Here is Your Saturday Morning Awesomegang Authors Newsletter

Published: Sat, 01/07/17

AwesomeGang Authors

 

Good Morning!

This week I want to give an update on the All Romance Books saga. If you prepaid for 2017 ads with them contact your credit card company and have them reverse the charges. I heard from 3 authors this week that did that and were successful. 

There really is no winners in this situation and taking 10 cents on a dollar for what they owe is a shame. Good luck to all of you that are in that mess. Reply to me if you got your money back. I love hearing good stories.

Big Change This Year

I noticed a big change in the amount of self help and diet books that were submitted to us. If I had to guess it was down over 80% from last year. It looks like all the guru's that were selling courses on making Paleo diet books has disappeared. I am not sorry to see that go. We really got slammed with them last year. 

The new year brings out all the books on resolutions and that was by far the biggest one last year. I wonder how many Amazon removed from their store. 

Upgrading Our Server Again

Last year because of our growing popularity we had to upgrade our server 3 times. Sometime around the middle of the month we will be doing it again. I like having this problem and being proactive about it. While I expect it to go smoothly if you see the site have a hiccup that is why. 

Topless Cowboy Site

I am pleased with the growth rate for ToplessCowboy.com Although people have submitted a few books that are not in the niche the site is growing faster than expected. If you have a romance book with a sexy hunk on the cover feel free to submit it. It is free for authors. If you can please share it with your romance author groups. I would appreciate it.

Funny Video

I have been cracking up over this video and put it on the Awesome Book Promotion page. This lady really loves this author. 

In the meantime remember to share some of these interviews below. These awesome authors can always use a little good karma. 


Vinny
Bringing You Weekly Tips From Authors
 
 

 

Awesome Author - Tunde Disu

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 53 years old and married with 3 children. Originally from Ngeria, I now live and work in the UK as the European Mission Administrator for a very large charity organisation with about 40 branches throughout Europe.

Even though I am an accountant by trade, I have spent the past 22 years in church administration, leadership development, counselling and operations in Europe, Africa and America. My passion has always been to support leaders in fulfilling their vision and goals and in the process also fulfill mine.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “Elisha Project – The Privilege of Serving Leaders”.

What inspired this book is the fact that I realise that leadership position is one f the most mis-understood positions in ever area of life and more than anything, what leaders need is suitable, reliable, responsible and trust worthy assistants. The life of Elisha in the Bible demonstrated completely these attributes that any leader would require in the way he served his master Elijah.

Added to this understanding is my practical, hands-on experience of over 20 years of serving various leaders. I was unable to find any material like this when I started hence I decided to distilled my knowledge and experiences into a book so that others can learn from and avoid the mistakes that I made along the way.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I engage “brain dump” at the beginning to capture the major parts of the book and later develop them into categories and then into chapters before I started writing.

I also engage the support of an “accountability buddy” to ensure I keep to my weekly writing target.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors: John Maxwell, Terry Nance, Dale Carniege, Dr. David Oyedepo

Books: Bible, How to win friends and influence people, “Derailed” by Irwin Smith

What are you working on now?
I am working on the following:

1. A workbook version of this book for training and workshops.

2. A second part to this book which will focus more on the practicalities of “HOW” to serve a leader.

3. A third part which will focus on the role of leaders in the relationship with the people serving them.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Apart from the usual Amazon facilities, this is my 1st attempt at promoting the book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
“Keep the grass green and fresh and the sheep will come, eat and stay there” – What I mean by this is that new authors should not be driven by the hype of how much money they can make. rather, they should focus on the quality of their content which in due time will elevate them above the competition and then the money will flow naturally.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be a man of integrity, work hard and always willing to help others.

What are you reading now?
Winners Never Cheat by Jon M. Huntsman

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue writing and training and then one day, write, produce and direct a movie

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. Bible
2. Strengthen Yourself in the Lord by Bill John
3. Leadership 360 by John Maxwell
4. Derailed by Irwin Smith

Author Websites and Profiles
Tunde Disu Website
Tunde Disu Amazon Profile

Tunde Disu’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Parker Smith

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, my name is Parker Smith. I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2016, where I majored in history and philosophy of science, and minored in chemistry. I was a national silver medalist in the Scholastic Art and Writing contest for a short story I entered in the humor category. I received this honor at Carnegie Hall in New York City over the summer of 2007. I have written two books. One was a fictional novel titled “The Days Are Blood” that I wrote for the 2011 NaNoWriMo National Novel Writing Month contest, but I’ve never released it for the public (and probably never will!). My second book is radically different, and was written for students preparing to take the GED® exam. I am currently running www.testprepchampions.com, a website that offers products and a free blog with lots of useful advice to help students achieve their academic goals.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “The Champions’ Guide to Winning On the 2017 GED® Test Math Section From Test Prep Champions.” This book includes 209 comprehensive practice problems with in-depth solutions to help students excel on the math section of the GED® test. This book was inspired by my real life experiences as a GED® test preparation tutor. Over the years as a tutor I’ve gotten to know many amazing students, and I wanted to extend what I’ve seen work with them to more students!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My most unusual writing habit is writing without a plan! My middle school and high school english teachers would always give me a hard time about this, but it’s usually how I work best to this day. While it’s helpful for some to create outlines and schedules and things like this, I’ve always worked best by just sitting down and writing! I never really know where my work is going to end up until I have it complete!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Believe it or not, I’m a huge Stephen King fan! Stephen King has produced an inordinate number of classics over the years, and like him or not, there’s plenty to learn from him about story telling! Cal Newport has also been influential to me. Cal is an M.I.T. professor who also happens to be a blogger and author; I’ve learned a lot from both his books and blog!

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on an educational book intended to help students master logarithms, as well as books to help students master basic math topics like fractions, square roots, and exponents. In addition, I’m working on a book to help college students excel in Organic Chemistry that I’m aiming to have completed soon!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My main website is www.testprepchampions.com. The Test Prep Champion’s mission is to provide high-quality products and a free blog full of useful advice to help students achieve their academic goals! I also maintain a twitter account and a Goolge+ account.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Have patience… It can take a really long time to produce high-quality work! Also, read as much as possible!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Some of the best advice I ever heard was from Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who said “don’t look at the scoreboard. Whether you’re ahead or behind shouldn’t affect how you participate.” In fact, this advice has had such a profound impact on me that I even wrote a blog post centered around it on my website!

