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

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Power of Names

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I use multiple pseudonyms

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wilbur Smith, Thomas Hardy, Charles Dickens.
The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene

What are you working on now?
My fourth book is called ‘The Power of Notes’ and will go for publishing in September.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Haven’t found one yet

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stick at it and don’t depend on friends or family to be supportive

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never fart in a lift

What are you reading now?
Short stories by Katherine Mansfield and The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

What’s next for you as a writer?
My fifth book will be ‘The Power of Words’ which will be all about English language

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My own short stories – ‘Hoggrills End’.
The Bagavad Gita
I Ching
Dan Brown’s latest

Author Websites and Profiles
Felix Schrodinger Website
Felix Schrodinger Amazon Profile

Felix Schrodinger’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I work as a stewardess on a private yacht, but always try to find the time to write as well. I have written and published one book, Final Goodbyes, but I am working on my second novel and hope to have it out by December.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Final Goodbyes, it is psychological suspense thriller and my inspiration came from a dream where I saw just one of the scenes in the book: the flashlight moving around in a garage in the middle of the night. The rest of the story developed from that.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always use the OmmWriter software to write in, I have become completely addicted to it, and find it hard to write without it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love a good scare, so Stephen King and more recently Mark Edwards are always on my Kindle. I also have a big place in my heart for the humour and character description from Kurt Vonnegut, I can read his book over and over again.

What are you working on now?
My current work is still without a title, but the young female protagonist is being stalked by someone who is relentless in their efforts to make her life a nightmare.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It sound so simple but: Just write!
I waited years for the right inspiration to come along, to develop character profiles and plot points and story lines. Nothing ever came. But January 1st, 2017, I sat down to write 500 words that day, and every day after that until the book was done! Some days those 500 words came flowing out of me and I ended up writing four times that. Other days it took everything in me to drag those words out. But even the worst of my writing still moved the story along, and you can always edit it later.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write as if no one is ever going to read it. I found that writing just for myself took a lot of pressure of me, and I could focus on just enjoying coming up with the story.

What are you reading now?
Mark Edwards, The Magpies.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Getting my second novel finished and published, and then hopefully getting started on my third.

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 “The Stand”
Jane Austen “Persuasion”
Kurt Vonnegut “Breakfast of Champions”
The Bible – just for the length of it.

Author Websites and Profiles
Signe Christensen Website
Signe Christensen Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing since 2002 and published my first novel in 2014. To date, I have four books published in the Demon’s Quest series with two more scheduled in the near future. I also have a short story published and a standalone novel coming out next month.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I was inspired to write my latest book, The Wayward Knight because one of my characters (Tracs) turned out to have a pivotal role throughout the series.

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

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Terry Brook and Brian Keene are my two favorite authors.

What are you working on now?
I just finished my latest novel, Madness of My Dreams. The book is in the loving hands of my editor/publisher.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve tried many, so I am hoping Awesome Gang turns out to be that site.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write and take your time. It’s your labor of love and it doesn’t matter if it takes a year or two to finish the novel… Oh one more… Get a good editor.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing and let the magic happen.

What are you reading now?
The Skaar Invasion by Terry Brooks.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Last year, a film student created a short film based off one of my characters, so I’d like to pitch the movie to a few movie producers and see where it goes. They won several awards, so I’m excited for them.

Here’s a link to the movie if you want to see it:

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Rising
City of the Dead
The Sword of Shannara
IT
The First Days (As the World Dies Series)

Author Websites and Profiles
Charles Carfagno Website
Charles Carfagno Amazon Profile

Charles Carfagno’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was a freelance blogger by profession until I went on my maternity break a year back when I started writing fiction. I have recently released my debut inspirational romance, ‘The last Seychelles flame’.

Once a lecturer in Science College, where I gave lectures in Computer Science soon after my Masters, I was fascinated by the blog world and realized my love for the words and took up writing full time.

Apart from writing, I enjoy painting, dancing to Zumba beats and trying out new recipes in my kitchen.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut book is named ‘The last Seychelles flame’.

Actually, I started writing a novel when I was on my maternity break last year. It was a complex subject and I was attempting to write a full-length novel for the first time. As a result, the research matter and the plot started conflicting and I was not able to handle it. In the whole saga, I lost the track. That’s when I decided to write a short and simple yet a gripping love story so that I can learn to deal with the subject matter, plot and the characters well. It took only a couple of days to weave the characters and the plot of ‘The last Seychelles flame’ since there were bits and pieces of this story already lingering in my mind for quite a while.

As a result of this book, now I am super excited to reattempt my half done novel since I have got the hold of it all. And my confidence as a writer has boosted many-folds.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I can think of any right now.

But what I can tell you for sure is that for me anytime is a good writing time and any place is a good place to start. People often ask me if I go to some particular place for more inspiration while penning down a great idea. No, I don’t. It’s a luxury I can’t afford with a toddler and a tween to cater for.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen is my all-time favourite. Other books that I love are ‘Life is what you make’ by Preeti Shenoy and ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D.Slinger, which I am now reading for the second time after years but with a writer’s eye.

What are you working on now?
I am writing a novel as discussed earlier and already halfway through it. However, I would not like to talk much about it at this point in time. There are certain things that I need to work upon and implement my learnings from my first book, The last Seychelles flame.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Figuring it out still since I have just started marketing my first book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never release a book without editing to your satisfaction, or else you will end up releasing subsequent editions, just like I did, and you will get mixed opinions depending on who reads what.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That ‘now’ is the time when you start.

What are you reading now?
‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D.Slinger.

Author Websites and Profiles
Medha Nagur Website
Medha Nagur Amazon Profile

Medha Nagur’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Neuchatel, Switzerland. My mother was Swiss, my father English and they met on a ship going to New Zealand. This may have contributed to that part of my genes which made me a travel writer. My school days were through World War Two in the suburbs of London. During that time, at the age of ten, I filled school exercise books with stories of a friendly dragon who took two human children on adventures. First they had to manoeuvre their way through barrage balloons, rising shells, descending bombs. At least that part of the stories was real.
I was really dedicated to travel and writing and not interested in marriage; but in the end I did marry at the age of 45 to George Spenceley, a lecturer, photograph, climber and explorer, who actually has a glacier named after him on the Antarctic island of South Georgia. In spite of a late marriage, we still managed 37 wonderful years together before he died in February 2013. I don’t think I shall stop missing him.
I became a travel writer, created short stories and eventually novels. Perhaps because of my childhood one of my favourite themes was ‘what war does to people’ – i.e. the effect of war on the children and grandchildren of participants. I wrote four novels on this theme, and then my first Young Adult book, dealing with addiction. There were also two anthologies of short stories. The latest of these came out in December 2014, then as an Ebook in January 2015 and an audio book in July 2015. My second anthology is called “It’ll be Better Tomorrow” – this was George’s title for it was what he said whenever I expressed concern about our future. He had many disabilities by then, including dementia. This anthology is dedicated to ageing. After George’s death I spent some time in a care home and discovered what an interesting lot we are.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book began as a novel, but then I saw that it was in fact all based on true events, so I turned it into a memoir called “So, what next? – a look, with hindsight at the moment world”. I realised that in my late eighties, I had lived through quite a lot of history including a childhood in World War Two, while my late husband had experienced this war as a pilot of Bomber Command, including as sole survivor of an air crash and three years as prisoner of war. Other aspects featured are bad decisions in the early 20th century leading to current Middle Eastern conflicts, social media, major changes in society and family structure, and uncontrolled (and uncontrollable) technology.
This book was published as a Kindle eBook in August 2017 and as a paperback in February 2018.
In 2018 I have also spent some time editing three of my books on the effects of war into a trilogy, which should shortly be ready under the title ‘Distant Echoes’, though each book within it can still be read separately

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think it’s unusual to like curling up with a big scribbling pad and a pen; I really like the feel of pen on paper. Of course I also appreciate the options offered by computers to cut and paste, but they would be far better if they did not keep ‘improving’ programmes which are also frequently unreliable or incomprehensible!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
An awful lot over such a long lifetime. The ones whom I prefer to emulate are the ones that get straight into a story and who tell rather than show; though that’s not always easy.

What are you working on now?
A mystery story has been nudging in the back of my mind for some years, and geared to the retirement generation. It may become the fourth book following my trilogy

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I do talks on the subjects of my books, which is time-taking but quite productive. I also Face Book and twitter: especially organisations who focus on the subjects of my books. Promotion is not easy for self publishers, but I find that smaller publications connected with the subject of the book or the places where the story takes place can be helpful.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write every day, even rubbish; if you’ve got a block check through some earlier writing; if you are still blocked do some research. A writing friend suggested leaving your writing in the middle of a sentence at the end of the day as it made it easier to pick up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
As above

What are you reading now?
“The Strange Death of Europe by Douglas Murray and “The Square and the Tower” by Niall Ferguson, both focusing on how we have come to the place we are now, which I suspect will confirm my own pessimistic conclusions!

What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing, that’s for sure

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Anything that is well written and extends our understanding of the strange world in which we live. I’m always delighted when new writing demonstrates there is still so much we do not know!

