Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
‘Writing’ and ‘completing’ are two very different things! I have written five novelettes. I have completed two. The other three are going through the interminable redrafting process

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book – DEAD lines – came to me whilst hosting a dinner party with my wife. I won’t go into too many details as it will reveal the twist at the end of the book. Suffice to say that what happens in the story isn’t what happened at our dinner party!

My current book which is almost ready for release is titled ‘The Refugee’ and its inspiration comes from the TS Eliot poem Ash Wednesday.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think there’s anything unusual about writing styles. I think whatever is right for the individual is the right style. Personally, I tend to write the story entirely in narrative format and then revisit it to incorporate the dialogue.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dean Koontz, Ira Levin, Stephen King, JRR Tolkein.

What are you working on now?
I’ve published DEAD lines and am following it up with two further instalments: DEAD heat and DEAD end. All are stand-alone novelettes but, when combined, will also lead to a seamless single novel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new to this game so am very much still finding my feet and I wouldn’t dream of being in a position to recommend a method to other aspiring writers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do it for the enjoyment, not the money. But, most of all, just do it!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write for yourself. If others like it, fine – but you’ll only ever produce a great book if it’s the one you want to write.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To build up my portfolio of novelettes, establish some die-hard (or foolhardy!) followers, and develop into an author of epic full-length novels.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Lord of the Rings (Tolkein)
A Kiss Before Dying (Ira Levin)
Canterbury Tales (Geoffrey Chaucer)

Oh – and Outdoor Survival Skills by Larry Olsen!!

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! When I am not drinking coffee, buying coffee, or thinking about how much I NEED coffee, I enjoy writing, a passion I developed ever since she was a little girl. I’ve been teaching creative writing at a local high school in my area for 14 years and I have loved every bit of it. I recently discovered Amazon publishing this summer and have published two short stories to test the waters out. I’ve had a pretty good amount of success so far considering I just started, and that is extremely encouraging.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “Hands of Time: A Suspenseful Thriller” and definitely was influenced by the movie “Inception”. I loved the concept of being lost in some sort of dream-like world where you are aware of your surroundings. It’s kind of like Sleep Paralysis. The protagonist is a poor soul who just wants a cure for his sleep apnea. But his life gets shaken up and he is in for a rude awakening when he tries out a new pill. In fact, he constantly wakes up similar to the movie “Groundhog Day”.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to write with the lights off, shades down, and no noise. It lets me think deeply and gets the creative juices flowing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
For someone who loves mystery and suspense novels, I definitely enjoy comics such as Batman. The Joker is by far one of the most brilliant characters ever. Outside of fiction, I absolutely love the “Power of Now” by Eckart Tolle. It’s more of a spiritual book, but its something very unconventional. Worth the read.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the first volume of my series of Kate Mckenzie Detective books. The first book is called “The Shotgun Wedding” and I can’t wait for it to release on August 30th.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I just started publishing on Amazon but I have enjoyed Awesome Gang, Freebooksy, and Many Books. They have worked every time for me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just start writing! Don’t be afraid or worried; the hardest part is starting something new.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The only limitations you have are those you place on yourself! No one can stop you from anything you want.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading Elon Musk’s biography by Ashlee Vance. So far so good

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to keep publishing my short stories and even venture out to a full- length novel in the near future.

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. Power of Now by Eckart Tolle
2. The Alchemist by Paolo Coehlo
3. The Stranger by Albert Camus

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My life story isn’t all that interesting. I just got it in my head to take a shot at a writing career, and after several years of writing, I finally managed to produce a novel worth bringing to market.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Refusing Excalibur is the title of my first novel. I was inspired by my love of space opera, space battles, and fast-paced story telling.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m trying to make a living as a science fiction novelist. Does that count?”

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Well, my favorite book is Frank Herbert’s Dune, which is probably why I couldn’t resist inserting an Emperor in Refusing Excalibur.

Probably the most important book I read in regards to my writing style is Stephen King’s On Writing. It was instrumental in helping me develop a clear and effective writing style.

And I should also mention John Scalzi. I try very hard to emulate his ability to write books that are accessible but not dumb.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a military science fiction novel centered around one of my favorite science fiction tropes. The space fighter!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still figuring that out, but so far just earning good reviews has been the biggest help in driving book sales.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Hire an editor, they pay for themselves.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The secret to writing is writing.

What are you reading now?
I just finished the Way of Kings, the first book in the Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing the military science fiction novel I mentioned above.

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?
Dune, The Forever War, Old Man’s War, and The Martian.

Author Websites and Profiles
Zachary Jones Amazon Profile

Zachary Jones’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a mother of two, my passion is writing and Astrology. I love time spent with my family, dogs and anything to do with being outside, I love gardening and being active.
I love crime anything and am working on a crime book in between my Erotica books. I have three published Erotica books as of now.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Entity Mine which is the sequel to my book My Sweet Entity. I wrote this book as a ghost writing gig and when I finished it I realized I am not about to give away my creativity to someone else to gain credit for $50. I kept it, turned it in and it caught the eye of publishers. Lesson learned because i’m ecstatic.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t even have time for writing habits, I have a full time job, my own children, so my job doesn’t end, all I can do is write in spurts when I have time, a quiet moment and a little peace of mind to concentrate.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Anne Bishop. My husband has got me into Preston & Child, I love Dean Koontz, King among many others. I write Erotica but have never even read any, I just thought I had a knack for it and here I am.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a steamy BDSM romp about a young college girl who takes a nanny position, the job isn’t what she thought it would be but before she can decide to walk away she is already caught up into a lifestyle she knew nothing about thanks to the hypnotizing man who first opens the door to her, she is blindsided by him and from then on, under his control, but wants nothing more than to be there, which is of course is his plan, and he always gets his way as his dark, mysterious looks and controlling ways make him too compelling to be without.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I wish I had that magical answer I promote where I can, FB, Twitter, sites that I don’t have to pay an arm and leg to put myself out there. I’ts difficult and never seems to be enough.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Expect to be let down, expect rejection letters and ignore them because when the time is right, you will catch someone’s eye. If you give up, your dream is over and you let that happen. If you have a finished piece, keep writing and keep throwing it out into the universe, there are millions of people which means millions of opinions. Believe in yourself because who else will? If you think you are not good enough, you already made the decision for yourself, what was the point? “Whether you can or cannot, either way you are right”- Henry Ford. Don’t make excuses for not writing, I have two children and a full time job. Write when you can, do not accept laziness from yourself, by the time you are done making excuses you could have wrote ten pages…

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I have heard it all, and I take tidbits of inspiration from many, my moods change, my thoughts change, I do best without advice, for some reason listening to others, hasn’t really done me well. When I stopped taking advice, my life took off. Some people work well with it. I don’t. I have to work through things, live it then learn from those mistakes or progress. I am a do-er better than a listener.

What are you reading now?
Brimstone by Presto & Child but I keep saying that because life has me so busy, I cannot seem to get through it, it’s frustrating when you love to read and you cannot find the time. I rather write even though reading is the best learning tool, it’s job, working out, making meals, baseball games, having time to devote to your children and husband, they didn’t ask for me to become a writer, I did. So I need to find balance and they win over my devotion to writing because their lives count, my time with them counts. Never enough time in the day…

What’s next for you as a writer?
I keep writing and see what lies ahead for me. There is no crystal ball, I can only hope for the best. All writers hope for that magical moment but all in all it’s for ourselves because that day may never come, either way I am a freaking published writer… In my mind, I already made it!.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Well seeing as I am stranded, they should all be survival books, I can get off this damn island and have all the books I want.

Author Websites and Profiles
Soliel De Bella Website

Soliel De Bella’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Upendra Rana, post graduate in MCA. I have experience of 5 yrs (approx) as Digital Marketer. I did my schooling from CBSE board Arunachal Pradesh. I have written 8 books. 7 Books are selling online through 15 websites world wide. First is about me which is free of cost. All books are available at National book store, Amazon, Google Playstore, Iphone book store, barnes and noble and many more.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Latest book I have written, “Mobile App Store Optimization” . This will guide you how to optimize your mobile apps to rank higher in app store rankings. In current time we have many apps for same service so everyone want to come up to get revenue by giving service. This book will help you to get the same.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yeah, I write in any topic many blogs written on Silicon India and own WordPress blog. I write for passion. I am not a writer by birth. I want to meet more and more people books and blogs is best way to meet them and interact with them.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was inspired by the Ravinder Singh. My father is a role model for me. I am an average boy and my marks always rely between 55% to 65 %. He always told me to keep faith in God and keep going hard work. Just like any other middle class guy, he too had a bunch of unclear dreams and a blurred vision of his goals in Life. Beacuse of my mother blessing and prayer, now I become writer as well as Digital marketer.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I am writing and working on two books, one on love story of mine and another one on again SEO. I have my own IT company named as Make Your Brandz.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my books through online press release. I have good interaction with media also, Facebook marketing and last YouTube.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am not in the position to give advice but I request you all keep faith in God, whatever he had decided for you must have according to your position and strength. One more thing never lose your hope in any stage of life. One day you will be on cloud nine.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I am happy to receive advice from reader. One of my reader asked me writer more about myself on the book. I hardly writer 4 lines. They want to know about me in detail.

What are you reading now?
Currently, I am not reading busy in writing. Soon going to launch one more book. Keep in touch.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am writing two more books on love story and Google SEO will come on market soon.

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 will take my books first of all and after that I will choose “I too had a Love story”.