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading “Modern Man in Search of a Soul” Carl Gustav Jung.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I aim to keep pushing the envelope by coming up with more innovative work! I really want to provide amazing content in my blog posts for free in new ways that have never been done before! I want to deliver useful, informative, and entertaining content to my readers! I have one blog post that I’ve been working on for quite a while now, but I still haven’t published it yet; it seems to be turning into a masterpiece so far! The biggest challenge I’m having as a writer right now is figuring out the best way to appeal to the multiple different audiences that visit my website. For example, I have lots of college student readers that frequent my website to read my motivational and study skills posts. I also have lots of readers who visit my site specifically for the free GED® preparation content. I’m working hard to make sure there’s something for everyone! In addition, at some point down the line I’d like to try my hand at writing a self-help book aimed at helping people to quit smoking! This project would be something entirely different from my current work with testprepchampions.com!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Wow this is a really tough one…
The first book I would take would definitely be the Bible, as I used to go to religious school when I was younger and my faith is still very important for me. My next pick (and admittedly somewhat contradictory to the first) would be Stephen King’s “It.” Besides being my personal favorite Stephen King novel, this book is over 1,000 pages and has A LOT of depth to it; it would definitely keep me busy on the island! The third book I would bring would be the collected works of C. G. Jung. I’ve been reading Jung off and on for the past 8 months now, and I keep telling myself I’m going to go back through the collected works again when I have the time. There’s plenty to ponder there, and plenty that admittedly flew over my head on my first reading, so I might as well bring this along too! The last book I would bring would be a scrapbook of photos of close friends and family, for obvious reasons!

Author Websites and Profiles
Parker Smith Website

Parker Smith’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Suchi Gupta

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I like helping people with natural,do-at-home,easy ways to be healthy.I believe in natural solutions.Its fantastic to be able to help people

I have written 4 books till now, and 1 planner. I have also published my 1st book on yoga for flt tummy in Spanish.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“My Meal Planner” is the latest I have written. The battle of “What to cook for the meal now” inspired this book. And also the rush to the grocery store for one thing i wanted for my pasta.

This planner is especially useful for working women who have very little time at home(and even little time to think what to make for 3 meals a day). Plus its a blessing for women with kids.

So, I thought how easy it would be if we plan our meals for the next whole week and get the grocery and get sorted. And that’s when this planner was born.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not sure what unusual means, I just write what I’m inspired by.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Rhonda Byrne, Joseph Murphy, Robert Kiyosaki, Bob Proctor and their books

What are you working on now?
I’m working on promoting my books.
I also plan to come up with more planners and journals this year.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my books on FB, Instagram and twitter. Not sure which is better out of the three.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you are passionate about and “Dance with your customer”. It means know who your ideal customer is, what are their needs, pains, gains,lifestyle and write in a simple language which they can relate with, perfectly!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The advice I gave above to new authors 🙂

What are you reading now?
Miracles of your mind by Joseph Murphy
You can heal your life by Loiuse Hay

What’s next for you as a writer?
Planner and Journals.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The secret, Power of subconscious mind, Rich Dad Poor Dad

Author Websites and Profiles
Suchi Gupta Amazon Profile
Suchi Gupta Author Profile on Smashwords

Suchi Gupta’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - T.L. McDonald

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This book, Revolution, is the first in a new series. I have been in Martial Arts for over 50 years, and published books in that genre, but I always wanted to write fiction. In addition to Revolution, I plan to publish the 2nd book, Distant Family and the 3rd book, Burden of War in 2017.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Revolution was inspired by the women’s empowerment movement. I wanted a strong female character who isn’t always well-liked. She’s stubborn, competent, an awesome fighter, a loyal family member and a terrific leader, but she has her flaws. I wanted the characters around her to play into those strengths and flaws with their own many-faceted depths. And I wanted action. Lots of action!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Through no fault of my own, I seem to be incapable of writing without at least one cat on my lap, one behind my monitor, one sitting/laying on the printer and another pawing at my face. At least I think I’m not capable of doing without them…I would like to try it sometime!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have loved books all my life. Tolkien, Frank Herbert, Marion Zimmer Bradley, C.J. Cherryh, are just a few of the wonderful authors whose worlds I have been fortunate enough to explore.

What are you working on now?
Now that Revolution is (finally!) out, I plan to publish the 2nd book, Distant Family and the 3rd book, Burden of War in 2017.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There are several that I am learning to love, including Goodreads, Reader’s Favorite and some of the great advice found on Pinterest.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be persistent! Don’t take no for an answer, not even from yourself. Just keep plugging away and never let anyone stop you, especially not the creepy voice in your head that says you’re not going to succeed!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The past is in ruins.

What are you reading now?
Everything I can, especially from Jim Butcher, Cassandra Clare, Patricia Briggs and John Scalzi.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Having the fun of seeing where it all is going! My brain doesn’t always tell me in advance about the stories that are coming!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Dune, The Hobbit, The Ghost Brigades and The Host

Author Websites and Profiles
T.L. McDonald Website

T.L. McDonald’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile


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Awesome Author - AS Crowder

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I really wanted to be a superhero, but I’m too clumsy and have no upper body strength to speak of, so somewhere along the way, I decided I’d have to make do with pretending. I thought about being an actor, but I’m quiet and not pretty, so I had to find a different way to be a storyteller. I’d tell stories with my stuffed animals—other people’s at first (my beanie babies did a mean Les Mis), and then I started making my own. I played around with the idea of writing a novel from the time I was a teenager. Within the last few years, I finally sat down and did the work. Evin is my first published novel, though I’ve got another completed (for now) book that’s currently out on submission

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My new book is Evin. I’m not sure I can pinpoint the exact inspiration for it. It’s probably a mix of The Hunger Games and Hocus Pocus and too much coffee. I sort of sat down on a whim and started building the world. I wrote something like 10,000 words (none of which made it into the final version) that set up the pre-story, and I knew that I had the beginnings of something. It took a while to nail down an outline after that and to write the initial draft, but the start of it was mostly whim.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
It’s maybe not so weird, but I make a lot of faces when I write. I’ll make the expression that I’m trying to describe, or I’ll grimace when I’m writing something rough. And I sometimes make weird sounds? Like, squeal-type sounds? Mostly when I’m stuck. I don’t know what that’s about, but my cats hate it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a member of the Harry Potter generation; I’d be lying if I said JK Rowling wasn’t an influence. When I think about my influences, it’s less about what people have written than it is the circumstance under which they wrote. Rowling wrote through super difficult personal and financial circumstances, but she kept going and created something that’s had huge impact. The other influence I usually list is SE Hinton—mostly because I was a teen when I started writing seriously, and I was really impressed with the fact that Hinton wrote The Outsiders when she was a teenager.

