Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a self-published author from Wyoming, where I currently work as a behavior specialist for a local school district. Prior to this, I have experience in management, law enforcement, and security.
I use my experience to help create stories and ideas I can share.
Although “The Monster” is the first published book, there are more on the way that are bigger and even better. I really look forward to sharing those with the world.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Monster” is a psychological crime thriller, it follows a college student who lives with a strained relationship with his mother, ex-girlfriend, and best friend. When he sees his ex and best friend together at a college Halloween mixer, he becomes very enraged. However, when a mysterious puppet-themed student attacks the couple, our protagonist is seemingly to blame.
This is only the start of his misfortune, as he quickly finds himself framed for murder on the puppet man’s account.
He goes on the run and struggles to clear his name before he winds up in jail, or worse.

There was so much inspiration for this book, people in my life have influenced me in ways I cannot begin to describe. However, “The Monster” will always symbolize the unfinished first attempt at writing I made years ago, because I did not have the skills or drive to finish.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
The more I talk to people, the more I realize that everyone has a unique style and strange habits that help them. I most commonly read that people typically write in a quiet work space or office… I got most of my writing done on the couch, while taking frequent breaks to play with the kids or pick up a dinosaur that wandered too close to me and make it roar and chase them around the house.
My family really was the motivation to complete any work, so I found it much less stressful to work with them by my side.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Again, there are too many to mention or thank. I have read so many great books over the years from so many great authors. To name a few: John Grisham, Stephen King, Agatha Christie, Jack Higgins, Tom Clancy.
The more I read, the more I want to write- and I cannot thank those authors enough.

What are you working on now?
My next project coming out is a book entitled “Into the Woods”. It is the story of three men, who were childhood friends, that reunite to solve the mystery of a mysterious animal that has been brutally attacking local livestock.
However, the animal seems to reside in nearby woods that were a place of legend and folklore throughout their childhood. Inside the woods, they find much worse than they feared.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try avidly to direct people to my website www.joshsoulebooks.com for information and purchasing options. My books are available on many different platforms; Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell’s, Books-A-Million, and MANY different local bookstores.
Information and promotions can also be found on my Facebook page – www.facebook.com/joshsoulebooks

However, for Kindle and Audiobook options – I really need to refer people to Amazon.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write.
If you want to write, then do it. Don’t write to impress anybody, or follow their specific guidelines. Just do what feels right, and the story will come out.
Naturally, it will be in pretty rough shape – but with some TLC and editing, it will finally be what you hoped for.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
In regards to writing, the best advice I have heard is to read.
If you were a professional athlete, you would watch videos of the competitor team – to study their habits an learn from them, both successes and mistakes.
Writing is no different. There are millions of books out there that can teach you things you will not find anywhere else.

What are you reading now?
I just finished “The Eagle Has Landed” by Jack Higgins. It was incredible to say the least. Very well written, and from a unique perspective that we typically do not get.
You know it was a good book when you are thinking about it days and weeks after you have finished. Kudos on this one!

What’s next for you as a writer?
“Into the Woods” is all but finished, while it undergoes the lengthy editing and shaping process, I have already begun my next project. I will continue to write so long as I can find the inspiration and ideas.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would have to bring some of the Tom Clancy and Stephen King that has been sitting on my shelf and I have not gotten to yet. I would definitely bring a Bible with me on the island, and maybe something a little light-hearted to help keep me in good spirits.

Author Websites and Profiles
Josh Soule Website
Josh Soule Amazon Profile

Josh Soule’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
So far in my writing career I have written two personal financial ebooks and four books in my John Flask series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is the fourth book in the John Flask series titled, Lunar Threat. This book is continuation of John’s incredible story and his companions adventures.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to use a talk to text system for the rough drafting and for generating of ideas. When I’m beginning a book it helps to allow the creative ideas to just continually flow and then to go back and add more structure to the segments and to individual parts of the book.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have really taken a lot of my approach Mathew Reilly and his writing style. I love the way his books are written and structured.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a completely different book centered around the advances in how are lives are serviced by new apps and sites and the impact they would have on the way our lives play out. Much like electricity and other advances that our society has embraced.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think as many as possible to reach my target audience for my books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep striving and keep pushing no matter what anyone else tells you!!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Resilience is the key to the life that you desire.

What are you reading now?
Anything I can get my hands on that will help my creative mind.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Another book in the John Flask series and a few other ideas for more books to expand to other areas.

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?
Battlefield Earth
Dune
Seven Deadly Wonders

Author Websites and Profiles
Justin Barlow Website
Justin Barlow Amazon Profile
Justin Barlow Author Profile on Smashwords

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My day job is being a small business owner with my wife, Stephanie. We have two daughters, one who is finishing up college another one about to start college. This is my first book, though I have been writing articles for years.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Blockchain Code: Decrypt the Jungle of Complexity to Win the Crypto-Anarchy Game. I serve on the Technology Advisory Group for the State Bar of Arizona and was repeatedly asked to write and educate the legal community about Blockchain and began writing an article. It was impossible to do justice to the topic in an article, so I wrote a book about it. I was shocked by many of the details as I wrote the book and I explain this in greater detail in the Preface and Introduction to the book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I take complex concepts and pare them down to their core elements so that they may be understood. Few topics are as complicated as Blockchain and cryptocurrency, so for The Blockchain Code, I worked on making my chapters as short and focused as possible so that each concept could be understood. As I wrote this book, I continually looked at the word count of each chapter, working to shorten it. In some cases, this encouraged me to break up a section into two more focused chapters. Less is more. Concise writing is a sign of clear thinking.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Michael Lewis’ The Big Short and Dan Brown’s The DaVinci Code were very influential in creating my first book, The Blockchain Code. I describe Brown’s influence in the Preface and Lewis’ impact in the Introduction of the book. I also read Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass while it was being written. I felt like I had gone through the looking glass myself, so to speak, while writing about Crypto-Anarchy, cryptocurrency, and Blockchain. It is such a strange world.

What are you working on now?
As I write this, I’ve just published The Blockchain Code. So, I’m busy promoting it as well as my day job, running an IT consulting and outsourcing business based in Phoenix, Arizona.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still working on how to promote my book. However, I have two websites: modern.expert and blockchaincodebook.com. Modern Expert is my author/publisher/consultant/speaker site. The blockchaincodebook.com is dedicated to the book. I have social media accounts and the amazon.com page where my book is sold. I’m open to suggestions or feedback from others on promoting my book. Book promotion is a new experience for me as a first-time author.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I spent a bunch of time planning my book, figuring out how to organize it, and got hung up for far too long on some chapters early on trying to make it perfect. Planning is very important, but especially when writing a book, having more content written early on may help you better understand what it is that you are writing.
There are some chapters that I wrote and then discarded. This process was incredibly valuable as it helped me understand what I was not writing about. For my next book, I will spend less time planning and more time writing out of the gate. It may be easier to organize what you have already written than it is to force your words to fit into a plan that will likely be altered anyway. The more I wrote, the easier it was to understand the structure of the book that was required to convey the message.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To always assume that everyone is going through some private, personal struggle that you know nothing about. Be kind, be patient, and be helpful where you can.

What are you reading now?
At the immediate moment, I’m taking a brief break from reading a new book, but I am reading quite a few articles on Blockchain and cryptocurrency developments that are helpful as I present and write articles that help educate on the topic and promote my book. I read both non-fiction and fiction books, though generally more non-fiction than fiction.

What’s next for you as a writer?
For now, I’m busy promoting my book. Speaking and writing articles about the book and the topic are both important right now. What will the next book be? We’ll see…

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
These are not books that I routinely re-read, but if I was going to be stranded on a desert island, I would probably bring The Bible and The Road Less Travelled by M. Scott Peck. Maybe To Kill a Mockingbird and The Hunger Games to mix it up. I’d probably bring a copy of The Blockchain Code so that I could keep working on it until it’s “perfect”. It was hard to call the book finished, but you have to at some point.

Author Websites and Profiles
Dave Kinsey Website
Dave Kinsey Amazon Profile
Dave Kinsey Author Profile on Smashwords

Dave Kinsey’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, my name is George, I’m 27 years old and I have recently published the only book I’ve written. I have also recently become a newly qualified nurse. So it’s been an epic year for me so far!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book is called The Unplugged Summer: An Englishman’s Perspective of Life at an American Summer Camp

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I scribble lots of notes down on paper first. I cross every idea off, once I have pieced it together in my written work. You’ll find lots of post-it notes and paper from note pads scattered around my computer when I’m working on something.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ghost Boy, by Martin Pistorius – was an excellent read for me and it’s a book that will be inspirational for anyone, to overcome any obstacles in life. Martin’s creative writing style in the book has inspired me to write my own book.
This is Going to Hurt, by Adam Kay – has hilarious stories as well as heartbreaking insight of life on the NHS frontline. It’s an interesting read for me personally, as I’m now a qualified nurse in England but I also love all the humor that’s involved in his words and from that I’ve embedded my own humor in some parts of my book.

What are you working on now?
Now, I’m just going to concentrate on the start of my career as a nurse. At the same time I will promote my book as best as I can and hopefully I will get positive feedback from it.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I have utilized social media to promote my book. I have found Instagram to be a major platform for promoting books on these days. Facebook is also effective in gaining the recognition from all your friends around the world. Plus, my WordPress website is there for the occasional blog and if any readers want to ask me about anything.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be brave and trust your ideas and your work. Ask expert people for help if you’re unsure about something too, though. I found the Upwork website to be really good in seeking for editors to polish over my work and to help make it more presentable and refined for my readers.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
More of a statement I’ve recently heard but – “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion.” Simon Sinek

What’s next for you as a writer?
Not sure yet. Need to get the creativity and drive to do a book again!

