Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Ever since I picked up my great grandmother’s old copy of THE WIZARD OF OZ, I have loved stories. Writing is one of my favorite things to do — telling the stories that have lodged themselves inside my head and refuse to stay there.

When I’m not writing, I spend time thrifting, playing a good game of pickleball, or sipping coffee at one of my many favorite coffee shops.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
SECRET OF THE LOST KING is book one in the THRONES trilogy, and it actually began as a stage play written for production at a summer camp two years ago. I decided to take the basic story I had written and re-create it as a novel.

By day I work as a Children’s Pastor, and I have seen what has happened to a generation of kids who have been essentially parentless. More and more kids have grown up without a father or mother or both. I wanted to speak to that specific experience in THRONES. So Jack, a boy without parents, wrestles with this idea of family as he journeys through the fantastic world of Tanniyn and goes face to face with an evil emperor.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I cannot write when I’m inside my house! I have to be somewhere else. Coffee shops are my favorite stops to frequent and spend a couple hours, punching out my word count and sipping a latte. But no matter where I write, I love to sit by a window. Something about the natural light and the movement outside helps me stay creative and hard working.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Some of my favorites right now have been Brandon Mull, Travis Thrasher, P.W. Catanese, Melody Carlson, and always Ted Dekker. However, two of the books that have most influenced my writing have been A WRINKLE IN TIME and A WIND IN THE DOOR both by Madeleine L’Engle. She will always remain the master.

What are you working on now?
Right now I am deep into writing the second book in the THRONES trilogy: SWORD OF THE BROKEN SON. I’ve been planning for a book called LUMBER, a fantasy novel about the Pacific Northwest. I’m excited to write that one as I think it’s going to push me both creatively and on a character development level.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I often find a lot of success with Awesomegang, Bookangel, Facebook, and Amazon.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take time with your stories. Don’t rush them. Pause literally to smell and taste the flowers. So many novels pound right into dialogue, which can be smart and snappy, but they often forget to show me the world these talking heads exist in.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Even though every story, every plotline, every basic idea has been explored in literature, the story you have to tell about those things has not been told. So don’t tell it; show it to us.

What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading CIRCLES OF SEVEN by Bryan Davis, as well as CAPTIVES OF THE DESERT by Zane Grey. Both super interesting, but in wildly different genres!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing up the THRONES trilogy is immediately next, but after that I am excited to start writing LUMBER and an Arabian fantasy series.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Only three or four? Okay, I’d spring for A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L’Engle, TILL WE HAVE FACES by C.S. Lewis, and my good old Bible.

Author Websites and Profiles
Shaun Stevenson Website
Shaun Stevenson Amazon Profile

Shaun Stevenson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a writer of novels and short stories about the American West. My first novel, Logan’s Word, is set in West Texas near Coleman, where I graduated from high school. I strive to make my books as historically accurate as possible.

I was born in Louisiana but, was raised by my parents in my mother’s home state of Texas. Throughout my life, I have lived in many parts of Texas and have a love of that state.

Professionally, I enjoyed the life of a pilot, flying throughout the West, living 10 years in Arizona, several years in New Mexico and traveled around exploring Colorado. I retired from Southwest Airlines. My travels gave me the opportunity to learn about and fall in love with the country about which I would later write.

As a boy, I spent many Saturdays at the all-day movies. I reveled in all of the western adventures, especially those of Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and Lash LaRue. One of my favorite western actors continues to be John Wayne. I especially liked his performance in Hondo written by Louis L’Amour.

As a youngster, I shared my passion of reading westerns, with one of my loving aunts who had a huge library of western novels. This is where I came to love Louis L’Amour and other western authors. Evidence of these influences appear throughout my novels, assuring that they are wholesome and adventurous, filled with action and good values which can be enjoyed by any member of the family.

Today, I live with my wife, Paula, and a six pound, Chihuahua, guard dog in Cuenca, a mountain city nestled in the Andes in Ecuador.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Forty-Four Caliber Justice is my latest book. My inspiration came from considering the challenges a youth, in the old west, might face when his family is murdered.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Being as historically accurate as possible.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the old western writers. Louis L’amour being my favorite. I grew up on these books and the Saturday matinee where good, wholesome entertainment raced the pulse of all the kids.

What are you working on now?
I just finished my third short story, Hell Hath No Fury. I have started my third novel which is the second book in the Logan Family Series. It is exciting!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method so far has been, www.bookmarketingtools.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writing a good book is only half the job. The other (very necessary half) is marketing.

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

What are you reading now?
Louis L’amour’s Bowdrie. One of his books of short stories.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish the novel I am working on and get it published, I will write, first a short story (my wife insists on a new short story) and then a sequel to Forty-Four Caliber Justice. Just a note, my wife uses my short stories to market 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?
I would bring the scriptures. They have many layers. You could read them time after time and see new things.