Author Websites and Profiles
Upendra Rana Website
Upendra Rana Amazon Profile

Upendra Rana’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a novelist, poet, and screenwriter from Connecticut. I’m the author of Personal Foul, a contemporary lesbian romance. My debut collection I.V. Poems was just released and is receiving strong reviews. I received a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies with honors from Wesleyan University, receiving the University’s coveted Rulewater Prize for my thesis project on women’s basketball. I’m a member of the Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America, Rainbow Romance Writers, Golden Crown Literary Society, and the Lesbian Authors Guild. I’m at work now on several feature film scripts and two new novels. I reside with my wife of 16 years in Connecticut and in Provincetown, MA along with our beloved pets.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut poetry collection entitled I.V. Poems was just released last week. I’ve been working on these poems for years. I’m always inspired by relationships and how we emotionally tie into the natural world around us. I spend a great deal of time in Provincetown, Massachusetts and so many of these poems reflect a strong connection to that place.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure what constitutes unusual. I think every writer is different in their approach to their own creative work. I know that I need to spend time in nature to recharge my batteries. Once things are flowing, it’s not unusual for me to crank out 15,000 words in two days.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are too many to count. I love to read so many types of books it’s impossible to qualify anything. I try to read different styles and genres. I am simply drawn to great characters. Some of my favorites include: Isak Dinesen, J.R.R. Tolkein, Harper Lee, Sarah Waters, Edith Wharton, Judt Blume, Sue Monk Kidd just to name a few.

What are you working on now?
I just completed my second novel titled In the Direction of the Sun. It’s a contemporary lesbian romance novel. One of the main characters is an avid sailor and one hikes the Appalachian Trail. I’ve personally hiked over 800 miles on the Appalachian Trail so it’s very near and dear to me.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Just being active and getting out there as much as possible. I spend days at a time finding social media accounts and websites to connect on. I’m also active on Google+ and Yahoo groups.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. It’s a skill that is improved with practice. I’ve spent years working on my own writing and reading other people’s work. I don’t write to be published, I write because I love it and I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’m not a big horror fan, but Stephen King has some of the best advice on writing I’ve ever seen. He said: “Writing isn’t about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid or making friends. Writing is magic, as much as the water of life as any other creative art. The water is free. So drink.”

What are you reading now?
I’m reading Circling the Sun by Paula McLain.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not sure yet. I have a few ideas percolating but nothing has bubbled to the surface just 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 English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen
The Poetry of Emily Dickinson
Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters

Author Websites and Profiles
Lucy J. Madison Website
Lucy J. Madison Amazon Profile

Lucy J. Madison’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a very passionate person. I love life. I love everything that makes my life sparkling. I adore music & playing guitar. I love cooking, travelling & learning new skills.
After having worked for more than a decade in the corporate industry in various positions, I ultimately found my true passion in writing & coaching. I strongly emphasize on constantly improving the quality of life.
I have published one book so far. I am working on two more books. My next book is about Career Change & is going to release in a few weeks.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have published one book so far “Multidimensional Success”. It’s available on Amazon. The way I inspired myself to transform my life positively, I wanted to share it with the world.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the non-fiction most. The writings of Dale Carnegie & Robin Sharma have truly inspired me.

What are you working on now?
I am working on my next book titled “Second Dive in the Ocean”. It’s about Career Change & all set to release soon.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my books on various websites. Different websites have fetched me different results in a good way. I like Awesomegang too, when it comes to promoting my book.
Author Marketing Club is a great resource for the Authors.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing is an extremely passionate effort. What we write from the heart reaches to the heart of our audience. Being honest is truly essential.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A lot many. I take suggestions positively. I look forward to the suggestions from my readers.

What are you reading now?
I am reading a lot of books that I usually do. The one I would like to mention is “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Cove. It’s simply amazing so far.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I love writing. I intend to write more books on the topics I love. I believe a writer has to be an intense reader. I am very fond of reading & learning and I learn something great with my each writing work. I want to keep on inspiring my readers.
I want to write a fiction book too very soon.

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?
Ah, that would be a superb opportunity to spend time with me & my books. I would take “Secret” by Rhonda Byrne for sure. The others would be “From Tryst to Tendulkar”, “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari”, “The Stand” & a few more.

Author Websites and Profiles
Hina Siddiqui Website
Hina Siddiqui Amazon Profile

Hina Siddiqui’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My official bio—Sasha Clinton discovered romance novels at the age of thirteen and has been addicted to the genre ever since. After getting a degree in Chemical Engineering and realizing that there was no way she could ever be an engineer, she decided to follow her passion and write romance novels. Sasha has lived in New Delhi, Melbourne, Manchester and Boston and continues to move frequently. But wherever she is, she’s hard at work on her next book.

So far, I’ve written two books, both contemporary romances. My third one will be out in November.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called In My Arms Tonight. It’s a contemporary romance novel that features the love story between Kat Cullen, a political reporter and Alex Summer, a New York city mayoral candidate she’s supposed to be covering. I really wanted to write a story with a headstrong heroine and a hero who is more than he seems. Also, I wanted to explore the conflict created when Kat has to choose between protecting Alex and exposing his secret.

It was inspired, in part, by the Anthony Weiner sexting scandal, and all the political drama surrounding the presidential elections that’s in the news every day.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I often listen to specific playlists that I’ve created before I start writing. I also meditate sometimes, or wait for a particular time (9:30 pm). My habits keep changing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In terms of the romance genre, I’ve been influenced by Lisa Kleypas, Barbara Cartland, Judith McNaught and Nora Roberts. But apart from romance, I’ve also been influenced by Agatha Christie, Erle Stanley Gardner, Sophie Kinsella and Meg Cabot.

What are you working on now?
I’m revising the third book in the NYC Singles series, titled Love Me Like You Do. It’s a fun romantic comedy, about an overweight college professor who becomes and actress through a chance encounter with a TV producer and then falls in love with him.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Reaching out to blogs and reviewers. I’ve seen that nothing works better than directly communicating with my readers. Also, the reviews I receive through this method are much nicer than the ones I receive through Netgalley or Goodreads.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’m a new writer myself (only one book old), but I guess I’d say it takes time to develop your style, voice and find your audience. So be patient.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself. Everybody else is already taken.

What are you reading now?
Filthy English by Ilsa-Madden Mills and The Whispering Skull by Jonathan Stroud.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to be writing a standalone romantic comedy with a very unique theme. I hope readers will embrace it.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d bring a Kindle.

Author Websites and Profiles
Sasha Clinton Website

Sasha Clinton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written 8 books and am about to finish my 9th novel;

Born and raised in Southwestern Idaho, Rico is the oldest of five boys, growing up in an area that was ripe for several adventures with his four younger brothers and numerous cousins.

Rico grew up near farmland that produced potatoes, hay, hops, grain and corn. There were several fruit orchards and vineyards in the Snake River Valley as well, due to the extraordinary fertile soil.

A few years out of high school he moved to (the big city) of Boise and enrolled at Boise State University as a student and walk-on football player. However, he could not escape the allure of traveling the world and began writing and storing his experiences in hopes of someday becoming a novelist and writer. He began reading every chance he had. From contemporary novels to classical literature, Rico’s love of storytelling was uncontrollable. He appeared occasionally at Boise’s former Comedy Club as a stand-up comedian, retelling his stories of growing up in a comedic fashion.

Rico earned an Associate Degree in Marketing and Sales from BSU. After a few years of low level management positions, Rico moved to Hawaii for a short time, surfing the waters of Kaua’i and enjoying the outdoors. He then moved to back to Idaho. In 1991, Rico moved to the Phoenix/Scottsdale area and continued his education receiving a Bachelors of Business Administration in International Business at Grand Canyon University, named the “Outstanding International Business Graduate of 1995.” That same year he was also selected as “Mr. Future Business Executive” at the State Leadership Conference which included all universities in the State of Arizona.

The summer before graduating, Rico went to Vilnius, Lithuania, and taught English (ESL). During fall semester of his senior year at GCU, Rico attended Staffordshire University in England where he also started on the American Football Team for the Staffordshire Stallions. Rico finished his Masters, an MBA in International Management at Thunderbird School of Global Management with a focus on the Latin American Region and the Spanish language. He did this while working full-time as a feature writer and freelance journalist at the T-Bird school paper, DAS TOR. Rico wrote a few of his articles at DAS TOR especially for the foreign students of Latin America.

Former Vice President Dan Quayle served as an Invited Interim Professor by the Thunderbird School President, Dr. Roy Herberger for two semesters, and Rico was fortunate enough to be one of 16 students selected to attend his class.

*Special note, Rico received an A from the VP for the 2credit elective class. Was it because of Rico’s performance on studies or VP Quayle was afraid of what Mr. Austin might write in the paper?

Hollywood has even had an encounter with Rico. Those who watched Baywatch with the beautiful Pamela Anderson and David Hasselhoff, might recall Rico Austin in a cameo appearance in the episode, “Night of the Dolphin” in 1997, where he played the role of a drug lord on a huge yacht with sexy chicks. He and his graduate classmates watched the aired episode in the “old clock tower hanger” in the TV lounge. He was invited back for another episode by casting director Susie Glickman, but declined due to a conflict with finals at Thunderbird. Rico chose education over stardom; when questioned why, he responded, “No one can ever take your education away. Everything else can come and go and, most likely will.”

Rico also acted in a commercial for the local market in Boise, ID, as a construction worker in This Old House, sponsored by BMC West.

