Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Michael Mardel and I live in Broome, the north-west corner of Australia. It is hot most of the time with two seasons, wet and dry though the wet was quite dry.
I began writing texts for school children in 2005 when I was living in Melbourne, 4000 kms away. I have translated a few into Kindle. I had some short stories in mind and put together 10 stories featuring 12 year old boys. Then I moved to Broome three years ago and wrote the first of a trilogy featuring Paul O’Leary. I wrote two YA stories, one of which I first wrote in 2000 as part of NaWriMo. I then branched out into some adult literature before returning to the Cowboy.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Cowboy downunder: a mystery and a romance first began as a romance and morphed into a cowboy or jackaroo as they’re known on Australian cattle stations. There are a few stations north of Broome, where I live, and the age was right for my hero to be learning how to be a cowboy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, I set myself 1,000 words a day when I am writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Enid Blyton and Agatha Christie.

What are you working on now?
I am thinking about a follow-up to the Cowboy with a little romance and mystery. I haven’t made a mind-map yet as I have a couple of stories to read for review.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think this website.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do a mind map.

What are you reading now?
Waterkill by Donovan
The blotted line by Mehreen Amed
Lights of Love

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep studying

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?
no books, only Kindle

Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Mardel Website
Michael Mardel Amazon Profile

Michael Mardel’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve just published my 101st novel. After more than thirty years of being traditionally published in genres from mystery to fantasy to romantic comedy to medical romance, I’m self-publishing my new Safe Harbor Medical mystery series. I’m a former Associated Press reporter and TV columnist in Los Angeles and have worked on two newspapers in Orange County, Calif. Honors include: two-time Rita Award finalist, Romantic Times career achievement award, and a Thomas Watson Foundation fellowship.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Case of the Questionable Quadruplet is a classic-style mystery (a la Agatha Christie) featuring a young obstetrician who gets involved in cases that affect his patients. I wanted a title that reflected my hero’s occupation and also was a little quirky. Although the book is a strongly plotted puzzle-type mystery, it includes flashes of humor through the hero’s observations and insights.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m old enough to have started writing on a manual typewriter, graduated to an electric typewriter, bought one of the original IBM PCs, which didn’t even have a hard drive, and finally graduated to Windows. My writing habit is to sit at the computer at 8 o’clock in the morning with a cup of coffee at hand, and bite anyone who interrupts me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In the mystery field, I’m a fan of Agatha Christie, Tess Gerritsen, Kathy Reichs and Mary Higgins Clark. Early in my career. Jane Austen inspired me to write Regency romances. The first book I sold was Lady in Disguise, a romantic comedy set in the English Regency period.

What are you working on now?
After publishing The Case of the Questionable Quadruplet, I’m now at work on the second book in the Safe Harbor Medical mystery series. There are three mysteries planned in the first cycle. Each stands alone but there are some continuing subplots to add depth.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It’s hard to quantify, as I use a variety of approaches. In addition to my website and Facebook fan page, I post a blog on Goodreads (where I’m offering a giveaway of two autographed print copies that ends May 1). I also tweet several times daily about my books and about writing and medical topics of interest. In addition, being a member of Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime and Novelists Inc. helps me network with other authors. And I frequently write guest blogs.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be prepared to write, get critiques and revise extensively so you can master basic fiction skills (point of view, back story, character arcs and story structure). Edit carefully or have someone else do so for grammatical and spelling errors, as readers are picky. Join writers’ groups and learn as much as you can about the business of publishing before deciding whether you want to go indie or traditional.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
This above all: unto thine own self be true.

What are you reading now?
Jana Deleon’s Miss Behavior series. It’s hilarious!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to continue with the Safe Harbor Medical mysteries for at least three books, and hopefully more. I’m also regaining rights to romantic comedies previously published by Harlequin, such as Designer Genes and Daddy, M.D. I update, re-edit and create new covers for these before making them available as e-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?
A textbook on the Greek language, so I could learn something useful. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, which I never get tired of. Alison Weir’s The Wars of the Roses, because then maybe I’d finally be able to keep the players straight (but I doubt it). Robert Graves’ I Claudius, which is the most brilliant fictionalized retelling of history I’ve ever come across.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jacqueline Diamond Website
Jacqueline Diamond Amazon Profile
Jacqueline Diamond Author Profile on Smashwords

Jacqueline Diamond’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Brooklyn, NY and now live just outside of New York City with my wife, who is far too good for me, and my two vivacious boys who challenge my Jedi and light-saber skills on a regular basis.

In an effort to escape the technology chain gang at the corporate prison where I work, I decided to follow my passion for writing, and published two books in 2015. I haven’t managed to tunnel under the prison walls yet, but I’m patient, and chip away at my cubical cell every day.

The Monsters & Demons Horror Anthology I wrote in 2015 spawned the Second Death Series based on the short story, “Arraziel”, from the collection. “Arraziel” was rewritten into a novella called, Rising: A Second Death Novella, which is currently free on Amazon. Watchers of the Fallen is Book One of the Second Death Series and picks up where Rising leaves off.

There are two more books planned in the series. Book two will be released in 2016, and Book three in early 2017.

I also enjoy American football, cooking, BBQ, 80’s Rock, craft beer, and the occasional small batch bourbon – not in that order specifically, though I wouldn’t complain about that sequence if it was offered either.

You can sign up for my Reader’s Group at http://eepurl.com/bR537n. You’ll be kept up to date about new book releases, contests, giveaway, and other cool stuff. You’ll also get a chance to receive advance reader copies of new books for free.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Watchers of the Fallen is my newest book and it was inspired by my interest in esoteric religious writings, H.P. Lovecraft, and fans of my short story, “Arraziel”.

I received a ton of feedback about “Arraziel”. People wanted to know more about the characters and felt there was more story to tell. They were right!

After reading the Book of Enoch and going on a Lovecraft reading binge, the story grew roots in my brain and I immediately got to work on the outline for Book one.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure how unusual this is, but the majority of my writing is accomplished on the train to and from my day job. I commute into New York City every day and do most of my writing on the train ride.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many, I don’t really know where to start.

I have always been a huge fan of Stephen King’s work, but he never inspired me to write and publish. I remember finishing the Stand in a few days. I read the last word, and then immediately started reading from page one again.

In the same way, Clive Barker, Michael Connelly, Tolkien, CS Lewis, and a litany of other authors have always kept me coming back for more.

But the one writer that inspired me to write my own stories would have to be Hugh Howey. The Wool Series had me forgetting to eat and not wanting to sleep. When I finished the series, I read up on the offer and after reading his self publishing journey to literary stardom, I got the bug and set about learning everything I could about self-publishing.