Author Websites and Profiles
Donald L. Robertson Website
Donald L. Robertson Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The first job I ever had was at a library. Weeding. That’s right, I was weeding at the library. Every time I told someone what I was doing, they’d ask, “Reading?”

I wish. It was 90 degrees in the shade and I was crawling around on my knees on pine bark right next to a brick wall that stored up the heat just to radiate it back at me. Miserable.

The only good thing was that, after about two weeks, they decided to let me come inside as an intern.

I’ve hated weeding and gardening ever since (and I wasn’t too fond of them before). But it didn’t kill my love of libraries, even though I’ve made sure never to work at another one. You can never be too careful. . . .

I’ve published one book, CLOAKS, and have the first draft of the second in that series written. I also have a big fat fantasy that I wrote with my (adult) daughter, which needs a rewrite. I’ll get to that a lot sooner if people will start buying my books (hint! hint!).

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I really have no idea what habits are “usual”–I do know that a lot of people get up early to write, and I definitely don’t do that. I get up around 10, and work late. No particular schedule. Sometimes I listen to music while writing, sometimes I don’t, but never anything with words (or at least, not with words I can understand)–words are too distracting.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The two biggest influences on my writing are probably Isaac Asimov and Orson Scott Card.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the sequel to CLOAKS, called PANDIR DECLOAKED. If you’re wondering who Pandir is, go read CLOAKS before December, when I’m expecting PANDIR DECLOAKED to come out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Finish something. If that means that a thousand great ideas fly out the window because you haven’t finished the current project yet and that’s all you’re letting yourself work on, fine; let them. If you get that many great ideas, you don’t even need to save them; you’ll have plenty more.

Then, after you’ve finished it and edited it to perfection, hire an editor. Someone you’ve never met. If you think you can edit it well enough on your own, all I can say is that your notions of “well enough” probably need examining.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
About anything? On any topic? Easy. One word.

Share.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Um . . . keep writing. I mean . . . what else, right?

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 heck with that nonsense. I’d take my Kindle and a solar-powered recharger.

Author Websites and Profiles
F. A. Fisher Website

F. A. Fisher’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Penzance (‘as in, Pirates of…’ I once heard a tourist say), Cornwall. Naturally, a childhood growing up by the sea led to career ambitions of becoming a pirate (the friendly, rum-drinking type, not the wicked, pillaging type). But due to a morbid terror of open water and the fact that I was, and remain, the type of swimmer who does very well at drowning, I moved to London and opted for my second career choice: to become a writer.

I grew up on a diet of mystery and suspense books, films and TV shows, so I guess it makes sense it’s the genre I feel most affinity with. I love stories with twists and turns, and enjoy trying to second-guess the plot reveals.

My writing is pretty dark and sometimes creepy, but never explicitly violent or gory. I’ve written five books so far – a standalone dark fairy tale for adults called The Hiding House; a roadside diner horror thriller called Walking After Midnight; and three books in the Emily Swanson series, which is a mystery thriller series following a troubled young ex-teacher as she becomes embroiled in various mysteries.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Cold Hearts. It’s the third novel in the Emily Swanson mystery thriller series. Emily is a bit of a damaged character with a disturbing past who also happens to be an amateur sleuth. In Cold Hearts, she unwittingly takes on an evil corporation, so it’s a bit of a conspiracy thriller in that aspect. The crime she uncovers in the story is heavily inspired by a true life crime that took place in the UK. I won’t say what it is as that would ruin the story… but when I first read about it I was truly shocked. In fact, each book in the Emily Swanson series has been inspired by one true life crime or another.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always wear headphones when I write – but usually with no music playing. I just need to shut out the real world so I can fully enter the world I’m creating. This also includes shutting the curtains and facing a blank wall while I write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Agatha Christie, Margaret Atwood, Cormac McCarthy, Nicci French, Sue Grafton, Aldous Huxley. One of my all time favourite novels is The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. I love how it blends so many genres while still having a healthy dose of mystery at its core. Also, Sebold’s writing is just beautiful and unafraid to go to painful places. I like emotionally intense stories, and I try to bring that to my own writing and characters.

What are you working on now?
I’m about to start work on the fourth Emily Swanson mystery thriller. I’m really excited about this one as it’s going to tie up the current story arc in a really shocking way.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method any author can have is to grow an email list of readers to promote their books to – offer something free like a novella or second in series in exchange for an email address. You also need to promote your new books or any discounted promotions you’re running – there are a number of great sites to do this including BookBub, Free Booksy, Robin Reads, Book Sends, ENT, and Awesomegang.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Read a lot in the genre you want to write in – get to know the genres and conventions. Readers will know them well and will expect them to occur.

2. Always find time to write – even five minutes a day will eventually get a book written.

3. First drafts are meant to be crappy – don’t beat yourself up! Just get the story down and make it brilliant in later drafts.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Building you writing career is like running a marathon not a race – I’m eighteen months in and I’m getting closer towards writing full time, but still have some way to go. It can be frustrating to not see your book become an overnight success, but remember that 99% of those overnight successes were actually writing for years before with several books under their belt.

