Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a reference librarian at a public library on Long Island. I am married with a daughter and two cats. My first book, Cloudy Rainbow, was a romance that I self-published. It had a touch of the paranormal in it. My traditionally published book, A Stone’s Throw, is a mystery romance. It was published in November 2015 by Limitless Publishing. I’m currently preparing the sequel to this book and hope to publish it soon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Stone’s Throw was inspired by my experience as a librarian. The main character is a librarian, and much of the book takes place in a library in the small fictional town of Cobble Cove, New York.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write very early in the morning before I have to get ready for work. I’m usually up by 5 am at the computer typing away. I try to do this an hour each day and sometimes, if I’m not too tired, I’ll write a few more scenes at night.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was young, I idolized gothic mystery authors Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt. I currently enjoy reading Nora Roberts and Mary Higgins Clark, but I also like to read a variety of authors and genres. I also like to read debut authors. I enjoy books that feature strong character development. a twist to their plot, and a nice romance but nothing too steamy. I strive to meet that criteria with my own books.

What are you working on now?
I’ve completed a sequel to A Stone’s Throw that I hope to submit for publication soon. It features additional characters from the first book and three crimes along with some romance.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use social media, Facebook and Twitter, and I also write a blog on my website. Currently, I’m starting a newsletter for my followers that they can access through my WordPress site at https://debbiedelouise.wordpress.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up and don’t stop writing. You need to make writing a habit, and you can’t be derailed by criticism or rejection. You have to believe in yourself, network with other authors, join writing groups, be active on social media, clone yourself if you can (only kidding, but it would be a nice option). The main thing is to keep at it. Don’t expect to make a lot of money right away. Do it because you love it and because you want to others to read your work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Everything I said above but, in particular, not to give up.

What are you reading now?
Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter. I have a huge TBR list to follow.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to write another one or two Cobble Cove books and then go back to some other books I had started and didn’t have the time to finish. I also have ideas for other novels. The main thing I want to do is build my author platform and reach those who would be interested in my books.

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 think I’d probably just grab a few books off my TBR pile because I have so many waiting to be read.

Author Websites and Profiles
Debbie De Louise Website
Debbie De Louise Amazon Profile

Debbie De Louise’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My full name is Lindsey Ann Jennings (hence the L.A.), and I have been telling stories since I could talk. I told so many stories that my parents taught me how to read just to shut me up! I grew up an only child and home-schooled in the mountains around the Shenandoah Valley, giving me plenty of time to focus on writing and reading. As of now I have only published one book, but there are plenty more on the way.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I just published “The Case Files of Al Na’ir: An Untimely Affair,” a post-apocalyptic science-fiction mystery, late last year. I came up with the idea about four years ago while watching Star Trek; I wondered what would happen if the perspective of the show were from the societies they visited, rather than from the utopian galactic force that beamed down. That idea spiraled out over several years to include my love of mystery novels, my enthusiasm for writing action scenes, and my interest in the post-apocalyptic genre. Ultimately I ended up with the book I have now, them sum of everything I’ve been interested in over the past few years.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I’m really stuck on what to write, I open up a voice recorder app and record myself speaking whatever parts of the scene comes to my head. I talk until I run out of things to say, and then I transcribe it onto paper and work from there. This stream of consciousness results in a lot of confusing run-on sentences initially, but it’s better than not having anything!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have always enjoyed mysteries, and Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle were formative figures of my childhood. The puzzle-like aspect of mysteries, the use of the detective character, and the nature of the villains they used helped me to develop my own skills. In addition to these, there are literary works that have helped me to see just what that medium is capable of, such as Fyodor Dostoevsky’s novel “The Brothers Karamazov,” Charlotte Gilman’s short story “The Yellow Wallpaper,” and T.S. Eliot’s poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.”

What are you working on now?
I am currently writing the sequel to “The Case Files of Al Na’ir: An Untimely Affair,” which goes further into the galaxy the characters live in, as well as further into the characters’ pasts. I am also working on several short stories and poems.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method I’ve found, whether online or offline, is to generate a group that is passionate about your work and willing to tell others about it. There is no better marketing tool than to see someone who is genuinely enthusiastic about a book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read critically, write extensively, learn enthusiastically. Can’t go wrong with that!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Someone once told me that writing is like soup: the ingredients themselves aren’t original, but the way that they’re put together is. Don’t worry about having original ideas, just focus on being an original you.

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m making my way through “The Martian” by Andy Weir, as well as a few nonfiction books about writing.

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

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Including the Bible, I’d probably also go for the complete set of Sherlock Holmes stories (that counts as one, right?), “Jane Eyre,” and one of my literature anthologies. Sure, I’d never figure out how to get off the island, but at least I’d be entertained.

Author Websites and Profiles
L.A. Jennings Website

L.A. Jennings’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I once rode shotgun in a car for three hours with a coral snake in a five-pound coffee can between my feet. That was before I was the author of nine novels. Last year I rode shotgun in a car for a few miles with a rattlesnake in a salad container in my lap. What can I say? It’s a thing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Reluctant Saint came to life when I contemplated the last sentence of Endless Vacation: “Hensley wondered what Chrystal in Santa Fe was doing these days.” Up to that point, Chrystal was nothing more than a name and a location. As I began to consider the sort of woman who would launch Hensley on a quest after twelve years of wandering the planet, the universe opened up, and a character like no other was born. Boy is Hensley in for an education.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
For first drafts, I usually start writing around 10 pm and go for at least four hours, frequently writing through until dawn. Drop me a line and I’ll send you the recipe.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ray Bradbury, P.G. Wodehouse, Louis L’Amour, Graham Greene, Robertson Davies . . . Are you writing this down? I expect you to read at least one book from each author on this list. Now where was I? Ah, yes. Richard Russo, Michael Connelly, Robert Benchley, James Thurber, Dorothy Parker. You asked for a dozen, right? Garrison Keillor, Noel Crook.

What are you working on now?
Muffin Man is begging for a sequel, and surely there needs to be another Fred book, and can the world survive without another Jake and Berf story? I will rely on my newsletter subscribers to decide where I strike next. Sign up to influence the outcome.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
An interview for Awesome Gang, of course!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Quit now and avoid the rush. Dorothy Parker really said it best: “If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy.”

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never go up against a Sicilian when death is on the line.

What are you reading now?
Salt Moon by Noel Crook

What’s next for you as a writer?
Flipping a coin to see which book I write next.

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?
Let me get this straight. I’m bopping along through life and then someone kidnaps me and says, “Sorry, mate, I’m going to drop you off on a desert island, but I’ll let you pack a few books.” Does he also give me rations for the duration? Is there a hut available, or will I have to build my own shelter? And what exactly is his motivation? Is he the villain, and if so, will he have a character arc that somehow mirrors of contrasts with my character arc, or is he vanquished unrepentant? There are a lot of unanswered questions that must be addressed before we tackle the matter of setting up the library. But if we must discuss the book list without learning the answers to those questions, then I’m going for a book on agriculture, one on construction, a survival guide, and a manual on building a boat. And probably a copy of Ambrose Bierce’s The Devil’s Dictionary.

Author Websites and Profiles
Brad Whittington Website
Brad Whittington Amazon Profile

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

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an entrepreneur, author and world traveler committed to fulfill my life, make my dreams come true and contribute in life to others to make this world a better place.

I am passionate by flying and learning; I read a lot and always try to improve myself.

In June 2015, I married a wonderful woman who is my best friend and business partner.

I have written five books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Mindset: Effective Mindset Techniques To Achieve Success, Get Freedom And Change Your Life!”.

What inspired it is my love for self-development and my desire to contribute in others life.

If I can help or inspire people in any way that I can, then there’s nothing that would make me happier.

I and many others believe having the proper mindset can create a tremendous change in people’s life. This book has been written to inspire people and give them practical tools that they can use to create the life they’re dreaming for.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always ask people what they need the most and I LISTEN their answer before to start writing. I never start writing a book if I am not sure it will improve others life.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robert Kiyozaki (Rich dad/Poor dad); Anthony Robbins (Unlimited Power; Awaken the Giant Within); The Bible

What are you working on now?
On myself! More seriously, I am developing a website on which all my books will be available.
I am also writing a book on Time Management…

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My method is to be everywhere and to propose my books to as many websites as possible

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write a bit every single day! If you want to master in writing, you have to do it all the time.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
First decide “why” you do something, you will figure out “how” later.

What are you reading now?
Get the Edge – Tony Robbins

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am writing a new book on Time Management.

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) The Bible
2) Unlimited Power – Tony Robbins
3) The Alchimist – Paulo Coelho

Joshua Flexson’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the debut Author of Finding Beautiful, an avid reader, writer and book reviewer. Writing is a passion I’ve known and loved since grade school. You can find me with my nose in a book or my fingers on my keyboard.
Author
Reader
❤️ Amanda

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Finding Beautiful is a second chance romance that touches on a topic that is very important to be seen by readers, one in eight females are or have a family member that have been a victim of domestic violence. This story was inspired by my feisty and strong sister and the path she took to healing after a relationship much like my main character, Aria Morgan goes through.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not one to set a specific time or place to write. I write wherever I am, whenever I can. I can be watching television ( which is rare), knee deep in a book, or working- if an idea pops into my head, I write it. I have to get that idea onto paper (or the wonderful notes app on my phone) or I’ll lose it. Finding Beautiful began as a short story I intended to publish as a novella and the book you’ll see today is the product of a whole lot of ideas that forced themselves out as I wrote. It may not be usual, but it’s my process.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many. The first book I ever read was A Walk To Remember by Nicholas Sparks. Before then, I had never read for pleasure but now, I can’t get through a week without picking up my kindle. Nicholas Sparks, Kelly Elliott (I’ve absolutely loved her Broken Series) Molly Mcadams (I love the way she told Taking Chances) and Harper Sloan are just a few that have influenced me.

What are you working on now?
My current WIP will be book two after Finding Beautiful in the Trinity series. Breaking Lucas is Kaelyn (Aria’s sister) and Lucas’ story. I can’t wait to share it with all my amazing readers

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
You can almost always find me on either Facebook or Tumblr but my favorite way to let readers into the world of my characters is through Pinterest. I can take almost any focal point in my books and giving my readers the images, craft ideas and recipes for themselves.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up.
Keep writing.
Have faith in yourself, even if the path your characters take may surprise you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“A good novel tells us the truth about it’s hero. But a bad novel tells us the truth about it’s author”
~G.K. Chesterton~

What are you reading now?
Chasing You by Kelly Elliott ❤️

What’s next for you as a writer?
My WIP, Breaking Lucas is in the early stages of writing and scheduled for release November 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?
Oh gosh, that’s a hard one.

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, since I will always enjoy a good YA novel
Shiver by Maggie Steifvater, this was the first paranormal romance that hooked me.
A dictionary because I think vocabulary is the stepping stone to knowledge.

