Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written nine books and counting. There six books in the Cole Sage Mystery Series. I am really committed to writing a clean, character driven, mysteries series with lots of twist, turns, and heart.
Three Nails (A Tale of Tragedy, Testing and Triumph) is a journey through a school year with a teacher who has recently lost his only son. The story tell how the tragedy impacts his job, family and faith.
The Time Pedaler is a fun departure from the adult world and into a time travel adventure for teens and tweens.
My most recent publication and something i am really excited about is “The Secret to Writing an Essay: A Parent’s Guide for Teens and Tweens Who Hate to Write” it is the result of teaching English to at risk-kids, and Adult Education, for over twenty years. Works for adults too.
My lovely wife and travel partner, Janet and divide our time between the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada Mountains of California.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book in the Cole Sage Series is “Cole Fire”. I love to be as topical as I can in the Cole books. I’ve dealt with racism, gangs, pedophilia, eco-terror, the needs of veterans, all in the context of a mystery/thriller.
In “Cole Fire” A New Age Messiah is gunned down on the streets of San Francisco. When the body disappear, the faithful believe he will resurrect. So Cole tries to get to The Truth? To complicate things a series of arsonist attacks on Asian businesses sends Cole to the gates of a fiery hell as he falls prey to the Vietnam Veteran who can’t put the horror of war to rest.
Lots of twist and turns in this one.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A big part of my writing process is developing a strong workable outline. By the time I start to write have each chapter blocked out and very clear in my mind as to what happens.
A lot of people find it very unusual that to never get hindered by writers block I skip around. I will write a scenes or a chapter out of order, then return to the chronological flow of the book.
I don’t know how it would work for other people but it works great for me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The “Deptford Trilogy” by Robertson Davies, “Our Mutual Friend” by Charles Dickens and anything by Stewart M. Kaminsky or Peter Lovesey.
Davies because I love the way he brings back characters five or six books down the line. When I first read the “Deptford Trilogy” I thought “That’s my voice!” It really instilled the desire to write in me. Not that I will ever be fit to be mentioned in the same sentence, but Davies was truly a mentor
I have read “Our Mutual Friend” probably twenty times. Dickens to me is the master of characters. His books never have character who just happen to be in the story, the are as alive as the main characters and he treats them with the same importance.
Kaminsky and Lovesey I think are two of the best mystery writers ever, and they taught me, along with John Gresham, you can write something contemporary and engaging without gratuitous, sex and profanity.
If I can learn to encompass the lessons I’ve learned from these masters I will a real sense of accomplishment.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on three projects. Cole Sage book #7 which is without a title at the moment. It centers around, a series of random murders in San Francisco, major changes at the paper where Cole works, and the introduction of an abused teenage girl that wants to be a writer. I am having a great time with this one.
On days I need to recharge my “Cole Batteries”, I am editing a collection of my short stories, writing a western that is totally unique, a WWII Romantic Spy novel, and a no non-sense “How to Write a Book” handbook.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I was fortunate when I was starting out to get some great advice from some established authors. I learned early on, to develop a strong mailing list.
My first book Diamonds and Cole is offered for free. It is the book I spend my energy and resources promoting. Everything is linked back to my various author pages on Amazon, B&N, Smashwords and iTunes.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn to outline.
Become a student of Indie publishing/marketing
DO NOT fall prey to little no-name publishers!
Find your own cover artists, proofreaders, formatters, and put your name above the digital door.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There are four pieces of advise that have served me well, throughout my life.

1) Girls are like street cars if you find yourself missing one, another will be by in a few minutes.
2) When threatened, hit first, hit hard, and run.
3) Admit nothing, deny everything, and destroy all the evidence.
4) If not you, who? If not now, when?

What are you reading now?
I tend to read two or three books at a time.
I just finished re-reading Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner
I’m working my way through (Jerry) Garcia: An American by Blair Jackson
And Lawrence in Arabia: War, Deceit, Imperial Folly and the Making of the Modern Middle East by Scott Anderson

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to finish Cole Sage book #7 for fall release.
I would love to finish my western I spoke of. The Short story anthology is about finished.
I have books #8 and #9 in the Cole Sage Series outlined and a couple chapters of each written.
“Time Pedaler” fans a screaming for another volume so that’s being worked on.
And I have half a gillion ideas bouncing around in my head of other projects.
Other than that there’s not much going on.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A Bible
The Complete Lyrics of Bob Dylan
Bartlett’s Book of Quotations
The Annotated Sherlock Holmes

Author Websites and Profiles
Micheal Maxwell Website
Micheal Maxwell Amazon Profile
Micheal Maxwell Author Profile on Smashwords

Micheal Maxwell’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a writer, editor, and performance poet from central, rural Maine, where I live with my husband, two kids, and lots of animals. I have written several books, including three novels, a novella, two poetry collections, and five children’s books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest book should be out in the next few weeks. It is called Introducing Gertrude, Gumshoe. Gertrude was a character in my book Grace Space, and everybody fell in love with her. She wasn’t the main character, and yet, she was the one everyone was talking about. I thought she needed a book (maybe even a series) of her own. She’s a pretty cool lady.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Copious amounts of coffee and dark chocolate.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King and Johnny Cash.

What are you working on now?
I’ve just started another Gertrude mystery!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am really bad at marketing. It always feels so awkward to promote oneself! I just try to talk about my books a lot and hope something sticks!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
For me, at least, it is impossible to write in a vacuum. I think writers need to bounce their ideas, manuscripts, and grammar off other writers. Writers’ groups rock.

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

What are you reading now?
Stardust, by Neil Gaimen

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on a new collection of poetry; I’m still competing on the poetry stage; and I hope to continue helping Gertrude to track down murderers.

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?
Yikes! The Bible, Watership Down, Shardik, and the Collected Poems of Pablo Neruda.

Author Websites and Profiles
Robin Merrill Website
Robin Merrill Amazon Profile

Robin Merrill’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Jaime Grazio, originally hailing from Massachusetts (Go Sox), has a killer Boston accent that she drops after a few beers at the “bahs” in Denver, Colorado, her home for the past 9 years. A self-proclaimed wanderer, Jaime has traveled to 54 countries so far with a goal of making it to triple digits in her lifetime. Her obsession for jet-setting started at 19 years old when she ventured to Madrid for a five-month study abroad program on a whim. She came back forever changed, rolling her “r’s and with a side part. Jaime continued her studies, acquiring a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and landing her dream job of working in the educational travel industry. Over the past 10 years, she has lived out her passion of trotting the globe, chasing the colors of the world and capturing them in photos.

Once Upon an Oktoberfest is her first published memoir documenting the one moment that she’s been dreaming of her whole life; finding her Prince Charming. You can expect more travel memoirs from her in the future as her affinity for writing, traveling and photography will never subside.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest (and only) book is called Once Upon an Oktoberfest and it is a memoir about how I met the love of my life in Munich at a beer festival and the crazy romantic international love story that followed. It started out as a blog (www.onceuponanoktoberfest.com) that I turned into a book after it gained traction worldwide. I wrote it while dealing with the heartbreak of long distance separation to get me through those tough weeks/months apart from him. Reliving our memories reminded me each time I typed as to why going through this was all worth it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My most unusual habits are writing on my phone (people find this crazy but I am at ease typing away rather handwriting, even on a small screen) and my ability to write the words out best when on a plane. My creative juices flow while 35000 feet in the air better than anywhere else and I blame it on not having anything else to really do or distract me from my thoughts. In other words, I love flying because of it!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I absolutely love Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat Pray Love and find that my raw honest vulnerable style is similar to hers. Travel, Love, Honesty and Sarcasm – it’s just real and makes you that much more able to relate to her and hopefully for my readers to me.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a travel blog in which I share my itineraries and photos from places I’ve traveled, along with tips on planning and traveling on the cheap. It’s a work in progress as I just started it but you can find the stories, photos and itins at www.grazgoesglobal.com or on Facebook: Graz Goes Global and Instagram: @grazgoesglobal

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook has been a powerful tool when promoting, whether it be on my page or a group page about travel/love to get the word out there about my memoir.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing and editing and revising and never be satisfied until it is up to your standards of writing. I can’t tell you how many times I re-read each chapter and re-wrote sentences. Also, hire an editor with actual skills in the field once you’re ready to publish – I used Upwork to find one while still not paying a fortune and it was one of the best decisions ever.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Anything is possible. Dream big and follow your heart in all facets of your life. Even if my book doesn’t really go anywhere, I know that sharing it with the 6000 people who read it as a blog changed and inspired people as the messages I received and support was incredible. That is enough for me to be proud of putting my work out there. Never hold back. Be you.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently so busy trying to get my travel blog up to date that I haven’t been reading. I plan to pick up a book again once I am up to speed.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Again, I think I’ll be sticking with the travel blog for a while. I have written a slew of poems and a few songs in my lifetime and could also see myself doing something with poetry and photography (I love taking travel photos). We shall see!

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?
My own of course but eat pray love, the eragon series (including his new yet to come out book) and game of thrones series.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jaime Grazio Website
Jaime Grazio Amazon Profile

Jaime Grazio’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Born in Bountiful, Utah, on the shortest day of the year, December 21, 1966, Michael was the second oldest of five children. He came from humble economic means as his father was a school teacher among many other side jobs to make ends meet. Michael was taught to work hard and actively look for ways to help others. He had a wonderful childhood and feels a deep appreciation and love for each of his family members. His family recognized his imaginative talents at an early age through his art and writing. If there were ever a poem or funny story to be told at family events, Michael was recruited to write them.

In addition, Michael has always had great appreciation for the Native American Indians and currently restores/recreates NAI tools and weapons through his Hopewellmj YouTube channel. His love for the outdoors is a huge part of his life and he feels most at home when in the mountains.

Michael married his college sweetheart in 1989 and is a proud father of four children who were the greatest gifts he was ever entrusted with. His wife, Jennifer, is his best friend and partner in all aspects of his life. Family and faith come first in Michael’s life. He graduated from college with a degree in sports medicine but has continued to draw and write when time permits. Dig Deep is Michaels first published writing and it was intended to reflect the values and priorities that he was raised to have and demonstrate himself.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dig Deep

While watching a documentary on the La Palma Island Volcano and its consequential rift, I started wondering what it would take (other than a natural force) to get the rift to complete its separation and drop a chunk of the island into the ocean. Scientists believed that the result would be a mega tsunami taking out the eastern seaboard.

I thought it would make for a great story if terrorists found a way to be the catalysts to release this rift. This idea made me continue to work out the logistics of creating a hero that could foil their plans.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am very sarcastic with friends and strangers a like. I find my main character reflecting some of these same traits.

What are you working on now?
I wrote the first book so that if I wanted to turn it into a series, I could. I have found myself brainstorming potential future adventures to challenge my main character.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am hoping that Dig Deep continues to build momentum and then I will work on making it into a series.

Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Jensen Website
Michael Jensen Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Black woman of Carribean descent, a native New Yorker, married with two children. I am educated primarily in the New York area. I am a psychotherapist, university professor in the Northeast region, and a published author in the academic arena. My recent novels A BRUSH WITH FATE and CRAZY LOVE represent a leap into a creative and exciting genre that appeals to me as it does so many women. The themes explored in my books reflect my desire to provoke thinking and discussion on relationship issues and much more in intriguing sexually arousing adult story telling.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current work is a Trilogy, A Brush with Fat and Crazy Love with the final work in this series hopefully being released in early 2017. I have to admit that what inspired me to write in this genre were two things. First, I was writing a book in the academic arena and continuously felt an urge for more creative expression. I felt stifled. Secondly, I was writing articles on relationship issues and wanted to find a creative avenue where relationship issues could be looked at from a safe distance, and in an entertaining fashion. Perhaps, a best kept secret because of stereotypical ideas still attached to the genre, is that women love reading erotic romance stories. So yes, when I finally decided to write in this genre I had things on my mind.

I enjoy playing with the intersection of fate and love in my storytelling. But more interesting than that is exploring the power of relationships. Relationships are at the core of understanding who we are, and intimate love relationships, when they truly work, make us better people and transcends all that can be adequately described by words. Conversely, a bad relationship has powerful consequences which can jail us to our past changing the trajectory of our lives forever, if we let it. But there is something about a sweet and sensual love story that can privately provoke, empower and inspire, while pushing us to look at our own personal challenges with the people we loved, now love or will love. My aim is to create this kind of reading experience surrounded by interesting backdrops, appealing diverse characters, lots of intrigue and crazy love.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not sure what would be considered “unusual.” I love writing outside in the morning with my cup of coffee.
I don’t discuss the specifics of what I’m writing with anyone until I have a good working draft.
I don’t like reading other books in the same genre while I’m writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Rosa Guy is an author probably unknown to many, but I love her writing. She transports me to the places she describes with such ease. My relationship with the main characters is intimate and I find myself thinking about them many times long after I’ve read her books.

