Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been working for a number of years as a ghostwriter, and I have lost count of the number of books I wrote for various clients. I will say that I learned something about writing, with each and every book that I wrote.

I have been writing for other people for so long, that I at last had to give myself permission to write the stories that I am interested in, and that are entertaining for me.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
When Mother Calls is the title. It is a fantasy/time travel novel that I started writing when I was in the midst of a family dispute, and I needed something to entertain myself with, and pull my mind out of some of the not so nice things that were happening around me.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a feeling that with no matter what method of writing you describe, you will find numerous well known authors who write in that way.

I start writing my rough draft by hand. I guess this really dates me. I come from the generation that did not learn how to type until they were in high school. And then, we typed on the old manual typewriters. Computers were a dream of the far future.

Once I have a few pages written by hand, I type them up – go back and edit, and write the next few pages. I have tried outlining the plot first, but my characters do not like to read those outlines.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would have to say that Mark Twain was one of the biggest influences in my life. I believe I have read nearly everything that he wrote. Alice Hoffman and Dean Koontz have also influenced my writing, and Ellis Peters, with her Brother Cadfael series. There are so many, and I know I will think of more, once this interview is closed.

What are you working on now?
Oh, dear. I am in the midst of writing the next book in the Josepha Chronicles series. I am also doing everything I can to let people know that When Mother Calls is available for sale. I am also recording When Mother Calls, to sell as an audio book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am just beginning this process. I will let you know how things work as I go along.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read. Write. Eat. Sleep. Those words should be posted at the top of your computer, where you will see them, first thing in the morning. That is what you must do in order to develop your craft.

Next comes editing. It is amazing how much one can learn by editing the work of other novice writers. Their mistakes will stand up and glare at you. And, i am not talking about the simple mistakes of grammar and spelling.; even the most seasoned writer will occasionally make a mistake, or misuse a word. I am talking about describing your major scenes so that they make sense to the reader, and with such detail that they draw your readers into the midst of those scenes. I am talking about developing your characters so that they seem to be a little more solid than cardboard.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep going. There is an old, old story about Moses leading his followers across the Sea of Reeds. They have come so far, and are stuck on the shore, with the Egyptian soldiers not so far behind. The sea is in front, and it looks impassable. Moses’ wife practically shoves him from behind, saying, “Get going.”

Moses steps into the water, and it comes up to his knees. He looks back to his wife, who shouts to him, “Keep going!” So, he goes in a little further, and the water is up to his hips. He turns to look back at his wife, who again shouts, “Keep going!” and waves him on. Moses takes a few more steps, and the water is up to his chest. Of course, his wife shouts at him, “Keep going!” He takes a few steps more, and the water is up to his chin, nearly to his nose. It is then that the waters part, and the tribe is able to cross.

What are you reading now?
I have about a dozen books stacked up on my dining table, and at least that many on my bedside table. There are quite a few more on the table where I sit with my computer. When I want something peaceful, rich in characters, I read Will and Ariel Durant’s history books. I would rank them with some of the best that have ever been written.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing to write, one pen after another. Also, learning how to sell. That, I believe will be my biggest hurdle.

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 almost anything by Will and Ariel Durant, Dean Koontz and who knows who else. Then I would take a few large notebooks, and a lot of pens. For, nothing could be more dull than not being able to write my own stories.

Author Websites and Profiles
Genevieve Fosa Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m originally from Greenville, Mississippi. Now I reside in Houston, TX. I’m a first time author. I have a musical background. I studied Forensic Science and completed with honors. I’m a self taught and certified makeup artist. I’m a mother of two wonderful children. I’m an entrepreneur & more.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Even Through the Storm- A Mom’s Faith Amid Adversity “

I was inspired to write my book from seeing, hearing and being around so many people (including myself) go through so many different obstacles of life and wanted to help put a more positive outlook into the world. I saw and experienced changes by just a change in my perspective with even what may have seemed to be a negative at the time and got the positive out of it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sometimes write with music playing

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Zane, Toni Morrison, Sapphire, Ernest J Gaines -A Lesson Before Dying, Fahrenheit-451, The Poetry of Robert Frost

What are you working on now?
I have a few things in the works but I’m focusing on this current project at the moment. I hate announcing the moves before they are made.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It’s varies sites that are good. I wouldn’t say it’s one over the other. You have to use them all plus more to get a great response. But, if I have to go with one, I would say Facebook.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would tell new authors to believe in your vision and stay true to it. God placed it in your heart for a reason. Take your time. Be authentic. Be creative. Enjoy your writing. Believe in your message. Believe in you!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never fold under pressure

What are you reading now?
John C Maxwell – The 360* Leader

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will have more writing projects (books etc) on the way… plus several other surprises

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?
Around the World in Eighty Poems
The Bible
The Hunger Games
The Da Vinci Code

Philandis Stovall’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m originally from Greenville, Mississippi. Now I reside in Houston, TX. I’m a first time author. I have a musical background. I studied Forensic Science and completed with honors. I’m a self taught and certified makeup artist. I’m a mother of two wonderful children. I’m an entrepreneur & more.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Even Through the Storm- A Mom’s Faith Amid Adversity “

I was inspired to write my book from seeing, hearing and being around so many people (including myself) go through so many different obstacles of life and wanted to help put a more positive outlook into the world. I saw and experienced changes by just a change in my perspective with even what may have seemed to be a negative at the time and got the positive out of it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sometimes write with music playing

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Zane, Toni Morrison, Sapphire, Ernest J Gaines -A Lesson Before Dying, Fahrenheit-451, The Poetry of Robert Frost

What are you working on now?
I have a few things in the works but I’m focusing on this current project at the moment. I hate announcing the moves before they are made.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It’s varies sites that are good. I wouldn’t say it’s one over the other. You have to use them all plus more to get a great response. But, if I have to go with one, I would say Facebook.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would tell new authors to believe in your vision and stay true to it. God placed it in your heart for a reason. Take your time. Be authentic. Be creative. Enjoy your writing. Believe in your message. Believe in you!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never fold under pressure

What are you reading now?
John C Maxwell – The 360* Leader

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will have more writing projects (books etc) on the way… plus several other surprises

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?
Around the World in Eighty Poems
The Bible
The Hunger Games
The Da Vinci Code

Philandis Stovall’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up abroad and traveled much as a child. My father was in the military, so the frequent relocations filled me with love for adventure as I grew older. My calling for writing started when I was just seven years old. That’s when I first wrote a little poem, asking the rain to stop pounding on my window so I could go play with my friends. Since then, I have always written short stories and novellas. In college, I majored in creative writing and received a B.A. from a university in Texas. “Save Me” is my first published novel. It is a contemporary romantic suspense novel with a thrilling international murder mystery linked to the Russian mafia. “Save Me” is available in various e-book formats. Currently, I am working on a novella which will be coming out in the Spring of 2018. When I am not writing, I enjoy playing the piano, cooking, painting in oils and acrylics and imagining worlds in which I can place my characters so that they can grow and mature. Besides arts and music, some of my favorite hobbies include running, hiking and traveling. If I could, I would travel to every corner of the world, but that would not be possible in one lifetime. One of my most lamented losses in history is the Library of Alexandria. How I wish we hadn’t lost all of that precious knowledge. I love to connect with my readers and fans. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and subscribe to my blog at www.kateduire.com, where I post about my experiences as an author, my childhood inspirations and recollections, and love to chat with my fans.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Save Me” is my debut novel which is now available in e-book format. My inspiration for this book came from my childhood travels through Eastern Europe. The book is set in the United States, Europe and parts of Russia. I imagined what it would have been like for a successful young businesswoman to discover that she had married a criminal. It is a fast paced, contemporary romantic suspense novel in which my main character has to grow and learn to be wiser.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love to write at night. I am a night owl, no question about it. It’s a habit that I keep breaking, but it is one that keeps pulling me back into it’s grasp. I absolutely love to write in the middle of the night when the world sleeps, but my mind is traveling to amazing fantasy places in which I set my characters.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would have to say Jane Austen is one of my favorite early romance authors. Persuasion is definitely my favorite work by her. I absolutely love Nora Roberts and Dean Koontz.

What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on a novella which will be available in the Spring 2018. Connect with me to check out more information and learn about the release date on my website at www.kateduire.com

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Every author has his or her favorite methods. One of my favorite ways is connecting with my fans and learning which outlets they prefer to buy from, or to see which formats are their favorites for reading a book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
As a newly published author, I’d say perseverance and hard work are number one. No dream becomes a reality without believing in yourself through any obstacles.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To keep going forward no matter what happens. Success is an accumulation of hard work and belief in yourself.

What are you reading now?
I am reading a Roman Architecture book for my research for my next novel. It is always fascinating to me to add architecture and real historical places in our world into my novels.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Write, publish, repeat. And travel. And make sure my books bring hours of enjoyment to my fans with each new release.

