Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In essence, I’m a farm girl who passions led me to a career as a paramedic and a variety of other hobbies. Mostly, I love my husband and our four critters: two shelties and two cats. My husband and I have traveled extensively around the world. My most exciting trip was to Egypt. Had an armed guard every day, all day. Our bus driver was stopped by police – made an illegal right turn and was threatened by several angry cops. Our guard on the bus stepped in and magically, everyone was calm again.

I’ve written and published two novels: The Guardian’s Wildchild, and Forbidden. A few others are in my desk waiting for me to get the courage to go public with them.

I’ve learned a few things over the past sixty-something years. Thoughts are powerful. Intentions are everything. And lastly, passion is the key to success.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Forbidden is now available on Amazon.com. I’m so excited to announce that the ebook is FREE for the next five days – February 14, 2017 to February 18, 2017.

The inspiration was a shock. I fought it. For months I resisted the intense visions. It was baffling to understand why this story chose me to tell it. I knew nothing about Islam or Muslims. Finally, I had to give in and talk to our local imam, Mustafa Khattab. What a truly wise and generous man. He gave me an armful of books and videos for free.

After a year of gathering information, Forbidden went from being a persistent nudge in my creative DNA, to a full blown novel. I had no idea where the plot was taking me. It was an intense journey of discovery. A delightful Muslim doctor guided me through the three years of writing, providing moderate interpretations of the Koran, advise for Middle East Muslim names, and an overview of the region’s culture.

My goal was to portray a story that sizzles with drama, fully developed characters, fast paced. I chose a time period of slightly in the future when the Middle East has recovered from the civil war and the law and citizens have become moderate, democratic, and inclusive. In spite of several rewrites and many editing sessions, my love for this story remains strong. I believe it’s my best, so far.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think I’m pretty much like most writers. The story is constantly with me. And I do mean constantly. Walking my dogs, cleaning the house, visiting with friends, my creative DNA is working in the background on a plot scene, dialogue, or making the characters more complex. It never shuts up! Some writers experience writer’s block. There are days I wish I had that problem.

I think my biggest problem is that I get carried away with a scene and take the characters too far out of their ‘skin.’ Thankfully, my fabulous editor, Leigh Carter, gives me a shoulder check and asks, “Would Eliza really do that?” Ugh! She’s right. Delete, delete, delete.

Habits? Not really. Well, except I don’t like to eat while I’m at the computer pushing Captain Sharif into another deadly trap. My husband makes me a cup of tea, which usually gets cold. The movie in my head has no pause button.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My instructors, like Candas Jane Dorsey, have influenced my writing more than other authors. One critic commented that traditional authors use a formula. I find those books boring, predictable. I understand there needs to be a sound structure and pacing. I write for the readers, keeping in mind they need to be swept away into another world, even feel as if they are in the scene. And, my one cardinal rule? The ending must be a complete surprise.

What are you working on now?
There are glimmers of a sequel to Forbidden. Although there are no lose ends to Forbidden’s plot, I see a possibility of taking it in a new direction. I, again, resist. It’s a dark plot. And, personally, I seldom enjoy reading sequels. Perhaps, if Forbidden’s readers ask for Forbidden’s next story, such as FORSAKEN then FORGIVEN, I might be persuaded to write two novellas. For now, marketing Forbidden is a full-time job.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
If anyone shares the secret to successful online book promotion, I’m all ears. Promoting my first book, The Guardian’s Wildchild, was a journey of hell. I knew nothing about the internet. Steep learning curve? Huh! What I enjoy is writing posts on my ROMANCE UNDER FIRE blog. Effective? Maybe not. But what readers love is to receive a gift, compete in a raffle copter for an Amazon coupon or a bag of books. However, one of the lessons I learned painfully is that I must stick to a budget. Writers, most of us, are dirt poor. I’m too honor bound to fall into the scamming pool. My reward is the joy in writing the novel. Money cannot compare or replace that.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You might get discouraged. Yep, in fact, you will. There is an abundant of authors more talented and successful. But they were once where you are. My best advice is to hone your craft – religiously. Take courses, listen to authors you respect, write every day, and learn to take criticism cheerfully but with a grain of salt. Start promoting yourself as an author even before your first novel is published. Build up a following. People want to know you not just as an author, but as an interesting person. Lastly, if you don’t have the passion, the “I can’t live unless I’m writing,” passion, you’ll die in the trenches – miserably and probably alone. Feel the passion, every day.

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

What are you reading now?
I read a lot of my favorite author’s romance books. Her pen name is Nicki Elson. She is gifted, absolutely gifted, in telling a story with clarity, the right pacing, and her characters are dynamic and life-like. You’ll lover, too. Her blog is: http://nickielson.com/

I also love the multi-award winning suspense author, Marc DiGiacomo. https://www.facebook.com/pg/MarcADiGiacomo/about/?ref=page_internal

And … drum roll, Richard Goodship. Excellent suspense; https://www.amazon.com/Richard-Goodship/e/B005J5Y494/ref=la_B005J5Y494_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1482088825&sr=1-1

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m what is called a panster author. I like living on the edge, discovering in the heat of the moment. However, I’m wondering if I should consider more advance planning. Dare I say, write an outline? A previous editor had me write out a biography of each character for The Guardian’s Wildchild. It worked, but I had done it under protest. I can see this approach might reduce the time it takes to write and edit. Maybe a few less rewrites. I’ll give it a whirl.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d bring boxes of blank paper. I’d rather write than read.

Author Websites and Profiles
Feather Stone Website
Feather Stone Amazon Profile

Feather Stone’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a teacher, writer and musician. I have published four novels. Joe Café has been described as modern, literary Noir, and it is a new take on the thriller form. Very deeply character based, the psychological impact of the novel drives the plot. The Matt Stark Series (The Biker, Hannigan’s Fight, Boxed In) is a postmodern look at Western, Noir, and Urban crime tropes. It is a trilogy and a coming of age tale (also a reflection on San Francisco). I have also written several collections of short stories (Please, no eyes. & Mix Tape #1), two novellas (Saving Drake & The Note), a book on fishing (Teach Your Kid to Fish: When YOU Don’t Know How!), and a book about my wife’s first pregnancy (You Hate Me Because I’m Pregnant!). In addition, I have published stories and articles in numerous magazines and literary journals.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest is the third book in the Matt Stark trilogy, “Boxed In” – it is the culmination of the series, and my strategy was to wrap up the trilogy while doing justice to every character, not just the protagonist. Writing a trilogy affords the writer the opportunity to reflect on readers’ reactions to the first two books. I took my readers ideas in hand as I wrote the book. The characters wrote the book of course, but it was always in the back of my mind. I was inspired by the awesome reception the first two books in the series received.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write all the time. I’m not sure if that’s unusual or not. I am the English DH at a private school in the Bay Area. I am a reading specialist, and I spend my days talking about literature and working on writing – my own and my students’ work. I want to say something cool…like I only write on Tuesdays and only between 11:35am and 1:13pm (wearing lucky socks), but, really, literature and writing are my life. Which is why I don’t have an expensive motorcycle.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many. When I was young, I was inspired by the Beats. I found John Fante and Charles Bukowski in college. I love John D. MacDonald. I’m usually inspired by every author and book I read – as long as it is engaging. I love reading the passion in other people’s work.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I am gathering the hundreds of flash fiction pieces I wrote when I was working on the novel and preparing them for publication. I’m also working on marketing. Which I suck at.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Most of my books sell because of word of mouth. My readership is not huge, but they are fiercely loyal and read everything I write. I consider myself very lucky.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t listen to other writers’ advice. Unless it makes an awful lot of sense. Write YOU.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I was a sportswriter when I was in High School. This was back when some sportswriters still used typewriters while they drank and chain-smoked. I was just a kid, but they told me not to ever make apologies. To write my “copy” and be proud. I was lucky to have them as mentors.

What are you reading now?
I’m catching up on issues of The New Yorker and Harper’s that I let slide.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publish some short stories. I love writing novels, but short form fiction will always be my writing happy place. That, and record some more music (it’s been too long).

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?
‘Stop Time’, by Frank Conroy. ‘Ham on Rye’, by Bukowski. ‘Dune’, by Frank Herbert. ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, by Alexandre Dumas (and The Little Prince).

Author Websites and Profiles
JD Mader Website
JD Mader Amazon Profile

JD Mader’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written one book at the moment and working on a second. I was born and raised in the Arabian Gulf, though I am literate in 4 languages. Also a holder of an MBA and enjoy writing so much than I am actively trying to slowly verge towards a career where I will only write.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Sculpting David. Inspired by my own heart-break in college. Also, stems from other stories and events that happened to both myself and others even though the story as a whole is a work of fiction.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. I love to work at night mostly, either in total silence or with one album playing on a loop. Mel C’s first album. I know, ex-Spice Girl, right?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
All and none. I love Ernest Hemingway and Paolo Cielo even though my writing is not similar to theirs in style but it can be in emotion.

What are you working on now?
The follow-up to Sculpting David. It will be titled “My conversations with M.”

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I say all off them. Casting a wide net is always worth a shot.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Write your heart away and write what you know. I know my emotions and my thoughts and so this is my writing style: emotionally packed first person narrative is what I seem to excel in.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you know (from a college English professor)
Know you why (from Simon Sinek)

What are you reading now?
I’m on a Simon Sinek binge at the moment.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Transitioning into only writing as a career and writing in every moment I have to.

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?
Tough one. Can I just take a kindle jam packed with thousands of books and a solar charger? If not:

The Alchemist by Paolo Cielo
Harry Potter (any one of the series)
Any book by Malcom Gladwell

Author Websites and Profiles
Chadi Nassar Website
Chadi Nassar Amazon Profile
Chadi Nassar Author Profile on Smashwords

Chadi Nassar’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve performed so many jobs in my life that my resume looks like a shot-gun blast; it’s all over the f’n place. One might surmise from it, that I was an aimless young man, who turned into a more aimless middle-aged one. Some of that is true.

I’ve published two books. The first one, in 2014, Be a Hobbit, Save the Earth: the Guide to Sustainable Shire Living, was a large book on how ordinary people can make small changes in the way they look at their place in the world, and affect significant change in their lives, their communities, and the world at large.

My second book, The End of Fear Itself, was just released in December 2016.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The End of Fear Itself: Crush Your Limitations, Manifest Success, Achieve Health, Happiness, & Save the World.

During my research for Be a Hobbit, Save the Earth, I was working through solutions to the world’s largest, most complicated problems. Late during the writing process, I came to the conclusion that FEAR was a very significant part of the larger issues facing the human species, and the planet as a whole. But the book was already over 500 pages long, so it found only a small part of chapter in that book.

Earlier this year, 2016, I was having a discussion online with a friend, and the topic of personal fears came up. I was trying to decided on several possible book projects at the time, and when the discussion came up I remembered the topic from Be a Hobbit, and decided that I would give it some more thought. During my research, I became aware, that ALL human driven problems, or challenges, are at their root, Fear driven. All of them. I knew then, that I had hit upon something big. A topic that affects everyone on Earth, every day.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure how unusual they are, but I normally get up around 3:30am, sometimes much earlier to write, when I’m really in the groove. It’s the quietest time, and a time when my brain likes to write, I guess. I can write at any time during the day, but usually it’s in the morning.

As for unusual. I sometimes use a very large Gukri Knife (12″ blade) to hold open the pages of books while I”m typing. I have a fake skull on my desk, that I call Yorick. His left eye socket holds a small, Viking Sword letter opener. My Viking Pirate Kitties, Punkin’ and Squish, sometimes walk across the keyboard while I’m writing, which is very annoying. Punkin’ did this once while I was writing Be a Hobbit, and at the exact moment that I was writing something about HER. I left her typing in the book, and just wrote it IN to the paragraph about her.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
This is an enormous question.
My favorite fiction is Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings.’ I’ve read it like 10 times or something. My second would be Stephen King’s stuff, especially The Dark Tower Series, and The Stand.

I suppose my writing style combines a bit of King’s irreverent dark humor, with a twinge of Twain’s biting wit, though I wouldn’t claim to be anywhere close to being in the same league as either. I can wax poetic at times, like Tolkien.

What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m promoting my newest book, The End of Fear Itself, but soon I will be putting together a collection of blog articles I’ve written on the topics of overthinking, brain spin, and meditation, that I will call Seeking a Zen for the Un-Bendy. At some point I plan to follow up The End of Fear Itself with another book, entitled, The Other Side of Fear.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Hands down that would be Chandler Bolt’s Self Publishing School. www.self-publishingschool.com

I’ve been a member of their Mastermind Group for a few months now, and it has been worth every penny. Thanks to them, my new book has reached #1 in more than one category!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I have loads of advice. In fact I’ve written several articles on writing on my blog, www.stevebivans.com.

In short though, I’d say to JUST F’N WRITE! Write every day for an hour. Don’t even think about what you’re going to write, unless you already have an idea. But don’t think about what comes out. Just type as fast as you can for an hour. Don’t pause, don’t stop. Fuck the mistakes! You can fix that later.

Then, forget about perfection. It never existed. Perfection is the wall through which success may not pass.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Your life is your story. Only you write it, no one else. You can also rewrite it: past, present, and future. Not sure where I heard that. It’s a compilation of stuff, I reckon.

