklyn, NY. She is the author of the first book in a time travel series entitled, My Life as I Knew It; The Revolving Door: A Short Story, and her latest novel is entitled A Godless Love. When she is not writing Brenda temps as an administrative assistant all around the Manhattan area. She currently lives in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bay Ridge with her husband of five years, their dog Norman and cat Sophie.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is entitled A Godless Love. The inspiration for it comes from my background growing up in a religious cult and the control they have over their member’s lives including the sexual lives of married couples.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
While writing, I sometimes stop to take 3 or 4 mile walks while listening to RuPaul. I find his music inspiring.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
A few of my favorite that have had an impact on my life are The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb; The Brooklyn Follies by Paul Auster and The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule.

What are you working on now?
The second installment to My Life as I Knew It, the first book in a time travel series. The second book is entitled Life, As Is.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Instagram and mass email.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Throughout my life, I’ve always loved writing but never shared my work with others until a couple of years ago because I was self conscious. When I finally did showcase my work it was such a freeing experience. If you want to write, don’t let what others think of you stop you. Just do it. Some will appreciate your writing, others won’t. Ignore the people that don’t appreciate it. Do it for yourself.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you want to be a writer, then start writing!

What are you reading now?
It by Stephen King.

What’s next for you as a writer?
In a couple of weeks I am doing a radio interview on The Author’s Show.

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 three I mentioned above.

Author Websites and Profiles
Brenda Thornlow Website
Brenda Thornlow Amazon Profile
Brenda Thornlow Author Profile on Smashwords

Brenda Thornlow’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Brenda Thornlow is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Growing up in a small town on the plains of eastern Montana, I was anxious to see the world (i.e., move away). After college, I left for 8 years, living in Michigan and then Washington, eventually realizing there’s no place like home, happily returning to Montana in the 1980’s. I’m the mother of three grown children, and proud nana of seven grandsons and a granddaughter. My husband, Mini-Schnauzer and I live in south central Montana, where I enjoy writing, reading, photography, travel, long walks and the “Big Sky” of Montana.

For over 30 years, my passion was teaching, working with thousands of women and babies as a breastfeeding educator. During my career, I spoke at numerous Lactation Conferences, both nationally and internationally and co-wrote many lactation articles and case studies, which have appeared in different lactation journals, as well as being referenced in books.

I’ve written one full-length book, Somebody Stole My Iron: A Family Memoir of Dementia and this past summer I was nominated as 2015 Best Woman Writer for the High Plains Book Awards, which encompassed over 200 entries from 7 western states and 3 Canadian provinces.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Somebody Stole My Iron: A Family Memoir of Dementia is my first full-length work, inspired by my struggle to find practical and helpful information while I was the caregiver for my parents. After my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and my father with Parkinson’s-related dementia during the same year, I became the nearest family caregiver. Since journaling had been a part of my life since I was 16, it seemed only natural for me to keep a diary of our journey down what I call the “rabbit hole of dementia.” Writing became my therapy and a way to cope with the emotional ups and downs of our lives. Over time, my journal morphed its way into a memoir, filled with stories and lessons, insight and hope. I was inspired to publish it after sharing the manuscript with friends and friends of friends who were traveling the same difficult road and hearing them tell me how much reading this book helped them on their own journey.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I’m not sure what would be considered “usual” writing habits, so whether or not my writing habits are “unusual” is open to debate. My office is sitting on a stool at my computer at my kitchen counter breakfast bar. I write at all different times of the day or evening, whenever I can escape life’s persistent demands.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Escaping into the historical fiction and fantasy time-travel of a Diana Gabaldon novel is my idea of a great time. Her writing style is so engaging, I find myself saying (or thinking) “ken” and “dinna” weeks after finishing one of her novels. I’d love to have her talent for writing characters. She also has a knack for including interesting vocabulary. I enjoy Barbara Kingsolver and felt her book The Poisonwood Bible changed the way I look at life. Her books are thoughtful and remain in my mind long after I’ve finished the read.

