Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a bit of a sci-fi geek and get lost browsing reddit far to often. I’ve written two books, both bad.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Enoch Plague is a sequel to my debut novel The Enoch Pill. I wrote a book I would like to read. Mutants, Artificial Intelligence, lots of angry people doing angry things!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I listen to cheesy movie soundtracks while I write. Is that unusual?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Philip K. Dick, Orson Scot Card, Ursula Le Guin. (I needed to use google to spell all those names, sadly)

What are you working on now?
Losing all the weight I’ve put on while writing this past year.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do each book as an audiobook podcast. It works great!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep it up. You’ll want to quite multiple times every year. Don’t.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be open.

What are you reading now?
Rereading speaker for the dead. So weird, so good.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Working on the next book, an Indiana Jones-in-space adventure.

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?
Just four? So painful!

Infinite Jest- I’d probably never finish it.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep
Atlas Shrugged – don’t judge me, it’s long and interesting. Two things I’m looking for on a desert island.
Watchmen – throw in a graphic novel to have something to look at.

Author Websites and Profiles
Matthew William Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live with my family in Florida and I have twenty-five books now–mostly Japanese instructional titles (for English speakers learning Japanese), but I am working on building several fiction series in the thriller, mystery, or sci-fi genres.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Peace Party Massacre!

It is the third book in the Agora mystery series. In each of these 10k word or so long short stories (or short novellas), Carl Brooke, the last surviving member of the esteemed Agora Society reflects on a particular case. This episode has Mr. Brooke and other members in search of a kidnapped man shortly after the Civil War.

If you like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes books or stories set in the 19th century with a touch of mystery, you will love Two Tocks before Midnight.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try to write at least a paragraph a day. Of course, I hope for many more words, but if I can only manage a paragraph, I don’t feel too bad.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In no particular order: Brad Thor; Preston & Child; G.K. Chesterton; C.S. Lewis; Bill Bryson; and Brandon Sanderson.

What are you working on now?
A non-fiction book on online business–I’ve been self-employed with 100% internet-based income since 2003 and I hope this book will help someone somehow.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
A newsletter list is the most powerful. Also, if you have spent time helping other authors, they will help you when it’s your turn.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
1) Write everyday–even if it is only a paragraph.
2) Connect with other authors in your genre.
3) Help promote other authors and they will help you later.
4) Build a newsletter list.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
For the youth: I read some economists searched the U.S. census records and discovered that 99% of the people in the middle class or above did three basic things. In other words, if you do these three things, you are all but guaranteed to be in the middle class or above:

1) Get a four-year degree in any subject (I’m not sure this is as important if you get good training / certification for the next requirement)
2) Get a full-time job (no matter how crappy at first)
3) Most importantly, wait until marriage to have children.

The instant gratification mentality will not help you in the real world. Not for writing, not for life.

Also, Milton Friedman’s “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

What are you reading now?
John Ringo’s Live Free or Die. I’m halfway through and I absolutely love it. I’ll be catching up on his back titles.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve spent the past year really focusing on creating, marketing, and selling physical products. For 2017, I will focus on writing. Can’t wait!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My Bible. The thickest collection of Shakespeare plays I can find. The OED or I guess that won’t qualify as a single book… The ODE.

Author Websites and Profiles
Clay Boutwell Website
Clay Boutwell Amazon Profile

Clay Boutwell’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Coming from a long line of writers, I have published over a dozen books in both fiction and non-fiction genres, with contributions to other books and publications. With an emphasis on Christian non-fiction, I write with a passion for justice and community. However, I have begun to write more fiction, drawn to these genres for their creativity and impact on readers.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is called “The Sinner Saint: A Novella of St. Patrick of Ireland” which explores the dramatic story of Patrick’s kidnapping, enslavement and escape, transforming him into one of histories most memorable and impacting figures.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My most unusual writing habit is my pre-sleep plotting. As I lie in bed, trying to sleep, I need to take at least ten minutes to work through the upcoming scenes I will be writing next. Once done, I can finally sleep.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Several authors have influenced me in different ways. The works of Hermann Hesse taught me the power of depth and theme. The social justice-mindedness of John Grisham have taught me to use my craft for good. Joanna Penn’s works on the craft and business of writing have helped me take my own writing more seriously.