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 think I would be a traitor if I answered this question! It is seriously impossible to answer. I would try to get a photigratjix memory chip installed so I didn’t have to make those hard choices.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kate Duire Website
Kate Duire Amazon Profile
Kate Duire Author Profile on Smashwords

Kate Duire’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Reid Templer. I’ve published only one book thus far, “Storytellers.”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The closest book to have influenced “Storytellers” was “Inkheart” by Cornelia Funke, and I only realized the thin connection months after its completion. Cornelia’s whole Fantasy series gave me a love for books as a kid; it’s only fitting that my first novel would hold some semblance to it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My unusual habit is that I never seem to have a sensible routine. One day, I’ll be listening to loud music–the next, I’ll require utter silence. Sometimes words flow through a keyboard, others times I pick up a pen and paper and pace the house as I write. I’m still unsure whether I function better with coffee or tea.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As mentioned before, “Inkheart” by Cornelia Funke. “A Game of Thrones” by George R. R. Martin, any and all Stephen King Books, “Eragon” by Christopher Paolini, “The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene, and, recently, Robin Hobb.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m in the ever-so-strange state of waiting for my next novel idea. I’ll scribble a short story or form a clumsy poem, but my heart and soul’s always been with novels.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m in the process of promoting my first book right now, so I can’t really say.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
When I was starting out, I got carried away with the fantasy of publishing a story, as I believe many other aspiring novelists tend to do. I dedicated all my time and energy to writing, with little to no regard to reading. It was, in reflection, a slow crawl of maddening misadventure. To write, you must read. I hadn’t the necessary literary tools at my disposal until I began to read.
Side Note: Sometimes, a terrible, one-star rated book can benefit you more than a classic. Look for things the author did wrong, and resolve never to repeat their mistakes.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Oh, the classic Stephen King line from his amazing memoir, “On Writing”: “If you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”

What are you reading now?
“Cell 58” by Dan Bauman. Great so far.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Eventually, I’d like to break into every form of media entertainment–film, music, comics–but for right now, probably another 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?
The Bible, “Inkspell” by Cornelia Funke, “Harry Pottter and the Order of the Phoenix” by J. K. Rowling, and “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding.

Author Websites and Profiles
Reid Templer Amazon Profile

Reid Templer’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Luke Dahl was born in Sri Lanka but grew up in Stockholm after being adopted by his Swedish parents. Following high school, he went on to study at University in Brisbane, Australia, where he achieved a degree in Business/Travel and Tourism. Today, Luke is back living in Stockholm, where he works as an accountant.

Luke has always had a love of writing and for poetry in particular, winning a competition a couple of years. Now he spends a lot of his free time writing scripts, perfecting his art and aiming to publish three more books in 2018. It will be a total of five books.

When he has time to relax, he enjoys going out with friends and seeing his family. He also loves to travel whenever possible and is involved in charity work through his family, constantly reminded by the Dalai Lama quote – ‘Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.’

In the future it is Luke’s burning ambition to trek to Mount Everest’s base camp and perhaps even attempt to climb the mountain itself one day.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Immerse Yourself In A Breathtaking Adventure Brought To You By Luke G. Dahl!

Gangs of Stockholm – A fallen Angel Part 1.
From the author of Amazon’s bestseller “Daddy’s Curse” comes a new, heart-wrenching story about dangerous life choices, criminal inclinations, and second chances!

Follow our story’s protagonist as he slowly yet steadily travels deeper and deeper into Stockholm’s underworld, and discover how even the most insignificant details can sometimes play an important role in your life – and it’s never too late to make the right choice!

Luke G. Dahl’s “Gangs Of Stockholm – A Fallen Angel” is a story about the pass – through adolescence, how easy it is to stray from normal life and how difficult going back to where you were can be.

Is there always a way to make things right?

Or are there some things in life that are simply irreversible?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My stories are often a mix of both Fiction and Non-Fiction.

What authors, or books have influenced you?

What are you working on now?
At the moment i’m working on Gangs of Stockholm. It will be a series of three books.
It will be a complete in depth series. This will be my signature books.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up hope. I have failed so many times in my life, not just in writing. I have always wanted to be my own boss. Through several attempts in different areas I have finally found my place, being an author trying to write powerful stories that can change the world to the better.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It is a positive thing to fail several times.

What are you reading now?
my own text. joke.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To get better as a writer, so my readers will be even more satisfied reading my stories.

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: Easiest way to make a fire
2: Survival guide for dummies
3: Fastest way to open a coconut
4: Ultimate 30 min guide how to read the stars

Author Websites and Profiles
Luke. G. Dahl Website
Luke. G. Dahl Amazon Profile

Luke. G. Dahl’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Well, I’m 23-years-old and will be turning 24 next month on March 29, 2018. I’m a very nice, down-to-earth person. I love writing, listening to music and drawing. I have written three books. “Hidden Agendas” is my third book about a girl trying to solve the mystery of her mother’s death.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is called “Hidden Agendas.” The thing that inspired me to write this book was the fact that I wanted to go a different route with my writing. In my other two books, I have a lot of profanity mixed with sex and violence. Then, those stories were centered around matters of the heart, whether the main character or main characters were dealing with loving themselves, family or friends. I wanted “Hidden Agendas” to have its own lane.
If you’ve read my books, you’ll be able to see in this one that I have the same writing pattern, but it’s more mature. I used less profanity, violence and sex, but I made sure to leave enough to keep readers’ attention as they reader. Besides that, I wanted something that everyone could relate to in the book’s title, “Hidden Agenda”. Good or bad, everyone has an agenda and the ones to really watch out for are those hidden agendas because they could be anything. The title alone gives a hint that secrets are involved in the story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, I wouldn’t call my writing habits unusual. The way I write is by typing out my books while listening to music or watching TV. It all depends on how I’m feeling while typing on which one I’ll do.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In my earlier years, I loved reading the Drama High series by L. Divine. I loved those books because they were so good. Then one book that I’ll never forget that I read in college was called, “Triple Take” by Y. Blake Moore. Now I got my start reading when I was in the fifth grade with the Nancy Drew stories. I loved those books back then, but I guess in some way all these books played a role in influencing me to write.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on some unreleased material that I’ve written. I just have to go back and make changes here and there. That way they’ll be good and ready for publication.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m just going to be honest. I’m still learning about how to promote my books because it’s hard to do. There’s just certain things you have to do in order to actually get your work out there. I’m still learning so my books can get the attention they deserve and I get the recognition I deserve as a writer. I haven’t tried promoting lately, because I needed to take time away from writing to focus on my personal life. Now, I’m back and ready to ‘try again’ like my favorite singer Aaliyah sung about.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, I have a lot of advice for them. When you feel that you are ready to publish your book, make sure that you have written everything exactly how you wanted. There are some authors who love to use slang in their writing like I did in my second book “Sade Evans: She Will Kill to be Happy.” When I got reviews for it on Amazon, there were many people talking about misspellings. Then, the ones who knew it was slang tried to be funny and very smart in their own way.
Then, make sure you do your research real good on whatever publishing company you think about doing business with. Do not jump right on into signing a contract that you haven’t read. If you decide to go the independent route, just know you need money to promote your work and be real good on social media. Just think about it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard was from one of my college professors when I was in college. He basically told me to write my book the way I wanted in my own vision and not worry about what others think.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading nothing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I would really love to sale many books and gain recognition in the writing world. The thing that I would love to happen is being nominated for book awards and actually winning some of them, if not all.

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. Drama High: The Fight
2. Drama High: The Meltdown
3. Drama High: Frenemies

Author Websites and Profiles
Tonne Odom Website
Tonne Odom Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After a big life event in late 2016 I changed careers in 2017 to pursue what I had wanted to do since as long as I can remember – write books. Sicken of the Calm is my first book, but I hope to write many more.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Sicken of the Calm is my first and latest book.
Reading entertaining books which explored the dynamics with people transported me away from my own life when I needed it. It inspired me to write something fun, sexy, but that explored how a person’s opinion of themselves can differ from how others see them, a big theme in the book.

What are you working on now?
I’ve been busy, so I’ve already written the second instalment of the Fox Lake series and the first book of my next series. I hope to start the third book of Fox Lake soon!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The most useful thing I’ve learnt in the short months since I started is to write a detailed outline of the story before starting. This allows me not to get stalled if I have a bad day or am not feeling inspired. I just have to follow the outline.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be kind. Work hard.

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

Author Websites and Profiles
Marina Vivancos Website

Marina Vivancos’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written about eight books since I was eleven years old, but I’m about to publish my second. I had two novels published with a start-up publisher, but that didn’t work out.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest novelette, which will be released soon, is called A Bard’s Lament. It was actually partly inspired by a YouTube singer I’ve been listening to recently called Malukah. She is like a bard. It was also inspired by some personal emotions I’ve been feeling recently, such as powerlessness. Sorry if that sounds depressing.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, I’m very boring! I like to get a blanket and a cup of tea and cuddle up on the couch. I can’t stand background music so I usually write at home instead of a cafe.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a kid I’d blitz through Jacqueline Wilson and Darren Shan books and of course I was the age where my mum read the Harry Potters to me as well. Nowadays I read indie books, mostly fantasy, but other genres too. The sheer determination and enthusiasm of indie authors is incredibly inspiring.

What are you working on now?
The first two novels of the trilogy that was published by the bad publisher were taken down from Amazon and the like after the contract was ended. A few people have asked me to finish the third book (which is set in the same universe as A Bard’s Lament), so I’m working on that in my spare time. I’m also reviving a children’s series I wrote when I was a teenager, although it’s early days yet.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t done much promoting because I’d like several published books first and right now I only have one short story, plus A Bard’s Lament on the way. I’ve got my own blog, but I don’t just write about books; I also write about video games and life in Japan. I’ve done some Facebook ads, tweets, and sponsored Amazon links but that’s about it for now. I’m just enjoying the writing experience. It’s especially fun getting custom covers designed.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s important that you really love what you do and that you really care about your stories. Make a great pitch to get people interested. Don’t be disheartened with low sales, especially if you decide to self-publish. It’s also important to take criticism well, because you can’t improve if your ego is too fragile.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Some great quotes just stick in your head. My dad always says “you weren’t put on this earth to win a popularity contest,” and he always told me to never be afraid of anyone, either. As for advice related to writing, it was actually given to me by someone who I didn’t know that well, and he wasn’t even talking about books! He said “Who cares if it sucks? Just do it!” Simple, but effective. It got me finishing projects I was unsure about. It’s better than not doing anything at all.