What are you working on now?
Book two of the Second Death series. Interestingly, book two is a lot harder than book one was. Book one opened so many possibilities, my biggest challenge is picking a direction and sticking with it.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t done all that much in terms of promoting, but I have had some success with the Fussy Librarian and Facebook.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be consistent, be fearless, and practice, practice, practice. And by practice, I don’t mean writing something and tucking it away in the corner of your closet that you clean every six years. You need to write every day, consistently. Don’t listen to the voice in your head that says it isn’t good enough (it never will be). When you have something you’re happy with, publish it. Consistently writing and publishing your work is the key to getting better. Otherwise, you’re just journaling stories.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write consistently. Set aside a time every day to write and make that time sacred. If there are zombies at your bedroom door, hold them off for enough time to getting your daily writing session in. Then you can let them eat.

What are you reading now?
The Colony: Genesis by Michaelbrent Collings.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to try and finish the Second Death series this year. After that, I have another idea for a horror thriller that I need to do some work on. I also have a fantasy book outlined waiting for me to write. One of those will be my main focus at the beginning of 2017.

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?
Tough one, but here goes:

The Stand
Wool
Catcher in the Rye
The Return of the King

Author Websites and Profiles
Brian Rella Website
Brian Rella Amazon Profile

Brian Rella’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi. I’m a fantasy writer. To date I have nine books in progress. Two are out, two are almost ready to fly and the rest are in various forms of fledging.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Dragons’ Chosen. I always wondered about stories with fairy godmothers, you know, the kind grandmotherly like women with buns and magic mice. I wondered what would happen if the godmother character were less–traditional. Chris in The Dragons Chosen is not what one would expect of a godmother type. She’s a co-ed from Berkeley in the 1970, dressed in true form with slogan covered tee-shirts and an attitude to match.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I finish what I start!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robin Hobbs
Juliet Marillier
Andre Norton
Sharon Shinn
Patricia A. McKillip
Ursula Le Guin

What are you working on now?
I’m finishing up a book named “The Lady in the Tower,” fussing with a YA book named “Dark” and messing with my first non-fantasy book tentatively named, Hybrid, about a half-Kurdistan/American girl.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Bookbub is by far the best advertisement I’ve used.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Yes, read everything you can.
2. Make sure you get into a critique group.
3. Always, always get your book editing by a professional before you publish.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?

What are you reading now?
I just finished reading “A Man Named Ove,” which I loved. Now I’m starting on “The War that Saved my Life.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing as fast as I can to finish my books and get them 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?
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld
The Hobbit
Anything by Robin Hobbs or Juliet Marillier

Author Websites and Profiles
Gwen Dandridge Website
Gwen Dandridge Author Profile on Smashwords

Gwen Dandridge’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Six total books written to date
Amazon Top-Ten Bestselling Author
Reader’s Favorites Five–Star
“Cary Allen Stone is a brilliant writer of psychological thrillers and murder mysteries. He writes with a keen eye for detail–the graphic violence is chillingly realistic. He delivers a taut, darkly introspective, cunning and well-executed plot by leaning towards the fallible side of his characters. He understands the criminal mind avoiding the stereotypes that dominate crime thrillers. There is a good balance of chemistry and conflict, good and evil that fans will find enthralling. His characters become embedded in our psyches and the pace of his unraveling of his thriller is a ride not easily forgotten. Cary Allen Stone is an important name to watch. This is one superb crime writer!”––Grady Harp, Amazon Hall of Fame Top 100 Reviewervine Voice

My backstory is, I spent almost forty years inside the cockpits of corporate jets and airlines and because of my flying career I acquired a unique perspective of life. I was fortunate in 1992 to fly Sir Ridley Scott on a location scout in the islands. We talked about writing and building an image inside the words. He was quite a mentor.
Before that, I graduated from college with a Bachelor of Arts. I was involved in feature films in LA and Indie films in Phoenix. I have done voice-over, radio commercials, and standup comedy magic. I represented the USA alongside nine other countries in the Night of Magic in Bogota, Colombia performing before dignitaries, ambassadors and their families.
For my “Stealing Atlanta,” I received the endorsements of Clive Cussler and Tim Dorsey.
I’m a proud member of the oldest women’s writers club in the country, the Phoenix Writer’s Club.
My Jake Roberts Novels have been well received by Amazon Hall of Fame Top 10 Reviewers in crime fiction and psychological thrillers. The series has received the READER’S FAVORITE FIVE STARS award. Action adventure author Clive Cussler and South Florida author Tim Dorsey endorsed Stealing Atlanta, my cybercrime thriller.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
AFTER THE KILL – A Jake Roberts Novel. ATK is another story in the life of Jake Roberts from the series.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t write every day like they tell you to do.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Any serial killer story from the well-known to the unknown authors.

What are you working on now?
The fifth book in my Jake Roberts Novels.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesomegang above all.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be dedicated, do the research, edit, re-edit, edit again, get an editor, get another editor, repeat the process.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As a writer, you must expose yourself.

What are you reading now?
Everything I can find for my new story and I read a lot of science.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will either do book six in my Jake Roberts Novels, or a scifi story.

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?
“Stranded on a Deserted Island for Dummies” “A Volleyball Named Wilson” and “Twenty-five Easy Ways to Open A Coconut”

Author Websites and Profiles
Cary Allen Stone Website
Cary Allen Stone Amazon Profile
Cary Allen Stone Author Profile on Smashwords

Cary Allen Stone’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I began writing poetry, song lyrics and musical composition in my early teens. After writing some stories, I decided to study creative writing, scriptwriting and writing for the stage to help provide some structure to the way I approached my work and each specific genre.

My first scripts for TV and the stage were selected for a script workshop and performance. Television Arts Performance Showcase (TAPS) invited me to attend a two-day workshop at a TV Studios hosted by members of the TV industry and a theatre company performed my short play on the London Fringe.

I have created my own author website which has a blog and other resources and I’ve recently self-published my first ebook.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Beyond The Rainbow’s End is the first book I’ve published. It’s a collection of five eclectic short stories which cover a variety of genre from humour to science fiction.

The inspiration behind each story has come from my own experience of the people, situations and places I’ve come into contact with over the years.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I can think of. However, I guess I’m pretty unconventional when it comes to how, when and where I write. I don’t have a dedicated room or writing desk and so am not tied to a specific location. Instead, I tend to write on the move using my trusted, dedicated mobile writing App on my phone or ipad. Wherever I am, whatever I’m doing, my faithful App is always on hand, ready for me to jot down the next chapter or plot line.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are a number of authors and books that have influenced the way I think. Among others, they include The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov and various works by psychiatrist and psychotherapist CG Jung whom founded analytical psychology. Other authors that have inspired me include Honoré de Balzac, Fyodor Dostoyevsky and Somerset Maugham.

