Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Following a successful career as a business consultant and motivational speaker I had the opportunity to indulge my life-long love of horses as a trainer, breeder, judge, and expert witness. Transitioning from speaking to a thousand people at a time to cleaning stalls, with no one watching but the horse who lived in it, was hugely satisfying.

I know, most people might find it anticlimactic or lonely – but I loved it. It was complete and immediate immersion into all things horse. My husband and I worked in two different states for almost two years, so I spent all my time and energy with horses and people who lived the life.

My first customer got a great deal, “If you don’t like the result, you don’t have to pay me.” He paid me. Years later I had my pick of great horses and World and National Championships as a trainer and breeder. Stallions were one of my specialties. They taught me simplicity and how to earn attention and respect.

When my husband retired, I sold my large training facility in Arizona and we moved to Texas to downsize. The only thing we downsized was our staff. We no longer had any. We bred AQHA cutting and reining prospects, raised our own hay, had a small cow-calf operation, and I continued training. Those were delightful, challenging years of growth and discovery.

God wastes nothing. Somehow, my daily training notes from working with two gray quarter horses became a book, “Amazing Grays, Amazing Grace.” The book became a ministry and the first of a three-book series. Seven years later the equine-related ministry corporation was dissolved. Board members needed a break.

The transition from entrepreneur to ministry built new habits and norms. In 2017 I changed from full-time ministry to serving in a new capacity. I write, teach, coach, and do all I can to help others find simplicity and security in relationships and faith.

As a Christian author, I write for horse lovers and readers looking for answers in a complex and changing world. The basics are the same. The truth is the truth. What works, works.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Art of Getting to YES – How Using Questions Correctly Inspires Action, Agreement, and Connection with Anyone” is my latest release. Understanding and skillfully using the 4 Types of Questions enhances communication, success, and relationships. Misunderstandings and manipulation damage relationships, whether professional, personal, or with a horse! Every seminar or clinic includes a section of the 4 Types of Questions. Feedback from students or audiences made it clear that the information was new and powerful. My job is to help others, so I wrote the book. It’s a short read and free for everyone on Amazon and other online outlets.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m an impulse writer. There’s usually a catalyst that triggers sessions. Some days there’s one inspiration, other days bring a deluge of things I am compelled to write.

Becoming an author was a surprise to me, so I still write in longhand. I have a stack of black spiral-bound notebooks full of material. Notes. Essays. Chapters. Ah-ha moments. Self-slaps on the back of my head… The pile is almost three feet high, and I finally organized them by date into plastic boxes to contain the clutter.

Keeping track of documents on the computer is a daunting task. Eventually I learned how to compose directly into a word processor, but still write in longhand almost every morning.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many, both great and not-so-great. The Bible is my main reference, and I’m a fan of C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, and Oswald Chambers. As a non-fiction writer I do lots of research. So, most of my reading falls into the work category. Mysteries and legal who-dunnits are my favorite indulgent reads.

My bookshelf includes a variety of books, ranging from “Communism in Harlem During the Depression” to “Creatures of the Same God” about the spirituality of animals on the non-fiction shelves. Other books range from “The 2548 Best Things Anybody Ever Said” to a Tami Hoag novel I picked up yesterday.

Jerry Jenkins is a gifted author and editor. I continue to learn a lot from him about what to do and what not to do. For years I licensed my books to the ministry. They were used more offline than online, and the ministry had a policy of no marketing or promotion. When I became an independent author in late 2016, I immersed myself in book marketing, editing, and communicating with readers. The result? New covers, and new edits of my older titles.

What are you working on now?
I’m always working on multiple titles. At the moment I have active manuscripts including lessons in investing scarce resources of time, energy, passion, and finances, a compilation of heart-warming true horse stories, and one for people who survived abusive, absent, or apathetic fathers and how relationship with God can bring meaning and healing to their lives.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Book marketing will always be a work in progress. Because my genres aren’t wildly popular to mass audiences, I have to lead people to the books, not expect the books to find readers.

Leadership, relationship, and success are big sellers. But most folks want a silver bullet or instant happy pill. My books deliver content, illustration, and what to do to reach your goals. But there’s never a suggestion that it’s easy or happens overnight. It’s simple. But simple and easy aren’t synonymous. And, I always mention God.

Blogging, personal appearances, and doing whatever I can to offer valuable content to readers works the best. Facebook is important. I have several groups and work on relationship first, and book marketing somewhere down the list of priorities.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The first question I ask new authors is to describe their goal, and why they write. The path forward is wildly different if you’re writing for profit, indulging a passion, or just want to get a book onto Amazon.

Is the book a tool for an existing business or a work of the heart? The goal determines the next step and the one after that.

Few new authors realize that book marketing delivering the greatest profit begins before they write the book. I didn’t know that for years. Now I test ideas and concepts before committing time and effort. I also test titles and book covers through an independent survey site. Most authors are too close to their work to be objective. Including me.

The most important four-letter word for authors is EDIT. My greatest fear as an author isn’t poor sales, but typos.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Invest resources, don’t just spend them. Identify your goal and only take steps that get you closer to it. Don’t waste time and money on detours that seem good at the time. Know your goal. Stay focused. Resist temptation.

Another great observation is that you can only make a first impression once. As I mentioned in a previous answer, the most important four-letter word for authors in EDIT.

What are you reading now?
These are some of the books open now:

Influence by Robert Cialdini
Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton (again.)
Internet Business insights by Naish and Flogging
Coinman by Pawan Mishra
Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Chocolate Kiss of Death by Lily York

A favorite novel I have to mention. Funny. Fast. – “Louisiana Longshot” by Jana Deleon (it’s permafree)

What’s next for you as a writer?
The most important item on my to-do list is connecting with people and offering valuable content. I’m adding video, new articles, and continuing to slog through book marketing opportunities.

Balance is important to everyone. Authors need to be readers. Teachers need to be students. Speakers need to be listeners. And coaches need to be coached.