Author Websites and Profiles
Sylvie Nickels Website
Sylvie Nickels Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written 3 books and 1 short story.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book was Second Chances and it was inspired through an idea that came to me and personal experience.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None that I can think of. Basically sitting down with a cup of coffee and going over my outline before I start writing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ted Dekker is one of my favorite authors and has influenced a lot of my writing in the sense of including plot twists. I also read a lot of classic authors that lends influence in the sense of writing style.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the sequel to Mane of Redemption.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still trying to figure out what will be more beneficial. Social media has helped in some ways. I’ve noticed a little more response with promotional sites.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
No matter how defeated you may sometimes feel in this field of creation, never give up on that dream. You never know when the right door will open. If something isn’t working as far as marketing/promoting goes…regroup and try something else.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write a short story every week. It’s not possible to write 52 bad short stories in a row.” Ray Bradbury

What are you reading now?
Orchid Beach by Stuart Woods

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep pushing forward. I have a ton of story ideas in my To Be Written pile. Depending on how well my current WIP does, I may switch gears to another story itching to be written.

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?
One of Faulkner’s works I have yet to read, a book on survival, and the Chronicles of Narnia anthology.

Author Websites and Profiles
Aaron Brinker Website
Aaron Brinker Amazon Profile

Aaron Brinker’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
“Mr. Leviticus” is the first novel of series of three. When not writing I enjoy painting and refinishing antique furniture. I am currently looking for an old sail boat to refurbish and sail the gulf coast.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Mr. Leviticus” is the name of my latest project. My wife returned to college and needed some help in her writing class. That is where three of the original stories came from, the rest came some time later. I tried marketing the book as a short story series, and was turned down by what seems like every publisher in North America. A few years passed, and I suffered two serious strokes. I remember lying on my back watching some New Age T.V. show about God being a fairy tale. After what I had just gone through, it made me really angry, and I thought what if God sent an angel to earth to investigate these fools who produce this crap? That is where the Leviticus character came from. I used Mr. Leviticus to tie all the stories together as part of a supernatural investigation.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I sleep during the day at times, and write from midnight until daylight.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
First, I would have to say Tennessee Williams, he was the king of the modern tragedy. Next, it would be Thomas Harris.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the sequel to “Mr. Leviticus.” If you enjoyed “Duty” from the first book, you are going to love this one.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have found a variety to be helpful, they all reach out to a different audience therefore the interpretation of “Mr. Leviticus” has varied. Some say it’s a celestial crime drama, a Holocaust novel, a supernatural thriller, and so on. I wanted to put a face to the Holocaust, especially something young people could identify with. If you compare the political and social climates of the early 1930’s with those of the United States today, I really believe we’re closer to another world war now than ever before. If we forget our past, we’re going to relive it, and unfortunately it will be the young one’s who fight it.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up. I have been turned down millions of times. It took over ten years to get “Mr. Leviticus” published. Always believe in yourself, and strive to improve your work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Probably in High School. I have a vivid imagination, and always enjoyed writing. One of my High School English teachers said I was so bad at grammar I should move to France. So I used my writing ability to offset the grammar grades, and I haven’t stopped writing since.

What are you reading now?
“Sharp Objects” by Gillian Flynn.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am currently working on the second novel of the trilogy, and hope to be writing for many years to come.

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?
Probably the entire collection of Tennessee Williams stories, as well as all of Thomas Harris’s books.

Author Websites and Profiles
J.D. Alexander Website
J.D. Alexander Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a debut author and I’ve wanted to write for a long time now. I was born in London, England, now living by the sea in Kent with my wife, mother in law (HELP!), I’m joking, and three cats. I have two grown up daughters and an older stepson. I officially left school at the tender age of 15 after my father died of cancer. I immediately started working for my brother’s boss as a painter/labourer. At the time, I thought it was cool to be earning good money at such a young age, but I would never recommend leaving school so early to anybody. I certainly wish I hadn’t, although for me it was a case of circumstances surrounding my father’s death. It changed the course of my life and led me to stay in the building industry until recently. I’d also never recommend spending so many years doing something you truly detest. Life is too short! Like many people, I feel like I’ve wasted so many years. Now I’m doing something I’ve wanted to do since I was around 10 or 11. I hope to eventually become published and make a living from writing. Whether that will become the case is another matter as there are so many good writers out there with the same goal in mind. I guess time will tell, it always does in the end.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel is called The Mother of all Things. It’s difficult for me to say what inspired the story itself. At the time of writing, I was going through a rollercoaster of emotions. I was full of sadness, self-pity, anger, frustration, and rage, for myself. Anybody who chooses to read the novel will discover what I mean by the last sentence.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have what my wife tells me are very bad habits. I become consumed by whatever project I’m doing. Once I get invested in something, especially when trying to solve a problem, nothing else exists outside my head. With writing it’s worse, I’ll take a seat in the office and start to write, and if I had my way, nobody would see me until the story was completed.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors who led me down the path of wanting to become a writer were Stephen King and Virginia Andrews. The books: ‘Salem’s Lot and Flowers in the Attic. The authors I’ve been influenced by are many. As well as the above, I’ll mention James Herbert, Sean Hutson, Peter James, and Mo Hayder.

What are you working on now?
I am about to start work on the sequel to The Mother of all Things. It’s called Godless Creatures. I’m aiming to release it in early 2019. I’m very excited. It’s going to be immense!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a penniless indie author, it hasn’t been easy. Until around this time last year, I’d never used any social media, ever. It was completely new to me. I guess I’ve always been a bit of a dinosaur. In some ways that’ll never change: I still miss dial telephones and video recorders. Sadly, the days of going into a video shop to see what latest movies they had in are long gone. That was my kind of buzz. I’d probably have to say I haven’t done enough promoting outside of Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. It’s difficult when you have no clue what to do. I’ve had to discover many things for myself, but I have also been lucky enough to meet some lovely people on social media who’ve given me some great advice. I even had near enough a whole page in my local paper. That was quite surreal. I don’t think it made anybody buy my book, although I did get recognised by somebody delivering the shopping from Tesco’s. I suppose I am still learning of ways to promote.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a new author! I should be asking you for advice. I’m just kidding. From what I’ve learned so far, I’d say don’t give up and be patient. Very patient. I can’t emphasize this enough. If your story is good, it will find it’s way. It’s all about the reviews, and they do not come fast. I’m afraid you have to play the waiting game and hope that each review will influence others to read your story. If you’re lucky, you might get that special one or two people from Goodreads who’ll decide to give your book a try, enjoy it, write a fantastic review, and let their thousands of followers know. Like I said though, patience is key to becoming a writer. I’m still awaiting those special influencers myself. It might not even happen. Just get on with writing your next book and then the one after that.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t take rejection as a personal attack. Everything in life is about taste and timing. If one person does not like something, it doesn’t mean everybody will agree.

What are you reading now?
Need You Dead by Peter James. Also, The WynderMyre Memoirs Series Book One Trieste-Her Journey – Novel One – From Dawn Until Forever by CeDany.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, as mentioned previously, I’m about to start writing the sequel, which again will be full of twists, and unexpected jaw-dropping moments. I have many story ideas in the pipeline. There may be a delay in releasing my third novel as I’ll be sending the manuscript to some agents. You have to keep knocking on the door.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A Christmas Carol: To cheer myself up during the festive season. Robinson Crusoe: It might teach me a thing or two. Les Miserables: Should keep me going for a while at 560,000 words, plus I love the musical. A Survival Guide For Life by Bear Grylls: A backup plan if Robinson Crusoe doesn’t do the trick.

Author Websites and Profiles
Gabriel Blake Website
Gabriel Blake Amazon Profile

Gabriel Blake’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Life Altar’d.
The book is my testimony. It is the journey through my life as I searched, found, lost, and regained purpose.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I get a lot of ideas while walking. I will often have my phone in hand during a walk to jot ideas down as I receive them.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
David Bernard, Vesta Mangun, Kim Haney

What are you working on now?
I have an idea for book number 2 that is very new- details will be coming soon as the idea takes shape

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook and Pinterest, I guess.
I am still new to this so we will see.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read everything you can! Information is power. I couldn’t have done this without a lot of research.
And prayer!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Follow the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul.

What are you reading now?
The Bible-daily
and currently Power Before the Throne-Ruth Rieder
and Spiritual Warfare- Judy Doughty

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am working on marketing for A Life Altar’d and starting to piece together my next book.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, Spiritual Warfare, and How to Survive on a Desert Island (if that book is out there)

Author Websites and Profiles
Crystal Jones Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing for the past eighteen years. I published my first novel, Elder Affairs Silenced in 2005, and then my readers wanted to know what happened to one of the other characters, so I dropped the book I was working on and wrote and published the sequel, Leave No Witnesses in 2007. The next phase of my writing came about as grandchildren were born. I wrote a middle grade trilogy about the Pirate’s Triangle, where a brother and sister meet a talking parrot and try to escape the grip of pirates. The trilogy has not been published yet. While attending a funeral in 2013, I talked to an old friend who inspired an idea for a romance novel. Since then, the ideas for novels have kept me up late at night, and I have eight novels in the works. The first two of those, Faux Proposal and Faux Marriage are available from Amazon as ebooks and paperbacks.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I am currently working on a series called Faux Romance Collection. So far there are eight books in this collection. My books are sometimes inspired by an unusual picture or a conversation with a stranger or friend.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. I write from a guy’s viewpoint, which is hard to do with two female editors, my wife and a good friend. I search for a picture that piques my interest, then ask the characters who they are and what they do, then I follow the characters through their eyes. The story doesn’t usually head where I think it will. At times, I argue with the characters about the plot line, but they always win.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
No particular author, I like to read a variety of genres.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the ninth book, Faux Eyes, in the Faux Romance Collection.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m trying to figure that out, right now. The plan is to use emails and facebook, and I’m currently searching for sites to promote my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get ready for a long term commitment. Writing will consume you, and few make it on their first books. After all, every writer thinks their books are the best.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep rewriting until you think it’s done, then polish it some more.

