Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
At this stage I have only written one, however I am currently writing my second.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is title “One Life” and it was inspired by someone once telling me write what you know. I always wanted to write action, but I haven’t really experienced much action in my own life. That’s when the concept of writing a book that is set predominantly inside a computer game started to take shape. And the cool thing is that the impossible seems to happen in computer games every single day.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My habit is that I let my characters write the story for me. I have an idea of where it needs to go, but I just sit down and let the story unfold in its own time. That and a nice cold can of coke is all I need.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am more influenced by movies because I find if I immerse myself too much into other authors books, especially when in writing mode, I tend to almost mimic their style rather than my own.

What are you working on now?
A follow up to mu first book One Life.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
At moment I am learning about my own method of promotion ( that’s how I came across this site to be honest ) So far it has mainly been Facebook and social media but trying to get the word out is harder than it looks.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t follow the rules. Don’t get too much involved in books like “How to write a book” etc. I think the whole experience is a learning one. That and don’t continue going back to adjust the last chapter. Just continue forward as much as possible. I feel if I was trying to be a perfectionist, I would still be on Chapter 1. I know my book isn’t perfect, but its all about leaning from your own mistakes.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Any review is a great review. Especially if they leave thoughtful feedback. Don’t get too caught up on negativity because at the end of the day not everyone is going to like it. Once again take all the reviews on board and enhance what you can for your next story.

What are you reading now?
I am reading some other local author works from Adelaide, South Australia. Diary of a Survivor and Fates Eyes. I think I am trying to immerse myself in other local authors works rather than mainstream as it helps me not only to find amazing gems, but build a community, where I can find approachable writers willing to help others with how they succeeded.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The sky is the limit. I just want to enhance my own style as much 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?
Mix it up, give me stuff I haven’t read before. I would love anything that contains Zombies, Action and adventure. Always trying to find something new, because there is so much content out there.

Author Websites and Profiles
Luke Green Amazon Profile
Luke Green Author Profile on Smashwords

Luke Green’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profil
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The best-selling author of Lucent Sylph has written six novels, two short stories, and a devotional for small children.

RJ Conte, formerly Rachael Lynn Thomas, has kissed only one boy in her entire life. And she married him, inspiring her to write about sweet or powerful love stories ever since.

She writes a blog on parenting, publishing, painting, and perorating at http://blonderj.wordpress.com/
She also has recently begun a book review and rating website for parents to make informed decisions on what to allow their children to read: rjconte.com/books

RJ Conte writes realistic, issue-driven fiction that explores human nature and the depths of the soul, while pointing readers to their Creator.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Heartsick was inspired by RJ Conte’s heart for Christian young adults navigating the adult world for the firs time.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
She writes solely at night after a full day of homeschooling her three small daughters.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
She is greatly influenced by Ted Dekker, Susan Vaught, Kimberly Rae, Lois Lowry, and H.L. Burke.

What are you working on now?
She just completed a 75k word contemporary YA novel for teens about a girl with absent/neglective parents and a hyper, immature stepmother, who meets a guy with a summer bucket list

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
RJ loves connecting personally with her readers and fans and can be found making small talk and interacting on social media.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write and promote and attend conventions and network right off the bat. Don’t start until you’re serious about it, don’t write what other people tell you to write, and go at it hard. Make sure your priorities are aligned first!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. And you shall love your neighbor as yourself.

What are you reading now?
Skyridge by Kara Swanson, author of The Girl Who Could See
and Home by Elyse Fitzpatrick

What’s next for you as a writer?
Realm Makers convention 2018, pitching The End of the Dream to agents, and putting out a short story compilation

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, Because He Loves Me (by Elyse Fitzpatrick), and The Giver by Lois Lowry

Author Websites and Profiles
RJ Conte Website
RJ Conte Amazon Profile
RJ Conte Author Profile on Smashwords

RJ Conte’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Meredith Lee is the pen name for Austin-based writers Dixie Lee Evatt and Sue Meredith Cleveland.

DIXIE LEE EVATT, Writer and Word-Wrangler
A former political writer for the Austin American- Statesman, Dixie later taught writing at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University. While there she published a book, along with colleagues, on the communication practices of small organizations, Thinking Big. Staying Small. When she teamed up with Sue to write fiction, they sold a screenplay treatment to a Hollywood producer. Although the movie was never made, they used the seed money to found ThirtyNineStars, their publishing company. They also produced a second screenplay based on the life of a Waco schoolteacher who was imprisoned in World War I because of his German heritage and his work with early radio broadcasting. That screenplay, Wireless, was a finalist for the Chesterfield Writer’s Film Project in 2003.

SUE MEREDITH CLEVELAND, Author and Artist
Sue is an award-winning artist who has worked in multiple media including oil, watercolor and fiber. Her earliest publications include articles advocating childbirth education and humanizing hospital care. Shrouded, a mystery Sue collaborated on with Dixie, was a finalist in the 2017 Writers’ League of Texas Manuscript Contest. One Slip Over the Line, Sue’s work-in-progress Young Adult novel, was a 2015 finalist in the Cynthia Leitich Smith Writing Mentor Award. Sue’s essays, literary memoir pieces, and short stories have been featured in award-winning literary journals, magazines, and blogs. Wireless, a screenplay she collaborated on with Dixie, was a semi-finalist for the 2003 Chesterfield Writer’s Film Project. Sue has written two pre-published Middle Grade novels: A Shadow Over Silver and Blue Water Over Dark Secrets.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
SHROUDED: A Crispin Leads Mystery
If memory serves, the inspiration for Shrouded came one day on the front porch when a fly landed too close to Dixie’s gin and tonic. Sue grabbed a 1962 Life magazine from a pile destined for recycle, rolled it up, and tried to shoo the fly away. She missed the fly but hit the gin. While cleaning up the mess the ladies noticed the magazine cover featuring the lead story: “Scientists Close in on The Secret of Life.” Well, a gin or two later and the rest is history.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
We write with four hands.
How do you write as a team? It’s the question we are asked all the time. It’s a good one but not exactly an easy one to answer. Team, the notion of two horses hitched to a single sled, pulling in unison through the rough, uncharted paths of imagination, character, plot and dialogue, happens occasionally but it is the exception rather than the rule. What is more likely to occur is less like synchronized playing and more like a give and take. Less like a duet and more like badminton.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Amy Gentry, Cara Black, Richard Wright, Robert McKee, Michael Noll, Bill Bryson, Maya Angelou, Terry Tempest Williams and many more.

What are you working on now?
We are revising the sequel to SHROUDED: A Crispin Leads Mystery. Our aim is to release DIGGING UP THE DEAD: A Crispin Leads Mystery in late summer of 2018.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The journey to publication is the best way to promote your book. What do we mean by that? Think of it this way. You write for years, all the while supporting and cheering on other writers you met at conferences and in critique groups. When you launch your book, the kindness you extended to others comes back threefold.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Study. Read. Research. Write. Throw away half of what you write. Rewrite.

Celebrate each little success with champagne.

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

What are you reading now?
Circling the Sun by Paula McLain.

What’s next for you as a writer?
1. Talking to groups about creativity and writing with a co-author.
2. Releasing Digging up the Dead: A Crispin Leads Mystery.
3. Working on a secret project. Details to follow in the winter of 2018.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. Boatbuilding: A Complete Handbook of Wooden Boat Construction by Howard Chapelle. Islands are lovely but Sue. would want to get to her husband and puppies on the mainland.
2. Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders. We’d have time to study the structure.
3. Surviving on a Desert Island. We have no idea if this book exists, but it would be useful.

Author Websites and Profiles
Meredith Lee Website
Meredith Lee Amazon Profile

Meredith Lee’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a graduate of Bournemouth University, which is where I got my degree in psychology.
At the moment I’ve only written and published one book, but I hope that that number will keep growing with time

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest – and at the moment only – book, is The Eater.
There wasn’t just one spark of inspiration for this book, as it started off as two separate ideas, that I decided to merge together and then the Eater was created out of that.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think that I really do. I just tend to try and write when I’m inspired and then go from there.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many authors and books that I love, but I don’t know if I can say which ones have influenced my own writing style, perhaps all of the books I’ve ever read have had some form of influence on the way I write and think and all that jazz.

What are you working on now?
At the moment I’m working on book two of the Shattered Gods series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t think I’m quite qualified to say what the best method is for promoting your book, since I’m still trying things out myself and seeing what works for me. But there’s a lot of information out there, by more experienced people, when it comes to trying to promote your book and although I don’t think all of it will work for everyone, there’s no harm in trying it out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
To quote a relative of mine “Publish and be damned”.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That happiness is just an emotion.
I guess it doesn’t exactly sound like advice, but at the time it sort of was for me.

What are you reading now?
At the moment I’m reading The Picture of Dorian Grey and The great Gatsby, as well as a couple of series.
I always seem to have at least two series on the go and when I’ve finished the book from one I’ll read the other, while getting the next book for the first – or waiting for it to be written.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not completely sure what my future holds, as a writer. At the moment I’m sort of focusing on the next book in the Shattered Gods series, but also trying to give some time to my already published book.
I guess I’m just going with the flow a bit and seeing what happens, before committing myself to any one thing in particular.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Oh gah, I’m so indecisive and I love so many book. I would have to take one by Shannon Hale and perhaps one by Jessica Day George, but I’m not sure which ones.
I think I would probably also want to be practical and take a book about surviving on a desert island.

Author Websites and Profiles
A. E. Marks Website
A. E. Marks Amazon Profile
A. E. Marks Author Profile on Smashwords

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m currently an Indie Writer and love to write weird fantasy, fantasy, and dark fantasy with bits of thrills and mystery. I also like to write some forms of horror fantasy as well. I’ve been writing since I was about seven, caught the writing bug from Roald Dahl, and have had a love/hate relationship with my process for a long time. I even quit writing a couple of times. About ten years ago, during a yoga class, I realized that I needed to get back to writing and find a way to reconcile what I didn’t like about the publishing industry. By this time, print on demand companies had already started up and I saw a way to go after what I wanted without relying on the yay or nay of publishers. To date, I’ve written and published two novels and two novelettes.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called The Other Castle, the second volume in A Xiinisi Trilogy. It was in fact inspired by the first book in the trilogy, The Forgotten Gemstone, which was inspired by a phone call with my best friend. We’d chatted about how later in life sometimes you get away from yourself because of life events and how important it is to get back to yourself. The idea of a second, adult coming of age story stuck to me as I went about my business. Then one day I came across a couple pages of printed prose, a scene about a child god being punished for destroying a world she’d built, and I knew I had my foundation for the first story about a character “finding herself”.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Perhaps, but I can’t really gauge what’s weird and what’s normal anymore. I think I’m pretty boring compared to other writers I’ve met. I put my seat in the chair and I write, and when new words don’t come, I switch over to another part of the process–research, outlining, sketching, et al–to keep moving forward on a project.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Most of what I read influences me in one way or another, but the most profound shifts in my writing skill occurred after reading Roald Dahl, Stephen King, and Tanith Lee. Other overt influences include CS Lewis, Edgar Alan Poe, William Hope Hodgson, William Blake, HP Lovecraft, and some of the books I’ve read in the past that have left a lasting effect include Johnny Got His Gun, House of Leaves, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Grendel, Perfume, Interview with a Vampire, The Stand, Silence of the Lambs, and so many more. I’ve been unable to catch up with modern fiction.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the final installment in A Xiinisi Trilogy. The third book follows the main character through the final stages of her learning who she truly is and undergoes a final transformation. Did I mention the main character is a trans-dimensional world builder who can manipulate energy and matter at a quantum level, which makes her a shape-shifter?

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I still feel incredibly new to the marketing and promotion side. The most effective way I’ve been able to promote myself and introduce my stories to the local writing community has been by vendoring at conventions. However, after four years of doing this, the cost to maintain this kind of promotion is no longer viable. Last year I started looking into the various ways of promoting online.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read and write. It’s really that simple. From reading fiction and non-fiction you’ll learn the mechanics of writing (both good and bad), you’ll learn how stories can be told and the different ways to create effective narrative; you’ll learn what’s been done to death; what you like and what you don’t like. From writing, you’ll get to practice what you’ve learned from reading as well as learn about yourself, which in turn will inform your writing process.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Most recently, I read a book on writing process called, Writing Into the Dark by Dean Wesley Smith. I immediately recognized that I write very similarly to him. His insight about his process helped me to better distinguish between the attributes of my Muse and my Inner Critic, which in turn made me more accepting of my Muse’s quirks. Oh, and it’s made me a faster writer, too.