What are you working on now?
I am writing the final novel in my trilogy which follows the lives of Brook and Isaac.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t have a clue. I hope one is Goodreads.
It’s a frustrating learning experience. Each day I explore, and learn a little bit more.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
This is not easy unless you’re writing what you love.

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

What are you reading now?
Ha! Well I just downloaded Another Time, Another Place: Five Novellas by Zane, which I plan to read after I complete my final book in the trilogy.
Right now, my reading is light. I have an unquenchable thirst for articles related to politics, so right now I’m in paradise. But I’m always scanning for articles that may inspire a blog post.

What’s next for you as a writer?
So many ideas. Oh yes, writers must keep a journal.
I will continue to remain in the erotic genre but probably short stories.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible
The Bible
A blank pamphlet for writing.

Author Websites and Profiles
Sila Long Website
Sila Long Amazon Profile
Sila Long Author Profile on Smashwords

Sila Long’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a 6’7″ former elite volleyball player and DIY enthusiast with a PhD in mechanical engineering. I’ve only written one book, but have more planned.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Tall Life. The challenges of being tall and how I’ve overcome them inspired it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m trained as a technical writer, but I’ve tried hard in my first book to make it as accessible as possible for just about anyone.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a huge sci-fi fan and really enjoyed books by Orson Scott Card and Asimov. On the non fiction side, I really liked “Your Inner Fish” and much of my insights into height and back pain have come from reading the work of Stuart McGill, including “Back Mechanic”.

What are you working on now?
My new job as a research engineer at a tech startup has me busy. But I do eventually have more books planned relating to height and health.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not sure yet!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you are looking to make money, remember that books generate passive income, which can be better in the long run; bringing in a few bucks a day is much better than bringing in a thousand in one day.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
All things in moderation.

What are you reading now?
Some text books on anthropometry, not the lightest reading

What’s next for you as a writer?
Promote this book, work on my Tall Life blog, then possibly do a more general book on height.

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 book on general science, another on general health, and another with a pile of chess problems.

Author Websites and Profiles
Sam Lochner Website
Sam Lochner Amazon Profile

Sam Lochner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I served almost eight years in the infantry during President Reagan’s time in Office. I decided to write an autobiography on my time in service and how hard it was serving during the Cold War. The book was so well received I turned it into a series on the history of the Cold War through the careers of the veterans who served during this critical time in history. Book two is on the history of the Cold War in Germany and features seventeen soldiers from 1960 to 1989. Book three was just released.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
We Were Soldiers Too: The Unknown Battle to Defend the Demilitarized Zone Against North Korea During the Cold War (Volume 3) This is a continuation on my documentary series on the history of the Cold War.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I interview each veteran and just sit down and write their chapter from the notes, researching as needed while I am writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I haven’t really been influenced by any because my reading preference is fiction and my books are nonfiction history.

What are you working on now?
I am writing a Christian children’s book now and will follow this up with “Memories of Mammaw” a book about the inspiration and impact my grandmother had on us growing up and then having to personally experience her struggle and death from dementia.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook. It is important to me to participate in conversations with your friends as I work through each project.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid and keep putting it off. If you’ve always wanted to write a book then sit down and start it. It’s very easy and inexpensive to self publish. Just be sure and have it professionally edited which is the one expense you can’t avoid.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I wrote my first book without telling anyone until I was ready to publish it so I didn’t have any advice. I taught myself everything from book cover design to building my own website and marketing.

What are you reading now?
I am not reading anything right now

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have written a business plan and will have one more book in the Cold War series out by the end of the year, the children’s book, and three other nonfiction titles. I will have a couple of books win Book of the Year 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?
The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings.

Author Websites and Profiles
Bob Kern Website
Bob Kern Amazon Profile

Bob Kern’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Black As Kink is my debut novel. I have been writing for over 20 years, keeping everything I’ve written secret and to myself. After sharing a short story with a writer friend, she encouraged me to write explore the story more, with Black As Kink the end result.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Black As Kink is a play on words of the phrase Black As Ink. With the story set around a publishing business and being an erotic novel with kink undertones – the title just seemed to work. What I then needed to do was to weave the title into the story some how (no spoilers here, you’ll have to read it to see what I did!)

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if this is unusual, but I will be writing away and if I hit a passage of the book I am not in the right mood to get down on paper, I’ll skip it and continue further on, going back to the missing section later. This is very relevant when writing an erotic scene. Just like people need to be in the right mood to make the sparks fly in bed – so I need to be in the right mood to ensure I give my readers sparks on the page.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Matthew Reilly has been the most influential in terms of my writing process, having attended several of his presentations. Although a writer of science-fiction and action, it is his passion and persistence which I found inspiring. But another huge influence is the writer Jilly Cooper. I have always adored her books but I was always left wanting just a little more from her hotter scenes, which I guess is why I write the way I do.

What are you working on now?
Kill For Kink is the next installment in the Black As Kink series and is currently being written. I am also completing a series of episodic novellas following the adventures of a female spy called Jack Horner. The first episode is ready for my editor and two and three are all planned out and will probably be written as I write Kill for Kink.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It is too soon to say, but as soon as I know I’d be happy to write you a blog post!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
One word persistence. Just keep at it and complete something. It took me 20 years to learn this.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As an indie author, I think the best advice I was given was to produce a book which looked as professional as a product from a traditional publishing house.

What are you reading now?
I am re-reading Matthew Reilly’s Scarecrow purely for pace inspiration for some of the action scenes in my Jack Horner novellas.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Write and publish more. With the encouragement of several people who want to know what happens next to my Black As Kink protagonist Dallas Sears, I feel I have a duty to write the next installment. Apart from that, I’ve got the publishing bug 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?
There are too many to chose from. It’s like asking which of your children you like best.

Author Websites and Profiles
Nikky Devin-Miels Website
Nikky Devin-Miels Amazon Profile
Nikky Devin-Miels Author Profile on Smashwords

Nikky Devin-Miels’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a middle school Language Arts teacher, so of course reading and writing is my passion. For me writing is a stress reliever or hobby, so I never really considered the world of publishing. When a student asked me why I never published any of my stories it got me thinking. And you know what? We are all authors of our written work, but not all of us choose to share what we write. I decided to start sharing.

All of my writing is fiction. Most of my stories are fantasy or paranormal romance but a few are realistic. I have fourteen novels and short stories saved on my laptop (and various USB’s), but I’ve only published two. I have one short story titled Back to Me (e-book) published on Smashwords. It is the first of my stories to be published. Last July I published a novel through Amazon titled Something Within. It is available as an e-book and paperback. I am currently finishing up the second book of the Something Within series, Shadows, which I should be publishing soon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Something Within was inspired through teaching, actually. I started an after-school program called Literary Lions in order to get my students to write creatively. I gave them prompts and let them “go for it”. While they wrote, I did as well, and then we would all share our works of art. It was during one of these sessions that I wrote what became part of chapter one. After I’d shared it with my students, they said it was really good (something they would definitely pick up from the library). They wanted to know what was going to happen next. And you know what? I did too! I took it from there, and now it is a published work for all to enjoy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I am nowhere near a laptop, I write on napkins, the backs of envelopes (my mail), receipts, or anything I could possibly write on. Sometimes ideas come to me like a silent fart – suddenly, unexpected, and unavoidable. When that happens, I need to get the ideas down before they fade away.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love to read; therefore, I have too many favorites, but to say who has influenced me…that’s pretty tough. I’m influenced not only by books but by movies and music as well. Sometimes I’ll be listening to a song and the rhythm or lyrics will spark an idea, or I’ll be watching a movie and something a character does or says will open my eyes to something new for my characters. As for books, I’m really into dystopic fiction and paranormal romance, though I read just about everything. But if I had to choose, I’d say Scott Westerfeld (Uglies series) and Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me series) have most recently influenced me.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on Shadows – book two of the Something Within series. I am also working on the first book of a dystopian society series which I am planning on publishing soon after Shadows.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, KDP Select, and my website to promote my books. I am currently surfing the web for new promotion ideas.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Promote, promote, promote. We authors put so much into our books that once we’re done we often forget that the last word we typed really isn’t the end. After the book is ready for publishing our job isn’t over. Promoting the book is the most important, and the most time-consuming aspect of the publishing world. It takes more time and effort than the writing process! My advice is to get online and research how to best promote the type of book you’ve written. There is a wealth of knowledge out there, and who better to give us advice than the people who’ve already been through it. There are tons of free and inexpensive promotional sites out there. So as soon as your book is ready, START PROMOTING!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I don’t remember where I heard it, but I say it to everyone.
Don’t let anyone tell you what your characters should do or say. You are the author. Let the characters speak for themselves, and don’t be afraid of what people might think. Once your story is told, though it may not tickle everyone’s fancy, it will be the perfect book for someone out there. If I can make one person laugh, or cry, or FEEL my characters, then I’ve done my job (although it’s great if it affects more than one LOL).

What are you reading now?
I am currently not reading anything. While I write I refrain from reading. It’s just my thing. I read between novels. The last book I read was When by Victoria Laurie.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My next project is Bleeding Gray, a dystopic fiction series. Once those books are published, I will dive into the other novels on my laptop and decide what will be next. Possibly a science fiction dream I’ve been toying around with.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Jane Austen’s seven novels (it is one FAT book), the Bible, and The Norton Anthology of English Literature (two of them). I think those would keep me busy for quite a while, and I could skip around and reread at my leisure.

Author Websites and Profiles
Helene Montalvo Website
Helene Montalvo Amazon Profile
Helene Montalvo Author Profile on Smashwords

Helene Montalvo’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Las Vegas, NV with my husband, and our long-haired Chihuahua. I began writing short stories for a writer’s group. One of those stories turned in to novel. Then I got the bug. I went on to write seven full length novels, all set in small towns, and most with a sprinkling of suspense. I like to write villains you love to hate, but I give them an endearing quality. My heroines all undergo major changes in their lives.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
VICTORIA. I wrote OLIVIA, the first of the REXFORD series. Victoria, was the trouble-maker in that book and it seemed natural to give her a life-changing moment. I read in the newspaper about the problems with drugs and thought “what if?” What if Victoria innocently became involved with drugs? What if she fell in love with a man with a shady reputation who was really an undercover narcotic agent? What kind of trouble can I give Victoria? The story took off from there.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write everything I can think of in my first draft. I do an interview with each of my characters to dig into their personalities. By the time I’m done, I know their likes and dislikes, bad habits, and what frightens them. I also keep a notebook and write down a synopsis of each chapter as I write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My very favorite book as a child was Gulliver’s Travels, by Jonathan Swift.
I loved Maeve Binchy, and have read all of her books. Debbie Macomber is another role model.

What are you working on now?
JADE, the third of the REXFORD series. ROBYN is next, and I’ve plotted KRISTEN.
I also write two blogs and still write short stories.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new at marketing. I have a facebook author page. https://www.facebook.com/joycewritesromance/ I place my book information on 150+ sites on facebook and exchange interviews on fellow writer’s blogs.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read. Read. Read. Get an idea of how other authors in your genre write. Show, don’t tell. Make sure your readers identify with your characters. Join writing groups in your area or online. Join a critique group.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write something everyday. Read your work aloud.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading historical romances, mainly western.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to learn more about marketing, and online media. I also have several book ideas in my file. I can’t wait to get started.

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. It contains a bit every genre. Any of Maeve Binchy’s books. Something from Agatha Christie.