What are you working on now?
Although this is still my working title, I recently finished the first draft of Overcoming Maggie. This biographical work of fiction was inspired by the life of my great-grandmother, a spunky and determined woman thrust into marriages of abuse, not once, but 3 times. I’ve the actual divorce transcript from the first marriage, which inspired much of the first half of the book. This story, which begins in Michigan and ends in Montana, is a testament to her determination, courage and spirit. It takes place around the turn of the 20th century, when women had few, if any, legal rights.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I engage with social media via Twitter and Facebook every day, maintain a website with a blog and seek out connection with others interested in all things dementia. I’ve spoken numerous times in my city for various organizations about Dementia Awareness and always bring along a stack of my books to sell.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s important to put together a good, professional-looking product that is well-written and professionally edited, with a classy, eye-catching cover. After that, it’s all about marketing, marketing, marketing. And, yes, I’d rather be writing…

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

What are you reading now?
I’m always reading other books related to Alzheimer’s/dementia, including Stars Go Blue by Laura Pritchett (High Plains Book Award winner), Jean Lee’s Alzheimer’s Daughter, Marianne Sciucco’s Blue Hydrangeas and Shannon Wiersbitzky’s What Flowers Remember. I recently finished both Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick. Currently, I’m reading Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Working with my editor on Overcoming Maggie, continuing to blog, participate in promos and market my book, Somebody Stole My Iron.

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. SAS Survival Handbook: How to Survive in the Wild, in Any Climate, on Land or at Sea by John Lofty Wiseman
2. First Aid Manual
3. The Complete Sonnets & Poems of William Shakespeare, as maybe I’d finally have enough time on my hands to contemplate their meaning.
4. Lastly, I’d probably take Diana’s Gabaldon’s Outlander, just for fun.

Author Websites and Profiles
Vicki Tapia Website
Vicki Tapia Amazon Profile

Vicki Tapia’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Vicki Tapia is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After spending over 33 years in the computer and information technology industry, Richard decided to take an early retirement to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional writer and published author. Richard is a leader in the computer industry, serving as Vice President of Consulting at Software Techniques and Beck Computer Systems before settling down as Director of Computer Operations at Trader Joe’s. During his twenty-year tenure at that esteemed company, he focused on computer security and preparing for the possibility of disaster.

In addition to creating hundreds of articles for the web and blogs, Richard actively works as a professional ghostwriter. In that role, he has completed books on a wide variety of subjects including memoirs, business volumes, and novels. Because of his in-depth background in software management and computer security, Richard has ghostwritten a number of major books in those areas.

Additionally, Richard has published books of his own. His first two volumes, Safe Computing is Like Safe Sex and Real World Survival Tips and Survival Guide, respectively touch on the subjects of computer security and how to survive emergencies and disasters. Richard has also written and published a series of short eBooks on the aspects of freelance writing, including blogging and ghostwriting. Other published books include How to Plan a Party and How to Surround Yourself with Beautiful Women without Being a Sleazeball.

An avid adventurer, Richard has been a photographer for much of his life, with a focus on nature, scenic, performance and event photography. He has done everything from hiking in dozens of national parks throughout the country, to photographing various unique festivals and events, such as the Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball and the World Mermaid Awards Convention. He is well known in the Renaissance Festival and Belly Dance communities, having photographed over 1,200 dance events and 400 festivals. For several years, he photographed the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California.

Richard is currently working on a large number of short Kindle eBooks on a wide variety of subjects. Beginning in 2016, the first of a ten volume series of Science Fiction novels will be published.