Rico is an avid fisherman and has traveled far and wide to cast his line into many waters; including streams, lakes, ponds, rivers, seas and oceans. He has worked for a few international companies as both a sales manager and a marketing manager. In his spare time he has worked as a land developer and was a licensed Realtor in Arizona. Should you decide to visit Arizona, Rico would be more than happy to show you around his Great State of Arizona through his children’s book, ARIZONA Is Where I Live.

Rico is happily married to a graphic artist from Minnesota. They make their homes in the “Land of the Sun,” Scottsdale, Arizona, and San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico. He and wife Connie enjoy snorkeling, hiking, hanging by their swimming pool and traveling to the different beaches of Mexico while sipping on a cold cerveza or margarita blended with Rico’s favorite TEQUILA.

Rico Austin first began writing seriously as a seventh grader at age 13. He was elected as reporter for the Eager Beaver 4-H Club in Marsing, Idaho, and started submitting weekly articles to the local newspaper. Rico then was elected reporter for the local FFA chapter his freshman and sophomore year, continuing to expand his writing ability. As a freshman, Rico took third place in the Marsing High School essay contest titled American Beef Farmers. He later would later become a professional freelance and feature writer for DAS TOR newspaper at Thunderbird
Global School of Management from 1996 – 1998. Rico also won the first and only writing essay at DAS TOR in March 1997. The essay asked contestants to propose ways for Thunderbird to be improved. Rico used his humor, knowledge of several countries that he had visited and innovation to secure the winning essay.

One of his most serious assignments and pieces of journalism was reporting on the Winterim class 97, “US Foreign Economic Policy” in Washington DC including the opening of the 105th Congress and the Inauguration of the President of the United States – Mr. Bill Clinton.

Rico was selected for the May 19th, 2013 issue to represent Arizona in fellow author, Annette Synder’s popular blog, Fifty Authors from Fifty States, which spotlights writing professionals across the Fifty United States. http://annettesnyder.blogspot.com/2013/05/arizona-i-know-about-grand-canyon.html

He was again chosen to represent his home state of Idaho on March 23, 2014. http://annettesnyder.blogspot.com/2014/03/rico-austins-private-idaho.html

http://annettesnyder.blogspot.com

Rico was also chosen from among several hundred writers and bloggers to help compile a booklet with 13 other prominent authors. How to Create Credibility as
a Freelancer – 70 Tips from a Collection of Experts was published in December 2009.

Favorite movie, Gone with the Wind

Favorite comedies, Hangover” & “The Wolf of Wall Street

Rico’s favorite books are:

John Steinbeck’s East of Eden

Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea

J.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit

David Stuart’s The Guaymas Chronicles

Jack London’s Call of the Wild

E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web

Wilson Rawls’ Where the Red Fern Grows

Rico’s first novel, MY BAD TEQUILA was published in September 11, 2010.

His first children’s book, ARIZONA Is Where I Live was published February 14, 2013. This was the same day as Arizona’s 101st Birthday.

Rico’s autobiography/memoir In the Shadow of ELVIS, Perils of a Ghostwriter was published April 26, 2013.

Son of the KING, an ELVIS paradox unveiled is Rico’s fourth book and is a biography published in February, 2014.

Rico recently finished his fifth book, Author, Artist & Anyone’s Personal Marketing Guide to Financial Success with 11 Proven Promotions including Blogs and Social Media in March, 2015.

Rico completed his other fifth book (technically, his sixth), which is an extension or addition of his previous marketing guide. Entrepreneur, Realtor & Anyone’s Personal Marketing Guide to Financial Success with 10 Proven Promotions including Blogs and Social Media in June, 2015.

Lucky book number seven is Rico’s latest work as a wordsmith. This mystery is a non-fiction dog story which captures the true, incredible kidnapping of Lucky, a poodle mix and the heart of a Mexican community in the towns of San Carlos, Guaymas, Hermosillo, Obregon & Empalme in trying to get Lucky back home to his owner. Mexico got Lucky was published in 2015.

In May, 2014, Rico joined the Drivers and Racing Crews of the NORRA Mexican 1000 to write a travel /race book to accompany the documentary film that will be screened and made of the Baja race. Rico was invited and chosen by the sponsors of the race and the documentary film maker to write of this adventure of which he is currently working on. Baja Loco, 4 Racing Days and Tequila Nights on the NORRA Mexican 1000 will be ready for publication in 2016.

Next on the list is a self-help book for teenage boys raised by single parents or from broken homes. This book will be a labor of love, in hopes that if by reading this book, it can make a positive and great difference in young men’s lives.

And then, finally a return to My Bad Tequila the sequel, and quite possibly turning it into a trilogy of which his fans are greatly anticipating.

“I have eight simple sentences of which I live by that cover most of my philosophy for and of life; each written by a different author during a different time; all profound.” – Rico Austin

“Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”
(Matthew 7:12) – Bible

“The harder I work, the luckier I get.”
– Henry Ford

“In order to write about life, first you must live it.”
– Ernest Hemingway

“Never, never, never give up.”
– Winston Churchill

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
– Edmund Burke

“Every rose has its thorn,”
– Poison with Bret Michaels

“You’ll see the true reflection of me when the tequila bottle is empty.”
– Rico Austin

“Screw me once, shame on you; screw me twice, shame on me.”
– (screwed) Author unknown

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
MEXICO got LUCKY, a fan / reader / amigo Jim Kawaguchi had his dog Lucky stolen from him and I was following on the daily blog. Jim asked me to write of his and Lucky’s unfortunate adventure. The true, epic story of how the state of Sonora, Mexico and communities of San Carlos, Guaymas, Hermosillo, Empalme and Obregon came together to help locate Lucky’s captors, free Lucky from harm’s way, and get him back into Jim Kawaguchi’s arms. Mexicans, Americans, Canadians and the Consulate in Hermosillo joined forces in an attempt to solve the greatest mystery of dog theft in Mexico’s history.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love to write late night and into the early hours of morning while sipping Tequila and chasing it with Corona Light cervezas.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Steinbeck – East of Eden; Ernest Hemingway – The Old Man and the Sea; J.R. Tolkien – The Hobbit; David Stuart – The Guaymas Chronicles; Jack London – Call of the Wild; Wilson Rawls – Where the Red Fern Grows; E.B. White – Charlotte’s Web;

What are you working on now?
BAJA LOCO, 4 Racing Days and Tequila Nights on the NORRA Mexican 1000; In 2014 I joined in with a Baja Race Team to experience the Baja 1000 and to write about it for those who are unable to ever witness this journey of a lifetime;

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Author’s Page on Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Rico-Austin/e/B004HY01DG/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0 Facebook Page for Author Rico Austin: https://www.facebook.com/rico.austin; BarnesandNoble.com: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/rico+austin?_requestid=723784 Personal Blog: http://blog.mybadtequila.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write & write some more; Read, read & write some more; Write about what you know and what you enjoy, it will come through in your writing; Don’t write something because you believe a lot of people would want to read about the subject. Write what You love!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them Do Unto You; In order to write about life, first you must live it; The Harder I Work, the Luckier I Get;

What are you reading now?
Michael G. Edwards – Una Muerte en Cozumel;

What’s next for you as a writer?
Screenplays of a couple of my books and I have an idea for a sitcom; My Bad Tequila eventually as a Sequel and possibly a Trilogy;

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?
Holy Bible with Old Testament & New Testament; Atlas Shrugged; War and Peace; East of Eden;

Author Websites and Profiles
Rico Austin Website
Rico Austin Amazon Profile

Rico Austin’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 mother of a 2-year-old toddler, a public speaker, and a cooking expert since the age of 10 when I started cooking for my younger brother. I like to help people to gain confidence. I helped many people to start eating healthy food and it changed their lives. That’s why I decided to start writing books. I hope it will help much more people because unfortunately there are too many overweight people in the USA.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest and the only book so far is “30 Day Whole Foods Cookbook”. It contains 90 amazing recipes with photos: simple and tasty. I always wanted to make a book like this, and to share my favorite meal ideas with humanity.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like writing travel notes. But it is private. My family members and the closest friends like to read it from time to time. It is especially fun to check those notes in a few years after the trip. It is interesting how the way of thinking changes as the years pass.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I respect many authors. In fact all of those who put their efforts and try to bring something new to this world. Dallas Hartwig and Melissa Hartwig are among the best cookbook writers.

What are you working on now?
I still have some other job to do before I start my next book. But I have many materials and ideas to share. I will decide on that very soon.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media is one of the most powerful instruments today… I think so.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it. Go ahead and try. There is nothing to lose, but if you never try, you never know the result.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Live with a dream and make plans. Then follow the plan step by step, and always keep it in mind!

What are you reading now?
Erich Maria Remarque “All Quiet on the Western Front”

What’s next for you as a writer?
I noticed most of the cookbooks lack great photos. They may be very specific and the recipes may be amazing, but it all pales without the bright photos. I want to make a super book with HD-quality step-by-step photos.

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?
Robinson Crusoe But I know what you mean – my most favorite books ever. I have dozens, so would be hard to pick 3 or 4. Maybe “Ulysses”, “The Making of Americans” and “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man”.