What are you reading now?
Sue Grafton’s ‘X’. Such a great series and heroine.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Once the fourth Emily Swanson novel is complete, I’ll be starting a new series set in a mysterious coastal town. As much as I love writing Emily’s adventures, I’m looking forward to exploring a whole new set of characters and settings.

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 Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
Misery by Stephen King
The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Author Websites and Profiles
Malcolm Richards Website
Malcolm Richards Amazon Profile

Malcolm Richards’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! My name is Jenifer Jennings and I write Christian Fiction and Women’s Devotionals. I earned a B.S. in Women’s Ministry from Trinity Baptist College and am a member of Word Weavers International. I uses my writing to grow closer to my Lord, and my biggest desire is that, through my work, God would bring others into a deeper relationship with Himself. Between studying and writing, I am a dedicated wife, loving mother of two children, and lives in North Florida. I’ve published a Christian Fiction novel about a Hope Chest that is passed through several generations. Also, I wrote a two week women’s devotional that highlights some of my favorite women of the Bible. Currently, I’m releasing a collection of poems that I’ve written on my walk with God.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Soul Sparks: A Collection of Poems is my newest release. I started writing poems when I first came to God and wanted a place where they could come together. My prayer is that they will spark the reader’s soul.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I keep a container to crispy M&Ms on my writing desk.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite authors are Janette Oke and Francine Rivers; I love their books.

What are you working on now?
I’m editing another Christian Fiction novel; this one is about Rahab. My goal is to have it ready my Christmas.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My personal website (http://www.jeniferjennings.com) is where I update all my books. I also love doing free promotions. I’m a new author so I enjoy letting readers try before they buy.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn your craft and then learn the business. Write because you love it. Work hard because you’re worth it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t stop. You have a unique message that someone needs to hear.

What are you reading now?
“Revelation Unveiled” by Tim Lahaye and “Writing Deep Scenes” by Alderson and Rosenfeld.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m finding new ways to connect with my readers. My goal is to make writing a life long career.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My personal Bible, Hatchet by Gary Paulsen (my favorite book as a kid, plus it could be helpful), The Chronicles of Narnia collection book by C.S. Lewis, and “Come Thirsty” by Max Lucado.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jenifer Jennings Website
Jenifer Jennings Amazon Profile

Jenifer Jennings’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 the father of twin girls who as of this week, both officially became broke ass college students. I’m married to my best friend for over 20 years, and our home is run and operated for the comfort of our three dogs, a black lab, a boxer, and an old English bull dog.

I’ve written 6 full length books that are out, plus 1 short story and a novella which comes out 9-28th

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’ve got 2 projects. 1 is the Torn series. Book 1 is out, called Torn Away, which actually won first place in the Saratoga RWA Great Beginnings contest! It was inspired in many ways by many of the trilogy books that I’ve read from Nora Roberts, where you see her get a new couple together in each book. I also wanted to write a book that was very emotional, and showed the characters connecting emotionally to each other, and to a young boy who has been through so much. Book 2 is in the works and continues the story.

The other project is called the Red Strokes, which is part of The Hotel Paranormal series. An author friend Aria Kane came up with the idea of an anthology where different writers would create a story of paranormal creatures, all of whom would eventually interact with a Hotel that was supernatural in nature. Some basics were created for the hotel and we each would write our own stories. I got to help create some of the details that made it into the series bible.

My story is about a young college student who inherits her aunt’s psychic abilities. Anna’s an art student, and a bit of a wallflower. She’s taking an art class where on her first day, she bumps into her grade school crush, Ashton. Ashton isn’t taking the class, he’s the nude model. Together, they deal with her new abilities and discover the truth about what happened to Ashton’s parents.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually just sit in my recliner with one of the dogs up between my legs.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a big fan of Nora Roberts, which was a big inspiration for how I plotted out the Torn Series. I’m also a fan of Dean Koontz, the Harry Potter series, Cassandra Clare and Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series.

What are you working on now?
Book 2 of the Torn series. In book 1, Drew comes back to his home town after 1 sister is murdered. He’s there to care for his nephew and reconnect with his other surviving sister. Book 2 picks up where book 1 left off. Drew still has some dark secrets in his past, and holding on to those secrets are what’s keeping him from reconnecting with Ashley, and making it hard for his new fiance Sam to trust him. Ollie is no longer able to hide the fact that he’s been in love with Ashley since they were kids, and Cole’s starting to feel safe for the first time in his life.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Mostly just Twitter and Facebook.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. Finish your stories, don’t let yourself get stuck. Don’t be discouraged if what you’ve written doesn’t get published. Be aware of your word count, and show don’t tell. And always use an editor.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Lots of it. Be wary of info dropping. Scatter the details throughout the book. And don’t filter. No, Character A saw character B do this.