Author Websites and Profiles
Amanda Kaitlyn Website
Amanda Kaitlyn Amazon Profile

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

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
So far I have two book published, a third will be out this month and the next two in this series are in various stages of the editing process.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Kids with autism in all of its flavors are my passion. Autism Belongs is about the child of an immigrant family. Manny is not like other children. He doesn’t talk. He doesn’t leave the house. His parents desperately try to arrange their world so that Manny does not get upset. Because, when he does, well, the aggression was getting worse. Too many times Tomas had to leave work to rescue his wife from the havoc of their son’s meltdowns. At ten, Manny was becoming difficult to handle.

Passing by a bakery made all the difference. There, they met people who understand autism, along with its strengths and challenges. They learn ways to help Manny communicate and socialize and to have his needs met. Dare they consider letting him go to school?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a sprinter. My best work is done during NaNoWriMo, that crazy month when hundreds of thousands of writers attempt to write a 50,000 first draft during November.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King’s On Writing.

What are you working on now?
The third book in this series, Autism Runs Away will be published later this spring. Many kids on the autism spectrum become overwhelmed and flee. Autism Runs Away is about one such child and a mom terrified for his safety.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth. Great reviews seemed to happen spontaneously with my first book. Of course, winning a B.R.A.G. Medallion award certainly didn’t hurt.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep plugging. Don’t wait for that elusive muse.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Sit down and write whether you feel like it or not.

What are you reading now?
Hope Clark’s Murder on Edisto.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish the edits on Autism Talks and Talks, the Autism Grows Up. Then, on to the next first draft, hopefully during this November’s NaNoWriMo.

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?
On Writing, Gone with the Wind and hmmm. Are you sure I can only take three? What about if I just take my Kindle? It’s smaller than a paperback…. Please?

Author Websites and Profiles
Dr. Sharon Mitchell Website
Dr. Sharon Mitchell Amazon Profile
Dr. Sharon Mitchell Author Profile on Smashwords

Dr. Sharon Mitchell’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia! I still live here, actually I now rent the house I grew up in! I like to keep myself busy, and have plenty on the go! Of course there is always writing (which takes up most of my time!), and there is always time for reading, particularly if lying on one of the many gorgeous, white sandy beaches here in Australia! I also enjoy going to the mountains to ski in the winter as we don’t get snow here in Melbourne, although I would love it if we did. I love to bake, I am working towards my black belt in Taekwondo (only a few months away!), then of course there is work (I currently substitute teach in preschools and schools), and my two Dalmatians, Ivory and Pearl also keep me plenty busy! To date I have written a series of five crime/mystery novels, the Detective Parker Bell series, and have released book one in my new series, Count to Ten series, also crime/mystery. As a preschool teacher it was always a dream of mine to write some picture books for children of this age and have started the Victoria Ivory Pearl series, which currently has two books, which I have written with grade 5/6 kids in local schools.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is One and was published in January of this year. The book was based on an idea I had had for a long time but just couldn’t seem to make work. I kept getting put off and would move on to something else, only to find my mind wandering back to it. So I sat down and made myself finish the book, and I am so glad I did! Most of my ideas or inspirations have come from many years spent as a dedicated soap opera fan, and watching every crime show I came across. Over the years ideas have built up in my head from things I’ve watched, or perhaps read, I usually jot down these ideas and then come back to them when I am ready to write a new book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to have background noise when I’m writing, but I don’t like music, so I will usually sit on my couch, with one of my Dalmatians on each side of me, and my laptop on my lap, and have the TV going in the background. Sometimes I’ll find myself accidentally writing down something the TV just said rather than what I intended to write!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favourite genres to read are crime, mystery and romantic suspense. Some of my favourite authors are Allison Brennan, Mary Burton, Kendra Elliot, Linda Fairstein, Brian Freeman, Richard Montanari, Kathy Reichs, Karen Rose, and Karen Robards. While I love all of these authors I try hard when I’m writing to make my work my own and not be influenced by the writing style of one of my favourite authors too much. As much as I love all these authors as a kid I absolutely adored the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, they totally made me want to go and live in a little log cabin in the woods or on the prairies until I got a little older and actually realised that they had no toilets or showers and had to work so hard to just survive! So I think Laura Ingalls Wilder would have to be my all time favourite author!

What are you working on now?
At the moment I am writing book six in my Count to Ten series. Actually I am almost finished, just working on the final twist, maybe twenty pages or so to go. Then I will be working on planning out book seven, at the moment it is only the most fleeting of ideas jotted down on my Count to Ten series set of notes, so I will soon be working on fleshing out that idea and turning it into a full story.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am very new to working specifically on promoting my books despite the fact that I’ve been publishing for a couple of years, as sometimes life just takes over and your time is diverted elsewhere, so at the moment I am really enjoying Goodreads, as well as reaching out to bloggers and other websites that get readers in contact with good books. Although I am not particularly a Facebook fan, I am getting ready to bite the bullet and sign up to reach a whole new world of readers!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you are sure that you really want to be an author then never stop working towards that goal. There are going to be bumps along the way, don’t try to fight them, work with them and use them to make yourself a better writer.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If something is worth having then it is worth working for!

What are you reading now?
I particularly love reading books that are part of a series as I love to get to know the characters in more detail and see them pop back up again to get an ‘update’ on what has been happening in their lives! I just finished reading Known by Kendra Elliot and enjoyed it very much!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Fortunately I have lots of ideas just waiting to be turned into books, sometimes I have so many that I get so excited by starting them all right away that I have to be strict with myself and just jot down notes on the idea and keep working on whatever book I’m currently writing. So next for me is finishing my Count to Ten series (currently writing book 6), then I have plans for a trilogy, and then a couple of ideas to get to after all of that!

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 . . . what a hard question! I have a bookshelf full of books I’ve re-read many times and know I’ll read again, plus boxes in my attic of books from my childhood that I can’t bear to part with, so narrowing it down to only 3 or 4 is so tough!!
If I had to choose maybe I would say –
Book 1 – Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder, as this was one of my favourites as a kid and would bring back memories of curling up in a chair as a child and reading this over and over again
Book 2- The Guinness Book of World Records, I haven’t really read this since I was a kid, but if I’m standard on an island it might provide me with something to do as I worked towards breaking some of the records!
Book 3 – The Bible, it’s the only book I’ve read some of every day of my life since I was about fourteen, and I’m now almost thirty-two
Book 4 – if one of the books could be a notebook I would definitely take that as then I could keep working on my writing, not that I’m a workaholic or anything!
I love all the books from the authors I read so I couldn’t narrow my selection down to any one of them, hence the reason that none of them are on my list!

Author Websites and Profiles
Jane Blythe Website
Jane Blythe Amazon Profile

Jane Blythe’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written one book. I am an 18 year old Author, Entrepreneur, CEO of VANAGE Clothing and a freshman in college studying Business Administration. I am also the national youth president of Dominion Life Ministries International. My dream is to help others be more than average, go farther and reach the highest potential they ever thought possible.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Improbable Journey, it is a story about love as well as deceit which eventually culminates into suicide. In this world we live in, the family, more than anything is the most important unit and when trust is broken, the repercussions can be deadly. I was inspired by conversations I’ve had with friends and stranger about their struggles of losing their loved ones due to suicide.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I write, I need absolute silence.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Shakespeare, Steve Harvey, Myles Munroe, Darren Hardy and Chris Swanson

What are you working on now?
my second book and a Short movie.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Instagram. Follow me @SaintVander

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stay consistent and write at least a page a day!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Apply your time and energy to where there is fertile ground

What are you reading now?
The Bible and Understanding The Purpose And Power Of Prayer by Myles Munroe

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have several more books that I am going to 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?
1. The Bible
2. The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster
3. Spiritual Fathering
4. Memoirs of the Patriachs

Author Websites and Profiles
Kadmiel Van Der Puije Website
Kadmiel Van Der Puije Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In a past I was a musician and song writer, playing in several bands, performing live and recording music. I have a degree in Learning Disability nursing and a post graduate diploma in autism. I live in Dunfermline, Fife, with my wife, teenage daughter, older son and golden retriever. The Homecoming is my first novel, inspired by a love of all things Greek, her islands, people, landscapes, sea, light and ambience all of which are important themes and symbols in his writing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called The Homecoming. I wrote a travel journal/book of my visit to the island of Zakynthos many years ago. It was my first serious attempt at writing a book but it was never published. I didn’t know it at the time but it was to influence the writing of The Homecoming which has Zakynthos as its main backdrop. I used that piece of writing as my research when the story line of the novel moves to Zakynthos. The main backdrop in the novel was always going to be Greece that was never in doubt. I’m also inspired by what it means to be human, our thoughts, feelings, emotions and beliefs and how such things influence our relationships with others and our personal stories.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I normally put music on while I write it has become an integral part of my writing routine, I have it on in the background. For me, it sets the right mood. I enjoy a wide and diverse range in musical taste but throughout the writing process of The Homecoming I listened to classical music from the Baroque period, especially composers like Corelli and Boccherini.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I often read Sebastian Faulks, William Boyd, Anita Shreive and Carlos Ruiz Zafon. At the moment I’ve just finished Midnight in St Petersburg by Vanora Bennett. The common denominator is that they all write about what it really means to be human through our relationships with the world and each other. Most importantly they write good stories with beautiful prose.

What are you working on now?
I’m writing my second novel as we speak.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use social media, authors I know and of course Awesomegang.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you are publishing as an indy author get to know how this works. Do your research. Approach like minded authors for advice, most are happy to do this. Finally write, write and write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Happiness is not getting what you want but wanting what you have got.

What are you reading now?
I love books that have a sense of place and time, which draw you into the social and cultural complexities with ease. I like the characters to speak to me from the page, where I can identify with them, their hopes, fears, conflicts, loves and emotion, for me that is when a character becomes real and it’s at that point that I want to know what is going to happen to them, where is their life taking them in the story. I’, reading Sweet Caress by William Boyd

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m writing my second book which is going well and I will continue to promote the The Homecoming.

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’d have to pass on that one as I like a lot of books.

Author Websites and Profiles
Dougie McHale Amazon Profile

Dougie McHale’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a herbalist from Malaysia. I have written 2 books.

My latest book Is HEAVENLY THAI RECIPES,

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book Is HEAVENLY THAI RECIPES.

Because of my love of herbs in food, and especially the herbs and spice in Thai recipes. Herein, the herbs that composed in the best food in the world – Thai Massaman Curry Chicken. (as voted in the CNN)

Besides the truly heavenly taste of the Thai recipes, the health and beauty benefits also has inspired me to write this mouth-watering Thai recipes book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I need inspiration to write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
J. K. Rowling

What are you working on now?
I am working on my third book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promotion websites and to write better and quality book. Hopefully with its contents, the book will go viral by itself.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Not at the moment.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The book contents is more important than its promotion.

