Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As a former English teacher and a mother of three adults, I live in picturesque Bend, Oregon with my husband, Gregg, of 35 years where I enjoy hiking in the Cascades mountains, snowshoeing, tubing down the Deschutes River, playing pickleball and, of course, writing.

I’ve been writing articles, essays, and stories since I was in high school. My two women’s fiction novels have been published within the last three years. These books explore the female journey and the healing power of family. I write stories where women characters face unexpected challenges and, through their struggles, emerge stronger and with a better understanding of themselves. When I begin writing a novel, it’s because I want to draw attention to untruths or I want misconceived beliefs revealed, misunderstandings exposed, lies uncovered, different viewpoints explored. I believe women will never stop reading books when they can relate to characters and gain a clearer insight into their own lives. I hope my novels are those kinds of books.

THE OTHER SIDE OF HEARTACHE, a semi-finalist in The Kindle Book Review Best Indie Book Awards in 2013 for Literary Fiction, is a women’s fiction novel that delves into the private lives of three generations of Rose women, unveiling a long ago secret buried under desperate circumstances with staggering effects.

My newest release, ENTANGLED LOYALTIES (2016) is told through the eyes of Annie, Brooke, and Vivian, women from three different generations brought into the same family through marriages. Set against the backdrop of the economic crisis during the summer of 2009, the story addresses challenges that arise when the women become either a stepmother, a stepdaughter, or both, and discover that by getting what they think they want isn’t always what they need. This is a love story about what can blossom, and what must be left to fade, when three women look within their hearts in order to find a different kind of happiness than expected.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I could not have been able to write ENTANGLED LOYALTIES (2016) without the multitudes of true stories I gathered from stepmothers and stepdaughters throughout the nation who share their real-life experiences with others on daily blogs and family websites and, through their voices, make a difference in so many people’s lives. The initial nugget that inspired this novel came from listening to friends and other women talk of how they struggle in their roles of step parenting and/or from being a stepdaughter and I thought, “I need to write this down.” Some stories have happy endings for these families thrust together through second, and sometimes third, marriages, but not all of them do.

In ENTANGLED LOYALTIES, by delving into ancient myths and fairy tales that create stereotypical assumptions handed down through the ages about wicked stepmothers and abused, misunderstood stepdaughters, I attempt to dispel these beliefs and give varying points of view told through three characters’ experiences.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t seem to concentrate or put myself in the story when there are outside distractions of any kind. I require a noiseless environment in which to work. I can’t write with background music playing and opt for silence. The characters’ voices in my head are noise enough.

I have an office in my home and the door is closed when I’m at work. Although there are files with research material, character sketches, plot outlines, and chapter excerpts scattered across my office floor, especially during the first draft, my writing desk is uncluttered. A small LLADRO of an Asian girl handing me a flower sits to the left of my computer screen, and a rock with a smiling face sits beneath it, as well as a star shaped glass paperweight. These are gifts from my children and they serve as touchstones while I write. Depending on the story, I use props to keep me focused. For instance, the protagonist of ENTANGLED LOYALTIES is a children’s book illustrator, so during the writing process for that novel I had a copy of The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter under my table lamp.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My head swims when thinking of all the books that have influenced me. To choose a few only is impossible for me to do. Authors whose work for whom I have a deep and abiding respect are Toni Morrison, John Steinbeck, Willa Cather, Anne Tyler, Wallace Stegner, Ann Patchett, and most of the Victorian writers.

What are you working on now?
ENTANGLED LOYALTIES published in March 2016, so I’ve been working on promoting the novel. Still, I’m constantly on the alert for a topic or character that may become the foundation for my third novel. I have some ideas mulling around, but so far I haven’t had that “ah ha” moment that grabs me and won’t let me stop thinking about a plot or a character until I sit down at my writing table and touch the keyboard.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a niche audience and I concentrate on them: Baby Boomer women, women who love to read good fiction, book club members, and women who read my books and say, “That could be me!” With THE OTHER SIDE OF HEARTACHE, once I put the book out there, it took off through word of mouth and reviews appeared on Goodreads and Amazon. I have a Facebook Author Page and I promote on that as well as LinkedIn.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write your story. Then rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. When you’re not writing, read, read, read.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Toni Morrison said, “If there’s a book you really want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” THE OTHER SIDE OF HEARTACHE and ENTANGLED LOYALTIES are results of that advice.

What are you reading now?
BARKSKINS by Annie Proulx

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll write another novel and it will have all the elements of my first two books – realistic, believable characters that are well thought out with a true-to-life story line that keeps my readers guessing and wanting to know what is going to happen next.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
SIDDHARTHA by Hermann Hesse for the spiritual journey of self-discovery, EAST OF EDEN by John Steinbeck because truly it is The Great American Novel, and TESS OF THE d’URBERVILLES , Thomas Hardy’s fictional masterpiece because I love, and weep for, Tess. And a dictionary.

Author Websites and Profiles
Sarah Jo Smith Amazon Profile

Sarah Jo Smith’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve published three novels, the first half of a fourteen episode serial, a couple short stories, and am currently writing a paranormal romance. Other works include a memoir/life philosophy non-fiction book that lives only in my laptop, as well as the opening pages of numerous future storylines. I think young and I live young even though my birth certificate doesn’t agree. My writing tends to come from a female perspective, but I’ve had many men tell me they enjoyed my books. The characters spring from my imagination but the goal is to make them so believable you feel you may meet them on the streets of your own town.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
May – Episode 6 of Anna’s Legacy is my latest book. This serial is about a college-age girl who has always followed the rules set within her parents’ world. Her beloved aunt (a woman with a personality similar to my older sister) keeps telling her to break away. She practically ensures it with an unusual bequest upon her death. Did I mention I was one of those girls who followed all the rules?…right up to the day I broke away? No, my own direction was quite different from the character in Anna’s Legacy, but it came with a parallel set of challenges.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, not really. However, my favorite, and most prolific, writing spot is sitting on the dock at our summer vacation home. I don’t write my characters from the outside looking in; I get into their psyches and transcribe their words and actions as I experience them in my head.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve read Danielle Steele and Arthur Hailey, very different authors. What they have in common is their in-depth exploration. For Danielle Steele, it’s generations of a woman’s life and influences of people encountered. For Arthur Hailey, it’s dissected layers and nuances of a profession or institution. I’ve borrowed a little bit of both their styles.

What are you working on now?
I’m almost finished with June – Episode 7 of Anna’s Legacy. I’m also working on a paranormal romance that currently has only a working title. Now and then, I pause to write a short story…usually flash fiction. Whenever I get a brainstorm for another project, I jot down a few notes and bury them away so I don’t get distracted by these new, shiny objects.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s a good question. I have an active author Facebook page and a presence on Goodreads that I’ve never fully developed. Word of mouth has perhaps been the most effective vehicle to spread the word of my books. I’ve recently made the decision to advertise, something I’ve always known I should do but haven’t. Why?…because I’d rather write than do administrative work.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Don’t get stuck on page one or chapter one. Get it written and then go back and make it better. Go back as many times as necessary, but get to the end and don’t lose yourself in revisions that prevent you from ever hitting the publish button. Did I mention I self-publish? In my opinion, independent publishing is the way to go.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you’ve actually finished a book, you are miles ahead of most people who say they want to write a book someday but never will. Be proud of your efforts. Second best advice: write the next book, and the next and the next.

What are you reading now?
I bounce back and forth between fiction and non-fiction, between light reading and heavy subjects. I may not read at all while pumping out thousands of words for my own book. Then I may go on a binge of non-stop reading in which I do little writing. Recently I finished The Emperor of All Maladies (a biography of cancer), Dust by Hugh Howey, and What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty. Do you see what I mean about bouncing back and forth?

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to finish my paranormal romance and the last episodes of my serial. At that point, I’ll pull out one of my ideas I’ve stashed away or, maybe, I’ll head off in a whole new direction inspired by who knows what.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1- a good dictionary
2- a book filled with blank pages for me to fill
3- a great mystery or saga I can reread many times
4- a Spanish/English dictionary as I’d finally have time to work on improving my Spanish vocabulary

Author Websites and Profiles
Sheryl Fawcett Website
Sheryl Fawcett Amazon Profile

Sheryl Fawcett’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a political science and history major who stopped just shot of a BA. I worked biefly in law enforcemnt and for many years in private security.

I currently have two published works and both are from Solstice Publishing. The Fate of Nations: FIRE Team Alpha Book One and the next in the FIRE Team Alpha series Blood and Treasure. I also have had several short stories published.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Blood and Treasure, like all of the FIRE Team Alpha series, is based on my extrapolations of what history and current events might shape the future into. I draw heavily on history for my stories lines. The only thing new in life is the history that you don’t know.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I talk to myself when I’m working out dialog. I go as far as trying to make my voice different for each character. I had my family worried for while.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My all time favorite author is the great Robert Heinlein. My writing style is totally different from his, but I try to emulate his emphasis on the way human society had developed in the future. Heinlein always left the technological gizmos to be the backdrop of his science fiction stories and wrote about people.