What are you reading now?
Nothing recently. Too many ideas keep competing for my time.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ve been writing since 2000, so it’s time to put my books out there for others to read.

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?
Research books, so that I’ll never run out of ideas to base my next novel on.

Author Websites and Profiles
E. Howard Jones Website
E. Howard Jones Amazon Profile

E. Howard Jones’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My first creation is now independently published in KDP. The title of the book is “The Dummies’ Guide to Software Testing”

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
he title of the book is “The Dummies’ Guide to Software Testing”. It was inspired by my experience in the field.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Non-Fictions

What are you working on now?
Medical Devices Design Control Consulting

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use my website as a good landing page and twitter for communication.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t think too much. Start the process and keep refining in iterations until you succeed.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There is always a way

What are you reading now?
Medical Devices Design Control Standards and Documentation, Risk Analysis

What’s next for you as a writer?
Explore other areas of my experience and document them and present them publication worthy.

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 prefer my kindle loaded with multiple books. Mostly non fiction.

Author Websites and Profiles
Venkatanarasiman K Website
Venkatanarasiman K Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Ethan Thomas and I’ve always had a passion for writing. I’ve written almost 4 books, 1 is live, 2 are being edited and the other one I’m working on writing. I love the idea of inspiring people through my writing and my mission to help others transform their lives through the work that I do.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my Lates book is Th Dark Side of Debt, and what inspired me to write this book was to take a stand against debt and why you should avoid using it whenever you can.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Once in a while I’ll write short stories just for fun, I don’t publish them or anything but I do it as a hobby.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Well the book that really influenced me was Dave Ramsey’s book the total money makeover, and studying about debt around it, that’s one of the reasons why I wrote The Dark Side of Debt, because of the knowledge that I’ve gain from studying.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on my future book “The secret the getting rich in the 21st century. It is a book to warn people about what might be potentially happening in the future with our economy and ways to not be vulnerable to it.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, I like to use Amazon to promote my books and I also likr to promote them at other places so i can difersify my earnings from my book.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice is the write what you love, not because there’s s market for it. This way, you’ll be able to provide the most value.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve heard was from Motivational speaker and author Brian Tracy. He said “it doesn’t matter where your coming from, all that really matters is where your going”.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently not reading anything right now.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish the book I’m currently writing. And to write more books in the future.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would bring “Think and grow rich by Napoleon hill” I would bring “Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosoki”, I would bring “The total money makeover by Dave Ramsey”, and I would bring “The way to wealth by Brian Tracy”.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ethan Thomas Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing since I was nineteen, and as of August 2018 I have nine completed manuscripts! Most of my best work was done while I was living in Florence, Italy. My reading tastes lean heavily towards fantasy, so that of course tends to bleed into most of what I write.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A DAY OUT OF TIME is my first/latest book, and it was inspired by a Cracked article about weird calendars! Apparently in the 1740s, an English gentleman got really itchy about how the Gregorian solar calendar worked, so he tried to get it switched over to a lunar calendar (thirteen months with twenty-eight days each). This would leave one extra day every year, which he called a day out of time.
BOOM. The story was born.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Music is absolutely vital to my writing. I have playlists for different books, different moods, different scene styles, even different characters. It helps get me in the right headspace to write a particular scene or moment, and I don’t think I would be as effective if I wrote with white noise.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Growing up, my biggest influence (by way of osmosis) was Tamora Pierce. I devoured all of her Tortall books, and they showed me what you could really do with multiple female leads. By comparison, Neil Gaiman stands out as an adult influence because I made the conscious decision to model aspects of my work after things that I saw in his novels. You can also find elements of Terry Pratchett and Patricia C. Wright in my fantasy pieces.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second book in my DAY OUT OF TIME trilogy! I’m currently on the third draft, which means some serious re-arranging is going down. This book follows a couple of secondary characters from my debut novel while really expanding the world. There’s more at stake, and it deals with the direct and indirect consequences of their actions.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve actually had a lot of success on Tumblr, which is not something that I expected. I’ve been able to post mood boards and quotes without feeling like I’m overwhelming my followers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Take most pieces of writing advice into consideration, but listen to your instincts. Adverbs are fine in moderation, sometimes the passive voice is the most appropriate choice, and there’s nothing wrong with using the word “said.” “Ejaculated,” for example, is not a good replacement (sorry J.K. Rowling).
And always, always, ALWAYS strive to improve. When you get lazy, you regress, and you start doing stupid things like misusing cultural habits and throwing in six “?!” on every page (lookin’ at YOU, Dan Brown).

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Oddly enough, the most succinct advice that comes to mind is a quote by Pablo Picasso: “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.”

What are you reading now?
I’m about half way into THE HAZEL WOOD by Melissa Albert, and other than the incessant cultural references, I am loving it! Dark fairy tales are my jam.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m currently promoting my debut novel ahead of its release, so as soon as it’s out in the world I’ll turn my attention to finishing the rest of the series. I might take a break in between books to work on other projects, because I’ve been living in this world for a long time and a little perspective

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 FIFTH SEASON by N.K. Jemisin, THE WISE MAN’S FEAR by Patrick Rothfuss, AMERICAN GODS by Neil Gaiman, and PROTECTOR OF THE SMALL by Tamora Pierce.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kelsey Clifton Amazon Profile

Kelsey Clifton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My given name and author name is Shawn Abrams. I currently oversee a department of awesome people that are charged with helping people on public assistance with getting back on thier feet and on to self-sufficiency. Thus far, I have written only Leading in the First Person. The premise of the book is that one should lead one’s self before leading others. And, it is possible to lead yourself through difficult problems. This is important to me as I spend a lot of my time coaching and mentoring others. I saw that I the people I helped were more successful when I imparted leadership principles to them. A pep talk doesn’t fix a problem.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Leading in the First Person. I was inspired to write this book because leadership is a part of every relationship. The relationship you have with a spouse, a child, coworker, a disease, organization and with yourself. Whatever you don’t lead you follow! Will you follow something or someone that is not a part of your purpose?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I get inspiration at random times of the day which can be weird. I wrote 40% of my book on cell phone. I would love to mention the brand of cell phone and application I used but can’t do that here. As an aside, my style of writing is conversational. I don’t want to write a textbook and sound all formal. I think people are more inclined to follow relationships rather than orders. And so, I try to write like I have a relationship with my readers.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like Zig Ziglar

What are you working on now?
It’s a secret… (emoji icon w/left eye winking)

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I intend to partner with Google Adword, Amazon and some book clubs. I’ll have to get back to you on how this works out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you’re smarter that me the experience of writing your book will make you smarter. If you’re not smarter than me you’ll have fun doing it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
It’s the advice I give to leaders, “Lead people and manage thier emotions!” Managing the emotions of your team is important as the best laid plans are doomed to failure if people’s feeling about stuff gets in the way. Please don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about.

What are you reading now?
Nothing at the moment as I don’t want to be influenced by anyone else’s work. I have to write stuff in support of this current book. But I look forward to reading something good on the topic of relationships

What’s next for you as a writer?
Promoting this 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?
Cast Away, a Marvel graphic novel featuring X-Men or Galactus, the Bible and SEAL Survival Guide by Cade Courtley

Author Websites and Profiles
shawn abrams shawn abrams Website
shawn abrams shawn abrams Amazon Profile

shawn abrams shawn abrams’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Shawntel Hatch grew up in Montana, then moved to Seattle at the age of 18. Her grandmother instilled in her a love for baking, which has never faltered. However, when it came to cooking meals, she spent the last 30 years in trial and error. She found the best way to mange her time, and make her own meals, was to use the three options outlined in this cookbook. She wishes she had known about these methods when she herself was struggling with the craft, and is excited to share her experience, so that you now have the options she never had and can enjoy more home-cooked meals with your family and friends.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
A Cookbook with Options
I was looking for a cookbook that would take 1 recipe and show me how to cook it 3 different ways: the stove/oven method, slow cooker method, or the Instant Pot method. I was looking for it because some days I needed to put the meal in the slow cooker before I left for the day and have it ready when I walked in the door. Other days, I had a little time to cook and could use the Instant Pot method. Some times on the weekend, I would have time to do the traditional stove/oven method. I couldn’t find a cookbook that gave me options so I decided to write it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write best in the morning when I am fresh and awake and my family asleep.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
America’s Test Kitchen
Pioneer Woman

What are you working on now?
A Cookbook with Options 2

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

Home

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Oh man…..it is a crazy difficult ride. Keep at it. Every new step is a new challenge. Courage isn’t the absence of fear. Courage is feeling the fear and stepping out anyway. Take lots of courage on your journey. Don’t give up! Believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who believe in you. Keep it a secret until you are ready to share.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There isn’t one way or method of writing. Don’t let people, including other authors, tell you how to write your story. Be true to yourself and to your story.

