Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a epic fantasy author and love weave politics and intrigue into my tales of perilous adventures and tumultuous battles. I’ve published two novels, Dead letter and Dragon Choir. I had some fun with a lighthearted fantasy adventure in a short story called, The Devil is in The Potato, and also wrote a Sci-fi flash fiction called Seeded which is perfect for a quick read. I was born in Australia, but I have lived and worked through Europe and Asia. All the travel has been great for developing dramatic landscapes and I trawl museums and old cities to soak up any medieval flavour I can add to my stories.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book I like to promote is called Dead Letter. It was inspired by the interest of a many readers in Calimska, a prominent city state in my bestselling novel Dragon Choir. I decided to write a novel that just centred around a few key characters working on a mystery in this magical city. I loved the idea of fusing fantasy with mystery and wanted to describe the advent of formal investigation into crime. Police and Detectives are quite a modern invention as far as history goes. I wanted to show how my fantasy world of Oranica would handle the introduction of an Inspector delving into the mysteries of a City filled with lies and politics. Thus we meet Kettna, a sorcerer with failing magic, but a strong intelect and follow her as she confronts the criminal mastermind, Bloody Agnus. Keeps you guessing till the end, just like a modern mystery, but it is jam packed with swords and sorcery.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write whenever I can find the time. I am also a freelance copywriter at ethicalwriter.com and an all round house Dad. There are plenty of distractions to my writing, so I do what I call ‘sprints’. Essentially, I write as much as I can in 30minute chunks. If I hit over 500words in a sprint I am happy. The more sprints I do the better. I still get scared of a blank page even though I’m writing my third book now. I find that 30 minutes and 500 words is small enough not to scare me and I don’t procrastinate. Many bricks build a strong wall.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am inspired by classic writers Sci-fi and fantasy authors like Ursula K. Le Guin and Asimov. Orson Scott Card blew me away with his take on Sci-fi and his magical alternative history in The Tales of Alvin Maker had me hooked. I am also in awe of a modern fantasy genre bending author, China Miéville. I grew up reading all the Dragonlance saga, so hats off to the many authors who showed me heroism in that fantastic world.

What are you working on now?
I am currently writing the third book in my series called, Blood Monsoon. Buckle you bandoliers and bracers, because it is a wild ride! Dragon Season has come!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Bookbub has been the heavy hitter for me so far. Although there is the ‘catch 22’ of needing reviews to get advertised there and needing advertising to get those reviews. It is a bit of a contradiction to navigate. Positive reviews welcome here, please!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you are indie, your life and success depends on reviews. I’d take a positive review instead of a sale any day of the week. When you work out a way to get them consistently and positively … let me know. Just kidding. Support from a fan base simply takes a hell of a long time, unless you have buckets of money to throw at advertising. So for me, patience and focus on a long term plan has been really important in keeping my spirit alive to keep me writing. But seriously, if you like my writing, give it a good review! Half my stuff is free. You’ve got nothing to lose.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write faster. Produce more.

What are you reading now?
Mort by Terry Pratchett … again.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More books, many more books! I have started narrating audio versions of my books too. My supporters on Patreon get that special content and when it is all compiled, I’ll offer that as an audio book. You can see what I’m doing now if you join me at www.patreon.com/dragonchoir I’ve recently released Seeded as an audio 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?
I’d make sure they were all blank and I’d use the time away from distractions to write 3 new epic fantasy novels and another book on how I did just that.

Author Websites and Profiles
Benjamin Descovich Website
Benjamin Descovich Amazon Profile
Benjamin Descovich Author Profile on Smashwords