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, Robinson Crusoe, This is Going to Hurt (to keep me amused), Lord of the Flies,

Author Websites and Profiles
George Horner Website
George Horner Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello. I’m a Published Author. Mother of three adult children. I currently reside in Southern California with my partner and her two sons. I have written two books that will a part of a five book series. My hobbies include, reading (of course), swimming, and researching. When I’m not spending time with my family, I am either pinning on Pinterest or binge watching a show or movie on Netflix.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called “Alex Races Against the Dawn-The Vampyir Plague Book 2.”
Each book in my five book series is from the perspective of the main character. This novel is about the second in command in a Vampire coven who is dealing with a virus that could destroy a Vampire. The reader will travel back in time to learn her past. The reader will see how she deals with life before and after she has been turned into a Vampire.
I’m writing this series to showcase LGBTQ and People of Color in the Horror genre that hasn’t been done before. Representation is important. I’m proud to create characters that are reflective of who I am and the community I’m from.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t believe I have unusual habits while I’m writing. I will say that I need a secluded environment and have my notebooks handy. I always use an outline as a guiding tool to keep me on track.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King, Toni Morrison, Emily Dickinson and James Baldwin to name a few. There are also Self-published authors I admire, such as Imani Feva Writes and Diane Morasco.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently promoting my new release that will launch on March 1st, 2019 and blogging. There is so much that I need to accomplish. Thankfully I have an Author Assistant who helps with certain tasks.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
There is an amazing book by Rachel Thompson called “The Bad Redhead Media 30-Day Book Marketing Challenge.” The book was gifted to me. It was one of the best gifts I have received and I used it to improve my brand and learn how to better self promote my writing.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advice I can give to new authors is write without fear. Write as if no one will ever read your words. Write with conviction and passion. Also take time to take care of yourself. Self care is very important. You can give from an empty vessel.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To always protect your work and hire a professional editor.

What are you reading now?
Revelation by Stephen King. I have 30 books waiting for me to read. I have a 50 book challenge this year.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Currently I’m working on a script and the next installment in my five book series. It will be my third publication.

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?
Under the Dome (Stephen King), The Alchemist (Paulo Coelho), Interview With The Vampire (Anne Rice), Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows ( J.K. Rowling), and Stephen King/On Writing. And my books of course!

Author Websites and Profiles
Darlene Burns Website
Darlene Burns Amazon Profile

Darlene Burns’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 an independent author who lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with my wife and son. Our misadventures together provide the inspiration for many of my writings. I write mainly satirical short stories that are loosely based on real events. Occasionally, I write other types of stories. I have self-published two books: Current Mood and I Put Pants on for This?: Stories in Defense of Staying Home.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I Put Pants on for This?: Stories in Defense of Staying Home is my most recent book. This collection of short stories was inspired by the many mishaps that have occurred while I have traveled including: getting lost in the desert outside Las Vegas, “kidnapped” in the Caribbean, and having a romantic getaway end in a hospital stay.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not unless you count scrolling through Twitter every 5 or 10 minutes while writing as unusual.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My biggest influences are David Sedaris and Bill Bryson. I could read their writing all day and never stop laughing. My absolute favorite books are A Walk in the Woods and Me Talk Pretty One Day.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently taking a break from my usual genre and working on my first legal thriller.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
That’s a good question because I’m not very good at promoting my books, which I suppose is why I still have a day job in addition to my writing career. I’ve found the most success in the past with advertising through Amazon.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Seek out connections with established writers and learn from their experiences.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep is simple, stupid.

What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Nigh School by Lee Child. I’m a huge Jack Reacher fan.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m working on my first full length 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?
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, The Hush by John Hart, and Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jackson Banks Website
Jackson Banks Amazon Profile

Jackson Banks’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello and thanks for having me. I am Patricia A. E. Hampton author of Hello This Is Us, and A Witchful Friend. I have no set form of generic; therefore, you can say that I am a multi-generic author and writer.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My newest craft which is entitled: A Witchful Friend which is a child’s picture fiction book is an inspiration of a learning concept that I put together in story form that is geared to better help kid’s on how to cope with rejection and bullying.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I was inspired at a young age to write where I would write short stories in my spire time. In my old age, and having even more time to write. I decided to share some of my stories with the world of readers both young as well as old. Hello This Is Us is a memoir that I written that is geared for all ages, and does not contain any profanity as well as the child’s book that I have written. I have made plans on writing many more books, and maybe some that will be targeted at an adult audience only. Stay tune it’s in the making!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
In the past I have read a line of generics of both fiction as well as nonfiction; with an interest of relationship fiction and bio books. Basically, I have read so many books in the past until I just can’t name them all

What are you working on now?
Being a self-published author, and at this time in my life, I am in the marketing and promoting stage for both of my self-published books with hopes of reaching many readers to inspire them with my books.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon, Barns & Nobles, draft2digital are a few of the platforms that I utilize at the moment and to further it all, I have developed a BlogSpot entitled Writers At Their Best where I write inspiring quotes to my bloggers. I am relatively new to the blog world as will be soon establishing some outside content to better entertain my bloggers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
To the self-publishing authors out there, it’s a long road ahead of you when you’re on this journey along make the needed sacrifices and before you know it, it’s well worth it. Mission Complete! Mission Success!

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

What are you reading now?
Once i settle down for the marketing, maybe some more fiction or bio. Or reading my own mind to build a new craft.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My passion for writing goes on and on; however, I would like to put all of this in front of the big screen one day to see all my characters in full effect.

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 books of all: My brains, my survival skills, and an umbrella in case it rains. And Awh! My pen and paper. L.O.L

Author Websites and Profiles
Patricia A.E. Hampton Website
Patricia A.E. Hampton Amazon Profile

Patricia A.E. Hampton’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a middle-aged guy living in Hertfordshire who has been writing since the late eighties. I make most of my living by writing for large multinational companies about their products, usually in engineering. It’s a bit dull but I do have a strong interest in science. However, I use the money, and the time between jobs, to write creative fiction and non-fiction. My preferred subject is popular philosophy as applied to modern life, particularly the supernatural and where the boundaries of science and belief might be. I’ve got some pretty weird ideas in my head. After all, not everything that matters in life can be measured with a scientific instrument. At the same time, it’s not a good idea to be dismissive of science, especially when repairing the brakes on your car, just because you want to hold onto comfortable ideas.

I’ve written four books, all related to metaphysics and what people call the supernatural but I’ve tried to present these subjects in ways that remove them from the ghetto of special interest stores and shops that sell crystals and incense. The Hidden Masters and the Unspeakable Evil was an occult novel about four magicians who save the world but have to be finished by Sunday night because they have to be back at work on Monday morning. By presenting these ideas as fiction it gets over the need to decide if you think these ideas are nonsense, in the same way as nobody really believes that Harry Potter can really ride a broomstick.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’m currently working on In SatNav We Trust – A search for meaning through the historic counties of England. It was inspired by the works of Bill Bryson and Robert Persig. This is a return to non-fiction after I wrote the Hidden Masters novel. Instead of wrapping up metaphysical ideas in fiction I decided to present them against a backdrop of life experiences. Driving around the country, one county a night without a plan or any idea where you are going to sleep, forces you into situations that create interesting experiences. These experiences become the anecdotes that we all tell in the pub or across the dinner table. The one county a night thing could easily be travelling with a fridge or searching for the Maltese Falcon. It’s a MacGuffin, a device to force the action to happen. Against that backdrop my personal thoughts and observations emerged. If I was heavily into football my thoughts about the local football team would have emerged and that’s what I would have discussed. I’m not into football so those ideas never emerged. Instead discovering a major feat of engineering led me to think about science or engineering, a cathedral might lead me to think about people of faith but the way the cathedral was built would lead me to think about how the building might affect the beliefs of the people.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to write in the afternoon when I’ve got things done. I can’t write when I know I’ve not sorted out the car insurance or done the shopping. This sometimes leads to me writing into the evening or even longer if I’m on a roll. TV on demand then means that I might stream something after I’ve finished and so my life slowly cycles in and out of sync with the rest of the world.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always been a huge fan of Robert Rankin and Douglas Adams. I like their absurdity and that gives me permission to have three magicians try to start a broken-down car with magic. I’ll let you decide if that worked. On the esoteric side there are fewer authors who inspire me as the important texts just seem a little out there. I’m not saying I don’t believe but you have to swap into the right mindset and I struggle to do that when I’m reading a non-fiction text. I’ve mentioned Bill Bryson and Robert Pirsig. They inspired me to write the travelogue but that was because I was looking for a new format to write in. Bill Bryson does it every time with his humour and it’s my ambition to follow in his footsteps but they are big footsteps to fill. Is that a mixed metaphor? Otherwise I read a great deal of fantasy in my early adulthood. Everything from Tolkien to Michael Moorcock. I’d like to write serious literature and I can see how people mine personal experiences for inspiration and there’s been plenty of tragedy in my life but I couldn’t bring myself to describe life and death situations or personal tragedies. I just want to entertain people and hopefully make them laugh. I don’t know how successful I am.

