Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been a professional magician for 35 years and served in the military in an intelligence position. I have always written about things I have knowledge in, and in the case of the Wizard Series I have combined the two. This is my third book, however, the first fiction writing. I am currently working on the sequel as well as completing the outline for a third book in the series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Wizard – Dirty Secrets. The inspiration for this book came as I was performing a magic show for a group of defense agency officials. One of the attendees said, “Your skills would be great as a spy.” I remember going home and writing down the title which came to me while driving home. The rest as they sat is history.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write when the inspiration hits me, and have been known to wake up in the middle of the night with an idea. I actually have a flashlight and pen and paper on my nightstand for those moments.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stuart Woods, David McCullough, John Grisham, Tom Clancy

What are you working on now?
The sequel to the first book titled “Wizard – Fools Gold.” I also have the outline for “Wizard – Ship of Fools,” which will be the third book in the series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Daily posting on Facebook and other book and publishing sites.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
With electronic mediums anyone can get published. You never know if you might be the next Tom Clancy. Don’t give up on your dreams.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“If you are going to do something, just do it but do it right.” – My Father

What are you reading now?
Re-reading Clear and Present Danger.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Sequel to this book and toying with the idea of writing the first book as a movie screenplay.

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 on Survival.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lawrence Berry Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a 41 year old poet originally from Shropshire in the UK, but now based in Hertfordsire.
I have performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as well as at numerous pubs, libraries and schools across the UK.
I have been a finalist in the ‘Lyrics Only’ section of the UK Songwriting contest, and written the following comedy poetry books:- ‘Your Sax Is On Fire’, ‘A Floristry of Palpitations’ and ‘Short Funny Love Poems’.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is geared towards children and is called ‘Christmas Poems For Children’. It is inspired by my two children, aged 5 and 9, as well as my own imagination. Although there are a couple of Christmas messages in the book, it generally centres on the fun and excitement that kids love to have at Christmas, such as sledging, building snowmen and inventing imaginary worlds.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always wear a top hat and a monocle whilst writing Only kidding. None that I can think of.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
From a children’s perspective Roald Dahl, Spike Milligan and Michael Rosen.
From a general poetic perspective, a number of writers, including Coleridge, Blake, Larkin, Wendy Cope, John Hegley, John Cooper Clarke and Hovis Presley.

What are you working on now?
I have a few ideas I am working on. One of them is a book of ‘Valentine’s Poems’.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find Facebook is very good at promoting my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you believe in and what you enjoy writing about.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Believe in yourself.

What are you reading now?
I am actually reading a Copywriting book to help me promote my poems more.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish off my book of Valentine’s Day Poems.

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 Diary Of A Nobody by George and Weedon Grossmith
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Poetic Off Licence by Hovis Presley
Red or Dead by David Peace

Author Websites and Profiles
George Stanworth Website

George Stanworth’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I love to read, cook, crochet and reside in Ohio with my two children, the love of my life and his three children, am a writer and an editor who is passionate about my family and this cause. I aim to break the silence of child, infant and pregnancy loss, to give angel parents a voice and to teach the rest of the world how to handle it when someone they love loses a child. This is my first book with more to come in the area of helping families who have lost a child.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Shattered Soul: An Angel Parent’s Journey is just that, my journey since losing my youngest child. I searched and searched for a book that was written from the perspective of a parent that was walking the same journey I was, and found nothing. That was when I decided to break the silence and let other Angel Parents know that they aren’t alone.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to have pretzel sticks when writing. No idea why other than a salty snack that I can play with while trying to focus.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
That is a rather large list. Authors and books ranging from Stephen King to Nicholas Sparks have influenced me in different areas.

What are you working on now?
Currently we are working on the awareness of “Shattered Soul: An Angel Parent’s Journey” and trying to help others know that this is here. We do have a few other projects in line for the very near future though that we hope will help other Angel Parents as well.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Ask me that in a few months…

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Easy isn’t worth it, and if it’s worth it, it won’t be easy.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do something that will give your children a proud memory of you when you’re no longer here.

What are you reading now?
Marketing guides from sources everywhere.

What’s next for you as a writer?
We have another project for Angel Parents that we will be announcing 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?
Something random by Anne Rice, one of the Harry Potter series, and Stephen King’s “IT”

Author Websites and Profiles
Kristina Widener Amazon Profile

Kristina Widener’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in the United Kingdom and began my career in fashion before moving to Australia. In Sydney, I went on to develop a successful business in the art world, co-founding art galleries and a successful art publishing company.

I began my journey in spirituality after attending a meditation class with a friend. I went on to train and qualify as an energy healer and spiritual teacher before I began to understand the incredible connection hidden within music and the spiritual energy of the world. I now interpret how to apply this life-changing knowledge in people’s favorite songs while completely transforming their understanding of music and its energy.

I’ve written 3 books: “Read my Song, Read my Heart, Read my Soul;” “Soul Music” and “How to Beat Criticism and Feel Good”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have 2 new books!

Soul Music has just been released. In this book I pin down the traits most common to people who share the same favorite song. Using psychic intuition, Soul Music is a unique book that reveals your strengths, weaknesses, and major issues while providing practical advice and life guidance.

It is a must have for every library and anyone even remotely interested in the dynamics of personality. While you study your profile you will find it hard to resist examining those of family and friends. Soul Music helps you to better understand yourself and celebrates our differences and similarities as human beings.

You can find it on Amazon at http://amzn.to/2bFLw5Z

And my latest book, How to Beat Criticism and Feel Good launched on 8th November. This book offers practical advice and simple techniques for how to beat criticism and make your life happier.

I show you how to:
• Recognize the tell-tale signs of criticism
• Respond confidently to criticism
• Free yourself from the negative clutches of criticism
• Empower you to live a happy life and feel good

How to Beat Criticism and Feel Good has the potential to turn around your relationships and help you feel good with all of the people in your life.

You can find it on Amazon at http://amzn.to/2cDahB7

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I like to meditate before I write and I also invoke my Spiritual guides to inspire me and write through me. I am just the channel :))

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love good literature. My favorite book is ‘Disgrace” by J.M. Coetzee. I adore his clipped writing style. He had a badass writing style and writes to the point. He doesn’t mince his words and his style is in some ways shocking, just like his subject matter. I love the title too!

I love William Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury.” I also love the classics, such as “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee.

For nonfiction Noam Chomsky is a big influence of mine and also the writings and teachings from Paramahansa Yogananda.

What are you working on now?
I’m so excited! I’m writing the book which everyone has been asking for: CELEBRITY Soul Music!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love Email marketing as I am able to talk intimately with my readers. I love Awesomegang too and this site is a great help and support for me as an author:))

Do you have any advice for new authors?
For this, I will defer to 2 beautiful quotes from my book How to Beat Criticism and Feel Good

“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.”
―Oscar Wilde

“Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there’s love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.”
―Ella Fitzgerald

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
These’s too many to name! Love wholeheartedly, forgive easily, small the roses, give generously, be kind, laugh often, think good thoughts, realize that you are a part of the Divine whole, Soul union, meditate

and…know yourself…or as Osho says;

“Discover yourself, otherwise you have to depend on other people’s opinions who don’t know themselves.”
―Osho

What are you reading now?
I’m reading a little book which my partner Mick has just bought for me; ‘How to tell your story so the world listens’ by Bobette Buster

What’s next for you as a writer?
Oracle cards, I love how quotes and short sentences can have a profound effect on the reader :))

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Any book or teaching by Paramahansa Yogananda, The Bhagavad-Gita and a large blank yellow, full scrap writing pad to pen my next best seller :))

Author Websites and Profiles
Awen Finn Website
Awen Finn Amazon Profile

Awen Finn’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! My name is Linda M. Crate, and I’m a Pennsylvanian based writer born in Pittsburgh yet raised in the rural town of Conneautville. I have a degree in English-Literature from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, and I have been writing since I was thirteen.

I’ve written numerous poems, articles, essays, reviews, and short stories which have appeared in a myriad of magazine, and around twenty novels including the couple that I scrapped. Not all of them have been published yet, but I am looking on finding them all homes. I’m currently working on a piece that is unlike anything I’ve written before, and I’m pretty excited about it.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Centaurs & Magic and it’s a prequel to Blood & Magic and Dragons & Magic. Normally, I go in chronological order, but my one friend asked me for some history on Atriel so I wrote this prequel after the first and second books had been published.

I decided that this book, too, was going to be different. I challenged myself to write a book without romance and I did. It’s a very dark, creepy tale about the villain of the first book Evan and his ruthless pursuit to become king no matter what it costs.

Ironically enough, there’s actually more history set in the book after this one (which takes place directly after Dragons & Magic, but what can I say? My characters are sometimes brats).