One of Richard’s passions is to use the power of words to educate people on human rights. He believes the world will be a better place when human beings are treated with the full respect and dignity they are due.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Help! I’ve Lost My Job: Tips on What to do When You’re Unexpectedly Unemployed (Business Professional Series Book 5)

I wanted to help people who have recently lost their jobs. I went through that experience two years ago, and although I left voluntarily, there were many things I learned that others could find of benefit.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I set a timer for 45 minutes, write for that long, then take a 15 minute break. I do this 3 times before lunch, 3 times after, and 3 times after dinner.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
L Ron Hubbard was a huge influence because he could write on so many subjects. I also enjoyed Stranger and a Strange land and any book by Mike Resnick.

Shelley Hitz books on writing and marketing have been a fantastic influence and helped me get my writing career started.

What are you working on now?
My second novel, a space opera called “Peacekeeper”.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve been using LinkedIn very successfully to market my books and my ghostwriting services.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Write. Write. Don’t give up and don’t listen to the naysayers. Also, learn to market and sell.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Believe in myself and my abilities.

What are you reading now?
Scam Proof your Life

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m writing a 10 volume novel series, a space opera set 1 million years in the future, another novel involving a cat from her point of view, and a long series of short Kindle eBooks on various subjects.

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?
Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein
Santiago by Mike Resnick
Lord of the Rings by J R R Tolkein

Author Websites and Profiles
Richard Lowe jr Website
Richard Lowe jr Amazon Profile

Richard Lowe jr’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Richard Lowe jr is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello everyone! I’m Lisa Ann Verge, author of seventeen novels that have been translated into about fifteen languages. I started out writing historical, contemporary, and paranormal romances and then took up women’s fiction as Lisa Verge Higgins. Along the way I collected about a half-dozen RT Book Review Awards, a Bean Pot (from Boston, could you guess?), a Golden Leaf, and a RITA nomination. I’ve been doing this for over mumble-mumble years and loving every minute of it!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book (as Lisa Verge Higgins) came out in March 2015, SENSELESS ACTS OF BEAUTY. It was inspired by one of the main characters, a brilliant but smart-mouthed fourteen-year-old adoptee who just popped into my head one day. When her adoptive mother dies, Sadie loads up a backpack and goes on an odyssey to track down her biological mother . . . who will do *anything* to protect Sadie from the reasons she gave her away.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Alas, I’m boringly predictable in all my writing habits. I apply the seat of my pants to the seat of my chair, then eat chocolate and drink coffee.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I adore Kathryn Lynn Davis’s lush, historical romance novels–Too Deep For Tears, Child of Awe, etc. Her books inspired me to pick up my pen. It was such a thrill when I finally met her at a writer’s conference about a year ago. I confess, I went all fan-girl.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on several projects at the same time. First, I’m putting up my backlist historical romances as eBooks, which is such a thrill. I’m trying to put out 2-3 a year. I’m also working on the next book in The Celtic Legends Series, a story that I put aside years ago and now have an opportunity to revive. Finally, I have a super-secret side project that I can’t talk about because it’s different and exciting and challenging and a new direction for me.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t really ‘promote’ much, really. I’ll do an occasional price drop or freebie, but in general I just keep in touch with folks on Facebook and Twitter, building an ever-expanding community of really interesting people, and then when I’ve got something coming out I’ll let them know. If promotion isn’t organic, it doesn’t feel right.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Focus on your writing above all else. Traditional publishing is tough to break into, and there can be a lot of disappointments even if you do. Indie-publishing allows instant gratification, but discoverability is a challenge. If you focus on writing the best story you can, and constantly strive to improve your craft, then you’ll be prepared when opportunity strikes and at the same time protect yourself from the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Ernest Hemingway: “The first draft of anything is s**t.”

Don’t sweat it–just get the story on the page. Then rewrite!

What are you reading now?
I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes. It’s a fabulous thriller, I couldn’t put it down!

What’s next for you as a writer?
If I tell you, I may have to kill you.