Writing is an important part of my life, but it isn’t all of it. The continuing quest for balance is the gift, the opportunity, and the challenge.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible.
The Complete Works of Oswald Chambers.
The three title box set of novels by Francine Rivers, “Mark of the Lion.”

Author Websites and Profiles
Lynn Baber Website
Lynn Baber Amazon Profile
Lynn Baber Author Profile on Smashwords

Lynn Baber’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am full-fledged horror and heavy metal junkie. Growing up in the 80’s exposed me to lots of great horror movies and hair metal bands. As I have approached middle-age, my tastes have become darker. Norwegian Black Metal and extreme horror novels are what I spend my waking hours with. Oh, and I love eating pizza!

I have written twelve books across several different series. Too many interests pull at my attention, so I have a supernatural series (Son of Earp), an occult series (Gushers), a psychological series (Debt Collector) and of course, a zombie series (Zombie Lockup).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is Caged 3 of the Zombie Lockup series.

The only reason I began this series was so I could be included in Jay Wilburn’s Summer of Zombie Blog Tour. I had so much fun following prior tours and I wanted to be part of the energy.

The story came to me as I thought about the worst places to encounter zombies. I dread tight spaces and the idea of being trapped inside a prison with zombies on the loose made me wish I had never thought of the idea. But I did. And so I had to explore the horrific possibilities through my story. Luckily, Jay Wilburn liked the books and allowed me to join the Summer of Zombie Blog Tour.

Bucket list checked!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t consider my writing habits to be unusual. But I do have specific requirements. I have to wear one of my favorite black tee shirts (pick a metal band) and drink coffee. I also have to listen to Black Metal for mood. If these requirements are not met then I usually throw a fit like Van Halen did about brown M&Ms. My wife gets mad though because I trash our dining room. She can be difficult that way.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Like many horror authors, I grew up on a steady diet of Stephen King, H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe. Then I discovered Brian Keene and Edward Lee. I don’t think I have found a book by any of these authors that I didn’t enjoy. Favorites include IT (Stephen King), Girl on a Glider (Brian Keene) and Header (Edward Lee).

These days, I really enjoy the work of Tim Meyer, Hunter Shea, J. Thorn and Dan Padavona. They are all wonderful wordsmiths and I pretty much buy anything they put out. Yup. That good.

I absolutely worship Armand Rosamilia’s work because of his distinct voice. ALL OF HIS BOOKS! And Jay Wilburn is a master storyteller. He knows how to suck you into a tale using off-beat characters and interesting settings.

Frank Elder is another author I enjoy. His bizarre twist on comedic horror is fun and light. He is a very funny guy.

What are you working on now?
I am currently inundated with projects. I am working on the final act of my Gushers trilogy, writing Caged 4 and 5, outlining the fourth book in my Son of Earp series and I have a few short stories in the works for several anthologies I was invited to join.

There is another super-secret collaboration in the works with a bunch of terrific authors. I want to share the news because I am so excited about it. But the other authors threatened to hunt me down and kill me if I revealed it. So…we all have to wait for the book to hit the shelves.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
You know, I haven’t spent much time digging into the data on questions like this. I probably should.

I like to offer autographed paperbacks on Goodreads Giveaways. Sometimes, I run freebies on Facebook or Twitter.

The best way to promote my work is to attend live events. I do really well at conventions and book signings. I connect with readers in person. On the internet, I get lost among all the other authors. Oddly enough, I sell the most books at micro-breweries when I can hang out and drink beer with the readers and talk about metal. Something magical happens when you get drunk with folks and then share pictures of your mullet from high school. WHAM! Instant sales.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep going. Don’t stop. Each day brings new challenges. Every sentence inspires more words and ideas. The worst thing a writer can do is wait for inspiration. A continuous habit of writing is needed to sharpen your art and build muscle. And expect bad days. There are days when the words are choppy, like swallowing broken glass. Push through it and the flow will return.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever gotten came from my mentor, Armand Rosamilia. He didn’t know he was my mentor until recently. For years, I just stalked him and asked lots of questions. But he told me…don’t try to be someone else. Keep writing and putting your words in front of people. I spent years worried about how my work would be received. I tried too hard to be Stephen King or Edward Lee. Being yourself, writing in your own voice and being honest with your craft are the most powerful lessons he taught me. There was lots of yelling (on his part) and crying (on my part). But I am a better writer now.

What are you reading now?
I am reading The Beast of Boggy Creek by Lyle Blackburn. I became obsessed with Bigfoot as a child with the television show In Search of… Lyle’s work is extensive in the realm of cryptids. He really knows his topic and has spent a lifetime researching it.

On the fiction front, I am reading Bone Chimes by Kristopher Rufty. I find his books to be the closest thing to an 80’s horror flick to me. Somewhat nostalgic, I know. Extremely enjoyable, nonetheless!

What’s next for you as a writer?
The next thing for me as a writer is getting into Oprah’s Book Club. She would love my stories, I know it. If only she would respond to my letters. And texts. And phone calls. And the singing messenger I sent to Chicago.

Seriously, I just want to continue to hone my craft and reach more readers. It has been a thrilling ride thus far. I have met so many great people and made new friendships. I love, love, love when readers tell me how much they enjoyed my story. That is priceless. I’m living the dream!

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 difficult question because there are so many awesome choices. My selections would probably throw people for a loop. Here goes.