Benjamin Descovich’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I served for several years as in-house editor for author Steve Allen, wrote screenplays for various production companies and ghost-wrote a travel book for the Auto Association of Great Britain. I worked with Dove Audio, Inc., abridging books for recording and was an instructor for the American Film Institute’s scriptwriters’ program. I also wrote the official bio of Richard Pryor, which appears on his website. THE COMING WOMAN is my second book. My first was THE TAO OF AN UNCLUTTERED LIFE, which featured ten steps to being organized in body, mind and spirit. I am currently working on the second book of an upcoming “Dreams” series of romantic novels.
I am now retired and live in Henderson, Nevada.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is THE COMING WOMAN, a biographical novel about Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for U.S. President (in 1872). I first heard about Victoria from a friend in the 1980s and was shocked to learn hardly anyone knew about her. Not only was she the first to run for President, she was the first female stockbroker on Wall Street, the first to publish a successful mainstream newspaper, the first to address Congress for woman’s suffrage, and a popular and outspoken advocate for equal rights for not only women, but everyone. I thought her story needed to be told so after years of research into her era (late 1800s), I told it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Maybe that I jump around genres a lot. My first book was a self-help and I have another of those in the works. My second a biographical novel. And now I am writing a romantic novel series, which is so much fun.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Having worked with both Steve Allen and Kinky Friedman, they have had tremendous influence on me. I also have taken much inspiration and influence from Jodi Picoult and Nora Roberts, especially her J.D. Robb series.

What are you working on now?
A 4 or 5 book “dreams” series of romantic novels.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Of course awesomegang.com and also goodreads.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write and never give up. If no one will publish you, do it yourself (although I have been lucky and not had to do that so far).

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write from the heart and believe in what you write.

What are you reading now?
Jodi Picoult’s HOUSE RULES. I am working my way through all of her books.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just to keep writing and enjoying life.

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 few spiritual books like THREE MAGIC WORDS and THE TWELVE PATHWAYS TO HIGHER CONSCIOUSNESS and SIMPLE ABUNDANCE. And of course anything by Jodi Picoult or Nora Roberts.

Author Websites and Profiles
Karen Hicks Website
Karen Hicks Amazon Profile

Karen Hicks’s Social Media Links
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Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a self-published suspense novelist with two books currently on Amazon. I live in Northeast Ohio with my boyfriend and three cats, and get a bit slap-happy when completing a story or trying a new recipe. Other than that, there isn’t much to relate–I lead a fairly mundane existence. (Until imagination kicks in, that is–then I’m “living vicariously” via my characters. )

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is Brain Seize, which was inspired by a simple conversation between myself and my fiance during a news segment featuring a criminal profiler. I immediately stopped editing my first novel, All Dressed In Red, to begin writing it, and before I knew what had happened, it was already finished! The characters in Brain Seize guided me as proficiently and methodically as those mules that guide adventurers downward to the Grand Canyon, seemingly knowing BEFOREHAND that the story would be written, and that they’d be included. But how that’s even possible, I haven’t the foggiest. . .

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes . . . I look at recipes and read food blogs before venturing into my book’s file, but perhaps the most unusual part is I don’t always know when to STOP. Admittedly, I’m a foodie as well as a book enthusiast, though a full confession would include the fact that I can be a procrastinator in the process. (Shh, though . . . we writers aren’t SUPPOSED to be!)
Also, where some authors successfully “head hop”, I tend to “chapter hop”–writing whatever WHENEVER. It could be the ending that gets written first, or more traditionally, the beginning, but it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise if it were Chapter Five or Chapter Twenty-Seven instead. Usually, I have most of the story laid out in my head before even situating myself behind the keyboard, which makes this chapter-hopping thing possible, I suppose.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to list, I presume, but being a longtime reader of suspense novels, authors such as Dean Koontz, Erica Spindler, Lisa Gardner, Joy Fielding, Linwood Barclay and Tess Gerritsen (to name just a few!) have no doubt played an immense role. And though I don’t normally WRITE horror (with the exception of a few stomach-churning scenes in All Dressed In Red ), I’m also a huge fan of the late Richard Laymon, Jack Ketchum, Blake Crouch, and . . . what in the world became of Wrath James White??? (Boxer turned author who had me utterly captivated . . .)
But to delve even deeper, it was very much a combination of Laymon’s astoundingly realistic character portrayals, Fielding’s shocking plot twists, Barclay’s knack for adding humor to darker matters, Gardner’s rawness, and Koontz’s talent for ratcheting up the suspense that helped shape me as a writer, so “Thank You”, fellow authors! Ooh . . . did I forget to mention romance author Catherine Anderson? (Yes . . . I occasionally read those, too.) The woman creates such realistic relationships that consist of real substance and rip-roaring roller-coaster rides . . . say THAT fast three times!

What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing my third novel, which is a sequel to All Dressed In Red. Like Brain Seize, it wasn’t planned, as I’m perfectly content writing standalone novels. Problem was, Rico, Casie, and primarily Ben WEREN’T okay with that decision, and so, here I am . . .