What are you working on now?
My current project is a speculative fiction novel that follows two unlikely kindred spirits in their fight against a corrupt galactic corporation that upended their lives. It’s a face-paced adventure with a sci fi bent. It’s currently out on submission, so I don’t want to say too much about it, but it does include some of my favorite characters that I’ve ever created.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As far as social media goes, I use Facebook to promote my work the most, but I usually crosspost to Twitter. Apart from that, I have a blog that I update with publication information and updates and thoughts about the whole writing process. And, to the degree that I could, I got in touch with folks at local media outlets.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do the work. Plenty of people want to be a writer, but the only way to become a writer is to put your butt in a chair and write. It’s frustrating. It’s not glamorous. And sometimes you would rather do anything else. But the only way you become a writer is to sit down and write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
For a long time, I thought that I had to work in a certain way if I wanted to be a “real” writer. The best advice I ever got was to do what works for me. Everyone’s process is different. That you don’t write the same way that someone else does—even if it’s someone whose work you admire—isn’t necessarily bad. If you’re getting the work done, that’s what matters.

What are you reading now?
I’m a college instructor, so this time of year I’m mostly reading student’s papers. I just finished Blood on the Tracks by Barbara Nickless. It was a wonderfully suspenseful thriller. Apart from that, I’ve been keeping up with the Image comic The Wicked + The Divine, which hits so many of my buttons—grand mythology, snappy dialogue, great pop culture sensibility.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Right now, the main goal is to find someone that loves my project that’s on submission as much as I do. The next new project I’m working on is a take on the idea of changelings. It’s still in the early outlining phases, but I think it’s going to be pretty exciting.

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 so tough! I assume we’re talking single books and not series. I would take Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables, JK Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, SE Hinton’s The Outsiders, and book one of Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie, and Matt Wilson’s The Wicked + The Divine

Author Websites and Profiles
AS Crowder Website
AS Crowder Amazon Profile
AS Crowder Author Profile on Smashwords

AS Crowder’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Elizabeth Guider

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been a journalist for the last 35 years and have worked in New York, Rome, Paris, London and now Los Angeles. Having gone freelance a few years ago, I started to write fiction, and found that I enjoyed it immensely. It stretches different muscles and challenges me in different ways from journalism.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Milk and Honey on the Other Side is an inter-racial love story set in the Deep South post World War One — and is inspired by the history of the time and the place that I’ve always been steeped in, read about, and heard about from relatives and old-timers in and around the town of Vicksburg, MS where I grew up.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know about “unusual,” but my routine is generally to write in the mornings, and edit myself at night. Occasionally I put Bach on the stereo or just listen to the crickets outside (in Mississippi) or the winds off the desert (in Los Angeles).

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to count, as I have a PH. D. in English Literature and in Renaissance Studies from New York University. I’m very fond of Charles Dickens, George Eliot and Henry James in the 19th century and James Joyce and William Faulkner in the 20th. And, among recent writers, I enjoy, and hopefully have learned a little about style and perspective from, Jonathan Franzen, Donna Tartt, Elena Ferrante and Ian McKeowan.

What are you working on now?
I’m toying with two or three different story ideas, one historical and one contemporary. Not yet decided which to further.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m fairly new to this but I would say Facebook to start with.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Make sure you’re passionate about the subject you intend to explore and make sure you carve out a regular routine for putting pen to paper.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take in as much critical advice as you can, mull it dispassionately, and then make choices as to what to follow and what to reject.

What are you reading now?
I just finished A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan, which is marvelous for its mastery of time shifts as well as for its general hilarity about serious matters, and, for a change of pace, I’m reading the on fiction bestseller The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert, which has already made me look at the frogs in the back garden differently: Homo Sapiens is at least partially responsible for the disappearance of many amphibs as well as bats, chestnut trees and the Sumatran rhino. Among many other plants and animals to worry about.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to continue to freelance pieces for entertainment magazines I have worked with — and to get another novel underway.

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?
Shakespeare’s plays, John Keats’ poetry, George Eliot’s Middlemarch, and Mary Beard’s SPQR

 

Elizabeth Guider’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile


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Awesome Author - Thomas Conner

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m originally from South Alabama where I was raised near the Florida state line. I graduated from University of West Florida in Pensacola with a BA in Humanities. My author name is Thomas but I’m known as Tom, Tommy, and TC to friends and family. I’ve resided in Central California’s Big Valley since 1980 where I’ve worked at a prestigious private university in Student Life. I’ve written a total of four books. Two have been published, so far.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newly published Southern novel is entitled GOODBYE, SATURDAY NIGHT. It is set in a small town in South Alabama in 1956 and centers on the complicated friendship between an eleven-year-old misfit and a twenty-two-year-old dropout from the swamps across the tracks. The story is loosely based on my childhood. My mother owned the local café and I had the run of the town, going to the movies every night.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a rescue cat named the Alley Cat who can’t leave my side except to eat or poop, so I write with him in my lap or draped over my shoulder. Just like the temple felines of ancient Egypt that had to be shooed off the sacred scrolls, Alley Cat blesses my manuscripts.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
It has been different at different periods in my life. In the early years Maugham, Hemmingway, Steinbeck, Harper Lee, and Capote all had a tremendous influence on me. During the middle period it was Larry McMurtry, Evan Hunter, and James Kirkwood. Nowadays, Patricia Nell Warren and Robin Reardon are my inspiration. They are my favorite authors writing today. I suck down everything they write.

