Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I love wild sex, so my book will be based on that.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Isabella’s SECRET. – One of the craziest time I had.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to get naked at time?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
JK Rowling, Harry Potter

What are you working on now?
Sequel

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Start dreaming!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Limit is when you stop dreaming.

What are you reading now?
Re-reading Harry Potter – He’s hot.

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

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?
All of Harry Potters!

Author Websites and Profiles
Brianna Scarlett Amazon Profile

Brianna Scarlett’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I became a writer because I had a story I wanted to tell.

‘Camouflage’ is my first book. I am now working on a fantasy set in the medieval period.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I live in a small town in Connecticut. The beauty of the landscape inspired me to write. I would drive by the lakes and look into the forests and wonder what’s out there that we haven’t discovered. That thought would not leave me and I started to write ‘Camouflage’.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have some tricks I use when I write. The first is to know the story I want to tell. I’ve already thought out where the action will go next. The second trick is to remind myself before I start that I just need to write the next paragraph. I don’t get caught up in what it will take to complete the book. I know the story and I focus on just the next step.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Bram Stoker’s, Dracula and Mary Shelly’s, Frankenstein. I love the ideas behind them.

What are you working on now?
‘Sarana and the Dark King’ is a fantasy novel for adults, about a ruthless king who controls a magic creature who has the power to cause instant death. Only one thing could stop his reign of terror, a commoner with a secret past and a power of her own.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Finding the right promotional site has worked best for me. I advertise on Goodreads, Facebook, Bargain Booksy, and I hope readers from Awesome Gang will like my work.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The first thing I would say is to learn to love criticism. Praise will not help you improve your work as much as criticism will.
Another piece of advice is to write with sincerity. Never have a character do something because you like the way it sounds. All actions and motives in a story must make sense. Readers will know if something does not fit in.
Also, learn the rules for writing a novel. There is more to it then telling a great story. For me, staying with a character’s point of view was sometimes a challenge.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I don’t know where I heard it-but I never give up and I don’t let anyone tell me I can’t do something.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading ‘Traitor Knight’, by Keith Willis.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am in the process of editing my next book, ‘Sarana and the Dark King’.

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 ‘Dracula’ by Bram Stoker and ‘Jurassic Park’, by Michael Crichton. After that I may want to gamble on something new.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ivy Keating Website
Ivy Keating Amazon Profile

Ivy Keating’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing for 35+ years. Pretty amazing when I you consider how I got started as a writer: I lived in a N.C. mountain town of 200 people–Brasstown–and that’s where I learned how to write articles. The first time I saw my byline in the “Asheville Citizen-Times” I was hooked. I’ve since gone on to write 1,200 articles for major magazines and 18 books. Like I said, I was hooked!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Welcome the Little Children” is the third book in my Appalachian Mountain Mysteries. I’ve set the books there to pay homage to the people who taught me so much (including writing!). This book continues the saga of Abit Bradshaw and Della Kincaid and involves a missing mother, neglected children, and lost love. Abit and Della have their work cut out for them as they get entangled in the investigation of the missing mother, searching for answers from the mountains of N.C. to the streets of D.C. Along the way, they come face-to-face with the lies and secrets plaguing their own families. I was inspired by my life in the mountains of N.C., my Irish heritage, and bluegrass music. Oh, and the eight years I spent in Washington, D.C. (Quite a difference from small-town N.C.!)

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Over the years, I learned that I have to know my lead sentences–whether I’m writing a blog, article, or book–in order to get started. I read all the books that said I could come back and do this later, but that never worked. I HAVE to know where I’m headed, and the lead, well, leads me forward. Otherwise, I’m your regular, diligent writer, spending four to six hours a day writing (with plenty of breaks for meals, cups of tea, and playing with my dog, Mollie).

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Anne Lamott has been an invaluable ally. Her nonfiction book “Bird by Bird” got me over my negative thinking about my terrible first drafts. I came to understand they are a natural part of the writing process. As for authors that inspire me, Adrian McKinty ranks high. I love his humor and character backstories that add so much to the mysteries. I’m also a big fan of P.D. James, David Baldacci, Jonathan Kellerman, and Michael Connelly. Especially Michael Connelly.

What are you working on now?
I am in the early stages of research into the fourth book of my Appalachian Mountain Mysteries. Still exploring what Abit and Della will get up to next.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m pleased, for the most part, with Amazon. That seems to be where readers go.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
As I mentioned above–don’t beat yourself up for writing bad first drafts. That’s just how the writing process works. I like to tell my clients that “Good writing is really good editing. Bad writers just stopped too soon.” Take that first draft and polish it till it shines. Edit. Edit. Edit.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Again, don’t get discouraged by bad first drafts. Keep at it, and edit it as much as needed until it shines. Oh, and here’s some advice I don’t agree with–write every day. That doesn’t work for me. I need to get out and see things and overhear things. I need to walk in nature. If I tell myself I HAVE to write every day, that becomes a burden rather than a joy. I am disciplined about my writing, so I’m not worried I’m going to fall off the writing wagon. I need breaks–they freshen and improve my writing.

What are you reading now?
I just finished David Baldacci’s “Long Road to Mercy.” A little slow in the beginning (unusual for him), but he’s introducing a new character, which takes time. Once past the slow intro, though, it’s a page burner! I’m waiting for the latest Adrian McKinty book–promised soon.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on marketing six of my favorite books–three fiction and three nonfiction. I’ve spent years perfecting them, and now is the time, thanks to Amazon Advertising, to have a real go at it. But as I mentioned above, I’m also researching book four in my Appalachian Mountain Mysteries.

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 latest books by Michael Connelly, Jonathan Kellerman, Adrian McKinty, and David Baldacci. I’d skip another favorite genre–cookbooks. Though maybe a fish cookbook would be a good idea!

Author Websites and Profiles
Lynda McDaniel Website
Lynda McDaniel Amazon Profile

Lynda McDaniel’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Crikey .. loads.. but the question is how many are worth reading.

I’ve published several short stories which have received good feedback. and I’m currently working on the novel .. yes that novel. you know the one that takes far longer to get put that it should.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My mind is a dark and unnerving place – a collection of short stories based on the nightmares that rattled around my head while trying to sleep.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do like to listen to music. I find that depending on which character I’m writing, I need the soundtrack to reflect. For example, In the novel I’m writing at the moment when in the POV of a teenage girl, I find remixes and dubstep on the playlist. When in the POV of an older man living on the streets, Old school rock (ACDC, Credence Clearwater Revival, and so on)

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Definitely Steven King. James Herbert, George RR Martin, Id say these are the three big ones that immediatley come to mind

What are you working on now?
The Invisible People:

Nobody saw them. Nobody cared. They were the perfect camouflage. It used them to hide in plain sight as the world walked on. Dan saw them. He looked up and saw the invisible people, and when he held out a helping hand, It latched on.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Im pretty clueless when it comes to marketing … i need help

Do you have any advice for new authors?
advice … well, I still consider myself to be in that camp, so I’m all ears if you have any.

What are you reading now?
I would say is to write true to yourself, and don’t worry if you feel you may offend or upset.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hmm, to finish “the invisible people” and try to find a publisher.

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 Game of Thrones series. The Lord of the Rings Series, The Shining and Dr Sleep. Also a stack of blank ones, and lots of pens.

Author Websites and Profiles
Alex Maher Website

Alex Maher’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am first and foremost a follower of Jesus. I was homeschooled all the way through high school, which enabled me to develop my creativity and instilled the self-motivation needed to be a novelist. As a kid, I created plot lines and characters out of anything I could get my hands on, especially LEGOs. Not much has changed on that front. I’ve also been designing custom board games for as long as I can remember. I enjoy playing disc golf and ping pong when I get the chance. I’m just breaking into the literary world. The Unknown Hero is my debut novel, nine years in the making.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Growing up, I wasn’t much of a reader. I couldn’t find the book that I really wanted to read. I knew what I was looking for, an adventure with an epic space setting. However, most science fiction novels focus on strange technologies or dystopian futures. They tend to be too weird for my tastes. So, I determined to write a science fiction story that was driven by adventure and interplanetary politics. That way I could have all the cool space ships and alien planets without the dark undercurrents or the silliness that people often associate with the genre.
The Unknown Hero is the book I had been searching for all those years ago. I crafted the plot around the planets, characters, and societies that I so desperately wanted to read about. Most of my original ideas didn’t survive to the final draft, but they inspired better ones.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m dyslexic. That’s another reason why I didn’t read much as a kid. So that I won’t get lost in the letters as much, I normally write in an oversized font.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Outriders by Kathryn Mackel was the first novel that really captivated me. It showed me what a good writer could do. I learned how to write gripping, suspenseful action scenes from that book.
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart was another book that I studied. Stewart’s prose flows so smoothly that you forget you’re reading at all.
The Shifter by Janice Hardy introduced me to crafting a world through the first person, which I now employee for many of my short stories.