What are you working on now?
I’m about thirty-thousand words into ‘Seventh”. Which will be the first i a urban fantasy series called ‘The Blessed Warriors’.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My promotion budget is extremely limited so I use several social media. Twitter seems to be the one that gets me the most attention, but I’m very active on my Facebook pages as well.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write! If you have story to tell and you have confidence in it, then sit down and write it. Worry about the whole publishing process after the manuscript is finished. Don’t let anyone distract you or tell you you can’t get that book written.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My answer to the above question is a paraphrasing of several well respected authors; including the aforementioned Robert Heinlein. It’s the advice that finally got me to write that first book after decades of crippling indecision.

What are you reading now?
Modern Bushido by Bohndi Sanders.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing ‘Seventh’ taking a break from witting for a week or so, and then diving into the research for the third FIRE 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?
My ‘Thomas Jefferson Reader’, ‘Heinlein’s ‘Expanded Universe’ and a couple of books on wilderness survival.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ray Chilensky Amazon Profile

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.
This is the fourth book I’ve written (recently), but the other three are academic which I wrote while at Uni.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called Gap Year Travel Tips and came about while traveling for a near constant four year period. I went through various countries, including developing ones, and solved each problem and issue as it came up. I always keep a diary and so wrote all the things I was learning, things to avoid, ways to stay safe, saving money etc. and it kind of grew from there. It’s unique as it’s borne from practical moment-to-moment experience. It’s the kind of advice and guidance you’d get from an experienced friend rather than professional journalist.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Basically, writing where ever I am at the time, often on the road. I have a full size keyboard that I plug into a tablet and sit with it on my lap, on buses, trains, at the side of the road etc. I get some very strange looks.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I mostly read about meditation and spirituality for recreation. I’m very open and read whatever I find so I wouldn’t say there’s one specific author I look up to.

What are you working on now?
I’m working in Cambodia for an NGO, which doesn’t pay me (though I love it). I’m a qualified English teacher, and so I’m writing an online teacher training course, based around videos and a workbook, which hopefully will pay my rent and mean I can stay here.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve only just started promoting this one so I can’t really say.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice would be to ask me again in six months when I have some idea what I’m doing!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The last words of the Buddha, ‘There’s nothing worth holding’.

What are you reading now?
A huge book about the technical aspects of education, far too boring to be of interest to your readers.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After doing my English course I have three ideas starting to take place. One, a book about Chinese philosophy, which I’ve been interested in since I was young. Two, a photo book with inspirational quotes overlaid with my travel photos. Then I want to write a book and course about my unique spiritual/meditation practice which I’ve evolved over my lifetime.

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 Dhammapada, by the Buddha.
Three blank notebooks for me to write in.

JA Starr’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired librarian indulging my long-held dream of writing novels. I have two published books, Split Second and Finding Faith. Both of these books center around relationships and family, redefining or broadening the definition of ‘family’.
I am currently at work on my third novel, Willa. It will follow the same general theme but is a total departure from the first two works.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recently published book is “Finding Faith.” It was inspired by my own life experiences and those of people close to me. It looks at the question of appropriate care of the elderly from a fictional setting. I’m certain that my inspirations for this work were my own advancing age, the experiences I have had with the elderly, both in my family and my work, and our social norms.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Probably not so unusual, but I tend to write copiously when an inspiration hits me and then will let a day or two go by without getting anything written. During this time I’m mulling over the theme, characters, direction and possible outcomes of the tale, and allowing them to prepare me for next time I commit to writing it down.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Almost all of them. I have been a copious reader since I first discovered that those strange squiggly marks in a book represented words. The authors who inspire me have changed over the years but I still hold onto some of the earliest memories and use them when appropriate. Barbara Kingsolver is one of my favorites, both for her story-telling skill and her engagement with causes.

What are you working on now?
My next novel, working title ‘Willa’, will again be about family and about strong women. The question I ask myself about strong women is “How do we moderate between our own ego and need to be self assertive and the needs of those who enter our circle of life?” Are our own egos paramount or is nurturing others more important? Do we have a responsibility to sacrifice our egos to those entrusted into our care? What happens when our needs and the needs of others clash?

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method is my publicist, Catherine Lyon. Having waited so long to begin this new career, I find myself outdated in terms of electronic communication and she has ably taken on that role for me. Additionally, I blog, belong to a local authors group, attend book fairs throughout the state, and do book signings at a local independent bookstore. All of these work together.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep refining your craft. The first book may be okay, the second should be better, the third should be even better, and the next will be exactly what you dreamed it would be.

What are you reading now?
I always have several books going at the same time. I’m reading a biography of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, an inspirational book on tweaking life in small increments, a novel about the inquisition in Spain, children’s books to add to my Little Free Library, and a book on the craft of writing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Not sure. Just starting out on my current title and will be focusing on that for a rather long time. I would love to write a children’s book and may try that next.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would have to have my whole library with me; could never limit it to 3 or 4 books.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ellie Pulikonda Website
Ellie Pulikonda Amazon Profile

Ellie Pulikonda’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
More than anything, I want my books to make people laugh. I want readers to feel like they’re on vacation in a small town where everyone feels like family, and where zany fun is always just around the corner and love is in the air!

So far, I’ve written four books. “Love on the Range” is the prequel to my Looking Glass Lake series of Christian contemporary romance. “Love’s True Home” will come out in August 2016, and “Love’s Long Lost Wish” will come out in October 2016. Watch for three more fun books to be released in 2017, and then my fun Christmas book “Love’s Christmas Kiss” to come out in September 2017.

I’ve planned over 20 books for the Looking Glass Lake series…if I’m not running through the sprinklers with my nieces and nephews, or avoiding laundry by concocting crazy recipes in the kitchen, you can find me at my laptop bossing around my Looking Glass Lake characters.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Love on the Range” was inspired by an article about chuck wagons I read in the magazine Western Horsemen. Authentic old-fashioned chuck wagons are still used today on many ranches. As soon as I read that, I just knew I had to write a book about it. And then, because I love to turn things upside-down, I thought it would be even better if the chuck wagon cook (traditionally a man) was a woman!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I might be the only writer who writes her outline on sticky notes! I go through packs and packs of them, in a rainbow of colors. I love the inventor of sticky notes…using them unleashes my creativity.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The classic girl’s books like “The Secret Garden,” “A Little Princess” and anything by Lucy Maude Montgomery were my earliest influences. I especially love Lucy Maude Montgomery’s “The Blue Castle.” It’s a romance, and even though it was written for adults, as a kid, that is what made me want to write love stories.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the final editing for “Love’s True Home.” This is book one of my inspirational romance series of Looking Glass Lake. It was a difficult book to write, but was very rewarding. The main character, Lauren Rolphe is nothing like me…I’m emotional and expressive, and she finds it hard to express emotion at all. But there is a secret grief that she harbors, and that sorrow hits very close to home for me. While “Love’s True Home” has its own share of laughs, it’s also the book that had me going through boxes of tissue as I wrote it.

I’m also working on the second draft for “Love’s Long Lost Wish.” This sweet book has an adorable little girl whose wish brings a happily-ever-after ending for some very special people.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t determined that yet. I haven’t done much marketing. I wanted to focus on marketing after I got at least two books out into the world.

But I do believe in the “free sample” concept. Partly because I have always loved the free cookies I used to get from the grocery bakery as a kid! I like the idea of letting readers get to know me a bit for free before purchasing more of my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Study and learn how to write, but use your inherent strengths. Figure out how your creativity and your brain works, and learn how to leverage those strengths. For the longest time, I couldn’t create an outline because I just didn’t think in a linear fashion. Books about outlining in a linear way really drove me nuts. I wasted a lot of time trying to force myself to use methods that used my weaknesses and not my strengths. When I started focusing on using methods I loved (like brainstorming and thinking in pictures), my writing really took off. Now, instead of writing in a linear fashion, I use lots of brainstorming questions to trigger creative thoughts. I write them down on sticky notes, amass a huge pile of them, and then start arranging them into an outline. I’m a big believer that when writing is fun, you’re probably doing it right! If writing is not fun, you might still need to explore better ways of approaching it that works for the way you’re wired.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Love God. Love people. It’s that simple.” –My husband, paraphrasing Jesus

What are you reading now?
You’ll always find any new book by Brenda Minton, Debra Clopton, or Janet Tronstad on my nightstand. Usually, you’ll find a few in the glove box of my car, too—just in case the line at the Post Office is too long! I also snap up any new book by Heather Woodhaven or Lisa Phillips, as soon as I can. If I’m folding laundry, you can bet I’ll have Heather Blanton’s Romance in the Rockies series going on Audible. Because of her, I look forward to laundry day! A new-to-me author that I’m super excited about is Karen Witemeyer…again, her books are on Audible! (Secretly, I call Karen and Heather my laundry buddies!) And my Kindle is chock full of books by Kimberly Rae Jordan, Lucy McConnell, Belle Calhoune, Brooke St. James, and Liz Isaacson.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Lots of research trips! I can’t wait to try to tame wild mustangs myself, because Meg does this in “Love’s Long Lost Wish.” And I’m hoping to bring a rodeo star to the Looking Glass Lake party next year…the queen of mounted speed-shooting! Maybe an outdoor survival class, if I’m brave enough!