Author Websites and Profiles
Joyce Brennan Website
Joyce Brennan Amazon Profile
Joyce Brennan Author Profile on Smashwords

Joyce Brennan’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and still live in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire which is part of the Chilterns, which has some lovely scenic walks, one downside though is it’s one of the furthest points from the sea in any direction. I enjoy the countryside, and do need a seaside fix so regularly visit the seaside, especially Weymouth in Dorset, eating fish and chips sat by the harbour just has to be the best restaurant seat available, subject to the sun shining of course! I also support our many wonderful local microbreweries, and I support Derby County Football Club.
I’ve self published two books, my first book, The tales of Fluke and Tash – Robin Hood adventure is available now, the second book The tales of Fluke and Tash – Egyptian adventure will be available around the end of July 2016, so pretty soon, can’t wait!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The tales of Fluke and Tash – Egyptian adventure is my second book with a third in the series planned for sometime 2017. I had a Dalmatian and family cat that always looked like they had been up to mischief whenever I came home, also I had this antique suitcase that had seen better days and thought about writing a time travelling adventure book based around the ‘magic suitcase’ and the not so innocent family pets – I also remember reading as a child and saving my pocket money to buy the next in a series of books that I loved at the time (Willard Price was the author)

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to go for a walk or early morning swim before I can start writing, it always seems to bring out my creativity, plus I can’t work in silence as I have to have the radio on quietly in the background

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Willard Price wrote a series of adventure books about two brothers collecting wild animals for their fathers business, there were 14 or 15 in the series
The famous five was also another set of books i enjoyed

What are you working on now?
Book three – The same two characters in a new third exciting (hopefully!) adventure

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Writing is still all new to me, so not sure I can answer that question – Maybe Awesomegang?? Just thought I would throw that one in there!
I have also joined The Alliance of independent Authors

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up, if you believe in something stick to your guns – I work full time and write at the weekends, or the occasional early morning, and nearly quit several times, but when you see the finished book in all it’s glory it was so worthwhile

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Nobody can go back and start a new beginning but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

What are you reading now?
Justin Cronin – The Passage

What’s next for you as a writer?
Plenty of school fete’s, craft markets trying to promote my book and keep my fingers crossed for some luck

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Any book by either S J Parris, David Baldacci, C J Sansom or Peter James

Author Websites and Profiles
Mark Elvy Website

Mark Elvy’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write across multiple genres that include romance, romantic suspense, supernatural thriller, young adult and a great combination of one or more of these. I have written dozens of books and I’m now in the process of fine tuning the ones I want to release.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current book for sale is V.I.P and it was inspired by semi-true events. Getting your heart broken but being unable to just avoid the man that did it. Sometimes second chances really are life changing.

Currently, I am working on a romantic suspense/thriller that was inspired by a dream I had. Dreams… a writers biggest inspiration.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure it’s unusual, but I do most of my writing in the wee hours of the morning when everything is quiet. I get inspired at around 3am.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Classic authors like Ernest Hemingway, Jane Austen, Tolkien, Bronte, Wilde and Hawthorne, as well as and modern classic writers like Stephen King, Anne Rice and J.K Rowling, are huge influences, but I’ve also been inspired by a lot of unknown authors I’ve come across during my time as a self-publishing maven. There are so many amazing stories that are dying to be told.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I am working on a romantic suspense novel and a supernatural young adult romantic thriller.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still working on that.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
All I can say is never give up. It sounds generic and cliche, but it’s true.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is, “If you like it, write it.” Don’t write wondering what someone else might say about it. Stay honest to the voice of your characters and write what they want you to.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading my manuscript for the 100th time because I’m in the process of editing. Fun, fun.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep plugging away at what I’m doing in hopes of sharing the worlds and characters I create with as many readers as I can. Then, just hoping they enjoy 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?
Let me get back to you on that. Narrowing my favorites down to 3 or 4 seems a Herculean task at the moment.

Author Websites and Profiles
Tia Panipinto Website
Tia Panipinto Amazon Profile

Tia Panipinto’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in rural Tuscarwarus County, Ohio. I’ve worked briefly in law enforcement and for several years in private security. I studied political science and history at Kent State University. Late in my life I decided to pursue my passion for storytelling and combined that passion with my lifelong interest in history and politics to seriously peruse a writing career.

In my free time my interests include the martial arts., shooting sports, drawing and, of course reading good books.

I’ve published The Fate of nations: F.I.R.E. Team Alpha Book One through Solstice publishing and Blood and Treasure:F.I.R.E team Alpha Book Two which will be released by Solstice publishing on July 15th 2016. I’ve also published several which are available on Amazon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Blood and Treasure is the second in the FIRE Team Alpha series. It’s a military science fiction and, like all of my work, it’s inspired by history and current events. Some of that history is rather obscure and some of the current events are of the kind not covered in mainstream news.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sometimes work out dialog by talking to myself and playing the roles of my characters. I’ve done this since I was a child making up stories and characters in my head. I had my family worried for a while. lol

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robert Heinlein is my all-time favorite. Although our writing styles are vastly different, I try to emulate the way he concentrated on how people and societies had developed in the future on not focus so much on the technology of the future.

The work of Alistair MacLean, Robert Ludlum, Dian Duane, DC Fontana, and David Morrell have also been big influences on my writing

What are you working on now?
My current work in progress is “Seventh”: a modern fantasy novel about a family of demon hunting brothers. It is intended to be the first in a series of novels called”The Blessed Warriors”. If all goes as planned, the manuscript’s rough draft will be finished in September 2016.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s hard to say. I do a lot of promotion on Face book. Based on the number of click to my sales page as counted by the ‘Booklinker’ sight Twitter seems to get me the most attention. Free book Amazon promotions also generate quite a bit of interest.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write! write! write! don’t get bogged down in grammar, spelling formatting or other side issues. Just get the words strung together on the hard drive and sort out the other stuff later.

Also, don’t let people discourage you. There is always someone that will tell you that you’ll never finish that first manuscript, or you’ll never find a publisher, or that most published authors never make substantial amounts of money from their books. Shut all of that out and write. Just do it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
See my above answer. It’s paraphrased from the advice of several well respected authors.

What are you reading now?
“Modern Bushido: living a Life of Excellence” by Bohdi Sanders

What’s next for you as a writer?
Making gazllions of dollars on my writing! Or, failing that, finishing my current work in progress, taking a week or so off from writing before diving into the research for the third Team Alpha 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?
Robert Heinlein’s Expanded Universe. The Thomas Jefferson Reader and a book on how to survive on a desert island.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ray Chilensky Amazon Profile
Ray Chilensky Author Profile on Smashwords

Ray Chilensky’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written multiple books in the form of first drafts, five to be exact. When I say books I mean novels. I turned one into a polished manuscript in the past year and I’m shopping it around to agents now. I published a short collection of short stories recently and I plan to publish another collection in the near future.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Drugs, Sex & Death Toll. What inspired the stories in this book is the type of life I’ve lived. I chose to write stories that would hopefully encourage people not to do the things the characters in the book are doing. I’ve seen the ugly side of drugs and the streets and I wanted to show they don’t always let people escape.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know how unusual my habits are. I frequent coffee shops, listen to classical music and when I’m home I pace and brood quite a bit. I have sticky notes, flash cards and notebooks all scribbled on and scattered about my home office. Nothing too unusual, I guess.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors and books… “On Writing” by Stephen King, “Life Expectancy” by Dean Koontz, “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki, “Mindset” by Carol S. Dweck and so many others have influenced me in my writing and as a person.

What are you working on now?
I have different projects in different areas and methods to my madness. I’m drawing up and collecting material for a Non-fiction piece right now. I hope to have it written, polished and published sometime in the beginning of next year. Then there’s the next collection of short stories and the next novel in the series of the one I’m now soliciting.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m learning a lot about marketing and promotion, but sadly I focused all my efforts on writing and the craft for years without doing much research on selling until the recent publication of Drugs, Sex & Death Toll. It’s been a wonderful learning experience. So far I use Facebook and Twitter most.

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?
I’m usually reading Non-fiction and Fiction alternately. I’m reading “The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko. I plan on reading “Hideaway” by Dean Koontz next.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer, I plan to keep moving forward with my dreams and endeavors. Always moving forward, always improving.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Well if I could research the books they would probably all be about or have something to do with how to survive on a desert island. I like “The Everything” series, maybe the have dessert island survival guides.

Author Websites and Profiles
John Gunter Amazon Profile

John Gunter’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written three books so far: Dogs with Bagels, a tale of the immigrant experience gone terribly wrong, Stray Dogs and Lonely Beaches, a book about a young woman who runs away from her life, and Lost Path to Solitude, a follow-up to Dogs with Bagels, requested by readers.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Lost Path to Solitude. This is a book readers asked for. It revisits the cast of characters of Dogs with Bagels ten yers later, yet it’s not necessary to have read the first book to enjoy it. The Lost Path is a symbol, a metaphor for our inability to go back in time, back to someone we once were but took a detour from. Solitude is an imaginary town in Southeast Texas.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sometimes write on the Pages app on my iPhone. It’s because I hate carrying stuff, and get caught in all kinds of places (a train, a plane, a NYC sidewalk) when inspiration strikes.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Jane Smiley. My favorite book of hers is Duplicate Keys. I re-read it periodically. I love the simplicity of her style, yet I don’t write that way. I also love Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. The way she evokes homesickness or nostalgia for past selves tugs at my heartstrings each and every time. On some level I do try to replicate that.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on two books. One is the story of a woman who runs away from the stifling social pressures of a small town. The other might turn out to be a young adult novel about a juvenile delinquent of sorts.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Some day I’ll figure it out and let y’all know.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Come to terms with writing for yourself. Keep in mind that you do this because you enjoy it. You are your number one reader. When others don’t get you, don’t be disappointed. When you don’t have sales or reviews, don’t give up. Always come back to your number one reader, yourself. Don’t lose the fun of writing. Don’t lose the joy of reading your own work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t scrimp on food.

What are you reading now?
Deadline by Adina Rosetti. I love love love it so much that I’m making myself read the last few chapters slowly. I don’t want to finish it yet.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Maybe a book of poems in my dog’s voice. I write these on my blog when I run out of inspiration, and I’ve discovered I have a lot of fun seeing things from her perspective.

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?
Duplicate Keys, by Jane Smiley, Gone with the Wind, The Night of Time by Munoz Molina.

Author Websites and Profiles
Maria Elena Sandovici Website
Maria Elena Sandovici Amazon Profile

Maria Elena Sandovici’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and grew up in California’s San Joaquin Valley and have also lived in France, Chile and for many years in and around Seattle, Washington. I currently find myself in the West of Ireland where I write one of the internet’s longest running film blogs. My first novel was the coming-of-age story Maximilian and Carlotta Are Dead. My second book is a fantasy adventure called The Three Towers of Afranor.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Three Towers of Afranor is a fantasy adventure. The story was originally conceived many years ago when I was a high school student and was originally written in Spanish. I submitted it as a class assignment at a time when my brain was fired up from reading J.R.R. Tolkien and Marvel comic books. Later, in a simplified form, it became a bedtime story for my daughter. Years later, at her suggestion , I reworked it into a novel-length adventure. Its story of a quest amid medieval castles and towers was further inspired by my years of living in the West of Ireland.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None of my habits would be that unusual. I do all my writing with a plain text editor and do my formatting with HTML tags. Maybe every author doesn’t do that.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My first book was definitely influenced by Mark Twain since it involves a journey by two runaways who learn something about themselves and the world around them in the process. There would also be a bit of Hemingway in there. As for my second book, J.R.R. Tolkien would definitely be the main influence, although there is a bit of the spirit of the comic books by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby that I devoured as a kid. There are also a few gothic touches that I would owe to the writers who worked for TV producer Dan Curtis, whose 1960s TV show Dark Shadows mesmerized me as a kid.

What are you working on now?
I am writing a follow-up to my first book, Maximilian and Carlotta Are Dead. It follows the progress of that book’s main character, Dallas Green, a decade later. He is haunted by the two close friends who are no longer in his life, and he is trying to connect in the world where he now finds himself. And once again his travels lead him into an adventure that has him in over his head.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I write three different blogs, so they are a good way to get the word out when a new book is released. Goodreads is a great site not only for mentioning my books but for finding people who are willing to mention the book on their sites and do interviews. Also Facebook has turned out to be a good way to get the word out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you want to write, then write. And keep writing. The more writing you do, the better you will get and the more you will have to offer. Also, find people to read what you write and give you feedback, and then listen to them. Ultimately, you will have to decide if you want to do all the extra (non-writing) work that goes with self-publishing or whether you will want to go through the daunting process of submitting your work over and over to agents and publishers.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My father told me that I would always be better off working at something I really liked rather than at a line of work where I thought I could make the most money. That advice has certainly worked out well for me.

What are you reading now?
I am reading a Danish friend’s novel. It was published in Denmark and now I am giving him feedback on his own English translation of it. It is sort of a noir thriller.

What’s next for you as a writer?
People keep wanting sequels to books that I thought were one-offs. So I am working on a sequel to Maximilian and Carlotta Are Dead to be followed by a sequel to The Three Towers of Afranor. I also mean to finish my epic multi-plot-threaded novel about what it was like to live and work in the Seattle high tech industry in the 1980s.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would have to cheat and bring some Delphi “Complete Works of” volumes. At this point I think I would be collections of H.P. Lovecraft’s writings and maybe Ian Fleming’s 007 series. If I am restricted to single tomes, then I might bring Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, Dumas’s The Three Musketeers and maybe Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights and Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities.

Author Websites and Profiles
Scott R. Larson Website
Scott R. Larson Amazon Profile

Scott R. Larson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Jonny Oates is a husband, father, airline pilot, and author. He grew up in western Victoria, Australia, and developed a keen interest in aviation early in life, which led to an airline pilot career. As well as being a professional pilot, Jonny has other business and personal interests that keep him busy. In secondary school he excelled at mathematics and physics and today maintains an interest in a range of science-based disciplines as well as many of the humanities. History, philosophy, finance and politics are some of the subjects Jonny actively reads. Jonny recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Applied Finance complementing his interest in finance.