What are you working on now?
I wrote the first draft of a juvenile mystery in the tradition of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys about twenty years ago but never polished it or started the rewrite. I put it back for later. Later has come. I pulled out the old manuscript and I’m beginning do a little work on it.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Facebook as my main focus for media promotion. I have a page devoted to GOODBYE, SATURDAY NIGHT. I keep it active and post several times in a week. I post excerpts from the novel and teasers. I vary input by posting quotes from famous authors, funny cartoons with a writing/writers theme, and reviews of books I’m reading. I started building my following a year before the book was published.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start promoting your book long before it’s ready for publication. Build a following and keep them interested in your book. Create an author page or book page on Facebook and post only things related to your book or writing. Keep your personal posts on your personal page. Don’t just post about your book. Readers get tired of constantly hearing about the book. Post humorous cartoons relating to writing or writers. Post quotes about writing by famous authors. Every once in a while post a short review of the current book you’re reading and the book’s cover. Keep your page interesting and keep it active. Post a couple times each week. I like to pay a few dollars and boost the important posts to reach a larger audience.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Larry McMurtry once gave me author to author advice that I’ve used ever since. He told me to write every day while working on a project. His advice was to just get it all down as soon as possible. Don’t stop to do serious rewrite. Get the first draft out and on paper, no matter how crude it is. Then go back and do as much rewrite and editing as needed once the first draft is finished.

What are you reading now?
ACCEPT THE BROKEN HEART by Robin Leigh Anderson. It’s a wonderful novel about an Army nurse serving in Vietnam. It’s based on the author’s experiences as a 19 year-old woman trying to save the lives of soldiers while dealing with her own emotions as horrendous death and destruction are mounting around her. It’s a heart-felt novel based on fact and set in one of the worst times in our nation’s history. I highly recommend it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to rework the juvenile mystery and then determine if I will submit it for publication. After that, I have another story idea I’ve been tossing around for a few years I think I might start working on. A few fans of GOODBYE, SATURDAY NIGHT have asked for a sequel. I left an opening for a sequel but I’m not sure I’m ready to extent that story at this time.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, McMurtry’s THE LAST PICTURE SHOW, Evan Hunter’s LAST SUMMER and Patricia Nell Warren’s THE FRONT RUNNER.

Author Websites and Profiles
Thomas Conner Website
Thomas Conner Amazon Profile

Thomas Conner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Robin Leigh Anderson

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written dozens of books and am only now getting them into publication, and fortunately I seem to have a publisher who wants them all. I have one scifi and one based-on-true war story out at this time with many WIPs going.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Accept the Broken Heart” is the Vietnam war from a young woman’s emotional perspective, MY perspective as an idealistic nurse fresh out of school when a hometown buddy died and I knew I had to “go to help the boys”.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I cannot write in silence, I have to have the TV or music on at all times. Good thing I am capable of multi-tasking.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Asimov, Bradbury, Tolkien and I got to meet all three, got to KNOW Ray Bradbury, and he was as amazing as you might think.

What are you working on now?
A scifi piece called “Bring the Rain”, Captain Dariana Tracy-Wilson is a highly trained Marine AND a scientist, which means she will want to both shoot it and investigate it. She discovers the single most horrendous alien threat for Earth, and she inadvertently causes a 102+-year cataclysm for mankind…AND if you want to know any more, you will need to buy the book, out hopefully next year.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Such a variety that it is hard to say that one works over another, I use so many different platforms.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
NEVER STOP and do not listen to anyone but yourself. I did for far too many years and I kick myself for allowing any voice inside my head but my own.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Ray Bradbury: Vomit on the page, then go back and clean up.

What are you reading now?
Right now I am working on so many edits that I don’t have nearly enough time to read outside material!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Simply more words on paper, that is always my thing.

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?
It would need to be sets, they can’t be read alone, I think: “The Foundation Trilogy”, “Lord of the Rings”, “The Martian Chronicles”.

Author Websites and Profiles
Robin Leigh Anderson Amazon Profile

Robin Leigh Anderson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile


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Awesome Author - Piken Sander

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have a four-book series three books out with the fourth after the first of the year and more series and some stand-alone works to come.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Life, Liberty, Pursuant to”, the third book in the Life. Liberty series which is just out. I knew of someone who had been betrayed by family and built a whole new life without them, and I spun a grand story about betrayal and rebirth of a passionate young heroine.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love to write very late at night when the whole world will leave me alone.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a lot of fantasy as a child, and later got into the great romances of the 1930s and 1940s, and even then women were portrayed as strong and capable, and I took that as how women should be.

What are you working on now?
This series will be complete in a few months and I am readying so many other works to follow. I have some unfinished works I drop in on now and then, and hopefully they will follow the others.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
A variety of platforms across social media

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Believe in yourself and always seek to improve what you have done.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Sit down and get to work!

What are you reading now?
Mostly things of my own I need to edit and continue

What’s next for you as a writer?
The completion of the LLP series and then on to other 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?
The three books in the Rosalind Laker WARWYCK series, and perhaps something from Anne McCaffrey.

Piken Sander’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile


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Awesome Author - JDR Hawkins

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an author and a singer/songwriter. I have written several books. So far, I have had three published. They are the first three books in the Renegade Series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Rebel Among Us. I was inspired to write it after I visited the Gettysburg battlefield.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to listen to Civil War music when I write to help put me in the mood and mindset of Victorian America.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Gone With the Wind, Cold Mountain, Widow of the South

What are you working on now?
A nonfiction book about Confederate warhorses.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own website, http://jdrhawkins.com, and various social media sites, as well as my publisher’s website, http://foundationsbooks.com/library.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing and never give up. Write what’s important to you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t get discouraged by reject letters. Use them to wallpaper your bathroom.

What are you reading now?
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

What’s next for you as a writer?
My nonfiction book will be out next year, and I will be publishing the fourth book in the Renegade Series.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Holy Bible, Gone With the Wind, The Yearling, and Old Yeller.