What are you reading now?
Many books!

What’s next for you as a writer?
To travel around the world for inspiration.

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.

Author Websites and Profiles
Alvina Ng Website
Alvina Ng Amazon Profile

Alvina Ng’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an author, singer, songwriter, guitar player and professional honky tonk girl. In addition to writing books, I’ve released 10 albums of my own material on established record labels and toured all over the world. I now live in Nashville, TN and perform 5 residency shows per week here. I wrote the self development book, The Habit Fix. With the success of that first book, my second book in the series, The Habit Fix 2: Quickstep, followed soon after. My first illustrated children’s book, Natasha The Party Crasher, was released in February 2016. I’m still figuring out what to do with that but it’s going to involve music and an audio book. I’m currently in the midst of writing a mystery/crime novel set in New York City.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a 32-page children’s picture book called, Natasha The Party Crasher which is part of series. Much of the inspiration for Natasha came from a beautiful, high energy, sometimes too loud little girl whom I adore. It’s about how those who are a little bit different can sometimes be rejected or avoided by the crowd. I’m happy with the book because it demonstrates the value of those who may be a little different. It also tells a fun store that encourages kids to appreciate the creativity in other kids who are not quite the same as they are.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to get up at around 3:30 am and write for a while, then go back to bed. There is something magical and creative about that time. Plus, it feels a little sneaky and private so it inspires me to take risks in my writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I could be here all day talking about who inspires me! I’ve read and have been influenced by Stephen King for as long as I’ve been alive. I’m a real fangirl for his horror classic, but I’m particularly impressed with the short story books he’s produced the last few years. His book, “On Writing” is truly inspiring. I’m also a fan of John Irving – what a story teller! – and many of the classics. I re-read The Count of Monte Cristo every couple of years. For children’s books I love Roald Dahl, Dr. Sues, and the illustrations of David Catrow. I’m captivated by Lois Lowry, staggered by the creativity of Suzanne Collins and awed by the epic scope of Ken Follett. The Exorcist still terrifies me and would love to some day create characters as strong as Mario Puzo’s Godfather family.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently in the middle of my first major novel. It’s dark, supernatural, crime mystery set in modern day New York city. It’s my deepest, darkest, most serious work yet. I’ll let you know if it’s any good. I’m also working on the audio book and accompanying CD of songs for Natasha The Party Crasher.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As of now, my only experience has been with promoting my books on Amazon. I was lucky enough to get a Bookbub feature for my first book. That brought me about 44,000 downloads. I’m still learning about book promotion. Like everyone else, I’d rather be writing, but it’s something all independent authors must deal with now. I use my Facebook page a lot as I have about 7,000 fans on there. I’ve got some live book readings and promotional visits planned for my children’s book. I’ve also seen some results with Robin Reads.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a new author! Get back to me in a year or two and I’ll talk your ear off. But the best advice, in all things, is to do good work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
What people think of you is none of your damn business.

What are you reading now?
I’m always in the middle of a several books. Right now, it’s ‘Dear Cary’ by Dyan Cannon, ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle and ‘It’s A Long Story’ by Willie Nelson and ‘Finders Keepers’ by Stephen King.

What’s next for you as a writer?
With regard to writing, I’m currently in the middle of my first major novel. It’s dark, supernatural, crime mystery set in modern day New York city. It’s my deepest, darkest, most serious work yet. I’ll let you know if it’s any good. I’m also working on promoting my book, Natasha The Party Crasher and the songs that go with it.

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 Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas
The Ultimate Survival Manual by Richard Johnson
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
Grimms Complete Fairy Tales

Author Websites and Profiles
Eileen Rose Giadone Website
Eileen Rose Giadone Amazon Profile

Eileen Rose Giadone’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have only written one book so far which is “Become a Music Marketing Guru.”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Become a Music Marketing Guru: Diagnosing Your Marketing Mistakes and Fixing Them Today Using Ken Wilber’s Integral (AQAL) Model. I was inspired by my failures as a music marketer. I had been writing music for many years and wanted to find out what was missing from my approach. The deeper I dug into it, the more I realized how confusing marketing online really is. I thought that this might be true for more people than just me so I decided to write my book. I was also reading some excellent work by Ken Wilber and I realized we need to get this methodology to more people in more fields because it’s really helpful.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I read a book called something like “how to write a book in a weekend” and I took some methods from that little book. Basically, it encourages you to develop an outline of twelve points for twelve chapters and then dictate the book as if you’re talking to a friend. I then took the transcript and sent this to a transcription service that I hired through the website Fivvr.com. It was fairly inexpensive but not as cheap as I thought after it was all said and done. I then edited and re-edited the book many times and worked on many different titles. I realized that I had actually two separate books and divided it that way.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was really influenced by the Laptop Millionaire by Mark Anastasi. The idea of obtaining freedom from your laptop and working from anywhere really resonated with me. After I read that book, I realized that I had to quit thinking and start doing and writing my ebooks. I have also been deeply influenced by Joe Vitale’s body of work and his inspirational messages. I love the way that Joe Vitale brings information down to the everyday level. In the same category I would place Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad/Poor Dad books. I couldn’t believe how expertly he explained finances and money – two topics that always seemed so complicated to me. These are the non-fiction writers I love. Of course there are many others in the biography and fiction spaces. The one I’m most in love with now is James Salter for his amazing clear-headed prose and pictorial style.

What are you working on now?
I have several books I’m working on now. First off, of course, is the second book that emerged from my original manuscript for Become a Music Marketing Guru. That book is really much more focused on a single platform called ReverbNation and I’m thinking of calling it ReverbNation Secrets. The others are a little different for me as I’m thinking of branching out into the health field to deal with some alternative health therapies that can help people heal from injuries. I also have an idea for a nonfiction book much more related to my job on corporate responsibility. As you can see, I’m an eclectic writer!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I will let you know once I get more experience in this! This is my first book so I’m still trying things out. I can’t believe how many sites there are to navigate in this space!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it! Now that I have my book on Amazon I can’t believe how exciting it is. I feel like a life-long dream has been realized and there’s so much more potential out there for me. I am glad that I put in the work and got it done. It’s opening up new doors and options for me that I always thought were so unattainable.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I read one of the early motivational books once called “Exceed Your Station” which talked about using your free time for self-improvement. I think in many ways it’s just that simple. If you want to improve your station in life, you have to take your surplus time and re-invest it in your passions. That and to borrow from Ken Wilber, focus on your self-development and your character and also honor your obligations. I think all of these things have helped me so far.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading a biography of the writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It’s amazing. He was this courageous guy back in the mid-20th century who was afraid to fly but traveled around Europe, Russia, and Latin America as a journalist. He got access to the main stories of his day and focused on writing hard-hitting multi-perspective pieces which in some ways told the story of the modern, global world we are now living in. He was able to take these experiences and insights and turn them into some of the most famous, well-respected novels of the last century including 100 Years of Solitude.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m just getting starting. At 41, I feel like I’ve finally found a path that I want to follow for a long time. I have a full-time job and family to support so I have to balance things, but I want to keep plugging away at this for a while. I want to create several more nonfiction books and see if I can’t develop a bit of a catalog to promote on my various channels.

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?
Hmm, that’s tough. I would have to say 100 Years of Solitude since the themes of solitude would probably be relevant to my time on the island. I would also have along Mikel Hawke’s Survival Guide to Getting Out Alive, James Joyce Ulysses, and a one or two spiritual books such as the Holy Bible and something from the Buddhist side of things. That’s five, sorry.

Author Websites and Profiles
Gary Girzadas Website

Gary Girzadas’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a social media marketing coach and company. I have produced over 200 articles and videos on social media and produced several unpublished books. While I have created courses for LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+, “7 Fast Ways To Connect On LinkedIn,” is my first published book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Social media marketing is different then conventional marketing where you have very little interface with your customers. Social media requires a strong trust relationship where people actually communicate with each other before they trust you to buy your services or products.

So many people abuse this relationship by sending out links with “get rich quick” messages, it seems like it is getting worst then email spamming. I strongly stand against this and now have dedicated my teachings to teaching social marketers how build a wildly successful business and create friends doing it. These techniqes are spelled out step by step in my book 7 Fast Ways To Connect On LinkedIn.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes I have crazy writing habits. I wake up early in the morning where I get these ideas and write them down as Top Tips and then build articles around them. Articles grow into courses and now courses now grow into books. The crazy thing is I actually implement my own teachings to test them. As an example I built a business group page on Facebook and had 3000 subscribers in two weeks. I like to think we are a product of our own teachings. This way people get hard work and actual experiences and not hype and sales.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh my gosh, I have many authors and books I have read. My favorites are Brian Tracy, John Maxwell, Jack Canfield and Frank Kern. The books that have influence me the most are Focus, by Brian Tracy, Develop The Leader Within You, by John Maxwell, and Convert by Frank Kern.

What are you working on now?
I am expanding my series under my company brand 30Minute-Millionaire to produce a series of social media books for realtors, networkers, and affiliate marketers. My next book will be on Facebook Marketing which teaches everything from building a profile page for the first timers to building a high traffic business page using Facebook Adverts.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
We read every book we (myself and assistant) could get our hands on about Kindle book launches.
We developed a strong plan going to book clubs, bloggers, and forums. We posted to all the social media sites well in advance of our pre-launch. We called all our friends and associates and reached out for help from them. I even cut a video asking for help. We are documenting all our steps and will write a book on our marketing model…

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes I do…if you want to be successful my simple advice is to model. Find someone who is a best selling author and model them. One of my friends is a best selling author and I reached out to him to help me by writing a review on his book and then calling him direct telling him how much his book meant to me.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
This is a great question since I coach top performers. Let me share this new article coming out next week as one of my Top Tips: So You Think You Want To Be Rich?

Let’s see if you have what it takes!

I challenge you to take the test!

Answer these four simple questions by checking off the box for a yes answer if you think you have what it takes…

The rich know the outcome and have developed a detailed plan to achieve it.

The rich believe in what they are doing and know it is going to work. When things do not go right they remain focused. They never quit!

The rich work hard. They are consistent with their daily activities and relentless in their pursuit. They never chase the next shinny object!

Rich people sell or provide information, and educate others.

I have coached 7-digit income earners and really studied their thinking as well as their habits. In fact, I learned more from them, then, they learned from me! These same threads run through their character and are apparent in their behavior.

Top Tip…
If you honestly could not put a check by each of these four questions I would strongly suggest you find a mentor who has these qualities and model them exactly.

What are you reading now?
500 Social media marketing tips

What’s next for you as a writer?
To provide the highest quality social media marketing articles and books and make it easy and fun for the person who is scared to death to venture in to social media.