Author Websites and Profiles
Olivia Starr Website
Olivia Starr Amazon Profile

Olivia Starr’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Ben Gothard. I am a 21 years old Senior at LSU studying Finance, and I’m an entrepreneur, CEO & author. My journey really started back in 2014. As a Sophomore, I didn’t have a passion or purpose in my life. After being contacted by my father and my roommate to market their law firm and t-shirt business, respectively, through social media, I told them not to hire me, but to hire my company. I started Gothard Enterprises LLC, a social media marketing comapny, in December of 2014, and my entrepreneurial journey began. After working for a while, I decided that I had another passion – helping people. So, I started writing my first book. After a year, I published CEO at 20: A Little Book for Big Dreams. The purpose of the book is to help people turn their dreams into reality by giving them tools, tips and anecdotes to get them started. I’m looking forward to helping as many people as I possibly can, and spreading my message far and wide.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
CEO at 20: A Little Book for Big Dreams. I started my entrepreneurial journey back in 2014 with a business oriented venture. However, I am a huge proponent of motivating people to succeed, so I decided to write a book about it. It took me a year to do it, but I learned more about myself than I ever thought I would. I am very thankful to have such positive encouragement from my family and friends, and they, especially my parents, are my main inspiration for the things that I do.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try to write at least 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes before I go to bed in the most comfy shorts I have.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
1) My Uncle, Eric Kaufmann’s book “Leadership as a Hero’s Journey.”
2) Good to Great by Jim Collins
3) The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

What are you working on now?
A book on confidence and another book on leadership!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
1) Reaching out to other entrepreneurs and/or authors on Instagram
2) Reaching out to reviewers on Amazon
3) Awesomegang

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Watch YouTube videos or read articles online to learn about writing, publishing and marketing. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Understand what other people are doing and do it different or better.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“If you don’t have a why, you’ll let the what and how be your excuse for not doing the things you said you were going to do” – Jason Nazar

What are you reading now?
The Intelligent Investor

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to drill down into the entrepreneurship niche and try to help as many people as possible!

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 Dummy’s Guide to Surviving Alone on a Desert Island
2) Game of Thrones
3) Meditation: The Complete Guide

Author Websites and Profiles
Ben Gothard Website
Ben Gothard Amazon Profile

Ben Gothard’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a New Orleans writer with 32 books published, primarily character-driven crime fiction, although he has written in many disciplines including historical fiction, children’s fiction, mainstream fiction, science-fiction, suspense, fantasy, horror, western, literary, religious, romance, humor and erotica.
My writing has garnered a number of awards: 2015 Literary Artist of the Year – St.Tammany Parish Art’s Council, St. Tammany Parish, LA
2016 Shamus Award Nominee for BEST PAPERBACK ORIGINAL PRIVATE EYE NOVEL The Long Cold
2014 Derringer Award Nominee for BEST NOVELETTE “For Love’s Sake”
2013 Shamus Award Nominee for BEST INDIE P.I. NOVEL Enamored
2011 POLICE BOOK OF THE YEAR. On May 23, 2012 (San Dimas, CA), Police-Writers.com professional writers organization named the novel John Raven Beau by O’Neil De Noux as the police book of the year. The selection process considered all fiction and non-fiction books authored by police writers in 2011. Current, retired and former law enforcement officers are included in the organization of over eleven hundred published writers who have published over 2,300 books.
2009-2010 Artist Services Career Advancement Award from the Louisiana Division of the Arts
2009 Derringer Award Winner The Short Mystery Fiction Society awarded their 2009 Derringer Awards for best short mystery fiction on May 1, 2009. “Too Wise” by O’Neil De Noux (from the November 2008 Issue of Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine) won BEST NOVELETTE (stories between 8,001 and 17,500 words). “Too Wise” is a Lucien Caye private eye mystery. The Derringer Awards are given annually to recognize excellence in the short mystery fiction form. Another De Noux story, The Bonnie and Clyde Caper featuring John Raven Beau was nominated in the Derringer Best Long Story category.
2007 Shamus Award Winner for BEST SHORT STORY was awarded to “The Heart Has Reasons” by O’Neil De Noux (the cover story of the September 2006 Issue of Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine). The prestigious Shamus Award is given annually to recognize outstanding achievement in private eye fiction. Both Enamored and “The Heart Has Reasons” feature De Noux’s private eye Lucien Caye.
Best American Mystery Stories Collection. Stories included in 2013 and 2003 editions.
2007 United Kingdom Short Story Prize – Short Story Challenge Winner
2005 Artist Mini-Grant Award for Literature from the Louisiana Division of the Arts

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
HOLD ME, BABE is my latest book. It is the third book in the Lucien Caye New Orleans Private Eye series and was inspired by my agent/literary attorney who told me a story about lost royalties.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write all the time, day and night and I usually listen to rock and roll music while I write in my home office. I love to write and have to force myself to do promotions.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Paul Bishop, Max Allan Collins, Bernard Cornwell, George Alec Effinger, Harlan Ellison, Ken Follett, Allan Guthrie, Thomas Harris, Greg Iles, Alexander Kent, Elmore Leonard, H.P. Lovecraft, C. L. Moore, James L. Nelson, Jeff Shaara, James Sallis and Kate Wilhelm. He has also developed a particular affinity for mystery writers Frederic Brown, Howard Browne, David Dodge, Loren Estleman, Channing Hayden, Robert S. Levinson, Wade Miller, Marcia Muller, Max Phillips, Bill Pronzini, Dayne Sherman, Kent Westmoreland, Harry Whittington, Charles Willeford, Charles Williams and Dave Zeltserman.

What are you working on now?
It’s July 2016 and I wrote two novels this year already and will begin a new one on August 1st. This one is the tenth novel in the LaStanza Series (LaStanza began as an NOPD Homicide Detective and is now a Private Eye).

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t a clue. I have website: www.oneildenoux.net

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You are an artist. Act that way. Listen to advice but follow your instincts. If you feel the advice is wrong, ignore it. If Van Gogh listened to the art critics we would have none of his paintings. Read. Read as much as you can. Write quickly then get it right. Never give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get it written, then get is right. My friend Harlan Ellison says writing is guerilla warfare. Go to war.

What are you reading now?
Ken Follett’s Century Trilogy: FALL OF GIANTS; WINTER OF THE WORLD, EDGE OF ETERNITY.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have detailed outlines for 5 more books, all lined up and ready to go. I will start a book on August 1 and write some short stories as I write the book. In 2017, we have three books ready to be published and I will write three books that year.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
THE GREAT GATSBY, A MOVEABLE FEAST, LONESOME DOVE, and LORD OF THE FLIES (I’ll need the ideas).

Author Websites and Profiles
O’Neil De Noux Website
O’Neil De Noux Amazon Profile
O’Neil De Noux Author Profile on Smashwords

O’Neil De Noux’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Geoff Nelder has a wife, two grown-up kids, and lives in rural England within an easy cycle ride of the Welsh mountains.
Publications include several non-fiction books on climate reflecting his other persona as a Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society; over 50 published short stories in various magazines and anthologies; thriller, humour, science fiction, and fantasy novels. He’s been a fiction judge on several occasions, and has co-written a guide on winning short story competitions coming out soon. A former teacher for 30 years, Geoff is now a freelance editor.

Publications: Humorous thriller Escaping Reality
Award-winning science fiction mystery with hot-blooded heroine, Exit, Pursued by a Bee
Another thriller, Hot Air, was first published in 2010 after receiving an Award d’Or from an Arts Academy in the Netherlands now published by Adventure Books of Seattle
A science fiction trilogy, ARIA with an original premise is published by LL-Publications.
An urban and historical magic realism fantasy, Xaghra’s Revenge, is to be published soon.

Having had 84 short stories published, Geoff was chosen to be the short fiction judge for the Whittaker Prize, 2009.

Geoff is an editor at Adventure Books of Seattle, and is a freelance editor.

Geoff’s website: geoffnelder.com

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
ARIA: Left Luggage is the name. “Luggage” is left in orbit, brought to a NASA base and opened. A virus is released, which causes the spread of incurable infectious amnesia. There is no such disease – thank goodness, but think of the ramifications if it existed. People forgetting everything in their life backwards by a year’s worth per week. Soon everyone affected forget where they live, work, who they married! Children forget how to read, speak and eat. A small group realize what’s happening and isolate themselves. Can they keep safe, find out how it all happened and maybe seek revenge on the perpetrators?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The idea for ARIA: Left Luggage came to me while riding a bike up a steep Welsh hill. That’s what I do. I think the effort pushes fresh oxygen into the blood in my brain making me have lateral thinking ideas.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I enjoy the science fiction of the greats but also contemporary writers such as China Mieville and M John Harrison. Also of humorous writers such as Tibor Fischer – his The Thought Gang made me want to write novels even though I was a busy teacher at the time. My style has been polished, inspired by the craft leaders such as Julian Barnes.

What are you working on now?
Xaghra’s Revenge is a historical fantasy employing magic realism to put fiction into a fact-based event. That event? In 1551 pirates abducted the entire population of the Mediterranean island of Gozo. All those souls cry out for revenge and that’s what happens in Xaghra’s Revenge.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use twitter and facebook to promote my books. Another method is to write many short stories for magazines and anthologies. If readers like my stories they go to the links for my novels or look me up on my website at http://geoffnelder.com
I’ve now had 85 stories published.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My main advice is to join a writing group, not a happy-clappy club but a circle who will seriously critique your work and not afraid to point out you’ve not used colour, smell or too many -ly adverbs.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Network, network, network.
This often means attending Cons, so get there!

What are you reading now?
I belong to a science fiction and fantasy book group here in Chester, UK. I’ve just finished Rabbit Back Literature Society by Pasi Ilmari Jaaskelainen – a wonderful book.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A sequel to Xaghra’s Revenge is in my mind and I’m off to a writers’ retreat in Greece soon to outline the plot and characters.