What are you working on now?
In SatNav We Trust is coming to the end of its cycle as it nears publication. Search for the hashtag #InSatNavWeTrust for the latest news and some extracts. After that I’d like to return to the Hidden Masters. I have the first half dozen chapters for the second novel written but I really need to apply myself to it. The Travelogue was supposed to a short project, make the trip, make some notes, hand them over to an editor to knock them into shape then return to the fiction. It didn’t work out that way and some years have passed. (I’m not prepared to say how many.) I’d like to write four Hidden Masters novels. In the first one they travel north (Blackpool) and deal with the element of earth, money (casinos). I never planned it that way, I just realised that those two matched. The second would be travelling to the west so there will be an emotional element. I was criticised for having no love interest in the first novel. Not every story has a love interest so I’m not bothered about that but there will be in the second. She’s called Destiny and wears unsuitable shoes. The third novel would be travelling east (so not doing them in any order) and I have some ideas for that. I have no idea what will happen in the south.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My output has been quite slow and social media was in its infancy when I started. I was on MySpace then the Hidden Masters and the Unspeakable Evil came out. In SatNav We Trust has taken years too and I’m only discovering these promo options now. I’ll be looking for advice from other authors on this.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be confident in your own inherent talent but seek out advice as well. If you are writing fiction learn about the three-act structure. I read about film structure which is much the same. And don’t be afraid to do some training. I’ve done some journalism over the years but I wish I’d gone to journalism school when I was younger. I’m too old, and too busy, to get the benefit of it now.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never stick your fingers in an electrical socket.

What are you reading now?
I try to alternate between fiction and non-fiction. I’m currently returning to a hippie text called Be Here Now by Baba Ram Das for the sixties. It’s very, ‘hey man!’ I mentioned it in passing in In SatNav We Trust as it was described to me years ago but I thought I’d better know what it actually said. After that I’d like to read the second Wars of the Roses novel by Toby Clements. I don’t know what it’s called but the first one was very visceral and I’m very interested in the life and times of the late medieval period. The Wars of the Roses are a bit after my preferred period. I wish someone would tackle Richard II and the Lords Appellant.

What’s next for you as a writer?
The Hidden Masters and the Techno Knights is the second novel in the series. I’m desperate to get back to it but In SatNav We Trust is killing me at the moment. The second novel might end up with a different name as I can’t remember exactly how the Techno Knights would fit in (something to do with the Knights Templar, ah the memories are returning!) and I’m not sure I can find my notes. I’ve taken six months off work to get it out of the way and I should earn some money. I’m not sure how all these plans fit together with being able to afford to eat.

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?
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance – Robert Pirsig
The Readers Digest Great World Atlas
A History of the World in 100 Objects – Neil MacGregor
The second in the Wars of the Roses series by Toby Clements although I have no idea what it’s called.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jack Barrow Website

Jack Barrow’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Thank you for this interview.

My name is Ukpeme Akpan Okon. I am a lawyer, leader, arbitrator, adjudicator, mediator, speaker, trainer, peace life coach, and Ambassador for Peace. I am the Founder of Guild of Adjudicators in Nigeria (GAIN).

I was born in Nigeria and the fourth out of five children of my dear parents. I believe that the complexities of the world, and challenges encountered by individuals can be surmounted.

I have been writing from my childhood days. I recall writing instructional notes as a child ( I still have the notes). The Values String, is my first book. I have written many articles and made presentations. I have served as Rapporteur at events, and was a panelist at a High Level event of the United Nations General Assembly.

I am an awardee and desirous of leaving a legacy of peace, time consciousness, organizational excellence, team work and meritorious leadership. These are qualities I exhibited from ten years of age. I have held leadership positions since my teenage years, until now.

After successfully acting as a mediator in a protracted difficult situation, I was referred to as “Peace Maker.” This, and other related circumstances led to my determination to help people lead peaceful, transformational, fulfilled lives.

I am a Rotarian, and take pleasure in peacebuilding, good music, healthy lifestyle, culinary art, life coaching, nature, dancing, traveling and volunteering. I am married, with children and live in the United States of America.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Values String, a book on Transitional Life, Compelling Fulfillment, and Profound Peace.

Self-inspiration, my desire to make the world a peaceful place, and my interactions with people inspired the writing of The Values String. My experiences as a lawyer, leader, mediator, speaker, Ambassador for Peace, alternative dispute resolution practitioner, mentor, among others provided my writing ideas.

I hope to help readers, listeners, and people I interact with achieve compelling fulfillment, and profound peace.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Interesting question. Writing habits differ. A usual writing habit for a writer may be unusual for another writer. I don’t have unusual writing habits but a writing style unique to me.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have vivid memories of good books I have read. I hold authors in high regard. The intellectual efforts they apply in writing should not be belittled. It is not that simple to write (even a one—page letter).

Considering the books I have read, I recognised the numerous writing skills of the authors and enjoyed the diversity of talents.

In terms of my writing style, I am not influenced by anyone. I advocate originality in writing.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on a newspaper article, and a paper presentation.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I notice there are numerous websites offering book promotion services. I am exploring these opportunities. I commend Awesome Gang for providing helpful information to authors seeking promotion strategies.

My best method for promoting my book is self-promotion. Telling people about my book has created more awareness.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
This is a good question.

My advice for new authors, which can apply to all authors:

– Be original. Be confident. Don’t compare yourself with others.
– Authors should not be complacent about promoting their books.
– Writers should not expect exponential book sales. It is possible but not guaranteed.
– They should identify with other authors and communities of writers.
– Authors are encouraged to research about individuals, websites, and organizations that promote authors, and get involved.
– Leverage their network.
-Volunteer to enrich the lives of people, through their message by giving free speeches, and services.
– Self—promote their books.
-They should not be fearful of bad or negative book reviews.
– Authors should be organized, and keep account of their income and expenditures.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I have heard a lot of good advice. I can’t determine which is the best. Hopefully, there will be an answer.

What are you reading now?
I am reading Resisting Happiness by Matthew Kelly at the moment.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Spreading the message of The Values String as a contributing writer, giving motivational speeches, offering courses, and engaging in charitable causes.

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?
These are the 4 books I will take to the desert island:

1. The Holy Bible
2. The Values String
3. The Values String (to give a stranded person I may encounter on the desert island)
4. The Values String (to give a stranded person I may encounter on the desert island)

Author Websites and Profiles
Ukpeme Okon Website
Ukpeme Okon Amazon Profile
Ukpeme Okon Author Profile on Smashwords

Ukpeme Okon’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and attended Punahou School. I received A BA in English Lit from the University of California, San Diego. My MFA in Creative Writing is from San Francisco State University.

I have written thirteen books to date in various genres, including flash (micro stories), poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. I have been published in over three-hundred university literary journals, including Harpur Palate, 580 Split, Reed Magazine, Blue Mesa Review, Artful Dodge, Moon City Review, Hawai’i Review, Honolulu Weekly, Hawai’i Pacific Review, and SDSU’s Pacific Review. I also write plays and screenplays. I won the 2018 Las Vegas Screenplay Contest and a stage play set in the Deep South took Third Place at the 2018 Caanes Screenplay Contest. Sometimes I harvest material from my stories when crafting plays such as HOUDINI, which was performed at the Actors Alliance Festival in San Diego. Cross-pollination is a great way to get a lot of material out there fast. My first book of poetry took First Place at the San Diego Book Awards. Are you working on another? What’s it about? I’m currently brainstorming Book 2 of THE QUEEN OF MOLOKA’I.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest is THE QUEEN OF MOLOKA’I. This book was inspired by Julia Wright, my paternal grandmother. Julia was one of six children that grew up in Palolo Valley. Julia was a party girl in Waikiki. She made big mistakes in love, especially after meeting a blond Englishman at the Moana Hotel. He left her hapai (pregnant) after promising he’d send for her once he got settled in San Francisco. Julia never heard from the Englishman again and gave birth to my father the first day of world peace. Then she met a Portuguese sea merchant at the Young Hotel downtown and soon she was hapai again. Julia was forced to raise both sons in her mother’s tiny rental in Kaimuki. Her third love interest was Chipper, a decorated war vet. Chipper asked her to accompany him to the Molokai Ranch, where he’d secured a job as a paniolo (cowboy). Julia said she would. Chipper told her she couldn’t bring her sons along until she proved she could handle the rural lifestyle. She was caught between the fear of becoming an old maid raising two half-brothers or the possibility of marrying her teenage crush.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to favor the evening hours on dry days and the morning hours when it’s raining.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Fitzgerald, Plath, Hemingway, Faulkner, and Joyce.

What are you working on now?
Part 2 of THE QUEEN OF MOLOKA’I.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Book Signings work great because I’ve got a definite date and can promote the heck out of the book through it. I also avoid bookstores. Why? First off, they take a percentage off the top and most I find are quite boring. In the ones I have signed at, such as Upstart Crow in San Diego, I usually bring in entertainment to enhance the signing. At Upstart Crow I had a guitarist come in and play Flamenco music. At DJ Wills in La Jolla, I had a percussionist with congas perform while I recited. You have to spice things up to make it fun for your audience!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I know this sounds crazy, but don’t read too much. Read the classics however, and don’t be afraid to re-read. I re-read Hemingway and Fitzgerald all the time. Why not too much reading? You’ll hear too many voices and start sounding like one of them. Be unique. Write more than you read.

Also, get your work out fast. Submit like crazy. If you get a rejection, hit the editor back with an email asking why. Why not? You might learn a thing or two. Develop a thick skin. Laugh off rejections or else snarl. Once accepted in an online magazine, don’t quit editing the piece.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Never Give Up.

What are you reading now?
THE QUEEN OF MOLOKA’I, hot off the press! Why? I’m looking for ways to improve it, things I missed that could be corrected in a second edition.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m thinking about traveling to Paris to finish the last chapter of a novel I’ve been goofing around with for the past decade.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
IN OUR TIME (Hemingway)
DUBLINERS (Joyce)
THE GREAT GATSBY (Fitzgerald)
LIGHT IN AUGUST (Faulkner)

Author Websites and Profiles
Kirby Michael Wright Website
Kirby Michael Wright Amazon Profile

Kirby Michael Wright’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Im an Author, Certified Exec. Leader/Life Coach, and Empowerment Speaker. I was a Co-author of my 1st book (Behind the Scenes of a Phenomenal Woman) and I am currently writing my next book titled “Tired of being Tired “, [recharge, refuel, and restart. Live your dream out loud and proud]!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Tired of being Tired “, [recharge, refuel, and restart. Live your dream out loud and proud]! I Was tired of being tired. I decided the mediocracy was not an option. I started to believe that my dream could still come true after I recharged and refueled and hit my “restart” button! Living my best life now, proud and out loud. My favorite saying is you don’t have to be great to get started what you have to get started to be great and you don’t have to be famous to be impactful!