What are you reading now?
The Angst series by David Pedersen. It’s about a middle-aged knight wannabe with a massive sword!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m quitting my day job soon so I have more time to write. As well as fiction I write a lot of non-fiction articles which generates most of my income. Hopefully without my day job I’ll be able to write more. I definitely want to write more stories. Articles are fun, but it doesn’t bring the same satisfaction or pride, you know?

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?
You mean to read, not to use as kindling or to learn about island survival, right? I’d have to say the Darren Shan vampire books, as they’re so good I can read them again and again. If I’m only allowed four, though, it would be The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The Emma Grady trilogy by Josephine Cox is excellent too, although it’s very sad.

Author Websites and Profiles
Poppy Reid Website
Poppy Reid Amazon Profile
Poppy Reid Author Profile on Smashwords

Poppy Reid’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a nobody who wants to be a storyteller, and while that may turn away the agent or the publisher that wants to play it safe in an exclusive club of the elite, I hope that it would stand as a challenge for someone to accept to see, if I do have the potential to, that I become the next big author. I don’t expect this to happen but do not see it as impossible the question is who could I get on my side that would help me make that a reality. I won’t sit here and try to flatter it isn’t worth it, if my book isn’t good enough to hold your attention I wouldn’t deserve to be published even if I could charismatically convince you that I should.

I have written one book to date and am working on a follow-up.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Black: The Name

A D&D Game.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t know what would be considered unusual, I work at a standing desk with wireless headphones so I can easily move around and dance to music as I write. If you mean the result, in particular, I write in the present tense which I personally find more engaging for readers as the story happens for them as they read and not as something to occurred before they turned the page. I also tend to write long sentence, as a period is a literal representation of the word stop, which ends the reader’s path of thought and to paint the most detailed picture you need the largest canvas.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lord of the Rings, Percy Jackson, and Harry Potter. All of these have kept me in a world of fantasy, mixed with a consistent reading of Dungeons and Dragons game manuals, force me to always have an epic adventure swirling in my head.

What are you working on now?
A sequel to Black: The Name, Black: The Burden.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t know I hope The Awesome Gang, but I am completely new to this.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write a story that moves you, if you can’t be moved to tears, or laughter, by your own writing you won’t move anyone else with it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Stop feeling self-conscious and put it out there, the worst thing to happen to you won’t be reading a review written by someone who hates your book, will be never having anyone read your book at all, and knowing someone might have loved it.

What are you reading now?
a book I got that has all of the stories of Sherlock Holmes in it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully more writing, but I have to be able to see success first for that to happen.

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, some guide to basic agriculture and survival, and the only one for pleasure, Gary Paulsen’s “Hatchet”

Author Websites and Profiles
D. B. Halbert Amazon Profile

D. B. Halbert’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am from Ringling, Oklahoma, and mother of four beautiful children. I am also a Wiccan. I have written four books Night Wind, Three Moons, Revenge of The Scorned Witch and Vritra which isn’t released as of yet. I am currently working on my new book called Hanna while working with my eldest daughter on a YouTube project called Southern Oklahoma Mysteries.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book that isn’t out yet is called Vritra and what inspired it is my dear friend Sparky wanted me to write him into one of my stories. So adding him just added a splash of color to the story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I know some authors say they have to have a quiet place to work and think, but with me, I have to have noise. I’ll usually have music playing or the tv going.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The main author that has influenced me is Stephen King, but I do also enjoy R.L. Stine.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a new book called Hanna. It’s about the small town in Hanna, Wyoming where the residents claim that the spirits of the miners that were killed in 1903 and in 1908 mine explosions still roam the streets looking for their loved ones.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social Media is the best method for promoting your books, but also putting your books on different websites that promote books helps a lot also.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is if your serious about writing don’t give up even if you think your book isn’t any good someone out there will think it’s a best seller.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve heard is “It doesn’t matter what you think about your book it matters what the readers think.”

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading True Ghosts by Andrew Honigman it’s a book he put together with stories that were sent to him in his magazine called Fate.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am helping my eldest daughter work on a YouTube project called Southern Oklahoma mysteries. We go around to various places exploring old abandon houses as well as other places that claim to be haunted.

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 wow, that’s a hard decision, it would have to be a book from all my favorite authors, Haunting of Sunshine Girl by Paige Mckenzie, Shinning by Stephen King, and Blessed are the Wicked, and the Uninvited by Steven LaChance.

Author Websites and Profiles
Clarissa Brenan Website
Clarissa Brenan Amazon Profile
Clarissa Brenan Author Profile on Smashwords

Clarissa Brenan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a writer from Australia who studied philosophy at university and am still interested in exploring the deeper questions of life. I have written one novel, and a number of articles and poems.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My novel is title ‘A Path to Seek’. It was inspired by both my travels in South America when I was 20 years old and my personal struggle to grapple with the meaning of life and my individual calling.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I have a preference for inspiration and intuitive writing over carefully planned text. So I like to release and then create order.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Herman Hesse and Milan Kundera. Herman Hesse for the content that he wrote about – spirituality. And both authors for their style. They were/are not afraid to use narration has a direct way to get ideas across to the reader.

What are you working on now?
I don’t really like to talk about what I am writing at the moment, so I will be very general: a fiction book and a non-fiction book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have just started but Digital Draft so far has been a simple way to get the book out there o a number of stores.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be true to yourself. Write what is you – don’t bow down to an imaginary audience or cohort of critics.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I was so relieved when I read something that Paulo Coelho said. It was something along the lines of: don’t explain every little detail; let the reader fill in the details with their own imagination. I don’t like writing or reading lengthy descriptions of things but always felt like that is what a novelist has to do. Reading his advice liberated me from this misguided belief.

What are you reading now?
A non-fiction book titled: Zealot. A book about the historical Jesus and an attempt to strip away the false traditions that have been built upon his name. Interestingly, it was written by someone who converted from Islam to Christianity.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep 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 Hidden Words by Baha’u’llah
The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Author Websites and Profiles
Peter Gyulay Website
Peter Gyulay Amazon Profile

Peter Gyulay’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written 3 novels representing the first of 3 trilogies that comprise the Hali Nonology.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Heartache and the Century of Progress. I’ve always been fascinated by Early Chicago history and after learning my grandparents attended the Fair, I found the Fair’s backdrop to fit the story line perfectly.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing I’d call unusual, but I like to listen to music that inspires the mood and intensity of the story I’m crafting. Since Divine Endorsement has so much action, I listened to Ted Nugent quite a bit. For my other books, I listened to popular tunes of the 1930s, and soundtracks to various casino-themed movies.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like James Dashner’s(The Maze Runner series) brevity and I find my style is much like his.

What are you working on now?
I’m busy crafting the next trilogy of the Hali Nonology. The first book (my fourth book) is well under way and books 5 and 6 are being outlined at this time.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m brand new to the book promotion part of my writing career so I don’t have much to say about that.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Craft the best story you can and when it’s finished, hire the best editor you can to go over it. Use several different spell\grammar checkers. I use in order, MS Word, Grammarly, and Stylewriter.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up. If you believe in yourself and your work, you’ll find success in some form.

What are you reading now?
I read mostly non-fiction, ironic since I write only fiction. The current book I’m reading is Disney by Neal Gabler.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue to promote my first three books and continue on with the next trilogy. I hope to have the fourth book complete by the end of 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 never know what I want to read and since I’m a slow reader, I suppose I’d bring The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, War and Peace, and the giant Disney book I’m presently reading.

Author Websites and Profiles
Andrew Weis Website
Andrew Weis Amazon Profile

Andrew Weis’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Deepak. I’m from Hyderabad, India but now I work in Virginia, US. I’ve always been passionate about telling stories and I’ve written five books so far. I used to write short stories on my blog and then, published my first book in 2010 and that’s where the journey began.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is, ‘My Grandpa’s A Gangster’. It’s a novella revolving around a youngster studying art history. He’s from a simple, working class family living with his sister, father and mother. But then, they receive a phone call and his father suddenly reveals that they have a grandfather, who’s a gangster and was in prison for two decades. They’re shocked beyond imagination.
I got the idea from a simple thought – what happens when ordinary people come face to face with extraordinary circumstances (or people, for that matter). A normal, socially inadequate young man suddenly realizes he’s the descendent of a gangster – that was a thought worth working on.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if this qualifies as unusual but I think I cannot write during the day. I need darkness. As Simon and Garfunkel say, ‘Hello darkness, my old friend…’

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first book I’ve read was Fredrick Forsyth’s ‘No Comebacks’. the climax of that story took me aback. I was stunned beyond belief. It felt like someone just punched me in the gut. That was the feeling I fell in love with. I thought, one day, I’ll write something like that. (Still working on it). My other favorites are Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Khushwant Singh.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a novel – ‘The Crossover’. It’s about three friends who from a a cult and firmly believe that they belong on another planet. ‘Infinitum’. And they want to move there. They have an invite and a small condition to fulfill before they gain entry.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook/Twitter and personal networking.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. Never stop.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write it down.

What are you reading now?
A Life in Parts by Bryan Cranston

What’s next for you as a writer?
Screenwriting. Have been rejected a few times, but that’s what’s next. Some day!