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 and pray everyday for an airplane to see me.

Author Websites and Profiles
Gary Massari Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi my name is C.J. Galaway and I have two books out thus far. My debut is a novel called Bite Marks and is about vampires and becoming one in today’s modern world. The second is Blood Ties and is the first of a four book series about werewolves and the family that leads the pack.
There isn’t much to say about me, really. I’m an avid reader who reads pretty much all genres. I love to cross stitch and I collect knives and swords. i will be starting graduate school to earn my MFA in creative writing. I would love to teach at the college level, even if it means doing time teaching nothing but freshman level classes. I would find it a challenge to turn people on to reading.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Blood Ties is my new book and it is part one of a four part series about werewolves, pack law, and family strife. It has an interesting story behind it. In the late eightes the metal band Queensryche released the album Operation Mindcrime, which my friend Becky and I would listen to non stop it seemed at times. One day she calls me out of the blue telling me about this dream where Geoff Tate the lead singer was a werewolf and was after he to give birth to his werewolf cubs. Apparently she was a human breeder, capable of giving birth to werewolf cubs. That dream sparked the basic idea and while none of it made it to the finished books, the character of Adam Blackwood was born and he told me the rest.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have quite a few that to me seem normal, but thats only because I use them all the time, lol. I will wirte first drafts longhand if I have an idea thats really flowing simply because I cant type worth a darn and I can write quickly enough to keep up with my thoughts. Then there is the lack of the internet to distract you when you get stuck. I like to create character profiles that seem alomost like a dossier, with their habits, hopes, dreams, and fears. Even if I dont use all that I write up, it helps make the characters real to me so that I can make them real for the readers.I also ask what if questions when I’m stuck about a storyline. It seems silly but they really do help.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
How much room do you have, lol? I am an avid reader who loves Mercedes Lackey, Tess Gerritsen, Stephen King, Nora Roberts and her J.D. Robb stuff, Celeste DeBlasis…I could go on and on. I love a good book with believable characters, a good plot, and action. I read for pleasure and to learn from various authors the difference in styles and voices used to tell the tale. I’ve learned the more varied what you read is, the more you can discover fromt the various genres and writing styles.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on Blood Lust it’s the second book in my werewolf series. Right now I have a very detailed outline and am also working on the third book, Blood Wars, at least as far as determining a timeline. This is my first attempt at a series, so I am doing extra things to make sure the timeline flows smoothly.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve been using Facebook and Twitter a lot lately. Along with writing a blog, though I’m not quite sure yet as to how it helps but only time will tell. I’m in the process of learning how to do publicity for my author brand. It’s been an interesting journey and one I’m looking forward to what s yet to come.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stephen King said it best when he said The more you read, the less apt you are to make a fool of yourself with your pen or word processor.
Read whatever you can get your hands on, both good and bad. Write whatever ideas you have down and keep them. My biggest regret is the things I’ve lost because I thought they were either stupid or didn’t make any sense so I threw them away.
So I would say read what you can get you hands on and write any and all ideas you have down. You never know what will come of them.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve heard is from two of my favorite writers Stephen King and Nora Roberts. They both advised to set up writing schedules and follow them. Nora Roberts writes daily, every day and I am striving to follow that example. Some days it may be posting a blog entry only and others its writing a lot more, but I’ve found it to be helpful to write daily even if I end up not using what I’ve written for that particular project. It will be saved and who knows what will become of it down the road.

What are you reading now?
Right now I am getting ready to read The Looking Glass Wars byFrank Beddor. It’s a three book series based on the popular Alice In Wonderland classic by Lewis Carrol. It seems to have been reimagined in various styles by a lot of different people, bu this one by Frank Beddor seems to be interesting thus far. I am also reading X by Sue Grafton I love her Kinsey Millhone series.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am curently working on book two of a four book werewolf series. Blood Lust is the title and I already have an outline for book three titled Blood Wars. I will be starting graduate school soon to earn my MFA in creative writing, so finding time to write while doing online school work should prove challenging. Then again the next great idea may be born. Who knows?

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would so be in trouble, lol. Because I’d want to take them all with me. But if forced I’d snag Vows and Honor by Mercedes Lackey. I would also grab The Proud Breed by Celeste De Blasis. It’s an older book, but one I could get lost in again and again. Then I’d have to grab The Green Mile by Stephen King. the last is The Surrender of Julia by Tammy Dennings Maggy, an indie author whose works I’ve absolutely fallen in love with. I’d try to smuggle more, of course, but these would be the main four.

Author Websites and Profiles
C.J. Galaway Website
C.J. Galaway Amazon Profile

C.J. Galaway’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in a small town in Scotland with my wife.

I have written quite a lot of books since I was sixteen. I have five currently published on Kindle: one being a novel and the other four are shorter works.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is The Reek of Blood and it’s a collection of three short stories.

The inspiration for most of them was just how dark and mean I could make these horror stories.

The first story in the collection came from what if an exorcist was colluding with the demon he’s supposed to be getting rid of?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not unusual, just unprescribed. The only thing I do consistently is sit at the keyboard and hammer out words.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lots. Some fairly obvious in the horror genre, like Shaun Hutson, Brian Lumley, H.P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe, Dean Koontz (when he wrote horror) and James Herbert. I suppose I could throw in Stephen King as a negative influence, I’ve never been impressed with his work.

Terry Pratchett, Charles Dickens, Alan Moore, Matthew Reilly, Janet Evanovich, Robert Asprin and whole bunch of other writers have influenced me.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on another short horror book which I’ll leave for a while. Then it’s editing another book ready to uploaded to Kindle.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t been doing this long enough to give a useful answer to that yet. Hopefully Awesomegang proves fruitful.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. That’s it. Write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’ll just parrot what I answered for the previous question: write.

What are you reading now?
I shouldn’t say this, but I’m in between books at the moment. Not sure what to read.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next for me is a lot of hard work. Writing and promoting my books.

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’d take Ice Station by Matthew Reilly, Making Money by Terry Pratchett and cheat with Watchmen by Alan Moore.

Author Websites and Profiles
William Couper Amazon Profile

William Couper’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a fantasy, science fiction, and romance writer, who has published four novels and three short stories. I am also a nerdy housewife who regularly posts on facebook about her love of dogs.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest release is called “Bright’s Passion.” I was inspired to write it through facebook. I kept seeing all these romantic posts about the sun and the moon. How if they were in love, it would be both beautiful and tragic because they’d forever chase each other. I wanted to write a romance novel about a sun god who fell in love with a girl that was trapped in the night. It turned into a story about a love triangle between the god of the sun, the god of the moon, and a witch.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No. I have the usual writer habits of writing in my pajamas, while I pet my dog and check facebook on occasion.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
A lot of authors and books have influenced me. I’ve loved to read since I first learned how and I’ve read a lot of books in all the genres that I write in. I also listen to the advice of authors that I’ve spoken to and have learned a lot from them, especially when they critiqued my writing.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on finishing up the trilogy I decided to publish this year and also editing a novel that I had previously put aside called “Spirit Speaker.” It’s a YA novel about necromancers.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
If you give away some of your books for free, it allows people to sample your work and if they like it, they’ll pay for your other books. It works better than any other type of promotion that I’ve tried.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write every day and you’ll finish your book. Writing is a marathon, not a sprint. You may not feel like writing on some days, but if you force yourself to write every day, even a little bit, eventually it will become a habit.

Also, don’t worry about it if the things you write are terrible. You can fix bad writing, but you can’t fix a blank page.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
About Writing?

To take it one day at a time. Sometimes I wish I could get things done faster and I get frustrated, but you have to focus on what is in front of you right now.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading some science fiction romance novels by Erin Tate, “The Watchtower”, a paranormal novel by Darke Conteur, and “Forbid Me” By M. Robinson. I love to read speculative fiction and romance novels. I read the same things that I write.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I already finished the second book in the God Of Light Series (Bright’s Passion is #1 and Night’s Lust is #2.) It has the same release date as the first book, March 20th. The series is going to be a trilogy eventually and I’m in the middle of writing the third book right now. I hope to publish that book later in the year along with a paranormal novel about necromancers called “Spirit Speaker.”

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. “Jane Eyre” By Charlotte Bronte
2. “Frankenstein” By Mary Shelley
3, “Harry Potter And The Deadly Hollows” By J.K. Rowling

Author Websites and Profiles
E.B. Black Website
E.B. Black Amazon Profile
E.B. Black Author Profile on Smashwords

E.B. Black’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a 27 year old writer, who lives in the Washington, DC area. Writing has been a passion of mine for over 16 years. I started out with poetry, than short stories, plays and now novels.

I have completed two novels to date, one published May 2015 and the other set to release later 2016. I have started several stories that I have yet to finish.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hazard. I wrote this book while in high school about 11 years ago. At the time, I had fallen in love with all things urban fiction. I’ve been writing since I was twelve and felt I wanted to try my luck at a full length novel. So I read some more and started looking to my friends and relatives for inspiration.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think I have any unusual writing habits. I am a stress writer so the only thing I can think of that is odd, is that I write better when I am fed up with life. I also like to watch Netflix while I write, I know that’s not really unusual but some would find it distracting.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In the urban fiction genre, I am influenced by the veterans, Joy Deja King, Vicki Stringer, Tracy Brown, T. Styles and many more. Outside the urban fiction genre, I am influenced by Sabrina Samples, Alice C. Hart, Kristi Cook, Ariel Marie, all indie authors.

What are you working on now?
I am completing the follow up to Hazard, it’s titled, Dice’s Revenge: Hazard Part Two. I am also alternating time between that and a supernatural series. There isn’t a title just yet, but I feel it will be EPIC. I am so excited about it.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now, the best method that I have is social media. I have created business cards, poster cards and bookmarks to leave just about anywhere that I am allowed to.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is fun, but it can also be difficult. The hardest thing sometimes is getting the words down on paper or on the screen. There’s an article, I can’t think of the name, but it basically says “let your brain vomit.” Don’t try and think to much, just write down everything you can think of. Once you are done, go back and sort through what fits and what doesn’t. Be patient with yourself and your readers. It took you months even years to write the story, give the story time to tell itself in a way that everyone loves it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Word Vomit! Don’t think about it just write it all down and sort through it later.

What are you reading now?
Princess (The Dark Shadows Book 1) by Ariel Marie

What’s next for you as a writer?
Transitioning into a new genre.

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 Coldest Winter Ever, and the three last books in the Bitch series.