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?
Ishiguro , Kazuo
The remains of the day – masterpiece of slow thoughtful life of a butler
Lem, Stanislaw
Tales of Pirx the pilot
brilliant SF
Miller, Walter
Canticle for Leibowitz. Post apocalyptic novice monk
and of course Ultimate Guide to Wilderness Living: Surviving with Nothing But Your Bare Hands and What You Find in the Woods Paperback – 28 Apr 2008
by John McPherson

Author Websites and Profiles
Geoff Nelder Website
Geoff Nelder Amazon Profile

Geoff Nelder’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In a former life, I was an academic – which explains the variation in the sorts of books I’ve written. Of the 10 published to date, half of them are non-fiction and reflect that former life. But it’s the writing career that came first, and still continues. My first 2 books published were children’s picture books, and the most recent three are fiction. As well as books there are hundreds of published works include articles, short stories, poetry, and stage-plays. Currently, I spend most of my writing time on fiction. Home is Auckland, New Zealand’s stunning City of Sails, though I am rather inclined to wander other places in the world.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest published, Backwards Into the Future, is a novel about growing up in a small town – people, events, hopes, and what happens to them. Some readers have said it is a ‘novel with the feel of a memoir about it’. Though it is not autobiographical, I have woven into the book a lot of memories of my own upbringing in a similar small town, so readers will likely experience many ‘hey, I remember that’ moments. Writing this story about friendship was, in part, a work of acknowledgement of my roots, with thoughts about past and present.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I read about the lives of many other authors, particularly some big-name males from the past, I sometimes conclude that, if they’re the norm for writers, I must be unusual. No whisky, no drunken binges – in fact I’m quite abstemious, how could I be a writer? I do like coffee, though I usually limit my daily cups to 1 or 2. And none of that get up at 4 a.m. business that some writers talk about! I used to be more disciplined than I am now – sitting down and pushing myself to get on with it. If I didn’t have an external deadline, I’d set one for myself, and make up rules about how much to produce. Then I’d pretty much keep office hours. These days I’m a bit nicer to myself, allowing myself to take time off.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
One of my favourite poems, Tennyson’s Ulysses, includes a line that must be particularly apt to this question – I am part of all that I have met. While I have not knowingly tried to write like anyone else, given all the reading I have done over all the years, a lot must have rubbed off and helped produce my style.

What are you working on now?
After years of promising myself I’d do it one day, the time now seems right and I am getting together a volume of my short stories. Most have been published before, but some will be seen in print for the first time. There’s a variety, so I expect readers will laugh, cry, and think.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The answer to that has to be: the method I’m still trying to find! If writing a book is hard to do – and it is, believe me – marketing it is much more difficult. Along with so many authors, I find the business of promoting myself is contrary to my personality. Online sites such as this make the task a little more bearable, so THANK YOU for this opportunity!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t under-estimate the work involved. Most authors put in a huge amount of preparatory work before they even start the writing process.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Well, my father told me decades ago to always turn the wheelbarrow in the direction you want to wheel it, before you fill it up. That’s still good practical advice!

What are you reading now?
For years while I was writing non-fiction, that’s what I mainly read. Now though, I’m enjoying catching up with novels – literary fiction, contemporary, fantasy, science fiction. At the same time, I also enjoy reading biographies and memoirs.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Fame and fortune would be good. A best-selling novel. A smash hit stage play. Film rights. Any of those would be great. Then I’ll be able to employ a PA to handle all the mundane tasks that come along with the writing.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Hmmm – maybe I’d take some of my own. That’s not as egotistical as it may sound. I can’t read anything I have written without seeing how I would now alter it. Since my computer won’t work there, let me take a red pen and I’ll go through them yet again and rewrite. It sounds like an idea that should be written into every author’s pre-publication process.

Author Websites and Profiles
Bronwyn Elsmore Website
Bronwyn Elsmore Amazon Profile

Bronwyn Elsmore’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a YA Fantasy author, collector of oddities, and big time geek. Writing books never entered my mind until I completed my bachelors in anthropology and religious studies and a masters in environmental leadership. After having tried a variety of unique jobs – from park ranger, grant writer, natural history curator, to archaeologist – did I start experimenting with writing fiction. A few moves around the country, and some long international trips later, I decided to write fiction full-time. I’m the author of the Strange Luck series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
When I wrote STRANGE LUCK, the first book in the series, I didn’t intend for it to be a series, but when I sat down to write another book, I felt that there was still more to share. I loved the characters and the possibilities, and so, my latest book, THE NIGHTMARE BIRDS, was born.

The story follows twenty-one-year-old Daisy Darling on a dangerous quest to discover if the mysterious Theater of Secrets is legend or something more. I drew inspiration from my favorite horror author, H.P. Lovecraft, as well as my own research in witchcraft and the occult. There’s a lot of magic and supernatural elements as well.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A good cup of tea is essential. And, my desk always has to face a window. There’s just something about unconsciously gazing at birds and squirrels that helps with my writing process. Plus, they’re cute!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
H.P Lovecraft immediately comes to mind. He was not only a genius with creating a complex pantheon of gods, but his style of writing has a way of getting in your head. Lovecraft never really tells or shows you anything to evoke fear; instead, it subtly creeps into the story on its own.

I’m also a big fan of Neil Gaiman, Mary Shelley, and J.K. Rowling.

What are you working on now?
The next book in the Strange Luck series. The title is still being determined, but it will focus on a nightmarish dream realm. Expect lots more magic, strangeness, and plenty of twists and turns.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I really like blogging. It gives me an outlet to write about whatever I want, as well as promote my books. I write for writers and often share tips on how to write a novel, how to market a book, etc., and I write for readers and share book reviews and tips. It’s a lot of fun interacting with people who are interested in the same things. You can check it out here: https://golden-cricket.blogspot.com/

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s going to be difficult, it’s going to be trying, and in the end, it will be worth it when you finally hold your book in your hands. Utilize the resources available to you and get input from family and friends.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t ever give up even if you’re rejected a hundred times or receive negative feedback.

What are you reading now?
Anne of Avonlea and H.P. Lovecraft’s The Dream Cycle. Weird choices, I know.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More books! I’d like to finish the Strange Luck series and then start on a new set of books.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Neverending Story by Michael Ended because it’s one of the most imaginative books I’ve ever read. Chocolat by Joanne Harris because it’s simply delightful. And, The Lurker at the Threshold by H.P. Lovecraft because it’s fun to be scared every now and then.

Author Websites and Profiles
Amie Irene Winters Website
Amie Irene Winters Amazon Profile

Amie Irene Winters’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Jan H Pieterse is the founder of NextCEO, a member of Mensa, serial entrepreneur, specialist software engineer and the author of various business and information technology related articles. He has authored various other articles under pen names. He lives in Centurion, South Africa with his wife and two sons. With almost two decades of hands-on experience, he is a veteran in the information technology field. Entrepreneurship, business management and leadership have always been at the forefront of his aspirations. He was a co-founder of various companies and has contributed and consulted on business development and strategic processes of several of organisations.
Learn more about Jan H Pieterse at NextCEO.co.za

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Simple Side Of Human Resource Management
I wrote this book because, I felt that in so many cases where people do research studies and/or research papers in general, either for self-enrichment or as part of a study purpose towards a certified outcome, these research papers seem to get lost in the cracks. During my studies I came across a philosophy that stated that; A scholar during their undergraduate degree, merely summarizes and compares the knowledge from the greater pool of knowledge, whereas a scholar studying towards a master degree, searches and tests these collections of knowledge and verifies the information in the greater pool of knowledge, whereas, the Ph.D. scholar is the one that contributes and grows the pool of knowledge.
For many years I believed this philosophy, however as time passed I realized that even the least expectant individual can significantly contribute to the knowledge pool and feed the inquisitiveness of the information hungry souls. Thus I have decided it a fitting choice to publish the research that I had done for the various business projects during my studies. I can only hope that you would not only find this information useful, but that you find the book enjoyable

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None that can think of

What authors, or books have influenced you?
John C Maxwell,
Zig Ziglar,
Tony Robbins,
Tim Ferriss,
Erlend Bakke

What are you working on now?
I am working on the next book in the series:
• The Simple Side of Financial Management

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Diversity and Consistency across all available medium

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Due diligence. Don’t give up halfway

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Tony Robins: Everybody has ideas that can make you rich.
The people who are rich are the ones that took action

What are you reading now?
Growing Happy Kids-Maureen Healy

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to compleat the entire series of business management books
the I will do a book on leadership and coaching
and possibly others

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Anything from Zig, or Tony

Author Websites and Profiles
Jan H Pieterse Website
Jan H Pieterse Amazon Profile
Jan H Pieterse Author Profile on Smashwords

Jan H Pieterse’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write paranormal and contemporary romances that include humor, lust, love, and four-letter words on the way to a Happily-Ever-After. At this time, I have several short stories written and published in boxed sets and several novellas published on their own–some with publishers, some self published.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Alpha Awakened, Fated Foxes, Book 1
I’m not sure what exactly inspired it, but I wanted to write a damaged, tortured hero. A book where the heroine saves the hero. And that’s exactly what I wrote. Hale, a fox shifter, hates everyone and everything—especially himself. He’s an angry, bitter, mentally unstable drunk who blames himself for his mate’s death. It was both wonderful and painful to write. Love that story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmmm… Well, it’s not a habit, but I always have at least two dogs snuggled up to me while writing. Sometimes more. Oh, and I need the TV on in the background. If the TV is off, it’s too quiet, and I can’t deal with music while writing. Too distracting.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, wow. I love the following authors for their paranormal romance writing: Larissa Ione, Gena Showalter, Laura Wright, JR Ward. There are more, but those are my tops right now.