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…because I can’t function without it! It’s new every time I read it. Lately, I’ve been enjoying the Amplified Version because it helps provide cultural background and nuance that I’ve missed. I’d bring a cookbook…because what a great opportunity to cook up new foods I’ve never tried, and I do love to cook! I’d probably bring my friend Heather Woodhaven’s book: “The Secret Life of Bookclub” because reading it is like she’s right there next to me, and I know I’d miss her like crazy. Something by Louis L’amour to make me feel brave and to remind me of the west that I love so much.

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

Rebecca Nightsong’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 debut author, my very first book was released on July 15, 2016. I waited until I was forty to write my first book. After some soul searching on why it took so long, I truly think it was because a romance writer needs some life experience first. I am currently working on the second in the series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Love on the Malecon. It is book 1 in my Love on… series. I have a thing for bad boys, but the bad boys that love hard too. I wanted to write about what I consider the perfect man. He has imperfections, of course, but the perfect man for the heroine of the story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in short spurts usually. My daughter is in preschool and that doesn’t give big chunks of time to write. I can sit down and write for an hour here and there and somehow it still seems to flow.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
By the time I was the appropriate age to read romance novels, I had a Nora Roberts book in my hand. She is a huge influence on me. I don’t do the same recipe where they meet and there’s tension and then they fall in love. So far, instant attraction works for me as a writer. I also love Lisa Kleypas. I don’t think I’ll write historical novels, but I love her contemporary romance. Bella Andre is also my current go to for reading. I’m trying to write so much that I have to make myself stop and pick up a book lately.

I have to mention my great uncle Evan S. Connell, Jr. One of his book covers is up on a canvas in Barnes & Noble. I always get such a sense of pride when I see one. Two of his books were turned into a movie and I was able to be an extra in it. I grew up getting excited about book releases and author signings, etc. I have a shelf of his first editions in my house.

What are you working on now?
Book 2, Love on Ocean Drive is in progress right now. I’m already putting together plot ideas for Book 3 (most likely will be Love on a Mountain Top – or something like that.)

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still looking for the best method! I am brand new at this and I really want this to work. So far, social media has worked best. I still need to create my own website. I was not a big social media user before, so it’s a bit slow going. I have sent some requests for bloggers to review my book. I’m hoping they choose my book to write about.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’m still a new author, but I would say to give it a try. I love the cheesy inspirational line “If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.”

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You are a writer girl. You need to believe it.” Danielle Kelly For the Love of Books and Alcohol

What are you reading now?
Rock Chick by Kirsten Ashley

What’s next for you as a writer?
Let’s hope I can plan beyond the Love on… series – I think I’d like to do a series set in a particular city. Love on… has a different setting for each book. Maybe a series on a power family or something? I haven’t figured that out yet.

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 Hathaway Series by Lisa Kleypas – I could read it over and over.

Author Websites and Profiles
Aubrey Parr Author Profile on Smashwords

Aubrey Parr’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a dog lover currently living in California. After rediscovering how much I like writing, I wrote and self-published my first book earlier this year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My last book is currently my only book and it’s called “Simpler Photo”.

This book was one of those that had been sitting in my head for a while and finally I just sat down and cranked it out.

My goal with the book was to create a short guide on digital photography for people who are either intimidated by the prospect of diving into the (typically) long photography books or who are put off by the technical aspects of the art.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nope, I’m actually pretty boring. I start my writing in the morning right after breakfast and then continue until I either reach my target word count or have completed a section.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Pretty much everything I’ve read, to be honest. I know that may not seem helpful, but, as many authors do, I read *a lot*. And I think every single book influences me in some way. Reading many different types of books and genres helps me figure out what I personally like to read and what I’d like to see exist in the world (and what I wouldn’t).

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a memoir about Hawaii.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If there’s a book you really want to write, set a target date (like your birthday – that’s what I did) that you need to have your book finished by. This deadline really helps you get your ass into gear.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If someone’s advice doesn’t resonate, do what works for you.

What are you reading now?
“The Comedians” by Graham Greene.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing to work on and learn about the craft and start the next book.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kim Olson Website
Kim Olson Amazon Profile

Kim Olson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a new mystery writer with two short stories published, another on the way and a novel on the horizon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Coffee Fiend, inspired by the weird effect strong coffee has on me.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The end of my books is the first thing I write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many mystery authors to mention.

What are you working on now?
My next short story and my novel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a new author this is my first promotion.

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

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
See above.

What are you reading now?
A Killer’s Journal by Kasey Mulligan and Murdered in Argentina by Dianne Harman.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My next book.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Four Harry Potter books.

Author Websites and Profiles
Alicia Redmain Amazon Profile

Alicia Redmain’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Tamra Flournoy, and I have been writing since I was twelve years old. I am currently 27 years old (for the second time around.)

“Walking With the Wind” is the first in a series of stories that culminate in the final battle in the last days. The first four stories comprise the “What Lies Between” series and introduce the five young players who will figure in prominently to the larger picture.

The second set of stories will continue the saga in the “What Lies Beneath” series, with the final set of stories making up the “What Lies Above” series. So there are many more stories coming.

I currently live in central Texas with my husband. I am lucky to have most of my children and grandchildren living close by. I finally graduated from BYU just a few years ago. I also enjoy singing in our local choral group and heading up our community’s, “We’ve Got Talent” competition for our 4th of July Council.

I am happy to find that writing these crazy stories is a fantastic outlet for my overactive imagination. I hope you enjoy reading my stories as much as I enjoy writing them.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I am currently in the middle of writing the second series of my books but am in the middle of publishing the first series. So I will pick “Book Two: Never Take Candy from Strangers.”

When I was eight years old, we moved from Phoenix, AZ, to Florida’s Space Coast. While living there, we often went on family adventures. Many of these were in the middle of the Ocala National Forest and along the coast to St. Augustine, Florida. Dad used to take all us kids hiking through forested paths on our own search for the Fountain of Youth. Seriously, I think my Dad probably had a great deal to do with my overactive imagination–thanks, DAD!

When I thought about this story, I wanted a city close to this “magical” place of bubbling springs, and hidden paths. I wanted a place where magic could meet the modern world and blend nicely. DeLand was the perfect spot!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write with the TV playing. I am not really listening to it, but use it for “white noise.” I can use music but find that if there is singing with the music, my mind will focus too much on that, and I competely lose my focus on writing.

Weird, right?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Terry Brooks – Shannara Series; Julie Kagawa The Iron Fey Series; Stephanie Meyer – Twilight Series; James Rollins – Sigma Force Series; Clive Cussler – Dirk Pitt & Fargo Series; Melissa Marr – Wicked Lovely Series; Aimee & David Thurlo – Ella Clah Series; Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child – Pentergast Series; Marissa Meyer – The Lunar Chronicles; Shanna Swendson – Magic, Inc & The Fairytale Series. Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl – Beautiful Creatures Series
To name a few…

What are you working on now?
My second series: What Lies Beneath.

I am in the last (4th book) of that series. Then I need to go back a begin the polishing process.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still figuring that one out. I have found social media a big help, but still looking for great advice in this area.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
As I am a new author myself, I’m not sure how great my advice is, but I would say what I have found helpful has been listening to constructive criticism and using it to my advantage instead of becoming reactionary.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The time will pass whether you do anything about “it” or not.

What are you reading now?
Forever: An Unfortunate Fairy Tale Series, Book 5
Written by: Chanda Hahn

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I complete my second series, I will take up writing the third series, “What Lies Above.” After that, I will probably dust off the series I worked on when the kids were little, “The Fourth Sphere of Origin.” It is about a girl who lives with her grandparents and learns she is really a princess on another world who was hidden Earth after an attempt was made on her life as a baby.

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?
Scriptures, book on desert island survival, Boat Building for Dummies, Quantum Physics (Maybe with absolutely nothing else to distract me, I might finally understand it.)

Author Websites and Profiles
Tamra Flournoy Website
Tamra Flournoy Amazon Profile

Tamra Flournoy’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I always knew I wanted to be a writer but alas, life and adventure got in the way. I tended to scribble or daydream about random characters despite it all although those efforts never produced any serious works. Back in 2010, after my small business closed, I decided it was time to take the plunge and follow my dreams. I began freelance writing for small publications and businesses across the U.S. To date, I’ve published two novels, Beneath the Mulberry Tree and The Face in the Mirror.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Face in the Mirror. It’s actually inspired from two different events. The first occurred late one evening when I was bored and diligently looking for something entertaining to watch on television. I happened to stumble across a documentary about individuals who suffered from Body Dysmorphic Disorder, a terrible form of social anxiety in which sufferers are convinced their appearance is ugly and unacceptable to all those around them. In many cases, they have a hard time leaving the home because of their own self loathing.