What are you working on now?
My first novella which is a big undertaking after completing a book of short stories, but I’m enjoying the challenge.

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

There are so many websites now dedicated to helping indie authors promote their books, that the main difficulty is finding the right one to suit your needs and pocket. I’ve spent countless hours searching various sources and assessing their offers of free or paid promotions. It is time consuming, but I have found it’s the only way to determine exactly what it is that I want to achieve with my book promotion.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be productive, grow a thick skin against those who do not share your vision. Above all, never give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes – MARCEL PROUST.

What are you reading now?
Manon Lescaut by Abbé Prévost.

What’s next for you as a writer?
In addition to working on my novella, I’m continuing to research other ways to promote my ebook Beyond The Rainbow’s End.

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 Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
Sixty-Five Short Stories by W. Somerset Maugham
Old Goriot by Honore de Balzac
Omnibus collection of stories by P.G. Wodehouse

Author Websites and Profiles
James Pitter Website
James Pitter Amazon Profile
James Pitter Author Profile on Smashwords

James Pitter’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is D.C. and I’m the author of a new series currently on Amazon called Sunset Reads. The first book is based on the couple William and Cristina who find themselves fighting their urges to be with one another although a series of heated moments changes their lives forever.
I grew up in New York, I’m the daughter of two wonderful,Colombian immigrant parents. I’m a traveler, the travel bug hit me a couple years ago and my goal is to eventually see the whole world. So far I’ve gotten to Italy and Japan…I’m thinking Germany next. I started to write as an outlet for being bullied at school and as soon as I started I couldn’t put the pen down. It was always my dream to be a published author, ever since the age of fourteen, and now at 34 I finally accomplished my goal.
I am currently writing my second book in the Sunset Reads serious based on Damian & Layla who you’ll meet in the first novel. I am also delving into a paranormal romance full of Vampires, gods and goddesses and a dark new world. It’s a three part series called A Touch of Ambrosia and I am really excited about it.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest and first book is Sunset Reads: William & Cristina.
It’s kind of funny, but the story actually came up from my struggles with being an author. I have a very wild imagination and I always wanted to either work in a publishing house or be a writer, I had also just gotten over a bad breakup so there goes the first inspiration. My second came when I was watching Superman, I fell in love with Henry Cavill’s blue eyes, so he all of a sudden became my muse when writing William. You’ll meet a little dog named Obi, he’s my real companion, and he is quite a character. Obi will lie by my side for hours while I’m writing and he’s so wonderful I had to give him to Cristina. You will also meet an array of characters from Layla- my best friend- to Henry, whose personality is very much my younger brother’s. This is the first in a four part series and many characters you will get to meet again.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think it’s unusual, but I like to people watch. I love to sit at a coffee shop with a White Mocha frap, and watch people or coupes and how they act around one another. If something catches my eye I go with it and see what arises in my imagination. I also like to listen to people and watch their expressions, those little quirks always make it into my stories. I also play music while I write, I find music to be inspiring and depending the scenes I’m working I can listen to anything from soft pop to Aerosmith.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite book of all time is Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, I have to admit that it was my first taste of romance in high school. Then I really got into the genre, and my favorite authors include Judith Mcnaught, Jude Deveraux, Johanna Lindsay and Susan E Phillips. When it comes to the paranormal, there’s no one that beats Laurell K Hamilton and her Anita Blake Vampire series. I also read a lot of the Darkhorse Graphic Novels- my favorite being the Witchblade and Darkness series. 30 Days of Night by Steve Niles is my favorite.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the second novel to the Sunset Reads series called Damian & Layla. I’m doing a lot of research on this one because it deals with a specific branch of the FBI- the cyber crime division. It’s turning out to be a very interesting story and I promise many steamy scenes in this one.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m fairly new to self publishing, but Awesomegang has truly been awesome in promoting! I also have become part of Facebook pages, and I work with reviewers on blogs on a daily basis. The best site is Good Reads to find friends, readers and I’ve made great relationships with several authors.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep persevering and don’t be scared to press that enter button and publish your book. Don’t be afraid of the negatives, take them in stride and keep writing. Take those reviews and critiques and turn them into positives. It’s going to be hard at first, but don’t stop. If you stop you won’t get where you want to be.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t count your eggs before they hatch.” When publishing my book I said, I’m doing this for me, because I love to write, if it does well, great- if it doesn’t, then I’ll just try again.

What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading Beast Blood by M.A. Levi…it’s a wonderful YA adventure.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m still working on Sunset Reads which will be a four part series….I ‘m going to continue working on building relationships. Soon I’ll be delving back into my Paranormal Romance called A Touch of Ambrosia, and I can’t wait to present that to my fans!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Jane Austen- Pride and Prejudice
Judith McNaught- Whitney My Love
A Survival Guide

Author Websites and Profiles
D.C. Triana Website

D.C. Triana’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Whilst I’ve written a number of plays, Afterlife is my début Young Adult novel! Exciting times!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Would you believe the concept for Afterlife came to me in a dream?! I’m sorry I know that’s a cliché. Two of the main characters Eve and Peter turned up in my subconscious so clearly and the rest of the story grew around them. Although, the fascist Christian society they come from was inspired by the anti-Islam rhetoric going around. It’s a little reminder that any organised religion can be used by a few people for evil purposes.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Actually I do! I like writing on the tube (that’s the Subway or the Metro or the Underground) during my commute. I get so wrapped up in what I’m doing that I’ve missed my stop a couple of times! It does make the journey more enjoyable though.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I always have a book on the go so have been inspired by more writers than I could possibly list – The biggies in the lead up to writing ‘Afterlife’ were Philip Pullman and his amazing ‘His Dark Materials’ trilogy. Suzanne Collins and the deservedly popular Hunger Games series and Stephen King’s relentlessly tense ‘Under the Dome.’ If you need something else to read I heartily recommend any of those.

What are you working on now?
Number two in my trilogy which I am VERY excited about, but also a little sad, I’m getting very attached to my characters…

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook is actually great, my friends and family have been very supportive and shared my posts and the boost option to a targeted audience seems to really work.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never surrender! That’s a tad dramatic – what I mean is – go out and make it happen. If I’d sat around waiting for someone to pick up Afterlife would have never been released.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The chances of your book being picked out of the slush pile are 0.08%. Do it yourself.