Wisdom for My Son and Daughter is Jonny’s debut book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Wisdom for My Son and Daughter
Life: what is it all about? Why do we often approach it the wrong way? Why are there so many pitfalls we have to be careful of?
We all want the best for our offspring as they grow into adulthood. We want them to have WISDOM, to learn from our mistakes, to be aware of the wonderful and not-so-wonderful aspects of the world. How can we enhance our life and theirs using positive psychology, knowledge and awareness?
The world is rapidly changing; it has many problems. Wouldn’t life be easier if we were given a manual on the human condition, an operating guide to human emotions including some sound, thought-out advice?
If I were to die tomorrow, what would I leave to help and guide others? Could I reflect on my life and that of others in order to help my children and society?
These are some of the questions the author had in mind in developing Wisdom for My Son and Daughter. The author touches on many subjects of immense interest and sometimes controversy. Psychology, philosophy, science, politics and religion are all looked at in relation to life, with pragmatic reasoning.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A Lot of what I had in mind to write for the book was thought about when traveling. I would write down a note and then expand on it later when the opportunity to write came about.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many from the self-help genre. In particular psychology, neuroscience and philosophy.

What are you working on now?
Having a break now, after 12 months of book creation.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website listed below, is the main area of my promotions. Radiating out from this, are the common social media platforms plus a few other traditional media forms.

http://www.wisdomformysonanddaughter.com/about-the-book.html

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Persistence. We all have a lot of self doubt, well some narcissistic types don’t. Ha. Try to put the self doubt away and chip away achieving what you set out to do. If I can do it everyone else can.
With regard to promotion, there are some good value for more ways to outsource things. Go searching!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t pee into the wind!

Life is what you make it, it doesn’t come to you.

What are you reading now?
Airline manuals.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a few other topics that I can write a lot more in depth on if I choose. After a few other areas of life are in better order, I may write some more books. They will be of a non-fiction nature again more than likely. Fiction….you never know, I have a creative side also.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, a great book to read again. A book titled How to find water, food and shelter and deal with loneliness more be a better title.
THE MAN WHO WALKED AWAY by Maud Casey, I really enjoyed.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jonny Oates Website
Jonny Oates Amazon Profile

Jonny Oates’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a wanderer by nature, and it all started with my upbringing. I was born in New Jersey, moved to Oregon at three years old, then back to the Garden State not a year later. We hopped around the state a bit before moving back to Oregon again during the summer between my sophomore and junior years of high school– talk about bad timing. The trend has continued in my adult life as I find myself unable to stay anywhere for too long. Not only have I moved around to various states, I also quit normal life for a year as I went on to hike the Pacific Crest Trail and take on other adventures.

I’d say my travels have certainly had an influence on my writing. I love science fiction, love imagining all of the possibilities of our future. I’ve written two science fiction books and one hiking excursion guide. As I travel to see new vistas in real life I also dream about journeying to far-off wonderlands, seeing all of what the universe has to offer.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Silhouette is the name of my latest book and it was inspired by my debut novel, Frostarc. With Frostarc I was looking to build a new universe filled with human and alien worlds. The story was too big for my young mind. I needed to take a look into the future of my universe to get a better grip on the outcome of Frostarc’s story, and thus Silhouette was born. It is not a sequel to Frostarc. Silhouette is a stand-alone novella set in the same space-pioneering universe, but it has its own unique characters with their own stories to tell.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual. Aren’t we all a bit unusual? Well, I enjoy the eSports scene and usually have my morning coffee and yogurt while watching some people play competitive video games on YouTube or Twitch. Gotta get my eSports fix in before I start writing for the day.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings were the first books I remember enjoying when I was younger. It took me awhile to get into books, though I always liked writing. My favorite series of books is Stephen King’s Dark Tower collection. It has all of my favorite genres mixed into one: dark fantasy, horror, science fiction, western– it’s all there.

What are you working on now?
As I said in an earlier response I’ve been getting invested into the eSports scene. I’m looking to build a story around a competitive gamer/team and see what comes from it. The eSports scene is growing incredibly fast, yet there is very little fiction to be found around the setting. I definitely want to explore some ideas in the scene and see how I can mix some science fiction into it.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Best website? Google. It’s how I found Awesomegang as well as many other avenues for promotion. My Facebook page and ads have help draw some traffic, but I’m still learning.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do it for love, not for the money.

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

What are you reading now?
The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin

What’s next for you as a writer?
Sitting at my desk and 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?
How to Survive on a Deserted Island
The Color of Magic
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Author Websites and Profiles
Arthur McMahon Website
Arthur McMahon Amazon Profile
Arthur McMahon Author Profile on Smashwords

Arthur McMahon’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up on a citrus and cattle farm in central Florida near Tampa. I grew up hunting and fishing in the Florida woods and waters, and fishing and sailing along the Florida West Coast. I loved boats, the lakes and rivers and the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. I guess that’s why I got a degree in Marine Biology and Natural Sciences and spent nearly thirty-seven years in professional environmental protection where I was involved in every program from hazardous waste management to chemical emergency response and both civil and criminal law enforcement. During that time I wrote thousands of documents, including an environmental law enforcement textbook, a field handbook for law enforcement officers and the text of an educational comic book about environmental crime prevention and more than fifty online training courses.
After retiring, I supported my two daughters through USTA Junior Tennis and through varsity college tennis. I began to do what I’d wanted to do; write fiction. I have written several screen plays, two novellas, two novels and numerous short stories and flash fiction stories. My books are three non-serial series (the stories do not depend on the previous book): The Detective Mike Eiser Series, The Adventures of Harry Morgan Series, and the Mark of the Beast Series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is ANGELICA, A Detective Mike Eiser Novel, available now for preorder and delivery June 10th. ANGELICA is a ‘what if’ scenario. What if a mobster you knew in your far distant past suddenly decided he wanted you dead for no reason other than his own obsession? What if you lived in a completely different part of the country and had a son and a successful business?
What could your friends and neighbors do to help you out?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t stand having my thought processes interrupted when I’m writing. So go away, and forget the telephone number for a while.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Seriously? They’re too numerous to count. My favorite authors range in breadth from Edgar Allen Poe to Mark Twain, to John LeCarre, to Robert Ludlum to David Balducci and John Grisham, and more recently to George Wier, Scott William Carter, Michael Grumley and Lee Child and many other mystery and action writers. From there to science fiction with classics by Andre Norton, Issac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, and Robert Silverburg and more recently, any number of modern science fiction writers. I read a lot, and I look for quality story lines and crave action in books.

What are you working on now?
I have a novella, a rewrite of one of my short stories coming out later in the summer. It’s about a terminally ill guy who is trying to accomplish an obsession on his bucket list and his friend who helps him.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I can’t say. I’m still trying to determine which ones are really effective.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I recently had the great opportunity to mentor a high school senior through her senior class project of writing and self-publishing a short story on Amazon. What I told her was write what you want to read and don’t quit your day job!”

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you love; what you want to read. Don’t write to a market or a genre. And then, write books, books and more books. The more books you write the more readers will be intrigued and the greater potential market you represent for retailers. Finally, don’t quit your day job!

What are you reading now?
I read and review for other authors, both on my CPMA Book Review Blog and for other bloggers. This calendar year, I have personally read more than seventy books for other authors and written reviews for at least sixty-five of them.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Great question! I have plans for the next Detective Mike Eiser Novel, FIRE ON THE MOUNTAIN, plans for a new dystopian novel and series, plans to change The Mark of the Beast Series a bit, and plans for a couple of short story collections. Time will tell which one I do first.

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 first one would be a King James Bible. After that three or four good action mysteries and/or science fiction books.

Author Websites and Profiles
Clabe Polk Website
Clabe Polk Amazon Profile
Clabe Polk Author Profile on Smashwords

Clabe Polk’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Murray Peters wrote his first story in grade three at the age of nine for a creative writing assignment. He modeled (which means “stole”) his story after the Disney movie The Incredible Journey.
Time past, and Murray didn’t write again until he reached fifteen. Inspired by Hardy Boys Mysteries, Stephen King, and Marvel Comics, he began getting ideas of his own.
An anti-suicide short story, “Mistaken Identity,” was published with the help and collaboration of his grade nine English teacher. A few more published stories – co-authored with his teacher – later, Murray put down the pen. Writing was turning into work and no longer fun. The collaboration ended.
More time past, and he would occasionally dabble on the his mother’s typewriter – which he still has – but nothing too serious. Then came high school graduation, a DJ career, girlfriend, and two wonderful kids. And still he just dabbled, admitting sometimes – many times – he wrote shit.
Murray became a single parent in Spring, 1991. After two failed attempts at college, he became an English Major and earned an Associates of Arts Diploma in 1995.
Meanwhile, he wrote some short stories and improved his craft until finally his story “The Murderer On Langston Road” was published in “The Storyteller” magazine. The story is now an e-book.
With his children grown and on their own, Murray began to focus on his writing and wrote and self-published “365 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About Your Cat” by Peter Scottsdale. He uses the pen name “Peter Scottsdale” for all his cat books and e-books.
Murray Peters loves writing but doesn’t have as much time as he would like to write due to work to pay the bills. However, he is putting pen to paper and will continue to publish. More than anything, he wants readers to enjoy his work. Happy reading!

Murray Peters’ has written & published three Kindle books:
“Bartleby the Invincible: A Horror Short”
“The Murderer On Langston Road: A Suspense Ghost Story”
“The Guarantee: A Suspense Thriller”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Guarantee: A Suspense Thriller” was inspired by ads found on a porn website. Peters saw an ad offering hookups with women and guaranteeing his wife won’t find out. This made Peters wonder how they could enforce this guarantee. Thus “The Guarantee” was born.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Peters has to go through a routine to write. He gets up and has an iced java, followed by a Coke Zero. He showers and makes a coffee and sits down in his recliner, writing by hand. Peters makes sure he has ample time to right because so often he gets on a roll, usually resulting in about six pages in the morning. The routine energizes him, getting him ready to create horror and maybe some other stuff.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King (big time). Also Dean Koontz, Shakespeare, & Margaret Atwood.
Peters is also inspired by the Marvel Comics works of Frank Miller, Chris Claremont & John Byrne.

What are you working on now?
“Unlucky Charms: A Horror Fantasy”
A twisted & demented tale of a pissed off leprechaun in a Texas bar due out by Hallowe’en, 2016 on Amazon.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Peters has tried Twitter and Facebook with little results. Amazon.com and fiverr.com have produced better sales. He is trying discountbookman.com for the first time July 22, 2016.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. Gene Simmons of KISS said something like, “Gold miners mine everyday and many days they don’t strike gold but some days they do.” You never know when you’re going to strike gold so keep writing and working at it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Make writing a priority.

What are you reading now?
“Why Aren’t You Scared Of Me? A Star Wars: The Force Awakens Tale” by Bianca Rowena (on Wattpad).

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue my first novel, researching & writing, a death row story. At the same time, try to get done a medical drama set at Christmas time and a novelette with a serial killer and his victim.

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” by Stephen King (unabridged)
“The Complete Works of William Shakespeare”
“Life of Pi” by Yann Martel
An anthology of Philip K. Dick’s works – the biggest I could find.

Author Websites and Profiles
Murray Peters Amazon Profile

Murray Peters’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have published three books but written too many, some of which are still half finished and sitting on my computer that I’ll hopefully get around to finishing along with the rest of the stories that I come up with.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Back to Me without you is my latest book. It’s book 1 in a brand new series about three siblings and it was inspired by a dream that I couldn’t stop thinking about.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing unusual. I like to have music playing when I’m writing. I’ll sometimes imagine a specific song playing in the background of a scene and then I will imagine that scene playing out in my mind as I’m writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been influence by Nicholas Sparks as well as other indie authors. I would read their books and think if they can write and then publish a book, why can’t I?

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on book 2 of my series in which the first book in the series just came out. I’m about half way through writing this one that is about the brother of the heroine from
Book 1.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote, promote, promote on all the social media sites.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. If at first you don’t succeed, just keep trying. It only takes one reader to hopefully spread the word.

What are you reading now?
I’m not reading anything right now.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer, I aim to hopefully continue on this journey of writing books and one day to publish traditionally.

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 by Nicholas Sparks.
Maybe one or two Harlequin novels
And a notepad and pen to jot my own stories down.