What are you reading now?
Just started The Serophim Breach by Tracy Serpa.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m doing promo for book 1 of the Torn Series, and The Red Strokes, while I get Torn Apart, the sequel, completed. I need to also finish off the Vision series, my YA Paranormal Romance series. Then I’ve got a ton of other ideas.

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?
Can I just bring the Harry Potter Series and call it a day?

Author Websites and Profiles
Vincent Morrone Website
Vincent Morrone Amazon Profile
Vincent Morrone Author Profile on Smashwords

Vincent Morrone’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 Nebraska native. I’ve been writing since I was 12 years old and I just can’t stop. My first “major publication” was during the summer of ’92 when my soap opera hit the big time. With a mailing list of three devoted readers, I was on cloud nine. It was just a matter of time until the tv deals starting rolling in.
I currently have 13 ebooks avaible, including The Warden series which I am particularly fond of. It is my first publication and therefore my favorite. My readers, however, are really enjoying my Nebraska Apocalypse series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent publication is Sister Witches. This book idea was inspired by imagery of a “bad” nun. I really enjoy twisting traditional religious themes and adding the supernatural element. In my mind, it’s only a stepping stone away anyway.
This book has turned out to be a great setup for a series and I can’t wait to develop a sequel for my eager readers.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual? Well, I’ll be honest, as a part-time author, full-time worker bee, I haven’t had the chance to develop a regiment. I basically write any chance I can get, and promote myself when my mind needs a break. However, I do work on more than one project at a time. I know it is a big no-no to split one’s attention, but at any given time I have two or three books that I am purposefully writing on, as well as several “palate cleansers” that I use to excercise my skills during dry spells.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am such a picky reader. I think most people who publish have a genuine talent for the written word, but I find that so many books rely entirely on their poetic tongue. I am a plot and character reader. I want something to happen. I want interesting dialogue.
When I read my first urban fantasy book by Tate Hallaway, it opened my eyes to a world of fantasy that didn’t require a whole new world to back it up. I absolutely fell in love with the idea of real life people, in a normal world, but with a fantasical theme. It entertained and inspired me.

What are you working on now?
I am working on Deja Vu. This book is a little out of my comfort zone. A slightly futuristic American world where cameras have become the police, and the police are controlled by the mob. My main character is a “twin soul.” She transitions from one personality to a completely different one every 48 hours. As if that wasn’t a hard enough life to deal with, she is now being targeted for murder by one of the mob bosses. Unfortunately, neither of her personalities seems to know why.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use just about everything. I discover new sites everyday. I’m not sure that one site has dramatically increased my sales… yet. I just want to seen and have people recognize my name as someone who has interesting books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It is a LONG process. I discover new problems and new solutions everyday. As an indie, my mind is scattered across the spectrum of writing, editing, advertising, cover art. I am just starting to feel comfortable and confident enough to push my work to the next level: paperback. Be patient, be smart, and don’t give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t do it. I read an article on hard it is to break into the literary world via traditional means. This of course did not specify that I should do it myself, but it did make me realize that ultimately my goal is to share my stories. If I can make extra income that is just peachy, but I am an AUTHOR. Not because my name is next to a publisher, but because name is next to a title.

What are you reading now?
Oh, dear. Is it wrong to say that I am completely self-involved. There is one series I can’t resist when new books come out. Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin Series makes me happy. She is a fun author and my the blood she spills. I do so enjoy a little sex and violence in my spare time. Hmm, that came out wrong.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Print books. I’ve been working up to this for a long time. I am so glad I waited though. There are so many legal considerations and quality concerns that I just wasn’t ready until now. I want my books in my hands. I want to smell them and flip through the pages.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A dictionary: I don’t know why. I just think it would be a way to stimulate my mind. Douglas Adams, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy: because I have to laugh. Michael Crichton, Lost World: because it is hundred times better than watching the movie-damn you Spielberg. E.L James, Fifty Shades of Grey: because I’m assuming I’m on this island alone. Gonna have to have something to feed the hallucinations when they set in.

Author Websites and Profiles
Felicia Jedlicka Website
Felicia Jedlicka Amazon Profile

Felicia Jedlicka’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Moment of Surrender: My Journey through Prescription Drug Addiction to Hope and Renewal.

I never intended to write a book. It all began with journaling which eventually turned into more. I decided to pursue writing a book as a means of helping other people going on similar paths. I also want to raise awareness to the dangers of the ease and quickness of dependence and/or addiction to prescription drugs, especially benzodiazepines.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think unusual. I try different methods on different days depending upon the moment , mood, and ease of writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
“The diving bell and the butterfly”

The Book Thief

What are you working on now?
Marketing “Moment of Surrender”. Searching out and speaking about awareness and dangers of benzos at libraries, book clubs, rehab facilities, radio talk show, and universities.