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 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
– No Comebacks
– The Portrait of a Lady
– The Gold Standard

Author Websites and Profiles
Deepak Karamungikar Amazon Profile

Deepak Karamungikar’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a freelance journalist, a movie lover and reviewer, and a bookseller and book addict. I’m twenty-two years old and have been writing for about twelve years now. I’ve always been a storyteller and a very, very imaginative and introverted kid, but I randomly decided to try writing an actual book–as opposed to making crazy fantasy drawings in notebooks and pretending they were stories, which I often did as a child–the first day of summer after 5th grade ended. It was horrible, basically just a clashing ripoff of every fantasy movie and book that I loved at the time, but I haven’t stopped writing since then. In this way I taught myself how to write and tell stories, but especially in more recent years it has become a more serious passion, and film and literature has greatly influenced me.
I have two published novels: Other Endings, and Fairlane Road. The latter is the one I prefer out of the two, and which I am more passionate about promoting, as I believe it to be a better book. In 2017, Fairlane Road was named a Finalist under Visionary Fiction in American Bookfest’s Best Book Awards, which is still surreal to me. In addition to these two published novels, I have written a number of others, and am always working on more.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent published novel is called Fairlane Road. Other than one time literally seeing a street called Fairlane Road and taking a liking to the name and how normal it is, the heart of the story is largely in the antagonist, who is one of the only characters I’ve ever taken from a dream.
The dream is distant to me now, but I remember that it had to do with a married couple who were the leaders of a dangerous cult. The couple were psychopaths, murderers, and they had a son. I woke up wondering what a child raised in that environment would be like, but this character grew beyond what I’d previously imagined.
The story itself was something I had wanted to write for a long time, but never knew how. I can find traces of the book Fairlane Road became in older stories of mine, ones that always dealt somehow with the line that divides our world from another, and a person–a young woman–capable of crossing that line.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think any of my habits would be called necessarily unusual, as every writer has different habits. My writing habits are simple. I handwrite all of my stories, and I always have. It is a slower process, but I write every day that I can–which, thankfully, often ends up being every day–even if it’s just a couple of lines, or mental progress in brainstorming (which kind of counts… right?). And come to think of it, it isn’t a habit, but I have incredibly tiny handwriting, and use the finest Micron pen available for my writing. And I am capable of writing anywhere. Many of my coworkers at the bookstore I work at comment on how I write on my breaks, and a fellow writer coworker is often amazed by that work ethic when it comes to writing, but to me it’s always been normal, and not unusual.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The first author to have a serious impact on me was Stephen King. There will always be J.K. Rowling, I also loved a couple of Scott O’Dell books as a kid, but when I was fourteen I picked up Stephen King’s IT. I had never read an adult novel before, nor had I even read a scary book before. So in that sense, IT was a traumatizing but life-changing experience to me, opening my eyes to the possibilities of literature, and changing how I viewed my own writing. It was the first breakthrough in my life as a writer. Suddenly I could write anything, and my voice began to develop in a way that it never had. Stephen King showed me the powers of imagination, the power of words in the hand of a master, and the importance of character over plot. King always writes human characters, and the plot never seems to get in their way: they are the plot.

Another huge influence is Neil Gaiman. His unapologetic originality, his almost casual way of handling the fantastic and unusual. I could swoon for paragraphs and paragraphs.

I would be amiss if I didn’t mention Edgar Allan Poe. I read his poetry compulsively, and am in constant awe of the way he could dance with language.

More recently in my life, within the last couple of years, I discovered Raymond Carver, who I name as possibly my favorite writer of all time. Carver could distill language down to the purest of expression, coupled with his intimate and painfully clear eye for depicting the human condition. He accomplishes in single sentences what some writers take paragraphs, even pages, to accomplish. Whether it’s his deeply painful but deeply human short stories, or his rich, gorgeous poetry–he is probably my single favorite poet–he is one of the only writers I can only read in doses. After sitting with Carver for a certain amount of time, I end up having to close the book and recover, and just let the emotions wash over me.

Dan Simmons is probably my favorite novelist alongside Stephen King. His books are dense, literate, serious, and masterful from beginning to end. Simmons is a storyteller with few, if any, equals when he is in full possession of his powers.

Richard Matheson had a similar effect on me as Stephen King, but Matheson was the first time I was conscious of the power of concise language. And his stories still amaze me: they terrify, they move, they play with you like a puppet.

Lastly–I could go on and on talking about books and writers, but I’ll try to stop myself here–is the Hungarian author Laszlo Krasznahorkai. Known as much for his collaborations with the legendary filmmaker Bela Tarr, as he is for his novels–a few of which are the basis for Tarr’s greatest works–Krasznahorkai is known for sentences that stretch on sometimes for multiple pages, and he almost never breaks paragraph. The result is a lava flow of text. Laszlo Krasznahorkai made me realize how much I love to be challenged by art, even bored by it or lulled by it if that is its intention. His books are incredibly challenging and dense, but I was in awe of every single sentence of every book of his I’ve read so far. Who knew you could do that with language? It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen.

Oh, and one more. I have only read a single book so far from Fyodor Dostoyevsky, that being Crime and Punishment, but it is my probably my single favorite book of all time. Tied, at least, with What We Talk About When We Talk About Love, by Raymond Carver, and The Ocean at the End of the Lane, by Neil Gaiman. Crime and Punishment is also a dense piece of literature, but I was in a state of wonderment and awe through its entirety, at the language and the intimacy and depth of the story, how it is unlike anything I’ve read and yet is so undeniable a presence in the world of literature. I can’t wait to reread it, though I should probably read more Dostoyevsky before I do that.

Anyway, forgive my rambling! I swoon and swoon over art. Don’t get me started on films and filmmakers that have influenced me, too

What are you working on now?
Currently I am nearing completion on the sequel to my novel Fairlane Road. I finished Fairlane Road about two years ago, and it was, at the time, the hardest book I had ever written despite its short length. It was more philosophically complex than I had imagined. Getting to revisit those characters with this sequel, to discover there’s so much more to the story, has been such a joy, and quite an emotional ride.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still new to having a platform of any kind, and don’t even have my own website yet (which will change soon, no doubt). For me it’s simply Facebook and Instagram. I have a personal page on Instagram which I use also to talk about writing sometimes, and I have an Instragram page dedicated to reviewing and discussing film. I have a decent following there, and do occasional promotion for my book. My publisher helps greatly with marketing opportunities. And I am in a lucky position to be a bookseller at a Barnes & Noble, and the store I work at carries my book, allowing me to handsell it to customers when the opportunity arises. I’ve sold 21 copies of Fairlane Road this way so far.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice would be tailored more to the writing aspect of being an author, as opposed to marketing or being an author, which I’m still new at, partly because it’s still surreal for me, and I struggle with impostor syndrome. My advice to new aspiring writers would simply be this, considering that there is so much I could say, but I’d like to narrow it down:

Consider the greatest artists working, or who have worked. I mean in literature as much as in film. Neil Gaiman once said that there is no market. Don’t write what you think everybody else wants to read. Before Harry Potter, nobody knew they wanted to read Harry Potter so bad. The same goes for anything. Write what only YOU can write. Write only what YOU want to write. And do it your way. There is literally only one you in the entire world, in the entire universe, and nobody has told the stories that only you can tell in your own way, because nobody else is you. So do that.
Look at the great filmmaker David Lynch, who is, in many ways, a surrealist. His films are mind-blowingly weird, often terrifying and hilarious and bizarre all at the same time, but he is considered one of the greatest filmmakers to have ever lived. He is entirely himself. No one makes films like Lynch does, and Lynch doesn’t try to make films like anybody else does. The same can be said for some of the greatest artists–writers, filmmakers, painters, sculptors, etc–who have ever lived. So, to boil it down, my advice is probably eye-rollingly simple: Be yourself. Make YOUR art. Embrace it. And on top of that, be interested in your own art as if it were somebody else’s. Love it. Live it. Because why not? If you’re a true artist, you’re going to always be making art. Why not love it, and be interested in it, at least as much as the art of others?
Also, form is content; style is meaning. Don’t ever forget it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“But when it comes to fiction, the writer’s only responsibility is to look for the truth inside his own heart. It won’t always be the reader’s truth, or the critic’s truth, but as long as it’s the writer’s truth–as long as he or she doesn’t truckle, or hold out his or her hat to fashion–all is well.” – Stephen King

What are you reading now?
Currently I’m reading Neither Wolf Nor Dog, by Kent Nerburn, a powerful story that serves as a kind of open conversation between White and Native American. It’s as entertaining and funny as it is jarring and heartbreaking, as well as being more educational than school ever was on the subject of American Indian history and culture.

In addition I’m always reading the poetry of Raymond Carver, I recently discovered the poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and have a to-be-read pile as high as any big reader’s or writer’s. As Lemony Snickett said, I’ll probably die next to a pile of things I was meaning to read.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish the sequel to Fairlane Road, I intent to edit both that and another novel I finished before it. I am deeply excited about both novels. The other one–which I’ll wait to name until its eventual release, if my publisher likes it–is probably the work I’m most proud of that I’ve completed.
And after these, I intend to do some more short story writing, and have a few ideas for more novels that will take me in directions I’ve not yet gone as a writer, but which I’ve been preparing myself over for a long time now.