Author Websites and Profiles
JDR Hawkins Website
JDR Hawkins Amazon Profile
JDR Hawkins Author Profile on Smashwords

JDR Hawkins’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account


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Awesome Author - J. D. West

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
First Born is the first thing I have written that’s actually gone to publish. I’ve written a small collection of scripts (stage and screen), stories, comics, poetry and the sorts since childhood but this is the first thing I’ve been able to get out into the world, as self-publishing a book is easier than self-financing a film or play!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The series title is Millennium Children as it charts the lives of a handful of children born in the UK on 01/01/00. First Born comes from not only being the fist book in the series but that chronologically the protagonist is the first of the Children to get his powers, something that becomes colloquially knows as being ‘born’. In a way it’s also symbolic of being my very first creation sent out into the world.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Most of my writing gets done while I commute to and from my day job. I’ll sit on the tube and type into a notepad app on my phone. When I’ve finished a chapter I’ll email it to myself and copy it all into a Word document and make sure I don’t have too many unfortunate autocorrect incidents!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m of the age where I grew up with the Harry Potter books and it’s an understatement to say they have been an influence. 100 Years Of Solitude and Catch 22 had a profound effect on me the first time I read them and I’m just finishing up George R R Martin’s Song Of Ice And Fire series, which has given some useful tips on how to write vast ensemble stories, a place my own series is heading towards.

What are you working on now?
Book two! Millennium Children is going to be taking up a lot of my time, this next story is sprawling on a scale missing from the first book. First Born was somewhat of a test. A test to myself to see if I could actually finish a project for once; a test to see if, when finished, it was even any good; a test to see if there would be people out there willing to pick up what I was putting out there. First Born is small. It’s a short book focusing on one character. When the entire series is complete, it will be part of a collection of shorter origin stories, while the rest of the series covers a wide range of characters across the United Kingdom as events bring them all together.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve been using Twitter but I’ve finally set up a Facebook page too so I’ll have to see how that compares.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I still am one so I’ll take whatever anyone else can offer! Just persevere, I guess is what I’d say. Writing is hard, rewriting is easier (unless you cut your story in half and change the setting and the opening third like I did!) so put something down first and you can always edit it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s not writing specific, but it’s what made me finally knuckle down and write. It’s a line from the end of Hairspray when John Travolta is watching Tracey wantingly. Christopher Walken turns and says, “Do it now, or forever wish you had!” It’s a line that’s stuck with me for nearly ten years now.

What are you reading now?
I’ve been alternating between Harry Potter and A Song of Ice and Fire for the last couple of months and I’m nearly finished, I’m towards the end of A Dance with Dragons. I’ve got the second and third Robert Galbraith books to read next and also Ready Player One. But I also think it’s getting close to the time where I need to read 100 Years of Solitude again.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Carrying on with the Millennium Children series is going to be my main focal point but I also want to take some time here and there to finish off lingering projects. I’ve been working on a jukebox musical of Killers songs since I before I saw them nearly four years ago and while I have the whole story worked out I still haven’t gone and written it down. I have an opportunity at my day job to present a comic book idea and I began adapting a TV pilot script I wrote so that’s something else I’d very much like to follow through on as well. I don’t want to stretch myself too thin though!

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?
100 Years of Solitude and Catch 22 are definites, and while it may not be entirely kosher, I have the physical copy of My Dad Wrote A Porno, which is possibly the most hilarious podcast I have listened to time and time again so I’d probably have to bring that and have myself a good laugh while I’m stranded.

J. D. West’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Tracy Edingfield

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is the seventh book of Tracy Edingfield’s, a former attorney who specialized in Family Law litigations. After retiring from Law, Ms. Edingfield followed her heart’s passion and became an author. She writes children’s books under the name, Tracy Dunn. The focus on the Middle Grader books is children saving the world (literally) while journeying through outer space, accompanied by Greek mythological heroes like Pegasus, Cyclops, and the gorgons. Her adult novels are written under the name, Tracy Edingfield. These books are filled with snarky humor, suitable for those who appreciate dry wit.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Law Firm of Psycho & Satan is a realistic, unflinching view of what happens on the other side of the attorney’s desk. Unless you’ve been there, most people don’t know how impossible the job of lawyering can be—nor its high burn out rates. This tale is filled with snarky humor about how new associate, Cooper Bach, has to learn to tread water in the turbulent seas of being a divorce lawyer. She’s also got a couple anvils tied to her ankles, dealing with devastating losses.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dean Koontz, William Faulkner, John Steinbeck, Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer, Mary Kay Anderson

What are you working on now?
Two Regency romances, simultaneously. One’s titled, “A Governess’ Lot,” and the other’s titled, “Prudence.”

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Put in the time to learn your craft, at least 10,000 hours. Don’t send anything out to agents until you’ve put that time in, otherwise, you’re inviting them to kick you in the teeth. Find a critique group filled with writers whose ambitions align with yours. Support your craft by writing reviews and passing along those to readers.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up.

What are you reading now?
Dark Money by Jane Mayer

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish these two historical romances, Prudence and A Governess’ Lot, then start on another one, tentatively called, “In the Suds.”

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?
As I Lay Dying – William Faulkner
Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
Uncle Sylvester – Georgette Heyer
Fallen Angel -Charlotte Louise Dolan

Author Websites and Profiles
Tracy Edingfield Website
Tracy Edingfield Amazon Profile
Tracy Edingfield Author Profile on Smashwords

Tracy Edingfield’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile


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Awesome Author - Jameo Pollock

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Jameo (pronounced JAY-me-oh).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is entitled ‘Mirrored Echoes: A Myrna Sontiago Novella’

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am pretty fond of the snowflake method because it helps me keep my ideas together and keeps me from going off the deep end. I try to write for at least an hour everyday.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Writing for one hour each day came from a video interview of R.L. Stine. In the video he mentioned that he writes ten pages each day. I knew that I couldn’t commit to this as a full-time worker, however, I could commit to one hour each day regardless of the time translated into pages or not. Sometimes my one hour is character development. Other times it may be scene development. Either way, I try to get one hour in everyday.

Being former military, I enjoyed military and espionage thrillers so I gravitated to Tom Clancy, Robert Ludlum, and James Patterson. I also enjoy Patricia Cornwell for her expertise with detail. It is because of her that I love research of my location, cars, cities, medical terminology, etc. It was in reading my first John Gilstrap book that really moved me. His pace seemed to get my heartrate up and I couldn’t figure it out. I experimented with finding my own writing voice based on this style. I wanted my readers to hurt. I wanted them to be angry at the antagonist. I wanted them to be unable to avoid the pace and put my book down until it was over.