I also am a congtrbuting blogger on Huffington Post and write a monthly guest article for a local newpsaper, “The Missourian”

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

Home

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Remember the reason you began writing-your passion-your purpose. As long as you hold onto that you will keep your creative juices intact, even when you go through periods of writer’s block.

Don’t stay in your own brain for lengthy periods of time. Get out and spend some time around people, even if you only parallel them. A little isolation in writing is good, but once you overdue it you will definitely know it. Change the scenery; go to a coffee shop, libray, etc…mix it up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Your passion leads to your purpose

What are you reading now?
“Naked: Stripped by a man and Hurricane Katrina” by Julie Freed

What’s next for you as a writer?
Journaling on a new book which will hopefully eventually turn into book format and published. It deals with relationships, self-love, and awareness of red flags.

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?
SAS Survival Handbook: How to Survive in the WIld, in Any Climate, on Land or at Sea by John Lofty Wiseman: obvious reason
Survival Skills Book. Starting Fires Without Matches. Top 25 Methods How To Make A Fire
Pride and Prejudice because I have a lot of time on my hands and love the read
Mindfulness: Be Mindful in the Moment

Author Websites and Profiles
Judy (Pj) Laube Website
Judy (Pj) Laube Amazon Profile

Judy (Pj) Laube’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m from Chicago. I’m a very creative person, I love doing anything that allows me to express myself. I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember because it’s something I’ve always loved doing. I currently write Science Fiction books and have two published independently.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Psychotic Break. It’s the second book in The Crazy Files Series and it continues where Crazy Files left off. The entire series is inspired by the beginning of my spiritual journey. It actually started out as my journal. I was writing my experiences with the paranormal and how I felt about all of it when the idea for the series came to me.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I find easier to write with at least one person in the room. When I’m alone and trying to write, I get very distracted but having someone else around makes me more focused for some strange reason. They don’t even have to talk to me or anything. Just having that presence allows me to focus.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.K. Rowling and Dean Koontz.

What are you working on now?
The book I’m focusing on now is called Breakthrough. It’s the last book in The Crazy Files Series. But I also have a few different books started.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use my personal website and Facebook page to promote my books. I haven’t really looked too much into other methods of book promoting yet.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for the joy of it. Don’t force yourself to write an idea you’re not into. Wait until you find an idea you’re excited by.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Fear is a reminder of how much you care about the work you’re doing. Don’t let it get in the way.

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m rereading the entire Harry Potter series.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m definitely going to keep writing and publishing books. I would love to get into writing Non-Fiction books about spirituality at some point but for now I’m going to focus more on the books I already have started.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I think I would only need the entire Harry Potter series. I could read those books over and over again and never get tired of them.

Author Websites and Profiles
Yvi Valentin Website

Yvi Valentin’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Dennis Howard is a retired fire fighter, former university instructor and entrepeneur who finally retired to devote his time to his passions of writing and gardening. He has written poetry, childrens books and short stories. His first adventure in a full length novel, RIVERS CROSSING, is now availalbe in both ebook and print editions at your favorite online retailers.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest and first book, written with my co-author Tui Brookes, is called RIVERS CROSSING and was inspired by events happening along the border with Mexico and Texas

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robert Heinlein, Issac Asimov, Edgar Rice Burroughs.

What are you working on now?
The sequel to RIVERS CROSSING

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Aside from various short stories, The Jewels of the Ishamah is the only full length book I’ve written. I’ve always been a fan of folklore and fantasy as well as ancient cultures. This book blends those together into an epic adventure.
I am fascinated by anthropology and ancient civilizations. I’ve been interested in writing ever since I wrote stories with pictures in them as a kid. Creativity has always been a part of my personality and I’ve always been inspired by creative people who can write books, films, and TV shows.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Jewels of the Ishamah. It was inspired by my love of the fantasy genre as well as the Indiana Jones movies and archaeology. I thought it would be cool and unique to have a book that takes place in an ancient civilization that is often overlooked in popular culture in spite of being the so-called Cradle of Civilization.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write at night when nobody is around to distract or interrupt me. I hate being interrupted when I’m in the mood to write and I’m in the “zone” so-to-speak. I usually like to have something to drink while I’m writing because it relaxes me. I hate being stressed when I’m writing, so I try to make the experience as enjoyable as possible.
I don’t know if I have anything unusual about my writing habits. I usually don’t even have much of an outline for my stories. I write whatever comes to me. Maybe that’s unusual since many writers prefer to outline better before writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The success of Harry Potter influenced me. Those books are addictive for kids and adults alike. I read all 7 books. Who hasn’t?
I think some of the most influential writers I’ve read are J.R.R. Tolkien, Orson Scott Card, and Kirby Jonas because I have a signed copy of his Western novel The Dansing Star. It’s the only book I own that was signed by the author himself and it’s a very good book. I enjoy it!

