Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in California, where I obtained a B.S. in Criminology and Victimology. I moved to Scotland in December 2009, and married my husband, Martin. We have a son together. In my spare time, I do amateur theatre and volunteer with Victim Support Scotland.

I have written tons of short stories, but I have 13 publications (a mix of novels, novellas, and short stories) on Amazon. I mainly write historical fiction/romance and crime/thriller novels.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel was a historical romance entitled, Bitter Bonds. It takes place in 1830s Louisiana, and it was inspired by a side-plot in one of my other novels, Misfortune, the second book in my Rae Hatting Mysteries series.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None that I can particularly think of. I have a habit though of scribbling scenes down on any bit of paper I can find, be it the back of a script or a flyer. Anything goes when inspiration strikes!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the classic historical romance authors, including Bertrice Small, Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, and Virginia Henley. I also find myself influenced by authors that push their readers to really think about the words in front of them.

What are you working on now?
I have three works in progress right now. I’m working on a sequel to Bitter Bonds called Divided Destiny. I’m also working on the last book in the Rae Hatting Mystery series, Blackout, as well as a departure from my comfort zone, a science fiction novel entitled Epirus.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to use word of mouth mostly. I have some great friends who help promote and share posts on their blogs and Facebook pages.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get a competent editor, someone you can work well with and who will put your best interests first. Also, promotion and marketing are key. Do not expect your novel alone to sell.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You can’t please everyone, no matter how hard you try.

What are you reading now?
I am reading The Munich Girl by Phyllis Edgerly Ring.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing, of course! I would like to perhaps submit to a traditional publisher, if I have the opportunity.

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 tough one…
1) Jane Eyre (my favorite)
2) Les Miserables (Because it could take forever to decipher)
3) The Reef by Nora Roberts (the first romance novel I ever read)

Author Websites and Profiles
Heather Osborne Website
Heather Osborne Amazon Profile

Heather Osborne’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written three novels, but never published a single one of them. This was more than 20 years ago. Since it’s been so many years, times have changed and I’ll have to rewrite each of them to update them with this new era of technology, lingo, political-correctness…etc. But in between that mountainous task, I write short stories that I can publish quicker.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Project-Egg is my latest short story, though I won’t be publishing that one for another month or so. Frank’s Cut, is the one I just published. It came about in a dream I had. I woke up laughing, because not only was it the first dream I ever had with an ending, but was also the first dream with a twist-ending.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I pace the floor when blocked. It works for me every time; and also good exercise. I also pace the floor mulling over the great idea that pacing put in my head.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Mary Higgins Clark, Clive Barker, John Farris

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the three horror novels that I mentioned earlier…rewriting them to fit with the times.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve never tried to publish anything or promote anything before. I was too afraid of doing this in the past. Afraid of criticism. Afraid of my efforts being laughed at. And still am.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
None whatsoever. I’m the one who needs the advice. I’m in no position to give it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you know, research what you don’t know.

What are you reading now?
11/22/63, by Stephen King.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I haven’t a clue. But I hope to someday write the life stories of my Mother and Father.

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 Exorcist, The Stand, Pet Sematary.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ben King Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve always assumed I was the inspiration behind Misery’s behobbled author Paul Sheldon, although I’ve never been held against my will. I hate long books except for the ones that are awesome. I also think short books should be made longer unless they are better short. I think hip-hop and punk are great genres to write to, unless you hate that kind of music.

My debut thriller, A Necessary Act, is out now and I think it will creep you out.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is titled A Necessary Act, and it sprung from the question “Can you stop a killer before he starts”? It’s meant to be like that ABC show What Would You Do?, except way less fake, exploitative, and awful. I want readers to put themselves in the shoes of my protagonist and think about what they would do if confronted with the same situation. Hopefully they would make better choices.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t write at home or laundry starts calling me the first time I get blocked for more than three seconds. So I head to the local coffee shot with a pair of coversation-killing headphones and crank up some music. But there is a science to that as well. It has to be upbeat and probably loud. Lyrics can be distracting, so it can’t be a new album I’m excited about. Familiarity helps, but so does a bit of obscurity. Deep cuts are good. Early Replacements, Fugazi, R.E.M. are top notch. I’ve been listening to a lot of Doomtree and Lizzo lately. Rodrigo y Gabriella is lyricless, so that helps. Probably the best album I’ve written to is LavaBangers by Lazerbeak. A good hour of hip-hop beats with no MC. Perfect.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read Misery when I was in 7th grade. It was my first “adult” book, and I was hooked. Since then I have been chasing every creepy, disturbed bad guy I could locate. But my first favorite book was Who is Bugs Potter?. I’d probably pay $50 for a copy of that to give my kids. They can read Misery later.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m actually writing a book for my daughters. It’s the adventures of a cat we had that escaped the house and didn’t come home for a month. (she’s fine, BTW) I never saw myself doing anything for kids, but it’s actually a good writing palate cleanser for me. After so long living with my first book, I had a hard time starting my second. This is so far off what I normally do, it’s a perfect reset.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve hit social media hard, with good success, and now I’m branching out to other venues. I’ve gotten some good reviews on blogs, and… Awesomegang? Am I supposed to say Awesomegang? Is that what this is about?