What are you working on now?
Books 2 and 3 of The Unknown Hero trilogy are, of course, my primary projects. I’m also working on a novella about an imaginary friend. The story is meant to be very enigmatic while having a quaint, homey feel. It’s a fascinating blend, and I’ve been enjoying the results so far. I have a notebook full of other story concepts that I will occasionally write random scenes for when I have a great idea.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still exploring the marketing options available for books and indie authors. Every step of the way, from publishing to building a website and web presence to marketing, I have done myself. It has been a lot of trial and error, but that’s how you learn. I want to know how the industry operates, every facet of it. That way, when I do purchase the services of publishing or marketing companies, I will know exactly what I’m paying for.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Hold the reigns but let the horse walk on four legs. Let me explain what I mean by that. You have to keep your story on track with a detailed plot, but you have to let it follow its logical course at the same time.
Imagine a marble track. The marble is your story. The track represents the setting, characters, and circumstances. They control where your story will naturally go regardless of what your plot says. To force the story in any other direction would be to fight against the world you created, and that always creates annoying plot holes or a choppy storyline. You have to craft logical circumstances to guide the story to the next essential point of your plot naturally. It’s not easy, you might have to make major adjustments, but you’ll be glad you did. Your story will have more depth and will be more engaging when you’re done.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Take the time to paint a vivid picture. That advice was important for me because I write very concisely by nature. Expertly crafted descriptions are beautiful paragraphs. Seize the opportunities to add detail and depth to your world.

What are you reading now?
The Last Guardian by Shane Johnson. I can’t decide whether I like it or not. The plot line is almost hilariously strange. It has me bemused at any rate.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Other than marketing in the traditional sense, I’m also trying to get my name out through short stories. There are many avenues, from magazines to contests, by which to share your stories with potential readers and introduce them to your writing. Winning a writing contest is a nice way to prove the quality of your work.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My best friend recently got me Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson, an acclaimed fantasy novel, and Foundation by Isaac Asimov, a classic of science fiction. I would definitely bring both of those. Of course, I’d be sure to take my Bible. Lastly, I’d bring a copy of my own book. Who knows, maybe there’s someone else stranded on the island who’s looking for a good read!

Author Websites and Profiles
Isaac Philips Website
Isaac Philips Amazon Profile

Isaac Philips’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired psychiatric nurse. I submitted my first story to Readers Digest when I was about 12 years old. Still waiting to hear from them. I wrote a humorous article for the magazine section of the Times-Picayune and received payment for it when I was very young. Since then I have written numerous articles, eight novels, and two non-fiction books. I am also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the Sisters Souls.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newly released book is called Senior Camp 2035. The book was conceived during a family discussion about the state of our country. I imagined what might happen if we lost our Democracy. What would the future of America be if we were governed by a dictator? This book is my attempt to answer those questions. The result is an interesting, but scary look at dystopian America.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I like to write at the same time every day. I sit down and write a word, a sentence, a paragraph, a page, a chapter. I always write something, even if I have nothing to say. Words flowed when I wrote Senior Camp 2035. Because religion no longer exists in this futuristic novel, I started each writing session with a prayer. And thus, I was able to give the story a sense of redemption.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read anything. In school, I loved Thomas Hardy’s strong heroines. I like Stephen King as much as I like Nicholas Sparks. I am influenced by authors who write in such a manner that I am taken away to a new place, a new time, a whole new existence. I believe writers need to be able to tell a story that interests the reader. I often forget the author, but never the work.

What are you working on now?
I am beginning another humorous mystery caper in my Sisters Series. The sisters from Louisiana have traveled all the way from New Orleans to New York, to San Antonio, to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi to Sicily. I think I am going to send them on a mystery cruise to Cuba.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon.com/author/lllee

Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you want to be an author, you need to do two things, read and write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write something every day. Even if it’s just one word, write.

What are you reading now?
I am reading a book by Johnnie Bernhard called How We Came To Be.

What’s next for you as a writer?
How about a movie adaptation of Senior Camp 2035? Now that would be wonderful.

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 Prophet
The Works of Shakespeare
Confederacy of Dunces
The Worlds Best Poems
and of course,
Senior Camp 2035

Author Websites and Profiles
L L Lee Website
L L Lee Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a college professor and mom of three. I just published the second novel in the Glen Highland Romance series (they are all stand alones), articles, and a few short stories. I am currently working on a novella, a larger fiction novel, and a few more shorts.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Lady of the Glen is book two in the series; however, the focus changes for this book. Instead of a continuation of book one, The Lady centers on the story of a different character – she gets to be the main character instead of a minor one. In book one, she is a bit of a villain, but we learn why and see what happens with some introspection. The books are Scottish historical romances, a fave genre of mine. I was inspired by Diana Gabaldon — I read Outlander when it first released in 1993 and was hooked.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have no strong writing habits. I am not the more disciplined writer – unfortunately work and family often come first. I also like background noise – music or brain-dead TV to keep me busy.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Diana Gabaldon, as I mentioned, and her entire Outlander series. However, my favorite author of all time is Stephen King. I first read Pet Semetary when I was 12. If we want to go way back, however, we can look at Edgar Allen Poe Roald Dahl, Shel Silverstein, and V.C Andrews — all the twisted greats — starting when I was in first grade!

What are you working on now?
I am working on the third in the Glen Highland Romance series – The Exile of the Glen. I am also working on my third short in my Rebound series – a contemporary romance, and my first contemporary novella in the police office genre of romance.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am trying a few sites — Thirstyauthor.com has some great resources for email list building, so I have started there, and storyorigin.com for newsletter and giveaway swaps.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up. There is a lot of rejection and negative reviews that will come your way, but the writing community itself and the band of followers and readers you will eventually have make it all worth it.

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

What are you reading now?
A few college texts for my upcoming classes! Haha. But I just finished the Rooster Bar by Grisham.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Trying to see if I get a full time professorship and if my writing career will grow!

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 Stand, Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, the collected works of Edgar Allen Poe

Author Websites and Profiles
Michelle Deerwester-Dalrymple Website
Michelle Deerwester-Dalrymple Amazon Profile

Michelle Deerwester-Dalrymple’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am originally from Richmond, VA and I currently live with my husband Todd and two dogs Honey and Jack in Phoenix, AZ. I have been in 4 collaborative books and have written 2 books of my own.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I love giving aspiring authors an outlet to share their wisdom and gifts. My purpose is to make book publishing accessible to those who have a desire to get to express their gifts. The latest book I compiled with a group of 57 authors called, When I Rise, I Thrive: Healing Trauma Through Shared Stories of Personal Transformation. A deeply transformative book featuring shared stories of breakdown to breakthrough. Helping the reader know they are never alone no matter what challenges they may face. We come together to express a joined voice of hope specifically concerning: divorce, depression, illness, traumatic injury, and emotional and physical abuse.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a special spot where I like to work in my home, I grab some hot tea and let the words flow. Sometimes if I can’t get the creative juices flowing I go to the local Starbucks and listen to the people around me and write as quickly as possible. I’m an introvert and this technique helps me get the words to paper efficiently, so I can come home accomplished.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wayne Dyer, Marianne Williamson, Byron Katie, Deepak Chopra, Elizabeth Gilbert. I also love mystery novels and most anything by Stephen King.

What are you working on now?
I am starting a new project at As You Wish Publishing with 20 authors called “Healer”. The intention is to bring expert wisdom to those currently looking into the healing world, new healers, as well as, inspire those people struggling with their healing journey.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method I have found is enlisting authors to bring a few people on board as a launch team and having them promote the project to their social media and more. All though I’m new to Awesome Gang I will be promoting with you as you have come highly recommended by my other publisher friends.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advice for new authors is to not get discouraged. Trust that what you have to say is valuable, important and matters. When we share our knowledge with the world we always make it a better place. Write something every day and know someone needs to read that article, blog or book.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be patient and trust that the next project, situation, positive interaction will open up for you.

What are you reading now?
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

What’s next for you as a writer?
I have been bouncing around some ideas about writing some business books for the spiritually minded.

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 Course In Miracles, Power of Intention, Ask and it is Given, any book by JR Ward.