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Define unusual? I write whenever I get the chance to. But I don’t think I really have any strange writing habits.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Edgar Allan Poe, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, Anne Rice, Emily Dickinson, Christopher Paolini, Agatha Christy

What are you working on now?
A piece about a part-vampire named Nymeri. It’s funny because I thought I knew where this story was going, and yesterday it decided to go in a new direction. We’ll see where it heads from here.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I usually promote on twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Of the three, I think FB and Instagram are the most effective.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. My novel Amethyst Epiphany was picked up and then later dropped by a publisher a year after I’d started working with them. It really broke my heart. My friend Alicia, however, encouraged me to keep going on; and a month later Ravenswood had accepted the first book in my Magic Series: Blood & Magic. You’ve got to work hard to achieve your dreams, and so if this is what you really want, prepare to work hard and endure ruthless critiques sometimes from people who have no idea how hard it is to put your heart and soul on paper.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When Anne Rice said there are no rules for writing. I felt better for ignoring the “10 top things you should know about writing” and lists like that because I felt in my heart that we all write how we write. It’s all about environment, how we learned, and what angle we want to take. We all have our own authentic voice so the same story cannot be told twice and I think that’s the thing I love most about writing.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently not reading anything. I recently finished Pestilence by Jeani Rector. It was an interesting historical fiction centered around the Plague of Europe. She worked very hard to keep everything authentic to the time period and gave a lot of details about the Plague whilst doing so which were factually accurate.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I never know. I keep pushing my books, my poetry, my articles, etc. out into the world. I’m going to keep writing, dreaming, and pushing. We’ll see where that takes me. Hopefully to high places because I’ve had enough of the low. Ha ha.

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 stranded on a desert island and only had four books to bring with me I would probably bring a practical one on how to build rafts or escape desert islands, one on how to forage for food in desert climates without exerting too much energy, one on poisonous animals and insects that live in the desert so I can avoid them if possible, and one on how to stay hydrated. Because as much as I love my fantasy novels, I really don’t think they’d be practical and I want to be rescued as quickly as I possibly can be.

Author Websites and Profiles
Linda M. Crate Author Profile on Smashwords

Linda M. Crate’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in London to Scottish and Irish parents, and spent most of my childhood and teenage years growing up on the move in the likes of Cyprus, Germany, Wales and England as an army brat. With a keen interest in both reading and writing I was diagnosed with the travel and writing bugs very early on in life.

Now, writing, traveling, reading, cinema and Scottish football are my main passions, along with cooking, yoga and meditation and health and fitness.

My main inspiration for writing today comes from living in such a beautiful, charming and hauntingly, Gothic city, such as Edinburgh. This awe inspiring wee city has given me so much amazing inspiration to write the more time I spend here.

At this moment I am working on a couple of screenplays and a sequel to my young adult, fantasy, indie sleeper hit – ‘The Fairy Boy of Calton Hill’ – The Fairy Boy of the Seven seas.

So far I have self published eight works of fiction –

Ugly/beautiful

Alone

Sarah Smiles

The Universe Doesn’t Do Second Chances

Cafe Independence.

Lust4Life

The Fairy Boy of Calton Hill

and my most recent novel

THE OLD MAN AND THE PRINCESS

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called ‘The Old Man and The Princess’. The novel was inspired by a lot of things, for example the old man in the book is loosely based on the brilliant Irish actor Brendan Gleeson and some of the more darkly humorous characters he has played throughout his career, in the likes of ‘In Bruge’ ‘The guard’ and ‘Calvary’

The other main, and most influential inspiration for the book, is actually another old classic sci fi tale, but I can’t really discuss it without ruining the story, and main plot of my own novel and the important role this old classic tale has throughout the narrative.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Thinking about it lol I’m not sure if this is gonna sound entirely unusual to any writers out there, and might just be the norm, but in order for me to get into the best possible mood for writing, I usually mediate for 20 minutes, followed by a couple of sets of hand stands, up against the living room door, (for health and safety reasons this is best done when my girlfriend isn’t home) then brew myself a nice wee delicious cup of of pure black syrupy coffee, listen to one excruciatingly cheesy feel good song or two, usually from the grease soundtrack/abba/ or Irish Celtic folk songs, usually the Malleys. And then I’m pretty much good to go.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Fante has been a big influence on me, especially Ask the Dust and The Brotherhood of the grape. I love a good Knut Hamson yarn too like Pan, Victoria, Mysteries or the Wanderer. Love a bit of Irvine Welsh too. More than anything I just love a bit of gritty raw realism and well grounded, simple writing, with complex, interesting and raw characters that I can totally relate too. I guess when it comes down to it I prefer my characters to be complex rather than the plot.

And I think there is no better example of this than in Stephen Vizinczey’s – In Praise of Older Women. A brilliant simple book, basically about his love life from the age of 12 right up into his twenties, played out to the backdrop of the second world war and the new communist regime in Hungary directly after.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a sequel to my young adult, dark, fantasy novel – The Fairy Boy of Calton Hill. I’m about halfway through. It’s my first attempt at a sequel to any of my books and it’s proving to be a bit more difficult and complex that I originally thought it was going to be, or planned. That’s the problem with writing fantasy, prepare for your imagination and your writing to take you anywhere, and I mean anywhere, while you totally loose track of everything else that’s happening.

I’m also working on a play about a bitter, middle aged hermit, who lives with his sister after losing his legs in a mysterious accident after the second world war.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome gang of course

And then there is the goodreads giveaway program. When people add my book I take that for meaning that they might like to read it some day. So in order to build up reviews I try and touch base with them and see if they would like to read and review a free digital copy.

It’s a slow and pain staking process, but in the long run it works best for me. I see it like the giveaway has done the hard work of gaining the readers interest and warming them up, so it’s up to me to make the next move.

I could cold call e-mail a thousand online book bloggers and only hear back from two after days and days of sending out those emails. But then if 10 book bloggers add my giveaway to their ‘to read’ shelf, and then I send them a message about reading my book, then I usually hear back from 8 or 9. It’s a no brainer for me. Make them come to you.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get out now while you’re still aspiring. Go and start a book review blog instead, you’ll feel more wanted and less alone that way.

If not and you’re still determined, then grow a thick skin and beard. Talk to people about your book and hear what they have to say, like really bloody hear them. Become a good listener. Become a good people watcher. Travel as much as you can, meeting weird and wonderful characters and having crazy, great experiences that you can one day write about. All new writers should learn how to say yes more than no, even to the illegal stuff, that’s where you’ll find your best stories.

Get out more. Become more present. Take a look at what is going on around you. Mediate for at least 15 minutes a day with your eyes open. Procrastination is your cancer. Read, write or edit something, between 30 minutes and up to 4 hours a day. Make a schedule. Get into a routine. Make at least one other writer/artist friend. Read each others work, but never, ever socialize with them or make them your girlfriend, that is a disaster just waiting to happen

Read everything that is put in front of you, and read often, even if it’s just the first chapter and no more. Find a published writer who you think writes similar to you and emulate the hell out of them.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never bet on Scotland to win a football match, ever. You’re asking for trouble and an empty wallet.

Regarding writing – My dad always told me before he passed away, that I should try and have a back up career to writing, just in case things never worked out in author world, so in my early twenties I took a few years off and trained to be a plumber. And I’m so glad I did. It keeps me sane, grounded and alive, and gives me a steady/flexible income, when I’m still struggling to pay the bills with my writing. It’s a baseline platform to start a new way of life too, if I ever decide I’ve had enough of this writing lark.

Another piece of advice would be, always hire a proofreader before you publish anything, no matter how much you can’t afford it, get a credit card or 2 if you have to, but get it bloody proofread. Hell has no fury like a reader who purchased your book for 99 pence, or worse, for free lol and they find spelling and grammar mistakes. They will not let you forget it for as long as you both shall live.

What are you reading now?
Right this very second I am reading quite a few books all at once – The Wanderer by Knut Hamson again, for the second time. An autobiography of Joey Barton, No Nonsense, a kind of bad boy of British football. Point Doom, the final book written by Dan Fante before he passed away a few years ago. Leaving Las Vegas by John O’Brien. I loved the movie, it’s one of my favorites and I’ve always wanted to read the book. So now I am.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish another book, then get started on the next one. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Outside of writing –

Christmas in Edinburgh. Can’t wait. The city is turned into the most beautiful and awe inspiring, fairy tale, winter wonderland, this world has ever seen. And I get to see it from the inside.