What are you reading now?
I always have several books on the go (print, digital and audio), depending on which room of the house in and how my eyes feel and my mood. Over the years, I’ve done a lot of trades with other Indie authors, and I’m just getting around to reading a few. Currently, I’m reading The Red Ring by Jen Frankel and Shiv by Cameron S. Currie. I’m also reading Simon A. G. Spencer’s debut novel Soul, Light and Wings, which is published by Brain Lag Publishing. Also on the go: Comics and Sequential Art by Will Eisner, At Home With Monsters by Guillermo del Toro.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m looking forward to wrapping up the trilogy I’m working on by the summer and looking forward to focusing on shorter fiction for the rest of the year (short stories, novelettes, novellas) and doing as much promotion as I can before I return to a stand alone vampire novel I wrote last year during NaNoWriMo.

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?
When I was about ten, my grandfather gave me his edition of Alice and Wonderland/Alice Through the Looking Glass that he used at college, so I would definitely take that. And I’d take the entire series of Tanith Lee’s Tales from the Flat Earth series.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kit Daven Website
Kit Daven Amazon Profile
Kit Daven Author Profile on Smashwords

Kit Daven’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Born in Germany in 1976, I moved to South Africa in 1991. Although I have spent much of my working career in the timber wholesale business, I am also an accomplished horse rider, have a diploma in project management, photography, and nutrition, and have a passion for books and all things fantasy. I also believe in dragons!

From a young age, my dream has always been to put my imagination into words – give the stories life. When I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis in 2013, I decided life is too short not to follow my dream. So, with the support of my husband and three children, I began writing book 1 of the Elemental Trilogy in January 2015.

The Elemental Saga is a fantasy world spanning over 35 books. These stories all take place on the various Life Planets of the Milky Way galaxy. The first 4 books were published between 2016 – 2017, with 5 more books coming in 2018.

The Andromeda Saga takes place in the Andromeda galaxy and will be a mix of sci-fi and fantasy. Hopefully, by 2020, we will see the first books of this saga published.

I am also currently writing a dystopian fantasy, and my first novel, Resilient, is due for release in 2018.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I have been building my worlds for as long as I can remember. When I became sick, it gave me the motivation (and the courage) to share my stories with the world. My head literally is a fantasy world all on its own and I cannot write my stories fast enough, LOL.
Book 1 and 2 of the Elemental Trilogy are already available. (Elemental Rising and Elemental Betrayal).
I am currently writing the final installment, Forbidden Elemental, and hope for a publishing date in April 2018.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I write, I step into a completely different world. I like it quiet. No music, no TV in the background and my husband takes my phone away so I don’t get distracted by social media.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The book that started me on reading was “The Black Stallion” by Walter Farley. I read all his books when I was a kid.
I also read “The Lord of the Rings” when I was very young and have since read it many times over. The Earth Children series by Jean M. Auel also played a big part in my reading life.
My favourite fantasy author is Robin Hobb and I love reading her work.
Recently, I have stumbled on some amazing South African authors as well and, although they don’t write in my favourite genre, I absolutely love their work. (E.g. Ashleigh Giannoccaro, Sian B. Claven)

What are you working on now?
Forbidden Elemental – book 3 of the Elemental Trilogy

Jasmine In Love – book 3 of the Elemental short stories (release date 14.02.2018)
Luke – book 4 of the Elemental short stories (due before mid-2018)
Rebirth – book 5 of the Elemental short stories (due before mid-2018)
The Blade of Death – book 6 of the Elemental short stories (due before mid-2018)

Resilient – my first dystopian novel

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a few social media account where I promote my books:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authortonicox/
Twitter: @ToniCoxAuthor
Instagram: @tonicoxelemental
Website: www.tonicoxauthor.com
(My website also features my blog and you can sign up to my newsletter via the website)

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up – anything is possible.
By 2015 I went almost everywhere in a wheelchair. Writing has given me a new lease on life.
And just write. It may all seem like hard work sometimes, but at the end of the day, it is all worth it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?

What are you reading now?
Written In Flames – by Ashleigh Giannoccaro
Master of Dragons – by Chris Wraight
Zaria & Zauran – by Poppet
Happy Holidays Anthology – 14 different authors (my story featured in it is called “A Forgotten Christmas”)

What’s next for you as a writer?
Besides releasing 6 books this year, I am also working hard on my marketing technique. It is like having a second job … but is a vital part of being an author.
I will also be part of my very first international book signing, which is being held in Cape Town at the end of September this year.

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 probably take pen and paper and write my own … nothing more inspirational than a desert island.
But, there are some that I enjoy reading over and over:
The Host – by Stephenie Meyer
The Valley of the Horses – by Jean M. Auel
Mort – by Terry Pratchett
Eragon – by Christopher Paolini

Author Websites and Profiles
Toni Cox Website
Toni Cox Amazon Profile

Toni Cox’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The Maze is my first published book. I have written mainly poems and short stories until now!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Maze was inspired by some events in my life that brought me in a suicidal state and which actually enabled me to dive into my creative self.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I believe that all the books I have ever read have influenced me to a certain degree.

What are you working on now?
Now I am working on a mixture of novel and poetry! You can find a teaser of that at the ending of The Maze

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find a person to market your book!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Listen to no one!

What are you reading now?
Now I’m rereading Slaughterhouse Five

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing my next book.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Secret, Under the Volcano, The Waste Land, and The Magus.

Author Websites and Profiles
Shanony Shard Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Rakesh Kiron is an engineering graduate who works as a software engineer. He currently resides in Trivandrum, Kerala. His passion for reading crime fiction led him to write his debut novel “Truth Prevails”.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Truth Prevails is my latest book. I have ready many real life incidents and fictions which led me to write this book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t care where I am as I can write in any place.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Sherlock Holmes(Sir Arthur Conan Doyle), Agatha Christie, Sydney Sheldon

What are you working on now?
I am working on my second book which is also a crime fiction but will have some relation to a real life incident.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep trying and don’t lose faith and hope.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It doesn’t matter what you do but do it with full heart.

What are you reading now?
Saving Faith by David Baldacci

What’s next for you as a writer?
More 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?
Any books of Sydney Sheldon and Agatha Chirstie

Author Websites and Profiles
Rakesh Kiron Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a lifelong resident of Kansas where I currently reside with the youngest two of three children and three cats. I attribute life experiences, which includes a ride in the back of a hearse when I was four years old, to my writing style. Self described writer of vivid horror, dreamer of death, talented hater of poetry and a darn good cook.
I have written three books. The first two are part of a series. Kickshaw Candies and The Plague Son.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Grue Tales was inspired by my love for all things horror. I enjoy a good short story that is different from the norm. In writing Grue Tales I was able to bring to life what is inside my imagination.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I never outline or makes notes. Everything stays right in my imagination

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Clive Barker, Stephen King

What are you working on now?
Writing the third book of my series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
https://roxanmurray.wixsite.com/rkfinnell

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I get my eye rolling exercises every time I read of hear the words “show don’t tell”. This is usually said by those who haven’t really written anything but think they are experts on the subject. My rule is show what you should and tell when it is necessary. Showing sets the scene while telling moves the story along.

You have to write and rewrite a story. No you don’t. You stop when the story is good enough. You run the risk of rewriting your voice right out of your own writing.

You must get critiqued so you’ll know if your story is any good. This can be both good and bad advice. Too many writing sites have members who love to critique but have no clue on the right way to do it. I am reminded of the person who became absolutely livid over a character’s name I was using. She accused me of stealing it from another author and refused to continue reading. I later found out the author I “stole” it from also lifted the name from The Legend of King Arthur. Using a character name from another book is not stealing or plagiarism.

I can edit my own book. You know, there’s a reason doctors don’t operate on themselves and the same applies to writers. We’re too close to the story and it needs fresh eyes to find the mistakes, etc. Can’t afford an editor? Neither can I but I find a way to pay for one.

You have to continually write. For some this is true. For me, personally, I can take a big break and get back into writing without missing a beat.

Of course there are those rules that must be followed. Grammar, punctuation and such but don’t be afraid to break the rules of writing whenever you can.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing

What are you reading now?
While I’m writing I have a rule of not reading another author’s work. I don’t want it to influence me in any way.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish my series and write a sequel to Grue Tales

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
To Kill a Mockingbird
The Elementals by Michael McDowell
If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries What Am I Doing in the Pits by Erma Bombeck

Author Websites and Profiles
R. K. Finnell Website
R. K. Finnell Amazon Profil

R. K. Finnell’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a wife, mother to an 18 year old son and stepmom to a beautiful autistic daughter, as well as a full-time office manager. My passion for writing began at just twelve years old and led me to published poetry and various anthologies, short stories and four fiction novels, which are all available online at various outlets. I was also the primary writer for a local magazine and an ehow contributor for Demand Studios.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is a fiction novel entitled “Bleeding Panther”, which has received 4 and 5 star reviews. I was inspired to write this book as a tribute to our military members battling PTSD, some in my own family. This story isn’t your average PTSD story since it is told from the perspective of the military wife, who discovers her husband’s trauma little by little through therapy sessions. It is a raw, uncensored account of how PTSD can affect the entire family.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t call my writing habits unusual, really, but I do take a lot of notes and tend to write my first drafts out with a pen and paper before typing them. It gives me the opportunity to lay eyes on it in a different way and sound it out to ensure that the words flow properly.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been influenced by so many authors, both past and present, from poets to novelists, but a few of my favorite are definitely James Patterson, Anne Rice and Nicolas Sparks.

What are you working on now?
I am currently writing my fifth fiction novel, which is still untitled, about a widow in his sixties who raises his neighbor’s young daughter after she dies suddenly and his family’s strong opposition about the relationship.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When it comes to promotion, I find that social media is definitely the way to go. Today, it seems like everyone uses the internet to do nearly everything, reading included. I try to promote my novels on as many reading and writing sites as I can for more exposure, and I use Linked In, Goodreads, Twitter and Facebook to interact with my readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best piece of advice that I can give to new authors is not to let rejection keep them from their goals. Rejection from publishers and agents is so common in this industry and it is very easy to feel like one is less than his writing ability. Don’t give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Someone once told me that if she wrote for money and fame, she would have stopped long ago. That has really stuck with me, especially in my tough times of rejections or low book sales. I always keep it in me that this is my passion and my soul food. I do it to offer others an escape.

What are you reading now?
I just finished another James Patterson novel, and I love them all. I have a list of books that I am still eager to read but haven’t selected one quite yet.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My goals as a writer and author is to keep putting myself out there to the public, keep telling my stories and try to let my readers into my life a bit in hopes that they can relate to me and my stories. I plan to finish the novel that I’m currently writing while still promoting my other four and, hopefully, I will come up with a grand idea for novel #6.

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 probably choose to bring “How To Survive Anything Anywhere” and a few of my James Patterson favorites.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jodi Clark Website
Jodi Clark Amazon Profile

Jodi Clark’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am RyAnn. I have a daughter and husband. I have lived in the Carolina’s my whole life. I have never been outside of the USA, although I want to. I wrote my first poem book when I was young. I finally got it published! Now I am working on many more books. I really enjoy writing poem books but have found a new love with children’s books. I get the inspiration from all the wonderful children I have in my life.
I started writing children’s books after many failed attempts to read books to my child. She is so hyper. The books I was trying to read to her were too long and I could not finish the story before she started trying to flip the pages, trying to take the book from me, stopped listing, or started trying to do something else. So I started writing smaller books for children who are really hyper, have add/adhd, or are just trying to learn how to read. These short books will be easy for children learning how to read, to read by themselves. It won’t take them hours of sitting to read it. They will be so proud of themselves when they say, I have read my first book all by myself!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
First Time in the Snow. Currently being illustrated. Inspired by my daughters first time in the snow.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I prefer paper, but it’s too much trouble. Much easier to type on a laptop.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephanie Meyers. Love her books

What are you working on now?
First time in the Snow and Baby Jacob Loves His Nanny children’s books
Also an Adult novel I’d say werewolves. But I’ve been writing it for so long now, I don’t think I will ever finish it.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have no idea or I’d be rich by now lol.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You have to promote your books daily if you want sales.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
none.