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 no.
Here’s four… I think. I guess. Only three or four? That’s mean. I’m going to assume that I am definitively stranded, and other than a (hopefully) honorary survival guide that (hopefully) doesn’t take up one of the four spots…

– All of Us: the Collected Poetry of Raymond Carver
– The Brothers Karamazov, by Fyodor Dostoyevsky (haven’t read it yet, but may as well bring a tome I know I’m going to love and can pour myself over for a long time, right?)
– Infinite Jest, by David Foster Wallace (for the same reason)

I’m gonna leave it at that for now, because this is stressful XD

Author Websites and Profiles
Cody Lakin Amazon Profile

Cody Lakin’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a USA Today best-selling romance author from beautiful Auckland, New Zealand. With 18 romances published, and one non-fiction aimed at new authors, writing has been in my blood forever. Having said that I only started publishing 4 years ago.
With 3 children and a mortgage, I’ve spent years working in other areas and was delighted to finally be doing this full-time since May 2017.
I love to write about suave heroes and feisty heroines in wonderful small towns with heart-warming tales of strong family ties and life-affirming true love.
My bookshelves hold favorite authors – Nora Roberts, Marian Keyes and Cathy Kelly – plus new-found favorites like Marie Force and Bella Andre, who write stories that echo my own values: family always comes first and life’s struggles and challenges are always surmountable through love.
I live in a quiet suburb and enjoy walks with my wonderful husband (my very own high school sweetheart) along our breath-taking beaches, spending time with friends and, of course, weaving sensual stories that celebrate the joy of love, family and resilience.
I love talking with fellow romance readers and fans. Join my mailing list for news about new books or contact me at www.cherylphipps.com.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Resident Billionaire is the last (maybe not) of the Billionaire Knights sagas.
Caris, the youngest sibling is training to be a doctor and from the first book she was one of my favorites. Because of the way the stories unfolded with the other members of the family, she had to wait to tell hers. Spoiler alert – the Texan his his own story in this book as well.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a list maker extraordinaire, needing to know a lot about a many things and have it written down, otherwise I might not ‘see’ things as clearly.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Cathy Kelly, Marian Keyes, Marie Force and Bella Andre.

What are you working on now?
It’s a secret, but I have begun a new series of Cozy Mysteries. I’m very excited about them.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Firstly my own – www.cherylphipps.com. After that I change them around depending on how the last promotion went.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. A lot. As much as you can, whenever you can. Only by having a backlist will the majority of us find a niche in the market.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Believe in yourself.

What are you reading now?
A Lake Howling Novel by Wendy Vella.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’d like to hit the NYT list, but I want to do that on my own and not in a boxed set.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Pride and Prejudice, Cross Stitch, A Bear Grylls survival guide and one with blank pages.

Author Websites and Profiles
Cheryl Phipps Website
Cheryl Phipps Amazon Profile

Cheryl Phipps’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve had several short stories published in college magazines, but this is my fist novel. I have taught high school English, Biology, History, and am now teaching Physics. After school I coach baseball and am the offensive coordinator for our varsity football team. Whenever I’m not doing that stuff, I write and read.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Them Rabbit Foot Blues” describes my experience returning from warfare overseas to a home, a different society than I left. Along with homecoming to a strange land, the book captures my journey of sobriety. May sound like a bummer, but most of all, I wanted to write something fun to read.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I crank music. Loud. Very. Meanwhile I rock back and forth like a spaz.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Toole’s “Confederacy of Dunces” is my favorite book so I’m certain there’s influence there. Yet I’d say that I wrote the novel within an “Alice in Wonderland” framework. Curioser and curioser.

What are you working on now?
Writing this first book is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve been reading and researching for my next one however. Think, psychedelic western.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m a terrible self-promoter and cripplingly shy. So…ah yeah.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Read. Edit. Repeat.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Writers write.”

What are you reading now?
Westerns.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I teach Physics class tomorrow at 7 am.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible
A dictionary
Skrunk & White

Author Websites and Profiles
Jason Spurlock Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I currently have one book, a crime thriller titled “Internal Damnation”.

About me? I should write about me? Uh… Okay, here we go.
My story is a little different.

I never intended on writing books. I was a screenwriter. When I was 14, I became very ill and had to miss most of high school. Come to find out, I was allergic to mold and my high school was infested like you wouldn’t believe (it was also sinking). By my Sophomore year (2005), I realized my friends and I were beginning to drift apart. I had always been a movie fanatic, so I decided we should make movies…a screenwriter was born.

As I got older, I focused on screenwriting as a career and made really great strides. I wrote/directed upwards of 12 short films. I was accepted to Emerson College because of my storytelling abilities. When I was 20, I won my first writing award at the DownBeach Film Festival in Atlantic City for my short film “Mea Culpa”.

Then life tends to throw an uppercut when it’s least expected.
I had to devout almost all of my time to caring for an ill family member. I left my prestigious college and found myself mentally, spiritually, and creatively stunted.

One day I was sitting around my house wondering what I should do with myself.
Then suddenly I remembered back to a meeting I had with a screenwriting agent in Boston the prior summer. I had pitched a film titled “Ten Pin”. While he was intrigued by the concept, he couldn’t represent me because I was “unknown” and it wasn’t a “horror story.” The agent recommended I turn it into a crime novel and develop a following to use as leverage down the road. I thought that was an incredibly stupid suggestion.

I spent 4+ years writing Internal Damnation.
Come to find out…I love writing novels more than I ever did screenplays.
Now here I am!

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

I’ve always been intrigued by the concept of loyalty.

The centerpiece of this novel is loyalty. People tend to have varying definitions of that word. What is loyalty to one may not be defined as loyalty to another.

But what would people do to defend that loyalty? What actions would they take to protect that loyalty? What happens when you must choose between the two closest people in your life? Imagine the consequences that could arise from that decision. No matter which way you choose, nothing will ever be the same.

Sometimes the strongest bonds in life are birthed from tragedy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I listen to a lot of film scores when I write (John Williams, Hans Zimmer).
I also tend to go through the motions if I’m writing a fight so that I can accurately get the reactions. Don’t worry, I’ve never actually hurt myself…only my pride when people walk in.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a New England boy so of course Stephen King.
Silva’s Path’s “The Bell Jar”. Before that, I had never read anything that struck me on such a personal level. I realized the point of my writing was to form an unbreakable connection that forces the reader to dig deep inside themselves to find answers to question they didn’t know had.

What are you working on now?
A crime thriller tentatively titled “Hart of Death”. It’s about a Boston detective who is forced to confront a deadly ghost from his Army Rangers days.

I’m also in the beginning stages of planning the sequel to “Internal Damnation.”

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Think outside the box when it comes toward marketing. Go local at first if you must. Reach out to your hometown paper. Advertise through coffeeshops and theaters. Let word of mouth spread organically if you don’t have much of a budget for promotion. 99% of writers are broke, but 99% of writers are Googling “how to market my novel.” Guest what…I do that too. But make yourself attractive and people will take interest in your work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Sell yourself, not your book.”

What are you reading now?
“A Dirty Job” by Christopher Moore.
I can’t stop laughing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully not bankruptcy court with what this book has cost me!
But seriously, working on my next two books. I like taking life one day at a time.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bell Jar.
Animal Farm
The Odyssey
It’s a short story, but Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Author Websites and Profiles
David Rutter Amazon Profile

David Rutter’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a wife, mom to 11, and entrepreneur/writer. I have written 8 books on topics ranging from Christian parenting to getting out of debt on one income.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Gods Heart Toward Children–We live in a culture that minimizes the importance of children and the role they play in our lives. Understanding how God views them gives us a new perspective and causes us to parent differently.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write when the passion hits–and I write very fast.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
C.S. Lewis

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My own at GenerationCedar.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write and write some more. Read authors you love, and try to pick up on some interesting parts of their style, meshing it with your own.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kelly Crawford Website
Kelly Crawford Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Obsessive about writing, in general, I’d say. I have always dreamed of being a novelist since I was a child and I spent the last thirty years thinking about it. Many people have discouraged me. Some have even told me that only crazy people write books. I now say to those people, thank you, you’re looking at one hell of an insane author!

Frankly, I wish I hadn’t spent so many years doing everything else that kept me away from my dream. Better late than never…right? Now, I write full time. I’m and just transitioning from ghostwriting to full-time authorship and looking forward to it.

So far I have published book 1 in a science fiction series, a 3 novella fairy tale series, book 1 in a fantasy series, 1 stand-alone novel and a short story.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest series if Jewel of the Palace. Book 1 – Guardians of the Kingdom; Book 2 – Warriors for the Kingdom; Book 3 – Protectors of the Kingdom.

About 3 years ago I did a medieval romance web series that was published in small bits on Hubpages.com. It was well received and I wanted to make the story into a novel. However, I got bored with writing plain old romance. I was pondering scrapping the entire thing when it hit me that I could easilty change the story into an epic/medival fantasy instead.

From plan old bot meets girl to dragons, swords and everything in between…this is my latest work.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not sure what you call unusual. I just write…sometimes three or four stories at a time. It depends on my mood and what I am thinking.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
From Dean Koonzt to Stephen King, James Patterson, Danielle Steele, Barbara Cartland. I have a crush on John Grisham of course… been a 30 year crush. I kind of grew up reading these authors, but my new favorite author is Matthew Mather.

What are you working on now?
My series – Jewel of the Palace. Now working on Book 2.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Truth is, I have figured that out yet.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never be afraid to express you in your writing. Be true to yourself and never give up. Don’t listen to the masses, listen to your own desires.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice given to me was my physician. I was depressed and had gone for a checkup. He told me that my unhappiness was derived from not doing the things that made me happy. He asked me what was it that I think of each morning I opened my eyes and what was the last thing I think of doing at night. He said the thing I think of first thing in the morning and the last thing at night is what I should be doing. That’s what I am doing now…writing.

What are you reading now?
Love’s First Fall by Julie Sanford
Darknet by Matthew Mather.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Becoming a bestseller of course.

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?
Summer’s End by Danielle Steele
In The Name of the Father by AJ Quinnell
Maybe something by John Grisham and something from RR Tolkien.