What are you working on now?
I am currently writing a coming of age novel about a young man seeking to understand who he is his identity and sexuality are confronted with outside expectations and shame. Set in a wildness canoe trip, the book is equal parts moving and hilarious.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
While I am still exploring new options, I have found that well done Facebook ads are most effective ways to promote my books (see Mark Dawson on how-to), as well as Bargainbooksy/Freebooksy.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
A key to becoming a great writer is to never mistake early incompetency with inherent weakness. Just keep writing!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read, write, repeat.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading ” The World of Normal Boys” by K.M. Soehnlein.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am planning on starting a new series of thriller/adventure novels under a pen name.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“The Sparrow” by Mary Doria Russell
“Narcissus and Goldmund” by Hermann Hesse
“Unclean” by Richard Beck

Author Websites and Profiles
Jamie Arpin-Ricci Website
Jamie Arpin-Ricci Amazon Profile

Jamie Arpin-Ricci’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a yoga/chakra workshop leader and holistic health counselor, inspired to write my first two books, THE CHAKRA DIARIES and CHAKRA SECRETS, by the illness of my best friend, and the problems faced by most everyone who came to my classes to not only fight their issues but to shape an authentic life. The stories are dramatic, a little erotic, controversial to say the least, and interesting and inspiring reads I hope. My third and fourth books are non-fiction, self-help books that offer “instant healing” techniques and more.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
THE CHAKRA ENERGY DIET – So many of my friends and students have told me that they’ve tried every diet, but in the end, NO amount of willpower can stop them from gaining back the weight and more. Looking for answers took me right to the Chakras, and how we need to feed them with food that’s full of energy instead of processed, addictive, chemical-laden ingredients. Ann Doherty, RN, CDE, a Diabetes Educator, and Serge Kahili King, PhD, a Huna healer, added their extensive knowledge on how we’re sabotaged by our own bodies’ stress responses and by the food industry to have cravings and overeat. Even better – they offer stress-busting solutions. The CHAKRA COOKBOOK comes out in early 2017.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I believe that sitting all day is more dangerous than smoking! So I do half my writing at a standing desk, and take plenty of breaks for yoga and stretching, walks on the beach or snorkeling – as I am lucky to live in Hawaii.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors that have influenced me include Deepak Chopra of course, Serge Kahili King (a Hawaiian shaman), Paulo Coehlo, Eckhart Tolle, Wayne Dyer, Christiane Northrup, M.D., Michio Kuchi, Elizabeth Gilbert, Isabelle Allende, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez among many others. I am an incessant reader and share my favorite inspirational reads on BECCA’S INSPIRATIONAL BOOK BLOG at www.BeccaChopra.com.

What are you working on now?
CHAKRA COOKBOOK, a companion to THE CHAKRA ENERGY DIET, which will include my favorite recipes and suggestions to help anyone individualize a diet to their particular energy requirements. No fad diets here, just real, colorful food.

I’m also inspired to write a book on DISTANT ENERGY HEALING. The Standing Rock protesters have needed so much support, as do other threatened or ill people around the world. So I have been blogging and sharing guest posts about how we can all send healing out where it’s needed on the CHAKRA BLOG at www.ChakraDiaries.wordpress.com.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a dedicated list of readers – so I send out regular emails. I also share my thoughts, ideas and work on Facebook and Twitter.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Self-publishing enables everyone to share their talent/inspiration/entertaining thoughts with the world. Just be sure to not make the mistake of uploading Kindle books that aren’t edited or proofread. It’s important to be professional. There are many fabulous editors out there, and I highly recommend my own, Roger Harris of Indie Author Counsel at rrh38114@yahoo.com.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t wait for the muse to hit you – approach writing like a job. Just write, write, write without censoring yourself or editing as you go along. That’s what 2nd, 3rd, and 4th drafts are for.