What are you reading now?
kids books to my daughter

What’s next for you as a writer?
write more 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?
stephanie meyers and few other werewolf vampire books

Author Websites and Profiles
RyAnn Hall Website
RyAnn Hall Amazon Profile

RyAnn Hall’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an eighteen year old obsessive runner and writer. I spend my days writing, running, exercising, watching movie,s reading books, and living with my family in an RV too small for seven. I have finished one book, a YA sci-fi novel called I am Epic, which was about a robot created with the ability to feel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Land Between Life and Death is my latest book and nearly complete at that. This book was inspired by numerous things stylistically and thematically. A game called Dark Souls was probably my greatest influence for the aesthetic and world. The emotional core of the story I believe resembles what you might experience in a book like A Monster Calls or The Graveyard Book, with there being an layer of erie and supernatural fantasy interwoven with a realistic drama about growing up and family.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing weird comes to mind. I generally like to write at night before bed, since that’s when my brain is at its most calm. Maybe this counts, but I keep a list on all my neat book ideas for later on. I have about two dozen right now, and that’s keeping it slimmed down.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The one that really woke me up to how much I could love books was when I was eleven years old and started reading the Percy Jackson. Up until then I never realized that I could loves characters so much and find a world so creative and engrossing.

What are you working on now?
I am finishing, hopefully, the final stretch of editing for my next book and I am also working on gaining more of a following through social media.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Instagram is generally the easiest for me to do promoting on. My second favorite promotion is giving my book away in giveaway contests (hey, people like free books).

Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Don’t write something that some one else has written. Be original and please don’t be another European Fantasy novel copying Lord of the Rings
2. No author knows everything there is to know about writing (especially me)
3. Create a well rounded outline before you start writing (though some people do work better without one)
4. Your first novel won’t be a great (I know this all too well)

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
This might not sound like advice, but when I heard this, my writing became so much more focused and purposeful. To paraphrase some author guy I heard on a podcast, who was at the time quoting a much more famous author, “Stories are order out of chaos. We use stories to make sense of the world, because in the real world, there are no stories. Just a series of things that happen.”

What are you reading now?
I am working on getting through the behemoth that is the Dark Tower series, but I’m also reading a YA mystery book called, I Am Not a Serial Killer.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My next venture is a sci-fi war epic about an alien invasion seen through the eyes of one pivotal soldier suffering from PTSD. This novel is expected to be three time longer than my first two, so fingers crossed I don’t f–k it up.

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?
Let’s see… I’ll need a thriller with lots of plot twists to help with the my paranoia of being watched: Angels and Demons. A romance to compensate for my lack of human affection: Outlander I geuss. A book I can quote obsessively to myself and my imaginary friends: V for Vendetta. And a book that is boring but might actually help me to survive: Robinson Crusoe.

Author Websites and Profiles
Daniel Robledo Amazon Profile

Daniel Robledo’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, aside from fiction writing, I also do non-fiction writing. Currently, I am working on a newsletter promotion and if The Institute For Natural Healing likes it, I’ll have my first client. While working on promoting my books and even writing them, I will freelance as a health writer. Writing was always a go to for relaxation and tranquility. It felt to be one of the only ways I can be myself. The novel I just submitted to you is my first. And I plan to compose more in the future.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Aging Storm Clouds : An Assimilation Memoir

It started out as a poem I wrote when I was 17. And I have always had great interest in history, and indigenous people’s literature. It’s about the forced assimilation of Native Americans into Westernized society, a part of American history that is rarely discussed. I knew I wanted to expand the poem but just wasn’t sure how exactly I wanted to do it. At first, I wanted to turn it into a play and was pretty confident that it would be a very great and anticipating one. But as I started to practice dramatic writing, I realized the dialect just doesn’t come very natural to me. When I started writing small chapters, however, it ended up becoming a novel, I really love.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None that comes to mind. But perhaps, this is one…

Whenever something comes to mind. Anything. Just recently, it was a branch scratching a window. Or the liquid wax of a candle – anything – I write it down. And I always find some way to use it in my non-fiction writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Books I remember reading in school, such as “The House On Mango Street” and “Homage To Catalonia”. A couple years ago, I read a poem by Frank Marshall Davis, entitled, “Four Glimpses of Night.” I gathered many ideas from that one piece that was hardly long. I even gathered some ideas from watching “Cosmos”. Most of my inspiration comes from just simply going out and watching both the man-made and nature scenery.

What are you working on now?
My freelancing and promoting my book. Also, I’m an Independent Contractor for a new writing service known as American Wordsmiths. We write personal bios for people and/or their families, especially for special occasions such as weddings and births. Along with promoting my book, I would also like to promote American Wordsmiths (it’s fairly new).

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a page on Facebook. Currently, my publishing house is working on my website which will be featured on their site. Using Kindle, my book is about to be released to 85,000 readers. I am also in the process of submitting it to review outlets and literary magazines. The publishing house is going to release my name to the public through 4000 press releases, once they are finished developing the eBooks, which will be in about a month or two. But still, I would like get my name out there even before they release it. The more the merrier.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I myself am a debut novelist. As a writer, however, my advice is to be persistent. You don’t get anywhere in business by being passive, timid or lazy. You need to be quite the opposite.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I can’t really answer that right now. That’s something I’ll have to think about it.

What are you reading now?
Health science publications and an anthology of poems collected from around the world

What’s next for you as a writer?
Besides, the freelancing and promoting, my second novel will probably be about a neighborhood in which the children who stayed past 18, were cursed. And it is inspired by true events. Or I may write a sequel to my current 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?
Well, one would have to be my own.
As for the other 3 or 4…

Homage to Catalonia
A Farewell To Arms
Poems and short stories by Edgar Allan Poe

Author Websites and Profiles
Areese Woodson Amazon Profile

Areese Woodson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, aside from fiction writing, I also do non-fiction writing. Currently, I am working on a newsletter promotion and if The Institute For Natural Healing likes it, I’ll have my first client. While working on promoting my books and even writing them, I will freelance as a health writer. Writing was always a go to for relaxation and tranquility. It felt to be one of the only ways I can be myself. The novel I just submitted to you is my first. And I plan to compose more in the future.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Aging Storm Clouds : An Assimilation Memoir

It started out as a poem I wrote when I was 17. And I have always had great interest in history, and indigenous people’s literature. It’s about the forced assimilation of Native Americans into Westernized society, a part of American history that is rarely discussed. I knew I wanted to expand the poem but just wasn’t sure how exactly I wanted to do it. At first, I wanted to turn it into a play and was pretty confident that it would be a very great and anticipating one. But as I started to practice dramatic writing, I realized the dialect just doesn’t come very natural to me. When I started writing small chapters, however, it ended up becoming a novel, I really love.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None that comes to mind. But perhaps, this is one…

Whenever something comes to mind. Anything. Just recently, it was a branch scratching a window. Or the liquid wax of a candle – anything – I write it down. And I always find some way to use it in my non-fiction writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Books I remember reading in school, such as “The House On Mango Street” and “Homage To Catalonia”. A couple years ago, I read a poem by Frank Marshall Davis, entitled, “Four Glimpses of Night.” I gathered many ideas from that one piece that was hardly long. I even gathered some ideas from watching “Cosmos”. Most of my inspiration comes from just simply going out and watching both the man-made and nature scenery.

What are you working on now?
My freelancing and promoting my book. Also, I’m an Independent Contractor for a new writing service known as American Wordsmiths. We write personal bios for people and/or their families, especially for special occasions such as weddings and births. Along with promoting my book, I would also like to promote American Wordsmiths (it’s fairly new).

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a page on Facebook. Currently, my publishing house is working on my website which will be featured on their site. Using Kindle, my book is about to be released to 85,000 readers. I am also in the process of submitting it to review outlets and literary magazines. The publishing house is going to release my name to the public through 4000 press releases, once they are finished developing the eBooks, which will be in about a month or two. But still, I would like get my name out there even before they release it. The more the merrier.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I myself am a debut novelist. As a writer, however, my advice is to be persistent. You don’t get anywhere in business by being passive, timid or lazy. You need to be quite the opposite.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I can’t really answer that right now. That’s something I’ll have to think about it.

What are you reading now?
Health science publications and an anthology of poems collected from around the world

What’s next for you as a writer?
Besides, the freelancing and promoting, my second novel will probably be about a neighborhood in which the children who stayed past 18, were cursed. And it is inspired by true events. Or I may write a sequel to my current 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?
Well, one would have to be my own.
As for the other 3 or 4…

Homage to Catalonia
A Farewell To Arms
Poems and short stories by Edgar Allan Poe

Author Websites and Profiles
Areese Woodson Amazon Profile

Areese Woodson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Amazingly, this my first book. I have always been asked if I have written articles and blogs by associates and peers. So, this is my first effort as a writer, and I am excited to bring information regarding social services to the forefront in North America and aboard.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
THE THERAPEUTIC ALLIANCE HANDBOOK: A Study of Modern Intersectionalities of the 21st Century (Truth Alliance Series) Kindle Edition.

The book was inspired by series of article responses, case study analysis, and of course professional experiences that influenced my perception as a holistic social worker within North America. Likewise, studying internationally within the U.S.A. opened a world of possibilities professional for myself as a budding writer. Thus, I was encouraged by my academic mentors to share my unique and in-depth writing abilities in a book, and I jump towards the task. Writing professionally as a first-time author is an experience that comes with many challenges and successes. I am enjoying the experience of putting my written efforts out there for others to start a conversation on one’s place within society and how we as people can create means of progressive change.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to have several bottles of water when writing because I become thirsty. I also believe cold water keeps me awake and my thought patterns moving while writing long chapters.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Peggy McIntyre’s article called the invisible backpack. Her writing abilities helped me to see the beauty and difficulties of social change and modern intersectionalities within the 21st century.

What are you working on now?
As of now, I’m currently writing my second book in the therapeutic alliance handbook series. It will be geared to failed policies in North America and economic impacts on marginalized people of various backgrounds and cultures.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still new to the promoting game. So, I will have to answer this after I finally have gotten my feet wet after a few more months of promos and notary.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it; writing takes time and effort but, once your serious, you can put your thoughts to paper or in my case pages on my MacBook.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Ideas become plans, and plans become avenues of progress towards change. No matter if they are successful or not…its leading you somewhere you have not been before.

What are you reading now?
Soar by T.D. Jakes. It’s a book about entrepreneurship and social leadership. It actively shows you how to build your vision from the ground up by making the most of your natural-given opportunities.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m currently working on my masters’ degree in advanced clinical social work and I be working on research efforts within my local community.

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 books of Psalms, Ecclesiastes, The Color Purple, and my book. The reason I would bring my book is that it would remind me that un-possible is possible with the right efforts and planning.

TrayCee Truth’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written three full-length novels (The Persimmon Series), two novellas (Shadow, Inc. Series), and one nonfiction with my brother. I left a teaching position to be at home with my kids. A few years ago, I picked up a book my mom recommended and quickly developed a mild obsession with all things romance. I had stories in my mind that wanted out, so I put them on paper.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Tarq is the book I am publishing this month. It as inspired by my recent discovery of fantasy and paranormal romance, mixed with some erotic romance. There are some really good reads out there and I wanted to get away from the comedy I was writing.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sit on an exercise ball so my legs don’t get numb. I also set a timer so I don’t sit for longer than 30 minutes at a time. Aside from the physical part, I outline and do notes in pencil. I erase often. But I never have the ending figured out until I’m in the middle of the book. I think the characters have to tell me where to go.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
For this new series, especially, I was influenced by Amelia Hutchins. She wrote The Fae Chronicles. It’s amazeballs.