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Listen to how people talk. I’ve read so much bad dialogue I sometimes wonder if these writers started off writing scripts for 50s TV shows. Read your dialogue out loud. If it doesn’t sound like something a human being would say, try again.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In “On Writing” Stephen King said “kill your darlings”. Embracing that made my book what it is. No matter how well-written a section/chapter/sentence is, if it doesn’t advance your story it has to go. I cut 10,000 words (including my FAVORITE scene) between by third and fourth drafts and, while it was hard, it improved my story tenfold. Be ruthless as an editor. And pay somebody to be ruthless for you.

What are you reading now?
Just finishing up Book two of Anthony Eichenlaub’s Metal and Men series, Peace in an Age of Metal and Men. After that I will probably swing back into non-fiction with Carrie Brownstein’s autobiography. She may be great on Portlandia, but when you’ve seen her live you know she belongs on stage with Sleater-Kinney.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish up my cat adventure book, figure out if I am just giving it to my girls or publish it if it’s funny enough, then take the summer off before starting my next “real” book in the fall. I’ve got a few ideas, so I’m hoping to let them fight things out in my brain this summer. Winner gets a 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?
“The Stand” because it’s my favorite and long.
“The Winds of Winter” and “A Dream of Summer”… Is it going to take me getting stranded on a desert island to get those finished? I’ll do it.
“Ten Ways to Get Off a Desert Island THEY Don’t Want You to Know About”

Author Websites and Profiles
Tony Wirt Website
Tony Wirt Amazon Profile
Tony Wirt’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was ingrained into the Christian faith as a young child…then seeking my own ways for a season, the prodigal returned to Jesus with a God-given passion to write and speak to Christians and seekers to inspire them to live holy in an unholy world. I earned his degree in Biblical studies from Liberty University.

Wisdom was gained in the trenches of life, and the passion for me to address deep questions of faith beyond surface teachings was produced. Through years of personal study, the original Millions Vanished vision was birthed in 2005.

If you desire an in-depth study tool to discover truths from Genesis through Revelation surrounding the topics of the Raptures and Resurrections, then this book series is for you!

You can contact me here:
millionsvanished.com
facebook.com/BrianPLakins/

Other Books Being Released In 2016-2017:

From The Millions Vanished Series:

Unveiling Raptures and Resurrections (Part 1)

7 Rapture Views (Part 2)

The Watcher’s Guide (Part 3)

Signs of His Coming (Part 4)

Billions Left Behind (Part 5)

From The Obedient Christian Series:

My Road to the Path (Part 1)

Eternal Laws From God and Christian Warnings (Part 2)

Eternal Security’s Evidence, Conditional Salvation’s Verdict (Part 3)

The Billions Who Lost Salvation From Genesis Through Revelation (Part 4)

Tough Christian Questions, Tough Biblical Answers (Part 5)

The Lost Pillars of Conditional Salvation (Part 6)

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Unveiling Raptures and Resurrections is the name of Book 1 in the 5-part Millions Vanished series. Book 1’s theme and name was inspired by a life-long conversation with all who I’ve spoken to about the rapture. There are so many myths and misconceptions about the rapture, it’s origin, the timing of the event, etc. Most rapture books dedicate quite a bit of their book on the timing of the rapture of the church, while neglecting all other raptures in the first resurrection of the righteous. For example, Jesus began the first resurrection 2,000 years ago as the first fruit of the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:20, 23). The two witnesses are resurrected and raptured as another phase and rapture in the first resurrection, yet the rapture of the church is the only one focused on, even acknowledged or known. I wanted to shed light on all the raptures, 5 in the first resurrection, and teach on the two resurrections, each having many phases of raptures. The focus should not be on the rapture of the church, it is only a by-product of the resurrection. I leave the answers for the timing of the rapture of the church for Book Two, 7 Rapture Views.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always stay well caffeinated while writing. Sugar free fruit punch Rock Star is my energy drink of choice, but coffee is my usual. It is much more economical, and most likely a little less bad for me. I write best when my beautiful wife and two kids are asleep. I feel like time is standing still in the middle of the night, not a care, not a worry. I believe those are common traits among writers, so I’ll go ahead and tell ya that I feel more focused when I wear my hat. If you’ve ever seen the 1980’s Sylvester Stallone movie, Over the Top, then you’ll understand. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My all time favorite author is Finis Jennings Dake. He wrote God’s Plan for Man, Revelation Expounded, The Rapture and the Second Coming of Christ, Bible Truths Unmasked, Another Time…Another Place…Another Man, Heavenly Hosts, and more. My favorite of all, which I’ve spent the most time in is the Dake Annotated Reference Bible. I’d recommend anyone reading his books over mine, but if I thought I was a better writer than my favorite author, then I’d consider myself vain.

Josh McDowell and Lee Stroble are also incredibly smart writers and researchers who have influenced me to be a deeply thorough, in-depth thinker and researcher.

What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on Book 3, The Watcher’s Guide. This is my all time favorite book of the Millions Vanished series.

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” The first and last prophecy in Titus (Tit. 2:13). People looked for the rapture in that day, proving there is no definite time element in Scripture for this event (Tit. 2:12; Php. 3:20). It seems that looking for the rapture is a righteous act (Mark 13:34-37) and not separate from preaching righteousness (Titus 2:11-12).

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13).