And then I remembered watching one of the earlier seasons of Britain’s Got Talent when Paul Potts nervously stepped out onto the stage and announced he wanted to sing opera. The very notion brought a cringe to the judges and audience alike. That is until he began to sing. In an instant, he transformed from an average, dumpy little man into something else. Something completely beautiful.

These two divergent notions marinaded in my mind for quite some time until Maggie was finally born.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unlike many of my colleagues today, I tend to write most if not all of my stories long hand with a pen and note pad. I find it helps me concentrate on the topic I’m writing about and prevents many unnecessary distractions that electronic devices can bring.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Maeve Binchy is probably the writer who’s had the greatest influence on my writing. I love the way she dives right into a story and thoroughly develops her characters. I continue to strive toward her level of character development every day.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently finalizing the last touches on a collection of short stories called Speak to the Heart which will be out in August 2016. I’m also prepping my third novel, ‘Til the Stars Stop Shining for release in October 2016.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Websites such as Awesomegang and The Fussy Librarian are great resources for those of us on a budget. I also enjoy keeping bookmarks for my latest work handy to give to new people I meet. You never know when you’ll be able to make a personal connection with a reader and a free bookmark is a great way to get your name and face out in the public eye.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing! No matter what anyone says or what doubts you may have, keep writing. Each time you put pen to paper you are honing your craft and that is essential.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.” J.K. Rowling
It’s the best nugget of wisdom I’ve ever heard and a quote that I keep pretty close at hand. It tends to be one of the first things I look at when things are going wrong.

What are you reading now?
I’ve just picked up Invisible by Jeanne Bannon and am enjoying it very much.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My next great challenge is to survive NaNoWriMo this November.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Only 4?? How about 4 authors, JK Rowling, Nicholas Sparks, Jamie Ford, and Maeve Binchy. Of course I’d try to smuggle a few Shakespeare, Asten, and Dickens classics in as well.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jennifer Duffey Website
Jennifer Duffey Amazon Profile

Jennifer Duffey’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have three children (with one just born a few weeks ago!) and have written six books. For work, I’m the principal of the Christadelphian Heritage School, where I also teach Holocaust Studies, Religious Studies, and Hebrew.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is named “Part of the Family – Christadelphians, the Kindertransport, and Rescue from the Holocaust.” I began writing it after taking part in a few different professional development experiences related to teaching about the Holocaust. These activities inspired me to look into my own community’s history regarding the Holocaust, and this book is the result!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always drink two cups of black tea when I write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Glenn Kurtz and his book “Three Minutes in Poland” was particualrly inspiring. When I was at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, I heard him tell his story of discovery in person, and that was one of my major motivators in looking deeper into my own community’s connection to the Holocaust and rescue efforts.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on volume 2 in the series. Christadelphians helped to save over 250 Jewish children from the Nazis––the first book records the stories of 10 of them. Hopefully this second book will record another 10.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Facebook quite a bit.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never stop writing. Whenever you have an idea, write it down!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The greatest show of love is when you lay down your life for your friends.

What are you reading now?
Ironically, I’m reading “Three Minutes in Poland” by Glenn Kurtz.

What’s next for you as a writer?
We’re actually working on a documentary about this subject. Two friends and I have been flying around the United States trying to interview some of the “children” who lived with Christadelphians during the war. So far we’ve put together two videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsxFaBBwyeU, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G7iXMkyPT0

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, Studies in the Gospels by Harry Whittaker, and Elpis Israel by John Thomas

Author Websites and Profiles
Jason Hensley Website
Jason Hensley Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the author of two books, ‘Millennium – A Memoir’ published in 2014 as both an eBook and a print book and ‘East – A Novel’ to be released as an eBook in August 2016. ‘East’ is a prequel to ‘Millennium’. I am a lawyer by profession and work in my own business as a barrister. I am a citizen of both Australia and New Zealand and currently based in New Zealand.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘East – A Novel’ was inspired by a 1994 road journey I took all around Australia.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have developed a legal practice that allows me some time to write. I write in the evenings and at weekends.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jack Kerouac’s ‘On the Road’ definitely influence ‘East – A Novel’. I may have never taken the road trip that inspired the novel without having read ‘On the Road’. Writers I like include Truman Capote, John Steinbeck, Charles Bukowski, Ernest Hemingway and F Scott Fitzgerald.

What are you working on now?
I am busy with my legal practice and promoting ‘East – A Novel’ so I’m not working on any creative projects just now. I however plan to write another book connected to the two books I have already written. It will be a prequel to both of them.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The ‘We Love Memoirs’ Facebook group is very friendly and a good way to promote yourself as an author of memoirs.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do not expect big success at the beginning. Keep working at your craft and gain readers one at a time. And as Charles Bukowski said ‘some people like what you do, some people hate what you do and most people simply don’t give a damn.’

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
‘Know thyself’ – Socrates

What are you reading now?
‘Slaughterhouse Five’ by Kurt Vonnegut

What’s next for you as a writer?
Probably spending a lot of time promoting ‘East’.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
‘In Cold Blood’ by Truman Capote
‘Ham on Rye’ by Charles Bukowski
‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
‘Tender is the Night’ by F Scott Fitzgerald

Author Websites and Profiles
Peri Hoskins Website
Peri Hoskins Amazon Profile

Peri Hoskins’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an actor and director at a small theatre a few miles where I live in the county of Yorkshire in the UK. I did work as a project and business change manager – very pressured and very demanding – and when I escaped I started to write stories.
I have one full-length novel published with Crooked Cat and a short story published in an anthology by the magazine Ireland’s Own. So this is still quite a new venture for me.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current novel is called Messandrierre. It is set in France in an area called the Cévennes, which sits on the southern edge of the Massif Central. It’s a murder mystery and features my central character and investigator, Jacques Forêt.
I’ve been captivated by France ever since I was a teenager and made my first visit there. Over the years I’ve travelled the length and breadth of the country and I now spend three months of the year there. It’s a vast country with incredible and diverse scenery, an interesting history that is inextricably linked with our own, a culture all of its own, fabulous food and wine and lots of sunshine. It just seemed to me to be logical to locate my book where I first had the germ of the idea for the plot.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
What a strange question! I don’t think I’ve got any. However, the other day I did make some gooseberry ice cream, which requires time and patience and not a great deal of intellect. So, whilst I was working in my kitchen I was mentally doing a structural edit of my current work-in-progress. Would that count?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow! That is such a big question. I have always read very widely since being a child and my bookshelves are bursting and yet I keep on buying more books! Which probably makes me a bookaholic. But to choose who and what…The authors would be Shakespeare and Chaucer through to Thomas Hardy, Nathaniel Hawthorne and right up to date with D H Lawrence, Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, John Grisham, Minnette Walters and Peter James and an awful lot of others in between. As for specific books – an almost impossible choice – The Lost Girl by Lawrence, The Scarlet Letter by Hawthorne, the Gormenghast Trilogy by Peake, The Spire by Golding and I suppose, one of my earliest influences, Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the follow-up book to Messandrierre. This story starts a few months after the end of the previous book. It is still set in the village of Messandrierre and the surrounding area. The central characters of Jacques Forêt and Beth Samuels still feature, as do some of the lesser characters that live in the village. There is of course a body and a murder for Jacques to solve, and there is a significant natural death, which changes the dynamics within the village.
I am also putting together an anthology of strange fairy tales – Tall Told Tales. I find it helps to have more than one writing project at a time so that when I get stuck with one I can free up my mind by working on the other and vice versa.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promotion is something that I’m still learning about and I’m discovering new places to advertise/market my book all the time. Principally, I use my publisher’s pages, my own blog (which you can find at : http://jamesetmoi.blogspot.co.uk/), website and face book page along with undertaking blog tours, providing guest posts on other author’s blogs. I also go out and talk to reading groups and attend local literary events. But now I have found awesomegang, and I have added this place to my ever-growing list of outlets for promotion. So, I will be back with my next book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Hmmm… I think there are far more experienced authors than me out there who can provide relevant and detailed advice. So I’ll just say, don’t ever give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
‘It’s your story, so just write it!’ I was given this advice when I was working on a very early version of Messandrierre. I had had some professional feedback which had sent me into an ‘I can’t do this’ spiral. But after a lengthy discussion with a writing colleague I realised that I needed to change the focus of my story rather then blindly follow the feedback I had been given.
Now, I have a page in my notebook which contains the advice I was given, and only those 7 words. When I reach a difficulty with my writing and start to doubt myself I just take out my notebook and remind myself of the best advice I have ever received.