What are you reading now?
Kitty Tweddle and the Wishing Well, by a friend of mine, H.J. Blenkinsop. It’s a really cute, teen story, about a girl in Scotland, who is apparently a witch. I’m only half way through, but it’s really good so far.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to put out 2 or 3 books in 2017. They’ll be short ones. Zen for the Un-Bendy, and probably my How I Write articles in a book on writing, with a much catchier title than that, obviously. I also have a series of articles I’m working on entitled, Golf is Life. It’s a funny look at my struggles with the game of golf, but it’s really about attempting to calm my mind and taking lessons from golf and Zen Buddhism, and Taosim, and mini meditations, and woo woo stuff like that.

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 one is pretty easy:
1. The Hobbit
2. The Lord of the Rings
3. The Stand, Stephen King
4. The entire Dark Tower Series… also King (That’s actually cheating, since it’s really like 8 books)

Author Websites and Profiles
Steve Bivans Website
Steve Bivans Amazon Profile

Steve Bivans’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Eleanor Oberio. I am a mom, an author, a playwright and a publisher. My first published play is entitled “The Unfinished Masterpiece”. I’ve also co-authored and just recently launched a children’s book entitled “The Adventures of Emanuel: The Flying Shark of Bouncy Land”.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “The Adventures of Emanuel : The Flying Shark of Bouncy Land.” My son inspired me to write the book and it was done through a playful collaboration with him. We’ve created it after we relocated overseas to be with my husband. Most of the characters in the story like Mr. Kitch, Dani Zuckow, Emanuel Tickles & Peter Pickles were named by my 4 year old son. I was responsible for naming Sara Bloom, the pink dolphin in the story because I love pink dolphins.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know whether to call it unusual but I write better using post-its.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love reading a lot of books but I particularly love the works of JK Rowling, Kate di Camillo, Og Mandino, JF Penn & Norman Vincent Peale.

What are you working on now?
My son and I are working on the sequel to the first book in The Adventures of Emanuel series. The working title is The Secret of the Knotting Clock.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook, Twitter and my own website.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The hardest part about being a newbie author is having the confidence to believe that someone will ever take an interest to buy your book. But write a book because you have a purpose. Eventually, you will overcome anything if you just keep on hustling. Let people know that you’re doing a bit of writing. Post in your Facebook, Instagram & all your social accounts. Show your friends and family your journey and then once done, celebrate. You deserve it! Most people go their graves with their book inside of them. You may face rejection every now and then but just keep on writing and try to quickly move on.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Once you’ve published a book, just keep on hustling. Marketing is everything especially if you’re a self-published author.

What are you reading now?
I’ve got a couple of e-books that I’m reading right now. I’m also reading an Og Mandino book at the moment.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The offering of services for e-books and audiobooks production for self-published authors on my website.

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 Power of Positive Thinking, How Things Work & The Holy Bible.

Author Websites and Profiles
Eleanor Oberio Website
Eleanor Oberio Amazon Profile

Eleanor Oberio’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a best-selling and award-winning author. I’ve written four books: When God Nods: Inspirational Tales of Divine Serendipity, Transformational Journaling for Mind, Body, Spirit, Joy-Full Journaling for the Caregivers Spirit, and a chapter in a compilation book called The Peacemakers. Readers are seeking inspiration and solutions to their human problems: I offer readers insights on how to stop living out of their minds and start living from their hearts.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
When God Nods: Inspirational Tales of Divine Serendipity is my latest book. There are no coincidences. It was a divine connection, as I was led to an online writing intensive, didn’t have the money or time but did it anyway. I went on to win the publishing contract for that class. That’s how When God Nods was born. It’s a book of stories that will inspire, motivate and move readers to take a journey out of their minds and into their hearts. You can have the life you love when you tap into the divinity within.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Absolutely, I have unusual writing habits. I’m born on the cusp of Leo the Lion and Cancer the Crab. Sometimes I have to get close to the water or actually in it. I get my best inspiration when I’m in the shower!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Rick Warren and Neale Donald Walsh are two inspirational, spiritually gifted writers.

What are you working on now?
I am promoting When God Nods at the moment. Invitations to speak and teach journaling to caregivers and women’s groups are forthcoming for the New Year, as well.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, You can edit a page that are not connecting with, but you cannot edit a page that is barren. Start writing; schedule it in on your “to-do” list and watch the magic happen.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You can edit a bad page but you cannot edit a blank page.

What are you reading now?
When God Nods: Inspirational Tales of Divine Serendipity and the Bible.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Work on my blog and get my divine inspirational messages out there.

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, When God Nods, Conversations with God and The Purpose Driven Life

Author Websites and Profiles
Ann Agueli Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired N.C Police Sergeant with over 30 Years public service with over 10 Years a Detective then Supervisor in the Youth services and Sexual assault unit. Also serving as a Uniformed Supervisor in the Departments School Resource Officers Unit. I have worked directly with young people in Asheville as well as adults and educators in my job.

I was recognized in the Congressional Record for working with the Navy’s Youth Sea Cadet Program in Asheville. This year I was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by the Governor of NC and was given a Commission as a Kentucky Colonial by the Governor of Kentucky for my work in the community. Most recently working as a Patrol supervisor in Asheville’s West District before retiring.

As a NC State Certified Instructor, I still teach juvenile law in the Police Academy, and Juvenile subcultures and issues, through the local Community college.

I have worked as a Field Training Officer in Patrol and the Investigative Division of the Police Department, served as a member of the departments Hostage Negation Team and a Critical Incident Response team member. I have been given the opportunity to testify in other jurisdictions and states on the information obtained and observed in my work.

Robin my wife, also a retired Officer, have contributed photos and images that have been included and published in Henry Lee’s Crime Scene Handbook, a Forensics Text Book, by Dr. Henry Lee and Dr. Marilyn Miller.
Published articles and photographs in the Brotherhood of Martial Artist Magazine, The Urban News and the News Record, News Papers. Previous writings include, Juvenile Subcultures and Issues, and There’s Plenty of Good Air and Sunshine. The latter a compiled narrative on my Grandmother and others in the Asheville NC Community during the Great Depression. Originally documented by Lynn Stevens a WPA writer.

Currently working on a collection of short stories tied together by North Carolina folk lore, and a nonfiction history book, Shades of Blue, History, speculation, questions and lies in a mountain Police Department, and a follow up to the book Cop and Coin.

Living near Asheville NC. We reside on a hilltop, my wonderful wife Robin, a slightly insane cat, Bambi the Dachshund and my biggest fan and critic Liberty the Boston Terrier.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Cop and Coin a Novel, Sometimes you have no choice but to believe.

In my work as a Police Officer and Detective I have had the opportunity to see and hear some strange things. The job also allowed me to meet some very interesting people. I love history and its study. I thought it would be interesting to but it all together into some stories others might enjoy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, I like ;to do my writing mostly in the morning and late evening. I have a cat who lives in one of the draws in my writing desk. He like to hear story ideas but is not very good at editing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
John D McDonald. Harry Harrison and Joshua P Warren

What are you working on now?
“Cop and Call”. Another paranormal mystery this one from a different point of view that I hope the reader enjoys. A nonfiction history book, “Shades of Blue, History, speculation, questions and lies in a mountain Police Department”

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like the Idea of Awesomegang.com and the help it is giving me. Facebook of course.
I have also been seeking out no traditional marketing locations. Restaurants and small stores usually near the register. If you can interest the person behind the counter and they like the story, people see the book and ask.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stop writing. take criticism well, trust a professional editor.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Talk to the people who have already done it.

What are you reading now?
Use the Force by Joshua P. Warren

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue on new ideas and collecting stories to share.

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 by John D. McDonald
The French Broad by Wilma Dykeman
Ben Franklins Autobiography
War and Peace.

Author Websites and Profiles
R. Scott Lunsford Website

R. Scott Lunsford’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is the first for both of us.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Stack the Legal Odds in Your Favor
The legal system has become an industry/game. The title, book cover, interior layout all came together.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
no

What authors, or books have influenced you?
none

What are you working on now?
Stack the Health Odds in Your Favor

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
no

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
just about any quote from the Framers

What are you reading now?
nothing

What’s next for you as a writer?
We don’t consider ourselves writers. We are authors–the difference being writers write for a living. As authors, we’ve put out this book to help Americans with the #1 problem facing the country.

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?
none. i’m not a reader

Author Websites and Profiles
Tom Scott Sara Naheedy Website
Tom Scott Sara Naheedy Amazon Profile
Tom Scott Sara Naheedy Author Profile on Smashwords

Tom Scott Sara Naheedy’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Upstate New York where the snow is legendary. The youngest nephew of our brood, who I lovingly refer to as ‘The Monster Child’, is my partner in crime. We enjoy feeding the ducks at a nearby park, going for a dip in the backyard pool or snowboarding down a popular mountainside. We are game for anything mischievous.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
ALTER BOYS was released on August 15, 2016 by Spume Publishing. It is the sequel to my first novel, ALTER EGO, which came out on April 15, 2016.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get up around 7:00am, grab a cup of coffee and scurry inside my mancave to write. Not too unusual.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I very much enjoy John Grisham but my favored reading is autobiographies…especially of Old Hollywood.

What are you working on now?
ALTER GIRLS is in the editing stage and ALTER BOUND is waiting its turn. All four belong to my series entitled, THE DAVENPORT DECREES.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter and Facebook are the preferred sites. My website heralds my novels.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Someone aspiring to be a new author needs to develop a thick hide. When reviews are unfavorable, just let them roll off your back; never allowing them to linger in your psyche.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You cannot wait for inspiration to come. One must go after it with a club.

What are you reading now?
A biography on Marilyn Monroe.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing my DAVENPORT DECREES series then writing some stand-alones with completely different characters.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, any Cat in the Hats books and a juicy autobiography.

Author Websites and Profiles
Tory Allyn Website
Tory Allyn Amazon Profile

Tory Allyn’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Unmasked is my first book but I have been blogging for several years now.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Unmasked: Becoming a real woman in a fake world, is my new book. It was inspired by changes in my life after bariatric surgery in 2014. I started to take a up close and personal look at my life and did not like the me I was presenting to the world. This book is the process of becoming who I want to be and hopefully helping readers to do the same.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love listening to music while writing- 21 Pilots is my go to.

What are you working on now?
I am finishing up the journal to go along with the book, plus I would love to write an Unmasked for couples.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook, my website and word of mouth

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a new author so I guess just keep plugging away at it.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jenn Hecker Website

Jenn Hecker’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised on the southside of Chicago IL. I’m divorced with one son who is twenty-one now. I have a BA degree in Marketing Communications and Journalism from Columbia College of Chicago. I have been writing since I was twelve-years-old and I have two books that I just recently published. “A Woman Of Courage,” and “The Blood Oath.”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Blood Oath and I was inspired by the Nightmare On Elm Street films, and I also drew from my experiences with having Daymares which is a condition that I have had for several years. Daymares is like having nightmares only it happens when you are awake.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can write anywhere I happen to be at any given moment. But I prefer writing at night when I am the most relaxed.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Maya Angelou and Steven King.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a Vampire story called The Human.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter, Book Daily, Youtube, Goodreads, Pinterest, my website, and pretty much anywhere that will allow it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t be a writer. You don’t have to have a lot of money or have an interesting life. All you need is time, and motivation.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Never give up.”

What are you reading now?
Writing Great Fiction by Professor James Hynes. I never stop learning.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have self-published my first two books and I want to try traditional publishing next. In 2017 I plan to look for an agent.

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, Salem’s Lot by Steven King and Battlefield Of The Mind by Joyce Meyer.

Author Websites and Profiles
Eshelle Butler Website
Eshelle Butler Amazon Profile

Eshelle Butler’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Blood Harbor”. My main inspiration was “The Twilight Zone” (the original from 1959-1964, but I don’t discount the 1980’s or 2000’s version). I loved the way the opening minutes of each episode began with a dilemma, and you know at twenty five minutes long there’s only a short amount of time for this puzzle to be solved. That’s why I decided “Blood Harbor” should be a novella instead of a full-fledged novel, to keep it short and concise.

Some other considerable influences have been “The Colorado Kid” and “Phantoms”. I find the Lost Colony of Roanoke to be a captivating subject, and putting my own spin on it was extremely gratifying!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have an odd habit of jumping around from story to story, instead of my outright focus being on one novel/novella/script at a time. Some days I’m just in a certain mood to deal with these set of characters instead of that set. But it’s not a method I’d recommend!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Soooo many to speak of! But number one is Alfred Bester, author of “The Stars My Destination” (aka Tiger! Tiger!) and the “Demolished Man”. His visions were so ahead of his time, and the characters so rich and life-like. I read “The Stars My Destination” once a year, and never lose the excitement I had as a child reading it for the very first time.

Arthur C. Clarke also had a tremendous influence on me. “Childhood’s End” and “Rendezvous With Rama” are still unlike anything else I’ve ever read.

If you’ve read my work, I think it goes without saying Thomas Harris has had an enormous influence on my style. Hannibal Lecter is the sort of rich, absorbing character all writers strive to create.

Stephen King, Joe Hill, Clive Barker, Dean Koontz, Ray Bradbury, H.P. Lovecraft, Chuck Hogan, we could be here all day kiddies!

What are you working on now?
I am finishing up multiple projects. One is my first children’s book, based on my own childhood experiences. It’s titled “A Dog’s Kiss” and is based on an award-winning short story I wrote when I was eight years-old.

I’m also working on a novella titled “Gatorland”, about one man’s battle for survival.

I am one-third of the way through “Face Your Fears: Born of the Night Book 2”.

I am in the beginning stages of mapping out “Return to Blood Harbor”.

I’m also still screenwriting and am shopping around “Born of the Night” and “Blood Harbor” pilots that I’ve written.