What are you reading now?
Fill the Sky, a novel by Katherine A. Sherbrooke
and
Why Is the Dalai Lama Always Smiling? by Lama Tsomo

What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish my next two non-fiction, self-help books, and then I intend to write 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?
Pride and Prejudice
Urban Shaman
The Mastery of Love
The Art of Simple Food

Author Websites and Profiles
Becca Chopra Website
Becca Chopra Amazon Profile

Becca Chopra’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a PhD Student, foodie, and authors. My first love in books would be fantasy, but science fiction is a close second. While I have about 10 completed manuscripts, 5 are part of a YA supernatural horror series that will be squirreled away for the foreseeable future.

My debut, HIGH SUMMONS, is a YA urban fantasy, and I’ve completed its sequel, GRIMM REMAINS. My attempt at romance, AISLING, is an NA paranormal romance set for next spring. The last two are an adult military science fiction I’m shopping around and a rather cheeky YA fantasy with a Green Knight Arthurian twist.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
HIGH SUMMONS is technically my first and last until next year, and it was inspired by my undergraduate experience. I hadn’t realized how much I loved my home city until I left it.

The last written would be GRIMM REMAINS. While I’ve written a sequel before, I hadn’t written one where I had feedback from strangers. It pushed me to be a better writer; however, the real inspiration was the Brothers Grimm as the title might suggest. The antagonist comes straight from a Grimm fairy tale with a psychological horror twist.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a plotter. My day is scheduled thanks to my doctoral work, so I squeeze writing in where I can. Usually, I can get between 5-10 hours a week if I’m lucky. When I do, I crank up the playlist for whatever book and get writing. I’m very into making themed playlists. HIGH SUMMONS had a lot of Twenty-One Pilots and Bastille while GRIMM REMAINS had more Fever Ray and Wardruna.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jim Butcher, J.K. Rowling, J. R. R. Tolkien, G. R. R. Martin, Edgar Allan Poe, William Shakespeare – I could go on. Everything I read influences me. Rowling inspired me in elementary school. She shaped me into the voracious reader who would devour all the rest. I enjoy the contrast of Tolkien and Martin. Butcher had me moving from straight epic fantasy writing to urban. I hadn’t considered how brilliant street magic could really be until him.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the third book in the Warlock of Rochester series. After HIGH SUMMONS and GRIMM REMAINS, there’s a fantastic opportunity to really concentrate on a different aspect of Jon in the third (tentatively titled: GATEKEEPER).

Otherwise, I’m working on a noir about a detective who loses his hearing and gains telepathy. It’s an adult and completely out of my comfort zone. Telepathy is as far as the fantasy element goes. Well, so far as the narrator knows. It’s somewhat connected to the YA supernatural horror series. The protagonist in the YA supernatural horror is the nephew of the detective, but the detective has no idea what’s going on with his nephew, so he doesn’t recognize a rather dangerous character who walks into his life after his hearing goes. I’m not sure if I’ll ever have him realize it either.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still in the early stage with this, so I’ll get back to you on that.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The work does not end when you sign the contract.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I was once told: “Writing is a social sport.” Being an introvert and a writer, I thought the person was joking. Once I signed my first contract, I realized what they meant. You can write alone, but the game isn’t played alone. The author is one position in the whole process.

What are you reading now?
My reading list is currently over 100 articles ranging from forensic trauma to biomechanical engineering thanks to my PhD. However, when I get a chance, my current pleasure read is HOLLOW CITY by Ransom Riggs. I’m hoping to get to the third book in the series before the end of the year.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Besides continuing the Warlock of Rochester series, I’m dedicated to finding a home (agent or editor) for my adult military science fiction so a lot of querying and pitch contests.

