Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
When I was five, I ran with scissors. As a result, I write. As of today, I have published 3 novels, 1 collection, and several novellas.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is Castles. Castles is a view into the mind of a woman who, throughout her life, is abused in more ways than one. It’s an emotional roller coaster, told through the main character’s voice, about what she sees, what she knows, and what she’s been told. There is violence and there is love, and there is violent love. I like to think of Castles as a question: is madness really mad? Castles is told in the voice of the main character, Maggie, and it’s that voice that really allows the reader to question madness. I’ve told a few people that Castles wasn’t written by me; it was dictated to me by a voice in my head. That voice, Maggie, wouldn’t shut up for seven years–the length of time it took to write the novel. The original short story was written in 2003 when I was part of a writing group. The subject was “weather” and, as a meteorologist at the time, I thought I had an edge. I picked dust storms and desert weather as the backdrop of the story because I grew up in Phoenix and love the weather during the monsoon season. However, when I got my comments back from the group, there was one which stuck in my head: “what you’ve written is the outline of a great novel.” It took a few months for me to really start working on Castles, and then there was a long break (several years, actually), when Maggie wouldn’t talk to me. It was almost as if she felt I wasn’t ready to hear her story. When she did speak to me, I frantically wrote it all down and felt just as sick as most of my readers. I also felt I had to let the story loose, to let others hear what Maggie had to say.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. Although I am an early morning writer. This idea of staying up past 8pm is odd to me. How do other people do it?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
For me, Michael Ende and Robert Holdstock were the biggest influences. And, because they are rather unknown names, I’ll give you their most popular books: The Neverending Story (Ende) and Mythago Wood (Holdstock).

What are you working on now?
I’m current working in my wood shop building a pochade box. As for writing, I’m working on a dystopian, Asimov-ish novel set west of Olympia Washington. Can’t give much more information without spoiling the fun.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method I have ever found is through other people. Word of mouth is a powerful thing, but you have to find the most powerful mouth you can.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it. The industry is nothing like the romantic notions you had when you were 9 or 10. It’s brutal, honest and can really hurt people psychologically. Be persistent.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Find joy in the journey. The destination is not as important.

What are you reading now?
Viktor Frankl – Man’s Search for Meaning.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing. Keep pushing the boundaries. Keep enjoying the journey.

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 aforementioned The Neverending Story and Mythago Wood, The Foundation (Asimov) and The Alchemist (Coelho).

Author Websites and Profiles
Benjamin X. Wretlind Website
Benjamin X. Wretlind Amazon Profile
Benjamin X. Wretlind Author Profile on Smashwords

Benjamin X. Wretlind’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Joshua Tommaso and I have written one book so far. I have been published in poetry magazines such as “Pancakes in Heaven” “Coffee Ground Breakfast” and recently in “Boned Stories Magazine” of which I may be having a serialized poetry series published through them, just waiting on the decision by the editor.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It is titled “The Milkman”. My daughter inspired the story. When she was a newborn, she had a hard time going to sleep, so I told her a story I made for her while giving her milk, and each time I told it to her and fed her her milk, she would fall asleep. So I decided to make the story I told her each night into a children’s book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, or maybe it qualifies as a unusual habbit, but I always have to have a handwritten version of a poem or story alongside a typed copy. I type it first, then hand write it into a journal or spiral notebook.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I primarily write poetry, so Robert Frost, Mary Oliver, and Homer greatly influence me.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on an epic poem. I am hoping to have a work of considerable length and depth like “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey” by Homer.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I just recently started using sites like awesomegang and book reader magazine.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Honestly, just write. I know that phrase is over used, but just write, even if it is one word a day, or a sentence a day, eventually it’ll add up to a poem or novel.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you dont know how to properly end your poem and are stuck, look at what you have so far, and maybe that is the real ending.

What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading “The Rising” by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. I only have two of the sixteen book series left to read. Then I’ll probably start reading “The Odyssey” by Homer.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am currently working on my MFA in Poetry at Southern New Hampshire University. As stated before I am working on an epic poem. I’m hoping with my workshop classes in my program, I can utilize those to polish a great manuscript for future submissions.

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?
“Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls (favorite book of all time)
“James Herriot’s Dog Stories: Warm And Wonderful Stories About The Animals Herriot Loves Best” by James Herriot
“The Iliad” and “The Odyssey” by Homer

Author Websites and Profiles
Joshua Tommaso Website

Joshua Tommaso’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Jess DeWitt: Bad ass dog mom, survivor of narcissistic abuse, and coach.

I’m working on a book series titled “Life After the Narc.” My debut book, “Girl, Run!” is the first book in that series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
It’s called “Girl, Run!”. My own experiences with narcissistic abuse inspired me to write it. I was so blindsided by it and didn’t even really know what narcissism was when I was going through it all. I see so many women who have clear signs of being emotionally abused, and they don’t even recognize it. My goal is to help women see their worth and recognize that abuse on the spot so that they realize they don’t have to take anyone’s crap.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have these spurts where I write for an entire day. The whole day literally goes by and I’m just like, “What happened to Wednesday? How did we get here to Thursday?”

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a book on covert narcissism that really hit home for me. It made me realize that narcissists don’t always have to be the loud, physically abuse people that they’re often portrayed as. The narcissist can be quiet as a mouse yet still deadly.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on my Life After the Narc series right now. Long term, I want to develop a course to help women even further.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Hmmmm…it might be Awesome Gang. I’ll get back to you on that one

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stay the course and realize that you are not writing this book for you. Someone out there needs your words. Don’t deprive people of receiving the help they need.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
1) Life goes on.
2) Time heals all wounds.

What are you reading now?
I just read a pretty good book about male and female relationships. Other than that, you can always count on me to be reading some sort of psychological thriller.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Expanding as a brand so that I can get a farther reach.

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

Author Websites and Profiles
Jess DeWitt Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an experience video game tester from pune india.
Love to write about games, horror, dark fantasy, techno genre and much more.
Fan of Neil deGrasse Tyson and Stephen Hawking. Loved playing dark souls and the berserk anime from which it is inspired.
So far i have published only 3 books but I will be publishing more since i have a grip on book writing now.
Please follow me on Insta & read my other books as well.
Contact on transelvenia@gmail.com.
Thanks for your precious time.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called ‘The House of Marston’s’ which is a horror story about a couple who moves into an estate with their 3 kids. Its set in 1970’s. It is inspired from the conjuring and has many awesome jump scares. Hope you guys will like it and please drop a review if you do so.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Ofcourse I do, I once planned to write 4 books in a day and I did it. Four short stories though :D. Yet to publish it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen Hawking, Andrzej Sapkowski, Neil Degrass Tyson, George R.R. Martin and many more.

What are you working on now?
I am writing almost 40 books right now and they are in initial phase. As any writer would say the ideas are endless. Whenever a cool idea strike i immediately make an intro of it and keep it for later. Right now my most important work is going on with an Astronomy book. Its based on black holes and is designed for amateurs.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
No idea, just starting out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what your heart tells you then find its genre.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
None

What are you reading now?
The theory of everything

What’s next for you as a writer?
Books & more books, looking to expand my genre as well.

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 song of Ice and Fire, The Witcher saga any of them.

Author Websites and Profiles
Dnyanesh Mhasawade Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I work full-time as an Office Administrator supporting a transportation project in Richmond, VA. I’m a writer, speaker, Biblical storyteller, columnist, retreat leader and occasional blogger. I’m creative and energetic with a passion for life anst book, Woman At The Well, chronicles my discovery of God’s grace and how it manifests in our lives. I’d like to interject that the cover art for both books are commissioned paintings done by friend—a United Methodist Pastor—Jim Harris. I was attracted to the stained glass lood a deep and abiding faith in Jesus. I’ve served as a Stephen Minister, a Certified Lay Speaker (now Lay Servant) in the United Methodist Church, and earned a certificate in Congregational Leadership through the Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA. I’m a wife, mom and doting grandmother and I’ve had just about any job you can think of! “Jill of all trades” and master of some, I lean on the Lord to make it through every day–every hour. Okay . . . every minute. Oh! And coffee . . . lots of coffee!