What are you reading now?
Braving the Wilderness

What’s next for you as a writer?
A second cookbook

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Harry Potter
Bible
Survival book

Author Websites and Profiles
Shawntel Hatch Website
Shawntel Hatch Amazon Profile

Shawntel Hatch’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a child of the fifties (the 1950s) and grew up watching classic sci-fi. As a boy I was really into dinosaurs (not surprising) and read all I could about Paleontology. In the 5th grade I was reading college books on the subject because I had read and learned everything else.

When I was in the 8th grade I was ready to go out and “Dig for Dinosaurs.” (Believe it or not, I did find fossilized bones at a lake in the 70’s.) Being a kid there wasn’t much I could do and got a little disappointed. One day my mother handed me an old scrapbook full of newspaper articles about UFOs. It fascinated me and I dove right into the subject. I studied everything I could find, from the hoax books to the authentic reports books. Needless to say, I was hooked. In ’71 or ’72 I became one of the youngest members of MUFON (they didn’t accept teens unless you were sponsored).

In 1971 my best friend and I wanted to make our own sci-fi movie with a super-8 camera. We debated on the storyline so we decided to write it out and see who came up with the best story. His ended up being a short story and mine kept growing and growing. Eventually it became a trilogy. I wrote it for ten years until I loaned my final typed version to a friend for feedback. He walked off with it and I never saw it again.

I shelved the project and didn’t go back to it until 2015 when I fractured my ankle. I had already retired as a party/wedding DJ after 32 years and my wife wanted me to do something else besides play video games all day. So, I found my old hand-written versions (I had a few) of the book, sat down and started typing. I broke it down into three books.

I found a publisher in late 2017 who was interested in the book when I had finished. The book has just been released and is now available on Amazon. The second book in the series is with them now and I’m writing the 3rd book at this time.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The books name is “USA: Eliminated!” and is the first book in “The Jupiter Factor Series.” I always was a fan of sci-fi and a past ufologist. I loved the classic flying saucers movies like “The Earth vs. The Flying Saucers” and “Bamboo Saucer.” You can say they helped me come up with the storyline.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think I have any unusual ones. I’m pretty sure a lot of people do the same things. Write in the underwear. Wake up in the middle of the night to write a note on a thought or add something to the story. Listen to music in the background (when I get stumped sometimes I listen to songs like “Fly on UFO”, “Calling Occupants…”, and themes to sci-fi movies.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
At the very beginning I would say some of the authors and books on UFOs. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Frank Edwards, John G. Fuller, and later Stanton T. Friedman, MSc.

Some of the books I read was “Incident at Exeter”, “Flying Saucers Have Landed”, “The Report on Unidentified Objects”, and a variety of Star Trek and other sci-fi books.

What are you working on now?
Book 3 of “The Jupiter Factor Series.” I haven’t decided on the title yet.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Networking, both in person and online. My first book just came out so I haven’t had much experience yet on the best method. But I do know networking is one. I signed up for a sci-fi writers convention for next month and plan to have a table there to sell “USA: Eliminated!”

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to talk to people about your book. You will be surprised who might be interested in it. Even service people who come out to your home. My plumber, lawn guy, and banker is interested in getting a copy.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
This advice came from my DJ days. Network. And when doing trade shows where you have a table, stand in ‘front’ of the table, not behind. You can greet the people as they walk by and they are more likely to stop and visit.

What are you reading now?
Just finished the first three books from “The Unborn Galaxy Series” from Michael E. Gonzales and am now reading “Earthrise” by William C. Dietz.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Publishing book two, “Conflict Earth” and finishing book three (it’s going to be well over a year to do).

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 next two Michael Gonzales books, “Flying Saucers And Science” by Stanton T. Friedman, and maybe the ‘Triffids’ books (I know, that’s five books but one was a paperback stuffed in my boot.)

Author Websites and Profiles
William Nash Website
William Nash Amazon Profile

William Nash’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was inspired to begin writing children’s books during a relapse of my husband’s cancer, a battle which we have been fighting for over ten years. My own two children began to ask questions and I realized how little they understood about a difficult topic like cancer. Since then, I have made it my objective to write children’s books on a wide variety of challenging topics to educate children and help them cope. Also, to help improve communication between parents and their children. I have now written seven books and counting.

As a child, I endured the death of my brother; verbal, physical, and psychological abuse; my parent’s divorce; and my father’s mental illness. I write about this subject matter because I lived it. However, my faith has gotten me through it all. None of these things define who I am or what I can do. I want to help other children in similar situations by giving them resources and knowledge that I didn’t have. Join me in an effort to ignite their faith and inspire them to rise above their circumstances.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is entitled, “Princess Faith Brings Julia Strength.” I was inspired to write it because my daughter, Julia, really struggled to learn to read last year when she was in first grade. It was so hard to watch her struggle and not be able to fix it. So I wanted to help other kids like her.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. But I am old school, so the first draft of everything I write is done with paper and pencil.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love so many books so it is hard to choose. However, “The Shack” is a book that affected me personally and has lead to the growth of my Christian faith.

What are you working on now?
I have a children’s book in the works called, “The Truth About Police Officers.” I am also writing an adult chapter book with my mom about the journey we started on after my brother was killed in a hunting accident when he was 11.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Probably Facebook advertising. It seems to work well and is cost effective.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Never give up on your dreams, no matter how many times you hear the word, no. God has a plan for us all and I believe He will reward us if we don’t give up when our faith is being tested.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You dream isn’t dead, it just needs to be woken up.”

What are you reading now?
Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing as I find time between my full time job of being a librarian at my daughter’s school, being a mom, and being Sunday School Superintendent at my church. It seems there are never enough hours in the day but writing will continue to be a priority for me.

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 Shack by Wm. Paul Young
Everyday Life Bible by Joyce Meyer
Wonder by RJ Palacio

Author Websites and Profiles
Kelly Strenge Website
Kelly Strenge Amazon Profile

Kelly Strenge’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a Kenyan author and poet with works in contemporary romance and poetry. So far, I have written three books. My first book was By Fate and Blood, a romance novel. Later, I wrote a poetry series called A Century Poems. I have published two books in the series, I am working on the last one.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “The Universe Lives In Me”, which is the second book in my poetry series. I set out to write one poetry book, but after completing it, I felt that I had a lot more to share. My main inspiration for this book was to share the African lifestyle, modern living and other themes that cut across the lives of all human beings.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. I can stay for a while without writing what you would call serious work. Then, on a slow weekend at home, I can lock myself in and churn out huge volumes of work. The Monday after that is always fantastic!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Danielle Steel and John Grisham have influenced my style. Edgar Poe influenced my creative pursuits, and Tim Ferriss taught me what it means to have a crazy work ethic.

What are you working on now?
I am working on two projects right now. First, I am finishing up on the third book in my “A Century Poems” series. Second, I am working on my other novel. Planning to have them out here by end of 2018.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my books on my website and my Facebook page. That’s where I get to share with most of my readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. I have a quote I wrote and I believe in: Good writing is like riding a bicycle; it’s not easy to learn, but it gets easier with time. However, it’s never “easy”. Always pedal and never lose focus.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I read it in some book. The next Bill Gates will not build an operating system. The next Larry Page or Sergey Brin won’t make a search engine. And the next Mark Zuckerberg won’t create a social network. If you are copying these guys, you aren’t learning from them.

What are you reading now?
Bare: The Blesser’s Game by Jackie Phamotse

What’s next for you as a writer?
Write more.

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?
Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss, Tao of Seneca and Plutocrats by Chrystia Freeland.

Author Websites and Profiles
Alfred Orero Website
Alfred Orero Amazon Profile
Alfred Orero Author Profile on Smashwords

Alfred Orero’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Harlow, and I’m from the midwest. Around 2012 I started writing fanfiction and after several years, I decided to write my own story that had been stuck in my head for years. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for 24 years and we have two boys along with two dogs.

Currently, I’ve written four books all to be released this year.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hollywood Redemption that started from a dream I had years ago. Funny enough what I dreamed didn’t make it into the book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I need quiet and bag of Sour Patch Watermelon candy by my side. My yorkiepoo, Max would say that I also need him directly by my side.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Alessandra Torre. I love her writing and she has an amazing Facebook group for authors to get any question you have answered along with classes that you can take.

What are you working on now?
A steamy, office romance. I’m changing it up so that my heroine, Sadie is the woman in power and also almost fifteen years older.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
https://www.harlowlayne.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just start writing. Write what’s in your head and get it out there.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up because of one minor obstacle because it’s going to be a bumpy ride throughout your entire adventure.

What are you reading now?
Vow of Retribution by Emma Renshaw

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have a novella coming out later this year in a holiday anthology. Finish writing my office romance, and then start a second-chance, military romance.