What are you working on now?
So many things! I rarely work on only one project at a time these days. Let’s see… I’m writing a dark romance, a short story with spanking as a theme, a sequel to a shifter story, and my mind is always spinning with new ideas.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, Awesome Gang is great. And there are a few others I use: Excite Spice, Pretty Hot, Facebook, Twitter, The Naughty List… There are a ton.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Read a lot and write a lot.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Sit your ass down and write. Seriously. Am I allowed to say that here?

What are you reading now?
I’ve been doing so much editing, writing, and promoting that I’m not reading anything at this moment. BUT, I have a ton of reading material on my Kindle. I’m anxious to get back to it. Mostly paranormal and contemporary romance and some zombie action here and there.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Movie deal? haha

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
That’s impossible to answer–for me, at least. I seriously wouldn’t be able to pick only 3 or 4. That would be torture.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jocelyn Dex Website
Jocelyn Dex Amazon Profile
Jocelyn Dex Author Profile on Smashwords

Jocelyn Dex’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 SAHM with three kids. I live in my little winter paradise in Michigan.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Heart of the Winterland.

Before my oldest was born, I got into online gaming. After a bit of this and that, I settled on an MMORPG where I started a guild and met a lot of people. I was intrigued by the idea of taking the people I met and putting them in a fantasy story, or rather, creating characters from those people.

By the end, some characters barely represented their doppelgangers and I’d got hooked on the story aspect as well. I feel that by using real people as an inspiration, that my characters have a lot of depth to them.

And as a fun bonus, even though I no longer game, I get to have something special when I read the story because I can be like oh, there’s so and so! And it reminds of me of the good things during my gaming stage.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say unusual. I prefer to write in the quiets spaces after the kids are in bed. I’ve recently started doing 15 minute sprints during the day to encourage myself to get more writing done.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
None specifically come to mind. As a group, both authors and books inspire me.

I’m thankful to the thousands of authors whose work I’ve read and enjoyed. As a group they’ve influenced me, because I’ve seen what they create and I know what kind of journeys those adventures took me on and it’s made me what to be part of that. I want to take someone on a fantastical ride.

What are you working on now?
Currently I’m working on a sequel for my novel “Heart of the Winterland”. I don’t want to give away too much, but it’s set in the same world with two of the characters from the first book. The rest is a whole new cast, a new country, new races, new magic, and a new storyline(book 1 can standalone). Sticking with similar titles, this one is called “Heart of the Sorceress”.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I enjoy networking with people on a more intimate basis. I try to be an interesting person and take some sort of interest in other people’s lives.

Scribophile has been amazing for getting feedback on my stories as I write them. And I’ve met a lot of writers through there who I’ve become invested in, not just as writers, but as people.

That’s really shown me how much I enjoy getting to know people and hoping that by them taking an interest in me, they’ll be interested in what I write.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Persevere. Writing is a lot of work. Yes, it’s work. It’s more than just putting words to paper and being done. At least, there’s more to it if you’re wanting to publish or improve a piece. There’s a lot of learning that’s involved. A lot of nights where you’re staring at a sentence that you’ve seen numerous times before and trying to see it with fresh eyes to make sure it’s perfect. It’s opening yourself up to criticism and learning to separate the helpful from the not-so-helpful. It’s finding out what your style is and when someone’s advice fits that, and also when they’re right about something needing to be changed. And that’s just the start. So I’d say, persevere and never stop trying. Try new things if the old ones don’t work, and be open to change.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Focus not on what you haven’t done today. Focus instead on what you did, even if it’s the little things.

What are you reading now?
I have two reading challenges for the year. I’m reading the Count of Monte Cristo for one and The Clay Remembers for the other.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A: I’ve started a sequel for HotW. Since I’m incredibly creative I’m calling it “Heart of the Sorceress”. *audience oohs and aahs* I know, right!!! Be impressed.

Anyway, I originally planned on having HotW stand alone, but as I was writing the last two chapters, I kept thinking about how many more stories were yet to be told. So HotW does stand by itself. It is a complete story that you could read and not be left with any sort of cliffhanger.

But “Sorceress” does build on that and though it’d be possible(at least that’s the plan) to read it without reading “Winterland”, you would miss out on some things.

After HotS, I’ve got a sci-fi saga that I’ve been wanting to write for over 10 years and now that I know I have what it takes to finish a novel, I’m going to tackle that challenge because it is the story of my heart. (so many hearts right now!)

I wouldn’t be surprised though if there ends up being at least one more story in the “HotW world”. With release of book 2, I’ll be adding a series title and numbering the books.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Watership Down
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Swiss Family Robinson
Bible

Author Websites and Profiles
Kristen Kooistra Website
Kristen Kooistra Amazon Profile

Kristen Kooistra’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in a housing project in Appalachia and always knew I wanted to be a writer. After college, I spent almost 20 years behind the scenes in TV and TV news where I picked up a lot of inspiration for stories. American Goth is my first published mystery, but I have 3 more scheduled to be published the next four months. I’m also the author of several books on using your PC or tablet. I enjoy solving those kinds of mysteries as well.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
American Goth was inspired by some of the crimes and investigations in nearby rural communities when I worked in news. And also by members of my family and my husband’s family that live in small towns and on farms and love it. I think there’s a misperception that people who live in rural American are unsophisticated and out-of-touch. Nothing is further from the truth.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do most of my creating while I’m taking long walks. Then I rush home to write it all down.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Laura Ingalls Wilder was the first author whose books I sat down and devoured. I spent my childhood pecking out lame Little House imitations on a manual typewriter my uncle gave me. As I grew older, Robert B. Parker, Dorothy L. Sayers, Dashiell Hammett and other great mystery writers inspired me as well as great TV writers like Stephen J. Cannel, Donald Bellasario, and Glen A. Larson.

What are you working on now?
Final edits on What The Chat Dragged in (a much darker mystery than American Goth) and on Killer Clowns from Out of State, as well as a slightly supernatural novella called, The Girl of His Dreams. I’ve already completed the sequel to American Goth called A Maze and Grace.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still new at this game, but so far I’ve found mailing lists, hardcore social media, and being on the lookout for opportunities to be my best bet.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Edit, edit, edit, edit and the edit it one more time. Then get yourself a snack and edit it again.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I know it’s a cliché, but find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.

What are you reading now?
A whole bunch of books about promoting yourself as an author! Recently reread Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers as well as David McCullough’s John Adams, Simon R. Green’s Dr. DOA, and Laurie R. King’s Murder of Mary Russell.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have sequel’s planned for all of my upcoming novels.

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?
These Happy Golden Years by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers, The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett, Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury.

Author Websites and Profiles
Cyn Mackley Website
Cyn Mackley Amazon Profile

Cyn Mackley’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written several books, but some of them aren’t published yet. My first book, At What Cost was published in 2012 by Clean Reads publishers. The Breeding Tree is from Brimstone Fiction, an imprint of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, and the second book in The Breeding Tree series is due out on Mar 7, 2017. Other than that, I have 2 contemporaries written and the 3rd book in the series completed. Other books are always brewing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Breeding Tree was inspired by all the dystopian fiction I love to read. I’ve always wanted to write a dystopian, but never had a good idea. The story of The Breeding Tree fell into my mind in its entirety. I brainstormed the entire book in one day while sitting at my kitchen table.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I like to go to cafes to write, but that’s because it’s hard to write with kids at home. I write when I can, where I can, how I can. (Pen/computer)

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love 1984 and The Giver. Those are my 2 favorite dystopian books. As for writers, I love Laurie Halse Anderson. And we almost have the same last name, so that’s cool too.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a contemporary story now. The rough draft is almost finished. Once it is, I have a post apocalyptic story brewing. I’m also in edits for the second book in The Breeding Tree series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use my Facebook author page the most: http://www.facebook.com/jandersenbooks, but I also use my website. http://www.jandersenbooks.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read. And write… a lot. You don’t really find your voice until you’ve written a few full manuscripts.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Remember whose you are and what you represent… by my mother.

What are you reading now?
I just started Taken by Erin Bowen. Just finished: On Writing– Stephen King, The Winter People– Rebekah Purdy, and The Remedy– Suzanne Young.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing! As I said above, I’m going to hop into a post apocalyptic story 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?
The Bible, 1984, The Giver

Author Websites and Profiles
J. Andersen Website
J. Andersen Amazon Profile

J. Andersen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am still a rather new author but I’m not new to the service I offer women professionally.

I’ve written and self-published 4 books about my life with the first is called, “Sins of a Woman’s Escort” by: Mr. Michael Live.

As a boy growing into a young man, I was very popular in school.

I was the “best running back on the east coast” for my age and I had Penn State football scouts watching my progress for a potential scholarship to their university. I was a starting catcher & center-fielder on a semi-pro baseball team for the Baltimore Orioles, I wrestled, I ran track and I played basketball. So therefore, I was very athletic while I also drove a shiny silver Chevy Corvette.

Rightly so, I was very well-known among all the girls in my area and I knew I had a big influence over many of them. With that being true, I wanted to find a way to share my undying belief in God after being killed 3 times and having both of my legs shattered from the knees down at a very young age.