Author Websites and Profiles
Kyra Schaefer Website
Kyra Schaefer Amazon Profile

Kyra Schaefer’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up during the 1950’s on my paternal grandfathers farm in rural south-western Ontario, Canada. My loving parents are both gone now, and I miss them everyday, but I still have my brother. I am Mom to two wonderful sons, and loving grandmother to three beautiful granddaughters, and one handsome grandson. I am also great grandmother – or G-G – as I am known to my delightful great grandson. I have always loved to write. This adoration for English composition began in grade school and carried into my adult years. Though I am unprofessionally trained in the field of writing, I have always possessed the uncanny ability of unique expression in stories that could grasp the heart and soul of the reader. I am an Interior Decorator by trade, and owned and operated a residential home service for twenty eight years before retiring from that field. My writing venture began in 2001 when I became a serious writer with intent on seeing where it could possibly take me. Over the years I had written an assortment of both contemporary and traditional poetry, and from this I put together my first collection under the title, Feelings: A Rhythmic Journey in Thought which I self-published in 2009. This was followed in 2010 with my first collection of children’s short stories, entitled, Young Minds. This collection was based on my own childhood as well as stories I wrote for my grandchildren. In 2010 I published the first part of the original two-part Passion in Paris that I began writing in 2001. This two-part romantic fiction drama was short lived, and it was also not the way I had envisioned my first venture into this genre to be nor the publishing of it, and because of this, the end result was inept, so I took it off market it until I could revise it into my original concept, that of which I finally brought to fruition in the 818 page, 4-star-Amazon awarded, romantic fiction grand scale novel, Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary, which I released in 2013. Leading up to this, I published a new poetry collection entitled, Impressions which I released in 2011. I followed this with a revised children’s short story collection, containing previously published stories, including those written for my grandchildren plus additional new stories, under the title, Through the Eyes of Innocence. This was followed in 2012 by the comedy short, The Misadventures of Derwood Tugbottom. This was followed in 2015 by the 5-star-awarded romantic fiction drama, Willow’s Walk. In 2017, I following that novel with the second in the Derwood Tugbottom comedy series, entitled, Derwood Returns. The early titles, Feelings, Young Minds, and the two-part Passion in Paris: Connections and Directions respectfully, are no longer available. The rest can be obtained at all Amazons, as well as other fine online bookstores, and brick and mortar order desks everywhere. The Perils of Autumn, and Derwood Goes Caribbean are soon to be released. I hope everyone will watch for them, as well as check out the available titles I mentioned.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Perils of Autumn. I have always adored horses, and admired nurses. I find the horse a most intelligent animal – if not the most intelligent, at least in my opinion – and I always loved to watch them, speak with them, and applaud their wonderful movements. I loved to ride in my youth, even had my own pony as a girl, however I never rode professionally, or entered show competitions, but I would take in as many as I could. I have always held immense respect for nurses, and the dedication they possess when it comes to healing those whom are ailing, recuperating from surgery or an accident, and it is all done with expert care and compassion. Because of the admiration for these two subjects, I decided to combine them in a story that centers around both.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not exactly sure what ‘unusual’ means in this question. However, I do like to scribble ideas and dialogue in a notebook that I keep for ideas for future projects. My desk is always littered with small notes pertaining to whatever I’m working on at the moment. I used to write in the evening often well into the night, but since retiring from my business I now apply, and have for a while now, the day hours that I once worked to my writing. However, it can often be distracting and annoying when the phone rings, a dog continually barks outside, or the usual noise throughout the house as well as outside that carries in.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have great appreciation and respect for a few authors who are primarily known as authors of children’s books, and they are Canadian authoress, Lucy Maude Montgomery ( Anne of Green Gables, plus the Emily of New Moon series and more) British author Anna Sewell (Black Beauty) and American author Laura Ingalls Wilder (Little House on the Prairie series of books). I also enjoy the workings of Mark Twain (Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn, both classics). Fav authors of adult work are: Nora Roberts, Kathryn Stockett (The Help), Stephen King ( numerous horror & psychological thrillers) and British authoress, Emile Bronte (Wuthering Heights). I also enjoy the work of fellow Niagara author, Gina IaFrate. There are many talented, self-published, local authors in your area; check them out, and give them a read. You might find yourself pleasantly entertained.

What are you working on now?
I am currently finishing the third installment of my Derwood Tugbottom comedy series, entitled, Derwood Goes Caribbean. Each book in this series takes the bumbling, retired London England City Hall Official, on another eccentric adventure, where he is sure to tickle your funny-bone with his hysterical antics. In the latest, he, and his best friend, Scotsman Robert McEwen, board The Travelling Minstrel as it sets course for the Caribbean with a ship full of singles looking for a good time.
I have also began work on the follow-up novel to The Perils of Autumn, entitled, Return to Autumn. This second part of the ongoing story introduces readers to a few new characters, solves a deep secret and brings it out into the open, and carries the reader to the end of this touching, and not-soon-forgotten story.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use all social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Pinterrest, Goodreads, Google+, Authors.com, as well as my official website www.rusty-blackwood.com, where readers may find assorted information about me, my work, my titles, and keep caught up with me through my Journal/Blog. I also write a monthly, end of month Newsletter that carries my news of the month, whatever that may be. It’s a great way to keep engaged with readers on my contact list, and them with me. I have worked with my stellar marketing rep & publicist, Don McCauley, since 2011, who looks after me well and also keeps my name before the public eye. That is most important, for if you are out of sight, you are out of mind. I also work with Joe Crawford, of the Niagara based The Joe Show on the TJSN Network, and I have recently began working with Catherine Townsend-Lyon of Lyon Media Services, beginning with the promotion of the soon to be released, Readers Favorite 5-star-award-winning, romantic fiction drama, The Perils of Autumn.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you know. There is nothing more discouraging or upsetting than to undertake a subject in written words that you know little about, and make it entertaining and legible to the reader. Often writers draw from life experiences, I do, for there is no better research than what you have experienced first hand. But when you are very young, you have yet to have much experience to draw from, therefore research everything thoroughly. I believe this suggestion could be taken by any writer, seasoned or not, but if you write about things you know about, you will find your finished piece a polished, fine offering for the eyes of any reader that chooses your title. Critique is a large portion of writing; it is not always kind, and you must learn to take what you can from that and apply it to your craft. Do not expect that your first, even second or third title will be an instant success. It may or may not happen, but if you love to write, have a passion to write, then you will find a way to stick with it. It can be a very long, drawn out process. Finally, do not let anyone tell you it cannot be done. Only you know the muse inside you, so let it speak to you, and have fun.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Pretty much what I said in the prior question. Things take time, they rarely happen over night, and if you go into this field with expectations that you put out a book and you are an instant celebrity with gold untold, then you may be badly disappointed. It may happen, there is nothing saying it won’t, but keep an open mind, and approach realistically.

What are you reading now?
Bestowed With Love And Splendor by Niagara author, Gina IaFrate. It is a wonderful story of a degraded-by-her-husband woman who finds herself in a heartbreaking, mentally abusive marriage. The heroine, an agent for a Niagara travel agency, is sent to the Island of Sardinia to assist their associate agency in setting up new programs for tourists. While there, she encounters the possibly of a life she could only dream about should she choose to remain in her present, loveless marriage, and proceeds to struggle with a life that could be hers for the taking.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am currently working on the 3rd installment of the Derwood Tugbottom comedy series, Derwood Goes Caribbean, and I will also be doing a 4th installment in the series, possibly the last, but that is still not decided, and I have started the follow-up novel to The Perils of Autumn, entitled Return to Autumn. This novel will carry readers to the end of this intense story. I am also planning a final poetry collection. I have written a huge array of contemporary and traditional poetry over the years, and I hope to compile them in a final collection. I have also started a historical account of my family’s country music band, The Midnight Ramblers, entitled Ramblin’ Years: The Midnight Ramblers: A Biographical Account. I joined this band in 1963 at age 13 as a vocalist. I also learned to play acoustic guitar, and bass guitar, which I played from 1970 until the group ended in the mid-seventies.

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?
Gone With the Wind, a map of the area, The Bible, and a photograph album of my family.

Author Websites and Profiles
Rusty Blackwood Website
Rusty Blackwood Amazon Profile
Rusty Blackwood Author Profile on Smashwords

Rusty Blackwood’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 full-time soldier and a part time author and video game developer. This is my thirteenth e-book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Ninja Gaiden (1989): 90 design tips from an 8-Bit Classic. I’ve been analyzing classic video games in order to improve my own game design skills, and I thought other people may like the information I’ve been discovering.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do about 90% of my writing on my phone, which allows me to put down ideas on paper as soon as I get them.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Far too many to count, but authors like Malcolm Gladwell and Jon Ronson come to mind.

What are you working on now?
I am continuing work on my game design books.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing, publishing, and promoting. The more you do it, the better you’ll get, and the faster you’ll be able to see a return on your work.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you want to be great, figure out the price for greatness. Then pay it.

What are you reading now?
A series of books on art and music in video games.

What’s next for you as a writer?
More game-themed books. Lot’s of them.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would just bring a Kindle and a solar power generator.