What are you reading now?
I am currently re-reading ‘Life after life’ by Kate Atkinson, which I loved the first time round. It’s great, it has a very imaginative and ambitious structure and a great plot, can’t recommend it highly enough.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing with the sequel and maybe getting a couple of short stories out to keep the Afterlife momentum going.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would take ‘Good Omens’ by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘Catching Fire’ by Suzanne Collins and ‘Bitten’ by Kelley Armstrong. They’re all books I could just read over and over and over…

Author Websites and Profiles
Helen Comerford Website
Helen Comerford Amazon Profile

Helen Comerford’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Killion Slade is an award-winning, Amazon bestselling speculative fiction author. As a loyal
reader of dystopian urban fantasy herself, the apocalyptic genres drew her to become a
homesteader, ensuring her family could survive if a world-wide crisis ever occurred and washing
machines disappeared. When not writing, she can be found raising chickens, geocaching, making
soap, growing things with aquaponics, or becoming a crack shot with her 9mm and crossbow.

(Seriously, no apocalypse is taking this woman down.)

Killion’s novels include Exsanguinate (2013) and the upcoming release, Obfuscate (Spring
2016). Her short stories can be found in Sirens Call; The Danse Macabre; Cynic Magazine;
Bewildering Stories; Midwest Literary Magazine; and in the anthologies Bite from the Heart;
Death Sparkles; Roms, Bombs, and Zoms; and The Ghoul Saloon (releasing soon).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Obfuscate is the second book in the World of Blood series. Currently, I have four books outlined and the third book is currently with structural editors. I found inspiration for writing the series by my love of gaming, contemporary spins on old vampire and paranormal creatures tropes, and simply for the fun of it. *grins*

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to storyboard my characters inside Second Life inside of the scenes so I can visually see them in the environment.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Charlaine Harris, Christopher Moore, Molly Harper, Kim Harrison, Diana Gabaldon, and Jim Butcher

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on two books for the series. One is an amazing adventure for a setting I have created called The Super Market. This is where supernaturals and preternatural creatures can go to find anything they need. The Super Market offers all types of amenities and services which are specifically tailored to their unique needs. I have invited 20 authors to write short stories bringing their own supernatural characters from their book series to come play in my world! This anthology is due out in Fall/Early Winter of 2016.

The second project I am currently working on is book three, Detonate, in the World of Blood series. It’s anticipated release date is spring of 2017.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Why the Awesomegang, of course! I love connecting with readers on my blog and through my emails. I listen to their ideas and give them the credit they deserve when a pure stroke of genius is shared. *grins*

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take classes in how to write. Join amazing websites such as onestopforwriters.com and savvyauthors.com to learn how to write how people what to read. But most of all – simply do it! Pull out those old tomes from the back of your file cabinet – you know the one – the killer short story you wrote in school. Pull it out, dust it off, put your layers of maturity to it and submit it to a publisher. If you don’t your story will never get told … and I would LOVE to read what you created!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The magic is in the editing. Don’t beat yourself up with making perfection the first time. Get the words down first. The magic comes in the MANY layers of editing. PLUS, and this is a REALLY big plus … invest in exceptional editors. I have exceptional referrals I’m willing to share when you are ready for exceptional teachers.

What are you reading now?
I just completed The Private Sector by Lisa M. Lane. An amazing dystopian look at how scary the world could be if we had to pay for all our public services. Currently, I am diving into a trilogy written by three amazing authors called Cast in Blood by Christine Sutton, Jaime Johnessee, and Lisa Lane.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a fantastic ghost hunting series that I’ve been working on. My new character Chloe is truly afraid of ghosts, but when she begins researching her genealogy, she discovers her lineage has been cursed with missing family members for centuries. Could a family heirloom Roentgen’s desk be the key to unlocking the mystery behind their disappearances?

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?
Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander. Who doesn’t luuurve some Jaime Fraser, right?! *GRINS*
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Lightning by Dean Koontz
but I think the most important book would have to be a Prepper Survival’s Guide for Deserted Islands

Author Websites and Profiles
Killion Slade Website
Killion Slade Amazon Profile

Killion Slade’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Ben lives in Tasmania, Australia while working the Long Distance Relationship with his wife Sam who lives in Canada. He is a tradesman by day and a writer by night. He has numerous books in progress so stay tuned for information on those by following this page.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Day My Fart Followed Me Home
http://www.amazon.com/Day-My-Fart-Followed-Home-ebook/dp/B01DTRYMJ0/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

What are you working on now?
Another prepping, urban survival book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter, but only just started promotions.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Work hard, get reviews.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get a lot of reviews.

What are you reading now?
Nothing, no time!

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?
Books on survival and cooking!

Author Websites and Profiles
Ben Jackson Website
Ben Jackson Amazon Profile

Ben Jackson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Accoun

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a widowed mother of two amazing sons and a former educator.

I own ThinkPinkTickets.com which is an online ticket sales site which supports breast cancer research and awareness programs as we donate 5% of the net sales profits to BCRF.

I began blogging and writing articles for EzineArticles before making the decision to write and publish my works.

To date I’ve written and published (4) books including a children’s book, Liver for Dinner; and (3) nonfiction pieces titled: Surviving Cancer: A Caregiver’s Guide to Survival One Step at a Time; Get the Real “Skinny” on Healthy Weight Loss: Commit to a Lifestyle Modification and Get Results; and my latest, Children Topics from A to Z: A Guide for Tackling Tough Issues, Volume 1 of a 5-Part series to be published through August 2016.

My genre is Non-Fiction and includes health and wellness books, parenting guides, and children’s books which are fiction but includes a non-fiction section in the end to provide teaching opportunities in the classroom or by parents.

With ten books written and on schedule for release in 2016, I hope my words will make a difference in the lives of many.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Children Topics from A to Z: A Guide for Tackling Tough Issues was released on April 24, 2016.

I was inspired to write the series after leaving the classroom to raise my two sons as I wanted to be home with my children whole providing tips and strategies for parents, teachers, caregivers and others working with or raising children as the struggles I’d witnessed among many were truly sad. It seems the family structure is deteriorating very quickly and our youth are the ultimate victims.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure that you’d call my writing style unusual but I make it a part of my every day schedule.

I suppose the fact that I write many of my children’s books in my mind at night while in bed and supposed to be sleeping might be considered unusual. I’ll awaken the next morning and write the story created the night before.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The books that I enjoy most are mystery and have inspired me to write my own fiction book which is in the making.

What are you working on now?
I’m finishing the formatting of Volumes 2 – 5 of the parenting series. The book that will follow is a true story about a commonly misdiagnosed illness referred to as Trigeminal Neuralgia: What to Do When Lightning Strikes. An illness I contracted and beat!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have not settled on an effective promotional website as I’ve just gotten started publishing in February 2016.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write.
Schedule a time each day to write for no less than 30 minutes.
Get your words on paper or on your computer without going back to edit or review. The goal is to finish your work BEFORE reviewing and editing your rough draft. You’ll have plenty of time to tweak your work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Create a support team or accountable buddy to encourage you and keep you and your writing goals on target.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading multiple books for new authors at the current time.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing the formatting of book series; illustrating two of my children’s books; editing the Trigeminal Book and publishing them all.