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?
Easy –

Ask The Dust, by John Fante
Pan, by Knut Hamson
Filth, by Irvine Welsh
In Praise of Older Women, by Stephen Vizinczey

Author Websites and Profiles
Sean-Paul Thomas Website
Sean-Paul Thomas Amazon Profile

Sean-Paul Thomas’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written two novels, many short stories, essays and poems. My fiction has been published in the following literary magazines: Cleaver, Confrontation, H.O.W. Journal, China Grove, theIntima.org, The Examined Life Journal, The New Quarterly, The Lullwater Review and other venues and has been shortlisted for the Bridport Prize and Fish Short Story Contest. My poetry has been published in Stone, River, Sky: an Anthology of Georgia Poetry, The 2011 Hippocrates Prize for Poetry and Medicine, The Apalachee Review, The Healing Muse, Ars Medica, and elsewhere. My work has been shortlisted for the Eludia award, and my work has been a finalist for the Gertrude Stein award, and the Hemingway Days First Novel Contest, among other awards.

After teaching English literature and writing at the college level for fifteen years, my experience with illness and loss spurred me to design and facilitate a writing-to-heal workshop for cancer patients and caregivers at the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support in Athens, Georgia. Over the eleven years I ran those workshops, I presented and published extensively in the field of expressive writing. My passion to share the healing that can emerge from writing comes directly from my experiences.

I live in Athens, Georgia, with my husband, physicist and author Todd Baker. We have three grown children, one almost grown, and are grateful to live in such a wonderful community. When not writing or teaching, I am an avid gardener, dancer and dog lover.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Timekeeper’s Son, my latest book, is a novel inspired initially by a newspaper piece about a boy who ran in front of a car and caused an accident. Evidently, the child had a lot of emotional problems. I flashed on an image of his parents, the back story of his and their struggles, and the image drew into it a lot of other concerns that had been floating around in my mind: How do people sustain community in dire times? What happens when schools are underfunded? How does a boy go forward into manhood when he does not have a good relationship with a father? Josh, the 17 year-old protagonist, is not supported in his creativity by his clock-obsessed father. Issues of race and history came into it: there are two meanings the word “horography” which meant originally, local history, and came to mean the keeping of time. Because the book is set in the New South, this was particularly important, as the South has a deep sense of history. The book explores the many ways people relate to time, as well as touching on issues of grief, disability, isolation, and forgiveness.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think they are unusual. I try to get to my desk at 9 and work until one. I also need to walk or swim before I settle down to work. I also take time in the morning to do some yoga, meditate and write a few morning pages. These routines are really important to me. I don’t get on the internet until after one, and I do not take my iPhone up to my study. I don’t play music in the morning, but I do in the afternoon. I write drafts initially by hand, then put the work into the computer, print it out, revise by hand, print it out, etc. I write many drafts: I wrote 7 full drafts of this book.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, there have been so many. When I was growing up, we were not allowed to watch TV, and I found on our bookshelves collected Irish folk tales by Yeats, Shakespeare’s sonnets, Tolstoy and Dickens. As an adolescent I fell in love with Isak Dinesen, Sigrid Undset, and Olive Schreiner. Later I read the Icelandic writer Haldor Laxness, author of Independent People, whom I adore. More recently, I have made a study of the short story writer Gina Berriault, and I enjoy Anthony Doerr, Louise Erdrich, Philip Pullman, and Rupert Thomson. I tend to read eclectically and in translation, and I don’t much care what is on the bestseller list.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a collection of short stories.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That remains to be seen.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read, read, read. Write, write, write. Challenge yourself. Get feedback, but don’t write by committee. That is, don’t workshop your piece to death. Don’t show it to anyone until it is pretty well done, and then take criticism with a grain of salt. Believe in yourself. Be yourself. Write for yourself first.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As a young woman, I was consulting with a weaver about technical details for my first novel, In Winter. I must have been very tentative. She was an older woman, and after telling her about the book, she looked at me and said, “It is your book. You do with it what you want.” That cut through my self-doubt and made me realize you have to just risk being yourself.

What are you reading now?
Rupert Thomson’s Secrecy, Emma Donoghue’s Wonder, Nell Zink’s The Wallcreeper, and Louise Erdrich’s LaRose.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing In Winter, a novel, and continuing to write short stories and begin a third novel. I also write poetry as a discipline, and intend to keep that up.

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 a tough one! A book of poetry by Yeats, a collection of Shakespeare’s works, War and Peace, and the Bible. With these, I could feed my soul and keep writing.

Author Websites and Profiles
Sara Baker Website
Sara Baker Amazon Profile

Sara Baker’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written several books but have only just published my first book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Lost in Space: One lone astronaut One lost space traveler Two ships passing in the night was inspired by a love for several Science Fiction movies and televisions shows I grew up watching. The story is essentially a space opera about two independent young women fighting to survive in the void that is space.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to sit down with a nice hot cup of tea, crank up the dial on my surround system and jam out to playlist made for the story I’m writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think like so many other writers Edgar Allen Poe and Stephen King have been a huge inspiration and influence to my writing.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on plotting several other novels trying to decide which one I want to go down the rabbit hole with next.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still rather new to this, but I would say the thing I see being most useful will be facebook ads.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Ask yourself three questions.

Do you have a story you want to tell?

Do you have the ability to write a book?

Can you put in the time and actually finish the book?

If you can’t do those things you might be better off not pursuing being an author. I say this not to be rude or a dream killer but to prevent you from wasting your time. The most important thing up there is whether you can invest the time into finishing the book. Answering these questions is the best way to tell if its your dream to be an author or if it’s only an idea. If its your dream I will speak from personal experience here. I live every day and every night in pursuit of my dream. I went to school and got a degree in web design and I use the skills I learned and use during my day job to aid in the development in my author platform. There are plenty of skills and experiences you acquire in life and the best thing you can do is use each and everyone of them to pursue your dreams.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write the damn book! I know its short and its common sense, but the words have weight and urgency to them.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently not reading anything at the moment but I have some To Be Read books sitting on my book shelf. I don’t find much time to read admittedly since I’m working a day job as well as running multiple side projects. What little free time I have I use to write, most my story consumption comes from TV shows which I stream while laying awake at night thinking about story ideas.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Book number two, is the best thing I can do currently I plan on trying to get something out in the next couple months.

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?
Dante’s Inferno, yeah I know its not like the desert island wouldn’t be hot enough. A complete collection of Edgar Allen Poe’s work. And for practical use Wilderness Survival For Dummies.

Author Websites and Profiles
Dylan Keefer Website
Dylan Keefer Amazon Profile

Dylan Keefer’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Funny, I wasn’t always (at least in my own mind) a writer. I started out acting. When I landed my first acting role as a singing Mary the Virgin Mother in the school play that was it, I was going to be an actor! I threw away my five-year-old ambitions to be a Dorothy Hamill-pediatrician-Jedi (well, not the Jedi part) for a life in the theatre.

Naturally, I moved to Los Angeles to get into “The Biz” (Not five-year-old me. Much older me). During my time — and it can be like doing time — in La La Land, I’ve acted in film, television and on the stage. I’ve even written and produced my own films.

How my writing partner, Camilla Ochlan, convinced me to transition from screenplays to novels is still a mystery to me (Okay, not really. She and her amazing-cook-of-a husband bribed me with a seven-course meal. I was helpless. Putty in their crème brûlée hands…It was all downhill from there).

So off I went with Camilla down the twisty road of urban fantasy writing. Two novels and two novellas later, I’m still writing, still acting (though not as much because writing is hard and takes a lot, I mean a lot, of time) and still dreaming of becoming a Jedi.

Other fun facts: I’m a mixed martial artist with a background in Jeet Kune Do Kung Fu (Bruce Lee’s art), Kenpo Karate MMA and Kali Escrima (stick and knife fighting). I’m an avid runner, student of film, lover of music and self-proclaimed hamburger connoisseur with a passion for all things Star Wars and Buffy.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent work is Beast Out Of Hell — a novella from Camilla Ochlan and my urban fantasy series, The Werewolf Whisperer. It’s kind of a Romeo & Juliet meets Sons of Anarchy story, but with werewolf-like creatures (Fun fact: the title is inspired by Meatloaf’s “Bat Out Of Hell”).

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, as I mentioned before, I’m a runner. So with my sneaks laced up, I pop in the ol’ ear buds, crank up the tunes and hit the road. Outside, pounding the pavement, my mind just clears, and inspiration seeps in. I get a lot of my ideas running. I’ve been known (when the writing muse hits me) to stop mid-run and text my ideas to Camilla.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I gravitate toward writers whose use of language is distinctive. Shakespeare is my all time favorite writer. In my opinion, Hamlet is a perfect story with the perfect anti-hero (I love anti-heroes. Humans are imperfect creatures. It’s what makes us interesting). Another favorite writer of mine is Joss Whedon. Though not an author (yet), he is an amazing storyteller who crafts beautifully flawed characters. As does, Greg Rucka, Chuck Wendig, Maggie Stiefvater, and even Nathaniel Hawthorne. Yeah, flaws are the magic key to creating layered, complex characters.