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still searching for it. Marketing is HARD! I’m definitely not a salesperson, and not particularly a social butterfly as far as the internet goes, either. (More like a buyer who often has trouble saying “No” and a turtle who prefers the tranquility of its shell.) So, when I finished All Dressed and finally published it, reality hit–I have to PLUG it now???

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes . . . something you’ve likely heard over and over, but which CAN’T be reiterated enough. KEEP WRITING, FOLKS! Marketing to an extent is fine, but first you need to create a brand TO market, which means having more than one novel available rather than spending so much time attempting to acquire more Facebook “Likes” or retweets via Twitter. (And let’s be honest, here . . . we often venture from our initial intentions of spreading the word about our books only to become immersed in other things, none of which are remotely related to marketing and won’t contribute in the least to bringing any fans that next story they’re so eagerly awaiting!)
Also, if you’re selling on Amazon (or even NOT selling!) don’t overlook it as the effective marketing tool that it is–really the best, from what I’ve seen thus far. KDP Select has some advantageous promotions, and if things DON’T appear to be working in your favor, take a good long gander at your product page, too . . . Is your description enticing enough? Your cover reflective of the genre and what the story entails? Is your price an attractive and fair one? Maybe your keywords can be improved or your categories narrowed a bit . . . The cool thing about Amazon is you can change anything at any time, and sometimes change can be GOOD!
And lastly . . . just write. Then KEEP writing! (Though the occasional break can be rejuvenating and spark the ol’ imagination–don’t ever feel guilty for stepping away every now and then!)

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The “keep writing” adage, of course, but also something I adhere to that many authors, editors and publishers will probably cringe at if they’re reading this: Sometimes grammatical correctness needs to take a hiatus. (Just chill till I summons you . . . this particular character isn’t having it, and I’m NOT going to fight him or her on it.) But before you chide me for saying so let me remind you that Stephen King ALSO said this, and I doubt anyone will want to argue with him about it, lest you should end up an unfortunate protagonist within his next novel. . .

What are you reading now?
I’m reading “The Witness” by Nora Roberts. It’s my first time reading her work, and so far I’m really liking it. However, don’t be discouraged if someone DOES end up putting your book down–I’ve actually RE-started this one because a convoy of interruptions had intervened the first time, and NOT returning to it would have been unacceptable.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep writing–what else? (Plucks the now-broken record from the record player and crams it in the trash.)

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?
Gosh, I don’t know! Since you specified “books” instead of “novels”, I’m suddenly seeing cookbooks, puzzle books, self-help books, pet books and craft books as well. Though cookbooks would make one hungry (I’m assuming there are only coconuts and fish available on this island?), puzzle books would require a pen or a pencil (would I happen to have a writing apparatus?), pet books would leave me pining for my furry friends, and craft books regretting that I didn’t have the supplies to actually CREATE something while I was there. (Though starting a fire and forging for berries or nuts would make way more sense, eh?) And self-help books would likely have me contemplating too much, unless it was one titled: “How To Get Rescued if You’re Unfortunate Enough To Become Stranded on A Desert Island”.

Author Websites and Profiles
Carol Husa Amazon Profile

Carol Husa’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is R. Scott, but I also go by Bob. I’m a voracious reader and a technophile. I think the tech part comes from the engineer side of my brain, which is pretty well developed. I’ve traveled a lot of the world and worked with teams from across the globe designing and improving equipment and processes. I love the travel and I love the people I’ve met, but my imagination always wanted more. I’ve published two books as an Indie-author and am at work on the third book in the same series called SMUGGLERS IN PARADISE. The series follows a family from troubled beginnings before World War II through parenthood, sibling rivalry, breaking of ties and reunion. The characters are male, female, gay, straight, young, old, Asian and Caucasian and while there is a lot of travel in the story, the key focus is on smuggling, drugs, human trafficking, kidnapping, and Triad / Mafia connections.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called ONE FISH, TWO FISH, BIG FISH, LITTLE FISH: SILVER DAWN. This book is inspired particularly by my recent travel to the Philippines and to several past trips to Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. The play on the title, inspired by a well-known children’s book title, was done on purpose because it reminds me of family (each one of the fish are specific characters in the story) and of the sea. This story, more so that the first or third in the series, takes place largely on the sea and at sea ports in Asia.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure I know what usual writing habits are so I don’t know if mine are unusual. I’m more productive in the morning and the late afternoon. I do a lot of pondering at my desk with my head turned, facing the window. When I get it in my mind that I need to channel Ernest Hemmingway or F. Scott Fitzgerald I sit and drink bourbon and write stuff that turns out nearly incoherent. It can be fun for an evening, but isn’t very productive