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Sometimes I write things on my vision board before they end up on paper.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many books 7 fluenced me, but to name a few titles……the student millionaire y Rich Patenaide, and It’s not what you sell its what you stand for by Roy Spence , God and the business man by Bobby Andoan, and Coachomg Leaders by Daniel White.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on my new book and new television tall show.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method is social media online marketing and events as a vendor where I can engage and connect with people.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
It’s OK to be transparent and to tell your story because something that you have gone through ….may be something that someone else can relate to.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard was that it’s not too late to start again, And you don’t have to be great to get started but you have to get started to be great.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading how to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie a book to lead you to success

What’s next for you as a writer?
To continue writing and telling my story as I take an amazing journey living the life I dream out loud and proud, With a goal to empower and inspire and encourage others to do the same.

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, Notebook to write, Becoming Michelle Obama,and Kevin Yrudeau’s bookon natural cures.

Author Websites and Profiles
Juliet Jones Website

Juliet Jones’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
John Spender is a 16 time International Best Selling author didn’t learn how to read and write at a basic level until he was ten years old. He has since traveled the world started many businesses leading him to create the best selling book series A Journey Of Riches; he is an Award Winning International Speaker and Movie Maker.

John was an international NLP trainer and has coached thousands of people from various backgrounds through all sorts of challenges. From the borderline homeless to very wealthy individuals, he has helped many people to get in touch with their truth to create a life on their terms.

John’s search for answers to living a fulfilling life has taken him to work with Native American Indians in the Hills of San Diego, the forests of Madagascar, swimming with humpback whales in Tonga, exploring the Okavango Delta of Botswana and the Great Wall of China. He’s traveled from Chile to Slovakia, Hungary to the Solomon Islands, the mountains of Italy and the streets of Mexico. Everywhere his journey has taken him; John has discovered a hunger among people to find a new way to live, with a yearning for freedom of expression.

His belief that everyone has a book in them was born. He is now a writing coach having worked with more than a 170 authors from 34 different countries and his publishing house MotionMediaInternational has published 20 non-fiction titles to date.

John also co-wrote and produced the movie documentary Adversity starring Jack Canfield, Rev. Micheal Bernard Beckwith, Dr. John Demartini and many more, coming soon in 2020! Moreover, you can bet there will be the best selling book too!

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I created this book and chose this collection of authors to share their insights, into their journey of developing courage, assisting people and raising your belief that you too can tap into courage and overcome your fears.

Like all of us, each author has a unique story and insight to share with you. It just may be the case, that one or more of these authors have lived through an experience that is similar to circumstances in your life right now. Their words could be just the words you need to read to help you through your challenges and motivate you to continue on your journey. Perhaps reading about one or more of these experiences will fill in the missing piece of your puzzle, so to speak, allowing you to move forward into the next phase of your life.

Storytelling has been the way humankind has communicated ideas and learning throughout our civilization. While we have become more sophisticated with technology and living in the modern world is more convenient, there is still much discontent and dissatisfaction with one’s reality. Many people have also moved away from reading books, and they are missing out on valuable information that can help them to move forward in life, with a positive outlook. I think it is essential to turn off the T.V., to slow down, and to read, reflect, and take the time to appreciate everything you have in life. I like anthology books because they carry many different perspectives and insights on a singular topic. I find that sometimes when I’m reading a book that has just one author I gain an understanding of their viewpoint and writing style very quickly and the reading becomes predictable.

With this book and all of the books in the A Journey of Riches book series, you have many different writing styles and viewpoints that will help shape your perspective towards your current set of circumstances.

Anthology books are also great because you can start from any chapter and gain a valuable insight or a nugget of wisdom without the feeling that you have missed something from the earlier chapters.

I love reading many different types of personal development books because learning and personal growth are vital to me. If you are not learning and growing, well, you’re staying the same. Everything in the universe is growing, expanding, and changing. If we are not open to different ideas and different ways of thinking and being, then we can become close-minded.

The concept of this book series is to open you up to different ways of perceiving your reality, to give you hope, to encourage you, and to give you many avenues of thinking about the same subject. My wish for you is to feel empowered to make a decision that will best suit you in moving forward with your life. As Albert Einstein said, “We cannot solve problems with the same level of thinking that created them.” With Einstein’s words in mind, let your mood pick a chapter in the book or read from the beginning to the end and allow yourself to be guided to find the answers you seek.

With gratitude,

John Spender

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really.
I plan each chapter starting with a storyboard transferring that information onto a blueprint.
This way I’m clear on what I’m writing about, the purpose for me writing about it and the key take away points for the reader. And how it relates to the theme of the chapter.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Author influences are in any order; Dr. Wayne Dyer, Paulo Coelho, Sonia Choquette, Rob Kosberg, Bryce Cournourey, James Patterson, Wilbur Smith, Napolean Hill, Wallace Wattles, and Malcolm Gladwell.

What are you working on now?
Working book 17 in the A Journey of Riches series ‘In Search of Happiness’ and book 18 in the same series ‘Liberate your Struggles’ and promoting and collating two more books ‘Way of the Wealthy’ and ‘The shadows of the cedars’ the latter is a working title and may change.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon and Facebook for sure!

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, start small — step by step you can reach any goal.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
From Dr. Wayne Dyer; ‘When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.’

What are you reading now?
Publish, Promote, Profit by Rob Kosberg

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Sam Leong by Sam Leong with Stephen Lee

Way of the Wealthy by John Hanna

The Shadows of the Cedars By Fida Fidel

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am refining the script for my first full feature film starring Jack Canfield, Michael Bernard Beckwith, and many more inspiring peeps.

Also working book 17 in the A Journey of Riches series ‘In Search of Happiness’ and book 18 in the same series ‘Liberate your Struggles’ and promoting and collating two more books ‘Way of the Wealthy’ and ‘The shadows of the cedars’ the latter is a working title and may change.

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 desert island by Jim Pipe

2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

3.

Author Websites and Profiles
John Spender Website
John Spender Amazon Profile

John Spender’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I began writing stories and screenplays in high school and continued through college during which time my first stage play was produced at the Organic Theater in Chicago. After moving to Los Angeles, I won a screenwriting award and began working in the film industry. I wrote several projects that were produced for film and television, then revisited some of the stories and poetry that I had written for my daughters to author a few books for children.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a middle-grade fantasy novel called “The Gondoliers: The Secret Journals of Fanticulous Glim.” I’d often visited Venice, Italy, as a child, and years later when I returned with my daughters, I found myself wandering with them through the labyrinth of narrow alleyways and canals as the sun was quickly fading. The adventure in my novel evolved from that moment and from the notion that there was something magical and mysterious that would rise in the twilight of Venice.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so, but then normal to a writer might seem unusual to some. I try to “inhabit” the characters I am writing, which sometimes requires that I speak their dialog out loud, in their voice, as I write it. Is that unusual?

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have enjoyed Tolkien and Rowling most recently, but I am always blown away by the masterful use of language by Austen and Dickens, where, in a few sentences of description, a character’s entire personality, his/her past and present, is revealed in stunning detail.

What are you working on now?
New stories, a few film projects, a new children’s book and a new middle-grade adventure.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still learning the ins and outs of promotion.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write because you have a story to tell, not because you want a story to sell.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Writing is finally about one thing: going into a room alone and doing it.” William Goldman

What are you reading now?
I read my friend Ronald Colby’s thriller, “Night Driver,” and I have an assortment of books on my nightstand, including “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Hope Never Dies.”

What’s next for you as a writer?
The same as it is for most writers: keep trying, word by word, to tell the story in your head.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Well, that’s kind of not fair, because on a desert island I might be most interested in survival, so I’d probably want a few “How-To” books.

Author Websites and Profiles
Paolo Mazzucato Website
Paolo Mazzucato Amazon Profile

Paolo Mazzucato’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an ROC (Taiwan) citizen, born and bred in the UK. I began travelling in 1981 and soon found I didn’t want to go home. I used to write a lot in my late teens (pre-Internet, so nothing available in digital form) and am now ‘making a comeback’! In the intervening years (decades rather), my artistic pursuits have been more oriented towards visual arts, as can be seen on my personal website, alixlee.com. I haven’t written any complete books apart from The Taiwan Experience. As a teenager, I wrote short stories (fiction); now I mostly write true short stories.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’m working mostly on the True Tales series, although I do have other projects, such as The Taiwan Experience, which is a trilogy of books based on my observations of Taiwan’s democratisation over several decades. With limited time available for writing, I tend to just concentrate on whichever story I feel like on any given morning, so the next story to be finished in the True Tales series will not necessarily be the next chronologically as the stories happened.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Don’t know if I have any unusual writing habits, as I don’t know what other peoples’ writing habits are! But I like to write either very early in the morning or late in the evening.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I think that’s for other people to say.

What are you working on now?
At present I’m working on several projects, the biggest of which is the True Tales of a Traveller series. This relates some to the more interesting experiences in 35 years of travelling. Each of the stories in the series is priced at 0.99 on Amazon, with free periods arranged for each whenever possible, and that’s as cheap as I can make them. The full series will also be published in paperback in a number of volumes. Any feedback appreciated!