I’ve written two books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I wrote Woman With The Alabaster Jar to offer healing and hope to those who are grieving. Specifically, I share my journey through the grief of losing my mom to cancer. In the process I discovered a renewed, albeit, different faith, and that life can and does continue after a tragic event. My desire is to let others know that while we never stop grieving, it is possible to find healing and hope as we continue to live in a “new normal.”

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write all the time. ALL. THE. TIME.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Michael Chrichton and James Patterson, John Grisham. All tell great multilayered stories that are well-researched with compelling characters and storylines. Their books are entertaining, and tell a story that draws the reader in from the start and make you sorry the book is over! I tend to read several books at a time, including devotionals, bible studies, and biblical fiction.

I’m an avid reader, so many many writers have influenced me throughout my life – Maya Angelou is one of my biggest influences as a poet.

What are you working on now?
I’m actually working on several books – the next one to be released in May 2019 is Crayon Chronicles. An anthology of lessons on faith and life learned from children.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write your story. Don’t worry about who will read it. Tell your truth and be relentless in promoting it! It will take work. But it’s worth it!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Words have power. Use them to make the world a better place, to help someone, to share a truth.

What are you reading now?
Becoming, by Michelle Obama and If, by Mark Batterson

What’s next for you as a writer?
Speaking about my current book as well as my first book, Woman at the Well. I love sharing the significance of the unnamed women of the bible.

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. Book of Walt Whitman poetry. Anything by Max Lucado. The Hobbit.

Author Websites and Profiles
Mary Moss Website
Mary Moss Amazon Profile

Mary Moss’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have worked in the creative industries for over 20 years. From Film and TV, nightclub promotion and now the last 17 years in the publishing space. After sampling traditional, educational and self-publishing, I found assisting independent authors in publishing industry standard books and in their marketing was where I needed to be. I have published two books on writing, publishing and marketing and one co-authored on dealing with change in the workplace.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Inspire Your Fire; Creative Innovation Through Authorship’
I was inspired to write this as over the past 6 years I have seen the positive influence creative expression has had on people. I have ad authors from William Shatner and Toni Childs through to the old Nana down the road. In each case, I saw the author driven, inspired and passionate about the expressive nature involved in writing and publishing. However, also in that time, I found many people labeling themselves as not creative which frustrates me. We were born creative and the education system has diminished the creative process within us. Creative expression cures depression so I was inspired to write a book that would not only show people how to write, publish and market but also ignite the spark to create something of value recognizing their own input and creative expression.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I can’t write in public or in silence. I need music. ‘Inspire Your Fire’ actually has the playlist listed that I listened to when writing. Everything from the Baywatch theme song to Frank Sinatra to Micahel Jackson.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tony Robbins has always been an influence for me, especially in his earlier years. The Alchemist and The Celestine Prophecy are the books that helped me find my direction.

What are you working on now?
I am ghostwriting a 14-year-olds book about recovering from cancer. An amazing story of resilience and insight from a very early age on whet truly matters in life. It should be published mid-2019.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social media but sites like this. All promotion is good promotion so I feel it is important to explore any and all avenues.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, I call it the ABC of Author Success. Take ACTION in your creativity and BELIEVE you have something to offer of value. Most importantly be COMMITTED to the promotional process. No-one is going to appear out of nowhere to market your book so you need to hold yourself accountable to your own creative expression.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Always be yourself. Unless you can be Superman. Then be Superman.

What are you reading now?
Personality Plus by Florence Littauer

What’s next for you as a writer?
More blogs, more co-authored books.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Alchemist, All of James Redfield’s books and Peter Pan

Author Websites and Profiles
Ocean Reeve Website
Ocean Reeve Amazon Profile

Ocean Reeve’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I living in Australia. I have self-published “City Living” available on Amazon Kindle and Paperback. I have a second novel “Quantum Work” which will hopefully be completed in early 2019 and a third untitled novel that I am currently working on.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“City Living” was inspired by a very bad day at work. I looked at a bunch of homeless people and thought, ‘that strangely makes sense’. Within an hour I formulated a story about an entitled protagonist that turns homeless because he’s a bit too stubborn. I also wanted to bring up how ridiculous it was that we as humans put ourselves through the stress of working life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I drink a bit. I usually just sit in front of the screen and get it out. When the inspiration comes, it just comes. As I’m writing I usually have a jolt of inspiration, connecting two characters somehow of remembering a small thing that happened a few chapters back that could be of use. I subscribe to Jack Kerouac’s method of spontaneous prose fairly heavily. I am hesitant to change a story once I wrote it, since how I wrote it at the time was how it was meant to be written. This is not spiritual, it’s just the way it is.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jack Kerouac, as mentioned before, is a heavy influence for me. I would say that Ernest Hemingway is too, thanks to prose simplicity. Annie Proulx inspired me to avoid writing boring characters or characters without fault.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a story about a man named Nathaniel Stewart; a man presented as being capable and successful in life, but through this surface is actually a terrible human being. It is inspired by the lack of decent leadership in contemporary organisations.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m new at this. My facebook page www.facebook.com/authorjimmyjamesscott has been the bulk of my promotion although I’m also on Instagram www.instagram.com/jimmyjamesscott

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t do a writing class, don’t try to be someone else, don’t listen to anyone including me. You write your story, or whatever you want to write, but make it yours and yours alone. Amazing authors of the 20th century didn’t need a class to learn how to write and neither do you. You have a story in mind, so you have a starting point. Create your structure, stick to it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Don’t take any guff from those swine” (Hunter S Thompson in “The Rum Diary”

What are you reading now?
An hour ago I finished a book called “Babble and Squeak” by Mark Kotting. Next stop is “What Ends” by Andrew Ladd. I picked up a few paperbacks recently and making my way through them. Soon I will be back in University and I won’t have time to read for pleasure.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to get my second novel “Quantum Work” out by March. It still needs to go through editing and beta reading. I’m not sure how it will be received.

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?
“On the Road” by Jack Kerouac, “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller, “1984” by George Orwell, “The Beach” by Alex Garland

Author Websites and Profiles
Jimmy-James Scott Amazon Profile

Jimmy-James Scott’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Everlasing is my first published novel and I am in the process of editing the sequel. The third book in the series is also in the works. I am a stay at home mom to a beautiful 1 and a half year old and I write as much as she will let me.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Everlasting was inspired but the simplest of questions: how could one not go insane by constantly reading other people’s minds? To find out the answer go read the book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I love to honor people who mean a lot to me in my books. My favorite choir teacher for instance is mentioned many times.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Richelle Mead and her Vampire Academy series inspires me every day. Rose is such a strong and powerful character.

What are you working on now?
The third book in the Eternal Series still has a long way to go, but with any luck you will have the answers you are looking for within the next year or two.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, my favorite method is free days. I’m not in this for the money I just want people to love these characters and books as much as I do.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write whatever you want to write and never let anyone tell you different. I don’t care if a story has been done a million times nobody will write the way you will. Don’t let something as easy as offending someone stop you either. Write from the heart.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Believe in yourself because if you don’t nobody else will.

What are you reading now?
Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas and I’m loving it!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to get Eternal Series number 2 published and make a lot of people really happy.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Any and all Vampire Academy books but if I had to choose just one then Last Sacrifice.
Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian
City of Glass
And a classic Pride and Prejudice
Boy, that was not easy there are so many amazing books!

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

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

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an artist, music producer, and an author (which you already know since you are reading this now). I have traveled many states across country and plan on traveling across the world next. So far, I have only debuted my first book, Year of the Vegan, which is an essentials guide for all vegans. However, I plan on releasing more books of the common topic, controversial and informative.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Year of the Vegan, that is my first and latest book. Being vegan for three years, my life has changed dramatically. The inspiration for creating this book really came from my own experiences with veganism, things I wish I would’ve known in the beginning, and all the positive impacts that come along with it. I do make it clear that this is not always the lifestyle for everyone, but there are other ways we can contribute to the earth and ourselves.