Author Websites and Profiles
Randa Roberts Website
Randa Roberts Amazon Profile

Randa Roberts’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Kiwi living in the beautiful Blue Mountains just outside of Sydney, Australia. I’ve written three children’s fiction novels and two adult fiction novels.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called The ‘Ohana Tree. The book is set in Hawaii where the concept of ‘ohana means not only your blood family, but the family you choose for yourself (and who choose you!). The title references a family tree but also an actual tree that is an important symbol throughout the book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m very much a routine writer. I drop my children at school then come home and write for between two and four hours without stopping. I like to write every day. I usually read over the day’s writing before I go to sleep at night because I like to think about my characters as I go to sleep.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve loved Maya Angelou since I was a teenager, her poetry especially. I read the whole Outlander series through every year. I’m a big reader so I’m constantly being influenced by books – sometimes it’s just a sentence or a paragraph or a particular turn of phrase. I’ve started taking photos of my kindle screen when I see something really good.

What are you working on now?
I’m editing the sequel to The ‘Ohana Tree and playing with ideas for the third and last book in the series. The second book is set in Austin, Texas, which was really fun to write. It’s a little different to my other books – less of a romance and more a book about self-discovery and the complications that life and friendships can throw at us. Readers of The ‘Ohana Tree will be excited to know that the second book is told from Tessa’s point of view.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a Facebook page and also a Facebook book group. I also blog regularly. I’m in the middle of a blog writing challenge at the moment – confessions!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write every day whether you’re feeling inspired or not and read Stephen King’s book ‘On Writing’.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do the best you can with what you know.

What are you reading now?
I’m in between books. I’ve just finished In the Quiet by Eliza Henry Jones. I loved reading a book set in Australia. I read so many books set in America or Europe.. it was lovely to transport myself to a setting I know so well.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Editing! I don’t love it, but I’m getting better at it. After that, I’ll be entering 8 – 12 weeks of hibernation while I write the last book in the ‘Ohana series.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou and Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen.

Author Websites and Profiles
Rebecca Addison Website
Rebecca Addison Amazon Profile
Rebecca Addison Author Profile on Smashwords

Rebecca Addison’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My mother-tongue is English, though my parents were refugees from Germany, and I now live in Israel. Now that I am retired from paid employment, I am an almost full-time writer, after having had to earn my living as a free-lance translator/editor for many years. I have published three books to date and am currently working on my fourth. It is relatively easy for me to write the first draft, but then the editing and rewriting takes a long time. I find that my brain is constantly working on the book, even when I’m not at my computer, and suddenly an idea for a character or plot development will pop into my mind out of nowhere. My main problem is to remember it and incorporate it when I get back to my desk. I now live in Israel, where most of my family resides, though I do have relatives all over the world. I am married to a wonderful man and have three grown-up children and eight grandchildren, some of them pretty grown-up, too. I’m addicted to classical music and find it helps me to concentrate when I’m writing, painting, cooking and making love.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Time Out of Joint, the Fate of a Family was inspired by the files of family correspondence and documents that my father brought out of Germany when he left in 1938. The files lay untouched for many years, until I came across them after my parents came to live in Israel, and I embarked on a project of learning German in order to be able to read and understand all that material. It was a worthwhile undertaking, revealing a whole world to me that I had not previously been able to access.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A page a day, at the least, sometimes more, at the initial stage. Then edit, edit, and edit again until I’m finally satisfied. I am reluctant to ask friends to read the ms as this is time-consuming and tastes differ, but I would really like to have someone I could trust to read the book before I publish it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Pretty much every book I’ve ever read. I’m a great fan of Virginia Woolf, but I don’t write like she does. I don’t go for horror, fantasy, or romance books, and although I’ve enjoyed H.G. Wells, I don’t really like sci-fi. My favorite author really is P.G.Wodehouse (Jeeves books), as his writing is stunning and funny, to boot.

What are you working on now?
I’m on another editing jag of my next book, which is about English people retiring to France without really knowing what they’re letting themselves into.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesomegang, of course, and various other similar sites, as well as Facebook. I’m not on Twitter, so can’t go down that route.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it, and don’t give up, no matter what people say.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Show don’t tell. Write about what you know. All the usual cliches.

What are you reading now?
‘A Second Daniel’ by Neal Roberts. I recognized the title as a quote from ‘The Merchant of Venice,’ and was intrigued. It’s about Elizabethan England, and the author seems to know about the period.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I’ve published my book about English expats in France I think I’ll be writing about the period I spent with my family some twenty years ago in the Mid-West of the USA. I have some kind of preliminary version in my computer, but I know I’ll still have to do a lot of work on 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?
All the P,G, Wodehouse books I can get my hands on. Laughter is the best medicine, they say, and I hope to keep myself alive long enough to be rescued if I just keep on laughing.

Author Websites and Profiles
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson Website
Dorothea Shefer-Vanson Amazon Profile

Dorothea Shefer-Vanson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The book The Wolf Riders of Keldarra Book 1: The Stone of Truth is my first novel, which was on release on 23 March 2016. I am currently working on the second book in the series, as well as my first science fiction book called Subject 37, which is already on pre-order on the Amazon website.

I got a heavy schedule set up for myself during 2016 in terms of writing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The inspiration for the book The Wolf Riders of Keldarra Book 1: The Stone of Truth came from an MMO I play called World of Warcraft. In that game two factions exist, and one of them is called Horde, and it their capital city are guards called Kor’kron Guard. On one particular day I decided to play my Horde character and this group of guards came riding on their mounts towards my character, it is at that moment the “Wolf Riders” from my book came into existings.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a reformed pantser. I am completely a plotter now. Even use the technique for planning my blog and website content. Was actually disorganised before I got hold of Scrivener, but I now swear by it, and I recommend it to anyone serious about writing.

Maybe my only bad habit now is that I don’t know when to stop on a day with writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading Isaac Asimov’s book, and reading them more than once. I, Robot and The Foundation series are still my favourite science fiction stories even today. In addition I love reading Jean M. Auel, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Christie Golden and Richard A. Knaak. I tend to take the best parts of a story and adapt them to my own imagination.

The movie I, Robot got it exactly right in terms of visual stuff btw in my opinion.