I’m a busy bee!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is a tricky one. The best method I’ve come across is simply word of mouth from people that love and believe in your book. The majority of my sales I believe have come from recommendations.

Goodreads is seemingly the best website for promotion, but that doesn’t prevent the difficultly of selling your work to people who’ve never met you. Most readers (myself included) are buying books from established, best-selling authors. It’s insanely difficult to self-promote on the internet.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
KEEP WRITING! It’s cliche, it’s tired, but it’s true. I only hit my stride after putting all of my time and effort into my work. Fifteen years of writing on and off helped me become better, but when I finally went all in, that’s when I became the writer I am today.

Start promoting EARLY. Get word of mouth out there long before your novel is out. Get people talking!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Why don’t you turn your screenplays into books?”

Thank you Crystal

What are you reading now?
“The Fireman” by Joe Hill. Exquisite!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am hopeful that my next act will take me back to where I began, screenwriting. I love TV shows and think as a medium it is the perfect time to take these well-written, unique novels and put them out there. With Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, and internet based shows there’s so many more options of when you only had basic cable TV shows.

I also would like to be a best-seller…

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 Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester (that goes without saying)

Under the Dome by Stephen King (if you need a magnum opus, this is it!)

Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick (represent Philly!)

Tales of Horror by H.P. Lovecraft (all of his brilliance in one gargantuan novel)

Author Websites and Profiles
Matt Wanicur Website
Matt Wanicur Amazon Profile
Matt Wanicur Author Profile on Smashwords

Matt Wanicur’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Matt Converse of San Francisco, author of Behind the Velvet Curtain, an erotic gay thriller novella eBook published in 2015 by Comet Press. I’m back with Strip Shot, the prequel to Behind the Velvet Curtain, to be published by Encompass Ink on January 7, 2017. A horror writer at heart, there is some horror, suspense, mystery or thriller elements in everything I write. I strive to bring diversity to the publishing world.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Strip Shot, the prequel to Behind the Velvet Curtain. I wanted to give a real, gritty look into the life of a stripper, and the prequel charts the journey of how he made his way to the stage and what he found when he got there.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love listening to Lady Gaga as I write, but for the darker elements of the story I switch to Depeche Mode to set the mood. I’m a night owl and write well into the wee hours of the morning.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King is my greatest inspiration as an author, I’ve been reading his horror novels since I was a kid. I’m also a huge fan of movie director Alfred Hitchcock.

What are you working on now?
I am working on several projects, the sequel to Behind the Velvet Curtain and also a full length horror novel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook, twitter and review sites as well as author interviews and spotlights.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing, every no is one step closer to that yes. A published author is simply an amateur writer who didn’t give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Success doesn’t bring happiness, happiness brings success. Do what you love.

What are you reading now?
Psycho by Robert Bloch, I love the movie and always wondered how it differed from the novel.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To publish my first full length novel.

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 by Stephen King!

Author Websites and Profiles
Matt Converse Website
Matt Converse Amazon Profile

Matt Converse’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, there!

Well, I am a teacher and fiction author just starting my writing journey. This November, I published my first fiction novel. What a blast! I can’t wait to start my next book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book, “Deleted”, came from a handful of quirks I happen to have with the Supernatural World. I grew up in a very spiritual home and have believed in the existence of a Supernatural realm my entire life. I have always had visions and seen spirits, so I thought it only natural to write what I “knew”! I love all things spiritual and ghostly, so I tossed all of my favorite paranormal beings into an action packed story where a girl, who can only see the dead, is forced to stop the murder of Mysticals like herself (lots of fun)!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t paint with acrylics here; I paint with watercolors. My writing habits are messy, sporadic, and best served with a bottle of Pepsi at three in the morning. I am fortunate enough to be able to schedule my own work hours, so I don’t have much of a problem writing all through the night. It’s a good thing, too, because if I couldn’t write in the middle of the night, I would never get anything written.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was little, books were my form of release from an abusive home. I especially admired “The Wanderer” and “Premonitions”. Both of these stories, while not well known, gave me characters I could relate to as a child “on her own” with “taboo” quirks like speaking with the ocean or seeing those kinds of visions.

What are you working on now?
My next story is called “The Devil’s Got Dirt”. Blix is a girl who died and was supposed to wake up in hell, but she’s been given a second chance, and the devil can’t stand it. He’ll send his best missionaries down to Earth, and if he can’t bury her himself, he’ll get her to do it for him. It’s a project that I’m planning to serialize so that readers can read it as it’s being written. I can’t wait to start getting this story out there, and I’m projecting chapters to release in early 2017!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m a bit of a newbie when it comes to promotion. So far, I rely a great deal on Social Media and sites like “Awesome Gang”. I love being able to connect with readers and other authors in places like these.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The only way to write a book is to write it. What? Yeah, you read that right. For years, I sat down and started stories while dreaming up some of my most adored characters. The problem was that I gave up before I ever finished. You have to write, and you have to keep writing (even after the first book).

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Keep Writing!”

What are you reading now?
Currently, I am reading the “Dead Jack” series along with a few Virtual Novels. I always go back to the Mortal Instruments series, also. I just can’t seem to get away from paranormal things!

What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next? The only thing that could ever be next for a writer: writing. I’m just going to keep hiding in my made-up realms with some of the coolest characters I’ll ever meet this side of the grave. I don’t know if anyone else really likes them, but I sure do.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Ah, alone at sea. Well, I’d bring “The Holy Bible”, “Survival for Dummies”, and a diary. No one ever said the books had to be filled. If I died, I could at least leave behind some thoughts. I’d have to be honest. If I ever got stranded on a desert island, I’d die. Legit. Unless mermaids really do exist!

Author Websites and Profiles
Crystal Cherie Website
Crystal Cherie Amazon Profile

Crystal Cherie’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a 22-year old Pakistani author based in the United Arab Emirates. I study Media Sciences at SZABIST Dubai. I’m an avid reader and writer of thriller-based fiction. I also love playing FPS shooter on the PlayStation 4.

I’ve written and self-published four e-books till now. These include two short-story anthologies: Masoom Thrillers #1 and Masoom Thrillers #2. And two poetry collections: Masoom Poetry and Shadow of your Lust.

I love meeting new writers and readers. My aim is to share my work for the enjoyment of readers and not just to make money. Getting feedback on my books is not only a want but a need. My greatest influences for prose include Clive Barker, Stephen King, Ian Fleming and Sidney Sheldon. For poetry I’m inspired by Charles Baudelaire and Maya Angelou.

You can follow me on Twitter and I’m always available to discuss books and movies.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name is Shadow of your Lust and my muse inspired me. She’s a university crush and though I couldn’t express my feelings to her directly, I thought I could write her a poem. And I ended up writing 20 and making a poetry e-book.

The first poem, Shadow of your Lust, is dedicated to her. I think that all poets have muses and they can be either real or imaginary. I enjoyed writing this book and I hope readers go through it with the passion that I did.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The only unusual writing habit I have would be getting ideas in the shower. Also, I always take a long walk with my headphones on and listening to rock music, to give me inspiration. Walking is the only counteraction for writer’s block. I wish I could write on a routine basis but my schedule is quite scattered at the moment. Hopefully, once I’m done getting my Bachelor’s degree I can focus on writing more constantly during the free time I’ll get.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My greatest influences for prose include Clive Barker, Stephen King, Ian Fleming and Sidney Sheldon. For poetry I’m inspired by Charles Baudelaire and Maya Angelou. I’ve been penning poetry since I was 9 and tried my luck at prose after reading R.L. Stine’s College Weekend when I was 14. After closing that book I new what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a science-fiction novella which I want to base on per-Partition India. I don’t want to give away too much of the plot but it’s about time travel and my main inspiration was Stephen King’s novel 11.22.63.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Promoting through Goodreads.com and my poetry blog are the best methods for advertisement.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read and write a lot. Don’t be afraid to start a story or a poem. Get inspired by other writers but don’t aim to become the next Stephen King or Clive Barker. Rather, aim to become the best you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot.” – Stephen King

What are you reading now?
Chase by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope I’ll finally be able to pen a novel. I’ve written short stories, poems and novellas but never been able to hit the length of a novel.

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?
Bloodline by Sidney Sheldon.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.

Mr. Sampath by R.K. Narayan.

Quantum of Solace by Ian Fleming.

Author Websites and Profiles
Nisar Masoom Website
Nisar Masoom Amazon Profile
Nisar Masoom Author Profile on Smashwords

Nisar Masoom’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a young, self-published author and I have been writing stories for nearly my whole life. The first real book I ever wrote is a novella called Epidemic, and I wrote that while still in high school. Right no I am preparing to begin my final semester in college where I attend as an English major specializing in writing. I plan to graduate this spring from University of Michigan-Flint. So far I have written 5 books and I am working on the 6th one. The first 3 books I have written are short novellas which I wrote under a different name. Currently I am working on the 3rd installment of my novel trilogy which I call the Hippie Logic series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of the last book I wrote is Hippie Logic: The Mod and the Free Spirit. It is the 2nd installment of a novel trilogy. This entire series was greatly inspired by and based on The Monkees. I took fictional TV world as well as element of the real lives of the members of The Monkees and I created characters and a fictional world of my own. This trilogy wasn’t just inspired by The Monkees, but of other bands of the era and the 1960s in general.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure how unusual my writing habits are. Since I became a mom I have had to come up with ways and certain times during which I can write in peace. Also I tend to not write as much while attending college.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a lot of Stephen King. I love his writing style, and he’s had a lot of great advice for young writers, which I have tried to pay attention to. I also get inspired by reading classic novels. I try to read as many different books by as many different authors and I feel as though the classics are a great place to turn. I am also greatly inspired by music. I feel that listening to all sorts of music inspires my creativity just as well as reading all kinds of books. So books and music tend to go hand-in-hand for when I need inspiration or a creative boost.

What are you working on now?
Currently I am working on the planning stage for the 3rd and final installment of my Hippie Logic series. Unlike the first two books of the series which focused on The Craynes, this one will focus more on The Nuggets and how they formed their band, as well as other stories that involve members of The Craynes.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Even though I don’t use it nearly as much as I should, due to lack of time, I usually go through social media such as Facebook groups. I have posted about my books in several groups on different occasions. Right now I am researching other methods of promotion which will be more effective in getting my books to potential customers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
All I can say is write what you feel. Don’t worry so much about what you think other people might want. Write for yourself first. Write for others later.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t wait for inspiration to begin writing. Because if you do, then you won’t write a single word. I forget who said this but I am reminded of a saying: the water won’t flow until the faucet is turned on. This means you have to start writing before inspiration can flow.

What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading Stephen King’s 11/22/63.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I honestly don’t know. I don’t look too far ahead into the future. I hope to continue working on my novels, as they are my first passion when it comes to writing. I may begin doing some blogging once I’m finished with college.

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?
This is such a tough and unfair question because there are so many books I have not read.

Author Websites and Profiles
Gina Marie Website
Gina Marie Amazon Profile

Gina Marie’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a lawyer, having been called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003 and have been in active legal practice from that date to this moment. I am also a writer, researcher, blogger, and public speaker. Aside legal practice, I am passionate about bringing legal literacy to non-lawyers through my writing on legal issues. I simplify law in blog posts, articles, and books. I have written five books to date and they are all primarily for non-lawyers, while lawyers have equally found them useful and enlightening.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled, What the Law Says About Marriage and Divorce. I was inspired to write the book because of different stories that I have had to listen to in my professional capacity as a lawyer. Both males and females have come to me seeking for legal advice in relation to their marital problems which have serious legal implications. I know that there is so much legal illiteracy in my country, Nigeria especially on marital issues. For example, some people are married under the Act, i.e. a monogamous form of marriage, and yet ignorantly enter into another marriage with another person, while the first marriage remains undissolved. This is a common practice in Nigeria, even though it is against the law. The book is meant to enlighten people, and also to improve the level of compliance with the law.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The only thing I may consider unusual in my writing habits is that I can only write in a quiet environment which is somehow scarce in my country due to many factors e.g. noise from generating sets.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wole Soyinka, and Chinua Achebe have influenced me, while books like Things for Apart, The Man Died, The Interpreters, and The Trial of Brother Jero have all influenced me also.

What are you working on now?
I am trying to compare the Nigerian Constitution with the American Constitution, bringing out their similarities and differences.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Your website is my best choice because you are not only interested in books but you are also interested in the minds that produce those books. You promote both books and their authors. For me, this is great and commendable. Kudos!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is that anybody who wants to be a good writer must first be a fantastic reader and learner.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It is good for everyone to follow their passion.

What are you reading now?
I am reading Witness to Justice by Reverend Father Matthew Kukah of Nigeria.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To promote the books that I have written and to continue reading and writing. It is a lifetime commitment for me.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible
Taking Nigeria Seriously by Odia Ofeimun
Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson

Author Websites and Profiles
Kehinde Adegbite Website
Kehinde Adegbite Amazon Profile
Kehinde Adegbite Author Profile on Smashwords

Kehinde Adegbite’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing straight out of high school, as a journalist at the local daily in Freeport, Bahamas. From there, my desire to express myself more freely led me to create two powerful books to date.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book’s title is God’s Second Begotten Son: The Newest Testament, and it has been inspired by a void of understanding in the great religious divide across the globe. This book makes sense of it all.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I would tend to leave my unfinished work sitting around for extended periods of time and would then have to read chunks of back work to pick up when I returned to it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
R.L. Stines and Caleb Carr.