What are you working on now?
As of now, I’ve been really inspired by books based on controversial topics such as gender, race, politics etc. I do love visuals, so I’m working towards painting my own visuals for my next book!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
You know, I really don’t have a method for this. If someone is interested in my book because of the cover or what it’s about, then it’s for them. And if they aren’t interested, that’s okay too.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I am a fairly new author myself, but from my experience I will say that trust your writing style and your process. It’s YOUR own process and no one else.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Thoughts become things,” period.

What are you reading now?
Right now, I have started a reading challenge to read 50 books in one year! So far I have just finished Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson and plan on moving on to Paulo Coelho books next.

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 bring:
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
1984 by George Orwell
Harry Potter: Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

Author Websites and Profiles
Rachael Orozco Amazon Profile

Rachael Orozco’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a business owner along with my husband. We own a trucking company for 21 years now and we experience continued growth. I have written one book so far

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Rise Above- Create the abundant life you desire was written because I felt I had something to share with others. WE are on this planet to share knowledge with others and my wish is that I can help as many people as I can.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
not really

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Bob Proctor- teacher in The Secret. He has been a mentor of mine for many years now.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently growing my trucking business to double the revenue and double the trucks, and staff. It’s quite an experience but with the book I wrote, I can show anyone how it can be done.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Social Media, FB and Instagram

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s an experience everyone should go through. I know I shared my life and many personal experiences and it really puts a person out there in to the open but the growth that comes from it is so worth it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There is no such thing as giving too much

What are you reading now?
Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill-

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m not sure yet, as I grow on a personal and professional level, I feel that I have more experiences to share. I may decide to write another book sooner than later. We will see.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Rise Above of course
Think and Grow Rich
The Science of getting rich
You2

Author Websites and Profiles
Denise Beaupre Website
Denise Beaupre Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a career marketer and have managed the marketing strategy and execution for some of the most respected and forward thinking brands in IT, technology, distribution and retail, achieving some exceptional results and growth. My expertise spans across a wide range of marketing disciplines from demand generation and digital marketing programmes through to events, social media and customer lifecycle and more.
The Entrepreneurs Marketing Manual is my first (and currently only book to date) and one i’ve written for the entrepreneur/ startup or small business looking for a comprehensive guide to all forms of marketing that they can easily and effectively use to maximise their own execution.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Although my professional career has mostly been spent in corporate organisations, i’ve spent a lot of time in recent years working with small businesses and startups and realised that so often marketing was misunderstood or over complicated. I wrote The Entrepreneurs Marketing Manual to help build a blue print for small business owners to help really deliver excellent marketing in the most effective way possible.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
With this being my first book i can’t really say if i have any unusual habits but i’m pretty methodical and structured in how i wrote it; creating an overall framework for the flow and then filling in the pieces in an order that felt logical

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m a huge fan of marketing gurus such as Seth Godin, but i’ve also been hugely inspired to take this journey from different angles – books from the likes of Robert Kiyosaki, Dale Carnegie, Tony Robbins, Tim Ferriss and Stephen Covey have all been hugely powerful in my life.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working with a few small businesses to help them on their marketing and brand building journeys as well as preparing to deliver some presentations with The Federation of Small Businesses. Once i’ve moved house in the next few months i’m going to get to work on developing a couple of creative product ideas i’ve got swirling around in my head.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I may know marketing, but book marketing is all totally new to me. Social media, word of mouth referrals and influencer marketing are all great free tools to start things going though.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to try. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be afraid how you might be judged. Don’t be hurt if the feedback isn’t always positive. You learn from your mistakes and you build successes from your failures and you can only achieve things if try in the first place.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Perfection isn’t achievable so don’t chase that, just put your heart into it and grow from there.

What are you reading now?
I’m an audio book addict and read/ listen to at least 1 a week – i’m currently reading the fascinating story of drive and near super-human life from David Goggins.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Practice and take all the feedback i can!

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?
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.
Jurassic Park by Michel Crichton.
The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

Author Websites and Profiles
Chris Willman Website
Chris Willman Amazon Profile

Chris Willman’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Having worked with a galaxy of stars from Ronnie Barker to James Burke – Rick Stein to John Pilger – Spike Milligan to Monty Python and mixed many classic comedy shows including: The Two Ronnies, The Goodies, Only Fools and Horses, Spike Milligan’s Q9, Open All Hours and To The Manor Born as well as loads of major TV dramas, animations, documentaries, and having picked up BAFTA and RTS awards on the way – Paul decided to write a book. It made him laugh and enjoy the adventure – so take a look into a very silly mind and enjoy reading it too.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Two’s Company – Four’s Better: Is the story of two men, two (talking) dogs and their cruel and long journey that will finally lead the four companions to a heartbreaking end to their quest. This is a true fable with the breadth and sweep of a dead dog’s tail that was inspired by the great Terry Pratchett, Tolkien, Douglas Adams, J K Rowling and many wonderful writers of fiction.
Although my book falls short of their genius it was written to make me laugh and as many others as possible.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
It’s puerile and very silly but is worth reading as one lovely reviewer said….
What can I say? It’s a crazy story; it left me baffled many times. I’m so confused. Eccentric story! Just because it was so strange, it left me laughing. You’ll have to read it for yourself to figure out why I gave it five stars. Maybe even then you won’t figure out why I gave it five stars.
I can’t figure it out myself; I just feel it deserves five stars.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tolkien, Terry Pratchett, Bernard Cornwell, J K Rowling, Ray Bradbury, Spike Milligan, Monty Python, Graham Greene

What are you working on now?
My autobiography

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This One and my website www.paulroberts.co.uk

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Enjoy

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t be frightened of throwing away long sections of your book, even if you’re fond of them, if they don’t really work.

What are you reading now?
Bernard Cornwell’s new book.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Create more sound tracks.

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 don’t often read a book more than once. So I would choose two Graham Greene books I haven’t read. Lord of the Rings because it’s so wonderfully written and Pears Encyclopaedia.

Author Websites and Profiles
Paul Roberts Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
A Brooklyn proud, native New Yorker and I love my city. I’m a die-hard Knicks fan. My family and friends are the most important things in my life. I enjoy cooking foods from different countries and sharing those meals with loved ones.
I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. Currently, I have two books published. There will be more to come in 2019.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Asia: Good Girl is my latest work. The idea of “perception” was the inspiration behind this work. I find that life is curious at times, we go through it worried about how we’re perceived. We forget to be our genuine selves, and that’s Asia’s problem. She lives her life wanting to be viewed through the lens of a good girl.
The man in the hooded mask holds a mirror up to Asia’s face. She questions her morals and even her sanity. He forces her to see herself, not the image she so carefully crafted; preacher’s dutiful daughter, model employee, active churchgoer and community volunteer. He shows her an Asia that has passions, wants, desires and sexuality of her own, that’s been repressed for years.
Asia: Good Girl, was my brief exploration into how we view ourselves. How others perceive us and that our true selves probably lie somewhere between the two. Also, for Asia, that it’s perfectly acceptable to embrace all aspects of herself, repress nothing and embrace it all. When she finally does this, she gets the prize, her happiness.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I’m like a teenager, I need white noise to concentrate. There’s always a radio or TV going in the background when I write. I tried writing the other night in silence and it was so weird, it kind of gave me the creeps. I was also in the room alone, even my dog had abandoned me. The little traitor!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Jane Austen, Pride & Prejudice is one of my all time favorites. I’m also a huge Theodora Taylor fan, I pretty much love anything she writes. Robert Ludlum is another favorite. I spend most of my teenaged years buried in his books. I cried when he passed away, it was like that family friend who always brings you cool presents would no longer be coming around anymore. I still re-read his books and still enjoy them.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently re-working my college senior thesis which is a novel about two cousin and two friends and their love lives. I’ve decided it’s too dense so I’m considering making it a series where each woman gets her own story.
I’m also working on another story about an accountant who runs from love until the right man stops her running.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Still trying to find the right method. I’m on Facebook, Goodreads, BookBub, Twitter, and Instagram. I think there’s a lot of trial and error for finding the right method. Even then nothing’s guaranteed, it’s not necessarily formulaic because it also depends on the book and the audience. Marketing is one part product, part skill, and two parts luck, in my opinion.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do not let anyone stop. Keep writing and then write some more. Take creative writing classes, find a mentor and stay vigilant.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You miss 100% of the shot you never take.