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) Cyrus the Great by Geroges de Scudery

It’s the longest book as far as I’m aware, so lots of kindling for signal fires and warmth.

2) How to Survive on a Desert Island by Tim O’Shei
3) Edible Leaves of the Tropics by F.W. Martin and R.M. Ruberte

Author Websites and Profiles
Eli Celata Website
Eli Celata Amazon Profile
Eli Celata Author Profile on Smashwords

Eli Celata’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 ex-professional sportswriter turned law firm partner. I know .. not your everyday career path, right? I also am a member of the D28 Speakers Bureau for Toastmasters International. One of my passions is training other people how to be great speakers on stage.

I have written 2 books. The first one I co-authored on Michigan football’s 1997 national championships run. The second one you will read about just below.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It is called Wow Your Clients: How to land clients and build long-lasting relationships.

What inspired it?
No. 1, I wanted to tell my personal story of overcoming being blackballed by my fraternity at age 19.
No. 2, I have brought in over a million dollars of business to my law firm. What I realized is that colleges and professionals schools teach you the basics of how to do your job. What they don’t teach you is how to bring in business.
I wanted to give other professionals the playbook to bring in business.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I just attack the page. Some days there is genius. Other days it sucks.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Mitch Albom.
John Irving
Anything by Steven Pressfield.

What are you working on now?
I am out promoting my new book, since it came out in the beginning of December.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method is actually in person. I do a lot of speaking engagements, and visit other toastmasters groups.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t obsess if your book is not an overnight sensation. The martian wasn’t either. Your book is a vehicle. Look for the long haul.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Hard work beats talent every time.

What are you reading now?
Published, by Chandler Bolt.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am already working on my second book on public speaking. It will involve the art of storytelling, how to grab an audience’s attention in the first seven seconds, and how to close.

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?
Herman Wouk, The Winds of War
Steven Pressfield, The War of Art
Long books

Author Websites and Profiles
Bob Abramson Website
Bob Abramson Amazon Profile

Bob Abramson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

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

The first one is Rubaisha (fiction), the second one is an anthology of poems – Ruby Drops. This book is a story of a battle against depression. Entire proceeding from this book goes towards charity for improving mental health

The third on True Love? is accepted by a publishing house and is awaiting publication. This is a murder mystery.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
True Love? is inspired by a dream. It was beautiful and deadly. A scene prompted the novel.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I eat a lot while writing

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Dan Brown and G.R.R Martin

What are you working on now?
The latest one is full-length novel – Heir. It is an erotica. Ha ha ha … my partner loves erotica. Started narrating him one, and then it developed into a novel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Use Twitter, FB, few paid services. have my blog too

What are you reading now?
Century Trilogy

What’s next for you as a writer?
3rd installment of Time Trilogy

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Can’t say, maybe die of confusion

Author Websites and Profiles
Naseha Sameen Website
Naseha Sameen Amazon Profile

Naseha Sameen’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 simple Indiana girl who has loved reading and writing her whole life. From a very young age, I was saying that I wanted to be a published writer. I firmly believed that if you were writing, then you were already a writer! I moved to the Washington, DC area many moons ago, but while you can take the girl out of Indiana, it’s true that you cannot take Indiana out of the girl. I will order a steak over salad any day, basketball is my religion, and Larry Bird is still my God! LOL

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is the poetry collection, “Bitter: A Selection of Sour Love Poems.” Actually, my fans inspired it. My first book, “SOUR,” had such a wonderful reception, reaching #13 on Amazon’s bestseller list of poetry books written by women. I had several readers say they wanted another book, and even gave me ideas for the next title, one of which I used!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, when I am writing a novel, and sometimes even with short stories, I write the ending first. I always seem to know exactly where I want my characters to end up, but I don’t always know exactly how they will get there.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a huge fan of Gail Godwin. I read “Father Melancholy’s Daughter” in my early 20’s, and it so moved me that I drove an hour at 3 am to get to my father, just to see him and make sure he was okay.