Amazingly, when I first started REALLY writing, I imagined myself writing inspirational stories. I still do, but by no means did I imagine writing a police thriller.

What are you working on now?
I am working on another story in the Myrna Sontiago Novella Series entitled ‘Serial Rain’. It is still a short-story but twice as long as my first book. The complete title, at least for now, will be:
Serial Rain: A Myrna Sontiago Novella

I anticipate having it available for purchase around May/June 2017.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Writing the book is fun and energizing. Promoting the book…not so much. I think the world of social media makes it both easier and more difficult to promote a book, especially for a new author. I am continuing to learn what works for me and what doesn’t. Thus far I have paid for a few promotions through FIVERR, FaceBook, and Twitter. So, I do not have a “best” method yet but I honestly hope that good old fashioned word-of-mouth and book reviews will still work and serve me well.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
This is a great questions considering that I am still a new author. One thing that helped me tremendously is the knowledge of other writers. I am amazed at how other mystery writers have embraced me into their world and provided guidance to me regarding pitfalls and suggestions.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice thus far includes how to get my book cataloged and in the library. The library is a great source for a brand new author.

What are you reading now?
In addition to reading for my doctoral program, I am reading a Batman graphic novel,
I-Engage: Your Personal Engagement Roadmap by Bob Kelleher, and Friendly Fire by John Gilstrap.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My desire to speak came before my desire to write so my next step is using both to boost the other. Hopefully my speaking engagements will boost my book sales and my book sales will boost my speaking engagements.

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 Shack by William P. Young, Calvin & Hobbes by Bill Watterson, The Far Side by Gary Larson, and The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. Of course if you asked me again I would possibly change my answers.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jameo Pollock Website
Jameo Pollock Amazon Profile

Jameo Pollock’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Skye Leah Collett

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
From Brisbane Australia
First time author of Single Rider.
Currently working on Britta, From a Small Town (coming soon).

I’ve always had a book or two floating around my head with the plotlines fully or not quite formed. I was never able to finish a story though until last year… cue Single Rider. It has been through a series of edits and sometimes entire re-writes since then, most of these instigated by myself, however I’ve finally managed to polish it up enough, my very first novel, to be something that I am proud to have my name on.
I’m a book lover lifer and I have to pinch myself every day to stay convinced I’ve actually achieved a lifetime goal of publishing my own novel.
I’d love to hear from you if you’ve managed to make it through Single Rider, feel free to drop me a line anytime at any of my various social media locations!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’ve just started plotting out the details for my first paranormal themed story. My editor’s favourite genre is supernatural and after proofing another book I’ve been working on she told me she’d love to see me write something spookly cause she loves the way I right female lead characters.. it’s early stages but the main character is young lady con artist turned accidental vessel for the dead.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes! I recently had family stay with me for a week and towards the end of their stay, inspiration hit and my cousin couldn’t believe it when she went to the bathroom at 5am and I was sat up in bed typing furiously. I snoozed for about two hours after that and then when I woke went straight back to writing until later the same afternoon.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh wow, what a question. Such a hard one to answer briefly. I was a huge Stephen King and Dean Koontz fan in highschool, but I’ve had so many favorite books and authors since then. I do adore Stacia Kane and the Downside Ghosts series, I love how she can completely embody the edgiest and coolest female lead through her character development. If you haven’t picked up a Downside Ghost book yet, you should. You won’t be sorry you did. Two books that changed my life (among so so many), Eat Pray Love – Elizabeth Gilbert and Of Bees and Mist – Erick Setiawan. Scariest book I’ve ever read – The Shining.

What are you working on now?
I’m finalising the first draft for edit on Britta, From a Small Town, its a murder mystery in Brisbane with a few twists and turns and a romance or two. Then I think I’m going to focus my attention on the paranormal one. I also have a great thread for an Aussie Outback thriller/romance that I could throw myself into depending on what sparks my motivation first.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m and infant when it comes to the whole self-publishing, independantly driven publicity scene so you probably shouldn’t listen to me at all, but what I will say is that I’ve been overwhelmed by the resources out there offering genuine advice that really helps. Thats how I found Awesomegang!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never ever stop believing you can do it. Even on your worst day, just take a break, even if its for a little longer than you intended and go back and try again. I nearly gave up so many times, but I tell you, that feeling of publishing your first book, it’s worth it all.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Things always seem not quite so bad after a good nights sleep.

What are you reading now?
High Fidelity by Nick Hornby. It’s been on my reading list for ever and I never saw the film because I decided to read the book first. I’m almost finished, so I guess it’s time to watch the movie finally. I adore books about music.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully an incredibly lucrative publishing deal!

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 love to give the Virginia Andrews Casteel Series another read, and I was sorting through some old books the other day and I was reminded how much I loved Patricia Cornwells Kay Scarpetta novels, especially the early stuff. Bridget Jones is always a great re-read and my guiltiest pleasure of all The Baby Sitters Club, especially the Super Specials!

Author Websites and Profiles
Skye Leah Collett Website
Skye Leah Collett Amazon Profile
Skye Leah Collett Author Profile on Smashwords

Skye Leah Collett’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Happily Ever Alpha authors

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
We’re 20 award-winning, best-selling authors who write billionaires from hard-bodied alphas to genius inventors to exotic princes–but who all love a good happily ever after.

Our group includes Opal Carew, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, USA Today best selling author, Victoria Pinder, Margo Bond Collins, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author, and so many more.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Happily Ever Alpha: Falling for the Billionaire. We wanted to put together an extravaganza for readers, as many hot billionaires as we could cram into one set, and the fun, sexy women who can manage them.

 

Author Websites and Profiles
Happily Ever Alpha authors Website
Happily Ever Alpha authors Amazon Profile

Happily Ever Alpha authors’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Leslie Miller

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Greetings Awesome Readers!

Here’s an odd story about how I got started writing novels. I had a freelance writing and editing business for ten years. I wanted to get into editing novels as opposed to the non-fiction I’d been working on, because novels are my passion. A friend said, “If you want to know the challenges of a fiction writer, you should try writing some yourself.”