On the Road by Jack Kerouac
Shogun by James Clavell
The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell
IT by Stephen King

Author Websites and Profiles
Chuck Buda Website
Chuck Buda Amazon Profile

Chuck Buda’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m the bestselling and award-winning author of 19 multicultural/multilingual books and more than 50 ebook titles (reviews by Kirkus, School Library Journal, The Horn Book blog, ForeWord Reviews). Raised in San Jose, CA, he has a B.A. in journalism from BYU, an M.A. in international relations from APU, and a broadcast & film certificate from Film A. Academy. Since 2004 he has run Premio Publishing. His survival western, To Swallow the Earth won a 2016 International Book Award. A college media instructor, Beckstrand has presented to Taiwan’s Global Leadership for Youth, city and state governments, festivals, and schools. Beckstrand’s nationally lauded Y.A. stories, e-book mysteries, ESL/ELL Spanish/bilingual books, nonfiction, and wordless books feature ethnically diverse characters—and usually end with a twist. His work has appeared in: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Border’s Books, Costco, Deseret Book, iBooks, The Children’s Miracle Network, LDS Film Festival, the U.S. Congressional Record, Papercrafts Magazine, and various broadcasts. FB, Twitter, http://KarlBeckstrand.com, http://PremioBooks.com

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Bridge of the Golden Wood: A Parable on How to Earn a Living. I wrote this after seeing a lack of kids’ curriculum on how money is made—how to earn a living. I used to be a recruiter in Silicon Valley; today’s graduates don’t seem as prepared for work as their parents. Many young people don’t know that failure is normal and can nourish future success.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I research or write a little family history each day.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love history, so anything by David McCoullugh is ideal. Other authors I love: Tolkien, Harper Lee, C.S. Lewis, Clancy, Grisham, Shel Silverstein

What are you working on now?
Biographies of immigrant children

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Book promotion sites like Awesomegang

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write every day and join a writer’s group–but also, get out and travel (and not just to major cities).

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be wise

What are you reading now?
Major Problems in American Colonial History

What’s next for you as a writer?
Larger biographies and more bilingual books

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Scriptures, the complete works of Shakespeare, and a compilation of historic figures’ biographies

Author Websites and Profiles
Karl Beckstrand Website
Karl Beckstrand Amazon Profile
Karl Beckstrand Author Profile on Smashwords

Karl Beckstrand’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Cendrine Marrouat and I have lived in Winnipeg, Canada since 2003. I was born and raised in France.

I am a photographer specializing in black & white, nature, and closeup images. I also work as a French instructor, content creator, and social media trainer.

So far, I have authored 10 books (poetry, social media, and photography) and a spoken word CD. I also wrote two plays several years ago.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Life’s Little Things: The Quotes” is a collection of photography with a twist. Each photo is paired with inspirational words.

Like with every other book I have released, I was inspired by what I see around me. I wanted encourage people to reconnect with themselves, think more positively, slow down their physical pace, and find their inner rhythm.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I work in fits and spurts of inspiration because of my slowness. Writer’s block is also my daily companion. I am used to it, though. So I take advantage of any opportunity I have.

Also, unlike many, I cannot start writing without having a specific title in mind.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Definitely Khalil Gibran! All his books have influenced me one way or the other. “The Prophet” saved my life.

What are you working on now?
The promotion of “Life’s Little Things: The Quotes.” It is a full-time job!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best platform is Twitter. I use the social network to connect with fellow authors and readers, as well as to conduct research.

Twitter has a fantastic internal search engine that you can use to find anything you need in the Twittersphere.

The best method to promote my books? A tailored strategy.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Nothing that has not been said over and over already.

Be self-confident. Have a strategy in place. Build relationships with people and treat them like human beings.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Let your actions speak louder than your words.

What are you reading now?
“This Indian Country” by Frederick Hoxie. It’s a scholarly-like account of what some of the major American Indian activists did to fight the colonialist (and destructive) stance of the US government during the 19th and 20th centuries.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am not sure yet. Right now, I am too busy with marketing my book to think of new projects.

The only thing I know is that I will continue blogging and crafting content for clients.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would bring some of Khalil Gibran’s books: “The Prophet,” “The Garden of the Prophet,” and “Jesus, the Son of Man.”

Author Websites and Profiles
Cendrine Marrouat Website
Cendrine Marrouat Amazon Profile

Cendrine Marrouat’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My experiences in the military and my undergraduate degree in political science gave me the knowledge to write my first book, the military action adventure, “Execution of Justice”.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Execution of Justice” is my first published book. I have always struggled with the source of one’s identity. So many conflicting forces act on a person from within and without. That inspired me to create John Drake, a deeply complex protagonist struggling to discover himself under conditions of extreme distress.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always begin writing at the exact moment I’m supposed to be going to sleep. I think ideas bounce around my head all day and I can’t fall asleep until I get them typed.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Pat Conroy for his eloquence, Kurt Vonnegut for his doubts about the existence of free will, Stephen King for his ability to maintain a slow pace while keeping the reader engaged, and Tom Clancy for his ability to bring multiple parallel story lines together at the exact right point.

What are you working on now?
I also have a Master’s degree in Chemistry, which gives me a lot of thoughts about genetic engineering. I’m working on a techno thriller, “Mortal Coil”, that explores an unintended global catastrophe brought on by Man’s hubris.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I must admit this is a weak point for me, but my strategy is to give away ebooks to as many bargain hunters as I can. I believe this will generate many Amazon reviews and boost my ranking. I think this group is filled with voracious readers who would not typically purchase a paperback at full retail, so I’m not losing any sales in return for a solid read on the marketability of my book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write quickly, with no regard for eloquence. Get the thoughts on paper. Then edit and reedit at least a dozen times. With each edit, remove as many clever adjectives as you can. Write a long draft, then trim much of it away. Let it sit for a while, then read it with a fresh mind and see if the story still has continuity.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It is better to follow your own heart and be wrong than to follow someone else’s and be right.

What are you reading now?
The Life of Pi – highly recommend

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next comes a couple years of working on “Mortal Coil”. This is complex subject matter and I haven’t the slightest idea what the third act will look like at this point.

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?
Since millions of people have studied the Bible for millennia and still haven’t found a consensus, I believe that one book would provide a lot of mileage. And the reality is I would want the other 3 to be on primitive survival skills. But I sure would miss Kurt Vonnegut.