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?
Unseen Messages by Pepper Winters
Tijan’s Fallen Crest series
Kulti by Mariana Zapata

Author Websites and Profiles
Harlow Layne Website
Harlow Layne Amazon Profile

Harlow Layne’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Nita Farris is an indie author and blogger based in the Pacific Northwest. Her debut novel, “Sneakers in the Water” and the novella “Sneakers on the Dashboard” are available now. “Strangers in the Shadows,” is the next installment of the Shaw Sister Trilogy, following the lives of three psychic sisters as they navigate the paranormal while falling in love and finding themselves.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Sneakers on the Dashboard”, a novella following “Sneakers in the Water.” The Shaw Sister Trilogy is very heavily influenced by Charmed, the Craft, and Practical Magic. I fell in love with not only the power these women possessed but the ferocity in which they protected their relationships with each other. Nothing is more powerful than sisterhood.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
If any of my writing habits are unusual, it would have to be outlining the entire novel out loud for my husband before I start writing. He helps me see the big plot holes before I begin and it always reinspires my projects.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
For this series, I was more influenced by movies and my favorite TV shows, but I actually grew up writing YA. I am very inspired by Sarah Dessen, Meg Cabot, and Ann Brashares. I love stories about the summer before growing up and hope to write a story like that someday that inspires writers in the same way.

What are you working on now?
Right now I am working on the novella that follows “Stranger in the Shadows” and book three in the Shaw Sister Trilogy. This story means so much to me and I cant wait to see how it ends.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is something that I am still learning. Writing feels easy when compared to trying to promote yourself.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write every single day, even if you have to force yourself. Also, support other authors! Fellow writers are some of my favorite cheerleaders and confidantes.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you dont fail, you aren’t even trying. -Denzel Washington. You learn so much from the mistakes you make. Learn from them and allow your skin to become thicker.

What are you reading now?
Needful Things by Stephen King and Blood by Ruth Miranda. Both are amazing!

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I finish this trilogy I plan on taking a break from this genre to work on a YA project.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Pact by Jodi Picoult, the Stand by Stephen King, Just Listen by Sarah Dessen, and Persuasion by Jane Austen.

Author Websites and Profiles
Juanita Farris Website
Juanita Farris Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia with my husband and a dog who smiles at me every morning. (My husband smiles at me too.) I have been writing free nonfiction ebooks for over a year. Parable of the Cake is my debut novel.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The official title is Parable of the Cake: Remaining Faithful to God’s Word. This book was inspired by a vision that God gave me several years ago. In short, the vision was of a person who found a cake recipe among the possessions of a loved one who had passed away. The cake recipe had been handed down through several generations in her family. But the person who now held the recipe realized that none of the cakes in her family were true to the recipe. God used that vision to illustrate the importance of remaining faithful to scripture in order to have a true and right relationship with Him through His Son Yeshua.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
For some reason, I write best after midnight. My sleep pattern is so off right now. When I find time to write during the day, I forget to turn on the lights and I find myself looking up and realizing the room is really dark.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My absolute favorite book is the Holy Bible. I read it every day and it is the most fascinating book ever. It’s full of every life situation and human condition. And every time I read it, I learn something new and see things that I didn’t see before. In general, I love a good book fiction book. I have read the entire Mama B series by Michelle Stimpson. But I am learning so much right now that I am finding true treasure in nonfiction books like The Tallit: Experiencing the Mysteries of the Prayer Shawl by Charles Kluge and You’re It: How to enjoy a SUCCESSFUL life through creative attitudes by Kay Slesinger Rich.

What are you working on now?
I have a couple of books in the work. One is A Christian’s Guide to Understanding Bible Feast Days. (That title is too long, so I am definitely going to change it.) And the other is A Fresh Approach to Reading the Bible. I think I tend to work on multiple projects at once. And I write blog posts for my site at BUILD Alliance.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, I am new to this. But I am the Queen of Google (one of my official titles) so I am learning how to promote my work through book promotion sites. I am so excited to have discovered Awesome Gang. I am also posting on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. As I was writing this novel, I wrote blog posts and promoted on Pinterest and through email marketing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Cliché time: What’s the best way to eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Write at least a little bit every day. Sometimes you might end up with a lot of gobbledygook and have to trash it, but the daily habit keeps you on track. And trust the process. There is a story inside of you with twists and turns that you can’t see ahead of time. But these twists and turns will take your story in the right direction if you don’t try to stay in control. Let go and enjoy the ride.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Trust God.

What are you reading now?
The Bible. The Kindle Publishing Bible: How To Sell More Kindle Ebooks on Amazon by Tom Corson-Knowles.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to write a book that’s full of happiness and joy. I know that sounds juvenile. But it’s a challenge sometimes to stay uplifted, so I want to offer a book that allows one to escape into a world where there is no negativity: no death, no diets, no mean people. I don’t think I am going to allow any story details about doing dirty laundry or having to pay bills to ruin my book. Who wants some joy and sweetness that won’t cause cavities or make you gain weight?

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?
Wait for it… The Bible. I would reread Francine Rivers Redeeming Love and the Mark of the Lion series. I loved the book about the tallit by Charles Kluge. And I just read The Hiding Place by Corrie Tin Boom, and oh my…

Author Websites and Profiles
Maria Bowie Website
Maria Bowie Amazon Profile

Maria Bowie’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a follower of dreams, admirer of dragons, eater of sweet things, and believer in truth and equality. I write because I am compelled to. I read because I love books and everything they represent. I have written a lifetime-supply of short stories, which I am slowly doling out to the world. The Deermaster novella was my first longer publication. I have a romantic comedy novel called “Almost Mom” coming out by the end of 2018 and a YA fantasy novel scheduled for sometime in 2019.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Deermaster is named so because the “Master of Deer” job title was taken. Just kidding. But the book *is* all about the job of mastering the special reindeer that fly Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve, and everything that goes with holding that position. It came to being after I started wondering how one would explain how Santa became who he is, and why he does this somewhat odd ‘job’ of delivering gifts every year. Somewhere in the middle of writing it, however, the book took a twist and a turn even I hadn’t expected.
The very latest thing I’ve published is a short story called “Hot Wheels”. It’s somewhat self-explanatory what this story is inspired by, I think, but it was also inspired by the town where I grew up and my nerdy love of racing and cars that stems from having grown up surrounded by boys. The story is available for free at most ebook vendors, Smashwords and to subscribers of Scribd.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write the top halves of chapters, then return when the book is nearly done to write the bottom halves. I think my mind does this so the book stays new to me until the very end. It’s also a good way to keep chapter endings open for unusual changes that might occur later in the storyline. I *do* usually know roughly how each chapter will end, though.

I work better when I have sweet things close by. Jelly beans and wine gums are my greatest motivators. They allow me to literally chew on ideas, problems, etc.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Every book and every author I’ve ever had the pleasure of coming across has influenced me and I am extremely grateful to them all. Books are the truest form of magic and the only tangible example thereof. Their power should never be underestimated.
I’m on Goodreads, so if you’re super interested in knowing some of the books that have shaped me as a person, feel free to look me up!

What are you working on now?
A YA/New Adult crossover romantic comedy about the pleasures and pitfalls of teenage love. It’s called ‘Almost Mom’ and will be out by the end of 2018.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Awesome Gang is pretty high up there and definitely one of my favorite go-to’s. I like to use Twitter, Facebook, my own website and some paid sites, and I hope that my writing speaks for itself, too. My greatest preference, however, is if people who liked what they read choose to review and/or personally recommend my writing. I think other authors share this hope/dream with me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes! If it’s your story, tell it your way. Don’t be afraid to share it with the world. Writing a book is an incredibly difficult thing to do, but sharing something so personal and that you put so many hours of your life into is near impossible. That’s exactly why you should do it. Not everyone will like it. But remember, not everyone likes chocolate either. That doesn’t make chocolate taste any worse to those who do like it.
Good luck and don’t give up!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“This, too, shall pass.”
It’s a thing people use to overcome depression/bad thoughts. It is without a doubt the truest statement I’ve ever heard and it can be applied to everything from depression to writers’ block (which I don’t subscribe to). Sadly, it also applies to the greatest/happiest moments in life.

What are you reading now?
I’m a multi-reader. As a rule I have a minimum of two and a maximum of around six books going at the same time. That is because sometimes they are for research, sometimes entertainment, sometimes escapism.
My current book stack is as follows:
The rejected writers’ book club – Suzanne Kelman
Firefly magic – Lauren Sapala
Secret lives of great authors – Robert Schnakenberg
Mind of the Raven – Bernd Heinrich
The Essex Serpent – Sarah Perry

What’s next for you as a writer?
I like the idea of writing a book for each mainstream genre. Probably won’t, but one can always dream. My next year is mapped out for three projects:
The YA/New Adult romcom called ‘Almost Mom’ (Coming soon!)
A YA paranormal fantasy novel
A New Adult high fantasy novel

aaaand… more short stories, because I love short stories and think everyone should read them
I also regularly work on poetry, lyric writing (for an established composer), copy and advertising, and corporate editorial work.

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’d probably die before I could decide which three or four to pick because the smartest thing to do would obviously be to bring:
“How to survive being stranded on a desert island” Volumes 1, 2, 3, and 4
but I’d probably want to bring:
Palimpsest – Catherynne Valente
Oil and Marble – Stephanie Storey (This book will change your life!)
Beethoven’s Hair – Russel Martin / Vienna Nocturne – Vivien Shotwell
Daughter of Smoke and Bone – Laini Taylor / The Raven Boys – Maggie Stiefvater

…Or just my e-reader and a radio-isotope generator.