Christie Mack’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have three books published at the moment: The Tethering and The Siren’s Realm in The Tethering Series and a Christmas novella Nuttycracker Sweet. Book three in The Tethering Series, The Dragon Unbound, will be released later in 2016 as well as the first book in a new YA dystopian series Girl of Glass. I also have a whole bunch of other projects in various stages of editing, submitting, and publishing. Altogether, I am at ten written projects.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Girl of Glass is the latest project to come up for publishing. The name comes from a very obvious place in that the leading lady lives in a glass biodome, with a subtle undertone of her being a girl in a world on the brink of shattering.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I make my husband read aloud every book I write before I’ll even consider submitting it to anyone. We’re both professional actors, so it’s really not too bad a chore for him. At least I hope not.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Madeline L’Engle is the most influential author to me personally. I love the way she weaved her stories and the elements of science and mythology into her books.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m polishing the final book in The Tethering Series and writing book two in the Girl of Glass series, currently titled Boy of Blood.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It’s going to sound horrible, but I spend a lot of time poking around and seeing what opportunities are available to Indie Authors. Even if I don’t garner any sales from working with a particular site, it usually leads me to another interesting place or at the very least links me to fascinating authors I wouldn’t have otherwise met.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. I don’t care if it’s good, just write. Write a whole story. Then when you’re finished, pat yourself on the back for a job well done, and walk away for two weeks. If that’s as much as you needed to do, just tell the story, then great! Mission accomplished! If after the two weeks you’re dying to go back to the story and desperate to find a way for people to read it, then begin the editing process. I write because I love it. I edit because I have to.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Find something in writing that you love and hang onto it with everything you’ve got in you. And if the day comes when you hate writing, stop.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading the wonderful Under Rose Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More books! Between the two book releases later this year and the books I’m submitting, I’m up to my eyes in words. And I love it!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’m going to cheat and call the Chronicles of Narnia one book, the Harry Potter series one book, and the complete works of Williams Shakespeare one book. I’ll build a bookshelf out of bamboo.

Author Websites and Profiles
Megan O’Russell Website
Megan O’Russell Amazon Profile

Megan O’Russell’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Donna tends to write about nature, passion, simplicity and wellbeing – essentially her code for living a good life. She also likes to ‘paddle her own canoe,’ and has a tendency to spontaneously recreate her life, just as she did in 2013 when she followed her new boyfriend, and his sprint canoe, to French Guiana. As it happened, the boyfriend and the French Amazon fit like a glove and embracing both turned out to be one of the best decisions in her life. Donna has written 6 books in total, one under her pen name.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Living in the French Amazon inspired my two latest books, Wild Roots – Coming Alive in the Amazon, and French Guiana – the bizarre and the beautiful.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write from a hammock and read from a sea kayak.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
David Fleay and Rosemary Fleay-Thomson

What are you working on now?
A nature journal

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth, Networking and I couldn’t live without Facebook.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start reaching out to people in your genre and network while your book is still an idea in your head.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Donna, you are going down so you might as well go like you mean it”

What are you reading now?
I always have at least half a dozen books on the go. I am reading the Kindle Publishing Launch Formula and Make a date with nature.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Reviewing and inspiring more people to write nature essays.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
How to Survive on a Deserted Island by Tim O’Shei, Living with Animals by David Fleay, Facing Demons by Marion Brownlie, and Life After Death: The Book of Answers by Deepak Chopra.

Author Websites and Profiles
Donna Mulvenna Website
Donna Mulvenna Amazon Profile

Donna Mulvenna’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a full-time writer, collaborator, and editor. I’ve written 14 books, including fiction, popular theology, and drama. I have also co-authored 3 books with Josh McDowell, 1 with Michael W. Smith, and ghostwritten or collaborated on almost 20 books for several popular authors. I also do content editing and consulting on manuscripts with several publishers.
I was formerly an illustrator/designer of over 2000 book covers. I’m an avid reader and a “C.S. Lewis nut.” My portrait of Lewis hangs in the Wade C.S. Lewis center at Wheaton College. I spent 14 years as art director for Word Publishing before turning to full-time writing. My wife, Faye, and I have 3 married daughters and 8 grandchildren. We live in Dallas, Texas.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latests book is a novel, The Trial of Vanessa Anderson. It’s a novel set in the near future about a young Christian schoolteacher who is put on trial for violating a newly passed law that represses her Christian belief. I wrote the book in response to my concerns about the growing repression of Christian freedom in America and where it might lead.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Perhaps one, though I would not have thought it unusual before discussing it with other writers. I treat writing as a 9-to-6 job. I work so many hours per day as if I had a boss looking over my shoulder. Don’t get me wrong; I love my work and get drawn into it. But I don’t wait for “inspiration” or tolerate writer’s block. I sit down, get to work, and complete my daily hours.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
By far my most influential author is C.S. Lewis. I’ve read all his books, fiction and non-fiction, and have written 3 books about Narnia (Thomas Nelson Publishers). I have also been greatly influenced by G.K. Chesterton, George MacDonald, and J.R.R. Tolkien.

What are you working on now?
I am in the final throes of completing a biblical-historical novel about the woman taken in adultery and brought to Christ in the book of John.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m afraid I’m a poor promotor of my own work. I do have a website, and I’ve posted my current ebook on several reader websites. But since all but one of my books have been published by major Christian publishers, I generally leave promotion to them.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stare at a blank page, and don’t tolerate writer’s block. Write something, even if it’s wrong. When your fingers start interacting with the keyboard, thoughts will begin to flow. Write fast at first. Don’t think about grammar or even complete sentences. Get the ideas down. You can fix, change, and refine later.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When I was beginning my first novel, one of my friends was the head of the editorial department for a large publisher. We often lunched together, and I asked for his advice on how to write fiction. His answer: “Just tell the story.” That seemed trite, incomplete, and insufficient to me. But when I asked for expansion, he would do nothing but repeat that phrase, “Just tell the story.” I thought he was just blowing me off, but later as I was writing my novel, I found that every time I came to an impasse in the plot and wondered where to go nextt, his advice sprang up: “Just tell the story.” And it always saved the day and got me moving again. “Just tell the story” is probably the best advice I ever received.

What are you reading now?
I am reading and enjoying A Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not sure. I have several plots outlined and waiting. I’ll pull one out and tackle it when my present novel is finished.

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. Lewis’ Perelandra and That Hideous Strength. George MacDonald’s Lilith or perhaps Chesterton’s Orthodoxy

Author Websites and Profiles
Thomas Williams Website
Thomas Williams Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am retired, and this was a bucket list thing I have always wanted to do. I live in New Zealand with my wife of nearly fifty years, I have two children and one granddaughter. Whispers of the Past is my first novel of a trilogy. I have completed the second book Shadows of the Mind and it is at the proofreading stage. The third book Clearing of the Mist is nearing completion to round up the trilogy. Each book is complete within its own story.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
WHISPERS OF THE PAST. over forty years of genealogy and with a love of history, instead of writing a family story I thought fiction where you can change anything you want and with this in mind, I wrote my novel

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, not really, I mainly write early in the morning, and I write chapter to chapter.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wilbur Smith, Brian Courtney and writers of this ilk have always impressed me.

What are you working on now?
My last book of the trilogy Clearing of the Mist. Though I have a couple more in my head that I will work on after Clearing is complete

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have been using Facebook and all the book clubs within Facebook. I tout the book shops and have sold about 1000 units. ebook-wise I think about 300 odd

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it. we all have at least one story within ourselves. It does not matter how it sounds just write. Get it down on paper that is the start.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never say never

What are you reading now?
The winter King by Bernard Cornwall

What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish my third book, then start researching the book that I have in mind.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Excalibur, Host, Ship of Gold and Deception Point

Author Websites and Profiles
Owen Clough Amazon Profile

Owen Clough’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Canuck who studied biology at a graduate level in university. I’ve used that knowledge of the natural world to write a couple of books with biological themes: the first was speculative fiction and the second, a romantic comedy.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My MSc thesis in evolutionary biology was on mate choice in animals. I took the things that I learned there, combined them with elements of comic books and cartoons and came up with Rule of Seven, a romantic comedy that looks at one man’s quest for love in the modern world.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write the first draft with a pencil or a pen, and specifically I like to use fountain pens. I know that there’s all sorts of writing software that helps you plan out your novel but I like to be able to just write on paper and scratch various notes in the margins in a different colour of ink as I go along. I like to think that the software in my head can make sense of it all once the first draft is done and I’m typing it into the computer.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like a lot of science fiction authors: Christopher Priest, Philip K Dick. Ed Abbey the novelist and essayist wrote passionately and beautifully about the natural world. I love the Iliad and the Odyssey maybe because the writing is so different from anything modern. It’s all passion and drive–those people believed. I also like reading rock journalism and album reviews. Music is an almost indescribable thing and yet when it is done well, it’s quite magical.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a couple of things: my love of music has me writing a speculative fiction book about a band whose music is so beautiful it can affect time; my love of old cartoons and comics has me writing another spec fic about secret messages contained in MAD magazine.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I retweeted a graphic recently that listed a consumer advertising trust scale. At the top was family and friends, obviously a limited promotion pool, but below that was a category called influencers, which in the book world must mean the book bloggers and book tubers. Online reviews also had high trust. I guess those are your best promotion tools.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is a battle between the part of you that thinks that everything you write is great and the inner critic that tells you everything on the page is garbage. I find that my inner critic has a mouth on it like Donald Trump. You know how The Donald always speaks in absolutes when he’s putting things down: it’s ‘the worst’ or ‘completely terrible’. Like the real DT, try not to listen to that guy when he’s having a bad hair day.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
For writing it’s: “Never leave the reader on safe ground.” Philip K Dick.

What are you reading now?
I always like to have a few books going: right now it’s the SF novel Yellow Blue Tibia by Adam Roberts, Life On the Edge, a book about how evolution uses quantum mechanics and Going Clear about Scientology because it’s so bizarre that there is an entire religion based on the work of a science fiction 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?
I guess I’d take VALIS by Philip K Dick because it’s one of the books I like to re-read. I find something new in it each time and it also makes me laugh and humor would be in short supply if you were marooned. Maybe the Iliad and the Odyssey because those people were tough and you’d need that example to survive. Also my father was a boat builder so I’d grab one of his old books on the subject to help me get the hell out of there because being a writer I’d be all too aware of the irony of dying of dehydration surrounded by vast quantities water.

Author Websites and Profiles
John Tuckerman Website
John Tuckerman Amazon Profile

John Tuckerman’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
A cat lover from an early age, I wrote my first cat tale, “The Cat and the Dog,” in a grade three creative writing exercise – the story of a cat and a dog lost in the woods, and the police shooting the dog for some reason. I drew inspiration for the story from Disney’s The Incredible Journey.

Inspired by such books as Hardy Boys Mysteries, Marvel Comics and Mythology by Edith Hamilton, I wrote several published short stories with his grade nine English teacher.

Then life happened. I stopped writing, only scribbling bits of story every so often. A family came along which turned into single parenthood. I raised my kids and wrote here-and-there.

Throughout my life, cats have been a welcome and influencing presence. From Tia (a Siamese) to Booties (a Tabby with White) to Rusty (an orange boy with little ears) to Sam the Siamese, I have loved all my felines (and still do). I’ve loved all my cats so much so I started to write about them. They have inspired and delighted me to create cat stories and to find feline facts for my books.

Cat lover turned author, I published my first book, 365 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know About Your Cat, in 2012. I followed that with “The Christmas Cat” and “The Christmas Cat 2.” Recently I released How Do Cats Do That? on Amazon and will publish The Wonder of Cats in Fall, 2016 and “The Christmas Cat 3” for the 2016 holiday season, also on Amazon.

An English Major, I graduated from Medicine Hat College with an Associate of Arts Diploma in 1995. I continue to research our furry felines and write cat fiction and non-fiction and hope fellow kitty-cat people will enjoy my work.

Currently, I reside in Medicine Hat, AB with my two cats: Tanzy (the feisty feline) and Alley (the mischief maker).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
How Do Cats Do That?: Discover How Cats Do The Amazing Things They Do
After looking at other cat books online and doing some research, I found a need for a book like this. And I am always inspired by cats.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I need to go through a routine to write. I get out of bed and have an iced java, followed by a Coke Zero. I shower and make coffee then sit down to write by hand. This routine gets me energized and ready to write. Thanks to lots of caffeine.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many books about cats have influenced me, like Homer’s Odyssey by Gwen Cooper and It’s a Cat’s World . . . You Just Live in It: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Your Furry Feline by Justine A. Lee.

What are you working on now?
A print version of How Do Cats Do That?
“The Christmas Cat 3”
The Wonder of Cats

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon, fiverr.com, cat Facebook pages

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. You never know when you’re going to strike gold.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Make your writing a priority.