What are you reading now?
Funny you should ask. I am reading a twenty-year-old manuscript written by a friend. I finally convinced her to take it out of storage and do something with it. I trying to convince her to publish it. It’s amazing! I’d almost forgotten how talented she is, she’d put her writing career on hold when she adopted three kids.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to create new work. However, I really want to go back and publish the stories that I wrote and just left to languish. I think they’ve been waiting for me to take them out of the filing cabinet in my closet. 2019 is going to be a busy and interesting year 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?
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Sonnets (all of them) by William Shakespeare
Trevayne by Robert Ludlum
Her Russian Billionaire by Theodora Taylor

Author Websites and Profiles
Susan A. Buchanan Website
Susan A. Buchanan Amazon Profile

Susan A. Buchanan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a wife, mother, U. S. Army veteran, dental hygienist, and now published author. I’ve always had a love of reading, and now I’m turning that into a love for writing. After serving in the Army, where I met my husband of over twenty-eight years, we raised two sons while I worked as a dental hygienist for over eighteen years. While writing for many years, my publishing dreams came true in August of 2017, and since then, I’ve published twelve stories. I write mostly in the romance genre, but have a short story in a holiday anthology, as well as prose and poetry published on the Spillwords.com website. After cutting back on work and focusing more on writing, I’m excited about three upcoming releases within the early months of 2019, and many more ideas I’m working on. When not writing, working, or reading, hubby and I are getting house projects completed, enjoying visits with our grown sons, and watching college football. We currently reside in the Pacific Northwest, and dream of traveling to Scotland, New Zealand and Fiji.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is the second book in my cover model series, and will soon be published through Evernight Publishing. The series was inspired by my first attendance at the Emerald City Writers Conference in Bellevue, Washington. There I witnessed the marvelous cover model photographer, Wander Aguiar, photographing – what else – cover models! Watching him work quickly brought story ideas to mind. I wrote the first book in the series for NaNoWriMo and completed 51K words in 26 days! After revisions, it was picked up and published. The second story quickly came to mind, and one of the characters is an Army veteran-turned-cover model who also works with the VA to help soldiers transition into civilian life.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, I can’t say that I have any unusual writing habits. I spend about 90% of my time at my home computer, typing away, using my laptop the other 10%. I purchased a digital voice recorder to use when inspiration hits and I have no pad and pen, but I have yet to use it. While other writers talk about writing at a coffee cafe or while listening to music, I need solitude and quiet. I try not to get distracted by opening other windows and getting lost on social media.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Since I write in the romance genre, Nora Roberts is my #1 favorite. I’ve read her books for over twenty years. I could name a plethora of authors, but just a few of my other favorites are Donna Grant, Robyn Peterman, Rachel Grant, Toni Anderson, Laura Kaye, and Rebecca Zanetti.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently (trying) to work on the third story in the Shifter Clans series. Books 1 and 2 came almost easy, quickly, the stories just spilling out. It felt amazing to write them. While I have a rough idea of what book 3 will be about, where it will go, for some reason I’m struggling to just sit at my computer and get the words down. I’ll be going through edits soon for book 2, so I hope my momentum will pick up.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s a challenge to answer, as I’ve tried various avenues, but sales continue to be low. I know it’ll take time, and I’ll keep trying while writing the stories that fill my head. While I post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, I also have accounts on Amazon, Bookbub, and Goodreads. I’ve tried promo through the sites LitRing, That Book Rocks, Super Kameron’s book blog, The Kindle Book Review, and The Romance Studio. And now, through Awesome Gang.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
There is an abundance of views out there, often contradictory, so my advice is to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who will encourage and support your dream. Write what you love and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. Don’t write for the masses or what’s popular, because it’s always changing. Write what you have a passion for and the writing will be that much better. Eventually, the fans and readers will find you because it’s what they’re looking for. I’m often chatting with a friend and fellow author, and the writing/publishing world can be overwhelming, but if you truly believe it’s your passion, know that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. It’s unlikely you’ll accomplish overnight success, but stay dedicated, and the success will find you.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Another challenging one to answer, as there’s been a great many things said to me over my lifetime. This may sound very cliche, but “don’t sweat the small stuff” really rings true with me. It took me quite a while to follow this, but experience is the best teacher, right? Looking back, I can wish I had done things differently, stressed less over something that didn’t matter, but of course that’s wasted effort. So going forward, I hope to stress less, be fearless, and not sweat the small stuff.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently bouncing between a reads when I have time. On my phone, I’m reading The Dragon in the Stone by Doris O’Connor, on my Kindle I’m reading Fashionably Fanged by Robyn Peterman, and I’m working my way through The Polar Adventures of a Rich American Dame by Joanna Kafarowski – it’s a biography of Louise Arner Boyd, an American socialite who became a polar explorer.

What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next is to just continue this fabulous journey – writing and gaining exposure. I hope to continue to gain readers and fans who enjoy my work and realize the importance of leaving reviews. I don’t think that’s a lot to ask.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I never like this question because it’s extremely difficult for me to answer! (Chuckles) Many would probably like to hear me name some of the classics, like Pride and Prejudice or Gone With the Wind, but honestly, I’m more content with contemporary reads. Since I collect few actual books, most being on my Kindle, I’d choose from my collection of Donna Grant or Darynda Jones. Their books satisfy my need for romance, adventure, snark, and emotion. (Anything by Rachel Grant and Toni Anderson would come in a very close second.)

Author Websites and Profiles
Laura Baird Website
Laura Baird Amazon Profile
Laura Baird Author Profile on Smashwords

Laura Baird’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Originally from England, I now live in Cambodia and have written 12 books. Although I have publish 15, as one series I made into a Trilogy and a Series box set , and one i made into a Saga

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My Latest book is From England With Love, which is the combination of Fossils and The Gobs in one hilarious saga

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My fun websites bring me readers as they are entertaining,interactive and fun.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Enjoy writing and have fun

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you worry you’ll die
If you don’t worry, you’ll still die
So why worry?

What’s next for you as a writer?
Have fun and write more novels

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 Survival guide.
The thickest book out there to use to club things with and a pillow
A foragers cook book

Author Websites and Profiles
Robert A Webster Website
Robert A Webster Amazon Profile

Robert A Webster’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a popular TV guest, author, speaker, and videographer. Recently, I converted one of my books to video and audio, INSPIRATION FOR TEENS, as a leadership and character development program for middle and high school students.

All based on the most famous Civil War battle, the Battle of Gettysburg.

He has already written 4 books, is an accomplished videographer, and has produced 3 audiobooks.
His email address: ph@gettysburglessons.com

He earned a degree in philosophy, received the Bronze Star Medal and the Vietnamese Cross
of Gallantry while in the US Army,
and returned home for a life-long career in marketing
and writing.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
INSPIRATION FOR TEENS. Why did I use an historical event? Because I was frustrated with the way history was being taught to my sons. They were bored. I decided that history needed to be taught by using stories and what lessons can be learned from those stories. Stories connect to our emotions, and the way history is taught, there is no emotional connection to the “facts and stats” in the way history is taught. If you want students (and adults) to remember facts, tell a story.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No really

What authors, or books have influenced you?
No one in particular as far as history goes. For writing technique, I admire the historian, Joseph Ellis, the finest writer in America today.