Author Websites and Profiles
Diana Flame Website
Diana Flame Amazon Profile

Diana Flame’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write erotica and erotic romance, while also working as a copywriter. I’d prefer to just write fiction, but people keep sending me bills for some reason. It’s really strange. I’ve written twenty novellas and novelettes, as well as one novel, often exploring taboo relationships. Most of my e-books are currently available on Amazon through Kindle Unlimited.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest, Rough Riding with the Brat’s Taboo Cowboy, was inspired by the raw beauty and isolation of the west, especially Montana. It’s the first time I’ve used first-person perspective in my erotica, because the location spoke to that level of interior intimacy. Most of my writing starts with the place, whether it’s a cabin in the mountains, a cruise ship on the Caribbean, a resort hotel on the Vegas Strip, etc. I put myself in the place and imagine what kind of kinky trouble its inhabitants might get into.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I write, I have one ear listening to a Twitch live streamer through an earbud, with the video on my second monitor. If I get stuck, I watch them play video games. After a few minutes, I go back to writing. It usually does the trick.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Cheri Verset, Selena Kitt, Anya Merchant, Anais Nin, Ernest Hemingway, Jack Kerouac, Blake Snyder, John Truby.

What are you working on now?
An erotic novella about a ski trip.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Write more books. Use Kindle free days to promote them via sites and newsletters such as Awesome Gang. Write more books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Your writing isn’t precious. You’ve got a million words in you and you need to get them out. Just get them out so you can see the bones of the story and know the characters. Don’t dawdle. Don’t edit as you write. Don’t fix typos. Don’t worry about every single detail or emotional response. Don’t try and craft the perfect sentence in your first draft, because you may end up not needing it. When you’ve finished that dirty first draft, THEN go back and edit. Add in the detail. Amp up the emotion. Polish the prose. All writing is rewriting, to paraphrase Hemingway.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Chris Fox’s advice to use a timer and write straight through in 25-minute sprints without stopping changed my life and multiplied my productivity. See above for more details!

What are you reading now?
Taboo Cult by Cheri Verset and Days of Panic by Jack Hunt

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m on a more disciplined schedule now, so I’m able to write more and release more often. Hopefully, I can stop writing copy soon.

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 Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Desolation Angels by Jack Kerouac. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway. A Song of Ice and Fire (the whole series) by George R. R. Martin.

Author Websites and Profiles
Asher Ames Website
Asher Ames Amazon Profile

Asher Ames’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an introvert, bookworm, life coach – I’ve worked for myself since 2004 and over the past few years I’ve started to write down everything I’ve learned about loving life and following big dreams from doing it myself and also from helping clients to do it. So far I’ve completed 2 books, with another 9 in the pipeline.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called “Obstacle Busting” – it’s about getting over, under, round and through every obstacle that gets in the way of creating the life you want. It was inspired by the obstacles I came across in my own life, as well as obstacles my clients face – I realised we all come up against the same things, and the way we get past them is similar too.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I only write for an hour or two a day. I tried to do full days of writing but found I got total brain fry, so now I don’t even try. I just do a couple of hours and then go do something else.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Every author and book I’ve ever read has influenced me in some way. The ones who influence me the most are those who share ‘behind the scenes’ what it’s really like to be a writer – that is so helpful either to make you feel better when you’re having a bad day or to inspire you.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the paperback version of “Obstacle Busting” and then I’m onto a book about self-care – a book that was started back in 2007…I’ve got a lot more to say about it now!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Writing more books I think – if people like the first one, they’ll be inclined to get the 2nd too.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Lots. Try to stay in the moment – don’t worry too much about how you’ll sell your book before you’ve written a word. And reach out if you need help or advice – most writers are really lovely, helpful sorts – find them on twitter and facebook and reach out.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write the book that’s calling to be written.

What are you reading now?
I have about 7 books on the go at the moment – a James Patterson I’m halfway through, a few non-fiction books and one about a Yorkshire bobby and all the odd things rural police have to deal with.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, there are 9 books in the pipeline, so it’s keep writing! And keep promoting, marketing and sharing my work so it can help as many people as possible.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Magician by Raymond E Feist – my favourite book, I’ve read it about 40 times. The Magic by Rhonda Byrne – to remind me to be grateful despite being stranded on an island with only 4 books! If you could see me now by Cecilia Ahern because that book always makes me feel better. And probably some kind of survival guide, because without a local supermarket, I’d be in deep trouble!

Author Websites and Profiles
Donna Higton Website
Donna Higton Amazon Profile

Donna Higton’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have been a country preacher, a community mental health practitioner, an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Family Medicine at a leading university, a pioneer in the field of medical family therapy, an academic writer with over sixty articles and two co-authored books to me name. I am also a novelist. I published my first novel in 2005 and my latest novel, “Parrot Talk,” was released in May 2017. I was a Finalist in Fiction for the Indy Excellence Award (2011) for “Charlie No Face” and runner up in fiction for the TAZ Author Awards, for Parrot Talk (2017).

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Parrot Talk. It is a humorous story about matters of consequence. Brothers, Lucas and Grinder, whose mother left them when they were young boys, learn from a friend that she has died. They must go to Pittsburgh to take care of her effects, chief among them being Paul. Turns out that Paul is an African grey parrot who is grieving and has things to say that will change the brothers’ lives. This story will make you laugh and cry…but mostly laugh. This book was inspired by a conversation with my wife in which I was searching for a story that was different, one that would be humorous, but substantive. We came up with the notion of an animal protagonist. I researched the smartest animals and settled on African grey parrots. They can initiate conversation, which was important to the plot.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wish I could say that I write in the nude or that I only write from 1am to 5am in the morning. Truth is that I write several days a week in my office in our finished basement, often with our cat, Boots, nestled behind the computer where he can enjoy the heat of my desk lamp.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many! Elie Wiesel, Philip Roth, Alice McDermott, Nikos Kazantzakis, Annie Dillard, George Saunders and others.

What are you working on now?
I am writing a novel in which the main character wakes up dead. It opens with “I don’t know how and I don’t know why, but I think I died today.” The story will unravel the circumstances around this tragedy and the effect it will have on those close (and not so close) to him.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My publisher, Black Rose Writing, does a very good job promoting my books. But I also use Facebook, Twitter, email blasts, virtual book tours and sites like this one.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write as often as you can. Don’t let self-criticism or self-doubt hinder you. Most writers are tough on themselves, but that’s no reason not to write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
E.L Doctorow, when he was asked about writing fiction, said that it was like driving a car at night; you never see further than your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.

What are you reading now?
I am reading the gargantuan new biography of Leonardo da Vinci.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As I mentioned before, I am working on a new novel. I also write a blog for Psychology Today magazine. I am also expanding my teaching at Writers and Books in Rochester, NY, a terrific writing community and resource.

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, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, Night, The Cloud of Unknowing.

Author Websites and Profiles
David Seaburn Website
David Seaburn Amazon Profile

David Seaburn’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Montreal and work as a Senior Analyst at a big 4 company. My work takes up a lot of my time but when I have a chance I spend my time writing. I am an avid reader and big potter head! Growing up in Dubai before moving to Montreal has given a chance to appreciate family and friendship more, which is a central part of my writing. I hope you enjoy my book and I will continue using my free time to write more novels.

I have written one young adult novel and I am currently working on a new interesting story!!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Relics of Aiden. It is a book that I have been working on for more than eight years now. I was inspired by all the adventure books I have read as a teenagers from Harry Potter to book like Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to listen to music while writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would say J.K. Rowling in the biggest influence. I am a huge fan of her and her wizarding world.

What are you working on now?
A new novel set in a fictional world. The protagonist in this book is a girl. Still at the first few chapters… let’s see how it goes!

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up and always re-write!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If something you wrote is utter garbage, just re-write. Keep on re-writing until you get it right.

What are you reading now?
The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman.

Husam Lutfi’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a native of Tennessee, by way of NYC, and now I live in sunny Los Angeles, California. I Just love writing, acting and anything artistic. I have been writing all of my life, actually. Even when I was a little girl, I used to love to make up stories and write them down. I was obsessed with the Judy Blume books – what little girl of the 70’s was not? One day, I thought to myself, “I can do that….” So I started writing some short stories, ghost stories, stories about kids – it just snowballed after that. Writing is just a passion one is born with. I am constantly writing stories in my head. I guess that either makes me a fiction author or a loony!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest is “Guitar God’ and I used to be a bit of a groupie back in the 80’s, so that was my inspiration to write Rock and Roll erotica. “Weekends” was my first book, and that is a romance suspense set at a luxurious beach hotel in California. Jackie Collins is an author who I just adore. She is excellent at what she does! So, I became inspired to write something suspenseful and romantic that takes place at this gorgeous, sexy location. I wrote the first twenty-two pages on a lark just for fun on an old rickety typewriter many years ago. I stuffed them into a drawer and forgot all about them. Then, when I got married and moved in with my husband, he found them in an old box. He asked me what it was and I said “oh…nothing…just me fooling around…” or something like that. Then I got pregnant with my daughter and had plenty of time on my hands, so I decided to put those twenty-two pages on my computer for the heck of it, then I kept on writing it, and kept on writing it, until I had a completed novel. So, I sent out query letters, got a book deal, and the rest is history!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, just keeping my crazy cat from jumping on my lap while I am writing, lol. I usually write during the day when it’s quiet.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Judy Blume, Jackie Collins and Stephen King. I don’t write horror but I admire how prolific Mr. King is. I love how their word is very character driven. That is what inspires me. I just let my characters tell me what they want to do. Not sure what that style is called, but that is how I write. I just get very involved with my characters on a personal level, and they lead the way. I just type.