Author Websites and Profiles
Christina van Deventer Website
Christina van Deventer Amazon Profile
Christina van Deventer Author Profile on Smashwords

Christina van Deventer’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Teri Polen reads and watches horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. The Walking Dead, Harry Potter, and anything Marvel-related are likely to cause fangirl delirium. She lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband, sons, and black cat. Sarah, her debut novel, was named a horror finalist in the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. The Gemini Connection, a YA sci-fi/thriller, is her second book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release is The Gemini Connection, a young adult sci-fi/thriller. This book developed from my fascination with twin bonds, and my love of movies The Matrix and Inception.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None that I can think of. Music and Diet Coke are usually involved. Also my cat walking across the keyboard is guaranteed.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Some of my favorite authors include Victoria Schwab (I’d love to live in her head for a day to see how her mind works) and Stephen King.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on my third book, another YA sci-fi. As yet, it’s unnamed, but involves genetic engineering.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t found one yet that works best – I promote on my website https://teripolen.com/, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be persistent. Keep writing, study your craft, read in your genre to know the market, and find a supportive group of writers. Never stop learning.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep your butt in the seat and get the words on the pages.

What are you reading now?
The Devil’s Thief by Lisa Maxwell and The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Whip my new WIP into shape!

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’ll choose 3 or 4 series instead – the Harry Potter series, Victoria Schwab’s Shades of Magic series, Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows duology, and Stephen King’s The Stand.

Author Websites and Profiles
Teri Polen Website
Teri Polen Amazon Profile

Teri Polen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I wrote my first book Burgundy Gloves on a borrowed PC. When I wanted to dig it out I was shocked to find it on a floppy disc. Thank goodness for the local library who had an old computer that I could put it onto a flash drive. After a huge life shift, I gave my self-permission to pursue my little writing hobby and now have four books published on Amazon. I work by day with pregnant and parenting teens and have an addiction to Hallmark moves and baking. Both are good for the soul since we all need something predictable in our lives. Writing romance has become my passion and nothing warms my heart than hearing how others enjoy my stories.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Love Covers was inspired by my years as a foster parent. Children’s resilience over crisis always blew me away. My hero survives an asylum upbringing after the civil war. Love covers a multitude of sin and other things. (Like a wagon train going west)

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Soft soundtrack music from Pandora and a scone.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Laura Frantz, Tamera Alexander, Deanna Gist, Joy Hedlund. Anything written by Brennan Manning had the greatest influence.

What are you working on now?
A new romance series based in 1850’s gold rush era.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t really know. I fear I’ve tried so many avenues. Maybe KDP free ebooks.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Use people that have the talents you don’t. There is no way to juggle it all.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Elizabeth Gilbert in BIg Magic. What you’re doing is really important and what you are doing isn’t really important.

What are you reading now?
Duchess and the Dragon, Jamie Carie.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More scones and butt in a seat.

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
Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning
Anything Laura Frantz

Author Websites and Profiles
Julia David Website
Julia David Amazon Profile

Julia David’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am from Australia and write historical romantic suspense ebooks set in northern Australia during the 19th century. I currently have 12 titles available.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My new release, Apathy & Vigor, is book 4 of the Sins of the Virtuous series. It explores the lives of Tristen and Amalie and the tragedy that rips them apart, and the spiteful man who forces them to be reunited for his own gain. I got a lot of my inspiration from my favorite movie Beauty and the Beast.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a habit of talking to my characters and asking them what they think they are doing.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
All of Amanda Quick’s novels, as well as Agatha Christie novels.

What are you working on now?
I’ve just sent off book 5 in the Sins of the Virtuous series to my publisher, so I’m starting work on book 6 now.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use my own website to promo my work. I also find blog sites are very useful.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Try not to give up when your work gets insulted. And to write from the heart.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That a bad first draft is better than a blank page.

What are you reading now?
Surrender by Amanda Quick

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to finish my series first, then I’ll be working on a few single titles. I’m also trying to work on a self published poetry book from stuff I wrote in my teenage years.

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?
Lord of the Flies.
To kill a Mockingbird.
Surrender.

Author Websites and Profiles
Faye Hall Website
Faye Hall Amazon Profile

Faye Hall’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Short notes on thermodynamics and physical chemistry is my first book. These notes helped me prepare for my PhD defense in Chemistry, so I thought they would also be useful for other students out there that might be preparing for an exam.

I currently work in the intersection between materials science and engineering, and on my free time I also enjoy hiking, traveling, exercising, investing and reading Quora.

If you want to know more about me, you can follow my LinkedIn or Quora pages.

www.linkedin.com/in/tiagolpgalvao/

www.quora.com/profile/Tiago-Galvão

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest, but also first book is Short notes on thermodynamics and physical chemistry. During the last year I had this unsettling feeling of creating something by myself that could also be useful to others.

I actually do science for a living. There is this idea of the dreamer scientist, spending his hours stretching the boundaries of its field to create new knowledge or amazing products that help the world. However, there is also the reality of the high pressure of publishing many and high impact articles (pick one, if possible), patenting your technology (rarely, if ever, and for what?), and collaborating in exciting projects (to renovate the whole slave/golden slave/professor cycle currently existing in many universities). Because of this, on my free time I started to create this book from previous notes that I had, in order to help other and feel that this knowledge can help others.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
In a way I write for a living. Most of my time doing science is spent writing emails, articles and projects. The proportion would be something like 80 % writing and 20 % doing research.

In order to do this, I just write. I sit and write. Even if it’s bad writing with bad ideas and bad content (and most often, it is), I just write. I don’t wait for inspiration. If it’s badly writing, I just fix it as I go along. When it turns to writing, for me, I’m like cashier on the computer.

But although I’m a scientist, ten years ago I wrote obituaries for a national magazine.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was most influenced from a particular form of humor. Specially, The Devil’s Dictionary (http://www.thedevilsdictionary.com/) from Ambrose Bierce, several satires and novels from Evelyn Waugh (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evelyn_Waugh). Moreover, I also enjoyed a lot two Brazilian authors, Pif-Paf from Millôr Fernandes and several chronicles from Nelson Rodrigues.

In the last few years, I’ve really absorbed the margin of safety concept into my life which I took from investing books, which I enjoyed a lot reading: The Intelligent Investor and Security Analysis from Benjamin Graham.

What are you working on now?
In my research, I’m learning machine learning through the book Data Smart (https://www.amazon.com/Data-Smart-Science-Transform-Information/dp/111866146X). For my next personal writing project, I hope there is one next, but if not, I will just continue to sparingly write on Quora.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Quora and LinkedIn, because I fell more comfortable with these networks and communities, so that’s what I use.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
When doing anything, it’s better be consistent, than spectacular once.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I learned from Jerry Seinfeld. He said that he treated his comedy writing job as a 9-5 job. When I was growing up, I used to write at late night hours. But now, I do it like Jerry, it’s a 9-5 job, like any other.

What are you reading now?
I’m finishing Poor Charlie’s Almanack, from Charlie Munger, the longtime partner of Warren Buffet at Berkshire.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I don’t know. I will just continue to write.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Devil’s Dictionary from Ambrose Bierce, anything from Evelyn Waugh and P. G. Wodehouse, and Modern Times from Paul Johnson.

Author Websites and Profiles
TIAGO Galvão Website
TIAGO Galvão Amazon Profile

TIAGO Galvão’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written six books to date: How to Be Your Own Therapist, It’s Not All in Your Head: Anxiety, Depression and Mood Swings in MS, Fired Up: A journey through psychiatry, TV and the wonders of life, Work Stress How You Can Beat It, A Social Security Disability Psychological Claims Handbook, and A Social Security Disability Psychological Claims Guidebook for Children’s Benefits

A native New Yorker, I grew up in Queens, received my education initially from nuns in grade school and then on to the NY City school system for high school and college (Queens, of course) and then on to NYU for both my MA and Ph.D. degrees in psychology. All of my college courses were in the evening while I worked full-time during the day. I will be forever grateful to NYC because it gave me an almost free college education, something that is no longer offered. I, thankfully, was in the last class to receive such a wonderful benefit which made college possible for me.