What are you working on now?
I am presently unoccupied at the moment.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Think clearly and write voraciously.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To never give up – no matter how circumstances may be looking.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading a lot of hip-hop blogs.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I don’t know what’s next for me, but in my capricious mind, the sky is the limit.

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 Alienist, Oliver Twist, and Rumpelstiltskin.

Jeremy Francis’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a father, husband, writer, and humorist currently residing in Charlotte, NC. I’ve written two complete novels – The Singer and the Charlatan and its follow-up, The Princess and the Holy Juggernaut. Currently, I’m working on Book Three of the Wicked Instruments series and I’m also looking to publish my anti-romance novel, Horses on the Wind next year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have most recently released The Singer and the Charlatan. I spent years playing tabletop roleplaying games, and of all of the great stories to have come from that, this was the one I believed couldn’t be told. It was pure chaos, start to finish, a story so zany and silly that I assumed it would never translate to paper. My wife played the irreverent singer with amnesia Leanna, while my sister played the priestess, Trixi, so dedicated to a god no one worships that to everyone else, she seems insane.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I binge-write in the wee hours of the night, often letting the work take hold of me. I’m sometimes so productive after midnight that I’ve caught myself still writing as the sun rose.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Douglas Adams and Chuck Palahniuk are two of my absolute favorites. I love the humor found in nihilism and the absurd. I love extremes played as normal. J.D. Salinger is also a favorite of mine, as I don’t think I’ve ever crossed another novel quite like The Catcher in the Rye.

What are you working on now?
The third book for The Wicked Instruments is only in the outline phase at the moment. Meanwhile, I’ve busied myself with an anti-romance novel called Horses on the Wind. It’s about a farmgirl about to leave high school in the 1980’s who falls for a migrant horse-whisperer on her father’s farm. Their love grows strong as they learn about pony play together.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ll get back to you on that, I’m still figuring it out myself.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Know your characters. If they don’t have their voice, they aren’t real. It’s one of the many gifts roleplaying has brought me.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’ve gotten a lot of advice over the years, still not sure how good any of it was.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading my favorite Palahniuk novel again, Lullaby.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to grow the Wicked Instruments series as I dabble in comedic breaks here and there.

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 Catcher in the Rye
Lullaby
Some large compilation of stage plays from the first half of the 20th century

Author Websites and Profiles
D.C. Fergerson Website
D.C. Fergerson Amazon Profile

D.C. Fergerson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As a digital optimization specialist and PPC specialist with IBM,, I have an extended experience in the digital marketing industry. I’m also a proficient writer with over 4000 articles and eBooks written in the digital marketing, B2B, B2C and personal development niches.

I am a happy person, highly creative and full of ideas.

I have written 5 books so far, in both personal development and digital optimization niche.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest eBook is A Hands-on Personal Approach to Becoming Successful in your Career: Practical Tips to Skyrocket your Career. I was inspired by many success stories in career.

My goal is to help others capitalize on my experience and on my accomplishments, so that they can too experience success in their careers.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I know of.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Robert Kiosaky, Donald Trump, Dale Carnegie

What are you working on now?
Digital optimization specialist with IBM

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Online submissions and digital offers

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be creative and think out of the box when it comes to advertising.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never say never!

What are you reading now?
Fiction novel about Armageddon

What’s next for you as a writer?
Probably a new eBook on how to tackle an interview – from A to Z

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?
Bible
Imitatio Christi
Harry Potter Series

Author Websites and Profiles
Cosma Adrian Amazon Profile

Cosma Adrian’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written 5 books and am excited about the self publishing Journey.
1. Welcome to Wildberry:Freshman Orientation
2.Welcome to Wildberry:A Sheep in Wolves Clothing
3. My Haunted Family
4.The Orphans
5 The Orphans: Black Christmas

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Michael Newman

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I listen to music while watching television, however I have to mute/pause everything for the dialogue.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Stan Lee, Edgar Allen Poe, Anything interesting!

What are you working on now?
The Orphans: Black Christmas

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Promote, write, promote!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep pushing.

What are you reading now?
My own works

What’s next for you as a writer?
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?
1. How to get off a desert island
2. How to invent stuff
3. Cant decide on the graphic Novel
4. Bible

Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Newman Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Louisville, Kentucky with my husband of 35 years. Prior to the release of my award-winning debut novel Once in a While (fashioned from the real-life story of my parents’ romance), I wrote 30 well-received Fan Fiction works, including short stories, missing scenes, novellas, and four full length novels, based on the TV show Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman. When not writing, I keep very busy with my work in my church’s prison ministry. The Cherished Memories series grew to three novels, which took my parents’ story through 1957. Now I have embarked upon a new series, Soldiers of Swing, which will feature WWII soldiers stationed stateside during the war, falling in love with girls they meet at the local USO. The first book in that series, entitled Her Blue-Eyed Sergeant, was released Dec 19.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Her Blue-Eyed Sergeant was inspired by my love of the 1940’s and local history. I live in Louisville, KY, and Ft. Knox, with its world famous Gold Vault (seen in the Bond film Goldfinger), has always fascinated me. I plan on centering each of my novels in my hometown of Louisville, and once I finished my first series, I looked around for another subject and the idea for a WWII series was born.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
LOL, well, unlike some writers who write the full rough draft before ever going back and touching it up, I am constantly rewording sentences and editing as I go. On the front end, it makes the process longer, but the back end is a bit easier. Drives me crazy at times, though.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, I have a great many favorite authors now, as I’m an avid reader as well as an author, but I enjoy Christian historical romance as well as other romance genres. Early books that inspired me, however, was reading the Little House books by Laura Engles Wilder. Also, watching the Waltons growing up, John-Boy’s determination to be a writer really impacted me and I dreamed of someday being able to put my thoughts and words down on paper in an eloquent manner like he did on the show every week.

What are you working on now?
I’m in the beginning stages of Book two in my Soldiers of Swing series, which will be titled Her Blue-Eyed Corporal.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve had good success with ENT, and I’m about to run one on Bookbub. Other than that, I’ve been on various free sites and email lists. Also, I sell quite a few on facebook.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Listen to your heart, listen to advice from others who have paved the way, and always try to improve your product. Don’t let yourself and your writing grow stale.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you know.

What are you reading now?
Mail Order Calamity by Barb Goss

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to keep growing and improving in my craft, and get faster at putting out books for my readers.

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, and several romance books, lol.

Author Websites and Profiles
Linda Ellen Website
Linda Ellen Amazon Profile

Linda Ellen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Greetings! I am an integrative health educator with a passion for helping people experience their peak potential. I recently finished my first book in a series of books on integrative health.

Since 2005 I have been immersed in the health world and been fascinated by the various strategies that exist to help optimize our experience as humans. But unfortunately I have often found it difficult to find books or teachers that arranged the health information into actionable steps. Sure philosophizing about health is great, but I was seeking ways to integrate the best teachings together into protocols that can be applied to anyone’s life.

Because I couldn’t find what I was looking for I decided to make it myself! This was part of the inspiration for making my Integrative Health Protocols Series.

Besides being a health geek, I am an avid outdoor enthusiast, drummer, and happy husband living with my wife in beautiful Boulder, Colorado.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I am excited to announce the launch of the first book in my series Integrative Health Protocols! It is called Integrative Brain Health Protocol and was inspired by the story of my now deceased grandfather. He struggled with Alzheimer’s Disease until he passed and I witnessed the progression of the disease and the tool it took on him and all of our family.

To my utter amazement, during the process a nurse had recommended B-12 injections for him and we decided he show do it. Within a few hours after getting an injection of this extremely important neurological nutrient, he would “come back to life!” He would start remembering who we were, could have conversations with us (which he couldn’t do before), and seemed lively and spirited.

The effects didn’t last long, but they left a long term impression on me to seek out and understand how we can support the brain and possibly even prevent cognitive decline. My quest led me to get a Master’s Degree in Nutrition and study herbalism to find natural answers for how to feed and nourish cognitive function.

After 12+ years now of intensive study into integrative health, with a focus on brain health, I am happy to say that there are many different strategies that we can employ to assist with the health of perhaps our most important organ. I have also seen how prevention is the key and not waiting for symptoms to develop before we take action.

My latest book is a synthesis of all the research verified techniques I have learned made into an easy to apply 7-Step Program.

I hope you will check it out! And remember it is free from 12/25 to 12/29 and then only $0.99 until 12/31!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Because my writing requires technical precision, my favorite technique to get me in the zone is to bounce on my rebounder for 10 minutes and then consume a drink of yerba mate for a healthy stimulation of my mental faculties.

Besides that I like to do a headstand while chanting “I am an amazing writer” for 10 minutes… just kidding!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen Buhner and his books on herbalism and plant intelligence. Daniel Vitalis and his blog on rewilding. Arthur Haines and his writings on ancestral wisdom (he also has a new book coming out called A New Path that sounds amazing!). I also really like the site examine.com for its detailed breakdown of clinical studies done with a variety of health practices.

What are you working on now?
I am now working on the second book of my integrative health Protocols Series called Integrative Stress Management Protocol.

It is also a 7-Step Program to help reduce stress, anxiety, and support the adrenal glands. It is already well underway so should be out in early 2017!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Hmmm, good question. Instagram has been a great platform to connect with my audience and share pictures related to my books and work, but I have also been enjoying twitter lately.

Other than those, my own website www.tristansummerfield.com has been my main tool to promote my books and health services.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Work backwards! Think about your target market, look into their pain points, and collect data on the saturation of your niche before you write your book! Writing for writings sake is still great, however, if you want to get your book out there and have it help support your writing career, then I highly recommend you do your due diligence before plunging into the content of the book you “think” you should write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Trust in Nature. 5 billion years of emergent evolution knows best. Follow Nature’s lead!

What are you reading now?
Coyote America by Dan Flores. This an amazing treatise on the history of the Coyote in the Americas and it’s special relationship with humans.

Fascinating read for those interested in Natural History and how humans and animals have created mutually beneficial bonds.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Exploring other platform besides Amazon for marketing my book. This includes gumroad, kobo, iBooks, Barnes & Noble, and others.

After that I am going to look into getting my book translated into Japanese! They seem to have a passion for brain health there, so I would love to share my work with that market!

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. Plant Intelligence by Stephen Buhner
2. Edible Wild Plants: Wild Foods From Dirt To Plate by John Kallas
3. Ecoshamanism by James Endredy

Author Websites and Profiles
Tristan Summerfield Website
Tristan Summerfield Amazon Profile

Tristan Summerfield’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello Folks,
Thanks for having me for this interview. I am Ndeye Labadens, author of several books African Memories, and Australian Memories are two of them. They are part of Memories collection of five books to be coming out soon. I am a world traveler and I love sharing my stories and discoveries, and adventures through my books. I share tips with my readers.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is African Memories: Travels in the interior of Africa.
I was inspired by my determination to share my pilot life, and also my envy to share the travels inside of Africa. I have experienced the airplane rally and also discover new lands and a crash.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I would say that I like to be innovative and I tend to add video links to my books to add the lively experience of my stories. I allow my readers to live it with me through my words and also to visualize it through videos. It gives a plus to readers. And the connection tend to be more interactive between the author and the reader.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like a lot Marian Keyes books. She is different and had created her own writing style. I like to think that she inspired and influenced me.

What are you working on now?
Now I am working on my next book Strategy Playbook coming out in January 2017. It is a business book and it was based on my Master in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneur and Small Business

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like to use Social media and also for the first time I used Awesomegang which were amazing to my previous Book Secrets Book Launch Journey to the Ultimate Success. I decided to use their service once again. I will recommend authors to use it for your launch promo.
I will also recommend you to use Lannconsultings.com for your interviews to help you get more exposure and visibility.
I also use a group I created for giveaways and invite authors to share their books as well. Readers can also join at https://www.facebook.com/groups/bestsellersgiveaway/

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would tell new authors to follow their dream and also use the tools available to them. My book Secret of success series could help you out. I share all the tricks and tips I use to reach #1 Bestsellers ranking. You can learn step by step what I do and how I do it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Let it go!” Why because if you don’t let it go the things holding you back it is impossible to blossom. Let it go and blossom!

What are you reading now?
Now I am reading a Yoga book called Yoga everywhere. It is fascinating how you can practice Yoga in any places!

What’s next for you as a writer?
My next step is to help my fellow authors through the process of being more present and earn visibility as an writer. It is important to be in the right niche. I therefore share short videos and also online courses for next year 2017. I can show in short videos of how to process things. coaching one on one is available as well.

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 love to take with me on a desert island:
Mark Twain Tom Sawyer adventures
Alexander Dumas The Musketeers
Marian Keyes This Charming Man

Author Websites and Profiles
Ndeye Labadens Website
Ndeye Labadens Amazon Profile

Ndeye Labadens’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Now semi-retired, in my time I’ve been a fruit picker, bus conductress, Solicitor (Attorney), a practitioner of complementary medicine, especially aromatherapy and Reiki, and a teacher. As well as being a wife and mother, I have run my own legal practice and a complementary health centre with 16 practitioners, but what I have enjoyed most is writing.