What are you working on now?
I’m wrapping up Quin, Book 2 of Shadow, Inc., and starting Eriq, Book 3. I also have another full-length fantasy novel I’ve yet to publish that will be part of a trilogy.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t figured out the best way to promote my works. It’s been a lot of trial and error. I do you Awesome Gang a lot because they have a free option. Oh, and Ask Dave when I run a free book promo.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, and write some more. I’m better than I was a year ago, but I’m not as good as I want to be. Practice helps.

Also, be patient and have a thick skin. Low-star reviews mess with your head. I’ve had a 1-star and a 2-star and I obsessed about it. But no review was written, so I don’t know why. The bulk of my ratings have been 4 or 5 stars, and those two low ratings still bother me. But it doesn’t matter. At least they took the time to read my book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be brave! I try to be brave every day.

What are you reading now?
I am rereading The Fae Chronicles. I like to revisit books I loved reading.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope to get at least two more Shadow, Inc. books out by spring. I’ll also release the first novel of my Daughters of Imperium fantasy romance series by summer and the second book shortly after. The third book hasn’t been started yet, so we’ll see.

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?
Harry Potter! I know it’s not romance, but I do love magic. Maybe some sort of encyclopedia. I’m always trying to learn about the world. Knowledge is power, people!

Author Websites and Profiles
Cass Alexander Website
Cass Alexander Amazon Profile
Cass Alexander Author Profile on Smashwords

Cass Alexander’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 an Irish student currently studying animation & illustration. I have written one book ; a collection of writings made for someone important in my life. I’ve always been interested in writing and all forms of art.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is ‘For You’. It was inspired by an important person in my life. I had written small pieces for this person before and after some time decided to collect them into a book format.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I prefer writing late at night or staying up into the early morning but that’s not very unusual.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Definitely some modern books like ‘Milk and Honey’ by Rupi Kaur. From an earlier age, Tupac Shakur’s ‘The Rose That Grew From Concrete’ was also always a favourite.

What are you working on now?
Mostly college work!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon has been great amongst others like Barnes & Noble.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am still a new author so not a lot but just write without constraints.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Everything changes.

What are you reading now?
A book called ‘Silence in the Age of Noise’ by Erling Kagge and some more Rupi Kaur. Alan Watts is always a favourite too.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have absolutely no idea!

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 Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety by Alan Watts.
The Rose that Grew from Concrete by Tupac Shakur.
Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur.
And a big graphic novel of either Spider-man or Daredevil.

Author Websites and Profiles
Matthew Stevens Furey Amazon Profile

Matthew Stevens Furey’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Ricardo Alexanders, an indirect decedent of the Great Yyu, was born in China, educated as a chemist, specializing in innovative drug formulation development. In his spare time, he is a passionate writer and loves writing History/Science Fiction.

Dragon Tomb is his first published book. Ricardo wrote this book to pay tribute to his ancestors. Dragon Tomb is also the first book of The Last Resistance pentalogy. The tentative titles for the rest four are: Resurrection, Total Invasion, Red Dragon, and the series finale, Genesis. Sharing of such titles is meant to set a clear goal for Ricardo in building an unique/brand-new world for readers and motivate him to finish the pentalogy within five years.

Ricardo’s next book is “Bollywood Invasion”, which tells an unique story about a boy from Brooklyn who goes to India, wins the heart of his dream girl and conquers the world with music inspired by the Beatles. This book will be available very soon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Last Resistance: Dragon Tomb. It was inspired by a dream and a desire to write aliens differently than most novels/movies.
In many novels/movies, aliens often appear as monsters without any individuality yet like to destroy human for no reason. My belief is that any intelligent extraterrestrial life form should be living in a society, probably like ours. Therefore, I decide to depict the aliens differently. In Dragon Tomb, they are individuals with unique personalities. They love; they hate; they eat; they pee; they have faith. Among all the alien characters I created, my favorite is the always-cursing Black-Fish.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No

What authors, or books have influenced you?
George R. R. Martin, A Song of Ice and Fire

What are you working on now?
Bollywood Invasion, which is almost done, and Resurrection, which is the second book of The Last Resistance

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is my first time and I am trying out different ways.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
No. I am a new author.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Try to realize your dream yourself.

What are you reading now?
The three body problems

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to write ten books and call it a career.

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 and a book named “How to survive in a desert island.”

Author Websites and Profiles
Ricardo Alexanders Website
Ricardo Alexanders Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m happily married with 2 children. I’m an avid reader and writer. I have my B.A. in English from Kent State University. I’m an optimist. I have written one book and got it published through Covenant Books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Surrender. My kids’ wild imaginations were my main sources of inspiration, along with stories I’ve read over the years and people with whom I’ve interacted.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’ll write my ideas down on napkins, sticky notes or anything else so as to not forget the idea.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Bible; Stephen King – many books of his; J.K. Rowling; J.R.R. Tolkien; C.S. Lewis; Neil Gaiman; Lee Child; and the list goes on and on . . .

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a prequel to “Surrender,” my first book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I created a Facebook group page and it seems to be gaining traction.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t ever give up; fight the good fight.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“To write is human, but to edit is divine.” -Stephen King

What are you reading now?
Nonfiction –
Captured by Aliens
The Search for Life and Truth in a Very Large Universe
By Joel Achenbach

What’s next for you as a writer?
My ultimate dream would be to quit my day job and write full time, but just making it on the Fiction Best Seller’s List one time would suffice 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. The Holy Bible.
2. One of those “How to Survive on a Desert Island” books (I believe there are several on the market).
3. Robinson Crusoe.
4. The Stand.

Author Websites and Profiles
Chris Baum Website
Chris Baum Amazon Profile

Chris Baum’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello i’m Wayne Ellis and I live in Cairns. A beautiful tropical haven in northern Australia. I’ve loved to write all my life and this is the story of my writing trials and tribulations.
I began by writing short stories in the late 80’s and early 90’s, one of which got into an anthology. By the the 00’s, the internet had started to become a potential platform for writing. I became involved in Star Trek role playing through ‘Google groups’ and learnt a lot about writing through that, especially characterisation. But my writing got buried in all those posts and I knew inevitably this wasn’t the way forward.
So, I created a posting story of my own called ‘Starfrontier’ This was actually turning out Ok, the story was flowing well, the characters were strong. I’d promoted this site through ‘Webring’, which was my first attempt at web promotion. Eventually, I saw no way forward here either…
After this, I went into a seven year writers lapse. In fact, I was sure i’d never have the desire to write ever again! But luckily it came up in conversation with some new friends I met in 2010. They were talented in sketching, painting and sculpting and said I should get back to writing.
I decided to get back into writing, this time more seriously. I began writing a short story with the space ideas from Starfrontier in mind. But I wanted this story to have a overlying spiritual theme. A story that involved spiritual transformation on a galactic scale. So, I wrote two stories ‘The Dark Shadow on the Moon’ and the ‘Temple of Mars’. They didn’t do that well on the internet. Undeterred I wrote, ‘Beyond the Great Juncture’ which was novella size and started doing very well on Obooko. Then I wrote the novella, ‘The Will of the Three’ and it did very well, it got hundreds of downloads! I was onto something here…
I decided to novelise the original short stories which I renamed to ‘Oracle Moon’ and the ‘Essence of Mars’. These novelas were also were downloaded in the hundreds on Obooko and Free-ebooks.net
OK, so I was writing a series that may be of interest. So, i began writing a story which I originally was going to call ‘The Quest for Ralgaban’…but ended up being called just Ralgaban. This story was very different to the first four and I was adamant it was to be the fifth instalment of the Transformation Chronicles. But, it wasn’t to be. My editor, who’s a good friend of mine, rejected it. She couldn’t understand where I was going with this story.
I had to either re-write it…or break it away from the series. So, I decided to create a new series. It made sense as there was afterall, no space theme in this new book. There weren’t many changes so it didn’t turn out to be too bad.
And…this was the point where I not only changed my writing style, but the way I promoted books also. I put Ralgaban on Obooko and Free-ebook.net, the same as I did with the others (it got many downloads also) but this time some very smart individual thought he would try and sell it on Amazon himself?!
Can you believe it? It may have taken a while to find it and a bit of a saga to get it removed through Amazon. To this day I’m still annoyed that many people out there may have paid $11.99 from that crook, when I’m only selling it now for .99c
Nonetheless there was lesson in this and I knew it was time to start selling my books on the major players. I put Ralgaban on Amazon soon after the rogue version of my ebook and paperback were removed. With a bit of searching I found a good publishing company called Draf2digital and put Ralgaban and the first 4 books in a collection and published them to all the major bookstores.
Anyway, regardless of the trials and tribulation, you keep on writing because that is what you love…

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Ralgaban, the first book in ‘The Age of the Wizards’ trilogy. My previous work in the Transformation Chronicles inspired it, but I wanted to move away from the Space Opera ideas and pursue a more Tolkien-Rowling type universe.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, not really. I write much better on days off, rather than trying to write late at night after a hard days work.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors that influenced my latest series are J.R.Tolkien, J.K Rowling and Jason Tesar. But, I’ve been largely influenced from movies also, like Starwars, Startrek, Marvel and DC.

What are you working on now?
The Age of the Wizards – Book 2. At the time of writing, i’m nearing completion.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The most successful for me so far has been through Obooko and Free Ebooks.net. Obooko for the members that downloaded many of my books and rated them appropriately. Free Ebook.net for the editors there, that thought I wrote well enough for every book to be placed on their weekly picks – this resulted in many downloads. At present, the major bookstores are proving to be quite a challenge, so i’m still continuing to promote in any which way I can.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get into a regular writing routine and stick to it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Is that the less thoughts you have racing around your mind, the better the ideas flow through you…

What are you reading now?
‘Sweet Unrest’ by Lisa Maxwell but i’m really looking forward to Jason Tesar’s seventh instalment in his ‘The Awakened’ series.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Complete the Age of the Wizards Trilogy, then to finish off The Transformation Chronicles; also with a 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?
In that case i wouldn’t read fiction. Any books written for Sahaja Yoga.

Author Websites and Profiles
Wayne Ellis Website
Wayne Ellis Amazon Profile

Wayne Ellis’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi Everyone! Thanks for the interview! I am from a city called Johannesburg in Southern Africa. I am a light horror/thriller writer who enjoys some old school stories. I started writing at a young age but only recently published my books. I have two books out – The first book I released was Ensnared and the second was Tatum. I am releasing my third book in February.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Kallista is the book that is coming out in February. It is the sequel to Tatum, my second book, and it was inspired because I was originally going to write it all as one book but then decided it didn’t work and made Kallista its own book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can’t write for longer than 15 minutes without taking a break but I type insanely fast. When I do get in the zone of writing I can type up to 9000 words in 2 hours which might not sound like a lot, but it really is. If I’m not in the zone I pumped out about 200-300 words every 15 minutes in short bursts before taking a half hour break.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have a lot of great authors that I love to read but the authors that have greatly influenced me to include Ashleigh Giannoccaro, Toni Cox, JK Rowling, JRR Tolkien, Stephen King, Clive Barker and Rick Riordan.

What are you working on now?
I just finished the first draft of Kallista so while it is being edited I am working on my next book titled The Culling which follows a world overrun by demons with pockets of human civilization barely surviving. They cannot leave their little towns except each year one town sends it middle born children out to Nirvana – a heavenly place that only middle children can go to.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote a lot of my facebook group – Sian’s Little nightmares. This includes teasers twice a week, a live video chat with me every Monday amongst other things. I also have an Instagram account, twitter account and website. I do weekly blog posts and newsletters.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Just write. Don’t go back and check your writing constantly, it will instil a fear in you. Write it finished and then edit.

Also, reviews are for readers, not authors, don’t look at them.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The advice I just gave.

What are you reading now?
At the moment I am cycling between three books. My main focus is on Elemental Betrayal by Toni Cox but I am also reading Clive Barker’s Books of Blood and Ashleigh Giannoccaro’s Written in Flames.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer I want to publish four books this year before mid-year and have them all available at the Cape Town international signing event I Read Him First in September!