We may not know the exact day or year, but you’ll be surprised at what you don’t know that you don’t know that you can know!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use my own website: https://millionsvanished.com

It is my own little place where I can let my creativity explode. If you visit it regularly, then you’ll see how much I change it. Its like my wife’s addictive relocating the living room furniture disease.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advice I would give a new author is to just begin! Write for 20 minutes a day at minimum. I started writing with no idea how to do so. All I knew was I was supposed to write. If you have this passion, then start doing it and you will be qualified sometime during your journey. Never wait until you are qualified my anyone’s standards, even your own. Just start doing it and you will grow in ways you never thought could be possible!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.”
This leads me to another great piece of advice.
“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.” -Abraham Lincoln
As pertaining to writing Christian non-fiction, I can’t afford to be wrong (Galatians 1:6-10; James 3:1)

What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading marketing strategies by everyone I can find
Writers love to write, not so much market and promote their work.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Of course I am anxious to finish the two book series I have written or outlined. You can find those at my site: www.millionsvanished.com
Through this entire journey I would love to get my feet drenched in speaking engagements. It scares me a lot, but I hate fear, so I want to overcome it and teach these 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?
#1 Dakes Annotated Reference Bible – Finis Dake
#2 The Case For Christ – Lee Stroble
#3 Evidence That Demands A Verdict – Josh McDowell

They are all older books, but the teaching that builds your faith from all these books is all I would need to survive with. They would sustain me until the day I finally meet the Lord.

Author Websites and Profiles
Brian Lakins Website
Brian Lakins Amazon Profile

Brian Lakins’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. By day I am a PhD student, researching what motivates people to purchase environmentally friendly products. My new book, The Forgotten Sister, is my first published novel, but hopefully not the last!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Forgotten Sister. It’s an Arthurian fantasy, and it was primarily inspired by my love of the legends. The main character is Elaine, King Arthur’s sister. I chose her for the POV character because I really wanted a female protagonist. Originally, I had chosen Morgan Le Fay, the villain, but I found her too unsympathetic to write. Then I realised Arthur had a third sister no one really ever wrote about, and that was a great opportunity to create an original character.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None that are unusual, I hope, but I seem to write best very late a night on my smartphone. Wearing pyjamas seems to help!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors that have influenced me – JK Rowling, Neil Gaiman, Mary Stewart. They all write fantasy and magical novels, and the way they treat those themes are just spectacular. Growing up, I read their books with awe, and always hoped I could write something similar.

What are you working on now?
At the minute, I am working on a Gothic novella entitled Mists Over Newbroke. It’s a Regency, period type thing, about a governess who goes to work in a little coastal town with some strange goings on. I’m hoping to have that released by the end of the summer.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Tumbler, definitely. There’s a very large following there for Arthurian related things.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write every day. Something – it can be a chapter of your book or it can just be an email. Your writing is like a chef’s knife, it needs to be kept sharp or it loses its edge. Flash fiction is a great way to go. Little two or three hundred word stories, great for practice.

Proofreaders are your friend. Find a good one, and your writing is set for life.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you want to read. I think it’s the creed all writers should live by. Too many writers are trying to write the next bestseller, without actually trying to write a story. If you write something you would read yourself, your passion and enthusiasm really shines through. It also means you’ll never get bored or blocked writing it.

What are you reading now?
At the minute, I’m on a book-to-move kick. I’m switching back and forth between The Martian and The Revenant.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully a transition to full-time writing. As I said, I hope to have my novella out at the end of the summer, and another novel out this time next year.

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?
Easy one! I would take Sabriel by Garth Nix and Thornyhold by Mary Stewart. I wouldn’t need anymore, though I’d probably take some of the Harry Potters too. The best way to describe those books is to compare them to lakes. You can really dive into them, and they have endless depth. The characters and the worlds, the magic, they all seem so three dimensional. You could play in their worlds forever. If you’re stuck on a desert island, that sort of escapist fiction would be exactly what you would need. Apart from Surviving on Desert Islands for Dummies, that could probably come in handy.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kieran Higgins Website

Kieran Higgins’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was sixty-eight when I published my first book. I was caring for my elderly parents so didn’t take my writing too seriously until after they both passed away in 2012. They both lived well into their nineties.

It tore me apart to have to put them in a nursing home for the last two years of their lives, but my husband’s heart wouldn’t have stood the stress of having them at home with us. He had a serious heart attack at the age of forty three but, despite this, we happily celebrated our fiftieth wedding anniversary last year.

My greatest writing achievements were publishing my first book a couple of years ago, and a second, co-authored book last December.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, co-authored, is ‘Your Last Breath’. It came about quite unexpectedly when another budding writer saw one of my short stories I’d posted on my website.

This writer, Doug Lafuze, was inspired to write the same story from another of my character’s point of view. I was impressed with Doug’s interpretation of my story and felt we might work well together. so I suggested we should co-author a book based on that short story. ‘Your Last Breath’ was the culmination of that enterprise.

We were both surprised that the first draft took only eight weeks to write. Although we had all we needed for the plot, the work was disjointed and repetitive, with us both describing the same scenes from different points of view.

It took another ten months, often working ten to twelve hours a day, to discard much of it and re-write a more cohesive, tighter story. As Doug had a full-time job and I did not, I took on the editing and rewriting, trying to keep as much of Doug’s scenes in as possible.

Looking back, it was no mean feat writing this together as Doug lives in Nebraska ,USA, and I live in Skelmersdale, Lancashire. We’ve never met, but this joint effort was made easier by modern technology which allowed our emails to fly back and forth in the blink of an eye. The other thing that made our particular co-authoring a success, was that our plot enabled our cultural differences to be embraced.