As far as poets, I love the old romantics . . . Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, Alexander Pope. Earlier this year, I was in Bauman’s Rare Books in Law Vegas and found a complete collection of Pope’s work, signed by him. I am not to proud to admit that I had a moment. I actually wept. God bless the store employee for realizing that I just needed to be alone with the book.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on three projects. Yes, three! Another poetry collection, hopefully available in December; a long, involved historical romance novel, the research on which has proved to be a nightmare; and a children’s book. I am most excited about the children’s book!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t figured that out yet! Marketing is a slippery little devil. I am loving the Awesomegang website though!!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t wait!! If you want to be a writer, DO IT! I waited a loooooooong time to publish because I was afraid that someone would say that I sucked as a writer. I was held captive by my fear. Now I realize that there will always be people who don’t like your work, but there will also always be people who love it!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you are going to say something, say it well.
And, however you may write is the “correct” way to write. That made me feel so much better about always writing my ending first. LOL

What are you reading now?
Oh goodness . . . a trashy romance novel!! I read a lot of writing industry books -writing better, how to market, etc., as well as general self-help books- eating better, yoga for stress relief, etc., so when I read for fun, I like it to be really fun!!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have recently decided to give up my paralegal career and focus full-time on my writing. A daunting prospect to be sure, but it is time. Life is short and I want to spend the rest of it actually living my dream of being a writer.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
OH MY! A poetry collection that has all my favorite classics, first and foremost. And a Bible, to look up verses to help me not give up hope of being rescued!

Author Websites and Profiles
Amanda Valerie Judd Website
Amanda Valerie Judd Amazon Profile

Amanda Valerie Judd’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Writing is my passion, my way of expressing my innermost thoughts and feelings. I have a diploma in Freelance Writing, and have been writing for 18 years. My very first book, ‘Poetry of Tomorrow’, was published in 2007. In addition to poetry, I write stories, novels as well as lyrics. So far, I have written 10 books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is entitled, ‘A Poem for Every Emotion’. I guess you can say that I wanted to cover every topic or subject in this book, and more to come.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I can be doing usual activities and that’s when a poem will come in my head at the most oddest times.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I really love Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Robert Frost, Angela Hansberry and many more authors that are contemporary.

What are you working on now?
Write now I’m working on a couple of projects. I’m working on a few novels, and some poetry books.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, so far my best method or website for promoting my books that I’ve used so far is: allpoetry.com, twitter.com, youtube.com, and perhaps book signings.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Well, my honest advice is to make sure you have a message to give when you write and that you are passionate about your work, and that you just have to share it with the world. With that mindset, you’ll be able to publish, and publish and just keep on writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard was not to let bad reviews stop me from writing.

What are you reading now?
Write now I’m in the process of reading Aesop’s Fables, because I love reading the classic short stories.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, I’ve always wanted to be a lyric writer, and I’ve always wanted to be a screenplay writer, so that’s a definite possibility.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Well, the 1st book I’d bring would definitely be the ‘Bible’. The 2nd book I’d bring with me would be a book of classic poetry. The 3rd book would definitely be ‘Romeo and Juliet’. It’s such a classic. And the 4th book would probably be ‘He loves Me Not’ by Christine Kersey.

Author Websites and Profiles
Tiffany Peppers Amazon Profile

Tiffany Peppers’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been creatively writing since childhood. I have written 6 novels as an adult (working on 7) along with a collection of short stories and a children’s book. I have only just begun to publish.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Unreconstructed-A Story of the Old West is my newest release. I have always wanted to write a Post-Civil War Western, and one day I sat down with a pad and started it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really; occasionally I will write in my barn, or on the front porch, or on break at work. You can take a notepad anywhere.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Bernard Cornwell, Ian Fleming, Tom Clancy, Jeff Shaara, Elmore Leonard…to name just a few.