I’m a psychologist expert for WebMD, licensed psychologist in NJ and Florida, I have experience in just about every area of mental health, having worked in community mental health, psychiatric research (Alzheimer’s research), private practice, EAP programs, nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals, trained police officers and I’ve taught on the college level for over 20 years. I’ve also consulted to pharmaceutical and communications firms. You’ll probably see me on TV, in magazines and perhaps the newspapers.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
SLEEP: Everyone needs it and so do you. I had worked for two years in pharmaceutical public relations where I wrote materials for a sleep organization and began to see the seriousness of the problem. Lack of sleep isn’t something anyone should take lightly and I felt consumers needed to know what it did to them and ways to help themselves. More accidents and physical illness is caused by lack of sleep than anyone realizes. Also, wonderful things happen during sleep and I knew people would be fascinated by all of it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I once interviewed Isaac Asimov when I was an editor at Publishers Weekly and he taught me one thing; never work on just one book at a time. So, I usually am writing on at least 2-3 books and doing research on all of them while I write. I’m a fast typist (Isaac typed over 100 wpm), but I found that Dragon Naturally Speaking is a great writing aid and I use it whenever I can.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Certainly, I love the classics and Dickens is my favorite along with O’Henry, Salinger, Capote and King. Mostly, Salinger and Capote have influenced me sufficiently to nudge me into writing my first “non-fiction novel” which I am writing now. Right now, it’s over 300 pages in the first draft and there’s still more to go. I expect it may be ready for the editor next year. What is it about? A coming-of-age tale of my childhood in a mafia-controlled, extremely poor neighborhood.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on two books in addition to the non-fiction novel; one on anxiety and one on cannabis. I’ve worked in the anxiety area professionally and I see the potential for cannabis as a medical herb for pain and illness.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use a number of methods; Twitter, Linkedin, Medium and Socialoomph.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Everyone says write about what you know and I believe that’s true. But write because it’s something you are almost forced to write by a force within you. Find your own style and, if you believe in it, don’t give in to others. Bias can enter the process and prove a stumbling block for you. But there’s always the consideration of your audience and how you want to relate to them. Remember that Salinger was turned down by over 25 publishers when he first began writing. Hemingway wrote for dime novels when he began, so the “great American novel” isn’t always a smooth path to authorship.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
No one ever advised me on writing, except Asimov and he didn’t realize advise me. I got the idea when he opened 9 drawers in his desk and showed me that he was working on 9 books at one time. All of them were on different topics from chemistry to sex and he published, at that time, 125 books. He always wrote ONE draft, did all his own typing and editing and had no agent or secretary. Everything he did in writing was a one-man shop.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading three books as I try to learn to code in Python; Normal, an insider’s revolt against out-of-control psychiatric diagnosis, Zealot: The life and times of Jesus of Nazareth and Hacking: A beginner’s guide.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to learn to program in Python and see how that might improve my writing because it helps clarify your analytic skills and I’m always eager for self-improvement. Also, I might like to write a screenplay.

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?
Great Expectations, Gone With the Wind and Answered Prayers.

Author Websites and Profiles
Patricia Farrell Amazon Profile

Patricia Farrell’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
At present I have one novel, two novelettes, and one novella.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My last release was a novelette called Vampiric Love and it’s an M/M romance. As the title suggests the book is about two vampires who at first don’t know the other is a vampire. Over the course of the story certain events happen that bring them together.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A few for example, I prefer writing at night to writing in the day.
Another one is I map everything out on paper as appose to relying on tech.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
To many to name if I’m completely honest.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a fantasy novella called Eli’s Rebellion.
The book is about a disgruntled spy who is tasked with something out side his skill set. This book is an unofficial second in my Steve Sloan series.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Facebook but I am always looking at and trying to find as many ways to promote my work.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stick in there and don’t give up. At times it might seam hard or not worthwhile but it is, there is nothing like the satisfaction you feel when you release your first book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Fuck what that dick said, if you want to become an author go ahead and do it.

This advice came from one of my less eloquent sisters.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading the Eden’s Gate series by Edward Brody.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To complete Eli’s Rebellion and then to move onto the next book in my series Steve Sloan. I would also like to release a Christmas themed book whether that be this year or next. I also have an idea for a follow up to Past, Present, Future which is a gay romance and my only novel to date.

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 want to take more than three or four. Although I would ask myself why I didn’t did all I could to prevent myself from being stranded if i knew in advance it was going to happen.

Author Websites and Profiles
S. Stone Amazon Profile
S. Stone Author Profile on Smashwords

S. Stone’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born during the 80’s in a country that was going around political upheavals and resistance, I was lucky enough to always been encouraged to read and write. My father would gift me different toys or gadgets for finishing a book and narrating the story to him. My mother being a typical mom, was more responsible towards my academic and social upbringing. While still in my teens, I founded the Pakistan based SOME – Save Our Mother Earth a NGO geared towards educating the youth about environmental causes. By the time I got into A – Levels, I was sort of devastated to learn my mother was diagnosed with diabetes which later became one of the indirect causes to her early death. Upon her death, I decided that diabetes hence onwards should not be a fear factor and thus after elaborated research, I launched another research based NGO BAD – Battle Anti Diabetes. When still in my teens I was fascinated by beauty contests and got involved with beauty pageants and formed Best Model Pakistan an organization responsible to select Pakistani representatives for various international modelling contests with an aim to promote Pakistan as a tourist friendly country. I was also the founding editor for a British Council Karachi, based public speaking club Hyde Park Juniors newsletter and has interviewed various celebrities for magazines like DAWN Young World and The Weekly MAG. Being an avid traveler and keen learner of different social cultures I strongly believe that for good ideas and true innovation, one need human interaction, conflict, argument, debate and social media allows me to pick my times for social interaction! In leisure time I am found blogging or producing independent films. All these adventures in my life inspired me to become a story teller and so far has written two short novels and one story.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
One fine morning I was reciting the Holy Quran and came across the story of Adam and Eve. Later the same day was watching a television series, based on a mythical creature and thus that became an inspiration for my new book Beyond The Black Mountains.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I just focus on events or emotions throughout the day that surround me and observation of people without judgement, attempting to look into their past for character development. In today’s world of technology, research and development, inspirations are abundant, at least for me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many, in Pakistan I have been influenced by Sadaat Hassan Manto, Bano Qudsia and Ismat Chugtai. On the international arena I have been influenced by Charles Dickens a lot.

What are you working on now?
A collection of short stories. I churn stories that are fiction but inspired from real events therefore I am collecting all interesting happenings around me, that are part of the social circus we call society!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I recently published a fan page over Facebook. Earlier I was dependent over only www.goodreads.com but now I’ve found www.awesomegang.com/. I also try Google ads and Facebook promotions. With every passing day, I am learning something new, I guess this process will never stop.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It is a long lonely road. I’ve just begin the journey, come join me, let us explore it together, but just learn to protect your time and space in which you write. I did my best to keep everybody away from it, even the people who are most important to myself.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My grandfather used to say stars can’t shine without darkness, and I should be that darkness!

What are you reading now?
Story of the Night by Colm Tóibín. I find his work too similar to that of Dickens.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I really want to try and write a story in Urdu, being it my mother tongue, I believe, I might be very right to let go of the real world and get lost in another one, the world that I accept or reject more easily.

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 Quran, because that will give me courage to fight against all odds and strength to overcome all problems. My second choice will be a Classical Comedy by Eric Segal as laughter is the best medicine and last would be my family album if that amounts as a book as my family gives me positive vibes and strength.

Author Websites and Profiles
Usman Aman Website
Usman Aman Amazon Profile

Usman Aman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a midwest born and raised girl. The middle child of three. I work in education so I love learning and teaching. This is my first full book. I grew up writing poems and short stories as ways to express myself because I was a little shy.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Erase Anxiety in 7 Steps: Restore the Real You
The book was inspired by own quest to relax after a series of crippling panick attacks.
I was all the way turned around. I could eat, I started to have strange habits along with panick attacks when I drove or in crowded areas. This had never happened to me. It just came about suddenly and scared me something aweful. I sat crying on my bed one day and decided I had enough and what I write about in this book is what helped me. I pray it helps someone else.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to clean up before I write. Like the whole room that I write in has to be in order and quiet or soft music.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite book although its fiction is A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers. I read a lot of books by her which led to other books which led to me writing.

What are you working on now?
Now I am working on a book about letting go so that you can move forward.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like the list from Kindlepreneur. The list is very detailed and provides links to various websites.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep going, stick to it. Get over the fear of not being good enough because you will never write for everyone but there is an audience out there for you so put the best you forward.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Love yourself, love others, no matter what.

What are you reading now?
The Shack, I know I’m late but I’m just getting to it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue to write. I have a collection of poems I would like to publish as well as books related to personal growth, healthy habits and natural remedies.

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 Voice in the Wind, Francine Rivers
My book of course, Erase Anxiety in 7 days ( Being stranded might cause anxiety, lol)

Author Websites and Profiles
Brianna Alston Website

Brianna Alston’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I wrote this book to inspire others who may have weight issues. I was once an obese person, but I took steps to lose 50 pounds without exercise. I do feel the need to help and I know it is not easy to lose the weight. I struggled for years with being overweight, but I was encouraged by my coworkers to join a weight loss challenge they had. I was also predieabetic, but now I am no longer at risk for type 2 diabetes. Since I lost the weight, I wrote 4 books about weight Loss.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “GET RID OF BELLY FAT”

What are you working on now?
I am still in the process of writing more books on health related issues.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I only used Amazon so far.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
write what you are passionate about.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life.

What are you reading now?

What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue writing about how to live a healhty and happy life.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My bible.

Author Websites and Profiles
Annett HILL Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Lydia was raised in a small town in Oregon. Though there was not a lot to entertain the residents- without driving for 30 minute- her imagination gave her all the excitement a young girl needed.
As a child she was raised in a dysfunctional family. Make believe soon became her coping mechanism for the life she could not control. Growing up in a struggling, abusive, and broken home helped her learn that her strength was all she had and her imagination was always there to get her through. When she got older she married a less than perfect man. He proved to be a struggle to live with and he forbid her imagination to flow freely. That didn’t turn out so well and after she left him she rediscovered the art of story telling. Several years later she discovered she would need brain surgery. With no guarantee she would live she wrote her first novel as a last story and gift to her small children. Now, that story has become the first in a universe of YA fantasy fiction with strong females actively fighting their own battles and showing the world what they are made of.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Morning Diamond is the 1st book to be published, but it will soon be joined by its sequel Sunset Rubies-which will be released in November.