What are you reading now?
I’m a collector of books so my current and most precious read is the third part of Patrick Hamilton’s trilogy ‘Twenty Thousand Streets Under The Sky’. On my e-reader I’ve just started reading ‘Sandlands’ by Rosy Thornton and for my local book club I have to read ‘Daniel’ by Henning Mankell before our August meeting. It’s not unusual for me to be reading two or three books at once, the first editions are my bedside table books because they are so precious, my e-reader is on my phone which is ideal for train and tram journeys etc and a paperback goes where I go as and when required.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To continue to build my readership base, to complete Merle, the second book in the Jacques Forêt series of stories. To self-publish my anthology of fairy tales and to keep on writing and spending time in France.

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?
Another incredibly difficult question. OK…
I must have my complete works of Shakespeare with me. I’ve been learning, reciting and reading Shakespeare since I was 6 years old, so I couldn’t possibly give him up.
Freya Stark’s autobiographical tetralogy – Traveller’s Prelude, Beyond Euphrates, The Coast of Incense and Dust in the Lion’s Paw – is also a must because she was an incredible woman and a fascinating explorer. I’d like to take my Durrell, too – The Alexandria quartet. I love Lawrence Durrell’s narrative voice and have always wanted to meet him. Unfortunately, that is no longer possible, as he died in 1990 in Sommières in France.

Author Websites and Profiles
Angela Wren Website
Angela Wren Amazon Profile
Angela Wren Author Profile on Smashwords

Angela Wren’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
A Parrothead at heart, my love for pirates began with Peter Pan and continued with Pirates of the Caribbean and ghost stories about pirates from the Outer Banks. I listen to Celtic music while I write. When life gets too serious, I read Calvin and Hobbes comics. I live in Ohio with my tall, dark and handsome husband, three children and two rambunctious dogs, Indiana and Luke, who are named after my two favorite action heroes.

Descended from a family of cooks and gourmet chefs, I’m a true foodie and along with working for fortune 500 companies in marketing and teaching MBA students strategic marketing, I also ran a gourmet cookie company. Cooking for a crowd runs in the blood, so my fridge is always full. I deal with stress by baking pies (just ask my college roommates what it was like for them around exam time).

My idea of a perfect day? Sailing on the Caribbean with my family, sun in my face and wind at my back, and finishing the day in the kitchen making a fab gourmet meal and sipping a glass of wine.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hart’s Reward.

My son received a severe concussion and lost his memory for a while. It took time, but eventually all but one day (the day of the accident) returned to him. It made me wonder…what if Landon lost his memory for the past 5 years? What if he was the Landon from 5 years ago when he found out that his late wife had betrayed him, making him vow to never marry again? How could that Landon and Keelan ever fall in love again?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I meditate before writing. I don’t think it’s unusual, but some might think so. I like to listen to instrumentals, so I don’t start singing and make the dog howl and then lose track of my thoughts…

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Kathleen Woodiwiss, Barbara Freethy, Julia Quinn, Tawna Fenske

What are you working on now?
PIRATE HEIRESS! What a fun book to write!!

Reluctant pirate Stevie Cheramie is on a quest with her family to find a secret treasure hidden by her great-great grandparents, the two notorious pirates Anne Bonny and Calico Jack Rackham. When her eight-year old twin siblings are kidnapped and the ransom demand is a merchant ship called the Seeker, Stevie must find the courage to conquer her fears and fight for those she loves.

French privateer, Drago Viteri Gamponetti, Gampo to his men, has coveted the family-run Ahern merchant fleet for years. He knows if one ship is taken, the others will come to its aid, and sets a trap in Jamaica determined to capture the fleet.

When Captain Conal O’Brien discovers that the pirates work for his sworn enemy, he doesn’t resist capture. What better way to locate Gampo’s secret stronghold than to sail right into it? But these brigands aren’t who they seem to be, and if Conal’s not careful he’s going to lose his heart as well as his ship to the woman determined to possess both.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
After writing 4 books, I’m just now beginning to run a promotional campaign, so I’ll have to let you know. So far, I have used BookTweeters to tweet new releases, set up a Facebook page and a website: Http://www.chloeflowers.com as well as Pintrest boards and a Goodreads author page.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Hone it before you own it.
Become a better writer every day. Learn the craft and then keep learning. Take workshops, join a critique group, join a writers group, go to conferences and become a sponge.
2. Network and find a group of writers who will support you and whom you can support back.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write a series. Write at least 5 books before you look at sales. Momentum is important and until you have a series going, just keep swimming.

What are you reading now?
In Sickness and in Elf by A.E. Jones

What’s next for you as a writer?
A new contemporary series set in a small town called Bridal Veil Falls, the town of happily ever afters!

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 Rose in Winter by Kathleen Woodiwiss
Ten Things I Love about You by Julia Quinn
45 Master Characters by Victoria Lynn Schmidt
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

Author Websites and Profiles
Chloe Flowers Website
Chloe Flowers Amazon Profile

Chloe Flowers’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I aim not only to entertain, but also to inspire creativity and the thirst for fun and unique learning experiences.

This is my passion. It has always been my goal – through whatever small ways I could – to make the world a better place for our children and to help them in developing crucial skills such as team-building, critical-thinking/decision-making, creativity and other vital social-skills. All of this while having the time of their lives through the art of dynamic game-play and interactive storytelling.

My goal as an author is not just to write a good book, but more so to provide the young reader with a one-of-a-kind experience; incorporating excitement, adventure and enrichment.

This has been a life-long pursuit; with my first short story, “The Mountain Monster,” written at age 7. As far as published works, I currently have three; my two latest are part of a brand-new, epic and exciting interactive-adventure series, titled, “How I Spent my Summer Vacation.”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled, “Sphynx: The Story of the Star People,” and is the second in the series, “How I Spent my Summer Vacation;” following book one, “The Legend of the River Beast.”

My childhood experiences have always been my inspiration in writing. Growing up in a large family charged me with the constant creation of exciting scenarios to keep myself, my siblings, and my cousins entertained. “The Legend of the River Beast,” in particular, is based off of a “capture the flag” style game we used to play at family gatherings. Therein, it was up to my siblings and younger cousins to recover the enchanted earth-crystals, and save the world from a terrible beast akin to an evil Bigfoot – played by yours truly. To this great challenge, ultimate teamwork was the only solution.

Quite often, these games had backstories, designed to explain how the present danger came to be, and also to impart a lesson.

It is the joy we experienced together as a family that inspired me to create, “How I Spent my Summer Vacation.” I aim to recreate the fun, the excitement, the teamwork, and the experience of actually being part of and affecting the outcome of the story, with the “choose your own ending” writing style.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I am in the conception phase for book three in the series, “How I Spent my Summer Vacation,” titled, “Old Mansion Woods: The Curse of the Haunted Gold.”
Holding true to the high-level of interactivity, this tale will unfold as the reader turns the pages, “choose your own ending,” style.

Where book one, “The Legend of the River Beast,” took readers on a wild fantasy adventure, book three will take you through the dark forest for a paranormal thrill you’ll never forget.

Projected release for book three is June 2017.

Just released, fresh off the press, is book two, “Sphynx: The Story of the Star People.” This stellar adventure of epic proportions is a must-have for sci-fi and fantasy lovers of all ages.

The pages are packed full of fun and excitement; light-hearted thrills, interactive quests, lovable characters and terrifying villains.

Navigate the deep woods, plan your escape from star-craft and otherworldly beings, speed through space, and cross the sands of time itself as you discover the unknown and solve the secret to the Ancient Sphynx.

Get swept away and find yourself in the center of an out-of-this-world, choose-your-own-ending experience.

Perfect for children, teens, and adults alike, this book will entertain, inspire, excite and ignite the depths of your imagination.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t feel pressured into knowing the story in its entirety all at once. Instead, allow the story to unfold. Write down what you know when you know it, and then build on it. Ask yourself questions and allow yourself to go deeper as you arrive at the answers.

Also, do not trouble yourself with what others will think of your work. Nothing is going to be perfect the first time through. Be patient with yourself and give yourself ample time to draft, redraft, and repeat until you are beautifully beyond happy with your story.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You Can’t be a Beacon if your Light don’t Shine…” -Donna Fargo

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?
While I’m not sure which books in particular I’d take with me, I can certainly tell you that their content would include a list of wild edibles and local survival techniques (for obvious reasons), uplifting spiritual quotes and positive affirmations (to keep the mood and energy-level high along with the will to survive), and comedy to keep me entertained. After all, there’s no telling how long I’m going to be on this island, and as Lucille Ball said, “You don’t stop laughing because you get old; you get old because you stop laughing.”