Enes Memic’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m happily married for over 13 years with a precious 6 years old son. I always believe in human goodness at core & that there is good in everything.
Always fascinated with human behaviors & spirituality, & paradoxically with technology & innovations.
Founder of CompuTechNet, a computer company helping thousands of clients for the past 25 years to create peace of mind around technology solutions as well as creating a bonding relation with his clients like extended family members.
I have been writing & researching for the past 6 years for the book I’m planning to publish, titled: “ The Secret Cycle of Givers & Receivers”, to help finding our purpose in life, by collaborating each other’s unique gifts.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
” The secret cycle of Givers & Receivers “, unleashing every individual’s full potential & achieving the purpose in this physical life was the inspiration & gateway to write this book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I would like to twist what I mean so that the reader conclude their own understanding before I explain what I meant, this way the reader & I might create a contrast which I think after clarifying the image it’ll become bolder & more interactive.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have too many favorite authors, but the one whom really inspired me and introduced me to the other authors was Dr. Wayne Dyer, after I read his book ” You’ll see it, when you believe it “, and I was honored to walk & talk with Dr. Dyer before he passed away. May he rest in peace.

What are you working on now?
“The Universe that You Are”
We all own our own Galaxy and all the people around us, and we interact with in our life, are the stars in it.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Fear not, express your inner music, it’s your core purpose in this life.
Anything that pours purely out of you, will find it’s way to change humanity.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Wisdom is knowing I am nothing, Love is knowing I am everything, and between the two my life moves.” Nisargadatta Maharaj

What are you reading now?
The Power of NOW By Eckhart Tolle

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Bible, Quran, Change your thoughts change your life ( Tao Te Ching ), How to survive in the wild

Pedram Owtad’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Key West, Fl., and most of my Mick Murphy Key West Mystery books take place there. Mistaken Identity is the 10th book in the series and the 2nd one that has my character begin in Dublin, Ireland before returning to Key West.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
MISTAKEN IDENTITY is the new book and it was inspired while I was in Dublin and became of the gang war there between two drug gangs. Much of the background of the Irish section is drawn from that war. Changed names of protect me when I return this summer!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually write in the morning, read in the afternoon and often do some minor editing in the evening.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Hemingway, then in mystery/thriller there are many. Some are James Lee Burke, Don Bruns, Robert Crais, Michael Collins, Laurence Block.

What are you working on now?
Sketching out an untitled novel about big corporations invading Key West with expensive homes and condos. Where’s the money come for these projects?

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, read the kind of books you write and don’t talk to much!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write & read

What are you reading now?
John Cunningham’s Silver Good-Bye

What’s next for you as a writer?
To get my outline done and begin the new book, while promoting my current one.

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?
Hemingway’s short stories and three good mysteries that I’d enjoy reading over and over.

Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Haskins Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an experienced interview coach and prepare candidates for range of job interview scenarios tailored to their needs. I have written two books to date titled “HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL AT INTERVIEWS” and “Interview Preparation And Success Tips” both available on Amazon.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is titled”Interview Preparation and Success Tips: A Detailed Guide on How to Answer Interview Questions and Bag That Dream Job!” .Actually what inspired me to write the book is due to the fact that over my nine years of preparing job seekers for interviews they find it difficult to ace their job interviews and l felt with my experience in interview coaching the book will therefore help build their confidence and also with the interview tips inclusive the job candidate will be able to convince the recruiter and land the dream job.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Books written by Brian Tracy, Les Brown ,The Chimp Paradox: The Mind Management Programme to Help You Achieve Success, Confidence and Happiness 5 Jan 2012
by Prof Steve Peters.

What are you working on now?
Am working on my 3rd book

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook, Book Reader Magazine and Awesome Gang website.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
With hard work, patience and commitment the goals will be achieved.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t kill your dream.

What are you reading now?
Becoming
by Michelle Obama

What’s next for you as a writer?
To write more interview guide books for job-seekers.

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
Becoming
My books.

Author Websites and Profiles
Ernest Enabulele Website
Ernest Enabulele Amazon Profile

Ernest Enabulele’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is K.A. Bolton. I live in midtown Manhattan. For several years I have been ghostwriters for a number of author. I also wrote a few short stories. I have written over five books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Ratman and Robin: The attack of Catman and the Meows.

Well, the idea first came to me many years ago but it wasn’t until last year that I decided to put pencil to paper and piece the idea together. It was inspired by my love for comics and animals and I thought ‘wouldn’t it be cool to create a new kind of superhero’. I thought about which animals could be used as a superhero and I thought it’d be cool to use the most unexpected creatures and transform them into a superheroes. After that, the blocks just started to gather.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, actually I do have unusual writing habits. I just think there is something classical about writing with pencils, and there is a inherent connection between the pencil and my mind that allows the ideas to flow fluently. So when other people may use pen or a tablet, I use a pencils. Evidently I have to eventually type it out, but that doesn’t matter. It may be time consuming to have to type it after I write it, yet I don’t mind going that extra mile.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
‘Hidden Fire’ by Sandra Brown. I think that was one of the first books I actually read, not for academic purpose, but for casual entertainment and I think this is the inception of my passion to write.

What are you working on now?
Well, I am working on two books currently. The third book of a trilogy and I am also writing and the second book in the series for Ratman and Robin.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes I do. If writing is your passion, ensure to pursue it with unrelenting vigor. Always jot your ideas down, never waste an ideas or delay it for another moment. If it comes in the middle of the night, or while traveling on the bus, or even at work, the moment you get the opportunity, write it down. Also read a lot. Trust me, I can tell you, reading enhances your writing skills and is expedient in your overall cognitive ability.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There are a few. I think one of the most important ones is to never give up.

What are you reading now?
I am reading a book by Daniel Steele called Vanish.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Continuing to focus on my craft, writing more books and eventually writing screenplays.

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?

Author Websites and Profiles
K.A. Bolton Website
K.A. Bolton Author Profile on Smashwords

K.A. Bolton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi! I’m a paranormal romance addict since Buffy the Vampire Slayer was on television, but I actually started writing stories with no magic in them and fanfictions from other shows and books that I liked at the time. I was fourteen when I finished my first book and printed it on my dad’s old Canon printer. I continued writing mostly fanfictions during my college years, but I decided three years ago that I wanted to publish an original story I’d started about witches and demons back in 2009. To make things even harder for myself, I decided it’d be a trilogy! LOL

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Shadow Walker was inspired by too much binge-watching of Supernatural. I wondered what would happen if the brothers were to fall in love with the same girl and had a mind-blowing dream about a demon and a human falling for a witch. I was watching Angel around this time and named the demon Liam (Angel’s human name.)

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sure! Sometimes, I have to get up in the middle of the night to put something on paper because I can’t manage to sleep before it’s written.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Where do I start? I’d say my biggest paranormal influence is Karen Marie Moning. In my youth, Anne of Green Gables is probably what prompted me to write.

What are you working on now?
I’m editing book 2 and 3 and working on a spin-off novella.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since this is my debut, I’m not sure, yet.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do your homework. Learn to love marketing or find a type of marketing you love. Have fun and don’t worry too much!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I was told at a conference I should concentrate on “finishing the damn book.” Best advice ever! I went home and did just that.

What are you reading now?
Trust the Wolf by Zoe Ashwood. Indie authors have to stick together!

What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to release my trilogy and find my next project.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Anne of Green Gables.
Le Juge d’Égypte by Christian Jacq.
The fifth book in the Fever series.

Author Websites and Profiles
Anya J Cosgrove Website
Anya J Cosgrove Amazon Profile

Anya J Cosgrove’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is David DeLee and I’m a crime fiction writer with over 13 novels published to date. I write four series currently, I know crazy, right? They include the Grace deHaviland Bounty Hunter series, my two Nick Lafferty ex-DEA thrillers, a couple of police procedurals featuring NYPD homicide detective Frank Flynn and Internal Affairs investigator Christine Levy, and finally, there’s my Brice Bannon Seacoast action adventures.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest book is called Dark Roads and Dead Ends. It’s a collection of my short stories with a couple of novellas thrown in. I’ve written them over the years and wanted to get them published in one place. They feature some stories that are a departure from my usual style and work–though all feature crime in some way or another–or are introductory stories featuring my series characters, like Grace deHaviland and Flynn & Levy.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so. I try to write every day, seven days a week, and I drink a pot of coffee each morning. Beyond that, pretty boring routine.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
At an early age I read Ross MacDonald and just thought his private eye Lew Archer was the greatest. I devoured every book of his I could fine. My early thriller favorite was Alistair Maclean. I can still feel the cold after reading Ice Station Zebra.

Later influences were Clive Cussler, Robert Crais, Tess Gerritsen, Michael Connelly, and Jeffery Deaver. Each has created iconic characters and such vivid worlds I get lost in their stories every time.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on the forth Brice Bannon Seacoast Adventure. It’s tentatively titled The Loan Shark Gambit with a publichation date of early 2019

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Tops is my newsletter. I get the best response from that and its also a great way for readers to reach me as well. Next are email blast services like Awesome Gang, and then finally announcements through my website, twitter and facebook accounts.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write and read. Everyday. Then learn the business as best you can form the most trusted sources you can find. Get three or four novels out before you work about marketing, and write in a series if at all possible.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Oh, there are so many things. Practice and get your craft down and learn the business of writing. Add to that, never stop learning.