What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on the second installment of my “Boys in the Band” series. I think I may explore the antics of the lead singer this time.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The rules are, there are no rules. What worked last week may not work next week. Everything keeps changing, so you have to change with it. I seek the advice of other authors, I find their experience very helpful.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up – don’t do it! If you have a story to tell, then tell it. Don’t get discouraged, and whatever you do, don’t let the negativity from others put a damper on your dreams. Get out there and finish your novel! Write just one page a day if that is all you have time for, but do it!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Move to California and go for your dreams! Head West Young Girl! All kidding aside, my late father-in-law, Norman Hudis, was the great English writer and screenwriter. He had written for television, film and books. He gave me wonderful advice over the years, and has given me amazing encouragement, too. He was a fascinating man. He told me I had potential as a writer, so I took his advice and began to write.

What are you reading now?
The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale. One of the best books ever written.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To not let writer’s block get to me, and to keep plugging away. I get down sometimes, but I always try to remain positive.

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?
Hollywood Wives by Jackie Collins, Carrie by Stephen King, The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale and Forever by Judy Blume.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lindy Hudis Website
Lindy Hudis Amazon Profile
Lindy Hudis Author Profile on Smashwords

Lindy Hudis’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Murder In Absentia: a story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic is my first novel. Between being the story I always wanted to read (a combination of Ancient Rome, Detective Mystery, and Urban Fantasy) and the awards it won, I felt I just had to write a sequel…

In Numina, the second Felix mystery, is due out in April.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
In Numina, the second Felix mystery. Just like Murder In Absentia, it is a story of Togas, Daggers and Magic – for lovers of Murder Mysteries, Ancient Rome and Urban Fantasy. This time, Felix is hired by a rich landlord to figure out why tenants are abandoning his properties. Word on the street is that the apartment blocks are haunted!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have to put on a tin-foil hat to stop the orbital mind control lasers from stealing my stories…

Just kidding. I write on the train commute to and from work, as that’s the only quiet time I have. I work on my books whenever I can, and try to disconnect the Internet to help focus

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many! On the Roman historical fiction side, probably Colleen McCullough, Steven Saylor, Lindsey Davis, and Ruth Downie stand out. Except McCullough, they all write historical mystery novels set around ancient Rome. I will only add the amazing Boris Akunin for his incredible Erast Fandorin historical-mystery series.

On the fantasy side too many to mention, from classics like JRR Tolkein and Fritz Leiber, to modern authors like Neil Gaiman and Terry Prachett.

There are other historical fantasy detectives out there too… I’ll mention Barry Hughart, with Bridge of Birds – one of my all-time favourite books!

What are you working on now?
Getting ready to publish In Numina! So close, I can smell the ink on paper

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
awesomegang.com, of course

More seriously, put your book in front of readers in a way that engages them. Don’t whack people with “buy my books” repeated posts, but be genuine and active of sites where you feel comfortable on.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you’re new to publishing, it may seem daunting. So here are the two biggest factors that help turn a manuscript into a professional looking book:
* Professional editing
* Professional cover design

Never skimp, and don’t think you can just get by. Employ professionals to help with these tasks.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing.
Park you butt in a chair, and keep writing.

What are you reading now?
The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. A modern-day urban-fantasy detective.

What’s next for you as a writer?
In Victrix – the 3rd Felix mystery. I have the plot all planned out, and am itching to start writing again.

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?
Tough question. There are certainly books I’ve read more than once – but generally speaking, my to-read list is longer than my life expectancy. There is just so much more I want to read!

Author Websites and Profiles
Assaph Mehr Website
Assaph Mehr Amazon Profile

Assaph Mehr’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been dreaming up stories since I was a child. I would often spend weeks or even months creating full length stories in my mind. Io Hunter and the Guardians of Aldernar is the first of those stories that I’ve written down. I have two more books that I’m working on at the moment. I hope to have one published by this summer.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My first and latest is called Io Hunter and the Guardians of Aldernar. The initial inspiration for the book came from watching an episode of the CW show The Flash. I decided to create my own characters with super powers. But I didn’t want to create a completely fantastical world for this book. I wanted the story to reflect current events going on around the world. There’s an element of fantasy but a lot of the book addresses real world issues. The characters must use their super powers to defend their democracy from takeover by a hostile dictatorship.

I explain this in more detail on my blog but ex-members of the Westboro Baptist Church also influenced the book. I was interested in exploring how people who have a past that they want to leave behind can still be held accountable for it. So, I gave the main character Io Hunter a past that leads those around her to doubt her.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it’s unusual but I create the whole story in my head first before writing it down.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I don’t know if I would say influenced in terms of my own writing but I’ve read a lot of the works of classic authors like Charles Dickens and The Bronte sisters. I’ve also read a lot of classics for children as well as modern young adult novels. I also love to read the works of indie authors. There are a lot of low price gems in self-published works.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on two more young adult fantasy stories. When they’re done, I want to write another Io Hunter book.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve just started promoting, so I’m learning all of this now.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a new author, so I’m looking for advice.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
For self-publishing, not to expect overnight success.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading a few books by indie writers. The Great Game by OJ Lowe, Edelaine’s Folly by Morigan Shaw, and The Covenant (A Zaheem’s Saga Book 1) by Shannah MB Weller.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish up the two books I’m writing now and continue to promote my current 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?
Wuthering Heights, Lord of the Flies, and The Secret Garden.

Author Websites and Profiles
J.C. Ahmed Website
J.C. Ahmed Amazon Profile

J.C. Ahmed’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up from a small town in Kendallville IN, I love motivation and inspiring others to reach their fullest potential. I am 19. I have punished one book so far. I soon want to open my own, speaking business and speak around the world. It has been my dream ever since I was a child. Before coming out with this book I thought to myself, ‘If one word can change and inspire a life, like it did to mine why not fill a whole book with over a thousand words from some of the greatest people whoever lived. I love looking at some of the greatest minded people of all time, to see what there perspective is of the world. Along with all that, I am on my way to Financially Freedom! As I rise to the top I want to help others along my journey.
To concluded I have also published a various of apps on the Google Play Store, my favorite one I developed is called: “TRI-PAUSE.”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“These Are More Than Just Words They Are Historic Words That Is All: Motivate Yourself with Over 1000 Most Historic Motivational Quotes Of All Time,” is the first book I have ever
published. Before coming out with this book I thought to myself, ‘If one word can change and inspire a life, like it did to mine why not fill a whole book with over a thousand words from some of the greatest people whoever lived. I love looking at some of the greatest minded people of all time, to see what there perspective is of the world. I also love the positive energy that comes with all this.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love to draw my story first and imagine it first before I write it out.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Grant Cardone with the “Millionaire Booklet,” Napoleon Hill with “Think and Grow Rich”
Gary Vaynerchuk, “Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence-and How You Can, Too”

What are you working on now?
Not currently writing right now, but I am on my way to getting into Shoplify, and Amazon FBA.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Organically growing with my social media.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you have a desire to write, keep writing until you say “I’m out of pages,” but realize this turn it over your not.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“The ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world are the ones who do.” – Steve Jobs I love to remix this quotes and say, “The ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change this Universe are the ones who do!”

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading the “The 4-Hour Workweek,” by Timothy Ferriss. Let me tell this is book is giving me amazing point of view in the world.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Not currently writing right now, but I am on my way to getting into Shoplify, and Amazon FBA.

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?
“SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere”by Lofty Wiseman
“Astrophysics for People in a Hurry”
Neil deGrasse Tyson

“The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide: Five Complete Novels and One Story”
Douglas Adams’s

Jacob Donnaker’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I began writing professionally in the 1990s, as a features writer for Gig Magazine. My first book, “Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents,” won six national awards, and the Minneapolis Star-Tribune named it a “Top Ten Green Book.” My second book, “Endangered Edens: Exploring the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica, the Everglades, and Puerto Rico,” won four national awards. I am also a popular college speaker. I have performed the stage-show version of Cool Creatures, Hot Planet on hundreds of campuses, in forty-five states. My latest book, “Time Is Irreverent,” is a science-fiction political-comedy. The switch in genres doesn’t mean a switch in ideals. Like all of my books, they reflect my values of protecting human rights and the environment—and I try to do it with a wry sense of humor.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, “Time Is Irreverent” was published on February 8, 2018. The book was inspired (hmm . . . is the the correct word?) by the election of Donald Trump. Getting lost in my writing was my way of escaping much of the depression that came from that election. I could hide out in my book, as my characters took over and tried to undo “President Handley’s” election via time travel. It was also a way for me to show what a future United States might look like if the far-right accomplished the most radical aspects of their agenda.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I often write twelve or more hours a day. I have a special writing room, with a beautiful view of the mountains. Then, at night, I turn off the lights and write by candlelight. My lighted computer keyboard makes that possible. I type amazingly fast, using only a few fingers at a time.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Rick Gualtieri’s “Bill The Vampire” series cracks me up. He’s helped me release my inner snark. Another favorite is Audrey Niffenegger’s “The Time Traveler’s Wife.”

What are you working on now?
I am 15,000 words into the sequel to “Time Is Irreverent.”

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best thing I ever did was turn my first book, “Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents” into a live stage show that I perform at colleges. I am in my eleventh year of doing that and have sold countless books after my shows. Because my new book, “Time Is Irreverent,” is fiction, I’m changing my promotion methods and doing much more on-line, buying ads, working social media, etc.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Hire an experienced editor. This is especially important if you want to get a publishing deal. Don’t send anything out that hasn’t been edited first. You must assume that no one at a publishing company has the ability to think outside-the-box and imagine just how good your book will be once it’s edited. And if you publish independently, you must have a professional edit your work. A poorly edited book reflects not only on yourself, but on other indie authors as well.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Fucked ’em! They don’t know what they’re talking about.”