Doug wrote in first person about an American serial killer, Raymond Lang. Fleeing from capture he settled in England. I wrote in third person about all the other English characters and events. The differences in grammar between America and England are deliberately left in as it adds credibility to the characters.

Bouncing our ideas off another writer was a great experience which I thoroughly enjoyed. I feel this book is a perfect example of co-authorship and hope you enjoy it. In five months it has attracted nine reviews, seven of them ‘five stars’.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, I don’t think so. I always work out a plot first, making notes of visual descriptions of the characters, as well as their habits or traits, their beliefs, their lifestyle , and anything else I think of.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a lot of Agatha Christie books but there’s no way I could have as many characters as she uses. My books are only similar to hers in the way I use ordinary people experiencing extraordinary, horrific events. I try to be original in my writing rather than emulate another author I admire.

What are you working on now?
I have another stand-alone book on the go about the unfortunate life of an abandoned baby. Her traumatic experiences of various foster homes and her inevitable search to find her birth family. If you read my first book ‘Tissue of Lies’ you’ll know her birth family aren’t all they seem to be.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I place my books on as many promotion websites as possible including my other author friends’ websites, then tweet until I’ve exhausted Twitter and my 3,500 followers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My first advice would be not to spend all your time writing. Build up an audience on your website, on Twitter , on Instagram and anywhere you can be seen by others. You’ll need this audience when you publish.

My second advice would be not to rush to get it published. Make sure it’s as good as it can be. So many of us publish, then continually re-edit it after negative comments. Don’t set a date for publishing. It should be published when it’s right and not before.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Help other authors promote their books instead of constantly bleating, ‘Buy my book!” You’ll get noticed sooner, and others will rush to help you when it’s your turn. The message to buy your book is much stronger when it comes from someone else.

What are you reading now?
I have so many books on my reading list, but I know the next one I want to read is ‘Riddle’ by Elizabeth Horton Newton.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am currently pushing my co-authored book ‘Your Last Breath’ on a free five day promotion but after that, I intend getting stuck into completing my third book. All this promoting leaves little time for 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?
The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett
Bleak House, Charles Dickens
1984 George Orwell
One of my own.

Author Websites and Profiles
Carole Parkes Website
Carole Parkes Amazon Profile

Carole Parkes’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started my writing passion as a poet. This is quite different to what I am writing about now: lesbian domestic discipline romantic relationship stories. I have written two books so far of a trilogy. I have worked in many different countries and wherever I go I come across delightful women looking for this genre. Being passionate, I decided to try and satisfy some desire in this niche. My loving partner and I are moving to Spain shortly. Our villa looks out over the sea and on a clear day the mountains of Algeria can be seen. No better place for writing inspiration!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is the second in the ‘Marla’ trilogy. The main characters in it introduced themselves to me in a day dream and I knew I had to put them down in print for readers, who are inclined in the domestic discipline romance genre, to enjoy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think I do. I do however, type so fast on my lap top that my proofing needs a lot of time to correct all the errors. The characters are just determined to get out of head as soon as they can and my poor fingers can’t keep up with their speed-so lots of typos occur.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Books in the same genre have inspired me, especially those type that do not mix up domestic discipline with sex. Whilst passionate scenes are part of romance and a domestic discipline relationship, the discipline itself is generally in life result in sex (although it can depending on the type of relationship).

What are you working on now?
I am working on the last book in the trilogy.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Amazon kindle for my promotions-such as the free dates downloads.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you feel passionate about and what you know. Do not give up. It can be disheartening, but if you feel you have a story in you, persevere in getting it out.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A motto that I try to live by: Life is not a rehearsal.

What are you reading now?
I am reading a psychological thriller/crime by Brian Freeman.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To work on a book about my experiences in the Middle East.

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?
J.R.r Tolkiens’s Lord of the Rings.
Radclyff’s Fated Love
The Bible
Most likely a Karin Slaughter book and/or one by J D Robb

Author Websites and Profiles
Leandra Summers Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have only one book out at this moment, and it is more of a single volume of a longer story than a stand alone book. The second volume is now available for pre-order, and is set to be released on Friday, May 27.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current series, House of Khepru, was inspired by various tropes of anime. I grew up with various shows from Japan, and I’m still very much into the medium, so I think it’s only natural that my writing reflects the style of stories typically shown in anime.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have quite a few, some more unusual than others. Sometimes I catch myself whispering to myself as I write. Other times, I speak out loud to the characters in my stories to get a better feel for them. I think every author has their own little quirks.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m working to complete my Amazon exclusive series House of Khepru, and I have another series set to be released on multiple platforms later this year.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you feel like writing is what you were born to do, then don’t ever give up on it. Also, not everyone is going to like your work, but don’t let that stop you from appreciating the ones who do.

Author Websites and Profiles
Calvin Travostin Website
Calvin Travostin Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write paranormal and gothic romance. I’ve written two books, and my third is due out in July.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Angel Hands,” and it was inspired by the Phantom of the Opera. I have always wanted to know what might have happened if the Phantom had lived, what life would have turned out like for him.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love writing during timed sprints. I’m helplessly competitive with myself, and I love to hit my numbers.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Someday, when I grow up, I want to be Elizabeth Kostova, Gillian Flynn, and/or Sarah Waters.

What are you working on now?
I’m finishing another gothic romance for July, and am also working on Book 2 of Olympus Falling.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I really connect with people on Facebook. I’m also part of a group called The Fabulous Fictionistas on YouTube. It’s so much fun!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. Never, ever give up. Also, read above your pay grade. Read to what you aspire to be.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up. Never, ever give up. Also, read above your pay grade. Read what you aspire to be. Pay it forward.