Author Websites and Profiles
Thomas Gallo Website
Thomas Gallo Amazon Profile

Thomas Gallo’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello, I’m a Trainer, a Blogger and an Author in a beautiful country, Vietnam. I’ve written 4 non-fiction books and one fiction book, but Numagician is the first one I translated into English. My full name is Nguyen Chu Nam Phuong, but thousands of my fans call me “Fususu” (it’s meant Phuong Happy)

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book titled “21 Guerrilla Ways to Learn English” (You can read the free version included 7 ways here: http://fususu.com/genglish13 ). What inspired it? Actually, my mother tongue is Vietnamese, so English is my second language. I’ve been struggled a lots with it till I was at the age of 12. By writing an English book on how to learn English helped me not only improve my English skills, but also inspire my Vietnamese readers.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I specialized in accelerated learning method, so my most influenced author is Adam Khoo, a young entrepreneur in Singapore, also the author of the famous book “I’m gifted, so are you!”

What are you working on now?
Many of my fans told me that I have a talent voice. So I’m working on making audio for all of my books

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My method is blogging and build fanpage on facebook. Then your fan helps you so much! My first book Numagician sold out 3000 copies (paperback) in just 3 months after publication in Vietnam.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write a blog first!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write a blog first! Then make a free ebook

What are you reading now?
I’m trying to reading and understanding myself….

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to publish as many book as I can…

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 Alchemist (Paulo Coelho)
Awake the Giant within (Anthony Robbins)
Vipassana, the Art of Living (S.N. Goenka)

Author Websites and Profiles
Phuong (Fususu) Nguyen Chu Nam Website
Phuong (Fususu) Nguyen Chu Nam Amazon Profile
Phuong (Fususu) Nguyen Chu Nam Author Profile on Smashwords

Phuong (Fususu) Nguyen Chu Nam’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a design consultant, entrepreneur, and author of books for children and adults. It’s an odd combination, but it works! I’m also the founder of Aespire, (aespire.com), a branding and digital agency; the principal designer of type and letterforms at Altered Ego Fonts (AlteredEgoFonts.com); and write the blog EntreWorship.com. I’ve written two books; the first is entitled “Raise Your Voice: A Cause Manifesto,” a guidebook for branding nonprofit and social impact organizations. I publish thought leadership content on my agency’s blog, aespire.com/blog.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is my first children’s story book, “Luckey Haskins and the Zoo Adventure.” I told this story to my children at bedtime when they were growing up. We invented them together. I created the character, they suggested the situation. I’ve carried this story in my heart for many years, and now that both children are grown and I have more opportunity to write, thought it was time to share it with parents and guardians who love to read with their children. A friend created the whimsical illustrations to make what was originally an oral story come alive with images that kids love!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
For the last several years I’ve been rising early on the weekends to write before everyone else is awake, when my mind is clear and I can drink lots of coffee. I think while I cut the lawn, and it’s not unusual for me to stop cutting to pull out my smartphone and add some content to a chapter or article in Evernote.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have a lifelong love of reading! My first love is science fiction (I grew up on scifi classics). Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, and Ursula K. Le Guin are favorites. Now I read a wide variety of leadership and business books, travel-related nonfiction, and inspirational literature.

What are you working on now?
I’m beginning to plan the next book in the Luckey Haskins Adventures series, to be released in Fall 2016. Looking into 2017, I will be compiling the articles from entreworship.com into the first volume of an EntreWorship series.

I’m working on new content based on core principles from my first book, “Raise Your Voice: A Cause Manifesto,” and writing a new book focusing on how leaders can make their brand meaningful through four dimensions of communication and culture.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found the most effective method of promotion is to write articles that are guest posted on websites other than your own. The articles should support your own unique perspective, but also contribute in a meaningful way to the content of the site upon which your article will be posted. In exchange, I request a link to my website, and to my book. I have found that sales and awareness are raised when a sustained period of social media promotion about the new article is launched.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be a friend to other authors; be generous with your ideas; build audience far ahead of any publication date; and begin to promote far in advance of publication.

There are two things you should pay for: editing and design.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best writing forces you to agree or disagree with it.

What are you reading now?
I just finished quote “Beginning French: Lessons from a Stone Farmhouse” by Les Americains, which is a delightful travel, food, and love story. Other books I’m currently reading include Sinek’s “Begin with Why;” Addington’s “Deep Influence,” and “Die Empty” by Todd Henry.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Besides more writing? Exploring the integration of design and writing in my own work and in the work my agency does in helping authors and courageous thought leaders publish and promote their work. Words, images, and letterforms have always been inseparable to me. I’ve spent over 30 years as a designer of words and letterforms that make words beautiful, and only a few writing. It’s taken me that long to be prepared to write and to understand the power of words.

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 my New Living Translation Bible, Bradbury’s “Something Wicked this Way Comes,” a picture and historical book about Gaudi’s masterpiece of architecture Sagrada Familia, and a blank hardcover notebook for journaling. Assuming, of course, that I’m allowed to take a writing instrument!

Author Websites and Profiles
Brian Sooy Website
Brian Sooy Amazon Profile

Brian Sooy’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 48 years old, and I live in Sheffield in the UK. I am very happily married with four children. I have spent a large part of my life programming computers, working in offices and craving excitement. This encouraged me to join the Police as a Special Constable. I devoted five years of my life serving the local community. I ended up running eight other constables and working as a Police Tutor. After that I joined the British Army as an Infantry Soldier. I did that for five years. I had many exciting experiences before spending a brief spell in the Intelligence Corp.

Currently I am a truck driver. Bit of a change from working in an office. But the pay is better, and I am a free spirit on the road.

I have always been a keen reader of books, and I got the writing bug about seven years ago. So far I have written three books, and I am in the middle of my fourth.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called 666. It is a collection of twelve horror stories. I was asked to write some horror stories after a few people read a short I created for Halloween. I tend to put my own unique little twist on the horror genre.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write using a laptop with a cat curled up on my knee. Occasionally he will put a paw on the keyboard and add his own little twist. I have to be careful to spot the occasional feline intervention.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love reading Clive Custler, Lee Child and Stephen King books.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a Thriller called Desert Swarm. It features a character I created in my book Six of Hearts. It is a action packed Thriller involving a rogue General, the intelligence Corps, Drones, Secret Experiments and the sea. I can’t say too much at this stage.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I tend to use GoodReads and Author Marketing Club mainly

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do it. Now is the most exciting time for new writers. The indie is king. Traditional Publishing is on the wain. Write your story. Let people see it. Learn the craft. Don’t expect to be rich, but do expect to enjoy it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Regret what you did, not what you didn’t do.

What are you reading now?
Britannia by Simon Scarrow.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A series of books. Desert Swarm will be part of The Vagabond 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?
Clive Custler Mayday. The first proper Book I ever read.
War and Peace. That would keep me busy.
Lord of the Rings. Got to, it’s a classic.
Sherlock Holmes. I tend to read them once every couple of years.

Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Whateley Website
Michael Whateley Amazon Profile

Michael Whateley’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Lisa English. I have been an internet marketer for four years. I decided to pursue an online course to learn more about marketing. I have a certificate in internet marketing. I live in Evansville, Indiana. I am an enterprising person, and I love helping people. I love technology and computers. I love to work on children’s books. I am new to the field, but I love to find new ideas that a child might find interesting or humorous. I mostly create illustrated books, because a picture is worth a thousand words. “Russ the Taxi Guy” is the first of my “Occupations And Career Series”. I also have “Boo Boo the Chihuahua” which is the first of my “Pet and Animal series”. So I do not plan to stop creating children’s books. I love creating for them.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Russ the Taxi Guy” is my latest book about a cab driver who is really called Russ the Taxi Guy. He inspired me to write this book. Russ Weymouth is the star of the book and he also Co-Authored the book. He’s a great guy and loved by the community.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually get my story from the images. I may switch up and write the story then take my images. I might get a best seller then; you never know.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I really like Anne Rice and I adore Stephen King. I respect them for their imagination. How do they come up with so many distinct characters? Very impressive.

What are you working on now?
I am getting ready to do a second book in the Pet and Animal Series. It will be about a puppy in an animal shelter. I can’t say anymore than that right now. I do not wan’t to spoil the book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook and Twitter hands down. Facebook groups are great. I will create a new group or groups soon for more people to be able to advertise or promote their books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be patient and keep doing what you love. Focus on your dream and start thinking that it is real. For it to become real you have to imagine it as if it is already real. Does that make sense?

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Set goals and strive to achieve them. Setting long term and short term goals is a good business practice.

What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading “The Winter King” by Bernard Cornwell. I mix it up a little.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am searching for the right story that has all the things in it that a child loves. When I was a child there was one book that I will never forget and that book was Are you there God?, It’s me Margaret by Judy Blume. At the time I related to the main character in the book, Margaret. I think if a child can relate to the character in the book it will be a book they will cherish.