What are you working on now?
I am working on the second novel in the The Wolf Riders of Keldarra epic fantasy series, as well as my first science fiction book called Subject 37. There’s a synopsis of it on Amazon.com, and it can already be pre-ordered. It is on general release on 12 August 2016.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Because I am still relatively new as an author the key activity would be “awareness”. Make people aware your books exist, and that you as the author exist too, always in that order as your book is the product to sell. I am currently just posting everywhere I can about it so readers know about it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Two words – perserverance and determination. I think they are self-explanatory.

Anyone who wants to be a writer should never stop to procastinate. Always work on some sort of writing, even if it is not your main story. And get into the habit of networking. Other authors are your allies. They can offer advice, guidance, support and friendship.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever had isn’t even writing-related, but I apply it to my profile as an author anyway. The advice is to always be honest, someone people can trust, and to be truthful to yourself and others.

What are you reading now?
Currently it’s Ghost Storm (Hidden Bay Book 1) by Jessie Costin. It’s a story set in a town called Hidden Bay, and is set in Australia.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I guess a lot of writing over the summer. I got two books scheduled for release in August, but I am also looking at the two that are due out after that about which I have be hush hush right now still. Plenty of stuff to write for me as a writer.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If it’s 4 books I would take the version of Lord of the Rings I used to read in the school library in the first year of secondary education, which had Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King in it, so that’s choice one. Then the next book would be Christie Golden’s War Crimes. I can’t go without I, Robot. And The Clan of the Cave Bear as my favourite Jean M. Auel book would be the fourth book.

Author Websites and Profiles
Nathalie M.L. Römer Website
Nathalie M.L. Römer Amazon Profile

Nathalie M.L. Römer’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Nicknamed “Sunshine” for the joy that she exudes, Toni Daniels has always loved being with people and creating spaces of belonging and meaning.

As an Interpersonal Relationship Specialist and Pastoral Counselor with more than 15 years of international experience offering training workshops and skills-based coaching, Toni’s passion is to help establish joy-filled, Christ-Centered environments that produce healthy relationships and increase resilience.

Toni is currently the Director of The Geronimo Center for Innovation and Leadership, which she co-founded in 2008 with her husband, Matthew. This Uruguay-based non-profit organization seeks to initiate a revolution of joy in the most secular and suicidal nation in the Americas by forming emotionally healthy leaders from all sectors of society who follow Jesus in transforming their world.

Back to Joy was her first book. She is currently working on three others regarding parenting, marriage, and vocation. They will all be the same format using her personal journal entries to get into the nitty-gritty of life and model how to fight for health and wholeness in our relationships.

Toni’s undergraduate work focused on Spanish and Sociology. She also has a Master’s in Leadership and Church Planting from Columbia International University. While in Uruguay, she completed her diploma in Psycho-Spiritual Counseling from the Universidad Catolica de Uruguay in 2009. Other specialized training includes a certificate in Healthy Interpersonal Relationships from the International Trainer’s Association and PREP,inc., a relationship enhancement training based in Denver, Colorado. She is currently working to finish the three-year Thrive Leadership Training with Life Model Works.

Toni’s hobbies include karaoke, quilting, and sports. She loves being outdoors and spending time building joy with family and friends, especially her husband, their three children, and her poodle Champagne. Click here if you are interested in finding out more about Toni.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Back to Joy: An Intimate Journey with Jesus into Emotional Health and Maturity is my latest book. Since 12 years of age I have been an adamant journaler, processing every argument, conflict, or difficult emotion I have ever experienced. Two years ago I wanted to collect all of the stories through out my life of when I had sensed the Divine intervene and change my perspective, heal my heart, and lead me into a new reality. After doing this for myself, I realized that it might actually help others understand better what it means to mature and work towards emotional/relational health.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I record my journal entries into the “notes” app on my iphone so that it dictates everything. Then, I edit the stories. It saves tons of time that way!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Life Model, Joy Starts Here, Boundaries, anything from Brene Brown, RARE Leadership, Godly Play

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on three books regarding parenting, marriage, and vocation. They will all be the same format using my personal journal entries to get into the nitty-gritty of life and model how to fight for health and wholeness in our relationships. The marriage one will specifically address issues of co-dependency

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
awesomegang! Facebook, the church network

Do you have any advice for new authors?
go through Self-publishing School! It is an amazing resource!!!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do not EVER underestimate the power of simply enjoying someone!

What are you reading now?
RARE Leadership, The Coaching Manual by Julie Starr,

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am the director of a leadership training center in Uruguay, South America that seeks to build joy and relational skills in all of society. I enjoy public speaking and training and coaching.

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, The Life Model, Breaking Dawn, Godly Play Stories

Author Websites and Profiles
Toni M Daniels Website
Toni M Daniels Amazon Profile

Toni M Daniels’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m from the Dominican Republic, since i was little i love picture books and after working as a copywriter for almost 8 years in several Dominican advertising agencies, i decided to start making picture books because while doing it, i could work with both images and writing, i could create ideas and help make the world be a better place.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “SuperKids”, its a book about friendship, love, inclusion, respect and diversity. It was inspired by my nephew who is autistic.

Its a book that highlights the positive in others, showing what kids with special needs CAN do instead of what they cannot do. It helps us see the world different, and see ourselves different, encouraging children into finding their own super powers.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write everything, every idea. Even the silly ones..
I use my phone to write when i’m not in the computer, i make notes with any idea that comes to mind while i’m sleeping or in a car.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As i said before, i love picture books. My favorite authors are Peter H Reynolds, Oliver Jeffers, Amy Krouse Rosenthal, Birgitta Sif, Eric Litwin, Julia Donaldson, Dr. Seuss and many others!

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a book about saving money.
It’s a book without money at all that shows children how cool can it be something when we prepare for it and think about it, and work to make it the best way we can.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use everything! Facebook, Intagram, Twitter and i also make lots of school presentations. I think that’s the best way to promote a book, because the audience it’s right there and they can get the book and have it signed.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Mmmm..
Dare to make your dreams come true. It’s hard but it’s a wonderful journey!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That it has not been done before, does not mean it wont work.

What are you reading now?
Me before you by Jojo Moyes

What’s next for you as a writer?
To be able to do what i do in the Dominican Republic in other countries.