What are you reading now?
A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James. Totally not what I usually read, but it’s brilliant. It’s always good to read different genres. You get stale if you only read the same genre all the time.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve got several more releases planned for this year, and The Fabulous Fictionistas are going to be doing some really exciting things 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?
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Complete P.G. Wodehouse, The Complete E.F. Benson (or just the Lucia collection), and…and…are you sure you can’t just strand me in a library?

Author Websites and Profiles
Cait Reynolds Website
Cait Reynolds Amazon Profile

Cait Reynolds’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Now in my early 30’s I find comfort in being home with my husband of near 16 years and our 2 pugs in our hometown of St. Catharines, ON, Canada. I’ve outlived the club era in my town. Usually I’m in yoga pants in front of my PC with spicy snacks and lit candles. I have a go with the flow personality and enjoy hitting up a pub or restaurant with friends and family. A career in social work for almost 8 years has fostered a love to give a voice to those who don’t have one or who need a boost in finding their own. I’ve learned as much from my clients as I hope they’ve learned from me.

I’ve written about 8 books, though only one is currently published. The others are a part of this series or 2 novellas that were created during NaNoWriMo and will be expanded on as soon as I can get my paws on them.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name is Soul Discovery – The Soul Seer Chronicles, Book One. The inspiration came from a time I was only part-time employed is social work where I felt a sense of existence without purpose. One day, middle of the night, a sentence came to me so I wrote it down and didn’t stop writing. The rest came from life’s events, people I knew, observations of personality quirks of those I’ve met, and a drive to give my characters’ depth.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not unlike many other authors I find the middle of the night my sweet zone. Also I can’t seem to keep my feet on the ground. Comfort is essential so I must be cozy and have a drink, snacks, and a candle burning.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Anything by Anne Rice, J.R. Ward, and Kelley Armstrong. I’ve lost myself in their worlds too many times to count and would remain within them if possible.

What are you working on now?
The untitled second book of The Soul Seer Chronicles. While all the books are written, they aren’t edited yet. This book is untitled because it’s the second half of the original first book that was so long it was given the chop half-way.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, Facebook has been the best outlet, as well as the cheapest since it’s free. Don’t underestimate the power of social media.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find your priorities. If writing is one of them, then keep it that way. The rest is business, but you need a finished product first.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You don’t aspire to be a writer, you either write or you don’t.

What are you reading now?
I just finished J.R. Ward’s The Beast. The 14 (?) novel of her Black Dagger Brotherhood series (Like I said, no series is too long). Next, I’m thinking about the sequel to Stephen King’s Mr. Mercedes. My to-be-read pile is enormous and I just added to it with ARCs from BEA16, so I hope to dig into one of those as well and do a roundtable discussion about it with The Fabulous Fictionistas.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing. There’s no next. Writing is a constant present and I hope to keep it that way.

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?
Anne Rice – The Witching Hour
J.R. Ward – Lover Awakened
Kelley Armstrong – Bitten
Shayla Black – Belong to Me

Author Websites and Profiles
SJ Cairnes Website
SJ Cairnes Amazon Profile

SJ Cairnes’s Social Media Links
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I spent my life as a broadcaster–I started in radio in Miami and back in those days we played records! In fact, it wasn’t Classic Rock, it was just Rock. After my channel at Sirius XM–Book Radio–got cancelled, I had the opportunity to reinvent myself and follow the example of the hundreds of authors I had interviewed. Now I live next to the zoo in Washington DC and I write full time. I have the first novel of a series published with three more soon to follow. Of course, I’ve written a gillion hours of radio comedy and advertising as well!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The series is called The Demon Door, and Book One is The Sand Prince. The inspiration came from a mental image that appeared one evening. It was a woman in a white party dress sitting at a campfire with a young man who had red eyes. (Not red like he was smoking up, red instead of blue or brown.) (I know that sounds really specific, but that’s my brain.) I knew she had been kidnapped

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Other than having a cat on my lap at all times, I don’t think so.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many! Anne Rice for her lush prose, Neil Gaiman for always excellent life advise, Katherine Neville for research, China Mieville for sheer audacity…that’s just the first few.

What are you working on now?
Book 2 of my series, The Heron Prince, is finished, and I am currently working on books 3 and 4.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I knew! I suppose the key is really finding your audience, so start looking for where they congregate.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Follow your heart but rewrite.

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

What are you reading now?
I just got my boxes of ARCS from a trip to Book Expo, so I’ll be starting Laini Taylor’s first, I think.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As my publisher is in the process of going belly-up, I am about to dive into the brisk, refreshing waters of self-publishing!

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?
Imagica by Clive Barker, The Last Unicorn by Peter Beagle, Dune by Frank Herbert, The Once and Future King by TH White. (I would be willing to trade toiletries for another box of books.)

Author Websites and Profiles
Kim Alexander Website
Kim Alexander Amazon Profile

Kim Alexander’s Social Media Links
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My husband comes from a large and loving family of nine children, and they were the inspiration for the Adler Family Series. I’ve always been an avid reader of love stories, and my passion for romance found another outlet when I discovered how much fun it was to write about my own smart and sexy heroes and heroines.