What are you working on now?
Right now, Camilla and I are in the midst of writing The Carossa: Book Three of The Werewolf Whisperer. And we’re starting to outline a new YA series we’ve been talking about writing for the past couple of years.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found Twitter and FaceBook as the best way to promote my work. Instagram is good, but that platform doesn’t allow for links. So it’s best to put websites and links in your profile. Oh, and I can’t forget Awesomegang! Free promotion is like music to my ears. Thanks, Vinny, for supporting indie authors!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
#1. Write.
#2. Keep writing.
#3. And when the words don’t come (which is an inevitability with writing), write down anything that pops into your head, read books, listen to music, clean house, exercise (As I’ve said, I get some of my best ideas huffing and puffing down the street). You never know where you’re inspiration will come from, so be open. And above all…
#4. Relax. Don’t be so hard on yourself if you’re not spewing out 2,000 words a day.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“If you build it, they will come.”
A slight variation of Costner’s line from Field of Dreams, but the meaning is still true. You have to put your work out there as an artist. Keep working, keep creating, and the audience will “discover” you

What are you reading now?
I’m a pretty voracious reader. I usually flip back and forth between two or three books at a time. It all depends on my mood. Right now, I’m working my way trough Joe Hill’s NOS4A2, a re-read (Yep, I re-read books all the time…especially when I’m researching genres) of Maggie Stiefvater’s Raven Cycle series and catching up on Kieron Gillen’s The Wicked + Divine and Greg Rucka’s Lazarus (two comic book series I’m in love with right now).

What’s next for you as a writer?
Adding to writing The Carossa and outlining our YA series, Camilla and I are starting the initial process of getting The Werewolf Whisperer printed in hard copy. This December, we’re publishing the first issue of The Werewolf Whisperer newsletter called Beasty Bites.
I’ve also started writing a blog: Bonita’s Geeky Blog-Fu! It’s all about movies, books and martial arts — my absolute favorite things (with the exception of hamburgers and cookies). http://bonitamg.tumblr.com

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare because every read brings something new.
2. Star Wars original trilogy novelizations because I need movies.
3. Timothy Zahn’s Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy because they’re awesome (even if they aren’t cannon anymore).
4. And of course, The Werewolf Whisperer series…There’s Wi-Fi on this island, right?

Author Websites and Profiles
Bonita Gutierrez Website
Bonita Gutierrez Amazon Profile

Bonita Gutierrez’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Stockton, CA. During my childhood I always fantasized about writing scripts for TV shows I would like to produce. TV shows like cartoon series and police dramas as well as movies I watch throughout the years gave me inspiration to want to be a writer. I took a Creative Writing class in high school and during my adult years, I did creative writing as a hobby.

Between 2000 and 2009, I wrote a number of manuscripts as a hobby. In 2013, I published one of my scripts as a print book entitled The Harlem Knight. It resulted in two book signings, but due to lack of resources to promote the book, I had to regretfully terminate my contract with the publisher. In September 2016, I published another one of my scripts as an e-book. I hope all you readers will enjoy it.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Tales Of Rosa is my latest book. Because the story is made of Hispanic characters, I grew up in a community that was mostly Hispanic and my physical attraction has mostly been with Hispanic females. Most of my co-workers are Hispanic. Since I had a lot of experience with this ethnic group, it has inspired me to write this book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The story of my book takes place between 1982-2000. I have subtitles throughout the book indicating what time of the year it is between ’82-2000. At the end of the story, I describe what the characters are doing during the present year. I have two other manuscripts written in the same format that I plan to publish.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tyler Perry and Matthew K. Manning

What are you working on now?
I’m not currently working on anything now. I do have other manuscripts that I’ve written and will publish them later on.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method would be to find an available blogger, posting your books on popular social media networks, doing a commercial or interviewing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do not let anyone discredit your dreams and goals. Always persevere. Work hard and diligently on things you believe in and your dream will come true. It’s hard to gain success as a new author, but don’t give up. Pick yourself up and try again.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up! Keep trying!

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

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to publish other writings I have and I hope to get a licensing deal with a TV or movie company.

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?
Batman comic book, one of Tyler Perry’s scripts (Why Did I Get Married), The Color Purple.

Author Websites and Profiles
Franklin Towngate Website

Franklin Towngate’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Before I started writing fiction, I was an Army Officer and a business executive. My education includes degrees in Political Science and International Relations. I am a published author of three management books and various business articles.
I have been fortunate to meet remarkable people from all over the world, most of them good, others not so much. My novels are based on the actions of real people in challenging situations. I believe that it is interesting to understand multi-faceted personalities that are fascinating and evil at the same time, making it difficult to make quick judgments about right and wrong.
Currently, I am following my passion by writing the Tess series of adventure novels. The first two were Tess Awakening and its sequel Tess Valkyrie. Both books are also available in a combined version, Tess – Valkyrie Awakening. The fourth book is Tess: Valkyries United – The Abomination of Human Trafficking, a powerful examination of a global problem.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Tess: Day of Reckoning was inspired by current events that include the various problems afflicting the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Tess and Jake continue to fight Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria and try to address the overwhelming refugee crisis in Europe. When ISIS terrorists acquire two North Korean nuclear bombs, Tess and the team must change priorities to prevent a worldwide calamity. The stakes are high — the potential obliteration of European cities and possibly the destruction of Israel.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I find myself unable to follow good advice about how to write efficiently. I don’t develop an outline beforehand. I don’t even know where I am headed, I just let the story go where it wants to go. I am concerned with quality, and even though the stories are first published in e-book format, they are intended for delivery as printed books. Occasionally I get stuck, and I have to pull back until the story progresses to a logical conclusion almost organically. I don’t get up early or write into the night. I put in a good work day. Even though I am writing a series, I ensure that each book is stand-alone and of the proper length.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the classics: Shakespeare, Tolstoy, Dickens, and Melville. Contemporary authors that influenced me are Stephen King; Kurt Vonnegut; Joseph Heller, the latter masterfully depicting the struggle of soldiers to maintain the sanity while trying to fulfill their duties. I read most of Tom Clancy’s books and Clive Cussler before he started to outsource writing. I like Dean Koontz, David Baldacci and Daniel Silva. I am a fan of historical books, having read most of Churchill’s works and many other works of history ranging from Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, and the world wars. I remain amazed how humanity keeps making the same mistakes.

What are you working on now?
More adventures of Tess, Jake and the Team, all based on current events.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t done much to promote my books. I am still testing the waters and pay considerable attention to the reviews that my readers write. I want to meet their expectations and continue to deliver quality.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. Follow your heart and get it done.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write – Now!

What are you reading now?
Daniel Silva “The English Spy,” Dean Koontz “The City,” David Baldacci “The Target,” Kip Thorne “The Science of Interstellar,” Ernle Bradford “The Great Siege of Malta.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
More of the same. With Tess and her gang, I have built a platform that is suitable for addressing many contemporary issues of interest.

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?
Dante’s “The Divine Comedy,” Stephen King’s “The Stand,” Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone with the Wind,” Umberto Eco’s “The Name of the Rose.”

Author Websites and Profiles
Andres Mann Website
Andres Mann Amazon Profile

Andres Mann’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a 25 year old novelist from St.Petersburg, Florida. So far I have published four novesl

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
God is a Woman

The strength and support of a woman’s love is what inspired the story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love writing when my room is frigid and dark.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Charles Bukowski is my favorite author. The Outsiders and Bud, not Buddy are two novels that sparked my inertness in creative writing as a child.

What are you working on now?
I am finishing up on my forthcoming God is a Woman.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Tumblr and Facebook having proving to be great grounds for promoting. Snapchat is another great platform as well.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice would be you have a marketing plan. These days marketing just as important as the content. So many good books go unnoticed, because the author didn’t promote it well enough.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Simply “Keep writing”

What are you reading now?
I’m in between “Post Office” by Bukowski and “The Sun Also Rises”

What’s next for you as a writer?
Screenplays, Comedy Skits, and more music!!!

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?
uuuugh can I bring music instead?

But if i had to choose books they would be : “The Autobiography of Malcolm”, “The Outsiders”, and “Portions From a Wined Stained Notebook”,

Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Tavon Website

Michael Tavon’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am about to release my ninth book, a short suspense titled “Reunion,” on December 9, 2016. I’ve received several awards, including a First Place for Short Suspense in the IDA (Independent Digital Awards), two Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Awards and a First Place Royal Palm Literary Award for Inspirational Fiction.

I’m a past President of Florida Sisters in Crime and Public Relations Director for Ancient City Romance Authors.