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a fan of the classic murder mystery and action / adventure books, as well as comedy, parody, and, I guess because I’m gay, I appreciate solid gay characters in stories that aren’t classified as GLBT fiction. I’ve read most everything by Lawrence Sanders, David Sedaris, Jean Genet, Agatha Christie, and Anne Rice. I especially like the devices of Agatha Christie, the voice and style of David Sedaris, the grit of Jean Genet and the prose of Anne Rice.

What are you working on now?
At the moment I’m editing the third book in the SMUGGLERS IN PARADISE series, PSYCHOLOGY OF CHOOSING. It is the final book in this series and most of the action moves from Southeast Asia back to the US where one of the original pre-WWII characters still lives. It’s a final battle between the two opposing sides of the family and brings in outside help in the form of a part-time barista, part-time contract statistics analyst who is too nosy for his own good.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
To be honest, I haven’t found it yet. Like most Indie writers I’ve used mostly my own platforms so far, including my website, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Instagram. Of those, I would say having a solid website is essential and Facebook has proven to be the best social media platform.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, it’s true what they say…write, write, write, and then write some more. Learn habits that allow you time to be inspired and grant you the time to write down your inspirations. Also, keep honing the craft, take classes, don’t get discouraged, and always try to make the next story better than the last one.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Oddly enough it is: The worst book ever self-published on-line is better than the one that is still in your head. For me this translates to, “don’t just think about writing your story, do it.”

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading THE LAND OF DREAMS by Vidar Sunstol which is a crime novel series (translated from Norwegian) set on the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota. I just finished FACELESS KILLERS by Henning Mankell which is also a crime novel (translated from Swedish) set in Sweden, AMERICAN GODS by Neil Gaiman which is a fantasy centered around the old Gods still walking around America, and MASS – ROSALES SAGA #5, by F. Sionil Jose, a historical / political novel written by the Filipino National Artist.

What’s next for you as a writer?
When the SMUGGLERS IN PARADISE series is complete, I’ll begin a new series more focused on crime fiction and try my hand at developing a modern day gum shoe who uses all the tech available to bring justice, or his form of it, to my antagonists. I haven’t decided on the setting yet… whether it will be in the US or in some other foreign neighborhood I have visited or long to visit.

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 the presence of mind to have on my person the collected works of Sherlock Holmes, John Steinbeck, Edgar Allen Poe and the Treasury of American Poetry.

Author Websites and Profiles
R. Scott Tyler Website
R. Scott Tyler Amazon Profile
R. Scott Tyler Author Profile on Smashwords

R. Scott Tyler’s Social Media Links
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello

I currently live in northeast Ohio on a working farm. We own two stallions, three cats, a dog named Gizmo (who actually looks like Gizmo from Gremlins), chickens and ducks. Whew! That’s a story right there. I have been writing since I can remember and have always enjoyed creating worlds and characters. I have currently have three books published, Willow’s Journey, Dragon King (Books one and two of The Legend of the Travelers Series) and Fly Away. I am currently working on a few others.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dragon King is my latest creation. Finding something different inspired me to write it. I know there are dozens upon dozens of dragon books out there, but I tried to weave it with Celtic myths, Native American folklore, and, of course, Japanese legends. However, it is also a story about letting go – letting go of the past and living for what you have now. Everything is precious and nothing is guaranteed.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say it was unusual, but I have to listen to music that doesn’t have words. I don’t want to be swayed by another’s interpretation of how they feel. I want to feel the music myself.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh my goodness. I think I would have a book just listing those here. However, I would have to say the following are my top picks, Charles Dickens, Cassandra Clare, Lauren Kate, and Gayle Forman. I’m a huge fan of reading so the books from these authors inspired me and countless, countless others. I do have to add a side note. The one that just popped up as an immense inspiration has been Paulo Coehlo – especially his book, The Alchemist.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on two books. I am working on a paranormal mystery called Wishing Curse. Be careful what you wish for. The universe just may hear you. The second is the third installment to The Legend of the Travelers: Sky Fathers (we take a dive into Native American folklore in this book).