What are you working on now?
A World War Two Spy Thriller, part of the Fortner Family Saga.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still learning what works…

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write! Write what you know,and what entertains you and your family.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When my wife told me to self publish on Amazon after 8 years of rejection letters from New York agents.

What are you reading now?
Wool, by Hugh Howey

What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep on with what I am doing, and see where it goes.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, A James Bond book, Patriot Games by Tom Clancy, and my own books on a kindle!

Author Websites and Profiles
C.G. Faulkner Website
C.G. Faulkner Amazon Profile

C.G. Faulkner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written dozens of books in various genres. My kids’ books include THAT’S RUDE, JUDE!, IMAGINE NATHAN ON SUPERMARKET SAFARI, BALLOONZEE: BLUE, NO CLUE, BALLOONZEE, LET’S GO FLOATIN’, and the novel for middle readers, SANTA AND ME, all available in paperback and for Kindle. My fiction and nonfiction books cover a variety of subjects and sub-genres, including history, comedy, romances in various sub-genres, and much, much more.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Why oh Why? My oh My!: Lessons of Humility, Gratitude, and Positivity for Kids and Their Parents was inspired by my own experiences. I had the right window of time to create it, and an unfortunate family experience which inspired it at just the right moment.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wrote over a million words a year.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Gabriel Garcia-Marquez and Peter Ustinov are my favorite writers, though in general I prefer books to authors: JAWS, THE GODFATHER, THE EXORCIST, BONFIRE OF THE VANITIES, IN COLD BLOOD are the singular masterpieces of their creators.

What are you working on now?
Just edited DUDLEY THE BRAVE, the release of a kids’ classic, and will be producing the animated special in 2017. I’m currently co-writing the memoirs of DUDLEY creator, Kate Doster.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you feel that you must, do it to the utmost of your ability.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My father once wrote: “Sam was a good friend. Whenever I asked him for advice, he didn’t give me any.”

What are you reading now?
BLACK PROJECTS by Ron Shinkman

What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing. Two more DUDLEY AND FRIENDS book in 2017, which I will be illustrating, and the animated special.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
THE BIBLE, THE ART OF WAR and probably something like HOW TO SURVIVE ON A DESERT ISLAND

Author Websites and Profiles
Fletcher Rhoden Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I moved from Australia to the South of Spain, where I live with my husband and two cats beside the sea. Aside from writing, I enjoy painting and photography, almost anything that happened in the 80’s, and hope in the near future to be able to focus on writing and illustrating children’s books, branch out into sci-fi, study architecture, genetics, physics, psychology, massage therapy (again), with a hopeful move from that into physiotherapy (maybe), and really just keep learning as much as I can.
I’ve written several books in the past, but it’s only recently that I’ve started looking at being an author as a career. The Carnival Keepers is my first published novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Carnival Keepers. It was inspired by a suggestion that I enter a penny dreadful manuscript for an e-zine through a publishing company in 2015. The submission was for 20-30 thousand words, so that’s why there are three parts to the story. I got ambitions and decided that if my first submission was accepted I could try for a regular spot on the e-zine. And even though the e-zine idea never came to fruition, I’m glad I kept going. I’m definitely kind of proud of it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I used to smoke a lot while I wrote, coupled half the time with wine or coffee. However I no longer smoke, or drink coffee. Wine… When I start writing I find it hard to stop. It almost takes over my whole life, and sometimes I’m a bit of a jerk. I’ll be so involved in what I’m writing that I forget what’s going on around me. It becomes an obsession, and sometimes I’ll wake up at ridiculous hours of the morning because I have to get down a piece of writing that I came up with in my sleep. That’s actually how chapter on happened. I felt like I was lying in the middle of a filthy Victorian backstreet, in the early hours of the morning (which it was) watching the whole scene play out. It played over and over again in my head till I finally got up and wrote it down.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors who I love and have influenced me are; William Hope Hodgson (The House on the Borderland changed my life), Walter Moers, P. G. Wodehouse (especially love his writing style), Alastair Reynolds, China Miéville, Anne Bishop, Cecilia Dart-Thornton, Kate Forsyth, Robert E. Howard, Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, Verity Roth, Paris Singer, Edgar Wallace (his book, Angel of Terror is a cracking good read), J.D. Salinger, to name just a few.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the sequel to The Carnival Keepers. It’s called Murder at the Scrambling Dragon. I like to write books in a setting I am relatively unfamiliar with, because I love to research. So with this new book, I’m heading into yet more unfamiliar territory, with a hopefully oriental twist to the adventure.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning my way around this rocky terrain. There are so many places out there promising “stuff”, but at the end of the day it’s all down to trial and error. It’s not only the places to promote, but there seem to be certain times that are better than others to promote your work. So far, I’ve done well with bkinghts on fiverr, bargainbooksy, The New Kindle Book Review is a good one. I like The Book Hippo, too.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you love it, don’t stop. Not even when you get your first bad review, or a rejection from a publisher or an agent (because believe me there will be many of those). It’s nothing personal. You just have to keep going and make yourself heard. And read. Read as much as you can. It helps so much when it comes to developing your own style.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Same as the advice I gave for new authors.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading The High Mountains of Portugal, by Yann Martel.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish The Carnival Keepers Trilogy, I’d really like to get into some sci-fi ideas I have floating around in my head. I’m also still working on writing and illustrating children’s books, but that’s probably going to be a lot further down the track when it comes to getting it 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 House on the Borderland, by William Hope Hodgson; The Catcher in the Rye, by J. D. Salinger; The Skull Collector, by Paris Singer; The Prince, by Niccolo Machiavelli.