Author Websites and Profiles
Sade Rena Website
Sade Rena Amazon Profile
Sade Rena Author Profile on Smashwords

Sade Rena’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a freelance writer and I’ve written and published 3 teen fantasy novels, and I’m just finishing the 6th book in the series. I’ve also done some script writing as well as writing for educational resources such as Minecraft School. Aside from writing, I enjoy creating digital artwork and exploring; some of my adventures include skydiving, climbing Mayan Ruins, caving and scuba diving.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Into the Valley is the third book in the Essence of Galenia series and came out in the fall of 2015. Even though it is book three it is one story – when I started writing I didn’t realize it would take three books to get it all down! My inspiration was around the main character Hanna. She evolved from the idea ‘if I was 14 but had all the knowledge and experience as if I was older, how would life had turned out’. It really grew from there. There were general ideas I had when I began: I wanted to create a believable protagonist, a hero who chose their path rather than it being prophesied, and I wanted to follow both their journey’s. The main theme is choice.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I gave up watching t.v. so I could write at night. The next day I would edit my work and then read my chapter to my two kids who demanded me to read the next one – which I hadn’t written yet. They were great motivators to keep writing chapter after chapter!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Raymond E. Feist Magician series really brought out the love of reading in me. I was a very hesitant reader and after high school I just didn’t pick up the books. Once I read Magician that changed. I’ve read every book in that series (30 some books) and many other books since I read that first one. I read across the genre’s but fantasy is where my writing creativity takes me. When I discovered John Flanagan’s Ranger’s Apprentice series I had already written my first two books. I his stories and found we had a similar writing style. His books are more about character and overcoming personal challenges than battles and wars (although there are a number of those in his books, but like mine, the action isn’t the driving force).

What are you working on now?
I’m currently on the second trilogy of the Essence series. The characters are a bit older (18+) so the story is a bit gritter and touches on some more mature subject matter. I’m finding the sixth book the hardest to write as some of the characters that I love go to dark places – I’ve become so attached to them it hurts to corrupt them lol.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve really enjoyed writing my blog and the fact that I can link it to goodreads, facebook and twitter is a great way to use the multiple platforms. In this way I find they all work together to promote my work.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It took me a long time to put myself out there. I really didn’t like the idea of my name and face discoverable by the world – but this is pretty much a necessity if you want to successfully promote your work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
What I’ve learned from speaking with many authors and from my own experience is this: Find something positive to focus on. Writing is a profession full of disappointment, rejection and can be very lonely. Celebrate your small victories.

What are you reading now?
Daughter of Shadow by Tyler Sehn. As far as the style, this book has a Game of Thrones feeling about it. It is well written; I love Tyler’s descriptions and metaphors.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m involved with GamEd Academy working on curriculum for their Minecraft school. I also plan to do workshops in schools as well as speaking engagements.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Lord of the Rings – it is a heavy read with lots of world building, languages and history. This is a book I could read and get something different from each time I read it.
Journey to Kokoroe – yes, it’s my own book and I’ve read it lots, but that’s the thing – I don’t get tired of it. Of course if I was stuck on an island I would be making notes in the columns about what I could add, improve or do in the tenth installment lol. But besides that, the characters have become family to me so I’d be happy to have them along.
Magician – it was the book that captured my reading interest and why I even got started writing. I would read it again and again for all the warm fuzzy memories the story invokes for me.
The Art of War – I love history and this book is full of it. Many events can be tied back to this piece of work. I’ve never read it. I don’t know if I ever will thanks to the internet and documentaries, but if I couldn’t access this knowledge via computer I would read this book, study it, and learn from it.
Four seems a very short list…

Author Websites and Profiles
Laura L. Comfort Website
Laura L. Comfort Amazon Profile
Laura L. Comfort Author Profile on Smashwords

Laura L. Comfort’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a former journalist, editor and marketing consultant turned fiction author. A few years ago, I helped found a writer’s retreat, in New England, where I edited manuscripts and coached scores of emerging authors on sharpening their plots and stories prior to publication. I write historical fantasy (The Last Way Station), thrillers (The Reform Artists) and sci-fi (books currently in development.) I have a deep and abiding interest in topics related to social justice and explore them in my writing. In the Last Way Station, for instance, which is a novelette or very long short story, I explore Hitler’s final judgment in hell and attempt to answer the question, “What, if anything, constitutes fitting punishment for the super evil?”
Years ago, as a journalist, I would do almost anything, including jumping out of a plane, to land a good story. I even spent a weekend on a houseboat with a reputed contract killer and his girlfriend. (Nowadays, I prefer to put my characters in uncomfortable circumstances to advance a great story!) I’ve been writing creatively since the second grade, but I only started writing book-length fiction in recent years.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Reform Artists is a legal-suspense, spy thriller about a man, falsely accused of domestic violence and the underground group that comes to his aid. The book was inspired by real events, as years ago, I was one of an estimated one-to-two million Americans falsely accused, each year, of domestic violence. Most people have no idea of just how out-of-whack our family law courts have become and of the damage they often do to innocent people who are falsely accused — through what is now a well-documented process for gaining unfair advantages in pending divorce cases. (That’s not to say that domestic violence isn’t a serious social problem; it is. But it is now believed that half of all domestic violence cases are based on false, or frivolous, charges. The court ultimately awarded me shared custody of my son, but not until I had spent my retirement on legal fees. While there were no Reform Artists available to help me, I created this sophisticated, underground network of social reformers and let them loose in the pages of The Reform Artists, to explore how they would operate and what impact they might have on the system. This book is the first in a series of thrillers featuring The Reform Artists and their covert attempts to make the world a better place.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. At first, I was what we, in the writing business, call a “pantser” — someone who writes without an outline and by the seat of their pants. I quickly discovered that the tangents my undisciplined mind wished to explore were apparently infinite. If I ever intended to actually finish a book, I was going to need to get focused. I began to build my own version of outlines, which consisted of speculative chapter notes. I would free associate as I wrote out possible narrative scenarios for advancing each scene of the story, and I would write each of these notes in the space set aside for its chapter. This became the first stage in my writing process, in which I actually put some manner of words on paper. To my surprise I found this form of free-association brainstorming incredibly liberating. (After all, I wasn’t really “writing” the book. I was just thinking freely about it on paper.) Before this “outlining” stage begins, I typically spend my time doing research and musing or “noodling” on the broad concepts, plot points and characters that ultimately find their way into the story. After I finish outlining a first draft of the book, I revisit my chapter notes and begin to refine them, selecting what I feel are the best, most intriguing, options to pursue — and occasionally, I further expand on them in the process. (So, I was now selecting/discarding my tangents, in advance of actually writing the book! This, by the way, does not mean that I always stick to the outline in writing the chapters, but when I deviate now, it tends to be from a momentary inspiration that is guided by my knowledge of where the rest of the book is going!) I also discovered that, when I had completed the first draft outline, approximately half of the book’s action and scenes were still in my head. I began asking myself, “What else, beyond what I’ve included here, should or could be happening that would be of real interest to the reader?” This usually marked the beginning of the second, and not necessarily the final draft of the book. From that point on, the pattern was “wash, rinse and repeat.” I do something else that may, at first, appear to be unusual but that I attribute to the peculiarities of self-publishing — and to the incredible flexibility of writing on the computer: I write much of the book in its final, typeset format, rather than in standard 8.5″x11″ double-spaced pages. (At least, that’s what happened with The Reform Artists, because I had published the first, limited draft of the book as a novella, before I realized that half of the book was still in my head. This also may have worked O.K. for me — I don’t recommend it — because I do most of my own line editing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love great writing and my interests are eclectic, so I draw from many different sources. Nevertheless, one of my favorite authors is Mark Twain. In particular, I liked Huckleberry Finn for the power of the main character’s voice — something I also felt when I read J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye. (That book influenced the way I and several of my friends spoke for years!) Twain also impresses me with his humor, his skills at description (read Innocents Abroad’s description of his stagecoach ride, with older brother, Orion, to the Nevada territory), his humor and his unabashed courage to break new ground. I also would mention James Patterson, for his skill at sucking the reading into the story and for his lightning pacing; the opening scene of Stephen King’s IT, for its vivid, cinematic qualities and Nelson DeMille’s mastery of all forms of novel writing. My favorite DeMille book is The Gold Coast, which I like for its humor, its irony, its disguised complexity, its genuineness, the appeal of its main character’s voice and its clever plot twists.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on several fronts. In addition to marketing The Reform Artists, which promises to be a full-time job in itself, I’m planning the next two books in that series. I hope to write with my son, Zach, who is a talented writer and aspiring author. I’m also going to expand The Last Way Station into a novella, because many readers have commented that they wish it were longer, and because I originally had planned to include two more sections. (The reason I didn’t was because, at the time, I had found the subject matter too disturbing. The additional draft sections for that are now about halfway done.) Finally, I want to move forward with a sci-fi trilogy, that I’ve been thinking about and planning for far too long. The book which will be a multi-generational epic, spans centuries of life on earth and has a lot to say about the nature and future of mankind. I still haven’t been able to nail down a title for it, by the way.)

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m hoping Awesomegang will be one of them. I’m just at the beginning of this process so I should check back with you in 6 to 10 months.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Don’t be a pantser. The cost to you in lost productivity is likely going to be far too great. Also — and this truly is an example of ‘do what I say, not what I do,’ unfortunately, but do not edit your own writing. What I’ve learned the hard way, is that writing and editing are two distinct things and the later can interfere greatly with production of the former. It also tends to draw out the author’s perfectionist qualities. When you’re writing, you want to put words to paper in a manner that’s free and unfettered. Building a substantial body of work will help you make a name for yourself and help you succeed, financially, as an author in the new self-publishing world. Leave editing to the editors! (Just make sure you get a damn good one, who respects you and your writing, because trust is so important!)

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Probably Oprah’s admonition to find, and pursue, your passion. You need to write about subjects that interest you and compel you, without thought to their ultimate marketability. Why? Because writing a book is a monumental task for most of us and that’s the only way to be sure you’ll have the necessary determination to stick with the project to completion. Also, I believe we do our best work when it’s important and resonates with us on a deeply personal level.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading a wide swath of books by emerging authors. Many of them read and provided honest reviews for my book, so I will be returning the favor. When I’m done, I’ll be posting reviews for them on Amazon and on my author website at http://www.jonreisfeld.com .

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m looking forward to writing future episodes in The Reform Artists series and to finally writing the sci-fi trilogy that has been percolating in my mind for so long!

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 depends. If the island had electric power and wifi, I’d bring several Kindles (in case any broke). I’d also sign up for Kindle Unlimited and see just how big a dent I could make in their inventory. If a Kindle or other electronic book reader wasn’t an option, I’d bring Stephen King’s 11/22/63 because my son wants me to read it and because he has “inferred” that a concern I raised about it will not be an issue. Then, I’d bring the longest books I can find from some of my favorite authors, because no one, who really enjoys reading, ever wants their books to end — and I might be there for a long time!

Author Websites and Profiles
Jon Reisfeld Website
Jon Reisfeld Amazon Profile

Jon Reisfeld’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the girl in the jitterbug dress, writing vintage romantic short stories and novels with a cocktail in one hand and a pen in the other.