Author Websites and Profiles
Patrick Dent Amazon Profile

Patrick Dent’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Kim is thirty four (born in 1983), and from London in the UK. She’s a mother to a beautiful toddler, and a proud author of six romantic suspense and thriller novels. Kim started her journey as a traditionally published author after she scored a publishing contract with a USA based publisher. She was over the moon! However, it became clear to Kim that things were not as she expected. Therefore, she set out on her own journey, she dived head first into the world of self-publishing and republished two of her fictional stories, and became a proud self-published author also. Something great was unleashed, she’ll never look back in regret.

As a reader she’s head over heels in love with romance, historical fiction, crime fiction, African- American, suspense and thriller genre books. At present Kim is writing a romantic thriller novel, and brainstorming steamy romance novella ideas. As a writer, Kim enjoys creating stories with a diverse and multi-cultural line up, within the romance, romantic suspense and general thriller and crime genres. When she’s not reading, or writing stories of her own her other passions include practising her French, fashion, make-up artistry, drawing, spending time at her sewing machine dressmaking, watching make –up and beauty tutorials on YouTube, letter writing and being a mum.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest two books out this July are Lover’s Retreat and The Suspenseful Collection.
Lover’s Retreat is the second book in my romance series. It’s a series of romantic, suspenseful, modern and steamy stories! All stand alone stories set in exotic locations around the world.

The inspiration for this series really came from having too many creative writing ideas. I was flicking through my notepad one day, and I thought why not put these ideas into a series? Then I thought they are too random, how can I make them link even though the stories are stand alone? A-ha! Paradise! That’s it change the location of the stories to a paradise location. Cuba, Sri Lanka, Greece for example. I’ve loved every moment of bringing these stories to life.

The second book out this month, The Suspenseful Collection is an anthology of eight stories. I wrote them with Didi Oviatt the suspense author from the USA. The twist is one of us started off the story, and the other has ended it. So one story with two writers! But our stories are seamless. No pre-planning or discussion before hand of how things should go. She’s my writing buddy. After blog followers requested second parts for stories we wrote, we took the challenge and then published our first anthology.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmm, I always listen to music when I write. It really inspires me. It could be soul and Motown, classical, hip hop anything goes. I’m also a bit of a night owl, I’m must creative between 9:00pm- 4:00am LOL. That said I am a mum, so these times are when the house is quiet and I can write. I’m also a big plotter, I like to outline my stories before I actually start to write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jackie Collins, OMG. She is the reason I write romantic suspense. When I was in my late teens I discovered her books , I have read them all! Also the British crime writer Martina Cole has really inspired me, I’ve read a lot of her books too.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on book #3 of my Romance Set in Paradise series. It’s set in Greece, with a more mature heroine. I’m also going to start work on the another anthology with Didi soon.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Good question. I’m still trying to work that one out. I do a lot of promotion via my own author site. www.kimknightauthor.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep going, be yourself and be true to you. Always use a good editor, not your mum or best friend someone distant who you can have a professional relationship with. Forget the haters! They will always be there, use them as motivation. Always write with your A-game, have heart.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s okay to feature a villain in a romance story!

What are you reading now?
A historical romance by Sara Ackerman.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To just keep going, and build a huge catalogue of work and hopefully readers to enjoy it.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
To Kill a Mocking Bird.
Jane Eyre.
Half a Yellow Sun/Americannah
A Jackie Collins… hard to know what one!

Author Websites and Profiles
Kim Knight Website
Kim Knight Amazon Profile
Kim Knight Author Profile on Smashwords

Kim Knight’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing ever since I was a little girl. For me, it was a way to get away, to create new worlds. The story I’ve begun to publish is an evolution of an enormous world that I’ve had growing in my head since I was young.
I’ve written many books for fun, but only one has been published at the moment. Several more are in the production/post production process now. The next book in the Chronicles of Everen series is set to be released in September.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first book is titled The Arena. I think the story came about through years of worldbuilding and coming up with stories about lots of characters in this same Chronicles of Everen universe. As a girl, my sister (also an author) and I would make up stories, a lot of them inspired by our favorite scifi television show at the time, Babylon 5. Now that I’m an adult, my husband and I have long conversations that start with the question of “What if…?” Those questions produced the story that is The Arena.
Book Two, Liberator, soon to be released, is a continuation of that character’s story where he is now a bounty hunter chasing down slavers and the galaxy’s scum.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure if it’s unusual per se but I tend to do a lot of plotting before I start. Then, once I get started, I can sometimes write ten-thousand words a day or so. I then make a point to read each chapter aloud to my husband at the end of the day which helps me hear mistakes and get feedback/ideas.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As mentioned before, Babylon 5, while it’s a television series, has been a huge influence in my life. I remember reading the books about the telepaths when I was younger and I think that had a lot of influence. My sister, also an author, is also a large influence.

What are you working on now?
I am finishing with the editing process with an editor for Chronicles of Everen Book Two, Liberator. My beta readers said it gave them a similar feeling to Firefly which makes me pretty happy. For those who like space pirates and bounty hunters, it’ll be a fun ride.

I also have an Urban Fantasy, The League of Acquisitioneers and the Bow of Chaos, in the works. I’ve gotten a lot of excitement about it already including an antique Japanese Tanuki statue someone gave me after hearing about a funny scene. It’s got a lot of ups and downs but definitely lots of humor mixed in.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook can be really handy if you can find the right groups. I’ve also gotten a lot of connections through Twitter by posting snippets and hashtag game responses.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Connect with someone and find a mentor right away.
Ask for constant critiques on your blurbs, cover art, and work. Don’t be offended if someone says something needs work. It’s a constant learning process. I get excited to hear tips from other authors.
There are some things you can get for free or through connections. There are some things that you really NEED professional help with. Get an editor. Pay for cover art. Have pride in your work. Some places let you do these things on barter but, again, ask around for critiques because your work is worth it to have the most polished version out there that you can produce.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get your second book out. Some new authors will be upset that their book isn’t selling right away. They ask what they can be doing. There are some things you can do, sure, but getting another book out is the best way to sell book one.