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

Amber Gulley’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
J K Winn has many stories to share. After years of working in the “real” world, including a job teaching college, working with the Indian Health Service, performing evaluations for the New Mexican courts, and even a stint on a hospital dialysis unit, she decided to reinvent herself in mid-life and pursue her love of story.

She has three published novels, a play produced by the Actor’s Alliance Festival in San Diego, poetry anthologized in, For the Love of Writing, by the San Diego Writer’s Workshop and a play, Gotcha!, selected for a reading at the Village Arts Theater in Carlsbad, California, May 2012

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Spirit Seekers was inspired by my stint as a social worker on a Pueblo in New Mexico. Being exposed to rituals and cultural phenomena few outsiders are, I felt compelled to share what I learned through story with others. Hope you enjoy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not one of those writers who works all day long. I have to exercise in the morning in order to make sure I have the strength and stamina to sit by the computer the remainder of the day.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many it’s hard to say, but for this series, The Spirit Series, I was primarily influenced by Tony Hillerman. His books on Navajo culture and mystery are fascinating to me. Although my subject matter is unique from his, Pueblo culture, there is an overlap in location and the fact my books are mysteries, too.

What are you working on now?
I am researching my next subject, a tragedy that takes place in the middle east. The working title is The Wall. Stay tuned for more.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Persistence is the name of the game for new writers. Don’t let anything or anyone discourage you.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading Slammerkin by Emma Donogue and The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Please see what I wrote about my next project above.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The ones I’m reading now along with One Hundred Years of Solitude, The Master and Margarita, anything by Tony Hillerman and books with magic realism.

Author Websites and Profiles
J. K. Winn Website
J. K. Winn Amazon Profile

J. K. Winn’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Am awaiting publication of my 3rd novel (March, 2017: A Horde of Fools

Contrition, 2012, JournalStone Publ. (murder mystery, supernatural)
Promise of the Black Monks, 2016, Argus Publ. (historical fiction, Dark Ages, 1st novel in a series of 5)
Hammer of God, 2016, Argus Publ. (book#2 in the series/see above”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hammer of God, October 2016
This is book #2 in the Dark Ages Saga of Tristan de Saint-Germain (5 book series).
Sequel to Promise of the Black Monks, it’s the tale of Tristan de Saint-Germain as he is ordained a Benedictine monk, enters service in the Benedictine Underground (Papal spy network) and works to
instigate and launch the First Holy Crusade on behalf of Pope Urban II.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write all night long (10:00 PM until 6:00 AM). Not sure what the moon does to me, but night inspires my imagination for some reason… perhaps it’s the solitude… or the mystery.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I personally love the classics, written by Victor Hugo, Charles Dickens, Alexander Dumas, etc…
The character hold more depth, as do the plots and sub-plots. They cause the reader to become more involved.