And when I’m not writing, I am a paralegal for an elder law attorney.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled “Reunion.” It is the third in the KT Morgan Short Suspense Series. I’m not sure anything really inspired it. I just love writing suspense.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My first draft very seldom has any scenery description. I go through and write the dialogue and action scenes, then I have to go back and set the scenes for my book.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Dean Koontz and CJ Box.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a full-length suspense titled “Fade to the Edge” which, if all goes well, should be out sometime next year.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far I’ve found ereadernewstoday to be a good site for my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Turn off the television and social media then sit down and write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
BIC = butt in chair.

What are you reading now?
Hank Phillippi Ryan’s “What You See.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
I usually write Christian fiction, but I’m hoping to have a non-fiction book out 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?
The Bible, “A Tale of Two Cities,” by Charles Dickens, “Breaking Point,” by CJ Box, ” and “The Face of Fear” by Dean Koontz.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kathryn J. Bain Website
Kathryn J. Bain Amazon Profile
Kathryn J. Bain Author Profile on Smashwords

Kathryn J. Bain’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing when I was about nine or 10 years old. When I was attending primary school, I often got in trouble because I used to daydream about damsels in distress being rescued by heroic princes instead of focusing on the math lesson.

I always loved writing stories and dreamed of one day becoming a successful author. In addition to writing short stories and romance novels, I also enjoy writing poetry and nonfiction books. I wanted to write books that help and inspire people to reach their true potential and to succeed. So I wrote books about writing, publishing and marketing, creating websites with WordPress, how to get a job, and how to start an online business. I am a self-published author and so far I have published over 10 books.

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and I started my own business about a year ago called Christine John Books in which I publish books and info products that help and inspire people to succeed.

When I am not totally immersed in my writing, I enjoy riding my bike in the park, playing games with my niece, travelling, and reading inspirational books and romance novels.

I was born in Bermuda (yes, the one that people refer to as the Bermuda Triangle), when I was 14 I moved to a beautiful island in the Caribbean called Dominica (and I don’t mean Dominican Republic), and now I am living in the United Kingdom where I continue to share my knowledge with the world.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I wrote a book called “How to Write a Nonfiction Book that Sells”. I was inspired to write this book because I realised that there were a lot of people who wanted to become writers but did not know where to start. The idea came from a comment that someone wrote on a popular author’s blog about how to get started as a writer. The book then led me to write two other books called “How to Publish a Nonfiction Book for Free” and “How to Make Money Promoting and Selling a Nonfiction Book”.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I guess the only unusual writing habits I have is writing in my pajamas when everyone else is asleep. I think I gain more inspiration at night time than during the day. I concentrate better at night. I also get ideas for books when I am in the shower because that is the only time I can relax and let my mind wonder.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are plenty of authors and books that have influenced me but the ones that stand out the most are Danielle Steel’s romance novels, “The Millionaire Dropout” by Vince Stanzione, “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert T Kiyosaki, “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Norman Vincent Peale, and John Grisham’s legal thrillers. There were also books that I had read when I was a child which made me want to become a writer so that I could write books like that such as “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle, Elizabeth Gail books by Hilda Stahl, Nancy Drew books by Carolyn Keene, and the Babysitters Club books by Ann M. Martin.

What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on my new book called “Never Give Up: 20 Life Changing Steps to Help You Get What You Really Want”. This is a book that I hope will inspire and motivate people to work on making their dreams a reality. This book will provide practical and easy steps that anyone can follow to live a happy and successful life.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When it comes to promoting my books, I like to use the KDP Select free book promotion days and then submit my books to free book submission sites like Author Marketing Club, Indie Book of the Day, and Armadillo Books. I used Awesomegang for the first time and I will continue to use this site for all future free book promotions. These sites are easy to use, I gain a lot of exposure and it’s free. This is great for authors who have absolutely no marketing budget.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing, keep reading, and don’t let anyone discourage you from writing your book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Reading helps you to write better. You need to read books in the genre you are interested in writing for. If you want to write romance novels, for example, then you need to read romance novels to get an idea of the type of romance novels that sell.

What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey.

What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me is to learn how to create online courses for beginners in internet marketing and self-publishing.

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 to give me hope and fill me with peace, a book on how to survive on a desert island, and a romance novel for entertainment.

Author Websites and Profiles
Christine John Website
Christine John Amazon Profile

Christine John’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been a passionate writer ever since 2004. Poems have been the hallmark of all my pieces until 2007 where I started a blog. I was not able to be consistent at the time with it but still kept my poems going. They were a hobby really. 2011 is when my writing took a serious turn. I published articles every week to an average of at least 5 per week! Talk about a book had been circulating the lips of my friends but only managed to execute it this year. Manuscripts have come and go over the years until I firmly decided to stick this one through to the end.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called Breakthrough With Desire: 10 Ways To Do What You Want And Make It Count. Hidden deep within my search for what I was born for, was a writer screaming desperately to spring out! Awkwardly enough I still had this yearning lingering within even as I kept updating my blog. It is a strange feeling experinecing the thing you are looking for while searching at the same time. Having sat down and wrote this book, almost out of whim, I purposed to encourage others to pursue and live out their dreams without ever having to worry about a second in thier day passing, with a shadow of doubt on their mind as to whether or not they are enjoyimg a life of fulfillment.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing times are haphazard. I don’t actually have a “best time” so to speak. Inspiration comes at any time from anywhere. I tend to write at all times of day, morning, afternoon and evening, sometimes on the same day. The beauty of this is I get some work done. At times when I start I jump right into the zone (a straight 3000-word nonstop mode), and keep moving. I believe my articles on my blog and my poems have created this strange habit. Movies and series do offer the greatest impact as far as motivation goes as I do have a filmmaking background, and understand the story elements that make the movie/TV show what it is.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My genre is self-help and I enjoying blogging so Seth Godin and the success advocates Brian Tracy and Mark Victor Hansen with Jack Canfield have been the pinnacle of the passion for my writing. The stories from Chicken Soup For The Soul and Eat That Frog push me to meet my goals. The Leadership expert, John C Maxwell is my personal favorite of them all. Steven Covey’s 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People is another great tool I use.

What are you working on now?
Breakthrough With Desire is my first book in the Better Life series. The next one, which is the second will be Live In The Moment: Using Your Present To Create Your Future. I am so pumped about it, a lot of my blog posts have included portions of this topic with stories from different characters in my life. Having read the dire circumstances of top authors like Robert Kiyosaki in his Rich Dad Poor Dad series and how he used them to piece together parts of his future he could project in his mind, plus and when I recall how I got to where I am today by choosing to see a different side of my situation-a blessing in disguise kind of mentality-that’s when things, at the core, began to change. I’m enthusiatsic about it.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now it’s Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing along with amazing sites like Awesomegang!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
First, follow Nike’s slogan. If you’re afraid to write, just do it. Concerned about publishing, do it anyways. One thing I love to say is, “You don’t know until you don’t know,” which means you never know the outcome of anything unti you try.

Second, don’t give up, press on! Having a bad day? Keep going. Got a cold? Jot a few words down. Given a bad review? Thank them. Don’t feel like writing? Lock in a sntence. Even two or three words added that day makes a huge diffference. Another thing I love to say is, “It’s better to go somewhere slow than to head nowhere fast!”

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Whatever you’re meant to do, do it now. The conditions are always impossible.” Doris Lessing

What are you reading now?
Lisa J Roberts’ Building Self-Esteem And Confidence. Loving it

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m looking into guest posting a few blogs and later collaborating with some friends of mine in the same niche. I can’t wait.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
How Successful People Think: John C Maxwell
Wild At Heart: John Eldredge
Honour’s Reward: John Bevere
Chicken Soup For The Christian Soul: Jack Canfield & Mark Victor Hansen

Author Websites and Profiles
Tarisai Mzwimbi Website

Tarisai Mzwimbi’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Bristol, TN the home to the World’s fastest half-time track. Move to Atlanta at the of 18. I am advocate for all human rights. Very big fan of meditation, relaxation. Enjoy talking about business/financial news. Like to read or listen to success stories, how people or things got started. Founder of www.loyaldetermined.com LLC where the company has provided 30 top notch articles on mental solution since December 2015. Favorite subject to talk about is Dating information.
I wrote 3 books so far in my lifetime.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dynasty Mindset. After my second book I felt like there was a demand To offer more information, also just writing information in my notepad, one day it just started to make sense to write a 3rd book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. Sometimes I will listen to Pop, R&B, or Classic Rock Music while writing in my notepad.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Napoleon Hill Think & Grow Rich, All of Robert K. Books. Rich Dad Poor Dad Series-That Guy. Didn’t Want to Misspell His Last Name.