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
At the moment, on a low or non-existant promotional budget, only free options are available to me. Awesome Gang and a few other sites seem to do a good job of helping those writers with little or no funding available to get their work noticed.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
When I’ve had some commercial or critical success, then I’ll be qualified to give advice!

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“If something’s worth doing at all, it’s worth doing well.”

What are you reading now?
I’m reading (or listening to rather) some books I first read as a teenager by Jack Kerouac.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Hopefully, browsing through English-language books at foreign airports and saying to myself: “Oh, there’s one of mine!”

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I think if I were stuck on desert island, I’d want to escape in my mind to somewhere completely different. Maybe something like The Godfather by Mario Puzo. Ken Kesey’s One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest was another engrossing novel I enjoyed, and I liked all George Orwell’s works. Normally I prefer short stories, but the problem is they are over too quickly and it would be a case of “Oh, no, I’m still on this bloody island!”

Author Websites and Profiles
Alix Lee Website

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
As New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Michele Bardsley, I’ve written more than 40 novels in multiple genres. I also write sinister stories under the name Michele Freeman and young adult paranormal name as Michele Vail.

My work has received many honors and accolades, including the Grand Prize in the Writer’s Digest 74th Annual Contest for A Mother Scorned, the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice award for Because Your Vampire Said So, and the Crème de la Crème award from the Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. for A Demon is a Girl’s Best Friend.

When I’m not writing, I crochet weird stuff, read creepy fiction, watch and listen to true crime shows, and eat dark chocolate. I live in Texas with my awesome husband and our fur babies.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
DIRTY ROTTEN VAMPIRES is a cozy mystery based in my popular Broken Heart paranormal series. The couple from I’M THE VAMPIRE, THAT’S WHY goes on paranormal vacation and end up fangs-deep in a mystery while trapped on massive storm on a private island. It’s like if Agatha Christie wrote about sarcastic vampires.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Charlaine Harris, Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, Agatha Christie, and so many others. Good writing is always inspiring and I read widely in a variety of genres.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on two projects, STALKER and PRAYERS BEFORE DYING, under my Michele Freeman name.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Connecting with readers is the best way to promote books.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
You don’t have to follow everyone else’s advice. What works for one author doesn’t necessarily work for another. I spent a lot of time mired in what worked for other writers and felt like I was “doing it wrong.” There is no wrong way.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t fall in love with your words.

What are you reading now?
HIGH LONESOME SOUND by Jaye Wells, WATCHERS by Dean Koontz, and THE INVENTION OF MURDER by Judith Flanders.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m spending a lot of time under my Michele Freeman writer’s hat, exploring true crime, thrillers, and horror.

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?
MORT by Terry Pratchett, GOOD OMENS by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, KISS AN ANGEL by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and whoever wrote HOW TO ESCAPE WHEN YOU’RE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND.

Author Websites and Profiles
Michele Bardsley Website
Michele Bardsley Amazon Profile

Michele Bardsley’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have published 2 books so far and I am working on book number 3. I have written many books over the years and they just sat on my shelf. I now have time to actually get them published. I love reading, camping, hiking, woodworking, swimming, water skiing among many sports. I love reading and writing a good story. Nothing captures the imagination like a good book.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Believe It. It is the second book in a series of books called Saving America. It is centered around a Delta special forces unit and the women they love, the dangers they face and how they overcome every obstacle to protect the women they love. I love our military and the women who support them behind the scenes. These books are fiction that touch on the lives of these special forces soldiers. I love telling stories, especially love stories. I have a dozen or more going on in my head at any given time.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not that I am aware of. I sit down and write whenever inspiration strikes me. I do try and write a little bit every day to stay in the habit.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My very favorite author right now is Jamie Begley. Over the years many writers have influenced me: Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, Lora Leigh, Maya Banks, Tami Hoag, Tom Clancey, Clive Cussler and the list goes on and on.

What are you working on now?
I am working on book number 3 for Saving America Series. It is entitled The Reaper. It is about a retired CIA sniper that joins up with the Delta team to rid the United States of the corruption that has taken over the government and the woman he falls in love with, who is a former Marine.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Being a new author I am still trying everything to get my book out there. I am currently on Amazon, BookBub and Goodreads.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write a little something every day to create a habit. Also hire a good editor they are invaluable.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not everyone will like you book so don’t take it personally. Everyone has different taste in reading material.

What are you reading now?
Nothing while I am working on my next book.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I am will continue on with the Saving America Series. There are many stories that need to be told about the other team members.

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?
Razor’s Ride by Jamie Begley
Nauti Nights by Lora Leigh
Inka Gold by Clive Cussler
Sands of Time by Sidney Sheldon

Author Websites and Profiles
Carter Hill Amazon Profile

Carter Hill’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My first attempt at writing a Fantasy novel occurred decades ago – when I was still a student in high school. To say that the resulting book was awful would be too kind, and it was disposed of soon afterwards. From that experience, however, I gained a better appreciation for the elements that would be needed to produce a successful novel – including the persistence to see such an undertaking to its conclusion.

In the intervening years, life happened: university, jobs, marriage, kids. I never completely ceased writing, but I also had neither the time nor motivation to launch another novel. I did, however, have a non-fiction book (a history text – some 400+ pages, hardbound) that I gradually polished and rounded out – which was eventually published through a traditional, printed publishing house. The latter experience further solidified my conviction that I indeed could undertake a novel again – should I choose to do so.

It was my three daughters, however, who reintroduced me to the world of Fantasy-Fiction. Literature was something that the four of us could share, discuss and compare – together with other fantasy and literary influences. I was able to introduce some of my old favorites to my daughters, and they in turn, introduced me to some of theirs.

It was this latter experience, sharing and discussing stories and literature, that convinced me to try my hand at writing Fantasy-Fiction once again: weaving together tales and ideas that had been circulating across my mind for decades. I hope that the resulting stories and characters are as fun to read as they were for me to write.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book (and first novel) is Storm’s Herald, the first in a planned trilogy – for which I am currently writing the second installment.

Storm’s Herald is an epic fantasy, inspired in part by characters from my own youth, but also by the characters (in literature, movies or anime) that my daughters have introduced me to.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Having my daughters play a role in reviewing the manuscript, and recommending changes or things that they would like to see done differently was part of the pleasure behind writing Storm’s Herald. I could write a scene, and look forward to seeing how they would react to the characters and events.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
My own youthful literary inspirations came from a variety of authors and backgrounds, but shared a few repeating themes.

My favorite authors when I was young included J.R.R. Tolkien, Terry Brooks, and Anne McCaffrey – but also included classical writers, such as H.G. Wells, Edgar Allan Poe, John Steinbeck, Victor Hugo, and of course William Shakespeare. These were authors whose books I sought out – not necessarily those that I was assigned to read in some class. Authors that had a story that needed to be heard, or who could create characters that resonated larger than life.

Looking back across those years, I can still point to specific themes that each book or author conveyed, and individual characters that I can clearly remember to this day – not all of them necessarily the heroes.

The central theme that I believe makes a character great, boils down to their humanity. Good or bad, young or old, its our ability to see a part of ourselves, of people we know in them. The flaws, the imperfections, that make us struggle and strive, those are the things that we desperately need to relate to for a character to be memorable. They might be a hero from the Lord of the Rings, or the darkest villain from MacBeth, but it’s our ability to see our own imperfections mirrored in their persona that makes that character relatable to us, in ways that continue to inspire or appall.

What are you working on now?
I am currently writing the second installment to the Stormfall Chronicles – which I expect to see released in mid-2019.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The most important attribute that a successful writer must have is perseverance. Plan on having to writer, rewrite, and rewrite again. Be prepared to suffer disappointment and ridicule – and still keep going, improving on your craft.

What are you reading now?
Sara Roethle’s Tree of Ages series.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I complete the Stormfall Chronicles? I’m not sure – although my daughters have been begging me to write a prequel.

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 collection of Shakespeare’s plays for sure. So much depth of character to be mined from there.

Probably Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern books as well, and my third choice – of course – would be the collected works of J.R.R. Tolkien.

Author Websites and Profiles
J.W. Golan Website
J.W. Golan Amazon Profile

J.W. Golan’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Border Girl is my first novel, although I’ve had articles published in newspapers and magazines. I was told from an early age that I’d be a writer, but I switched my major from journalism to geology. No regrets; it led to adventures in Canada and the US and then to many happy years teaching science in Arizona. As a Navy brat I’ve always loved being near the ocean, so I retired to Washington’s Olympic Peninsula where I wake up to a water view. One of my sons shares my love of trees and ocean and lives an hour away. The other loves the desert and remains in Arizona.
I volunteer at an animal rescue where I work with everything from alpacas to emus, but I especially love the horses. My sister and I had horses in California so a barn feels like home to me. I fix up dollhouses and make room boxes, and I’m always on the lookout for old quilts.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I started writing Border Girl while I was teaching 9th grade science. It’s hard for young people to figure out who they are and where they belong; especially so for multi-cultural kids. I wanted to give my Mexican-American students a strong, smart protagonist. The image of a girl on horseback in a torrential storm popped in to my head, and that was Nattie.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I need to nag myself to write, so when I sold an article I used the money to buy a ring to remind me that I should be working on my novel. I took it off when Border Girl was finished — it got in the way while shoveling manure and bringing in firewood — but now that I’ve started my second novel I needed a new reminder, so I got my first tattoo! It’s a book that says Border Girl. Maybe someday I’ll have a line of books up my arm.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Kipling’s ability to describe a scene so vividly that you can feel the heat and smell the dust. Nevil Shute and C.S. Forester are great story-tellers. I didn’t care for Jane Austen at first read but now I love her books, especially Emma. (One of Border Girl’s readers said it’s like an Edwardian romance set in the American West.) I like Josephine Tey and Dorothy L. Sayers; I’ll always be in love with Lord Peter.
I read a lot of classics as a kid, partly because I looked for thick library books so they’d last longer. Dickens, Shakespeare, Cervantes… I never cared much for American authors; too grim and depressing. I’m a sucker for genteel British murder mysteries with a love story tucked in.