I was inspired to write this book because I learned I needed brain surgery. With no guarantee I would survive I wanted my children to have one last story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I seriously barf my story on paper. I do not outline my story. I develop my characters as I go and I usually have no idea where I am going in the story until I am in the moment of surprise. I know my readers will be excited and blown away because there are times that I have felt that way while writing my stories. This being said I require a lot of editing and fixing. Though I am sure perfection has not been reached, its the closest I can get it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Honestly, I do not read from my genre so I have no idea how to answer this. I guess my love for reading from a variety of authors is what influenced my desire to create my own stories.

What are you working on now?
I am currently editing book two of The Fight for Danyon that will release in November. I am also working on finishing up book three-Midnight Coal. I also have two other series that I am finishing up the rough drafts of. So you have not heard the last from me.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far I have only tried Facebook and Twitter. I am just starting to discover a whole world of promoting sites.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write what you love and write what you are comfortable and happy with. We all have our own language and ways of expressing ourselves for our characters. When you are given advice, use what you can and want and leave the rest, but do not get discouraged if you are not like someone else. It is our personal creativity and uniqueness that makes your story special.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Daily acts of service is like peeing your pants. Everyone knows you did it, but only you get the warm feeling.

What are you reading now?
Twin Passions by Mirium Minger

What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to just keep writing. I have a journal with about 40 ideas that I want to create stories from.

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?
And then you die by Iris Johansen
Elf Quest (this is the only comics I have read and I am in love with them!)
Captive Bride by Johanna Lindsey

I also have two books that I would love to find again, but I can’t remember the name of the author nor the name of the books. Its quite heart breaking.

Author Websites and Profiles
Lydia Caatt Website
Lydia Caatt Amazon Profile
Lydia Caatt Author Profile on Smashwords

Lydia Caatt’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Nice to meet you. My name is Justin Fulkerson. I was brought forth into this world in the year 1976 in the city of Lubbock, Texas. I’ve been married for 17 years and have two children. While working at one of the worlds largest retailers for the last 20 years, I’ve tried to set aside time to focus on my writing whenever possible. Since first getting published in 2012, I have have 6 books in print with several more in the works. My last three book and the forthcoming Hallowed Ground are published through GenZ Publishing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Hallowed Ground will be available in October. It’s hard to explain exactly where the inspiration came from. I had this idea for a while. What would two nuns and an ex-soldier do to survive during a zombie apocalypse? But, I knew I couldn’t just write a typical zombie story, so I had to throw in one of my trademark twists that I hope blindsides the audience when it happens. I don’t want them to see it coming.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I try to write at the same time everyday but that doesn’t always happen.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I know it is cliche, but Stephen King has done the most for me as a writer. I started reading his work at the age of 12 and never stopped. When I look for inspiration, I just grab one of his off the shelf and pick a page.

What are you working on now?
Here’s the first line of Freckles the Clown:

Freckles the Clown always loved children, especially prepared with a nice rue. That’s why Jim hated him. Jim watched everything he did, every vile thing. Jim couldn’t tell him to stop. It wouldn’t have done any good anyway. Jim certainly didn’t have the power to stop him. So, he just sat back and tolerated the horrors that Freckles enacted when he came around.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Lately, I’ve been trying to post to Facebook groups and on Twitter in an effort to attract attention. The hardest part of this craft is dealing with the disappointment of promotion. You know you have a good story, it’s just getting it into the right hands.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stop because someone tells you it is a waste of time. If it makes you happy, who cares? Sometimes I get frustrated watching television and movies thinking to myself, instead of watching the creations of these people, I could be creating on my own. Just do it. If you have an idea that you don’t think anyone has done before, get it down on paper.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
After reading On Writing, I was determined to finish my first novel. The best advice in that book, in my opinion, was when Stephen King said (paraphrasing) ‘if you write three pages a day, you have a novel in 90 days.’ Hands down the best advice. Make yourself write everyday, no matter what it is. After 90 days, I ended up with over 500 pages because some days three pages wasn’t enough.

What are you reading now?
Hostage to the Devil: The Possession and Exorcism of Five Contemporary Americans by Malachai Martin.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Completing the three novels I’m working on at once and continue to touch people with my words. I want to write stories that linger in people’s subconscious for years to come.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
It, Stephen King
Head Full of Ghosts, Paul Tremblay
The Drawing of the Three, Stephen King
Libra, Don Delillo

Author Websites and Profiles
Justin Fulkerson Amazon Profile

Justin Fulkerson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was first published in 1991, which allowed me to escape the corporate world and Dallas, TX, and move west with my love and lady (and now wife) to Lake Tahoe, where the beauty of nature, hiking and snow skiing help inspire me. I love writing in the fantasy and horror genre, preferring to call the latter supernatural thrillers. I grew up reading superhero comics and spy thrillers, so both influence my novels. I also write for young adults and the young-at-heart. I’ve had published or published twelve novels, starting with Dawn of the Vampire and The Vampire’s Kiss, followed by California Ghosting and Wizard Sword. My young adult novels include: The Magic Bicycle, Chasing Time, The Vampire Hunters, Jules and the Runt Dragon Dragon Pawns and Impatient Fire and lastly, Prey of the Spirit Bear.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dawn of the Vampire Revived. I wanted to improve it for its 25th anniversary. There are people living in the story’s setting, Bristol, who want an e or print copy. The original was published in 1991 and went out of print in 2001. It was inspired by time spent on the lake, the history of the dam and cemetery ridge, and vampire stories. It was my first novel, and although it was the best I could do at the time, I wished it was put together better. Finally, the rights returned to me. I first set out to correct errors and add the real names of places. Then, I wanted to improve the interconnectivity of the story: John’s death, Aunt Jada, and the history of South Holston Dam. Knowing most of my readers lived in or were connected to Bristol, I felt I should highlight more of God’s Country. I wanted to add more humor and diving, as well as strengthen the female characters. I modernized DOTV, too. At that time, I was also working on the screenplay, which led to the decision to revise or eliminate some of the characters. The most common complaint about the story was introducing too many protagonists to start. I wanted fireworks, not head scratching questions of who is that? To improve the writing flow, I told the tale from one POV, Troy’s. That removed some of the choppiness. Having lived out west now for nearly 30 years, I learned wildfires come with droughts and changed the atmosphere.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My habits have changed over the years. First with being married, then with having a child. I don’t write as often so I have to stay more focused. I do a lot of mental outlining when I meditative walk or hike.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been influenced by a far ranging group of books, from Joseph Campbell’s Power of Myth to Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes, many writers at Marvel comics, Roger Zelazney’s Amber series, Michael Moorcock’s Elric series, Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman Dragonlance series, Dean Koontz’s Lightning, Stephen King’s Dark Tower series.

What are you working on now?
I am working on the sequel to Dawn of the Vampire Revived, and a comic called SnowJob. You can find it on my Facebook site or snowjobcomic@blogspot.com

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Visiting schools was once the best method and attending librarian conferences. Currently, my Facebook site is the best place to interact with me.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keeping writing relentlessly. You second and third books will be better than your first. Attend conferences about writing. Read books about writing by authors you like, say World of Wonder by David Gerrould or Writing SF and Fantasy by Orson Scott Card.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Go to writers conferences and attend the meetings. I also love visiting schools, but it can be a challenge. Offer to give presentations if they have a young authors event.

What are you reading now?
Rick Riordan’s Trials of Apollo, The Burning Maze. Jim Butcher’s Brief Cases. Too many graphic novels to list, from Avengers to x-Men.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Learning more about Photoshop to help with covers, comics, drawings and promoting. Traveling to promote Dawn of the Vampire Revived. WIP is the sequel to DOTVR.

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?
They would need to be compendiums because I like series. At least one of the hardcover Calvin and Hobbes compendiums, Illusions by Richard Bach, Power of Myth by Campbell, and at least one blank book to take notes, write or draw in, even if it’s a sketch book.

Author Websites and Profiles
William Hill Website
William Hill Amazon Profile

William Hill’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name’s Liam, obviously.
I’ve only written one book as of yet, but it’s great.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest and only book is ‘microwave nouveau’ and it’s been inspired by my life, and living in the city, and the everyday existential terror that comes with it, along with the dry humour that inspires.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m old school so I like to write everything using the laws of physics.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are too many to mention. I read a lot of cerebral kinda fantasy and science fiction. Anything weird is okay by me.

What are you working on now?
I’m writing more poetry. Thinking about a novel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have no clue what I’m doing, so sometimes I just stick my head out of the window and yell at people walking by.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get a job that pays you well.

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

What are you reading now?
The Southern Reach trilogy by Jeff Vandermeer.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing more.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My own book. Jeremy Clarkson’s autobiography. A Beano annual. That’s it.

Author Websites and Profiles
Liam Bates Amazon Profile

Liam Bates’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account