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?
How To Build A Fire. How To Skin A Lizard. How To Build A Raft. The King James Bible

Author Websites and Profiles
Lisa Ann Verge Website
Lisa Ann Verge Amazon Profile

Lisa Ann Verge’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Lisa Ann Verge is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written a number of short stories under other author names. My name of Amanda Rothman is real, however. Even if Smallville used it as a character name! I should watch that sometime.

I also write for a living, currently as a Technical Writer. This is my first non-fiction book that I’ve published on Amazon, but I’m planning to follow it up with a number of others in this series!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Bestselling book that I just published on Amazon is called “Climate Change Debates Don’t Matter: Generate Renewable Energy While Saving Earth from Floods and Drought”. It’s been thrilling to see how it has been received so far!

I’ve always loved nature, weather, and science, and have tracked it over time. When I noted a disturbing trend in severe weather and the increase in flooding and drought, I started to brainstorm!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I really really prefer quiet while I’m writing!

If there’s music on, I’m going to be listening to it.
A podcast? It has my rapt attention!
White noise? Distracting until I eventually drown it out with concentration.

Reading however? Distractions are no problem. If I’m reading I may (or may not) hear you if you’re talking to me!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh good heavens too many to name. There are some classic authors who taught me how to write descriptive prose. Lots of nonfiction authors that are helping with copy-writing, blog writing, book writing, marketing, finances, and of course information on climate change and related topics!

What are you working on now?
I’m trying to get my book into as many hands as I can to increase the chances that influential people will hear about it. I’m also contacting various climate change organizations, media outlets, and researchers/entrepreneurs who are working in the field to see if they’re interested in getting my system created.

Once I’ve finished this launch, I’ll be working on Book 2 of this ongoing series!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth and Facebook has been surprisingly helpful in getting support started from friends, family, and interested Facebook groups!

After that however, there are a large number of promotion services out there! I’m just getting started with them now.

Last is your blog. I’m working on adding more content to mine!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t get frustrated and give up. You need to make a decision to write.

Every morning is best. Even if it’s just 15 minutes before going to work! The morning is when you have the most willpower after a good rest!

Sit down at your computer and write. If you’re staring at a blank screen, mindmap your ideas first so you know what you’re going to write. Then write it!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Mindmapping ideas ON PAPER. Seriously. It works like you wouldn’t believe!

The same goes for the morning writing. The best way to develop a good habit!

What are you reading now?
I’m reading lots and lots of articles and books on marketing and improving one’s blog!

There is a lot of material to be found out there, but I find that with so many different points of view, everyone will have at least one little new nugget of wisdom not shared by the others!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m looking for speaking gigs, guest blog opportunities, podcast interviews- those sorts of things. I’ll be writing and releasing press releases once I work that out as well.

I’m hoping to leave a legacy of there being no more flooding and drought, no more deaths or people dying of thirst. Fewer wildfires. Glaciers that are more stable. Sea level rise averted.

It’s an enormous project.

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?
Difficult question!

The complete work of “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Dumas with all of the extras.
Albert Camus “The Fall”
A ginormous thesaurus/dictionary
A ginormous book of blank paper (hopefully some writing implements would be allowed!)

Author Websites and Profiles
Amanda Rothman Website
Amanda Rothman Amazon Profile

Amanda Rothman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Amanda Rothman is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have always loved writing but was always too embarrassed to show anyone. I started writing when I was eight but only in the last five years have I submitted any work anywhere. I just recently published my first novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
All The Colours. It’s a new adult romance with a little bit of mystery and self-discovery thrown in for an added something. It is actually pretty different to what I planned my first release to be. I was halfway through a first draft on a different story when I veered off course. It’s actually pretty funny, I love to write and read romance but I’m not massively big on it personally in my own life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am sort of all over the place with my writing.
Sometimes I need music. Other times complete silence.
I used to abandon my stories around the 10,000 word mark. I have lots of unfinished stories just waiting for me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I loved the Goosebumps books when I was younger. Now I search for Indie authors mainly. I love the raw mostly undiscovered treasures.