To date, I’ve written 10 books.
I started with a fictionalised memoir along the lines of James Heriot’s Vet series but set in the 1970s and relating to setting up a legal practice.
This gave me the idea for my Mysterious Marsh Series of mystery legal thrillers with elements of history, time-slip and the supernatural.
My children asked me to write fictionalised memoirs of the stories they heard from their grandparents and so the three books in the Faraway Lands Series were born.
In between I wrote a ghost novelette entitled ‘Norfolk Twilight’ which is based on a true story.
Next I wrote ‘Spinning into Form’ a non-fiction book of meditations that also explains subtle energy. The meditations it contains are also available on CD and MP3.
Finally, I have just released an anthology of photographs and poetry by my grandmother, my mother and myself. It’s entitled ‘I Kiss Cold Glass’, after the opening line of one of my mother’s poems.
I currently have three projects ‘on the go’ and am not sure which one will be finished soonest.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book in the Mysterious Marsh series is ‘When the Earth Cracked’, a time-slip mystery thriller set on Romney Marsh in 1977.
Inspired by my discovery of a Roman altar to Mithras in the belfry of a church that overlooks the Marsh, it includes a time-slip element back into the time of The Roman occupation of Britain.

My poetry book ‘I Kiss Cold Glass: or Love in a Myriad Forms’ is the latest of all my releases and represents a different departure for me. It is a collection of poems written by three generations of women in my family over a period 92 years.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wish I had something eccentric to confess, but in reality I write on my garden deck in the summer and in a cosy study in the winter. My dog, Poppy, a 15 year old Saluki, is always somewhere near.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many that it’s impossible to list them all. As I child I read anything that can to hand and loved all the classics.
I love Barbara Erskine, Kate Mosse, Manda Scott and Diana Gabaldon
Now I enjoy discovering new authors. At present my two favourites are Amber Foxx and Virginia King

What are you working on now?
Another mystery thriller in my Mysterious Marsh Series. This one is entitled ‘When the Wind Changed’. Hazel Dawkins sets out to unravel a crime and, as usual becomes swept up in events, one of which is the great storm of 1287 which altered the whole landscape in the space of a single night (That much is true).

I’m also playing with a volume of short stories, and a love story set in the late 1930s.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have found several websites that are really helpful, including Goodreads, but the one I like best is the Book Marketing Club

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write! Then edit, edit, edit and edit before you decide whether to seek an agent and a publisher or to self-publish.
I write in Scrivener and thoroughly recommend it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Feel the fear and do it anyway!

What are you reading now?
Shaman’s Blues by Amber Foxx

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next is … recording my books for audio. Fingers crossed!

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?
Of course, I’m allowed the Bible and the whole of Shakespeare, so for well-written, well researched and well thought out entertainment I’d take the longest of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander Series

Author Websites and Profiles
Marion L Eaton Website
Marion L Eaton Amazon Profile
Marion L Eaton Author Profile on Smashwords

Marion L Eaton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I had been a journalist for 30 years, working for both newspapers and magazines, with most of my career focused on financial services. For the last 20 years, I was managing editor for BAI Banking Strategies magazine. I retired in July 2016 to devote my time to personal writing, such as my first book, Tracking the Queen of Sheba.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Tracking the Queen of Sheba is a memoir of a journey I made in 1984 with a group of American archaeologists in Yemen. I had a journalism fellowship at the time and convinced them to let me tag along as they conducted an archaeological dig in the Wadi al-Jubah in the far eastern part of the country. I published a few newspaper and magazine articles about the trip in the late 1980s but never felt I had the space or freedom to do full justice to the story. Finally, in late 2015, I delved into my 30-year old notes and told the story as I had always wanted to, publishing it on Amazon in August 2016.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Don’t know about unusual, but having been a working journalist for 30 years, I’m very sensitive to deadline pressures. Even now, when I don’t have externally imposed deadlines, I still have the mentality of getting things down within a specified period of time. This drives me to knock out my rough drafts very quickly so I can see the material/themes I have to work with. Then I repeatedly polish and prune, where most of the real work takes place. I also work without any written outline, although I’m constantly outlining and planning in my head. I like to see the story emerge naturally from the writing process, like water flowing down a hill.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
With the travel memoir genre I’m working in right now, Paul Theroux is a big influence. I recently finished his Dark Star Safari, about the trip he took from Cairo to Cape Town.

What are you working on now?
The second installment in my memoir series about the years 1983-84 I spent in the Middle East on a journalism fellowship. This particular book will deal with my experiences in a village in Upper Egypt.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For me, giving the books away for free as part of the Kindle Select program has worked best so far. That’s the best way to drive downloads.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stay disciplined. Set aside a certain period of time, every day if possible, and just crank stuff out. Don’t worry about whether your prose sparkles that day, just produce something. I find that the writing process itself generates the ideas but nothing happens if you don’t sit down at the desk and start typing. I also recommend joining a writers group. Writing is still a solitary profession, but a writers group helps enormously in gaining useful feedback and inspiring you to keep producing. If something’s not working, they’ll let you know pretty quickly.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I’ve always liked Mark Twain’s comment: “Use the right word, not its second cousin.”

What are you reading now?
Balancing on Blue: Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail by Keith Foskett. I love Foskett’s simple, unpretentious style, which moves the story along briskly.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m planning two, possibly three, more books for my Middle Eastern memoirs. Then, I may try my hand at a historical novel, one set in the Byzantine period.

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?
Sounds like I’d have a lot of time on my hands so I’d bring the longer stuff, like War and Peace (which I haven’t read in 40 years), Moby Dick, Homer’s Odyssey, the complete poems of W.H Auden, and Tristram Shandy for comic relief.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kenneth Cline Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Arizona, amidst cacti and dirt bikes, with schoolteacher parents who always had high expectations. I have since lived on four continents and learned four languages. I began writing my Absolute Series of novels when I was 11. I wrote most of the content for the series of 10 while I was a teenager. I’ve also written a Western (being such a country girl) and a couple post-apocalyptic novels (especially because I’m terrified of zombies). I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was 18 but I first struggled with severe depression when I was 12. I work with teenagers to confront stigma around mental illness. I am also a Club soccer coach and referee. I was an exchange student to Belgium my senior year of HS, so I continue to encourage and support High Schoolers to broaden their horizon, just as I still enjoy broadening mine with explorations in new cultures, countries, and languages.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published novel is ABSOLUTE AWAKENING, Book I in the Absolute Series. The book started out, when I was 11, as a fun story detailing a camping trip with characters who resembled my best friends, but we were frolicking with magic and dragons. Since then, the entire universe and magic system has become much more complex. The heroes of the story also deal with mental demons. It was important for me to explore what bipolar disorder would look like in a fantastical world. I wanted to see what types of dualities the characters could confront: good versus evil, sin versus virtue, ecstatic versus depressed, friend versus enemy, and see that they could find there is worth on each side of the coins.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I am looking to kickstart the muse, I will find artwork in my area, whether it be an actual gallery, museum, or a café displaying local artists. I will focus intensely on a piece, using free-flow word association to compose a story with the intent of making myself cry. This always moves me into writing mode. It also makes the baristas or gallery attendants a little bit stunned, usually inciting a small laugh and bringing something different to their day.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My childhood imagination was fueled by Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Louis L’Amour Westerns. Cormac McCarthy and Sylvia Plath lend their particular style to my inner writing voice occasionally while dystopians like Huxley, Orwell, and Bradbury always have me thinking how to flip the norms. Ernest Hemingway will endlessly inspire me, not only with his work but also his life and devil-may-care personality.

What are you working on now?
I am finishing the edits on Absolute Avar, the second book in the Absolute Series, while also polishing up some new pieces in the third book, Absolute Nería. I also have a creative nonfiction that I am writing which is actually a choose-your-own-adventure piece revolving around a woman with bipolar disorder. This last book has been a tough one to write because so much of it is my own lived experience. I’ve also been writing a lot of poetry, capturing my adventures as I travel in East Africa, France, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, and the Florida Keys – all while #chasingHemingway.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am excited to use Aweseomgang for promoting my book, though I’ve also found publishing with KDP Select has been beneficial for running some ads through Amazon Marketing Services.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get a block of wood. Set it next to your desk. Tell people who disturb you when your fingers are tap-tapping the keys or when your pen is tick-tacking the paper: “This is my writer’s block. I throw it at people who disturb me while I’m writing.” Never let the muse pass by without taking a chance to say hi. Always carry a journal.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My grandmother told me that if I “ever get stuck writing, bring in a man with a gun.” This has helped me so many times, even in universes where guns don’t exist. The man with a gun brings an immediate conflict and tension into the scene and the characters have to figure out how to deal with him – even if he is entirely edited out later.

What are you reading now?
I am reading “Child of the Flames” by D.W. Hawkins, which is a fantastic grim fantasy book and “Brain on Fire” by Susannah Cahalan about a woman facing down her mental illness.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am scheduled for book readings in the Spring and Summer and look forward to connecting with more people through my universe – hopefully challenging the stigma around mental illness while I do it.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“The Two Towers” – my favorite of the Lord of the Rings, like bringing old friends with me
“Atlas Shrugged” – regardless of any political content agreement or not, Ayn Rand develops her characters in the most beautifully raw ways
“Comstock Lode” – one of my favorite Louis L’Amour novels to remind me that times are tough in rugged lands, but the strong and resourceful will survive
An anthology of Romantic Poets like Byron, Keats, and Shelley so that my mind can keep turning in existential philosophy and delicate thrills of love

Author Websites and Profiles
Angel Allendale Website
Angel Allendale Amazon Profile
Angel Allendale Author Profile on Smashwords

Angel Allendale’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an eclectic person – Originally from New York, I have had many kinds of friends from all walks of life. I think diversity inspires creativity. When I lived in New York City, the streets were alive with artists. I could hear musicians practicing all day from my apartment, I walked down the street and saw people scurrying along with their costumes or their manuscripts – always heading towards their “next big break.”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The TWILIGHT TSUNAMI is my debut novel. It took me a long time to write because some of the subject matter is disturbing. I was inspired to write it because I had experience with the foster care system.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
You might call this unusual. I depend on my cat to wake me up to write. She climbs on me and meows in my ear at five a.m. She’s never late.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
All the classics.

What are you working on now?
I have several books going, and more in my mind.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Going all over the internet and connecting with as many sites as I can. It is hard to start out with no money for promotion. When I do put out what I can scrape up financially, I think book tours are essential.
Of course, a site like “Awesomegang” that is generous to new authors is “da bomb.”

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be true to yourself and your writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Trust your muse – that’s the advice I give to myself.

What are you reading now?
I just won Marcia Clark’s new book off Goodreads. She’s a refreshingly honest writer, and
she’s pissed off at a lot of people. I can’t blame her.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Trying to get through the upcoming reviews.

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 Kite Runner
The God Father
The Twilight Tsunami

Author Websites and Profiles
Shelby Londyn-Heath Website
Shelby Londyn-Heath Amazon Profile

Shelby Londyn-Heath’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing straight out of high school, as a journalist at the local daily in Freeport, Bahamas. From there, my desire to express myself more freely led me to create two powerful books to date.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book’s title is God’s Second Begotten Son: The Newest Testament, and it has been inspired by a void of understanding in the great religious divide across the globe. This book makes sense of it all.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I would tend to leave my unfinished work sitting around for extended periods of time and would then have to read chunks of back work to pick up when I returned to it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
R.L. Stines and Caleb Carr.

What are you working on now?
I am presently unoccupied at the moment.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Think clearly and write voraciously.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To never give up – no matter how circumstances may be looking.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading a lot of hip-hop blogs.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I don’t know what’s next for me, but in my capricious mind, the sky is the limit.

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 Alienist, Oliver Twist, and Rumpelstiltskin.

Jeremy Francis’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After working thirteen years in the medical field, I became very ill. Due to my illness, I had to have both of my hips totally replaced. I was told by my doctors I could never physically return back to work. So I started doing everything that I could to keep my mind off not being able to return to work. I was crafting, sewing, painting, drawing, etc. One day I picked up my Nook and started downloading books. One of my passions has always been reading and drawing. I read eleven books in three weeks. One day I was outside watching my husband, father-in-law and my husbands uncle riding on lawnmowers cutting the grass when it hit me. I can be a writer, I know I can right a book. I immediately went back inside the house, grabbed my samsung android phone, clicked on google play, found WriterPlus app, downloaded and starting typing. In a weeks time, I had finished my first short story book. I shared the news with may family and close friends. All of them congratulated me. I was told by them, I never let anything or anyone get in my way. I always find a way to keep myself busy and enjoy it while doing it. I told them I have nothing but time on my hands. I am that person that has a story and I am going to share it in my short story books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book, “The Roommate,” was inspired by the psychiatrist I use to work for unbalanced patients and my unbalanced niece. My short story book is to let my audience know that there are such people that can be very unbalanced if they don’t take their prescribed medications, keep their psychiatric appointments as well as their psychotherapy appointments.

My second book, “Eastgate Haunting,” was inspired by the house I grew up in as a kid. It’s is in the process of being proofread

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if this counts for unusual but when I leave the house and lay in the bed at night I type on my WriterPlus on my phone. Once I am home or get up the next day, I type what’s on my WriterPlus app on my word document where I left off.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Author Jade Calhoun, “Haunted on Bourbon Street.”

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a series for my first book, “The Roommate.”

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I create frames for my book cover for the holidays and upload it on facebbok, twitter, wordpress, instagram and twitter. I also log into the book sites and click on the logo to share on my online webpages.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I always write stories that would make you feel like you are part of the story.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My short story is exciting, not long, not boring, make you feel like you are part of the story.

What are you reading now?
Ways to promote and market my book to gain more readers.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My goal is to have twenty four books published by the end of December 2017.