I had driven my best & most Beautiful Female Friend or my BFF down to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and the two of us were walking around having a blast. My friend & I were separated for a minute and during that time, I was approached by a very attractive black prostitute but to keep a long story short, I’ll just say you can learn what happened from there as well as the details of my accidents by reading my book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book series is called “Gifts from God” and it consists of 4 books. The first one is “Sins of a Woman’s Escort” while the next book can be found listed at the end of the one before it in the series.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I do and I can be very anal about them too. For example, I like to skip a line after nearly every sentence while the reason is explained in my first book.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The only one I can think of would be the Holy Bible but I’m sure there are small bits & pieces of other books in my writing.

What are you working on now?
I would like to promote my first book as much as possible because that’s what the Spirit is telling me to do.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I liked goodreads.com before they kicked me off for not following their rules but I used to like facebook before that. They kicked me off too and I know the Enemy is doing His best to discourage me but I will not let it affect me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t worry so much about the way you write as much as you think about the topic of your writings.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’ve heard too many words of wisdom to zero it down to one comment.

What are you reading now?
I don’t have time to read, sadly.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Any book sales will help with the business my wife & I are planning to start.

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 take 4 of the biggest books in the world so as to have enough paper to start fires.

Author Websites and Profiles
Mr. Michael Live Website
Mr. Michael Live Amazon Profile

Mr. Michael Live’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in London and I am a composer, songwriter and keyboardist, as well as an author of books for kids. I trained at the Trinity College of Music in London, and after moving to L.A. I worked as a session Singer with such artists as John Lennon, Cher, Diana Ross, The Jackson Five, Leonard Cohen, George Harrison, Adam Ant and Thomas Dolby. It was a great ride. I wrote 2 top-ten singles for my own band on Jupiter Records and I was asked to join Mike Oldfield of Tubular Bells fame as a keyboard player for a European tour. While on the road, 2 of my songs won 1st and 2nd place in a BBC Radio Song Contest. I have written three full length musicals which are in various stages, and three children’s books, with two more in the works.

I now live in Florida with my family and have started an independent publishing company with my daughter.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Muffy and the Dog Catcher, it’s a cute book for children about a family of dogs told from their view point. It was inspired by my own dogs…

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, copious amounts of tea drinking because I am British. That and listening to instrumental music usually Jazz, it helps me to think.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love to read (Of course…. LOL) so it would be hard to mention specific favorites…. But if I had to whittle it down…. I grew up with Jane Eyre, The Crystal Cave, Wuthering Heights and Jean Plaidy. Now I like Grisham, Clancy, and Robert Ludlum

What are you working on now?
The second book in the Muffy series called Muffy’s Vacation to Florida (three guesses what inspired the book)…

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still learning as I go but I would have to say… Awesome Gang of course as well as following the advice of Kindlepreneur on how to get good reviews for your books…. My daughter is keeping on the straight and narrow when it comes to promoting and marketing, she’s a whiz and kind of my inspiration for starting to write children’s books. She’s twenty-two now but I home-schooled her for ten years when I was writing for Theater in California.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I wouldn’t presume, everyone has their own creative process, just be true to yours.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I gotta go with hire a professional formatter and proof-reader. You are too close to your own work and you need the distance, it really helped me a lot…. Unless you mean life advice, in which case I am going to go with the Monty Python song “Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life”

What are you reading now?
Just finished an excellent Grisham.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on a play which needs to be finished, and I have two more outlines for Muffy books. My sci-fi book for YA readers (or potentially MG) is finished now and just needs formatting it’s called the Dreamstealers.

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 am thinking a book of jokes because it would be really depressing to be stranded, also a survival guide might be a good idea, and after that War and Peace would be a good idea to wile away the idle nights, or maybe a Clancy would do the trick.

Author Websites and Profiles
Devra Robitaille Website
Devra Robitaille Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, as a mother, I have faced hardship while raising my son, due to lack of biblical knowledge. As a result of that, I’m committed and driven to reforming Christian education. I’m very much familiar with the struggle and frustration common to families wanting to train up their children in the way that they should go. So, as a literature evangelist, right now I’m pursuing my life-mission, which is to lead people to discover their identity in Christ through Christian education.

My faith in God is because of time spent with my grandmother. She was a voodoo bandleader who was converted and taught me, in particular, how to pray. She read the Bible in my presence and took me to church. I am grateful for her until this day. She was a happy and funny grandma, always singing and praising God. She taught me that too.

So far, I have written 7 books and 4 more are on the way.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is “Why Teachers Shouldn’t Gossip: A Personal Memoir.” It was an experience that I wanted to express in writing so that I wouldn’t hold grudges.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sprint write. And then I leave the manuscript and come back to it after a very long time when I’m inspired again.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I didn’t have a particular author or book, it was just a desire to teach my preschoolers to read and simultaneous teach them about Christ.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on translating the “Jesus Loves Everybody” book series into French.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still looking for one. But I believe I just found it on awesomegang.com.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you have a desire to write, write. If you don’t have time to write, write anyway.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve heard is to promote my book on awesomegang.com.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading “Strengths Based Leadership” by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My next assignment is to write my autobiography.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I were going to be stranded on a desert island, I would take my Bible, “Strengths Based Leadership,” and my “Jesus Loves Everybody” book series.

Author Websites and Profiles
Nicole Benoit-Roy Website
Nicole Benoit-Roy Amazon Profile
Nicole Benoit-Roy Author Profile on Smashwords

Nicole Benoit-Roy’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 mom, a writer, a painter and an insomniac. I have two published books in the Monsters series, and a third coming out on November 23rd, 2016.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Playing with Fire deals with the aftermath of the first two books in the series. The more destruction you wreak the hotter the fire burns.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual, no. My process begins and ends with music. The right songs help me weave scenes together.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love anything by Laurel K Hamilton, especially her earlier stuff. he’s not a writer per say, but I love Kurt Sutter. He showed me that bad guys are human too. And that is a big piece of my Monsters series.

What are you working on now?
I am currently playing with a book about witches. It’s a little softer than my Monsters series. It focuses more on romance rather than action.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far Facebook. But I will admit, this marketing thing is a heck of a lot harder than it looks.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Have faith in your story. There are a million people out there who will tell you what works for them. Do what works for you. Remember at the end of the day, it’s your world. Do what you want.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s better to try and fail than to wish you had.

What are you reading now?
I am 3/4 through Jingo one of my favorite Terry Pratchett novels. I’ve read it going on eight times now.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am just trying to get the word out about my monsters. And you know, writing.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Jingo. See told you I love that one. Shapes by Steve Vance. Phantoms by Dean Koontz.

Author Websites and Profiles
Amber Naralim Website
Amber Naralim Amazon Profile
Amber Naralim Author Profile on Smashwords

Amber Naralim’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 pre-teen author and I have written 2 books. One is a cookbook and the other one is a horror-fiction novelette for young adults.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called The Dark Nights. I was inspired by other authors that they became famous and rich because of writing. So, I started writing books.
However, my target is to convince young people to write a book as it is easy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was influenced by J.K Rowling and Jeff Kinney. These two are my favorite authors.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a novel, which will be about a chicken and it is really fat and other chickens make fun of him. It seems selfish, but it will be really funny!
Just like Black Beauty novel by Anna Sewell.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Facebook Ads most of the time.
However, I do have a website.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I do. Just start writing. Do not worry about the errors you make, as they will be fixed in the end.
Even if you think that your manuscript will not make you popular or not make you rich, you are wrong.
If your book is really good, you will hopefully, become a best-selling author.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“The best way to get something done is to begin”.

What are you reading now?
I am reading storybooks like Harry Potter and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Nothing special. I will write some books, however.

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?
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Alchemist

Author Websites and Profiles
Abdullah Mujeeb Website
Abdullah Mujeeb Amazon Profile

Abdullah Mujeeb’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am writing a Christian Fantasy series called the Wind Rider Chronicles. Fantasy readers will find all the traditional fantasy elements that they already love: quests, journeys, heroes, villains, fantastical creatures, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. My series tells a compelling adventure story infused with deeper spiritual themes. The first book, Journey to Aviad, is free in ebook format and can be found at most retailers. Book two is Ancient Voices: Into the Depths, and there is now a companion book called Into the Shadow Wood.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Into the Shadow Wood is my latest book. It was actually inspired by my readers! More than a few asked me about the character Einar from Journey to Aviad–what happened to him, and if he was going to come back into the story. Since I love this character too, I decided to give him his own novella, which ties directly into the main books of the series. I’m very pleased with how it came out, and hope that readers will be too. This is one of what I hope will be more companion books to come.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a bit obsessive about my book planning and research. My world’s history has been written into an extensive 22 page timeline that goes back to the moment of its creation. I also do considerable medieval history research for my stories. Even though they are pure fantasy, rather than historical fiction, having an authentic medieval feel adds a layer of richness to my world and the everyday lives of my characters.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My greatest influences have been C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien–not only for their groundbreaking work in the fantasy genre–but for the depth of thought they inspire.