What are you reading now?
I’m finishing up an Alpha read for the next unpublished book of E.A. Copen’s awesome Judah Black novels. After I finish that, probably Dangerous Ways by R.R. Virdi.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to continue to build in both my Science Fiction and Urban Fantasy series for now. However, I do plan to integrate my knowledge from my anthropology degree with my writing experience to maybe write a book about using Anthropology to world build for science fiction and fantasy.

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 have a HUGE book of every Shakesphere play ever that I would definitely take. I might also take Vernor Vinge’s A Fire Upon the Deep, R.R. Virdi’s Grave Report Novels, and the Judah Black series, though I think all those equal more than 4.

Author Websites and Profiles
Santana Young Website
Santana Young Amazon Profile

Santana Young’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was raised on the rhythm of night trains rolling through a small farm town in Illinois. My husband and I live south of Atlanta with our daughters. We have two dogs, Ruger, the Great Great Dane, and a Toy Fox Terrier, Bailey. The girls have two Dwarf Lion Head bunnies, Olive and Jo-Jo Fry.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’ve just released the third book, Icara, in the series known as the Alison Hayes Journey. I wrote the first book in this series in a college creative writing class and spent the next twenty-five years editing it. It transformed over the years and when I finally decided it was ready I reached out for recommendations for a good editor and negotiated with her to work with me. I chose to self-publish because it gave me so much control, I was in charge of my covers and when I released my books. I also chose to self publish because I didn’t want to wait for a hundred “no”‘s to get to one “yes.” I gave myself a “yes.” The second book was inspired by the responses I was hearing from readers, and I relaized that like them, I wanted to know where Alison went from there. I wrote Purgus in 30 days, and it was an incredible, cathartic experience. I started work on Icara in February and after exceelent work with my editor, it was ready to joins it’s mates in June.

The overriding questions that walk through the series are: Who do you become when everyone around you has made all the wrong decisions? This is the question that Alison Hayes is asking herself through this first book, Intoxic, (released August, 2016). How do you become a person of quality? How do you stop being a have-not and become a have? How do you know what is right? We walk with Alison through her fifteenth year, a year that begins with her mother loosing yet another job, and the eminent loss of yet another live in father figure. The downward spiral escalates from there.

The second novel, Purgus, (released December 2016), steps right on the heels of Intoxic and Alison is released into the world to fend for herself. Her first year as an “adult” is confounded by missteps, by trying to make the right choice, but not fully understanding what that means. By the end of this book she has suffered heartbreak and has made a very mature choice pertaining to an unintended pregnancy. We walk with her through her heartache, through the small triumphs of the year, the beginning of her understanding that choices that will lead to a better life.

The third novel, Icara, (released June 2017), picks up a few days after the end of Purgus, and Alison is set to flee or fly, following a friend to California in hopes of building a better life. She is drawn into the a “big life” of a budding modeling career, and for a time she thinks she can trully escape the taint from her past. Ultimately, Alison’s past catches up to her and the broken shards of her soul spring forth. She finds a safe place to heal and grow and at the end of the novel there is hope, that Alison has finally come to terms with her life, and has matured to the point that she understands she must reckon with her past.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
i call myself a method writer. When I am writing I very much become my character, and it’s almost like some one else is showing me the story and I am simply transcribing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love to read, and read everything. Ken Follett’s epics are incredible. Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series in intricately detailed. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is mind blowing. I like a wide range of writers and styles and probably pull a little inspiration from everybody.

What are you working on now?
I just started a new series, the working title is the Dark Edge. I’ve got three book planned for it and am half-way through the first. There is more to come for the Alison Hayes Journey, but she needs to percolate for a while and mature a bit.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, Awesomegange.com, of course! I also have a full website, www.angiegallion.com, where I highlight and review othe indie and small press writers. I’ve active on social media and I love going to local libraries and book stores for author events and to meet readers, face to face.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t listen to the voice inside your head that says nobody wants to read what you want to write. We are always our worst critics.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s not about writing, but still the best advice ever is “Take responsibility for your choices, own them, learn from them, and if you owe somebody an apology, give it.”

What are you reading now?
I’m reading about a book a week write now, and and on my weekend off. I haven’t chosen my next read, but I have several. The one thing I can tell you, it will be indie or small press published.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing. I want to write more, I would love to fid the right literary agent to find my work a home with wider distribution. I love the independence of indie publishing, but I think Alison has a wider audience than I, alone am able to reach.

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?
Pillars of the Earth, East of Eden, Tess of the D’Urbervilles, and something about how to survive on a desert island.

Author Websites and Profiles
Angie Gallion Website
Angie Gallion Amazon Profile
Angie Gallion Author Profile on Smashwords

Angie Gallion’s Social Media Links
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a clinical psychologist who is devoted to the search for the “what if”. Possibilities intrigue me. My core blog is called cuspofreality.com because I don’t believe in a clearly defined reality. Yes, we often have to work on the concrete but have to leave ourselves open.

As to books, I’ve written in nonfiction and fiction. Nonfiction involved how to help forming stepfamilies, the nature of the failure of the mental health initiative called community mental health, and the utilization of Carl Jung’s personality system by authors to develop stories and characters. Now I’m focused on my special love of what might be with the Gaia’s Majesty Trilogy.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Gaia’s Majesty-Mission Called:Women in Power. It is the first book of the trilogy and was inspired by my love of mythology, the world crisis we have as we descend into a social and environmental period of great danger. And then there is the matter of my devotion to the empowerment of women.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
In a creative endeavor like writing fiction I find it hard to define unusual writing habits. We need to be who we are.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve never been good at making definitive lists because so many things influence our lives in so many different ways. The list of influence is long and varies depending upon the stage of my life.