What are you working on now?
Write now I’m working on a nonfiction book that analyzes archaeology and the Bible. It’s called ‘Is the Bible Henotheistic?’ I’m also working on a possible suspense thriller set in modern day Texas called ‘Dead Man Running.’ And a possible follow up for my first book since a few people who have read it have told me there should be another one. We’ll see.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I mostly just blog or use Goodreads.com to promote myself. I’m still learning how to promote myself better, so I’ll eventually get better at it. I really should start an author website, though. My best method so far is to try to find as many websites and writer communities as possible to promote my work. It can be time consuming, but I suppose writing is also time consuming, even though I enjoy writing more than I enjoy promoting.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you enjoy writing then do it. Get it done. Have fun doing it. Learn how to promote yourself and learn from other writers.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you have a dream, go for it.
“If you want something, go get it. Period!” -Will Smith in the film The Persuit of Happyness

What are you reading now?
A book I checked out of the library called: ‘The Dragons of Eden’ by Carl Sagan. I’m also reading ‘The Code Book’ by Simon Singh. It’s a lot to swallow. I have to read that one multiple times.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing and become a success. To inspire people with my words and my talent. To teach people new things and express new ideas through my craft as a writer.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Oh, that question is tough. There are way too many good books out there. Many of which I’m sure I haven’t even read. The Princess Bride, Homer’s The Odyssey, The Complete Works of Shakespeare, and to entertain my inner child Marvin K. Mooney, Will You Please Go Now? by Dr. Seuss.

Author Websites and Profiles
Christopher Nilsson Amazon Profile

Christopher Nilsson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Shounak Mondal writes books on travel,photography and science fiction. He travels to explore at every opportunity. He started imagineescapades.com with his wife Neha Gupta to share their travels and inspire others to explore the world. His unique idea was to also give travellers a feel for the place by writing short fictional stories based on the places he visited so that the travellers read and experience the place before, while or after visiting the destination. He also shares his learning about landscape photography so that travellers can capture and cherish their travel memories by snapping stunning images.So far he has written two books selling on amazon and is writing more at present.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of his latest book is Kohiti’s anomaly. The books is a science fiction action adventure inpired by his travels to the breathtaking country of New Zealand

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
His writing is inspired by his travels.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Individuals who have turned their passions in to great businesses like travel bloggers, food bloggers and individuals who have taken up travel as a full time passion

What are you working on now?
He is working on another science fiction action adventure which is inspired by his travels in remote islands in the middle of vast oceans

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon.com and imaginescapades.com and his social network and followers

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write on what you are passionate about , continue to learn and dont give up

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just do it

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue to write inspired by travel experiences. Several ideas in mind based on travels in Bali, Cambodia, Philippines, India and Europe

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A book on how to survive on a deserted island
Science fiction books

Author Websites and Profiles
Shounak Mondal Website
Shounak Mondal Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up as a Jehovah’s Witness and ended up been a mercenary, that should tell you quite a bit!
I have written 7 short stories about my adventures, starting off at the time I signed up with Executive Outcomes, the first Private Military Company in the world. I was in the first 100 men to join them. From there I got sober, got a “normal” job and tried to fit in with society. Did not work. I then started liing a Gypsy like life style, moving from one odd job to another, covering the whole of Southern Africa. For 5 years I tried to stop the Rhino Poaching, training Game Rangers to become soldiers. All the while I keep notes, in my head, of all I see and the stranger people I meet.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Chronicles VII is the last of my written notes, I have another 4 in my head. I started writing to try and clear my own head, and the second Chronicles was written to try help other people that are like me.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I suppose keeping all the experiences in my head, for years, before writing them down, one shot, is a bit weird.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Steven King, not so much his writing but the forwards to his books!

What are you working on now?
I am getting the Chronicles from II to VII to an editor and ebook publisher, and trying to get Part I into the market. That done I will start on the last 4. Oh, then I have to go and “Research” in order to have new material. New adventures beckon. So

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far it would seem Facebook get the most response.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just sit down and do it, do not go back and check/correct every 5 minutes, just write. Later you can go over the whole document. You will surprise yourself.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take it one day at a time.

What are you reading now?
An old Steven King Novel I found in my friends bookshelf, Bag of Bones.

What’s next for you as a writer?
New places to go. I have never left the African continent, maybe it is time.

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 AA’s Big Book
Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings
A Thesaurus

Wayne Bisset’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
About me? Well, I’m an erotic romance author, however, my books are filled with strong female leads. I love strong women and believe they should be showcased front and center. It could just be me…I am a Scorpio. I love to fish with my husband. Also, I’m a compulsive baker. Don’t ask me why but I’ll start making zucchini bread and end up with chocolate chip cookies, zucchini bread, fudge, rolls, and then because I don’t want to get fat, I’ll force it on my loved ones.

There’s just something soul soothing about baking.