What are you working on now?
Getting my book promoted!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Im just in the beginning stages of searching for those sites, and I like what your site has to offer. Which s why I;m paying a lot of attention to you.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Focus like a laser on what you want to write about, but ore importantly, be absolutely certain you love what you’re writing about.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you want to be in the top 5% of anything, find something you really enjoy, work at it so that you’re really good at it, and you’ll be in the top 5% of your profession.

What are you reading now?
Joseph Ells’s new book, American Dialogue.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Going on speaking tours to high schools about my book, with a laser focus on the 5% category of success I mentioned earlier.

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?
Founding Brothers by Joseph Ellis
Lincoln’s Writings
Ship of Fools by Tucker Carlson
The Liberal Imagination by Lionel Trilling

Author Websites and Profiles
Paul Hemphill Website
Paul Hemphill Amazon Profile
Paul Hemphill Author Profile on Smashwords

Paul Hemphill’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
So far I have self-published one book, Create a Life You Love: 10 Healthy Habits to Transform Your Life Now. I am a special educator currently serving as an Instructional Coach and have experienced first hand how the stresses of life can take a toll on your physical and mental health. I strive to teach others ways to find a healthy, balanced life through my book, YouTube channel, and blog. I aim to share with authenticity and vulnerability how to use practical habits and routines to Create a Life You Love.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest, and so far only book, is called Create a Life You Love: 10 Healthy Habits to Transform Your Life Now. It is part self-help, part memoir. I reflect on my own journey through the self-help world and offer practical tips on how to incorporate these ideas into your own busy schedule.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I joined a program called Self-Publishing School which taught me to mind map my ideas before ever sitting down and typing. At first, I felt like I was back in middle school and resisted the idea, however, after hitting writer’s block I decided to give it a try and ended up loving it.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Too many to list, but I will attempt to name a few; Brene Brown, Jen Sincero, John C. Maxwell, M.K Mueller, Byron Katie, and so many more.

What are you working on now?
I am currently in the process of promoting my first book and then I would like to make an online companion course as well as go to organizations and school districts to share these simple strategies to help others.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Being a new author, I am figuring that out currently.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you have a dream to be an author, go after it with gusto. Let nothing and no one stand in your way!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Love what is” from Byron Katie. We cannot change some of our pasts or our current circumstances, however, we can change our perspectives and learn to accept and love what is. This was a very challenging lesson for me that brought much personal growth and peace over time.

What are you reading now?
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have plans for other books which will take these self-care and other vital strategies and tailor them to more specific audiences such as; educators facing burnout, women struggling with past or current domestic violence situations, and spouses of first responders.

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 complete box set of a series such as The Hunger Games, and something along the lines of “Surviving on a Desert Island for Dummies.”

Author Websites and Profiles
Chantal Cox Website
Chantal Cox Amazon Profile

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

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Though I have written most of my adult life, this is my first published work. After spending a good deal of money sending my stories to magazines only to be rejected in favor of – in my opinion – boring and formulaic works, I decided to compile my tales. The reviews are positive and its the best decision I have made.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Sprezzatura. It is largely inspired by the stories of Charles Bukowski and John Fante. I love their grittiness, their non-conformity. My life has been rather hard; therefore it would be foolish of me to try to recreate the likes of Capote’s or Hemingway’s short works. My life just does not resemble theirs in any way. Give me the dirty. Give me the real. Give me the hard working son of a bitch that can’t catch a break. Because he speaks to me.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. I only write when I’m on the clock at work. (Sorry, boss, if you’re reading this)
Furthermore, I keep my 30-lb dumbbells by my side when I write. For when I’m blocked, or can’t quite bend a sentence the way that pleases me, I can do some curls and re-focus my attention briefly. It seems to work.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Charles Bukowski and John Fante, as I mentioned. But largely I have to go way back high school when I was introduced to the works of S.E. Hinton. The woman is a national treasure. Kurt Vonnegut’s use of satire, in my opinion, overshadows Twain. So I definitely consider him a major influence.

What are you working on now?
I have just begun work on my first novel. Piecing together fragments of writings I did when my first marriage fell apart and I was granted leave from my work to get myself back together. I spent nine weeks travelling: eating lousy diner food and sleeping as best I could at highway rest stops in the backseat of my Toyota Avalon. Those lean and lonely times were just what I needed, and I hope to capture it adequately in book form.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I honestly don’t know. This is my first time. Awesome Gang is popping my cherry, so to speak.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep plugging away. Read everything you can get your hands on. The more literature you are exposed to, the better you will be. And do not be afraid of rejection. This game is only for the thick-skinned.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Vonnegut mentioned when you write, do not write for a great many people. Write for just one person. This person can be someone you know or someone you do not know. This person may not exist. But do not lose sight of that one person and forget writing to win the hearts of the populace.

What are you reading now?
Goble Crowe Just Deserved Better by Rover Crowe. It is a powerful novella that most people do not know about.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just getting my work out there and in front of as many people as possible. And to keep challenging myself to be better.

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?
Ask the Dust
Slaughterhouse Five
Lolita
Post Office

Author Websites and Profiles
Tommy Dishman Tommy Dishman Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Let’s see… three fun facts about me: I’m 21, I’m a blacksmith, and I’ve lived on three continents (North America, Europe, Asia). I’m in the process of publishing my first book, Brightshade, and I’m just about finished writing the second book in the series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel, Brightshade, is the product of five years’ worldbuilding, planning, and writing. I’ve loved reading fantasy since I was young and soon realized that I was pretty good at writing too. It seemed natural to put these two interests together and write my own book. As for what inspired Brightshade specifically: I wanted to explore what it means for a single person to be able to shape history and make a difference. Each of my characters struggles with the knowledge of their own agency and sense of choice. I think that’s something we all go through at different stages in our lives, especially as we’re growing up.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I’m an outliner, so I usually brainstorm my plot, write a few snippets, and then compile a grand excel spreadsheet with all my chapters and scenes. However, I don’t always write in order… sometimes there’s a juicy scene I just can’t wait to get to. For example, I’ve already written the ending to my four-book series Tales of Aether and Soul, even though I’m only just finishing book two.

Oh yes, and when I challenge myself to write every day, I’ll often reward myself with chocolate. I guess that counts as unusual?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been influenced by my favourite fantasy authors, such as Rowling, Riordan, and Sanderson. Sanderson especially challenged me to think critically about what magic would look like in a world of my own creation.

However, my biggest influence has undoubtedly been Tamora Pierce. I still remember picking up First Test and discovering a whole new genre of epic proportions that felt wonderfully familiar after all my experiences growing up in the different cultures of Austria, Romania, the Philippines, and Canada. Pierce’s characters, from Lady Alanna, to Keladry of Mindelan, Daine Sarrasri, and Aly felt both realistic and surreal. They reminded me that it’s okay for girls to be in charge of their own destinies and inspired me to write about women just as different, strong, and wonderful as they are.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the second book in the Tales of Aether and Soul series, as well as my first standalone novel. In it, a vegetarian and an asthmatic band together to escape their extreme poverty in a world in which magical power can be gained by abstinence from certain foods.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still new at this! So far, I’ve been building up a newsletter and keeping my readers informed through Facebook and Instagram. I try to offer value beyond mere book promotion, so I’ll often feature other indie authors, free books, or fantasy memes.
If you’d like to take a look:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/artbymrd/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/artbymrd/

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to start writing. Planning can be a good thing, but sometimes it can hinder you from actually sitting down and getting words on a page. Your book will morph and change as your write, and that’s okay! It’s part of the wonder of writing: you’ll discover new plots, characters, and twists along the way. As Dory from Finding Nemo would say: “Just keep swimming.” (And by that I mean, just keep writing.)

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write every day. Seriously, this just WORKS. I participated in my very first Nanowrimo this November (a challenge where you try to write 50,000 words in one month), and writing every day allowed me to complete 56,000 words on my very first try. I was shocked at how easy it became once I got into the habit of it.