What are you reading now?
The Cat On My Lap: Stories of the Cats We Love edited by Callie Smith Grant

What’s next for you as a writer?
Complete the current projects above and write “Jasper” a novelette about an old lady and a young Siamese. And write my first novel – a cat crime caper

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 Cat Encyclopedia
Holy Bible (New King James Version)
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

Author Websites and Profiles
Peter Scottsdale Website
Peter Scottsdale Amazon Profile

Peter Scottsdale’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a high school math and science teacher and have been blessed to live a life full of adventure! One of the best compliments I have ever received is when several of my students recently agreed that they “want to be Mrs. Daise when they grow up!” They hear of my many fun adventures living on a sailboat, swimming with whale sharks, studying sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica, and traveling to various countries, and they see that at the age of 53, I published my first books. I tell them, “See, being ‘old’ can still be exciting!”

I owe my adventurous spirit to my parents who were always taking us off on some fun adventure, whether it was moving to Nigeria to teach for two years, fossil hunting, camping, finding edible wild plants or creating homemade radio shows, growing up with them was full of creative pursuits, and to my husband, Lanny, who is always up for something new! He also recently wrote a great sailing novel, “Seeking the Green Flash”, which is LOOSELY based on our life aboard the “Lazy Daise” (good name, huh?)

At present I have published two young adult novellas, “A Thin Strip of Green” and “Convolutions” (which is also available in Spanish. I also have two children’s picture books, “From, Seanna” which is available as a picture book in English and in Spanish and also as a coloring book, and finally, “Geography Studies with Animal Buddies” which can also be viewed in its entirety on YouTube. Check it out! It’s free

I’d love for you to visit my website www.vashtidaise.com

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Geography Studies with Animal Buddies” was inspired by a desire to make learning the fun-filled experience it should be. So you know how some parents blend up zucchini to hide it in spaghetti sauce so their kids will enjoy eating veggies? Well….with rhyming verse kids are introduced to 22 different countries with a colorful iconic scene, an animal and food from the country, the country’s flag and its location on the map. I also have qr codes for each country on the print version which lead to some really cool videos portraying interesting parts of the culture.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think it’s unusual to be buried in dogs while writing…do you?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Well I love fantasy and science fiction in general. I adore a well written story…it has to have seemingly effortless flow, or I just can’t finish it no matter how good the idea is. I tend to shy away from anything too realistic, however, as I enjoy the escape.

What are you working on now?
I am currently half way finished with a sequel to “Convolutions” which never meant to have a sequel, but my daughter’s sixth grade class begged me for one… and I am nearly finished illustrating the United States version of “Geography Studies with Animal Buddies”.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That is what I am trying to figure out right now I’ve only done a couple of promotions, although I’ve had some book signings at a local book store which went quite well.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t ever rush your story in your excitement. Read it and put it aside and reread it over an over. Find areas that sound stiff, or don’t fit with the style. So many people want to use the word “myriad”, for example. They think it sounds cool, but it gets overused and misused. Add and subtract and keep perfecting it and THEN get an editor to make corrections, and even if your book never makes it big, it is still a great thrill to hold your book in your hand.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Creative minds are never bored…I guess that doesn’t necessarily qualify as advice. It’s more of a wise saying, but my mom said that to me before I learned to never tell her, “I’m bored.” Any time I think I might be “bored”, I figure out a creative pursuit. Thanks, Mom.

What are you reading now?
I’ve got three books going right now. I’m rereading a Dean Koontz, I’ve got a fun dragon shapeshifter novel and a time travel love story (one’s a hardcover, one’s on my kindle and the other on my phone)

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not sure yet, but if I start to feel “bored” I’ll think of something

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Well, since I am limited to 4, I would probably choose Brandon Sanderson’s Stormlight Archives (they are both excellent AND super thick), Dean Koontz’s “Lightning”, “Tick Tock” or “The Face” and then a really big blank journal, because I would absolutely have to have something to write on!

Author Websites and Profiles
Vashti Daise Website
Vashti Daise Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an author from Queensland, Australia, who writes paranormal and contemporary romance. I currently have twelve full length novels, a novella, and a couple of shorts available in anthologies. I have plenty more in reserve that will be coming out over the next few months/years.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My next release will be Phase (Phoebe Reede: The Untold Story #1) and it’s a next generation book that follows on from another series of mine (Declan Reede: The Untold Story). The inspiration was acwanting to know what happened next for the characters in that series. The Declan Reede series was loosely inspired by the song “The Distance” by Cake and a conversation about whether or not race car drivers were athletes.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing overly unusual, but I do rely heavily on music and playlists. I have fairly eclectic tastes when it comes to music and tend to be influenced heavily by my characters’ preferences. For example, one of the characters in the Phoebe Reede series is a country music fan so I found myself listening to more and more country music.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read really widely, in a number of different genres, so I can’t really say there is one particular author who has influenced me or my style. I can say there are authors I greatly admire. Sir Terry Pratchett is definitely one of those.

What are you working on now?
I’m still working on finishing Phoebe’s story. I’m currently working on book four and five at the same time.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found a combination of a few different sites to be best for widest promotion.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t compare yourself to any other authors. There will be some that write books faster, some that have more success, some who win all the awards, but no one else will be the author you can be. Look for inspiration, because it’s everywhere.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write. Just write. Ask ‘what if’.

What are you reading now?
The Successful Author Mindset by Joanna Penn and I’ve just finished Toward the Sound of Chaos by Carmen Jenner

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a heap of series started and/or being worked on, including a steampunk series and a fantasy/fairy tale saga.

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 totally cheat and bring long books I could read over and over, The Lord of the Ring trilogy, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy trilogy told in four parts, and the Complete works of William Shakespeare.

Author Websites and Profiles
Michelle Irwin Website
Michelle Irwin Amazon Profile
Michelle Irwin Author Profile on Smashwords

Michelle Irwin’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a relatively new erotica author with 3 books currently available and a lot more on the way. I have Their Wild Little Girl published via Stormy Night Publications, Their Meddling Aunt a self-published sequel to Wild Little Girl (I felt it necessary to give readers closure) and Submission Backstory: Memoir of a BDSM Authoress published through Wordwooze publishing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Submission Backstory: Memoir of a BDSM Authoress. It’s a shorter work that was inspired by my first two. I got this idea to expand on the town from my first back and use it as a hub for erotic stories and adventures that would all interconnect. This will eventually create a series of stand-alone works that will keep fans up-to-date on their favorite characters.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Aside from frequently writing while naked (puts me in that erotica mood) my strangest habit is to write without a plan. I don’t create a plot skeleton and I begin writing before I know where the story will go or how it will end. I keep sparse notes for continuity sake (was that character’s eyes blue or green?) but aside from this I don’t plan I simply write and tell myself the story as I go. This leads to unique stories that surprise readers.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Drew karpyshyn springs to mind for his Darth Bane: Path of Destruction. I loved this book as a Star Wars fan but what really influenced me about it was that it was still a fantastic story with all the Star Wars removed. It was an existential journey with interesting characters and a strong philosophical undertone. It stood out in the Star Wars and even Sci-Fi genres because it didn’t let being there hold it back from being a great all-round story.

What are you working on now?
I am currently, and perhaps foolishly, writing two works at the same time. I am working on a lesbian seduction story that is just straight up steamy fun and an erotic tragedy that follows the events of Submission Backstory. This will build the world more and is my most intricate and challenging work to date.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Aside from this one which I just found? I use fiverr a lot. There are numerous promotional opportunities on there at very good prices. You have to be careful who you go with, read their info carefully and avoid red flags like poor english but there are many who are fantastic to work with and provide great results.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t get hung up on what you’re writing, how it ‘should’ go etc. Write what you enjoy because you enjoy it. You can decide what genre the book is and how to describe it once its finished.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best “advice” so to speak comes from the Roman military. “Fortune favors the bold.” If you let yourself get hung up on worries and doubts about whether you’ll “make it” or whether anyone will like your work you’ll never get anywhere. Write because you love it, submit to publishers or self-publish because you want to….flip that coin. It may not work but it CAN’T work if you don’t try.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading “Best Lesbian Erotica 2016” from Carina Press. As I’m writing lesbian erotica I want to see how the genre stands so I can out do the best! (What can I say? I’m competitive).

What’s next for you as a writer?
More 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?
Is there a book called how to build a raft?

Nah, I’d enjoy being a lone on a desert island. I’d bring:

Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche (My fave non-fiction book).
Darth Bane: Path of Destruction by Drew Karpyshyn (My fave fiction book).
Their Wild Little Girl by Shawna Hunter (My first novel to remind me I did it!)
Their Meddling Aunt by Shawna Hunter (Because narratives should be complete)

Author Websites and Profiles
Shawna Hunter Website
Shawna Hunter Amazon Profile

Shawna Hunter’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Maggie Adams the author of the bestselling Tempered Steel Series. My fans call me The Minx because I do like a bit of naughtiness with my romance! I live in the Midwest, with my husband, aka, ATTRACTIVE OVER FORTY MAN. He’s also the head of my research and development (if you know what I mean *wink*) I love dancing, cooking, reading and writing romance, especially erotic romance. I have published six books with plenty more on the way, including a spinoff of my successful romance series, The Tempered Steel Series. I have plans for a paranormal time-travel series, as well as an erotic romance series for women over 40. I make sure each of my books have a little something about me in them, so keep your eyes open, I’m in there somewhere!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is entitled Love, Marriage & Mayhem, and it continues the Coalson Family saga as book four of the Tempered Steel Series. My first book, Whistlin’ Dixie, started out as a stand alone, but fans quickly fell in love with the Coalson brothers, so I’ve been hard at work to play matchmaker to those hot hunks. My latest attempt has Brandon Coalson, the peacemaker of the family, falling in love with shy Anna Meeks, the temporary secretary for the brother’s construction company. While she desperately wants to return his affection, she’s hiding a secret that could change his feelings for her and put her in danger.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Actually, I’m very focused when I write. I turn on classical music and just let my mind wander over the scene before and then I allow the voices in my head, the characters take over.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first romance book I ever read was Kathleen Woodiwiss’, The Flame and the Flower. It’s still one of my favorites. As I began to discover romance authors, Jayne Anne Krentz became a favorite because she writes in so many different genres; Nora Roberts is phenomenal of course, and Lexi Blake and Shayla Black have given me a love for erotic romance, which is something new for me.

What are you working on now?
I just finished book five in the Tempered Steel Series, Forged in Fire. It’s the beginning of the end for the series and writing it was bittersweet. Like many fans, I find the Coalson family has become a source of comfort and friendship of sorts. I don’t know that I will ever be able to completely leave this family alone, but I have at least one more book to write for the series finale. Who knows, I may hear the voices of their friends demanding a story of their own.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love awesome gang! I also find social websites like Facebook and Twitter very helpful.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start a blog if you don’t have one. Write about your writing, what’s happening in your life, etc. Let folks get to know you. Join some reader groups on social media, and definitely promote months before you are ready to release. There’s so much helpful information out there for indie authors.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Keep the fights clean and the sex dirty, and you’ll have a happy marriage,” my grandmother told me that on my wedding day.

What are you reading now?
Love me through the Storm by Renee Kennedy. A great friend and fellow author. her books are full of sassy southern charm.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, the finale of the Tempered Steel series, of course. Plus, I’ve got a collection of short erotic stories entitled, “Women of a Certain Age.” And I also have several works in progress on the paranormal series. Should I do a standalone? Maybe that too!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Joy of Cooking – I’ll need to know how to cook fish.
The Bible – There’s always something new to me there.
The entire works of Alexander Dumas – because he is simply awesome!
The Boy/Girl Scout Handbook -because I’m clueless in the wild.

Author Websites and Profiles
Maggie Adams Website
Maggie Adams Amazon Profile
Maggie Adams Author Profile on Smashwords

Maggie Adams’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been writing as D. G. Driver for the past two and a half years. My Young Adult novels Cry of the Sea, Whisper of the Woods, and Passing Notes are all published by indie press Fire and Ice Young Adult Books. This April I had a short novella published in the romance anthology Second Chance for Love. When I’m not writing, I’m teaching and occasionally singing in a community theater musical somewhere in Nashville.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest novel is Whisper of the Woods, which was released in November, 2015. It is the second book of the Juniper Sawfeather Novels about a teen environmentalist who discovers mythical creatures during her pursuits to protect the natural world. I’m currently working on the third book in this series.

As mentioned in my bio, I had a novella published this year in the short story collection Second Chance for Love, which is adult romance published by Satin Romance Books. This story was inspired by a time when I was a single mom in Nashville and got pulled over for a speeding ticket.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t say I have any unusual writing habits. I mostly write when I get home from work each day and do the bulk of my writing on the weekend. I have a home office that is very cluttered. When I really want to focus and get a lot of uninterrupted writing done, I like to go somewhere away from wifi, so I’m not tempted to go online at all.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was a child I was a huge Judy Blume fan. Later, I discovered horror novels and had a huge Stephen King phase. I think that’s why I like to write contemporary fantasy. It mixes both the realistic fiction of Blume and the crazy imagination I got from King.