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. Elemental Rising – Toni Cox
2. Cirque – Ashleigh Giannocarro
3. Tangled Weeds – Sarak Key
4. The Shining – Stephen King

Author Websites and Profiles
Sian B. Claven Website
Sian B. Claven Amazon Profile

Sian B. Claven’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Writing under the pen name R.F. Kristi, I have authored 6 standalone children’s books in the Inca Book Series which are perfect for kids ages 7-12. If you and your child like animal adventures, lessons about different cultures, and working together with family and friends, then you’ll love R.F. Kristi’s cat detective series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Vampires at Easter, Diary of a Snoopy Cat. The series are based on the adventures of a spunky cat detective based my on my Siberian kitty and her Siamese sis, Cara.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love to write seated in a yoga pose on my bed with my laptop placed on a pillow.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I enjoy reading funny books like ‘Three men in a boat’ by Jerome K. Jerome and ‘Rosie is my relative’ by Gerald Darrel. I also love detective stories.

What are you working on now?
The 7th in the Inca Book Series. I am searching for a title but the furry gang visit Asia this time for a new and exciting adventure.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have used Free booksy.com, Bargain Booksy etc.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you enjoy writing – just write and don’t worry too much about sales.

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

What are you reading now?

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep on expanding the Inca Book stories. Create shorter books on the existing series – one plot per 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?
Wonder by R. J. Palacio.

Author Websites and Profiles
R.F. Kristi Website
R.F. Kristi Author Profile on Smashwords

R.F. Kristi’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a YA comic fantasy author, I’ve got four books at the moment; my debut novel Eggs, Butter, Sugar and Disaster and the first three of my Vampires Don’t Belong in Fairytales series, Miss Prince, The Map is the Treasure and Vampires Don’t Belong in Fairyland.
I’ve got another 3 in the works, and other concept I intend to work on, once the others are at a reasonable stage. I also draw a webcomic of the same name that runs alongside my VDBiF series. I’m not the best artist, but I enjoy it and it’s actually a great way to develop characters and worlds without worrying about things like word count or story flow.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The last one was Vampires Don’t Belong in Fairyland. It was actually my very first attempt at a book from when I was 19, but I kept stopping after a chapter or two and then scrapping it almost entirely, and re-doing it. This was my fourth complete rewrite of it.

Because it’s been 15 years since I wrote my original notes – which I found just the other day and had a good laugh – I honestly don’t remember what inspired it in the first place. The book continues the theme of the series though, I love to work with tropes, both modern and ancient. Princes are always out rescuing people, but the second they become king, if they try to do anything heroic they usually fail horribly or die. The twinkly, tiny, friendly fairies we know today were mostly invented by the Victorians, before that they were scary and rewarded or punished humans in equal measure, with a view towards us as wide as our own view to the rest of the animal kingdom. What do the fairies think of their saccharine new image? These are the things I like to play with, always.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think it’s unusual, but I can never plan. If I plan too much, I get bored and it stops me from writing. I do have some clear ideas of where I want to go, but I seldom write them down unless it becomes an important plot point or and interesting turn for the story to take, then I just make a little note at the bottom of the manuscript of it.

Other than that, I write where I can, when I can. I recently discovered the Microsoft Word app which I now have on my phone, so I can turn a lot of wasted travelling time into creative productivity. Although previously I would take a pen and paper to write with, I’m not always able to use it if there isn’t the space, and I also loathe typing things up. Copy-pasting what I wrote on the app is so much easier!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve read every single Discworld novel, and I would say you can tell quite easily. I first started reading Terry Pratchett’s books when I was 14 and I always got the new one for my birthday, as they tended to come out around the same time. However, one of my earliest influences was actually Patricia C. Wrede’s The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, the first one of which I picked up when I was 11 at a school book fair. It was Wrede who taught me that ‘king’ is just a title, something I’ve only come to realise the past year! She’s still writing and it’s to her writing blog I always direct people for writing advice and where I go myself.
The other series I always mention when asked my favourites is Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy which I have re-read several times and shall again, especially as I just finished The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage.
I’ve also been influenced by stories from other mediums; cartoons, films, and particularly RPGs. I blame my favourite JRPGs growing up for why there’s always a war going on or at least some of bust up.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on book 4 of the Vampires Don’t Belong in Fairytales series, Magic and Other Things in Bottles. I’m just waiting for my latest round of feedback and then it’s into the final set of drafts.
This one closes a four book arc, and then I have book 5 started, but I’m just working on that in my downtime along with a prequel to book 3 I have half a draft for and I’m also working on turning the first one, Miss Prince, into a script. One of my life goals is have my own cartoon and you have to start somewhere.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For years the best method I found was to get out there and talk to readers yourself via book signings and conventions, but now I’m a hybrid author, there are more methods I can try and I had excellent results using a free book promotion on KDP select and using Freebooksy. I had as many downloads in 5 days as I had previously sold in 6 years of working my tail off, so definitely going to try that again! I’m preparing for the next one, which would be why I am looking at yourselves and doing this here interview!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up.

That’s the advice I give to would-be authors too, just don’t give up. Keep writing, keep improving, look at writing blogs, look at how other people are marketing their work, just keep your chin up and keep going. Because the only surefire way to fail is to give up.

Also you should read and review. When you start out, you realise that getting reviews is like pulling teeth, but not only does it help the other authors out, you will learn and grow. I figured out how to fix a problem I was having in one of my manuscripts by reviewing a film that had the same issue.

You should also join whatever authors’ society you have in your country.

I joined the Society of Authors and they have been an invaluable source of information and support, I wish I’d known about and joined them as soon as I became an author. It’s through one of their talks that I learned about you!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Oh gosh. Probably ‘join the Society of Authors’.

If not that, the advice I got about using free giveaways to boost your visibility, again, that is what led me here. But I never would have heard that advice if I didn’t join the Society!

To elaborate, there are a lot of ways to promote a free giveaway on kindle etc, and that is great for getting you a fanbase and getting those all important reviews.

What are you reading now?
I am reading Geoffrey of Monmouth’s The History of the Kings of Britain. It’s part myth, part history. I am highly amused that he dismissed a talking eagle as nonsense but was happy to report that Britain was inhabited by nothing but a few giants until a Trojan named Brutus and his entourage came and drove them out on the advice of the goddess Diana. No Celtic peoples ever lived here you understand, just giants.
It also contains, rather bizarrely, an allegedly historical version of Cap O’ Rushes. If you are not familiar with the tale, a king asks his daughters how much they love him, and the first two give suitably flowery answers and the third says ‘as much as meat loves salt’. He does not like the youngest daughter’s answer, so he throws her out. As you do.
Long story short, she becomes head of the kitchen in the palace of the neighboring king, and when her father is invited to a grand feast she orders everything cooked with no salt.
‘But that will taste bland and horrid,’ the kitchen staff protest.
‘I know,’ says Cap O’ Rushes. ‘Let’s just say I have a point to make and revenge is a dish best served without salt.’
And of course she is brought out to explain herself and her father realises he was an idiot, the end.

In Geoffrey’s history, one of the British kings somewhere down the line ends up with three daughters and he decides to divide up the kingdom between them and find them husbands. He tests them first by asking how much they love him. The results are similar, except the third daughter ends up in France married to a king rather than as a scullery maid.

I find this kind of thing utterly fascinating, that I have found a fairytale reported as history. Makes me wonder what came first! This is one of the reasons I adore reading ancient books and old tales, they are quite the window on the old days that you don’t get by just reading facts and figures about the time.

And yes, people who ask what I am reading do frequently get told a fairytale or two.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As mentioned in an earlier question, one of my life goals is to have my own cartoon or show (I prefer animation as I am an artist, and also my literate dyslexia, which makes it harder for me to recognise faces, predisposes me to connect more easily with distinctive animated characters) and I want to start writing scripts. I’d love to work in television somewhere. Not just on my own work, but on other people’s.

I also really need to get my own website up and running, I’ve got all the info ready to go, all the pages I know I want to add, I just need to get around to actually doing 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?
Oh gosh, no. See, this is what kindles are FOR, although I grant that a paperback can never run out of batteries.

If I really have to choose, I shall take the His Dark Materials trilogy and one Discworld novel… I shall pick Wyrd Sisters, as that was the first one I ever read.

I do hope you’re also giving me something to write with.

Author Websites and Profiles
Alicia L. Wright Website
Alicia L. Wright Amazon Profile

Alicia L. Wright’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Deepak Gupta is an enthralling Indian author with the great art of prehending storytelling. He was born in Delhi, India. He graduated in commerce from Ramjas College, Delhi University and pursuing his Masters in commerce from Delhi school of economics. His ardency for inditing is authentically incontrovertible and unmatchable. He believes in inditing best exceptional content from his subconscious mind. He is the author of various prominent best-selling novels such as The Lionel Messi, Revolutionary Love, Inspiring Life, Real horror stories, Top business secrets, One rupee business law, Haunted bridge, The Exorcism of Emily rose and “She: she heals everything” and The Universe of your Mind(Series-1). He has travelled many places in India like Manali, Rajasthan, Goa, Kolkata, Madhya Pradesh and Mussoorie to bring descent originality in his work. He lives in Delhi with his parents. You can electronically mail him at guptadeepak3111994@gmail.com and you can follow him on twitter (@authordeepakgupta) or like his official Facebook fan page (https://www.facebook.com/authordeepakgupta/).

You can visit his official website: www.authordeepakgupta.com

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I think this is the most usual question, you are asking for it. Recently i have published a title “The Universe of your Mind” and She: she heals everything. I usually get inspiration from my environment. Everything is legitimate if we see good at everything and that’s the main basic to hit hard in your success. Be the broken one with the power to make anyone. In my opinion, self inspiration is the best inspiration for us and purely we should follow our mind to bring out the best in ourselves.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, absolutely i have the habit to write unusual things sometimes and i think everyone should have as it gives us the right way to find out the right echo which can be surely listen. I can write weird or good sometimes depend upon the taste of the readers. Hope i will find out the readers of my words.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are millions of authors who publish their books worldwide and yes i am also one of them. Most popularly many readers love Paul coelho, Rbin sharma, Rupi kaur and J.K. Rowling and john green as well and yes these authors are also my favourite of all time, but Robin sharma is really the world best coach and leader all over the world.

What are you working on now?
I have been working on various titles these days to provide best experience to my readers. Some of the titles are “The Last Train” 2060, The Bookaholic Beggar, Aurora and Two Detectives.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think askdavid.com and awesomegang.com. sometimes i use facebooks advertisment system as well.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I only want to give one advice to the new authors i.e. they must be honest to yourself while providing content to the readers. Getting Big is not the Game, instead its about to present yourself in the honest way.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Fail, learn and then Grow.
Success without failure is just a hollow success. You have cracked a nut but you don’t know how you cracked it.

What are you reading now?
I am reading Robin sharma’s book these days.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To serve the whole nation with my thoughts. Learning and growing is the rule of this dynamic world.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
That’s very interesting question and i think i should be clever while answering this question. I would take only one book but with the blank pages, obviously i would love to write, to observe the purity of nature and i think every author should do this. We love to read and write because when an author born, thousand characters are born with him.

Author Websites and Profiles
Deepak Gupta Website
Deepak Gupta Amazon Profile

Deepak Gupta’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The term books seems like a fragile concept these days. What is a book? When is a book a book? With that caveat, I have written extensively under a variety of names, including William Gray, Stanley Gray, B.S. Gray, W.S. Gray, and even Katlynn Gray. I feel a deep connection to and passion for the craft of storytelling. In a way, it helped saved my life. I spent a number of years in prison, and during that difficult time of self-reflection, I was able to recreate myself from the inside through the transformative process of creative writing. It helped me search my own soul, while guiding me towards something constructive that could lend me confidence.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Traits of Darkness is the latest work, and a number of things inspired it. Inspiration is a tricky thing. Initially, the germ of the idea behind the book came while I was in a math class at my community college. Doodling on graph paper, I realized I had a map. So, I kept adding to the map, until I had a basic plot. The popular Game of Thrones series, as well as Terry Brooks, also helped inspire both me and the work. Finally, a friend of mine recently diagnosed with a severe learning disability loves to read fantasy. I come from a thriller/ crime fiction background, but, seeing the joy he experienced from his favorite stories really helped me see what an impact the genre can have.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think writers are inherently unusual. Nonetheless, I used to keep a dream journal. I have piles and boxes of papers with notes on them, most of which I will never use, but which I still steadfastly refuse to discard, despite my partner’s consistent admonitions and prompts.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lawrence Sanders, Terry Brooks, Norman Vincent Peale, Terry Goodkind, Sue Grafton, Upton SInclair, Victor Hugo, John Steinbeck, John Grisham, Stephen King, Mary Oliver… the list is interminable.