What are you working on now?
The first book of my trilogy is published, the second is being massaged and the third has a rough draft. But then there is something insistent in my brain which may mean there is a book 4. I also feel the tug of writing stories particularly focused on the women warriors in the Andromeda. Each has formed up in solid form and they have lives I can feel. But that will be a little later.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Yikes in this age of noise I can’t say I see a single best method. We have to use a variety of approaches especially depending upon our product.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep the faith. That means you are drawn to a creative endeavor and we have to be firm in our commitment. Especially with the need to promote we have to be clear why we are in this. One option is to simply devote ourselves to the creative endeavor.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Help! About what? It all depends on where you are in your life and what you see in front of you. If anything it is ‘to your own self be true”.
We each have our own unique personality and it develops over our lifetime. We need to tend it and ourselves.

What are you reading now?
Just started Bill Browder’s book Red Notice. It reads like a novel but it’s about his life. I’m utterly intrigued.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The trilogy has to be finished and then I see if there is a book 4 and I want to write up the life stories of my precious Andromeda women.

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?
Since stranded suggests it was unplanned, I don’t think I get to say. I might end up meditating.

Author Websites and Profiles
Roger B. Burt Website
Roger B. Burt Amazon Profile

Roger B. Burt’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Shayne is a man of mystery and power, whose power is exceeded only by his mystery. In other words, a storyteller.

He currently writes the Nate Temple Supernatural Thriller Series, which features a foul-mouthed wizard with a chip on his shoulder trying to protect St. Louis from monsters, myths, and legends. Nate rides a bloodthirsty unicorn, drinks with Achilles, and is pals with Death…

He also writes the Feathers and Fire Series, featuring a rookie female wizard in Kansas City who works for the Vatican Shepherds, hunting monsters for them, even though she doesn’t attend service on Sundays. But her world turns upside down when she discovers that Hell knows more about her past than she does…

Shayne holds two high-ranking black belts and enjoys conversing about anything Marvel, Magical, or Mythological. You might find him writing in a coffee shop near you, cackling madly into his computer screen while pounding shots of espresso.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Unchained, book 1 in the Feathers and Fire Series. I’ve had a lot of fun writing about a snarky, arrogant, billionaire, male wizard named Nate Temple, so I wanted to write a story about a female wizard just coming into her powers that – although not as experienced – knows how to put boots, or heels, to ass, even one-upping my established male character at times. She’s fun, spunky, and pretty freaking dangerous. And she has a… Hellish past she is unaware of.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have an IV drip for my coffee, embedded directly into my cerebral cortex, and I mutter to myself while typing madly into the laptop, looking like a Frankenstein / Phantom of the Opera hybrid from behind, I imagine.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jim Butcher, Patrick Rothfuss, Terry Goodkind, Robert Jordan, and Linsey Hall.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the seventh (September 2017) and eighth (December 2017) installment of the Nate Temple Series, as well as the second book in the Feathers and Fire Series for October 2017.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I would probably say Facebook, but if you head over to http://www.shaynesilvers.com you can nab a free novella in my Nate Temple Series. Then again, you can do that on Facebook as well. I’m much more active on Facebook, as my readers like to share inappropriate memes, and in return, I feed them teasers of upcoming books – FOR FREE.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Work hard, love your words, and build a castle out of them. Never forget the readers. Your job is to show them characters they can relate to, and to show them that those characters overcome similar – or worse – problems than the reader faces in their own lives. Our books are motivation for them to overcome their problems, escape their drudgery, or to make them laugh when the world wants to make them cry. They are your family. Take care of them.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do what you love and the money will follow.

What are you reading now?
I haven’t had much time to read anything lately, other than rereading the Wheel of Time Series a few weeks ago, but I have a huge To Read list.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Make my readers cry, laugh, and fall in love with my stories. Empower them.

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?
Atlas Shrugged, Paradise Lost, The Name of the Wind, and Memory of Light.

Author Websites and Profiles
Shayne Silvers Website
Shayne Silvers Amazon Profile

Shayne Silvers’s Social Media Links
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Facebook Profile
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well hello there strangers…

I love books, travel and good food, and have been an avid reader my whole life. I enjoy reading and writing about strong, modern characters no matter what planet/era they are on/in.

My first series BECKONED: a steamy, second-chance romance inspired by food, travel and Jane Austen, is in the midst of being published. Books 1 & 2 are out and 3 & 4 will be published on 8/15/17 and 9/15/17 respectively.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
BECKONED was inspired by a “what if” scenario.

Sometimes you can look back at your life and pinpoint the exact moment when you made a choice that impacted your entire life. I was inspired to take the “other road” (the road I didn’t actually take) as a writing exercise, and that other road lead to BECKONED.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I know of, but don’t we all think whatever we do is normal? I know I do.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
SO MANY. Read my bio to see 30 of my favorite. http://avivavaughn.com/about

I adore Jane Austen and Orson Scott Card (his books, not his beliefs.)
I also love Edith Wharton, JK Rowling, Stephenie Meyer, Liane Moriarty, L.D. Cedergreen, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Ursala LeGuin….

Autobiography of a Yogi and Keys to Yourself have most influenced me personally.