I’ve taught swing dancing with my hubby for fifteen years and am an avid collector of vintage patterns, vintage clothing and antiques.

I’ve published, contributed to and been Editor-in-chief for two indie magazines – “From the Ashes” (Arts & Literature in the Greater Phoenix area 1990-1994) and “Swivel: Vintage Living” (swing dancing and vintage lifestyle culture 1994-2000).

I’ve also been a poet (two-time, National Poetry Slam city finalist, Scottsdale Center for the Arts Poetry Art Walk Featured Poet, New Times Feature Poet, Visual Voices Featured Writer) and short story writer (two-time finalist for Scare the Dickens Out of Us contest). And finally blogger and novelist. I began blogging her dance adventures years ago on Myspace, but started my first novel when my husband shipped out for Iraq and I was fairly poor (no cable TV) and alone with our two small children with no extended family around.

I’ve written four three novels and one compilation, Ghostoria: Vintage Romantic Tales of Fright, available on kindle and in paperback. I’m about to launch the first in the Jitterbug Dress series, The Girl in the Jitterbug Dress, and doing final edits on The Girl in the Jitterbug Dress Hops the Atlantic. My paranormal time-travel murder mystery romance, The Flapper Affair is currently going through her steadfast writer’s critique group.

I now lives in a 1908 fixer-upper in Lockhart, Texas, that is not only the BBQ capital of Texas, but has one of the oldest continually working libraries in the state and its supposed to be haunted!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current paperback and kindle is Ghostoria: Vintage Romantic Tales of Fright and was inspired by a ghost story contest. When I moved to the little Texas town, I saw an ad for the Scare the Dickens out of Us contest. I entered the first year and didn’t make finals, entered, the second year and made finals, and the third year I was short-listed in the top ten!

From there, I kept writing ghost stories inspired by all the cool old building and weird stories in my new town.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in the carpool lane at school, soccer games, and while chaperoning choir competitions.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Neil Gaiman, Ray Bradbury, Jane Austen, Tracy Chevalier, Margaret Atwood, Annie Proulx

What are you working on now?
I’m anxiously awaiting the cover art for The Girl in the Jitterbug Dress, but actively editing and works-hopping The Flapper Affair.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own website is pretty active with all my freebies, games, blogs, and short stories, but I find a lot of interest on pinterest of all places. I chalk it up to my inspirations

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be a praise junkie. Believe in yourself. Edit, edit, edit, and edit some more. Have a growth mentality. Get yourself in a GOOD critique group and listen with an open heart and head.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read your genre. And just because I’m not making a living as a writer don’t be afraid to say you’re a writer. If you’ve written a novel, you’re a writer. Say it with me, I AM A WRITER!

What are you reading now?
The Alienist by Caleb Carr. Its the historical fiction selection for the book club I started 4 years ago. And in between I read Fragile Things (short stories and oddities) by Neil Gaiman. And, I try to read whatever my kids are reading for school. Just finished, The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel with my son.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m hoping to do NaNoWriMo this fall, I’ve done it twice and “won” both times. I also just submitted Ghostoria to Audible and am anxious to see how that pans out.

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?
Complete works of William Shakespeare, Complete works of Sir Author Conan Doyle and the Old Testament.

Author Websites and Profiles
Tam Francis Website
Tam Francis Amazon Profile

Tam Francis’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi there! I live in Petaluma, California, and am the author of 7 books. I am married and the mom/stepmom to three teenagers and a ridiculous teenage dog. When I’m not writing, I am manning the website and social media for my local newspaper, The Press Democrat.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “Reclaim Your Creative Soul,” and is the answer to the question I have received often: How do you manage to find time to write when you work full-time, volunteer, and are raising a family? I wanted to offer inspiration to people who want to tap into their creative side but believe they are too busy to do so. In this book, I share how to create order to the ordinary and busy parts of your life, and then create boundaries around the time you find for your art.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know about unusual. I prefer writing in a comfy chair on my lap desk over working at a regular desk. Even a coffee shop works better for me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I fell in love with Anne Lamott’s brutal honesty the first time I ever read her. She let it be okay to not be perfect, to even be an ultra messy human being. I also love Liz Gilbert, who also embraces imperfection, but also radiates total sunshine. I love Colleen Hoover, who I didn’t discover until after I started writing, and who both inspires me as a fiction novelist (even if we write different genres) and who writes books I can’t read fast enough. I have read “The Lovely Bones,” by Alice Sebold at least a half dozen times, mostly because her descriptions make me want to drown in her words. I also love “Peter & Wendy,” so much so, I have a Tiger Lily book coming out in May. And I love the author Tim Farrington, who once served as a monk in San Francisco, and scattered some of his experience in the book, “The Monk Downstairs.” I’ve read all of his books, because like Alice Sebold, he has a beautiful way with description.

What are you working on now?
After “Reclaim Your Creative Soul” publishes, I am wrapping up my Peter Pan fan fiction, “Loving the Wind,” told through the eyes of Tiger Lily. This book is probably the most fun I have ever had writing.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
All of my information and my blog are located at crissilangwell.com. I also have a website at northcoaststories.com, dedicated to offering inexpensive book services (copyediting, formatting, etc.) to indie authors.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Potential readers will never find you if you don’t market your books. You can write the most prolific book ever, but if you don’t get the word out, no one will discover you. Luck has no part of success. You have to market yourself to make your way as an author.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“It’s a great lesson about not being too precious about your writing. You have to try your hardest to be at the top of your game and improve every joke you can until the last possible second, and then you have to let it go. You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it…You have to let people see what you wrote.”
― Tina Fey, Bossypants

What are you reading now?
I’m re-reading “Ugly Love,” by Colleen Hoover. I know! I’m such a fangirl! But the last great book I read was “The Alchemist.” That book was so deep, I’m still coming off of it. So I needed a lighthearted read.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I release “Loving the Wind,” I will be working on the sequel to my book, “Come Here, Cupcake,” which I hope to publish by this December. I am also trying to grow my North Coast Stories business to help struggling indie authors get their books out there.

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 Lovely Bones,” by Alice Sebold, because I could read that over and over. “Eat. Pray. Love.,” by Elizabeth Gilbert, because I learn something new about myself every time I read it. And the Bible, because it speaks to me.

Author Websites and Profiles
Crissi Langwell Website
Crissi Langwell Amazon Profile
Crissi Langwell Author Profile on Smashwords

Crissi Langwell’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a bilingual author from Slovenia. I’ve started writing at an early age, usually getting into trouble back at elementary school for writing murder or fantasy stories.

I have published my first book of poetry during my high-school years; the first book was written in Slovenian, but I have later begun to express myself in English as well.

So far, I have 12 published poetry collections (five in English, seven in Slovenian). I am also the author of The Dark Ones, the first book out of five in the Black Werewolves series, which was recently published on Amazon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Dark Ones.

I have always been intrigued by Slavic mythology and wished for it to be included in (urban) fantasy books. Not finding many of those on the bookshelves, a story began to draw up in my mind. Six months later I had a finished manuscript sitting on my desk.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
It’s not exactly a habit I chose… But one of my dogs usually comes to sit in my lap when I write, keeping me company. Sometimes both of them decide to do it at the same time. Needless to say it tends to make typing on the computer somewhat more difficult

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I wouldn’t exactly say there were any direct influences, but there are several authors and books that have stayed with me since the moment I read them. Some of those being Stephen King (his writing style is divine), the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton (talk about a kickass protagonist), Harris’ Midnight, Texas series (because who wouldn’t want to live in that small town), Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses (her Fae world is mesmerising), and Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series (because the steamy erotica is just such a treat).

What are you working on now?
I am currently in the middle of writing The 24hourlies, the second Black Werewolves novel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t have one single method. I usually post about my work on several websites, however, from time to time I also delve into creating ads on Facebook or Amazon. I have yet to try third-party promotional services. Fingers crossed the campaigns go well!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read the books that captivate you and write what you’d like to read yourself

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Nothing spectacular, actually. A simple “just do what you love” did the job for me.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading The Edge series by Ilona Andrews and The Captive Prince series by C. S. Pacat.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing the second book and submerging myself in edits, while at the same time plotting the third one.

I am also playing around with the idea to write a few novellas in-between; I feel there are so many characters that deserve their own stories, so I just might begin working on them in the near 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?
That’s a hard one. The first one would have to be The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde; I never get tired of reading it. The second one would probably be The Stand by Stephen King; it’s simply one of the most captivating books I have ever read. And finally, I’d take Obločnica, ki se rojeva, a play by Ivan Mrak; Mrak is undoubtedly one of my favorite authors, and although his play is short, it’s a masterpiece.

Author Websites and Profiles
Gaja J. Kos Website
Gaja J. Kos Amazon Profile

Gaja J. Kos’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Gina Dickerson. I live by the Kent coast in the UK with my family and bouncy Siberian husky. I’m the author of the Mortiswood Tales series (dark fantasy romance), Always Golden (dark fairy tale), The Pennington Christmas Curse (a magical fairy tale), Unveiling Lies (romantic suspense), Underleaf (a collection of twisted short stories), and Twisted Thoughts (poetry).

I am one of the founders of Authors Reach – a co-operative between myself and four other authors. I also design book covers and graphics under RoseWolf Design.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release is called ‘Always Golden’ It is a dark fairy tale inspired by the French fairy tale ‘The Story of Pretty Goldilocks’. It’s an adventure story as well as a magical romance.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I drink a lot of green tea while writing at my desk, pot after pot!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think there are far too many to list! Having been an avid consumer of stories since I was very young there are hundreds of books I have read and enjoyed.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the third book in the Mortiswood Tales series. As of yet I have not settled on a title for it! The Mortiswood Tales series is a fantasy romance adventure tale, with hints of Norse mythology and lots of magic.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am part of Authors Reach which is a co-operative between authors Sarah England, Richard Hardie, Catriona King, Shani Struthers and myself, formed with the aim of bringing a varied collection of our books directly to readers.

I’m on all the usual social media sites as well – Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and have my own website.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up and be prepared for a lot of hard work! I’m not very good at advice! Also, be yourself.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up.

What are you reading now?
I’m not currently reading anything as I’m immersed in the world of Mortiswood!

What’s next for you as a writer?
After the third Mortiswood book is unleashed, I’ll be carrying on with the series as I am really enjoying writing it.

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 have to choose my three favourite books of all time:

Jane Eyre by Charlotte, which is one of my all time favourites. I first discovered it when I was about fourteen and have been in love with it ever since.

The Eternal by Mark Chadbourn. Again, another book I first read as a teenager. Grabs me every time I read it.

Bless The Child by Cathy Cash Spellman. A dark, occult, horror-thriller tale. Scary and brilliant. (And streaks ahead of the film adaptation).