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?
Ways to survive on a desert island, ways to get off the island, home remedies, wild life animals

Author Websites and Profiles
Wyketha Parkman Website
Wyketha Parkman Amazon Profile

Wyketha Parkman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve published two novels and have another three in the works.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
For the Love of Leah was inspired by many things. The prevention of human trafficking is a cause I strongly support and I wanted to do this novel to give a voice to the victims who once rescued, continue to struggle well into their adult lives and sometimes their entire lives.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in the middle of the night when the house is quiet, save for the cats going about their business.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first author I came to love was Danielle Steel. I appreciated her ability to take the reader on a journey with her. Nora Roberts taught me that stories aren’t one sided and to not be afraid to show both perspectives. There are more examples but we’d be here all night listing each author but those two will always shine for me.

What are you working on now?
I’m primarily focused on a thriller. It was originally supposed to be Romantic Suspense, but as the story came together, I found myself unable to call it anything but what it is. Readers are invited to follow along on my blog for more information.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve used twitter a lot, but I’m always looking for new strategies at promotion.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing until it’s finished. Nothing else can take place, nor needs to be decided until the last word is written.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I don’t recall where I heard it anymore but I was told that I could break any rule I want as long as I know the rules first.

What are you reading now?
Shadowland, by C.M. Gray

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to be expanding into non-fiction with poetry and memoirs.

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?
Likely something by Tolkien, Tolstoy, J.K. Rowling and C.M. Gray.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kate Collier Website

Kate Collier’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Since 1977 Jim Burns has been working with students who have learning disabilities and behavioral problems. He has almost 40 years of experience working as an administrator, teacher, college instructor, and seminar leader. He is committed to helping administrators, parents, and teachers establish standards of excellence and help them build successful relationships with their staff, students, and children. He has written and designed The Bully Proof Classroom, a graduate course that is now offered at The College of New Jersey in partnership with The Regional Training Center. This course is endorsed by the NJEA. In May of 2015 Jim was awarded the degree of Doctor of Humane letters by Gratz College in Pennsylvania for his near forty years of work in the area of anti bullying and student behavior management. He has also written “Anti Bullying 101.” A book that provides teachers, administrators, support staff and parent’s 101 tips on how to achieve permanent help in dealing with unruly behavior and can be used as part of any anti-bullying program. He is available for on sight in-services and keynotes and can be reached at 1-732-773-9855 or jameshburns55@gmail.com

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Anti Bullying Teacher Toolbox. I always see a need for as many resources, programs and books on the topic of anti bullying.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it’s unusual, but I like to write like I speak. It does come across in my writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I don’t know if I have been influenced by anyone. I have been influenced by social problems and the media.

What are you working on now?
Currently I am working on a series of self study courses. A person buys the course and they keep it to reference later as a resource.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon is great but you can get lost in the sauce there. My website is www.bpconlineacademy.com and I use a new website called payhip.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write something everyday

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write something everyday

What’s next for you as a writer?
I believe that I have stock piles a great deal of writing material and in 2017 I am going to focus on serious marketing.

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 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Anything by the late Dr. Wayne Dyer
Things That Are Important by Charles Krauthammer

Author Websites and Profiles
James Burns Website
James Burns Amazon Profile

James Burns’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a nurse and a writer who currently lives and works in Qatar.

I love writing ever since I was in high school. I have been ghostwriter for a year, and most probably have ghostwritten about 30 titles, some of which has been published in Amazon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I was planning to publish a book for the first time, and I have chosen Amazon as my platform. So I started writing a romance-erotica novel about a gynecologist and a virgin, but it is lengthy and I am aching to try self publishing before Christmas so I decided to write short erotic-romance-fantasy novel as my trial book. It is now out in Amazon with the title: Professor Black: An Erotic-Mystery novel. It has some sort of BDSM and fantasy going on.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Excessive cursing, I guess.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
E.L. James. She has inspired me to drop the ghostwriting career and finally publish my own work. Her 50 Shades Trilogy was a viral hit, and I have been dreaming to have her luck as well, though I might sound too ambitious, but it would not hurt to try.

What are you working on now?
My second book: The Red Side of Dr. Greene, an erotic romance novel.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Research about marketing your book first before publishing. Don’t write with income in mind. Write because you want the world to read your book.

Author Websites and Profiles
D.G. Collins Amazon Profile

D.G. Collins’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a wife and mother. I have 2 stepsons ages 18 and 17. I have three sons of my own ages 16, 15 and 11. Then I have 1 daughter age 20 months. I am also a grad student that is now all but dissertation. I feel really accomplished that I have finished all coursework and exams for my Doctor of Business Administration with a concentration in finance. Once I finish the dissertation part I am done after 10 years of being in school. So far as to my writing career, I have only published one book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
For the Love of a Centaur is the only book I have published so far. It is the first book in the Centaur Agency series. It was inspired by many crime books, crime shows and romance books that I have read. The scenes for the story just started running through my head the same a movie reel plays movie scenes. I finally broke down and decided to turn it into a published work of fiction.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write anywhere that I am at. When at home I write what ever scene pops into my head at the moment. Later I will tie all the scenes together. If I am on the go I use the notepad feature of my cell phone and then when I get home I will type it up on my computer. If it ties in to an established part of the book I put it there. If it does not then I wait till I can tie it in.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Nora Roberts has inspired me to write. Several of the Love Inspired and Love Inspired Suspense novels have influenced me. Stephen King is another that has influenced me. Something about the darkness of his work, the depth of depravity we see in mankind in some of his works. I love taking my shadowy hitman and showing just how much he loves pain and suffering.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the second book of the Centaur Agency series. In this book I am telling Stella’s story. She was a major part of book one but not a main character. I decided that it was important that her story get told.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use several websites. I have a facebook author page, twitter account and Goodreads account. I find them all three to be very helpful.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
First off, do not be afraid to put what you have to say on paper. It does not have to be very good. Just get it on paper. After you have written the rough draft, then you can edit it. You cannot however, edit a blank page. Also always use a professional editor and cover design artist before you publish.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard was ” Mom you can do this. Don’t give up, just do what you want to do.”

What are you reading now?
Currently, I am not reading anything. I do have plans to grab up some more books from indie authors who are in the Kindle Unlimited program. I love reading any genre as long as the book is good.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next for me is to get the second book in the series written, sent to my editor then revised and published. I do have plans after finishing up all four books in the series, to start a trilogy that I have been toying with.

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?
Nora Robert’s Sign of Seven Trilogy. That is one of my favorite set of books. I have found that I can read them over and over again.

Author Websites and Profiles
A.S. McGowan Amazon Profile

A.S. McGowan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Addictarium is my first published Novel. I have written for years though, journaling and writing poetry from the time I was small. Addictarium was a drug abuse and recovery memoir I started penning about five years ago, and I was able to polish and publish it this past year!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Addictarium, as I mentioned above, is a book about so many things, in addition to addiction. It is about love, and trust, and pain, and anguish, it is a psychological revelation in many ways–and it shines a stark light on why addicts us in the first place.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. I write everywhere, and stick post-its all over my things. I highlight and cut many passages, and my entire thesaurus is highlighted. I use life experience to reflect upon in my journals, which then are used for my novels.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Diary of Anais Nin, Invisible Monsters, White Oleander, Crime and Punishment, Tropic of Cancer, Paint it Black, Henry & June, Incest, Junky, Naked Lunch, Ariel, and many, many more.

What are you working on now?
Another literary fiction/fictional memoir novel named Narcssitopia. It revolves around the narrators story of a triangle of lovers who are all severely emotionally disturbed, dysfunctional and delusional, and how all of their thinking patterns differ from what they believe to be true about each other, as well as others in their lives, period. It’s going to have a lot of twists, and plot turns, too. I’m very excited about this book!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website www.addictarium.com is probably the top seller, because it is chock full of media, press, information, and it’s loaded with everything that made the book so rare and special.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes; write. Constantly. About everything. Hone your skills. Be amazing. Don’t rush the process. USE everything an EVERY one as a source of inspiration.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Turn your life into a work of art–Nietzsche.

What are you reading now?
Plexus by Henry Miller.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a plan to publish my next novel I spoke of, as well as a prequel to Addictarium!

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?
Anais Nin’s “Incest,” Chuck Palahniuk’s “Invisible Monsters,” Sylvia Plath’s “Ariel” –A collection of poems, and Marguerite Young’s “My Darling Miss Mackintosh.”

Author Websites and Profiles
Nicole D’Settēmi Website
Nicole D’Settēmi Amazon Profile
Nicole D’Settēmi Author Profile on Smashwords

Nicole D’Settēmi’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a psychologist, born in Croatia in 1983.; devoted animal saviour who rescues abandoned dogs and cats. Also, I have always been interested in patterns of human behaviour and causes of mental illness’
‘At the age of seven, I have started to write (mostly fiction). I wrote many books, but this is the first one I decided to publish

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Girl from a Train Station. I was inspired by one’s stolen youth.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Miroslav Krleza, Croatian writer.

What are you working on now?
My second book: also Mystery & Suspense, Psychological Thriller

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I would really like to know that answer.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Market your books!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t get lost in heaven.

What are you reading now?
Stephen King

What’s next for you as a writer?
More 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?
Gone girl, Crime and Punishment, DSM V

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Greeting! I am Prince Thompson Iyamu, I,m an actor, an Ex-Fashion model also from a royal descendant. Born in London, Studied Aeronautical Engineering in the military. I’m also the Founder/CEO of The African Film and Music Award Magazine. (Afmaward.com) Locusguide Free Online Classified AD Website. also, a Co-founder of SofttechHosting, and a published Author, of the book titled ‘The Players Code Edition 1 & 2.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my second book is ”The Players Code Unleashed” which is the Second Edition to the first one, and My friends inspired me because they weren’t good with chatting up girls, I was their hit man doing all the talking and all the Dirty work for them whenever we are out clubbing, I then discovered that I was good in what I Do, that’s why I wrote this book (The Players Code) to assist any man or woman to harness the skills needed to improve his relationship with his woman and vice versa. I teach that in order for a woman to feel the attraction for a fellow, she has to FEEL some sort of sexual or positive emotion and then associate those emotions WITH HIM. This book will give any man or woman the confidence to win and sustain a pleasurable and lasting relationship. I have honed in on my past experience with women growing up as a teenager to give you this fascinating insight on improving on what you already have inside you.
Especially, those men with low self-esteem, this book will teach them how to gain so much knowledge on how to captivate the most beautiful
women out there and help loosen the sticking points holding them back from success with girls and transform them into more confident men and cater port them with great success with girls and have them living like James Bond.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’ve wakened in the middle of the night to write ideas down in other not to forget them the next day.
Sometimes I scribble notes on paper, book covers, Tissues, magazines, Receipts and newspapers,

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Green.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on writing the 3rd Edition of ”The Players Code” on making it a Trilogy and also other books are in the pipeline.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method I use when it comes to promoting my books are
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and The Players Code website.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
First of all, figure out what you want to write about and be a focus on the writing, This sounds so easy, but it’s not trust me. You need to figure out what book you are meant to write. The book that no one else could write. Once you figure out the topic of your book, you’re then going to realise that your book has already been written several times. You need to figure out what you will bring to the table that hasn’t been discussed before. And also, figure out if you need a literary agent, or want to go it alone. Don’t be daunted by rejections. Use them. I had no experience in writing whatsoever. I had no idea what I was doing, other than, Having it in mind, I’m going to write a book! Learning to write a really good book is not easy. It’s hard to get the right feedback. Some people will give you good feedback, while some people will give you bad feedback. But generally, you can look at your rejection letters and use them to rewrite your book. Repeat it writing it again and again from start to finish, this will then teach you how to structure a novel, and how to pace a novel, and how to do characterization, and then become a great Author.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is to love God and to love others. And to be a focus in everything I do, and that advice has got me to where I I’m today.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading a book about expanding my business and taking it to another level.

What’s next for you as a writer?
what’s next for me as a writer is, Turning my books into a movie which is what I’m working on right now.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1, The Holy Bible. 2, The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Green. 3, The Escort Next Door by Clara James. 4, Bedrock by Britney King.

Author Websites and Profiles
Prince Thompson Iyamu Website
Prince Thompson Iyamu Amazon Profile

Prince Thompson Iyamu’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, hello there. Greetings from an anomaly. I am an Appalachian with a business degree from a European college and passports full of stamps from all over the world; fluent in Danish, Kentucky and West Virginia. I write flash fiction anthologies that vary in genre with each volume. Why do I do this? There’s no one here to stop me. One blogger calls what I do “the art of the short short story”. I call it imagined scenes from imagined lives; or “glimpses” that allow you to follow a protagonist for a few pages before I close the door and drop you into the life of another. I just published volume 5 in the series and they are all a very different experience. Volume 1: stark prose – volume 2: emotional roller coaster via short story – volume 3: satirical farce – volume 4: horror with a dash of humor – volume 5: sweet critter tales.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest volume “Creature” is a collection of previous chapters featuring non-human protagonists with twelve new chapters added. I did this one for all those people fawning over pet videos on FaceBook, myself included. My characters tend to have bigger adventures and get into more trouble, though! My favorite story involves an emotional support group for hated insects.

The previous volume “Dark Side” was published in September and featured horror with a dash of humor. I imagined Twain and Poe getting drunk watching a Tim Burton movie and sitting down to collaborate. It was a fun inspiration and I think the result is exactly as you’d want it to be.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I follow the Hemmingway method. Google it if you don’t know what that is. Story ideas come at me out of nowhere all the time so I record ramblings on my phone and have a mountain of post-it notes in my journal. When I sit down to write I end up deciphering this stuff a lot better than you’d imagine. My brain is wired to have swirling thoughts so I’m comfortable with it; but if I gave a logical thinker my brain map they’d probably get lost and die in a cave somewhere.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I tend to love the classics. I love Orwell, which people say is trite, but there it is. I love Twain’s disdain delivered with a smile; Poe’s woe and darkness, and Dante’s stark preachiness. Alternative history is really cool. I think the Bible is the most epic book ever made available to mankind. Read God’s fiery berating of Job or King Solomon mid-depression and you’ll find something you didn’t expect. I guarantee it.