What are you working on now?
Marketing my latest book Dynasty Mindset. Just Focusing on articles for the Site www.loyaldetermined.com also help the LOVE of my life work on her website which she be launching very soon.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Just Talk to random strangers about my website or pass out cards advertising my book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be excited about your story when telling it. Don’t be in a quick rush to finish your project. Don’t look at yourself as an author, See yourself as a Entrepreneur.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
So many. So many I heard over the years. Get Rich Or Die Trying.

What are you reading now?
No books I am currently reading right now. Just studying marketing right now.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish my Fourth book, looking to find the face of our brand.

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 Book about Vince Lombardi, My latest book Dynasty Mindset because I would like have inspiration to write more books since I am going to be stranded on a desert island. Any humor book, doesn’t matter who wrote it- Need to have laughter

Author Websites and Profiles
Steve Wilson Website
Steve Wilson Amazon Profile
Steve Wilson Author Profile on Smashwords

Steve Wilson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in the Los Angeles area with my husband and two adult children in college. Other than writing, I am an avid reader and shoe shopper. I also love travel. As a long-time travel agent, I have traveled or sent clients to some of the most romantic destinations in the world.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Left with Shoes” in my debut novel. I was inspired to write it by several things, Fifty Shades of Grey, Waiting to Exhale, and Sex in the City.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I often get up in the very early morning hours, 3:00 am, to write because a line or ideal has danced across my mind. I have an entire drawer with sentences written in bank receipts.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I typically read 2 or 3 books a week. Richard Wright and Maya Angelou or favorite authors of mine. I like Naomi Chase for contemporary romance.

What are you working on now?
Left with Shoes in a trilogy. I am now working on the second installment.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Having a regiment of writing daily, even for an hour is a good practice.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Two things you want to invest money in a good editor, and a cover designer.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Twisted by Christa Simpson.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I would like to complete, and promote the Left with Shoes trilogy, and finish writing a YA book I’ve been working on.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
One The Island by Tracey Gravis Garves, Exposed by Naomi Campbell, and The Bible.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lela Alize Website

Lela Alize’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the author of the Jewish Regency Mystery Series, which as of December 2016 includes 4 full-length mystery novels and 3 novellas: Tempest in the Tea Room, The Doppelganger’s Dance, The Moon Taker, The Vanisher Variations, Too Many Coins, General Well’ngone in Love, and What’s in a Flame? While I’ve always been interested in English history, about a decade ago I was asked to write about the crypto-Jews of Spain and Portugal (I’m also a journalist) and this led to two novels: Terra Incognita and The Banished Heart. My essays about some of the lesser-known stories in Jewish history have been published in the book Day Trips to Jewish History.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Vanisher Variations, which is the latest installment in my Jewish Regency Mystery Series. The majority of the novel takes place in Brighton, the seaside resort that was a favorite “playground” of the Prince Regent and his circle. I thought all those bathing machines and bathhouses would make a perfect setting for some nefarious deed – such as the vanishing act that sets in motion the plot for The Vanisher Variations.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if this is unusual, but I do write to music. I find it helps me to stay focused.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Sherlock Holmes, of course. I’m a fan of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction – mystery novels that were written primarily in the 1920s and 1930s – and two of my favorite authors from that era are Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers. I’m also a big fan of Rex Stout. And I do love what is considered to be one of the first mystery novels, Wilkie Collins’s The Moonstone.

What are you working on now?
It takes me about a year to research and think out the plot of a mystery novel, and that’s what I’m doing now – thinking about the next mystery in the Jewish Regency Mystery Series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find the market is always changing. What worked well two years ago might not work so well today. So I try to keep up with what other authors are doing. I think it’s great that so many Indie authors are willing to share their results and help one another.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep learning, keep growing, and keep dreaming!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There is so much advice out there. And, mea culpa, I’ve also written a guidebook for new authors: Is Self-Publishing for You? A Quick Guide for Navigating Today’s Book Publishing Maze. But I think the best advice I’ve heard, and which I’ve tried to incorporate into my career, is to know your goal. Only a few of us are going to become a bestselling author with a movie or TV deal that will allow us to buy that Caribbean island or chateau in France. But there can be other goals – smaller steps that will make you a better author or steps that will help you find readers who will love your books – and achieving those goals can also be very satisfying.

What are you reading now?
A Rex Stout mystery called Before Midnight, and a nonfiction work called Stages of Spiritual Growth, by Batya Gallant.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As always, I’m trying to find more time to write!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, The Complete Works of Agatha Christie, and something about How to Survive on a Desert Island.

Author Websites and Profiles
Libi Astaire Website
Libi Astaire Amazon Profile

Libi Astaire’s Social Media Links
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Baltimore County, Maryland. “Me, Myself & I” was my first short story posted on
Amazon KDP. “Enemy Self” is my debut novel, a crossover of genre of psychological thriller/fiction/fantasy. I enjoys philosophy including paranormal and near-death experiences, graphic design, brisk walks, science-fiction movies, kayaking, and travel. However, more passionately, I love interacting with my fans.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest novel is “Enemy Self”. It was actually inspired by a dream I had shortly after graduating college. I was an outcast in grade school which surely had to do with the theme.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, this particular novel is highly unusual in style. While it is written in past tense, first person, all flashbacks, drug trips and inner thoughts are in present tense, italics.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Todd Strause help series and the writing style of Isaac Asimov.

What are you working on now?
This has been a very difficult year; however, I am working on a memoir of my employment challenges throughout life, entitled, “Walking on Eggshells”.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use so many websites and social media but for now I’m hoping Awesomegang will bring me success.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Romance and mystery are the best sellers but go with your passion and never, never, never give up. It’s a very competitive marketplace with a million options.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up
Opinions are like A-holes, everyone has one.
Dumb and focused

What are you reading now?
An Invisible Thread

What’s next for you as a writer?
Working on a memoir.

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?
Good question. First, it would be more than 3 or 4 books because I have an e-reader, but then again. There is no electricity, so… Damaged by Cathy Glass, I am forbidden by Anouk Markovits, and maybe Open our eyes by Kevin Hendricks.

Author Websites and Profiles
Suzanne Kovitz Website
Suzanne Kovitz Amazon Profile
Suzanne Kovitz Author Profile on Smashwords

Suzanne Kovitz’s Social Media Links
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Facebook Profile
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well I can start by saying I was born in Baltimore Md. I went to public schools. I love to research and find out new information that debunks traditional understanding. I like playing racquetball and I like reading. I am the author of False Roads To Manhood, What Women Need To Know; What Men Need To Understand. My newest release is KLEPTOMANIAC: Who’s Really Robbing God Anyway? I consider myself a miracle because at birth I weighed only two pounds and lived when the doctor’s didn’t think I’d make it. When traditional publishers rejected my first manuscript I decided to self-publish by starting my own publishing company. I am the president of FC Publishing, LLC. On my regular job I work as a technical writer-editor and writer for the government as a senior aviation writer for the Department of the Army. I spent four years in the United States Army. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and a minor in Sociology from Washington State University in 1989. With continuing education I matriculated through theology school and graduated with a BA in Biblical Studies and a Master of Arts in Theology from North Carolina College of Theology (NCCT) the then earned a Doctorate in Theology from NCCT in 2009. I’ve authored and published numerous religious articles for newspapers, online magazines and print media. I have appeared on television and radio programs for both of my books. I live in Alabama with my wife Teresa and am the father of six children.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled, Kleptomaniac: Who’s Really Robbing God Anyway? What inspired me to write this book? Well, that’s a good question. Explaining the long version would take up so much space, I probably wouldn’t finish it. So let me say, seeking for spiritual and religious truth was the catalyst that birthed the book. The book came about as a result of reading and reaching the subject that God requires every person who attends church to pay ten percent of their income until death or be cursed by God. After graduating from theology school, suppressed suspecsions I had about the tithing from years earlier resurfaced and I began to question the practice again. After reading books, and doing research, I began to see some of the error of scriptural interpretation. In my desire to seek truth, I began an intense three year biblical study on tithing and complied the data into a 117-page power point study. When that was completed, I thought my journey was over. But to my surprise, people began to ask me if I would publish my findings in a book. I resisted for two years and after some deep thought and the encouragement of others, I decided to write the book knowing it would rile some feathers in the institutional church leadership. So in the end, the inspiration to write and publish Kleptomaniac: Who’s Really Robbing God Anyway came from the encouragment of others who really wanted to know the facts and my desire to know and seek truth.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t have any unusual writing habits. Well, writing without an outline might be unusual, since traditional wisdom says your should always write by an outline. I guess that’s unusual to just start writing and figure it out as you put pencil to paper.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors that have influenced me are Gordon Dalbey, T.D Jakes, J.Keith Miller, Myles Monroe and Phillip Yancy . Some of the books that have influence me would first be the Bible. Other books that have played in role in my life are, Divided by Faith, Healing the Masculine Soul, False Roads To Manhood, What Women Need to Know: What Men, Need to Understand, The Destruction of Black Civilization, Race Religion and Racism, Fight Like a Man, Forty Million Dollar Slaves, The Roots of Nubian Christianity Uncovered and Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome.