Plus a blank book so I can write my own! (I can take a pen as well, right?!)

Author Websites and Profiles
Gina Dickerson Website
Gina Dickerson Amazon Profile
Gina Dickerson Author Profile on Smashwords

Gina Dickerson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a former direct salesman (double-glazing, conservatories, kitchens, water-filters and even cars). From the age of five, writing was my biggest pleasure. But in my teens, I was a musician with desires for fame and fortune. Writing my own songs, I accompanied myself with keyboard, guitar and unusually, the banjo.
It was with the banjo that I got closest to a record deal when I wrote a song for a burgeoning TV show ‘The Gophers’. There were plans for the furry protagonists to perform on ‘Top of the Pops’. It was an exciting time.
During recording, I clashed with producers about the direction the music should take. I was probably headstrong and foolish, and in any event, the show was a massive flop. But it did influence my book publishing decision.
When I left my sales career to care for a family member, I finally indulged my passion for writing, and when I typed the last word of my 90,000word debut novel, ‘Paved with Good Intentions’ it was with trepidation I looked to get published.
Whilst there was some interest from publishers, in my head, the editors were just like the producers I’d clashed with in the past. I decided on a self-publishing route.
My earliest experiences are not ones I’d recommend. It’s been hard, but I’m finally learning. I have to arrange everything from editing to printing, but it means I’m in control, just the way I like.
Since my debut, I’ve written two more novels (which are serialised as 200 page novellas on Kindle) and a 120 page novella.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel ‘An Extraordinary Haunting’ is a ghost story with a twist. Readers say ‘It messes with your mind’, and is ‘Scary as Hell’. I wrote it to be thrilling and intriguing. There are clues to what’s really going on from the beginning, but they are revealed in a way to always keep you guessing. From feedback, my intentions have been realised!
The story was inspired by a recurring nightmare my wife was having that she shared, bizarrely, with her mum. I can’t tell you what they dreamt; it would be a spoiler.
I set it in Wales (as usual) because I love it here. The house in the story is where my son had his student digs. I won’t say if he’s one of the charachters (he might hit me), nor wether the other students in the book bare any similarities to his housemates. Needless to say, any correlation between the story and them is purely coincidental!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I’m lucky. I can walk to a secluded beach, or climb a lofty mountain, or even sit beneath a waterfall on a wooded valley floor. Being in natural beauty inspires me. I try to bring some of the beauty of where I live into my stories. I might stand accused of going on to much, but I try to reign myself.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like a good Grisham and Robert Goddard. I used to read only crime fiction, having grown up with Enid Blighton and her mystery-solving kids in various series (I read them all.) Then Stephen King and Dean Koontz gave me an interest in paranormal story lines. I was always in awe of how they could string a story and thrilled when the relevance of a seemingly insignificant story element showed its true importance later on.

What are you working on now?
I’m really excited about re-releasing my first and second books: ‘Paved with Good intentions’, and ‘The HUM’. Both will be serialised on Kindle before being released in Paperback later this year.
Apart from that, I’m working on three other novels. I’ve always worked on one at a time before, but there’s a lot to be said for being able to put something down and come back to it with fresh eyes. I expect one will fire my imagination more and surge ahead in its insistence to be told.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t tried very much. Awesomegang is a very recent discovery but looks very promising. Facebook has been the best way to get known, but it’s been a slow process.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would be wary of subsidy publishers who promise the world. I knew nothing about publishing and put my trust in the wrong hands. It’s hard work. Don’t be in a hurry. It’s so easy to release work nowadays, you may as well make sure you know what you’re doing. Use Beta-Readers and take their advice.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s been said countless times, but “Write what you know.” It was hearing Ricky Gervais advise this in an interview that made me completely rewrite my debut novel. I have not stopped writing since. It’s no substitute for research, but my perspective is what makes my stories unique.

What are you reading now?
The Revenant. I want to read it before I see the film.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing. I’ll keep going because I love it. If I can make it further up the best-seller rankings, that will be nice, too!

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?
On Angel Mountain. It’s the first of a series of books by local legend, Brian John. the story gives a real sense of my home in Wales. It would make me feel connected to home. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. My son has Aspergers and is exactly like Don in the book. And anything by Tom Holt. His surreal worlds would be a great escape.

Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Christopher Carter Website
Michael Christopher Carter Amazon Profile

Michael Christopher Carter’s Social Media Links
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in rural Gloucestershire with my husband, son and two cats, one with half a tail but that’s another story. I grew up in Yorkshire then travelled the world as an English teacher. My travels have inspired my writing especially Greece. So far I’ve written three books in the Greek Island mystery series and a checklist Christmas short novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a new departure for me. Callie’s Christmas Countdown is set in the UK and the heroine Callie just wants everyone to have the best Christmas ever. She’s so busy planning though that she forgets about herself.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t write without coffee. Not so unusual but the funny thing is that once I start I find the coffee is usually untouched and cold when I next look.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Every book I’ve ever read has influenced me in some small part. The biggest influences though are Victoria Hislop and John Fowles.

What are you working on now?
I can’t decide whether to write a fourth book in the Greek Island Mystery series or to write something completely different. In the end it will be the characters who decide.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t have one particular website but over the last few years have built up a relationship with many writers and bloggers. They are wonderful at getting the word out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It may sound trite but ‘Don’t give up.’ Write, write, write in if you think it’s rubbish. After all you can always edit it but you can’t edit a blank page.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write about what you know OR be prepared to do a helluva lot of research!

What are you reading now?
i’ve just got an advance copy of Tracy Chevalier’s new book, ‘ At the edge of the orchard’ and am really looking forward to that. I’ve also got a couple of Sara Alexi’s on my TBR pile too.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A major film deal and a six figure book deal? I wish! Still there’s no harm in dreaming. I hope to write another book this year and then focus more on publicity.

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 that is so hard! I find it hard enough to decide what to read next as it is. Anyway, I’d take John Fowles ‘The Magus’ as every time I read it, I find something new in there. Perhaps ‘Le grand Meaulnes’ by Alain Fournier as the descriptions are just beautiful and I suppose I’d better take a book on how to survive on a desert island!

Author Websites and Profiles
Julie Ryan Website
Julie Ryan Amazon Profile

Julie Ryan’s Social Media Links
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Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is David Bird and this is the very first book that I’ve ever written. I am seriously thinking about writing something else but I am undecided at this present time as to what it will be. I must admit, the book that I’ve written has taken me several years, but I just happened to read an article in a local newsletter about self publishing and decided to take the plunge.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My Positive Face Of Disfigurement: A True Story. I was born with a very rare medical condition that only a mere handful of people suffer with throughout the world, the condition is known as a Vascular Anomaly. I’ve been involved with a fantastic charity for people with disfigurements since 1999 and have actively taken part in their media coverage. The charity is called Changing Faces and is headed up with

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. Throughout my life I’ve done all sorts of exciting things. Whenever something different has happened in my life I jot a heading down on paper, as the years go by this has built up to lots of paperwork. I look at these jottings and have expanded a story through the use these until my book was created.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Katie Piper and her book called “Beautiful”. This is truly an inspiring story and it gave me an added strength because of my own disfigurement.

What are you working on now?
I’m not currently working on another book but I’m seriously thinking hard about it having dipped my toes in the water.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t actually know as this is so totally new to me. I never thought that I’d even be in this position of being an author to tell you the truth.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Well if I’m anyone to go on, I think the word is perseverance. It’s taken me years to get to this point in time.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Believe in yourself and things will happen for you.

What are you reading now?
The Heart Of Abundance … A Simple Guide To Appreciating And Enjoying Life by Candy Paull

What’s next for you as a writer?
Start jotting my headings down again and using these building blocks to make my next book.

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?
Inca Trails by Martin Li

Ancient Rome: The Rise And Fall Of The Roman Empire by Simon Baker

The Plantagenets: The Kings Who Made England by Dan Jones

As you’ll see from these titles, I just love history in all shapes and forms. Even as a child I was intrigued by the past.

Author Websites and Profiles
David Bird Website

David Bird’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Is this where I try to sound exciting? I like skydiving, the trapeze and white water rafting…. No, I don’t really. I like reading, of course, and my family, and my funny cats Sherlock and Dr. Watson. I collect antique first editions of hardback books. There’s a ton of antique bookshops around here and I spend my free time sneezing through their dusty pages hunting for hidden treasures.
I’ve written fifteen books for young adults, all romance, some paranormal. I like books to be upbeat and amusing if possible, and always with a happy ending

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called Vampires and the Holy Grail. There’s an abridged version of it available now in a vampire novella box set, which you can find on Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com//dp/B01BKUFQIE
Or you can wait for the full length version which is being released at the end of March.

It was inspired by local legend actually. I live near the English town of Glastonbury, where Joseph of Arimathea was supposed to have settled after leaving Jerusalem. Lots of people say that he brought the Grail with him to England and it is still hidden there. He planted his staff on a hill and it grew into a Holy Thorn tree, the tree is still there, and the fresh spring water that runs from the hill is an unusual red colour. It is also said to be where King Arthur formed Camelot, so I’m sure I’m not the first to be inspired by these tales…

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, I’m pretty dull. I prefer to write at home in my pyjamas. I have coffee and chocolate on hand. I cover the wall next to my desk with post-it notes, but they are mostly stuff like “blog about characters first kiss” and “find picture of an actor to play ….” I like to put faces to my characters even though no one ever sees them.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like to read books by other authors that I chat with online. They have some great advice and reading their books really helps me to see what works and what doesn’t. People like Annie Bellet, Amanda M Lee, Chris Fox, SM Reine and Libbie Hawker.

What are you working on now?
Book Two – Vampires and the Spear of Destiny

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I should say Awesomegang of course!
But seriously, I don’t really do much promotion, I just tell my mailing list when I release a new book and that’s pretty much it. People can sign up to it here: http://eepurl.com/wEMmD

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you really want to write then you will find the time!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write, Repeat

What are you reading now?
Xoe: Vampires and Werewolves and Demons, oh my! By Sara C Roethle
http://www.amazon.com//dp/B004ZMVQRU
It’s a fun teen read and so far I definitely recommend it

What’s next for you as a writer?
Write, Repeat
I have a long list of books I really want to do, and I get a lot of requests to keep my series going as well. What can I say, I bow to pressure, 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?
Empty note books, and a pen.
Oh all right then… I suppose it would have to be The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and the Harry Potter Box Set (am I allowed box sets?)

Author Websites and Profiles
Stella Wilkinson Website
Stella Wilkinson Amazon Profile

Stella Wilkinson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a writer, a blogger and an entrepreneur. I also like to design WordPress sites. I studied at the Art Institute at Pittsburgh Online for a degree in Interactive Media and then later at the International Academy of Design and Technology Online for a degree in Web Development. I am a computer geek who loves how to books and historical time travel novels that start in the past and wind up in the present.