What are you working on now?
I can’t tell you how many people have asked me to make the next volume Christian fiction. So that’s what I’m researching now to do it justice. Some of the stories will be influenced by my own experiences and some will be imagined scenes. Later this year I will tackle science fiction, which will please my Trekkie mother immensely.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media is really the best, hands down.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it, let the writing flow out of you in an incoherent stream. You can organize it later, that’s what editing is for. However, edit four times after you think you’re done.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Carpe Diem.

What are you reading now?
Wreck this Journal by Keri Smith and Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To take this concept as far as I can. I enjoy it and my readers look forward to reading genres they might not have tried before. My editor has challenged me to thread a novel together and I hope to do that in 2018.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A Bible to pray for rescue; a Survivalist handbook, 1000 ways to use coconuts, Mark Twain anthology.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lisa Mathisen Website
Lisa Mathisen Amazon Profile

Lisa Mathisen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the Director of the Holistic Speakers Guild. Previously, I was the co-owner of Arizona Hypnotherapy Clinic in Phoenix. The highest ranked hypnosis clinic in Phoenix. After a few years I decided to shift to helping healers have the same success as myself and use public speaking as a platform to supplement income. I wrote 2 books and co-authored 3.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
30 Days to Become a Highly Paid Holistic Speaker: A Complete Step-By-Step Guide to Build Your Business. It was inspired by a number of challenges I gave my speakers to create the speaking career they wanted.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I really have to be inspired in the moment. Often, I dont even realize I’m creating something until it’s created and then I step back and say, wow where did that come from. It’s pretty cool actually.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
A Course in Miracles, Ask and it is Given, Power of Intention. Books when I was a kid, The Sack Man and the Grave, Behind the Attic Wall.

What are you working on now?
A book about how to grow a Facebook Tribe.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Trust yourself, stay true to your message. Dont spend a bunch of marketing money up front, it’s okay to take your time and let your audience unfold.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get someone else to edit your work.

What are you reading now?
Blogs on various topics.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Have fun and create

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?
ACIM, Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Ask and it is Given, Survival Guide for Deserted Islands.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kyra Schaefer Website
Kyra Schaefer Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been a developer for the past 20 years both as a hobby ans professionally. For the past 8 years I have been working as an ESL teacher in South Korea. During that time I studied and improved my English that would then focus on writing blogs.

My latest blog covers inspirational quotes and personal experiences. Most of that has come from work as well as my travels.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a book that almost did not happen. The material is a collection of my teaching notes. I would teach many ages covering many subjects, but all with the aim of improving their confidence.

The material has mainly come from the past 3 years that has changed and been adapted during my own learning of how to treat students better.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to confess that most of my writing does come from walking through parks and fields with my smartphone. I would talk into it and convert and transcribe it later.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
No. Simple answer really. I see the work as an entity and would not chain me tot hem again. There are any great works out there and to vary and read different areas can improve our on focus.

What are you working on now?
I am mostly working on educational titles with focus on non native English speakers. I have had a unique experience of being able to adapt and change my own curriculum to fit my student’s needs.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am new to marketing books and so I am in a work in progress.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would say to write down all ideas and keep records of what you do. It would repay you time over.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Great advice I received was to simplify my life and to remove distractions.

What are you reading now?
I am reading gardening books right now. I have moved countries and plan to setup a blog in vegetable gardening later.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I aim to continue in educational works.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Anything by Arthur Conan Doyle
Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne

Author Websites and Profiles
Nigel M Openshaw Website
Nigel M Openshaw Amazon Profile

Nigel M Openshaw’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I love writing and I love food. More precisely I love good wholesome food; so I thought why not combine the two and write about food. I want to share my passion for holistic nutrition, my love of fresh local produce and show people how to improve their health my making healthier food choices. I love working on flavor combinations and experimenting with ingredients a bit like a scientist. I can spend hours in the kitchen playing around with flavors until I get it just right. I do this by bringing myself into the present moment and feeling the ingredients around me, I then inject love into it and get creating. My first business focused on developing products that were highly nutritious and energy dense, to offer as an alternative to other convenience foods. Although that business didn’t work out, my passion for wanting to make healthy food taste good lives on. So I wrote my first book ‘Lunch in a Jar’ which focuses on healthy lunchtime alternatives for the busy person to share my passion for wholesome food with others.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I wrote ‘Lunch in a Jar’ because I feel we undervalue fruit and vegetables. I feel there are so many different types of fruit and vegetables out in the world that often get overlooked. We favor meat and grains over fresh produce and yet fruit and vegetables have the highest amount of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants. So I wanted to create recipes using a variety of flavor combinations to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and start experimenting more with different types of fresh produce.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, as a writer you need to be able to get into the creative zone. I do this by centering myself through meditation and listening to inspiring music to get into the flow.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love reading practical books. Sometimes I think I should lose myself in a good novel a little more often, but I just love reading books people have written on subjects they have mastered. Whether it is how to build a website or how to manifest more wealth and abundance or learing about the emotion code. I read each page eagely wanting to be a sponge and absorbe it all. I am just finishing off reading ‘get rich lucky bitch’ by Denise Duffield – Thomas a book about manifesting abundance and wealth by clearing past money troubles.

What are you working on now?
Right now I am focusing on launching my website and my blog but my second cookbook will be a selection of healthy snack recipes. I love my afternoon treat but I love it even more if its tasty and healthy at the same time.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am just starting out but I think the key to selling books is getting your book out there and seen. I completed a course on Udemy on how to become a best-selling author. And although I am just launching my book Tom Corson – Knowles has written a great course on the subject and has been a great inspiration. He has also published ‘the kindle publishing bible’ a book worth reading for any new authors.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Not yet as I am one of them. But I put a lot of pressure on myself when I was writing my cookbook, wanting it to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be perfect it just has to come from the heart and whether you sell 10 or 10,000 copies, it doesn’t matter you have been brave enough to get your creation out there. So be proud of yourself whatever the outcome.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be your true authentic self and don’t be scared of being seen or being heard, we all have a message to share and we are never going to be able to please everyone. We just need to be an inspiration for the people who share our values.

What are you reading now?
‘Sex at dawn’ why we mate, why we stray and what it means for modern day relationships a fascinating book written by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jetha that dissects everything we have ever been taught about relationships and sex and gives us a whole new perspective on the subject. A great read with lots of uh-ha moments.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Probably a couple more cookbooks, although I would like to write a book on ‘healing from the inside out’ which explains how to bring our bodies back into balance by looking into the emotional, spiritual and physical aspects of an individual’s health. Nutrition alone is not enough; we all have deep-seated issues that unbalance our physical bodies and prevent us from healing and therefore all aspects of the self, have to be considered in order to bring about change and healing.

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 believe that work should not feel like work. So I love reading books on subjects I am passionate about to further enhance my knowledge. I have a collection of unread books in my kindle library at the moment waiting to be read. The top 4 would be the emotion code, yoga anatomy, EFT tapping for beginners and ‘the subtle body’ an encyclopedia of your energetic anatomy.

Author Websites and Profiles
Fiona Manning Website
Fiona Manning Amazon Profile

Fiona Manning’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! I’m a Young Adult author from Oklahoma. I currently have one book out titled UNDER THE TREES. When I’m not writing, I love spending time with my family, playing guitar, and interacting with all the animals in the Maker Zoo (we have 4 dogs, 1 cat, and 9 reptiles).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
UNDER THE TREES. I was inspired by classic fairy tales, like Cinderella, and decided I wanted to write one of my own. Elements of the Regency Era are also subtly intertwined in the mannerisms of the royalty.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not too unusual. I like to have complete privacy, something to snack on and drink, and some music to listen to while I write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, several! Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Cinderella, Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine, Beauty by Robin McKinley. There are definitely more, but those are some of the standouts.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a prequel to UNDER THE TREES that tells the broken love story between Prince Silas and Princess Maddy. And I have another book titled SEER that is also in the revision stages.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m not sure I’ve found a best method yet, but I do most of my promotion through my author Facebook, personal Instagram, and author Twitter accounts.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you want. Your books are part of your legacy as a human being. There are so many things writers are told not to write or not to incorporate into their stories. But if you think it’s important, go for it anyway! Don’t chase trends; write something that has meaning for you. That will translate to the reader.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up. I know, I know. It’s cliche advice, and it’s used a lot, but it’s so true. There are so many times I’ve felt like giving up, but I’m so glad I didn’t.

What are you reading now?
Confession time. I’ve been de-stressing by reading a lot of fanfiction lately. But as far as actual, physical books go, I’m about to start reading Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess.

What’s next for you as a writer?
In the next six months, I’d really like to finish the UNDER THE TREES prequel and get it prepped for publication.

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, Pride and Prejudice, and a very detailed, inclusive survival guide book.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ashley Maker Website
Ashley Maker Amazon Profile

Ashley Maker’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
White Clouds On The Horizon is my first book. It’s a historical fiction about two brothers who chase down a gun running gang. They hope to stop the war of 1812. I’m in the process of writing the sequel which takes us through the war.
No Honor Between Brothers is the first book of a series. The main character chases after the woman he’s in love with every time he comes home. But the whole town knows about his addiction to women. With every book that follows he buries himself deeper and deeper with his lies, half-truths, and cover-ups. Abandoned Honor will be out soon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
RR#2

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a novel about Bessie, the monster that lives in Lake Erie. I grew up on the north shore of this lake and have heard of Bessie all my life. I thought that I could bring her to life. The book shows that she isn’t the only monster around. And that she can be tamed. Some people in the town of Port Stanley want to kill her, while others are destined to keep her alive.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my book anywhere I can that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. I’m heavily into Facebook and Twitter. My own webpage, debtadema2.com promotes more than just my books. All my books are listed in Amazon, Goodreads, and Barns and Noble.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. Keep plugging away. Eventually things will happen. Whether you submit to traditional publishers or self-publish. Promote your book everywhere that is feasible.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Learn from your mistakes and from the rejections. Change what you need to in order to get heard.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will keep writing. I have so many ideas in my head that it’s hard to stay focused.

Author Websites and Profiles
Deborah Tadema Website
Deborah Tadema Amazon Profile
Deborah Tadema Author Profile on Smashwords

Deborah Tadema’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have eight books published as of the end of 2016.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest was A Change In Crime. I got inspired by all of the history in New England during Prohibition. Southern New England figured in big for rumrunners. I wondered what things would have been like with a supernatural element, so that’s what I wrote.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get up extra early in the morning to write, before everyone else wakes up. It’s quiet at zero dark thirty, no one bothers me. Even the dog just comes in and sleeps at my feet. And as a bonus, I get to watch the sunrise plus have first dibs on coffee.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to mention, but mostly genre fiction. Old-school authors like Tolkien, Vonnegut and Howard, mid-century writers like Rice, Pratchett, and Stephen King, and more recent like Rowling and Butcher. Just lately, I have been reading a lot of Independently published authors and they have had a huge impact.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the 8th book in the Providence Paranormal College series, another historical book along the lines of A Change In Crime, and a sci-fi standalone about a man who hears aliens.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve just made a Patreon page. I’m hoping that will work out for me. It’s over here:
https://www.patreon.com/drperryauthor

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep on writing. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new release, but if you don’t stay on the ball with the next book, you might never get it ready.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I love Benjamin Franklin’s wisdom. His Fart Proudly essay is probably one of the best pieces of nonfiction I’ve read.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading Manor Town: Book One in the Chronicles of the Garlon T’zen by Kyleen Valleaux. It’s a fun space opera with loads of intrigue.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next, comes more live events. I went to Rhode Island ComiCon. I’ll be at Awesomecon in Washington D.C. for June, and there’s an 80% chance I’ll make an appearance at Big Apple ComiCon in NYC this March. I love conventions!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Lord of the Rings. The Stand. Order of the Phoenix. Dangerous Ways by R.R. Virdi.

Author Websites and Profiles
D.R. Perry Website
D.R. Perry Amazon Profile
D.R. Perry Author Profile on Smashwords

D.R. Perry’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am from Eastern Washington where I live with my wife and six children and enjoy 300 days per year of sunshine. My undergraduate degree comes from Washington State University where I received a BS in mathematics and then later an MBA from City University. Having also worked in many hiring capacities over the years and with other professionals, I have come to intimately understand what employers are looking for in a resume.

My inspiration for writing this book is based on my experience as a college professor teaching a Professionalism class in which resume writing was a significant part of the course. I was appalled at most of the initial resumes from students, but was able to help develop them into works of art!

I have also written several short books on various subjects of my personal interest including health/nutrition and investing in the stock market.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
This is in fact my latest book and I wrote it for the reason stated above. The students I was working with at the time were largely future medical assistants, dental assistants and HVAC technicians. Many already had jobs (usually low-paying) and were trying to improve their lives. At the beginning of each new class I would have them turn in their current resume and I was always surprised at how bad they were; even the ones that had previously sought help from a former instructor or college staff-member! The biggest problem was that students didn’t understand what the purpose of a resume is and how to make theirs stand out against the competition. This is what my lecture covered in great detail.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I can’t think of what to write next, sometimes I will write something absurd and then delete it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read the Millionaire Next Door many years ago and really enjoyed it because it showed how anyone can be successful, even wealthy, but only if they are smart with their resources. The author is an entrepreneur and every author is too. Now just to make about $100M more and I will catch up to him!