What are you working on now?
A non-fiction book on the economics of American prisons.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth. Writing good books, a lot of good books, seems to be a good strategy. But, Awesome Gang is great, too.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t worry, be happy.

What are you reading now?
Damned by Chuck Palahniuk

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

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, Watership Down, a survival guide, and Les Miserables.

Author Websites and Profiles
Stanley Gray Amazon Profile

Stanley Gray’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As a newly-published author, my experience with several autoimmune diseases led me to writing. I seek to help people like me who didn’t know much about autoimmune diseases and the symptoms & side effects that come along with them.

Only one book so far, but a few in the works!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Adrenal Fatigue: A Guide to Reduce Stress, Boost Energy & Balance Hormones.”

This was inspired by my diagnosis of two autoimmune diseases resulting from extensive emotional stress and poor life choices.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a perfectionist. Attention to detail is key.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Hormone Diet
The Alchemist
The Autoimmune Protocol

What are you working on now?
“How I Healed: Autoimmune Diseases & Divorce”

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Genuine methods – good books will sell themselves!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just got for it!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Happiness is having something to look forward to.”

What are you reading now?
Re-reading “The Red Tent”

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am always learning! Understanding the digital world in depth!

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 Alchemist
The 5 People You Meet In Heaven
The Little Book of Lykke
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a first time published Author and it has always been my dream to publish a book. I do have plans to write in the future, but I am also finding myself interested in the spiritual aspect of life. I’m intrigued with healing crystals, natural remedies, tarot cards, magic and things of that nature. I want to spread my career options into that direction as well. Life isn’t meant to be lived doing one thing, so do as much as you can of the things that make you truly happy.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Reaching Nirvana.
I just wanted to share my story to be able to connect with people in a real and raw way.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually wait until 10 or later at night to start.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
ToO many to name, but I will say this……… Any person who has the guts to expose their naked thoughts to a world trained to cover you up……..Is an act of bravery all on its own.
Speak your heart out.

What are you working on now?
A project about true and extrodinary love stories. This project will take longer than my last, because I am still on the search for interview subjects who are willing to speak with me and share their amazing stories.
If you are reading this (with-in 2018) and have an amazing love story about you and your partner or a triumphant self love story…. feel free to email me at 11reachingnirvana11@gmail.com and let’s see if it’s the kind I’m looking for, and we’ll do a interview.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am trying every option possible to see what flows with me better.
I think dabbling in numerous websites gives you experience regardless of outcome.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn as many things as you can from many different sources.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Learn to love yourself, because in this world it’s the realest love you’re going to get. -K.L.

What are you reading now?
How to be a woman By Caitlin Moran

What’s next for you as a writer?
More Poetry.

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 biggest English dictionary
3 huge blank books to fill

Author Websites and Profiles
Michele Chantal Amazon Profile

Michele Chantal’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
About myself? Well I’m a Christian writer about teachings, visions and encounters with the Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father, Heaven and the Spiritual Realm. And have been privileged to write by the Lord, nine books so far.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Our Beloved Father: Papa God, God Almighty! And the Lord inspired me to write it, for He is awesome and His true character needs to be revealed to the world, as He is our faithful Father, our Heavenly Father, through His Son Jesus Christ.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, but if writing on the Lord’s behalf is considered unusual, then it is. For I write, as the Lord inspires me, dictates to me and flows through me, through His Word.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Anna Rountree (The Priestly Bride) Kenneth E. Hagin, Elwood Scott (40 Days in Heaven), John Bunyan and many others.

What are you working on now?
I’m resting right now, but looking forward to the new book, the Lord would have me write.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method in promoting my books is using Twitter and letting them know about my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is to only write what the Lord would have you write about and nothing else, for it will fail, if it’s not His will. We must always remain in the center of His will for us and obey Him.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From the Lord’s Word, through the Apostle Paul, where he says in Philippians 4:19 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”

What are you reading now?
John Bunyan’s: “Grace Abounding To The Chief Of Sinners.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just to serve the Lord, ad He leads me to and continue to write my blogs on His behalf for His beloved people, the saints.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Holy Bible, so I can continue to hear His voice. Also books about Heaven, the Spiritual Realm and books of the Lord speaking through visions, through His people.

Author Websites and Profiles
Nanyamka Boyer Website
Nanyamka Boyer Amazon Profile

Nanyamka Boyer’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Alyssa, but I write under the pen name: A. Renee Hunt. I began as a traditional author, but I felt I hadn’t received the instruction and assistance promised. With that, I decided to become an Indie Author. I’ve since published two works and currently writing my first indie novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, releasing the end of this month is titled An Omniscient Memoir: A Dark Retelling. It’s about revenge and the consequences of such an action.

It was inspired by a recent trip to the Georgia Mountains with my family. My husband kept nagging me to write something- how the location was perfect for a good story. So I wrote a short story in two days. It’s the darkest story I’ve ever written, but I think it’s absolutely amazing!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t believe I have any unusual habits when it comes to writing, but I do have an amazing desk that allows me to either stand or sit while burning my favorite, scented candle.It’s important to me to have proper posture and to stand often. Also, I have sketches of my characters created with every book.

While I write, if one of them is in a particular scene, I open a smaller window with them in it. I do my best to either think as they do, or I have a conversation with that image, doing my best to hear what they’d say. I let the character come alive.

The candle… it just smells really good.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by authors from various genre, but I truly feel, writers like the King family, Gordon R. Dickson, Lovecraft, Ted Dekker, and Frank Peretti have made me. Though I’m a huge fan of Mark Tufo, Scott Sigler, Marissaa Meyer and My greatest influences come from authors who carry a strong theme without all the vulgarity. A story doesn’t have to be raunchy to be phantasmic or haunting.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on my first indie novel: The Malignant Soul. It’s about a young woman who’s so unhappy with her life, she decides to leave her world behind. She travels to other countries in search of herself, but finds something that could possibly place her in a grave instead.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I really do not have a website when it comes to promoting. I’m going at this alone and it’s my first time. I use social media as well- creating photos and other images to share. I also share other authors, with hopes they’ll share my work as well.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors, when it comes to fulfilling your dream is: When you feel no one is paying attention, buying your work, liking your work or even glancing at it- Keep Writing! It’s heartbreaking when if seems no one’s interested, but that doesn’t mean you stop. Push, then push a little more!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never pay someone to publish your book.
Sadly; I received it too late.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading one ebook: Iloray: A Mermaid Story by Mary Jane Capps and listening to an audiobook: Snow & Rose by Emily Winfield Martin.

What’s next for you as a writer?
While writing my novel, I plan to collaborate with another author for a Halloween book release later this year.

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?
If I were to be stranded on a desert, I think I’d have to have The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. It’s got adventure, fairytale themes, hotshot pilots, an amazing female hero and romance in small amounts!

Author Websites and Profiles
Alyssa Hunt Website
Alyssa Hunt Amazon Profile

Alyssa Hunt’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Some people would describe me as a go-getter. I will say the same but I am also a very passionate writer. My first piece of work was a screen play and from there I moved into writing books. I’m a very quiet person but I use my pen to express myself. My thoughts are always placed on paper so that everyone else can read them. I grew up in the South and have been writing since my junior year in college. I currently have 3 books written and published with several more on the way. My first book “Floetic Whispers” is a book of poetry. I was always into Spoken Word and Poetry. This book really allowed me to be super expressive with my thoughts. I published a children’s book entitled “Heaven’ts Library Journey”. This book is very colorful and full imagination. It’s guaranteed to take any kid who reads it on an imaginary journey. My final book published is called “Red Lace”. As mentioned, I have a very creative mind. Red Lace is a book of erotic tales. Every story will take you on that romantic journey. I’m sure I created a lot of stories within these pages that everyone would like to explore but are afraid to speak of. Some are also true!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book that I have written is called “Boss Chicks: Getting Out of Your Own Way”. What inspired this book is procrastination. People procrastinate a lot. Even myself. We talk about doing things and blame everyone and everything else for not getting it done but ourselves. Sometimes we get in our own way of achieving goals. I wrote this book to teach other women, its okay to blame yourself for not taking that next step in life but acknowledge it and move on. Do better.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes! I have to take a vacation to a different state or city. When I am alone in a hotel room, I feel inspired and can write pages and pages of thoughts. My creative mind just flows with words.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am a hug fan of Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou and Gwendolyn Brooks. I have been a collector as well as reader of their books. Also, Nikki Giovanni. They are some of the greats.

What are you working on now?
Currently I am working on publishing my latest work “Boss Chicks” as well as a reference guide to the music industry. Over the years, I have been quite successful in the music industry and have worked with some huge names. Occasionally I will come across local artists who need advice so this is may way of answering all of their questions and teaching them the business. I am also working on my next children’s book. My schedule is literally booked for 2018.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my work on social media a lot. This is the best free platform that can create a bestseller. Here you can connect with people all of the world and capture new readers. My work is also posted on my website www.Ailawishes.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be patient. Nothing happens overnight. Use social media as much as you an to get the word out about your book. Don’t be afraid to promote your work. Write with confidence.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.

What are you reading now?
I am currently readying “Soar” by T.D. Jakes. Sometimes I just need to be inspired and need that extra push to get things accomplished. This book is an amazing read and will definitely inspire you to reach that next level of success.

What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next? Hmmm… I have several projects in the making. I am going to just continue writing. As long as I have thoughts, I will be putting them down on paper.

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?
Your Network is your Networth
The Alchemist
The 10x Rule

Author Websites and Profiles
Erica Ailawishes Gillespie Website
Erica Ailawishes Gillespie Amazon Profile

Erica Ailawishes Gillespie’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a mother, grandmother and a great-grandmother. I love to read, cook and play “World of Warcraft”.
I was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1948. We moved to Pennsylvania when I was 3 and I graduated Farrell High School in 1966.
I took Business Management at Kent State, Graphic Arts at Bellevue University, and I am studying, History, Classical Literature and Goverment at Hillsdale University. {Certificate programs for free.}
My favorite quote is below;

“The most essential gift for a good writer is a built-in, shock-proof shit detector.” – Ernst Hemingway.

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This is the third book I have written
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What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Twisted Myths & Legends
I wanted to have a book that twisted up some famous Myths & Legends.
However it took on a direction with a ” Women’s Rights Slant”

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I listen to Classical Music

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Maya Angelou ,Pearl S. Buck, A. S. Byatt
Angela Carter
Ana Castillo
Willa Cather
Kate Chopin
Sandra Cisneros
Ivy Compton-Burnett
Anita Desai
Isak Dinesen
Harriet Doerr

“Charlotte Perkins Gilman–
The Yellow Wall-Paper” One of my favorites from College Literature.
not a complete list. But, to let all my fans know” I am a big “James Patterson” Fan

What are you working on now?
A Historical Myth, Legend—- Novella

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have not found the best way yet.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Love what you do. And don’t quit your “Day Job”, untill the money is rolling in.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write Every Day, about anything.

What are you reading now?
James Patterson’s ” Miracle On The 17th Green”

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on a Myth & Legend Novella, but my goal is to come out with a complete novel by or before the end of 2018.

Author Websites and Profiles
Starr Sayles Website
Starr Sayles Amazon Profile

Starr Sayles’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up watching my father write and the soundtrack of his typewriter instilled in me the desire to do the same. Stories came easily to me, and every time the local newspaper (I grew up in a VERY small town) published one of my little pieces, I would be over the moon, and further inspired to chase my dreams. In 2010, as a young mom in desperate need of reconnecting with my creative self—that part of me that had been shelved to raise my children—I started a blog as a creative discipline. I shared stories from my boring life, reconnected with that need to write, and started chasing the ultimate dream of writing a book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In 2014 I signed up for Nanowrimo with nothing more than a title and an idea that I wanted to write a thriller. The book that came out of that one month hyper-writing experience was not a thriller; it was much deeper and richer than I could have ever anticipated. It took almost three years of hard work before The Church in the Wildwood, my debut literary novel, was officially released in June of 2017, and through that arduous, rewarding process, I learned a lot. Not the least of which being that allowing myself space to do something that feeds my spirit made me a better, stronger person in other areas of my life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a night owl. My best ideas come after the sun has set. I always make myself a hot drink before I sit down (tea or coffee) and I prefer to write in total silence – no music, no chatter, just the sound of my fingers on those keys. Perhaps it goes back to those childhood typewriter memories.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Anne Rice writes with the kind of eloquent poetry I strive for. She has such a beautiful way with words that captures and inspires. And Leonard Cohen. Oh, Leonard. He moves me like no other. He wrote with such raw, unapologetic vulnerability – such a gift! I keep copies of his books all over my house, so no matter what room I’m in, I can always get a little fix.