I’ve currently written four of the ten books planned for the Adler Series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Should I Stay or Should I Go ~ Connor & Gina, The Adlers Book 4″t
It’s time for Connor, the youngest of the nine Adler children, to grow up. After spending his youth as an irresponsible screw-up, Connor is finally starting to get his life together. He’s in business for himself and things are going pretty well. When he meets Gina Giamanti, it’s lust at first sight! The Italian bombshell is only in the United States on a ninety-day visa. When she says she’s looking for “lavoro” he thinks she wants a lover and he’s ready to accommodate her.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Making a positive impact on my reader’s live is a big reason I chose to start writing. With that in mind, I like to have an underlying theme to my novels. So far, I’ve touched on nudity, spousal abuse, special needs children, and date rape.

I’m pretty strict with myself. I set a daily goal for my word count and do my best to achieve it regularly.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always been a reader, and romance novels have been my book of choice for many years. Steamy romance authors like Jill Shalvis, Bella Andre, Susan Elizabeth Phillips and others have greatly influenced my work.

What are you working on now?
“I Saw the Light in Your Eyes ~ Olivia & Tyler, The Adlers Book 5 ”

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m here on Awesomegang.com for that very purpose. Hopefully, some of the awesome people who meet here enjoy reading steamy romance novels.

My blog and various social media platforms are also great places to share my work with new readers who will hopefully become fans.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I think all good writers were first avid readers. Whatever genre you choose, it should be one about which you’re passionate. Write at least a little every day. Find a good editor and make sure your book is as mistake free as possible before publishing. In today’s world, you have to learn how to market and promote your work. If you love to write and are writing about something you love, there are people out there who will want to read it. Have faith and keep on writing!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Anne Rice ~ “On writing, my advice is the same to all. If you want to be a writer, write. Write and write and write. If you stop, start again. Save everything that you write. If you feel blocked, write through it until you feel your creative juices flowing again. Write. Writing is what makes a writer, nothing more and nothing less. — Ignore critics. Critics are a dime a dozen. Anybody can be a critic. Writers are priceless. —- Go where the pleasure is in your writing. Go where the pain is. Write the book you would like to read. Write the book you have been trying to find but have not found. But write. And remember, there are no rules for our profession. Ignore rules. Ignore what I say here if it doesn’t help you. Do it your own way. — Every writer knows fear and discouragement. Just write.”

What are you reading now?
“What Dreams May Come” by Richard Matheson
“Second Chance Summer” by Jill Shalvis
Just finished “Line of Scrimmage” by Marie Force

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing the Adler series is my top priority right now. It generally takes me 3-4 months for each novel. At that rate, this project will keep me busy until late 2017 or maybe even into 2018. After that … who knows. Maybe a spin off?

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 Course In Miracles”
“Gone With the Wind”
“Wuthering Heights”
Anita Louise box set! :0)

Author Websites and Profiles
Anita Louise Website
Anita Louise Amazon Profile
Anita Louise Author Profile on Smashwords

Anita Louise’s Social Media Links
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a pseudonym of some one else (naturally!), which makes it a little difficult to market my self…;-)
Nevertheless, this has been purposely chosen to disassociate from a professional life. I wouldn’t want the employees to exclaim that ‘The boss’ work is full of adult content!” – [Shock, Horror]
I published a book in Dutch in 2003, but as I grew up in England, I set my hand to writing thrillers in this language instead. And I haven’t regretted it. In 2014 I self-published Death Comes Twice.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In 2016 my next book will be released called Death Is A Challenge. This was inspired by my many visits to Florida for business and pleasure (my father lives there). It’s currently at the editor for final proof-read.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I find writing hard, but rewarding work. Ideas can come at any time, but behind the PC is where the real graft kicks in. I do enjoy the early mornings as this gives me a quiet head-start.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Not specifically. There are many readers I like: Jeffrey Archer, Leon Uris, Frederick Forsyth, James Mitchener, Carl Hiaasen, Harlen Coben, Alistair McLean, I could go on for hours…

What are you working on now?
I am writing Death Is A Riddle, expected end-2017 and this actually followed a dream I had! I spent two furious hours in the middle to not lose the horrific, but interesting story…

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome gang of course!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just Do It…!
Don’t wait for it to come, but work at it to go.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always take initiative.
Never give up.
Carpe Diem
When in a hurry, sit down (Chinese proverb).

What are you reading now?
Harlan Coben – The Stranger

What’s next for you as a writer?
Books 4, 5, etc..
And seeking a wider reading audience…

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 ones, so I could write…;-)

Author Websites and Profiles
Faas Kramer Website
Faas Kramer Amazon Profile
Faas Kramer Author Profile on Smashwords

Faas Kramer’s Social Media Links
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
For a long time I’ve been in touch with several forms of creative work; firstly it was music theory and multiple instruments, then it came the short stories and novels writing.

Just a couple of years after graduating from college as a Telecommunications Engineer, I realized that my true calling was to develop my creativity and also capture it in the written word.

Now I’m proud to present my first novel, which marks the beginning of a joyful path. A whole new universe will unfold around this literary work.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name is “Holy Remedy”, and the inspiration came mainly from a set of songs that talked about the relationship between feudal lords and their knights in the medieval period.

This time, the main character is a knight who must save his lord from a terrible disease. A conspiracy generated by someone of trust in court, will wreack havoc in an unsuspecting city.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I’m aware of.

Music is my main resource when it comes to stimulate my creativity, along with legendary books and several fast paced tv show’s intros like anime.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Michael Crichton, Tom Clancy, Dan Brown, Richard Matheson, Christie Golden, Miguel de Cervantes, J. R. R. Tolkien, Isaac Asimov, Ernest Hemingway.