What are you working on now?
My second novel is set in contemporary Tucson. It’s about women who are neighbors on a little street and as they form a community, a sisterhood, they find their strengths. And some of them find love.
I didn’t intend to write a sequel to Border Girl, but Nattie is still rattling around in my brain so I may write some short stories. Or a sequel.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m terrible at promoting myself! I’m new at this, so I’m just floundering around, looking for sites that will help get Border Girl in front of potential readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Like everyone says, WRITE! It can be terrible and not at all what you want it to be, but once you have words on paper you have something to work with. I love rewriting and revising, so that’s my reward for slogging through the first stages.
If you self-publish, if you can possibly afford it, hire an editor and a formatter.
Try not to be disappointed if your friends don’t race to buy your book. My editor is a successful, long-established author and she says she has to hound her friends to read and/or review her books. People are weird. Write anyway.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
About writing? Or in general? My Great-Grandma Nellie said never wear dangly earrings when you go out drinking because they’ll get ripped out in a bar fight.
Advice about writing…. I found “Write for yourself, because you want to write” to be helpful.

What are you reading now?
Childhood’s End, by Arthur C. Clarke. And a history of the local area.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Aside from fame, fortune, and acclaim? Just kidding. I’ll keep working on my second novel in between trying to figure out how to promote Border Girl.

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?
Going back to my childhood strategy, I’d want the thickest books possible. So, the complete Shakespeare, the complete Kipling, the complete Sayers…And a survival manual.

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Rekha Hindwar, and I hails from Uttar Pradesh, India. If you will ask me to define myself in a word, I’ll say, I’m a day-dreamer. I often love to lose in my own imaginary world and feel myself in the place of protagonist. Sometimes I cried also, during going through the story.

Though I have five stories in my mind, like – “Spark”, “Soul Hacker”, “Human birth”, “The Third World War” and “To the another World”, but I wrote only one book yet, that’s – “The Autograph”.
You’ll be surprised to know that though I write a story in the whole book, I can’t read if a book contains a single story. The only Novel I read yet is – “Can love Happen twice”.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book which is my very first book also is – “The Autograph”. It inspired through the thought of mine what if a famous young cricketer fall in love with a beautiful slum girl who is having an attitude like a high-value girl.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yeah, when I get upset with someone and can’t say something to them on the face, then I write down it on paper with putting all my emotions into it and deliver to them.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors which influenced me are Premchand, Ravinder Singh and Chetan Bhagat. I love the way Premchand writes, he uses the simplest language to tell a story. I read Ravinder’s Can love happen twice he has shown an excellent way to deliver his complex thoughts into the paper. I didn’t read the books of Chetan Bhagat but watched movies on his books, and found the contents were excellent, in terms of suspense, comic and message which he wants to deliver.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on my 2nd Drama novel – “Spark”. This story revolves around four tomboys who ran off from their home and meets in Mumbai. They get shelter at the home of a Fashion Designer. Punya, one of among four tomboys, has an amazing voice, but she has a stage phobia. So how she gets rid of her stage phobia, it’s what story tells. It also contains a lot of comedy elements nearly in all paragraphs.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I promote my books through social media, free promotion sites like you and if needs sometimes paid also.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
I don’t think I have earned this opportunity yet to advice new authors as I, myself is a new author.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t say, just do it.

What are you reading now?
I’m reading now the book – “Go kiss the world” by Subroto Bagchi.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Next, I’m so excited to hear from my readers about my very first book – “The Autograph”.

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?
Five points someone, One night at a call center, and Namak ka Daaroga.

Rekha Hindwar’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am Fabiana and I live in Sardinia, a beautiful Island in Italy.
I love painting and illustrating stories.
“magical trip through an alternative world” it’s my first book but in my head there are many others….

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
my picturebook’s name is “magical trip through an alternative world”. My niece inspired me this book, because she is autistic and “Magical trip” tells about how autistic children see the world and how they live like in an alternative world.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I dont’t know if it’s normal or not, but I can only write when I’m completely alone, in the silence, drinking a cup of tea….

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love reading but for this book only my niece Noemi has influenced me…. I love her so much!

What are you working on now?
I have some ideas in my mind….but now, I want to focus on promoting my first ebook

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Follow you heart and your dreams, always!

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?
mmm, it’s not so easy
Harry Potter, the crow (E.A. Poe) and Lord of the Rings

Fabiana Aroni’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a writer, photographer, composer, actress, model, film director and producer. So far published 2 books, but more coming soon, they are written but not yet published.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Love Avalanche”, motivational, inspirational and empowering book for women, inspired by love.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Writing after midnight surrounded by snacks.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
“The Jungle Book” and Mowgli left quite an impression on me in my early childhood. Perhaps that’s why I write social theme children’s books, advocating the adoption and empowering orphaned underprivileged children.

What are you working on now?
I’m finishing another motivational book, trying to help people live a happier life.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
These days everything spins around Facebook.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be yourself and never give up.

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

What are you reading now?
I’m reading Vedas these days, helps in decoding life.

What’s next for you as a writer?
My plan is to continue writing “Adventures of Mr. Medeni” series, and after ” Adventures of Mr. Medeni: How it Began” preparing more interesting stories about Mr. Medeni, my adventurous best friend and family.

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?
Four books of Vedas, there’s entire history written.

Author Websites and Profiles
Suzana Trifkovic Amazon Profile

Suzana Trifkovic’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a young professional and love to travel, spend time with my family and enjoy life like many of us.
I was stuck in my 9 to 5 job and started to research ways to become my own boss.
So after my researches, I have decided to write my first Ebook “Passive Income: The Ultimate Guide to Wealth and Financial Freedom”, which gives a broad but great insight on the best ways to make passive income.

Author Websites and Profiles
Christelle NATIVEL Amazon Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! My name is Bri, and I have written MANY books.
The problem is, none of them have seen the light of day. I first started writing stories when I was about ten years old. It was around then that I think I started taking an interest in reading, but I found myself generally pretty unimpressed by the books I was forced to read in school. (It wasn’t until about sixth grade that I discovered the magical hoard of fantasy and science fiction books on my dad’s bookshelf.)
So, I began to write my own stories, and over the course of 16 years I’ve written literally dozens of books, most of them partially finished, a handful actually completed. I have a pet project that I started back in high school, and have built to a full seven book fantasy/sci-fi series, which I hope to one day have published through a big publishing house. That won’t be for years, though, realistically. I’ve got too much to learn before that happens.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Heartbreaker, and is pretty much the exact replica of a dream I had. The dream was vivid and opened up in my brain like a book read from beginning to end. I only had to chalk in a few details to tie a few scenes together, and voila: ya’ll are reading the exact happenings of a dream I had.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Drinking.
I write really well when I drink, as long as I don’t get too drunk, which at that point I lose focus and just watch Youtube and get overly cuddly with my pets.
Also, watching really beautiful and well-done anime helps to me to write more eloquently.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
David Brin is my favorite. Right in second place would be all of the following: Brandon Sanderson, Robert Jordan, Jane Austen, R. A. Salvatore, David Weber, and Anne McCaffrey.

What are you working on now?
Heartbreaker’s sequel, Heartbroken (or just Heartbreaker part II).

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Honestly? before this it was just my Facebook page.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Once you finish something, drop it for a month. Don’t look at it. Wipe clear the goop from your vision so that when you look over it again, it will be with fresh eyes.
And brace yourself for the very real horror, dejection, and misery, haha.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You can’t turn the steering wheel of a car that isn’t moving.
– My dad, when I told him I didn’t know what to do with my life.

What are you reading now?
Textbooks for school.
It’s killing my brain.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just keep on keeping on, self-publishing another ebook or two while I finish up college. Then it’ll be time to settle down and take a serious look at my pet project I’m considering to submit for traditional publishing.

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 and Thrive on a Deserted Island
2) How to Discourage Rescue from your Deserted Island Utopia
3) How to Defend your Own Private Deserted Island
4) How to get Wifi on a Deserted Island

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a fun loving individual who has a lot of experience when it comes to how I have been managing my financial life.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled: Mirrors of Wealth: Learn the Best Money Management Advice Only the Wealthy Know About (The Fool & His Wealth Series Book 3).

It is the third in the series – The Fool & His Wealth Series and it will teach you how to mirror what other successful people have done to achieve their success.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well I do like to wake up early at about 4:30am in the morning to catch up on writing and marketing of my books

What are you working on now?
My new book touches on how to handle debts of all kind,

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Annette Austin and I have been writing for many years. It’s hard to describe myself. I guess I would say I am a shy, pleasant, sometimes complicated individual who devoured books as a child, which, in turn, helped fuel my passion for writing. Initially, I wrote short stories before moving onto writing novels. Although I always wanted to publish a novel, I never really believed that I could. When I finally achieved it in 2018, I was overjoyed. So far, I have written and published two novels, The Fall of the House of James and Always A Slave. I am currently writing the third novel in the James Saga, A Slave’s Vow. Hopefully, I will write several more books in this series.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Always A Slave, which is the second book in a series called The James Saga. The book is inspired by the first novel in the series, The Fall of the House of James. It follows the same trajectory of the first book in that it deals with the difficulties of an interracial romance in the Deep South in the 19th century, the barbaric nature of slavery, the turmoil of one of the characters, Lawrence James, who doesn’t want to be a slave owner and another character, Donald Archer, who doesn’t want to be a slave. There are a number of different storylines in the novel, but I’ll spoil it if I reveal too much.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
That’s a tricky question. I guess the only one I can think of is that while I am writing a novel, I will speak in the character’s voice while I’m reading passages of the novel. I find that what one character would say, another would not. I also find it a good way to find out whether the chapter has a good flow to it or not.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
This question is so hard as I have read so many books. As a child, I would read many books by Roald Dahl, as I loved the humour and warmth in them. As a teenager, I would say Paula Danziger and Rosa Guy were quite influential. Now, as an adult, I would say that the books of Graham Masterton and James Patterson are great as I always write more after reading their books.