What are you working on now?
I just finished the first draft of my 3rd Juniper Sawfeather book. It is scheduled to be released in May, 2017. I’m also working on a short story for a fantasy collection. When I’m done with both of those I plan to write a contemporary adult fiction novel – my first try at that.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still experimenting with a lot of stuff. My first book, Cry of the Sea, is about mermaids, so I started posting a mermaid picture a day on my Instagram account (along with other things). It is my favorite place to play. I also post frequently on Twitter and my Facebook page. I have used a couple promotion groups for special deals on my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be shy. I’m shy and have to really overcome it. You’ve got to get out there and make yourself seen.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just keep writing. Plug through that first draft and get it done. You can always revise later.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on getting an agent for my middle grade and young adult fiction. I am hoping to write my first full length adult fiction later this 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?
I’d bring a could big fat collections of short stories. I have one from college. I’m not one to repeat books often, so that would help keep things fresh.

Author Websites and Profiles
D. G. Driver Website
D. G. Driver Amazon Profile

D. G. Driver’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a newly published author, but I’ve been writing my whole life. Journaling has helped me through many difficult challenges. It enabled me to find clarity and understanding when life threw a curve my way. Knowing it’s value, I hope to use writing to inspire and assist others in gaining new perspective, better understanding, and more confidence, especially during difficult times.

I’m from the east coast USA. I enjoy nature and being outdoors hiking, boating, swimming, biking. My family, including my dogs, are my greatest treasure. I like simple things like gardens, animals, sunshine, warm breezes, not to mention pizza and ice cream.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Bricks and Sticks of Life

The Bricks and Sticks of Life is based on a true story about one of my greatest heroes. As a builder Mitch understood that small elements (like bricks, sticks, nails, and cement) unite to create magnificent dwellings. Our lives are no different. Each ordinary moment, event, and encounter come together, making us who we are. The book demonstrates many of life’s emotions: joy, sorrow, despair and hope, proving that memories, love, and relationships build our most solid foundations. We share joys and burdens–doubling and halving them in the process. My mentor Mitch and his family, laugh love and learn the meaning of life throughout his journey.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write surrounded by puppies. I have three small dogs who compete for my lap on, under and around the laptop needed to type.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Mitch Albom, C. S. Lewis, Max Lucado, Joan Brady, Elizabeth Lowell.

What are you working on now?
The project I’m presently involved with is that of a dear friend (one met during this experience). I’m coaching her, performing content editing and will be doing her layout, design and publication. She hopes to release her first book in 2017.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
www.awesomegang.com

I also use my own personal website and Facebook. I’m still learning about promotional opportunities.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I can only say that self-publishing truly “takes a village.” I joined many groups. I met wonderful people, some with whom I’ve become close friends. They’re young, old, male, female, near, and far across the world. I consider myself lucky to have found those who gave their time and talent to guide, encourage, laugh, and at times, panic, with me.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Learn forever. Grow from challenge. Don’t stop believing in yourself.
“Mistakes are gifts wrapped in ugly old newspaper.”

What are you reading now?
The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working with a few other authors to complete their works, mostly content editing and coaching. Afterward, I hope to start my second novel.

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 Five People You Meet in Heaven and Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis and Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lillian Corrigan Website
Lillian Corrigan Amazon Profile

Lillian Corrigan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a full-time consultant and trainer for 25 years. I’ve worked with hundreds of businesses and thousands of business-people to help them make more money and gain the success they desire. Lease Options are Limiting: Use Straight Options for True Control of Real Estate and Any Asset is my first book.
I’ve been investing in real estate and businesses for close to 30 years now.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called, Lease Options are Limiting: Use Straight Options for True Control of Real Estate and Any Asset.
I was inspired to write this book back in 2004. I was doing a real estate deal, and was advised to use a procedure called a Straight Option. I’d heard about ‘lease’ options but never a ‘straight’ option in real estate. I used this procedure and turned a $20,000 profit on that deal. I looked for further information and found very little on this topic. I continued to use the tool and eventually wanted to share my experience with other investors interested in limiting their risk and doing no money down deals, so I wrote the book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I find I must write in concentrated spurts like 3 days in a row, and then take a couple of weeks off between my next ‘writing’ attack.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dale Carnegie is still one of the greats with How to Win Friends and Influence People. I believe that book, analysed and lived daily, will lead anyone to happiness and success.

Napolean Hill with Think and Grow Rich changed my life when I was 20 and inspired me to start my first business, a clothing store. It has been the fuel for everything else ever since.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a book on Investor Mindset – the ‘beingness’ of an investor and how having this mindset can lead to financial success in anything AND lasting life happiness. Incidentally, these are two of my favourite subjects.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. Don’t be good at first, just write. You will get good. I’m still not a good writer, but I’m better than when I started.
Also, unless you are a staunch literary person, work on being a best-selling author rather than being a best-writing author. I got that from Robert Kiyosaki. Most of the world will forgive your grammatical errors, but don’t deprive them of your ideas by worrying about being perfect. Write to sell, ie. write something people want to read.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
This too shall pass. If you are having writers block, relax, this too shall pass. Just write.

What are you reading now?
Some books based around an idea called the 3 Principles. Not really business related, but more ‘life-related’. Check out Michael Neill as a first resource or Syd Banks (the founder of this idea).

What’s next for you as a writer?
More clear and concise 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 Bible, Brothers Kazmarov, The Prophet, and How to Get off a Desert Island

Author Websites and Profiles
Troy Treleaven Website
Troy Treleaven Amazon Profile

Troy Treleaven’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a mom of two boys, two dogs, and am totally in love with writing. The characters in my head are always clamoring to get out, just like the kids, the dogs, and the husband. I have published a total of six books and written countless others.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Other books inspire me and even a bingeathon helps. It takes me getting out of my own head to start writing. Threshold for instance was supposed to be a standalone novel and was originally written as such but then after reading Daniel H. Wilson’s Amped, I realized that Threshold needed a companion. That is how Peak came to be.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Probably that each of my books is outlined on an old store receipt, or whatever scrap of paper that I dug out of my purse at the time the ideas started pouring in.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been writing since I was nine so there are quite a few. Sarah Dessen, Jodi Picoult, Stephen King, R.L. Stein all got me through my childhood and showed me how beautiful writing is. They inspired me to create on the page. Of course J.K. Rowling, I love love love Harry Potter. Barbara Kingslover because she’s from the Southwest as well and just an amazing author.

What are you working on now?
Two things, I’m editing Peak so it’s ready for it’s release this Fall and my first adult novel. My first Adult fiction work is about food, love and life. It consists of ten years and 4 cities.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
SXSW Books is the creation from myself and fellow author Shannon Barczak. We are trying to connect with readers and authors and it’s great to be able to share our work with others that way.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write because you love it and write as if no one is ever going to read it. That way your aren’t plagued with expectations and other’s opinions.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be selfish. It sounds awful but as a wife, mom, daughter, friend and everything else, we do so much for everyone else. And it’s easy for me to forget that I need to take care of myself and pursue what I want.

What are you reading now?
The Rule of Three by Eric Walters. We were on vacation with my in-laws and I had just finished the book I had brought to last me the trip. Luckily my mom-in-law had all three of these.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a magical realism book floating around in my head, so that will be the next thing.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Wow! Tough question. Okay I don’t usually read books more than once, I always give them away to someone else once I’ve finished them. However on a desert island I’m sure I’d read anything so with that in mind I’ll choose some of my favorites.

Jodi Picoult’s The Pact, The Help by Kathryn Stockett and The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.

Author Websites and Profiles
Val Day-Sanchez Website
Val Day-Sanchez Amazon Profile

Val Day-Sanchez’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written a great amount over the last few years, but primarily in the areas of American History or comic books. I have a PhD in History, specialising in the Border States during the American Civil War, and have written feature columns and reviews for the Big Glasgow Comics Page for several years

‘The Mentaleeze Chronicles’ is my debut series, planned to be four volumes in total.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Unsaid Things’ is the first volume in ‘The Mentaleeze Chronicles’. The overarching theme of the series is young people who have developed enhanced mental abilities due to exposure to a since discredited drug.

‘Unsaid Things’ focuses on Stephen Smart, a 15 year old boy who discovers that he unconsciously projects his thoughts to the world – an ability that he’s helpless to control. When I was initially planning who might have thoughts that they would not want broadcast to a wider audience, a teenage boy seemed a natural fit!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I crack my knuckles precisely seventeen times before starting each writing session.

Actually, that’s a fib. The boring truth is that my writing habits are pretty normal. Unless my aversion to coffee counts as unusual for a writer? Give me a nice cup of tea every time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Gosh, how long have you got? I don’t think any one person is a conscious influence, but my favourite authors include: William Horwood, Terry Brooks, John Jakes, George R.R. Martin and William Wharton.

Comic books have been an undeniable influence on my writing and my favourite authors in that field are ones who focus on character as much as superpowers, including Stan Lee, Kurt Busiek, Peter David and J.M. DeMatteis.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second volume of ‘The Mentaleeze Chronicles’, tentatively titled ‘Best left forgotten’. It concerns Lauren Gunn, a teenage girl who discovers that she has developed the power of enhanced memory recall. What at first appears a blessing and a way to recall good times with her deceased father, soon turns into a nightmare as the terrible ramifications of her ability become clear.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning, to be honest. I have an author Facebook page that I use to share information on current projects, and have joined a number of groups to share ideas and experiences with other authors. There are a huge number of potential sites out there to promote e-books, and it’s sometimes difficult to ascertain what are the most effective and how they compare against each other.

Of course, cost is the primary thing that affects the book promotion I carry out. I have ruled out purchasing an advert slot at the Super Bowl as too expensive, but am still considering whether to wear a sandwich board down my local high street.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Always back-up your work!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In every situation I always think – what would Charlie Brown do? He’s someone that constantly tries his best and remains optimistic, despite life’s numerous setbacks, and I really admire that.

What are you reading now?
‘All I ever wrote’ by Ronnie Barker, British comedy genius. As someone who grew up watching The Two Ronnies it’s a delight to read familiar sketches and discover new gems.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To carry on with my series and, hopefully, improve as I go on.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Wow, that is an almost impossible question to answer. Okay, I suppose if it was books that I would re-read again and again I’d not only want books that entertained, but also books that moved me and made me think. So as of this moment that would be:

The Bible – an obvious choice but every time I go to it I find something else to make me think and reflect.

Goodbye Mr Chips by James Hilton – A simply beautiful book that I’ve read time and time again.

Skallagrigg by William Horwood – An ambitious, powerful book that always inspires.

The Complete Peanuts by Charles Schulz – Any volume would be a treat, but the volumes from the 60s and 70s are, in my opinion, when Schulz was producing his finest work.

Author Websites and Profiles
Gary Smith Amazon Profile

Gary Smith’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a creativity architect with experience in health systems – biology, physiology, ecology – with a degree in Environmental Ecology from University of California Santa Barbara and Physiology (Personal Training) from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. My first book, Table Tonics: The Organic Adventure Handbook explores methods of uniting communities around a wholly unique, simple ethic of respecting our imagination. Making a meal is one path to evoking that creative genius. I enjoy connecting health enthusiasts to holistic best practices that ensure success by grounding to the rhythms of the Earth. This gives us all a chance to expand our understanding of the human condition, refining our performance with data-driven methods of self-discovery.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Table Tonics: The Organic Adventure Handbook reflects the happiness of being in contact with the Earth and a family of great people who continue to support endeavors in health.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Standing, doing wall-sits, walking and riding a bicycle while writing — and using dictation software while jumping on a trampoline.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jack Kerouac – On The Road
Paramahansa Yogananda – Autobiography of a Yogi
Ari Meisel – Less Doing, More Living

What are you working on now?
Creating a personal training resource guide.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
https://www.amazon.com/Table-Tonics-Adventurers-Handbook-One-Step-ebook/dp/B01HYCKD58

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stay consistent. Inspire yourself.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Silence.