What are you working on now?
Still tightening up BECKONED. Also have a science fiction and a Jane Austen prequel in the works.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m too new at this to say!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write daily

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write daily

What are you reading now?
China Rich Girlfriend by Kevin Kwan

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing daily

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
Emma
Key to Yourself
Guns, Germs and Steel

Author Websites and Profiles
Aviva Vaughn Website
Aviva Vaughn Amazon Profile

Aviva Vaughn’s Social Media Links
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Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a writer, actor and comedian. In 2007 I put together a humor chapbook called “From The Fridge To The Crackerjack Box.” It’s short “Shouts and Murmurs” type writing, only not as funny because I wrote it (see self-deprecation in the dictionary). It’s now available on Amazon. More recently, a few weeks ago, a book of poetry was released through Burning Flower Press on Amazon, many of the poems previously published, called “Butterflies Lost Within The Crooked Moonlight.” So I guess you could say two books that have been released to the public. But I probably have about fifteen other projects in transit.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Butterflies Lost Within The Crooked Moonlight.” Was I inspired by butterflies? Negative. Butterflies are alluring, don’t get me wrong. But, of course, they are used as a metaphor. I think beauty is drawn to darkness; even the most delicate and wondrous creatures attracted to mischief; and, of course, because of the brevity of time, we are all headed in a rather dire direction. A lot of the poems are about mortality and existential quandaries, mortal judgment, heavy themes but presented in a light, accessible fashion. Plus, there are funnier poems, lighter poems, quirky poems, lyric poems. I guess I get inspired by almost anything. I could write a poem about the universe or a paper clip. Both are equally valid subjects. Incidentally, I intend to write a personalized poem about any topic of the reader’s choice if they buy my book (just email me your receipt of purchase and the poem will be on the way).

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write anywhere and everywhere. On the subway, in crowded delis, on a park bench. I don’t care. I get compelled. Sometimes people look at me like I’m a freak. I think that adds to the enjoyment of the process: “Great. I’m a freak! Move along! I got to finish this goddamn thought man!”

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Let’s stick to poetry since that is my latest book. William Blake and Emily Dickinson are the two most noteworthy influences on my poetry. I love poetry that seems very simple, but actually says a great deal more than is immediately apparent. That makes you want to reread it and discover more, but that is accessible and direct. Also, I like wild metaphors and linguistic playfulness. When language gets up and soars. Nothing better than taking the reader on a vertiginous linguistic journey. I memorized a lot of William Blake’s poems when a kid. And different poems speak to me at different times. Like right now I’ve been returning to “Ah! Sunflower,” which is a poem that has a lot more depth to it than at first is apparent. A great poem…that speaks to you…almost from the grave. You can reread it again and again and always find more in it.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on another humor collection. It’s still untitled. It’s going to be about 18 humor pieces. I think it is a big step up from my 2007 humor collection. Some of the pieces in this new collection were published. You can find them on my website, mattnagin.com. I’m excited to put a new humor book out as I do standup comedy, and it would be nice to have a more recent product to sell or distribute to those who like my style of humor.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new at promoting books. But I’d say a combination of different techniques work. I use social media–Twitter and Instagram. I think people are supportive on those sites and will share your post about your work. This is nice. It helps. Also, just word of mouth, as I know a ton of people in the entertainment industry or otherwise, just from living in NY for a long time.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep on writing. Over time you get better. It’s that simple. Also, complete projects and put them out. That was a problem I struggled with for a while. I didn’t finish anything. I was too perfectionistic. I think putting yourself out there as much as possible is really helpful in terms of building confidence and learning to take the slings and arrows that invariably come when people react negatively to your work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
All advice is sh*t. That is probably the best advice I ever got. Legitimately. There is a great deal of truth to this simple notion. I think the best lessons I’ve learned were gained through experience or my own self-exploration. Each of us has to carve our own path. I learned to do so on my own terms–and it was not something anyone could teach me. So the best advice I ever learned is not to take advice. Trust your instincts. Learn from your mistakes. And keep plugging away.

What are you reading now?
I’ve been reading a Denis Johnson book called “Nobody Move.” He died recently. I liked when he gets very poetic and lyrical and yet remains grounded in the brutality of an often seedy underworld. Also, he is excellent with dialogue and being as minimalistic as possible. Before that I was reading some Bukowski short stories that I’d never come across that were terrifically ruthless. I’m also reading this novel called Barney, by Guy Sigley. I found it randomly online and it’s amusing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To complete this humor book I mentioned. Then I want to complete a novel I’ve had on my desk for around a decade. I’m excited to kick it up a notch and get more writing out into the universe. Just completing projects and putting them out to me is like nirvana. Nothing better. If people like it, even better, but the creation process itself-that’s where it’s at.

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?
Gulliver’s Travels. Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Ham On Rye. Songs of Innocence and Experience.

Author Websites and Profiles
Matt Nagin Website
Matt Nagin Amazon Profile

Matt Nagin’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am new to the writing scene and don’t know much about it. That is why I am hoping that through this site and many other marketing techniques, I learn how things work so I could be more professional with how I can disseminate the message I want to convey while not breaking too many hearts with my brutal honesty. That being said, this is the first book I’ve ever written so cold-blooded, merciless critiques are welcomed. Knock me down a few pegs if you think you can.

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

This book was inspired by the experiences and lessons I had to learn about hard work. Thinking that something is going to be easy and success will happen overnight will severely damage yourself in more ways than one, I had to learn that the hard way.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it is unusual, again speaking from inexperience, but I write a minimum of two poems and on short story a day if I can’t work on the next novel.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Bukowski is definitely the biggest influence on my writing. Hemingway and Ellis played a big role as well. I admire the concept of preserving knowledge for the select few willing to learn it in Fahrenheit 451.

What are you working on now?
A novel about what it is like to slave for someone in a higher position than oneself and the experiences that are the product of such a barbaric lifestyle.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Not that many besides this one, but I trust that in the future rainfall will become a full on thunderstorm and the list will be boundless.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Follow your heart and you will never be guided down the wrong path.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Discipline is the bridge to success.

What are you reading now?
Benjamin Franklin biography.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Long journey of improving my writing style to mastery to an extent to be deemed the greatest writer who ever lived.

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?
Mastery by Robert Greene, Women by Bukowski, Freedom by Osho and Higher Status by Jason Capital

Robert Brooks Jr.’s Social Media Links
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I enjoyed killing off the evil animal shelter director on page one of her first novel, which captures some of my experiences as an animal rescuer, advocate for no-kill shelters, and blogger. My hope is that people will not only enjoy my murder mystery but also spread the word about saving more homeless dogs and cats. Royalties from book sales will be donated to Home for Life sanctuary for dogs and cats in Minnesota. This is my first novel.