What are you reading now?
A very boring textbook on theatre in the middle ages (thanks, university). Mandatory reading aside, I’m on my second read-through of The Gods of Men by Barbara Kloss, an epic fantasy that I highly recommend to anyone who needs a new book to read. I’ve also just started a play called “What Glorious Times They Had.” It’s about Nellie McClung and several other suffragettes who were instrumental in the struggle to allow women to vote in Manitoba.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Well, surviving my first publishing is the priority at the moment. I’m also hoping to finish book two within the next two weeks. After that, I’ll start editing book two, writing book three, and, oh yes, somehow I need to survive another semester of full-time studies in theatre…

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?
Hmm okay. Tamora Pierce’s Trickster’s Queen, the Bible (NIV, in case you’re wondering), and The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, which I’ve always wanted to read but have never quite gotten to.

Author Websites and Profiles
Miriam R. Dumitra Website
Miriam R. Dumitra Amazon Profile

Miriam R. Dumitra’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have one published book, Dead Man’s Hand, that is available as a Kindle eBook and paperback available through Amazon. Also, I have been writing and publishing flash fiction on my blog since September of 2017.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Dead Man’s Hand was inspired by a spark of wanting to take anything and make it something else with the power of the mind.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My process starts with my notebooks, where my ideas start. Then as an idea begins to coalesce an outline becomes part of that notebook. Then I move that outline to a word document and begin to craft my rough draft, which usually looks like a bunch of dialogue and some extra words that help paint the scene that’s going on. Then during the first and second draft, I flesh out the rest of the book and submit it to a few people to get their honest opinions. Once they tell me what I have done wrong with the draft I fix the problems and get the manuscript edited and then it’s published on Amazon.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite authors are Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, Jim Butcher, L. E. Modesitt Jr., Rick Riordan, and Terry Goodkind

What are you working on now?
I have two books Drawing Thin, a sequel to Dead Man’s Hand, and Knavish, a psychological thriller in the vein of the 1962 Cape Fear, that are in their final stages and should be published this year. I’m also going to release a collection of short stories on my website titled Harrison & Sylvia.

I’m also early on in the process for two more books and two more collections of short stories.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to figure that out.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write for the sheer love of writing and never stop.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Truth be told my advice stems from what I’ve been told by numerous people and that’s simply just to keep writing.

What are you reading now?
Currently, I’m reading Skyward by Brandon Sanderson, Theros: Godsend Part 1 by Jenna Helland and The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing, writing and even more writing, but thankfully I love 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?
I think this would depend on the day, but I think any list would include a book by Brandon Sanderson.

Author Websites and Profiles
Steven Meehan Website
Steven Meehan Amazon Profile

Steven Meehan’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in rural North Carolina. After graduating from high school I went to North Carolina Central University. Due to my lack of discipline, I partied my way out of college and promptly went home and got pregnant with my daughter.
She died in a fire with my parents in 1998 and to deal with the grief I joined the Navy. Two years later I had a seizure when we were sailing near Turkey and was diagnosed with epilepsy which was aggravated by my job.
After leaving the Navy I simply couldn’t find a place to fit or anything that I wanted to do. About twelve years later I suffered a badly broken thigh-bone and had a lot of time to read. After having enough free time to read one book per day a friend said that I should write my own. My debut novel Web of Seduction is on sale February 10, 2019.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my debut novel is Web of Seduction. It has been in my head for years but I never expected to write it until I began to grow a bit weary of knowing what was going to happen in all of the romance books I read. I tumbled into dark romance and it was surprisingly refreshing to actually be afraid that the hero and heroine might not get together. That’s when I thought perhaps I could write a book with a little bit of everything in it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think I have any unusual writing habits unless you count that my choice spot for writing is my recliner. It’s just more comfortable and I’m relaxed enough to let my mind work.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite book is Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon. She is my favorite paranormal romance author. My dark romance favorite is Lily White. When it comes to historical romance Sarah MacLean is great. I love all types of romance and have read almost every type I could find.

What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on book two in the Playground Series. It is the follow-up to Web of Seduction which goes on sale on February 10, 2019.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to keep up with all of the social media sites but Twitter is my favorite.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The first thing is to never give up. The second thing is not to let anyone tell you that your strategy for writing is not the correct way to do it. In the end, it’s your book and you should write it how you see fit. For example, I don’t do outlines. I could never understand it in school and writing is more fun for me if I don’t know where the story is going until I write it. Choose your own method and just accept that it’s different. Lastly is read, read, read. That’s how I learned. I don’t have a degree. I just read a lot of books and went from there.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never give up, always do your best, and read.

What are you reading now?
I’m busy writing so I haven’t had much time to read, but I’m behind on my Sherrilyn Kenyon so I’ll probably read her Stygian within the next day or so.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I just want to continue to publish my books and hope that my readers enjoy them. That’s it. That’s what makes me happy.

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?
Anthologies of Edgar Allan Poe, Shakespeare, and a very large world history book.

Author Websites and Profiles
Brittney L. Divine Website
Brittney L. Divine Amazon Profile

Brittney L. Divine’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written about ten books and published 6. I recently went back to check out my backlist and improve them. I’ve learned a lot since I started publishing in 2016 and I’m really proud of the books I’m putting out now.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I re-released How to Get Arrested this month (Jan 2019). I loved the original but I’ve upped my game and now I think this is a book that will really get people into my series.
The idea for How to Get Arrested (and all of The Starsboro Chronicles) came to me while I was working on my first book in 2011. A portal fantasy about a world connected to ours through portals. In the original, a young woman runs away from her problems right into another dimension.
Zurik and Trent (two of the MC’s in Arrested) are her children. Trapped on earth and away from their parents. They protect humanity by hunting the things that go bump in the night.
In Arrested, that’s more specifically, Morgan Le Fay’s children.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write in the tub. I’ve never asked any of my author friends if they do this as well so I’m not sure how unusual it is haha. But living in New England is cold and when my fingers stop working because I’m literally chilled to the bone, I draw a hot bath, read until I’m warmed up, and then write until the water cools beyond comfort.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Sherrilyn Kenyon is a huge influence of mine. Specifically her book Dance with the Devil.
I love the humor that comes through in her books as well as the action.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a lot. I’m a bit scatterbrained post-holiday season. I’m rewriting How to Diagnose a Changeling (Starsboro Book Two) while working on a nonfiction book (A publishing Guide for new authors under the name Marissa Frosch) and a short fiction piece for an anthology.
For my Cameron brand, I’m focused on re-releasing The Starsboro Chronicles but I’m also dabbling in paranormal romance books. Three in fact, that are in a shared universe. The first is a witch book, Salem Witch a fictionalized version of the events leading up to the Witch Trials in Salem Mass. Bite Me Once, is a werewolf book set in rural Maine in the 90s, and Vampire Viking in Vegas (You guessed it, it’s about a vampire Viking and his time in Vegas).

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a book marketer by day, I have to say building an organic reach through guest posts, author interviews (like this one!) and podcasts are the best way to promote your books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
BUILD A PLATFORM! That means having an email list (and permission to contact them do not buy subscribers, EVER), a website of your very own (named after your author name, not your book or series), and outreach (guest posts, interviews, and podcasts). It’s slow but taking these steps will give you a following that you can grow a career out of.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read Tim Grahl’s Your First 1000 Copies. I was trained by Tim I’ve seen what these steps can do over time. Buy a copy and start ASAP if you want this to be a career.

What are you reading now?
Pointe Patrol by Earik Beann. Its a memoir about a husband, wife, and their pets who not only survived the California wildfires. After the evacuation, he and his wife and some neighbors went back to their home against professional advice to protect their homes from the fires and looters. I’m having on my podcast next week and he’s donating a portion of his profits to other victims of the fires.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m really excited about my paranormal romance series. That’s my next step once Starsboro is in order.