What are you working on now?
At the moment, I am in the process of writing the next novel in the James Saga, A Slave’s Vow. I am hoping to publish it by the summertime.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is the first time I have used a website to promote my novels. I’m hoping to join a few more websites in the near future, but I’m enjoying the Awesome Gang experience so far.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
The best advice I can give to a new author is not to give up. It took five years before I published my first novel, but I wouldn’t swap that feeling of my book finally being published for anything. New authors also need to manage their expectations. Success doesn’t come instantly. It took a long time before J.K.Rowling and George A.A. Martin’S books were successful, so new writers should be inspired by this.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard was from one of my heroes, Muhammad Ali who is quoted as saying, ‘Don’t count the days -make the days count.’

What are you reading now?
I’ve just finished reading, ‘The President Is Missing’ by Bill Clinton and James Patterson. It’s a hugely entertaining and fascinating political thriller.

What’s next for you as a writer?
After I have finished and hopefully published my third novel, I hope to write the next novel in the James Saga, Between Love and War. I hope to start writing this before the end of the 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?
This is so hard to narrow it down as I have read so many great books over the years. I always like books which resonate with the reader long after they’ve finished reading the book. For that reason I pick –

The Friends by Rosa Guy
Daughter by Asha Bandele
We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

Author Websites and Profiles
Annette Austin Amazon Profile

Annette Austin’s Social Media Links
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write to bless moms so they can live in greater peace and freedom and love their children well.

I’ve published three books. The first, Parenting Your Teen Through Chaos and Crisis has eight chapters which help parents of preteens and teens navigate challenging years in their parenthood. We look at basic principles and how we can maximize our influence in the lives of our children during this stage.

In my next book, Slow Down, Mama: Intentional Living in a Hurried World I share my own journey of going from crazy-busy to purposeful and content. I help you identify the roots of your busyness, and in my usual conversational style, I walk you through discovering tools to help you develop life-giving habits to help you make room for what matters most. The book has 31 mercifully short chapters so a busy mom can read one a day and finish the whole book in a month. Plus, I included questions to help you apply (and remember) what you learn in the “Make This Book Yours” section at the end of each chapter.

Finally, I have written a devotional to compliment the Slow Down, Mama book. It’s called, Slow Down, Mama: 31 Days to Help You Slow and Savor. I give relatable stories, a question for reflection, prayer, and actionable step each day to help you live with more purpose and peace.

When I’m not writing, I’m reading, mothering my two boys, spending time with my husband or girlfriends, taking road trips, attending a zumba or hip-hop class, or hanging out in my garden.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Slow Down, Mama: Intentional Living in a Hurried World (and the companion devotional). I was inspired to write this book when a friend told me she didn’t have enough time to read my first book. I walked away from our conversation reflecting on how busy so many moms I know are, and thinking about how far I’d come in learning to live more intentionally. Right then, the title popped in my head. I grabbed out my notebook and started furiously jotting down ideas for the book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Probably not too unusual … but I do write in spurts rather than writing regularly at a given time of day. Many writers say they get their work done by committing to a certain block of time daily. I’m more “seat of my pants” and I let ideas percolate and then sit for a long chunk of time several days in a row and pour out all that has built up within me. I also get tons of ideas when I’m on a long drive – which isn’t so convenient. I tend to pull out my phone and dictate my thoughts and then organize them as soon as I stop somewhere.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many authors have influenced me. I’m an avid, voracious reader. C.S. Lewis, Lysa TerKeurst, Alli Worthington, Dallas Willard, Jamie Langston Turner … so many more.

What are you working on now?
I’m working on two books right now. Motherhood: A Memoir of Sorts, and Fear Not, Mama: Living Loved from the Inside Out. I can’t wait to release these later in 2019.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I don’t work hard to promote my books. I speak at moms groups and often set up a table in the back to sell in person. I love meeting the women who will read my books. I also have done book tours. I promote in Facebook groups and have done some freebies and giveaways as well. Mostly I let the reader read the book and then share it with a friend. That friend ends up telling someone else. I love the organic, word-of-mouth spreading of something from someone who was blessed to someone who needs a blessing. That’s slow and not as glamorous as some, but it is heart to heart, and that’s how I operate.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be patient. Love the process. Keep writing. Don’t let numbers distract you from the love of writing and the love of your readers. If you bless one heart, that’s a good day. If your book helps someone live a more joyful or purposeful life, you’ve done your job.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Your job is the input; God’s job is the outcome.

What are you reading now?
Start With the Heart by Dr. Kathy Koch; As Kingfishers Catch Fire by Eugene Peterson (oh so good!); Some of the Billionaire Books by Emma St Claire (for fun); I just finished The Glass Castle (a Memoir) – what a gripping and interesting book (with some foul language FYI). I’m about to start Essentialism by Greg McKeown for the third time through. It’s an annual re-visit.

What’s next for you as a writer?
I literally have seven books in my head right now. I also blog and send out a regular newsletter. I have a YouTube channel where I host a series called Real Conversations with Real Moms – so fun and wonderful! I love speaking to groups and leading retreats. I can’t do that as much as I might like as I put motherhood first and that takes me away more than is good in this season, so I slot about 8-10 talks a year and that’s that. I really don’t know what’s next, but I’m in for the ride!

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?
Wow. Not to give the Sunday School answer, but (1) the Bible. I’d also bring my daily devotional Daily Strength for Daily Needs. It’s by Mary Tileston and I have dog eared and beaten that thing to death (and bought out-of-print copies for friends and back up copies for myself). That leaves only one book. Good night! This is as bad as Marie Kondo! Who can only pick three books? Ok: I’ll go with my favorite fiction book: Some Wildflower in My Heart by Jamie Langston Turner

Author Websites and Profiles
Patty Scott Website
Patty Scott Amazon Profile

Patty Scott’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in the Bay Area with my husband, our one year old son, a crazy whippet and too many cats. I work as a 911 Dispatcher for an East Bay police department. I have a background in art and film, so my writing style is a hybrid of a novelist and screenwriter. I love writing stories with paranormal/supernatural elements, complicated romances, twisted plots and realistic characters. My favorite characters blur the lines between bad guy and good guy.
I’ve written eight books and published five in my Anomaly series. The other three need a little refreshing before seeing the light of day.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Anomaly series was inspired by a dream. I woke up and wrote the prologue and built the story from there.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write every chance I get (usually write between 911 calls on my Iphone notes) I have so many ideas bouncing around and get inspired so easily. When I get an idea, I have to write it down or it’s lost forever. My novels usually start with a few “scenes” and then I write an outline that resembles a screenplay and hen flesh it out so that it becomes a novel.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have been obsessed with Grimm’s Fairy Tales for as long as I can remember and the incredible world that J.K. Rowling spins is awe inspiring to me.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a Psychological Thriller inspired by lucid dreams.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am new to publishing, so I have dipped my toes into many social media sites. I’m not sure yet which ones are the “best” so stay tuned…

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Read as much as you can. I have always been a little self conscious about my writing because, admittedly, I watch a lot more television and movies than I read books. My writing style has never really “matched” the novels I read. I am currently trying to take my own advice.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There’s no point in worrying about things you have no control over.

What are you reading now?
I just started “Brave” the third book in the Wicked series by Jennifer L Armentrout

What’s next for you as a writer?
Just trying to navigate the rough waters of self promotion while working on my next book

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Grimm’s Fairy tales & The Harry Potter Series (If I can’t take them all I’d take the last ones because I need to have resolution)

Author Websites and Profiles
Jessica Gilliland Website
Jessica Gilliland Amazon Profile

Jessica Gilliland’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a writer living in Jerusalem, Israel. I enjoy spending time with my GSD bitch, Sadie, and training her to be the GSD working dog that she loves to be. I love to take long walks with her, and am currently working on my next book. I am writing several books, but so far have only published this first one about my beloved Sadie the GSD.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is “Sadie the German Shepherd Dog Puppy: How to House-Train your GSD without a Crate”. The inspiration for this book was my beloved Sadie the GSD. Like an excited parent, I documented her first few months of life by taking many pictures every seven days for many months. From my experience training her, I realized that I could help others learn to train their dogs by writing a book, and I combined it with a picture on every page to document a dog-training book in the format of a children’s picture book.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes (or maybe not so unusual): When I get writer’s block, I like to take a break and go for a long walk with Sadie, my GSD.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like to read mostly non-fiction books of history.

What are you working on now?
I am currently working on my next book which is a research book of world history.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best web site for promoting my books are the ones that I developed for this book, “Sadie the German Shepherd Dog Puppy: How to House-Train your GSD without a Crate”:

1.) YohaiReuben.com
2.) SadieTheGermanShepherdDog.com
3.) SadieTheGSD.com

Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice for new authors is to keep writing (and then write some more even when you think it is not the best). Go over and edit your book many times, and then self-publish your book because your books can become reality if you really want to publish them.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice that I have ever heard is what is written in Malchi 3:10, i.e. to test GOD on giving your tithes – I can testify that it works because He is faithful.