Seemed like good advice–although I had never written any fiction, not even a short story–and had no idea if I could do it or not. A few hours later a glimmer of an idea came to me and I sat down and started writing. Ten thousand words later, I realized working on this story was the most fun I’d ever had in my life! A year later, my first novel, The Girl With the Half and Half Face was complete. You can get it for free by signing up for the author newsletter on my website.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, published on New Year’s Day, is The Ivory Needle. After writing my first novel, I struggled coming up with the right title for it. One day, in the middle of my title search, I was reading an article that mentioned needles were once made of bone or ivory, not metal. And that an ivory needle dating back 30,000 years was found at an archaeological dig in Russia. I thought, “The Ivory Needle… now that’s a great book title. What could it be about?”

Within moments, bits and pieces of the story started coming in. At one point, it felt as if the pieces of the story were hanging around me, intangible and unrealized, waiting for me to pull them into existence. Although I’ve now had many ideas for novels, I’ve never had an experience quite like that one before or since. I hope I’ve done these ideas justice in the published version of the book. Maybe you’ll read it and let me know?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
A bookworm at an early age, there have been too many authors and books that have inspired me to list. Dr. Seuss, Carolyn Keene (Nancy Drew), sRobert Parker, James Clavell, Phillipa Gregory, John Grisham, Steven King and many more. Then there’s Harry Potter (of course!), The Hunger Games, the list can go on and on. However, I think my biggest literary influence has actually been from a movie adaptation: The Wizard of Oz. I’ve seen it more than twenty times and continually find its ideas and themes creeping stealthily into everything I write.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second book of a YA sci-fi duology, called The Last Goldeneye. The first book in the series, The Nectar, will be released summer of 2017. Here’s a tiny little teaser:

Two teens, separated by 150 years, connected by a journal that holds the secret to survival in a post-apocalyptic Earth where bees are extinct and mankind teeters on the edge of starvation.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Speaking as both author and editor, my best and only advice would be: Learn your craft!
I believe that writing takes both talent and skill. Talent you’re born with, to a more or less degree, but writing skills must be learned, practiced, sharpened, and honed over time. I don’t think talent is enough. So learn your craft.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“As an entrepreneur, if someone asks you to do something, you say YES first. Figure out how to do it second.” This advice stands me in good stead as an independent author, writing, designing, publishing, and marketing my own books.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading an as-yet unpublished sci-fi novel by a writer buddy of mine, titled The Calling.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have another novel idea that I am fleshing out, even as I am writing The Last Goldeneye. I’m hoping to publish The Nectar and The Last Goldeneye in 2017 and — surprise surprise — I am hoping they will find an audience of delighted and enthusiastic 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?
Oooh, the desert island question. I would take The Mists of Avalon, by the fabulous Marian Zimmer Bradley. I would take the whole Harry Potter series. (Is that cheating?) Okay, at this point I have to make a confession. I don’t really like reading the same book over and over. I know many people do… but twice is about all I’ll ever read a book for pleasure. I think I’d have to take 3 or 4 blank books with me so I could keep writing.

Author Websites and Profiles
Leslie Miller Website
Leslie Miller Amazon Profile

Leslie Miller’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Michelle Lowe

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Michelle E. Lowe and I’m the author of seven published books, The Warning, Atlantic Pyramid, Cherished Thief, and Legacy. Children’s books, Poe’s Haunted House Tour, and The Hex Hunt series. I keep myself busy raising two girls and being a momma to October, my eighteen year old calico cat. I’m a nerd at heart who enjoys watching science fiction, fantasy and classic horror movies. I do a little oil painting too. Currently, I’m living in Lake Forest, California with my husband, Ben.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have just released a steampunk/fantasy story titled Legacy, a rollicking adventure that takes place in Victorian England during the rise of the Industrial Revolution.
What inspired me to write Legacy is basically what inspired me to write all my other books, they’re simply the kind of stories that I enjoy reading.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t really call it unusual, but perhaps it’s not a common practice nowadays. I write my books in longhand before I type it in my computer. By jotting it down first, I feel that I’m writing better when I type it in because I’m pretty much writing the story all out for a second time. After the initial draft is done, I have a better grasp on the characters and the plot.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Neil Gaiman is one author. I find him to be a wonderful in depth storyteller. I also enjoy Chris Wooding’s works. His writing is that face-pace yet well-written storytelling style that I love. I’m also partial to Dean Koontz, who, in my personal opinion has a outstanding knack for suspense writing.

What are you working on now?
Even though only the first book of the Legacy series has been published, the entire series has already been written out, which frees me up to expand on it. I’m in the process of writing a standalone book for Legacy, titled Boom Time.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook is a good way to spread the word. I’ve even opened a twitter account just for Legacy, @LegacySeries_6. Goodreads is another great resource for writers. I’ll be holding a contest very soon for Legacy on Goodreads as a means to bring more attention to the book. My website is also a great way to promote and share loads of information about my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
First and foremost, write what you love, don’t follow trends, write for yourself, and write your first draft with as much passion as you can muster. Letting yourself go completely in that first draft, without worrying so much about perfection, will set your imagine and the story free. There’s plenty of time during the dreaded ‘editing stage’ to fret about making it pretty. First drafts ought to be free spirits, but they’re also supposed to look ugly. And never rush through your writing just to get something out there. Take your time and polish your work until it shines like the gold you want it to be. Even if takes a year or more, it’s best to present your best work rather than publishing some subpar, clutter junk. And take constructive criticism with a grain of salt. You’d be amazed how far your writing will progress and flourish if you’re willing to listen to others and learn from your mistakes.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Have the courage to live a life true to yourself, not the life others expect of you.”
It’s good advice, especially that it can be harder than it sounds for some.

What are you reading now?
The Aeronaut’s Windlass (The Cinder Spires, #1) by Jim Butcher. I’ve just started on it and already I’m excited about the story.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have many plans, actually. I’m going to finish writing Boom Time and then turn three of my novels into TV series screenplays to pitch around to studios. Dream big, right? I’m also going to launch a Kickstarter campaign to work on raising funds to make Legacy into an audio book. Loads to 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?
That’s such a tough question. I don’t even know if I’d take books I haven’t read yet or not. I mean, what if I don’t like them and now stuck with them? Ugh, I s’pose that if I had to choose, I’d go with Chris Wooding’s the Tale of the Ketty Jay series.