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?
Travelers by V.S. Holmes, Dance with the Devil by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin, and The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Muagham

Author Websites and Profiles
Cameron J Quinn Website
Cameron J Quinn Amazon Profile
Cameron J Quinn Author Profile on Smashwords

Cameron J Quinn’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
To date, I have written three ebooks. “Women, What Cosmo Didn’t Tell you”, “In Her Dreams”, and “Poems of a Lost Heart”. I am currently working on a Fantasy Fiction entitles “Chaos Calls” and am hoping to make it a series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Women, What Cosmo Didn’t tell you”. It’s a satirical ebook that can currently be found on Amazon. Being a perpetual tomboy by nature, it was inspired by the many male friends I have that ask me why women do the things they do.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can not write without classical music playing on low in the background. I’ve never understood why, but the stories only flow with the classics playing. Could be that I’m just an old soul.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Harper Lee, Jacqueline Carey, Anne McCaffrey (big fan!), Stephen King, Neil Gaiman (Massively big fan, have nearly all his Sandman and Black Orchid comics and graphic novels.), Jane Austen… the list is quite varied and long.

What are you working on now?
“Chaos Calls” is the titled of my current work in progress. It was inspired by several things, honestly. My own heretical background, my love fantasy fiction, a paper I wrote for an English class on the history and origins of Names, and a wanting to tell an updated story that brought the old world legends and stories into the present.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ll let you know when I figure that out!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write as often as you can, even the gibberish! DON’T read the comments unless you like trolls that are trying to make you as miserable as they are. Stick with it, everyone gets rejected!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You are your own worst enemy. Conquer yourself and nothing stop you.

What are you reading now?
Truth? To Kill a Mockingbird, I’ve lost count how many times I’ve read it.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Finishing “Chaos Calls” and getting it published!

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?
Obviously “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Whatever I can grab by Neil Gaiman, “Sense and Sensibility” and “Master Harper of Pern”.

Author Websites and Profiles
Toni Verticelli Website
Toni Verticelli Amazon Profile

Toni Verticelli’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 crazy. Seriously. I talk to my characters a lot more than to real people. One day they’ll put me in a madhouse.
I’ve written 14 novels in sum, and 3 of them are in English. Seven of my novel and 1 short story are published in a traditional way (in Russia). I’ve self-published three novels written in English through Kindle: CRIMSON HILLS, DOUBLE LIGHTNING, and SHAME ON ME.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is SHAME ON ME. The previous version of the book was published in 2013 in Russia by Eksmo Publishing House and was written 10 years prior to that. The novel is translated by me, the author, improved, and gained a new story line.

‘Shame on Me’ is the first novel in the series.
The series revolves around two young friends from Russia, Julia and Kate, who love to take on the role of amateur sleuths. The novels are written in the form of email letters to their mutual American friend. Each book is written in first person, each from the point of view of one of the girls. The first book in the series is written from Julia’s point of view, the second from Kate’s, and so on. In addition to the mysteries and love stories, the series highlights interesting cultural differences between Russians and Americans and describes the life of a girl from a poor Russian family.

Annotation: Everything in 17-year-old Julia’s life was boring and monotonous until she came across a real corpse. Since it happened near her best friend Kate’s cabin, Julia and Kate feel the urge to find the killer, as does the dead man’s best friend Nick, for whom Julia falls as soon as they meet. At first glance, the murder seems to be connected to the victim’s business, but what if it has to do with a serial killer on the loose in the same area?

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m boring here)) I just drink a lot of hot green tea while writing. No tea – no inspiration!))

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Being Russian, I’ll name Mikhail Lermontov as the most favorite author, who has been a huge influence on me. I adore his poetry, and I adore his novel A Hero of Our Time. It’s deep, it has so many levels, you can reread it twelve times and never get bored. Despite dying young, Lermontov had learned people well (especially women), that’s why his works contain so much psychology. He was a great writer with such a horrible fate.
As regards non-Russian writers, I choose Oscar Wilde and John Fowles. I love the way they drew their characters.

What are you working on now?
I’m simultaneously working on the second book in the Russian mystery series (Shame on Me is the 1st one) and on the second book in the Lightning series (the first book in this series, Double Lightning, was published in 2017).

Do you have any advice for new authors?
NEVER EVER GIVE UP. I know it’s a banal thing to say, but it’s true. If you failed seventy three times, give it a seventy fourth try. It’s my credo.

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

What are you reading now?
I’m simultaneously reading several books: Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy, Heptameron by Marguerite de Navarre, Une Vie by Maupassant. Yes, I love reading and writing not just one book at the same time. That’s just one of a lot of things characterizing my strangeness.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll just keep on writing and coming up with new ideas.

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?
Akhmatova’s collection of poems, Lermontov’s ‘Hero of Our Time,’ and Bradbury’s ‘Fahrenheit 451’: I enjoyed reading it for the first time, so I guess I’d like to reread it. As to the first two choices, I’m never bored with Lermontov and Akhmatova.

Author Websites and Profiles
Margaret Mal Amazon Profile

Margaret Mal’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born in Wales and although I live in south east England, I have a strong affinity to the country of my birth. I always feel compelled to visit any time I am within fifty miles of the border! I prefer cycling to walking although I don;t exercise enough. I am vegetarian and my favourite colour is orange but I don’t wear it. I have written the first two books of an audio book trilogy and also some unpublished poetry.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Day Of The Martians is my debut book and the first in The Martian Diaries trilogy. I only started writing properly within the last five years, although I have been composing music all my life. I have always enjoyed The War Of The Worlds by H.G.Wells and felt I wanted to continue the story myself as there were questions left unanswered. That is why I have created my sequel to Wells’ science fiction classic and I have added my own music and sound effects to the audio book recording. Book 2 of the series, Lake On The Moon, will be out early in 2019 and links even more closely to the story of H.G.Wells’ original characters.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I prefer to write wearing my ‘lucky’ dressing gown. It helps me to really feel creative.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Isaac Asimov, H.G.Wells and the Bible.

What are you working on now?
I am currently writing my third book, Gateway To Mars, the final volume in The Martian Diaries trilogy. I am also putting the finishing touches to the second audio book, Lake On The Moon.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I enjoy promoting my books and connecting with readers and other writers on Twitter where I can be found at https://twitter.com/martiandiaries @martiandiaries

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Only this – keep going.

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

What are you reading now?
The Time Machine by H.G.Wells. He seemed to write about time a great deal and I like to get a feel for his ideas.

What’s next for you as a writer?
To finish my trilogy this year then take a much needed holiday! I then have some other unpublished writing and music combinations to work on. I also have an unfinished story set in World War I.

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?
First, a book on how to survive on a desert island! Also the Bible and the complete works of Shakespeare. That would be plenty of material which I have not yet completely read.

Author Websites and Profiles
H.E. Wilburson Website
H.E. Wilburson Amazon Profile

H.E. Wilburson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
• I was born in Lincoln, England and emigrated to the United States as a child, the son of WWII refugees. I have an MA in English from UCLA where I was the Editor-in-Chief of its literary magazine, and then went on to teach English at local universities/colleges for a number of years. I left the U.S. after my own children were grown to sail and experience life in the Caribbean.

My new novel, A Family Garden, attempts to answer an essential question: Can love once forsaken ever be redeemed? The story revolves around an unlikely trio who are chased up California’s coast by drug dealers and fanatics to a drug rehab in Canada where an impending lover’s reunion will be their last chance to recover what they’ve lost and their first chance to find the new life they desperately seek. Mature lovers and young lovers. Promises and betrayals. A Family Garden transforms the journey North into a complex journey inward, where the trio must each find the strength to overcome their demons or lose forever the love they desperately need.

My first novel, High Pocket, which will soon be available on Amazon, is an action/adventure story about a modern-day gold miner named Jake, who falls in love with the daughter of a crippled miner who tells him the unbelievable story of a cavern of gold he found in the accident that nearly took his life. When the Jake’s own brother is killed in a brutal mining accident brought about by the greed of the mine’s management, Jake puts his own life on the line to descend two miles inside the mine to see if the cavern still exists and to retrieve the gold.