What are you working on now?
I am halfway through a first draft for a character from All The Colours. I decided they deserved their own story.
I am also working on a short story collection with my sister. We love writing together.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still working on the promotion side of things. Probably shouldn’t admit that but I can’t bend the truth (except with my writing of course). I’ve found Twitter really useful in connecting with other authors and I’ve read some awesome books recently as a result.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write and worry about the rest later, and then write some more. Remember you can’t and won’t please everybody.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what is in your heart.

What are you reading now?
I just finished The Ghost of You by Kristen Darling. She had read mine and loved it so I decided to check out her book too, I’m so glad that I did! It was one of those books that really mess with you emotionally, making you feel everything. It was amazing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish this first draft and release it in 2016 as well as the short story collection. I’m really excited about both!

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?
Only 3 or 4? That’s impossible to answer.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lo-arna Green Website
Lo-arna Green Amazon Profile
Lo-arna Green Author Profile on Smashwords

Lo-arna Green’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Lo-arna Green is a post from Awesome Gang

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello, My name is Cindi Walton and I love life. I am a Northern Michigan native and love my neck of the woods even though I could do with a little less winter. I am married to a great guy Michael and have 2 grown daughters Candi and Kristy. I have the honor of being Nana to William Michael and Kaleigh Jean. Last but not least is my standard poodle, Maxwell House…I guess you have already figured out that I am a coffee lover. I believe that we all need a regular dose of nonsense and silliness in our lives…it helps to keep our inner child well fed. I am all about family and both of my books reflect that. I am also the founder of Sock Monkey Nation, a kindness and anti-bullying campaign where we believe “Bullies aren’t born, they are created. For more information please visit us at http://www.sockmonkeynation.com I am the author of 10 books and all book sales fund our cause.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest book, “Friendly Fire” is a comedy romance. I am curious about those who have chosen to “life off the grid” and have often wondered “What if you were suddenly thrown into the lifestyle?” One day while drinking a cup of coffee and researching the various degrees of living off the grid, I suddenly knew that I wanted to take a city girl who was working in a coffee house and build a story around her, and so it began… A journey from a Chicago coffee shop to an off the grid community in Northern Wisconsin…throw in two handsome journalist and a standard poodle and a romantic comedy of errors was born.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love to write in my favorite fuzzy bathrobe with a cup of coffee at my side. I also keep a journal next to my bed where I jot down my thoughts and the beginnings of poems as they come to me throughout the night~

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am in love with Dr. Suess, Shel Silverstein, Debbie Macomber and last, but not least, anything that Charles Dickens has written. Since most of my books are written for children and often written in a poetic style , Suess and Silverstein have always tickled my “writing fancy.”

What are you working on now?
I just finished up “Friendly Fire” and I’m mulling over a serious novel and another children’s book of poetry. My brain is a little frazzled, so I need to step back, take a moment, reflect on where I have been, AND, then figure out where I want to go.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
To be honest, as far as marketing my work, that is the hardest aspect of the entire process. I think it comes down to doing your research, being willing to roll up your sleeves and promote in whatever way you can, be it print, social media or word of mouth.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t write for the fame, recognition or money, but rather write for yourself. Life is too short and precious time is wasted when you wait for praise from others…My motto: “Dream it, try it, achieve it, baby steps along the way!”

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up or give in…instead, give it your all!

What are you reading now?
Actually, I am reading the Harry Potter Book for the first time.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am thinking of writing something of a more personal and serious note. As a recovering bulimic, I am sickened by the body shaming of our culture today. I would like to write a novel that walks the reader through the life of a woman who struggles with her looks on a daily basis.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Any of Dickens work, Where the sidewalk ends, My bible and a survival manual!

Author Websites and Profiles
Cindi Walton Website
Cindi Walton Amazon Profile

Cindi Walton’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Cindi Walton is a post from Awesome Gang