What are you working on now?
Two novels that belongs in the same universe of Holy Remedy, along with a couple of short stories.

The sequels follows the same main plot, but are situated in different time periods.

The first book is developed around mid 13th century, medieval Hungary. The second one unfolds in the beginning of the 17th century. And the third one will be a surprise!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media, Blogs, Ads.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Are your dreams big enough? To be able to finish a literary work represents an inmense amount of effort. Nothing of value comes easy as we all know.

Are you willing to sacrifice part of your life in order to accomplish that? If your answer to both questions is yes, then you should commit to your writings.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t go crazy with people’s advice, take heart and follow your vision. And keep writing no matter what.

What are you reading now?
Hell House by Richard Matheson, and the Fundation saga by Isaac Asimov.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep working on my next novels, and also bring my stories to life on tv and cinema.

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?
Lord of the Clans. Sphere. The Old Man and the Sea. Tommyknockers.

Author Websites and Profiles
J. G. Martins Website
J. G. Martins Amazon Profile
J. G. Martins Author Profile on Smashwords

J. G. Martins’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I love to read and create worlds of my own. It’s been a passion of mine for more than half of my life.
I also find solitude in music, art and nature. I have written many short stories over the years, but have shared very little of them. I currently have two Self Published novels. The Dancing Abyss and Intelligence. I am currently working on a third.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Intelligence, I have been a music fan my entire life. I keep up with Music News frequently and over the last few years there has been much talk and speculation over the years of conspiracy within the industry. I thought such a plot would make a good story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have many unusual writing habits, some of which have forced me into seclusion and solitude of the country! I often read my work out loud to myself to catch errors I would otherwise miss. There have been times Neighbors have thought I was talking to myself during these times.

When I get in the zone, I also tend to laugh excessively or cry out loud.

I also sometimes outline my stories, with postits all over my walls, and sometimes write out of order.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always loved classics. Such as Mark Twain, Charles Dickens and Poe. More modernly, I’ve read books by Stephanie Meyers, J.K. Rowling, Veronica Roth, Anne Rice and Stephen King. I think that Roths Divergent my have had some influence with Intelligence, with the way the world was formed, and how it will continue to flesh out in later books.

What are you working on now?
As a creative person, I find I tend to bore very easily, so I try not to stick with one thing too long. After recently finishing Intelligence instead of jumping right into the second novel, I decided to work on something else. It’s a murder mystery, based on a true crime that took place over 14 years ago in my home town. The story has always facinated me, as there is a local ghost story surrounding it and it took place on Halloween night. The spookiest night of the year and also my favorite day.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find Twitter is my most reliable method of promotion.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is a struggle, and not always rewarding. There is going to be rejections and bad reviews. Learn from it and move on. Don’t let it bring you down.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up, no matter what life throws your way.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading a book called, The Black River Road Tragedy. It is mainly for research for my latest project.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m still in the early stages of my murder mystery. After that I may write the follow up to either Intelligence of The Dancing Abyss. If not, I may write something new. I’m always writing though. Even if it doesn’t become anything.

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 certainly bring Tom Sawyer, Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Avonlea and Anne of the Island.

Author Websites and Profiles
Clara Cook Website

Clara Cook’s Social Media Link
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Gary R. Hess and I was born and raised in a small farm in rural Kansas. I have always been a bit of a loner and needed a way to vent my frustrations and other inner feelings. This is why I turned to writing. It was a fantastic outlet. I have written four poetry books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Temptation’s Trust Poem and More. It was inspired by my new perspective on life and in writing. Much of these poems are written in a totally different way than my previous work. Most of the poems published in this book are written in a slam poetry style.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not too sure how unusual it is, but my writing comes in sprees. I will go cold for a few days and then suddenly write for hours upon hours.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are many! But I must say, Harry Baker probably influenced my recent writer the most. He isn’t too well known outside of certain circles, so if you haven’t heard him spit rhymes, do so as soon as possible.

What are you working on now?
I’ve been dabbling in politics and other life situations. My next work will likely come in one of those two forms. It is in the very early stages, so who knows what will happen.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own! I release some of my poetry on my blog and my viewers head to my books and download. Other than that, YouTube.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read as much as possible. It helps more than you think.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write for yourself, and every book will receive negative criticism. You have to take the good with the bad but never stop writing.

What are you reading now?
My day job is as an ESL instructor, so I am always reading about the newest trends and ways to better help my students. Right now I am reading a doctorate thesis.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to continue writing poetry, but at the same time, I want to take some time out and finish one of the other books I have been planning for years now.

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?
Anything from John Jakes.
Edgar Allan Poe’s Book of Poetry.
Leaves of Grass.

Author Websites and Profiles
Gary R. Hess Website
Gary R. Hess Amazon Profile
Gary R. Hess Author Profile on Smashwords

Gary R. Hess’s Social Media Links
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Born in Louisiana, I’m a born-again-believer, true Southerner at heart, lover of words (even though I misuse half of them), musician, photographer, graphics designer, and stay-at-home homeschool graduate. Oh right…and I suppose writer should go on that list too!