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I believe word of mouth is the best method. That’s how I started reading a lot of the ones I have bought. However, I’m known for just going through a bookstore and picking books off a bookshelf.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t let anything stop you from writing. You will have people who will offer advice. Take it as a suggestion. Carefully inspect, see if it makes sense to you, and incorporate if it does. If not, keep it around but don’t let it bog you down. Also, find people who will genuinely help critique your work. I belong to an online group that has helped me tremendously. I’ve made a lot of great friends too.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard really doesn’t have to do with writing, but one of my characters said it in a book and I believe it does mean something valuable: “Life will always get in the way of living.”

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading “A Lesson Before Dying.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
I just want to keep writing. As long as I have the stories in me, I don’t want to stop. Of course, I’d be fooling myself if I didn’t say it would be nice to see one of my titles on the big screen.

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 three books I would take with me would be The Sunflower, For One More Day, and the Alchemist.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jennifer Donohoe Website
Jennifer Donohoe Amazon Profile

Jennifer Donohoe’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I fell in love with the fantasy genre before I even know it was a genre. Video games and novels inspired me to create my own world. I sketched, I daydreamed, and I playacted scenes using LEGO minifigs. Then I started chronicling those battles in written form. Eventually, I decided I wanted other people to enjoy my stories too, so I took the plunge and drafted my first novel.

To date, I have written seven books.

A couple of years ago, my wife and I self-published a children’s chapter book called “The Pajamazon Amazon vs The Goofers Twofers.”

In March, I published three fantasy novels that comprise The Renegade Chronicles: “Rebels and Fools,” “Heroes and Liars,” and “Martyrs and Monsters.” I wrote another fantasy novel called “Magic’s Daughter,” which has not been published yet.

I’ve also been working on a science fiction series called The Soul Sleep Cycle. The first two books (“If Souls Can Sleep” and “If Sin Dwells Deep”) are under editorial consideration at a publishing house, and I just started the first draft of Book 3.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“If Dreams Can Die” not only follows the “formula” of the prior titles in The Soul Sleep Cycle (“If Souls Can Sleep” and “If Sin Dwells Deep”), but also directly ties into the themes of hope, mortality, and eternity that are woven throughout the series. I also like how the title brings a sense of finality to the ending of this saga.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not to my knowledge. I schedule my writing time and stick that agenda rigidly. I generally have music playing in the background, but I’m not prone to distraction. Then again, perhaps such discipline is unusual in an age of beckoning inboxes, cat videos, and Candy Crush.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors of the fantasy novels I read while a teenager really motivated me to take a stab at the written word as well as world building. They include Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, not only because of their contributions to the DragonLance saga, but also for the Death Gate Cycle, and R.A. Salvatore, primarily for his DemonWars series. Tad Williams, Neil Gaiman, George R.R. Martin, and J.R.R. Tolkien also have impacted me as a reader and writer.

Beyond fantasy, I try to draw from non-genre literature, such as the works of William Faulkner.

What are you working on now?
I just started the first draft of “If Dreams Can Die.” My goal is to finish by the end of 2016.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That remains to be seen. The Renegade Chronicles have been out for only three months, and I’m still refining my marketing plan—participating in author interviews, submitting guest blogs here and there, and engaging in other networking opportunities.

The best place to learn about my fiction is http://david-michael-williams.com.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I include writing tips on my website, mostly lessons I’ve learned along the way.

One thing I will say is I’m glad print-on-demand publishing wasn’t available when I was in my early twenties. Self-publishing almost makes it too easy to put one’s work out there, and I’ve seen plenty of examples of writers publishing before they are ready; I’m afraid I would have been among them.

I know if I had published The Renegade Chronicles before 2016, the series would have been an inferior product, and I wouldn’t have had a clue about marketing. So my advice to new writers is to wait until you’re prepared to treat your fiction like a business before self-publishing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
– “If you can quit, then quit. If you can’t, you’re a writer.” —R.A. Salvatore, author

– “Treat your writing like a job. Write on a schedule.” —Margaret Weis, author

– “In great attempts, it is glorious even to fail.” —Gaius Cassius Longinus, Roman senator

What are you reading now?
I’ve recently enjoyed a resurgent interest in graphic novels, from Robert Kirkman’s “Invincible” and Neil Gaiman’s “Sandman” to older Marvel compilations, such as “Squadron Supreme” and “Doctor Strange.” Right now, I’m reading “Avengers” comics from the early 1980s.