What are you reading now?
I am currently reading several books on history as research for the current book that I am writing.

What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer, what’s next for me is to just keep researching (reading), writing, and editing because only with daily consistency will my books become a future reality.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
If I were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with me, I would bring the following books:

1.) The Old Testament (in original Hebrew language)
2.) The New Testament (in original Greek language)
3.) The Bible (in English translation)
4.) Sadie the German Shepherd Dog Puppy: How to House-Train your GSD without a Crate – I would take this because it is full of pictures of my GSD bitch from her first few months, and I want to always have something to remember her by because she will not live forever. Therefore every moment (and every memory possible) needs to be cherished.

Author Websites and Profiles
Yohai Reuben Website
Yohai Reuben Amazon Profile

Yohai Reuben’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi there! Well, I have actually written quite a few books. Altogether there are ten completed works, for of which have been published in Croatian and one that has been published in English.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of the last book is Shtorka. It is a psychological thriller that was inspired by a local Croatian folk tale. Shtorka is best described as a supernatural creature that lurks in forbidden places such as attics, forests etc. But in the book, Shtora is a voice of schizophrenia that whispers to the main character Era and influences her into killing all of the people who had wronged the society.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Don’t think so. I can only write in the morning, but that isn’t that uncommon for writers.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
All of them. I think that every book you read influences you in some way, no matter if it is a good book or a bad one. Good ones give you insight into growing your own skills and setting some writing goals, and as for the bad ones; well, they teach you that anyone can get published as well as what to avoid while writing.

What are you working on now?
Writing the third sequel of the Shtorka series and promoting the first one that was published four days ago.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Best method? So far it has been social media and different online literary websites. Book promotions and book signing tours are also a great way to reach out t your readers.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write like you are the one you have to impress. Be modest and critical to yourself. And most of all, never give up.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t ever let your ego stand in the way of moving forward.

What are you reading now?
S. King’s Dreamcatcher

What’s next for you as a writer?
Promoting as much as I can to reach as many new readers outside my existing Croatian publishing area. Of course, writing new books can’t be excluded out of the future plan.

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 books. Why? To remind me that if I have survived writing, publishing and translating them, I can survive a deserted island.

Author Websites and Profiles
Jelena Hrvoj Amazon Profile

Jelena Hrvoj’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was first published at the age of 9 when a submission I sent to a children’s comic was published. Since then, I’ve written on-and-off whilst developing a career as a Senior Executive. I finally saw the light and now write full-time.
I have three novels published, plus a series of ‘shorts’ in the Twist series which are also available as an anthology.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release in entitled The Doom Brae Witch. Bizarrely, the title comes from a corruption of one of my my favourite beers (Doom Bar), which I thought was a superb name for a Gothic mansion.
Granted, during development the setting changed to a stately home in the Scottish borders but it still retains a Bram Stoker feel about it.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am not a great planner. I know where I want get to, and what my starting point will be, but I tend to let my characters take over plot development themselves.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Wow, what a question! Dean Koontz, Lee Childs and Ira Levin are the contemporary authors I enjoy reading but whether they influence my writing, who can tell?

What are you working on now?
My first novel was DEAD Heat, which picked up where a short story of mine – DEAD Lines – left off. While writing it, I always had in mind to wrap-up the series as a trilogy. So, I’m currently working on DEAD End which brings the tale of Jennifer North and her late (yes, you read that right) husband to a natural conclusion.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use twitter and Facebook to promote my work coupled, of course, with sites such as Awesome Gang

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just get that first draft down on paper. Don’t try to perfect it as you go or you’ll get trapped in a continuous loop of re-writing. Get your story out first then focus on polishing it during the re-write. And be prepared for several re-writes!
Oh, and do your research because, if you get a fact wrong, someone, somewhere will pull you up on it.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write for yourself, not others. It’s the only way to produce a work you’ll be truly satisfied with. You’re unlikely to make a fortune so do something that satisfies you.

What are you reading now?
Actually, for the first time in ages, I’m not reading anything. Too busy working!

What’s next for you as a writer?
Quite simply, to keep writing. Of course, the dream is to be picked up by a major publishing house but I just want to grow as a writer and continue to enjoy it as much as I do 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?
The Complete Works of TS Eliot (he was as great a storyteller as he was a poet)
The Lord of the Rings (trite, I know, but I always find something new each time I delve into its pages)
Prepper’s Long Term Survival Guide (because I wouldn’t last long enough to read the others without it.)

Author Websites and Profiles
Colin Youngman Amazon Profile

Colin Youngman’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a spiritual mentor, teacher and minister in the New Thought movement. I’ve written a blog for years, and have published many articles and songs, but this is my first full length book. I’m excited to have made the leap.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Built on Faith: Transform Your Life Through Affirmative Prayer.” In New Thought, we pray a little differently, affirming the good that is already present. Spirit is always right where we are, so our good is always right where we are. Affirmative prayer is a beautiful process, and I wanted to use all I’ve learned over 12 years of study to make it easier for people to learn, refine and utilize it on a daily basis. I basically wrote the book I wish I’d had when I was learning affirmative prayer.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write in short bursts, like 30 minutes to an hour. Giving myself permission to get up and do something else after an hour means that I can really relax and focus deeply for my writing period. I try to minimize all other distractions. I also pray (yes, an affirmative prayer!) before every writing session.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Ernest Holmes, Marianne Williamson, Carolyn Myss, Eckhart Tolle, Emma Curtis Hopkins, Thomas Troward, Eric Butterworth, Joel Goldsmith

What are you working on now?
I am working on a collection of essays, tentatively titled, “Sort of Wise: Spiritual Musings from a Messy Life.”

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Over the years, I have built up a pretty solid mailing list of people who read my blog, attend my classes and workshops or follow me on social media. I have my best luck doing direct email to that list, as it is an opt in list and they actually want to hear from me. After that, I go to my Facebook Group (Wisdom Everyday).

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t let anything stop you. Your inner critic may tell you that your writing is not good enough, that no one cares about your topic, that you’re not ready, and on and on. Write anyway. Share your work anyway. That’s the only way we can grow and get better. We can’t succeed if we never move forward.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.

What are you reading now?
“The Four Agreements”, by Don Miguel Ruiz (again)

What’s next for you as a writer?
My plan is to just keep listening to what my readers and congregants want more clarity and inspiration about, and follow that inspiration into the next book.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“This Thing Called You”, Ernest Holmes
“A Return to Love”, Marianne Williamson
“Practicing the Presence”, Joel Goldsmith
“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”, JK Rowling

Author Websites and Profiles
Lezli Goodwin Website
Lezli Goodwin Amazon Profile

Lezli Goodwin’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I write cultural commentary for a variety of journals, both print and online. My topics of interest are music, religion, and culture generally. “Joey Coletta” is my first screenplay, and it has been great fun from start to finish.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“The Incredible Life of Joey Coletta” is an homage to the classic family situation comedies of the 1950s and ’60s – shows like “Leave It to Beaver,” “Father Knows Best,” “The Andy Griffith Show.” I was raised on those old shows and have always admired their wisdom and charm. My screenplay is about an average young boy named Joey Coletta, who auditions for a family sitcom in Hollywood on a whim and wins the lead role. We follow him as he deals with the trials and tribulations of child stardom in the late 1950s: temperamental directors, unscrupulous entertainment journalists, as well as his parents’ crumbling marriage. The story is full of whimsy and charm, and is at times very poignant.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I rarely if ever write my essays from beginning to end in sequence; instead I piece them together from brief sentence fragments, which gradually coalesce into a coherent form. On any given day I might spend more time studying my subject matter than actually writing. Samuel Johnson once said that a person has to read a whole shelf full of books in order to write one book.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
I am particularly inspired by the great writers of the Christian tradition, from the Bible all the way through G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, Pope Benedict XVI, and others. Chesterton had a special way of combining lightness and profundity. I suppose the biggest influence on “Joey Coletta” was the family sitcoms themselves, whose whimsical spirit I tried to capture. It is a genre that I believe has not been given its due by serious critics.

What are you working on now?
I am working on a new screenplay. It is a fictionalized account of the life of the great American author Washington Irving and how he came to write his famous tales “Rip Van Winkle” and “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Dawn Fildes. Originally from England I now live in beautiful Alberta Canada. I write fantasy and paranormal under the pen name Beatrice de Cecil. I’ve been writing “seriously” since 2012 and have published three books.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Lilith’s Fury, Born of Gods.

She was inspired by an unusual vivid dream, but by the time I finished there was only one line in the book which had any indication of the dream.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
A few.

I’ll often act out a character’s physical stance or emotional reaction and run by my dog what I’m doing and ask her what she thinks. My husband works away so I have to make do with the audience I have!

What authors, or books have influenced you?
Enid Blyton was the first author I can remember reading as a child. But as an adult I fell in love with Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights. It’s my all time favourite book. Charles Dickens is also up there.

Moving into the modern era, I’m partial to a bit of smut with a good story line.

J.R. Ward – The Black Dagger Brotherhood series is one of my favourites and more recently I’ve exhausted Charlene Hartnady’s work.

What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on book 2 in the Born of Gods series, Delilah’s Fire. All being well, it will be ready to publish April 2019.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still doing my research and will let you know. I’ve given Books Butterfly and OTOH books a go with decent results.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get reviews before you publish. Crazy, but true.

What are you reading now?
Rite to Reign. It’s a boxed paranormal set.

What’s next for you as a writer?
Perhaps explore another genre to write, possibly paranormal romance.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Wuthering Heights (of course).
Great Expectations
Dark Lover
Royal Dragon

Author Websites and Profiles
Beatrice de Cecil Website
Beatrice de Cecil Amazon Profile

Beatrice de Cecil’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account