What are you reading now?
Cross Her Heart by Sara Pinborough

What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing the next books in each of my four series.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
A book that teach how to survive on a deserted island. Without those, I’d not make if long enough to read anything else.

Author Websites and Profiles
David DeLee David DeLee Website
David DeLee David DeLee Amazon Profile

David DeLee David DeLee’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My debut novel was published last year. Inspired by a true story, WAR SERENADE is a literary novel set during WWII. At its heart its a love story but I’m told its more and has been likened to “The Thorn Birds” in its epic sweep. It was twice optioned as a screenplay but frustrated that the movie or series wasn’t made, an oft published author-friend said “To hell with it. Write a book.” So I did.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My mom, who wore bangles that jangled, told me this true love story as afternoon storytelling fare. Their sound was as much part of the delicious tale as the story itself. I’ve had these characters in my head for 53 years! No kidding! Fifteen years ago I wrote a 60 page essay and pitched it to literary agents. Encouraged by Legacy Literary Agency to keep writing and tell the story, I studied screenwriting because I always saw it as a movie. I pitched the story at a Hollywood pitch fest. Producer said “Like this but I need more conflict.” I found fabulous freedom when I changed the names of the real people who’d lived these real lives. He became more of a bastard, she a little more promiscuous and I added an evil antagonist. Producer called immediately he received the more dramatic version and said “Now we have a movie.” I fainted just after I heard my own bangles jingle in excitement!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I LOVE to write an a plane. If I could fly morning till night I’d have a book a month drafted.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh so many…Ken Folette’s Pillars of the Earth, Eye of the Needle; Rhal Dahls Kiss Kiss and Switch Bitch, The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, love Jilly Cooper, Moved by Hannah Kristen’s The Nightingale recently, a great fan of Moriarty. The sweeping sagas of Wilbur Smith. The Power of One.

What are you working on now?
ZEBRA – Also set in South AFrica this follows the life of a Zulu teenager who is in charge of a white kid during the 1950;ies and 60ies while his parents run a remove mountain hotel. They become fast friends and when the one saves the others life, they become blood brothers. Life forces them in different directions and they meet each other on the opposite side of a battlefield. One a terrorist the other a South African Defence force captain. One of them must die.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Word of mouth. I am a Realtor by profession and my RE/Max company threw a divine launch for my book. Clients arrived en masse, some of whom I ‘seen for 15 years arrived and bought the book. If I had sold all of those books I did that night on Amazon, I could tout I was on the best seller list.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write. Then rewrite. And rewrite. And have a general read by an editor. Then rewrite. Then send it out to 10 beta readers that are friends who will gently tell you the truth. Then rewrite. Send it to an editor you trust. Make those changes to his/her satisfaction. Then hold your breath and pray up a storm.

Then, don’t be discouraged. Always remember YOU WROTE A BOOK. Not many people can say that even if nobody reads it…you still wrote it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do something every single day to promote your book.

What are you reading now?
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

What’s next for you as a writer?
Learning how to garner my muse :o)

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 Prophet by Kahlil Gibran
A book of poetry written by assorted poets in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Covenant by James A. Michener
The Thorn Birds

Author Websites and Profiles
Jill Wallace Website
Jill Wallace Amazon Profile
Jill Wallace Author Profile on Smashwords

Jill Wallace’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a motivational speaker, blogger, wife, and mom. This is my first book!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Clarity:Beauty in Pain was inspired by my life struggles and overcoming them.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am a binge writing. Once I sit down its pretty much done.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Nikki Turner
Priscilla Shirer
Sarita Jakes

What are you working on now?
Ebook for self-publishers

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be consistent and determined.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t give up.

What are you reading now?
Priscilla Shirer pray fervently

What’s next for you as a writer?
Grow my blog @ www.womenwithbalance.org

Author Websites and Profiles
LaShundra Smith Website

LaShundra Smith’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in New Zealand where I was born and raised. My hubby was born in India – we have been married for more than 25 years. Our two kids are all grown and are currently living and working overseas. Now, we look after a Pomeranian dog called, Louie and his best friend is a ginger cat called, Donny.
My first book, Julie & Kishore is based my own life, the story of an inter-racial couple in the ’80s who faced trials and tribulations from family and friends during the course of their relationship.
My second book, Nina’s Art has many of the same characters but is a completely different story.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Nina’s Art was inspired by a painting my sister-in-law did for me. This is the painting on the front cover of the book. It is a romantic pose of myself and my hubby. After hanging the painting in my bedroom, I had a dream to write a story about an artist who paints different couples in romantic poses to enhance and at times save relationships. I began to write and this story grew and grew and became a book. It focuses on the lives of six couples and how they had a portrait painted by Nina, they each had a different reason to want a painting created by the artist and each result is unique in its own way.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My writing ideas come to me in dreams! I keep a pen and paper beside my bed to write these thoughts down. To keep my writing ideas flowing I practice with cinquains and haikus.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stories from my childhood have stayed in my memory more than the many, many books I have read throughout my life. I don’t know if they have influenced me because as a child they had a great effect on me, or they are just great books. Both of these reasons are probably true and here the books that I recall; Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White and The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.

What are you working on now?
I am continuing to write poetry as writing practice. I write short stories to enter in competitions to try to get my name ‘out there.’ I am also thinking of writing a third book, I am unsure yet as to the subject, but I have a few ideas that I am pondering.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best method of promotion is to encourage readers to write an online review of your book. Another way is to get out there and meet real people and spread the word, in my opinion, word of mouth still works wonders with promotion. Also, keep on advertising your book on any online site that you can; twitter, facebook or Linkedin.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep on trying, don’t give up. Write because you love to write not for fame and fortune. I would think every author dreams that their book would be made into a blockbuster movie and they become rich and famous, this may happen, but chances are it won’t.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
‘Keep on swimming, keep on swimming…’ I take this as meaning don’t give up, just keep trying. There is not an easy way of doing things so don’t be discouraged and keep on keeping on.

What are you reading now?
The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith. This is the story of two women in love at a time when lesbian lovers were shunned. This book has also been made into a movie called, Carol. I have never read a book of this type before and it really made me think and empathise with Therese and Carol. Just like my own relationship with my own hubby, thank goodness times have changed.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As well as deciding about writing a third book, I belong to a writing workshop called, IWW (International Writers’ Workshop). We have guest speakers (university lecturers, authors, journalists etc who run workshops and we have competitions throughout the year. I will keep on writing for myself and attend these workshops for my own personal development.

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 book on how to survive on a desert island?
Seriously, I would want some of my all-time favorite books, the ones that have influenced me from my childhood (as mentioned above) are the books I remember the most; Lord of the Flies by William Golding, Charlottes Web by E.B. White, Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter or anything by Roald Dahl. These books have stayed in my memory more than the many books I have read since.

Author Websites and Profiles
Carol Jackson Website
Carol Jackson Amazon Profile

Carol Jackson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written ten fiction and nonfiction books, and fiction is my favorite of the two.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
S.O.O.T.: Uma treinadora fora do controle is my latest and is a Portuguese translation of my book S.O.O.T. I wanted to reach readers of African descent in Brazil and share this story to more of the world and entertain and teach others about the uncanny power of past sin and how one person can do much harm.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think my closest to unusual habit is writing and pushing eating off for hours on end.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have several I feel indebted to for molding me: Alex Haley, Richard Wright, Ralph Ellison, Maya Angelou, Zora Neale Hurston, Chinua Achebe, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a new novella set in Chicago following the life of my main character–a comedian–as he gets involved in a shady side hustle. I am also translating another version of S.O.O.T. into German.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Giveaways and Countdown deals have always seemed to be quite effective in generating sales.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Listen to other writers and remember to listen to yourself too. You count more than anything. Your authentic voice and unique message must shine through. You’re the boss. That always helps me to rise out of the heap of rules and advice to get my book “in the can”.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I was reading an article on tips for writers and it gave me what I shared above: Study and know the rules of writing, and then feel free to break them.

What are you reading now?
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson

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

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Secret, Native Son, Americanah, and Roots

Author Websites and Profiles
Carlton Holden Amazon Profile

Carlton Holden’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve spent time in the US intelligence community, and rubbed elbows with former US special operatives. My love of spy fiction and science fiction come together in a fun way in the book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is the first in a series: The Scions of Terra. The idea just came to me one day, honestly, while I was working, I believe.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get lots of ideas for unexpected twists and bits of humor, and a lot of creative ideas for dialogue in general. The dialogue in my writing does not tend to be cookie-cutter, by any means. I have a hard time restraining myself from adding humor sometimes, but I believe I control it well enough to make it work.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tom Clancy’s The Teeth of the Tiger was a fun read, in that it showed clandestine operations in a narrative style. I enjoyed that very much, kind of like a netflix show in a book.