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?
Ohh god!
Alice in Wonderland, Oh, the places you’ll go and Sky Color…

Author Websites and Profiles
Anya Damirón Website
Anya Damirón Amazon Profile

Anya Damirón’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a pastor, minister of the Gospel, and international speaker. I reside in Nassau, Bahamas with my lovely wife, Jennifer M. and we have two wonderful children. As a best-selling author and writer I have written over seventeen books and over two hundred articles as an Ezine Articles Expert Writer. It is my purpose and mission to impact lives with life-transforming principles of success and victorious living through the application of Biblical Principles. I love seeing people’s lives turned around for the better and so I enjoy offering people hope.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of one of my latest books is Diligence To The Call of God. This book deals with purpose and the fact that each of us have been born for a reason. It is vitally important that we discover that purpose for it is the only way we will live truly satisfying lives. Outside of this purpose we would only be existing. Life would prove to be anything but fulfilling. One of my mentors once said, “All of mankind needs five basic questions answered. One of those questions is, Why are we here?” This book aims on providing answers to that question.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not sure. I write when I am inspired to do so. And once it is a subject matter that presses upon my heart and mind I usually see the project through.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would say that Dr. Myles Munroe (deceased) has been a great inspiration. Also, Dr. Kenneth E. Hagin (deceased), Bro. Kenneth & Sister Gloria Copeland, and Mr. Jack Canfield. Even though I may not have known or know all of them personally their writings have had a tremendous impact upon me.

What are you working on now?
I am presently working on my second book on prayer. It is specifically geared towards teaching people how to pray for others. In other words, intercessory prayer. My first book on prayer, “HOW TO PRAY AND GET RESULTS” focused on the various kinds of prayer spoken of in the Bible and how to get results by praying the way the Bible teaches us to pray. I am a firm believer that God still answers prayer and have seen Him do so consistently in my life and in the lives of others.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Actually I love promoting through amazon on various sites where people who love books and reading (like I do) hang out. So I am constantly looking for such places. Awesomegang is one of them. So is Facebook and Twitter.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
For a long time now I have had people constantly ask me concerning helping them with their books. So, I wrote a book along that line to help them. (Lessons I Learned As An Author).
My advice to new authors is to never stop marketing. That advice was given to me by a famous, well-known and out-standing author who has made untold millions from his books. He sent me a letter in response to an email I had sent him, asking for advice as a budding author. And that’s what I would say to new authors. “NEVER STOP MARKETING.”

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When I first became an author I began to get greatly discouraged because I was not getting a lot of sales. I knew I had something worthwhile to say. I knew that if people were to read my books they would get something from them that perhaps would change their lives. And still, I could not seem to get the books moving. This was because I had a misconception. I had thought that once I wrote the book, I was to get it in the hands of a publisher, and then sit back and collect the checks. This did not happen and after writing four books I was discouraged as I said. So I went to a Book Conference in Los Angeles and after several speakers, a young man got up there and he was speaking right to me. He said, “Let me tell you what some of you are thinking. You think that you are going to write a book, get it in the hands of a publisher and then just sit back and collect the checks.” (He was right on. That was exactly what I thought.) Then he said. That is not how this works. Just remember, your book is just that. Your book. And if it is going to go you are going to have to get behind it and push it. ” This cause the light bulb to turn on. And it has been a priceless bit of advice I have received, along with the other I just gave: “NEVER STOP MARKETING.”

What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading a book by the late Dr. Kenneth E. Hagin on Ministry Gifts in the Body of Christ. It is called, “He Gave Gifts To Men.” It is very good and so timely.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I have several book projects in the works. One of them involves doing a workbook for my best-selling “MY NAME IS JEALOUS” which is a devotional on one of the Names of God. People love the book and it has been requested that I do a workbook to accompany it. So that is one of my projects. I am also working on a few other books. one of which focuses on helping people remember what they read from the Bible.

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?
Firstly, my Bible. Second would be God’s Generals by Roberts Liardon, the third, My Name Is Jealous (which I wrote. I love that book and people are constantly sharing with me how it has impacted their lives. I just like looking in it.) And book four would be, He Gave Gifts To Men by the late Dr. Kenneth E. Hagin. If I had a fifth book I could take, it would be The Blessing Of The Lord by Kenneth Copeland.

Author Websites and Profiles
Sheldon D. Newton Website
Sheldon D. Newton Amazon Profile

Sheldon D. Newton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My debut novel, Days’ End, was a fiction thriller published back in 2009. I then switched over to Middle Grade fantasy to share my passion for writing with my children, who love to read. The first three books of the Scepter series are available, and I’m working on books four and five.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Ruby of Helios is the third book in the Scepter series and is my most recent release. The series was inspired by my two young boys, who were 10 and 7 at the time I started writing the story. They’ve got great imaginations, and I wanted to create a world especially for them.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write very late at night, or early in the morning. I’ve got a normal 9-5 job as well, so my writing tends to be in shorter spurts than full-time authors.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’d say probably everything I’ve ever read. From the books I’ve loved and inspire me to write better, to those I hated and help me know what NOT to do, they all influence the way I write.

What are you working on now?
Ah, well, books four and five of the Scepter series. I’ve managed to lose track of where I am in the story since finishing up book three, so I’m going back and creating a timeline for the first three books. Hopefully that’ll help keep me on track.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Visiting schools has been the best method for me to promote my MG series. Websites/emails/blogs are hard to use when your target market uses the computer for Minecraft and watching youtube videos of cats and puppies.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write.

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

What are you reading now?
Hold on, let me grab my Kindle…Deadly Gamble (Charlie Parker Mysteries) by Connie Shelton. I just started it yesterday. It’s got my attention so far.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Once I finish my MG series, I’ve got an action thriller in mind I’d like to put to paper. It’s been bouncing around in my head for a couple of years now, so I’d like to get it 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?
I demand to be able to take the entire Harry Potter series, or The Dark Tower series. Either one would be fine, but would be over my three or four book limit. I’ll leave the matches behind so I can take the full set, okay?

Author Websites and Profiles
Scott Collins Website
Scott Collins Amazon Profile
Scott Collins Author Profile on Smashwords

Scott Collins’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hey! I’m Joseph. I’ve officially only written one book, although I run a copywriting agency and have ghostwritten several non-fiction ebooks for a variety of clients! I started writing as a hobby from the age of seven, and represented my school at all sorted of events and competitions. I worked as a men’s fashion writer aged 17, and my written portfolio earned me a place on a BBC-run university course. I went on to study creative writing and journalism, before working as an environmental writer and automotive writer. It was at this point I started a copywriting agency and one month later, I took my business with me on my travels. As I write this, I am in the mountains of Navarre, northern Spain!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called Stingy Nomad. It recounts my experiences working remotely as an environmental writer, and the decisions I took to start my own business and run it from my laptop. In the book, I teach people how they can use their skills to become independent and break free from routine, offices and strict lifestyles. I want to share my freedom with everyone.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if it’s unusual, but I use the Pomodoro writing technique, which means writing for 25 minutes undisturbed, and then taking a 5 minute break, and then repeat, over and over again. I read about this in the Four Hour Work Week and it made me incredibly productive!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As mentioned above, the Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss. As well as that, The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists by Robert Tressell. I’d also consider La Forja De Un Rebelde (Spanish) as the inspiration for leading a vivid life that rejects boredom and convention.