I was about seven when I started writing, jotting down random stories all growing up. I was that child who went through her school years jotting down story ideas in the backs of all of her school notebooks . However, I’m not a big dreamer. And, while I loved writing, I never really dreamed that one day I actually would be a published author. Following God in the publishing journey has been exciting! Up-to-date, I have seven short stories published as well as my newest release: “Journey to Love” (novella)

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Journey to Love” is the first stand-alone novella in the Orphan Journeys novella series. The idea came up in the course of several years, so it is hard to discern exactly how I got the original inspiration. I have loved the orphan train era since the first time I heard about it, and thought that the lessons many of these kids learned back then could be applied to lessons that kids today can learn.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmm … unless eating chocolate is unusual.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Janette Oke is probably top on my list. I love how she weaves in simple faith with her stories. Though I have gleaned a lot from various authors I have read.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the first full-length novel in the Orphan Journeys series: Journey of Choice. From the streets of New York to a northern farm to the civil war, Nat doesn’t realize how many parts of his life are rooted in the choices that he has made.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m currently learning what is best.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Pray and seek the Lord. There are many options out there, but the best is to do what the Lord is leading you to do. It is easy to get caught in the sway of popularity and prestige, but a solid message of truth is worth it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When I was a teen, my mom talked with me about the purpose of writing. Though she’s not a writer, that conversation has definitely given me good foundation in writing. In essence, her challenge was for me to pray and consider the value of what I was writing — not just the materialistic value, but the eternal value.

What are you reading now?
I’m actually not currently reading anything. Next up on my list is “The 18th Missouri” as I need it for research for my next novel.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As busy summer hits, I’m looking at a very sporadic writing schedule up ahead. But that’s okay! There are different seasons in life and summer season is definitely not writing season for me.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible
Wow…I don’t know what other books. My favorites are always changing.

Author Websites and Profiles
Amanda Tero Amazon Profile

Amanda Tero’s Social Media Links
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was sitting in a cafe in 2008 working on a science fiction novel when I felt called to take my work in another direction. The words “life-giving truth” began to resonate with me, and I started writing inspirational non-fiction. There is so much negativity in the world that I wanted to remind people that there is also so much good — we just don’t usually hear about it on the news. So I started writing books from a place of inner peace and stillness. My first book, “To My Daughter, with Love” began as a series of letters I wrote to my daughters, telling them who they are, how much I love them, and giving them advice that I hope will benefit them throughout their lives. I decided to make the letters into a book after sharing them with a few friends who were deeply moved and urged me to publish them. My second book, “Soul Healing Solace: Affirmations to Renew Your Heart, Mind and Spirit,” began as an effort to share my wife’s beautiful photography with the world. It features 25 poems written in the first person. When read aloud, these poems are powerful reminders of truths about ourselves that we sometimes forget. My third book, “Surrendering to the Music: 6 Life Lessons Playing Piano Taught Me” is about overcoming life challenges and appeals to musicians and non-musicians alike.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“How It Feels to Be Me: A Celebration of the Human Experience” began as an effort to help the reader truly stand in someone else’s shoes and see other perspectives. We really are so much alike, although it’s easy to focus on our differences. For this book, I selected photographs of people that resonated with me, then wrote a poem about each of them — trying to answer the question, “What’s it like to be me?” During the process of writing it, I really began to connect with the people in the pictures – perfect strangers I’d never met before – and I started to see the people around me in new ways.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Every book comes together in a different way. “Soul Healing Solace” came to me all at once. I wrote for 6 days straight, barely pausing to eat, drink or sleep. “Surrendering to the Music” began as a series of blog entries and gradually morphed into book form. “To My Daughter, with Love” was written when I realized my daughters were getting older and wouldn’t always be living under the same roof with me. It was an attempt to still be there for them even when we are apart, and to date it is the most heartfelt writing I have ever done.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Richard Paul Evans, Brene Brown, John Eldredge, Lew Wallace, Leo Tolstoy, Victor Hugo, Alexander Dumas, Emily Bronte

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a book titled, “Childlike Simplicity: Slowing Down, Letting Go, and Living with Wonder” that is a reminder of what matters most in life.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve had reasonable success releasing free e-books through the sites Lulu.com partners with.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you love. Write for yourself first and your audience second. If you don’t love what you write, why will anyone else? Be absolutely authentic and people will sense your sincerity. Keep writing, no matter what happens. Marketing and financial success are great, but they are side effects of doing something meaningful. Don’t get caught up in trying to change the world; just put words on the page and fix them in later drafts. Perfect books never get written. There is only room in this world for imperfect ones.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There are two stories that inspire me more than any other. The first is the story of a man who is walking on a beach. He sees in the distance someone stooping over and standing back up. As he gets closer, he realizes that the man is throwing starfish that have washed up on the shore back into the ocean. He tells the man that with so many starfish on so many beaches throughout the world, he can’t possibly make a difference. The man bends down, tosses a starfish into the ocean, and replies, “I made a difference to that one.” The second story is about a poor boy who finds a small mirror and delights in being able to use it to shine light in dark places. As he grows older, her realizes that the mirror is a metaphor for his life. The best advice I’ve ever heard is to shine light in dark places and to make a positive difference wherever you can, whenever you can.

What are you reading now?
Eckhart Tolle’s “Stillness Speaks,” Brene Brown’s “The Gifts of Imperfection.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have ideas for children’s books and may also write about creativity and my experiences teaching music lessons.

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?
Ben Hur, Wuthering Heights, Stillness Speaks, Anna Karenina

Author Websites and Profiles
Gerry Baird Website
Gerry Baird Amazon Profile

Gerry Baird’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile