Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Awakening – The Morrigan Chronicles is the first book in a four book series. I hope you enjoy these characters as much as I do because they will play a role in the next series.

I’m a full time Studio Manager and Fitness Instructor by day, but by night… I flip open my laptop and immerse myself into a world of magic. As a child, I would imagine all of my favorite mythological legends interacting and now I get to create that world and share it.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Awakening – The Morrigan Chronicles.

I always loved Irish/Celtic mythology and started reading up on the Tuatha de Danann, the legendary heroes and gods of Ireland. I’ve also seen every Camelot/King Arthur television series and movie that was ever produced… ok probably not EVERY single one but you get the picture – I’m a fan. Several of the novels I was reading had cameos of vampires and werewolves in them and as I was driving to work one day daydreaming as I usually do, I began to mix them all together until a story was born.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m sure I do but they would not seem unusual to me. I have three kiddos and my litmus test on if it’s interesting is that I run it by them. If I can hold their attention while I tell the story (not spending too much time on the romance aspect lol) then I know I have a winner.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a HUGE fan of Patrick Rothfuss and wouldn’t begin to put myself in his league. To me he is KING! Denise Grover Swank is my biggest influence and why I began writing though. She lives in the same metropolitan area as me and I met her at a writer’s group. She is so knowledgable and has been an inspiration to me.

What are you working on now?
I’m almost finished with the first draft of the second book in The Morrigan Chronicles series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Kindlepreneur is a great resource! Many great websites such as this one are highly recommended by him.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do it for yourself. If it is your passion, your reward will be in the process and accomplishment of doing it. Take steps everyday, even if it just reading an article, to keep you moving forward toward your dream.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If it doesn’t look good don’t put it on the front porch. I know – it has NOTHING to do with writing but still good advice literally and metaphorically.

What are you reading now?
The True Story of Titanic Thompson by Kevin Cook. It’s a true story of “The Man Who Bet On Everything”. I don’t always read science fiction.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to keep reading as much as I can and write as often as I can. Like all writers, I love to write my stories but need to work more on the business/marketing aspect as a writer. So, continuing to grow and learn are my biggest priorities at the moment.

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 King Killer Chronicles….AFTER Patrick Rothfuss has finally finished the last book. I couldn’t stand to get stranded before finding out how the journey ends!

Author Websites and Profiles
N.A. Montgomery Website
N.A. Montgomery Amazon Profile

N.A. Montgomery’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I call myself an outer space stranger who believes in strange ideas or earthling-neglected issues can bring a better prospect. Our world is sinking. We need these to heal everyone.

I’m an author from the eastern corner of the Earth: a multimedia producer, author, illustrator, composer, lecturer and researcher. I have a small multimedia production team called “Acelines Production” (Acelines is related to my sci-fi book “New Era Humans” world) including worldwide talents to help on our books.

For my author life, “Slaughter At The Silk Market” is the first ebook that is to be published. Meanwhile I have 3 multimedia books in the same series that I’m working on.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The first (latest) publication:
Slaughter At The Silk Market, in the sci-fi series “New Era Humans”.

In this series, all ideas are from over 10 years of brainstorming, science and social issues, weird dreams, and experiences.

More precisely, someone(s) has been invisible in my life but keeps channeling me knowledge to tell other people (that means earthlings). You may find I’m weird, but I just do what I should do as I believe it is my mission.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Channeling, dreaming, and synchronicity happend in the shower are the most concrete and clear inspirations for my writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Sci-fi movies and Japanese anime have influenced me a lot.

What are you working on now?
I’ve been channeled two more stories and now I’m working on it. I spend a lot of time to rethink, receive, direct and organize the “channeled scripts” of the stories as I want to be sure that readers get what exactly I got (or be told).

This is very important as I hope my readers can think individually and are enlightened through my stories, so they can stand above the brainwashing of mainstream world.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Interaction, interaction and interaction between readers and me. If you agree with what I did and you feel we are in the same circle, I would like to let you read my stories, discuss and chat.

The main purpose, to me, is to enlighten you rather than ask you to buy my books. I’d rather like to save you from every brainwashing life in the mainstream world, through the ideas in my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep in mind during writing:
write with your mind, not your brain.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stay on target! The target for an author is either something you want to write, or something you want to tell. Don’t be affected by any disturbance in your writing career. (always happens)

What are you reading now?
Studying on books that explains and describes the world of some famous movies.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing is one of my careers. I always have a producer mind that seeks creative thoughts to make them real.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
It’s difficult to take a few books along with me in that harsh environment. But I would tear a chapter of George Lucas A life (motivation), and Dune from Frank Herbert (fit in a desert).

Author Websites and Profiles
Beau Le Rouge Amazon Profile

Beau Le Rouge’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I recently published my seventh ebook! It is the third installment of my Sweet Pea Trilogy, titled, The Price of Passion (Sweet Pea III). I’ve written several of these interviews so this is really just an update. The Sweet Pea Trilogy is published and ready for all to read! For those who have not read my previous interviews: I am a country girl who has lived my entire laugh in central Missouri on the north or the south side of the Missouri River. I work in partnership with my fifth generation farmer/husband of nearly thirty-seven years on our family farm–when I’m not writing or being wife, mom or grandma. We have two grown sons married to two beautiful women and the two most awesome grandchildren in the universe

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Sweet Pea III: The Price of Passion (1984-1990)
Time has come and gone, years pass, Johnie’s children are growing and she has learned to accept her parents’ untimely death. Her friendship with Marsha continues to thrive. By the time ‘the 70’s’ become ‘the 80’s’, Johnie has also built an enduring relationship with her mother-in-law, Amie. Her marriage to Phil is a sham. Although they tried, they were never able to rekindle the trust they once shared. All those years, a secret part of Johnie’s soul survives nurturing the memory of Jake. Fate strikes several more dramatic blows and once again, everything changes.

Description of the Sweet Pea Trilogy: To one man she gave her virginity; to another she gave her heart. One, she would mourn. With the other, she would share life’s triumph and turmoil. With both, she would endure times of love, and passion and complete happiness as well as times of despair, confusion, and sorrow. One day at a time—each day, building unforgettable memories.
Sweet Pea spans from the late 1960’s into 2009. Set in rural Missouri, it is a story for those who remember the profound cultural changes and historical events that took place in the later part of the 20th Century. It is especially written for those with rural backgrounds, who understand the continual mental and physical effort it takes to maintain a family farm (then and now). Sweet Pea is a nostalgic story of growing up; of forging lifelong friendships and loyalty within family that supports every life event, good or bad. It is a story of love that binds a man and a woman despite all odds. It is also a story of obsessive hatred and how such hatred destroys not only the innocent, but those who hate.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a night owl. Is that unusual? I do my best writing around midnight when the television has been turned off, the telephone isn’t likely to ring and my family has gone to sleep

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have eclectic reading habits but my favorite reads are generally some form of romance or paranormal and the occasional science fiction.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m recovering from publishing the Sweet Pea Trilogy. After the first of the year, I plan to return to writing the 5th story in my Birds in Peril Series, tentatively titled ‘Wise, Bold Eagle’

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I believe interviews like these or promotionals like Book Goodies, My Book Place or the numerous websites Amazon sponsors are very good for getting the word out when an indie author published a new e-book

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it. No one can take that story from your head and put it on paper or computer screen but yourself.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Finish it! Don’t worry about rewriting or publishing now. Just write the story to the end. You can make changes later.

What are you reading now?
I’m on a breather stretch right now. Christmas plans are underway–the extended Fricke family is gathering on our farm this year–and I don’t have time to read. And, I feel guilty about it because I’ve promised some writer friends reviews for their books and have yet to read them.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Back to writing the Birds in Peril Series

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My Bible, Daily Prayer Book and My Kindle (with a freshly charged battery, of course)

Author Websites and Profiles
Mary Elizabeth Fricke Website
Mary Elizabeth Fricke Amazon Profile

Mary Elizabeth Fricke’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick. For years I had worked in the customer service and support industry. Recently I’ve has decided to pursue a career as an author, as there was always a writing seed within me. But it has only been in the past few years that this seed sprouted. Since then, I’ve nurtured and maintained it’s growth daily.

In my debut novel “Hummingbird”, I bring to life a believable narrative, with a protagonist that almost literally sings off the page. I love creating vivid and well defined characters you’re sure to fall in love with.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hummingbird is the title of my debut novel. Honestly the idea just kind of pop out of nowhere. To quote Fred Allan Wolf the idea popped the quiff. The title was originally “How to Catch A Hummingbird” but that’s way to close to a classic. There is a strong hummingbird theme in the story so it had to be called Hummingbird. From the character being petite, her tattoos, her Hummingbird guitar, it just fit.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I become inundated in my characters, which are all first person pov. For every protagonist I’ve created unique music playlist to match the characters personality. And I use that music, which constantly grows, to write the book. I always have to listen to music when I write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Catcher in the Rye, which is funny because I can’t stand the story, or the character Holden. I think that’s because I read the book 20 years too late. But I LOVE the writing style of J. D. Salinger.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a couple of books. Both of which are genre fiction. One is Sifi and the other is Fantasy. It’s a bit out of my forte but I’m really enjoying the use of my imagination. In particular with the fantasy world building. I do have a Dungeons & Dragons RPG background. I played it daily as a child both as a player and a Dungeon Master.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
At first my Facebook account helped a lot. But I’m not finding social media as a useful tool in the long run. I think the best method is to offer free promotions. Always a nice boost.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Self publishing is a great option you should really consider, with great royalty plans. Often time even a signed contract with a publisher you are forced to promote your book yourself. I suggest you do your research but keep writing, never stop writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My book was hard to read because it was originally written phonetically. That was a huge blow to me. The book was essentially done and I was devastated, but soon realized how valuable the feedback was. I spent hours searching and changing words. So it turns out feedback has been the best advice to date.

What are you reading now?
Dragonlance Chronicles by Margaret Wise and Tracy Hickman. It’s a re-read from my youth.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing two “book ones” from two trilogies.

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?
Bhagavad-Gita
One of my many Zen books (so many to choose)
Conversations with God (one of them)
How to survive on an island (I’m sure there’s one out there)
The moon is a harsh mistress

Author Websites and Profiles
Gavin Phillips Website
Gavin Phillips Amazon Profile

Gavin Phillips’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written 12 books, of which 5 have been published.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Creatures Called Stories.

It’s inspired by a student of mine who attempted suicide but failed. It’s full of stories and poems letting them, and anyone else who struggles with dark times, that their story truly matters.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write on my phone while waiting in line, sitting at traffic lights, riding my bike, holding a baby, literally anywhere I can fit in time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis
Finish by Jon Acuff
Chasers of The Light by Tyler Knott Gregson
Let Justice Roll Down by John M. Perkins

What are you working on now?
Getting the word out there for ‘Creatures Called Stories’! And always writing 1 poem and 1 story a day.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My personal site, Seizeyourstory.org
As well as Facebook & Instagram. And getting kind friends help in doing so.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You don’t have to know everything. You just have to know your next step.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Too many. But the latest one:
Complete small goals and that’ll lead you to big ones.

What are you reading now?
Lots of William Carlos Williams and the Book of Pslams

What’s next for you as a writer?
To share a poem or story a day on social media. And figure out a way to do visual poems more on video. Then, hopefully revive my podcast, Storyfold.

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. & 3 Blank Journals.

Author Websites and Profiles
Marshall Coleman Website
Marshall Coleman Amazon Profile

Marshall Coleman’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I retired three years ago and have been taking time to write books. Since I retired I’ve written two books making a total of three.
I wrote my first book while I was working for the government. I had so many hours that I was required to be at my desk with nothing to do I wrote my life history and a book about my findings on evolution.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Schmidt Ranch Escapade. It was inspired my my second book that I edited and co-authored with my grandfather. The adventures that he wrote about jogged my memory of stories he and my uncles told about mixed with some of my own. These I consolidated into a story that takes place in the wilds of our country.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not sure if they are unusual, I write what comes to mind for the first draft. Then I go back and edit them to make some sort of story. Then I edit the story several more times to make the different parts agree and perfect the grammar.
It is a good thing I go back and edit because I have so many stories and adventures swirling around in my head I mix and miss stories in my original script.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many authors and books, Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien, multiple books by Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey. Kidnapped and others by Robert Louis Stevenson, Great Expectations and others by Charles Dickens

What are you working on now?
I am working on a horror mystery that takes place in a 24/7 donut shop that is located in the center of a big city. You never know what can happen at midnight in the big city.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still working that out

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My feeling is that rather or not your work sells, knowing you wrote a book has its own reward. Just do it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do what you love doing and don’t concern yourself with the critics.

What are you reading now?
Dante’s Infernal

What’s next for you as a writer?
The mystery series I am working on will employ me for some time.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Scriptures, Don Quixote, Plutarch’s Lives

Author Websites and Profiles
Marvin Crowther Website
Marvin Crowther Amazon Profile

Marvin Crowther’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a playwright for the last twenty years of so, and had a story with characters that weren’t interested in being on stage, but demanded to be heard. I finally gave in and have loved every minute spent with Rene and Akeefa. The Sun God’s Heir is a trilogy and as of October, all three books are available.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Sun God’s Heir. I’m sure that this is common among writers, but I had a dream. When I awoke, I had the main character and the protagonist and the germ of the story. It took me years and NANOWRIMO to actually put the beginnings of the story to paper.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I sometimes write in my pajamas, but that’s about as far as I go. Being naked is a little drafty and doesn’t add to the muse. Showing up is always the hardest. There is always something other that I could be doing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
All of them. Beginning with Walter Farley, to Robert Heinlein, to Ursula Le Guinn, to Dan Brown, to Peter Hamilton, and on and on and on.

What are you working on now?
Connecting with folks who might enjoy my story.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome Gang and sites like yours have been very effective in helping me get the word out. I use Facebook and Twitter, but my short prose could be better.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get your butt into the chair. All the conferences and social events will not get that book into your reader’s hands. With the exception of some rare individuals, it will take some time. Before making an assault on the publishing establishment, edit, and then edit again. Then polish and edit. Did I say edit. The temptation to display your art so others can admire its beauty (and it is beautiful) is overwhelming. Whelm it. You’ll know when you have done everything you can. Then send it out/publish it so others can share what you’ve done.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Finish the play.

What are you reading now?
Ready Player One

What’s next for you as a writer?
Begin the next 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?
The Earthsea Trilogy, and the Celestine Prophesy

Author Websites and Profiles
Elliott Baker Website
Elliott Baker Amazon Profile

Elliott Baker’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an electronics engineer .. I am interested in meditation and hypnosis .
Also , i know a lot about the law of attraction and how exactly to use it . I know how program computers , as well as human minds .
I love psychology and i love to know how the mind works , and how to reprogram it to change the human behavior , and the whole life ..

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Break It : A Practical Guide To Overcome Porn & Masturbation Addiction Immediately and Forever

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
no , most of the time , i am working with electronics , but i love to write my ideas very quickly before i forget them ..

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Napoleon Hill’s think and grow rich

Carol Dweck’s the mindset

What are you working on now?
i am working on a new book about how to use the law of attraction to achieve any goal ..
i have learnt a lot about the law of attraction and how important it is , and how we can use it.
in this book , i want to put specific steps , so , anyone follows them will get the same result .
to make it easier for everyone to use the law of attraction to change his or her life .

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
i just want to tell them to listen to people to know what are their problems and try to write about these problems and solve them .

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“the only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.”
Vince Lombardi

What are you reading now?
I am reading “Made in america” .. it is Sam Walton biography

What’s next for you as a writer?
the next is an online blog where i can share my thoughts with as many as people as possible.

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 Mindset
Rich Dad Poor Dad
Think and grow rich

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My past holds much pain and abuse, but it did not stop me from being the woman I am today by changing my life and building the future I wanted. Life was certainly no easy ride for me. To say I had a hard life as a child and a young adult, is an understatement.

At some point in my life, I had no money, no job, no food, no real friends, no love and no home to live in. I lived in a disgustingly tiny room above a pub out of pure misery. When I was beaten into a coma, I decided I had enough and made a plan to change my life.

I guess now you can call me a serial entrepreneur. Since I started my business life, I quickly learned that I have a keen eye for gaps in the market and subsequently I have started up several businesses. I have achieved recognition as a Bestselling Author for one of my Internet marketing books.

I have written 5 business books, all about Internet marketing or work from home topics. I have also recently written one novel, based on a true story: my personal life story.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “No Fourth River”. It is a novel, based on a true story: my personal life story.

There are three influencing factors that made me decide to write my story.

1) My husband and daughters kept telling me, over the years, that I should write a book about my life and also make a movie about my life.

2) I don’t usually share my story with others. However, sometimes when I unintentionally mention things from my past, people are intrigued. They want to know more about my life. I’ve often been told that I should write a book because my struggles would resonate with others and my life story could be an inspiration.

3) When I spoke on stage during an Internet marketing event, I spoke about some of my past failures and my violent marriage. People would often burst into tears during my speeches and I almost always received a standing ovation at the end. People would come up to me after my speech to thank me for sharing my story and to tell me how inspired they were. That moment was when I decided to write my life story. I didn’t realize until then that my life story was an inspiration to others. Very shortly after that, I started writing No Fourth River.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write as I would speak. People seem to love my writing style. If I would write a book about “How to publish a book”, I might start like this: “Well, congratulations to you! You’ve written a book. NOW, what are you going to do? Can’t see the wood for the trees? Don’t worry, once you’ve read this book, you will see the wood AND the trees clearly.”

I quickly write what I want to say in extremely simple English. When everything is written, I go over it all again and write everything in much better English, inserting some “intellectual” words sporadically and think a lot more about word choices.

In general, I am not a lover of fancy writing. You know, when you read a sentence and you have to read it again to make sure you understood what was actually said. Being a time management freak, reading the same thing twice doesn’t work for me and I get annoyed with that style of writing. Guess whatever floats your boat is appropriate here.

I always write in my office, where I can open the door, summer or winter, as I love writing in a room where the temperature is very low. I am talking 15 to 16 degrees Fahrenheit low. Guess you could call that an unusual writing habit. Due to too much stress as a child and young adult, my temperature control is totally out of sync. I explain the causes of this in more detail in my novel.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Zig Ziglar, John Green, Danielle Steel & Cathy Glass are a few authors I enjoy reading and I like their writing style as well as the stories they tell.

What are you working on now?
I have taken on a member of staff especially to market/promote my novel No Fourth River. However, at the moment, I am spending a considerate amount of time doing research myself. The novel market is new to me so there is a lot to be learned. One of the difficult things is to determine which ones are the misleading websites with promises and no results and which ones are the websites to be listed on, as an author, and achieve results and converted sales.

I am also studying the best way to find a traditional publisher for my novel.

When I am not working on marketing my novel, I work on my publishing business or I keep an eye on how my other businesses are doing. I constantly make spreadsheets with potential new businesses I want to set up.
I am also investigating how to turn my book into a movie.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am afraid I cannot answer that question accurately in relation to my novel as I am still in the process of learning a lot about the novel market. In one year or so, I am pretty sure I can answer that question.

I have never done any promotions for my Internet marketing books because they have always sold based on their relevant keywords. I do have a big list of subscribers so each time I publish a new book, I immediately sell a lot of books by simply sending an email to my subscribers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing! Get your book out there! You can keep tweaking it forever. It has never been easier for anybody to publish a book. You no longer need a lot of money to publish a book with a worldwide audience thanks to the book distribution power of the Internet.
Spend a lot of money on a qualified proofreader.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I assume we are talking business advice here. I can’t pinpoint it to one single advice but these rules are, I believe, very important if you want to achieve something in life:
Believe in yourself.
Don’t take no for an answer.
Never give up.
Don’t let your past define your future.
Work hard to achieve your goals.

What are you reading now?
I am reading “How to sell your idea to Hollywood”. I want to see my novel No Fourth River as a TV series or on the Big Screen as a movie. I don’t know much about it and in order to maximize my success, I have bought 5 books about the subject.
It’s something I always do when I want to learn something new: buy books, listen to audiobooks, etc. I will then filter out the steps and advice I don’t believe in or that is total nonsense to me and apply what I think will work, after carefully analysing all aspects and apply what is left over.

I am also reading books about social media, which I don’t know much about, to find out what will work best as marketing strategies for my novel.

What’s next for you as a writer?
When my book No Fourth River is a success, I know I will find it very hard to resist writing a second novel. Perhaps I will write a fiction novel or somebody else’s true life story.
I am also considering publishing the 300 plus love poems and letters between by second husband and myself, which we started writing to each other over 30 years ago.
I am also planning to write a book on “How to self-publish a book” and another one on “How to market your novel”. The latter will contain all the steps I have made to make my novel a success. I believe there is a gap in the market for such a book.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
– No Fourth River. Reading that book will always bring a smile to my face, no matter how often I read the parts starting when I met my second husband.
– War and Peace. I have always wanted to read the book but never had the time to finish this monster of a book.
– Jane Eyre. Just never got around to reading it.

Author Websites and Profiles
Christine Clayfield Website
Christine Clayfield Amazon Profile

Christine Clayfield’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been a journalist for over 30 years, have written and edited forests of non-fiction, mass-marketed magazines and books and, back in the mists of time, wrote for a clutch of national music papers. One More Squeeze is my first novel and I’m currently polishing my second novel. It’s quite different and so far untitled. I’ve also written drawer-fuls of drama, mainly for TV, and a couple of stage plays – all unproduced.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
One More Squeeze was actually written about 30 years ago and was inspired by the social unrest and polarization during Margaret Thatcher’s premiership. Having run through the gauntlet of rejections from publishers and agents, I put in the drawer. Last year, an unusually quiet spell on the business front coincided with a similar sinking feeling about the state of the world. I reworked the story and, having had a couple of false starts with my own publishing projects, decided to work with an author I could trust. Me.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Although I’ve enthusiastically embraced the digital world in almost every way possible I cannot throw off the habit of writing original material by hand, with an HB pencil on lined exercise books. I’ll then transcribe my scribbles into the ether, while making a simultaneous edit. I’ll then edit in small steps. For example, nail a timeline in one pass, sort the geography in a second, deal with chapters in a third, name and work up minor characters in a fourth, and only then dive in and start the rewriting process. That may take one or two passes. Then, I’ll put my proof-reader’s hat on and go through it all with a fine-tooth comb.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love to get lost in story and am happy to read anyone from Dick Francis to Cervantes. That said I have a weakness for stylists as diverse as Stefan Zweig and JT LeRoy. Memorable books include The Shadow of the Wind, Shashenka, The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test and The Doors of Perception: And Heaven and Hell.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a young adult fantasy novel, which sees the birth of a superhero, without lyrca. I’ll say no more but it should be ready for publication by Spring 2018. So watch this space.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still looking for it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write. The selling bit is something with which I’m still grappling.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just do it.

What are you reading now?
On a recent trip to the Land of the Free I got to meet an ex-member of the federal intelligence service, who passed on Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard’s Killing Patton: The Strange Death of World War II’s Most Audacious General. Truth, as they say, is often stranger than fiction…

What’s next for you as a writer?
Completing the second novel and learning how to sell the first one. I honestly haven’t thought beyond that.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, Complete Works of Shakespeare, Oxford English Dictionary.

Author Websites and Profiles
Trevor Morris Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The Italian Cookbook is my first cookbook written.
It has been a best seller in various categories on Amazon many times.
Please see my author bio on Amazon to learn more.
Search for me using my name Mario Mazzo and cookbook.
Thanks!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Italian Cookbook: Famous Italian Recipes that Satisfy
I wanted to publish the most popular and famous Italian recipes of all time in one book.

What are you working on now?
Many cookbooks!

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
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Author Websites and Profiles
Mario Mazzo Website
Mario Mazzo Amazon Profile

Mario Mazzo’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a motivational writer, editor, blogger and the Founder of Bernexpress (www.bernexpress.com). An inspirational driven organization with numerous articles, quotes and videos across the internet to inspire people from all walks of life. I am from Ghana. i am a graduate of university of Education, Winneba (Business Education Department) and now the CEO of Bernexpress

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Life, The theory of Everything: Succeeding in the 21st century and beyond

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Napoleon Hill

What are you working on now?
My next book “Trace : an Aorta of hope”

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Am new to online promotion so am now trying it out

Do you have any advice for new authors?
they should never give up. on word at a time and they will reach a milestone.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Your failure today shall be used as a power point for your success presentation” this quote inspires me alot

What are you reading now?
Think and Grow Rich

What’s next for you as a writer?
More books i believe

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?
Think And Grow Rich, Oliver Twist, Grief Child and Ancestral Sacrifice

Author Websites and Profiles
Bernard Osei Annang Website
Bernard Osei Annang Amazon Profile

Bernard Osei Annang’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Creepy Clown is my first book. I am a live storyteller and SCREENWRITER by trade. I try to write in a very filmic way. Quick and to the point. I wrote a produced screenplay: Just Let Go, starring Henry Ian Cusick. I am a father of four kids living north of Chicago.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Creepy Clown was inspired by all the myriad freaky clown sightings around the world in 2017. I live by a bunch of HUGE pharmaceutical companies. I put them together in a horror story about the human body changing… evolving… for the worse.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I lay in bed for hours and see hear and smell EVERYTHING in a half-sleep state. I snap awake and write my surrealistic visions on large posty notes next to my bed.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up reading MAD magazine, King, Poe, Vonnegut, Bradbury, Keysey, and watching a TON of horror movies: Cronenberg, Japanese horror, Crichton, Polanski, Carpenter.

What are you working on now?
A LONGER novel about an angry Preacher that trains a kid to be the Antichrist after the world has ended with a whimper and not with a bang at all.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve tried them all. Twitter, Goodreads, Facebook, Google. In that order.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’m new too. Keep working steadily. Even Stephen King only writes about three hours a day or proofs a few hours. Look what he’s done!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You don’t have to make a masterpiece. Just make a piece of shit.” – Neil Young. In other words, just make art and eventually something good will “float” up to the top.

What are you reading now?
Psycho by Robert Bloch.

What’s next for you as a writer?
REVELATIONS or The Preacher What Trained the Antichrist, an illustrated 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?
Bible. Complete Works of Shakes, Complete works of Bradbury, OR a fully-loaded Kindle!

Author Websites and Profiles
Vance Mellen Website
Vance Mellen Amazon Profile

Vance Mellen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve had a long career as a research scientist keeping within me troubled teenage years of family domestic violence. It’s been said I survived against the odds. When I retired I decided to write about my life. The first book, Survival, is about the years in England, Ireland, and Scotland. The second book, Arrival, is about the years establishing myself as a research scientist in America. Both books are also about my awareness of being gay in a changing society.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Mt latest book is Arrival. I wrote this after reviewers wanted to know more about my life after I published Survival.

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

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve read many thousands of fiction and non fiction books in my life. I feel the influence on me has been incalculable.

What are you working on now?
I’m continuing to write about my life from the point where I became the Research Director of a community clinic in Manhattan in the early years of the AIDS epidemic.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Continue to write.

What are you reading now?
Just finished A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A continuation of writing about my life.

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?
Non fiction books on surviving under difficult circumstances.

Author Websites and Profiles
John Fahey Website
John Fahey Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve had a fascination with telling stories through moving pictures since Jurassic Park stomped into theaters in 1993. I launched my video production company back in 2005. In 2013 the company was rebranded as Empire Studios, where I’m currently Creative Director and Principal. I also run Studio 12 Academy, an educational resource focused on video production and running a business around it.

I’ve been featured in Business News Daily, Inc., Momentology and the Everyday Power Blog, among other publications. I’ve written one book, and have a few more in the pipeline.

I live in Connecticut with his beautiful wife and two rescue dogs.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Video Promotion: A Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing Your Video Views.

Since I create video for a living, much of it is for companies. What I found was that the majority would not have much of a strategy for promoting and marketing the video, so it would get a small number of views, resulting in my services looking like a waste of resources. I wrote a detailed instruction manual for the best ways to distribute the video and where it could go on their website.

After tremendous feedback on this PDF I was giving to clients, I decided to expand on it a great deal and turn it into a book to help others.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to be very conversational and speak (and write in) plain English, and try not to take things too seriously. I’m a fan of providing a LOT of knowledge, and I really don’t dig boring, long explanations.

If an answer or tactic needs to be long, I love breaking it up with jokes or graphics to help the reader survive to the end.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In general, Michael Crichton and Clive Cussler. Specifically for these types of books that I’m writing, Gary Vaynerchuk and Tim Ferriss have both influenced me greatly.

What are you working on now?
My next book is on using LinkedIn to it’s full potential. A few years ago it was frustrating to hear people say they’re not getting anywhere with LinkedIn, and I thought to put something together for them (I love LinkedIn and have gotten several exciting opportunities as a direct result of it), But recently, I’m seeing more and more people use it like Facebook, where they post aggressive political opinions, post unprofessional memes and overall aren’t treating the platform like the virtual resume (on steroids) that it is.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found that giving the ebook away for free for 3-5 days really helps boost it’s ranking and sales. Couple that with letting several “free ebook websites” know about it in advance while also promoting the giveaway on my social media networks is a solid tactic.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes! Always have at least two people double check for typos/grammar, and spend a few bucks to make the cover interesting and clickable.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“That name sucks.” It was in reference to my (at the time) company name: Bryant Productions. It was the first in a series of events that lead to the rebranding and expansion to Empire Studios and ultimately, me taking my business full time.

What are you reading now?
“The Thank You Economy” by Gary Vaynerchuk.

What’s next for you as a writer?
A *LOT* more writing! Another two books, blog posts (for my own two companies, plus several other blogs that have approached me), and I’m in pre-production on a few online classes I’ll be creating — so lots of writing there, too!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1) SAS Survival Handbook (to help me… you know… not die)
2) Jurassic Park, by Michael Crichton (to help pass the time)
3) War & Peace (which is nice and thick… perfect to keep the fire going for longer)

Author Websites and Profiles
Chris Bryant Amazon Profile

Chris Bryant’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have traveled the world as a buyer for one of the world’s top coffee companies. After taking an early retirement, I decided to return to my first love, and began writing short erotic fiction. I currently live in London (above a notorious sex shop!) I’ve now dedicated myself to writing novels with passion, adventure, and sex so kinky it could make even the Queen of England blush. I have written seven books so far. They are all part of a series called Savage Shifters. The first book in the series, Sex Beast, was just released in December. And the second title, Sex Twins, will be released in early 2018.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Sex Beast was inspired by my love of sex and adventure! I’m a fan of the TV series Survivor. And I thought, “What if I took that to the next level? What if survival for my heroine included sexual submission?” I’m also a fan of Paranormal Romance. So I wanted to add my spin on the Shapeshifter sub-genre.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I drink lots of coffee to keep me going. I also listen to instrumental jazz music when I write. I love a good saxophone solo. I type my final manuscript on my laptop, but my early drafts are always handwritten. I love the feel of paper. I’m very tactile. Using pen and paper helps me tap into my sensual side. And I always celebrate the completion of a book with a shot of Grand Marnier!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the books of Jackie Collins. She creates such fun characters. D.H. Lawrence is also a big influence. I must read Lady Chatterley’s Lover at least once a year. I’m also inspired by the careers of prolific writers such as Nora Roberts and Danielle Steel. They must have an incredible work ethic. And I love any author who can make me laugh.

What are you working on now?
Now that I’ve finished my Savage Shifters series, I’m working on a new series called The Books of Rapture. It’s about a Catholic nun who defies the church and helps heretics escape torture during the Medieval Inquisition. It takes place in France during the time of Joan of Arc. It is filled with sex, submission, and a testosterone-fueled band of shapeshifting Illuminati!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m a visual person. I like sharing my book covers. I say you CAN judge a book by its cover. So I like my covers to pop. I also think reviews are important, from both professional reviewers and everyday readers. In fact, positive feedback from your readers is probably the best promotion. The thoughts and feelings of my readers mean the most to me. Amazon and Goodreads seem to be the most popular place for reader reviews right now.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is to focus on your main character. Don’t go off on long tangents that take away from your main story. Stay in the heart and mind of your hero or heroine. And create challenging conflicts and a nasty villain. Books are boring without a big villain!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t wait for inspiration. Make writing a habit. When you start to write, inspiration will arrive.

What are you reading now?
About ten different books at once! I make a point to read a variety of genres. I’m a big fan of Thrillers and Mysteries. But I make a point of reading the classics. I’m reading Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood right now (for the fourth time.) And just finished Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol (I make a point to read it every year during the holidays.) I’m also reading Goodbye, Janette by Harold Robbins again. It’s the book that first got me into the BDSM genre. It’s probably mild by today’s standards. But Harold Robbins really knew how to weave in some kinky sex into his stories.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to try some other paranormal elements in my future books. I love shapeshifters (they’re so inherently sexy.) But there’s other creatures out there I could use. Maybe a demon? And I want to turn the tables on my use of BDSM with the men getting tied up for a change!

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?
Anna Karenina
Exit To Eden
Gone With The Wind
Wide Sargasso Sea

Author Websites and Profiles
Janelle Oberlin Amazon Profile

Janelle Oberlin’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My first book, Her Guarded Heart will be released on Christmas Eve, 2017. It is the third book I’ve written, but now the first in the Letting Love In series. The series is about 5 sisters and their relationship with their mother and each other as they grow into independent young women, trying to find their own path.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Her Guarded Heart is the story of a young woman who wants nothing more than to be independent. She want’s to escape her mother’s expectations and from the growing fear that without a career she can rely on, she will end up dependent on a man to provide for her, leaving her in a position to choose the wrong man, like her mother continued to do.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been an avid reader since I was a child. There are too many to count. I read across all genre’s so its hard for me to narrow it down to just a few.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently editing book two and writing the fourth book in the series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook and Twitter seem to be the most useful.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep working on learning the craft, and try to write every single day.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t worry how bad the first draft is, that’s what editors are for. Keep writing, and you will improve.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently beta reading a new novel for an unpublished author.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m considering trying my hand at a romantic suspense or a paranormal story.

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?
Julie Garwood Saving Grace, Casey Hagen Falling in Fiji, Amabel Daniels Appetite of Envy, and Dan Brown’s DaVinci Code

Author Websites and Profiles
Dawn Baca Website
Dawn Baca Amazon Profile

Dawn Baca’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written six books and two novelettes with a third on the way. I’ve been writing since high school, but have only been published for the last five years. I’ve always had a love for paranormal romance. I wanted to write one of my own and now I have two series available. It’s a dream come true.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is book two in my Demon Hunter Series. It follows the adventures of Jael and her partner Cole. They hunt demons and put lost souls to rest. Jael is haunted by her past and has collected quite a few vices. She loves gin, gambling and sex, not always in that order. The Devil You Know is book two in the series and it’s set in Richmond, North Yorkshire. I was lucky enough to vacation there and when I got home I knew I had to set my book in this medieval town. Its ancient abbey, majestic castle and cobblestone streets made me fall in love with the place. It was fun while writing it to still walk the streets of Richmond. Jael normally hunts all over the United States, but she’s sent to England in search of an ancient manuscript that might have the ability to kill Lucifer. What demon hunter could resist that?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A lot of writers like solitude. I write in the middle of my living room, sometimes with the tv on, the kids around and who knows what else going on. Total silence makes my mind wander away from the task at hand.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Charlaine Harris. Sookie Stackhouse is an imperfect character, but you love her anyway. She is my favorite paranormal author, but I will read anything I can get my hands on. If it’s well written I’ll read it.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on the fifth novel in my Cassandra Myles Witch Series. It will be called Blood and Pack and I hope to have it available by the spring.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I will try anything to promote my books. Free and paid advertising. I love being on twitter and facebook talking to my readers. I update my blog whenever time allows. Right now I’m trying amazon ads. I don’t think there is any one magical tool. You need to throw a wide net.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s a marathon not a sprint. Making money is so hard. Only do it if you love it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get an editor. I did and I’ve never regretted it.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading a mystery novel by John Dolan and reading an unpublished manuscript by author Scott Kaelen. His epic fantasy novel will be out early 2018 and it’s such a fantastic read.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have the first drafts finished for the last two Cassandra Myles witch series. It will be sad to end it, but it’s time and it’s going to be a tearjerker.

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 Margarets Atwood’s MaddAddam series. I have read them twice already and would read them again in a heart beat. They inspired me to move to the country and grow my own food. So a good thing to have on a deserted island.

Author Websites and Profiles
Electa Graham Website
Electa Graham Amazon Profile

Electa Graham’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a 27-year veteran professional guitar player who always had stories swimming around in my head, needing life to be breathed into them on the written page. I won my first award—First Place in a short story contest—when I was 14. After nearly three decades as a performing and recording musician and six-string shredder, I started seriously writing my first novel in 2004.

One of the most exciting moments of my lifetime was finishing that novel late the same year. Since then, I’ve written a total of eight novels and nearly twenty short stories, along with two half-finished novels that are both current works-in-progress.

Since first being published in 2013 and as of December 2017, six of my novels have been published, along with eight short stories, most to critical acclaim and rave reviews. Some have won awards, along with another First Place award in a short story contest, an Honorable Mention in the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest, and 2nd Place as 2014 Book of the Year for SOULSNATCHER, my first published novel. JAGANNATH, my second published novel, became a #1 Amazon bestseller in July 2015.

My latest novel BEYOND THE VALE (Burning Willow Press, December 2017) won an award right out of the starting gate: 2017 Top 20 Best Indie Book.

But I don’t write to win awards—although I’m honored to have won a handful, and yes, I’m proud of them. I also don’t write to become rich or famous or both, although I won’t complain if I do. So why DO I write?

I write because I can’t NOT write.

My head would explode if I didn’t write. Seriously: Once I started writing, it was like opening the floodgates of my imagination. There was no turning back. I had to set the stories in my head free.

I love blending genres in my work, which is how I got the name and brand “The Reality Bender.” Most of my works mix elements of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, supernatural, paranormal, suspense, adventure, and thriller. I love writing about bizarre, weird, and freakish concepts.

Most importantly, however, I love to write about PEOPLE. All of my novels are character-driven rather than plot-driven. My readers love my characters—both human and canine characters—and often write to me about their favorites. And they “love to hate” my villains and villainesses.

So take a look at my works, and discover for yourself why readers and reviewers rave about them!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Thanks so much for asking. My new novel BEYOND THE VALE, an afterlife fantasy/ adventure (Burning Willow Press, December 23, 2017), is now available on Amazon, Goodreads, and other online vendor sites—and the ebook is only $2.99. Check it out and discover why advance readers are already raving about it.

The inspiration? Who doesn’t wonder “what comes after” this form of existence, or even IF anything comes after it? I often do, and have wanted to write an adventure in the afterlife ever since I started writing. BEYOND THE VALE is the culmination of that endeavor. Full of hope, heart, humor, romance, and adventure, it’s a tale of redemption and ultimate triumph.

Classic literature has often referred to this mortal/ earthly world as “the vale of tears.” What type of existence, if any, awaits us beyond this mortal coil? Get my unique and twisted take on it, and strap in for a wild ride in the afterlife with BEYOND THE VALE.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Do you mean do I wear funny hats, or sunglasses after dark? Maybe devour a bag of Doritos or Oreos or pop a cold brew after finishing a particularly difficult chapter or scene? Make prank calls to pizza delivery franchises?

Okay, I don’t do any of those . . . except an occasional cold brew after I’m finished writing for the day. And Doritos. And Oreos . . . or chocolate chip cookies.

Other than that, my only constant habit while writing is I’m always listening to music. I click on Pandora.com, where I have an eclectic selection of various types of music playing in a shuffle, everything from classic rock to progressive rock to Celtic music, symphonies, some pop rock, flamenco, guitar masters, and just about anything between them all except for rap, hip-hop, new wave, electronic, or opera.

Once the music starts playing, I’m “in the writing zone” with my muse fired up, and soar away into the world of my imagination.

Sometimes I glance up from my writing at the clock thinking maybe 30 minutes have passed, and it’s 4 or 5 hours later. Getting lost in a story is one of the greatest feelings in the world, because that time is never “lost.” It’s been spent doing the thing I enjoy most.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh, so many of both! Growing up, I was heavily into anything (and everything) by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Kenneth Robeson’s classic DOC SAVAGE series, Maxwell Grant’s famous THE SHADOW novels, anything by Lin Carter, and numerous other slightly more obscure classics.

Nowadays, I’m a huge fan of Dean Koontz, Robert R. McCammon, F. Paul Wilson (love Repairman Jack!), Robert Charles Wilson, James Rollins, Charles de Lint, and Susan Wilson’s famous dog books, among countless others.

THE ANUBIS GATES by Tim Powers is, in my opinion, one of the greatest and most stunningly brilliant novels ever written.

Other all-time favorites are WATCHERS and LIGHTNING and FROM THE CORNER OF HIS EYE by Dean Koontz, SWAN SONG and STINGER by Robert R. McCammon, THE STAND and IT by Stephen King, CARRION COMFORT by Dan Simmons, THE CHRONICLES OF THOMAS COVENANT (original 6, not the latest 4) and MORDANT’S NEED by Stephen R. Donaldson, THE LANAGUE CHRONICLES by F. Paul Wilson, THE SIGMA FORCE series by James Rollins, and so many more I could go on for days.

Whenever a reviewer compares some of my work to any one of these authors, along with many other brilliant authors, I have to tether myself to the earth to keep from floating away. Some authors don’t wish to be compared to others, but I find it to be high praise indeed. Thanks so much to everyone who reviews my work, it means the world to me!

What are you working on now?
I’m currently writing a novel that is purely a psychological thriller, no “elements of the fantastic” such as horror, sci-fi, or fantasy or similar speculative fiction (although there is a “ghost” in it . . . or is there?). I’m about halfway through the first draft. It’s a challenge I heartily accept: refraining from any deus ex machina via the surreal or unreal. I can’t share the title at this time; it’s a surprise.

I’m happy to say I’m having a blast with it, and can hardly wait to share the edited, finished manuscript with my beta readers, and after that, my readers and the whole world.

Sharing my finished works with book lovers everywhere is my greatest joy.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Ah, such a conundrum, a veritable quandary!

Finding the best way to promote my works is an ongoing learning experience. There is ALWAYS some new or better method, technique, or strategy to learn and implement. I’m still looking for the Holy Grail of promotional perfection.

Primarily, I use my email subscriber list, Facebook groups, and Twitter. But there are countless “free” promotional sites that I also use. It’s difficult to track which ones get the best and most frequent responses, and which ones increase sales the best. So many to choose from I couldn’t implement them all unless I had a squadron of personal assistants . . . and I’m still working on that too.

To my fellow authors: Promotional advice is always heartily welcomed and greatly appreciated!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Absolutely. First, ALWAYS keep learning everything you can about the craft of writing, and about improving your skills in creating realistic dialogue and characters, irresistible and compelling scenes, and developing your voice and style. No matter how rich and famous you may become, there is always more to learn, always room for improvement. There is no point in which a writer EVER perfects the craft. As soon as you think you’ve “learned it all,” you’re stuck with never improving beyond that point.

My highest recommendation list of books for writers: THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE by Strunk & White, SELF-EDITING FOR FICTION WRITERS by Renni Browne & Dave King, THE FIRST FIVE PAGES and THE PLOT THICKENS by Noah Lukeman, EATS, SHOOTS AND LEAVES by Lynne Truss, and THE CHICAGO MANUAL OF STYLE.

Second, I recommend subscribing to what I call my “Triple P Philosophy”: Patience, Persistence, and Perseverance. You need all three of these, and lots of each of them. Success in such a serious and time-consuming endeavor as writing never comes “overnight.” It’s hard work, and if you aren’t willing to put in the endless hours—time spent in necessary solitude—then you shouldn’t expect success. You get out of it what you put into it.

My final advice? Like I do, DREAM BIG, and never let anything crush that dream. Dreaming big is the only way to make the big dreams come true.

My heartiest wish for success to all of you in making that dream come true!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Finally, an easy question to answer! I’ve gotten SO much priceless advice from fellow writers and people involved in the literary industry, for which I have always been and will remain eternally grateful.

However, the absolute BEST advice I ever got came from bestselling author Robert R. McCammon over 20 years ago. I met him at a signing, and he was so gracious and spent extra time chatting with all his fans. Meeting him was an honor and a pleasure. I told him I wrote some short stories and wanted to write novels, and asked him for some advice on how to get published.

He said, “Don’t give up.”

Those three magic words have stuck with me for over 20 years, and I’ll never forget them. They helped place me where I am today in the literary world. Thank you again, Mr. McCammon.

Another priceless piece of advice came from friend, colleague, and fellow writer Lynda Fitzgerald. After I got my first novel contract for SOULSNATCHER, she said, “Don’t be shy; reach for the stars.” So I did: I asked bestselling author James Rollins, among several other favorite famous authors, for a blurb for SOULSNATCHER . . . and he said, “Yes. Send it on.” I was flabbergasted, and on cloud nine for months after he provided a rave testimonial for it (I still am, lol).

I had the honor and pleasure of meeting Mr. Rollins six months later at a local book signing, and thanked him for his excellent blurb. And what did he say to me? He asked what my current writing project was, and I told him I had a new novel coming out a few months later called JAGANNATH. He smiled at me and said, “You want another blurb?”

Damn straight. I said, “Yes, thank you!”

And so now I have not one but TWO excellent blurbs from one of my favorite and most respected authors, and all because I bit the bullet, expecting polite rejection at best, and “reached for those stars.”

What are you reading now?
Since I generally tear through good books in two to three days tops, and quickly put away books I don’t like, the answer to that question is in constant flux.

My three favorite recent reads are THE SILENT CORNER and THE WHISPERING ROOM by Dean Koontz (he’s finally back on track with excellent thrillers, after several recent duds), and THE DOG WHO DANCED by Susan Wilson (love love LOVE Buddy/Mack!). I devour books like the Cookie Monster gobbles cookies.

Gotta go back to the library and bookstore soon . . .

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d love to travel to and see the Crab Nebula, and after that, The Pillars of Creation. Along with about a billion other galaxies.

However, since that’s unlikely, I plan on getting my current work-in-progress finished and subsequently published, and then the one after that, and the next one . . .

I currently have two short stories that have been accepted for publication in anthologies in 2018, and can hardly wait to share them with my readers (and future readers as well!).

And of course, I plan on continuing to write, write, 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?
1) “How to Get Rescued From a Desert Island”

2) “How to Trap and Cook Small Game”

3) “The Boy Scouts of America Guidebook”

4) “The Definitive Guide to Edible Plants”

Author Websites and Profiles
Kerry Denney Website
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