What are you working on now?
Right now I am marketing The Scions of Terra: Volume I and looking forward to the next installment, which takes place immediately after the first.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly, I will kindly thank anyone offering to throw my book out. Awesome Gang is a great help.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
A fiction story is a hand-held vacation. Readers want to go somewhere enjoyable, and you are the travel agent. Find out what they like, and take them on a trip. Social commentary and emotionally hard moments are hallmarks of good writing, but never write with the intent to bash or discourage a demographic of readers. If you write with that intent, your royalty checks and review stars will requite you with a short career. Instead, prop up behaviors you approve of. And in terms of tragedy, make sure that the tragedy adds to the book, FOR THE READER. A loved character has to die, make it a memorable moment that seals the character in literature’s history, make it a sentimental token to remember the character by. And have the story produce their death, not the author. Readers can handle well-written tragedy to some extent, but if they reach the end of your book feeling abused, like the beloved character died for nothing, get ready to lose readers and dollars.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Receive the Lord Jesus Christ.

What are you reading now?
Honestly, I am working day and night on marketing and the second installment of the SoT series.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The next installment of the Scions of Terra series, which takes place immediately after the first.

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?
Scions of Terra, The Teeth of the Tiger and the Bible

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live by the lake. My husband and I enjoy loading the dogs (two mutts) in the golf cart and heading to the beach for a swim or a game of fetch. I’m an indie author and I write women’s fiction short stories which warm the heart and inspire readers to cherish their friends and family.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Sadie Smiled. It was inspired by seeing myself, my mother, and friends deal with divorce, and my own struggles with debt and how it gets in the way of your goals and dreams.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write with pen and paper for the first draft. It’s harder to edit as I go that way. I just write fast and furious, ignoring mistakes and scribbling notes in the margins. When I’m done I do my first revision as I type it up.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’m inspired and influenced by Pat Conroy. I hope in the future to bring more local flavor into my stories in the way he wraps the reader in the coastal South.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on my third and last Help From My Friends Story.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve learned so much about promoting and marketing in the last two months. Awesomegang is by far my favorite, and I’m learning now how to make the most of Amazon Marketing Services and how branding works.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Join the Twitter writing community and get active on Goodreads community. There are so many helpful people there, it’s mind-blowing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Write drunk, edit sober”

It’s questionable who really said this first, but I love it. I take it figuratively, not literally. I write fast and without reserve or inhibition. I try not to care if it’s complete junk I’m writing. When I go back and edit, that’s when you put your sober hat on and try to create excellent prose.

What are you reading now?
The BadReadHead Media 30-Day Book Marketing Challenge by Rachel Thompson
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
The Road Home by Krista Sandor

What’s next for you as a writer?
More learning! I’m grateful for my favorite teacher, Linda Batty, who taught me the love of being a lifelong learner.

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?
Beach Music by Pat Conroy
The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide by Douglas Adams
Life After Life by Kate Atkins

Author Websites and Profiles
CA Martin Website
CA Martin Amazon Profile

CA Martin’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am originally from Kingman, AZ growing up in a trailer home with no heat and no hot water, alongside railroad tracks parallel to the famous Route 66. Today this is not how I expected my life to end up, to be an author of a book. I didn’t expect to live through my childhood and I am not supposed to be here after having a code blue called on me last year as you will read in the book. So I am thrilled to be alive and here, to be able to be a part of a project to encourage and inspire the world which has been my personal mission throughout the years. I have had many life difficulties and risen as like a Phoenix several times as will be eventually addressed in my autobiography but this chapter “Phoenix Defying” is just a glimpse into my most recent rising. As for the rest of my personal life I am also an advocate for several causes that have touched me personally including child abuse, domestic violence, adrenal Insufficiency (a rare daily life threatening condition) as mentioned in the book, foster care, and chronic daily pain. My life’s mission is to touch others lives through various avenues including beauty pageants, volunteering and speaking at events. I am currently the 2018/2019 International Ambassador for Ultimate Elite Pageants. I compete in pageants to show pageants are more than just looking for a pretty face, we are about serving the community and advocating for important causes. My platform is “Defying the Odds” and I’m proud to share it with the world and hopefully give at least one person a glimmer of hope and encourage them to Defy their Odds. I literally rose again from the ashes and was given another lease on life. I HAVE to live life to the fullest and take every opportunity that comes my way. I want to leave a legacy of service to my community and inspiration to the world I feel this book, my first one, is just the start.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
When I Rise, I Thrive. is the brainchild of Kyra Schaefer who brought together the stories of people from different walks of life to provide encouragement, healing and transformation in others as they read through the stories. I chose to align myself and contribute my own personal story to the project because my personal mission for years has been encouraging others to “Defy their Odds” by defying my own as best as I can each day. I felt that this book and the idea behind it aligned with my heart’s goal and mission.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When it comes to poetry the inspiration can literally strike at any moment even waking me up. I have to jot down whatever comes to mind or it slips away. When it comes to writing stories I tend to do a basic outline but than wait until closer to the deadline. I work better under pressure. I have always been that way even throughout high school and college and I always got A’s and B’s. I just sit down, shut out the world and write away.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There is no one person or book necessarily who has influenced me persay. I have to say in respect to being influenced I am influenced by ever single person who has written a book from child to adult, celebrity or non celebrity.

What are you working on now?
I have a daily life threatening condition called Adrenal Insufficiency which is what part of my story surrounds in my book. Any sudden trauma, sickness or stress and we do not receive extra medication much like a diabetic we can go into an adrenal crisis and possibly die. So to that effect I am working to get my autobiography of surviving child abuse, domestic violence, mental health issues and overcoming a;; those obstacles. Also as a mental health advocate working on collaborating on some books to reach others with my story as well as raise awareness on Adrenal Insufficiency.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
In this day and age it is all about social media. so I have been promoting on Facebook, my website and my Instagram. As a first time author I am learning as I go.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Research, seek advice, be open to critiquing.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Never stop learning”

What are you reading now?
The Minimalist Home

What’s next for you as a writer?
As mentioned above putting together my autobiography to encourage others to “Defy their Odds.”

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?
Several of the books by Nora Roberts and maybe one book on history.

Author Websites and Profiles
Karista Rose Website
Karista Rose Amazon Profile

Karista Rose’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m proud to be a native of North-east Scotland, whose diverse natural beauty and rich history provide the backdrop to my debut novel. In a previous life, I was a magazine editor, journalist and business writer, but now I have the good fortune to be able to focus on writing fiction and exploring the great outdoors in a motor home with my husband and terrier.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
And I Am You is an atmospheric psychological thriller set in Aberdeen and along Bram Stoker’s much-loved Buchan coast, and tells the sinister story of what happens when a lonely academic and a ruthless investigative journalist volunteer for an illicit body-swap experiment pioneered by an eminent Edinburgh neurosurgeon.

It might sound far-fetched, but the idea that a person’s consciousness could somehow be implanted into another person’s body is as old as humankind and it has fascinated me ever since I took a short course in personal identity while studying Philosophy and English at the University of Aberdeen during the early 1980s. The book is not so much about the philosophical arguments – I’ll leave those to the academics! – but about what happens when ordinary people become caught up in a discovery with such earth-shattering implications. Of course, their own, all-too-human agendas get in the way and that’s where the thriller element comes in…

The story was heavily influenced by my love of the North-east Scottish coastline and our many enjoyable dog-walking excursions around Old Aberdeen, Cruden Bay, Slains Castle, and the Bullers of Buchan – dramatic locations which feature in the novel.

Also inspirational was my time as editor of Aberdeen International Airport’s consumer magazine, which gave me a fantastic opportunity to explore and write about the North-east’s rich heritage and culture for the tourism market. Our region is beautiful, diverse – and sometimes a complete revelation to those visitors who have resisted the temptation to bypass it, as, sadly, so many do while visiting Scotland. My job was to help inspire tourists to stick around and experience, for example, the wealth of castles, golf courses, beaches, woodland and whisky-trail attractions available here.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so… With my background in freelance journalism and editing, I’ve had to be very disciplined in how I work, so I tend to write during the day, rather than in the middle of the night, and I like to write at home, in familiar surroundings, rather than sitting in cafes or unusual locations. Boring, I know, but that’s what suits me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
There are so many! I’ve always been drawn to novels evoking a strong sense of place. The Bronte Sisters, Thomas Hardy, Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, Daphne du Maurier and Lewis Grassic Gibbon are among my favourite classic authors; all were masters at using weather and setting to create atmosphere. Dean Koontz is another, contemporary, favourite of mine – his lyrical descriptions of storms are to die for

What are you working on now?
The fact that And I Am You is attracting five-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads is encouraging me to continue the story I began three years ago, and I’m now planning the sequel. My three main characters have many more adventures ahead and I can’t wait to find out what they are!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m only just learning the art of book promotion and time will tell whether my early efforts to have my first novel promoted on the very many excellent sites out there are going to be worthwhile. Of course, Awesome Gang offers a fantastic opportunity, with its Author Interviews spot!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stop talking about it and just write.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be true to yourself. My father – a print and television journalist, historian and author – gave me that advice at the outset of my career, and I’ve lived by it ever since.