What are you working on now?
I’ve just completed the first draft of The Ghost of Iris Carver, a companion piece to my first novel and a bridge between it and another novel, Black Bird, which is about 10,000 words away from completion.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media has definitely been a great help for me in promoting, though I don’t think I’m very good at it. The truth is you really only get as much as you put in. When I disappear from platforms like Twitter or Instagram (because life gets in the way – three kids, a husband, and a day job is a lot to juggle!) my sales go down as does traffic to my website. When I’m active, engaging with followers, suddenly everything bumps up. There’s a lesson in there…

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Call yourself a writer. Naming the thing you want out loud gives it power and strong legs to stand on. When I kept my dreams to myself, I don’t believe they had any chance of coming to light. Sure, I was afraid people wouldn’t take me seriously, but voicing my desires helped me take myself seriously, and that’s the most important thing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. I don’t know if it’s the best advice, but it’s been instrumental in helping me complete drafts. I used to hang out on single paragraphs – even single sentences – until they were ‘just right’ instead of powering through and getting the story told. First drafts aren’t for anyone else to read. They’re supposed to be garbage. Perfection can come later in the process.

What are you reading now?
I recently finished ‘Out of Orange’ by Cleary Wolters and I’ve just taken on a beta-reading project for an author friend of mine – a science fiction novel. I also just ordered Jenna Fischer’s new memoir ‘The Actor’s Life’ and can’t wait to dig into it. With my children, we’re working through the Harry Potter series and are currently on The Prisoner of Azkaban, which I read aloud to them before bed.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m aiming to have The Ghost of Iris Carver out in the world in 2018, with Black Bird following closely behind in 2019.

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?
Leonard Cohen’s ‘Book of Mercy’ – for its beauty and genuine voice; something by Ted Dekker – not so much for reading, but so I can gaze at his dreamy photo and not feel so alone; the biggest journal I can find – to write all those feelings of abandonment; and a hardcover copy of Battlefield Earth – because it’s big and could be used as a weapon or kidling…not to say it’s a terrible book, I just couldn’t get through it (but perhaps being on a deserted island would remedy that problem).

Author Websites and Profiles
Alanna Rusnak Website
Alanna Rusnak Amazon Profil

Alanna Rusnak’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first novel of a new crime series

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Chronicles of Vengeance i’m inspired by daily and world events

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write on the fly and when I can

What authors, or books have influenced you?
John Grisham, Janet Ivanovich,Clive Cussler

What are you working on now?
The Chronicles of Vengeance : Two 4 Tuesday

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
https://twitter.com/mybooks2018 : https://mybooks2018.wixsite.com/website

Do you have any advice for new authors?
hard work pays off

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Dance with who brung ya

What are you reading now?
Stephanie plum series

What’s next for you as a writer?
My 2nd novel is in the works

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Anything by Clive Cussler of John Grisham

Author Websites and Profiles
Shawn Brawner Website
Shawn Brawner Amazon Profile

Shawn Brawner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first book Suffering Ends When Awakening Begins.
I have volunteered in community service organizations and had worked with youth and seniors. Also served on the board of directors of my local chamber of commerce. My curiosity and love of travel have taken me to Japan six times. I’m married to my beautiful wife, and together we have four wonderful children whom I teach to think for themselves and to use their thoughts to create the lives they want.
I continue to learn about my higher self and the expanding of my consciousness.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Suffering Ends When Awakening Begins
My book was inspired by all the hardship and suffering I went through in my life. Including a premeditated murder plot by my own mother. This lead to a snowballing effect of hardship and suffering. You could say I was a master of The Law of Attraction (except in reverse). I was going through a tough time in my life and the thought of helping others by writing a book brought me back to life.

I only wrote this book for the reader, not for myself, money or fame. Just the reader. If they read what I went through, they will have some hope, faith, and courage to be able to make it through whatever they go through.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I dont think so.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Napoleon Hill
Joe Dispenzza
Joseph Murphy

What are you working on now?
Promoting my book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Just starting, not sure yet.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Listen to yourself and believe in yourself that you can do it. If I can, anyone can.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Show me your friends and I’ll show your future.

What are you reading now?
Life Visioning, by Michael Beckwith

What’s next for you as a writer?
Will be a book on overcoming adversity and life struggles.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. The power of the subconscious mind
2. Getting off a deserted island for dummies
3. 10 easy ways to get off a deserted island

Author Websites and Profiles
Robert Crown Website
Robert Crown Amazon Profile

Robert Crown’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been married for… a really long time and love my wife. I have two wonderful daughters. My Clark Kent persona is working in the oil and gas industry for a major engineering firm. I enjoy golf and figuring out how to make the ball fly 300 yards is my golfing goal… google Mike Austin.

I enjoy writing articles on self-publishing, sports, and technology and providing resources for others on my website www.lionandthebear.com

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Lion and the Bear: The Search for the Yummie Berries was inspired by bedtime stories that I would tell my children when they were young. They enjoyed them so much, they begged me to start writing them down and publishing them.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Jeff – “Hey Alexa, Do I have any unusual writing habits?”
Alexa – “Yes, you go to the driving range and hit golf balls. That helps your ideas come out.”
Jeff – “Thanks Alexa”

What authors, or books have influenced you?
C.S. Lewis, Tom Clancy, Patrick McManus, M.R. Montgomery, and Zig Ziglar.
The Bible, Golf My Way, The Way of the Trout, and Petroleum Refining Processes, Third Edition, Financial Intelligence

What are you working on now?
I am working on publishing my third title TBD, a science fiction novel about artificial intelligence and what happens when the quest for the perfection of humanity goes awry. Some exciting twists to this story, as one of our characters, Jake Stone, struggles with his inferiority and learns how his lack of “perfection” is exactly what the world needed in a hero.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website: www.lionandthebear.com
Facebook, etc.

Still sailing in search of great resources in the vast eBook marketing sea.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t quit, it is a marathon, not a sprint. Write about what you enjoy, your audience can tell your passion. Find good tools and good support. Hopefully you find what you enjoy has some cross threads with themes or culture that resonate with a larger audience so that you aren’t stuck on the friends and family plan.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Speak well of others and you never need whisper” – unknown, but my Grandfather carried this handwritten note with him.
“Do what you love and you will never have to work a day in your life” – Warren Buffet

What are you reading now?
Legend of the Golf Monkeys by Jack C. Woods, a funny little short story about golf hijinx.
Golf My Way – Jack Nicklaus – because he knew how to golf
In Business As In Life, You Get What you Negotiate, Karass – everyone can be a better negotiator

What’s next for you as a writer?
Become a faster, more proficient writer
Sell 10,000 copies of my books
Keep on learning and enjoying writing

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible – For spiritual food
Spearfishing for Dummies
Bear Gillis – survival manual with bonus guide how to make a flare from sea urchins and coconuts
Yongle Dadian, the longest book ever written, so I can burn it and keep warm

Author Websites and Profiles
Jeff Swanson Website
Jeff Swanson Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Angelique and I write books aimed at young adults. As a fan of steampunk and fantasy, I’ve written eleven books to date and four novellas. My recent releases The Dracosinum Tales featuring The Dragon Lady, The Phoenix Lord, and A Steampunk Christmas Carol are my favorites. Though you can find my personal story in the pages of Little Lost Girl: The Complete Series.
A fan of Chronicles of Narnia growing up, and an avid song and poem writer, I wrote my first novel in November of 2013. In it, my passion was born, and I went on to write the second and third to what would become a young adult fantasy series. Unable to quell the desire to write after the fantasy series, I went on to write a three-time award-winning sci-fi novel, Eden’s Serum, and it’s sequel Eden’s Demise. The third will release later in 2018.
I have four children, and several rescue animals ranging in species. I’m an advocate for foster children, and anti-bullying and I try to include bits and pieces of that in every story I write.
My hope is that through my writing, people will find help, healing, and great storytelling.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I recently published A Steampunk Christmas Carol, inspired by the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. The fun part was rewriting it entirely, giving it a steampunk twist, and throwing my characters into the mix to make it more my own. It is definitely a retelling of sorts, and will never come close to the real Christmas Carol but it was a lot of fun to write.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, except that I always write better in the late hours of night, or very early hours of the morning.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are many that have influenced me, as I love to read a little of everything. Marisa Meyer comes to mind, Cassandra Clare, Francine Rivers, Aveyard, just so many.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a fun steampunk mystery that I hope to release through Kindle Scout. It’s called Clara’s Diary and its about an unsolved murder that takes place in 1900’s New York.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I love doing local cons and signing books at local bookstores. That is my favorite method, and I am working hard to make this dream happen.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, don’t listen to everyone’s advice because you will make yourself crazy. Stick with your gut, find your two or three people and stick with that. Some advice works, and some doesn’t. You’ll find out all too quickly what works for you and doesn’t. Also, don’t sweat the small stuff, being an author on any level is a ride, so enjoy it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
lol, it has to do with marketing. So if someone has a marketing question.. message me and I’ll tell you what the best advice I ever heard was. Also, there is an audience for every genre….. remember that and you’ll do okay.

What are you reading now?
I have about eight books I am reading right now, they are all indie authors, and I think my favorite out of them is called Caligation by a Brhi Stokes.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to finish up Clara’s Diary, and then send the fourth book in the Dracosinum series off to the editor, I have a few speaking engagements this year and I am looking forward to 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?
Redeeming Love, The Lion, the Witch and the Warddrobe, Cinder, and NLT Bible

Author Websites and Profiles
Angelique Anderson Website
Angelique Anderson Amazon Profile

Angelique Anderson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I include my first book, “The Little Rabbit” which I wrote in the 4th grade for my parents. I did all the illustrations and story myself; seeing the look on their faces inspired me to do more. Since then I have written many collections of short stories, poetry, and prose such as “The Criminal Color” and “Wisdom of the Tiger.”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Wisdom of the Tiger.” It is six months of compelling daily meditative musings and striking photography to get your mind and soul galvanized, powerful, and passionate about your life. I like to synthesize my writing and photography as one flowing piece of art as a metaphor of differing components of life that work together harmoniously.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Midnight to 4 is my best time for writing. I have at least 2 computers in front of me and each has a different writing project on it. I can go from project to project as long as they all have their own space and project. It is my wish to one day have a room of 7 or 8 different laptops and work to complete each project at the same time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Maya Angelou, Arthur Koestler, Joseph Campbell, Nikki Giovanni, Nathan Rutstein, Tao of Jeet Kune Do, 1984, The Edge Chronicles.

What are you working on now?
I have just completed a novel and am very excited to see where it goes. It has taken me quite some time to get it where I wanted it and it feels good to release it into the universe.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still working on this one but it seems that blogging is very effective yet time consuming.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Cliche alert; do it. “I’m going to write a book one day” may mean “I’m never going to write a book one day.” Today is the day; do it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
So and so sold 100,00 books why can’t you do it? Questions like that used to break my spirit a bit but my mother asked me once “are you tired of writing and do you hate it?” I answered very quickly “no, I am in no way tired.” “Then continue; when you get tired, very tired, quit it.” Her words are extra special as she has recently passed away. I continue for her and me.

What are you reading now?
James Balwin, I’m Not Your Negro.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer of plays also, I am playing a production of my play Damn Victims as well as get my novel ready for print.