What are you working on now?
Right now, since I’ve published book, Kleptomaniac, I’m spending a lot of time trying the promote the book, since i’m self published. I write a blog on tithing and I also record you tube videos on all the finding I have discovered. I would love to get back to work on writing a block buster novel. The working title in my head is Exodus. That’s all I’ll reveal about that.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now I use Facebook, twitter and post my book on many free author websites as I can. My blog at http://tithenomore.com is where I do a lot of writing and promoting. I don’t think there is really a best method for promoting books. You just have to go out in the internet field and place your book where every you can.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, I have advice for authors. Everybody who says they can edit cannot edit. Vet editors as if they are applying for secret clearance. My first book was an editorial nightmare. There are many people out the hanging out shingles and representing themselves as proficient editors. My advice is buyer beware. If you decide to go with a self-published book publishing company, you must be just as vigilant about who they recommend as good editor. Usually they are sub-contractors and have no connection to the publishing company. So you are at the mercy of the independent editing service whose shingle is posted on the self-publishing company’s website. I would recommend that you get a local person who you know has an excellent editing background with a resume of editing other published authors.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is a saying. The power to define is the power to determine destiny. The point is, if you allow people to define you, you eventually give them the power to control your destiny. Be an independent thinker and put everyone under the mircroscope when it comes to your gift and talents.

What are you reading now?
The book I’m currently reading is titled, The Color of Christ.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The next thing on the docket for me is to write my first fiction book. My first two books are non-fiction. Diving into fiction writing will be a challenge because of character development and I know an outline might serve me well, but if I know myself, I might part with tradition and just begin telling the story with a working title, America’s Exodus.

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 Secret Life of the Soul.

Author Websites and Profiles
Frank Chase Jr Website
Frank Chase Jr Amazon Profile

Frank Chase Jr’s Social Media Links
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’ve always loved the idea of a broody man faced with a Little Miss Sunshine who eventually manages to break down his barriers and make him smile. I wanted to explore that concept but I wanted it to be deeper than just a broody guy and a happy go lucky girl. I then thought about a few people I know who are always smiling and so positive about everything, to the point of being annoying at times and it made me wonder whether happiness and positivity were a character trait, a feeling or if it could also be a choice for some. So I came up with the idea of exploring the theory of happiness in my book through Molly and Adam and I’m really happy with the way things turned out. It’s funny and light-hearted, but deep and moving too.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I discovered chicklit/romantic comedies in my twenties and loved the fact that a book could make me laugh out loud. And I’ve been hooked since. The authors who inspired me were Jill Mansell, Catherine Alliot, Cathy Kelly, Marian Keyes, Judith Mc Naught, Sophie Kinsella and Cecilia Ahern.

What are you working on now?
I haven’t been working on anything since I finished my first draft of “Stuck with Me” last year. It’s taken so much time to edit and re-edit – and re-re-re-edit – that it didn’t leave me time for any other writing. As writing is simply a hobby, there are just so many other things that come before it unfortunately. I’ve been writing in my head though and have ideas for my third novel, but I’m just not sure where it’s going to take me yet. I have to find the time to sit down and start writing and see where it goes.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not very good with promotion but I’m lucky to have my sister who helps me a lot with this side of things. It’s been such a huge learning curve in the past year and it’s so hard getting people to buy your book!! We now tend to promote every three months when I can have a Kindle Countdown deal and we apply to 99c promo sites and have some sales over the promo days and pages read tend to increase too as a result. But after a few weeks, it’s back to a plateau until the next time!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
*Don’t do it for the money, do it because you love writing.
*Never forget that there will always be people who don’t like your books – and that’s okay. Just concentrate on those who do.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
* Never give up.
* The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall – Nelson Mandela
* I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy. I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.

What are you reading now?
Flawed by Cecilia Ahern – one of my favourite authors.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to get a paperback version of “Stuck with Me” published for the Mauritian market next year and find the time to write my third book.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
* How to Survive on a Desert Island – Guide and Survival Kit
* How to fall in Love by Cecilia Ahern because it’s my favourite book ever. It’s uplifting and wonderful and is sure to make me feel better.
*The Avery Shaw Experiment by Kelly Oram because it’s a great YA book – and I’m so in love with Grayson. He makes me feel sixteen years old again and that will definitely cheer me up.

Author Websites and Profiles
Cassandra Piat Website
Cassandra Piat Amazon Profile

Cassandra Piat’s Social Media Links
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is S. C. Abbey, I’m an author who specializes in thriller/suspense fiction novels. Before my life as an author, I have worked as a chef, door-to-door salesman, a fishmonger (true story) and many others. I do not like to be geographically based in one location for an extended period of time – I find travelling really fuels my writing. I have written one full novel and one novella, both in the same series, the Harvey Nolan Thriller Series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is, Maximus: A Harvey Nolan Thriller. It is the first full novel in the series I have planned out. What inspired me to write this series was a combination of action movies (Taken, James Bond, etc.), captivating television series with great plots (CSI, Bones, House of Cards ,etc.) and well-written fantasy books of the early 20th century.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always try to speak out loud the dialogues in my novels to make sure they sound convincing and natural in speech. I speak them out loud with the right emotion and expression, it’s almost like acting. Some dialogues work well written, but don’t sound very natural. Those get struck off. And yes, I do listen to my characters. Contrary to what some people might say, my plots always stem from the characters, not the other way round. And they evolve as the plot that stems from them, affects them. It’s fairly confusing I know, goes one circle.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
J.K. Rowling, Ruth Rendell, Tolkien (senior I’m afraid), Ian Rankin, George R.R. Martin, Lee Child. I dig fantasies and thrillers (crime/psychological/political/spy, not horror) profoundly.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second book in the Harvey Nolan Thriller Series, I’ve gotten some pretty good feedback on the first book so far, so I’ll carry on expanding the characters and plots.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Send emails to fellow authors and bloggers in the writing sphere, and always reply every email from a reader/fan!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing, do not be deterred by bad reviews or comments. You can only get better as you write more. I have written more than half a million words of unpublished work before even considering publishing a book. My loved ones weren’t supportive, but it’s fine, I kept writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Use a professional proofreader/editor. Gone are the days where amateurs can just slap a book together with a poorly designed cover and a 10,000 unedited manuscript – the market is demanding an increasingly high standard of self-published fiction – which is a good thing, it really benefits everyone.

What are you reading now?
The latest Jack Reacher novel, what else?

What’s next for you as a writer?
I would continue to produce high quality fiction, befitting the time of my readers, and if opportunity allows, I would like to explore script 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?
Definitely War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, I’m sure it would last quite long in the embers – just kidding. But really, it’s a good story, not an easy read, but well-worth the time. I’ll probably grab ‘A Judgement in Stone’ by Ruth Rendell as well.

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

S. C. Abbey’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Only one so far, but hoping to change that in the near future!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel is titled, “Falling for Boston”.

As a frequent traveler, I discovered Kindle books because I didn’t want to lug multiple paperback books with me around the world. Don’t judge, I still prefer paperback. Every time I travel I download three or four books to read. As I read, I was inspired by the stories and started to formulate my own book idea in my head, while adding in my love for sports.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a perfectionist so I tend to re-write things over and over again until it’s just right. That’s not always the best way to go about things because you’re not necessarily moving forward, but I can’t help it! I save all my prior drafts and sometimes I’ll remember something I wrote that I omitted, and find I can add it back in later.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Weirdly, I’ve always been a murder mystery fan, so it’s funny that I ended up writing a romantic comedy. One of the first books I ever remember reading and loving was “Body Farm” by Patricia Cornwell. That book really spurred my love for the genre. I read all of the James Patterson books I could find in my high school library and a few years ago I spent three months of the summer reading all 50+ books in the JD Robb “In Death” series.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m starting to plot a follow-up to “Falling for Boston”. It will follow the characters Rosie and Carter. I haven’t written anything but I know where I want to go with the story.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m so new to the game so I kind of went about this the wrong way. I published the book and then I started trying to find ways to promote the book, so everything is going backwards! I recently just ran a countdown deal and ran a promotion through Just Kindle Books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up! There were so many times when I was burned out, or couldn’t come up with anything to write. But don’t let that stop you. Maybe back away for a few days, read a book and let your mind relax for a bit. You’ll be amazed what you’ll think of when you stop thinking.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Same as above: don’t give up. I didn’t really tell anyone but my mom that I was writing a book because I didn’t want to tell the world and then not finish. But my mom was my biggest supporter and cheerleader, and she was always asking for more pages to read. She always told me, it doesn’t matter how many books you sell, just know that you wrote a book and that’s something you’ll carry with you forever.