I grew up in Washington D.C. where politics, legislation, and public policy are an obsession. With a Masters degree from University of Virginia School of Architecture, I worked as a city planner working with citizens as they tried to preserve neighborhoods from high-rise developers that were gobbling up land around Metro stations. Later I consulted with the federal government on policy and environmental impacts of radioactive waste disposal, cleanup of the nation’s nuclear bomb-making sites, dismantlement of nuclear weapons, and storage of highly enriched uranium and plutonium from dismantled weapons.

After retiring, we lived for five years in the Delaware beach area where we had vacationed with family for over 20 years. When a tree crushed our house during a storm, we moved to the Philadelphia suburbs where her grandkids are closer and where the trees seem friendly.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
No Kill Station: Murder at Rehoboth Beach
The book is inspired by my experiences with animal rescue and advocacy. From 2010 through 2014, I wrote a blog called No Kill Delaware that criticized the state for not enforcing its innovative animal shelter law, which was passed in 2010 and mandated measures for saving homeless animals. My blog and Facebook page provided a forum for animal advocates and rescuers to tell their experiences with the SPCA that was fighting against compliance with the state’s shelter law.

I threw myself into animal rescue while writing the blog. By the time I burned out, I had five dogs, including two Pit Bulls and two Beagles that had been on death row for being “unadoptable.” I also did Trap Neuter Return for the community cat colony living in the woods behind my house.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sit down with the dogs and write in the morning when they’re tired from their walk.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath has had the biggest influence on me. I always hoped to write a novel with a message. Of course, I’m no Steinbeck and my book is much shorter.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a sci fi book for young adults with aliens and time travel. Lots of fun.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Find a niche. My niche is animal lovers and I’m active on Facebook and Twitter with as many groups as possible.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I once read that we should read novels like the Bible and the Bible like a novel. I have learned more about life by reading novels than hearing about the Bible (when I attended church).

What are you reading now?
I’m enjoying a novel that’s historical fiction about England under King Charles when the Puritans were staring to rebel. I really love almost every fiction genre.

Author Websites and Profiles
Diane Meier Website
Diane Meier Amazon Profile

Diane Meier’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I love Medieval History and feel that the best way to get the story across is through historical fiction. So far I have written four novels, all about England in the 11th century, from the Danish invasion to the Norman invasion and beyond. These are watershed events in the history of Europe, and the stories need to be told.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, FATAL RIVALRY is part three of my “Last Great Saxon Earls” series. I feel that the rivalry between King Harold Godwineson and his brother Tostig led directly to Harold losing the Battle of Hastings.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I keep two computers: my desktop where I sit down and my laptop where I stand up. I sit when working on my job stuff, and I stand to write. It really helps to keep the brain moving!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I discovered Historical Fiction when I read The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. Then I discovered Sir Walter Scott, and afterwards Arthur Conan Doyle (who wrote some fabulous books on the Hundred Years’ War). Once I understood what those authors were doing, I never looked back.

What are you working on now?
I have decided to move forward 300 years to the reign of Richard II. Since I believe his usurpation set up events that led to the Wars of the Roses, I feel that there is a solid story that needs to be told. Once I started my research, I realized that Henry IV’s story is just as compelling; I believe that his role in the dethroning and murder of Richard probably ruined his life, and also ruined his relationship with his son, the future Henry V. I think I have another trilogy coming on!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I firmly believe in a blog, in my case enlarging on the background behind my novels. Of course, this wouldn’t work without a serious push through Twitter and Facebook, and advertising through sites like this one.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Study up on developing a following—a platform. It helps to get your social media ducks in a row before publishing that first book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up. Never give up. (Winston Churchill)

What are you reading now?
I am immersed in historical research about Richard II. My recent favorite was Thomas B. Costain’s “The Last Plantagenets”, which is great reading for anybody.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My new trilogy will keep me busy for the next several years. After that, I’m seriously thinking about moving on to Cardinal Wolsey, who has been one of the more famous Tudor characters largely understudied.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would bring my Sherlock Holmes, my Dumas, and JRR Tolkein.

Author Websites and Profiles
Mercedes Rochelle Website
Mercedes Rochelle Amazon Profile

Mercedes Rochelle’s Social Media Links
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Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Ann Laurel is a part of my real name, and I chose it as a pen name for the western historical novels I write because it fit. I am a wife and mom who loves to write. I took a course in fiction writing through the Famous Writer’s School back in 1994-1996. I began writing mail order bride books in 2016. Right now I’ve published 23 western historical novels and bundles.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Anna’s Choice. I have an over-active imagination and while I write I feel as if I’m the main character. I put myself in Anna’s shoes and took the journey with her.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write a number of different genres, so when I finish one book, I jump into another genre. I might go from western historical to science fiction.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, too many to name. Authors I love are JRR Tolkien, JK Rowling, CS Lewis, Katie Wyatt, and Stephenie Meyer to name a few.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a new series called Ready Made Family for the Bride. It’s a four book series featuring the grooms with families in tact, either from a late wife, a sibling dying and leaving kids, or even a baby left on the doorstep.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is an area I’m still learning. I have my favorite places to promote and build from there.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the book, publish the book, write the next book. Keep going. It’s very rare for an author to hit it big with just one book. Keep writing, keep publishing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Let a book simmer after you finish it before editing. You’d be amazed at how much better you can make the book if you put a little distance between finishing it and editing it, even if it’s just a week.

What are you reading now?
The Savage Lands by Jennifer Martucci, Christopher Martucci

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to build my catalogs along with popularity. An author can’t make it without readers and fans. I love writing and I need to find the audience who loves to read what I write.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Holy Bible and Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ann Laurel Website
Ann Laurel Amazon Profile
Ann Laurel Author Profile on Smashwords

Ann Laurel’s Social Media Links
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