What’s next for you as a writer?
First and foremost, I want to continue to publish my novels, whether through a traditional publishing house or through One Million Words, my indie publishing company. I have a lot of ideas, so here’s to hoping I’ll find readers who appreciate my stories and will support my dream of getting paid to do what I love.

In addition to novels, I’d love to write for a video game or a graphic novel. My wife says I should produce a pun-a-day calendar. At this point, everything is on the table.

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 Count of Monte Cristo” (Alexandre Dumas)
2. “The Sound and the Fury” (William Faulkner)
3. The Bible (various authors)

Author Websites and Profiles
David Michael Williams Website
David Michael Williams Amazon Profile
David Michael Williams Author Profile on Smashwords

David Michael Williams’s Social Media Links
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Facebook Profile
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Primarily, I’ve always been a pianist and composer, but I’ll be releasing my first book, ‘You Can Create! 24 Ways to Unlock Your Creative Potential,’ on August 1st.
I have also write a short introduction to Friedrich Nietzsche, ‘Friedrich Nietzsche: A Brief Introduction to His Life and Works.’

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘You Can Create! 24 Ways to Unlock Your Creativity!’ is a book for all those looking to create but not knowing where to start.
I don’t think anything inspired it per se, but it’s nice to share my knowledge with others. Hopefully, it will be of use!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try to listen to the same type of music when writing as I think it triggers a Pavlovian response – when you hear the music, it’s time to write!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to list. Although I’ve mostly read fiction, as I get older I tend to find myself turning toward non-fiction books. I love learning, especially about anything that involves process, hence my book on creativity.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to this game, so I can’t as yet give the most effective method.
Having a mailing list is definitely number one, though – I have one from selling music for the past 6 years and have never utilised it as much as I should.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it. Think about doing something leads to nowhere, action is required to succeed.

What are you reading now?
I’m finishing off Stephen King’s ‘The Dark Tower’ series ahead of the film release in 2017.
I’m also read ‘Unknown Pleasures – Inside Joy Division’ by Peter Hook.

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
Alice’s in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll
1984 by George Orwell
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Author Websites and Profiles
Richard P John Website
Richard P John Amazon Profile

Richard P John’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Skeleton Steve, the immortal adventurer and guardian of the Minecraft world, Diamodia. So far, I’ve written six Minecraft books to bring enjoyment to my young readers, and I plan to write many, many more. In other author incarnations I’ve written forty or so books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my last book was “Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Hunter Player Team – The SKULL KIDS”. The new Skull Kids series was inspired by games I’ve played in the past with my wife and my best friend.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I write standing up. Ernest Hemingway wrote that way. I’ve got a convertible standing desk, so I go back and forth between standing and sitting. And I can never quite agree on if I like to write in silence, with music, or with background ambient electronica. Otherwise, I don’t do very much weird or eccentric.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My greatest influences on my fiction are Stephen King and Ayn Rand.

What are you working on now?
The Skull Kids, book 2, as well as another book for a different series about Steve and his pet creeper.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still getting the hang of book promotion, but Awesomegang, as well as the others just like it (prettyhot, etc.) are my first stops for free promos. I also do a lot on Facebook (@skeletonsteveminecraft), and a little on twitter (@skeletonsteveco). More on Facebook.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
In the self publishing world, it’s important to get a system going. And try not to fritter your time away on the stuff that won’t lead to more readers and sales. Write and produce.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s all small stuff.

What are you reading now?
The 4 Hour Body by Tim Ferris. Although, I’m getting a little out of character now. As Skeleton Steve, I’m reading a magical book about enchanting bows with the “Infinity” spell. That one’s my favorite.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More books, more fans, I’m hoping. Readers can join the Skeleton Steve Club at SkeletonSteve.com

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?
Probably the Dark Tower series again.

Author Websites and Profiles
Skeleton Steve Website
Skeleton Steve Amazon Profile

Skeleton Steve’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account