What are you working on now?
I am writing a nutrition book that brings together a massive amount of information that would not normally be found in the same work.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make your book stand out against the rest. In our day and age, there a million books just like yours, so do your best to distinguish yourself from the rest.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My grandfather always said: “Find something you love doing and find a way to make money doing it.”

What are you reading now?
Right now I am reviewing “Understanding Business” for a course I teach for a local college

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully fame and fortune, but just the fortune part is fine with me.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would have to bring the Bible of course, but in all practicality I would want a book on survival too. Fishing, hunting, those sorts of books would keep me alive so I could read my Bible.

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an obscure author of satirical conspiracy thrillers. I’ve written three books in the Crash Gordon series (each over 500 pages) and a slimmer novel called The Snowden Avalanche.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest is called Crash Gordon and the Illuminati Underground. It was inspired by a deep desire to be doing something semi-productive while spending time in a Korean coffeehouse in midtown Manhattan on my days off.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The bulk of my books have been written on trains and inside Korean coffeehouses.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The comparisons my books get are to the works of Thomas Pynchon, Robert Anton Wilson, P.J O’Rourke, Hunter S. Thompson, and Douglas Adams. Pretty good company, I’d say. All five of those authors have influenced me a great deal, of course, along with many others. I’ve also been called “the conspiracy world’s Nick Cave” by British scholar Dr. Matthew Alford, but I’m pretty sure he was just blowing smoke up my a– that day. It makes for a nice blurb, though.

What are you working on now?
Actually, I’m getting back on track with my other career as a commercial artist in New York City, after taking some time off to finish the last book. I have no idea what the next book is going to be about. It’ll examine another lurid Deep State conspiracy or two, no doubt, but beyond that, I’ve got nothing.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, I’ve found nothing that has rocketed me to the top of the New York Times Best Seller list, so I’m counting on you Awesome Guys.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Eat a bowl of muesli with fresh fruit every morning and you’ll find that your writing routine becomes more, uhm… regular. And if that’s not good enough for you, try drinking approximately a gallon of hot, strong coffee at a Korean coffeehouse every day, like me, and you’ll find that the words just blast right out of you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you name a bulldog Fireball Roberts, he’ll end up an alcoholic. Wait… is that advice? It’s more like a universal truth. Let me try again. How about the words of Jiddu Krishnamurti: “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” That sounds more like advice, doesn’t it? You could interpret it as: “You shouldn’t be in a rush to conform to a society ruled by billionaire sociopaths.” (And you definitely shouldn’t make a billionaire sociopath your next President. Oh shit… too late.)

What are you reading now?
I’m midway through Jonathan Lethem’s new book, A Gambler’s Anatomy. I’m also rereading The Dog of the South by the great Charles Portis and I’m skimming around in Barry Hannah’s posthumous story collection Long, Last, Happy (rereading most of those stories for a second, third, or fourth time). Last week I read a collection of stories by Alexander Weinstein called Children of the New World, which I highly recommend if you want to do some deep thinking about how new technologies are changing our society in insidious ways.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Probably more obscurity—nothing new.

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 really fat Webster’s Third New International Dictionary that I have on the shelf in my living room, which I never consult because it’s almost too heavy to lift (and asking Google questions about words is easier, anyway…). If I ever got tired of reading it, it would make for some great kindling.

2.) The complete works of Shakespeare in one volume, because everyone says that, right?

Revised 2 through 4.) Actually, I take that back… I’d skip the Shakespeare and just take the three volumes in the Crash Gordon series with me, instead, so I could read about my own life—and remind myself how it all went down—after I start losing my mind from too much sun and chronic malnutrition from just eating mangoes and coconuts and barbecued sea turtles all the time.

Author Websites and Profiles
Derek Swannson Website
Derek Swannson Amazon Profile

Derek Swannson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Dr. Jeff Davis, President and CEO of The Lordship Companies Inc. a Real Estate and Insurance Services corporation. My company has a division that sells real estate (The Davis Group), renovates and manages properties (Lordship Properties) and offers life insurance products (Lordship Insurance Services).

I am the President and Founder of Jeff Davis Ministries International (JDMI), a non -denominational ministry dedicated to meeting physical needs (through cooperating with local food and clothing shelters), supporting the effort to end cancer by supporting various cancer centers and improving education for people in Africa. I fund these efforts entirely through profits earned from The Lordship Companies Inc.

As an author I bring a wealth of knowledge about God (Doctor of Theology, Masters and Bachelors in Biblical Studies), relationships from spending over 15 years counseling couples and single people along with business acumen to share with those interested in Real Estate, Investing and Finances.

To date I have written 20 books and been a cooperating author in my 21st book.

Married for over 32 years with 6 grown children.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Space Rangers was written because of my love for science fiction. I collected comic books as a child and have always loved space, astronomy and the stars. This book is about a group of Space Police who patrol the galaxy and keep the United Planets safe from alien invaders.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write in bits and pieces. I have found that depending on what you are striving to write you must have a regular habit of writing down ideas and allowing time for ideas to flow through you. I love watching all the pieces of a book come together.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read and write primarily non fiction. My favorite authors include John Maxwell, Alex Johnson, Mark McCord and books that deal with Real Estate, Sales and Investing.

What are you working on now?
Compiling a book on Success Principles.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have tried various avenues to promote my books. I am always looking for new outlets to gain more exposure.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write because you love to write, not because you are looking to get paid. I am happy whenever one of my books sell but I write because of my love for writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Inside of us are dreams and potential we have yet to tap into. Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.

What are you reading now?
I am studying Day Trading.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will look at my suggested books and decide which one I want to develop into a 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?
The Bible
Books on Real Estate
Books on Day Trading
Inspirational quotes

Author Websites and Profiles
Jeff Davis Website
Jeff Davis Amazon Profile

Jeff Davis’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I began writing plays because I found that I couldn’t find very many that I liked for the age group I was working with. I published them in order to secure the rights. But I always wanted to write a book. So one day I decided to stop saying “some day” and actually made it happen. It was so much work but also such a joy. Now I’m hooked for life.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My current project is “Follow the Music.” It was inspired by the question “what if a talented musician lost their sense of hearing?” The idea sort of came to life after that.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Since I started writing as a playwright, I do lots of my editing by reading aloud to myself. I also speak all conversations out loud to myself to make sure they flow. I also don’t write in order. I make a vague outline and write whichever scenes I am inspired to write that day. Then I go back and fill in the blanks.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a fantasy novel called “Follow the Music.” It is currently in its editing/revising stage and should be available in March 2017.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method to promote my books isn’t online at all. During the summer months, my husband and I rent tables at local Farmer’s Markets and promote my books there. I have sold hundreds of copies of my book this way. I’ve also made great connections with other local writers and artisans.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make time to write every day. Listen to other people; other writers, agents, readers, bookstore owners. Listen to everyone and learn from them. Never ever assume you know more than anyone else in the room. Be observant and be humble.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard was said by my Creative Writing Professor in college. He said, “Great writers write.” This advice is what inspired me to finally sit down and write my first book.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading “The Least of These” by author Daniel Mark Luke. It is an account of a deadly shark attack based on a true story. I met the author at a local bookstore.

Author Websites and Profiles
L.C. Ireland Website
L.C. Ireland Amazon Profile

L.C. Ireland’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I love to joke that I self published my first book back in third grade. My teacher had just finished reading us “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe”, and I knew I wanted to be an author. That night I sat down with a pen and paper and wrote my first book titled “House Mare” which was a horror book for kids. I used carbon paper to produce multiple copies of my book, and then the next day I sold out all five copies of my book at twenty-five cents a piece.

Ironically, many years later, Goosebumps came out. So you could say that I unofficially launched the genre that launched the career of R. L. Stine.

I have written over twenty books but have only published nine to date. I have many in various developmental states and I hope to increase the actual number of published books quite a bit in the coming year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Wild Space: Heist is the latest book that I have released. It is part of the Wild Space series.

I love Star Trek, Star Wars, and Firefly, so the Wild Space series is my way of bringing all three of those classic shows together into something I love to write and enjoy reading just as much. Wild Space: Onslaught, is the first book in this series and is currently free on all eReader devices. Visit Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iBooks, and Smashwords to pick up your free copy!

Wild Space is a collection of short stories written in the format of a serial. I was a fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories as a kid. I liked how the stories were bite sized and continued from one story to the next. With eBooks, I feel like that genre of books can exist again, so I wrote Wild Space with that concept in mind. Each story takes about two hours (give or take) to read, so it can be digested much like a television show. It’s a perfect read for when you are in a waiting room or commuting on public transportation, or waiting to pick up the kids from school.

I am currently completing the first series of Wild Space and then I will take a break and dream up the second series, which follows the similar format of a television series which is broken up by seasons.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None that I can think of. I’m pretty much a normal guy when it comes to the process of hammering out a book.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Obviously C.S. Lewis was a big influence on me early on. Then there was J.R.R. Tolkien, George R.R. Martin, Tom Clancy, Brad Thor, and Stephen Coonts. As you can tell, I read various genres.

What are you working on now?
I am finishing up Wild Space: Transformations, which is the sixth book in the first series of Wild Space. This is my version of a season finale. It will tie up many of the loose ends in the first series of Wild Space and will set up some plot points for series two.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t have any one proven method at this point. I find Twitter and Facebook have helped me out in many ways, but word of mouth has probably netted me the most exposure. Once you have the momentum of readers talking about your book, that seems to be the best sort of promoting.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you love. I know there’s some money to be made by following the trends, but trends change and if you are only writing for the sake of money and not for the love of it, you’re going to be seriously disappointed.

Self publishing has its perks and its disadvantages just as being published by an established publishing house does. Weigh between finding an agent and doing it yourself and do what feels right for you. If you’re dream is to see your book for sale, then go for it. We live in a world where anyone can be published if they are willing to do the work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard is simply, “Do what you love.”

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading “The Third Target” by Joel C. Rosenberg. I’m a big fan of his work.

What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me? I’m just going to keep on writing, baby.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d need to bring my Bible, a copy of The Lord of the Rings (all three volumes in one), and a blank journal so I could keep on writing. I’m constantly flooded with ideas and I need to get them down on paper or I will simply go insane.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jason M. Brooks Website
Jason M. Brooks Amazon Profile
Jason M. Brooks Author Profile on Smashwords

Jason M. Brooks’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a former pastor as well as a book and periodical editor. I have taught writing at conferences across the United States and in many other countries. My best-selling title is “Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness,” published in 1979 and still in print. It has sold more than 300,000 copies in English and been translated into twelve languages. Among my 20 published titles I also have three others that have sold nearly 300,000 copies each. They are “What Did Jesus Say About That?” “Your Money Matters” and “The Kink and I-a Psychiatrist’s Guide to Untwisted Living.” The last two listed were co-authored with professionals in the respective fields.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Pardonable Sin–The Greatest Prophecy Never Heard” is my latest title. For many years I doubted some church teachings about the vast majority of people being condemned to eternal fiery torment. When my grandson died under conditions that led many to assume he was ineligible for heaven, I decided to offer evidence otherwise for the benefit of other bereaved people as well as for the equipping of those who wanted to offer the bereaved solid biblical comfort in place of despair or wishful thinking.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not driven to write, yet have produced many successful articles and books. Instead of being stressed over them and pressured to complete them, I just plug away. My writing motto is: “Step by step, inch by inch, everything I write’s a cinch.”

What authors, or books have influenced you?
“Elements of Style” by Strunk and White
The works of C.S. Lewis and N.T. Wright

What are you working on now?
A revised and expanded version of “The Pardonable Sin”

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t write if you don’t have to.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be your own best self.

What are you reading now?
“Surprised by Hope” by N.T. Wright

What’s next for you as a writer?
God only knows.

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?
Bible
Poetry Collection
Dictionary
Concordance

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Writing is what I love to do, in whatever form it takes. I am an aspiring screenwriter in another life and an occasional poet (though I call them ‘stories that rhyme’ as opposed to poetry).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Forty Shades of Green is my first book. It was inspired by a prompt from a writing group of which I am a member.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure it’s unusual but – I don’t write in a particularly structured way, I just let it flow out and I can write for a long time this way, which makes me very happy. I tend to have the story nailed down very quickly. Then I spend a long time tidying it up, moving the pieces around the board, and tearing my metaphorical hair out.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The current author is Squid McFinnigan, a fellow Irishman who I can call a friend. Before that, it’s been anyone from Spike Milligan to Terry Pratchett for their absurd and powerful way with words. I read a lot of thrillers and I hope to keep my own prose short and punchy, as I think a good thriller should.

What are you working on now?
I am sifting through ideas for a follow up to Forty Shades. If an idea makes me laugh, I’ll put pen to paper. I also have an idea on the back burner for what I think will be the greatest novel ever written, it’s coming along, very slowly.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Don’t know yet. Ask me in six months.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t attempt to publish until you are sure it’s ready.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t attempt to publish until you are sure it’s ready. Trust me on this one.

What are you reading now?
Talking to Strangers: And other ways of being human by Michael Harding.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am currently in the process of editing a short film which I filmed in October of 2016.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Hobbit, a diary, and something by Bear Grylls.

Author Websites and Profiles
Carrington MacGillycuddy Website
Carrington MacGillycuddy Amazon Profile

Carrington MacGillycuddy’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account