What are you reading now?
I’ve just started Scott Turow’s Identical – the ninth in a series of excellent ‘courtroom dramas’ that are so very much more than that. At the same time, I’ve just started an audiobook version of Anatomy of a Scandal, by Sarah Vaughan, which is shaping up to be a great listen.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m looking forward to improving my skills by writing as regularly as possible, and hopefully getting out there to meet more of those lovely people who have taken the time to read and enjoy my first novel.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Don’t make me choose!! Oh, all right, here goes: Tess of the d’Urbervilles, by Thomas Hardy; I Capture the Castle, by Dodie Smith; To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee; The Goldfinch, by Donna Tartt. But there are so many more… Can’t I take my Kindle?

Author Websites and Profiles
Judy Mackie Amazon Profile

Judy Mackie’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Virginia Beach where I worked as a lifeguard and kayak tour guide. I graduated from The College of William and Mary with a double major in English and Psychology and then earned a Master’s Degree in Secondary English Education from The University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education. I have had numerous articles published in The Virginia Pilot Newspaper and received the People’s Choice Award for my short story “I’ll Water the Garden” in Storyteller Magazine. Have Mercy is my first novel. She have also published a non-fiction book titled A Wannabe Teacher’s Guide: Getting Hired, Having Fun, & Staying Sane.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The newest edition of A Wannabe Teacher’s Guide: Getting Hired, Having Fun, & Staying Sane was released on January 15. I’ve been a classroom teacher for 13 years and trends in education are constantly changing so regular updates are necessary in order to keep the book up to date and relevant to individuals considering a career in education or just starting out in their career as a teacher.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write whenever I can. I’m a full time English teacher/professor and I have two small children, so I often write on my son’s bedroom floor while I’m waiting for him to fall asleep for his nap.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My novel was heavily influenced by Yann Martel’s themes of storytelling in Life of Pi and Mitch Albom’s takes on death and dying in Tuesdays with Morrie.

My non-fiction has been influenced by Ruby Payne and Ted Dentersmith.

What are you working on now?
I just finished the “Wannabe Teacher’s Guide” 2019 edition. Now I hope to tackle another novel. Perhaps a young adult dystopia.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Obviously Awesome Gang is awesome, but I’ve also had success with EbookSaurus.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it. Find a story that inspires you and write it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You have to be willing to suffer a little bit to achieve something great.

What are you reading now?
The Golden Compass

What’s next for you as a writer?
Promoting my current books and getting more readers. Then writing another novel.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Pope Joan
Life of Pi
1984

Kathleen Trace’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a racing driver in the EGT Championship and the Super Cup Stock Car Series, a motorsports television producer, and co-host of Mecum collector car auctions on NBCSN. I’ve written about a dozen books on various automotive and motorsports topics.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Porsche Legend: The Can-Am L&M Penske Porsche That Made Racing History,” was just released on Kindle. The “L&M Porsche” is one of the most famous and recognizable racing cars in history and we had the honor of transferring it to a new owner at the Mecum auction in Monterey. Having seen the car in person and researched its history, my interest was piqued and writing the book was a real pleasure.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I insist on digging down to the original source or the person who was there at the time. I want the most direct source possible for every story. That was once just considered good journalism, it’s a shame that it’s become rare today.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Floyd Clymer and Jack Fox wrote excellent material on the Indianapolis 500 back in the 20th century. I love motorsports history and their books are among my most prized.

What are you working on now?
The Stephen Cox Blog keeps me pretty busy, in addition to my own racing schedule and my work with NBCSN and Sopwith Motorsports Television Productions. Lately I’ve been collecting early 20th century letters and documents relating to Indiana’s Winchester Speedway.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The more books we give away, the more people buy. Seems counterintuitive, but it works.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t be afraid to copy styles from your favorite authors. It will eventually morph into your own, and you will find that you begin to like your own material.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their proper names.”

What are you reading now?
Ford Midsize Muscle by Marc Cranswick, a nicely done hardback telling the story of one of my all time favorite cars, the Ford Torino.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My children keep asking me to write a racing autobiography but my interests lie in motorsports history. Those two projects are competing for my time right now.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“A French Kiss With Death” by Michael Keyser, the story of Steve McQueen and the making of the film “Le Mans.” Floyd Clymer’s history of the Indianapolis 500. David Newhardt’s “Art of the Muscle Car,” and the Gospel of Luke.

Author Websites and Profiles
Stephen Cox Website

Stephen Cox’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a retired MSgt. from the US Air Force and Jolly Times: A Diesel City Story is my first published book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Jolly Times: A Diesel City Story. I grew up reading comic books and have always been a fan of Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, this led to characters coming to life in my dreams.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None that I am aware of.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Brian Lumely, Stephen King and Tolkein.

What are you working on now?
A title tentatively called The Grump King.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am trying as many as I can and I am trying to see which one is the most effective.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep writing and do not allow yourself to become discouraged.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
If you never try then you will never succeed.

What are you reading now?
Castle Perilous by John DeChancie

What’s next for you as a writer?
To be in the position to release one title a year.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Anything written by Tolkien or Brian Lumely.

Lucian Hornsby’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a longtime romance writer, but a first time published author. “This” is my debut novel and is anticipated to be a three-part series.

From a personal perspective, I oversee a nonprofit that focuses on housing and human services. My professional background is in nonprofit management, grant writing marketing, and government relations.

I have been married for 18 years and I have a 12-year-old son who enjoys swimming, basketball and video games. I enjoy gourmet cooking, wine classes and reading romance novels. I am also engaged in causes related to autism and the prevention sex trafficking of minors. I am a crazy fan of How To Get Away with Murder, True Detective, and Mayans MC and Food Network.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“This” is my debut novel. I was pinning and came across a pin of the model that I could not take my eyes from and said that beautiful man needs a story. Voila, literally that was the beginnings of it. However, it took me more than four years due to a number of health issues that had impacted my ability to concentrate and I lost my creative drive.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
None, just some coffee, water, wine. I am known for hanging out at Starbucks. Something about that bean smell that inspires me, and the coffee itself.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Bestselling romance author Kristen Ashley. I have been a long-time fan of hers and I admire her and continue to root for her ongoing success. I had the luxury of having a three-hour taco lunch with her a few years back. Full of advice, funny, humble and wicked smart. My other influence is a cool indie author named JanJan Untamed. Oh my! Her style is her own. She gave me back my mojo to write after recovering from my medical issues and I will be eternally grateful. Plus she is just a freaking neat person!

What are you working on now?
I am working on part two of “This” that will come out this year.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Since I am new, I say get a good human editor.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read all contracts for understanding related to your book. If you don’t understand, you better find somebody who does to assist before you sign.

What are you reading now?
Unfortunately nothing. Writing, promoting and working on my book website.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Also, I have “The Neighbor,” an indie a rewrite. It’s semi-humorous romance with Dax Real, a triple threat entertainer on lockdown in Spring, AZ a fictional resort town, who falls for his new neighbor Estrella, a recovering former socialite. My books share common themes and genres: my hero/heroine tend to be older, interracial, scarred, and food is somewhere.