My memoir, Passage From England, details the emotional journey of my search for home, interweaving the adventures and tragedies of my immigrant childhood in America’s 50s and 60s with the unusual experiences of my early retirement in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Told from two points of view and spanning five decades, the multiple journeys of the child and the man enrich one another, providing an understanding of the demons that pursued me while uncovering the spirit of endurance that was fostered within.

I’ve also written a number of screenplays, as well as the libretto for classical opera, Ode To Phaedra, which was inducted into the Oxford University Archives of Performances of Greek and Roman Drama.

My website, My So-Called Paradise (www.mysocalledparadise.com), includes weekly posts of contemporary observations of urban living, short stories, poems, etc., as well as free excerpts from my books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, of course, is A Family Garden. It was inspired by my attempt to complete the themes of my memoir, Passage From England, without further alienating my family who remain alive and well. In the memoir, I told the unvarnished truth, painful as it was for many in my family. However, since the bulk of the story took place in my long-ago past, most of the difficult parts were mitigated by the sheer vagaries of time. To complete the story in the present day would’ve been too much for my family, and my friends, to tolerate.

After a number of years thinking about the problem, I found the right fictional world in which complete the themes of Passage From England, to remain honest to myself and to keep my family still answering my emails and phone calls. I’ve described A Family Garden above, so let me just repeat the essential setup of the novel: Can love once forsaken ever be redeemed? This accurately sums up the through-line of my memoir as well.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. Although, I’ve talked to many writers who enjoy noisy environments, say a Starbucks, or some prefer headphones and background music. For me, silence and no distraction are key to allow me to focus and hear the sound of the words and sentences and paragraphs in my head. I like to reread what I’ve written over and over again in the composition stage. It’s essential that the sound of the work is comfortable and rhythmic in my head. Anything that interferes with my internal dialog makes it impossible for me to write.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Honestly, too many to list and really too many for me to accurately attribute. I was an undergrad English student, then earned a Masters Degree in Literature (UCLA), then entered a Ph.D. program (UCLA), then abandoned it. The English Literary Canon of all the “greats” infiltrated my mind early on, from Chaucer to E.L Doctorow and beyond. My Masters Thesis was on F. Scott Fitzgerald, a common icon, but a hell of a writer with perfect pitch.

I do want to add that music and the lyrics of singer-song writers were a big influence for me and many other writers. The greats of my generation in this area are Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, and Leonard Cohen, and their influence is difficult to overstate.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on a new book at the moment, and continuing to market A Family Garden. The marketing effort is similar to writing in the sense that I have to make a schedule for marketing and a separate schedule for writing. To be honest, balancing the two efforts is not a pleasant activity for me, but it must be done.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve had my own website for a decade now (www.mysocalledparadise.com) and my long-suffering subscribers hear about my book launches first and probably too regularly. I also try to take advantage of various social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) with varying degrees of concentration and success. I reach out reviewers and promoters such as this site when I can and where I can. I’m not very good at it, and tend to falter just when I should persist. I’m a writer, which is akin to dreaming, so I’m always optimistic that my books will run wild. Silly, I know, but there it is.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Writers are as individual as anyone else, so good advice for one writer might be useless for another. If forced, though, I’d say reading and writing are tightly linked, at least in my experience. So I’d advise writers to read a lot, read what you like, and your own writing style and subject will likely emerge.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In regards to writing…and again this is for my particular writing characteristics…set a schedule for writing each day if possible, but certainly write five days a week at least, even if for a short, repeated period. The reason the schedule works well is that writing is generally an unnatural and difficult task, a job really. So it’s easy to put it off, especially if what you’re writing is not being paid for up front. The schedule is the driver of your work. Obey the schedule, try never to deviate from it. Surprisingly, as time goes by, the work gets written, the projects get completed, and you feel a little sense of accomplishment, which is what most writers hope for.

What are you reading now?
I’m normally reading two or three books at the same time, sketchy attention span, I guess. Right now I’m reading High Noon: The Hollywood Blacklist and the Making of an American Classic, by Glenn Frankel. I’m also reading, as is everyone else on the planet, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, by Yuval Noah Harari, Tenth of December: Stories, by George Saunders.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on a new book at the moment, and continuing to market A Family Garden. The marketing effort is similar to writing in the sense that I have to make a schedule for marketing and a separate schedule for writing. To be honest, balancing the two efforts is not a pleasant activity for me, but it must be done.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Well, impossible to answer, really, because selection is such a limitation and it skews my interests, but I’ll play along. Jude The Obscure by Thomas Hardy. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Tempest, by William Shakespeare. Beloved by Toni Morrison.

Author Websites and Profiles
Frank Zajaczkowski Website
Frank Zajaczkowski Amazon Profile

Frank Zajaczkowski’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first novel! An avid fan of Science Fiction, I finally decided to take a crack at writing one myself. Writing Black Saucer was such a great experience for me that I decided to start writing a sequel, which I hope to finish by summer’s end. I even have a third book in the works!
I have been an Art Director for 35 years, and I have found it to be a fun and rewarding career.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I always wanted to write a book, but every time I came up with an idea, I would eventually decide that it really wasn’t such a good idea. One night, I woke up with an idea for a sci-fi book. I thought about it for a while and realized that it would make a pretty good story! And that’s how Black Saucer: A Story of Determination came to be!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a big believer in just start typing. Don’t think about it, do it! You could always rewrite parts of your story if you don’t like it later on.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, James P. Hogan, Clive Custler, Nelson DeMille, Edgar Rice Burrows and Kirt Vonnegut.

What are you working on now?
The Sequel to Black Saucer, title to be determined.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Right now it’s Facebook and Reddit. I’ve also been working on getting some press in a local newspaper. I go into Coffee shops, Comic stores, and anywhere else wher they will let me put up a poster.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t stare at a blank page! Start typing, even if it stinks! Just type, and correct yourself later.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Finish your book!

What are you reading now?
To Your Scattered Bodies Go, by Phillip Jose Farmer

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing the sequel to Black Saucer, then it’s on to my third 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?
Failure Is Not An Option, by Gene Kranz
We, by Charles Lindbergh
Dragon, by Clive Custler

Author Websites and Profiles
James Allocca Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Demon Zero is my very first book! I’m a teacher by trade, but I thought I’d take the plunge and finally start publishing my work.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Demon Zero is inspired by some of my favorite pop culture urban fantasy stories, and it’s actually inspired by movies and TV more than it is by other books. I grew up loving shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Serenity (not urban fantasy, I know, but there are a lot of shared themes!), and it’s been fun for me to see so many great urban fantasy books pop up over the last five or ten years. Young adults today are so lucky to have access to such fun, imaginative work, and I wanted to take my love for comic books and fantasy and add to the canon!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I absolutely cannot write if there’s music playing. I know a lot of authors love to listen to music to help set the mood for them, but if there’s music, I can’t focus, and I go all wonky with the keyboard. It just doesn’t work!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Neil Gaiman is a classic favorite, as are Roald Dahl and Kurt Vonnegut. All three authors have such an extraordinary way of weaving humor through very important themes.

What are you working on now?
The next book in the Dark Matter series! It’s called Scorched Earth, and it should be out in February!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Fans can actually get in on the storytelling action by visiting RandallPine.com and signing up for the Dark Matter Case Files emails. Twice a month, I’m sending out clues to the mysteries in the next Dark Matter books, and readers can investigate the mysteries along with Simon and Virgil, the main characters!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I know it sounds obvious, but JUST WRITE! Even when it’s hard, even when you don’t want to, even when you think the words you’re writing are rubbish, write anyway. You’ll be surprised at how good those words end up being.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Give your readers some credit! They’re smart enough to know what you’re saying without having to spell everything out.

What are you reading now?
The Rook, by Daniel O’Malley

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully the continuation of a successful Dark Matter series!

Author Websites and Profiles
Randall Pine Website
Randall Pine Amazon Profile