What are you reading now?
Simple Yoga Hygiene – Shri Yogendra

What’s next for you as a writer?
Poetry

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Autobiography of a Yogi
The Giver
The Little Prince

Author Websites and Profiles
Peter Sundance Website
Peter Sundance Amazon Profile

Peter Sundance’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi I am a writer of historical fiction. So far, I have self published two books, as part of a saga called A Celtic Trilogy. The first Elen, is set in the early 19th century and tells of a woman convict who has been sent to Van Dieman’s land. The second book, Alice’s Secret, tells of the next generation of the family. I am currently writing the third book, set to be released March/April 2017.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Alice’s Secret was written initially as a sequel to Elen, but has a standalone quality to it. Alice and Tommy Jameson live on their farm in Tasmania with their three children when their eldest daughter Sara goes missing. This has a profound effect on the family, and was inspired by a magazine article I read on the subject of missing persons and the people that are left behind to grieve.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love to write with the TV playing in the next room (not loud tho). Writing can be an isolating profession, so I like knowing that the world is still existing outside the world of my books!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Stephen King. He is a master a character formation. Also, Elizabeth Gilbert’s book The Signature of All Things had an impact, and I loved Hannah Kent’s Burial Rites.

What are you working on now?
My third book in A Celtic Trilogy. Its leads up to WW1 and is set in England and France, and is the next generation of the family. Its to be called Harry’s Game although that may change !

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use my blog and Facebook at the moment, but am always looking for different means of promotion.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I think the best advice is to just write, write and write again, Writing every day is ideal as it keeps the creative juices flowing. Also, always have a pen and paper handy next to your bed for unexpected ideas.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To believe in yourself, even on days when you doubt your ability. I find family and friends are good to bounce ideas off, but never think that their advice is everything; get inspiration from everywhere!

What are you reading now?
I have just finished Hop Farm by Peggy Frew which I loved. The next one on my shelf to read is The Invitation by Lucy Foley.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to finish the Third book in A Celtic Trilogy, and I’m also writing a murder mystery set in my home town in south Wales (where I’m originally from). I also have lots of notes on my mother’s childhood stories during WW2 which I’m thinking of making into a work of fiction

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 the Narnia stories by CS Lewis, a couple of Stephen King’s plus a mix of historical fiction works (Philippa Gregory, Fiona MacIntosh, Tracey Chevalier). I also like crime thrillers such as Michael Robotham, Val McDermid…. I think that’s more than enough, I’ll need a suitcase!

Author Websites and Profiles
suzanne bowditch Website
suzanne bowditch Amazon Profile

suzanne bowditch’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Noosa, Australia with my husband and children. I have so far penned five full size novels in one series and am in the process of book six.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest released book is called ‘Beats of Life’ it is part of a rock star romance series that can be read as a standalone. It is based on the drummer of he group. A second chance romance.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Normally I’m sitting in a reclining chair drinking Coke Zero and eating chocolate. I generally play a group of songs on repeat for each book.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love SC Stephens and Abbi Glines.

What are you working on now?
My current novel is unnamed but is based on Isaac Holt, a mysterious and wealthy twenty five year old night club owner.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Self promote as often as possible and use promotional sites.

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

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Inspiring one person is the great accomplishment.

What are you reading now?
Boss man by Vi Keeland

What’s next for you as a writer?
After Isaac’s story then next will be Ryan, a young detective that has been introduced a few times over the 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?
The thoughtless series. Kellan Kyle fan!

Author Websites and Profiles
Shandi Boyes Amazon Profile

Shandi Boyes’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve just turned forty-four and last week I published my fourth book, Whisky Leaks, which is part 3 of The Dirty Rouge detective series, set in the Scottish city of Glasgow.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel – Book 3 in The Dirty Rouge detective series – is called Whisky Leaks. It’s a tongue in cheek title derived from the famous WikiLeaks news website, which specialises in publishing secrets online. Why? Because the book’s hard-drinking Scottish hero – suspended DCI Pat Curzon – relies on the skills of a computer hacker in order to help solve the murder of Vanessa Cummins, a Glasgow job-recruitment queen who’s been put in charge of the UK Government’s controversial Work Project, which aims to get unemployed people off the dole and back into work. One feature of the book is to represent the plight of people living on benefits in 21st Century Britain and to shine a light on the practice and consequences of ‘sanctioning’, where people have their payments suspended and are expected to exist on literally no money whatsoever if they are not deemed to be seeking employment enthusiastically enough. Many people have suffered over recent years as a result of the policy, and in Whisky Leaks, a four-year-old boy dies of hunger after his parents are sanctioned.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Apart from sitting at my computer on a penny-farthing bicycle, wearing a stag’s antlers on my head and with my left hand in a jug of custard while typing, I have no unusual writing habits. My usual MO is to simply let everything just flow out in longhand with a pen on paper – the most enjoyable part of the process in my opinion – then I type up everything I have onto the computer and then read through from beginning to end about 50,000 times, editing and amending as I go.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Where do I begin? My biggest influence is probably Fyodor Dostoyevsky.

What are you working on now?
Having only just published Whisky Leaks, I am in that unusual space for a writer where I am currently uncommitted. There’s a blank sheet of paper waiting for me to write that first sentence and then, that’s it, the dye is cast and my whole life will be absorbed by the process again. So, I think I’ll enjoy the rest of the summer before incarcerating myself in the writer’s cell again. What I can say is that there’s still a hell of a lot for DCI Curzon to do and even more to reveal about the Dirty Rouge.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As regards promotion, I simply post on book sites on Facebook and Twitter and hope for the best. Without sounding too sycophantic, I must say that my previous books most definitely increased their exposure after being kindly promoted by Awsomegang, for which I am grateful. Thank you.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Well, I’m certainly no authority and am learning loads all the time myself. But what I can say is that the more you write, the more you learn and the better you become.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I can’t remember. Being a writer it’s been a long time since I’ve been out the house and spoken to anybody to take advice from. But I think the older I get the more potent a certain quote of Socrates becomes: ‘To know, is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge.’

What are you reading now?
Nothing. I’m absolutely useless at multi-tasking. I know they say that a good writer should read as well as write each day, but I can only focus on one thing at a time and I don’t want my stream of thought to become too cluttered. That said, responding to this question has been a valuable exercise because I will now probably use this break to read a book or two. Being and Nothingness by Jean-Paul Sartre has been lying on my desk like an unopened bill for the past five years now.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I intend to continue my adventure following The Dirty Rouge around in my head. Hopefully this is just the beginning of a long literary relationship with Pat Curzon. It feels almost like he chose me, not the other way round.

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?
Ulysses by James Joyce – because it get’s better and funnier with every read, especially if you read Homer’s Odyssey as a companion piece. Cervantes’s Don Quixote, because it’s the best mirror in which to view the absurdities of human behavior. The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky because of its intensity, and the complete works of William Shakespeare, because he’s the master of appealing on two levels, serving both the high-brow literati and the everyday person searching for easy entertainment. Of the books I haven’t read yet, I suppose I’d have to take that copy of Being and Nothingness with me.

Author Websites and Profiles
geoff small Amazon Profile

geoff small’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I love to write, sing and work evangelistic and outreach ministry. I studied and graduated from the Writers Bureau with a diploma in Creative Writing. I’ve been writing since a teenager, but grew more into it while studying at the Writers Bureau from 2011 – 2014. I write poems, songs, articles and inspirational writtings. I’ve written for both local and overseas publications. I’ve written and published three books titled: Poems From The Heart, Inspiring Moments, Resilient: Rise Above the Ashes.

BIO: Crystal Holdipp is a multi – gifted young woman from the island of Bermuda. She is a singer, writer, songwriter, and church leader. Currently she is a soloist at CORE Ministries and has previously worked as a Director in Children’s Church for about 8 + years. Crystal has a true love for singing and sang her first solo at the very young age of 4 years old at her preschool graduation. She has recorded in the studio with Pastor John Woolridge and a door opened for the recording to be played on FM 105.1 in Bermuda. Opportunities to sing overseas have opened up for her a couple of times. She has sung internationally in both Cleveland, Ohio at a Family Reunion Talent Show and in Atlanta, Georgia at Last Days Church of God at their Bishop’s Anniversary church service. Crystal won the Most Promising Performer cast award from Gina Spence Productions in Christ as a debut in a small acting part in the musical “A figure Of Speech 2009”. Crystal express her thoughts, feelings, what’s on her mind or what comes to her mind through writing and enjoys creative writing. She has written and published her first inspirational book ‘Poems From The Heart’ has published a second book, a devotional titled ‘Inspiring Moments: Encouragement for the Soul’ and now has a third book titled ‘RESILIENT: Rise Above the Ashes’. Crystal has a heart for outreach ministry and helping those in need. Her favorite scripture is Romans 8:28. Crystal desires to be all that God has called her to be and to walk in her destiny!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
RESILIENT: Rise Above the Ashes
My life experiences and how they pushed me to rise above. I’ve experienced learning struggles throughout my formal education, being a learning support student from primary school all the way to college. Also, I was diagnosed with a learning disability while attending college and going to an educational psychologist. Some other experiences such as going through depression, anxiety, coming from a low income family and never having a steady job and I’m a young adult.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Karen Kingsbury, Beth Moore, John Bevere

What are you working on now?
Currently I’m just marketing my new book, organizing book events and considering other ministry and business opportunities.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Building relationships, word of mouth and my blog and online presence.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing and take your time and try different ways to market and get your writing out there. Stay active and knowledgeable with what’s going on in the writing industry.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep pushing and getting your writing out there. My reward is in heaven.

What are you reading now?
Jesus Calling Devotional by Sarah Young

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully I’m able to expand and grow in the writing industry and possibly start a business with my 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?
Bible, Jesus Calling, and any John Bevere book.

Author Websites and Profiles
Crystal Holdipp Website
Crystal Holdipp Amazon Profile

Crystal Holdipp’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
PAMELA K WITTE is the author of the debut novel Jet Lee Dragon Warrior, a thrilling, magical, action adventure for middle grade readers who love karate-kicking excitement and all around ninja awesomeness.

A former psychiatric nurse and adrenalin junkie, Pamela is really a thrill-seeking kid who never grew up. She enjoys skiing (is a professional instructor), martial arts, yoga, hiking, sailing, exploring and spending time with her husband and two children. She lives and writes in a cabin in the middle of the woods in southeastern New Mexico. Visit www.PamelaKWitte.com to learn more about Dragon Warriors and the mystical powers of friendship.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Jet Lee Dragon Warrior was inspired by a group of amazing mixed martial arts students, several of whom were taking martial arts as a way of building self-confidence and self-esteem. I love taking readers on a hero’s journey that is both adventurous and exciting, and introducing them to epic good versus evil scenarios. If a reader sees a part of him or herself in my characters and is swept away by the adventure than I have succeeded in my goal of creating an awesome book. Finding the right book at the right time can light an emotional spark within children that motivates them to read more, understand more, and read joyfully. When that happens, the world opens. Everything becomes possible. Jet Lee Dragon Warrior could be that right book! Whether the middle grade reader is a boy or a girl, a reluctant or an avid reader, I hope that all of them will enjoy this book and recommend it to their friends.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Because I am an insomniac, I love to write late at night with my music turned up and my two big dogs asleep at my feet. When I get stumped and need to find my MOJO, I usually take a long run through the woods, then grab my laptop and head to the coffee shop. A good caffeine buzz and the hum of chatter around me seems to stimulate my creativity.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a kid I loved The Black Stallion books by Walter Farley and all the Nancy Drew books. I loved getting swept away by adventure and mystery. I greatly admire Kate DiCamillo, she is an amazing talent, especially wonderful with middle-grade books. I’ll happily read and reread anything by Cornelia Funke and love the adventures of Gregor the Underlander by Suzanne Collins. And of course J.K. Rowling and Harry Potter!

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a YA action adventure called RADIANCE. A thrilling story about self-discovery, commitment and survival, it is set in a treacherous future steeped in toxic levels of solar radiation, the kind that kills some people and gives others extraordinary powers.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
You simply can’t beat social media! There is no one website. Of course I love my own Pamelakwitte.com, for sharing my work and my own thoughts. After that I think Facebook and Twitter are both pretty great platforms for promotion.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write. Learn and learn. Read everything in your genera. Join a critique group and if you write for kids, join the Children’s Society of Book Writers and Illustrators. Network. Take advantage of the multitudes of online resources. But mostly, learn everything you can about writing well and then just do it!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. The first time I went to a conference, I met the writers who became my critique group. I learned more about writing and the social aspect of networking than I ever imagined. I was exposed to a world I’d only dreamed about and accepted as a peer.

What are you reading now?
Gone Crazy in Alabama by Newbery Honor and New York Times bestselling author Rita Williams-Garcia. It’s the third book in a series and the series is wonderful!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Find an agent to represent my YA action adventure RADIANCE!

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 dictionary so I wouldn’t forget. Harry Potter, because I can revisit those friends over and over. Miss Twiggley’s Tree because everyone needs their favorite childhood picture book to make them smile now and then and my comprehensive book of children’s poetry.

Author Websites and Profiles
Pamela K Witte Website
Pamela K Witte Amazon Profile

Pamela K Witte’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account