What are you working on now?
Now that Into the Shadow Wood has been finished and released, I’m into the planning stages of my third series book. My goal is to have it written and released by the end of 2017.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Self-promoting my books is always a challenge! I find the best avenue of promotion is networking with writers and readers, through Facebook groups, my author newsletter, and amazing sites like this one that are designed to help authors.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stay true to yourself! I know that’s cliche, but it is really important, especially for new authors. It is tempting to try to go with whatever seems to be trending just to make book sales. But if what you’re writing isn’t authentic, your readers will know it, and ultimately you won’t be happy either.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I keep this advice from Tolkien in mind whenever I’m working on a new fantasy piece. Kind of puts it all into perspective…
“Fantasy is escapist, and that is its glory. If a soldier is imprisoned by the enemy, don’t we consider it his duty to escape? If we value the freedom of mind and soul, if we’re partisans of liberty, then it’s our plain duty to escape, and to take as many people with us as we can!”

What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading The Thunder King by Lee Duigon. It is the third book in a fabulous Christian Fantasy series for young adults. The first book in the series is Bell Mountain, and it really can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep working on my own series, which will include at least 6 books, along with related short stories and companion books. Right now I’m not sure exactly where my imagination will take me, but I’m eager to find out!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, Lord of the Rings (Tolkien), The Silver Chair (Lewis), and The Complete C. S. Lewis Signature Classics–7 books in one. Is that cheating?

Author Websites and Profiles
Allison D. Reid Website
Allison D. Reid Amazon Profile
Allison D. Reid Author Profile on Smashwords

Allison D. Reid’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing for many years, beginning with short stories published in prominent and not-so-prominent Science Fiction magazines: Space & Time and Shayol, among others. In July 1981 I sold my first published story, Timestopper, to Amazing Stories. Now, like many modern writers, I’ve chosen to directly publish my novels and short-story collections. I currently have two novels published along with two short-story collections, and they’ll all available almost everywhere in ebook or paperback formats. The novels are also available in hard cover. I’m also working on a sequel to my second novel, “To Summon The Blackbird,” and hope to finish it by the end of the year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “To Summon The Blackbird,” published in January 2015. Oddly enough, the inspiration for the story came from a popular song in the 1970s, “The Raven,” by The Alan Parsons Project. The song itself was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s poem, and I include a few lines from it in the novel.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to polish a scene and a chapter before I move on to the next. The little details that editing can add to a scene often inspire other details or even plot deviations in later chapters. Most writers, I think, prefer to write a quick and loose first draft of the entire story before they get down to the editing and polishing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
That’s easy, it’s even in my bio: Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, John W. Campbell, Larry Niven and Harlan Ellison.

What are you working on now?
I’m about a third of the way into a sequel to “To Summon The Blackbird.”

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Twitter a lot, and interaction with readers and authors on Goodreads. To a lesser degree, I also use Facebook and Google+.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you love writing, just keep at it, never quit. That probably makes me a hypocrite, since I did quit about twenty-five years ago. But I picked it up again in 2013 when I found out about the self-publishing process. Much easier than submitting to editors, and having to wait, sometimes for years, for a reply.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I read a lot of books and articles about writing over the years, and found a lot of good advice, but after all these years, no one piece of advice stands out.

What are you reading now?
“Time to Hunt,” by Stephen Hunter.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep writing until I’m too old to remember my name.

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 books of large-format atlases. Then I could lash them together and make a raft.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ken Doggett Website
Ken Doggett Amazon Profile

Ken Doggett’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Okay, so my name is Richard Langridge, and I’m a writer. I make words happen. After a very long time, these words occasionally grow into something bigger, becoming what some people often refer to as “books”. It’s pretty neat.

Some things to know about me:

I once observed a swan attack a man after throwing bread at its children. I think he survived, but I can’t be sure. Either way, the photographs of what he endured that day will live on in my office drawer.

Sometimes. if I’m very drunk, I gain the ability to talk in slow motion. It’s the closest thing to a super power a person can ask for these days.

Once when I was very little, I went jumping in the puddles on a rainy day with my brother and accidentally splashed a tramp hiding in a shop doorway. I remember he looked very sad, and wet. I still think about him sometimes.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled Dan and Frankie Save the World. In a nutshell, it’s the story of what you’d get if Bill and Ted worked at The Office, and had to deal with Invasion of the Body Snatchers.

As to what inspired it, I’m not sure. Probably alcohol. All the best ideas happen when you’re drunk.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in the nude, like any self-respecting author.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Hmm, good question. Max Barry’s pretty hilarious (although I hear he’s Australian…). Jim Butcher’s good. Also been reading a lot of John Connolly recently. That guy writes some creepy shizzle.

What are you working on now?
At present, I am working on two books, one of which being the obvious next entry in the Dan and Frankie series. The second book is a parody non-fiction work concerning death in film (it’s funnier than it sounds).

I could say more, but I’d have to kill you…

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

Obviously…

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Jeez, let’s see…

Always save ten-percent of your paycheck. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. You never know what financial hardships lie down the road.

If a man named Travis tries to entice you into his van with promises of candy, make sure to go ahead and not do that. No, really. Just trust me on this one.

Keep your pubic hair trimmed. Seriously. There’s a reason it’s not the ’70s anymore.

That’s all I got.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The pull-out method.

Thanks again, Dad.

What are you reading now?
Machine Man, by Max Barry. Seriously, it’s the most fun you can have with amputees without it being illegal.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A shrieking nose-dive into alcohol-fuelled irrelevancy. And possibly some cake. (It’s tea time right now).

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Probably just four copies of my own book, because I’m a bastard that way. That, and I’d probably sit there under a palm tree with sand in my crack, looking at them and wondering where it all went so terribly wrong.

Author Websites and Profiles
Richard Langridge Website

Richard Langridge’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
One book so far, called “ONE” ironically…

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“ONE” – it´s a collection of poems and I was mainly inspired by my fans and followers to release it

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m chaotic. I have no plan, no structure and no habits. Sometimes I write, sometimes I don’t. It goes in periods. If someone puts a knife to my throat though, I tend to become very creative.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think I’ve been influenced by every single piece and book I’ve ever read, I’m spongy like that, so it’s hard to pin down just a few names.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a novel, and I’m having so much fun with it, and at the same time I’m getting ready to release a seond poetry collection or chap book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Instagram so much. So, so much. I love it. I have lots of free poetry and snippets on there @printpoetics and I love to offer people free reading as well, as an alternative to buying my book. I’m not sure it works for everyone, but I think social media is really a great way to connect people, so I’ll continue using it until it doesn’t work for me anymore.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. This was (is) my biggest issue still. You need to place your bum in that chair and do it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“What are you going to do in order to find out?”

What are you reading now?
The 100 year old man who climbed out a window, it’s brilliant!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting my novel edited. It’s a big pain the hum-hum to do it yourself.

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 100 year old man, because I didn’t finish it yet and I’d hate to leave it half way through. The Great Gatsby is a given. I’d take an Encyclopeadia, because I’m weird like that. And I’d take a blank one, so I could write my own story while being stuck on the island.

Author Websites and Profiles
A. L. D. Chalom Website
A. L. D. Chalom Amazon Profile

A. L. D. Chalom’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Born in New Orleans, I grew up on Elm Hall Sugarcane Plantation out-side the small Cajun town of Napoleonville, Louisiana. I proudly served on active duty in the military with deployments to Iraq and Kuwait. After completing my military service, I worked for the Department of Defense, supporting the military in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. I have been lucky enough to travel the world, visiting and touring over twenty-five countries.

So Far, I have five published books, but I have completed drafts on eight additional books of varying genres.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Sevyn, an Adult Paranormal Romance. It was inspired by my love of reading Paranormal Romance books.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I get an idea or a good thought on a book, I write it down on anything within reach. Therefore, I have piles of Post-its, old receipts, torn off pieces of paper, and napkins all piled into neat little stacks that shift through for ideas.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The works of wonderful authors like L. A. Banks, Laurell K. Hamilton, John Grisham, Dan Brown, Beverly Jenkins, and Amanda Hooking have influenced me.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on an Erotica Series that is so hot and steamy, I will be using a different pen name. Additionally, I am working on book #6 of my Smoke & Fire Series, Adult Paranormal Romance.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter and Facebook seems to work relatively well. They allow me to interact with readers and discover new readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Although I am a new writer, I quickly learned that the key to becoming a better writer is to write, read, and learn. By continuing to write, read, and learn, you can eventually change your status from a good writer to great writer. Be proud of what you’ve written, especially if writing is in your heart. If you find you think of and write more than you do anything else, don’t stop and don’t be discouraged by outside influences. Write something every day, even if it’s just a page. Write no matter your mood. For example, you would be surprised at what kind of spark you can add to a character when you write while angry or happy or excited. Educate yourself about every aspect of the writing world— trust me, its necessity. Give your writing time to grab the market, don’t force it and don’t rush it. Patience is a necessity.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice that I have heard is to keep writing, keep reading, and keep learning. Don’t respond to negative reviews, use them to make my writing stronger. Don’t just write your book, release it and hope that readers will find it; search for readers. Don’t quit my day job is by far the best advice I have heard.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading a Romance Novel called Live for me by Erin McCarthy.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer I am anxious to release a variety of different genre books. So far I have written drafts for Paranormal Romance, Erotica, Horror, and Young Adult. My Young Adult Dystopian Trilogy has receive positive and inspiring feedback so far, so I have decided to spend additional time developing the characters and strengthening the plot. I am interested to see how younger readers will respond.

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 Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen
Topez Beverly Jenkins
God Don’t like Ugly by Mary Monroe
A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway

Author Websites and Profiles
Michele Wesley Website
Michele Wesley Amazon Profile
Michele Wesley Author Profile on Smashwords

Michele Wesley’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account