My books? I’m always working on something, and there are always irons in the fire. But there are currently 8 books in my bibliography with 2 more to come by the end of the year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’ve always been interested, neigh, obsessed with aliens. Every morning I watch another UFO video on the Tube of You. I mean, when the International Space Station starts catching them on film? We need to admit we’re not alone.

And that can be terrifying. So I made it a romance. Because why the hell not?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think they’re unusual. I can’t listen to music, because I used to be a legal secretary. So I’ll end up typing what I’m hearing, like with dictation. So no music. No TV either. Just me, in my office, absolute silence.

There’s always coffee…or alcohol…or alcohol mixed with coffee.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh there have been a lot of authors I’ve loved over the years. I’m a huge Baldacci fan. The Winner is my favorite book by far. But there are some that just inspire me: Ella Dominguez, Sylvia Day, Jenna Jacob, Shayla Black…just to name a few.

What are you working on now?
Book 4 of my Shifter Chronicles is now with the editor. I also wrote a BDSM/Suspense that goes to the editor next week.

After knocking out 2 books in succession, I’m taking stock in Pepto Bismol before I finish another suspense / sleuth novel. I’ve also been hired to write a biography and that has been the ultimate challenge. It has been started….just…started. There’s so much more to a biography than with fiction. It’s a real midnight oil burner.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve been through a few PAs that have been a huge let down. Recently, I hired WLK Book Promotions and those ladies have been very good to me.

I utilize paid and free advertising. But the best marketing, by far, is the person who loved my book and blabs about it. A few months ago, I went to a vendor event. They decided the erotic author should be next to the sex toy lady. Sylvia from Sylvia’s Temptations pimps me out like a two dollar whore. I love her!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The first book you write is going to be a train wreck. Send it to an editor before you even think about submitting it. There are so many things to learn about crafting a novel that you will NOT, I repeat, NOT learn in college…or even high school.

This will help you with rejections. You may still get rejected, but at least it won’t be because the first paragraph had them slamming their head against their laptop from poorly written text.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write the next book.

What are you reading now?
I just finished Book 4 in the Women’s Murder Club. I absolutely loved it. No, I don’t care that James Patterson doesn’t write his own books anymore. A great book is still a great book.

Before that, I read Embracing my Submission by Jenna Jacob. I could not put it down.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Sleep? Nah, I have another suspense I’m working on plus the biography. That’s enough for 2016.

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 Winner by David Baldacci
Ulterior Design by Ella Dominguez
And the first survival book I can find.

Author Websites and Profiles
Anita Cox Website
Anita Cox Amazon Profile

Anita Cox’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve ghost written many books. I’ve also helped other authors find the hidden picture in their stories. Under my own name I’ve written two books: The Calling (A Protector Book), and Lights Of Love (A Boundaries Book).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The last book I just finished was Lights of Love. It was inspired by an author friend’s wife. This same author dared me to write my own book after I helped him with a few of his, so The Calling was born. Then his wife complained that we (her husband and I) only wrote fantasy and she liked romance so, Lights of Love was born (I added fantasy to her romance ).

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try to write at least thirty minutes a day and read at least thirty minutes a day. Usually, one or the other gets well more time than that; but its a guideline.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, so many! Stephen King, Robert Jordan, Judson Roberts, Orson Scott Card, Jennifer Nielsen, Nora Roberts (aka JD Robb). The list could go on and on.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a sequel to the Boundaries book, a sequel to The Calling book and a first book in a new series called the Dynasty.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That question is really tough. This promotion for authors is tough, really tough. I’m really new to it so I am just learning the ropes. I’ve found that a website is a must. Twitter has been really great to me along with Facebook and all the writer groups that I found for support on Facebook. But those are by no means enough as a new writer strikes out to get those first five reviews. It’s tough really tough.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Have a great support system of authors to help you through all of the ups and downs. It’s a mandatory accessory for any author.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It was from an article of an interview with Stephen King. In it he stated to set yourself a schedule of at least thirty minutes a day of writing and reading at a minimum. Then live. Use your friends, family, TV series, news, music and people watching (my favorite) for inspiration for new stories.

What are you reading now?
I just finished two of Gena Showalter’s books (The Darkest Torment & The Darkest Touch), a trilogy by Megan Crewe, and Scott Cramer, a YA fantasy book by Mike Walsh and a twelve book trilogy by John Corwin. That was all in one week. Do you think I read too much? Hmm… Nope no such thing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to continue on with sequels to the two series that I started with these two books. Then start the first book in the new series. I’m excited to work with an author in my circle to help him paint the hidden picture inside his book. Plus, the future is a mystery just waiting to be unwrapped so sometimes it surprises even me.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Hopefully a “How to…” book on surviving on an island first off. Then Pride and Prejudice the original copy. Then on of Stephen Kings books (not sure which one). Then any of the wonderful Dark Hunter books from Sherrilyn Kenyon.