What are you working on now?
I’m writing my second book, ‘Volunteer yourself rich’. As I say, I’m in the mountains, and I’m here as a volunteer. As I make a good income each month, I fancied trying to lead a lifestyle with no food or rent costs included to maximize my savings. It’s a mixture of history, finance, digital nomad lifestyle and travel. It will be great, and hopefully finished around July.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to work that one out… I guess it’s Twitter!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I honestly wish I knew! I think being honest and not being afraid to give away free copies is one way. If you intend to write sequels, giving away the first book is a good method of hooking people in!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t run before you can walk.

What are you reading now?
Zorba the Greek, and The New Spaniard, and The Sieges of Saragossa, and The Sun Also Rises. I like to have quite a few on the go at one time!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I guess I’m a method writer. After the volunteer book, I begin work as an English teacher in the south of Spain, near Morocco. I will write a book about the benefits of running a digital business whilst earning a secondary income from teaching English.

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 Ragged Trousered Philanthropists – Robert Tressell
Guerra – Jason Webster
The World Without Us – Alan Weismann
The Motorcycle Diaries – Che Guevara

Author Websites and Profiles
Joseph Kennedy Website

Joseph Kennedy’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in London, England at a very early age! My first musical memories are hearing Count Basie on my dad’s gramophone. At the age of 7 I saw the band on TV with drummer Rufus Jones and my life direction was set – A gift of a snare drum – and every spare minute from then on was taken up with practice. Culminating with my first paying gig at the age of twelve!

Many hours of practice and performance later, at the age of 15 I quit school and joined the band Rare Amber. The next year was spent driving up and down the motorways of England playing at clubs across the country – 5 musicians, a roadie, and the band’s equipment packed into a transit van.

Following a trip to Germany – 2 weeks playing 7 hours a night – not only pulled the band together, but also ensured they all lost weight, as we never got paid and spent the whole 2 weeks surviving on jam sandwiches! Returning to England a contract was signed with Polydor and the band went into the studio to record our first album. Sessions were from 9am to 1pm – at 2pm The Who came in to work on the album “Tommy”.

Soon after the release of the album, with rising debt, mounting internal dissension and management problems the band broke up. With no promotion and no band to support it the album quickly disappeared, only to later become a collector’s item with copies selling for as much as 350 Euros.

Upon leaving the band I moved into recording and producing, first at Phillips and then at Decca, working with Artists as diverse as Dusty Springfield, Ben Webster, ELO, and Pink Floyd.

After a short stint in Africa engineering and producing the album BLO – Step Three, I moved to Canada. My first production in Canada was the Juno nominated, “Gold” album Black Noise by the band FM. Soon followed by recordings with Oscar Peterson, Pat Metheny, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Marc Jordan, Doug Riley Roberta Flack and many of the US and Canada’s finest jazz and pop musicians.

Moving into the 90’s I continued to work as a producer and also founded 2 groups – The Gospel Project and Kaleefah. Kaleefah performed with Celine Dion and Billy Preston. Their album “Listen to the World” was later nominated for a Juno.

With the turn of the new century I expanded my creative vision writing and producing my own material, including 3 musicals. I produced the Classic Jazz Album of the Year “Stride” featuring Doug Riley, Tyler Yarema, and John Roby, wrote and photographed “The Adventure Guide to Barbados”, and completed my first novel “Always: You’ll Never Walk Alone”. I also wrote for and edited 2 magazines – Macedonian Life and Whitesand.

I am currently working on the books “Jazz Voices” and “Obsession In Paradise”, writing and producing music for Dreams & Lullabies.com, composing music and doing sound design for the plays “Tightrope Theme” and “Living Curiosities”, writing and co-writing songs with an array of jazz musicians for an album of Jazz Lullabies, and working on producing my musical “Somewhere For Me”.

In my spare theme I have crewed on a racing yacht, attained the rank of second-degree black belt in Karate, and run the Toronto Marathon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Always” is a quadrology! It takes place in 4 different lifetimes, and is based on a series of past-life regressions I undertook. It is the story of a woman I met in each of those lifetimes.

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

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My early influences were Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy. Later influences were Edwidge Danticat, John LeCarre, and John Irving

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on two musicals, “Stride” and “Somewhere For Me”. An online magazine The Cat Mag (entirely written by cats!) And a collection of jazz lullabies.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Don’t really have a favourite Just try to get to as many Facebook pages and review sites as possible.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up!

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

What are you reading now?
“Solomon Gursky Was Here” by Mordechai Richler, and “The Stand” by Stephen King

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just trying to write every day

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
There are so many books I’d need a whole library!

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After having studied Medicine, I realized that my true passion was to tell stories. I have written one book to honest, however, I have also written and directed 4 plays while I was pursuing my studies and I am currently in the pre-production phase of a movie entitled “And Action” that will hopefully hit theatres before the end of 2016.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is entitled “The Jade Necklace”. It is a young adult paranormal romance/fantasy. I was mostly inspired to write because I wanted to do something new with the genre (which evidently every author does with their own book but in their own way).
The Jade necklace is about a man haunted by a dark past that had corrupted his heart beyond repair. He lives only for the pleasures of the flesh. To him, other people are there for three things only: sex, food and money!
This man’s path crosses with that of a young girl, Clara, in search of her true origins. However, Clara isn’t all that she seems and her past is directly linked to his.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like walking around, acting out scenes and playing with pens in the sense of juggling the pens while I write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Joss Whedon even though he hasn’t authored a book yet but his television and cinema work as a writer is inspiring.
Cassandra Clara
J K Rowling
I love G R R M though I’m so angry that his book is being spoiled for me at the moment on TV

What are you working on now?
Currently, I teach Creative writing and Screen writing at Fade in creative academy.
I am also writing a play, the second instalment to the Symphony of Dusk series (volume 1 being the Jade Necklace). Volume 2 will most likely be entitled as : The Black Shard and I anticipate that it will have a lot of mind blowing moments… I hope

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
As long as you like what you’re writing then it’s worth the time and effort

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Your past does not determine your future

What are you reading now?
Currently I am reading:
The Mortal Instruments 4
and
A thousand Splendid suns

What’s next for you as a writer?
As I said Book 2 of Symphony of Dusk then who knows.
There’s also the matter of the feature film which will hopefully lead to many others as well.

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 write four new books while I’m there and publish them when I get back
but if I had to take a bunch of books I’d take the song of ice and fire series, the kite runner, the buffy the vampire slayer comics and
the jade necklace so i can use it for aid while I write volume 2

Author Websites and Profiles
jad el khoury Amazon Profile

jad el khoury’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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