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?
Becoming, Jacks Are Wild, Law Man and Good News Bible

Author Websites and Profiles
Jackson Bloom Website
Jackson Bloom Amazon Profile

Jackson Bloom’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My work mainly deals with managing medical disasters areas, that is, planning a correct response, responding to a harsh event and then Embed social rehabilitation. It is a preoccupation including a lot of contact with people in their most vulnerable situations. This occupation has also led me to witness tough scenes during the past twenty years, some of which will not let go until the day I die. Fortunately, I could function well under pressure and with high mental strength. And one more thing that helped me is the fact I write. Since I remember myself as a child, I write in my notebooks almost everything that happens to me and turns these things into fantastic stories. I always wrote stuff to myself and never attached importance to writing beyond the fact that it was a hobby allowing me to return to a routine very quickly, to explain to myself that I was the only logical thing in an unreasonable situation. About four years ago, a friend asked me if I would like to participate in a novel writing competition. At first, I hesitated but then decided it might be fun. For a month during the nights, I wrote my book in the drafts of the email on my cell phone. Finally, I submitted the manuscript and completely forgot it until I told that it had won the competition. From that moment everything rolled fast, too quickly; The book “Ten Simple Rules” was published and immediately became a best seller. That feeling was great, I thought, “if the audience liked it, he would probably love my other books as well.” And I was right, half a year later my second book came out “Reasons to kill God” and was a fantastic success in Israel. I hurried, couldn’t help myself, and immediately published another book, “Wicked Girl” followed by another one of short stories.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My inspiration for “Reasons to kill God” comes from everything I experience. Any look, sound or smell can give me a new idea. Usually, during the day I’m busy at work, so most of the ideas come to me in the few hours of sleep that I manage to sleep at night. When that happens, I wake up immediately and start writing the idea. Once the concept exists, it is a matter of short time before the book is ready. To the very question of inspiration, because my work touches on the most challenging areas of life, which my writing naturally deals with, So, in most of my books, there are at least three layers of content hidden from the reader’s eyes, and he discovers them slowly during reading. My heroes are the most wretched people you can think of, yet the right end written for them is only in the eyes of the beholder. On the other hand, there is nothing in my writing that is self-explanatory; usually, my plots will surprise the reader right up to the last word in the book because, I learned in life and I apply it in my books, understanding is a matter of proportion and depends on our momentary perspective.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Since I’m almost out of the house because of my type of work, I do most of the writing in remote places and late at night. Sometimes there is no lighting, and usually, the electricity is minimal, so I don’t have many choices but improvise. Nevertheless, to this day I finished writing seven books, all of them I wrote on my cell phone, in my Gmail drafts. Sometimes my wife laughs at me in this matter. “Who writes books on a cell phone?” She asks me, and I don’t have the right answer, so I reply with a smile, “I do.”
Usually, my subjects begin with a dream or, more precisely, a nightmare. Since I have engaged in this profession of wounded and dying people for almost twenty-five years, it is tough for me to sleep, and when I do so, I have bad dreams. So, I wake up immediately and start writing the chapters, and the whole writing process from that moment takes about one to two months until the book is ready for my beta readers to have their mind of it. My inspiration probably comes from sights and stories that I see and hear during work. Over time all these are processed and changed, taking another form. My books deal with the difficult issues of life, not necessarily dark, humorless stories, but most subjects that people don’t openly talk about – the worldview from the eyes of a Nazi criminal or a Pedophile, the point of view of our perfect enemy or that of the most cunning deceiver ever Entered our lives. All these presented to the reader as one piece at the end of the insights that the reader can agree or deny them. In every story I write, there are at least three layers and many plots that intersect each other into an entire story that moves on a past-present timeline. The reader will enjoy the first reading of what the eye views, during the story he will try to guess where this story leads him. In this context, I have not met anyone who has read my books and managed to think the end of the story during the reading, at least not until he finished the last word of the book. Mainly because what happens in it depends very much on the perspective of the reader at the same point he is at, and his willingness to penetrate the story’s guts, sometimes even finishing the book and immediately rereading it to find this time he is reading a completely different one.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Most of them written in Hebrew so it won’t say a thing if I’ll share it. But I love most any kind of fiction.

What are you working on now?
Mainly trying to write two new books whose idea has been bothering me for several months.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far I have published my books only in Israel so that when it comes to advertising abroad, I’m a novice. It’s funny to say it, but I find myself starting from scratch, building a community of readers, contacting people to read the book. Yet I am enjoying every Minute of doing so while I still got time to write.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’ll start with a question; For whom do you write your words?
Is it for yourself or to an audience that will buy the book in stores.

Separate your need to write words and the marketing efforts of those words. I found writing as the most effective tool (except for my family) to remain sane in the complex world in which we live. Therefore, if I had not written, I don’t know where I would be today and what my mental state would be. On the other hand, the desire that everyone will read what we’ve written and appreciated our work as writers push us to publish our words in all kinds of ways. At first, these are just words that try to break out as a simple post on Facebook or Twitter, then you publish short stories on websites, and finally, you put a book in stores and sell a lot of it (wouldn’t we wish it was so simple). Note that once you put the writing pen on the table and start marketing your words, you are less writer and more of a sells man.

I made this mistake at my beginning as a writer, and from the moment I did so, the writing gradually diminished until it almost disappeared. And if for a moment we go back to the question I asked and the first paragraph of this answer of mine, then this was the moment I understood for whom I write my words.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Finish school and then do whatever you want.

What are you reading now?
I just finished reading Kim Edwards’ excellent book, The Memory Keeper’s Daughter.

What’s next for you as a writer?
If my first book succeeds in Amazon as I predict it will, my readers can expect another six books that are already waiting in the drawer. Three of these books have not yet published (not even in Hebrew) and they excite me primarily because of the variety of their stories and the issues they bring to surface. Together with all of these, I am currently working on writing two more books.

Author Websites and Profiles
IV Olokita Website
IV Olokita Amazon Profile

IV Olokita’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am the real world equivalent of a D&D bard (but without the musical proficiencies or spells). I like making people laugh and telling stories to and with them.

I love board/card/video games and the worlds they create.

Futures Gleaming Darkly is my first solo venture into publishing, but I have been the leader writer for Ionic Comics for several years. The people and my experiences writing the script for our first graphic novel certainly gave me the courage to go through with this first book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Futures Gleaming Darkly is an ode to speculative fiction anthology shows like The Twilight Zone and Black Mirror. However, with my collection, I wanted to focus not only on the What Ifs of a particular technology, but also how different people, namely LGBT+ folks, interact with those technologies.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually hunch over my laptop and type furiously. Any attempt at hand-written drafts are thwarted by my inability to read my own handwriting.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ray Bradbury’s short fiction, H.P. Lovecraft’s use of negative space, Sylvia Plath’s unabashed emotional honesty and Don DeLillo’s minimalism come to mind.

What are you working on now?
I’m toying with the idea of a fantasy anthology cousin to Futures Gleaming Darkly.

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

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get it out. Whatever’s on your mind or that thing you can’t quite say out loud. Write it, even if you’re the only one who will see it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“There are bigger dummies than you.” – Georgia Hardstark of My Favorite Murder

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

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m just going to keep writing! It may or may not be lucrative but I’ve accomplished more than I ever gave myself credit for.

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 Collected Works of H.P. Lovecraft, The Collected Poems of Sylvia Plath, and The Collected Poems of Walt Whitman.

Author Websites and Profiles
Clinton W. Waters Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a 22 year old Indian. I am a Mechanical Engineer and have a keen interest in robotics and automation. I enjoy watching and playing Chess and Cricket. I have written multiple stories but have published only three books, Mahabaleshwar, Angel of Death and Triad of Crime, with Triad of Crime being a compilation of three stories, namely, Angel of Death, Mahabaleshwar and Perspective.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Triad of Crime, and is a compilation of my three short stories, Angel of Death, Mahabaleshwar and Perspective. Angel of Death is inspired by the show Death Note, while Mahabaleshwar and Perspective were inspired by imagining everyday situations with a suspenseful and thrilling edge.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No unusual writing habits as such but I do enact a lot of those scenes before I chalk them on. It helps me write dialogues and since I want my characters to seem real, it helps me make my characters take intelligent as well as stupid decisions.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown was the biggest influence on me to become a writer. Interestingly, I used to abhor reading and writing before I came across it. I regard it as the best book I have read, and probably, will read.

What are you working on now?
Right now, I am working on two ideas and wish to get them compiled and published before my birthday. I want to gift it to myself.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Haven’t completely figured that out myself. Although, Kindlepreneur and Awesome Gang are a great place to get started.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write 10 sentences each day. Forget about how big the task is. Forget about whether the story would be impress people or no. When you have an idea or a concept, set a goal to write 10 sentences each day and before you know it, you will have your first story completed.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“When life gives you lemon, don’t make lemonade! take that lemon and throw it back at life’s face! Life should be scared to give you another lemon.”

What are you reading now?
Right now I am reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. Have just begun reading it, so, don’t really have any opinion or idea on the story, but have an intuitive feeling that it’ll be fun.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am currently working on two books based on two very interesting ideas. Hope to finish them before my birthday in July.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1) How to Survive on a Deserted Island by Tim O’Shei
2) Extreme Food by Bear Grylls
3) Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
4) And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Author Websites and Profiles
Rovin DCruz Amazon Profile

Rovin DCruz’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first book. I am basically a screenwriter and I also work as Assistant Director.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Fellow Traveller. Well, a girl whom I was in a relationship with for a brief period of time inspired me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like Ernest Hemingway, Nicholas Spark, Paul Coelho and Ravi Subramanian.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a Web series project for Netflix.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well, I am still new to this. So not the best time to comment yet.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read, travel and make as many mistakes as possible.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not to look down when you’re climbing up.

What are you reading now?
The Immortals of Meluha

What’s next for you as a writer?
Netflix series.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1. One would be my own Fellow Traveller. 2 The notebook. 3 For whom the bell tolls 4. The Alchemist.

Author Websites and Profiles
Rahul Saini Amazon Profile

Rahul Saini’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account