What are you reading now?
I just finished reading “Let’s Get Digital” by David Gaughran. It’s one of the few indie publishing advice books that I can recommend. I also appreciated that the author didn’t just use his book to sell something else.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The sequel to “Time Is Irreverent”

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 a tough question, because I seldom re-read books and am always discovering new authors.

Author Websites and Profiles
Marty Essen Website
Marty Essen Amazon Profile

Marty Essen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an American living in Canada, married to a Canadian, and we have three medium-sized kids which we homeschool. We have an online business that pays the bills, and volunteer our time doing church planting work in the Montreal area. I’ve been writing since I was little but only began putting work out on Amazon’s KDP system a few years ago. I’ve put up 15 short stories, essays, and now a few short books. I’m slowly learning the system and putting out longer and longer items.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Scary Fast: 7 Advanced Hacks to Boost Your Productivity 1,000x

I am naturally an extremely productive guy, and I long thought about writing a book, but there are already a LOT of productivity books out there though so I didn’t think I’d bother. I figured I’d just be adding to the noise. However eventually I realized that most of them were pretty basic and thought maybe there would be space for an ‘Advanced’ productivity book, the kind that isn’t safe for beginners. The end result turned out to be awesome, I’m very proud of it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to feel more inspired late at night, but I can usually write anytime.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love most stuff by Chuck Palahniuk, Douglas Coupland, Donald Miller, Ray Bradbury, Dan Simmons, David Graber, Tim Ferriss, etc. Loads others but those are some big ones. I like first person narration and causal phrasing.

And very dry humor.

What are you working on now?
Sitting on my heels at the moment, having just finished Scary Fast, focused on marketing for the next week or two…but I’m 25,000 words in on an entrepreneurial book for kids that’s 30% fiction and 70% non-fiction, going to be amazing (when I get around to finishing it). So I might pick up with that, or I might start in on a blank page on a brief series of how-to book’s for Shopify…

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still figuring that out, but so far I’m working my way through the list I found on this page:
https://kindlepreneur.com/list-sites-promote-free-amazon-books/

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you want people to actually read your work or to actually make money at writing, you have to be 40% business / 60% art.

If you don’t care about readers or money, then you can be 100% art, it’s cool.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“The squeaky wheel gets the oil.”

– My Mom

What are you reading now?
Just finished ‘The Green Brain’ by Frank Herbert (another of my favorite authors) and ‘Iron Gold’ by Pierce Brown (Red Rising stuff, so good!). But now I am flailing about for something new. Purchased Mr. Mercedes from a second had shop for 50 pence (I’m in Wales right now) but I haven’t cracked it. Reading various samples on my Kindle to try and decide if there is something else I’d rather read…

What’s next for you as a writer?
More business / entrepreneurial writing for me. I started out doing more sci-fi / essay rants / humor but now that I have that out of my system…

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?
Yikes.

ESV Bible…Something Wicked This Way Comes…Destination Void…Fight Club?

Or maybe The Firm.

Author Websites and Profiles
Brian Michael Stegner Website
Brian Michael Stegner Amazon Profile

Brian Michael Stegner’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have a series of books called Maya Cosmic Number Puzzles. Most of the books have 165 puzzles and their solutions and can be found at www.kukulcanmedia.com We have 170 in English and over 100 in about eight other languages. I have written more than 8 books and I have also included short stories as part of the puzzle books. I am also an artist and have produced paintings of Mayan Spirits and many Outerworld Abstracts.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Blue Feather is my latest book and I am working on more books about the Mayan Spirits. I was inspired by reading books about the Mayan Spirits and the beliefs of the Ancient Mayans.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write at night when the Internet is at its greatest speed. Usually that means the wee hours of the morning between midnight and three.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Edgar Allan Poe, Robert Heinlein, Alexander Dumas, Robert E. Howard

What are you working on now?
Finishing two different series of books which should take another four years

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
www.kukulcanmedia.com where I sell my books and my artwork.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t expect the road to be easy.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Enjoy life because it often ends too quickly.

What are you reading now?
I read more than 500 books when I was younger and now I only write, paint, and create abstracts.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Living long enough to finish the series..

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Holy Bible, Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe, The Man in the Iron Mask by Alexander Dumas, How to Eat Monkey Meat and Like It

Author Websites and Profiles
juan blanco Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Charlotte, NC in 1990. I obtained his Creative Writing degree with a minor in English in 2013. I first started writing in high school after developing an appreciation for Stephen King’s The Stand. I’ve written two books, Lost Time (which I have just published), and Broken Veil. I am working on my third novel, Dead Lands (the sequel to Lost Time) at the moment.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Lost Time. I was in the process of reading through great series like the Dresden Files, and I wanted to write something that I would love to read. I was inspired by testing myself to write a book I know I would enjoy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Does insomnia count? I definitely plan everything out, and don’t step forward without a game plan. I don’t write in silence either. I have to pump my creative juices by having music playing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Jim Butcher, Brian Keene, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Neil Gaiman. There are many more, but those are the top ones for me. I especially loved Stephen King’s The Stand.

What are you working on now?
I am working on the sequel to Lost Time, “Dead Lands.”

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now I have not decided on which website is best. Awesome Gang has helped me out greatly, so kudos to them. I am still trying out many different promotion methods.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Find something that interests you, because then you’ll care more about it. Figure out what you want to do with your idea, but focus primarily on the characters. Keep a consistent schedule, because that’ll promote discipline when it comes to writing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t worry about what people think, so long as you’re doing what’s right.

What are you reading now?
The Gone Series by Michael Grant

What’s next for you as a writer?
Promoting my books, and trying to reach as many people as possible. Also, writing more stories that I would enjoy.

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?
Stephen King’s “The Stand”
Neil Gaiman “American Gods”
Matthew Stovr “Traitor”
Koushun Takami “Battle Royale”

Author Websites and Profiles
M.C. Ashley Website
M.C. Ashley Amazon Profile

M.C. Ashley’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am obsessive about books. I could gobble them up for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Picking up the pen and inking out my thoughts was just the next step. I have penned stories for a long time. Wattpad, my home base on the web – aside from my website of course… and facebook- houses over 40 of my work in various states of disrepair. Completing those ans sprucing them up for publication takes up much of my free time – of which there is not plenty. I have however managed to pack in 7 books on kindle! A feat in itself! -Slap on my back-.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Heartaches 3 – Bad Boy Vibes the culmination of a three part series is my very latest. Its a story that I feel needed to be told and told raw. The inspiration for Heartaches is all around us. In every news article and tv and before that through word of mouth. Its a serious story that has been told time and again to no effect. A flaw in our society that’s taking eons to fix. I wrote this raw to bring it out once more in all its furore.

Abuse, betrayal, drug and rape. These are hard themes to write and I imagine harder still to read. But it had to be written just as it must be read.

Heartaches Bad Boy Vibes is an extraordinary romance between two victims of unfortunate circumstances. Its a tale of their unity in rising above adversary and taking back what’s theirs.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yeah, I write everywhere. Usually just tapping away on my Wattpad.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh god but there has been plenty. I will name my very first though- Enid Blyton- A beaut of a storyteller, she.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a romance. A tomboy and her best friend. A timeless tale that intrigues me still… and hopefully you too.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I plaster them everywhere!!!! Wherever there is space on a site- you’ll see it there. Google is great that way in taking me where I want to go and more importantly- where I need to go!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write! Write! Write!

Then Edit! Edit! EDIT!

Promote from the very start, believe in yourself and hope for the best.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I haven’t heard it yet!

It used to be – ‘The Book Is Your Best Friend! ”

But I think it should really be- “Be Your Own Best Friend!” Pull yourself out of the trenches and make things work! You know you have it in you!!!

What are you reading now?
My own work! I spend a lot if time in editing hence re-reading my iwn work. But I will mention Kristen Britain if only to hopefully point out I am still waiting to dig into book 7 of the Green Rider series. Been waiting for like – ever!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Write! Write! Write!

There’s just so much more I want to write. I just wish I could write faster!

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 Green Rider series really would be useful about now! So would Hunger Games! For a bit of whimsy I may even pack Harry along. I could do with Pottering about with him on a beach. My own books of course! H M Irwing! Never leave home without those. And if I really am going to die out there then Enid Blyton – to bring back the good old memories.

Author Websites and Profiles
H M Irwing Website
H M Irwing Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have a background in computing and teaching. so far I have had short stories and my novella, A Fortnight is not Enough, published. I have also won and been shortlisted in writing competitions.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Fortnight is not Enough was inspired by my fantasy of staying in a holiday destination instead of coming home!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a wide range of books, including the classics, of course. I was very impressed by Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible.

What are you working on now?
I have recently completed a novel set in the 1960s, entitled The Day of the Dolly Bird.
I am currently working on a historical novel, set in World War I.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m fairly new to this so I am trying various approaches.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take notice of what is being published, but follow your own instinct to produce something original.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write the book you would want to read.

What are you reading now?
These Dividing Walls by Fran Cooper. It’s a contemporary novel set in Paris and is very vivid.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m interested in books set in the early twentieth century.

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 Mill on the Floss – George Eliot
The Colour of Magic – Terry Pratchett
2001 – Arthur C Clarke
The Story of San Michele – Axel Munthe

Rosemary Goodacre’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account