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?
Have to go with “The Stand” , “The Shining”, “Carrie” all Stephen King.
“The Witching Hour” and “Lasher” Anne Rice

Author Websites and Profiles
Lisa English Website
Lisa English Amazon Profile

Lisa English’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello, I am a writer based in Brisbane, Australia.
I’m very excited about finally producing my first ebook and particularly glad that I used a professional editor and a great illustrator to make sure the final product is polished and professional for your reading pleasure!
I have had other writing experience in a range of publications, but this is my first foray into thhe short book format.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called “everyday Ways to Win in Office Life”. It’s the result of spending many years working and observing life in the office environment in both public and private sector organisations. After sharing some of my eccentric observations with the captive audience in my office, I had an epiphany and realised that people spend most of their time working in offices without even understanding their environment or trying to make it better.

So, now I’m on a mission to encourage the everyday employee to think more about seeking happiness in the office, a place where we all spend so much of our time. My first book, “Everyday Ways to Win in Office Life” tries to capture the essence of the office workplace and I really hope you enjoy it.
When not writing, I am still working amongst the desk bound, observing and conducting new investigations.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Absolutely. I have to be in the mood to write. I will either spend hours on end with ideas flowing out of me faster than I can type or will just sit there with my mind blank.

As a result, I can’t really determine how quickly I will write. Everyday Ways to Win in Office Life took about 6 months to create.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the writing styles of Bill Bryson and Jonas Jonasson. They have an easy to read, yet witty style that feels almost conversational. I hope that some of that inspiration has translated into my own work.

What are you working on now?
That’s a bit of a secret and besides, what starts out as one thing may end up as something completely different. Let’s just say that it may be another work-related book!
I’m also scoping out a project with a fellow writer on a travel-related theme.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m a first time author, so I haven’t worked that out yet! Maybe it will be awesomegang.com!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Hire a professional editor, and a good one. They will come up with invaluable ideas and suggestions that you hadn’t considered. Family and friends are the worst editors. They’ll just tell you that whatever you churn out is good.
It’s worth the cost to create with a quality book that you can be proud of.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“When the facts change I change my mind.. What do you do?” John Maynard Keynes.

What are you reading now?
A copy of National Geographic at the moment. It’s an oldie but a goodie!

What’s next for you as a writer?
A few more blogs on LinkedIn and some writing in local industry magazines.

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 thesaurus, then I could continue writing!
War and Peace, because I will need something large to sit on.
Finally, how could I go past Robinson Crusoe, or maybe Lord of the Flies!

Author Websites and Profiles
Martin Hadfield Amazon Profile

Martin Hadfield’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a New Zealand author, who currently resides in Papua New Guinea. I have been writing for a number of years. I’ve written street lit, romance, erotica, literary fiction, though I would mostly say I’m into mixed genre.

I’ve written fifteen books and one short story (for a mafia anthology collection). I never get writer’s block. I have the opposite problem, where I get too many ideas, which I resolve by writing more than one story at a time.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest book is called BROKEN ENGLISH. Lately, there have been so many stories on the news about female teachers getting themselves into trouble for having relationships with their students, even in my home town in New Zealand. Because of this, I decided to write a book on the topic. And since one of my characters from my Behind the Lives series mentioned he’d had an affair with a teacher when he was fifteen, I decided to base it on him.

There aren’t many books out there where the student is male and the teacher is female. I can only think of a few (Tampa by Alissa Nutting, What Was She Thinking? (Notes on a Scandal) by Zoë Heller, and Boy Toy by Barry Lyga). And since the student in my story is so young, I decided to write this as realistic, literary fiction, not the usual teacher-student romance stories that are so popular (which involves a female student and a male teacher). As a result, the reviewers who received ARCs have all been surprised. One even mentioned that they expected smut, but didn’t get it, instead getting something much deeper, which they loved.

So, hopefully, like the ARC reviewers, you will also be pleasantly surprised when you read BROKEN ENGLISH.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not unusual ones, just bad ones, since I don’t stick to allocated times. I am constantly writing or editing. It doesn’t matter whether it’s night or day, my fingers are usually tapping away at the keyboard. Even when I’m out and supposed to be relaxing, I will fish out a tattered piece of paper from my bag to write down a poem that has popped into my head.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The people I’ve met, the places I’ve seen, usually influence me more than other authors.

What are you working on now?
The sequel to BROKEN ENGLISH. It’s called SHATTERED POETRY.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I usually give noted reviewers Advanced Reading Copies to help promote my new releases. Promo Stars Services also helps with this, as well as sending out information to bloggers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. At times being a writer is really tough, especially when you’re a new author. Keep going, keep learning, and with a lot of hard work, hopefully you’ll achieve what you’ve set out to do.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I got was to sign up to Kindle Unlimited. Prior to the advice, I was earning a pittance, so little I really should’ve stopped writing. And although my income is still low, Kindle Unlimited has made it possible for me to continue writing. Understandably, I’m grateful to them.

What are you reading now?
SPLIT: Coffin Nails MC by Miss Merikan.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue writing whatever comes to my head. I’m hoping to finish my Broken Lives trilogy by the beginning of next year, then publish the second season of my serial, My Masters’ Nightmare, as well as continuing with my other 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?
Unlike my usual fiction reads, they will all be about how to survive living on the island

Author Websites and Profiles
Marita A. Hansen Website
Marita A. Hansen Amazon Profile

Marita A. Hansen’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 Harshita Sharma, a software engineer who is also a writer by chance. I am a complete ponderer, there is no such second when my mind sits idle. I am a philanthropist and a nature lover!!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Shades of Adolescence, one fine day I was sitting idle and created a character called Samay and shared it with people. they were so excited and felt connected with the innocence of the character.
Thus a hovered a fictional story of the character and created a book out of it!!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ruskin Bond, the way he connects with nature is magical!
Nicholas Sparks

What are you working on now?
My second novel, a bewildering love strory

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write your mind..but grab a good audience before you write!!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Live and let live!

What are you reading now?
Nicholas Sparks

What’s next for you as a writer?
A more efficient 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?
My book, shades of adolescence, I can read it a hundred times without getting bored!
Ruskin Bond and Ravinder Singh perhaps

Author Websites and Profiles
Harshita Sharma Website

Harshita Sharma’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a disabled veteran and I just started writing recently. I was told by a friend how writings was therapeutic for him so I decided to give it a shot. This is my first book, however, I have had this book in the back of my mind for a decade.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
# Too Drunk To Bit Rock Bottom
I decided to write this book because it put a smile on my face to write it. With Everything going on in the world I think everyone would benefit from laughing a little bit everyday…that’s where my book comes in!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write until it becomes work.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a very specific reader. I only enjoy the humor genre.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a project describing what it is like growing up in Buffalo. The book wilk be a comedy on how you need thick skin and be a gluten for punishment to live there!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am a brand new author. I Probably wouldn’t be the best person to ask.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you think you have a good idea for a book then write it. Stop procrastinating!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t volunteer for anything in Bootcamp!

What are you reading now?
How to Talk Dirty and Influence People

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am just waiting by the phone for a major motion picture studio to call me offering to turn my book into a movie.

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 Talk Dirty and Influence People
Silver Screen Fiend
And of course, # Too Drunk To Hit Rock Bottom

Author Websites and Profiles
Joe Guz Amazon Profile

Joe Guz’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am very honored to be part of this wonderful community of authors & be able to present myself and my work here on your site –
‘THE GLAD GAME REVISITED’ series – a trilogy which represents the sum of my personal spiritual journey for many years now, has been patiently waiting to be put on paper and published, is now finally out and with it another dream come true for me.
This series is actually my debut as a self-published – Indie Author and I am enjoying this new found independence immensely.
My spiritual path & my creative writing, have always been part of my life and as such intertwined since I can remember myself…
In essence I have always been both creative in different fields of the arts as well as on a personal spiritual path continuously.
My spiritually creative or creative spirituality journey started very early on in my life – I can literally remember special experiences related to this path already as a 9-year-old…
At that time however, Pollyanna still did not symbolically represent all of which I talk about in the Book series – ‘The Glad Game Revisited’.
At that early age – she was a figure I secretly loved to hate in a sense, and only later along my journey did she make her very impressive comeback …

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book came to life initially as an attempt to put in order piles upon piles of writings I have gathered through the years – these notebooks filled with years of my research along with documentations of my personal experiences – were waiting for the right moment I suppose…
And the moment came about a year ago – sometime during this reconstruction work I came across an old book which was one among my favorite reading repertoire as a young girl – ‘Pollyanna’ –
… and right there and then I was privileged to experience what is known as an epiphany moment.
Standing there in the cellar of my home with this book in my hands – I realized how close and wonderfully simple the whole of it is…
From that moment on MY book started writing itself in a way… I was just typing the words and basking in bliss with every new page.
Reflecting upon the message and the means with which I received it I am constantly reminded of Santiago the protagonist in Paolo Coelho’s ‘The Alchemist’ who discovers that the answer to his question had been actually nearer than originally believed – which is in essence the reason for his decision to set on a journey in the first place – and then again without the journey he may have not recognized the answer in its full true sense…