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?
Shackleton, Roland Hunford. Wisdom of the Idiots, Idries Shah, Touch The Earth, T.C. McLuhan

Author Websites and Profiles
Jeanne Misha Martinez Carter Website
Jeanne Misha Martinez Carter Amazon Profile

Jeanne Misha Martinez Carter’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a speaker, author (of course), radio show host, wife to a great man and army mom! Growing up in adversity lit a fire under me to not make the statistics true. I am way to stubborn for that! Reading and writing served as an escape for me. I wanted to be the black female Stephen King. I have authored 3 books and co authored 3.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Motherless Child is the story of my life growing up with a mother in addiction. Society rarely thinks about children like me unless it is being used as a defense in court. I was born to defy statistics. My mother was a creative and talented writer before the weight of heartbreak and trauma led her into doing drugs. The story is about my journey including releasing her from my expectations. She was a whole person before she became my mother, but more importantly before she did drugs.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I only can write at night for some reason. If I am writing about a specific time in my life, I have to put on music from that period.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King. I completed “IT” in 8th grade. It was so vivid and descriptive that I was terrified, but could not stop reading. I also enjoyed “Cane River” and “The Favorite Son.”

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on an anthology with several co authors called “Through The Valley.” It is about the lowest period in the writer’s lives when they were so close to giving up, but didn’t.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I definitely use my social media and my radio show a whole lot.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write! A lot of times we overthink and worry about the “look” versus the “feel.” You can always pay someone to help with the look part, but the feel is all yours.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Your story made me cry and gave me hope, don’t keep it to yourself.

What are you reading now?
Just finished The Bait of Satan, reading the Bible (over the year), and about to start Man’s Search For Meaning.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Besides the anthology, writing a fiction series about being a bonus mom.

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 by Stephen King
I Am Number 8 by John Gray
Where The Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein
The Bible

Author Websites and Profiles
Valencia Griffin-Wallace Website
Valencia Griffin-Wallace Amazon Profile
Valencia Griffin-Wallace Author Profile on Smashwords

Valencia Griffin-Wallace’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a professional writer because I always wanted to make a living creatively.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Collective is a collection of short stories (mainly horror), based on things that have happened in my own life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
All of them, I’m a freak.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Everyone has influenced me, writers and non-writers.

What are you working on now?
2 Inches
Evil Has Never Been So Close.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Websites like this.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never let anyone tell you you’re not good enough. I have seen too much shit on television, and I haven’t been to the show in over ten years.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give advise.
You can’t learn from someone else’s experiances.

What are you reading now?
My own novels, I am constantly rewriting what I have already published because I am a perfectionist, and never satified. I hold myself to a level of perfection that I can never achieve therefore their is always room for improvement.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I would eventually like to see my novel tunred into a Movie, it the conditions are right.

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?
Silly Question.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jason Kondrath Website
Jason Kondrath Amazon Profile
Jason Kondrath Author Profile on Smashwords

Jason Kondrath’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a first time author. I’ve been an adoption social worker for over 30 years and a single adoptive parent.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Adoption Adventure: A Guide to Making Adoption Decisions

Do you have any unusual writing habits?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The book that most influenced me is “They Came to Stay” by Marjorie Margolis.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the 2nd book in the “Adoption Adventure.” It’s my story of adopting two children.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have a Facebook closed group called Adoption Adventure.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Persistence. Don’t give up. It’s taken me 2 years to get my first book published, but I did it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do what you enjoy.

What are you reading now?
I read a lot of books about women in World War II, books on genealogy and history.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to keep writing, first on adoptions and then on other subjects I’m interested in.

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 take my Bible, a book by Gwen Bristow, a book on Eleanor of Aquitaine and the book “The Family Nobody Wanted”

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! I’ve always been a passionate storyteller and a voracious reader. After graduating college in Michigan, I hit the road for California to seek my fortune. Though I didn’t find gold there, I did find my beautiful wife. Together we moved to Colorado, and after some time we traded in the spectacular mountains for the pristine beaches of Florida, where we currently reside.
I’ve written several screenplays and short stories. I have self-published two novellas and I’m currently seeking a publisher for my recently finished science fiction novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book that I have finished and am currently fishing around for a publisher is a science fiction novel. It’s a love story revolving around a man and an android and it explores whether such a love can truly exist between the two. It was inspired by my working in Silicon Valley for nearly a decade and seeing the exponential rise of technology in our lives.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can write anywhere. Literally, anywhere.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jack London – White Fang
J.R.R. Tolkein -The Hobbit
Mark Twain – Tom Sawyer
Norman Mailer – The Naked and the Dead
H.G. Wells – The Time Machine
Arthur C. Clarke – Childhood’s End

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a story about a handful of nuclear war survivors who must battle a rogue AI in a post-apocalyptic landscape. Inspired by threats of nuclear war that hover over our heads right now.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still trying that out. Email newsletters like this seem to be good. Also, Facebook and Goodreads.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Strive for excellence on all fronts in your storytelling.

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

What are you reading now?
Dawn, by Octavia Butler. It’s awesome!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll keep cranking out incredible tales. Also, keep honing the craft.
Since I have a day job and a family, though, I’m taking the Long approach. One day I know the door will open for me to become a full-time professional author.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Oh geez.
The Elements of Style, by Strunk & White.
Some gigantic tome about World History.
Either Robinson Crusoe, or a how-to manual for building boats so I could escape
The Hobbit.

Author Websites and Profiles
Charles Moritz Website
Charles Moritz Amazon Profile

Charles Moritz’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a medical doctor, wife and mother, I have one child – he’s almost 3 years old and he rocks my world, literally . I am founder of George Kerry Life Foundation and it was set up mainly to promote women’s health. I am passionate about women’s health and women causes, I guess you could call me a feminist. In West Africa, sexuality is not put on the front burner and that inspires my writing. I want the world to know that being African doesn’t mean you can’t express your sexuality in a fresh, healthy and positive way. It’s time for Africans to stop hiding in the closet and have more progressive conversations on the matter, sex. I co-authored The Guidebook to reporting Gender and Sexuality designed for African journalists and have also written several papers as a medical professional. I have written a series of fiction books in secondary school but they are no longer available, lost through the years. Twin Enticement, an erotic romance, has been in a journey of self-discovery over the past 10 years. In writing this book, I’ve tried to push my limit and stay true to myself. This trilogy is my first fiction publication but it certainly won’t be my last.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Twin Enticement was inspired by my relationship with Italians in Nigeria. I spent my gap year after secondary school working at a construction company owned by Italian’s and fell in love with their passion, openness, temper and kindness. I even crushed on a few of them. This book is an interpretation of how i perceive they would live and act in my conjured up scenarios. The sexual narrations are expressions of self; encountered, fantasized and dreaded.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Plenty! I love to write different endings and different beginnings for my stories. Sometimes, I change the settings from African, to Italian to American, e.t.c. The story and characters remain the same but i change the scenery, the intonation of how they speak… I keep testing this way, till the story feels right to me. It is exhausting and takes up a lot of my time but i find it quite enjoyable.
I write anywhere and everywhere with anything and everything distracting around me. I think it’s weird that i can block everything out and still get work done.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up on James Hadley Chase Novels. His power of description and unpredictable endings never failed to leave me panting.
Sidney Sheldon is also one of my all-time favorite authors. I am still inspired by his best seller “If tomorrow comes”. This brilliant narration made me want to write and create equally fast paced and engaging stories. He was a genius!
Stephen King, i absolutely worship for his detail in writing, his demand for readers patience and his awe inspiring endings!

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on an erotic romance Trilogy – Twin Enticement. I have completed all 3 books and I have e published the 1st book on Amazon Kindle store. I am currently promoting the 1st book ” Twin Enticement: The Awakening”. The follow up sequels are being edited as we speak.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am pretty new to this, so honestly I don’t know. I found Kindlepreneur with Dave Chesson, very helpful because he listed out several ways to get free promotions for your book. I am going through that list now. Awesome gang is my 2nd stop, we’ll see which works best.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Patience and persistence are your food right now. Eat them and enjoy the experience of publishing, every grueling moment of it.

Read your work out loud to yourself, you will discover loads of editing errors.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A wise man once told me “Always have a plan, and a back-up plan in case the first one fails.” This advice made me multidimensional and to always think outside the box, to keep planning and taking action. If not for this advice, I guess my creative writing would have remained a hidden hobby.

What are you reading now?
My own publication, over and over again. I’m obsessed with it!

What’s next for you as a writer?
My next plan is to see how this first publication does on the market and develop better strategies for publishing the follow up sequels. I have also started putting together a suspense thriller about a female assassin set in Nigeria, Africa. Writing about home is quite difficult for me, so it’s going to be an intense project.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A bible, because i’d be trying to pray my ass out of there. Sidney Sheldon’s “If tomorrow comes”, because i can read it a million times without getting bored. Finally, any self help book on “surviving in the wild” that can get me the hell out of there! Help!

Matilda Kerry’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Michael Molisani. During the day I’m a project manager for a third-party grocery labor broker. When I’m not doing that I write, I write, and I write some more. My goal is to become a full-time author. As of right now I’ve written 3 books and published 1; “The Bruja.”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Bruja” is my debut novel. It started 7 years ago when I decided to get serious about my love for writing, and it was inspired by my experiences as a young man in the San Francisco Bay Area. Working retail back then we made our own adventures, exploring abandoned buildings, lost cemeteries, and even a ghost town. This created quite a few creepy adventures that I thought would make a wonderful backdrop for a fictional tale.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m incredibly structured. All of my work is based on a three-act structure. I always write outlines, synopsis, and keep track of the music I listened to when I wrote various scenes. All of this becomes a store of data upon which I end up completing entire works.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
First and foremost are Neil Gaiman & Stephen King. You can laugh at me if you wish, but Gaiman creates worlds both fanciful and disturbing so keenly that you can reach out and taste them. King’s second Dark Tower book, “The Drawing of the Three” is my dream narrative. I always aspire to pull a reader along the way he does in the first act. After that, I’m also influenced by Phillip K. Dick, Tim Powers, and J. Michael Straczynski.

What are you working on now?
With “The Bruja” wrapped up and published I’m focused on the second book in the series called “Mayhem.” If you’re familiar with “The Bruja” at this point you know the title refers to Maggi Lopez’s student & adopted daughter, Margaret. I’m keen to tell her story, as well as develop the Collapse universe further.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Sadly, it’s Facebook. I’m not a big Facebook fan, but the reach is undeniable. That’s your best method right there — but I much prefer Goodreads because it appeals directly to readers. I don’t want “likes,” (even if I need them,) I want to reach my audience and inspire them.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t do it. Seriously.

Spend some real time considering if this is what will make you happy. And then realize that it will absolutely make you miserable. You’ll be torn up in the gut by your work, you’ll be exhausted and cross-eyed. You’ll be driven mad by dreams and nightmares that define your worlds. You’ll be angry when your friends won’t read your drafts. You’ll be hurt when someone makes excuses for why they haven’t given you feedback. When someone finally does help you, you’ll be even more upset that this didn’t happen sooner. Publishers will jerk with you, social media will ignore you, and you’ll ultimately look up at the night sky and wonder why you bothered. If you’re cool with that, then I guess you’ll be embarking on the journey of a lifetime. Don’t give up and don’t make excuses. Don’t slow down. You’ll only “make it” if you’re a locomotive. And never, ever, EVER, let them see how sad you are.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
For a writer? “Never compromise.” J. Michael Straczynski has a lot of stories about this. You’ll be offered chances to write something you don’t believe in. You’ll be asked to dumb it down. If you never compromise, you won’t be making millions. You will, however, be proud of every word you type.

What are you reading now?
Reading? When do I have time to read? Seriously, I haven’t read a book in 6 months, between my day job and “The Bruja” going to publication. The last book I read was Danielle J. Dorn’s “Devil’s Call.” She’s a newly minted author like me, got her start on Inkshares. I’m in love with that book and I can’t recommend it enough.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to press “The Bruja” into more popularity, hand-in-hand with my publisher. I want to get “Mayhem” ready for content editing, and I want to start working on other projects that I have. I’d love to partner with another writer in the same boat as me too. Produce a book with them and pool our social media reach to sell it.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The first 4 books of King’s “Dark Tower” series.

I didn’t even have to think about that one.

Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Molisani Website
Michael Molisani Amazon Profile

Michael Molisani’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account