I have now entered the exciting world of self-publishing by releasing my first book. It is a very personal story that was difficult for me to write. I think it is wonderful that everyone has an opportunity to get their work out there because of the ability to self-publish. I have several more books planned for the near future. So be sure to watch for new listings.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Scattered With the Wind: Surviving the Joplin Tornado. It is very personal to me because I lived it. It is the story of how an EF5 tornado struck the city of Joplin, Missouri on May 22, 2011 trapping my dog, Edie and I in our home to ride out the storm. We wound up on the street that day with nowhere to go eventually making it to a shelter. This is a
personal account of what we experienced during that horrific event and the days that followed.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, other than I do most of my writing in the afternoon and evening.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think that I may have an unusual response to this question. I like nonfiction and how to books by a variety of authors. If I am reading for pleasure I love historical time travel novels, stories about witches, vampires, anything along those lines. So my favorites in that area would be Stephenie Meyer, I loved the Twilight books and J. K. Rowling because I loved the Harry Potter books. Also Nor Roberts has done some books along those lines.

What are you working on now?
A follow up to my first book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use blogging and social media.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it and don’t give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be realistic about what your goals are in self-publishing. It isn’t a get rich quick scheme.

What are you reading now?
I’m not reading at the moment. I am writing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More books on my life experiences.

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 Twilight Saga series.

Author Websites and Profiles
Donna Markiewicz Website
Donna Markiewicz Amazon Profile

Donna Markiewicz’s Social Media Links
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Facebook Profile
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Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As a teenager I was a jolly friend, a promising football player and a staunch punk-rock fun. Nobody expected me to become a monk! However, at the age of 19, a sudden inspiration changed my life altogether – and two years later it took me into a Uruguayan forest to lead the life of a hermit. For three years I meditated and prayed in solitude, living in utter simplicity.

During this period, I become close to a man of knowledge, who had a good number of followers in the country. I felt that this man could teach me, the man, however, requested me to join the Ramakrishna Order in the Buenos Aires Ashram where he himself had been trained.

After eight years as a monk in that country, I finally felt I had learnt all I could from the Ashram. It was then, that, following a dream, I traveled to London, and joined the London Vedanta Center, where I soon became the Vedanta magazine editor, learned Italian and translated Ramakrishna’s main biography into Spanish.

Altogether I lived at the Vedanta Center, in UK, for 16 years. During that period I wrote Meditation on the Imitation of Christ: A Vedantic Interpretation, which is the only Vedantic commentary ever written on that Christian bestselling classic.

In 2004, I moved to India, where I spent two years studying different philosophies and the complex Indian culture. In 2007, I made my last trip to India and became Swami Chidakarananda.

In 2013, I moved to the Vedanta Society of Southern California.

Tapping from my deep and extensive experience of Eastern and Western philosophies and cultures, I created the series of The Rishis, whose first volume is The Rishis and the Book of Secrets (Published by Caliburn Press). A story that emphasizes the magical and mystical side of the extraordinary power and knowledge of the ancient rishis. It is a unique fictional story based on real archaeological discoveries, where I fill with rich and vivid imagination the lines that history could never tell.

At present I am staying in Argentina, where I recently published The One Infinite Being, and continue working on the fiction series of The Rishis.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest work is the series of The Rishis.

The story came to me quite suddenly; it was literally a kind of inspiration. Three years ago I stumbled upon an article narrating the discovery of the ancient city of Gonur Tepe, in Central Asia. I found it interesting, but that was all, I didn’t make much of it. Minutes later I went for a walk, and that’s when it happened. I felt a rush of ideas and information appearing in my mind, it was like making a download from the Internet, it took just seconds. It hit me suddenly and so strongly, that the experience inebriated me for a while. Then I felt an enormous urge to write, and I had to rush back home and begin to write it down.

That was the beginning of The Rishis and the Book of Secrets, the first book of the sequence on The Rishis.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
To be honest, I never imagined myself as a writer until quite recently, just a few years ago. First I started writing non-fiction, particularly philosophy and spirituality, which was my main interest at that time. Then, about three years ago, this fictional story came to my mind like a storm: it was a kind of inspiration, but an overwhelming one. It filled me so fully that I had to sit and write it down. The whole think kept replaying in my mind and it wouldn’t give me rest until I wrote it. Now, after finishing the draft of the second book of the series, I feel much better, the pressure to write had diminished to a reasonable state, so I hope to finish the rest without much urge.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In the world of fiction, J. R. R. Tolkien; but my perspective of life was affected mostly by Swami Vivekananda. Nevertheless, I am a deep thinker, and I have gradually developed my own line of thoughts.

What are you working on now?
The second volume of the series is undergoing the editorial process and hopefully it will be out soon. Besides, I am about to begin the third book of The Rishis series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Normally I use Facebook, Twitter, my personal author page and other free sites. Awesomegang is my first paid experience, let’s see how it goes.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
To relate with your readers, you need to keep in mind the same elements needed in order to maintain a good relationship with those around you: honesty, unselfishness and good will.

If you don’t write what truly lives in your heart, and that with the best intentions, the reader will detect it and will not like your story. I firmly believe that if you write the story the way you truly conceive it, not wanting to adjust it to please this or that kind of public, then you will find a group of people that will love your book, and many that, although they may not like your stile or genre, they will, nonetheless, respect your writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Know yourself.”

What are you reading now?
I have been a keen reader for more than 30 years, but at the moment I am using all my free time in writing. I hope to begin reading again soon, I really miss it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
First I intend to finish The Rishis series, which will take possibly four books, and then I would like to write a stand-alone based on the life of two of the characters of the book, Burdock and Alexandra. What will happen beyond that, it’s hard to say at the 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?
The Bhagavad Gita, The Lord of the rings, and The Rishis series.

Author Websites and Profiles
Robert Delgado Website
Robert Delgado Amazon Profile
Robert Delgado Author Profile on Smashwords

Robert Delgado’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write fantasy, sci-fi and historical fiction novels. I am about to release my fifth novel, the second in the Immortal Knight Chronicles, which is a historical dark fantasy about brutal, medieval vampires.

My first series is a historical fantasy in an early steampunk type world called Gunpowder & Alchemy. I will release the fourth and final book in that series late in 2016.

I always loved reading more than anything and I grew up writing fantastical stories. My main interests outside of writing are history and science and my stories tend to combine these wonderful things.

I live with my wife and our young daughter (and cats) in Essex, UK.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Vampire Outlaw: the Immortal Knight Chronicles Book 2 and it features the origins of Robin Hood, vampires, and the forgotten invasion of England.

It is 1216. The vampire Richard of Ashbury is attacked in the night. The trail leads to Sherwood and to a Green Knight, a king of the outlaws and so called lord of Eden. Richard is certain that his old enemy, William de Ferrers has returned to England. But England is in turmoil. The barons have erupted into armed rebellion against King John. What is more, a French army has invaded the south, intent on installing a French prince as the King of England.

Richard must do his duty and fight to save England. And he must journey deep into the dark heart of Sherwood Forest to kill William and rescue the Lady Marian.

It was inspired by the real history of the First Barons’ War which began after the failure of the Magna Carta agreement. The Immortal Knight Chronicles was inspired by my love of history. What if an immortal solder with incredible strength could fight in 800 years’ worth of wars? What would he see? What would he think of the First World War or the 1940s Eastern Front? There are so many periods of history that I cannot wait to put Richard into. And, like Bernard Cornwell or other historical fiction authors, I make the actions of my fictional protagonist responsible for real historical events, which is an awful lot of fun.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, seeing how I have a full time job and a young family, the main time I write is after every night dinner, which usually from about 9pm to 12pm. It is really tough to think clearly at that time of night. I am tired. But I have a “no excuses” rule and I just make myself get on with it and it seems to work out pretty well. When doing first draft I have a minimum of 1,500 words a night and I aim for 3,000 plus. I don’t know if that’s unusual enough.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many! Bernard Cornwell, Patrick O’Brian, Steven Pressfield. Frank Herbert, Isaac Asimov, Ursula Le Guin, Robert Heinlein, Iain M. Banks, Alfred Bester. Anne Rice, Kim Stanley Robinson. Gary Paulsen. Roger Zelazney. Neal Stephenson. Robert Holdstock. I could go on!

What are you working on now?
Vampire Outlaw the Immortal Knight Chronicles Book 2 will be released March 2016 and I’m really excited about that. It takes place during the 1216 invasion of England by the French and explores the origins of the Robin Hood myth. After that I will release the first book in my sci-fi series at the end of April.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Okay, I admit I don’t do enough promotion. I blog on my website about my writing and the real history in my books. I also love talking to people on Twitter. I’m a very visual person so I can spend hours on Instagram and Pinterest. In terms of actual promotion, though, I think Facebook adverts are absolutely fascinating and I am looking forward to doing even more with them.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing! I would say that writing more books and making sure that every book is better than the last is good advice. And to work on making each book as high quality as you can. Also, really understand your reader and what they are looking for as each genre and market tends to respond to different things.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I think when I heard the words “Write, publish, repeat” it was a bit of a lightbulb moment. As my free time is so limited, I realised I had to focus initially on producing more books. So that is what I am doing. Ask me in five years if it worked out.

What are you reading now?
I am reading Lavondyss by Robert Holdstock again. It is a mind-meltingly brilliant exploration of our mythic past and where myths come from. Also I am re-reading Julian Rathbone’s the Last English King which is a wonderful historical fiction story about King Harold and the battle of Hastings. It is evocative of the lost Anglo-Saxon culture and it’s just a good story, well told.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After the next Immortal Knight book, I am starting my science fiction series in Q2 2016. Then I have a historical fiction novel to release at the end of summer and the final book in my middle grade fantasy by the end of the year. If I can fit in another book by Christmas then I will. It will be a busy year but by the end of it, I will have one complete series and also three ongoing series. I can’t wait to write all these stories.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Wow, it’d be nice to get some good reading done. First thing that springs to mind is historian Steven Mithen’s After the Ice: a Global Human History 20,000 -5,000 BC. It is the story of the human race during the most momentous period of change we ever went through, from hunter gatherer to farming settlements. It’s over 600 pages long and huge so although I keep meaning to re-read it, the thing is impractically large so it would be good to be stranded somewhere. And it would double as a comfortable seat. For fiction, I think I’d take Kim Stanley Robinson’s Mars Trilogy as it is so packed with information and subtle character insights that it survives many re-reads. Does that count as one book or three? If I can take another I’d make it Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet, because it was my favourite book from childhood and it is about wilderness survival and I never get tired of reading it.

Author Websites and Profiles
Dan Davis Website
Dan Davis Amazon Profile
Dan Davis Author Profile on Smashwords

Dan Davis’s Social Media Links
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