What are you working on now?
I am working on book #3 (final edits on A Horde of Fools) of my current series. It chronicles the Peasants’ Crusade as the fanatic evangelist, Peter the Hermit, leads 30,000 peasants on a march from France to battle the Turks and recapture Jerusalem from the hammer of Islam.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use my website, of course, but facebook is actually more effective. I have over 6,000 friends and do frequent inserts about writing, my novels, sales, etc…

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you have thoughts of making money, stow them.
If you have hopes of being famous, stow them.
If you have hopes of getting your first book published… never give up. It happens… all the time!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Writing is pure WORK!

What are you reading now?
Historical books about the First Holy Crusade

What’s next for you as a writer?
Book #4 in my series, entitled God’s Scarlet Fury. It’s about the actual military, sanctioned crusade fought by French, German and Italian crusaders on behalf of Pope Urban II. They were a greedy, violent lot, interested in conquest and plunder as much as in God.

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?
Les Miserables
A Tale of Two Cities
Oliver Twist
The Man in the Iron Mask

Author Websites and Profiles
Robert Hirsch Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a born-again Christian and this really helps guide me in life and helps give me peace, especially during stressful times. I graduated from Liberty University in 2016 with a major in Business Administration: Economics and minored in Public Administration. Also, I am currently enrolled in the Master of Business Administration: Leadership program. I also serve on a locally appointed board and I really enjoy giving back to the community that welcomed me when I moved. I have written only three eBooks but greatly enjoyed writing each and every one of them! I look forward to writing more in the near future!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest eBook is called Truth and the U.S. Constitution: Part I and one of the biggest inspirations behind it was the desire to answer where, when, why, and how. For example, laws are based on truth, but what is truth? Why did the Founding Fathers choose Christianity as the basis of morality in the United States? I really enjoyed researching this topic and as I read, I realized that I really wanted to share some of my findings with anyone who would listen – or read!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write best when I am reclining! It is a somewhat unusual habit but I find it much easier and much more enjoyable to write while relaxing, perhaps with a great snack or beverage!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Bible, David Barton, and Ayn Rand all inspired me, largely because the way they shared their main points. They all have an excellent way of sharing their opinions without being polarizing while simultaneously providing great support for their conclusions or telling a story. I really enjoy reading convincing arguments and all of the above provide well-supported arguments or stories.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the sequel to my latest book and this second part will be called Truth and the U.S. Constitution: Part II. This eBook will evaluate how truth has impacted political ideologies and political parties in the United States and I am very excited to release it when it is ready!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still trying to figure out which method works best for my eBooks but social media seems to be very promising. More specifically, I find Facebook works best for my specific target audience but time will ultimately tell.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never quit and never give up. If writing is your dream, go pursue it; if you want it bad enough, with faith and prayer you can accomplish anything!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My parents always taught me to commit everything to prayer. I have found this to be so helpful in so many situations, whether it be school, work, or anything else.

What are you reading now?
I just finished a book on leadership and found it to be very interesting. Leadership is actually a very interesting concept, especially when evaluating which type of leadership produces the best results.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully, I will be blessed with an Amazon bestseller and continue to expand my network and brand. As my brand grows, I hope to write more niche-style eBooks about American government.

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, Atlas Shrugged, How to Win Friends and Influence People, and The Power of Positive Thinking!

Author Websites and Profiles
John Beaman Website
John Beaman Amazon Profile

John Beaman’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account