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
As part of the process of writing I take some time prior to the actual act, and fill as many handwritten papers as possible with my thoughts, emotions and ideas, as well as drawings.
During that time, I also concentrate on meditating every day and staying in this meditative stance as long as I write the book as to enhance the creative process…
It is time consuming and also requires some discipline but I love it and enjoy every single moment of it.
However, once I start on my writing I let it take over so to speak, instead of relying on a rigid scheme or plan – I also mention it in my book in reference to the creative process as experiencing what is known as ‘Divine Dictation’…
I have started as a part time writer only to very quickly discover there is no such thing, at least not for me…
As with all creative enterprises once the creative process has taken on there is actually no time factor in this equation.
It is an ongoing process to the point that even when I do not literally sit at my desk, the book so to say, continues to write itself in my head at all times.
Which depending on the situation, leads to having to taking notes sometimes in the oddest of circumstances. as Inspiration is everywhere, at all times – and it finds us sometimes when we are least prepared…

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many wonderful writers who accompanied me throughout the different phases of my life and have provided me solace as well as inspiration when I most needed it.
My books are in a way my best friends and have always been there for me as long as I can remember myself through & through – they are as such an inseparable part of my journey.
Among those which influenced me most as a young girl are: Lev Tolstoy, Jane Austin, Louisa-May Alcott, Romain Gary, Henry James and Ann & Charlotte Bronte.
Later on as I was growing up I fell in love with: Oscar wild, Virginia Woolf, Max Frisch, George Sand & The poet Tennyson to name but just a few…
I still have all original books and still in reasonably good shape (…at least most of the) – considering the fact that they have been traveling with me all over the world for decades –
(Yes, I have always traveled with my books when a longer stay was planned…
Today, however thanks to Kindle I have all the digital versions of my favorites for that purpose as well…) – so that I can still enjoy them from time to time.
Each and every one of them carries so many emotional memories with it and just holding them in my hands for a few moments or reading a small passage in them is always very rewarding.

What are you working on now?
I am getting ready now to start on my next book for which I am still researching at the moment. I was actually planning to start with the writing sooner but was somehow engulfed in the rush of the promotional phase of ‘the Glad Game Revisited’ – series, so that I was forced in a way, to postpone it for a while.
Being an Indie/Self- published Author is absolutely wonderful but it also has its downfalls – one can easily feel overwhelmed now and then.
One should definitely hold a calm attitude at all times in order to be able to keep focused on ones’ priorities.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I let my books work their charm ^^
Basically I place my books in a few relevant platforms with the idea behind it that the right audience for it will show up.
My trust in the universe is my first & foremost tool even and maybe especially when it comes to marketing and promoting my books.
I love reviewers, each and every one of them who approaches me with a request and later on with their personal evaluation of my work is in a way my true reward.
With that in mind, it did take some getting used to, as at first I felt somewhat uncomfortable and even scared in face of opening myself up to the idea of a judging audience in a way.
However, with time it has grown and still does, into an overwhelming feeling of gratefulness every day more & more…

Do you have any advice for new authors?
To write for the pure JOY of it and nothing else – the rest will align itself in due time ^^

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Self-Love & Self-ACCEPTANCE above all and at all times:)

What are you reading now?
I would have to admit that as things are at this time I only get the chance to skim through at least 3 books a day.
Time for leisure reading is somewhat of a luxury for me at the moment.
I have a long list of Books waiting to be claimed, as well as a ready pile sitting next to me, which I can’t wait to put my hands on, once the promotional phase of THE GLAD GAME REVISITED sets down and I can get back to my somewhat calmer daily lifestyle.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have just been lucky enough to stumble upon a kindred spirit lately which inspired me into the direction of a co-creation with a fellow author – an idea which in itself hadn’t crossed my mind until now.
Although I am only playing with the idea in theory at the moment – since I have to devote my time at present for the two books I have already in process and are ready and waiting to be written any time soon – once the time is right, I will approach this endeavor on the practical level …

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
There are so many wonderful works of literature I admire – and in every point in time I may pick another favorite I suppose, but with that in mind, I would say that The Portrait of a Lady by James Henry & The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wild and the Poems of Alfred Lord Tennyson, are definitely on my all-time favorite list ^^

Author Websites and Profiles
Alva v.H Website
Alva v.H Amazon Profile

Alva v.H’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a writing coach who specializes in coaching writers who are introverted, intuitive, and highly sensitive. I work with writers who are in all stages of writing, whether they’re still working on the first rough draft, or need help figuring out how to get their book out into the world.

The INFJ Writer is my first book, although I’ve been coaching writers for many years.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called The INFJ Writer and I was inspired to write it by my clients, almost all of who are of the INFJ or INFP personality type. Through my coaching practice, I found that intuitive writers have a great amount of difficulty following traditional writing methods. Writing every day zaps their energy, they gain inspiration from more unconventional people and situations, and they need to incorporate a level of self-care that is much higher than the average writer.

My book, The INFJ Writer, was written for all those introverted, intuitive, highly sensitive writers out there who can’t afford full-scale coaching, but need help, guidance, and support to make their writing dreams come true.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Contrary to popular opinion, I don’t believe that writers need to write every day to keep themselves in shape. I write once a week, for one hour or two, and that’s it. I’ve produced six books this way over a period of seven years, which is not a bad average.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tara Brach, the Buddhist pyschotherapist who wrote Radical Acceptance, is a phenomenal writer and idol of mine. I also love Jack Kornfield and Louise Hay, both have inspired me beyond words.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on my next project, which is publishing my memoir of the years I spent in Seattle battling alcohol addiction and living a very colorful life.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve had the most success on Twitter, but I think that’s because I love Twitter and always have. I find it very easy to make new friends on Twitter and find new work by authors I’ve never heard of before. There are a lot of fantastic people on Twitter who are interested in making connections and forming community.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My best advice is a piece of advice that authors and artists usually are not all that thrilled to hear: Learn how to sell. Read books, do research online, attend classes or seminars, pick whatever way sounds the most appealing to you, it doesn’t matter. But learn how to sell. Learning the art of salesmanship will not corrupt your values or change the person you are. What it will do is greatly increase your success of getting your books into the hands of new readers who are just waiting to read something by a writer like you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’m paraphrasing here, but the best advice I’ve ever heard came from Steve Jobs. He said, “Things really start to change for you when you wake up and look around and realize that this whole world was created by people who are no smarter than you. You CAN manipulate your own reality.” I truly believe that.

What are you reading now?
I just finished a memoir of a Native American holy man called “Lame Deer: Seeker of Visions,” which was excellent and I can’t recommend it highly enough. I’m also in the middle of The Lime Twig by John Hawkes and The 16 Laws of Success by Napoleon Hill.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have three memoirs that I’ve already written that I’m planning to self-publish. I also have two novels to publish after that. I’m currently expanding my coaching practice and taking on new clients, and I’m planning to write a book on How to Coach (how to become self-employed as a coach) and a money book for artists and writers who are still struggling with the money piece in their lives.

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?
Morgan’s Passing by Anne Tyler, IT by Stephen King, Memoirs of Hadrian by Maguerite Yourcenar, and Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lauren Sapala Website
Lauren Sapala Amazon Profile

Lauren Sapala’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Love Connection is my first book and it is a longs series. I am currently writing three more books. I mainly write romance and psychological thrillers.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest books is love connection. I got this idea after reading many love triangles. I wanted to develop a story that shows the different shades of love and something that was unique with a lot of twists. I was always intrigued with the concept of a person falling in love with two people and played with this idea.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write more than one book at a time. I write a chapter for one of my books in the morning and in the afternoon or evening I write another book.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have many favorite authors. To name a few Krista Ritchie, R.K Ryals, Collen Hoover, Lesley Jones, K.A Webster, Mia Asher, S.C Stephens

What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on other books in the Love Connection series and also Promises of a Wish

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I usually prefer my Facebook page and some blogging sites.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
When you first start to write, don’t ever think about publishing and making money out of it. Write because you love to write, write because you love making wonderful stories and creating new characters. It should always start out as a passion, a stress reliever.

What are you reading now?
Currently I am reading Conviction by Lesley Jones and Ultimately You by K.A Webster

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?
Arsen, Thoughtless series, bait and Addicted To You series

Author Websites and Profiles
Meghana Sarathy Amazon Profile

Meghana Sarathy’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The Pragmatic is my debut Novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of the book is ‘The Pragmatic.’ The book is inspired by the observation that under the excuse of being practical we are hiding our selfishness or cowardliness or many such attributes that we don’t wish to acknowledge.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The list of my favorite authors is as follows. I am influenced and inspired by all of them.
1. Paulo Coelho
2. J. K. Rowling
3. Amish Tripathi
4. Dan Brown
5. John Greene

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write drunk. Edit sober.

What are you reading now?
The fault in our stars by John Greene

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. The Alchemist
2. Harry Potter series (Pardon me but I cannot choose few of them)
3. A book I have never read
4. A blank book on which I can write.

Yogesh Pandey’s Social Media Links
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