What are you reading now?
Harry Potter, haha! I have to say that series is probably one of my favorites of all time and I’ve read all seven books over ten times a piece. I re-read the series every few years. The last time I read them was the first time I lived on my own. I have to say, the last three books are scary when you’re reading at night and there’s nobody there with you! I kept freaking out that Voldemort was staring at me through my front window…and these are childrens books!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just like Dory says, Just keep 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?
Oh jeez, this is the hardest question yet! Probably Harry Potter #3, #6 and #7, and Wallbanger by Alice Clayton for some humor.

Author Websites and Profiles
Leslie Kate Amazon Profile

Leslie Kate’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve known I would be a writer since I was a kid. Growing up, I would often find myself lost in inner worlds, both those I found in books and those of my own imagining. My first novella, Lúnasa Days, was a work of magical realism set during the Great Recession. Since then I’ve written literary short stories and now the dreamy storyline of our coloring book, Introvert Dreams.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Introvert Dreams is a grownup coloring book with 90 pages of colorable artwork—and a storyline based on our own dreams as introverts. The story follows a woman and her cat as they wander through the vast, quiet landscapes of her inner dream world. Along the way they will find forgotten places, search for a wish-granting star, and ultimately find themselves in a loud, crowded city—somewhere she knows she won’t fit in.

As introverts ourselves, my co-creator Jenn Granneman and I find that we often feel alone or misunderstood. We wanted to make this book because we want introverts to see themselves in the story. Many of the scenes are taken straight from our life experiences, like being in the middle of a raging party that everyone else things is fun, but only wanting to cover our ears. Other scenes just represent that beautiful, imaginary, quiet place that I think all introverts retreat to when they have time to close their eyes and dream.

This is our first coloring book, although we are both experienced authors. We brought on a talented illustrator, Maxeem Konrardy (also an introvert), who has created a whimsical, breathtaking world. We also paid attention to what colorers told us they want in a book: the images stop just short of the edge of the page, so you’re not trying to color into the binding, and none of the big scenes are printed back-to-back, so you don’t lose one when your pens bleed through from the other. We want it to be a book you really cherish and enjoy revisiting for years.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think people imagine that all writers are passionate creatures who write when the inspiration strikes them. In that context I am a bit unusual—I have learned to maintain a very disciplined daily writing schedule. This never came easy to me, and I can remember spending hours just staring at a blank screen (or a few terrible ideas) and wanting to run and do something, anything else. But I think creative writing is like a muscle that can be trained and toned. With time, you learn to sit down and work a little more every day.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many. Lately, I have been deeply into literary short fiction and have really enjoyed contemporary authors like Ian McEwan, Katherine Damm and David Bradley. Throughout my adulthood I’ve been nourished by great magical realists (Isabel Allende, Carlos Ruiz Zafón) and early modern authors with a mystical bent (Hermann Hesse’s “Demian” really speaks to me). And for my whole life I’ve always loved good fantasy literature, no matter how far-fetched.

I think all of those influences blended together for Introvert Dreams, which tells a dreamy, magical tale that echoes with real life memories.

What are you working on now?
I’m starting a fantasy fiction series that will be released in free, weekly chapters online. I can’t say much about it yet, but it involves a group of young people who must go on a pilgrimage across a vast desert—and *think* they know what’s waiting for them on the other side.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think the best thing an author can do is just talk to their readers and be open and accessible on social media. Book promotion sites are useful, but I find that there’s really no substitute for readers who know and trust you.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Practice! I think many authors say something like, “Always believe in yourself,” and that’s true, but there will be times when you are 100% certain that what you wrote is awful, or even where you think you can’t even finish it. And sometimes you’ll be right. That’s okay. We all, all, all of us write some real stinkers on the way to honing our art. Just write again, and again, and again. It will pay off.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
This is a personal choice that every writer needs to make, but for me, the best advice was “use an outline.” That works wonders for some writers and makes others feel held back. It’s worth trying out.

What are you reading now?
The latest issue of the Tin House literary magazine. Many authors don’t realize how much amazing fiction is published every month in lit mags. They are a wellspring of inspiration.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Thanksgiving turkey, a 1-day break after launching Introvert Dreams, and then diving right into the fiction 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?
I would probably bring 4 large, blank books, on the theory that a desert island is a very good place to get some writing done. But I might sneak a copy of Les Miserables in there for good measure.

Author Websites and Profiles
Andre Sólo Website
Andre Sólo Amazon Profile

Andre Sólo’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! My name is Zenah Khoder and I’m a debut author trying to make it in the writing world. I have written many, many books since I was a 12 year old girl. But have recently been officially published! The name of my novel is Alesandese and it’s a very exciting story for every one tog read but mostly aimed toward YA.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my novel is Alesandese. What inspired it are many factors actually. I wanted to write a book with a strong, determined heroine who would not take shit from anyone. The main character is actually inspired by me and my views, not everything of course, but most things. I want young girls and boys to read my book and look up to her and cheer for her during her hardships. But I also want her to inspire them and teach them to never give up – no matter how bleak the situation may seem.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I love to listen to music while writing, it gives me inspiration and also new ideas sometimes.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m between two projects. A prequel for ny newly published novel, Alesandese. And another dystopian YA story that I have wanted to write for a long time.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since I am a newly published author, I am trying to make my book visible to as many readers as possible. It’s not simple, I’ll you that. I try to publish everything on different kinds of social media to try and reach out to as many people as possible.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Most of this will sound cliché but never give up! Always try your best and write what YOU want to write. Never try to please anyone but yourself, because if you do, you will never be really satisfied with what you’ve come up with.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To write for myself. I will never write well if I try to please everyone. And never write to please the market. If my book is written well and has a great plot and interesting characters – then hopefully, it will get the attention it deserves.

What are you reading now?
Different books but I want to read Harry Potter and The Cursed Child to see if it’s worth all the hype and hate.

Author Websites and Profiles
Zenah Khoder Amazon Profile

Zenah Khoder’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a stay at home mum of a teenager, with one at university. I live near the sea and the New Forest so I’m lucky enough to have beautiful scenery to inspire me. I started writing children’s books in 2007 and have worked my way up to writing Young Adult books. I have just written my first adult fiction short story.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Beastly Christmas. Inspired by the fairy tale Beauty and the Beast which is a favourite of mine, and a love of Christmas. It was great combining the two.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, although I’ll quite happily write in bed snuggled under my duvet.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Chronicles of Narnia and The Brother’s Lionheart from my childhood and Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley for adult reading that’s fun, clean and easy to read.

What are you working on now?
A young adult fantasy story. It has angels in it, something I always wanted to write about.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use as much social media as I can. Other authors are kind enough to share about new releases and the rest is trial and error at the moment especially as my books can be for different ages.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. It sounds easy but sometimes when things aren’t going right you wonder why you’re trying to do this – don’t give up at that point, keep going.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read, read and then write and keep writing. Once you’ve finished one book, start the next one.

What are you reading now?
I’ve just finished reading all the Harry Potter books from the beginning and always on the lookout for Christmas books to read, I’m addicted to them.

What’s next for you as a writer?
One YA story is in final proofing so will be published next year, the angel story is in editing stages and there are some short stories to finish too.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Pride & Prejudice, A Christmas Carol, Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit

Author Websites and Profiles
Marie Godley Website
Marie Godley Amazon Profile

Marie Godley’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Tom Kane and I’m a 62 year old granddad living in Cyprus.
I’m on my 15th book at the moment with a lot more in the pipeline, I just hope time doesn’t run out… so I’m typing faster as each day goes by.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Demon Murders, which is a dark paranormal erotic tale. It was inspired by another book I’m writing, The Brittle Sea. I came to a point where I had to write a sex scene. This worried me a lot, but I knuckled under a wrote the scene, which I quite enjoyed. It got me wondering what sort of scene I would write with a supernatural theme and The Demon Murders was born.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I write many books at the same time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Isaac Asimov and Bill Bryson.

What are you working on now?
The Ragged Edge of Time. A tale of humanity’s first encounter with aliens and the subsequent war, made all the more interesting as it involves an alternate history timeline.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Sites like Awesomegang seem to be the way forward for me. My blog gets a lot of visitors but book promo sites seem to have the edge.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stop, keep writing and be determined.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get your head down and do it.

What are you reading now?
James Blish’s Cities in Flight

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing The Brittle Sea, a romantic drama.

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?
Books with blank pages so that I can write… assuming I can find a pen!

Author Websites and Profiles
Tom Kane Website
Tom Kane Amazon Profile

Tom Kane’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account