Author Websites and Profiles
Michelle Lowe Website
Michelle Lowe Amazon Profile

Michelle Lowe’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Joe Pelech

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Mr. Joe Nickolas Pelech.
I was born is Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1967.
I graduated from Westsyde Senior Secondary School located in Kamloops, BC, in 1985.
After that, I graduated from Simon Fraser University in 1993 with a History Major.
From 1988 until 1995, I sold T-shirts at Wreck Beach, Vancouver BC, located beside the University of British Columbia.
I registered Wreck Beachwear Inc. in 1988.
Consequently, this book’s story is based on my real life experience during that time at Wreck Beach, Vancouver, BC, Canada. However, now it’s 2017! It’s almost 50 years since my birth, and it’s another 50 year cycle of the Lord’s Year of Jubilee, and Donald J Trump is about to become the 45th President of the United States of America! So for some, this book is deplorable. For others, you decide. You must be of legal drinking age to read it. Thank you for your time and patience.
So… About this book. It’s one of five in a series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Donald Trump and Voices of the 2nd American Revolution: Make Independent Life Knowledgeable” is my true story about listening to American men and women who know they are American. It’s funny, you know, I’m Canadian. But there is some serious shit going down in America in 2017, and it sounds like a globalist toilet flush. Don’t we all need to go to the toilet, and flush? Inspiration? I’m tired of the globalist shit! Just flush the fucken toilet already!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Writing habits? Coffee. A smoke. Cold beer. Red wine. It’s an intimate exercise of mingling ideas between Heaven and Earth.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
George Orwell, “1984.”

What are you working on now?
How to get HUMANITY to WAKE UP !!!

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Sit your ass down and get to work. And don’t stop!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t piss in the wind.

What are you reading now?
My thoughts.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Book 2: Raw MILK Edition.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Only 3 or 4 books? Five books are more fun! And never stranded… Hope is real. Faith is real. Just look at Donald Trump. In less than two years, Donald Trump went from Mr. Trump to President-elect Trump! Isn’t that amazing? So I would pick all five books of, “Donald Trump and Voices of the 2nd American Revolution: Make Independent Life Knowledgeable!” By the way, 2017 is our Lord’s Year of Jubilee.

Author Websites and Profiles
Joe Pelech Website
Joe Pelech Amazon Profile

Joe Pelech’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account


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Awesome Author - Tom Schneider

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written two books in the Our Imminent Future series. The third is in the works. Before writing those I wrote several unpublished screenplays and used to write a weekly column on current events.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Months Later: The Underground is may latest published book. It’s the second in the Our Imminent Future series. I felt compelled to write the story after a life-threatening event. The story examines some worst case future scenarios through mainly the eyes of teen and his younger sisters. As a result of my experience I began thinking about the possible future of my own kids and what they would have to face if left alone in some future scenarios.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I often go through passages or even whole chapters while trying to fall asleep and am always torn between getting up to get the words down or to wait for morning and trying to recall my thoughts.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The most influential is without a doubt George Orwell. I’ve read all of his work but the ones with the most influence would be 1984 and Animal Farm. Next would be down and out in London and Paris.

What are you working on now?
In addition to the third and final book of the Our Imminent Future series I am also working on a book that explores parallel realities and a man torn between two.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to figure that out. Hopefully Awesomegang!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing when you can.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Best while you have it, use your breath – there is no drinking after death.”
– anonymous

What are you reading now?
Wool, by Hugh Howey and The Time Machine by H.G. Wells.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing, I suppose.

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?
Maybe the Game of Thrones series.

Author Websites and Profiles
Tom Schneider Website
Tom Schneider Amazon Profile

Tom Schneider’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account


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Awesome Author - Melanie D. Snitker

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Melanie and I’ve enjoyed writing for just about as long as I can remember. I mostly write inspirational romance novels, though I have a science fiction series I hope to get to sometime in the future. My seventh book, Finding Joy, is coming out February 14, 2017.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Finding Joy is my latest book. It’s coming out February 14, 2017 and it’s the fifth book in my Love’s Compass series. I wanted to write a book illustrating how, even when we feel like we’ve hit a dead end in our lives, it really could be a new beginning. I think this is something we all face at some point. Looking back, these instances, no matter how hard they were to deal with at the time, were only a stepping stone on the way to something better. The setting for the book, a cattle ranch with longhorns, was inspired by a longhorn ranch owned by some friends.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a standing desk so I do almost all of my writing on my feet. I find it helps me think. I also love having some dark chocolate with sea salt on hand during the editing phase.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have a lot of authors that inspire me, including but not limited to:
Shanna Hatfield
Crystal Walton
Rachel Hauck
Karen Witemeyer
Katy Huth Jones
Debbie Brown
Victorine Lieske
Lori Wick

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the last of the edits for Finding Joy. I’m also in the planning stages for the second book in my Life Unexpected series. It’s tentatively titled Somewhere to Turn.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Getting a much-coveted ad on BookBub has always given me the best results. But there are a number of other smaller places such as ENT, Robin Reads, Faithful Reads, Awesomegang, BookZio, and more. I also couldn’t do it without my fellow authors sharing my books on their blogs, FB pages, and Twitter accounts.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
First of all, don’t ever give up. If you feel the call to write, that’s not going to go away. But remember that we all have phases in our lives. If you’re busy, just write when you can. I went through many years where I’d write even up to a chapter at a time, then might not write a word for months. When the right time came along to focus on my writing and make it a priority, I knew it. Every little bit you write will be that much you already have written when you can focus on it.

Secondly, don’t compare yourself to others. The number of words someone else writes – or the number of titles they publish a year – has nothing to do with you. Write what’s in your heart, learn what you can about your craft, and seek advice.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t compare yourself to other authors. This is so true whether you’re talking about how many books they’ve published, how many likes their Facebook page has, or how much they’re making.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading 12 Days of Snowmen by Sarah Monzon.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m continuing to add books to my two series in 2017. But I have a dystopian romance series I hope to begin for 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?
The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, The Princess by Lori Wick, the Bible

Author Websites and Profiles
Melanie D. Snitker Website
Melanie D. Snitker Amazon Profile

Melanie D. Snitker’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account


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