Author Websites and Profiles
C. S. Lane Website
C. S. Lane Amazon Profile

C. S. Lane’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a South-Eastern. Where? From the sunny islands of the Philippines! It’s where the all time Boxing Champion, Manny Paquiao , Ms Universe 2016 Pia Wurtzbach and one-time singing-sensation, Charice Pempengco come from. But not every Filipino has the chance of sharing our talent as they have. I hope I can.

And this is my first attempt to being a novelist. The first novel I had and published via Amazon was ‘The Becoming of the Mystic.’ I decided to write it when I was 25 yrs old. My initial intention was just to get it out of my head. I realized that if I can’t get it out, it would bug me for a long time. I guess, it’s one bothersome mindset of a writer.

But to tell you honestly, I shunned writing for quite some time. When I was studying, I initially auditioned to become a Feature Writer in our school newspaper because my brothers and sister were very well-known writers in the campus. But to my dismay, the Editor-in-Chief decided that I am better off at sketching. So, I became the Official Editorial Cartoonist. By the way, between me and my siblings, I’m the only left-handed. I guess, that did not make the cut.

But what made me do it again? Believe me or not, I had three separate nights of a recurring dream. How can I not be bothered by it? So, viola! I made it into a novel!

It’s one way to be at peace with myself. But then, something had awaken in me. I cannot stop from there. Now, I have to create another one..and hopefully another…Mysterious as it may seem but that first novel of mine, is rather a wake-up call.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Becoming of the Mystic” – It came from a recurring dream that happened three separate nights.

After that, I encountered people, sayings, books, places that eventually transformed the dream into a novel. It took me about a year to create it. I have a day-job and I did it before I go to bed. It was an exhausting fit to fight against your mind and your physical needs.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Some of my inspirations:

*Lewis Carol – The rabbit who led Alice in the hole

*Charlotte Bronte – My favorite classic/all-time female writer

*Jose Rizal – the late national Philippine hero, who rallied through the might of his pen, died with arms tied but faced his gun shots up front. He was only able to write two revolutionary novels: Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not) and El Filibusterismo (The Filibuster)

*Hayao Miyazaki (Japanese Anime Director) – not a writer but a director of animated stories. His story-telling captivates one’s soul to reminisce childhood fantasies and bittersweet adult truths

*Richard Paul Evans – my modern day inspirational novelist who wrote The Christmas Box Trilogy. He’s living in Salt Lake City by the way. I wish to meet him one day.

What are you working on now?
For my second attempt in novel-writing, I wish to write a story about a man who tried to save a stranger’s life in expense for his own.

It’s going to be a bit psychological and gloomy but I will put on a paranormal twist on it. It’s not much of a fantasy as my first book but I like how to plot is rolling inside my head. I think I am becoming better at giving more emotions to the characters that in my first book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I may be new in the publishing world but when it comes to writing, I think I already cracked my skull open wide to share how I was able to create my first novel:

Keep on writing. One should never stop if this is indeed your passion. This is innate in you and it will bother you if you won’t let those ideas out.

The first half of the battle is won when you are able to express yourself on paper. You just have to worry about the marketing side later on. One step at a time.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m a self-publisher. It’s time I learn the marketing strategies on how to reach to a wider audience. But after that, I wish to write more…Do you know why I’m initially doing this?

I could have just simply written my first book for my own pleasure. But let me go back in my self-introduction. I grew-up in a developing country, the Philippines. It may be sunny here but not to most of my country men. I wish to offer the first fruits of my writing to my fellow Filipinos in dire need. I wish not to divulge much about this. But I believe that people must see the motive of the maker somehow. I wish to do this in the long-run.

Author Websites and Profiles
A.M. Sesbreἥo Website
A.M. Sesbreἥo Amazon Profile

A.M. Sesbreἥo’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Trained as an architect, I’m a US expat who has lived in Barcelona for the last couple of decades so when I decided to write Historical Fiction it seemed natural that I use my current city as the backdrop for my writing.
Very descriptive, BJM is intended for those interested in the following: historical mystery, or the brave origins of non-digital photography, or European Mediterranean cultures in the 1900’s, or simply those who have visited Barcelona in the past and loved the city as well as those who plan a return visit or first visit here.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Quid Pro Quo in Paris. Placed in 1960, this book is still in the writing. I am interested in relatively recent historical fiction; I feel the recent past has greater relevance to our present. Also, 1960 is a pre-beetles, pre-drug sex and rock-and-roll period but in many ways very exciting, and a period generally overlooked by writers. For this very same reason for The BCN Journal Murders I chose 1906, a pre-WW one time…

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m pretty busy as an architect, so I write on trains and planes or while waiting for an appointment. Never suffered from writer’s block.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m currently reading Force vs Power by David Hawkins. Quite Mindboggling.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
twitter, and internet book reviews sites.

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

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work. Thomas A. Edison

Author Websites and Profiles
Jonathan Coan Daifuku Website

Jonathan Coan Daifuku’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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